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KIEL, Germany, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxxum, the creator of the Foxxum OS 4 and innovator in cutting-edge smart TV solutions, brings Foxxum OS 4 to Pay-TV in India together with The Bhimavaram Community Network Digital (BCN Digital, India).
Foxxum OS 4 was developed to equally satisfy the requirements of Retail TV Brands and Pay-TV Operators. The decision to have Foxxum OS 4 based on RDK led to quickly growing interest in international Pay-TV markets leading to the first contract signed only two weeks after the official announcement.
BCN Digital, one of the most established operators in its region, has over 2,300 Sub Operators in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States of India.
"BCN Digital invested into expanding into IPTV and reach many regions of India. To establish full customer satisfaction everywhere and give them the best experience, we were in search for a solution that provides the best service to customers and furthermore allows us to be in full control of our very own Set-Top-Boxes. We immediately realized that Foxxum is the only CTV and STB OS provider who comes along with a realistic partnership approach", says R Srinivasa Raju, CEO and Chairman of BCN Digital.
"We are delighted to bring Foxxum OS 4 to BCN Digital. BCN Digital will be the first Pay-TV partner to launch Foxxum OS 4 and benefit from our CTV OS partner model. BCN Digital´s strategy and go to market approach is a reference model for low-income growth regions. We are looking forward to experiencing the upcoming growth together and we are very excited to welcome BCN Digital to the family," says Ronny Lutzi CEO of Foxxum GmbH.
ABOUT BCN DIGITAL
Bhimavaram Community Network is one of the largest MSOs in India offering Digital Cable TV services. As a leading Digital Cable TV service provider and high-speed Broadband operator, the company subscription is about a million households in over 50+ towns throughout Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The company has over 2300 Sub Operators and provides customers with high-quality picture and sound, including 260+ SD channels and 50+ HD channels in addition to value-added services, such as VOD, at an affordable price. The Company's mission is to simplify and enhance entertainment experience of its customers by offering quality services and products that give them the choice to relax and enjoy themselves wherever they are. For its IPTV and OTT services, BCN signed up with Tata Elxsi as its Systems Integrator, Broadpeak as its CDN solution provider, Irdeto as its security provider, Skyworth as its RDK STB supplier and many others.
ABOUT FOXXUM
Foxxum is a global leader in the development, operation, and commercial marketing for innovative smart TV solutions like the Foxxum CTV OS. As an established pioneer in the sector, Foxxum works closely with leading companies at all stages of the global consumer electronics value chain to develop smart TV solutions – from silicon vendors to device manufacturers and network operators. Worldwide partnerships with premium broadcasters and video-on-demand services, video producers and distributors allow Foxxum to provide a best-in-class content portfolio containing the most important global content brands as well as country specific local content providers. Foxxum's development and platform expertise offer viewers the best Smart TV user experience possible, with innovative Smart TV technology, a global entertaining content portfolio and an outstanding design, which includes the Foxxum CTV OS. Foxxum provides its clients with highly tailored solutions, along with the possibility to jointly tap into profitable revenue streams in a technology sector with enormous growth potential. Further information can be found at www.foxxum.com.
Press Contact:
Alexandra Rohwer
Foxxum GmbH
rohwer@foxxum.com
+49 175 14 72 394
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1888665/Foxxum_BCN_Digital.jpg
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SOURCE Foxxum GmbH | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/foxxum-os-4-enters-pay-tv-with-bcn-digital-india/ | 2022-08-31T14:04:55Z |
Underwriters Fully Exercise Option to Purchase Additional Shares
HOUSTON, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") is pleased to announce that it closed the previously announced underwritten offering of 1,170,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $42.85 per share. In addition, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase 175,500 additional shares. Including the exercise of the underwriters' option, the total number of shares sold in the offering was 1,345,500. Net proceeds to Main Street from the offering, including exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares and after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by Main Street, were approximately $55.1 million.
Main Street intends to use all of the net proceeds from this offering to initially repay outstanding debt borrowed under its credit facility and then, through re-borrowing under the credit facility, to make investments in accordance with its investment objective and strategies, to make investments in marketable securities and idle funds investments, to pay operating expenses and other cash obligations, and for general corporate purposes.
The underwriters of this offering were RBC Capital Markets, UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities (as joint bookrunners) and Hovde Group, LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. (as co-managers). The shares were sold pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 that has been filed with, and has been declared effective by, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the shares referred to in this press release.
Main Street (www.mainstcapital.com) is a principal investment firm that primarily provides long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle market companies and debt capital to middle market companies. Main Street's portfolio investments are typically made to support management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financings, refinancings and acquisitions of companies that operate in diverse industry sectors. Main Street seeks to partner with entrepreneurs, business owners and management teams and generally provides "one stop" financing alternatives within its lower middle market investment strategy. Main Street's lower middle market companies generally have annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million. Main Street's private loan and middle market debt investments are made in businesses that are generally larger in size than its lower middle market portfolio companies.
Main Street, through its wholly owned portfolio company MSC Adviser I, LLC ("MSC Adviser"), also maintains an asset management business through which it manages investments for external parties. MSC Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements which are based upon Main Street management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Any such statements other than statements of historical fact are likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under Main Street's control, and that Main Street may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual performance and results could vary materially from these estimates and projections of the future as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Main Street's filings with the SEC. Such statements speak only as of the time when made and are based on information available to Main Street as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Main Street assumes no obligation to revise or update any such statement now or in the future.
# # #
Contacts:
Main Street Capital Corporation
Dwayne L. Hyzak, CEO, dhyzak@mainstcapital.com
Jesse E. Morris, CFO and COO, jmorris@mainstcapital.com
713-350-6000
Dennard Lascar Investor Relations
Ken Dennard | ken@dennardlascar.com
Zach Vaughan | zvaughan@dennardlascar.com
713-529-6600
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SOURCE Main Street Capital Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/main-street-closes-public-offering-common-stock/ | 2022-08-15T15:16:38Z |
Growing Concern: Thousands of farms across U.S. damaged by ‘dicamba drift’ that devastates crops
Critics call for ban on product some farmers consider ‘vital’ to their livelihoods
COBDEN, Ill. (InvestigateTV) – There’s a flourishing divide among farmers across the country, with the choice by some to use a powerful weed killer creating devastating consequences for others.
Use of a chemical called dicamba has devastated crops it wasn’t even sprayed on. Under certain conditions the chemical has the ability to drift miles from where it’s sprayed, creating massive problems on farms from coast to coast.
While farmers who use it say it’s vital to their livelihoods, complaints about dicamba damage continue stacking up nationwide, and there’s growing concern about the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to continually re-approve the product.
‘We didn’t know what it was’
In the early harvest season at Flamm Orchards in southern Illinois, pickers work through the blistering heat of a summer morning, choosing the first peaches deemed ripe enough for sale. It’s a ritual Jeff Flamm’s family has been carrying out every year since their farm was founded back in 1888.
“It is home. You’ve got to live it and you’ve got to believe in it, or you’re not going to make it,” Flamm said.
But Flamm, a fifth-generation farmer, said he is now fearing for the future. In the last four years, he said the hundreds of acres of fruit trees farmed by his family have been threatened.
At first, it was a mystery, with damage popping up on fruit trees spaced throughout their sprawling property.
“Never seen anything like that,” Flamm said. “We had several people come and look, and everyone had the same conclusion.”
He said agriculture experts, environmentalists and even state officials all agreed the damage was likely caused by dicamba, an herbicide that kills weeds other weed-killer can’t. It’s been around for decades but has been more widely used since 2016 when the EPA cleared the way for dicamba to be sprayed over the top of certain crops.
Those crops have been genetically engineered to withstand the chemical and many corn, cotton and soy growers now rely on dicamba to control resistant weeds that threaten their yield. The problem is, Flamm doesn’t use it and said he never has.
He’s the suspected victim of what experts call ‘dicamba drift’, a scenario where the volatile chemical travels miles away from where it’s sprayed. Experts say chemical particles can drift from the time the herbicide is applied up to hours or days later if there are strong winds, high temperatures or if there isn’t a wide enough buffer between crops
In recent years, the drifting particles have been landing on Flamm’s peach and apple trees, causing damage.
The damage suspected from dicamba is something that can be easily spotted. Curled leaves, a widely-agreed upon symptom of the problem, top the peach and apple trees throughout Flamm’s orchard. “I’ve seen it roll peach leaves so tight they look like green beans,” Flamm said.
The damage, he explained, is having a trickledown effect on his harvest: curled leaves affect the quality and size of his fruit, and dicamba exposure can hurt the overall health of some trees. In just the last few years, Flamm estimates he’s lost as many as 6,000 trees to suspected dicamba drift.
The financial cost has also been devastating, totaling at least $1 million just in lost apple production, according to Flamm.
“It’s really frustrating because there’s nothing you can do about it. And you kind of hold your breath every summer because you know it’s coming,” Flamm said.
Dicamba drift well documented by state ag investigators
Flamm is far from the only farmer holding his breath, anticipating damage he can’t control from dicamba drift, which scientists say is heavily influenced by temperature and wind conditions when it’s sprayed.
InvestigateTV found indications the problem has destroyed crops, divided the agriculture industry, and planted seeds of hostility from coast to coast, with one dispute even ending in murder in an Arkansas town.
To see the scope of dicamba drift, our national investigative team requested complaints from 18 states where experts say use of the chemical is most prominent.
While some, including Indiana and Oklahoma, were quick to provide summaries and even investigative files, others were more secretive or put-up big barriers preventing an inside look.
Missouri said it would take months to pull paper records. Nebraska officials wanted to charge us nearly $12,000 to send complaints that other states turned over for free.
In North Dakota, the state agriculture agency notes online state law protects complaint files as confidential. When InvestigateTV inquired, the agency provided basic data on case numbers but confirmed it would not turn over the actual reports.
Ultimately the documents or information provided by the 10 states that responded to InvestigateTV’s requests turned up 4,204 dicamba-related pesticide misuse complaints dating back to 2017.
[Editor’s Note: The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship provided documents the business day prior to publication of this story, resulting in the attached video above having a different total number of complaints than the amount listed here.]
Illinois, where Flamm Orchards is located, accounted for nearly half of those complaints, with more than 1,700 compiled. Missouri and Indiana also had significant totals, with hundreds of complaints logged by agriculture officials.
Complaints across the nation include an Indiana woman who reported she was forced to defend her plants from drift with a garden hose, spraying them in an attempt to wash the chemical off after she couldn’t get the applicator next door to stop.
A Texas grower saw his vineyard, including a plot set aside for his daughter’s 4-H project, damaged after his neighbor sprayed on a 100-degree day in 20 mile per hour winds, saying he “had to get it done” when approached.
In an email, a frustrated Oklahoma farmer told pesticide enforcers dicamba should be “outlawed until it can be made safer” because it wasn’t the first time crops had been lost.
“I think of it as it’s like secondhand smoke,” said Danielle Melgar, a food and agriculture advocate with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. “We need to protect the people who are choosing not to use that substance.”
PIRG has been vocal about what it views as the dangers associated with dicamba.
A recent report from the EPA echoes the call to protect those who are not using dicamba. The report, released in December of last year, details an even more dire picture than InvestigateTV’s data analysis, with more than 3,400 drift incidents in 2021 alone, impacting more than a million acres of crops across 27 states.
Some cases have also ended up in court. A leading producer of the chemical, Bayer, has already agreed to a settlement totaling up to $400 million for farmers who’ve dealt with dicamba damage.
In a statement about the agreement, the company said, “Bayer stands strongly behind the safety and utility of its XtendiMax™ herbicide with VaporGrip™ technology and continues to enhance training and education efforts to help ensure growers use these products successfully. The company is settling the pending dicamba drift cases to be able to focus on the needs of its customers.”
But Melgar at PIRG and several other consumer and environmental advocacy groups say that’s not enough. They want the EPA to issue an outright ban on dicamba.
“These herbicides are not respecting state boundaries,” Melgar said. “Your neighbor in another state could be using dicamba and it drifts into your farm, so you’re completely unprotected unless the EPA steps up.”
Regulation, enforcement of drift proves problematic
As it stands now, the guardrails in place to protect crops from drift are confusing for farmers and state agencies. In its report, the EPA acknowledges some applicators struggle to understand the existing rules while others blatantly ignore them.
The agency is currently responsible for laying out restrictions on things like temperature cutoffs and windspeeds related to dicamba application. Those measures are designed to cut down on drift and are even printed on the labels of the chemicals themselves.
Despite the fact that state agencies are often left in charge of enforcing the rules, they don’t have the power to make changes to those rules on their own.
As a result, dicamba hovers in limbo over label jargon and lawsuits, blowing in the wind on a whim, disregarding borders.
The volatility of the rules, however, has more than just the critics of dicamba on edge.
Oregon farmer Jon Iverson understands the anger felt by farmers who have dealt with dicamba drift.
“If I had my crops damaged by a neighbor, I would be extremely frustrated. I feel their pain for sure,” he said.
That’s why Iverson said he’s incredibly careful with the dicamba application he considers crucial to the success of the grass seed grown on his family farm. He said he needs it to keep weeds from overrunning the crop he sells.
For the six years he’s been spraying, Iverson said he has taken special precautions to minimize any issues, including the use of low-drift nozzles, weather monitoring and the addition of products to minimize drift when dicamba is applied.
His careful strategy is not just for his neighbors. For Iverson, it’s also self-preservation.
His family’s farm grows grapes and flowers right alongside the grass seed that’s sprayed with dicamba. If it drifted onto those crops, the results could be catastrophic.
Not having dicamba at all, though, due to a ban or further restriction, could kill his business altogether, he said.
“You know there’s that potential. Absolutely,” Iverson said. “That’s probably the most drastic result. I hope it wouldn’t get to that point. That is the biggest concern for sure.”
Concerns related to farming without the use of dicamba are shared by farmers across the country, specifically commercial corn, soy and cotton growers. They agree with herbicide makers and agriculture trade groups who don’t believe a ban is the answer.
CropLife America, a trade group representing pesticide and herbicide producers among others, told InvestigateTV farmers need access to a variety of safe and effective tools, including dicamba, to protect against harmful weeds.
In a statement, the organization’s CEO Chris Novak said, “Dicamba has been used effectively and safely for decades, when applied in accordance with label directions. Weeds aggressively compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight. If left unchecked, weeds could have disastrous consequences on harvests in a time when farmers across the country are grappling with a changing climate and a volatile marketplace.”
Our team also contacted three leading dicamba producers, Bayer, BASF and Corteva to get their response to a potential ban that could come because of concerns related to drift damage.
Corteva offered no comment. Bayer’s representative said “Bayer stands fully behind this product. XtendiMax herbicide is a vitally important tool, especially right now when growers need access to a variety of safe and effective crop protection tools to meet global food security needs. Helping growers succeed is our top priority.”
BASF said continued access to dicamba-based herbicides is critical for farmers to control weeds that can have a devastating financial impact on their crops. The company said its product, Engenia, has gone through label improvements that reduce the risk of drift.
“BASF continues to conduct research and development activities toward further reducing the volatility of dicamba based products. While we are concerned about reports of off-target herbicide symptomology affecting non-targeted crops, trees, or other plants, there could be a number of causes for such symptomology. BASF encourages all incidences of suspected off-target movement to be reported to the relevant state Department of Agriculture so that those incidences may be fully investigated to determine the root cause of the symptomology,” a company spokesperson said.
Back in Oregon, Iverson said he thinks the industry needs to find ways to come together to deal with the problem.
“The easy thing is to say we need to just ban it, instead of what solutions there are. If we work together on this, a lot of times we can find a solution that works for everybody. And I hope the EPA would take more of that position than we’re just going to pull it because we had some issues,” he said.
Farmers fighting ban have a powerful voice on Capitol Hill
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is among those who have written the EPA about dicamba. The farmer-turned-lawmaker has voiced opposition to further restrictions on dicamba and called out the agency for creating an environment of uncertainty when it comes to the chemical.
In a recent letter he and three other lawmakers sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Grassley called dicamba a “vital product” and said the last thing farmers need is the “EPA voluntarily revoking or severely limiting traditional farming tools and methods.”
In an interview with InvestigateTV, the senator went further, saying the agency should be focused on enforcing the existing protocols.
“You apply it in ways that don’t damage things beyond the field you want to control for weeds in. There’s plenty of ways of doing that,” he said. “Are they saying to the farmer that is abiding by all those rules that you’re going to cut all that product out because there’s somebody that hasn’t applied it according to the label or the regulations set by the EPA? No. You go after that farmer.”
But that may be easier said than done, with many state agriculture offices inundated by complaints and investigations.
The complaint summaries and files reviewed by InvestigateTV indicate there’s only a short window to actually detect dicamba when visual inspections of damage suggest drift. Even in cases where the damage is clear and testing finds evidence of the chemical left behind, documents note it can be hard for investigators to identify who’s responsible.
There is enforcement happening at the state level. Complaint documents show state agencies handing out warnings and fines, or even revoking pesticide licenses because of violations found because of a complaint.
From 2018-2021, Illinois issued $156,250 in fines for violations in dicamba-related cases, roughly 70% of the total fines assessed during that period.
Still, Grassley said states need more funding to police problems with application. He said he wants clear action from the EPA.
“They’re a typical bureaucrat. They hate to give you an answer, because they might be responsible for the answer they give you. We’re going to hear from them. And if I don’t hear from them soon, I’m going to get on them,” Grassley said.
The EPA declined multiple requests for an on-camera interview. But in an email, a spokesperson said the agency is currently working with stakeholders, collecting incident data related to drift from the most recent growing season.
The agency is “reviewing” whether dicamba can be used in a manner that doesn’t pose unreasonable risks to vulnerable crops.
“EPA supports all American farmers and growers in pursuing their livelihood in a manner that does not cause harm to either their neighbors’ livelihood or to the environment,” the spokesperson said.
Standing in his Illinois orchard, Jeff Flamm said he and other farmers on both sides of the dicamba divide feel powerless as they wait for answers.
For now, he’s working the fields his family built, wondering how the winds of fate will impact their legacy.
“I think it’s going to survive. You have to be an eternal optimist to do what we do,” Flamm said. “If we can ever make enough noise, it’ll go away. But we’re definitely in a fight with a huge opponent.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/01/growing-concern-thousands-farms-across-us-damaged-by-dicamba-drift-that-devastates-crops/ | 2022-08-01T21:25:57Z |
Ohio mother arrested after kids found padlocked in apartment
NORWOOD, Ohio (WXIX/Gray News) - A mother was arrested after her children were found padlocked inside an apartment, according to court documents.
The documents state a caseworker went to the home for an unannounced visit.
Upon arrival, she saw a padlock on the outside of the door and heard children inside.
“I knocked on the door and noises stopped. After knocking again, the kids asked, ‘Who is it?’ and I stated ‘Children’s Services,’” the caseworker said in a statement.
She then asked the children if their mother was home and got no response.
The caseworker proceeded to call her supervisor and the police.
Nicole Jones, 29, was charged with two counts of child endangerment.
Tamara Cook, who lives next door to Jones, said she knew the children well and even offered to help.
Cook said she does not know the details behind the charges but did say she thinks there is more to the story.
“She’s got a padlock on the door, too, because the door doesn’t close,” Cook said. “I know that she’s asked the landlord to fix the door, and apparently, that hasn’t been done yet.”
Copyright 2022 WXIX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/01/ohio-mother-arrested-after-kids-found-padlocked-apartment/ | 2022-07-01T10:15:28Z |
NEW YORK, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Dentsply Sirona Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/dentsply-sirona-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=29054&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased Dentsply's common stock between June 9, 2021, and May 9, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until August 1, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to the filed complaint, defendants orchestrated a scheme to inflate Dentsply's revenue and earnings by manipulating the Company's accounting for a distributor rebate program so that senior executives would be eligible for significant cash and stock-based incentive compensation. In order to facilitate this scheme, Dentsply and its executives made numerous false and misleading statements to investors during the class period. As a result of defendants' misrepresentations, Dentsply's common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the class period.
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 | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/xray-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-dentsply-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-1-2022/ | 2022-06-24T10:47:19Z |
Biden to discuss immigration, trade with Mexico’s president
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Tuesday for discussions the White House says will showcase the underlying strength of a relationship that of late has been more notable for the leaders’ disagreements on issues including energy and Ukraine policy.
López Obrador declined Biden’s invitation to the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles last month after unsuccessfully urging the U.S. to include the leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela — all countries with anti-democratic regimes. The Mexican leader also has called U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia “a crass error” and criticized the U.S. for moving more swiftly to provide military funding to Ukraine than financial aid to Central America.
There also are political crosscurrents in Washington, where top Republicans have pointed to a rising number of people from Mexico and Central America crossing the southern U.S. border illegally and have criticized the Democratic president’s administration for not doing more to curb the migration.
It will be the second in-person meeting between Biden and López Obrador at the White House. In addition, they spoke virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic last year and have held several calls. First lady Jill Biden hosted Mexican first lady Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller during this spring’s White House celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Tuesday’s discussions come just before Biden leaves for Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia.
Senior Biden administration officials say that the U.S.-Mexico relationship is a priority and that the countries plan to announce joint actions to modernize and improve infrastructure along key parts of the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) border, to enhance law enforcement cooperation against fentanyl smuggling and to promote clean energy.
They also plan to announce a working group to promote more avenues for legal migration by workers, discussions that the officials said they hope could eventually be expanded to include labor from other countries.
In a preview call with reporters, administration officials declined to specify which visa programs might be expanded to bolster legal migration or by how much. They said the agreements set to come out of the meeting were more about demonstrating cooperation than announcing specific numbers.
The officials also didn’t say whether the Biden administration will urge Mexico to do more to stop people heading through its territory to then cross into the U.S. illegally — a key demand of Biden’s predecessor, President Donald Trump. Instead, the officials said Mexico and the U.S. are equal partners on immigration, and both countries had already previously committed to bolstering mechanisms for processing arriving migrants who ask for asylum, while more efficiently expelling those who don’t qualify.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been tasked with exploring the root causes of immigration across Latin America, also plans to host López Obrador in a breakfast Tuesday.
López Obrador has long pushed for expanding U.S. temporary visa programs to workers from Mexico and Central America. He said Monday that increasing legal immigration would help fight inflation by bolstering productivity.
Mexico’s president also has been more vocal about attempting to tamp down inflation than curb climate change or promote energy efficiency. U.S. officials want him to retreat on his reliance on fossil fuels and his efforts to prioritize his country’s state-owned electricity utility at the expense of foreign-built plants powered by natural gas and renewable energy, another topic that could come up.
López Obrador has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration, including decrying U.S. efforts to extradite Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from the U.K. for prosecution. He has vowed to bring up the topic during Tuesday’s meeting, and Biden officials say they are ready to discuss it.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/12/biden-discuss-immigration-trade-with-mexicos-president/ | 2022-07-12T11:36:39Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military says explosions earlier this month on a base in eastern Syria that injured several U.S. service members were not, as it originally reported, caused by artillery or another form of indirect fire.
Instead, it is now believed the April 7 attack was carried out by the “deliberate placement of explosive charges” by one or more individuals at an ammunition holding area and shower facility on the base, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Operation Inherent Resolve command that oversees U.S. military operations against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
The statement said the incident is under investigation but provided no other details. The reference to “deliberate placement” of explosive charges on the base appeared to raise the prospect of infiltration and a lapse of base security.
In its original announcement on April 7, the command said the base, known as Green Village, received two rounds of indirect fire that struck two support buildings. Four service members were being evaluated for minor injuries and possible traumatic brain injuries.
The U.S. has several hundred troops in eastern Syria as part of its effort to counter the Islamic State group. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/us-military-changes-explanation-of-attack-on-base-in-syria/ | 2022-04-16T00:58:50Z |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian defense officials insisted Sunday that an airstrike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa hit only military targets, but the attack tested an agreement on resuming grain shipments that the two countries signed less than a day before the assault.
Long-range missiles destroyed a docked Ukrainian warship and a warehouse holding Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied by the U.S., Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a daily briefing.
Speaking late Saturday in his nightly televised address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack on Odesa “destroyed the very possibility” of dialogue with Russia.
Under the grain-shipment agreement obtained by The Associated Press, both Kyiv and Moscow agreed not to target vessels and port facilities involved in the initiative, including the ports of Odesa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny.
The Ukrainian military said the attack involved four cruise missiles, two of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
Command spokeswoman Nataliya Humenyuk said no grain storage facilities were hit. Turkey’s defense minister, however, said he had had reports from Ukrainian authorities that one missile struck a grain silo while another landed nearby, although neither affected loading at Odesa’s docks.
It was not immediately clear how the airstrike would affect plans to resume shipping Ukrainian grain by sea in safe corridors out of the ports.
Russia and Ukraine on Friday signed identical agreements with the United Nations and Turkey in Istanbul aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.
Senior U.N. officials voiced hopes that the deal would end a months-long standoff that threatened food security around the globe.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian shelling continued to kill and wound civilians in Ukraine’s south and east.
The governor of the eastern Donetsk region, one of two that make up Ukraine’s industrial heartland of the Donbas and a key focus of Russia’s offensive, said two civilians had been killed and two more wounded over the previous 24 hours.
The U.K. military reported Sunday in its daily intelligence update that Russia was making “minimal progress” in its Donbas offensive, which it said remained small-scale and focused on the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region.
The Ukrainian military’s General Staff confirmed in its regular update that Russia was “conducting military operations to create conditions” for an assault on Bakhmut, while firing on surrounding settlements and battling Ukrainian defenders for control of a nearby thermal plant.
In Ukraine’s south, regional officials said that at least five civilians were wounded by Russian shells in the Black Sea port of Mykolaiv on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
“Also, as a result of the scattering of munitions and their fragments, fires occurred in open areas in the city,” said Vitaly Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region.
In other developments:
— A Washington-based think tank said Ukrainian forces are likely preparing to launch or have launched a counteroffensive in the Kherson region.
The Institute for the Study of War quoted Kherson Oblast Administration Adviser Serhiy Khlan as saying Ukrainian forces have seized unspecified settlements in the region, but he called on Ukrainian civilians to remain silent on the progress of the counteroffensive until Ukrainian authorities released official statements.
The ISW noted that open-source information on any progress by Ukrainian troops “will likely be limited and lag behind events.”
— Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials as his country seeks to break diplomatic isolation and sanctions by the West over its invasion of Ukraine.
Lavrov landed in Cairo late Saturday on the first leg of his Africa trip, which will also include stops in Ethiopia, Uganda and Congo, according to Russia’s state-run RT television network.
Speaking at a news conference following bilateral talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shukri, on Sunday, Lavrov said that he had “reaffirmed the commitment of Russian grain exporters to fulfill all their obligations” in the wake of the U.N.-backed deal to unblock grain shipments.
— Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a speech in Romania that Western sanctions against Russia have failed and that the war in Ukraine will not end “until there is a Russian-U.S. peace negotiation.”
Orban said Saturday in a speech in Baile Tusnad in central Romania that “a new strategy is needed which should focus on peace talks … instead of winning the war.”
“The situation is that today we are sitting in a car with flat tires on all four wheels,” he said. “It is quite obvious that the war cannot be won this way. Ukrainians will never win a war against Russia with American training officers and weapons.”
The far-right leader went on to say that had Donald Trump and Germany’s Angela Merkel still been in charge in their countries, “then this war would never have broken out.” | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/russia-says-strike-on-ukrainian-port-hit-military-targets/ | 2022-07-24T19:32:50Z |
CHICAGO, June 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HUB International Limited (Hub), a leading full-service global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Heritage Wealth Management Group, LLC (Heritage Wealth Management Group). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Heritage Wealth Management Group is an independent financial services firm helping clients in Western Pennsylvania establish and maintain their long-term financial goals. Heritage Wealth Management Group has 300 clients with assets of more than $205 million as of January 2022.
"We are excited to welcome Mike and the team to Hub," said Joe DeNoyior, President of Hub Retirement and Wealth Management. "Their experience both on the plan side and serving wealth management clients with their "client first" approach which aligns to the HUB RPW service model."
Michael Finnell, President of Heritage Wealth Management Group, and the Heritage Wealth Management Group team will join Hub HDH.
Hub Retirement and Private Wealth ("RPW") offers institutional and retirement services to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and customized private wealth management services to individuals and families. Employees of Hub International offer securities through partner Broker Dealers not affiliated with Hub. Employees of Hub provide advisory services through both affiliated and unaffiliated Registered Investment Advisors (RIA). Global Retirement Partners, LLC, Millennium Advisory Services, Inc, TCG Advisors, Hub Investment Advisors, LLC, HUB International Investment Advisory Services, Inc., and Sheridan Road Advisors, LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of Hub International. Learn more about Hub Retirement and Private Wealth.
Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 14,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.hubinternational.com.
Media: Jessica Wiltse
Phone: 312-596-7573
jessica.wiltse@hubinternational.com
M&A: Clark Wormer
Phone: 312.279.4848
Clark.wormer@hubinternational.com
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SOURCE Hub International Limited | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/20/hub-international-boosts-retirement-wealth-advisory-services-with-acquisition-assets-heritage-wealth-management-group-llc-pennsylvania/ | 2022-06-20T12:42:14Z |
Jan. 6 panel releases video of lawmaker’s Capitol tour before attack
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection released video on Wednesday of a Capitol tour led by a Republican lawmaker the day before the attack, showing participants taking photos of stairwells and tunnels in the complex.
The panel released the video as it renewed calls for the GOP lawmaker, Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk, to speak to the committee about the tour. Loudermilk has so far declined the interview and denied any wrongdoing, and the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police said in a letter to Republicans this week that after reviewing surveillance video, “we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious.”
Still, the committee says it has questions. In addition to the surveillance video, the footage released by the panel also includes video of an unidentified man walking toward the Capitol on Jan. 6 holding a flagpole that appears to have a sharpened end, which he says is “for a certain person.” The committee says the man in the video is one of the tour participants who was taking photos inside the Capitol the day before.
Later footage shows the man near the Capitol and making apparent threats toward Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“They’re coming in, coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, even you, AOC,” the man says in the video released by the committee. “We’re coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs. … When I get done with you, you’re going to need a shine on top of that bald head.”
The panel did not say whether he got into the Capitol or whether he has faced any charges. While more than 800 people have been charged for breaking into the building, or for violently beating police officers, thousands of other protesters were outside the building or on the National Mall and did not engage in violence. The breach temporarily halted the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.
In a Wednesday letter to Loudermilk renewing the request for an interview, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee’s chairman, said the panel “had hoped to show you the video evidence when you met with us” but was releasing it publicly because Loudermilk had so far declined. Thompson said the areas photographed and recorded by some on the tour are “not typically of interest to tourists, including hallways, staircases, and security checkpoints.”
Another member of the panel, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, tweeted after the video was released: “Please take a look. These are not normal tour routes, the Capitol was closed to tours.”
The back-and-forth with Loudermilk has underscored the committee’s difficulty in getting any information from Republicans who were communicating with President Donald Trump, the White House or the rioters during the insurrection or beforehand as Trump strategized about how to overturn his election defeat. While the panel has conducted more than 1,000 interviews, five GOP lawmakers have defied subpoenas, including House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, who spoke with Trump that day.
Loudermilk has not been subpoenaed, and there is no evidence that he knew that any of the participants on his tour were outside the Capitol the next day.
The Georgia Republican said in a statement after the video’s release that the panel is “is undermining the Capitol Police and doubling down on their smear campaign.” He noted that none of the locations they visited were breached on Jan. 6.
“As Capitol Police confirmed, nothing about this visit with constituents was suspicious,” Loudermilk said.
Police reviewed the footage of Loudermilk’s tour as the committee requested his interview and after some Democrats said immediately after the attack that Republicans had led “reconnaissance tours” of the building beforehand. There has been no evidence that happened.
“This false narrative that the Committee and Democrats continue to push, that Republicans, including myself, led reconnaissance tours is verifiably false,” Loudermilk said in his statement.
In a letter sent Monday to Republicans on the House Administration Committee, of which Loudermilk is a member, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said there were about 15 people on the tour and that Loudermilk was showing constituents around the Capitol complex, which was closed to visitors at the time because of coronavirus concerns. But they did not enter the Capitol itself. The group also walked around one of the buildings without the congressman, Manger said.
The surveillance video released by the committee shows the group at entrances to tunnels that lead to the Capitol but not entering the building. The Capitol complex includes 20 buildings and facilities, including House and Senate offices, and underground tunnels connect most of the buildings to the Capitol.
“There is no evidence that Representative Loudermilk entered the U.S. Capitol with this group on January 5, 2021,” Manger said in the letter. “We train our officers on being alert for people conducting surveillance or reconnaissance, and we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious.”
Republicans on the House Administration Committee had previously said they reviewed security footage from Jan. 5 and said there were “no tours, no large groups, no one with MAGA hats on.”
But Thompson and Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chairman and vice-chairwoman of the Jan. 6 panel, said last month that their review of the evidence “directly contradicts that denial.”
___
Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/15/jan-6-panel-releases-video-capitol-tour-before-attack/ | 2022-06-15T18:17:37Z |
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers rave about Techy's quick repairs and exceptional customer service, so it is befitting that Techy will open a new sector of its business that is all about catering to its customers. Techy Cafe has partnered with Walmart to elevate the customer service experience. Consider it the supercenter of Techy repair stores. Inside Walmart, customers can visit a Techy Cafe for a cup of coffee, espresso, snacks, and more while they inquire about electronic repair services.
Techy Cafe's new Walmart locations will expand the franchise's existing partnership with one of the largest corporations in the world. Now, The Techy franchise has Techy and Techy Cafe inside Walmart throughout the country. Although both locations will provide repair services for all electronics, Techy Cafe will include a sitting area so customers can feel comfortable getting their devices repaired while having the coffee shop experience.
Walmart across the United States gets millions of foot traffic to their stores daily, giving franchise owners an opportunity for new and current customers to walk into their repair store. A Techy Cafe is a great business model for franchisees who want a store known for providing their customers with top-tier service.
When a franchise owner opens a Techy Cafe, they will have access to resources to help them run a successful store location, such as coffee and espresso machines, furniture for customers sitting areas, and more. Franchise owners can also provide buyback services for those who want to get rid of their gently used electronic devices (computers, tablets, phones). Customers looking for affordable devices can visit Techy Cafe for certified pre-owned smartphones, laptops, and more.
A warm, friendly smile from a Techy technician and a cup of coffee can help customers feel at ease, especially when someone comes in with a broken device. Techy is all about giving customers options and keeping a positive environment. The purpose of Techy Cafe is to let customers know that Techy is there to meet their needs.
Techy By DrPhoneFix changed its name in June 2020 to show that it offers more than phone repairs. It has added electronic buybacks and smart home installations like mounting TV as part of its services. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has grown to 230+ locations and has a 24,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Contact: Nicole Cooper, franchise@techycompany.com, 877-752-0956
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SOURCE Techy | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/techy-cafe-now-opening-inside-walmart-coffee-shop-experience-amp-electronic-repairs/ | 2022-07-28T14:33:34Z |
ATLANTA, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mammoth Holdings LLC, America's premier express car wash platform, launched its newest location Aug. 10 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and will launch another new location Aug. 24 in Fargo, North Dakota under the Silverstar Car Wash brand.
The recently opened site, located on the rapidly-growing west side of Sioux Falls, is newly constructed and lays the groundwork for Mammoth's growth strategy in the northwest.
"The Silverstar Car Wash brand in Mammoth's Northwest region is one of our fastest growing markets and is essential for our rapid growth strategy," said Dave Hoffmann, Chairman and CEO of Mammoth Holdings. "Greenfield construction in these high-opportunity markets is forward thinking and further stakes our flag in the Northwest."
The Silverstar Car Wash-SD11 site is one of 18 locations under the brand, including 11 in the Sioux Falls market. Will Bell, Sioux Falls Regional Manager, said "We know our customers appreciate getting the best wash with Silverstar. Our new location will make that even easier for customers."
"We're excited to open our 11th location here in Sioux Falls, expanding the options for our customers wanting to keep their car clean," said Andrea Vetos, Vice President of Operations for Silverstar Car Wash. "The most exciting part about our continued growth is the continued opportunities it gives for all of our team members to advance within the organization."
In addition to the store opened Aug. 10, Mammoth Holdings will open another site under the Silverstar Car Wash brand Aug. 24, also newly constructed, in Fargo. "We're looking forward to opening another Silverstar location this week, our second location in Fargo and 19th location overall," Vetos said.
Mammoth Holdings has dozens of new sites under development to be completed in the coming months, expanding its overall footprint throughout the United States. Silverstar's August openings represent Mammoth's 107th and 108th locations and expand Mammoth's presence in the Northwest region.
Mammoth Holdings is the first car wash platform formed by industry insiders and has 107 operating locations. Mammoth is customer-focused operationally; operator-focused in its approach to acquisitions; and seeks to be the partner-of-choice for car wash operators who desire liquidity, growth capital, and a tax-deferred equity investment opportunity. Mammoth Holdings' multi-brand portfolio includes Coastal Carwash, Shine-N-Go, SUDS, Silverstar, Busy Bee, PureMagic, Marc-1, Ultra, Wash Me Fast, Wiggy Wash, Pals, Finish Line, LuLu's, Ollie's, PitStop, and Swifty, among others.
Mammoth has significant growth capital and is actively seeking acquisitions and development opportunities.
In October 2018, Mammoth partnered with Red Dog Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, which, through its partnership with Tom Pritzker's family business interests (advised by The Pritzker Organization), provides the equity for Mammoth Holdings' corporate development initiatives. Monroe Capital and Morgan Stanley provide Mammoth Holdings' debt financing.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Mammoth Holdings operates 107 conveyor car washes under the Coastal Carwash, Shine-N-Go, SUDS, Silverstar, Busy Bee, PureMagic, Marc-1, Ultra, Wash Me Fast, Wiggy Wash, Pals, Finish Line, LuLu's, Ollie's, PitStop, and Swifty brands in Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Utah, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Florida.
Mammoth Holdings was founded by Gary Dennis and Chip Hackett in 2002. To learn more, please visit us online at mammothholdings.com.
Red Dog Equity LLC is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market companies poised for strong growth in partnership with driven, entrepreneurial business leaders ("Red Dogs"). To learn more, please visit reddogequity.com.
The Pritzker Organization is the merchant bank for the business interests of the Tom Pritzker family. Additional information can be found at pritzkerorg.com.
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SOURCE Mammoth Holdings | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/mammoth-holdings-opens-newest-silverstar-car-wash-locations/ | 2022-08-24T18:50:01Z |
NEW YORK (AP) — When Mahlet Berhanemeskel gets back to her New York City home from her 90-minute commute, she doesn’t feel like cooking. So instead she orders food like BLTs, Cheez-Its and cookies from an app called Gorillas. It’s affordable and takes 10 minutes.
“It’s instant gratification,” she said.
Gorillas is one of several companies that venture capitalists have poured billions into in the latest pandemic delivery craze: companies that promise to get you a bottle of Tylenol, an iced coffee, hummus, a cucumber or a roll of paper towels in 30 minutes — or even 15 minutes — or less. They typically deliver from mini-warehouses in residential and commercial neighborhoods.
Experts say they are unprofitable. Bigger companies are nonetheless muscling in. And officials in European cities and in New York, which has become the U.S. launching pad, have already started complaining about how they operate, saying it’s bad for employees and residents.
“The problem I see is that quick commerce players, despite the huge valuations enjoyed and the seemingly unstoppable money flow that they get to grow, at some point they will have to find a path to profitability,” said Bain partner Marc-Andre Kamel, the co-author of a recent report on the online grocery market.
Services are already shutting down. One, 1520, closed in late December, and two more, Buyk and Fridge No More, shut down in March, apparently having run out of money. Buyk’s Russian founders reportedly were not able to provide money due to restrictions put in place during the Ukraine war; it did not respond to questions. Fridge No More, in a tweet, said it was closing after two years “due to growing competition and other industry related issues.” Its founder did not answer questions.
Other delivery companies are having growing pains. Gorillas dropped its “10 minutes” delivery promise from its U.S. marketing — now it’s just “in minutes.” Gopuff recently laid off 3% of its workforce — more than 400 people.
It’s not a sustainable business model, says Len Sherman, an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s business school. “There is going to be a lot of consolidation on some very painful terms.”
Getir, a Turkish company that operates in Europe as well as Boston, Chicago and New York, said the key to profitability is adding more mini-warehouses in the cities where it delivers.
“We’re here for the long term,” said Langston Dugger, Getir’s head of U.S. operations.
The company recently raised $768 million, valuing it at close to $12 billion, and plans to expand in the U.S. Customers range from people “ordering a late night ice cream to somebody who is doing a full grocery shop for the week for a family and everything in between,” he said.
Lee Hnetinka, the founder of FastAF, a delivery company with a two-hour delivery model in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, said profitability is “just not a priority” right now as it invests in customer experience, saying their strategy is a long-term one and pointing to Amazon’s early beginnings when it too was unprofitable.
There are new competitive threats from established restaurant delivery companies DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber and grocery delivery service Instacart that have noticed the appeal of the fast-delivery apps.
DoorDash has three “DashMarts” in New York that promise delivery of groceries and convenience-store items within 15 minutes, and says more locations are coming; it also aims to deliver from Albertsons Cos. grocery stores in more than 20 cities in half an hour. But its president, Christopher Payne, said at a recent conference that it may not be possible to make 15-minute delivery profitable.
Grubhub delivers items from 7-Eleven and other convenience stores, usually in under 30 minutes. Uber is partnering with Gopuff and FastAF, letting people choose those companies’ items inside the Uber app. Uber also delivers from local grocers, although the delivery times are often over 30 minutes. And Instacart is planning 15-minute delivery, starting with customers of grocery chain Publix in Atlanta and Miami.
It’s unclear how fast the services could be outside of the densest U.S. cities, like New York, or the neighborhoods where they cluster in more sprawling cities.
“For this type of model to work — 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, you name it — you need density, right?” said Stanley Lim, a Michigan State University professor who specializes in supply chains. “In a rural area, you can service these customers but not profitably. That’s going to be a limit to the spread that these companies can go for.”
But in the bustling city, regulatory pressure may loom. New York City Council members have spoken out against the fast-delivery apps, saying they may be breaking zoning laws. The New York City Department of Buildings is working with other government agencies to “explore the appropriate zoning districts” for the mini-warehouses. The centers are not mentioned in existing city zoning regulations since they are a new type of business, said Andrew Rudansky, the agency’s spokesperson.
There are also worries about delivery apps offering discounts that will squeeze local businesses like bodegas and convenience stores as well as concerns about the safety of delivery people. Manny Ramirez, who works for DoorDash and a service called Relay and is an organizer for Los Deliveristas Unidos, which advocates for better conditions for app delivery workers, says he has been badly injured by a car while on his bike twice in the past year, and is still in physical therapy. And the bigger the order, the more dangerous it is for the rider.
“We don’t have laws to protect bikers,” he said.
The lack of bike lanes throughout the city, time pressures and fear for their safety drives delivery workers onto sidewalks, advocates say. That leads to worries from city residents.
Deborah Koncius, who lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, said she feels like her neighborhood has gotten more dangerous with delivery people riding e-bikes on the sidewalk. Although neither she nor any of her family members have gotten hit, “I kind of feel like it’s just a matter of time.” | https://cw33.com/technology/ap-technology/latest-apps-promise-fast-service-but-can-they-deliver/ | 2022-04-19T16:24:46Z |
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT /11 AM CDT/ TO 8 PM EDT
/7 PM CDT/ THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, south central and
southwest Georgia and Big Bend and Panhandle Florida.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon EDT /11
AM CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
Weather Alert
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT /11 AM CDT/ TO 8 PM EDT
/7 PM CDT/ THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, south central and
southwest Georgia and Big Bend and Panhandle Florida.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon EDT /11
AM CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
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Britney Spears has received a restraining order against Jason Alexander.
Alexander pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of misdemeanor trespassing, two misdemeanor counts of battery and a misdemeanor vandalism charge. At the time of his arrest last week, authorities also learned that Alexander was wanted on a felony theft warrant in Napa County.
CNN reached out to an attorney for Alexander for comment.
Spears' attorney Mathew Rosengart told CNN that the Grammy winner was also granted a restraining order against Alexander, which will remain in effect for three years. Rosengart said he is working closely with law enforcement "to ensure that Alexander is vigorously prosecuted and expressed his thanks to the Ventura County Sheriff and District Attorney.
"This should be a lesson to anyone who engages in similar conduct," Rosengart added.
Alexander is currently in jail with his bail set at $100,000.
Alexander allegedly hopped a wall at Spears' hillside mansion in Thousand Oaks, California and began livestreaming as he walked through Spears' property, just hours before she was set to marry Sam Asghari.
"My name's Jason Alexander. Britney invited me here. Britney Spears invited me here. She's my first wife, my only wife. I'm her first husband," he said on the livestream.
Ventura County Sheriff's deputies were called to the residence in response to a trespassing report, according to police.
Spears was briefly married to Alexander, a childhood friend, for about two days in 2004 before their marriage was annulled.
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person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
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each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/britney-spears-granted-a-restraining-order-against-ex-jason-alexander-after-he-broke-into-her/article_cbb5c12e-2044-5047-b18a-f138eaeb5980.html | 2022-06-15T21:18:21Z |
UN inspectors head to Ukraine nuclear plant despite fighting
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The company that oversees Ukraine’s nuclear power plants said shelling by Russian forces triggered a shutdown at one of the reactors at the Zaporizhzhia plant, underscoring the risks faced by a team of U.N. inspectors that was heading there Thursday to assess its safety.
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency, led by its director Rafael Grossi, set off for the Russia-held nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest — despite the heavy shelling for which Ukraine and Russia trade blame.
Ukraine’s Enerhoatom said Russian mortar shelling led to the shutdown of one of its reactors by its emergency protection system. Shelling also damaged a backup power supply line used for in-house needs, and one of the plant’s reactors that wasn’t operating was switched to diesel generators, the company said.
“There has been increased military activity, including this morning until very recently,” Grossi said, adding that after being briefed by the Ukrainian military he decided to get moving despite the inherent risks. “But weighing the pros and cons and having come so far, we are not stopping.”
He noted that the risks are “very, very high” in the so-called grey zone between Ukrainian and Russian positions, but “we consider that we have the minimum conditions to move.”
A spokesman for the IAEA later said that the mission has been delayed on the Ukrainian-controlled side of the frontline for some three hours, adding that Grossi “has personally negotiated with Ukrainian military authorities to be able to proceed and he remains determined that this important mission reaches the ZNPP today.”
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been occupied by Russian forces but run by Ukrainian engineers since the early days of the 6-month-old war. Ukraine alleges Russia is using the plant as a shield, storing weapons there and launching attacks from around it, while Moscow accuses Ukraine of recklessly firing on the area.
Fighting in early March caused a brief fire at its training complex, and in recent days, the plant was temporarily knocked offline because of damage, heightening fears of a radiation leak or a reactor meltdown. Officials have begun distributing anti-radiation iodine tablets to nearby residents.
“We have a very important mission to accomplish,” Grossi said, adding that “we are going to start immediately an assessment of the security and the safety situation at the plant.”
“I am going to consider the possibility of establishing a continued presence of the IAEA at the plant, which we believe is indispensable to stabilize the situation and to get regular, reliable, impartial, neutral updates of what the situation is there,” he said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces unleashed an artillery barrage of the area and then sent a group of up to 60 scouts to try to seize control of the nuclear plant.
It said the Ukrainian troops arrived in seven speedboats, landing three kilometers northeast of the plant on the left bank of the Dnieper River and tried to seize it. The ministry said Russian forces “took steps to destroy the enemy,” engaging warplanes. Russia’s military said its forces also destroyed two barges carrying Ukrainian troops who attempted to land near the plant.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Videos in this story may include disturbing content.
“The provocation by the Kyiv regime is intended to derail the arrival of the IAEA’s group at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” a ministry statement said.
Alexander Volga, head of the Russia-installed Enerhodar city administration, also said the Ukrainian troops that attempted to land were “blocked and destroyed.” The administration also said at least three local residents were killed and one injured early Thursday from Ukrainian shelling.
He said the fighting had since abated and no “objective obstacles” remained to prevent the visit by the IAEA team, which had crossed a checkpoint in Russia-controlled territory and was expected to soon arrive in Enerhodar.
Ukrainian authorities, meanwhile, accused Russia of shelling Enerhodar and the territory of the nuclear power plant in a false flag attack intended to derail the arrival of the IAEA’s team.
“We are demanding that Russia stop provocations and offer the IAEA unhindered access to the Ukrainian nuclear facility,” said Zaporizhzhia Gov. Oleksandr Starukh.
Neither side’s version of events could immediately be independently verified.
The fighting came as war-torn Ukraine endeavored Thursday to start the new academic year in the best way possible, with civilian areas still under threat of artillery fire and other weaponry — and children still among the victims. Just over half of schools in Ukraine were reopening to in-person education despite the risks.
In other developments:
- A U.S. intelligence assessment said Russia was facing severe manpower shortages as President Vladimir Putin’s 6-month campaign in Ukraine rages on.
- North Korea said it was considering sending construction workers to help rebuild parts of Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine that have been battered by the fighting.
- The emergencies agency under the Russia-backed separatist government in the eastern region of Donetsk said 13 emergency responders were killed and nine others were wounded Thursday by Ukrainian shelling in Rubtsi, a village to the east of the city of Izyum in neighboring Kharkiv province. Much of the fighting in recent weeks and months has centered on the area.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/01/un-inspectors-head-ukraine-nuclear-plant-despite-fighting/ | 2022-09-01T10:38:44Z |
Ecclestone arrested in Brazil for carrying pistol on plane
By MAURICIO SAVARESE
AP Sports Writer
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian police say former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone was arrested for having a gun while boarding a plane. The 89-year-old Ecclestone was released on bail and Brazilian media reported that he took a private jet shortly later to Switzerland. Sao Paulo state’s public security secretariat says Ecclestone’s gun was found Wednesday as he went through the X-ray at the Viracopois airport in Campinas. Ecclestone confirmed to police the gun was his. The former Formula One executive has family in Brazil and is a frequent visitor to the South American nation. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/26/ecclestone-arrested-in-brazil-for-carrying-pistol-on-plane/ | 2022-05-26T14:30:56Z |
PLEASANTON, Calif., July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG), a life sciences leader focused on mastering biology to advance human health, today announced that its preliminary revenue is expected to be approximately $114.5 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. This represents an approximate 1% decrease from $115.8 million for the prior year period, and flat revenue sequentially.
Preliminary geographic revenue for the second quarter is expected to be as follows:
- Americas revenue of approximately $70.9 million, an 8% increase over the prior year period and a 19% increase sequentially
- EMEA revenue of approximately $25.6 million, an 11% decrease over the prior year period and a 25% increase sequentially
- APAC revenue of approximately $18.1 million, a 15% decrease over the prior year period and a 47% decrease sequentially
"Our second quarter results fell short of our expectations," said Serge Saxonov, Co-founder and CEO of 10x Genomics. "We continue to have strong confidence in our longer-term opportunity, technology leadership and the underlying strength of our markets. We are more excited than ever to deliver on the full potential of single cell and spatial biology."
In a separate press release issued this afternoon, the company announced the hiring of Jim Wilbur, Ph.D. as Chief Commercial Officer, effective July 27.
The preliminary revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2022 included in this release is preliminary and prior to the completion of the company's financial statement close process and related internal control over financial reporting, and is therefore subject to adjustment. Management will provide additional information in conjunction with the release of its full second quarter 2022 financial results scheduled on August 8, 2022.
10x Genomics will discuss its full year 2022 guidance when it reports its full financial results for second quarter 2022 in connection with its earnings call on Monday, August 8.
Company management will host a conference call Monday, August 8 beginning at 1:30 PM Pacific Time / 4:30 PM Eastern Time to discuss results and its financial guidance. Live audio of the webcast will be available at http://investors.10xgenomics.com. The webcast will be archived and available for replay at least 45 days after the event.
10x Genomics is a life science technology company building products to interrogate, understand and master biology to advance human health. Our integrated solutions include instruments, consumables and software for analyzing biological systems at a resolution and scale that matches the complexity of biology. 10x Genomics products have been adopted by researchers around the world including in all of the top 100 global research institutions as ranked by Nature in 2020 based on publications and all of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies by 2020 research and development spend and have been cited in over 3,800 research papers on discoveries ranging from oncology to immunology and neuroscience. Our patent portfolio comprises more than 1,500 issued patents and patent applications.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project" "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or variations of them or similar terminology, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding 10x Genomics, Inc.'s expectations regarding our second quarter preliminary revenue, our business operations, financial performance and results of operations, the opportunities for single cell and spatial methods and our belief with regard to our near and long term opportunities. These statements are based on management's current expectations, forecasts, beliefs, assumptions and information currently available to management, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors. The material risks and uncertainties that could affect 10x Genomics, Inc.'s financial and operating results and cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release include those discussed under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in the documents 10x Genomics, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
Although 10x Genomics, Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot provide any assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct nor can it guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. These forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments 10x Genomics may make. Further, as the COVID-19 pandemic is continuously evolving, such forward-looking statements may not accurately or fully reflect the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of 10x Genomics, Inc. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to 10x Genomics, Inc. as of the date hereof, and 10x Genomics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements provided to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing 10x Genomics, Inc.'s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
10x Genomics uses filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, its website (www.10xgenomics.com), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts and its social media accounts as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
Investors: investors@10xgenomics.com
Media: media@10xgenomics.com
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SOURCE 10x Genomics, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/10x-genomics-announces-preliminary-second-quarter-2022-revenue/ | 2022-07-14T20:38:15Z |
PITTSBURGH, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there could be a better way to see, grip and turn the stop and waste valve for an underground lawn sprinkler system in the dark," said an inventor, from West Jordan, Utah, "so I invented the ECOKEY. My design enables you to view and engage the valve handle for quick and trouble-free turning on the very first attempt."
The invention provides an effective way to illuminate the stop and waste valve of a household in-ground lawn sprinkler system. In doing so, it enables the valve to be easily turned and opened. As a result, it eliminates the need to struggle in the dark and it saves time and effort. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households.
The original design was submitted to the Salt Lake City sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-SGJ-150, 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.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-tool-lawn-sprinkler-valves-sgj-150/ | 2022-07-15T16:27:39Z |
CLEVELAND, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, will hold an in-person MORE THAN PINK Walk to raise critical funds that support breast cancer patients and patient care services.The Walk will be held on Saturday, September 17th at JOANN World Headquarters.
"We look forward to creating a community for anyone impacted by breast cancer as we gather, in person, for this year's Walk. Funds raised from the MORE THAN PINK Walk will further our ability to meet the needs of patients by supporting Komen's Patient Care Center's Breast Care Helpline, Financial Assistance and Patient Navigation programs, and improve outcomes for all patients." said Sean Shacklett, State Executive Director of Ohio & Michigan, at Susan G. Komen.
Komen is pleased to welcome returning sponsors this year: JOANN, Giant Eagle, Swagelok, MetroHealth, Dollar Bank, GPD Group, Gilead Oncology and CBS19. Additionally, CBS19 News Anchors Tiffani Tucker and Nichole Vrsansky, will serve as Emcees of the event.
- Water, bananas and granola bars from Giant Eagle stores
- Hope Village, a place for survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer to gather
- "Pink Glow Ups" provided by Jennifer & Co.
- Expanded Kids Zone and family area with games
- On-site vendors serving coffee and pastries for purchase
- Recognition of top fundraisers and teams in our VIP area
Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk
JOANN World Headquarters
5555 Darrow Road
Hudson, Ohio
September 17, 2022
7:00 AM Event Opens
9:00 AM Opening Ceremony
9:20 AM Walk
Register Online www.komen.org/northeastohio
Susan G. Komen® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
CONTACT: Cristobal Martinez
Susan G. Komen
(972) 701-2135
cmartinez@komen.org
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SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/susan-g-komen-more-than-pink-walk-raises-money-patient-care-services-ohio/ | 2022-08-30T21:47:16Z |
“Lightyear” did not go to infinity (or beyond) in its first weekend in theaters: Pixar’s first major theatrical release since March 2020 blasted off with $51 million in its debut weekend in North America, according to studio estimates on Sunday.
Not only did it open lower than expected, but it also failed to conquer “Jurassic World: Dominion,” which held on to the first-place spot with $58.7 million its second weekend.
It is a mixed bag for Disney and Pixar as “ Lightyear,” an origin story about the movie that inspired the space ranger action figure in the “Toy Story” movies, is one of the biggest launches for an animated family film over the pandemic. Including international showings, which grossed $34.6 million, “Lightyear’s” global opening weekend totals to $85.6 million.
But expectations were higher for a release this high-profile and based on a beloved, well-known character. Going into the weekend, some analysts had pegged “Lightyear” for a $70 million North American debut.
“The expectations are always incredibly high for any Pixar movie, particularly one that has a direct connection to the Toy Story brand,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for box office tracker Comscore.
“Toy Story” launched Pixar in 1995 and its four films have made over $3 billion. “Toy Story 3” and “Toy Story 4” also both broke the $1 billion mark.
The family audience has proved a little more reluctant than other segments to return to movie theaters. Many studios, including Disney and Pixar, have opted for streaming or hybrid releases for their animated titles. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has sent its Pixar titles — “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” — directly to Disney+ free for subscribers. Disney’s other big animated titles, “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Encanto” got hybrid releases.
“There may have been a little confusion about whether it’s just in theaters,” Dergarabedian said. “This is a movie that is going to have to be marketed in real time as family audiences connect the dots.”
Critics were mostly favorable to “Lightyear,” which features Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear and a supporting voice cast that includes Keke Palmer and Taika Waititi. Directed by Angus MacLane, it currently holds a 77% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.
With a reported production budget of $200 million, which doesn’t account for the millions spent on marketing and promotion, “Lightyear” has a long journey ahead of it to get to profitability. But it could also have a slow, steady burn over the summer. And it’s the only big family offering playing in theaters until “Minions: The Rise of Gru” opens July 1.
“Lightyear” opened in 4,255 locations domestically and in 43 markets overseas. Thirteen nations from the Muslim world and the Palestinian territory barred “Lightyear” from playing in their cinemas because of the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple.
“Jurassic World: Dominion,” meanwhile, has now earned over $622.2 million worldwide with $259.2 million of that coming from U.S. and Canadian theaters. It’s only the seventh movie released during the pandemic to surpass $600 million.
In its fourth weekend, “Top Gun: Maverick” dropped only slightly, bringing in an additional $44 million to take third place. Its domestic total is now at $466.2 million. Globally, the high-flying sequel has grossed over $885 million.
Dergarabedian said it’s especially notable that there are three movies made over $40 million this weekend.
“We haven’t seen that in a while,” he said. “We have a summer movie season here.”
Rounding out the top five are “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” with $4.2 million and “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” with $1.1 million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Jurassic World: Dominion,” $58.7 million
2. “Lightyear,” $51 million.
3. “Top Gun: Maverick,” $44 million.
4. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” $4.2 million.
5. “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” $1.1 million.
6. “The Bad Guys,” $890,000.
7. “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” $959,631.
8. “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” $830,000.
9. “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” $228,000.
10. “Brian and Charles,” $198,000.
___
Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/lightyear-stays-earthbound-jurassic-world-holds-no-1/ | 2022-06-20T08:42:16Z |
Opioid registry, predictive modeling help identify at-risk Medicare members in Florida
EAGAN, Minn., July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdoses killed over 107,000 Americans in 2021.1 Prior to the pandemic, Prime Therapeutics LLC (Prime), a leading pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) serving nearly 33 million members nationally, began an intervention program targeting Medicare members who were at high risk of overutilizing opioids. A pilot with Medicare members of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), which is the parent company to a leading health plan in Florida, saw decreased opioid claims and lower morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dosing for members who received communications.
The program used Prime's GuidedHealth opioid registry – a listing that helps identify Medicare members who were either new opioid starters or current opioid utilizers and at risk for opioid risk harm. The registry also feeds Prime's predictive model that determines a members' probability of exceeding thresholds of ≥50 and ≥90 MME daily in the next six months. Together, the registry and predictive model help prevent opioid misuse for members.
New opioid starters and current opioid utilizers had customized pilot designs:
- New opioid starters: This group received a member communication with messaging about what an opioid is, how it works and how to safely use and dispose of them. A control group of a similar sized health plan client was used.
- Prior opioid utilizers: This group received a member communication and corresponding prescriber communication with information about safe use and disposal of opioids. The communication also encouraged the member to speak with a doctor or pharmacist about naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose in an emergency. A control group of a similar sized health plan client was used.
"Prime has been working on managing opioid use and abuse for well over a decade. Creating tailored approaches for how to assist members based on where they are in their opioid journey is vital to helping improve their health," said David Lassen, PharmD, chief clinical officer at Prime. "The results of this pilot show improvement around member behavior with opioids, particularly with the discontinuation of opioids, as well as insight for future efforts for all opioid users."
Both pilot groups had positive outcomes to report:
- New opioid starters: Compared to the control group, new opioid starters had a 37%-point decrease in MME use and had a 29%-point improvement in opioid discontinuation.
- Prior opioid utilizers: This group had a 7% decrease in opioid prescriptions, a 2.8%-point increase in naloxone prescriptions and an overall 10% of members who discontinued opioids in the follow-up period.
"We are committed to addressing the opioid epidemic amongst our members with a variety of methods and we value the work of Prime as our pharmacy benefit manager to help us take on this fight," said Cynthia Griffin, PharmD, vice president, Medicare pharmacy programs at GuideWell. "Using claims data for our Medicare members, integrated with Prime's data, to inform predictive modeling, creates customized programs for members. These tailored approaches result in opportunities to have positive impacts that improve member outcomes related to opioids. This has the potential to save lives during the ongoing fight against opioid misuse and abuse, and our members benefit from this work."
Learn more about Prime's controlled substance management program.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). (May 11, 2022). (rep.). U.S. Overdose Deaths In 2021 Increased Half as Much as in 2020 – But Are Still Up 15%. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm
GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell) is a not-for-profit mutual holding company and the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care. The GuideWell organization includes Florida Blue, the leading health insurance company in Florida; Triple-S Management, a leading health care services company in Puerto Rico; GuideWell Health, a portfolio of clinical delivery organizations; GuideWell Venture Group, a portfolio of companies including Onlife Health and PopHealthCare focused on creating human-first and innovative health solutions for health plans; GuideWell Source, a provider of administrative services to state and federal health care programs; and WebTPA, a market leading administrator of self-funded employer health plans. In total, GuideWell and its affiliated companies serve more than 46 million people in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit guidewell.com.
Prime Therapeutics LLC (Prime) helps people get the medicine they need to feel better and live well. Prime provides total drug management solutions for health plans, employers, and government programs including Medicare and Medicaid. The company processes claims and offers clinical services for people with complex medical conditions. Prime serves more than 33 million people. It is collectively owned by 19 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, subsidiaries or affiliates of those plans. For more information visit www.primetherapeutics.com or follow @Prime_PBM on Twitter.
GuidedHealth®
is one of Prime Therapeutics' foundational clinical products to drive total drug management through improved care and outcomes, increased safety, and ultimately decreased total cost of care. It does this by helping members and prescribers make better medication management decisions. Utilizing integrated data and cutting-edge analytics, our next-generation clinical engine and population health database - GH360
provides a holistic view of each member's clinical events and opportunities.
Contact:
Denise Lecher
Public Relations Manager
612.777.5763
Denise.Lecher@primetherapeutics.com
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SOURCE Prime Therapeutics LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/prime-therapeutics-intervention-pilot-opioid-users-improves-outcomes/ | 2022-07-18T13:23:49Z |
The Federal Reserve is stepping up its war on inflation. That means borrowing costs are going sharply higher for families and businesses.
The US central bank last increased its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point, which is the biggest single hike since 1994.
This follows the Fed's decision to raise its rate by half a percentage point in May, the biggest increase in 22 years.
The Fed is expected to announce another three-quarters of a point rate hike on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
The fact that the Fed is moving decisively shows confidence in the health of the job market. But the speed with which interest rates are expected to go up underscores its growing concern about the soaring cost of living.
High inflation will likely force the Fed to raise interest rates several more times in the coming months. Fed officials may even resort to additional large rate increases in a bid to cool off inflation.
Americans will initially experience this policy shift through higher borrowing costs: It is no longer insanely cheap to take out mortgages or car loans. And cash sitting in bank accounts will finally earn something, albeit not much.
The Fed speeds up or slows down the economy by moving interest rates higher or lower. When the pandemic erupted, the Fed made it almost free to borrow in a bid to encourage spending by households and businesses. To further boost the Covid-ravaged economy, the US central bank also printed trillions of dollars through a program known as quantitative easing. And when credit markets froze in March 2020, the Fed rolled out emergency credit facilities to avoid a financial meltdown.
The Fed's rescue worked. There was no Covid financial crisis. Vaccines and massive spending from Congress paved the way for a rapid recovery. However, its emergency actions -- and their delayed removal -- also contributed to today's overheated economy.
Unemployment is currently close to a 50-year low, but inflation is very high. The US economy no longer needs all that help from the Fed. And now the Fed is slowing the economy down by aggressively hiking interest rates.
The risk is that the Fed overdoes it, slowing the economy so much that it accidentally sparks a recession that drives up unemployment.
Borrowing costs are going up
Every time the Fed raises rates, it becomes more expensive to borrow. That means higher interest costs for mortgages, home equity lines of credit, credit cards, student debt and car loans. Business loans will also get pricier, for businesses large and small.
The most tangible way this is playing out is with mortgages, where rate hikes have already driven up rates and slowed down sales activity.
The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.54% in the week ending July 21. That's up sharply from under 3% this time last year.
Higher mortgage rates make it harder to afford home prices that have skyrocketed during the pandemic. That weaker demand could cool off prices.
The median price for an existing home sold in June soared by 13.4% year-over-year to $416,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.
How high will rates go?
Investors are expecting the Fed will raise the high end of its target range to at least 3.75% by the end of the year, up from 1.75% today.
For context, the Fed raised rates to 2.37% during the peak of the last rate-hiking cycle in late 2018. Before the Great Recession of 2007-2009, Fed rates got as high as 5.25%.
And in the 1980s, the Paul Volcker-led Fed jacked up interest rates to unprecedented levels to fight runaway inflation. By the peak in July 1981, the effective Fed funds rate topped 22%. (Borrowing costs now won't be anywhere near those levels and there is little expectation that they will go up that sharply.)
Still, the impact to borrowing costs in coming months will depend chiefly on the -- as yet undetermined -- pace of the Fed's rate hikes.
Good news for savers
Rock-bottom rates have penalized savers. Money stashed in savings, certificates of deposit (CD) and money market accounts earned almost nothing during Covid (and for much of the past 14 years, for that matter). Measured against inflation, savers have lost money.
The good news, however, is that these savings rates will rise as the Fed moves interest rates higher. Savers will start to earn interest again.
But this takes time to play out. In many cases, especially with traditional accounts at big banks, the impact won't be felt overnight.
And even after several rate hikes, savings rates will still be very low -- below inflation and the expected returns in the stock market.
Markets will have to adjust
Free money from the Fed was amazing for the stock market.
Zero percent interest rates depress government bond rates, essentially forcing investors to bet on riskier assets like stocks. (Wall Street even has an expression for this: TINA, which stands for "there is no alternative.")
Higher rates have been a major challenge for the stock market, which had become accustomed to -- if not addicted to -- easy money.
The ultimate impact to the stock market will depend on how fast the Fed raises interest rates -- and how the underlying economy and corporate profits perform going forward.
At a minimum, rate hikes mean the stock market will face more competition going forward from boring government bonds.
Cooler inflation?
The goal of the Fed's interest rate hikes is to get inflation under control while keeping the job market recovery intact.
Consumer prices spiked by 9.1% in June from the year before, the fastest pace since December 1981, according to the latest data from the Labor Department. Inflation is nowhere near the Fed's goal of 2% and has gotten worse in recent months.
Economists warn inflation could get even worse because gas prices have continued to hit record highs in recent days, exacerbating a spike that began after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Everything from food and energy to metals have become more expensive.
The high cost of living is causing financial headaches for millions of Americans and contributing significantly to record-low consumer sentiment, not to mention President Joe Biden's low approval ratings.
Yet it will take time for the Fed's interest rate hikes to start chipping away at inflation. And even then, inflation will still be subject to developments in the war in Ukraine, the supply chain mess and, of course, Covid.
CNN's Kate Trafecante contributed to this report.
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What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen? Bet there’s one far worse on Stacker’s list of cringe-inducing box office bombs so bad they’ll fascinate you. Click for more. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/business/what-the-fed-rate-hike-means-for-you/article_6ee6c814-8608-56bf-8202-6c795fa76cef.html | 2022-07-27T18:55:47Z |
Pontotoc County deputies find over 80 dogs in Ada home
ADA, Okla. (KXII) - On Thursday Pontotoc County sheriff deputies recovered over 80 dogs from an Ada home.
According to Pontotoc county sheriff John Christian multiple dead dogs had been found on the street outside of a home in Ada in recent days.
That led to a search warrant which deputies acted on on Thursday.
“Once we were here we could observe the animals not in good condition,” said deputy Ashley Trower.
Deputies arrived at the property on Thursday morning and began their search that would last well into the evening.
“Its a mess, its a mess,” said Trower. “Currently there was 82 dogs on the premises. If you can imagine what its like having 82 dogs in your yard, just picture that.”
Several animal shelters and animal care organizations helped take many of the dogs but not all made it out.
“We did recover carcuses on scene. There are several carcuses unfortunatly here.”
In addition to dogs several other animals including horses and mules were on the property.
“We’re reviewing that situation. They seem to be in pretty good health. We have a veterinarian on scene with us who has assessed each animal.”
Deputies say that they arrested one man for trespacing during their search...
but that the homes resident was cooperative and willing to help.
“She is not under arrest at this time. The information that we collect and the evidence will be turned over to the district attornies office for them to decide.”
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/01/pontotoc-county-deputies-find-over-80-dogs-ada-home/ | 2022-07-01T03:37:04Z |
Two more prominent wide receivers switched teams with Tennessee’s A.J. Brown and Baltimore’s Marquise Brown getting swapped during a dizzying stretch of the NFL draft.
The Ravens traded Marquise Brownand the 100th overall pick to Arizona for the 23rd pick in the draft Thursday night. Then the Titans dealt A.J. Brown to Philadelphiafor the 18th and 101st picks.
In all, 17 of the 23 picks made between Nos. 7 and 29 in the draft were made by teams that acquired them in trades, with 11 of those picks changing hands in the nine trades made during draft.
The Browns were the latest big-name receivers to move this offseason, following Green Bay’s trade of Davante Adams to Las Vegas and Kansas City’s deal that sent Tyreek Hill to Miami.
The trades came after four receivers were drafted in a five-pick span starting when Southern California’s Drake London was chosen by Atlanta at No. 8 as teams have been aggressive in search of game-breaking pass catchers.
A pair of Ohio State receivers went back to back, with the Jets getting Garrett Wilson 10th overall and New Orleans trading up with Washington to take Chris Olave at No. 11.
Detroit then traded up with division rival Minnesota to take receiver Jameson Williams 12th overall. Williams is coming off a severe knee injury.
The dealing began when New Orleans traded the well-traveled 16th pick, along with a third-and fourth-rounder, to Washington to take Olave. That No. 16 pick started with Indianapolis, which traded it last year to Philadelphia for Carson Wentz. The Eagles traded the pick this offseason to the Saints.
Next up came the Lions, who moved up from No. 32 overall, also sending picks No. 34 and 66 to the Vikings to take Williams.
The Eagles then jumped ahead of the Ravens to take Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis at No. 13 after trading the 15th pick, a fourth-rounder and two fifth-rounders to Houston.
Then came the big receiver trades, with the Titans using the first-round spot they got for A.J. Brown to take Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks 18th, and Baltimore trading down again with Buffalo before getting Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum at No. 25.
The Bills moved up two spots to draft Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam.
The Chiefs and Patriots also made a trade, with Kansas City moving up eight spots from No. 21 to take Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie. New England took Chattanooga guard Cole Strange 29th overall and added picks in the third and fourth rounds.
The Titans made another trade later in the round, sending the 26th and 101st picks to the Jets for picks Nos. 35, 69 and 163. New York took Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson.
The Jaguars also moved back into the first round, trading picks Nos. 33, 106 and 180 to Tampa Bay for pick 27. Jacksonville took Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/trading-post-9-draft-day-trades-shake-up-1st-round/ | 2022-04-29T07:16:47Z |
(WGHP) — Olivia Newton-John died at 73 on Monday morning at her ranch in Southern California, according to her husband, John Easterling.
Easterling issued a statement that mentioned his wife’s three-decade-plus battle with breast cancer, but he didn’t specify how she died. TMZ reported Monday that a source “close to Olivia” confirmed, “After a 30-year cancer journey, she lost her battle to metastatic breast cancer.”
A longtime resident of Australia, the singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and activist won four Grammys and had five No. 1 hits and ten top-10 hits. She also had two No. 1 albums in the 1970s.
Many will remember Newton-John’s 1981 smash hit “Physical,” which stayed for 10 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 list, longer than any other single in the ’80s.
The suggestive lyrics in “Physical” even made Newton-John blush as she told her would-be lover “There’s nothing left to talk about/Unless it’s horizontally” and finally called out “Let’s get animal! Animal!”
“I recorded it and then suddenly thought, ‘Goodness, maybe I’ve gone too far!’” she told Entertainment Weekly in 2017, recalling how the song had been suggested by manager Roger Davies. “I called Roger and said, ‘We’ve got to pull this song!’ He said, ‘It’s too late. It’s already gone to radio and it’s running up the charts.’ I was horrified!”
She is also well known for her role as Sandy Olsson in “Grease” and was passionate about the environment and animal rights.
“Grease” co-star John Travolta reacted to news of Newton-John’s death in a social media post Monday:
My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!
John Travolta
Your Danny, your John!
Newton-John’s recent albums included “Stronger Than Before”; a holiday collaboration with Travolta, “This Christmas,” and the autobiographical “Gaia: One Woman’s Journey,” inspired by her battle with cancer and by the loss of her father.
Newton-John married John Easterling, founder of the Amazon Herb Company, in 2008. She was involved in numerous charitable causes, serving as goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and as national spokeswoman for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition. She also founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
She is survived by her husband; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; and several nieces and nephews.
See Easterling’s full statement below:
Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.
Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/olivia-newton-john-dies-at-73-husband-says/ | 2022-08-08T22:54:37Z |
Ideanomics, Inc. Reports Full Year 2021 Financial Results
Published: Sep. 2, 2022 at 3:10 PM CDT|Updated: 24 minutes ago
- Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021, were $114 million - Gross profit for 2021 was $23.2 million
NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) ("Ideanomics" or the "Company"), a global company focused on accelerating the commercial adoption of electric vehicles, announced today its full year 2021 operating results for the period ended December 31, 2021.
"In 2021, Ideanomics transformed through several acquisitions, and this enabled us to pursue our vision of becoming the first integrated provider of commercial electrification solutions, which is what the customer is searching for," said Alf Poor, CEO of Ideanomics.
"We know our investors have been eager to read our earnings reports and we greatly appreciate everyone's patience through these past few months. As the global transition to electric vehicles accelerates, Ideanomics' differentiated value proposition of vehicles, charging and energy systems, and financial services all under one roof uniquely positions us to capture market share and generate value. We look forward to sharing more information regarding our earnings for the first and second quarters of this year shortly."
Ideanomics Full Year 2021 Operating Results
Revenue for the year was $114.1 million with strong year-over-year growth demonstrating the growing strength of Ideanomics' business. Revenue from the US in 2021 was $84.3 million versus $1.6 million in 2020, an increase of $82.7 million. We expect revenues from EV to continue to grow as we consolidate our recent acquisitions and subsidiaries for our financial results for the full year of 2022 moving forward.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for 2021 was $23.2 million which represented a Gross Margin of 20.4%. Gross profit for 2020 was $2.1 million.
Selected Business Updates and Highlights
Acquired wireless charging provider WAVE
Expanded product offering by acquiring US Hybrid and Solectrac
Announced and progressed on acquisition of VIA Motors
Announced facility expansion across the broader company
About Ideanomics
Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) is a global group with a simple mission: to accelerate the commercial adoption of electric vehicles. By bringing together vehicles and charging technology with design, implementation, and financial services, we provide solutions needed for the commercial world to commit to an EV future. To keep up with Ideanomics, please follow the company on social @ideanomicshq or visit https://ideanomics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and include the statement regarding the completion of the business combination within a certain period of time, if ever. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties, such as risks related to: our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and similar disclosures in subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Investor Relations and Media Contact
Ideanomics, Inc. Tony Sklar, SVP of Investor Relations 1441 Broadway, Suite 5116, New York, NY 10018 E-mail: ir@ideanomics.com
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/ideanomics-inc-reports-full-year-2021-financial-results/ | 2022-09-02T20:34:22Z |
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban One, Inc. (NASDAQ: UONEK and UONE) today reported its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Net revenue was approximately $118.8 million, an increase of 10.4% from the same period in 2021. The Company reported operating income of approximately $23.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to approximately $37.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Broadcast and digital operating income1 was approximately $55.1 million, an increase of 11.2% from the same period in 2021. Net income was approximately $15.0 million or $0.30 per share (basic) compared to $17.9 million or $0.36 per share (basic) for the same period in 2021. Adjusted EBITDA2 was approximately $47.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to approximately $44.8 million for the same period in 2021.
Alfred C. Liggins, III, Urban One's CEO and President stated, "We had a strong finish to Q2, driven by continued robust growth in digital and cable television advertising, both of which were up double digits. Our spot radio business outperformed the markets in which we operate by 230 Bps, and I was pleased with our overall 10.4% revenue growth, as a result of which we were able to post adjusted EBITDA growth of 6.1% y-o-y. Like other media businesses, we have experienced a slow-down in Q3, particularly in core radio which is currently pacing down low-to-mid single-digits. Given our diversified mix of assets, I still anticipate consolidated net revenues to grow in Q3, and we remain well positioned for political advertising later in the year. We will continue to be disciplined with capital allocation decisions and our cash position remains strong. We finished the quarter with net leverage below 4.0x, in line with our goal to continue to reduce leverage over time."
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes 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. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations and are based upon information available to Urban One at the time of this release. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Urban One's control, that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in Urban One's reports on Forms 10-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q, 10-Q/A, 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the current report on Form 8-K filed August 09, 2022 with this press release. Urban One does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements.
The COVID-19 pandemic could have an impact on certain of our revenue and alternative revenue sources on a going forward basis. While parts of the country are recovering, other parts could see a resurgence of the pandemic and this could impact our results of operations, particularly in our larger markets such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. During the early portion of the pandemic, a number of advertisers across a variety of significant advertising categories reduced advertising spend due to the pandemic. This has been particularly true within our radio segment which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers, including in areas such as Texas, Ohio and Georgia. The economies in these areas were hit particularly hard due to social distancing and other government interventions. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in the way people work and commute, which in some instances has altered demand for our broadcasting radio advertising. Finally, the COVID-19 outbreak caused the postponement or cancellation of certain of our tent pole special events or otherwise impaired or limited ticket sales for such events. A resurgence could have a similar future impact. We do not carry business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses and such losses may continue to occur as a result of the ongoing and fluctuating nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. New outbreaks or surges in new cases due to variants in the markets in which we operate could have material impacts on our liquidity, operations including potential impairment of assets, and our financial results. Likewise, our income from our investment in MGM National Harbor Casino has at times been negatively impacted by closures and limitations on occupancy imposed by state and local governmental authorities.
Net revenue consists of gross revenue, net of local and national agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing.
Net revenue increased to approximately $118.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, from approximately $107.6 million for the same period in 2021. Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment increased 4.9% compared to the same period in 2021. Net revenue from our radio broadcasting segment, excluding political advertising, increased 1.3% compared to the same period in 2021. Reach Media's net revenues increased 17.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, due primarily to increased demand. We recognized approximately $53.4 million and $48.5 million of revenue from our cable television segment during the three months ended June 30, 2022, and 2021, respectively, due primarily to increased advertising sales. Net revenue for our digital segment increased approximately $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021 primarily from higher direct revenues.
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and impairment of long-lived assets, increased to approximately $75.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, up 12.0% from the approximately $67.2 million incurred for the comparable quarter in 2021. The overall operating expense increase was driven by higher programming and technical expenses, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, and higher corporate selling, general and administrative expenses.
As a result of corresponding increases in revenue, we've incurred an increase in the following expenses: increase of approximately $2.3 million in employee compensation expenses, $2.3 million in variable expenses, $1.5 million in travel, entertainment and office expenses, $1.3 million in contract labor, talent costs and consulting fees, and $1.0 million in marketing and event spending.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to approximately $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to approximately $2.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Interest expense remained flat at approximately $15.9 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. The Company made cash interest payments of $924,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to cash interest payments of $172,000 on its outstanding debt for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the PPP loan and related accrued interest was forgiven and recorded as other income in the amount of $7.6 million. During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately $25.0 million of its 2028 Notes at an average price of approximately 91.0% of par, resulting in a net gain on retirement of debt of approximately $1.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
The impairment of long-lived assets for the three months ended June 30, 2022, was related to a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $4.3 million recorded to reduce the carrying value of our Atlanta market goodwill balance and a charge of approximately $10.7 million associated with our Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Raleigh radio market broadcasting licenses, of which approximately $3.7 million relates to periods ending prior to January 1, 2022. The fair value of the radio broadcasting licenses were overstated by approximately $1.1 million, $2.8 million, and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2021, respectively, and understated by approximately $2.3 million as of September 30, 2020. Accordingly, the Company recorded an out-of-period non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2022. The Company determined that correcting the error in the three-month period ended June 30, 2022 does not materially misstate the statement of operations for this period. In addition, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.9 million associated with the estimated asset sale consideration for one of our Indianapolis radio broadcasting licenses.
During the three months ended June 30, 2022, we recorded a provision for income taxes of approximately $3.7 million compared to approximately $6.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was primarily due to the application of the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year to date and pre-tax income of approximately $19.5 million during the quarter, and discrete tax benefits of approximately $2.1 million primarily related to non-taxable income forgiveness of the PPP Loan. The tax provision resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.1% and 24.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company paid income taxes of $696,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 and paid income taxes of $814,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Other income, net, was approximately $9.7 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We recognized other income in the amount of approximately $2.1 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to our MGM investment. As noted above, during the three months ended June 30, 2022, the PPP loan and related accrued interest was forgiven and recorded as other income in the amount of $7.6 million.
Other pertinent financial information includes capital expenditures of approximately $2.3 million and $1.6 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Class A common stock and repurchased 4,665,589 shares of Class D common stock in the amount of approximately $24.6 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Class A or Class D common stock.
The Company, in connection with its prior 2009 stock option and restricted stock plan and its current 2019 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan"), is authorized to purchase shares of Class D common stock to satisfy employee tax obligations in connection with the vesting of share grants under the plan. During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 16,181 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $91,000. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company executed a Stock Vest Tax Repurchase of 14,051 shares of Class D Common Stock in the amount of $33,000.
Supplemental Financial Information:
For comparative purposes, the following more detailed, unaudited statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 are included.
Urban One, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss its results for the second fiscal quarter of 2022. The conference call is scheduled for Tuesday, August 09, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. To participate on this call, U.S. callers may dial toll-free 1-877-226-8163; international callers may dial direct (+1) 234-720-6983. The Access Code is 2993856.
A replay of the conference call will be available from 8:30 p.m. EDT August 09, 2022 until 12:00 a.m. EDT August 12, 2022. Callers may access the replay by calling 1-866-207-1041; international callers may dial direct (+1) 402-970-0847. The replay Access Code is 8046193.
Access to live audio and a replay of the conference call will also be available on Urban One's corporate website at www.urban1.com. The replay will be made available on the website for seven days after the call.
Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As of June 30, 2022, we owned and/or operated 64 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 54 FM or AM stations, 8 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations we operate) branded under the tradename "Radio One" in 13 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African-American and urban audiences.
Notes:
1 "Broadcast and digital operating income" consists of net (loss) income before depreciation and amortization, corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, stock-based compensation, income taxes, noncontrolling interest in income (loss) of subsidiaries, interest expense, impairment of long-lived assets, other (income) expense, loss (gain) on retirement of debt, gain on sale-leaseback and interest income. Broadcast and digital operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Nevertheless, broadcast and digital operating income is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our core operating segments because broadcast and digital operating income provides helpful information about our results of operations apart from expenses associated with our fixed assets and long-lived intangible assets, income taxes, investments, debt financings and retirements, overhead, stock-based compensation, impairment charges, and asset sales. Our measure of broadcast and digital operating income is similar to industry use of station operating income; however, it reflects our more diverse business and therefore is not completely analogous to "station operating income" or other similarly titled measures used by other companies. Broadcast and digital operating income does not purport to represent operating income or loss, or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to broadcast and digital operating income has been provided in this release.
2 "Adjusted EBITDA" consists of net income (loss) plus (1) depreciation, amortization, income taxes, interest expense, noncontrolling interest in (loss) income of subsidiaries, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, (gain) loss on retirement of debt, gain on sale-leaseback, Employment Agreement and incentive plan award expenses and other compensation, contingent consideration from acquisition, corporate development costs, severance-related costs, cost investment income, less (2) other income and interest income. Net income before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization is commonly referred to in our business as "EBITDA." Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. However, we believe Adjusted EBITDA is often a useful measure of a company's operating performance and is a significant measure used by our management to evaluate the operating performance of our business because Adjusted EBITDA excludes charges for depreciation, amortization and interest expense that have resulted from our acquisitions and debt financing, our taxes, impairment charges, and gain on retirements of debt. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from the expenses associated with our fixed assets and long-lived intangible assets or capital structure. EBITDA is frequently used as one of the measures for comparing businesses in the broadcasting industry, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including, but not limited to the fact that our definition includes the results of all four segments (radio broadcasting, Reach Media, digital and cable television). Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA do not purport to represent operating income or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as alternatives to those measurements as an indicator of our performance. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has been provided in this release.
3 For the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Urban One had 50,806,346 and 49,789,892 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (basic), respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Urban One had 50,994,612 and 49,124,056 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (basic), respectively.
4 For the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Urban One had 54,658,543 and 53,780,918 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (fully diluted for outstanding stock awards), respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, Urban One had 54,871,963 and 53,186,619 shares of common stock outstanding on a weighted average basis (fully diluted for outstanding stock awards), respectively.
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SOURCE Urban One, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/urban-one-inc-reports-second-quarter-results/ | 2022-08-09T22:08:46Z |
NEW YORK, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXSM) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
Class Period: December 30, 2019 to April 22, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 12, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in AXSM:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/axsome-therapeutics-inc-loss-submission-form?id=27575&from=4
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. NEWS - AXSM NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Axsome's chemistry, manufacturing, and control ("CMC") practices were deficient with respect to AXS-07, the Company's medicine for the acute treatment of migraine, and its manufacturing process; (ii) as a result, Axsome was unlikely to submit the AXS-07 New Drug Application ("NDA") on its initially represented timeline; (iii) the foregoing CMC issues remained unresolved at the time that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") reviewed the AXS-07 NDA; (iv) accordingly, the FDA was unlikely to approve the AXS-07 NDA; (v) as a result of all the foregoing, Axsome had overstated AXS-07's regulatory and commercial prospects; and (vi) 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 Axsome you have until July 12, 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 Axsome 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 AXSM lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/axsome-therapeutics-inc-loss-submission-form?id=27575&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.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/axsm-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-july-12-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-axsome-therapeutics-inc-shareholders/ | 2022-05-24T11:07:24Z |
President Biden to deliver ‘Cancer Moonshot’ speech Monday in Boston
The president wants to “end cancer as we know it.”
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - On Monday, President Joe Biden will deliver his ‘Cancer Moonshot’ speech at the JFK Library in Boston.
The White House said Wednesday the president will lay out a vision for another American moonshot, on the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Moonshot speech, to “end cancer as we know it” by doing two things.
“First, to cut the cancer death rate in half over the next 25 years. Second, to improve the experience of people, their families, and caregivers living with and -- living with and surviving cancer,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The president has called on Congress to fund Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, with a price tag of $6.5 billion over three years to drive biomedical breakthroughs. He previously announced he was reigniting the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative which was something he first embarked on six years ago when he was vice president.
Biden said during his State of the Union address in March that this is personal to him after losing his son, Beau to brain cancer in 2015.
“So many of you have lost someone you love: husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, dad,” said Biden.
The president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, which helps patients talk about their cancer battles, said it means everything to know President Biden is personally invested in being there for families too.
“I am 100% sure that we are making incredible progress in this fight. And by having an administration and a Congress that’s committed to doing what needs to be done in the public policy arena to end cancer as we know it, we will absolutely achieve that goal,” said Lisa Lacasse.
The president has already created a Cancer Cabinet to address several issues including helping to close the screening gap.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/09/president-biden-deliver-cancer-moonshot-speech-monday-boston/ | 2022-09-09T16:42:42Z |
Buffalo Bills trade up to draft Florida CB Kaiir Elam 23rd
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo addressed an immediate need by selecting Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam with the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft. Buffalo moved up two spots to do it. The Bills entered the draft lacking at cornerback with Tre’Davious White’s status uncertain for the start of the season after having reconstructive knee surgery. They also lost Levi Wallace in free agency. The Bills were also scheduled to make two selections on Friday, 57th and 89th overall. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/28/buffalo-bills-trade-up-to-draft-florida-cb-kaiir-elam-23rd/ | 2022-04-29T07:05:18Z |
Naomi Judd remembered by daughters at Country Music Hall of Fame ceremony
By Dakin Andone, CNN
Naomi Judd’s daughters honored her during her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night, just one day after they announced her death.
During the ceremony, Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd reflected on the difficulty of honoring their mother’s achievement so soon after losing her.
“I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew mom would probably talk the most,” Wynonna told the audience, Taste of Country reported. Wynonna and Naomi Judd performed for decades together as the mother-daughter singing duo The Judds. “I’m gonna make this fast, because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. It’s a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and this blessed.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame was “shocked and saddened” by Judd’s death, CEO Kyle Young said in an earlier statement on Twitter. However, Judd’s family asked that the induction of The Judds continue as planned, he said.
“We will do so, with heavy hearts,” Young wrote.
Judd passed away at the age of 76, her daughters announced Saturday, hours before the country music legend was to be celebrated alongside Wynonna at the Nashville museum’s Medallion Ceremony.
In their announcements shared on Twitter, Wynonna and Ashley, an actress, wrote that they “lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.”
“I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” Ashley said of her mother through tears at Sunday’s ceremony, according to a report by CBS News.
“Though my heart’s broken, I will continue to sing, because that’s what we do,” Wynonna said. The sisters concluded their remarks by reciting Psalm 23 from the Bible.
A tweet on the Hall of Fame’s page announced the pre-ceremony “Red Carpet Experience,” scheduled for Sunday afternoon, had been canceled in light of Judd’s death.
Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake were also inducted to the Hall of Fame during Sunday’s ceremony.
“We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public,” her daughters said when they announced Naomi’s death. “We are in unknown territory.”
Naomi Judd shared during a 2016 appearance on “Good Morning America” that she had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. That same year, she wrote a book titled “River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope” explaining her struggles.
In its announcement of the 2021 members-elect, the Hall of Fame credited Naomi and Wynonna Judd with helping “take country back to its roots in the 1980s with lean, tuneful songs influenced by traditional folk music, acoustic blues, and family harmony acts.”
The mother-daughter duo began performing together as a professional act in the early 1980s, soon producing a string of major hits like “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Love Can Build a Bridge,” and selling more than 20 million records. Between 1984 and 1991, The Judds won five Grammys and had 14 No. 1 singles, per the Hall of Fame.
While Wynonna sang lead, “Naomi provided harmony, wit, and a sashaying stage presence that engaged audiences,” the Hall of Fame said.
The announcement was updated after the news Judd had died, noting, “The museum, the Judds’ family and fans, and the entertainment industry mourn her sudden passing.”
The Judds performed together publicly for the first time in years at the CMT Music Awards early last month, singing “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Judd’s death also came soon after the announcement of The Judds’ 10-date “Final Tour,” which was scheduled to begin in September.
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CNN’s Andy Rose, Megan Thomas and Christina Maxouris contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/02/naomi-judd-to-be-inducted-into-country-music-hall-of-fame-one-day-after-her-death/ | 2022-05-02T11:07:04Z |
BEIJING, July 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage Gen Zers to take a closer look at the history of China and use their wisdom to bring cultural relics to life, the second episode of season two of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Chinese Civilization: Generation A meets Generation Z", was broadcast online on July 30.
In the episode, Gen Zers from China, France and the United States gathered in Henan Museum in Henan province, central China, to explore treasures handed down by generations past, drawing from them lessons for the contemporary world.
"China's civilization is one of the four greatest civilizations and the only surviving one," said AlexandreGuery, a French Gen Zer who lives in China. "It gave so many technologies to the world, including gunpowder, printing and paper making."
One item in the museum that left him full of wonder was an 8,000-year-old bone flute.
The Gen Zers who gathered in the museum said they believed that in an age of globalization it is important for young people to learn about history and the origins of one's cultures. They discussed the increasing appreciation of Chinese traditional culture, the pros and cons of turning ancient relics into cultural and creative products, and the reasons for the vitality of Chinese civilization. They also discussed whether cultural relics lost abroad should be returned to China.
"In the 1920s the Tianlongshan Grottoes suffered a large excavation," said Ruan Kexin, a PhD candidate in the School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University. "More than 240 statues were stolen. Almost all the heads and even the whole bodies of statues were taken away and transported abroad. It was also a very great loss for the cultural heritage of our country."
However, after nearly a century overseas the statues were finally returned to China, he said.
"Allowing more people from other countries to see our cultural relics and feel our culture can help the Chinese culture to go global and strengthen its international influence. Instead of the unregulated movement of artifacts, this can be achieved through the regulated exchange of cultural relics."
Jennifer Courtney Holstein, 26, from the United States, said it was sad that cultural relics are missing from China.
"In the case of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, a lot of the things were 'lost' or stolen or looted. You can't really imagine what it used to be like, because so much of it was destroyed or taken away."
Zhong Yutong, the episode host, said: "We now know what bad things have happened before and we should do everything we can to ensure they don't happen again."
He encouraged Gen Zers to express their ideas on breathing new life into historic relics, with the aim of ensuring that these memories become part of present-day thinking.
Through stories, music and dance, Gen Zers breathed life into the relics in Henan Museum, retelling stories of the past. One of the invitees, Wang Licheng, 17, created a song related to the museum's cultural relics, after he went into various stories and explored the culture.
"I was inspired by the relics themselves and the accompanying information on the walls," Wang said. "I wasn't sure what everything meant. There were some expressions and characters I couldn't even understand, so I almost felt as though I wasn't fully Chinese."
Chen Shihua, a 17 year-old who is about to start her college life at Peking University, performed a dance from the show "Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting" that reinterprets the renowned artistic work "A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers".
"This performance showcased the aesthetic value and classical beauty of the Song Dynasty," Chen said. "The classical beauty of traditional China has a very important place in today's world. And its beauty needs to be cherished."
Zhang Yun, a graduate of the Communication University of China in Beijing and the author of the illustrated series "Guardian", talked about the inspiration of her creation, which presents the traditional culture of the Miao nationality in the form of paintings.
"This is a unique form of artistic expression that reflects the spiritual beliefs and philosophies of all ethnic groups in ancient China."
Zhang said she would like to further explore all kinds of traditional culture in China and to present it to young people from all over the world, hoping that through it they can better understand and appreciate Chinese culture.
Youth Power, organized by China Daily, aims to build a global platform for communication and exchange focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
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SOURCE China Daily; Youth Power | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/31/china-daily-series-youth-power-invites-gen-zers-bring-cultural-relics-life/ | 2022-07-31T12:33:36Z |
LOS ANGELES (KLAS/KTLA) — A Las Vegas man is wanted in connection with video-recorded incidents outside bars in California – which reportedly show him pepper-spraying women who turn down his sexual advances, the Costa Mesa Police Department says.
Johnny Young, 25, faces assault charges in Costa Mesa, Nevada, and police there have issued a statement asking for the public’s help in finding him.
Costa Mesa police said Young is “a self-described involuntary celibate (incel).” He confronted women outside bars and used vulgar and explicit language, and the incidents led to assaults with pepper spray, according to KTLA in Los Angeles. According to police, Young drives a Chevy cargo van with a green stripe that he refers to as his “rape van.”
KTLA spoke to victims of the incidents, who say they were waiting for an Uber outside a nightclub when a man, who they identified as Young, approached and asked to see their “private parts” before spraying at them.
Videos of the incidents were posted to Young’s social media accounts, police say.
Police say Young, whose last known address is in Las Vegas, has connections to L.A., Orange and San Diego counties.
Young is believed to be driving a white and green Chevy cargo van with no license plates. He’s described as being 6″ tall and between 180-190 pounds with long blond hair.
The term “incel” is a self-referential identifier by someone who is involuntarily celibate, Merriam-Webster explains. The concept emerged from internet forums like Reddit and is generally associated with younger men who have contempt for women, who they view as denying them sex.
Self-identified incels have been related to toxic online spaces, where groups are known to engage in misogynist dialogues. Incel culture has also been tied to men who have performed mass acts of violence, including in the U.S. and Canada, BBC explains.
If you have any information about these incidents or Young, you’re asked to contact Det. Erik Fricke at efricke@costamesaca.gov and/or (714) 754-4908, or Sgt. Jose Morales at (714) 754-4933. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/las-vegas-man-accused-in-pepper-spray-attacks-on-women-in-l-a-area/ | 2022-05-19T05:30:57Z |
Border Patrol: 8 migrants found dead in Rio Grande at Texas
(AP) - At least eight migrants were found dead in the Rio Grande after dozens attempted a hazardous crossing near Eagle Pass, Texas, officials said Friday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican officials made the discovery Thursday while responding to a large group of people crossing the river following days of heavy rains that had resulted in particularly swift currents. U.S. officials recovered six bodies, while Mexican teams recovered two others, according to a CBP statement.
The agency said U.S. crews rescued 37 others from the river and detained 16 more, while Mexican officials took 39 migrants into custody. Officials on both sides of the border continue searching for any possible victims, the CBP said.
CPD did not say what country or countries the migrants were from and did not provide any additional information on the rescue or search. Local agencies in Texas that were involved did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
The Border Patrol’s Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, is fast becoming the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Agents stopped migrants nearly 50,000 times in the sector in July, with Rio Grande Valley a distant second at about 35,000.
The area draws migrants from dozens of countries, many of them in families with young children. About 6 of 10 stops in the Del Rio sector were migrants from Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua.
The sector, which extends 245 miles (395 kilometers) along the Río Grande, has been especially dangerous because river currents can be deceptively fast and change quickly. Crossing the river can be challenging even for strong swimmers.
In a news release last month, CPD said it had discovered bodies of more than 200 dead migrants in the sector from October through July.
Surveys by the U.N. International Organization for Migration and others point to rising fatalities as the number of crossing attempts have soared. In the last three decades, thousands have died attempting to enter the United States from Mexico, often from dehydration or drowning.
In June, 53 migrants were found dead or dying in a tractor-trailer on a back road in San Antonio in the deadliest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico.
___
Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/03/us-border-patrol-8-migrants-die-trying-cross-rio-grande/ | 2022-09-03T02:38:47Z |
BRADENTON, Fla., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) is launching an industry-first collaborative recycling pilot program that focuses on consumer plastic packaging for engine oil and other petroleum-based products.
The NLCRC, comprised of members Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil - Quaker State, Graham Packaging, Plastipak Packaging, Berry Global, Chevron, and the Petroleum Packaging Council, is an industry-led technical coalition focused on developing a national market-sustaining program that drives the recovery and recycling of plastic packaging used to transport lubricants and related products for commercial and consumer use.
The recycling pilot is a one-year project involving over 40 locations in Atlanta, including retail stores and auto care centers, instant oil change locations, and several commercial facilities. The pilot aims to assess and measure the economic and market drivers for post-consumer recovery and recycling, better understand consumer waste disposal behaviors, and define parameters for model development and future scalability. Project partners include retail companies, commercial entities, Safety-Kleen, and Nexus Circular.
"One of the biggest waste management challenges facing the US is our ability to collect, sort, and process plastic packaging and return it to productive use. For contaminated packaging from petroleum and related materials, this isn't really happening. The pilot focuses on the heart of the problem – collection -- to find the most efficient ways to aggregate and transport the materials to processors that want them, creating value in a waste material that doesn't exist today." ~ Tristan Steichen, Director of NLCRC
Addressing a challenge as complex as this is not feasible for most individual companies, particularly given the complexities of distribution, supply chains, and competition. Transforming an industry requires collaboration with all stakeholders focusing on a common goal. The NLCRC seeks to represent a single voice of the industry. We aim to make an impact on the communities where our products are disposed while delivering meaningful results to the industry, its customers, and its member companies by reducing environmental and social risk and improving sustainability performance.
The National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition or "NLCRC" is an industry-led technical coalition established in 2021 by a committed consortium of lubricant manufacturers and associated plastic packaging manufacturers, focused on establishing solutions for post-consumer recovery and recycling of plastic lubricant containers.
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SOURCE NLCRC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/national-lubricant-container-recycling-coalition-announces-atlanta-lubricant-container-recycling-pilot/ | 2022-08-23T10:41:29Z |
NEW YORK, and LONDON, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Huma Therapeutics Limited, a leading global digital health company, has appointed Kaushik Gune as the company's new U.S. Head of Healthcare. Gune joins Huma to drive further commercial adoption of the company's digital health platforms in the U.S., specifically its 'Care at Home' platform for remote patient monitoring.
"Huma is transforming healthcare and research through its digital-first patient care platform, expanding access for patients, increasing capacity for clinical staff and delivering data insights for researchers and providers," said Gune. "I'm proud to be joining a team committed to transforming healthcare for all."
"Huma has established a strong track record working with more than 27 million patients across its platforms in the UK and across Europe - both in primary and secondary care," said Michael Macdonnell, SVP Healthcare and Global Head of Operations, Huma Therapeutics. "On the back of Huma's digital health partnership with AstraZeneca, as well as the coveted Prix Galien award, we are now taking our mission to provide digital-first care and research to the US market. Kaushik is the perfect leader for our expansion, combining strategic insight with the business know-how needed to bring our remote monitoring technology to millions of Americans."
Gune has held numerous senior leadership roles during his career with a focus on developing and advancing commercial products in the digital health market, most recently as VP of Digital Health & New Ventures at Smith+Nephew. Previously, he served as Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Innovative Health Diagnostics, where he led a diagnostic lab through a major growth phase managing finance, strategy and business development functions.
From a career spanning a range of business functions, Gune brings experience from Operations at United Airlines, Strategy & Commercial at McKinsey & Co and Finance at NuVasive. He holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Mumbai, an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an M.B.A. in Strategy & Finance from INSEAD.
About Huma
Huma Therapeutics is a global digital health company headquartered in the UK that advances digital-first care delivery and research to help people live longer, fuller lives. Huma's award-winning modular platforms are used by more than 3,000 hospitals and clinics, with 1.8 million active users. Huma's offering works across different disease areas and powers:
- 'Hospitals at Home'
- Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) solutions
- DCT platform to support digital or hybrid studies
Huma's platform has been shown to almost double clinical capacity, reduce readmissions by over a third, enable better diversity, participant retention and protocol adherence, whilst allowing trials to run within weeks. Please visit www.huma.com and follow us on LinkedIn at Huma
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SOURCE Huma | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/huma-appoints-kaushik-gune-head-us-healthcare-business-promote-adoption-digital-health-solutions/ | 2022-08-11T15:16:42Z |
SHENZHEN, China, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th Shenzhen Global Shenzhen Entrepreneurs Convention and Guangming Science City Conference kicked off on July 5, and gathered global scientists and leading entrepreneurs together to the southern Chinese city. They're invited to share their perspectives on how the Guangming Science City will embrace a bright future in terms of the innovation ecology, the research-enabled economy, the life science and health, and the digital economy.
Fan Jianping, academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences and director of Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology under Chinese Academy of Sciences, said in a keynote speech that Guangming Science city, supported by both the government and the market, is on track to become an innovation hub with large-scale science facilities, research institutes, universities and industrial parks.
To translate scientific exploration into industrial innovation, Guangming Science City has found a way to bridge the science with the market quickly. It is being built into a platform where innovative chain can be integrated with the industrial chain. It pioneered a model, the first of its kind in China, by holding innovation and business in one complex. The model helps bring the latest findings in upstairs labs directly to startups downstairs where their market feasibility and possibilities of mass production can be examined. Also, the researchers can be quickly informed when something needs to be fixed, thus substantially shortening the commercialization cycle and speeding up the science-enabled economy.
Guangming Science City, located in northern Shenzhen, will be built into a place to support a comprehensive national science center. It covers an area of 99 square kilometers and will be home to nine key science and technology facilities, 10 research institutes, two key labs at provincial level, and two research universities. Now, more than 3,000 high-quality researchers from over 150 innovation teams and over 20 academician-led groups are working in the City.
"We're going to embrace the opportunities of scientific and technological innovation," said Shang Yuanfang, president of Shenzhen Cellbri Bio-Innovation Technology Company. Shang spoke of how smart manufacturing empowers synthetic biology. Founded in February 2020, Cellbri is a leading biotech company in China specializing in producing the devices for cell and gene therapies.
Cellbri is one of many enterprises that grasped the opportunities brought by Guangming Science City. In the Guangming Investment Promotion Conference, held in Guangming District on July 6, a total of 200 Chinese companies inked 40 deals worth over 60 billion yuan. The contracts cover biopharma, new materials, smart manufacturing, new energy, scientific institute building and financial services.
Guangming District is home to over 78,000 businesses. It sees competitive industrial clusters of UHD video displays, new materials, and smart sensors. Among its star enterprises are China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT), BTR New Material Group, and Sunwoda, a battery manufacturer. The District looks set to build a hub of original innovation to develop science-empowered economy and lure global innovators. In recent years, the enterprises in the district grew by an average of 15.7 percent annually, making it one of the most vibrant and promising area in Shenzhen.
Owing to the industry cluster effect, upstream enterprises in the industrial chain have been attracted to the district. Hengmei Optoelectronic Corporation (HMO), signed in the conference to settle in the district, is an example. HMO, specializing in the development, manufacturing and marketing of polarizers, functional optical films and optical compensation films, is one of CSOT's suppliers. It plans to move into CSOT's industrial park to support CSOT's next-generation panels, according to HMO's business director Tan Zhimin. "Guangming is now seeing a cluster effect for UHD video display manufacturing. It offers favorable industrial policies that can help businesses reduce costs. That is why we're optimistic about the district's growth."
Top Precision Engineering (TPE), another signee, is attracted by Guangming's lures for top global talent. The Foshan-based machinery parts manufacturer, built in 2012, is considering to base its R&D headquarters in the district in order to develop cobots and human-machine interaction technologies. Guangming Science City is advantageous in promoting innovation and R&D, luring talent, boosting growth and offering industrial policy support, said TPE's vice general manager Wang Yangxi. "Guangming enjoys a remarkable ecological environment, and it is a platform by which our company can lure more talent," he added.
Guangming will roll out a package of policies to support the growth of its major industries. Priority will be given to bringing in outstanding businesses on the industrial chain, commercializing key scientific innovations, building professional platforms for public services, incubating innovative startups and bolstering good climate for tech industries. Public supporting services will also be put in place accordingly.
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SOURCE Guangming Science City | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/industry-empowered-by-science-guangming-science-city-lures-talent-globally/ | 2022-07-08T08:07:52Z |
Charming Changsha, center of culture and entertainment
Published: Sep. 15, 2022 at 11:31 PM CDT|Updated: 28 minutes ago
CHANGSHA, China, Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China SCIO:
Spend a day exploring Changsha, and discover its wondrous mixture of splendid traditional culture and exciting modern entertainment.
Charming Changsha, center of culture and entertainment
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SOURCE China SCIO
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/charming-changsha-center-culture-entertainment/ | 2022-09-16T04:59:38Z |
NEW YORK, June 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the common stock of Dentsply Sirona Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY) between June 9, 2021 and May 9, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 1, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Dentsply common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Dentsply class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6111 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 1, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants orchestrated a scheme to inflate Dentsply's revenue and earnings by manipulating its accounting for a distributor rebate program in order for senior executives to be eligible for significant cash and stock-based incentive compensation; (2) in order to facilitate this scheme, Dentsply and its executives made numerous false and misleading statements to investors during the Class Period; (3) accordingly, Dentsply's financial statements were not prepared in accordance with GAAP and SEC rules, and Dentsply's internal controls over financial reporting were deficient throughout the Class Period; and (4) as a result of defendants' misrepresentations, Dentsply's common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. As a result of the foregoing, When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Dentsply class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6111 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/19/rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-dentsply-sirona-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-xray/ | 2022-06-19T23:17:21Z |
Beyoncé has hailed this summer's liberation anthem with the release of her new single "Break My Soul" -- and its Black queer roots are undeniable.
The song's release earlier this week comes at the intersection of Juneteenth, Pride Month and Black Music month. A house track at its core, the song samples Robin S.'s 1993 hit "Show Me Love" and vocals from Black queer bounce icon Big Freedia.
House music is a form of electronic dance music developed in the early 1980s in Chicago that quickly spread throughout underground music scenes in cities like New York, Detroit and London.
The genre has also increasingly influenced mainstream music. In 1989, Queen Latifah released a rap-house song "Come into My House." Throughout the '90s, Crystal Water's "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" saw pop success as well as C+C Music Factory's blend of hip-hop and house, which produced classics such as "Gonna Make You Sweat" and "Just a "Touch of Love." Since the mid '00s, Grammy-winning producer Kaytranada has partnered with hip-hop and R&B artists.
Lesser known about house music is its roots in Black queer culture. It has been the soundtrack to Black queer nightlife as a liberating sanctuary.
The lyrics "Release your anger/Release your mind/Release your job/Release the tide/Release your trade/Release the stress/Release your love/Forget the rest," sang by Big Freedia, who was also featured in Beyoncé's 2016 song "Formation," encourage listeners to free themselves from the stresses of everyday life and instead embrace love and joy.
Miami University musicology professor Tammy Kernodle said house clubs provided a space for young Black and Latinx queer communities to let go of negativity. She equated nights at these clubs to a spiritual, judgment-free experience in which house music's hard-hitting bass, layered polyrhythms and beat drops created a sense of ecstasy among listeners.
"In terms of Black queer joy, these particular spaces and house music served as the kind of equivalent of church and gospel music," Kernodle said. "These spaces were spaces that helped individuals reclaim their humanity from not just white majority spaces that looked upon them in certain ways, but also the Black community that distanced them."
History of house
Known for its upbeat tempo, repetitive four-four rhythms and sampled vocals, house music is said to have gotten its name from an underground gay club in Chicago known as the Warehouse, a member-only club that opened in the late 1970s.
Clubs like the Warehouse provided a safe space for queer communities of color, who were excluded from white gay clubs while facing homophobia within their own racial and ethnic communities. DJs like Frankie Knuckles, known as the "godfather of house music," created an electrifying experience for the mostly Black and Latinx queer audiences who were able to let loose on the dancefloor and embrace community.
Knuckles, who came from New York to Chicago, exemplifies house music as a cultural dialogue between the two cities. In New York City, dance clubs like the Paradise Garage and the Loft preceded the Warehouse, providing a safe nightlife haven for queer youth of color to dance to the sounds curated by DJs like Larry Levan.
What differentiated clubs like the Warehouse from traditional nightclubs is that they were alcohol-free zones, instead serving juice and fruits, Kernodle said. Audiences were not under the influence of drugs and alcohol, rather they were intoxicated by the music.
House pioneer Jesse Saunders said house music really came to fruition as a genre in the early 1980s as more clubs like the Warehouse began to open and more straight Chicago youth from the Southside and other regions began coming to these spaces, sharing the music with the outside world. Saunders said even in a city as segregated as Chicago, house music clubs were spaces of unity that brought people of various racial backgrounds and sexual orientations together as the genre grew more popular.
"House music is universal, is the shared love of freedom, wanting to dance and not be crucified for it," Saunders said. "House music as a culture is one of acceptance, it breeds harmony."
An erased history
Relative to genres like rap and hip hop, Kernodle said house music is often omitted from conversations about Black DJ culture due to homophobia. Though house, rap and hip hop were all birthed from Jamaican dancehall and sound system culture coming to America, rap and hip hop became more palatable and revered based on how they presented images of Black masculinity that were deemed acceptable, she added.
London-based house DJ and record producer Kwame Safo, known by his stage name Funk Butcher, said house music has also largely been whitewashed and is often not affiliated with Black culture.
"Homophobia, in a mainstream sense, as a barrier to the commercial viability of a sound has impacted house probably greater than any other music genre because a lot of the mainstream music genres are selling something," Safo said. "They're selling an image to mainstream audiences."
Alongside "Break My Soul," Drake's new album, "Honestly, Nevermind," is also said to have house influences. With more mainstream artists creating house tracks and breaking into the genre, Saunders said house is being pushed forward and able to have more reach.
The song's lyric video amassed over seven million views in just a few days and was number one on the iTunes Top 100 Songs chart shortly following its release.
Safo said the success of "Break My Soul" comes as no surprise to those in the house community who've always known the potential of the genre. He also connects house music's Black queer roots to the genre's importance as a form of social commentary, highlighting the significance of Beyoncé singing about burnout and toxic hustle culture during a global pandemic that has afflicted everyone.
Hailed as the Great Resignation's anthem, there's a certain universality to "Break My Soul" that speaks to the larger universality of house music in creating an inclusive environment free from oppression.
In the underground gay clubs of metropolitan cities, queer communities of color laid the foundation for a genre synonymous with liberation that contemporary artists would later tap into to spread messages of hope and perseverance.
"Break My Soul" is the first single from Beyoncé's upcoming album "Renaissance," set to be released July 29. Kernodle noted that the title of the album, which means rebirth, is significant. We're not only in a Renaissance when it comes to the resurgence and mainstreaming of house music, but also a societal rebirth in light of so much loss throughout the pandemic in pursuit of a more inclusive world, she said.
"['Break My Soul'] is a larger message to us about freedom and reclamation and transcendence, that's at the heart of who we are as Black people and our music," Kernodle said. "I also believe [Beyoncé] is saying that also includes our queer brothers and sisters. We can't be free if we ain't all free."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/beyonc-s-break-my-soul-pays-homage-to-house-musics-black-queer-roots/article_5328a128-8942-5dc4-889d-e73302c38fcb.html | 2022-06-26T09:19:25Z |
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AKYN Hospitality Group has officially announced the agreement signing with Marriott International to bring Courtyard by Marriott brand to Quy Nhon, an up-and-coming coastal destination in south-central Vietnam. Scheduled to open in early 2025, Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon, developed by AKYN Hospitality Group, promises to bring a high-class experience with international standards for locals, domestic and foreign tourists.
Accentuating contemporary design that encompasses comfort and functionality, Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon features 362 guestrooms and suites with breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views. The hotel offers three contemporary dining outlets, including an all-day-dining restaurant, a café, and a lobby lounge.
Additional design plans call for a 25-meter outdoor pool, fitness center, a spa featuring private treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms and outdoor kids play area. Other facilities include 756 square meters of flexible function space, including a large ballroom and four breakout rooms ideal for every occasion.
For business executives, The Residence is a highly flexible area featuring working zones, intimate meeting rooms, seating clusters and personal booths, accompanied by printing stations and a F&B counter.
"We are pleased to work with AKYN Hospitality Group, an avant-garde, dynamic hospitality group with an international mindset and local cultural wisdom," said Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International. "Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect fit for Quy Nhon, an emerging market with strong potential. This hotel represents a major milestone in the advancement of our expansion strategy in Vietnam."
"We are proud to introduce the well-known Courtyard by Marriott brand to Binh Dinh province where we fully expect to become an important business and leisure hub in the years to come," added Tiffany Nguyen Thi Minh Thu, CEO of AKYN Hospitality Group.
Besides Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon, AKYN Hospitality Group is also cooperating with Marriott International in several projects including The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa) which will open in late 2022, a five-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and a resort in Phuoc Hai (Ba Ria-Vung Tau). "For the long-term strategy, AKYN orientates to develop high-class brands including hotels and resorts managed by global hospitality management groups and our own new reputed bespoke brand to add value to the personalized service and care offered throughout Da Lat and Ho Tram's properties. With good will, clear ambitions and strong commitment, I look forward to taking next steps towards our vision of unlocking new opportunities and delivering true hospitality to Vietnamese and global tourism industry," added Ms. Thu.
After the signing ceremony, AKYN Hospitality Group had its ground-breaking ceremony for Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon project on June 6, 2022 in Quy Nhon city.
About AKYN Hospitality Group
AKYN is an avant-garde, dynamic hospitality group with an international mindset and local cultural wisdom. The Secret Côn Đảo, which opened in August 2020, is the first hotel established and managed by AKYN Hospitality Group. AKYN orientates to develop a compelling portfolio of uniquely designed, distinctive brands to target different segments at attractive destinations in Vietnam such as Con Dao, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh, Phuoc Hai, Ho Tram and Ho Chi Minh City. Projects are being employed including hotels and resorts managed by global hospitality management groups and a new reputed bespoke brand established and operated directly by AKYN Hospitality Group.
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SOURCE AKYN HOSPITALITY GROUP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/akyn-hospitality-group-amp-marriott-international-sign-agreement-manage-operate-courtyard-by-marriott-quy-nhon/ | 2022-06-14T09:43:17Z |
Amazon warehouse injury rate last year was more than twice the rate of other warehouses, study finds
By Sara Ashley O’Brien, CNN Business
The rate of serious injuries at Amazon warehouses in the United States is more than twice as high as those at other, non-Amazon warehouses, according to a new study that examines injury data supplied to the federal agency that oversees workplace safety.
Amazon employed 33% of all US warehouse workers in 2021, but was responsible for 49% of all injuries in the industry, according to a report published Tuesday by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), a coalition of four labor unions.
The SOC, which is made up of Service Employees International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Communications Workers of America, and United Farmworkers of America, analyzed 2021 injury data that Amazon submitted to the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In 2021, there were 38,334 total recordable injuries at Amazon facilities, and among those, roughly 34,000 were considered serious injuries where the workers could no longer perform their regular jobs or had to miss work as a result.
According to the report, Amazon reported 6.8 serious injuries for every 100 of its warehouse workers. By comparison, other warehouses reported 3.3 serious injuries for every 100 workers, the report said. The injury rates are calculated as aggregates of rates at individual locations.
The SOC report comes amid increased attention to the workplace conditions inside Amazon’s facilities. Earlier this month, employees at an Amazon warehouse in New York City became the first to unionize in the country in its 27-year history. The union drive was catalyzed by tensions between Amazon and its warehouse workers during the unprecedented public health crisis, where some vocal workers and labor advocates expressed concern the company was prioritizing profits and productivity over safety.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s treatment of workplace safety is under a microscope in its home state of Washington, where the Department of Labor and Industries last month issued a rare “willful severe” citation and a $60,000 fine to Amazon for knowingly putting its workers at risk of serious injuries in violation of workplace safety laws. Amazon has said it strongly disagrees with the claims and plans to appeal the citation.
The latest SOC report follows a June 2021 report from the same group that examined similar data from 2017 to 2020 and also found Amazon warehouses to be more dangerous than other facilities.
The new report, which notes that injury rates remain higher at the company’s robotic warehouses than its non-robotic warehouses, found a notable decline in injuries in 2020 compared to the year prior. The report notes Amazon’s temporary easing of productivity tracking in the earlier months of the pandemic as a possible contributor.
In a statement regarding the SOC report, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company has hired “tens of thousands of additional people to help us meet the unforeseen demand from Covid-19.”
“Like other companies in the industry, we saw an increase in recordable injuries during this time from 2020 to 2021 as we trained so many new people — however, when you compare 2021 to 2019, our recordable injury rate declined more than 13% year over year,” said Nantel.
The SOC report shows that the injury rate last year is the second-highest in the company’s past five years, with the year 2019 recording the highest rate.
“While we still have more work to do and won’t be satisfied until we are excellent when it comes to safety, we continue to make measurable improvements in reducing injuries and keeping employees safe, and appreciate the work from all of our employees and safety teams who are contributing to this effort,” said Nantel.
A year ago, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos declared his desire to make Amazon the “Earth’s Safest Place to Work.” Amazon last year announced it would spend $300 million on safety-related projects, including the rollout of an initiative called WorkingWell to provide “physical and mental activities, wellness exercises, and healthy eating support that are scientifically proven to help them recharge and reenergize, and ultimately reduce the risk of injury.” WorkingWell, the company said, would help towards its goal of slashing recordable injury rates in half by 2025.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy demanding documents about company labor practices after six employees were killed in December while working at a distribution center in Illinois struck by a tornado. OSHA is also investigating the deaths at the facility and one of the families is suing the company.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/12/amazon-warehouse-injury-rate-last-year-was-more-than-twice-the-rate-of-other-warehouses-study-finds/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:55Z |
The Pay-In-4 installment loan offered through the iCreditWorks Platform expands its broad offering of loan products to include a short-term, four-payment, 0% APR1 option.
ISELIN, N.J., Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iCreditWorks, a fast-growing FinTech platform, announced today the addition of Pay-In-4, a short-term, 0% APR installment loan to the broad suite of Point-of-Sale financing products available through the platform.* The Pay-In-4 loan is paid by the consumer in four equal installments2—the first payment equal to 25% of the loan is due at origination via debit card—and requires no hard credit check.
"With Pay-in-4, we now offer a full suite of financing options to consumers through our unrivaled mobile app experience. Our platform presents the most beneficial loan offers to applicants across the entire credit spectrum in seconds," says Scott Young, Chief Executive Officer of iCreditWorks. "Loan offers now range from a short-term, Pay-in-4 loan for as little as $100, to a 60-month3 standard installment loan of $20,000--all with high approval rates."
The appeal of this product to the healthcare consumer is clear—it's a valuable alternative payment option that involves no accumulation of credit card interest and a path to repayment in just 6 weeks. This is particularly beneficial in the dental sector, where affordability is the number one barrier to treatment acceptance and the dental provider is often required to extend short duration unsecured "in-office" payment plans to assist the patient in accepting care.
"With the introduction of the Pay-In-4 loan, we continue to focus on presenting only responsible financing options that allow more consumers to say 'YES' to care," says Cristian Mandachescu, Chief Risk Officer.
Offering only responsible and transparent loan products through the iCreditWorks Platform allows consumers to pay for the care they deserve. Pay-In-4 loans will be available through all providers participating in the iCreditWorks Program.
*All loans issued by WebBank
1APR means Annual Percentage Rate. 2For example, a $400 loan payable in 4 equal installments, at 0% APR, will have $100 for each payment. 3For example, a $1,000 loan for 24 months with an APR of 15.99% will have a payment of $48.96.
About iCreditWorks
iCreditWorks leverages innovative technology and mobility to deliver an omnichannel platform experience that provides access to a broad suite of "Point-Of-Sale" (POS) financing products, empowering consumers to take control of their financing. The first-of-its-kind iCreditWorks native mobile App delivers a simple, seamless, and secure financing experience that redefines the consumer journey.
To learn more about the Company, please visit www.icreditworks.com.
iCreditWorks
Rich Groves
SVP – Professional Affairs
(201) 450-4268
rich.groves@icreditworks.com
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SOURCE iCreditWorks | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/icreditworks-announces-addition-pay-in-4-installment-loan-its-broad-point-of-sale-product-suite/ | 2022-08-09T15:53:31Z |
Dose optimization prepares the Company for its next phase of Bryostatin clinical development
Company expects to announce topline data from its NIH sponsored Phase 2 clinical study during the fourth quarter of 2022
NEW YORK, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptogenix, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPX) ("Synaptogenix" or the "Company"), an emerging biopharmaceutical company developing regenerative therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders, announced today, in preparation for its next phase of Bryostatin clinical development, the dosing of its first patient in the Company's open-label dose optimization clinical trial.
Synaptogenix's therapeutic lead drug to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), Bryostatin, recently showed a statistically significant improvement in the treatment group that was not observed in the placebo group in two pilot, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trials. (Thompson et al., JAD 2022). In the current 6-month trial, enrollment is complete and clinical testing is proceeding toward conclusion. The Company expects to announce topline data from its National Institutes of Health ("NIH") - sponsored, Phase 2b clinical trial of Bryostatin-1 for patients suffering from advanced and moderately severe AD during the fourth quarter of 2022.
"While the current dosing has been found to produce clear cognitive improvement over baseline, the Company has planned a dose-ranging study to optimize the extent and duration of benefits. With the encouraging data reported in our recent article, we want to be well positioned to conduct a registration study and to enter the clinic as soon as possible," stated Dr. Daniel Alkon, President and Chief Scientific Officer.
Alan Tuchman M.D., the Company's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We continue to believe Bryostatin is uniquely positioned to target synaptic loss and are looking forward to announcing a read out of our Phase 2 topline data later this year."
Synaptogenix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that has historically worked to develop novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Synaptogenix has conducted clinical and preclinical studies of its lead therapeutic candidate, Bryostatin-1, in Alzheimer's disease. Preclinical studies have also demonstrated Bryostatin's regenerative mechanisms of action for the rare disease, Fragile X syndrome, and for other neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Synaptogenix for Bryostatin-1 as a treatment for Fragile X syndrome. Bryostatin-1 has already undergone testing in more than 1,500 people in cancer studies, thus creating a large safety data base that will further inform clinical trial designs. Additional information about Synaptogenix, Inc. may be found on its website: www.synaptogen.com .
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Phase 2 clinical trial of Bryostatin-1 and further studies, and continued development of use of Bryostatin-1 for AD and other cognitive diseases. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. There can be no assurance that the clinical program for Bryostatin-1 will be successful in demonstrating safety and/or efficacy, that we will not encounter problems or delays in clinical development, or that Bryostatin-1 will ever receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Additional factors that may influence or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain adequate financing, the significant length of time associated with drug development and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's patent portfolio, the Company's inability to expand its business, significant government regulation of pharmaceuticals and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, availability of the Company's raw materials, existing or increased competition, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's failure to implement its business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact information:
Investors and Media
800-811-5591
ir@synaptogen.com
Robert Weinstein
Chief Financial Officer
Synaptogenix, Inc.
rweinstein@synaptogen.com
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SOURCE Synaptogenix, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/synaptogenix-advances-dosing-first-patient-dose-optimization-clinical-trial-preparation-nih-sponsored-phase-2-alzheimers-disease-trial-data/ | 2022-07-20T13:59:11Z |
CHICAGO, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AACC welcomed thousands of medical professionals and healthcare leaders to the 2022 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo from July 24-28. The meeting featured groundbreaking diagnostic advances that will solve challenging patient health problems, and affirmed just how essential laboratory medicine professionals are to patient safety and care.
As of Wednesday, July 27, nearly 17,000 laboratory medicine professionals had registered for the meeting—a clear sign that meeting attendance has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. More attendees are expected today, the last day of the meeting.
A major highlight of the conference program was an in-depth discussion with Theranos whistleblowers Erika Cheung and Tyler Shultz about their efforts to reveal Theranos' fraud and protect patients. The session offered a vivid lesson in the standards of ethics and accountability at work within the profession.
Attendees also had the chance to see five plenary talks presented by life sciences pioneers.
In the opening keynote, Dr. Lucila Ohno-Machado discussed performance measures that may help clinicians select precision medicine artificial intelligence models for routine use.
Monday's plenary speaker, Dr. George Church—winner of AACC's 2022 Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award—focused on combining machine learning with multiplexing and how this is the key to unlocking the treasure chest of genomic technologies.
In Tuesday's plenary, Dr. Alysson Muotri explored brain organoids, which have been used to model the neurotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2 and provide insight into organogenesis and neurotoxicology.
On Wednesday, Dr. Thomas Lee described a three-component model for building trust between patients and the healthcare workforce.
In today's closing keynote, Dr. Livia Schiavinato Eberlin presented on the development and application of direct mass spectrometry techniques used in clinical microbiology labs, clinical pathology labs, and the operating room.
As part of AACC's Disruptive Technology Award competition, biotech innovators presented novel technologies that could help more patients get accurate diagnoses. Nanopath won with its solid-state biosensing platform, which provides clinically actionable genetic information in less than 15 minutes and could greatly improve routine women's health screening at the point of care.
The 2022 AACC Clinical Lab Expo also featured 781 exhibitors and covered 246,700 net square feet. This dynamic exhibit featured cutting-edge tests from all laboratory medicine disciplines, including COVID-19 testing, artificial intelligence, mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point of care, and automation.
"We are thrilled to see the laboratory medicine and in vitro diagnostic community back in full force at the 2022 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting," said AACC CEO Mark J. Golden. "Laboratory medicine professionals have had a challenging two-plus years providing the testing that is crucial to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and this meeting has been a vital opportunity for them to share lessons learned from this experience. It has also given our attendees the chance to look beyond the pandemic and prepare the field for the future. This year's AACC Annual Scientific Meeting showcased inspiring advances, and I am excited to see what next year's meeting will bring."
The 2023 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo will be held in Anaheim, California from July 23-27, 2023.
About the 2022 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offers 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from July 24-28. Plenary sessions will explore artificial intelligence-based clinical prediction models, advances in multiplex technologies, human brain organogenesis, building trust between the public and healthcare experts, and direct mass spectrometry techniques.
At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo, more than 750 exhibitors will fill the show floor of the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to COVID-19 testing, artificial intelligence, mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point-of-care, and automation.
About AACC
Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, AACC brings together more than 70,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit www.aacc.org.
Christine DeLong
AACC
Senior Manager, Communications & PR
(p) 202.835.8722
cdelong@aacc.org
Molly Polen
AACC
Senior Director, Communications & PR
(p) 202.420.7612
(c) 703.598.0472
mpolen@aacc.org
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SOURCE AACC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/theranos-whistleblowers-experts-artificial-intelligence-genomic-sequencing-draw-nearly-17000-attendees-2022-aacc-annual-scientific-meeting/ | 2022-07-28T17:11:39Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FC Bayern and Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile's parent company) have agreed to an early extension of their successful 20-year partnership until 2027. The two partners will continue to delight fans of the German record champions with innovative services and offers.
Oliver Kahn, FC Bayern CEO: "We're very happy that Deutsche Telekom has been at FC Bayern's side for 20 years. Telekom stands for innovation in a multimedia world, for innovation, for being forward-thinking. Together we have already experienced a unique success story. Our aim is to continue to set standards in sport and beyond - and we have succeeded once again with this contract extension."
Andreas Jung, FC Bayern board member responsible for marketing: "FC Bayern has always relied on partnerships that represent reliability and continuity. Our cooperation with Deutsche Telekom is a perfect example of this. We're glad that we'll continue to have this partner at our side, which gives us important certainty in our planning. Moreover, as we have done for the last 20 years, we'll continue to develop new and exciting ways of delighting our fans together."
Michael Hagspihl, Senior Vice President Global Strategic Projects and Marketing Partnerships at Deutsche Telekom: "FC Bayern Munich and Deutsche Telekom have written an amazing success story in the last 20 years. We're very proud of these joint successes and the many milestones. Thanks to the enormous media presence, innovative energy and the effects of that, our partnership is worth many times over what we put into it together."
Telekom will continue to have exclusive access to content from the club, which the company offers to its customers via FC Bayern.tv on MagentaTV. The central aims of the partnership are the effective support of brand and product communication as well as the successful implementation of sales-supporting measures. Since 2002, the telecommunications company has been present as the main sponsor on shirts and advertising boards at the Allianz Arena, among other things. Numerous joint projects and innovations have accompanied the simultaneous rise of both brands to globally successful players. These include exciting fan campaigns and the creation of a unique multimedia experience, 'StadiumVision'. In addition, 'FC Bayern.tv live' was the first 24-hour television channel dedicated to a German football club. And with 5G mobile technology coverage across the whole of the Allianz Arena, Telekom once again set standards.
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SOURCE FC Bayern Munich | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/over-20-years-partnership-fc-bayern-telekom-t-mobile-extend-until-2027/ | 2022-08-15T18:58:32Z |
Dad aims to stop bullying by holding ‘kindness’ signs outside daughter’s school
UXBRIDGE, Mass. (WCVB) – A father in Massachusetts is dedicated to sending positive messages at his daughter’s school.
For the past week, Stephen Mandile has been standing in front of Whitin Middle School holding a homemade sign that reads, “Choose kindness always.”
Although the sign is simple, Mandile’s mission is not.
“That feeling of, you know, the world’s kind of beating you down and you’re looking for a little ray of hope, that’s all we’re trying to do,” Mandile said.
He’s now known to students as “the kindness guy” and has even brought teachers to tears.
Mandile’s daughter Jessica said bullying has recently gotten out of hand at the school, and her dad’s positive messages nearly bring her to tears.
Fellow parents are also feeling the love.
“[The students] have a hard day sometimes. So, if they see something positive, it’s good for them,” parent Renee Smith said.
Mandile said he has talked to the school’s principal about other ways to help, and he now has plans to read to students as well.
“We believe, you know, being kind, you can never make a mistake doing that, it’s always the right choice,” Mandile said.
Copyright 2022 WCVB via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/30/dad-aims-stop-bullying-by-holding-kindness-signs-outside-daughters-school/ | 2022-05-30T16:28:14Z |
New Pringles® Wavy Chipotle Ranch delivers the perfect blend of spicy and cool, available only at Walgreens
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The flavor masters at Pringles® are satisfying the nation's latest craving — spicy and sweet combinations — this time heating up its fan-favorite, Pringles® Ranch.
Introducing new, limited-time Pringles Wavy Chipotle Ranch, the perfect pairing of smoky chipotle heat and creamy, zesty ranch packed into one crunchy crisp. Each bite boasts a thick, wavy texture to deliver a craveable, extra bold crunch. Whether snackers are craving the spicy and simultaneously sweet taste of Pringles Wavy Chipotle Ranch while road tripping, backyard barbequing or pool lounging, these new crisps pack the flavor for any summer outing.
"We're always listening to what our fans crave and pride ourselves on delivering insanely accurate flavor combinations in a single crisp," said Mauricio Jenkins, U.S. marketing lead for Pringles. "These new crisps boast the perfect balance of spicy and sweet with flavor first and heat second, all while providing Pringles Ranch devotees and snackers alike with a new way to experience this classic bite."
Pringles Wavy Chipotle Ranch will be available for a limited time only at Walgreens stores nationwide beginning in late May, while supplies last. For more information, follow @Pringles on your favorite social media platform to keep up with the latest fun and food news.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2021 were nearly $14.2 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods, and noodles. As part of our Kellogg's® Better Days ESG strategy, we're addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com.
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SOURCE Kellogg Company | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/pringles-taps-into-nations-latest-flavor-craze-spicy-sweet-combinations/ | 2022-06-06T12:46:27Z |
Newborn found in bushes wrapped in a T-shirt outside Texas apartment complex, police say
Published: Aug. 19, 2022 at 11:36 AM EDT|Updated: 13 minutes ago
WAXAHACHIE, Tx. (Gray News) – A newborn baby was found in the bushes outside an apartment complex in Texas on Thursday.
The Waxahachie Police Department said officers found the baby boy wrapped in a T-shirt around 8:30 a.m.
The infant was treated by medical staff and taken to a hospital where he is doing well, according to police.
Authorities said the newborn is in the custody of Child Protection Services.
The juvenile mother of the child has been identified but police have not released her name.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/19/newborn-found-bushes-wrapped-t-shirt-outside-texas-apartment-complex-police-say/ | 2022-08-19T15:50:47Z |
Todd Thibodeaux uses ChannelCon 2022 state of the industry remarks to unveil CompTIA's Project Agora; invites broad industry participation in the effort to fight for tech talent
CHICAGO, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce, is undertaking an expansive effort to create the most resource-rich source of information and support for anyone interested in starting, staying and succeeding in a career in technology.
CompTIA President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux revealed the association's Project Agora during his state of the industry remarks at ChannelCon 2022.
"The goal of Project Agora is to create the most respected place to start, build and supercharge your tech career," he said. "With amazing resources and broad support from our members, partners and industry Project Agora will help people find success in the tech workforce."
The labor market is in a period of unprecedented transition, characterized in large part by the volume of frictional unemployment as individuals search for, or transition from one job to another. One in four US workers were actively seeking a new job or pursuing other career options during Q2 2022, CompTIA research reveals.1 While tech is among the top five industries job seekers were considering, it ranked behind several other sectors, including sales, real estate, healthcare, hospitality and finance. A lack of confidence in technical skills, concerns about the cost and the time it will take to learn those skills and perceptions about the tech industry culture are factors that contribute to reluctance to consider tech as a career option.
"Our challenge is to convert more career intent people to tech intent," Thibodeaux said. "We need to tell better stories, more consistently, about how truly great it is to work in tech. The way we get the talent we need is by fighting for it."
Project Agora will help in that effort, first by enabling individuals to explore in great depth tech jobs and careers. CompTIA has identified 30 different job roles covering 90% of tech employment. The next step is creating resources to engage users and convert them from career intent to tech intent. Thibodeaux issued a call to action for the industry to get involved in this effort to build the best, most comprehensive collection of tech career resources available anywhere.
"Confidence gaps, career transition gaps and reskilling gaps are not insurmountable barriers but rather opportunities to chart a new course for individuals and the companies that employ them," Thibodeaux concluded. "Project Agora is all about unlocking potential, for the industry, and for millions of people we want and need working in it,"
Organizations interested in getting involved in Project Agora can contact CompTIA at action5@comptia.org
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world's economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for unlocking the potential of the tech industry and its workforce. https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
+1 630-678-8468
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SOURCE CompTIA | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/comptia-ceo-outlines-bold-initiative-create-preeminent-destination-start-build-supercharge-career-tech/ | 2022-08-03T15:17:10Z |
Timken Co. marks 100 years of dividends, continuing strategy to grow, diversify
JACKSON TWP. – The streaks run 100, nine and 13 years, and point to the Timken Co.'s ongoing success.
For 100 years now, Timken has paid a quarterly dividend to shareholders. The 400th consecutive dividend will be paid June 2 to shareholders of record on May 16.
The dividend amount has increased over the past nine years. The company will pay 31 cents per share this year, up from 30 cents per share last year.
More:Timken reports record 1st quarter, credits product demand and higher pricing
The dividends are possible, in part, because of the company's growth through acquisition. Timken is in the process of closing a deal to purchase Spinea, a Slovakian company that makes gears used in robotics. The deal marks 13 consecutive years with an acquisition.
"Year in and year out is really remarkable," Phil Fracassa, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said of Timken's streak paying and increasing dividends.
The company's growth strategy, which relies on acquisitions, has helped to keep the dividend streak going, Fracassa said during a telephone conversation last week.
Timken Co. dividend streak puts it in elite company
Timken has paid a dividend every quarter since the company went public and was first listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1922.
It is among a select group of companies to pay dividends for 100 consecutive years. Tracking an exact count has been a challenge, company officials said. But the handful of notables includes Coca-Cola, Eli Lilly, General Mills and Proctor & Gamble.
"There's no better testament to the Timken Co.'s enduring value and strength than paying a dividend every quarter for 100 straight years," Chairman John M. Timken Jr. said in a prepared statement. "Very few companies share this distinction, and Timken is poised to continue building on its century of achievements as a public company and creating sustainable value for all of our stakeholders."
Richard G. Kyle, president and chief executive officer, added that the string of dividends "reflects the strength and resiliency of our business model and the steadfast demand for Timken products and technology."
Diversify product line, customer base
The company's strategy has been to grow by diversifying its product line and customer base. That is done by investing in the business to drive growth.
More:Timken Co. adds Slovakian company specializing in parts for robotic machinery
The pending deal with Spinae, announced on April 29, follows the strategy, Fracassa said.
It's a meaningful move into the robotics sector where Timken already has a position, Fracassa said. Robotic equipment relies on precision bearings made by the company. Meanwhile, Cone Drive, which Timken bought in 2018, supplies gears used in robotic equipment.
The cycloidal reduction gears made by Spinea complement the harmonic gearing made by Cone Drive and are used in different spots on a robotic machine. Two other acquisitions — Rollon and iMS — make robotic transfer units, further tying Timken to the segment.
"We have a more complete package to bring customers in that sector," Fracassa said.
Bearings remain the core
The acquisitions made by Timken over the past 13 years all have been tied to the core business of producing precision bearings.
Having a strong product that fits Timken's technology is a key factor when making an acquisition, Fracassa said. Timken will work to move the product into the global market and provide aftermarket service, he said.
Acquisition efforts were disrupted, but not stopped, by the coronavirus pandemic. Timken hopes to close on the Spinea purchase within a few weeks. It would be great if the company can manage one more acquisition this year, Fracassa said.
Several of the acquisitions have been in Europe, and that remains a possibility, Fracassa said. "We are open to looking anywhere to find a really good business."
The strategy has helped Timken manage the pandemic and related problems that have developed.
Just like other companies, Timken has faced challenges with the labor force, supply chain logistics and inflation. There also is lost business because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and disruptions to the supply chain because of coronavirus outbreaks in China.
Timken is working through the challenges, Fracassa said, noting the strong first quarter results and margins. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2022/05/17/timken-co-hits-100-years-dividends-maintaining-growth-strategy/9708906002/ | 2022-05-17T12:57:19Z |
Parkland trial a rare, curtailed look at mass shooting gore
By TERRY SPENCER
Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Few Americans outside law enforcement ever see the most graphic videos or photos from the nation’s worst mass shootings. In most states, such evidence is only displayed at trial and most such killers die during their attacks. They never make it to court. That makes the penalty phase in the trial over the 2018 murders of 17 at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School unusual. Images of the horrific aftermath are being shown in court, but only to jurors, and to a small group of journalists. Some people believe the public should see such images also, so they can understand the carnage AR-15s and similar guns cause. Others say that would cause emotional harm to the victims’ families and perhaps stoke future mass shootings. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/07/31/parkland-trial-a-rare-curtailed-look-at-mass-shooting-gore/ | 2022-07-31T15:40:16Z |
Statement from Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, CEO and President of the Annenberg Foundation on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II:
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "The world has lost an extraordinary leader today — a woman who truly carried the past into the present, and sustained the monarchy for our time and for all time. My family and I join the Royal Family and the United Kingdom in mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, a remarkable head of state who was the epitome of grace and dignity and decency — a steady hand on the wheel of a world so often in turmoil. Since the days when my father served as the ambassador to the Court of St. James's, the Windsors and the Annenbergs have hosted each other, and engaged deeply in philanthropic works together. Queen Elizabeth did so much more than make history in her 96 years. She herself was a great chapter in the world's history. One we will be mourning and celebrating for many years to come."
Chairman of the Board, President & CEO
ANNENBERG.ORG
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SOURCE The Annenberg Foundation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/wallis-annenberg-statement-passing-queen-elizabeth-ii/ | 2022-09-08T21:47:13Z |
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands and the territory's ports director were arrested Thursday in Miami on charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering, according to a criminal affidavit filed in the US District Court's Southern District of Florida.
Premier Andrew Alturo Fahie and BVI Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Pickering Maynard were arrested at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, the affidavit says. Maynard's son Kadeem Stephan Maynard was also arrested, it says.
Fahie and the Maynards are being held on charges of conspiracy to import 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to launder money, the affidavit says.
CNN has been unable to determine if any of them have attorneys.
The affidavit alleges that beginning on or about October 16, 2021, a confidential source with the US Drug Enforcement Administration had several meetings with "a group of self-proclaimed Lebanese Hezbollah operatives ... who stated that they had business ties to South Florida and the Middle East." Those meetings took place on the Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, the complaint alleges.
Throughout those meetings, the confidential source asked the group to help facilitate the use of Tortola as a temporary storage port for cocaine transported from Colombia by boat and destined for the United States, it says. The source's plan would also have included laundering of the drug proceeds.
The British Virgin Islands is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean, to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands are part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, alongside the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.
According to the affidavit, the group agreed to introduce the source to senior members of the British Virgin Islands government who could offer protection, for a price. A member of the group said he would approach the head of Fahie's security staff and set up a meeting. A group member also claimed that he "owned" Oleanvine Maynard, according to the affidavit.
Last month, the source met with both Oleanvine Maynard and her son Kadeem to iron out how the operation would work and the roles that they and Fahie would play, the affidavit says.
On April 7, 2022, the source went to Tortola and met with the Maynards, then they all met with Fahie, the affidavit says. During a long drive to the meeting, Fahie allegedly complained to the source that "the British didn't pay him much," the affidavit says.
The source told Fahie that he worked for people in Mexico, and they wanted use of the ports in Tortola for free passage of 3,000 kilograms of cocaine at a time. The cocaine, which would come from Colombia, would pass through the BVI, then Puerto Rico on its way to Miami and New York, the source told them, according to the affidavit.
The source proposed a percentage of the cocaine sales in the US as payment for their involvement in helping pass the drugs through the BVI ports. The payment amount offered was 12% of the expected sale price in Miami, which Fahie estimated to be more than $7.8 million. Fahie allegedly requested $500,000 upfront and an additional $83,000 he needed to pay back a debt he owed to someone in Senegal, according to the affidavit. The source also offered to fund Fahie's re-election campaign, and asked to help choose Fahie's eventual successor to the premiership.
The parties agreed to do a 3,000 kilogram test run, which would be followed by 3,000 kilograms coming through the island two or three times a month for the next four months, the affidavit alleges.
According to the affidavit, the parties set in motion a plan for the source to leave $700,000 in cash on a private jet at the Miami-Opa Locka airport that would be retrieved by Oleanvine Maynard and an unknown individual and flown back to the BVI. Kadeem Maynard also brokered a side deal with the source where he would receive 60 kilograms of cocaine a week to sell, the affidavit alleges. He was also responsible for making sure the jet with the $700,000 from Miami would be allowed to land in the BVI with no issues, it states.
An arrest made
On April 28, Fahie and the source went to a plane at the airport in Opa-Locka, where the source showed him $700,000 in cash that was for him and Oleanvine Maynard. The money was in designer shopping bags, the affidavit says. As Fahie exited the plane after seeing the money, he was taken into custody.
Later that morning Oleanvine Maynard was brought to the same airport and plane and showed the $700,000, the affidavit says. The source gave her $200,000 and told her that was her payment and that the rest of the money was for Fahie. He assured her the money would be packaged and hidden before the flight. As she exited the plane, she was also arrested.
The affidavit does not outline where Kadeem Maynard was arrested.
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin, who is the territory's de facto head of state, announced the arrest of Fahie.
"It is my duty as Governor to inform you that this morning the Honourable Premier Fahie was detained in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering," Rankin said in a news release.
Rankin, who is a British diplomat, was appointed by the Queen on the advice of the British government. In his statement, Rankin said the US government informed the British government of the arrest, which was part of a DEA-led operation.
"I realise this will be shocking news for people in the Territory. And I would call for calm at this time," Rankin said.
Deputy Premier Natalio Wheatley will remain Acting Premier of the Territory, he said. Wheatley was put into place as Acting Premier while Fahie was out of the country. According to a news release by his office, Fahie was in Miami for the annual SeaTrade Summit.
CNN has reached out to the British Virgin Islands government for more information.
In a statement obtained by CNN, Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she was appalled by the serious allegations against Fahie.
"This afternoon, the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Andrew Fahie, was arrested in the United States on charges related to drugs trafficking and money laundering," her statement said. "I am appalled by these serious allegations."
Truss also referenced an anti-corruption inquiry unrelated to the DEA investigation.
"This arrest demonstrates the importance of the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry. I have spoken to the Governor of the BVI and he will be holding an emergency meeting of the Territory's Cabinet later today. He will set out next steps tomorrow, including urgent publication of the Inquiry's report," she added.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration said in a statement the arrest should send a "clear message" to anyone bringing drugs into the country.
"Anyone involved with bringing dangerous drugs into the United States will be held accountable, no matter their position. Today is yet another example of DEA's resolve to hold corrupt members of government responsible for using their positions of power to provide a safe haven for drug traffickers and money launderers in exchange for their own financial and political gain," DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/british-virgin-islands-premier-and-port-authority-director-arrested-on-drug-and-money-laundering-charges/article_8b4f0347-d470-5504-9770-52d9ac6ddcdb.html | 2022-04-29T07:35:34Z |
MSBA celebrates Amy Lorenzini appointment to St. Mary's County Circuit Court & Randolph Sergent designation to serve as Chair of the Maryland Healthcare Commission
BALTIMORE, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) applauds the recent nominations of Amy Lorenzini to the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County and Randolph Sergent to Chair the Maryland Healthcare Commission.
In 1896, the MSBA was founded by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland, James McSherry. During the last 125 years, MSBA members and leaders have ascended to prominent roles in business, politics, judiciary, academia, and more. Recently, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden selected MSBA President-Elect Erek Barron to serve as U.S. Attorney for Maryland.
Natalie McSherry, President of the MSBA, released the following statement:
"The MSBA congratulates Amy Lorenzini and Randolph Sergent on their recent nominations to serve on the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County and appointment to serve as Chair of the Maryland Healthcare Commission, respectively. Both individuals are perfect examples of top-achieving MSBA leaders serving in prominent positions in our community. We are proud to work with the best and brightest in the Maryland legal profession and strive to continue our tradition of elevating key leaders to the highest roles."
Amy Lorenzini has been an attorney with the Prince Frederick firm of Cumberland & Erly, LLC, for the past 17 years, serving as managing partner for the past eight years. Ms. Lorenzini has a general practice that includes a variety of civil and criminal circuit court litigation. She has been regularly appointed by the court to represent individuals in guardianship matters, children in adoption and custody matters, and military personnel.
Randolph S. Sergent, is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where he has been employed since 2010. Prior to joining CareFirst, Mr. Sergent was a partner at Venable, LLP. Mr. Sergent also has served in the Maryland Attorney General's Office as Deputy Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Commissioner and as Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Litigation Division.
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SOURCE Maryland State Bar Association | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/maryland-state-bar-association-leaders-members-continue-ascend-important-positions-business-government-judiciary/ | 2022-05-17T19:26:11Z |
New Collaborative Pushing to Make the Business World More Inclusive
JACKSON, Miss., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly formed organization wants to change the face of the business world. Eight business schools and one industry leader make up the new board of directors of the Business School Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Collaborative. It recognizes the importance of DEI in higher education and the business world and wants to serve as a robust resource for academics and businesspeople to increase opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. The organization seeks even more members to make an even bigger impact.
"Twenty-seven years ago, when we founded The PhD Project, there was nothing like this," says board member Bernard J. Milano, the retired former president at KPMG Foundation and The PhD Project. "I'm thrilled to see business schools stepping up like this."
The seed for the DEI Collaborative was planted in 2016 when a group of business school administrators, faculty and staff first came together to create the SEC Business School Diversity Conference. With support from industry leaders in the DEI space such as The PhD Project, EY, and Sage Publishing, the group has grown and is expanding its reach across the United States. It hopes to contribute to a more consistent approach to DEI as a way to ensure a thriving culture that prepares future business leaders for the modern workplace.
"We realized pretty quickly that by coming together, we were able to make a greater impact at our own schools," says board member Angela R. Guidry of Louisiana State University. "Everyone continued to network throughout the year and began sharing ideas and building off each other's energy. We saw that we needed to develop a more permanent resource."
The DEI Collaborative held its first official conference as the new organization in March, hosted by the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. More than 80 attendees gathered in person and virtually to network and grow their skills around the theme, "Building World-Class Diversity Practitioners." Representatives from 33 schools and 12 businesses and nonprofits attended sessions over three days.
"I learned more in those few days than I could ever pick up on my own," says board member Mike Breazeale of Mississippi State University.
Planning is underway for next year's conference, which will take place March 8 through 10, 2023, and will be hosted by the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Membership is open to all business schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
The initial board of directors of the DEI Collaborative is made up of the following:
- Chair, Danielle Beu Ammeter, University of Mississippi
- Vice-Chair, Angela R. Guidry, Louisiana State University
- Treasurer, Clarence Vaughn, University of Tennessee
- Secretary, Scott Kelley, University of Kentucky
- Marketing / Social Media Chair, Mike Breazeale, Mississippi State University
- Conference Co-Ambassador, Barbara Lofton, University of Arkansas
- Conference Co-Ambassador, Sonja Wiley, Louisiana State University
And members:
- Bernard J. Milano, retired former president at KPMG Foundation and The PhD Project
- Ann Tasby, Texas Christian University
- Robert Thomas, University of Florida
About the Business School DEI Collaborative
Founded on June 1, 2022, the Business School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Collaborative advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in higher education through hosting conferences to discuss best practices and programs, granting awards, and serving as a resource for educators and businesspeople who are interested in increasing the opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.
For more information about membership, conferences or participating in any way, visit https://www.businessschooldeicollab.com/.
Media Contact:
Dr. Mike Breazeale
601-316-2134
mbreazeale@business.msstate.edu
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SOURCE Business School DEI Collaborative | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/business-schools-industry-join-forces-address-diversity/ | 2022-07-26T22:30:20Z |
FREMONT, Calif., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Linear Integrated Systems, Inc., a world-class designer and manufacturer of precision, high-performance, small-signal discrete semiconductors, announced the release of its 2022 Small Signal Discrete Data Book.
The 2022 Linear Systems Small Signal Discrete Semiconductor Data Book provides detailed information on the full range of the company's parts, including a product selection guide and data sheets. "These components are world leaders in their respective classes, and this data book represents the most complete presentation of them to date," Linear Systems President Timothy S. McCune said. Download the Data Book
"This new edition of our data book provides important updated information on the components companies around the world rely upon to make industry-leading products," McCune said. "We've made this resource concise, easy to use and complete. This data book will be an important tool for designers building advanced analog signal chains."
Products included in the 2022 Linear Systems Data Book:
- N-Channel and P-Channel Single and Dual JFETs
- Low Leakage Single and Dual Diodes
- N-Channel Lateral Single and Quad Lateral DMOS Switches
- Current Regulating Diodes
- Bipolar Single and Dual NPN and PNP Transistors
- P-Channel and N-Channel Enhancement Mode Single and Dual Small-Signal MOSFETs
- Single BIFET Amplifiers
- Light Sensitive JFET Photo FETs
- N-Channel and P-Channel JFET VCRs (Voltage Controlled Resistors)
Industries using the parts include: High-End Audio; Test & Measurement; Military/Space; Industrial Controls; Precision Sensors; Medical Electronics; Electro-Optical and Geophysical Exploration Instrumentation.
About Linear Integrated Systems
Linear Systems is a designer, manufacturer and seller of precision, high-performance, small-signal discrete semiconductors. A Silicon Valley company founded in 1987, it produces ultra-low-noise, monolithic dual and single JFETs and bipolar transistors, along with high-speed DMOS switches, small-signal MOSFETs, ultra-low leakage diodes and BiFET amplifiers. These parts have been designed into world-class products in the areas of: Test & Measurement, Audio, Scientific Optical, Military Sensor; Industrial Controls; and Hybrids.
For more information, visit https://www.linearsystems.com and Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
CONTACT:
Laura Madonna
202 441-0791
laura@linearsystems.com
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SOURCE Linear Integrated Systems | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/linear-systems-announces-release-its-2022-small-signal-discrete-semiconductor-data-book/ | 2022-04-12T16:44:33Z |
CMO Dalton Dorné and CSO Obele Brown-West recognized for innovative problem-solving, trailblazing leadership, and influential contributions to the advertising and media industry
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tinuiti – the largest independent performance marketing firm across Streaming TV and the Triopoly of Google, Meta, Amazon – today announced Chief Marketing Officer, Dalton Dorné, and Chief Solutions Officer, Obele Brown-West, have garnered a slew of recent industry awards from some of the industry's foremost organizations including Adweek, Ad Age, AdExchanger, and AdMonster. As part of Tinuiti's E-team, Dorné and Brown-West's combined leadership and expertise continue to drive growth, elevate client experience and provide top-tier performance for Tinuiti's client partners.
Dalton Dorné, Chief Marketing Officer at Tinuiti, said: "It's incredibly humbling to be named among some of the industry's top talent, in particular, alongside Obele, an inspiring fellow teammate and leader here at Tinuiti. These accolades serve to highlight what's capable when you're supported by a company that truly values its people-first culture and empowers every individual to continue improving, adapting and growing to be the best version of themselves. This dedication to a people-first culture is also what allowed me to build the incredible marketing team we have today, without whom none of this would be possible."
Obele Brown-West, Chief Solutions Officer at Tinuiti, said: "At Tinuiti, one of our key values is 'Unleash Greatness' and today, I'm proud of the recognition that stems from being able to tap into my own 'greatness' and continue going above and beyond, while also hopefully inspiring those I work with to push further and reach new goals. It's an honor to share in this success with Dalton and with the incredibly-talented and supportive team that make it all possible day in, and day out."
Dorné and Brown-West received the following awards:
- Adweek Media All-Stars
- Ad Age Leading Women 2022
- AdExchanger's + AdMonster's Top Women in Media & Ad Tech
Today's accolades are a direct result of Dorné and Brown-West's ongoing leadership, innovative thinking and commitment to excellence for Tinuiti and its client partners.
Dorné, who joined Tinuiti as CMO in 2019, successfully spearheaded bringing four disparate agencies under one new brand as one of her very first endeavors at the agency. In the midst of this massive undertaking a global pandemic meant she was also focusing on guiding clients, and the industry at large, through a period of extreme uncertainty. In addition to overseeing all facets of Tinuiti's marketing team, Dorné drives the continued growth, visibility and evolution of the Tinuiti brand. She championed Tinuiti's first-ever brand campaign— 'Rethink. Performance.' This provocative omnichannel campaign drove a +119% increase in site users and generated over 16M impressions and resulted in a +21% increase in Brand Lift on LinkedIn, along with a +12% boost to 'Tinuiti' searches.
Brown-West, who joined the E-Team as Chief Solutions Officer earlier this year, leverages over 18 years of media experience at Tinuiti, overseeing a team of nearly 700 cross-functional experts and managing over $3B in media spend for clients such as PacSun, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Revlon, and Etsy. In addition to spearheading Tinuiti's client-facing solutions, including all Media, Creative, Analytics and Retail Media, she's instrumental in developing crucial partnerships with some of the top platforms in the business— Tinuiti made history twice by becoming the first independent agency to be named an official marketing partner of TikTok and Reddit. Tinuiti was also the first independent agency to receive the highly-coveted Microsoft Global Agency of the Year award since the program launched in 2018. Brown-West's commitment to social change has also led to the creation of roles 100% dedicated to DEI (including a Sr. Director of Diversity and Inclusion), a pledge to increase diversity in hiring, and the creation of a DEI Committee of paid volunteers to which she serves as Executive Sponsor.
In addition to today's individual talent awards, Tinuiti's culture has recently earned a stream of industry awards, including Inc. Magazine Best Workplaces 2022 as well as Ad Age's Best Places to Work four years running, including the No. 1 spot in 2019 and 2020.
Tinuiti's E-Team is composed of 67% of diverse leaders and 44% women, making the firm's executive team one of the most representative of all top performance marketing companies. Company-wide,Tinuiti's workforce is majority female and currently sits at 61%.
Since 2017, Tinuiti has experienced rapid expansion, growing seven-fold and welcoming nearly 700 new employees in the last 12 months alone. With a headcount now surpassing 1,100, the agency has experienced an unprecedented 59% year-over-year increase and is continuing to climb with an additional 10% in 2022. Tinuiti is continuing to hire for multiple roles across divisions to keep pace with growth. For a closer look at Tinuiti's culture, please visit https://tinuiti.com/culture/.
About Tinuiti
Tinuiti is the largest independent performance marketing firm across Streaming TV and the Triopoly of Google, Meta, Amazon, with more than $3 billion in digital media under management and over 1,000 employees. With industry-leading expertise in search, social, Amazon and marketplaces, addressable TV and mobile apps, CRM and email marketing, and more, Tinuiti understands that success requires both strategy and channel expertise. Each solution is delivered through Tinuiti's performance planning framework, GAMMA, and is enabled by a proprietary suite of marketing intelligence and media activation technology – Mobius. For more information visit http://www.tinuiti.com.
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SOURCE Tinuiti | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/tinuitis-chief-marketing-officer-chief-solutions-officer-sweep-top-ad-industry-awards/ | 2022-05-16T14:23:02Z |
Omnichannel support is the most demanded addition that people would like to see in customer care services.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GoodFirms, globally renowned research, ratings, and reviews platform, recently released its new research report-"Global Customer Care Industry: Trends, Consumer Shifts, and Challenges." This survey from GoodFirms on the global customer care industry tries to analyze and examine the market dynamics, the growth enablers, restraints, and trends set to shape the future customer care market.
The study highlights how the customer care industry is evolving in terms of service activities, and infrastructure to reduce the growing costs, increase the level of customer satisfaction, and add value to the brand. The research attempts to help consumers and customer services professionals get valuable insights to enhance the currently adopted customer care practices, and to expand the business growth further.
GoodFirms' research reveals a few notable consumer trends, such as the most preferred channels to connect with customer care and support. Here the survey statistics unveil that 25.9% of surveyees prefer phones, 22.2% use live chat, 10.1% choose to email, 11% pick self-services tools, and 17.4% plump for virtual assistants. About 29.6% of customers conduct secondary research on the internet and user manuals to fix minor issues.
Omnichannel customer support, video chat assistance, more feedback and recommendation options are the top changes consumers expect to receive in customer service support.
The study identifies factors such as the pandemic and rise of new platforms that are causing major consumer shifts. 55.6% surveyees reported that customer care services have worsened after the pandemic.
70.4% of respondents shifted to alternate brands due to poor customer care service of the existing brands.
Further, the research discloses the significant challenges in the customer care industry, such as tackling customer disengagement, the rising cost of customer support practices and maintenance tools, dealing with demanding customers/managing expectations, staying conversant with new technologies and trends, inadequate training and poor knowledge among representatives, lack of standard procedures, taking too much time for resolutions, etc.
GoodFirms iterates that with the economic recovery in sight, the worldwide customer care industry is expected to flourish consistently. Businesses can drastically improve their growth by handling the challenges through digital innovations in customer support processes and partnering with experts in customer care services.
The research concludes that businesses need to adopt systematic practices to build long-lasting relationships with consumers, improve their products, and increase customer loyalty.
Key Findings:
- Phone is the most preferred method to connect with customer care.
- 48.1% of consumers are expecting more feedback and recommendation options, a recent popular trend.
- Responsive customer support and digital platforms are currently leading in customer care trends.
- E-commerce, food delivery, and travel segments are popular among the masses due to their best customer service.
- Personalized customer experience is also dominating the global customer care industry at present.
- Customers' habits and preferences rapidly change, leading to several consumer shifts.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened customer care as per 55.6% of respondents.
- 48.1% of surveyees recommend their preferred brands to others if their customer care is satisfactory.
- Handling rising customer care processes and tools costs is an important challenge in the customer care industry.
- Businesses prefer in-house customer care teams compared to outsourcing.
- The customer care industry is also experiencing issues handling demanding customers and newer technologies.
- 37% of respondents find it challenging to interact with customer care executives due to poor or irrelevant knowledge of the representatives.
- 40.4% of surveyees would like to see clear goals of executives in serving customers instead of spamming.
- Lack of time and coordination among customers and representatives is another major challenge impacting the industry.
GoodFirms Survey-"Global Customer Care Industry: Trends, Consumer Shifts, and Challenges" was conducted between 01 July 2022 and 20 July 2022. It queried participants and end users worldwide about their experiences and problems interacting with customer care and support. A total of 270 participants responded to the survey.
To read and download more research articles by GoodFirms, click here.
If you wish to participate in GoodFirms' future research studies, register your name and company details with GoodFirms.
GoodFirms is a Washington, D.C -based research firm that aligns its efforts in identifying the most prominent and efficient companies that deliver results to their clients. GoodFirms research is a confluence of new age consumer reference processes and conventional industry-wide reviews & rankings that help service seekers leap further and multiply their industry-wide value and credibility.
Contact: Sophia Jayden (sophia@goodfirms.co)
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SOURCE GoodFirms | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/704-shifted-alternate-brands-due-poor-customer-care-services-reveals-goodfirms-2022-survey/ | 2022-08-02T14:49:40Z |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Mourners laid to rest the last of 10 Black people killed in a racist attack at a Buffalo supermarket with a service on Saturday that became a call to action and an emotional plea to end the hate and violence that has wracked the nation.
The funeral for 86-year-old Ruth Whitfield — the oldest of the 10 people killed in the attack two weeks ago — included an impromptu speech by Vice President Kamala Harris. She attended the service at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Buffalo with second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Harris told the mourners this is a moment in time for “all good people” to stand up to the injustice that happened at the Tops Friendly Market on May 14, as well as at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and in other mass shootings.
“This is a moment that requires all good people, all God-loving people to stand up and say we will not stand for this. Enough is enough,” said Harris, who wasn’t scheduled to speak and came to the microphone at the urging of the Rev. Al Sharpton. “We will come together based on what we all know we have in common, and we will not let those people who are motivated by hate separate us or make us feel fear.”
Following the funeral, Harris and Emhoff visited a memorial outside the supermarket. The vice president left a large bouquet of white flowers, and the pair paused to pray for several minutes. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden had placed flowers at the same memorial on May 17 and had visited with the victims’ families. Biden is expected to head to Texas for a visit this weekend with the families of victim’s of Tuesday’s school shooting.
Harris later told reporters that the administration is not “sitting around waiting to figure out what the solution looks like” to the nation’s gun violence problem.
“We know what works on that,” she said, reiterating support for background checks and a ban on assault weapons.
“Let’s have an assault weapons ban,” she said. “An assault weapon is a weapon of war with no place, no place in civil society. Background checks: Why should anyone be able to buy a weapon that can kill other human beings without at least knowing: Hey, that person committed a violent crime before, are they a threat against themselves or others?”
Harris said the nation has to come together, as well.
“We have to agree that if we are to be strong as a nation, we must stand strong, identifying our diversity as our unity,” she said.
It’s been a sad week of goodbyes for family and friends of the Buffalo shooting victims, a group that includes a restaurant worker who went to the market to buy his 3-year-old’s birthday cake; a father and die-hard Buffalo Bills fan who worked as a school bus aide; and a 32-year-old sister who moved to the city to help a brother battling leukemia.
Whitfield, a grandmother and mother of four, had been inside the supermarket after visiting her husband of 68 years in a nursing home when a gunman identified by police as 18-year-old Payton Gendron began the deadly onslaught.
Authorities said Gendron, who is white, targeted the store three hours from his home in Conklin because it is in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who delivered a fiery tribute to Whitfield at the beginning of the funeral service, called for all “accomplices” who aided and abetted “this monster” who opened fire in the supermarket to be held accountable, from the gun manufacturers and distributors to the parents of the suspect.
Crump said those those who “instructed and radicalized this young, insecure individual” should also be held to account for taking Whitfield from her family, the Buffalo community and the planet. He called her “one of the most angelic figures that we have ever known.”
“It is a sin that this young depraved man, not a boy, went and killed Ruth Whitfield and the ‘Buffalo 10,’” Crump said, referring to the victims.
Sharpton described being floored to learn the shooter live-streamed his assault on Twitch, noting how his mother had grown up in Alabama, where hooded members of the Ku Klux Klan once killed Black people.
Today, he said, white supremacists “are proud to practice racism.”
Sharpton made a pitch for gun control measures during his eulogy, saying all communities need to come together and “disarm the haters.”
“There is an epidemic of racial violence that is accommodated by gun laws that allow people to kill us,” he said. “You ain’t got to love us, but you shouldn’t have easy access to military weapons to kill us.”
In all, 13 people were shot in the attack which federal authorities are investigating as a hate crime. Three people survived.
Whitfield was the mother of former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield.
Gendron is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail. His attorney has entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
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Pool reports were contributed to this story. Haigh reported from Connecticut. | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/vp-harris-tells-buffalo-mourners-stand-up-for-whats-right/ | 2022-05-29T13:09:55Z |
Analysis of credit profiles by former architect of FICO Scores finds debt settlement is a viable option for consumers seeking to resolve severe levels of debt.
,
/PRNewswire/ -- Consumers who seek to resolve debts through debt settlement perform better on multiple credit score metrics than consumers who go through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, according to the findings of a new study by the consumer credit data expert
.
The implications that debt relief strategies like bankruptcy and debt settlement have on credit profiles and FICO® Scores is an important factor for many consumers when considering their options to resolve severe financial distress. The study, Debt Settlement and Bankruptcy: A Comparison of Credit Scores, found that six years after initiating debt relief, consumers who went through debt settlement have higher median FICO® Scores than those who go through bankruptcy.
Huynh spent 18 years at FICO® overseeing the development of FICO® Scores and was the architect of FICO® Score 8 and FICO® Score 9. He is currently the Vice President of Data Optimization at Freedom Debt Relief (FDR), one of the largest providers of debt resolution services in the United States.
Huynh's research found that six years after initiating their respective debt relief strategy, debt settlement clients were more likely to qualify for a valid FICO® Score than bankruptcy filers — meaning they had sufficient recent credit history to calculate a score. As a result, post-debt settlement consumers will generally have greater access to more affordable credit and less friction obtaining services that require a valid credit score when compared to bankruptcy filers.
"Debt settlement clients are far more likely to qualify for credit scores after their time in the program than bankruptcy filers," said Huynh. "This is very relevant because of how widely used credit scores are — not having a valid credit score can create challenges for consumers. This is another overlooked area where debt settlement compares very favorably to bankruptcy."
Another powerful finding is that debt settlement clients demonstrate a lower risk of filing for bankruptcy in the future, as measured by Equifax's Bankruptcy Navigator Index, a credit risk model designed to predict consumers' future bankruptcy risk. This is particularly notable because bankruptcy risk scores provide a more direct metric of whether the consumer's indebtedness or financial stress has been addressed.
It's important to note that the median FICO® Score of debt settlement clients reaches a lower trough than the median score of bankruptcy filers, and the bottoming out occurs after enrolling in debt settlement, as opposed to at the point of filing for bankruptcy. But six years after initiating their respective debt relief strategy, debt settlement clients have a median FICO® Score of 676, compared to 656 for Chapter 7 filers and 616 for Chapter 13 filers. This is an indication that debt settlement clients in general recover more fully and more rapidly than bankruptcy filers.
"Bankruptcy has long been accepted as an effective strategy to provide over-indebted consumers with a fresh start on their finances," said Huynh. "This research demonstrates that debt settlement can also be a viable debt relief strategy for financially distressed consumers, particularly when it is used as an intervention before consumers reach the point of having no choice but to resort to bankruptcy."
In both debt settlement and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, consumers who complete their debt relief programs experience the greatest recovery in credit profiles. Meanwhile, clients who exit debt settlement before addressing all their debt have higher median FICO® Scores than Chapter 13 filers who fail to have their debt discharged in bankruptcy. This is due to structural differences in the debt settlement and Chapter 13 processes. In debt settlement, consumers who don't complete the program may still benefit from having some of their accounts settled. In Chapter 13, filers who do not complete their repayment plans will not benefit from the debt forgiveness associated with a successful discharge of debt.
Huynh's research also found that consumers who pursue debt settlement are better equipped to re-establish a positive credit profile and responsibly obtain essential financial services than former bankruptcy filers. For example, 8.2% of debt settlement clients obtained a new mortgage five to six years after initiating debt relief, compared to 5.5% of Chapter 7 filers and 3.2% of Chapter 13 filers.
"Consumers need facts about debt relief options to make more informed financial decisions," said Sean Fox, President of Freedom Debt Relief. "This study confirms that debt settlement compares favorably to bankruptcy on several credit profile dimensions."
Methodology
The report and Huynh's analysis are based on anonymized credit data of consumers who filed for bankruptcy or enrolled in debt settlement from March 2014 through February 2015. Using credit report and FICO® Score data from Equifax, along with proprietary FDR data, the consumers' credit profiles were tracked over the course of eight years; the two years prior to initiating a debt relief program, and the six years after. The study's analysis and findings were independently derived by Huynh and FDR. The completed report was reviewed by FICO® and Equifax prior to publication. Additional details about the methodology can be found in the study.
The full report can be found here.
About Freedom Debt Relief
Freedom Debt Relief is one of the largest providers of debt resolution services in the United States. It works on behalf of consumers to negotiate with creditors and reduce the amount of debt they owe. FDR is an accredited debt resolution company based in San Mateo, Calif. and has served more than 800,000 consumers, helping to resolve over $16 billion in debt since 2002.
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SOURCE Freedom Financial Network | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/credit-scores-recover-faster-debt-settlement-clients-than-bankruptcy-filers-study-finds/ | 2022-09-09T15:37:36Z |
Services for Josephine Julia Krauskopf, 91, of Temple will be 1 p.m. today at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home in Temple.
Burial will be in Seaton Cemetery.
Mrs. Krauskopf died Monday, May 16.
She was born July 24, 1930, in Ellinger to Joseph and Emily Zaskoda. She attended St. Jerome Catholic School in Plum. She graduated from Wharton High School. She worked at Tim’s Bakery, Kolache Kitchen, Westphalia Meat Market and Park Place Manor in Belton. She married Alvin A. Krauskopf in 1950.
She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Krauskopf; and a grandchild.
Survivors include two sons, Alvin Krauskopf Jr. and David Krauskopf; a daughter, Cynthia Coats Krauskopf; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_acf7c708-d7cf-11ec-af10-6fa5993bdad5.html | 2022-05-20T07:20:53Z |
When Jeremiah Harry, 6, experienced sudden cardiac arrest, prior training with Katy ISD school staff saved his life
HOUSTON, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Through quick thinking and prior training from the nation's largest children's hospital, staff at Robert E. King Elementary School in Katy ISD recently proved the adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
When Texas Children's Hospital patient Jeremiah Harry, 6, experienced sudden cardiac arrest while at school, his Project ADAM-trained teachers and principal, Tammi Wilhelm, jumped into action, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED), effectively extending his life until paramedics could stabilize and deliver him to Texas Children's Hospital's Emergency Center for expert cardiac care. Through their efforts, Jeremiah became the first pediatric heart patient saved through Texas Children's Project ADAM initiative.
Parents Patty and Joe Lemel established Project ADAM — which stands for "Automated Defibrillation in Adam's Memory" — in 1999 following the sudden cardiac arrest and death of their 17-year-old son, Adam, due to ventricular fibrillation, an abnormality in the heart's electrical system. To help ensure other families avoid a similar tragedy, the Lemel family spearheaded Project ADAM, a nationwide partnership between medical providers and schools, to educate staff and students on sudden cardiac arrest and the essential, immediate steps necessary to save a child's or adult's life.
"Regardless of the experience and expertise of physicians, or the quality and technology of hospital facilities, it is all for naught if appropriate actions aren't taken immediately when an individual in the community experiences sudden cardiac arrest," said Dr. Santiago Valdes, pediatric cardiologist and Medical Director of Project ADAM at Texas Children's Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics-Cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine. "Every minute counts following a cardiac arrest, and the importance of quick, educated action by those surrounding the affected heart patient cannot be overemphasized. Through proactive Project ADAM training with school administrators across Houston, Texas Children's Hospital is working to strengthen the chain of survival for these patients by equipping the community with the knowledge and tools to save young lives."
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 20% of a community is in its schools on any given day, underscoring the importance of equipping school staff and administrators with the tools to combat sudden cardiac arrest. As schools have drilled students on fire safety and evacuation for decades, there have been no deaths from school fires in approximately 30 years. On the contrary, approximately 40 to 60 children and adolescents experience cardiac arrest annually in Houston alone.
The Texas Children's care team diagnosed both Jeremiah and his identical twin brother, Jayden, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy when they were infants. Since that time, the twins have taken medication called beta-blockers to help prevent abnormal heart rhythms that occur as a result of their genetic heart condition. This spring, Dr. Neil Cambronero, pediatric cardiac surgeon at Texas Children's Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, placed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in Jeremiah's heart to help regulate proper cardiac rhythms. On the same day, Dr. Iki Adachi, Surgical Director, Heart Failure/Transplant at Texas Children's Hospital, and Associate Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, placed an identical ICD in Jayden's heart.
Even with these precautions, cardiac arrest still can occur — and immediate intervention through CPR and the use of AEDs can mean the difference between life and death.
Dr. Valdes notes that the following steps are vital in saving the life of an individual experiencing cardiac arrest:
- Recognize the signs of cardiac arrest.
- Call 911.
- Perform quality CPR.
- Utilize an AED.
- Ensure prompt, effective Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response.
- Transition the patient's care to an experienced hospital cardiac care team.
"We are so proud of how swiftly our emergency response team jumped into action to protect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable students," said Wilhelm, Jeremiah's principal. "Each of our elementary nurses is trained and certified in CPR and AED practices, and they also serve as instructors for other staff. King Elementary became a certified Heart Safe School through Texas Children's Hospital's Project ADAM program in November 2017."
For more information about Project ADAM at Texas Children's Hospital, please visit https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/cardiology/project-adam. Individuals interested in donating to Project ADAM at Texas Children's are encouraged to visit https://www.texaschildrens.org/project-adam-giving.
About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO for children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country with offices in Houston and Austin; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that's channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.
About Project ADAM
Project ADAM began in 1999 after the death of Adam Lemel, a 17-year-old Whitefish Bay, WI high school student who collapsed and died while playing basketball. Adam suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), in which ventricular fibrillation occurred, a condition in which the ventricles cannot pump blood into the body. An AED could have saved his life. In the early 2000s, Adam's story along with similar sudden deaths of seemingly healthy youth launched nationwide and worldwide efforts to increase AED programs in schools. Today, Project ADAM is part of 28 affiliate organizations in 22 states across the country supporting Heart Safe School initiatives. Our program outreach has been responsible for helping save the lives of over 200 youth and adults in schools, making our mission just as critical as it was in 1999. Our vision is to eradicate sudden cardiac death through school and community infrastructure development supporting prevention initiatives including Heart Safe Schools, advocacy, education and research. For more information, please visit www.projectadam.com.
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SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/first-young-life-saved-with-project-adam-school-implementation-through-texas-childrens-hospital/ | 2022-06-01T15:33:09Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Are you getting bored with your morning bowl of cereal? Well, Kellogg’s has released some interesting morning breakfast recipes that will enhance the taste and nutrition of your breakfast.
To celebrate Better Breakfast Month the company and the Grain Foods Foundation are hoping to inspire people to build a better breakfast with cereals made with whole, enriched or fortified grains.
Officials say cereal is a great breakfast for a busy morning as it’s easy, affordable and it has all the important nutrients you need.
So, what crazy creations have they come up with?
- Twistie Krispies – a combination of Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies
- OG Wheats – a combination of Frosted Mini Wheats and Special K Original
- Frosted Cinnabran – a combination of Raisin Bran and Frosted Flakes
Are you game to try these out? | https://cw33.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/kelloggs-releases-cereal-mashups-that-will-enhance-your-morning-breakfast/ | 2022-09-09T19:14:12Z |
May Day Fast Facts
CNN Editorial Research
Here’s a look at May Day, referred to as International Workers Day in many countries.
Facts
Celebrated on the first day of May each year.
In Gaelic traditions, it is known as Beltaine (or the Anglicized “Beltane”).
May Day has shared a date with International Workers’ Day since the 1880s. At the time, labor movements around the world were fighting for fair work accommodations like eight-hour workdays and unions.
To most people in the Northern Hemisphere, May Day conjures images of brightly colored twirling ribbons and promises of warm days ahead. That’s not the whole story, though: May Day is also a day of protests and riots that traces its modern roots back to a world-changing explosion in Chicago.
History
The origins of May Day may go back to Pagan earth worship celebrating the start of summer.
Another theory ties the holiday to the Roman festival of Floralia, a festival that honored Flora, the goddess of springtime. As Rome conquered other countries, the tradition spread.
Puritans in the United Stated looked down on May Day. As a result, the holiday is not celebrated as extensively in the United States.
In Medieval England, May Day celebrations centered on the maypole, which is a pole made from wood, decorated with streamers, which are held by dancers circling the pole.
In May of 1886, activists in the United States organized a national strike to promote an eight-hour workday. One of the protests, in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, turned violent, with days of clashes between police and demonstrators. The incident came to be known as the Haymarket Affair.
To honor those who participated in the Haymarket protest, the International Socialist Conference declared that May 1 would be a day designated for labor, called International Workers’ Day. The holiday was established at a meeting in 1889.
In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It became a national holiday in 1894.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/14/may-day-fast-facts-2/ | 2022-04-14T13:20:44Z |
Guests Booking Cruises and Cruisetours Sailing in 2023 & Beyond Score $765 Value, which includes $100 Shore Excursions Credit, Drinks, Wi-Fi & More
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruising, "life's sweetest reward," just set a new course for adventure and love with Princess Cruises' The Love Boat Sale, starting today and running through October 31, 2022.
Guests will find fares they'll like and a value they'll love when booking 2023 (and beyond) cruises and cruisetours to Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the California Coast, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and Canada/New England. They'll receive $765 value when booking during The Love Boat Sale, which includes $100 shore excursion credit.
The sale celebrates the cruise line's past connection to "The Love Boat," where Princess cruise ships were the romantic backdrop for the iconic series, as well as "The Real Love Boat," the upcoming reality dating adventure inspired by the show, debuting on CBS October 5, and hosted by husband-and-wife team Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell. "The Real Love Boat" is also set onboard a Princess ship, Regal Princess, sailing through the dreamy Mediterranean.
Here's how The Love Boat Sale works:
- Guests who book during The Love Boat Sale with Princess Plus – a cruise fare that adds highly desired amenities including drinks, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation, or Princess Premier – which includes everything offered in Princess Plus, plus multi-device Wi-Fi, specialty dining, a photo package and Princess Prizes – will receive a $100 shore excursions credit per person.
- The $765 value is based on a seven-day cruise booked with Princess Plus, with the added shore excursions credit, so those booking longer cruises and/or Princess Premier save even more.
The Love Boat Sale runs from September 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 and is available to residents 21 years of age and older of the United States & D.C., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Bermuda. General terms and further details of The Love Boat Sale can be found at www.princess.com.
More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries." In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
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SOURCE Princess Cruises | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/princess-cruises-offers-something-everyone-will-love-with-love-boat-sale/ | 2022-09-01T23:44:45Z |
ALIQUIPPA, Pa., Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PGT Trucking Inc., a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services, is expanding their operations in Laredo, Texas, with the purchase of land to build a state-of-the-art logistics center. The custom facility will include a full-service operations center, modern driver amenities and a truck maintenance shop, providing a regional base for over 70 local drivers. Completion of the new facility is slated for December 2023.
PGT proudly supports the continued development of the city of Laredo and its local communities. Laredo is the primary hub for international shipments, and PGT's centrally-located facility will help further their operational reach, which already includes more than 4,000 cross-border loads annually. The 7.73-acre property, fifty percent larger than PGT's current terminal, is located in the Pinnacle Industry Center, just minutes from the main I-35 highway and international bridges for commercial traffic.
"This is an exciting move for PGT," stated Sergio Villarreal, PGT Trucking's Manager of Southwest Regional Operations. "We're looking forward to growing our relationships and strengthening partnerships in the south to support our customers' international shipping needs. Our new facility in Laredo will elevate PGT's service offerings for our drivers, customers and local community."
PGT opened their first facility in Laredo in 1995, and they have successfully operated in the region for more than 25 years.
PGT Trucking, Inc., is a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services. PGT is the leader in progressive freight transportation and fleet evolution, exceeding customer expectations with a strong focus on the Future of FlatbedSM. At PGT Trucking, "Safety is Everyone's Job – All the Time." Visit www.pgttrucking.com.
Contact: Katie Irvine, PGT Trucking
Phone: 724.987.1812 Email: kirvine@pgttrucking.com
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SOURCE PGT Trucking, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/pgt-trucking-expands-service-offerings-laredo-texas-with-new-operations-facility/ | 2022-09-16T16:52:31Z |
ATLANTA — Georgia will now have until 2025 to spend almost $600 million in federal pandemic relief the state was awarded for services that help people with disabilities and the elderly live at home instead of in institutions.
Funds for home- and community-based services from the American Rescue Plan Act President Joe Biden signed into law in March of last year initially were to be spent by 2024. States will now have until 2025 to spend the money.
“Everyone deserves the dignity to live in their own homes and communities,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said last week.
The vast majority of the $586 million in federal funds awarded to Georgia will be split between two initiatives.
The state will use almost half of the funds — $286 million — to increase pay for home health and direct support workers. In some cases, it will increase reimbursement rates, and in others it will provide temporary pay increases.
“The impacts of COVID-19 were substantial, which resulted in a significant reduction in the direct care work force,” Georgia’s Department of Community Health said in its proposal to the federal government. Increasing pay will help Georgia address the work force shortage, the proposal said.
Another large portion of the money — around $206 million — will go to expanding technology in home and community-based care settings. The goal is to allow members to use telehealth to interact with health care providers and case managers.
Some of those technology funds also are slated to expand the use of assistive technology devices to promote independence for people living with disabilities and the elderly. Examples of assistive technology include text-to-speech devices, magnifiers, braille readers, pointing devices and mobility devices.
The third-largest line item — $54 million — will provide in-home behavioral aides for youths with autism. The state says this will help reduce the number of young people with autism admitted to psychiatric treatment facilities.
Another $27 million will go toward collaborating with Georgia’s technical colleges to recruit and train more certified nursing assistants.
The state will spend an additional $4 million for a supported employment pilot program to help people with disabilities transition from school to the work force.
The increases in pay rates for care workers are one important step toward helping more Georgians live where they’d like to live, Maria Pinkelton, public relations director for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, said.
Georgians with disabilities also need an increase in the number of the Medicaid waivers that support people with disabilities living in the community, more affordable and accessible housing, and more competitive and integrated job opportunities, Pinkelton said.
In 2020, more than 7,000 Georgians with intellectual or developmental disabilities were waiting for Medicaid waivers that would allow them to get home- or community-based services, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/how-to-spend-600-million-in-federal-funds-to-support-people-with-disabilities-elderly/article_a45eb858-eb4e-11ec-b66d-7b1ad1640c3b.html | 2022-06-13T21:14:57Z |
Available now in a number of key global remittance markets, including Canada, Kenya, Philippines, and the U.S., with additional countries launching throughout June
DALLAS and SAN FRANCISCO, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MoneyGram, a global leader in the evolution of digital P2P payments, and the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), a non-profit organization that supports the development and growth of Stellar, an open-source public blockchain that allows money to be tokenized and transferred globally, today announced the initial roll-out of a first-of-its-kind global on/off-ramp service for digital wallets to increase the utility of digital assets by creating a bridge between cash and cryptocurrencies. The service, a result of the partnership between MoneyGram and SDF announced in October 2021, is now available in a number of key remittance markets, including Canada, Kenya, Philippines and the U.S. for the first wave of users, with global cash-out functionality expected to be available by the end of June 2022.
Powered by the Stellar blockchain and Stellar-enabled digital wallets, MoneyGram's retail agent network, and Circle's USD Coin (USDC), a fully-reserved dollar digital currency, the service provides cash users access to the world of cryptocurrency via any participating MoneyGram location. This service is a monumental step towards bridging the gap between physical and digital currencies in a way that has not been done before at scale. As it develops, this solution will pave the way for blockchain technology to further financial inclusion, creating fluidity between cash and crypto so more people can benefit from the digital economy.
To support adoption, MoneyGram will offer this as a zero-fee service for the first 12 months.
"We're thrilled to work alongside the Stellar Development Foundation on this important initiative to bring more opportunities to consumers around the world by making the worlds of crypto and local fiat currency compatible," said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO. "At MoneyGram, we're on a mission to deliver innovative financial solutions that connect the world's communities, and the initial launch of this service is another important milestone on our journey. It's especially exciting to launch this service ahead of schedule due to the strong collaboration of our technology teams, and we look forward to further collaboration with SDF as we work on uncovering new ways to utilize blockchain to further streamline cross-border payments."
The partnership focuses on delivering a service that revolutionizes the settlement process. For the first time, settlement with MoneyGram will occur in near-real-time using USDC, one of the world's fastest growing dollar digital currencies. This enables an accelerated collection of funds, improving efficiencies and reducing risks.
"A much-needed solution to the cash-to-crypto on/off-ramp problem is here," said Denelle Dixon, CEO and Executive Director of the Stellar Development Foundation. "Today, almost 2 billion people rely on cash for their livelihood, with no options to access the digital economy. At the same time, a persistent pain point for crypto-native users is off-ramping cryptocurrency quickly and reliably. The groundbreaking nature of this service is how it solves problems for a range of users with varying needs around the world."
With the launch of this service, digital wallet users can now move seamlessly from cash to cryptocurrency, to cash again — all without requiring a bank account or credit card. Consumers can now go into a MoneyGram location to either load their digital wallets to access the digital economy, or cash-out their digital currencies to increase the utility of their holdings.
Users of the Stellar-connected digital wallets Vibrant and LOBSTR, with more wallets expected to be added soon, can now access this service at MoneyGram's participating international retail locations. This service also creates a developer platform that will allow more businesses within the Stellar ecosystem and beyond, including wallets and service providers, to expand the functionality and reach of MoneyGram's integration with the Stellar network. For example, Elliptic, a global leader in crypto asset risk management, will provide MoneyGram with robust blockchain analytics solutions, and Wyre, a leading provider of blockchain payments APIs, will help other wallets, starting with Airtm, a digital dollar account, integrate with the MoneyGram service.
MoneyGram will expand access to the cash-in service into seven more countries by the end of June, at which point cash-out functionality will also be available globally, where permitted by law. Learn more about the service and how to access it at stellar.org/moneygram.
MoneyGram is leading the evolution of digital P2P payments. With a purpose-driven strategy to mobilize the movement of money, a strong culture of fintech innovation, and leading customer-centric capabilities, MoneyGram has grown to serve nearly 150 million people around the world over the last five years. The Company leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world's leading brands to serve consumers through MoneyGram Online (MGO), its direct-to-consumer digital business, its global retail network and its emerging embedded finance business for enterprise customers, MoneyGram as a Service. For more information, please visit ir.moneygram.com and follow @MoneyGram.
Stellar is a decentralized, fast, scalable, and uniquely sustainable network for financial products and services. It is both a cross-currency transaction system and a platform for digital asset issuance, designed to connect the world's financial infrastructure. Financial institutions worldwide issue assets and settle payments on the Stellar network, which has grown to over 6 million accounts. For more information, visit stellar.org.
The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) is a non-profit organization that supports the development and growth of Stellar, an open-source network that connects the world's financial infrastructure. Founded in 2014, the Foundation helps maintain Stellar's codebase, supports the technical and business communities building on the network, and serves as a voice to regulators and institutions. The Foundation seeks to create equitable access to the global financial system, using the Stellar network to unlock the world's economic potential through blockchain technology. For more information, visit stellar.org/foundation.
Circle is a global financial technology firm that enables businesses of all sizes to harness the power of digital currencies and public blockchains for payments, commerce and financial applications worldwide. Circle is the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), one of the fastest growing dollar digital currencies powering always-on internet-native commerce and payments. Today, Circle's transactional services, business accounts, and platform APIs are giving rise to a new generation of financial services and commerce applications that hold the promise of raising global economic prosperity for all through the frictionless exchange of financial value. Additionally, Circle operates SeedInvest, a leading startup fundraising platform in the U.S. Learn more at https://circle.com
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SOURCE The Stellar Development Foundation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/10/moneygram-launches-pioneering-global-crypto-to-cash-service-stellar-network/ | 2022-06-10T18:56:06Z |
RADNOR, Pa. , June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LBC Credit Partners ("LBC"), one of the leading providers of financing solutions to middle market companies, provided a senior secured credit facility to Aterian Investment Partners ("Aterian") to support the acquisition of ATCO Industries, Inc.("ATCO" or the "Company").
LBC served as Agent and Sole Lead Arranger for the senior secured credit facility.
ATCO was family-founded in 1980. ATCO's technology-centric approach to quality containment has helped pioneer the industry. The Company has expanded to become a leading quality containment and warehousing services provider, primarily for the automotive sector. ATCO has national reach, serving a broad variety of OEMs and Tier 1/2 suppliers.
Aterian Investment Partners is a private equity firm that invests in industry-leading, middle market businesses. In collaboration with management, Aterian supports investments throughout an organization, from people to processes, equipment, technology, and social governance, among others. With offices in New York and Florida, Aterian has raised cumulative equity commitments of more than $1.5 billion since its founding in 2009.
LBC Credit Partners provides middle market and lower middle market financing solutions supporting sponsored and non-sponsored transactions throughout the U.S. across a broad range of industries. With over $3 billion of capital commitments, we have provided in excess of $9.1 billion to over 294 issuers throughout our 17-year history.* In December 2021, CIFC acquired LBC Credit Partners, expanding its alternative global credit platform into the private credit market. With the acquisition, CIFC currently manages over $39 billion in assets and employs more than 185 professionals in the U.S. and Europe.* To learn more, visit www.cifc.com or www.lbccredit.com.
LBC Offices: Philadelphia area (HQ), Chicago
LBC Originations Offices: Atlanta, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York
*Information as of March 31, 2022.
LBC Credit Partners
555 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 450
Radnor, PA 19087
Tel 215-972-8900
Fax 215-567-0138
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Rubano-Volansky
Tel 724-979-4293
Email: lrubano@50words.com
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SOURCE LBC Credit Partners | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/lbc-credit-partners-supports-acquisition-atco-industries-inc/ | 2022-06-07T14:48:43Z |
Feller Named Partner at the Agency that Invented Language Strategy(R)
NEW YORK, May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Language Strategy® firm, maslansky + partners (m+p), today announced that Ben Feller, the former Associated Press Chief White House Correspondent, will be joining as a partner. An award-winning writer and renowned storytelling strategist, Feller will serve as a global lead in counseling clients on how to use the power of language to drive real change in attitudes, behavior and outcomes. He will also help expand m+p's corporate narrative offerings and thought leadership, given his rare background as a communications adviser and entrepreneur who has challenged U.S. presidents and thrived in the most demanding media environment in the world.
"Ben brings a combination of skills and qualities we knew we wanted but never expected we would find. His extraordinary pedigree gives him an invaluable perspective when counseling C-suite executives," said Michael Maslansky, CEO of maslansky + partners. "He is a gifted writer who thinks like a language strategist and deeply understands the work we do for clients. And he is clearly committed to being part of a team that is focused on developing our people."
Feller spent the first 20 years of his career as a reporter, becoming one of the most respected journalists in America. He served as the Chief White House Correspondent for The Associated Press, leading presidential coverage for the world's largest news organization. Feller spent more than six years covering President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush, reporting on all facets of their domestic, foreign and political agendas. He then pivoted to business and joined the Omnicom global strategy firm Mercury, where he worked for nearly nine years and rose to partner, serving as a trusted strategic counselor for leaders in business, academia, and philanthropy.
"I'm honored to join the firm that sets the standard in what I love to do most: crafting winning language as the foundation for accomplishing truly big things," Feller said. "maslansky + partners initially appealed to me as a place that merges strategic thinking with an extraordinarily thoughtful and rigorous approach to developing client narratives. The journalist in me then got invigorated by the idea of working with colleagues of different disciplines – data, behavioral science, marketing and linguistics – to come up with creative solutions for clients. And I knew I found the right fit when I realized m+p is a fun place that puts a premium on helping its people and ensuring the quality of everything attached to its name."
Feller added: "I can't wait to learn from the team and help contribute to its success."
Feller is a messaging expert with a distinctive ability to help companies solve complex problems by asking the right questions and distilling their stories with clarity and conviction. Feller is also a moderator, public speaker and author who just released his first book. Big Problems, Little Problems is a children's book about how a father and son solve life's frustrations together.
Feller's arrival reflects the strong growth at maslansky + partners over the past decade. m+p's distinct approach to language strategy has continued to evolve to address a broad range of client business challenges. Increasingly, C-level executives and their teams are turning to maslansky + partners to create compelling corporate narratives that stand out in a crowded marketplace and resonate in a deeply polarized and hyper-political environment. The firm's corporate narrative practice – encompassing work in reputation strategy, purpose, values, DEI, and internal communication – is among the fastest growing areas of the business. Feller's background as a journalist and his understanding of the intersection of business, politics, and media will help him make an immediate impact on m+p's ability to serve clients in this critical area.
Feller starts on June 6. He will be based in New York City.
About maslansky + partners
maslansky + partners is a language strategy firm widely recognized as a leader in communication, research, and messaging. The firm's approach is based on a simple idea: it's not what you say, it's what they hear®. Using a research- and data-driven approach, maslansky + partners helps clients find the right language to simplify the complex, build credibility amidst controversy, stand out from the crowd, and always speak in the language of their audience. m+p's clients include one-third of the Fortune 100 across the pharmaceuticals, finance, technology, energy and consumer sectors. For more information on maslansky + partners, a part of Omnicom Public Relations Group, visit www.maslansky.com.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, language strategy, global health strategy and change management. As the largest group of communications professionals in the world, our employees provide expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the Communications Consultancy Network, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).
About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
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SOURCE maslansky + partners | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/26/ben-feller-acclaimed-storytelling-strategist-former-ap-chief-white-house-correspondent-joins-maslansky-partners-top-leadership-role/ | 2022-05-26T11:09:23Z |
Civil rights groups file lawsuit over Florida’s new congressional map
By Dianne Gallagher, CNN
A coalition of civil rights groups has filed the first lawsuit in Florida against the recently passed congressional map put forward by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis that eliminates two districts represented by Black Democrats while giving Republicans the advantage in as many as 20 of 28 seats.
The suit, filed in state court in Leon County, claims the map is a Republican gerrymander and violates the Fair Districts amendment of the Florida Constitution by diminishing the power of Black voters. The suit is asking the court to rule that the map or individual districts violate the Fair Districts amendment and order the adoption of a new congressional map.
The challenge was filed by several Florida voters, as well as the League of Women Voters Florida, Black Voters Matter, Florida Rising and Equal Ground Florida.
The legal action comes roughly 24 hours after state Republicans voted in a special session to adopt the new boundaries, which — in an unprecedented move — were submitted by DeSantis’ office last week after he vetoed previous maps approved by the GOP-controlled legislature.
The approved map could help Florida Republicans gain up to four seats in the US House of Representatives this November.
The map dismantles the state’s 5th Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat Al Lawson, which connects Black communities from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. Instead, Jacksonville, the city with the largest African American population in Florida, is divided into two Republican-leaning districts.
The map also shifts the 10th Congressional District — an Orlando-area seat represented by Val Demings, a Black Democrat now running for US Senate — east toward Whiter communities.
DeSantis has contended those districts are racially gerrymandered and has suggested they are unconstitutional.
Several Black members of the Florida House staged a protest during debate Thursday, forcing an informal recess before Republican members then continued the process by ending debate and holding the vote during the protest.
DeSantis has not yet signed the new map into law, but the League of Women Voters Florida told CNN that if changes were made to the map before signing, the lawsuit could be amended.
Republicans currently hold a 16-11 advantage in Florida’s US House delegation. The state added a 28th district following the 2020 US census.
This story has been updated with additional details.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Steve Contorno contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/04/22/civil-rights-groups-file-lawsuit-over-floridas-new-congressional-map/ | 2022-04-22T19:03:10Z |
Partnership addresses barriers to clinical trial participation in underserved communities in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Principle LTC, a skilled nursing facility (SNF) provider, and Care Access, a leading decentralized research organization, announced the opening of a new research facility in Raleigh, NC to make clinical studies available to surrounding rural communities. The Grand Opening reception of the Care Access facility will take place on September 15, 2022 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at 3921 Sunset Ridge Road, Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Clinical trials have historically been conducted in academic centers in major cities. That means those who don't live close to one of those traditional research sites would potentially have to travel great distances to participate. Travel has proven to be the one of the most common barriers to participation. To solve for this locally, Principle LTC partnered with Care Access to build a state-of-the-art research site for the Raleigh community.
"We joined forces with Care Access early in the pandemic to ensure our vulnerable patient population, as well as their families, our staff and surrounding communities had access to investigational life-saving COVID-19 treatments," said Lynn M. Hood, CEO of Principle LTC. The nursing home industry is uniquely positioned to serve as a key platform for advancing medical research as it routinely interacts with community stakeholders including hospitals and providers, assisted living facilities, academia, emergency workers, churches, and senior support services. "It is abundantly important that our industry play a larger role in the entire spectrum of the healthcare system, starting with clinical research. We are thrilled that our partnership with Care Access is providing this underserved community the opportunity to participate in an investigational Alzheimer's treatment."
"With this new Care Access facility in Raleigh, we are investing long term in the community to help increase access to investigational therapy options," said Dr. Tyler Miller, Director of Patient Access at Care Access. "This partnership with Principle LTC provides us a terrific opportunity to collaborate with a local leader to help make a lasting impact for the whole community."
Principle LTC provides skilled nursing services (short-term, long-term, and memory care) in three states including, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia across forty-five facilities with approved certificates of need (CON's) for construction of four additional facilities in North Carolina. The company also provides hospice services in North Carolina through its subsidiary, Cardinal Hospice Care.
Care Access is accelerating the availability of more new medicines and treatments by breaking down traditional barriers in clinical research for patients, sponsors, and physicians. Our innovative model brings a nationwide network of sites, decentralized trials, Sites On Demand™, Virtual PIs, and Mobile Sites to previously-unreachable patient populations to expand the impact of clinical research. Supported by top pharmaceutical and biotech partners across 20 different therapeutic areas, Care Access is scaling and globalizing its new model for clinical trial delivery, where more physicians and patients can engage in life-saving research to develop new therapies faster. To find out how Care Access is transforming the future of clinical trials, visit www.careaccess.com.
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SOURCE Principle LTC; Care Access | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/principle-ltc-care-access-open-research-facility-raleigh-nc-alzheimers-prevention-study/ | 2022-09-15T19:55:41Z |
NEW YORK, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MIC Global announces today that it has received approval for Lloyd's Syndicate 5183 to commence underwriting, effective immediately. Syndicate 5183 will be managed by Asta through Lloyd's syndicate in a box (SIAB) platform.
Syndicate 5183 further cements MIC Global as an international leader in providing embedded insurance solutions to platform companies – a position which is further strengthened by the appointment of Erik Johnson as Senior Underwriting Manager in support of its objectives.
Harry Croydon, CEO and Founder of MIC Global, said:
"As a syndicate of Lloyd's, MIC Global can now offer companies highly rated, relevant, and affordable insurance products which can easily be embedded into their existing digital processes. This will accelerate the delivery of micro insurance products when and where customers need them, allowing access to cover that is not readily available through traditional insurance methods."
Steve Haase, President of STP Insurance Services, LLC, a USA-based broker, spearheaded the organization of MIC Global's first two partnerships that will allow the company to underwrite business through Lloyds Syndicate 5183.
The first partnership is with InsureTEK – a Loss Control as a Service (LCaaS) platform, that helps predict and prevent catastrophic water events before they happen.
Michael P. Murphy, KM President, and CEO of InsureTEK comments:
"When we were seeking a strategic partner to help us create an embedded cover for IoT water sensor systems, we searched the market for a company that understood the need to evolve in order to stay relevant. MIC Global brought an entrepreneur's spirit matched with a technical expertise that quite simply has become a cornerstone of our business. Their innovators and professionals are second to none in matching outside the box thinking with regulatory compliance."
MIC Global's second account to be underwritten by Syndicate 5183 is h.way, a Hispanic-owned neobank built around the financial needs and issues facing the Hispanic community.
Lionel Carrasco, Founder and CEO at h.way, said:
"We have found that much of our customer base does not have health insurance. By partnering with MIC Global, we are helping our members get access to up to $1,000 for unexpected medical expenses as part of our h.way membership experience. MIC Global's value proposition clearly aligns with our company's purpose of providing equitable financial services and cultural-driven product innovation."
Julian Tighe, CEO of Asta, adds: "We are delighted that MIC Global's Syndicate has received approval from Lloyd's to commence underwriting. Entry to Lloyd's allows MIC Global to greatly expand their reach. Collaborations like this are an excellent example of how Asta can assist forward-thinking organizations like MIC Global with accessing the Lloyd's market."
Jamie Crystal, Executive Chairman of MIC Global, concludes: "We are thrilled to receive approval to provide embedded insurance solutions globally through our Lloyd's syndicate."
For press enquiries or more information about MIC Global, visit https://www.micglobal.com or email Press@MICGlobal.com
For more information about Asta, visit https://www.asta-uk.com
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SOURCE MIC Global | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/mic-global-commences-underwriting-lloyds-through-syndicate-5183/ | 2022-06-22T11:13:17Z |
SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stably Corporation, a US-based Web3 payment infrastructure and Stablecoin-as-a-Service provider, is proud to announce the native launch of Stably USD (USDS), its regulatory-compliant and USD-backed stablecoin, on the Harmony public blockchain. USDS is also Harmony's first natively-issued stablecoin and the first product release as part of an ongoing collaboration between both Stably and Harmony.
Since the initial launch of USDS on Ethereum in 2018, Stably has been setting new standards for transparency and interoperability in the stablecoin industry. Individual and business users from 200+ countries worldwide can now mint/redeem USDS on Harmony as well as 10+ other networks using a variety of traditional payment methods such as bank transfers and credit/debit cards through Stably.
USDS is a multichain, fiat-backed stablecoin created by Stably and issued by Prime Trust, a Nevada state-chartered trust company and SEC-qualified custodian that also works with FDIC-insured banks. Every USDS token is fully collateralized 1-to-1 with USD held in bank deposits by Prime Trust for the benefit of USDS holders.
"Stably specializes on providing stablecoin and fiat gateway infrastructure for emerging blockchains. Harmony stood out to us in their ability to achieve efficient transactions using both Effective Proof-of-Stake and Fast Byzantine Fault Tolerance for fast and low-cost settlement times," said Kory Hoang, CEO and Co-Founder of Stably. "Harmony's goal of scaling trust for the next billion Web3 users also aligns with Stably's mission of bridging TradFi and DeFi for the next billion Web3 users this decade."
In addition to Harmony, USDS is also natively issued on 10+ other blockchains, including Ethereum, VeChain (as VeUSD), Stellar, and Tezos, plus more coming soon. As a result, USDS can effectively serve as a multichain US dollar "bridge," enabling Web3 users to easily and securely transfer their USD liquidity from one network to another. USDS users can also efficiently exchange their stablecoin for BTC, ETH, LTC, ADA, as well as native USDT and USDC on Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Stellar, via the Stably Prime platform.
USDS avoids the price volatility of traditional cryptocurrencies by always being redeemable for $1 USD per token through Stably/Prime Trust. Stably also partners with Cohen & Co., a leading US-based stablecoin auditor, to provide monthly public attestations for USDS, ensuring that every token in circulation is fully backed by $1 USD of collateral held by Prime Trust.
This launch empowers users to mint or redeem Harmony USDS via a Stably Prime account. Web3 users can also quickly acquire and trade Harmony USDS on decentralized exchanges like SushiSwap which supports the Harmony network.
Stably is a Web3 payment infrastructure provider and FinCEN-registered MSB from Seattle. The company specializes in providing fiat gateways, multi-chain stablecoins, and cross-chain bridged tokens to users of Web3 applications. Stably's mission is to power this decade's next billion Web3 users with regulatory-compliant payment infrastructure across both developed and emerging blockchain ecosystems.
Visit stably.io to learn more.
Harmony is a blockchain-based platform that aims to address the conundrum of achieving both scalability and decentralization without sacrificing either. It is aimed to be a bridge between scalability and decentralization efforts. Harmony was built with the motto "decentralization at scale" in mind, emphasizing data sharing and the construction of fungible token and nonfungible asset marketplaces.
Visit harmony.one to learn more.
Media contact: hello@stably.io
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SOURCE Stably | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/usds-stablecoin-by-stably-launches-harmony/ | 2022-08-30T21:48:04Z |
NEW YORK, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Mullen Automotive, Inc. f/k/a Net Element, Inc. ("Mullen" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MULN) (NASDAQ: NETE) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and docketed under 22-cv-00976, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded Mullen securities between June 15, 2020 and April 6, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff seeks to recover compensable damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Mullen securities during the Class Period, you have until July 5, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.
Mullen purports to be an electronic vehicle ("EV") manufacturer. On November 5, 2021, Mullen Technologies, Inc. underwent a merger with and into Net Element, Inc., and the Company changed its name to Mullen Automotive, Inc..
The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Mullen overstates its ability and timeline regarding production; (2) Mullen overstates its deals with business partners, including Qiantu; (3) Mullen overstates its battery technology and capabilities; (4) Mullen overstates its ability to sell its branded products; (5) Net Element did not conduct proper due diligence into Mullen Technologies; (6) the Dragonfly K50 was not (solely) delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and (7) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.
On April 6, 2022, during trading hours, market analyst Hindenburg Research released a report regarding the Company entitled "Mullen Automotive: Yet Another Fast Talking EV Hustle" which detailed several alleged issues with the Company.
On this news, Mullen's stock price fell $0.27 per share, or 10%, to close at $2.38 per share on April 7, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume, damaging investors.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/12/pomerantz-law-firm-announces-filing-class-action-against-mullen-automotive-inc-fka-net-element-inc-certain-officers-muln-nete/ | 2022-05-13T02:28:46Z |
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced its intention to bid for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
This is a landmark moment for women's football in Saudi Arabia and Asia.
The bid builds on many recent developments to grow women's football in Saudi Arabia:
- Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Football Department was established in 2019.
- The Kingdom's first women's Regional League was launched in November 2021, followed by a National Championship in January 2022.
- The Women's National Football Team was established in 2021 and played its first official international friendly match in February 2022 in a tournament in the Maldives.
- The Women's Futsal National Football Team was established in 2019 and has participated in three competitions since.
- In 2022, the Kingdom hosted the 3rd West Asian Football Federation Women's Futsal Championship.
- Saudi Arabia established the 1st Football Regional Center for female players U17.
- 40 D License Coaching Courses have been delivered in schools around the Kingdom, awarding 857 teachers coaching certificates. In addition to 15 Referee Courses, 544 teachers were qualified as referees, all in preparation to launch The Girls Schools League in September 2022.
- There are 100+ C Licensed Coaches in the Kingdom.
- 1st AFC B License Coaching Course concluded in February 2022.
- There are two international coexisting coaching programs for female coaches, both held in Spain.
- There are online educational workshops in cooperation with the Spanish and Brazilian Football Federations.
- Qualification courses have been established for new female referees, with 63 referees approved under SAFF.
- The first female Saudi referee will participate in the 4th AFC Referees Academy course.
Growing the grassroots of women's football will be central to the bid. Inspiring women's football across Asia will be built into a Saudi-hosted 2026 competition. From players to coaches and fans to officials, Saudi Arabia is committed to developing and growing women's football to take the game to the next level.
Lamia bin Bahian, Board Member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: "We have huge ambitions for the development of the women's game in Saudi Arabia, and the recent progress has been incredible. We really are entering a new and exciting era for women's football."
Monika Staab, manager of the Saudi Arabian women's national team, said: "Saudi Arabia has embraced women's football. When I speak to girls across the Kingdom, I see their excitement for the game. The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is an unprecedented opportunity to inspire a generation of girls to achieve their football dreams."
Yasser Almisehal, President of SAFF, said: "The future of women's football in Saudi Arabia is bright, and we are committed to growing the game here and throughout Asia. More and more young girls are playing football in this country, and we want to inspire them further. Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 would be a great occasion for our players and would be made memorable by the passion of our fans."
There has recently been a huge increase in the profile of the women's game:
- More than 1.2 billion viewers watched the 2019 Women's World Cup.
- The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup was held in India, with the People's Republic of China emerging as champions with a 3-2 victory over the Republic of Korea in the final, securing a record ninth title.
- More than four goals were scored per game in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup: the highest in any major international football tournament in the past 50 years.
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SOURCE Ministry of Sport - Saudi Arabia | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/05/saudi-arabia-bid-2026-afc-womens-asian-cup/ | 2022-08-05T09:07:52Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” TV star, a Paralympic swimmer and a self-described “brand king” were among the Instagram and TikTok influencers who were paid by Chinese officials for a discreet campaign that promoted the Beijing Winter Olympics, new Justice Department documents reveal.
The social media posts fanned across a variety of popular Instagram and TikTok accounts that have a combined following of 5 million people who follow their videos, photos and content about travel destinations, sports, fashion and women’s issues. The Chinese Consulate in New York paid $300,000 to New Jersey-based firm Vippi Media to recruit the influencers. The posts were not properly labeled as ads in the way that TikTok and Instagram requires.
“It allows them to boost the reach and the resonance of their messaging to make it appear to be authentic, independent content,” Jessica Brandt, a Brookings Institution expert on foreign interference and disinformation, said of China’s social media campaign.
More details about the social media campaign were disclosed in filings Monday with the Justice Department, just days after an Associated Press examination revealed that China is using a sweeping network of influencers and social media accounts to subtly proffer propaganda to users around the globe.
The AP’s reporting found that Vippi Media had not yet filed updates with the Justice Department on its influencer campaign, even though federal law requires the company to do so within 24 hours of materials being disseminated. The company had registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a 1938 law that is meant to allow Americans to know when foreign entities are trying to influence public opinion or policymakers.
Vippi Media’s campaign, targeted at U.S. social media users, reached roughly 4 million users with ads that were scattered in stories, videos and posts across TikTok and Instagram in January, February and March by nearly a dozen influencers. The accounts named in the filing shared posts promoting the Olympics with the hashtags #Beijing2022, #partner and #ad.
A majority of the Instagram and TikTok content shared by the influencers simply advertised the Winter Olympics, shared pictures from some of the ceremonial events or gave insight on Chinese cultural customs.
Crystal Kung Minkoff, a cast member of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” who was listed as one of the influencers hired by Vippi Media, posted a video on her Instagram where she conducted an at-home, faux news-style broadcast of a mock Olympics game of musical chairs with her children. Later the post congratulates “Team USA” and says Beijing is the first city to host the summer and winter games. A message left with Minkoff was not immediately answered.
Meanwhile, Jessica Long, a decorated Paralympic swimmer and popular Instagram personality, celebrated the upcoming Olympics in a Jan. 27 post to her nearly 100,000 followers. “Have fun making lasting memories at the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China.” Long didn’t immediately return request for comment.
One of the most striking videos came from TikTok influencer Ryan Dubs, a “brand-king” with more than a half-million followers on his account, where he frequently hawks skin care products.
Dubs posted a 3-minute-long interview with China’s Consul General in New York, Huang Ping, who spoke with the Chinese and U.S. flags behind him.
The spot’s caption includes hashtags for the Beijing 2022 games. Huang and Dubs decry U.S. tariffs against Chinese imports. Dubs says he has amazing suppliers in China and encourages entrepreneurs in the U.S. to do business with China. Haung followed up by inviting U.S. businesses to come to China in the video. The Beijing games feature briefly, with Dubs saying they “helped define China in 2022.” Dubs did not immediately respond to the AP’s request for comment.
It’s unclear how much each influencer was paid to post the content.
Minkoff, Long and Dubs used #partner in their posts, but did not directly identify who sponsored the content. Instagram requires that influencers tag the sponsor, and both TikTok and Instagram require their users to register the posts as a paid partnership with the company. Most influencers, however, flout those rules — leaving social media users in the dark about who is paying for the posts they see in their feeds.
A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately return an email seeking comment. | https://cw33.com/news/china-used-real-housewives-star-other-influencers-in-discreet-olympics-campaign/ | 2022-04-08T13:51:58Z |
DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge ordered both Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk to turn over more information to opposing lawyers in their tussle over Musk’s agreed-to-then-abandoned $44 billion deal to acquire the social platform.
Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Thursday ordered Twitter to provide Musk’s attorneys more data regarding the company’s estimates that less than 5% of the accounts on its platform are fake. The judge also rejected Musk’s attempts to shield details about analyses he used in his attempt to terminate the deal.
That work was done by data scientists who examined live-feed information from Twitter about public user accounts to test the company’s daily-user counts.
Musk claims that Twitter has failed to provide enough detail about the number of fake accounts on its platform, and argues that up to 30% of Twitter’s “monetizable daily active users,” or mDAU, could be spam or bot accounts. Twitter says the mDAU metric helps it measure the number of accounts on its platform that advertisers can target, thus making them “monetizable.”
Musk, the world’s richest man, agreed in April to buy Twitter and take it private, offering $54.20 a share and vowing to loosen the company’s policing of content and to root out fake accounts. Twitter shares closed Thursday at $41.05.
Musk indicated in July that he wanted to back away from the deal, prompting Twitter to file a lawsuit to force him to carry through with the acquisition.
The judge rejected more comprehensive data requests from Musk’s attorneys as “absurdly broad,” noting that a literal reading of the request would require Twitter to produce “trillions upon trillions of data points” reflecting all data collected on roughly 200 million accounts over three years.
But McCormick did order Twitter to produce information on 9,000 accounts that were reviewed in connection with company’s fourth-quarter audit, a data subset that has been described as a “historical snapshot.”
McCormick also ordered Twitter to turn over documents regarding other metrics, regardless of whether they expressly address mDAU. Musk’s attorneys have suggested that a comparison of Twitter’s mDAU with other metrics, such as “User Active Minutes,” could support their theory that the company has fraudulently misled investors and securities regulators about the scope of activity on its platform. | https://cw33.com/technology/ap-technology/ap-judge-orders-more-document-production-in-musk-twitter-suit/ | 2022-08-26T19:46:49Z |
Amazon handed Ring footage to police without user consent, senator discloses
(AP) - Amazon has provided Ring doorbell footage to law enforcement 11 times this year without the user’s permission, a revelation that’s bound to raise more privacy and civil liberty concerns about its video-sharing agreements with police departments across the country.
The disclosure came in a letter from the company that was made public Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat who sent a separate letter to Amazon last month questioning Ring’s surveillance practices and engagement with law enforcement.
Ring has said before it will not share customer information with police without consent, a warrant or due to “an exigent or emergency” circumstance. The 11 videos shared this year fell under the emergency provision, Amazon’s letter said, the first time the company publicly shared such information. The letter, dated July 1, did not say which videos were shared with police.
Brian Huseman, Amazon’s vice president for public policy, wrote in the letter that in each instance, “Ring made a good-faith determination that there was an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to a person requiring disclosure of information without delay.”
In such cases, Huseman wrote Ring “reserves the right to respond immediately to urgent law enforcement requests for information,” adding the company makes a determination as to when to share video footage without user consent based on information provided to it in an emergency request form and circumstances described by law enforcement.
Some prior requests from law enforcement have raised concerns about how police might be attempting to use Ring footage. Last year, the nonprofit digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation reported the Los Angeles Police Department requested Ring footage of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
In a statement, Markey’s office said the findings show a close relationship between Ring and law enforcement and a proliferation of police using the platform.
Amazon said in its letter 2,161 law enforcement agencies are enrolled in Ring’s Neighbors app, a forum for residents to share suspicious videos captured by their home security cameras. That number represents a five-fold increase since November 2019, according to the senator’s office.
“As my ongoing investigation into Amazon illustrates, it has become increasingly difficult for the public to move, assemble, and converse in public without being tracked and recorded,” Markey said in a statement.
Among other things, the senator’s statement also criticized the company for not clarifying the distance Ring products can capture audio recordings. The company had said in its response letter what Ring captures “depends on many conditions, including device placement and environmental conditions.”
The Ring disclosure comes as Amazon is facing broader antitrust scrutiny in Congress about its ecommerce business, and accusations of undercutting merchants that sell on its platform by making “knock-offs,” or very similar products, and boosting their presence on its site. Markey and several other Democratic lawmakers are also pushing for a bill that prohibits the use of biometric technology by federal agencies and tie federal grant funding to states and localities on the condition they put a moratorium on the use of such technology.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/13/amazon-handed-ring-footage-police-without-user-consent-senator-discloses/ | 2022-07-13T17:34:57Z |
OSLO, Norway, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahoot! ASA will host a virtual Investor Day on Wednesday June 1, 2022 beginning at 15:00 CEST/9:00 AM EST/6:00 AM PST or applicable.
Kahoot!'s Chief Executive Officer, Eilert Hanoa; Chief Financial Officer, Ken Østreng; and members of the leadership team at Kahoot! including Clever's newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer, Trish Sparks, will host a series of presentations showing the progress and long term strategy of the Kahoot! Group to achieve its plans and ambitions for future growth.
Participants interested in the event can register here.
Investor Relations:
Jonas Forslund
jonasf@kahoot.com
Media Relations:
Alejandro Viquez
alejandror@kahoot.com
About Kahoot!
Kahoot! is on a mission to make learning awesome! We want to empower everyone, including children, students, and employees to unlock their full learning potential. Our learning platform makes it easy for any individual or corporation to create, share, and host learning sessions that drive compelling engagement. Launched in 2013, Kahoot!'s vision is to build the leading learning platform in the world. Since launch, Kahoot! has hosted hundreds of millions of learning sessions with over 7 billion participants (non-unique) in more than 200 countries and regions. The Kahoot! Group includes Clever, the leading US K-12 EdTech learning platform, together with the learning apps DragonBox, Poio, Drops, Actimo, Motimate, and Whiteboard.fi. The Kahoot! Group is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with offices in the US, the UK, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Spain and Poland. Kahoot! is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker KAHOT. To learn more, visit us at kahoot.com. Let's play!
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SOURCE Kahoot! | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/kahoot-asa-host-virtual-investor-day/ | 2022-05-31T10:44:25Z |
TAIYUAN, China, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of main paths for achieving the goal of zero carbon emissions and improving the energy structure in the European region is to develop energy-saving buildings. As a Chinese stated-owned new-energy company having strong presence in the European market, Jinneng Clean Energy Technology Ltd. ("Jinergy" or "Company") has been always devoted to cost reduction and efficiency improvement based on high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) and has recently launched its products of Universe and Development Series, including the new upgraded 182mm new light-weight module products which are more suitable for the market of distributed products, providing a new high-quality solution for the development of energy-saving buildings in Europe.
Green buildings constitute an integral part of the market of distributed products as well as one of the key sectors to which Jinergy pays close attention. The light-weight PV modules of the new type, with the feature of light weight and those excellent ones developed from regular modules, can not only meet the demands of the market of distributed products but also eliminate the pain points existing in regular modules, like heavy weight, large area, difficulty in matching with the load bearing capacity of a roof and later-stage operation and maintenance, as well as guarantee the profitability of customers and the reliability of products. The significantly optimized weight and size and the convenient installation, operation and maintenance allow the new products to have wide applications and especially advantages in the renovation of industrial and commercial factory buildings. At present, the series of light-weight module 1.0, launched for the first time, has made a breakthrough in its shipment in Southeast Asia, whose good qualities such as reducing input costs and improving power generation efficiency per household have been well accepted by customers in the Southeast Asia region, constantly injecting new vitality into the low-carbon transformation of this region.
While developing green buildings, Europe is confronted with two problems. One is the expensive labor costs which significantly increase the expenses of installation and operation and maintenance at later stages. The other is the high requirements for safety, aesthetic degree, profitability, and carbon footprint of products, which dramatically decrease the number of standard-compliant PV products and further reduce the options in the market.
The brand-new version 108 light-weight modules recently launched by Jinergy is upgraded from those of the light-weight module series 2.0, which adopt silicon wafers of large size (182mm), improving the power to 415W and the efficiency to 21.3% and more focusing on the demands of the European market for high quality installation. It is worth mentioning that this brand-new module with the size of a standard module in the industry only has the weight of 15.5kg and this optimized light weight decreases by 25%+ when compared with that of a product of the same type and is able to satisfy the demands of most roofs for installation designs. In respect of weight, the weight of a mainstream distributed product in the market is approximately 21kg, which is also the industry-recognized reasonable weight carried by a single person, and the weight of the new product (15.5kg only) further decreases the difficulty in installation, operation, and maintenance by a single person and reduces the relevant labor costs. As for safety, the new product has passed the 25mm-hail load test and reached the load requirements for front face (5,400Pa) and back face (2,400Pa), which can cope with most climatic conditions. The power of 415W and the power generation efficiency of 21.3% make the new products belong to the first echelon of distributed products, which can bring higher power generation profits to customers. For the 182mm new light-weight module products, full-black appearance can be customized to meet the demand of high-end customers in Europe for aesthetic degree.
To sum up, Jinergy has new upgraded its light-weight modules, multi-dimensionally made distributed products with lower carbon, higher safety, and more convenience, and exploited new PV application schemes for roofs. By virtue of its advantage of origin of manufacturing inland, Jinergy is able to deliver products to customers in Europe within 30 days via a China-Europe freight train, to help customers lower their logistics costs and overseas storage risks, efficiently boost the implementation of partnership projects, and fully guarantee the supply to customers, finally for the purpose of boosting the upgrading of the green buildings in Europe.
Jinergy, as a representative of Chinese state-owned new-energy enterprises, has strong presence and makes commitment to taking state-of-the-art technologies as the core, and focuses on customer service upgrading, to provide long-term guarantee for customers in respect of such key interests as product supply, project operation and maintenance, and financial security, bring efficient and reliable and diversified products to customers, and also reduce cooperative and commercial risks.
In the future, Jinergy will develop more customized products based on market demands with the open attitude towards cooperation under the product development idea "PHENOMENAL PERFORMANCE" through technological innovations, as well as constantly perfecting the product ecosystem, and solving the problems in specific applications. The Company devotes itself to exploring products with high application value and bringing environment-friendly, high-yield, and zero-carbon emission experience to customers.
About Jinergy
Founded on December 31, 2013, Jinneng Clean Energy Technology Ltd. ("Jinergy") is one of companies of Jinneng Holding Power Group, a coal giant ranking the third place in the world and the second in the People's Republic of China (PRC). As a stated-owned enterprise boasting the earliest development and operation, largest installed capacity, and strongest manufacturing capability in Shanxi Province, PRC, Jinergy has its business mainly covering a full industry chain from investment in, and development, construction, and operation of wind power and PV power generation projects, to R&D and manufacturing of PV cells and modules and PV engineering construction. It is devoted to R&D and manufacturing of PV cells and modules and is the first manufacturer realizing large-scale mass production of HJT technologies in the PRC. Since 2019, Jinergy has been named a Tier 1 Module Supplier in Global PV by the prestigious research institute Bloomberg Finance Energy News (BNEF) for four successive years; and in 2022, Jinergy was elevated to a higher rank on the PV ModuleTech Financing Ranking Pyramid, establishing itself as a global high-quality module supplier.
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SOURCE Jinergy | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/jinergys-light-weight-module-20-boosts-upgrading-green-buildings-europe/ | 2022-07-29T10:25:41Z |
ROGERS — A train derailed Sunday between Buckholts and Rogers along State Highway 190.
The incident displaced 22 cars, although no injuries were reported, according to Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore.
No fires or hazmat situations resulted from the derailment.
Traffic on Highway 190 was traveling normally, but several nearby roads, including County Roads 104, 125 and 205 are blocked by the train.
Motorists will need to find alternative routes for those roads, the sheriff’s office reported. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_d09c5d98-c412-11ec-a237-0b08bd43bd7a.html | 2022-04-25T01:22:45Z |
– Company showcases breadth of capabilities and commitment to advancing health equity through diverse, compelling type 1 diabetes research –
– Oral presentation on "Inequities in Glycemic Outcomes for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes" recognized as a Top 10 Recommended Abstract by ADA's National Health Disparities Committee –
BOSTON, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- T1D Exchange, a nonprofit organization that drives meaningful research and innovation in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D), today announced that new real-world data from its Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) and its online patient Registry will be shared in four oral and 14 poster presentations during the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 82nd Scientific Sessions, held in New Orleans from June 3-7.
The studies detail a wide range of trends and outcomes in the management of T1D, including the implementation of psychosocial screenings and the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), associations between the effect of obesity and HbA1c in children and adults, and continued race and ethnic inequities in glycemic outcomes, including one oral presentation recognized by ADA's National Health Disparities Committee as a Top 10 Recommended Abstract. A full list of abstracts can be found here.
"T1D Exchange continues to expand our capabilities to increase our outputs of real-world data to inform insights for the betterment of patients, including the more than 1,200 individuals who have now connected their CGM data to our Registry," said David Walton, Chief Executive Officer at T1D Exchange. "Our ADA presentations demonstrate our extensive capabilities in collecting, sharing and analyzing real-world data and driving improvement in equitable care and outcomes for the entire T1D population."
At the meeting, T1D Exchange extends its partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals with data from two custom research studies that utilized T1D Exchange's online patient Registry of over 14,000 people living with T1D. The studies explore the gaps that remain in achieving target T1D glycemic goals and the persistence of impaired awareness of glycemic events despite advanced technologies. T1D Exchange also continues to support the recruitment of patients for the Vertex Phase 1/2 clinical trial of VX-880 for the treatment of T1D.
- 92-OR, Persistence of Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia, Severe Hypoglycemic Events, and Suboptimal Glycemic Control Despite Advanced Diabetes Technologies on Saturday, June 4, 1:45-2 p.m. CT in Hall E-3 (in partnership with Vertex)
- 167-OR, Inequities in Glycemic Outcomes for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Six-Year (2016–2021) Longitudinal Follow-Up by Race and Ethnicity of 36,390 Patients in the T1Dx-QI Collaborative on Sunday, June 5, 2:15-2:30 p.m. CT in Room 355
- 269-OR, No BMI Increase during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children and Adults with T1D in Three Continents: Joint Analysis of ADDN, T1DX, and DPV Registries on Monday, June 6, 9:15-9:30 a.m. CT in Room 217
- 289-OR, Automated Insulin Delivery Use among 12,065 T1D Exchange Registry Participants on Monday, June 6, 3-3:15 p.m. CT in Room RO5
In addition, data from fourteen studies will be presented during the General Poster Sessions on Saturday, June 4, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT and Sunday, June 5, from 12-1 p.m. CT, both in Poster Hall D-E.
"Research from our Quality Improvement Collaborative continues to illuminate the persisting health inequities that T1D patients are facing, despite improvements in treatments and technology," said Osagie Ebekozien, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at T1D Exchange. "It is critical that we address the root causes of the inequities identified through our research so that we can offer practical solutions and enact real change for these patients who are struggling to manage their disease. I am proud that the T1D Exchange effort is leading to significant improvements."
"We're excited that the expansion of our Registry to include CGM data is enabling focused research to uncover opportunities to improve the lives of people living with T1D," said Wendy Wolf, PhD, Vice President of Registry and Outcomes Research at T1D Exchange. "Having access to the unique combination of self-reported and objective data, such as data from diabetes devices like CGMs, enables us to paint a fuller picture of the patient experience."
The T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) brings together 47 endocrinology centers across the U.S., collectively treating more than 70,000 T1D patients, to identify and address gaps in care and accelerate evidence-based, practical solutions. Participating clinics contribute anonymized patient data and research from their respective clinics, expanding the collective knowledge base and creating a unified data asset to expedite improvements in care for all people living with T1D.
The T1D Exchange Registry tracks disease progress over time and to date includes over 17,000 people living with T1D in the U.S. It gathers information directly from these individuals, including data on disease management and outcomes, connecting patients to research and researchers to patients. Participants complete annual surveys and the Registry curates other research opportunities to advance meaningful treatment, care and policy. The focus is to ensure representation across the T1D community, including patient populations often underrepresented in clinical studies.
T1D Exchange is a leader in harnessing data to advance T1D care and outcomes by driving collaborative change. Through real-world evidence and clinical data collection and analysis, our novel insights are identifying gaps in data and redefining best practices to improve the lives of those living with T1D. T1D Exchange actively supports quality improvement and innovation through its Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI), patient registry, and data-oriented research services. Through a knowledge-sharing and collaboration-focused approach, T1D Exchange is accelerating real-world impacts by providing clinicians, researchers, industry partners and advocates with the resources and services they need for better decision support and population health management. A nonprofit organization, T1D Exchange was established in 2010 with ongoing support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
To learn more about T1DX-QI member clinics, click here. For more information on the Registry, visit t1dregistry.org.
Media Contact:
Deborah Taylor
Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development, T1D Exchange
Phone: 651-500-4252
Email: dtaylor@t1dexchange.org
Amy Phillips
Green Room Communications
Phone: 412-327-9499
Email: aphillips@greenroompr.com
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SOURCE T1D Exchange | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/t1d-exchange-highlight-new-real-world-findings-across-18-presentations-american-diabetes-association-82nd-scientific-sessions/ | 2022-06-03T13:09:17Z |
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gary Meyer was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC), by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors on August 15, 2022. "The ELCHC is pleased to have strong talent in place and grateful for Gary's leadership during this transition," said Aakash Patel, Chair of the Board of Directors.
While Chief Financial Officer at ELCHC, Meyer led the $4 million Workforce Initiative, designing and implementing programs to recruit, upskill and retain the early education workforce. One of these programs was Business Leadership Training for provider owners and administrative leaders, teaching them strategies to grow their businesses. Ninety-two provider owners graduated from this program in June 2022.
Meyer has spent 20 years in senior administrative roles at various educational not-for-profits. Before the Coalition, he was Chief Financial Officer at the Manhattan School of Music, which teaches music and musical theatre to children starting at age 5 through college. Prior, Meyer was the Chief Accounting Officer at the College Board, providing financial and programmatic support to major U.S. County educational partnerships (including the Hillsborough County School District), including teacher professional development and educational programs for kindergarten through 12th grade.
"I am excited to step up my work with the providers, families, and children of Hillsborough County, increasing the amount of helpful coaching and mentoring opportunities for providers and expanding access to families and children. There are large amounts of federal grants available to providers over the coming months, and my mission is to get as much funding to providers as possible in this time of crisis in early education," said Meyer.
Established by the State Legislature, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting school and life success for young children and their families through quality school readiness services and supports. The ELCHC administers School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs in Hillsborough County, offers teacher trainings and coaching, and provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) along with other services that daily serve more than 20,000 children and their families.
Contact: Alison Fraga
Phone: 813-205-6205
Email: afraga@elchc.org
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SOURCE Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/early-learning-coalition-hillsborough-county-interim-ceo-gary-meyer-announced/ | 2022-08-22T17:44:20Z |
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The CPSC announces today the following recall is posted in cooperation with the firm listed below. Recalls can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov.
Residential Elevators Recalls Home Elevators Due to Child Entrapment Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Young Children
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Residential-Elevators-Recalls-Home-Elevators-Due-to-Child-Entrapment-Hazard-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-to-Young-Children
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/new-product-safety-recall/ | 2022-08-11T13:54:56Z |
Southwest attendant suffers broken back in hard landing
DALLAS (AP) — A Southwest Airlines flight attendant suffered a compression fracture to a vertebra in her upper back during a hard landing last month in California, according to federal safety investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the impact of landing was so hard that the flight attendant thought the plane had crashed. She felt pain in her back and neck and could not move, and was taken to a hospital where she was diagnosed with the fracture.
The safety board completed its investigation without saying what caused the hard larding.
The NTSB said none of the other 141 people on board the plane were injured in the incident at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California.
The pilots told investigators that they were aiming for the normal touchdown zone on the relatively short runway.
“However, it ended up being a firm landing,” the NTSB said in its final report, dated Friday.
Dallas-based Southwest said in a statement Monday, “We reported the matter to the NTSB in accordance with regulatory requirements and conducted an internal review of the event.”
A spokeswoman for the airline declined to provide further information when asked about the result of the internal investigation and whether the plane was inspected for evidence of damage that could occur during a hard landing. The plane has been making several flights a day, according to tracking services.
Shortly after the 18-year-old Boeing 737-700 taxied off the runway, the pilots — a 55-year-old captain and 49-year-old co-pilot — were told about the injury to the flight attendant, who was in a jump seat at the back of the plane.
The NTSB, which did not travel to the accident site, has not made its documents from the investigation publicly available.
The runway that the plane landed on is only 5,700 feet long (1,700 meters). By comparison, runways at nearby Los Angeles International Airport range between 8,900 and nearly 13,000 feet (2,700 to 3,900 meters).
The NTSB investigation was reported earlier by The Dallas Morning News.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/09/southwest-attendant-suffers-broken-back-hard-landing/ | 2022-08-09T03:36:49Z |
In most other pockets of the federal government, a public employee’s decision to lawyer up in the face of an internal investigation would be a no-brainer. But for Supreme Court clerks now being asked to cooperate with new steps in the court’s leak probe, such a move could upend the trajectories of their careers.
Legal experts have said that the disclosure to Politico of a draft Supreme Court opinion ending the right to an abortion is likely not, by itself, a crime. But clerks now are in a precarious position with the move — as reported exclusively by CNN Tuesday — by court officials tasked with leading the investigation to ask that they turn over private phone data and sign affidavits. A clerk may potentially be viewed with suspicion if they hesitate to cooperate or seek outside counsel before participating.
“The clerks are probably the most vulnerable workers who had access to that information in the building, because their career could be dramatically affected by how they chose to respond,” Catherine Fisk, a professor of employment law at UC Berkeley School of Law, told CNN. The basic act of lawyering up could create an inference of guilt “is certainly a fear that they would have.”
The young lawyers who spend a year clerking for the Supreme Court are often regarded as some of the brightest legal minds in the country. The job they take on — which involves intense secrecy and crushing hours — is one of the most coveted. Along with a close view of how judicial decisions are made at the highest level, it comes the promise of an ultra-prestigious professional launchpad and even six-figure bonuses from the firms that will go on to hire them.
But those perks bring unique expectations for Supreme Court clerks, according to Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe, who clerked for former Justice Potter Stewart and has recommended clerks to justices.
“I think it would be entirely appropriate for any law clerk who lawyers up and tells the chief justice or the Marshal of the Court, ‘No, I won’t let you see my cell phone records. They’re too intimate and too private,’ will need to take the consequence,” Tribe said. “And I think those consequences should include losing their job and losing the CV value, the resume value that job would otherwise have going forward.”
Tribe added that it would be reasonable for clerks to have outside counsel review the requests before complying, but he said that hiring a lawyer to represent them “against” the court officials leading the probe would be “ill advised.”
“These clerks are in a no-win position right now,” said Liz Hempowicz, the director of public policy at the government watchdog group Project On Government Oversight, who added it would be “incredibly alarming” if Supreme Court officials viewed a clerk’s retention of an attorney as an indicator of guilt.
“What lawyer would advise anyone to hand over personal information like this and cell phone records like this without the advice of an attorney?” Hempowicz told CNN.
The justices themselves, whom Fisk noted could have also been the source of the leak, “have no pressure on them that they can’t withstand,” given the lifetime tenure of their jobs.
“There is not a thing their colleagues can do to them to force them to hand over their cell phone,” Fisk said.
Legal risks even for clerks not involved in the leak
The leak investigation — which is being led by the Marshal of the US Supreme Court at the request of Chief Justice John Roberts — has taken an aggressive step with the request for clerks’ private phone records. That, along with any requirement that clerks sign affidavits, could give clerks pause even if they had nothing to do with the Politico leak or disclosures to various other media outlets that have reported on the secretive negotiations the abortion case, which will be decided in the coming weeks.
By signing an affidavit, if what they sign isn’t true, clerks open up themselves to criminal liability that likely isn’t present by simply leaking the opinion draft. That is because false statements to government investigators — including in written statements — is a federal crime that carries up to five years in prison.
Clerks will also have to consider potential legal risks that come with their cooperation with the phone records requests — risks that could depend on how broadly or limited the scope of the phone record review is defined. Will investigators be able to scoop up data about clerk conduct not related to the leak? Could that data be used against the clerks in a criminal context, or even to justify disciplinary action against them?
“Or it could include information about a friend or family member of a clerk who is engaged in conduct that is unlawful,” Fisk said, noting that in criminal investigations, such information is often used as leverage to get information investigators really want.
Then there’s the possibility of investigation picking up sensitive conversations clerks had about other justices or other clerks — with the potential of further inflaming tensions at time when trust within the Supreme Court’s walls has bottomed out.
Repercussions for not cooperating
As at-will employees, the clerks could potentially face termination if they resist participation in the probe.
A request for an affidavit “is likely a legitimate exercise of SCOTUS employment authority,” said Mark Zaid, an attorney who has represented government whistleblowers.
The legal lines for the right to privacy they — as public employees — are entitled to are not fully settled, according to employment law professor Orly Lobel, who is the director of the Center of Employment and Labor Policy at the University of San Diego, and ironically, the general boundaries that do exist have been drawn by the Supreme Court in its opinions.
Even if the Supreme Court has no legal right, absent a warrant, to compel the clerks to share their personal data, “the optics of declining to do so could create an adverse inference that the individual has something to hide even though the decision could rightly be one based on principle alone,” Zaid told CNN via email.
Legal experts noted the possibility that the clerks signed employment agreements at the beginning of their clerkships that would effectively waive their right to privacy in this context.
The Supreme Court didn’t respond a CNN inquiry about what employment agreements — if any — were signed by clerks that would touch on an obligation to turn over their phone data.
Ultimately, it may be up to the individual justice for whom the clerk works to determine what kind pressure the clerk feels to participate, given that the justice may be the arbiter of not just the clerk’s current employment, but what kind of jobs the clerk gets recommended for in the future.
“A lot of this is very, very intrusive into how a justice’s chambers works and so I could see the clerks not wanting to go along with it,” Adam Augustine Carter, a principal at The Employment Law Group, P.C. in Washington, DC, told CNN. “On the other hand the associate justices are going to be under pressure from the Chief justice, who launched the investigation, and the Marshal, to cooperate, and if you don’t cooperate you are going to look suspicious. Sadly when you lawyer up, you’re going to look suspicious for that as well.”
This complex backdrop is why several legal experts said that perhaps the safest route for clerks would be a strength-in-numbers approach that would protect them from the suspicions arisen by their individual decisions.
“It will be easier if clerks as a group say, graciously, ‘I have nothing to hide, but nevertheless I am lawyer. I am not going to allow you to conduct a search into my private life without consulting counsel,’” Fisk said.
Tribe was skeptical such an approach would fly within the unique culture of the Supreme Court.
“It would be almost as though the law clerks, as a group, would be sort of pitting themselves against the court as an institution and that would undermine internal trust to an even greater degree,” he said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/escalation-of-the-supreme-courts-leak-probe-puts-clerks-in-a-no-win-situation/article_fe6dfb31-a34b-5a08-adcc-5c88eaf6c9fd.html | 2022-06-01T20:12:24Z |
Police say man filmed coworkers going to bathroom; videos may have been destined for OnlyFans
By Tyler Fingert
Click here for updates on this story
DAPHNE, Alabama (WALA) — Police say technology making it extremely easy for 28-year-old Gregory Turner from Mobile to secretly record his coworkers after they say he put a camera in a bathroom.
“We haven’t had anything with this specific type of camera and I imagine this will happen more and more as technology gets more advanced,” said Sgt. Jason Vannoy with Daphne Police.
Daphne Police say Turner placed a pen camera right by a toilet in an employee-only bathroom at an unnamed Daphne store when a fellow employee found it Monday morning.
“We were able to get it to play on a device and that’s when we realized actually who put the camera out because he recorded himself setting the camera up and then there were recordings of employees using the bathroom,” Vannoy said.
Investigators say the store’s employees were shocked to learn about the hidden camera.
Vannoy says when they arrested Turner. he admitted to the crime.
“When he gave us a statement he indicated he had an OnlyFans account and he intended to post videos of himself using the bathroom to his OnlyFans account,” he said.
There was concern the videos police found could have ended up on OnlyFans, but investigators say they do not believe that actually happened.
Now they are looking at some of his other electronic devices to see if there are more victims.
“We think there’s a possibility that there’s some other illegal content on some other devices that were in his vehicle,” Vannoy said. “There was an external hard drive, a laptop, and a cell phone.”
Police say Turner is charged with four counts of aggravated criminal surveillance, one count for each victim.
He bonded out of jail Tuesday morning.
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. | https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/05/04/police-say-man-filmed-coworkers-going-to-bathroom-videos-may-have-been-destined-for-onlyfans/ | 2022-05-05T00:48:49Z |
CHICAGO, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - For the seventh consecutive year, BMO Harris Bank has received a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) and was named among the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.
"At BMO, our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life drives our commitment for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. Our values of integrity, empathy, inclusion, and responsibility enable everyone to feel respected, valued, and heard," said Tracie Morris, U.S. Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer, BMO Financial Group. "We are proud to have scored 100 on the DEI benchmarking tool for the seventh consecutive year. BMO is dedicated to eliminating barriers to inclusion by fostering a diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace culture."
The 2022 DEI measured: Culture & Leadership (30 points); Enterprise-Wide Access (10 points); Employment Practices (40 points); Community Engagement (10 points); Supplier Diversity (10 points); and Non-U.S. Operations (not weighted). A total of 415 corporations, including 69 Fortune 100, 188 Fortune 500, and 227 Fortune 1000 firms, utilized the DEI to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts.
"Across industries and sectors, we see more companies moving from accommodating people with disabilities to embracing inclusion as a corporate ESG value," said Jill Houghton, President and CEO, Disability:IN. "Our data suggests the future of inclusion lies in reconfiguring corporate strategy to foster universal belonging."
For more information on the DEI report, or to download a free copy of the report, please visit: https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/2022companies/
About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through more than 500 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, visit the company fact sheet. Accounts are subject to approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$1.04 trillion as of April 30, 2022.
Web: www.bmo.com Twitter: @BMOmedia
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SOURCE BMO Harris Bank | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/bmo-earns-top-score-disability-equality-index-named-among-best-places-work-disability-inclusion/ | 2022-08-03T14:21:10Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Please join Get Set Go live for a free event on Ursa Live this Thursday, June 16th, at 10:00 pm ET as he performs, shares the stories behind the songs, and takes questions from you during his set. Having had songs placed on TV shows including Grey's Anatomy and Weeds, Get Set Go features a quirky rock sound with dismal, self-loathing lyrics set to sunny melodies and has drawn comparisons to the famous '90s-'00s rock band Weezer.
There will also be some great rewards: top tipper will get a hand-dedicated, signed, and numbered Get Set Go songbook of their choosing, and the next two tippers and one random tipper will receive a free signed CD of their choosing.
Don't miss your opportunity to see Get Set Go LIVE and unscripted in this fun and intimate setting! This event is FREE at the link below:
https://www.ursalive.com/get-set-go
Contact: Chris Swanick, 401-440-9797, chris@ursalive.com
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SOURCE Ursa Live | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/get-set-go-live-cast-performance-with-stories-qampa/ | 2022-06-15T15:17:42Z |
Biden to speak on mass shootings, urge Congress to act
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will speak Thursday night on the recent spate of mass shootings and his plans to press Congress “to pass commonsense laws to combat the epidemic of gun violence that is taking lives every day,” the White House announced.
The 7:30 p.m. speech follows a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers last week, as well as one Wednesday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a gunman shot and killed four people and himself at a medical office.
Biden said earlier this week that the Second Amendment was never an “absolute” and that he thought “rational” Republicans in Congress would work with Democrats to pass restrictions that could limit high-powered weapons like the ones used in Uvalde.
Lawmakers from both parties have been negotiating small steps on gun limits since shortly after the Uvalde shooting, and the House is planning to move forward with a vote on an assault weapons ban that likely wouldn’t pass the Senate.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/02/biden-speak-mass-shootings-urge-congress-act/ | 2022-06-02T17:53:34Z |
TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares fell in muted trading as markets were closed for Good Friday and other holidays.
Benchmarks declined in Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. Sydney, Sydney, Manila, Bangkok and Hong Kong were among markets observing holidays on Friday. U.S. and European markets also were closed.
Shutdowns in major Chinese cities due to coronavirus outbreaks and thewar in Ukraineare weighing on sentiment.
“The Russia-Ukraine conflict inflation effects are now more meaningful than direct military developments in a market sense. These consequences have fabricated an uncertain environment that could keep investors wary,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.
“It should be a quiet session given the Good Friday holidays,” he added.
The head of the International Monetary Fund warned Thursday that Russia’s war against Ukraine was darkening the economic prospects for most of the world’s countries and reaffirmed the danger high inflation presents to the global economy.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 lost 0.3% to 27,089.25. South Korea’s Kospi dipped 0.7% to 2,697.15. The Shanghai Composite lost 0.6% to 3,205.55.
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street as investors gave mixed reviews to earnings from four of the nation’s largest banks. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% to 4,392.59, ending a shortened trading week with a 2.1% decline.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.3% to 34,451.23. The Nasdaq fell 2.1% to 13,351.08. Smaller company stocks also lost ground. The Russell 2000 fell 1% to 2,004.98.
A quartet of big banks reported noticeable declines in their first-quarter profits as the latest earnings season kicks into gear. Volatile markets and the war in Ukraine caused deal-making to dry up while a slowdown in the housing market meant fewer people sought mortgages.
Citigroup rose 1.6% while Wells Fargo fell 4.5%. Morgan Stanley rose 0.7% and Goldman Sachs slipped 0.1%.
Bond yields rose again, sending the 10-year Treasury yield to 2.83%.
“With higher oil prices, higher bond yields, (it) implies the market continues to worry about inflation, worried about Ukraine, worried about the Fed’s response to all of this,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.
Technology stocks led the way lower Thursday, offsetting gains elsewhere in the market. Pricey valuations for many of the bigger technology companies give them more sway in directing the broader market higher or lower. Microsoft fell 2.7%.
Retailers and other companies that rely on consumer spending also weighed on the market. Amazon fell 2.5%. Energy stocks rose along with the price of crude oil. Exxon Mobil rose 1.2%.
Investors again turned their attention to the drama surrounding Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk and Twitter. Musk offered to buy the social media company for $54.20 a share, two weeks after revealing he’d accumulated a 9% stake.
Musk has criticized Twitter for not living up to free speech principles and said, in a regulatory filing, that it needs to be transformed as a private company. Twitter’s stock fell 1.7% at $45.08, well below Musk’s offering price.
Wall Street had mixed economic data to review following several hot inflation reports earlier in the week. The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.5% in March, boosted by higher prices for gasoline, as consumers continue to spend despite high inflation.
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits ticked up last week, according to the Labor Department, but remained at a historically low level. The data reflect a robust U.S. labor market with near record-high job openings and few layoffs.
Inflation remains at its highest levels in 40 years in the U.S. and that has economists and analysts closely watching how consumers react to higher prices on everything from food to clothing and gasoline.
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude added $2.70 to $106.95 a barrel on Thursday, closing nearly 11% higher for the week. Brent crude, the international standard, gained $2.92 to $111.70 a barrel. Markets were closed Friday.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar rose to 126.42 Japanese yen from 125.89 yen. The euro cost $1.0801, down from $1.0832.
___
AP Business Writers Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga contributed. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/asian-shares-track-wall-street-higher-oil-prices-retreat/ | 2022-04-15T07:29:50Z |
South Korea says North Korea fired projectile toward sea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired at least one unidentified projectile toward its eastern sea on Saturday, South Korea’s military said, in its second launch this week, apparently continuing a provocative streak in weapons demonstrations that may culminate with a nuclear test in the coming weeks or months.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff didn’t immediately say whether the projectile was ballistic or how far it flew. The launch came three days after South Korea and Japan’s militaries detected the North firing a suspected ballistic missile from near its capital, Pyongyang, on Wednesday, and three days before the inauguration of South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol, who has vowed to take a tougher approach over the North’s nuclear ambitions.
The latest launch was likely North Korea’s 15th round of missile firings this year, an unusually fast pace that experts say underscores a brinkmanship aimed at forcing the United States to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and remove crippling sanctions.
There are also signs that the North is restoring tunnels at a nuclear testing ground that was last active in 2017 in possible preparations for a nuclear explosive test.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/07/south-koreas-military-says-north-korea-has-fired-projectile-toward-sea/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:22Z |
Accelerated Commercial Momentum to Achieve Net Revenue of $20.5 million
2022 Revenue Guidance Range Raised to $67 million to $75 million
ANDOVER, Mass., Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedics Group, Inc. ("TransMedics") (Nasdaq: TMDX), a medical technology company that is transforming organ transplant therapy for patients with end-stage lung, heart, and liver failure, today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The Company also announced it entered into a new $60 million five-year loan agreement with CIBC Innovation Banking ("CIBC"), which was fully funded upon closing.
Recent Highlights
- Net revenue of $20.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, a 151% increase compared to the second quarter of 2021. Transplant centers use of the National OCS Program (NOP) drove 84% of total US revenue.
- Integrated OCS™ Heart DCD offering into NOP
- Refinanced outstanding debt with new $60 million term loan
"For the third sequential quarter we posted significant growth over the same period from the previous year. The second quarter results further validated that NOP is a critical catalyst that will fuel our expected growth for the foreseeable future," said Waleed Hassanein, MD, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "We are still very early on our growth trajectory, and we fully expect to continue to build on our momentum. We look forward to further broadening our NOP infrastructure and resources with the goal to maximize our coverage capacity and drive significant growth in transplant procedures in the US and around the world over the next several years."
"We are pleased to have secured a non-dilutive debt financing, enabling us to retire our existing debt facility while providing TransMedics with incremental financial flexibility to continue to scale the business," said Waleed Hassanein, MD, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to a long-term and successful partnership with CIBC Innovation Bank as we continue grow our market presence."
Debt Financing Agreement
On July 25, 2022, TransMedics entered into a new $60 million five-year loan agreement with CIBC, which was fully funded upon closing. A portion of the proceeds from the new credit facility were used to repay the Company's existing $35 million credit facility with OrbiMed Advisors LLC ("OrbiMed"). The transaction, following the retirement of the prior facility with OrbiMed, provided net proceeds of $23 million of cash to the Company.
Cowen acted as exclusive financial advisor to TransMedics on this transaction. Additional detail regarding the financing is set forth in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC.
Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Net revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $20.5 million, a 151% increase compared to $8.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increased revenue was due primarily to the continued increase in commercial sales of the OCS™ Heart and OCS™ Liver in the United States.
Gross margin for the second quarter of 2022 was 70%, as compared to 68% in the second quarter of 2021.
Operating expenses for the second quarter of 2022 were $24.1 million, compared to $15.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in operating expense was driven primarily by increased investment in the company's NOP, our next generation OCS™ platform, as well as further investments in general commercial efforts and corporate infrastructure. Second quarter operating expenses in 2022 included $2.3 million of stock compensation expense, compared to $1.8 million of stock compensation in the second quarter of 2021.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2022 was $11.5 million, compared to $10.7 million in the second quarter of 2021.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $58.1 million as of June 30, 2022, exclusive of net proceeds from the recent debt financing agreement.
2022 Financial Outlook
TransMedics is updating full year 2022 net revenue to be in the range of $67 million to $75 million, which represents 121% to 148% growth compared to the company's prior year net revenue. TransMedics' prior 2022 net revenue guidance was $59 million to $65 million.
Webcast and Conference Call Details
The TransMedics management team will host a conference call beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT on Monday, August 1, 2022. Investors interested in listening to the conference call may do so by dialing (844) 200-6205 for domestic callers or (929) 526-1599 for international callers, followed by Conference ID: 626851. A live and archived webcast of the event will be available on the "Investors" section of the TransMedics website at www.transmedics.com.
About TransMedics Group, Inc.
TransMedics is the world's leader in portable extracorporeal warm perfusion and assessment of donor organs for transplantation. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company was founded to address the unmet need for more and better organs for transplantation and has developed technologies to preserve organ quality, assess organ viability prior to transplant, and potentially increase the utilization of donor organs for the treatment of end-stage heart, lung, and liver failure.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, our full year guidance, and statements about our operations, financial position, and business plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ include: that we continue to incur losses; our need to raise additional funding; our existing and any future indebtedness, including our ability to comply with affirmative and negative covenants under our credit agreement to which we will remain subject to until maturity, and our ability to obtain additional financing or refinance existing debt on favorable terms or at all; the fluctuation of our financial results from quarter to quarter; our ability to use net operating losses and research and development credit carryforwards; our dependence on the success of the OCS; our ability to expand access to OCS through the National OCS Program; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the OCS; our ability to educate patients, surgeons, transplant centers and private payors of benefits offered by the OCS; our ability to improve the OCS platform; our dependence on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our net revenue; our ability to maintain regulatory approvals or clearances for our OCS products, including the re-certification of the CE marks for our OCS products in the European Union and any delays in obtaining re-certification; our ability to adequately respond to FDA follow-up inquiries in a timely manner; the performance of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers; price increases of the components of our products; the timing or results of post-approval studies and any clinical trials for the OCS; our manufacturing, sales, marketing and clinical support capabilities and strategy; attacks against our information technology infrastructure; the economic, political and other risks associated with our foreign operations; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19, including variants of the virus and associated containment, remediation and vaccination efforts; our ability to protect, defend, maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights relating to the OCS and avoid allegations that our products infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of third parties; the pricing of the OCS, as well as the reimbursement coverage for the OCS in the United States and internationally; regulatory developments in the United States, European Union and other jurisdictions; the extent and success of competing products that are or may become available; the impact of any product recalls or improper use of our products; our estimates regarding revenues, expenses and needs for additional financing; and other factors that may be described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Additional information will be made available by our annual and quarterly reports and other filings that we make from time to time with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
Investor Contact:
Brian Johnston
332-895-3222
Investors@transmedics.com
* Reconciliation of Gross to Net revenue for certain payments made to customers (in thousands)
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SOURCE TransMedics Group, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/transmedics-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-08-01T21:42:49Z |
LEHI, Utah, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PCF Insurance Services (PCF), a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage firm, announced today the completion of a strategic partnership with Rowland Insurance Agency with locations in Anderson, Belton, and Clinton, South Carolina, supported by insurance mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Insurance Merger Specialists LLC.
Founded in 1997, Rowland Insurance is a full-service agency offering auto, home, commercial, and life insurance out of its three South Carolina offices.
"We are excited to welcome Renea Rowland and the Rowland Insurance team to the PCF family," says Peter C. Foy, Chairman, Founder and CEO of PCF Insurance. "Renea is highly entrepreneurial and has built solid collaborative relationships with her clients—a crucial component of our collective retention and long-term success."
To achieve long-term, sustainable growth, PCF Insurance intentionally selects Agency Partners who believe in the PCF business strategy, possess a proven track record of success, are highly entrepreneurial, and are looking to grow beyond their current watermark.
"PCF allows me to continue to run my agency the way I've done for the past 25 years," said Renea Rowland, principal of Rowland Insurance. "And we're confident this partnership will provide a long runway for continued perpetuation through operational resources, new growth opportunities, and a network of knowledgeable colleagues."
About Rowland Insurance Agency
Since 1997, Rowland Insurance has offered clients affordable insurance options, and a 'hometown' feel from all three South Carolina locations: Anderson, Belton, and Clinton. Learn more at rowlandinsurance.net.
About PCF Insurance Services
Headquartered in Lehi, Utah, PCF Insurance Services is a leading full-service consultant and insurance brokerage firm offering a broad array of commercial, life and health, employee benefits, and workers' compensation solutions. A top 20 U.S. broker, PCF Insurance's agency-centric operating model and entrepreneurial environment support its tremendous growth profile, offering partners alignment through equity ownership, significant leadership incentives, and resources to over 2,000 employees throughout the U.S. Learn more at pcfins.com.
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SOURCE PCF Insurance Services | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/rowland-insurance-agency-joins-top-brokerage-firm-pcf-insurance/ | 2022-06-01T17:06:10Z |
NOVI, Mich., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ITC Holdings Corp. ("ITC"), a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., today announced that it has priced a previously announced private offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.950% senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "notes"). The offering is expected to close on September 22, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
ITC intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem in full $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.700% Senior Notes due November 15, 2022, to pay the associated call premium, with the remainder to repay indebtedness outstanding under its revolving credit facility and its commercial paper program, and for general corporate purposes.
The notes are being offered in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes have not, and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction. This press release does not and will not constitute an offer to sell any of the notes or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the notes described herein or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of the notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
About ITC Holdings Corp.
ITC Holdings Corp. is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the United States. ITC provides transmission grid solutions to improve reliability, expand access to markets, allow new generating resources to interconnect to its systems and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. Through its regulated operating subsidiaries ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and in development in Wisconsin. These systems serve a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along 16,000 circuit miles of transmission line, supported by 700 employees and 1,000 contractors. ITC is based in Novi, Michigan. For further information visit www.itc-holdings.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. None of the information on ITC's or Fortis Inc.'s websites is incorporated into, or forms a part of, this press release.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements that describe our management's beliefs concerning future business conditions, plans and prospects, growth opportunities and the outlook for our business and the electric transmission industry based upon information currently available. Such statements are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Wherever possible, we have identified these forward-looking statements by words such as "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "forecasts," "forecasted," "expects," "projects," "likely," "plans" and similar phrases. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions our management believes are reasonable. Such forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions and subject to significant risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements, including, among others, the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC from time to time. There can be no assurance that the offering will be completed. ITC assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE ITC Holdings Corp. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/itc-holdings-corp-announces-pricing-600-million-senior-notes-due-2027/ | 2022-09-08T22:51:18Z |
TORONTO, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Braxia Scientific Corp. ("Braxia", or the "Company"), (CSE: BRAX) (OTC: BRAXF) (FWB: 4960), a medical research company with clinics providing innovative ketamine and psilocybin treatments for people living with depression and related mental health disorders, is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Wolkove, Chief Information Officer and Daniel Herrera, Vice President, Research & Development and Growth.
These strategic hires bolster Braxia's senior leadership team and its ability to drive growth and innovation. Both roles will be integral to executing the expansion of the Company's clinical footprint, the rollout and expansion of novel ketamine and psilocybin therapy offerings, new special access programs, current and upcoming clinical trials, and the potential commercialization of future product development.
Braxia's new Chief Information Officer, Jason Wolkove, is a seasoned technology executive bringing more than 20 years of experience growing complex technical product, sales and service teams and building SaaS software systems. Jason also brings deep expertise in both revenue cycle, data management and mining, and a proven ability to manage product development. He has led teams from concept to delivery through the application, design, and delivery phases in addition to leading technology focused M&A during his tenure with two large financial institutions - Scotiabank and CIBC. Jason is also a founding board member for a rare disease foundation working towards building treatments for children with Neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Roger McIntyre, CEO, Braxia Scientific, commented: Jason brings deep technology expertise and a strong track record of success with a passion for solving problems through innovative technology solutions. We look forward to his guidance as we implement our technology vision and focus on scaling up our clinical ketamine and psilocybin therapy programs, as well as clinical trials, to meet increasing demand for affordable access to innovative treatments for depression."
As Vice President, Research & Development and Growth, Daniel Herrera brings extensive experience in the life sciences industry including more than 15 years of senior-level experience in the pharmaceutical industry serving in various commercial and strategic roles at Eli Lilly and Company. Daniel has also led various teams and divisions at high-growth start-ups and private multi-national companies in the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries. In these roles he has acquired regulatory and commercial knowledge and expertise in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and mental health.
In this strategic role, Daniel will drive Braxia's R&D portfolio strategy and business development to further strengthen the Company's pipeline by leveraging internal and external opportunities.
Dr. McIntyre commented, "We are delighted to welcome Daniel, adding high caliber global pharmaceutical leadership to the Braxia management team. Daniel's significant experience in global clinical development and the marketing of innovative medicines across several therapeutic areas, combined with his experience as a key leader in the development of multiple innovative therapeutics, are important skill sets that complement Braxia's leading research team. His deep knowledge of the psychoactive segment and experience working with global regulatory agencies, including FDA and Health Canada among others, will be an invaluable contributor to our growth and the acceleration of our development pipeline."
Prior to joining Braxia, Daniel was Chief Growth Officer with Mindcure, a psychedelic focused R&D and technology company working on the development of various programs in the mental health space including a digital therapeutic. Prior to joining Mindcure, Daniel was the Chief Corporate Development Officer of Medcolcanna, a Canadian integrated medical cannabis company with operations in Colombia, where he managed global partnerships within the highly regulated medical cannabis industry. There he gained specific experience in the psychoactive medical cannabis segment as he helped lead the company's efforts to have the Colombian Government grant the company the authorization to manufacture psychoactive medical cannabis derivatives.
Prior to joining Medcolcanna, Daniel was with CannTrust Holdings Inc., where he served as Director of Global Strategy and Business Development as well as leading the Global Partnerships and Investments group, advising on several M&A and sales transactions helping to expand the company into Denmark, Germany, Australia and the US.
Braxia Scientific is a medical research company with clinics that provide innovative ketamine treatments for persons with depression and related disorders. Through its medical solutions, Braxia aims to reduce the illness burden of brain-based disorders, such as major depressive disorder among others. Braxia is primarily focused on (i) owning and operating multidisciplinary clinics, providing treatment for mental health disorders, and (ii) research activities related to discovering and commercializing novel drugs and delivery methods. Braxia seeks to develop ketamine and derivatives and other psychedelic products from its IP development platform. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence Inc., Braxia currently operates multidisciplinary community-based clinics offering rapid-acting treatments for depression located in Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, and Montreal.
"Dr. Roger S. McIntyre"
Dr. Roger S. McIntyre
Chairman & CEO
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations, or beliefs of future performance are "forward-looking statements."
Forward-looking statements include statements about the intended promise of ketamine-based treatments for depression and the potential for ketamine to treat other emerging psychiatric disorders, such as Bipolar Depression. Such forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events, or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the failure of ketamine, psilocybin and other psychedelics to provide the expected health benefits and unanticipated side effects, dependence on obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, including acquiring and renewing federal, provincial, municipal, local or other licenses and engaging in activities that could be later determined to be illegal under domestic or international laws. Ketamine and psilocybin are currently Schedule I and Schedule III controlled substances, respectively, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19 (the "CDSA") and it is a criminal offence to possess such substances under the CDSA without a prescription or a legal exemption. Health Canada has not approved psilocybin as a drug for any indication, however ketamine is a legally permissible medication for the treatment of certain psychological conditions. It is illegal to possess such substances in Canada without a prescription. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, including the Amended and Restated Listing Statement dated April 15, 2021, which are available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Braxia Scientific Corp. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/braxia-scientific-bolsters-leadership-with-strategic-hires-adds-chief-information-officer-global-pharmaceutical-industry-leader-vp-rampd-growth/ | 2022-07-27T12:31:20Z |
- 2023 event to be held on campus of Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama
- Voting has begun! Fans can help choose which HBCU marching bands will perform live at the 2023 Invitational Showcase
- Tickets on sale at www.hondabattleofthebands.com
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda and the HBCU community will celebrate the return of Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) to a live event format Saturday, February 18, 2023, showcasing spectacular marching bands and dance teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The premiere marching band event for HBCUs, HBOB also will be held in a new location when the invitational showcase takes place for the first time on an HBCU campus at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live showcase event has not been held since 2020. Previous HBOB events were held in Atlanta.
"I am proud of the special relationship Honda has with HBCUs," said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda. "Born out of more than three decades of collaboration on programs that support and celebrate the dreams of HBCU students as the next generation of Black leaders, we continue to build on our relationship with HBCUs in new and meaningful ways. In 2023, we will take Honda Battle of the Bands to an HBCU campus and look forward to sharing our inspirational HBCU journey with loyal HBOB fans and society."
"We are extremely excited that Alabama State University has been selected as the site for the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands," said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. "By bringing the popular event to the ASU campus, Honda has advanced and strengthened its longstanding support of the nation's HBCUs. The ASU stadium will provide a perfect setting for the Honda Battle of the Bands; and I know that with the support of Hornet Nation, the City of Montgomery and HBOB fans, the event will be a great success."
In support of the live event, the 2023 program will include digital activations, pre-event activities in the host city of Montgomery, and the Honda Royal Fleet featuring select HBCU homecoming royalty.
Tickets are on sale now at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.
The live event will feature six bands, including the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets. Starting today, fans can go to www.hondabattleofthebands.com and help choose which marching bands they want to see share their talents during one of the largest celebrations of Black culture and musical excellence. Voting will conclude on October 31, 2022. Follow along on the HBOB social channels:
- Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
- Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda
- Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda
Earlier this year, Honda introduced an original, four-part docuseries featuring performances, interviews, and notable alumni that weave together the rich tapestry of the HBCU experience. Completing the series, the fourth episode "Unity" debuted last month, demonstrating the lifelong bond that comes from within HBCU communities. All episodes are now streaming on www.hondabattleofthebands.com so fans can watch them ahead of the live event.
For over 30 years, Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students through initiatives including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students, including meeting and networking with peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.
To advance its leading investment in HBCUs, Honda is a member of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus initiative that brings together government, industry and HBCUs to create strategic, more sustainable HBCU partnerships. Honda also has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF to provide annual scholarship funding to support HBCU students pursuing an education in engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing-related fields.
Learn more at https://www.honda.com/community/diversity-reports.
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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/honda-hbcu-community-celebrate-return-honda-battle-bands-with-live-showcase-event/ | 2022-09-06T16:05:22Z |
– First Time Patients Will be Treated with the Company's Orally Available Small Molecule Modulator Targeting Restoration of Intestinal Barrier Function and Regeneration of Bowel Epithelium –
NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies focused on treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, today announced the start of the patient cohorts in its ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856, the company's third clinical asset, in patients with celiac disease.
IMU-856 is an orally available and systemically acting small molecule modulator that targets an undisclosed epigenetic regulator. Preclinical studies suggest that IMU-856 can restore barrier function in the gastrointestinal tract and also regenerate intestinal architecture while maintaining immunocompetency. Based on preclinical and early clinical data available to date, the company believes that IMU-856 may represent a novel and potentially ground-breaking approach to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
"Start of Part C of this phase 1 clinical trial in celiac disease patients marks an important milestone in the clinical development of IMU-856, and we hope to be able to confirm its ability to restore intestinal barrier function without affecting the immune system," stated Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Immunic. "Because it represents a significant unmet need with well characterized surrogate markers of disease activity, we believe that celiac disease is an ideal initial clinical indication to provide proof-of-concept of IMU-856's acute and chronic impact. IMU-856's mechanism could present an entirely new approach to treat a significant number of serious and widely prevalent gastrointestinal diseases, and we believe it could offer a clinical benefit without the serious consequences associated with many autoimmune therapies. Moreover, we look forward to providing the full safety data set from the single and multiple ascending dose portions of this ongoing phase 1 clinical trial in healthy human subjects, currently expected to be available in the third quarter of this year."
"Celiac disease is a life-long and serious autoimmune disease of the small bowel whose pathophysiology is due to gluten-induced damage to the intestinal barrier. Despite adhering to a gluten-free diet, many patients experience ongoing disease activity which may lead to chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, malabsorption of nutrients and even increased risk of anemia, osteoporosis and certain cancers," stated Andreas Muehler, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Immunic. "There is an immense need for an effective therapeutic intervention for patients with celiac disease, as the only therapeutic approach today is a strict, life-long gluten-free diet, which is burdensome, often socially restrictive, and regularly fails to stop disease activity. In light of IMU-856's potential to restore intestinal barrier function and intestinal architecture, we believe this compound holds particular promise in improving patients' gastrointestinal health and ability to digest and properly absorb nutrients, thereby reducing possible long-term consequences and improving their quality of life, disease symptoms and potential future complications."
Parts A and B of the ongoing phase 1 clinical trial are evaluating single and multiple ascending doses of IMU-856 in healthy human subjects. The now initiated Part C is structured as a 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the safety and tolerability of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease during periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge. Approximately 42 patients are planned to be enrolled in two consecutive cohorts with IMU-856 given once-daily over 28 days. Secondary objectives include pharmacokinetics and disease markers, including those evaluating gastrointestinal architecture and inflammation. Approximately 10 sites in Australia and New Zealand are expected to participate in Part C.
The company also reiterates its prior guidance that phase 2 top-line data of vidofludimus calcium (IMU‑838) in ulcerative colitis is expected to be available in June of 2022 and that initial clinical efficacy data of the Part C portion of the ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-935 in psoriasis is expected in the second half of 2022.
About IMU-856
IMU-856, which Immunic believes to be novel, is an orally available small molecule modulator that targets a protein which serves as a transcriptional regulator of intestinal barrier function and regeneration of bowel epithelium. Based on preclinical data, the compound may represent a new treatment approach, as the mechanism of action targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function and bowel wall architecture in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and other intestinal barrier function associated diseases. Immunic believes that, because IMU-856 has been shown in preclinical investigations to avoid suppression of immune cells, it may therefore maintain immune surveillance for patients during therapy, an important advantage versus chronic treatment with potentially immunosuppressive medications. IMU-856 is an investigational drug product that has not been approved in any jurisdiction.
IMU-856 was discovered and initially developed by Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (Daiichi Sankyo). In November 2018, Immunic and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a global option and license agreement, granting Immunic the exclusive right to license IMU-856. The license also includes exclusivity on a patent application filed by Daiichi Sankyo, covering IMU-856's composition of matter. Immunic exercised the option in January 2020.
About Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition of the small intestine in which ingestion of dietary gluten triggers an inflammatory response in genetically susceptible individuals. Over time, the immune reaction damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). This often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to other serious complications. In children, nutrient malabsorption can affect growth and development, in addition to causing the symptoms seen in adults. There is currently no known cure for celiac disease and patients must adhere to a strict, life-long gluten-free diet which can help manage symptoms and avoid disease flareups. Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people, worldwide. In the U.S., alone, it is estimated that 2.5 million people are undiagnosed and are, therefore, at risk for long-term health complications.
About Immunic, Inc.
Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies focused on treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The company is developing three small molecule products: its lead development program, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), a selective immune modulator that inhibits the intracellular metabolism of activated immune cells by blocking the enzyme DHODH and exhibits a host-based antiviral effect, is currently being developed as a treatment option for multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. IMU-935, a selective inverse agonist of the transcription factor RORγ/RORγt, is targeted for development in psoriasis, castration-resistant prostate cancer and Guillain-Barré syndrome. IMU-856, which targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function, is targeted for development in diseases involving bowel barrier dysfunction. For further information, please visit: www.imux.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Immunic's three development programs and the targeted diseases; the potential for IMU-856 to safely and effectively target diseases; preclinical and clinical data for IMU-856; the timing of current and future clinical trials; the nature, strategy and focus of the company and further updates with respect thereto; and the development and commercial potential of any product candidates of the company. Immunic may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, the COVID-19 pandemic, risks and uncertainties associated with the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient financial and other resources to meet business objectives and operational requirements, the fact that the results of earlier preclinical studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of future clinical trial results, the protection and market exclusivity provided by Immunic's intellectual property, risks related to the drug development and the regulatory approval process and the impact of competitive products and technological changes. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in the section captioned "Risk Factors," in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022, and in the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov or ir.imux.com/sec-filings. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Immunic disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Immunic expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this press release.
Contact Information
Immunic, Inc.
Jessica Breu
Head of Investor Relations and Communications
+49 89 2080 477 09
jessica.breu@imux.com
US IR Contact
Rx Communications Group
Paula Schwartz
+1 917 322 2216
immunic@rxir.com
US Media Contact
KOGS Communication
Edna Kaplan
+1 781 639 1910
kaplan@kogspr.com
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SOURCE Immunic, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/immunic-announces-start-patient-cohorts-its-phase-1-clinical-trial-imu-856-celiac-disease/ | 2022-05-05T12:10:06Z |
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