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NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLP, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to:
BBQ Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BBQ)'s sale to MTY Food Group Inc. for $17.25 per share. If you are a BBQ shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Shift Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFT)'s merger with CarLotz, Inc. Under the terms of the merger agreement, CarLotz shareholders are expected to receive 0.692158 shares of Shift common stock for each share of CarLotz common stock. Upon closing of the merger, Shift shareholders would own approximately 52.9% of the combined company. If you are a Shift shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
CarLotz, Inc. (NASDAQ: LOTZ)'s sale to Shift Technologies, Inc. for 0.692158 shares of Shift common stock for each share of CarLotz common stock. If you are a CarLotz shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK)'s sale to the Company's founder, Chairman and CEO, Robert D. Glaser, for $0.73 per share. If you are a RealNetworks shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Halper Sadeh LLP may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders.
Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com.
Halper Sadeh LLP represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Halper Sadeh LLP
Daniel Sadeh, Esq.
Zachary Halper, Esq.
(212) 763-0060
sadeh@halpersadeh.com
zhalper@halpersadeh.com
https://www.halpersadeh.com
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SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/10/shareholder-investigation-notice-halper-sadeh-llp-investigates-bbq-sft-lotz-rnwk/ | 2022-08-10T12:33:52Z |
Amber Alert issued for missing 2-month-old girl in Texas
(Gray News) - Police in Texas issued an Amber Alert on Monday for a 2-month-old girl believed to be in in grave or immediate danger.
The Harker Heights Police Department is searching for Winter Jones, a Black female weighing 13 1/2 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and last seen wearing a pink and white flower print zippered sleeper.
Police are looking for 33-year-old Rotoyia Vertison, a Black female, 5 feet tall and 218 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes with a flower tattoo on the right wrist, and Runnesha Vertison, 29 years old, 5-foot-7 and 118 pounds, with black and blonde dreadlocked hair, dark brown eyes with a chest tattoo and a half sleeve tattoo on both arms in connection with the abduction.
The suspect is believed to be driving a silver 2014 Ford, Fusion with a Texas license plate number of PDY6485. The suspect was last heard from in Harker Heights.
Anyone with information regarding the abduction is asked to call the Harker Heights Police Department at 254-953-5423 or call 911.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/20/amber-alert-issued-missing-2-month-old-girl-texas/ | 2022-06-20T08:08:26Z |
LONDON (AP) — Liz Truss, who is widely expected to become Britain’s new prime minister this week, has pledged to act within a week to tackle a cost-of-living crisis fueled by soaring energy bills linked to the war in Ukraine.
But Truss, speaking to the BBC on Sunday, refused to provide any details on the actions she would take, suggesting it would be wrong to discuss specific policies until she takes the top post. She stressed, however, that she understands the magnitude of the problems facing Britain.
The government has been unable to address soaring inflation, labor strife and strains on the nation’s creaking health-care system since early July, when Johnson announced his intention to resign and triggered a contest to choose his successor. The ruling Conservative Party will announce the winner on Monday.
“I want to reassure people that I am absolutely determined to sort out this issue as well as, within a month, present a full plan for how we are going to reduce taxes, how we’re going to get the British economy going, and how we are going to find our way out of these difficult times,’’ said Truss, who has been foreign secretary for the past year.
Truss is facing Rishi Sunak, the government’s former Treasury chief, in the contest to become Conservative Party leader and so prime minister. Only dues-paying party members were allowed to vote in the election, putting the choice of Britain’s next leader in the hands of about 180,000 party activists.
During the campaign, Truss promised to increase defense spending, cut taxes and boost energy supplies, but she refused to provide specifics on how she would respond to the cost of living crisis.
With household energy bills set to increase by 80% next month, charities warn that as many as one in three households will face fuel poverty this winter, leaving millions fearful of how they will pay to heat their homes.
The Bank of England has forecast that inflation will reach a 42-year high of 13.3% in October, threatening to push Britain into a prolonged recession. Goldman Sachs has estimated that inflation could soar to 22% by next year unless something is done to mitigate high energy prices. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-tory-front-runner-truss-vows-fast-action-on-cost-of-living/ | 2022-09-05T02:01:34Z |
Sedgwick brand protection releases U.S. product recall index for Q2 2022
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of U.S. products recalled this year has already surpassed 1 billion, according to the U.S. product recall index recently released by Sedgwick's brand protection division. Only two other years on record have seen more than 1 billion units recalled: 2018 and 2021. In those years, it took a full year to hit that threshold. In 2022, it only took the first seven months of the year, setting this up to be a record-breaking year for product recalls by number of units.
The automotive, consumer product, food and beverage, medical device and pharmaceutical industries continue to face challenges from increased regulatory scrutiny, as well as geopolitical issues and ongoing public health issues, including COVID-19 and monkeypox.
Sedgwick's industry-leading brand protection quarterly report provides an in-depth look at the economic, regulatory and legal challenges affecting various industry and insights into how companies can safeguard their reputations and brands. In addition to the latest product recall data and trends from the second quarter of 2022, the report also includes insights, analysis and predictions from Sedgwick's brand protection experts and network of strategic partners.
Highlights from the second quarter recall data
- Automotive recall events increased in Q2 2022 to 245, following two consecutive quarters of decline. The number of units impacted was relatively stable from the previous quarter at 9.2 million.
- The number of consumer product recalls decreased 15.6% in Q2 2022 from 77 events in Q1 to 65. The total number of units recalled also decreased in Q2, but by only 3.5% to 6.7 million units.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food and beverage recall events increased to 120 in Q2 2022, up 9.1% from Q1. However, the number of impacted units decreased significantly (81.3%) to 27.5 million units. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food recalls increased to their highest level in more than two years, with 13 events. The number of units impacted also saw a significant increase of 1,391% to 973,374 pounds.
- While medical device recalls increased 34% (reaching a two-year high, with 268 events), the number of impacted units fell 96.8% to their lowest level in 10 years (10 million).
- For a second consecutive quarter, there were a total of 94 pharmaceutical recall events. The number of impacted units fell to their lowest level in over a year, at 20.6 million units in Q2.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2022
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had an active Q2, finalizing several standards for fuel efficiency and increasing civil penalties — meaning the automotive industry may soon be liable for millions of dollars in fines. Autonomous vehicles will remain a focus for NHTSA; the agency is working to update safety standards that may require automakers to carry the burden of compliance but will increase consumer confidence in autonomous vehicles.
- As we've seen for several quarters, children's safety will continue to be a priority for regulators of the consumer product industry. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) chemicals are rising to the top of regulators' and litigators' list of harmful substances to target with regulations and lawsuits.
- Infant food recalls continue to have a lasting impact on the food and beverage industry, as the FDA and other regulatory agencies examine the causes, poor response times and preventative measures. The FDA is expected to begin strictly enforcing the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP), increasing the risks for food importers.
- As medical device technology advances, the FDA is releasing guidance to protect devices from cyberattacks. This space will likely remain a focus for the FDA, as a cybersecurity breach could lead to the death of a patient. Lawmakers are also working to update emergency preparedness for public health emergencies, including reforms that could impact the medical device industry.
- Enforcement will be a focus for the pharmaceutical industry, with the FDA issuing warning letters for products containing cannabis and banning the sale of an e-cigarette company's products. Although the ban was overturned, it's likely that won't be the end of the issue. The FDA has made subsequent efforts to initiate a ban of non-tobacco flavors, including menthol in cigars and cigarettes.
"Regulators and lawmakers alike have increased their scrutiny of every industry, introduced new guidelines and rules, and started to publicly call out companies they believe to be noncompliant. Add to the mix the current geopolitical issues and ongoing public health crises, and businesses find themselves facing new risks that are increasingly difficult to address," said Chris Harvey, senior vice president of brand protection at Sedgwick. "In the face of these obstacles, businesses should continuously evaluate and update their product recall, crisis and communications plans to ensure their brands and reputations will overcome whatever new challenges arise."
"This is the second consecutive year in which we have seen more than 1 billion units impacted by U.S. product recalls. If the first half of the year is any indication, we should expect 2022 to eclipse all previous years on record for recalled products," said Amanda Combs, recall advisor in Sedgwick's brand protection division. "While regulatory agencies may not be back to pre-pandemic work levels, companies can't relax their focus on product safety. Inspections and enforcement actions are still occurring."
The recall index is published every quarter by Sedgwick's brand protection experts. It is the only report that aggregates, and tracks recall data across multiple regulatory agencies and industries to help industry stakeholders navigate the regulatory environment, product recalls and other in-market challenges. For more information, see sedgwick.com/brandprotection.
To download the latest recall index, visit U.S. product recall index report.
Sedgwick is a leading global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions. The company provides a broad range of resources tailored to our clients' specific needs in casualty, property, marine, benefits, brand protection and other lines. At Sedgwick, caring counts; through the dedication and expertise of nearly 30,000 colleagues across 80 countries, the company takes care of people and organizations by mitigating and reducing risks and losses, promoting health and productivity, protecting brand reputations, and containing costs that can impact performance. Sedgwick's majority shareholder is The Carlyle Group; Stone Point Capital LLC, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Onex and other management investors are minority shareholders. For more, see sedgwick.com.
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SOURCE Sedgwick | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/us-track-break-record-most-products-recalled-single-year/ | 2022-08-18T17:14:22Z |
VANCOUVER, BC and HOBRO, Denmark, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced it has received Europe's industry first Type Approval by DNV, one of the world's leading classification and certification bodies, for its marine fuel cell module FCwave™.
The Type Approval marks an important step in commercializing Ballard's fuel cell technology for marine applications and is key to including fuel cells as part of zero-emission solutions for the marine industry. The Type Approval process is extensive, involving a series of simulations and tests which were carried out at Ballard's global Marine Center of Excellence in Hobro, Denmark, where the FCwave™ is developed and manufactured.
"The new classification of FCwave™ has removed a significant roadblock in helping the marine industry deploy zero-emission technologies and meet global emission reduction targets," says Søren Østergaard Hansen, General Manager, Marine, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S. "The Type Approval from DNV is highly important in building market confidence in hydrogen fuel cells and validates that FCwave™ is designed, tested and prepared for installation. The Type Approved FCwave™ module enables us to deliver the first deployment-ready fuel cell solution, capable of helping the marine sector take the next steps in implementing zero-emission operations."
The International Maritime Organization has set ambitious targets to cut GHG emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050. The high-power FCwave™ module is a flexible solution that can support the energy needs of various vessel types as well as onshore power. The scalable 200kW power module offers a plug-and-play replacement for conventional diesel engines. The Type Approval certification confirms the design meets the stringent safety, functional, design and documentation requirements necessary for global marine commercialization.
Ballard Power Systems' (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product performance and other characteristics, product deliveries and deployments. These forward-looking statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward looking statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.
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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/06/ballard-granted-industry-first-type-approval-by-dnv-fcwave-marine-fuel-cell-module/ | 2022-04-06T11:04:31Z |
No. 1 Vols pull away late to drop Kentucky, make SEC final
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Cortland Lawson doubled in two runs in a four-run eighth inning, Blake Burke hit a three-run homer in a six-run ninth inning and top-seeded Tennessee turned back 12th-seeded Kentucky 12-2 to advance to the SEC Tournament championship game. The Volunteers (52-7) take a seven-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup with Florida. The Wildcats (33-26), the lowest seed in the tournament, had won four elimination games before falling in the semifinals to the league champions who they had beaten twice in the regular season. They scored two runs in the fifth to tie the game at 2. Reliever Chase Burns (8-1) went 4 2/3 to pick up the win, notching eight of Tennessee’s 17 strikeouts. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/29/no-1-vols-pull-away-late-to-drop-kentucky-make-sec-final/ | 2022-05-29T07:00:25Z |
Up to 280 people are feared dead and hundreds more wounded after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan Wednesday, according to state-run news agency Bakhtar.
The earthquake hit at 1:24 a.m. about 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) southwest of the city of Khost, which lies close to the country's border with Pakistan, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake registered at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to USGS, which assigned the quake a yellow alert level -- indicating a relatively localized impact.
Casualties were reported in the Barmal, Zirok, Nika and Giyan districts of Paktika province, with more than 600 injured, according to Bakhtar.
Local officials and residents have warned that the death toll is likely to rise, according to Bakhar. Full casualty figures are not yet clear, and CNN is unable to independently confirm Bakhtar's reporting.
Photos from Paktika province, just south of Khost province, show destroyed houses with only a wall or two still standing amid the rubble, and broken roof beams.
Najibullah Sadid, an Afghan water resources management expert, said the earthquake had coincided with heavy monsoon rain in the region -- making traditional houses, many made of mud and other natural materials, particularly vulnerable to damage.
"The timing of the earthquake (in the) dark of night ... and the shallow depth of 10 kilometers of its epicenter led to higher casualties," he added.
A Taliban deputy spokesperson, Bilal Karimi, said the earthquake had been "severe," and asked aid agencies to "urgently send teams" to the area affected.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said its teams were on the ground for emergency response, including providing medicine, trauma services and conducting needs assessments.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences and an offer of support in a tweet on Wednesday. "Deeply grieved to learn about the earthquake in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of innocent lives," he wrote. "People in Pakistan share the grief and sorrow of their Afghan brethren. Relevant authorities are working to support Afghanistan in this time of need."
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- Significant changes made to current NCCN testing recommendations increase access to testing for historically underserved populations -
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of recent research revealing that a significant number of colorectal cancer patients with actionable variants are missed under previous genetic testing guidelines, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced new guidelines calling for testing to be available to all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Specifically, NCCN recommended that germline multigene panel testing should be offered to all individuals with CRC age <50 and be considered for all others, particularly for, but not restricted to, those with evidence of mismatch repair in their tumor or suggestive family history. These new recommendations expand the current testing criteria, which limited testing to certain age groups and types of cancer.
The new NCCN guidelines follow recent landmark studies published in JAMA Oncology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology by Invitae and Mayo Clinic supporting universal genetic testing for all cancer patients, regardless of cancer type, age, stage or family history. The data showed that nearly 1 in 6 colorectal cancer patients had inherited gene mutations that increased their risk of cancer. Additionally, more than 10% of patients in the study had changes to their cancer treatments based on genetic testing findings – many of whom would have been missed by previous limited testing guidelines. The study also found that patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age were more likely to have heritable genetic changes linked to an increased risk of cancer.
The new NCCN guidelines have the potential to impact millions, as colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and an estimated 5 million people worldwide currently live with colorectal cancer according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer according to ACS is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women, and there's recently been an increase in incidence among people younger than 50 years old. Understanding risk and implementing screening strategies is essential to early detection and better outcomes for patients.
"As the medical community's understanding of genetic links to cancer evolves, genetic testing guidelines must evolve with it," said Robert Nussbaum, M.D., chief medical officer of Invitae, who co-authored a letter in January 2022 to the NCCN formally requesting universal germline testing for patients with CRC be added to their guidelines. "In addition to excluding older people from receiving access to medically actionable information about their disease, previous guidelines were based on studies with an overrepresentation of individuals of European origin, potentially biasing and exacerbating existing disparities to those of non-European background."
"The number of genes with targeted therapeutic or clinical management implications for colorectal cancer has significantly increased in recent years," Dr. Nussbaum continued. "At the same time, genetic testing has become more affordable. These new guidelines will help identify more patients and their family members who might benefit from genetic assessment."
"The INTERCEPT study supports the use of universal germline genetic testing for patients with colorectal cancer, and has shown the clinical impact of this strategy in targeted therapy implementation, personalized clinical management and cascade family testing for prevention. The NCCN update will improve access for patients with colorectal cancer to the gene-directed precision care they need," Jewel Samadder, M.D., enterprise co-leader precision/individualized cancer medicine, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In addition to recommending testing be either offered or considered for all diagnosed colorectal cancer patients, the NCCN guidelines recommend subsequent cascade testing of family members of colorectal cancer patients who have pathogenic variants identified in cancer risk genes. "This is one of the biggest challenges related to germline multigene panel testing for all colorectal cancer patients," explained Ed Esplin, M.D., Ph.D., FACMG, FACP, clinical geneticist at Invitae and a co-author of the INTERCEPT study. "Alerting other family members to be tested to determine increased risk and implementing more intensive surveillance could lead to earlier diagnosis, significantly higher chance of curative treatment and ultimately, prevention of colorectal cancer entirely for those at increased risk."
About Invitae
Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company, whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website at invitae.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the potential impact of the new NCCN guidelines and the potential benefits of increased access to genetic testing. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the company's history of losses; the company's ability to compete; the company's failure to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Amy Hadsock
pr@invitae.com
(628) 213-3283
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SOURCE Invitae Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/new-nccn-colorectal-cancer-guidelines-recommend-genetic-testing-all-diagnosed-patients/ | 2022-08-08T17:11:19Z |
Which water bottle is best?
We all need water in order to live, no matter if it comes from our coffee in the morning or our lunchtime soda. That said, it’s best to drink pure water. According to the Mayo Clinic, we should drink roughly 110 ounces of water daily. The best way to help us get to that threshold is to use a good water bottle.
The best water bottle is the CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle. It comes in several sizes and colors and has an easy-carry loop on the cap.
What to know before you buy a water bottle
Capacity and size
While water bottle capacity is typically considered the most important aspect, it’s still necessary to consider the overall size.
- Capacity: Water bottles have capacities as small as 8 ounces and as large as 50 ounces, though many also offer a 32-ounce size. Most larger bottles are best for water, while 8-ounce containers are usually better for mixed drinks such as coffee.
- Size: Consider how you intend to carry your water bottle before making a purchase. For example, many water bottles are carried in exterior pouches of backpacks, so having a bottle larger than this pouch is burdensome rather than helpful.
Color
Water bottles come in every color imaginable, making it easy to find one that works well and speaks to your sense of style — or is just your favorite color. Before making a purchase, one thing to consider about color is that darker colors get hot faster than lighter colors. However, a well-insulated container can mitigate this.
What to look for in a quality water bottle
Material
Water bottles are typically made of plastic, metal or glass.
- Plastic is the most common material. It’s ultra-light, cheap and durable. However, it isn’t environmentally friendly, so once it’s not worth using anymore, make sure to recycle it. The best plastic bottles are BPA-free.
- Metal, either aluminum or stainless steel, is the best material. It’s somewhat naturally insulative, highly durable and environmentally friendly. However, they scratch and dent easily if dropped and cost much more than plastic. They can also sweat in hot weather. The best metal bottles have extra insulation added.
- Glass is the most attractive water bottle, but it’s best for use at home rather than on the go due to its fragility. It’s also pricey but easy to clean.
Insulation
The best water bottles are insulated to keep your water cold or your coffee hot. Insulation does add to the price somewhat, but not as much as you’d think, and is available in all sizes of bottles.
How much you can expect to spend on a water bottle
Water bottles don’t have much cost variance, with many costing just $10-$20. Plastic options are the most affordable, while metal and insulated options are the most expensive.
Water bottle FAQ
What are the benefits of a water bottle?
A. There are a few key benefits to using a water bottle.
- They’re reusable: Using a reusable water bottle aids the environment by decreasing the amount of disposable waste generated. It also cuts down on the amount of money you spend on disposable bottles. Even the most expensive water bottle breaks even on the investment after about a month of regular use.
- You drink more: Having a constant source of water on your person makes you more likely to drink water than if you have to drink it one small cup at a time.
- They’re stylish: Water bottles come in dozens of designs, so there’s always one that perfectly matches who you are. Many people also personalize their bottles with stickers. You can even buy different water bottles to match various outfits.
Are wide-mouthed or narrow-mouthed water bottles better?
A. Neither is better than the other. It just depends on your preferences. Wide-mouth bottles are much easier to fill but their also easier to spill. Conversely, narrow-mouthed bottles are harder to fill but easier to control when drinking.
How do I maintain a water bottle?
A. Most water bottles and all their pieces and parts are dishwasher-safe. That said, some bottles and parts are not. Always double-check the instructions included with your purchase before placing anything in the dishwasher.
What’s the best water bottle to buy?
Top water bottle
CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
What you need to know: CamelBak is among the best water bottle brands, and this one comes in 12 colors and four sizes, including 25 and 50 ounces.
What you’ll love: The lid is leakproof, both at the edges and around the spout, and has an easy-carry loop. It’s made of 50% recycled plastic that’s stain-resistant and BPA-free. It’s also dishwasher-safe.
What you should consider: Some consumers reported that the color they received did not perfectly match the color of the one shown in the product listing image.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top water bottle for the money
Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
What you need to know: It’s basic but affordable and is an all-time classic design.
What you’ll love: Available in 23 colors, this bottle holds up to 32 ounces and has a measuring system — in both ounces and milliliters — printed on the side. The wide-mouth design makes it easy to add drinks and especially easy to clean.
What you should consider: Your drink can rapidly become room temperature due to the lack of insulation. The plastic loop keeping the lid and body together may deteriorate over time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle
What you need to know: It’s perfect for situations where the water may not be clean.
What you’ll love: It comes in five colors and 26- or 36-ounce capacities. The filters are rated to be replaced after treating 40 gallons of water — that’s 150-200 full bottles, depending on capacity — or every two months. It has a leakproof lid and is dishwasher-safe.
What you should consider: The filters add a recurring cost, and they need to be rinsed under running water for at least one minute before being added to the bottle to avoid an odd taste.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/water-containers-accessories-br/best-water-bottle/ | 2022-04-29T07:13:38Z |
California woman admits she faked her own kidnapping in 2016
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) - The northern California woman accused of faking her own kidnapping in 2016 has signed a plea deal and will confess she made everything up.
Sherri Papini, now 39, said in a statement in part, “I am deeply ashamed of myself for my behavior and so sorry for the pain I’ve caused.”
Her attorney, William Portanova, confirmed that she signed a plea agreement Tuesday.
Papini’s husband reported her missing in November 2016 after she had gone out for a jog near her home. Three weeks later, on Thanksgiving, she was found alone on an interstate 140 miles from home.
She said she was kidnapped by two women who held her captive, chained in a closet. Her elaborate story included details about her supposed assailants wearing masks, holding her at gunpoint and branding her with a heated tool.
Federal prosecutors said Papini injured herself to back up her false statements.
The Justice Department said Papini had actually stayed with an ex-boyfriend in southern California for the three weeks she was reportedly missing.
Federal prosecutors said Papini received more than $30,000 in fraudulent victim assistance money based on the hoax. She is also facing charges of mail fraud and making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer.
Copyright 2022 KCRA via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/13/california-woman-admits-she-faked-her-own-kidnapping-2016/ | 2022-04-13T15:52:50Z |
Starting June 27, Auntie Anne's guests can pair their pretzel with the new Dragonfruit Mango Frost, Dragonfruit Mango Frozen Lemonade, and Dragonfruit Mango Lemonade Mixer.
Just in time for 4th of July weekend, Pretzel Perks members can enjoy a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel when they purchase one of the new sips from July 1-4.
ATLANTA, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for summer, Auntie Anne's, the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, is keeping guests refreshed all season long with new twists on the brand's beloved lemonade lineup. Starting today, three brand new Dragonfruit Mango sips are rolling into Auntie Anne's restaurants nationwide for a limited time.
As it heats up outside, Auntie Anne's guests can cool down with the new Dragonfruit Mango Frost, Dragonfruit Mango Frozen Lemonade, and Dragonfruit Mango Lemonade Mixer:
- The new Dragonfruit Mango Frost blends real dragonfruit & mango puree with Auntie Anne's signature Original Frozen Lemonade to create a refreshing sip. The beverage is served over real whipped cream then topped with more whipped cream and pink sprinkles for a mouth-watering, light, and sweet tropical sip sure to reinvigorate on even the hottest of summer days.
- The new Dragonfruit Mango Frozen Lemonade blends real dragonfruit & mango puree into classic Auntie Anne's Original Frozen Lemonade for a delicious frozen flavor that tastes as vibrant as it looks.
- The new Dragonfruit Mango Lemonade Mixer swirls real dragonfruit & mango puree into Auntie Anne's Original Lemonade for a perfectly balanced tart and sweet sip that'll have guests wanting more.
For the coolest way to fuel any summer hustle, the refreshing fruit flavors of Auntie Anne's Dragonfruit Mango beverages pair perfectly with a hot, handmade pretzel. And, to help fans enjoy the unbeatable delicious duo and stay refreshed all 4th of July weekend long, Auntie Anne's is offering FREE Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzels for Pretzel Perks members with the purchase of any Dragonfruit Mango beverage from July 1 through July 4*.
"Auntie Anne's is all about powering pick-me-ups for our on-the-go guests," shared Cynthia Liu, Vice President of Marketing at Auntie Anne's. "We're thrilled to be pouring new, tasty, and refreshing ways for our fans to enjoy the refreshing fruit flavors they crave alongside their favorite pretzel during the summer."
From now until Sept. 9, while supplies last, fans can enjoy all three ridiculously refreshing summer sips in-store at participating Auntie Anne's locations or through the Pretzel Perks app for delivery straight to their door or in-store pickup.
To learn more about Auntie Anne's hot, handmade, buttery pretzels and refreshing beverages that take snacking to the next level, visit AuntieAnnes.com and follow along on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
*Valid July 1, 2022 – July 4, 2022 in the app, taxes and fees apply, see checkout for details. Current app users will automatically get the offer and any new Pretzel Perks user that signs up from 7/1/22 – 7/4/22 will get the offer upon sign up.
About Auntie Anne's®:
With locations in 49 states and more than 25 countries, Auntie Anne's mixes, twists, and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Anne's® stores can be found in malls and outlet centers, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, Walmarts, travel plazas, military bases, and food trucks. Fans can now also order their favorite pretzel snacks for delivery, pickup, and catering in the Pretzel Perks app. For more information, visit AuntieAnnes.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
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SOURCE Auntie Anne's | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/auntie-annes-twists-up-new-refreshingly-fruity-line-dragonfruit-mango-beverages-give-guests-perfect-sips-summer/ | 2022-06-27T13:56:13Z |
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Redbox Entertainment Inc. ("Redbox" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RDBX) in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSSE). Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.087 of a share of class A common stock of CSSE per Redbox share owned. Upon completion of the transaction, CSSE shareholders will own approximately 76.5% of the combined company, while Redbox shareholders will own only approximately 23.5% of the combined company.
If you own Redbox shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website:
https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/rdbx
Or please contact:
Joshua Rubin, Esq.
Weiss Law
305 Broadway, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 682-3025
(888) 593-4771
stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) Redbox's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the per-share merger consideration adequately compensates Redbox's shareholders, and (iii) all information regarding the sales process and valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed.
Weiss Law has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
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SOURCE Weiss Law | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/shareholder-alert-weiss-law-investigates-redbox-entertainment-inc/ | 2022-05-11T23:11:09Z |
FAIRFIELD, N.J., 17 May, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vela Diagnostics announced today the launch of its new PathoKey® MP UTI ID and AMR PCR Test for research use only (RUO*).
This multiplex PCR-based test allows for the in vitro detection and differentiation of 14 pathogens that cause urinary tract infections (UTI), as well as 14 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes encoding resistance to 5 antibiotics, all in one run. The test is compatible with common real-time PCR cyclers, such as the Rotor-Gene Q 5/6 plex Platforms and QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System.
Notably, Vela Diagnostics' proprietary Sentosa® SA201 Reporter can generate a report that consolidates pathogen and AMR results for each sample when used with the Sentosa SA201 or Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Dx, providing users with access to a comprehensive yet easy-to-read report.
The test offers laboratories the option of using either an automated or manual workflow. Laboratories with high throughput can choose from two of Vela Diagnostics' highly-automated solutions, which incorporate the Sentosa SX101 instrument for extraction and PCR setup, generating a report within 4 hours, and with as little as 30 minutes of hands-on time. The second automated workflow includes the KingFisher Flex instrument for an even higher throughput.
Laboratories with lower throughput may choose to employ the manual workflow option to prevent wastage as batching is not required.
"When designing our PathoKey MP UTI ID and AMR PCR Test, we prioritized automation, flexibility and comprehensive report generation," said Dr Charlie Lee, Head of Research and Development of Vela Diagnostics. "We believe that through comprehensive data analysis and reporting, VELA's UTI solution will give timely and insightful results to customers. Being a 2-in-1 test, it is able to detect and differentiate between the UTI-inducing pathogens as well as their AMR profiles in one run, improving lab efficiency."
Scott Cassidy, Director of Business Development, is optimistic about the adoption of VELA's PathoKey UTI Tests. "Following the COVID-19 pandemic, our install base has widened substantially. We plan to leverage the channels we have established throughout this period to firmly plant our foot in the UTI diagnostics market," said Mr Cassidy. "We will look into creating a version of the test compatible with the Hamilton instrument, allowing for higher throughput according to market demand."
"Laboratories wishing to gain further insights into their samples will have the reflex option of using our PathoKey SQ FLEX Pathogen ID Assay, which will be launched in the third quarter of 2022," said Sam Dajani, Chairman and CEO of Vela Diagnostics. "The NGS-based assay enables users to delve into the microbial makeup of their samples, including the identification of pathogens which may be missed by PCR-based tests."
*Performance characteristics have not yet been established.
About Vela Diagnostics
Vela Diagnostics is a leading provider for integrated IVD system solutions, from sample to result. VELA's test solutions utilize the automated Sentosa platform, providing the unique ability to leverage one system for NGS and PCR testing in infectious disease and oncology.
All Sentosa products listed above are by Vela Diagnostics. For more information, visit www.veladx.com. All other product names, trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Vela Diagnostics | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/vela-diagnostics-launches-multiplex-pcr-based-test-detecting-uti-pathogens-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/ | 2022-05-17T15:19:08Z |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen won the Democratic nomination for his seat on Tuesday, defeating a little-known challenger just months after suffering a minor stroke.
Van Hollen will be the heavy favorite in November’s general election in the liberal state, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1.
In other top contests in Maryland’s primary election, voters were selecting nominees in the highly competitive contest to replace Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who is prohibited from running for a third consecutive term.
He has endorsed Kelly Schulz, who served as labor and commerce secretaries in his administration. Her top challenge in the Republican gubernatorial primary was from Dan Cox, a Donald Trump-backed state legislator who sued Hogan over his pandemic policies and later sought unsuccessfully to impeach him.
On the Democratic side, Tom Perez, a former U.S. labor secretary and former Democratic Party chair, has the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a native daughter of Baltimore, while bestselling author Wes Moore has the support of Oprah Winfrey and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat. Other top candidates include Comptroller Peter Franchot, former Attorney General Doug Gansler and former U.S. Education Secretary John B. King Jr.
The big-name endorsements in Maryland’s governor’s race illustrate the high stakes for both parties. Democrats see the contest as one of their best chances nationwide to flip a governor’s mansion in this year’s midterm elections, while Republicans want to cement the party’s hold on the office.
The Republican primary provides a potential 2024 preview of the appeal of candidates in the mold of Hogan and Trump, who offer competing visions for the future of the party.
Other top races include contests for U.S. House and attorney general. The state’s eight-member congressional delegation has an open seat in the Washington suburbs. And the daughter of the state’s former attorney general is vying for her father’s old job.
It could take days, or even longer, to determine the winners in the most closely contested races. That’s because Maryland law prohibits counties from opening mail ballots until the Thursday after election day.
Ten candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. Perez has support from labor unions, while Moore, the former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, an anti-poverty organization, has been endorsed by the state’s teachers union and the two top Maryland legislative leaders, House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson.
Franchot, who comfortably won four races to be the state’s tax collector, brings significant name recognition to the primary. Gansler, a longtime prosecutor, is running as a moderate. King served in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet.
Voter Laura Kretchman, a 41-year-old high school teacher, said Moore’s endorsement by the Maryland State Education Association helped her choose him. She said she’s impressed by Moore’s accomplishments after rising above childhood challenges and being raised by a single mom.
“I teach children at a school that also come from difficult upbringings, so I’d like to see maybe what he can bring to helping those students that are struggling and challenged,” said Kretchman, an Annapolis resident.
Other voters said they preferred a long resume of government service. Curtis Fatig, a 67-year-old voter in Annapolis, settled on Perez, who also worked on the Montgomery County Council, as Maryland’s secretary of labor and as the assistant attorney general for civil rights in Obama’s administration.
“He’s not a newcomer,” said Fatig.
At an elementary school in Silver Spring, many Democrats cast a ballot for governor with an eye toward November’s general election.
Retired high school teacher Tom Hilton, 75, said he viewed the Democratic primary field as “kind of a toss-up” but ultimately picked Franchot.
“Mainly for the financial parts,” Hilton said. “I think he’ll be a little bit more attuned to having a more secure financial future for Maryland.”
On the Republican side, Hogan has stood firmly behind Schulz, whom he sees as the strongest candidate to face a Democrat in November. Democrats seem to agree, with the Democratic National Committee plowing more than $1 million behind an ad intended to boost Cox in the Republican primary. It’s a tactic they’ve used elsewhere in an effort to face an easier opponent in the general election.
Hogan has criticized Cox for organizing busloads of Trump supporters to go to Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, for the “Stop the Steal” rally that preceded the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Cox has said he didn’t go to the Capitol and left before the rioting began.
In a tweet he later deleted, Cox called then-Vice President Mike Pence a “traitor” for refusing to heed Trump’s demands not to certify the 2020 election. He apologized for it and denounced the attack on the Capitol.
Trump, meanwhile, has branded Schulz and Hogan as RINOs, or Republicans In Name Only, a term of derision reserved for party members who don’t fall in line behind him.
“Get rid of Shutdown RINO Larry Hogan who is trying to get another RINO into office, Kelly Schulz,” Trump said in a statement Monday.
Trump’s endorsement of Cox helped him earn 22-year-old Cameron Martin’s vote.
“The main reason was because he was endorsed by Trump,” Martin said, adding that he feels like Cox shares his Republican values and that “he will best represent me.”
Brandon D’costa, 18, said he voted for Schulz because he likes her plan to cut taxes and increase the number of police officers. He called her a “down-to-earth person” and said he believed she “can truly change the path of Maryland.”
Maryland’s only open congressional seat is in the 4th Congressional District, a heavily Democratic Black-majority district. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown is leaving to run for attorney general. Former Rep. Donna Edwards, who previously held the seat, faces former county prosecutor Glenn Ivey in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
The Democratic primary for attorney general has turned into a battle between former Gov. Martin O’Malley’s wife, Katie Curran O’Malley, who is a former Baltimore judge and the daughter of former Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr., and Brown, O’Malley’s lieutenant governor who lost the 2014 governor’s race to Hogan.
The two are vying to replace Democratic Attorney General Brian Frosh, who is retiring. Maryland hasn’t had a Republican attorney general in nearly 70 years.
In other races, candidates are on the ballot for all 188 seats in the Maryland General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats.
The Maryland primary was delayed by three weeks because of lawsuits challenging the state’s congressional and state legislative maps.
___
Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter, https://twitter.com/ap_politics.
___ Associated Press writer Michael Kunzelman in Silver Spring contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/election-2022-maryland-voters-choosing-gov-hogan-successor/ | 2022-07-20T01:19:40Z |
Musk takes 9.2% stake in Twitter
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is taking a 9.2% stake in Twitter. Musk purchased approximately 73.5 million shares, according to a regulatory filing Monday. Musk has been raising questions about the ability to communicate freely on Twitter, tweeting last month about free speech and the social media platform. “Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy. Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?” he tweeted. In a separate tweet, Musk said that he was “giving serious thought” to creating a new social media platform. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/04/musk-takes-9-2-stake-in-twitter/ | 2022-04-04T10:59:32Z |
Playoff physicality creeps into crease to impact goaltenders
By AARON BEARD
AP Sports Writer
The physicality of the NHL playoffs is creeping into the crease. Goaltenders typically move without concern of being hit. But there’s already been a huge goal disallowed for the New York Rangers due to interference. Carolina lost a starting goaltender after taking an early shot to the head. And a Hurricanes rookie netminder confronted an opposing star forward over unwanted contact. Players generally aren’t allowed to make contact with a goaltender. Friday’s games include the Hurricanes seeking a 3-0 series lead on the Boston Bruins. The Toronto-Tampa Bay, Minnesota-St. Louis and Edmonton-Los Angeles series all are at 1-1 entering Friday. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/05/playoff-physicality-creeps-into-crease-to-impact-goaltenders/ | 2022-05-06T00:02:17Z |
The newest iteration of GOST (Giant Oak Search Technology) features a 200% increase in precision, gives analysts more data, and allows for more customization
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant Oak, a leader in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for the compliance and risk needs of business and government, today announces updates to their GOST® product. The Fall 2022 GOST Release introduces three primary updates: a 200% increase in precision of alerts; modular management of customized models; and expanded access to GOSTCrawl, a proprietary data source that increases the customer's risk discovery. The new GOST updates reduce analyst labor by 50% while increasing the accuracy and agility of results. The combined improvements allow GOST users to monitor large populations more efficiently and effectively than other risk identification platforms.
"Our mission is to make the world a safer place by contributing technology to the global screening and vetting community. To this end, our teams of scientists and engineers are constantly working to improve and adapt our technology to help risk management executives and practitioners close critical windows of vulnerability," said Gary M. Shiffman, PhD, founder and CEO of Giant Oak.
Traditional screening methods use point-in-time data like static lists to make risk assessments, resulting in false positives and missed information. As a machine learning platform, GOST uses available web data in real-time, as well as data provided from the user, to make risk assessments based on models of derogatory information. For example, if a user wants to prioritize discovery of entities that behave like human traffickers specifically, a model and data can be tailored for precision in that specific outcome. Unlike limited, point-in-time data, GOST can find negative news in chat rooms, social media and discussion websites, the deep web, and articles or sources in foreign languages. This comprehensive sweep of the internet reduces false positives and increases discovery.
GOST also operates on a continuous monitoring framework, meaning that organizations using GOST receive the unique benefit of passive screening and active risk discovery across their entire portfolios, using early indications and warnings to provide contextual insight and risk prioritization. Because information is retrieved upon processing, GOST is a privacy-preserving bulk screening solution.
"We're proud to push innovative updates in GOST to ensure a more efficient and precise screening process for our customers," said Harsh Pandya, President of Giant Oak. "The ability of GOST to use the open and deep web, matched with the data sources of GOSTCrawl, transforms the return on investment of the screening enterprise, all while preserving privacy."
To learn more about GOST, visit www.giantoak.com.
At Giant Oak, we build trusted tools at the frontiers of behavioral science and artificial intelligence that enable you to make both rapid and informed decisions in an increasingly dynamic security environment. GOST® (Giant Oak Search Technology) makes screening easy. GOST® is an open-source search and triage tool that builds a custom internet domain and organizes information to detect suspicious behavior. GOST® re-indexes the open and deep webs to return publicly available electronic information (PAEI) in prioritized results relevant to the user's requirements. By deploying machine-learning algorithms to refine search results and generate analytic scores, entities are sorted by relevance and threat level. For more information, visit www.giantoak.com.
Media Contact: Kristina Drye
Cell Number: 704-242-4276
Email: kristina.drye@giantoak.com
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SOURCE Giant Oak, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/giant-oak-releases-new-updates-gost-enhancing-risk-assessment-identify-corruption-terrorism-money-laundering-other-illicit-activities/ | 2022-08-23T12:04:43Z |
PITTSBURGH, July 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KOP), an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds, today announced that it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2022 before the market opens on Thursday, August 4, 2022, and discuss its outlook on a conference call later that day at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Presentation materials will be available at least 15 minutes before the call on www.koppers.com in the Investor Relations section of the company's website.
Interested parties may access the live audio broadcast toll free by dialing 1-833-366-1128 in the United States and Canada, or 1-412-902-6774 for international, Conference ID number 10167786. Participants are requested to access the call at least five minutes before the scheduled start time to complete a brief registration. The conference call will be broadcast live on www.koppers.com and can also be accessed here.
An audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call at 1-877-344-7529 for U.S. toll free, 855-669-9658 for Canada toll free, or 1-412-317-0088 for international, using replay access code 8743727. The recording will be available for replay through November 4, 2022.
About Koppers
Koppers, with corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds. Our products and services are used in a variety of niche applications in a diverse range of end markets, including the railroad, specialty chemical, utility, residential lumber, agriculture, aluminum, steel, rubber, and construction industries. We serve our customers through a comprehensive global manufacturing and distribution network, with facilities located in North America, South America, Australasia, and Europe. The stock of Koppers Holdings Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KOP."
For more information, visit: www.koppers.com. Inquiries from the media should be directed to Ms. Jessica Franklin at FranklinJM@koppers.com or 412-227-2025. Inquiries from the investment community should be directed to Ms. Quynh McGuire at McGuireQT@koppers.com or 412-227-2049.
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SOURCE Koppers | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/22/koppers-holdings-inc-schedules-second-quarter-2022-conference-call/ | 2022-07-22T13:17:45Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Prices at the wholesale level fell from June to July, the first month-to-month drop in more than two years and a sign that some of the U.S. economy’s inflationary pressures cooled last month.
Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that the producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — declined 0.5% in July. It was the first monthly drop since April 2020 and was down from a sharp 1% increase from May to June.
The easing of wholesale inflation suggests that consumers could get some relief from relentless inflation in the coming months. The wholesale report follows government data Wednesday that showed that consumer inflation was unchanged from June to July — the first flat figure after 25 straight months of increases.
Yet economists caution that it’s still too early to say that inflation is headed steadily lower.
“The July deceleration … is a move in the right direction,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “But producer costs continue to rise at a rapid pace, well above target.”
Wholesale food prices rose 1% from June to July, a sign that grocery prices will likely keep rising in the coming months. The wholesale costs of eggs, beef and vegetables all jumped.
Trucking freight costs, though, fell 0.3%, evidence that some supply chain snarls are easing.
Inflation at the wholesale level still jumped 9.8% in July compared with a year earlier, suggesting that inflation will remain at painful levels for months to come. That was down from a year-over-year surge of 11.3% in June — near a four-decade high — and was the smallest annual rise in eight months.
Thursday’s report showed that wholesale gas prices tumbled 16.7% from June to July, a sign that retail prices at the pump will continue to decline this month and likely into September. Consumers are already seeing steady reductions: Gas prices fell below $4 a gallon, on average, on Thursday for the first time in five months.
The milder inflation data, and last month’s unexpectedly robust hiring that helped lower the unemployment rate to a half-century low of 3.5%, have provided President Joe Biden with some positive economic news after months of accelerating price spikes hammered his approval ratings. Congressional Republicans have made rising inflation a major line of attack in the upcoming midterm elections.
And the Federal Reserve has embarked on its fastest pace of interest rate hikes since the early 1980s in an effort to quell inflation, and will likely keep raising borrowing costs for the rest of this year. Its short-term rate is currently in a range of 2.25% to 2.5%, the highest since 2018.
Chair Jerome Powell has said the Fed would need to see a series of declining inflation readings before it would consider pausing its rate increases. The Fed could announce a third straight three-quarter point rate hike when it next meets in late September or instead carry out a less drastic half-point hike.
Thursday’s producer price data captures inflation at an earlier stage of production and can sometimes signal where consumer prices are headed. It also feeds into the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, which is called the personal consumption expenditures price index. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/us-wholesale-inflation-rose-more-slowly-in-july/ | 2022-08-12T03:18:57Z |
16-year-old shot and killed in Bradenton
The investigation is ongoing and deputies have identified a juvenile suspect.
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - The shooting happened on Friday night in the parking lot of the Garden Walk Condos. Deputies responded to the call just after 6 p.m. and learned that several males were sitting in a parked car when another male got into the car.
Shortly after getting into the vehicle, the teenager got out and started shooting at the car as it drove to the east side of the complex. One of the passengers in the car was hit and taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital by his friends.
The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital and detectives with the Manatee Homicide Investigate Unit are following leads. One juvenile suspect has been identified, but no arrests have been made.
The investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/30/16-year-old-shot-killed-bradenton/ | 2022-07-30T16:16:09Z |
BEIJING, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iQIYI, an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, announced on Jul. 5 the latest released interactive drama series The Lord of Losers had achieved high audience participation rate. From interactive dramas to participatory variety shows and XR concerts, iQIYI continues to push the boundary of participation with rich choices of plots and immersive settings.
It further demonstrates iQIYI's commitment to employing ever-evolving technology to enhance user experience and forge greater connection between the audience and the content.
Wider choices and more immersive experience
Released on Jun. 18 under iQIYI's LAUGN ON Theatre, The Lord of Losers is a sitcom featuring the office life of young professionals. In the interactive fifth episode "Virtual Partner," audience are invited to help make choices for the leading character as he experiences the company of the virtual character during the epidemic.
Viewers can choose the clothes for the virtual character as well as decide a major storyline. The episode has 15 optional settings with 22 achievements for the audience to accomplish in total. In addition to a wider variety of choices than existing interactive dramas, the episode has equipped each different possible ending with a unique theme song in an attempt to present more complete and immersive storytelling.
The innovative features resulted in 93% audience participation rate and an average user viewing time of over 30 minutes.
The Lord of Losers marks iQIYI's latest interactive drama series with ever-evolving features, after the likes of the first interactive drama series in the industry titled His Smile in 2019, and the widely anticipated title iPartment Season 5 in 2020.
Laying the foundation with technology
In May 2019, iQIYI introduced the Interactive Video Guideline (IVG), the world's first such framework, and Interactive Video Platform (IVP), to help content creators develop high-quality interactive entertainment experiences more conveniently and efficiently, from concept development to plot-setting.
"The guideline not only lays a good foundation for the industry, but also reduces iQIYI's cost of configuring interactive content across its ever-expanding array of content," said a representative of Interactive Content at IQIYI.
"With growing cases and experience, the content team will be able to transplant existing settings to emerging content and employ IVP with less support from technical teams," said the representative, adding some of the interactive capabilities from The Lord of Losers have been reused in the trailer for The Detectives' Adventures 2.
In addition to dramas, iQIYI has applied interactive functions to different areas, including variety shows and XR concerts. The variety show Game of Shark introduced the Shark Mode, allowing users to directly take on the identity of a character and join their favorite celebrities in collecting hidden clues and identifying the murderer. Meanwhile, iQIYI launched in March 2021 its THE9 "X-City" extended reality (XR) concert. Backed by its cutting-edge XR technologies and interactive video technology, the concert brought to life the high level of immersion and real-time interaction between THE9 and their fans.
ZHENG Xiaoyi, Vice President of iQIYI, emphasized the vital role interactive features play in offering enhanced user experience and building a well-connected community. "iQIYI will continue to develop IP content as a core business strategy, to create a fully immersive interactive experience with technology, to build stronger bond with audience with digital assets, and to build a new social universe based on users' interests."
CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com
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SOURCE iQIYI | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/iqiyi-continues-deliver-immersive-viewing-experience-with-drama-lord-losers-hitting-high-participation-rate/ | 2022-07-05T10:01:52Z |
US 75 near North Burlington closed after semi jack-knifes, blocks highway
Published: May. 24, 2022 at 4:25 PM CDT|Updated: 59 minutes ago
BURLINGTON, Kan. (WIBW) - US 75 highway near the Dollar General in North Burlington is closed after a semi-truck jack-knifed and blocked the highway.
Coffey County Emergency Management took to Facebook on Tuesday afternoon, May 24, to urge drivers to avoid the area of US 75 near North Burlington as a semi-truck has jack-knifed and blocked the highway.
Emergency Mgmt. noted that no injuries have been reported and traffic has been rerouted as crews wait for a wrecker to move the semi.
The department said to avoid US 75 highway near Dollar General until the semi is removed.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/24/us-75-near-north-burlington-closed-after-semi-jack-knifes-blocks-highway/ | 2022-05-24T22:27:07Z |
Biden set to boost America’s semiconductor production with signing of CHIPS & Science Act
The president signed the legislation into law on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Joe Biden says he’s giving the nation a $280 billion dollar boost to make key products right here in America.
On Tuesday, Biden signed the CHIPS & Science Act into law at a ceremony at the White House in front of lawmakers from across the country.
“This law funds the entire semiconductor supply chain for research and development,” said Biden.
The president says it will amplify the United States competitiveness over China specifically when it comes to semiconductor chip production.
Two plants by Intel are already under construction near Columbus, Ohio. The White House says more manufacturing companies are announcing plans for increased chip production.
“This will allow us to not only be secure, but leap ahead,” said Gina Raimondo, U.S. Commerce Secretary.
The legislation funds training in engineering and technology sectors, which the White House says will mean more high paying jobs.
Raimondo worked with federal lawmakers since February to get the bill to the president’s desk.
She talks about the one sticking point that brought them to the table.
“I think it was national security concerns,” said Raimondo. “So right now, we buy all of our semiconductors from Asia, specifically Taiwan, and those are the chips that are in every piece of military equipment.”
The CHIPS Act easily passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support, but some Republicans remained opposed saying it was just a green light for higher taxes and further corporate welfare.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/09/biden-set-boost-americas-semiconductor-production-with-signing-chips-science-act/ | 2022-08-10T00:13:37Z |
TOKYO, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu today announced that it will host its global flagship online event, Fujitsu ActivateNow 2022 on October 4, 2022 (Japan, Europe, and the Americas) and October 12, 2022 (Asia and Oceania), highlighting its vision, technology, and case studies for promoting Sustainability Transformation through digital innovation to various stakeholders, including society, customers, partners, and next-generation leaders.
This year, under the theme of 'Driving Sustainability Transformation through Digital Innovation', the event will feature global programs including keynote speeches by Fujitsu Group CEO and CDXO Takahito Tokita and CTO Vivek Mahajan, panel sessions by special guest speakers, as well as regional programs hosted by company leaders that reveal how Fujitsu delivers solutions to pressing societal issues for a sustainable future.
For full press release including program and schedule details
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver Sustainability Transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com/
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SOURCE Fujitsu Limited | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/fujitsu-showcases-global-vision-driving-sustainability-transformation-through-digital-innovation-fujitsu-activatenow-2022/ | 2022-09-01T11:03:00Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Weber Inc. (NYSE: WEBR).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/weber-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=30783&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Weber Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's August 2021 initial public offering.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until September 27, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Weber Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Weber was reasonably likely to implement price increases; (2) as a result, consumer demand for Weber's products was reasonably likely to decrease; (3) due to the resulting inventory buildup, Weber was reasonably likely to run promotions to "enhance retail sell through"; (4) the foregoing would adversely impact Weber's financial results; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
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.
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/2022/08/12/webr-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-weber-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-27-2022/ | 2022-08-12T11:17:13Z |
Steve King: Have the Browns taken all the fun out of it with Watson trade?
All sports, including football and the NFL, are supposed to be fun.
Yes, it’s a business, but in its purest form, it’s entertainment, and if you’re not entertained by it, then you’ll find something else that is.
With that then, have the Browns run the risk of doing that to some — or perhaps even a lot — of their fans with this huge trade to get quarterback Deshaun Watson?
It’s huge because the Browns, in exchange, gave up three — three!! — first-round picks in the NFL draft in the deal with the Houston Texans, and also because he isn’t just any ol' player. He arrives with a Dawg Pound-full of baggage, and not just any garden-variety baggage but the seediest kind, with 22 civil lawsuits being level against him for alleged sexual misconduct.
Yes, that’s right, 22, as in one for every position on the field on offense and defense.
You will never personally meet any of those women, but that doesn’t make them anonymous. That could be your wife, your girlfriend, your sister, your mother, your neighbor, your co-worker, your friend — anyone close to you.
Now, do the Browns need another quarterback? Yes, many argue, they do, because Baker Mayfield isn’t the guy — he isn’t good enough to be the franchise quarterback and the face of the franchise.
We can debate that back and forth all day, but in reality, that day isn’t today, because if the people running the team think another quarterback is necessary, you, as fans, have to like that if only for the fact they obviously realize the value of quarterback and know that it’s the most important position in team sports. If a team has a good quarterback, then it has a chance, and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t. It’s that simple.
But in trying to do so with someone with these accusations chasing him like pass rushers and trying to bring him down, have the Browns gone too far off the beaten path, skidding into the guardrails, and thus taken away from your enjoyment of the team? Have they ruined the entertainment value of it for you by removing the decency?
After all, seedy isn’t fun. Seedy is … well, just seedy, and distasteful, and uncomfortable, and ugly, and perverse, and just not right.
Only you can answer that, but all the backlash thus far — and keep in mind that this is only April, the trade just recently was consummated and the start of the regular season is still a long way down the road — suggests that such may well be true.
Indeed, you have to ask yourself, "Are we having fun yet?" | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/sports/2022/04/15/steve-king-have-browns-taken-all-fun-out-it/7274994001/ | 2022-04-15T18:36:32Z |
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I'm an automotive mechanic and I wanted to design a more fuel-efficient engine that does not directly operate the alternator with a belt," said an inventor, from Freemont, Neb., "so I invented the AUTOMOTIVE ENERGY IDEA. My design would also reduce engine strain and wear for a longer service life and fewer repairs."
The invention provides an improved way to generate electrical power for a motor vehicle. In doing so, it eliminates the need for the engine to directly power the alternator and other systems with a belt and pulleys. As a result, it helps to reduce engine drag and it could improve fuel economy, power and performance. The invention features a reliable design that is easy to operate so it is ideal for vehicle owners and manufacturers.
The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-LBT-305, 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/2022/09/06/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-vehicle-engine-improve-fuel-economy-amp-power-lbt-305/ | 2022-09-06T17:38:29Z |
XI'AN, China, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ENTREPRENEUR UNIVERSE BRIGHT GROUP ("EUBG" or the "Company") (OTCBB: EUBG), a digital marketing consulting company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Mr. Guolin Tao, CEO of Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group commented, "As of December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be dynamic, and near-term challenges across the economy remain. Although vaccines are now being distributed and administered across many parts of the world, new variants of the virus have emerged and may continue to emerge that have shown to be more contagious. We continue to adhere to applicable governmental and commercial restrictions and to work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our employees, customers, communities, liquidity and financial position. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak may impact the company's business, operations and financial results from this point forward will depend on numerous evolving factors that the company cannot accurately predict. Those factors include the following: the duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business and individuals' actions in response to the pandemic in the future; and any other further development of the COVID-19 outbreak."
"Substantially all of the Company's revenues and operations are concentrated in China. Consequently, our results of operations and financial performances have been affected since 2020 and into the first quarter of 2022. Due to widespread economic disruptions during the outbreak, demand for the Company's consulting services by small and medium-sized enterprises were also adversely affected. Specifically, as a result of government mandated closures of non-essential business in China, many of the Company's customers' business were suspended while others permanently closed their businesses. From December 22, 2021 to January 24, 2022, Xian city, the PRC, went into lockdown following a coronavirus outbreak that officials attributed to the delta variant. This affected both the Company's digital marketing consulting services and our KOL Training Related Services. As such, our revenue and net income decreased by 39.1% and 59.5%, respectively, from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022 " Mr. Tao added.
First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Financial Results
Revenue and cost of revenue: During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we generated revenue of $1,209,004 compared to $1,983,860 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing a decrease of $774,856 or 39.1% as compared with the prior period. The decrease was mainly due to our consultancy services income, generated from clients who engaged in online courses business, dropped by $1,243,700 as compared with last period. This was because the end customers became more patience and cautious in choosing online courses. We continued to seek for different business opportunities to stabilize our income streams. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we generated $278,573 from our new digital training related services and $259,473 from our consultancy services to a customer who engaged in live streaming business. However, these new income streams only compensated a part of the revenue reduction in current period. Cost of revenue was $312,479 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $219,321 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2022 increased because we incurred agency fees of $202,350 for the digital training related services during the period. No such service was provided in prior period. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the cost of revenue mainly represented the staff costs for our consulting services.
Selling expenses: During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred $16,595 selling expenses compared to $84,254 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing a decrease of $67,659 or 80.3% as compared with the prior period. The decrease of selling expenses was mainly due to the tightening of entertainment policies during the period and the staff costs incurred in selling activities were dropped by US$25,230 or 61.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
General and administrative expenses: During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred $311,288 general and administrative expenses compared to $227,366 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $83,922 or 36.9% as compared with the prior period. Our general and administrative expenses consisted mainly of audit fees, professional fees, payroll expenses and consultancy fees.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred audit fees, professional fees and consultancy fees of $15,086, $88,331 and $21,686, respectively, to assist us in complying with the relevant reporting requirements. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we incurred audit fees, professional fees and consultancy fees of $3,755, $16,995 and $18,357, respectively.
Total other income, net: During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we generated net other income of $101,822 compared to $37,702 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $64,120 or 170.1% as compared with the prior period. Our other income mainly consisted of bank interest income, exchange rate differences and certain sundry incomes
Net income: As a result of the above, we generated a net income of $391,173 and $966,636 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $7,735,873 and $7,649,129 of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, respectively were held at financial institutions located in the PRC and Hong Kong that management believes to be of high credit quality.
About ENTREPRENEUR UNIVERSE BRIGHT GROUP
ENTREPRENEUR UNIVERSE BRIGHT GROUP is a digital marketing consultation company with its main operation in China, providing marketing consulting services to Chinese start-up companies. The company provides consulting services, sourcing and marketing services, KOL training coordination business and KOL training services in China through its PRC subsidiary with support from its HK subsidiary. Its PRC subsidiary provides services aimed at connecting businesses with e-commerce platforms. The integrated service platform focuses on strategic marketing and consulting. The company's mission is to help start-up companies and small-size companies and guide these companies' founders in utilizing the company's digital marketing consulting plan to reach their business goals. For more information about the Company, please visit: http://www.eubggroup.com/ .
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may, "will, "intend," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Specifically, the Company's statements regarding trading on the OTC Pink market and closing the initial public offering are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development; financial condition and results of operations; product and service demand and acceptance; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in technology; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.
For more information, please contact:
The Company:
Jianyong Li
Email: lijianyong@eubggroup.com
Phone: +86-(029) 86100263
Investor Relations:
Janice Wang
EverGreen Consulting Inc.
Email: IR@changqingconsulting.com
Phone: +1-571-464-9470 (from U.S.)
+86 138-1176-8559 (from China)
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SOURCE ENTREPRENEUR UNIVERSE BRIGHT GROUP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/entrepreneur-universe-bright-group-announces-2022-q1-financial-results/ | 2022-05-16T21:43:32Z |
ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the first patient dosing in Australia for its proprietary PD-1/IL-2 bispecific antibody fusion protein (R&D code: IBI363) in Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. It is first candidate drug to conduct clinical trial in Australia in Innovent's pipeline.
The study (NCT05290597) is an open-label, multi-center Phase I study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of IBI363 in subjects with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, and to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D).
Interleukin 2 (IL-2), a cytokine secreted mainly by antigen-activated CD4 + T cells , is vital for maintaining CD4 + regulatory T cell (Treg) level, CD4 + T cell differentiation, and maintaining CD8 + T cell and natural killer cell activity. IL-2 was the first cytokine to be discovered and identified as playing a pivotal role in T-cell growth and expansion. Aldesleukin (IL-2) was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma in the early 1990s, but it has not been widely used in clinic due to poor selectivity, narrow therapeutic window, and side effects.
IBI363, potential First-in-Class candidate drug, was independently developed by Innovent. Its active ingredient is PD-1/IL-2 bispecific antibody fusion protein. The IL-2 arm of IBI363 has been engineered to maximize efficacy and reduce toxicity, whereas the PD-1 binding arm achieves PD-1 blockade and selective IL-2 delivery. Therefore, IBI363 has both functions of simultaneously blocking PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activating IL-2 pathway, allowing more precise and efficient targeting and activation of tumor specific T cells. IBI363 not only showed promising anti-tumor activity in a variety of tumor-bearing pharmacological models, but also exhibited prominent antitumor efficacy in PD-1 resistant and metastatic models; meanwhile, IBI363 demonstrated a good safety profile in preclinical in vivo models.
Dr. Morteza Aghmesheh, Southern Medical Day Care Centre Located in New South Wales, Australia, stated: "Wild type IL-2 is clinically validated as monotherapy, but limited by toxicity and low response rate due to poor selectivity. IBI363, a novel PD-1/IL-2 bispecific molecule, designed to selectively activates PD-1 positive T cells by cis-activating IL-2, but not PD-1 negative bystanders or naïve T cells, with the potential to significantly decrease toxicity related to IL-2 and potentially overcome immunotherapy resistance. We look forward to the positive results in the safety/tolerability and efficacy of IBI363 in the clinic."
Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated: "Most patients will develop primary or secondary resistance after treatments of immune checkpoint inhibitors. At present, treatment options are limited upon progression after immunotherapy, and there is a huge unmet clinical needs. IBI363, developed by scientists at Innovent Academy, can enhance anti-tumor immune response by reversing T cell exhaustion, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors especially for patients with resistance to immunotherapy or "cold tumors", while minimizing IL -2 related side effects. We are pleased that the first patient dose of IBI363 has been completed in Australia. In parallel, the IND for IBI363 has been approved by NMPA in China. We are looking forward to the positive results of IBI363 in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma. IBI363 is our first molecule to initiate clinical study in Australia, which marks a solid step of Innovent's global innovation strategy. The company will also accelerate the development of more innovative molecules with high global potential, taking advantage of cross-regional R & D and clinical resources, adhering to the long-term development strategy of "driven by innovation, developed through globalization" with an aim to benefit cancer patients worldwide."
About IBI363
IBI363, potential First-in-Class candidate drug, was self-developed by Innovent. Its active ingredient is PD-1/IL-2 bispecific antibody fusion protein, which simultaneously blocks PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activates IL-2 pathway to stimulate T cell activation and proliferation, thus killing tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. Currently, Phase 1 studies of IBI363 are conducted in China and Australia (NCT05460767, NCT05290597) to assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of IBI363 in subjects with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, and to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D).
About Innovent
Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality innovative medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, metabolic, ophthalmology and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801. HK.
Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform that includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 34 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, ophthalmology and other major therapeutic areas, with 7 products approved for marketing in China – TYVYT® (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA® (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO® (adalimumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA® (rituximab biosimilar injection), Pemazyre® (pemigatinib oral inhibitor), olverembatinib (BCR-ABL TKI) and Cyramza® (ramucirumab), 3 assets under NMPA NDA review, 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and an additional 20 molecules in clinical studies.
Innovent has built an international team with advanced talent in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many global experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with many collaborators to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com.
Note:
TYVYT® (Sintilimab Injection) is not an approved product in the United States.
BYVASDA® (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA® (rituximab biosimilar injection), and SULINNO® (adalimumab biosimilar injection) are not approved products in the United States.
TYVYT® (sintilimab injection, Innovent)
BYVASDA® (bevacizumab biosimilar injection, Innovent)
HALPRYZA® (rituximab biosimilar injection, Innovent)
SULINNO® (adalimumab biosimilar injection, Innovent)
Pemazyre® (pemigatinib oral inhibitor, Incyte Corporation). Pemazyre® was discovered by Incyte Corporation and licensed to Innovent for development and commercialization in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
CYRAMZA® (ramucirumab, Eli Lilly). Cyramza® was discovered by Eli Lilly and licensed to Innovent for commercialization in Mainland China.
Disclaimer:
1. This indication is still under clinical study and hasn't been approved in China.
2. Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug/indication.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.
These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.
Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.
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SOURCE Innovent Biologics | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/innovent-announces-first-patient-dosing-australia-phase-1-study-ibi363-pd-1il-2-bispecific-antibody-fusion-protein-patients-with-advanced-malignancies/ | 2022-08-24T01:13:56Z |
KU men’s hoops adds Topeka to barnstorming tour
Published: Apr. 25, 2022 at 8:46 PM CDT|Updated: moments ago
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The recently crowned national champs will stop in Topeka Friday, April 29 as part of their barnstorming tour.
KU’s celebration tour launched Saturday in Wichita.
“What an unbelievable turnout there was in Wichita this past Saturday,” KU senior Mitch Lightfoot said. “Thank you for the tremendous support shown by the greatest fans in the world. We look forward to continuing the tour over the next couple of weeks to celebrate our National Championship with our fans!”
6th Man Strategies, LLC announced six addition stops Monday:
- Friday, April 29 – Topeka, KS @ Washburn University Saturday
- April 30 – Hays, KS @ Hays High School Sunday
- May 1 – Overland Park, KS @ Blue Valley Northwest High School Friday
- May 6 – Kansas City, MO @ Rockhurst High School Saturday
- May 7 – Dodge City, KS @ Dodge City Convention Center Sunday
- May 8 – Kansas City, MO @ Pembroke Hill School
Tickets are available for purchase here.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/26/ku-mens-hoops-adds-topeka-barnstorming-tour/ | 2022-04-26T01:52:27Z |
NEW YORK, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) (NYSE: IIPR-PA) between May 7, 2020 and April 13, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 24, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Innovative Industrial Properties securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Innovative Industrial Properties class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5301 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 24, 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: (1) that Innovative Industrial Properties' focus is to be a cannabis company lender rather than a real estate investment trust (REIT); (2) that the true values of Innovative Industrial Properties' properties are significantly lower than Innovative Industrial Properties represents; (3) existential issues in its top customers; (4) that as a result, its top customers may not be able to continue making payments to Innovative Industrial Properties and Innovative Industrial Properties would face significant issues replacing these customers; and (5) that as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Innovative Industrial Properties class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5301 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/10/rosen-skilled-investor-counsel-encourages-innovative-industrial-properties-inc-investors-secure-counsel-before-important-june-24-deadline-securities-class-action-initiated-by-firm-iipr-iipr-pa/ | 2022-06-10T18:50:45Z |
Company positioned highest for ability to execute for second year in a row
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys®, a global cloud leader in customer experience orchestration, has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. as a Leader in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Contact Center as a Service1, for its ability to execute and completeness of vision. This recognition makes Genesys an eight-time Magic Quadrant Leader.
Placed highest for ability to execute, the company attributes its continued recognition to its native customer and employee experience capabilities, expansive worldwide partner and developer ecosystem, as well as a focus on furthering its digital and journey analytics capabilities.
"Today, for organizations to succeed in a hyper-competitive landscape, they must be able to quickly adapt to market trends and people's increasing expectations. With proven digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies of the Genesys Cloud CX™ platform, organizations of all sizes across all industries can deliver the people-centric experiences their customers and employees expect," said Olivier Jouve, executive vice president and general manager, Genesys Cloud CX.
As the pioneer of Experience as a Service®, Genesys is helping businesses scale empathy to foster increased trust and loyalty with customers and employees. The company's all-in-one composable cloud product, Genesys Cloud CX, is seeing rapid customer adoption with more than 660,000 users on its platform, up 65% year over year (July 2021 to July 2022). Genesys Cloud CX customers using at least two digital channels have increased 70% in the same period, and now more than 85% are also tapping into its workforce engagement management capabilities. In addition, 80% of Genesys customers are using the platform's APIs natively, or with our partner integrations, to address new and interesting use cases within their industry and/or business, generating billions of API calls monthly.
"Our goal is to deliver exceptional customer service to all our customers regardless of their preferred channel, and our digital strategy is an important part of that. Through its automation, text and speech analytics, and omnichannel capabilities, the Genesys Cloud platform is helping us transform our call center to a value center," said Ceri Davies, manager of Customer Center at Virgin Atlantic. "The continuous release of updates is a game changer and we're jointly working together toward future innovations that could benefit our customers."
Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Gartner Disclaimer:
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
This Magic Quadrant was earlier named as Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, North America and Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, Western Europe till 2019 Genesys was referred to Interactive Intelligence in the 2015 & 2016 Magic Quadrant report.
About Genesys
Every year, Genesys orchestrates billions of remarkable customer experiences for organizations in more than 100 countries. Through the power of our cloud, digital and AI technologies, organizations can realize Experience as a Service®, our vision for empathetic customer experiences at scale. With Genesys, organizations have the power to deliver proactive, predictive, and hyper personalized experiences to deepen their customer connection across every marketing, sales, and service moment on any channel, while also improving employee productivity and engagement. By transforming back-office technology to a modern revenue velocity engine Genesys enables true intimacy at scale to foster customer trust and loyalty. Visit www.genesys.com.
©2022 Genesys. All rights reserved. Genesys, the Genesys logo, Genesys Cloud CX, Genesys Multicloud CX and Experience as a Service are trademarks, service marks and/or registered trademarks of Genesys. All other company names and logos may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Media Contacts:
Marielle Sedin
Genesys
marielle.sedin@genesys.com
+1 510.967.2964
Nectar Communications
genesys@nectarpr.com
+1 415.399.0181
1 Citation/footnote: Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Contact Center as a Service, Drew Kraus, Steve Blood, Pri Rathnayake, Pankil Sheth, 22 August 2022
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SOURCE Genesys | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/genesys-named-leader-2022-gartner-magic-quadrant-contact-center-service/ | 2022-08-25T16:19:57Z |
2 men arrested for stealing 57 watermelons, sheriff’s office says
MERCED, Calif. (Gray News) – Two men in California were arrested for stealing 57 watermelons from a field Monday evening, according to officials.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to a property for a report of trespassing. When they arrived, they spoke to a man who said that people were stealing watermelons from his field.
Deputies said they witnessed a car leaving the field and were able to stop the vehicle. Deputies found 57 watermelons in the backseat and trunk of the car.
The sheriff’s office said Erick Vasquez, 23, and Brayan Vasquez Buenrostro, 30, were arrested.
According to jail records, the two face numerous charges related to the incident, including felony grand theft of fruit.
The watermelons were returned to the victim.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/18/2-men-arrested-stealing-57-watermelons-sheriffs-office-says/ | 2022-08-18T22:27:28Z |
DALLAS, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Child development centers across North Texas are facing an unprecedented teacher shortage crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis risks a devastating impact on the lives of children and their early development. In response, Educational First Steps (EFS) and Dallas College are partnering up to recruit, vet, and place Early Childhood Education college students in preschools throughout North Texas as a part of their new Federal Work Study Program. These students will play a vital role in supporting children in classrooms and mitigating the shortage impact.
When asked about the partnership, EFS President & CEO, Vickie Allen shared, "The Federal Work Study Program in partnership with Dallas College is a powerful example of what can be done when our community comes together. Through this partnership, we are directly addressing the current workforce crisis in Early Childhood Education while providing essential hands-on experience to our future leaders and teachers."
The Dean of Early Childhood Education and Early Learning at Dallas College, Heather Bryant, M.Ed. adds, "The School of Education at Dallas College is excited to partner with Educational First Steps on a Federal Work Study project. Paid work-based learning opportunities create a win-win situation for both Dallas College students and EFS childcare centers. Students can fulfill coursework practicum and internship requirements with part-time work placements while gaining valuable experience in their field of study. Childcare partners can meet critical staffing needs at a reduced rate by participating in the Federal Work Study program."
If you are interested in learning more and supporting this project, email sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org.
ABOUT EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS
Based in North Texas, Educational First Steps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. EFS delivers professional development, training, classroom resources, and business support to educators to help existing childcare centers achieve and maintain national accreditation. By investing in early childhood education, Educational First Steps helps close achievement gaps for early learners, break cycles of generational poverty for families, and create a brighter and more socially equitable tomorrow.
Contact: Savannah Espiritu
Phone: 214-824-7940 x 252
Email: sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org
Website: www.educationalfirstseps.org
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SOURCE Educational First Steps | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/educational-first-steps-dallas-college-partner-up-address-current-early-childhood-education-workforce-crisis/ | 2022-04-12T21:13:48Z |
MUMBAI, India, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tata Motors Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: TTM) (BSE: 500570) (BSE: 570001); (NSE: TATAMOTORS) (NSE: TATAMTRDVR) announces that it has on June 15, 2022 filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the "Form 20-F") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Form 20-F includes the Company's audited financial statements prepared under the International Financial Reporting Standards for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.
The Form 20-F is available on the website of the Company at http://www.tatamotors.com/investor/sec-filing/ and can also be accessed on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. As mentioned on the Company's website, the holders of the Company's American Depositary Receipts can receive a hard copy of the Form 20-F and the complete audited financial statements, free of charge from the Company, upon submission of a request via an email addressed to inv_rel@tatamotors.com.
About Tata Motors
Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM; BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 35 billion organisation, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks and buses. Part of the USD 113 billion Tata group, Tata Motors is India's largest and the only OEM offering extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. It has operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa, and Indonesia through a strong global network of 86 consolidated subsidiaries, 2 joint operations, 4 joint ventures and 11 equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, in respect of which we exercise significant influence as at March 31, 2022.
With a focus on engineering and tech enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, Tata Motors is India's market leader in commercial vehicles and amongst the top four in the passenger vehicles market. With 'Connecting Aspirations' at the core of its brand promise, the company's innovation efforts are focused to develop pioneering technologies that are sustainable as well as suited to evolving aspirations of the market and the customers. Tata Motors strives to bring new products that fire the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state of the art design and R&D centers located in India, UK, US, Italy and South Korea. Internationally, Tata commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in countries, spread across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, CIS, and Russia.
To know more, please visit (www.tatamotors.com; also follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TataMotors)
Media Contact Information
Tata Motors Corporate Communications:
+91 22-66657613
indiacorpcomm@tatamotors.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1554321/Tata_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Tata Motors Ltd | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/tata-motors-limited-files-annual-report-form-20-f-fiscal-year-2022/ | 2022-06-16T08:02:36Z |
NEW YORK, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- nate, the unified shopping wallet, has launched its first annual "nate True Colors campaign" to celebrate Pride month. Through the nate Creator Program, over 200 creators have come together to raise funds for the LGBTQIA+ organizations that they have selected to support.
nate enables a first of its kind in-life-shopping experience - unifying all brands across ecommerce in one place. For creators in the program, this universality enables them to recommend brands that they're truly aligned with and passionate about, allowing people to discover small brands and shop with their values. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, nate founder and CEO Albert Saniger has been active in furthering diversity in the tech space and creating opportunities for underrepresented members of the community. This pride month the team is taking the mission further with their creator-led pride campaign, highlighting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and creators, and raising funds for organizations supporting the community.
For the campaign, there is one team of nate creators for each color of the rainbow. Each team is led by a captain who has chosen the organization their team will raise funds for. The teams will raise funds through sharing & promoting their nate Lists across their social channels to accumulate List follows on the app, with nate contributing proceeds to each of the selected organizations corresponding to the number of List follows.
Victoria's Secret supermodel and team captain, Emira D'spain leads Team Purple, raising funds for The Marsha P. Johnson Institute. "I chose The Marsha P. Johnson Institute as my charity because it's a cause that is so near and dear to my heart. Marsha paved the way for the LGBTQ community, specifically the black trans community. The organization works tirelessly to protect and defend the livelihood of black transgender Americans. I'm honored to be in a position that allows me to contribute to my community in such an impactful way!"says Emira.
Leading Team Green for GLAAD, creator & host of he viral social media show, What's Poppin?, Davis Burleson says "I'm so excited to partner with nate to fundraise for GLAAD! As I continue working in the entertainment space, I want to be a voice for my community and create significant change in culture and media for acceptance."
Joining Emira & Davis are fashion stylist Ryan Healy, representing Team Orange for The Trevor Project, face of Rihanna's Savage x Fenty Pride 2022 campaign Armiel Chandler, representing Team Blue for New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), #NoMoreLonelyFriends founder, Marissa Meizz, representing Team Red for The Center NYC, and social media icon, Joshua Holmes, representing Team Yellow for The Ali Forney Center.
The nate True Colors campaign launched on June 1st across all nate & nate Creator social platforms. To participate in the nate True Colors campaign, people are encouraged to follow their favorite nate Lists, which will get posted across your favorite nate Creator's social channels & nate's Instagram. The campaign will run through June 24th, culminating in a Pride Gala at House of Yes in New York City to honor the creators involved and announce the results of each team's fundraising efforts for their respective organizations. Learn more at https://nate.tech/pride2022.
About nate
nate is a consumer payments business headquartered in NYC, introducing a unified shopping wallet where people can share and shop their world, from their unique point of view, without compromising their data. The nate app allows consumers to share shopping lists, send gifts, and pay privately and flexibly. The app is available for download on iOS
About the nate Creator Program
The nate Creator Program is an inclusive platform for creators to inspire and earn by sharing lists with any product from any online retailer, earning a 5% flat reward on purchases from their lists. It allows for more authentic & unrestricted recommendations for their audiences, serving as a true representation of their interests and values. The program also offers creators exclusive benefits such as Cash bonuses, community building events and courses on the Creator Economy. Since launching in January, over 2000 creators have joined the program.
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SOURCE nate | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/nate-announces-nate-true-colors-campaign-raise-funds-lgbtqia-organizations/ | 2022-06-09T16:46:33Z |
Situated in the heart of downtown Nashville's energetic SoBro neighbourhood, Four Seasons encompasses 235 guest rooms and suites, a new chef-driven dining concept, a full-service spa and resort-style pool deck, stunning event spaces, and more
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville, anticipated to open this September, is now accepting reservations. Ideally situated just one block from the entertainment hub of Broadway in Nashville's celebrated SoBro district, Four Seasons will enter a city that is enjoying exponential growth and has broadened its appeal on the international stage.
"With every new location, Four Seasons takes inspiration from the local community and culture, celebrating what makes it special today, and proudly contributing to its future," notes Antoine Chahwan, Four Seasons President, Hotel Operations - Americas East. "Nashville's creative spirit makes it one of the country's most exciting destinations, and it will soon be home to a truly exceptional Four Seasons experience."
A striking addition to the city skyline, the 40-storey glass tower designed by Soloman Cordwell Buenz architects is an understatement in luxurious style. Sunlight streams in from all sides, with panoramic city and river views in every direction. Light-filled interiors crafted by Marzipan and HOK pay homage to Tennessee's iron industry heritage, while making thoroughly modern use of steel, copper, bronze and the state's native black walnut.
An art collection featuring local and international artists speaks to the city's reputation for attracting creativity, including more than 700 reproductions by Berlin-based multi-disciplined contemporary artist Gregor Hildebrandt.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville will join the city's vibrant culinary scene with an exciting new dining concept; introduce a resort-style experience for guests with a sun-soaked rooftop pool deck; unveil a beautiful new spa; and host memorable weddings, galas and more in its light-filled event spaces. Guest accommodations, including 193 rooms and 42 suites, are between the 7th and 14th floors, and the Hotel is also home to 144 fully serviced Four Seasons Private Residences on its uppermost floors.
"Opening up for reservations brings us one step closer to our opening day, and we simply can't wait," says Richard Poskanzer, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. "The city's authentic Southern hospitality and our own commitment to treating our guests with genuine warmth and care are a perfect match. From the beginning, we've been welcomed with open arms, and with a large proportion of our staff being recruited locally, we feel a part of this incredible community even before opening our doors."
Be among the first to experience the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Nashville by calling +1 615 610 6995, or booking a stay online.
Well-known worldwide as Music City, Nashville has more recently grown into a must-see global destination offering up a plethora of attractions to would-be visitors, including endless options in live sports, dining, the arts and more. Four Seasons Hotel Nashville could not be better placed to offer future guests the experience they desire, with its prime location just steps away from all the city has to offer. The Hotel also enjoys close proximity to a number of different neighbourhoods of Nashville, all offering a unique character and vibrancy with their home-grown retail offerings, independent coffee shops and eateries.
A sports fan's dream, the Hotel is walking distance to the homes of the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators, and is within easy reach of GEODIS Park, the home of Nashville SC, the city's Major League Soccer team. Nashville's reputation as a city of the arts is demonstrated by established institutions such as The Frist Art Museum, in addition to a number of community-level art organizations.
And of course, there is the music. The Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Café, Ryman Auditorium – the famed music venues that continue to launch legends are just the start of a memorable time in Nashville. The city is a must-stop on major tours by international artists across all genres, and there are countless smaller venues - many just a block from Four Seasons in the Lower Broadway neighbourhood - where great music and good company can be enjoyed. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home to the Nashville Symphony, is next to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, just steps from Four Seasons.
A culinary renaissance has been evident across the city's dining scene is recent years, fast-growing Nashville's reputation as a foodie's paradise, showcasing Michelin-starred chefs in a respected fine-dining scene, as well as an array of multi-cultural street food and farmers' markets.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville will introduce Mimo Restaurant and Bar, blending Southern Italian cuisine with Southern influences, where culinary excellence can be savoured in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether kicking off a day of exploration at breakfast, savouring a long lunch or dinner that highlights local artisans and purveyors, or meeting friends for a lively evening of creative cocktails and local brews, Mimo is a place that both locals and visitors will soon call their own.
"Artists and creators come to Nashville to make a name for themselves, and to find inspiration in the extraordinary diversity of talent – and that includes the many chefs, mixologists, brewmasters, farmers and producers in the region. Four Seasons will showcase their products and stories, with evolving menus that also reflect the creativity and passion of our people," says Poskanzer, whose nearly two decades with Four Seasons were largely spent focussed upon food and beverage before being promoted to senior management roles.
Settled into a poolside lounge enjoying a range of inventive drinks crafted and delivered by attentive Four Seasons servers, guests might imagine that they are in some exotic locale, but in fact it's the incredible pool deck at Four Seasons in downtown Nashville. Here, days will be enjoyed in and around the infinity-edge pool, enjoying an al fresco lunch on the deck, or an evening of drinks under the stars with friends.
The Spa at Four Seasons is on the same level - but this is not a place of hushed tones and muted lighting. This Spa will encourage friends to come together to socialize while they are pampered by expert therapists and salon stylists. Guests can round out a day with a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness centre designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.
With two ballrooms and six additional event spaces offering the latest in conference technology on the Hotel's fifth level, not to mention its central location, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville will offer the city's premier address for weddings, social events, business meetings and conferences. All spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows with city and river views, and elegantly neutral décor that allows each room to be transformed for the occasion. With an experienced team of event planners and creative catering staff taking care of every detail, meetings are more productive, and social events are worry-free so that attendees can relax and enjoy the moment.
Planning a gathering? Contact +1 629 401 3848 for more details about events at Four Seasons and booking pre-opening site tours.
In the centre of downtown's dynamic SoBro area, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville is just one block from Broadway with its live music and nightlife. Nature is at the doorstep with Riverfront Park, the Cumberland River and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offering dazzling downtown views. From Four Seasons, it's an easy walk to the Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium and the Music City Center convention complex. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just a 15-minute drive from the Hotel.
Contact:
fourseasons@kwtglobal.com
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SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/music-citys-next-big-star-all-new-four-seasons-hotel-nashville-is-now-accepting-reservations/ | 2022-06-29T13:54:17Z |
Bulls’ Ball suffers setback in recovery from knee surgery
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball experienced another setback in his recovery from surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, raising more doubt about whether he will play again this season. Coach Billy Donovan says Ball felt some discomfort after he tried to ramp up activities again following a 10-day pause. Donovan says the next step will probably be a “meeting of the minds” in the next day or two. And the possibility of Ball missing the remainder of the season is “on the table.” Ball has not played since Jan. 14. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/05/bulls-ball-suffers-setback-in-recovery-from-knee-surgery/ | 2022-04-06T01:15:14Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (the "Kootenay") would like to clarify that the news release disseminated on August 12, 2022 headlined "Kootenay Resources Inc. Announces Private Placement financing of up to $800,000" is related to Kootenay Resources Inc. a private reporting issuer and is not related to the common stock of Kootenay Silver Inc. a TSX Venture listed company.
Kootenay Resources Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the exploration and discovery mineral projects in British Columbia, Canada and was formed as a spin-out of Kootenay Silver Inc. in which prospective Canadian assets were transferred to Kootenay Resources Inc. The transaction was completed in October 2021, Kootenay Silver Inc. currently holds ~3.2 million common shares of Kootenay Resources Inc.
Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico. Supported by one of the largest junior portfolios of silver assets in Mexico, Kootenay continues to provide its shareholders with significant leverage to silver prices. The Company remains focused on the expansion of its current silver resources, new discoveries and the near-term economic development of its priority silver projects located in prolific mining districts in Sonora, State and Chihuahua, State, Mexico, respectively.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The information in this news release has been prepared as at August 17, 2022. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
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SOURCE Kootenay Silver Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/kootenay-silver-clarifies-august-12-2022-private-placement-announcement-kootenay-resources-inc/ | 2022-08-19T00:00:19Z |
EDISON, N.J., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SFERRA Fine Linens, LLC ("SFERRA") is notifying individuals of a data incident. To date, we have no evidence of actual or attempted misuse of information as a result of this incident. This notice provides details about the incident, our response, and resources available to help protect information. Please note, this event did not impact any of SFERRA's e-commerce platforms or any information retained in our e-commerce systems.
What Happened? On or about April 24, 2022, SFERRA became aware of suspicious activity on its computer servers. SFERRA immediately took steps to secure our network, and with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists, deployed countermeasures to contain the event. SFERRA immediately began an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the activity, with the assistance of third-party forensic specialist. The investigation found that certain files may have been subject to unauthorized access between April 14, 2022, and April 24, 2022.
Given that certain files were potentially accessed without authorization, SFERRA undertook a comprehensive review of the data to understand the specific information potentially impacted and to whom it related. Once those efforts were completed, SFERRA worked diligently to provide notification to potentially impacted individuals as quickly as possible.
What Information Was Involved? The impacted information varied by individual but may include name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license, financial account information, medical and/or health insurance information, passport information, electronic/digital signature, and account access credentials.
What SFERRA is Doing. SFERRA take this event and the obligation to safeguard the information in its care very seriously. After discovering the suspicious activity, SFERRA promptly took steps to confirm its system security, and engaged third-party forensic specialists to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation of the event to confirm its nature, scope, and impact. SFERRA also promptly notified federal law enforcement. Further, as part of its ongoing commitment to the privacy and security of personal information in its care, SFERRA is reviewing and enhancing existing policies and procedures relating to data protection and security. SFERRA has instituted additional security measures to better protect against future similar events. SFERRA is also notifying relevant regulatory authorities, as required.
What Affected Individuals Can Do. Individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft by reviewing account statements and credit reports for unusual activity and reporting any suspicious activity immediately to their financial institution. Additional detail can be found below in the Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Personal Information.
For More Information. Individuals who have questions about this incident or believe they may be impacted by this incident, please call our dedicated call center at 1-800-939-4170, which is available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday (excluding major U.S. holidays).
Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Personal Information
Monitor Your Accounts
Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of your credit report.
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a "credit freeze" on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer's express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. To request a credit freeze, you will need to provide the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if you are a victim of identity theft.
Should you wish to place a credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
Additional Information
You may further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps you can take to protect your personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.
For California residents: Visit the California Office of Privacy Protection (www.oag.ca.gov/privacy) for additional information on protection against identity theft.
For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023; and www.oag.state.md.us.
For New Mexico residents, you have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in your credit file has been used against you, the right to know what is in your credit file, the right to ask for your credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to your file is limited; you must give your consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; you may limit "prescreened" offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report; and you may seek damages from violator. You may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage you to review your rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov/.
For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.
For Oregon residents: Oregon Department of Justice, 1162 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-4096, www.doj.state.or.us/, Telephone: 877-877-9392.
For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; www.riag.ri.gov; and 1-401-274-4400. Under Rhode Island law, you have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this incident.
For all U.S. residents: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580, www.consumer.gov/idtheft, 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
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SOURCE SFERRA Fine Linens, LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/notice-data-breach/ | 2022-08-19T01:31:13Z |
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch agriculture minister has unexpectedly resigned, telling reporters he wasn’t the right person for the job following a tumultuous summer of protests by farmers over pollution regulations.
Henk Staghouwer, who held the position for only nine months, announced his decision Monday night. He had just returned from Brussels, where he negotiated an agreement with the European Commission to scrap a Dutch exemption to manure spreading limits.
The Netherlands, along with Denmark, Ireland and the Flanders region of Belgium, had been allowed to exceed caps on how much manure farmers could return to their fields because of the country’s comparatively small land area. But Brussels wants to phase out this dispensation because the Dutch are failing to meet EU water quality standards.
The country’s lucrative agriculture sector has been in crisis since a 2019 court ruling forced the government to slash emissions of nitrogen oxide and ammonia, which livestock produce. Thousands of farmers have staged protests, blockading cities with tractors and burning hay bales along highways.
A 60-year-old former baker, Staghouwer had been tasked with transitioning the sector away from intensive farming practices and buying out farmers to reduce total emissions.
The government allocated an extra 24.3 billion euros ($24.2 billion) to tackle the problem. Last week Staghouwer told the Cabinet that he would be unable to meet a mid-September deadline to present a plan for the transition.
“I respect his brave decision,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote on Twitter, but others were less praising. Member of parliament Caroline van der Plas of The Farmer–Citizen Movement party (BBB) said “he was totally unsuitable” for the job.
Bart Kemp of farmers’ organization Agractie told Dutch public broadcaster NOS that Staghouwer was “a friendly man, but not a decisive person.”
Staghouwer’s role will temporarily be taken on by the former agricultural minister Carola Schouten. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-dutch-farm-minister-resigns-after-protests-over-pollution/ | 2022-09-07T01:24:26Z |
BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler stood in the eighth fairway at The Country Club and waited for his ball to stop rolling. When it did, he took a few steps to his left and tried for a third time to summit the false front protecting the pin.
Instead of a long putt for eagle and a chance to build on his lead in the final round of the U.S. Open, Scheffler made a short one to save par. And when he finished one stroke behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick on Sunday, it wasn’t hard to find the shots that cost him.
“This week I hit some of the worst shots I’ve hit in my career, and I’ve hit some of the best ones,” said Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player and reigning Masters champion.
He closed with a 3-under 67 to tie for second with Will Zalatoris.
“It was kind of a roller coaster week,” he said, though he could have been talking about the eighth hole alone. “To be at the end was definitely a lot of fun. Unfortunately, just came up one shot short.”
Scheffler had quite a ride on the 560-yard, par-5 eighth, making back-to-back birdies in the first two rounds and holing a fairway iron for an eagle Saturday.
But in the final round, with the tournament lead, he hopped his approach to about 20 feet from the pin and watched it make a U-Turn and roll back toward him. On his second stab at the green, he again hit the false front and wound up two yards farther away than where he started.
A 25-year-old Dallas transplant, Scheffler put his fourth shot — and third attempt at the green — about 6 feet from the hole to save par. He made the turn with the lead, but after back-to-back bogeys to start the back nine, Scheffler was alone in third.
“I played good golf, but it wasn’t good enough,” he said. “There’s definitely a few things I could have done differently, but I’m not going to waste time thinking about it. I’m going to recover from this and move on and hopefully be better from here.”
Scheffler teed off on No. 10 alone at 6 under, but Fitzpatrick had joined him by the time he lined up his second shot on the 503-yard par 4. Scheffler yanked his approach over the green into a bunker on the far side, rolled by the lip of the cup on his third shot and missed a 13-foot par putt coming back.
Now trailing by one and tied for second with Zalatoris, Scheffler landed on the green at the 119-yard 11th hole, with a 40-foot birdie putt for a share of the lead. He missed that, then circled the lip on his 3-foot par putt.
“I look at those bogeys on 10 and 11 and really didn’t hit a bad shot,” he said. “Hit a lot of good shots (on No. 10) and walk away with 5. On 11, … it was a really hard par. After that, I just kept trying to keep plugging along and hit good shots.”
With the leaders two groups behind, Scheffler made a 6-foot birdie putt on No. 17 to move back to 5 under — into second place alone, one stroke behind Fitzpatrick. A 25-footer for birdie on No. 18 that would have forced the playoff rolled inches to the left of the hole.
There is some consolation: With his $1,557,687 check, Scheffler has earned $12,896,849 this year and set a PGA Tour record for official money in a season — even with another major and the tour’s postseason still to come.
The previous record was Jordan Spieth, who won $12,030,465 in 2015.
Scheffler, who won the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur and was the “Phil Mickelson Freshman of the Year” at Texas, is now a U.S. Open runner-up, like Mickelson (who has done it six times).
Scheffler had been trying to be the first player to win two majors in one year since Brooks Koepka in 2018. He was also aiming for the fifth win of his career — all of them in the past four months.
“I just played some quality golf. It just so happened the putts were going around the edge instead of in,” he said. “A few breaks here or there, and I would be the one holding the trophy.”
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/masters-champ-scheffler-ties-for-2d-in-us-open-at-brookline/ | 2022-06-20T08:49:01Z |
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A bison herd that lives almost exclusively in the northern reaches of Grand Canyon National Park won’t be targeted for lethal removal there this fall.
The park used skilled volunteers selected through a highly competitive and controversial lottery last year to kill bison, part of a toolset to downsize the herd that’s been trampling meadows and archaeological sites on the canyon’s North Rim.
Introducing the sound of gunfire and having people close to the bison was meant to nudge the massive animals back to the adjacent forest where they legally could be hunted. But the efforts had little effect.
“They just kind of moved a bit from where the activity occurred, and sometimes they’d come back the next day,” said Grand Canyon wildfire program manager Greg Holm.
New surveys also have shown the herd is closer to the goal of about 200, down from an estimated 500 to 800 animals when the park approved a plan to quickly cut the size of the herd. The park is now working with other agencies and groups on a long-term plan for managing the bison, an animal declared America’s national mammal in 2016 and depicted on the National Park Service logo.
Hunting over hundreds of years and a genetic bottleneck nearly left the animals that once numbered in the tens of millions extinct in the U.S. Federal wildlife authorities now support about 11,000 bison in about a dozen states, including the largest herd on public land at Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone, which spans 3,500 square miles in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, also is developing a new management plan for the roughly 5,500 bison there. It’s working with Native American tribes, state agencies and other groups to find ways to reduce the number of bison sent to slaughter.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota regularly rounds up bison using helicopters and corrals, then transfers some of the animals to tribes, other states and national parks. Without natural predators, bison herds can grow quickly and strain the resources, the park says.
The Grand Canyon herd didn’t always live within the park’s boundaries, where they can be seen along the highway leading to the North Rim entrance. The bison are descendants of those brought to Arizona in the 1900s as part of a crossbreeding experiment with cattle.
The animals increasingly recognized they could be hunted on the adjacent national forest and sought refuge in the national park. Hunting isn’t allowed at national parks, but the agency has authority to kill animals that harm resources, using park staff or volunteers.
Most of the bison at Grand Canyon have been removed by corralling them and transferring them to Native American tribes that have been trying to reestablish herds on their land. A controversial pilot project last fall sought skilled volunteers to shoot up to 12 of the animals.
More than 45,000 people applied for the chance. Ultimately, 10 were picked, and they were able to kill four bison. Although the animals are massive, they’re quick and agile and can hide among thick stands of trees.
Grand Canyon officials say they won’t repeat the program this fall, but it won’t be excluded as a tool in the future. Another corralling effort is planned.
The latest bison population estimate based on aerial surveys and tracking devices shows 216 bison on the expansive Kaibab Plateau, according to Grand Canyon National Park. Agencies that manage the land and wildlife in far northern Arizona and study the bison’s movement are meeting in July to start talking about the long-term plan.
Part of that discussion will include creating more gaps in the state-sanctioned bison hunting seasons outside Grand Canyon National Park to see if bison will move outside the boundaries, said Larry Phoenix, an Arizona Game and Fish Department regional supervisor.
Meanwhile, the Game and Fish Department is seeking approval to improve fencing, cattle guards and water catchments to expand the range for another herd of bison in far northern Arizona. The state imported 15 bison yearlings from a privately owned nature reserve in Montana in late 2017 and said the herd now needs more room to grow.
Phoenix is confident these bison won’t follow the others into the Grand Canyon, largely because the animals don’t know the other herd exists.
Environmental groups are skeptical fences can keep them from straying and adding to the overall bison population in the region where they’ve been difficult and costly to keep in check.
They’re asking the U.S. Forest Service to do an in-depth review of the proposal that considers climate change and impacts to plants and animals like the chisel-tooth kangaroo rat. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/grand-canyon-wont-seek-volunteers-to-kill-bison-this-fall/ | 2022-06-26T19:03:28Z |
Mikhail Gorbachev’s grave in Moscow’s Novodevichy Cemetery lies next to that of his wife, Raisa, with whom he shared the world stage in a visibly close and loving marriage that was unprecedented for a Soviet leader.
“They were a true pair. She was a part of him, almost always at his side,” then Chancellor Helmut Kohl of Germany said at Raisa’s funeral in 1999, where Gorbachev wept openly. “Much of what he achieved is simply unimaginable without his wife.”
Gorbachev’s very public devotion to his family broke the stuffy mold of previous Soviet leaders, just as his openness to political reform did.
“He loved a woman more than his work. I think he wouldn’t have been able to embrace her if his hands were stained with blood,” wrote Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov, editor of Russia’s leading independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. Co-owned by Gorbachev, it was forced to shut under official pressure after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We should always remember,” Muratov continued, “he loved a woman more than his work, he placed human rights above the state and he valued peaceful skies more than personal power.”
Gorbachev’s open attachment to his family also stands in stark contrast to the secrecy that surrounds the private life of Russia’s current leader, President Vladimir Putin.
For her part, Raisa Gorbacheva cut a bold figure for Soviet first ladies — more visible, with a direct way of speaking, a polished manner and fashionable clothes. A sociologist by training, she had met Mikhail at a Moscow university where they both studied.
“One day we took each other by the hand and went for a walk in the evening. And we walked like that for our whole life,” Gorbachev told Vogue magazine in 2013. Raisa accompanied him on his travels, and they discussed policy and politics together.
Her confident demeanor and prominent public role didn’t sit well with many Russians, who had also soured on Gorbachev and blamed his policies for the subsequent breakup of the Soviet Union. The couple won sympathy, however, in 1999, when it was revealed that Raisa was dying of leukemia. Her husband spoke daily with television reporters, and the sometimes lofty-sounding politician of old was suddenly seen as an emotional, grieving family man.
For more than two decades after she was gone, Gorbachev kept Raisa’s memory alive and embraced his status as a lonely widower.
He released a CD of seven romantic songs, “Songs for Raisa,” in 2009 on which he sang along with well-known Russian musician and guitarist Andrei Makarevich. Sales went to the charities Raisa had founded. A few years later, he published a book dedicated to her, “Alone with Myself.”
Their marriage even became the subject of a popular play in Moscow in 2021, “Gorbachev.” Its point was one noteworthy for Russia: that the country’s leader was a human being who prioritized family, friends and personal obligations. One scene recounted a key moment in Gorbachev’s career when he returned to Moscow after the failed communist coup against him in 1991. Raisa had had a stroke, and instead of immediately stepping back onto the political stage, he went to the hospital to be with her.
“I was not married to the country — Russia or the Soviet Union,” Gorbachev wrote in his memoirs. “I was married to my wife, and that night I went with her to the hospital.”
At the Moscow cemetery, a life-size statue of Raisa has stood for many years now over the grave intended for them both.
The Gorbachevs had a daughter, Irina, two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter. Despite his attachment to family, Gorbachev lived out his life in Russia while they live in Germany.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a businessman in the early post-Soviet days who now lives in exile in London, tweeted this week that one of Gorbachev’s great strengths was his ability to wash away “awe of the person on the throne,” and that his attention to family was part of that.
“With this he changed my life. And also by his attitude toward Raisa Maximovna — a second important lesson,” Khodorkovsky said, using Gorbacheva’s patronymic. “He went to her. Rest in peace.” | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-gorbachevs-marriage-like-his-politics-broke-the-mold/ | 2022-09-03T18:17:07Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin reached out to suspended All-Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in a phone call Saturday and said the player “feels remorseful.”
Melvin did not reveal anything else about what he termed a “private conversation” with Tatis, the dynamic fan favorite whose 80-game ban for testing positive for a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid, Clostebol, was announced by Major League Baseball shortly before the start of San Diego’s 10-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday.
The first-year Padres skipper said he did not feel the need to discuss the Tatis suspension with other players again before Saturday’s game at Nationals Park.
Asked by a reporter whether he would want Tatis to speak to his teammates about what happened, Melvin replied: “I don’t know where and when that would potentially happen, so I’m not sure at this point.”
Some other Padres players were critical in their comments after Friday’s game, including pitcher Mike Clevinger, who talked about being “disappointed” in Tatis and hoping the shortstop realizes “it’s about more than just him right now.”
A talented hitter and fielder, Tatis led the National League with 42 home runs last season, pairing with third baseman Manny Machado to give the Padres a feared middle of the order. But Tatis had not played at all in 2022 because he broke his left wrist in the offseason — in what is believed to have been a motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic.
Tatis had surgery in mid-March and had been expected to join the Padres soon to help them make a push for an NL wild-card berth; they’re currently third in the race for one of those three spots. San Diego entered Saturday’s game against Washington with a record of 64-51.
Padres general manager A.J. Preller boosted his roster ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month, adding sluggers Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Nationals, closer Josh Hader from the Milwaukee Brewers and infielder Brandon Drury from the Cincinnati Reds.
Melvin figures those new faces will help make the absence of Tatis for the remainder of this season — he’ll also miss the start of next season — easier to deal with.
“We like our team very much. If somebody got injured along the way here, we’d still feel good about our team,” Melvin said. “So that’s kind of how you have to treat the Tatis situation.”
One additional element of this is whatever uncertainty there was about when Tatis would be able to play in 2022 — and how that might affect the lineup — is now gone.
“You didn’t really 100 percent for sure know how he was going to respond once he did come back and start playing. There’s some finality in what we know we have here for the next — what is it? — six weeks or so until the end of the season,” Melvin said. “And we like the group that we have.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/padres-manager-melvin-says-tatis-remorseful-about-ped-ban/ | 2022-08-14T01:56:08Z |
SALADO, Texas (KXAN) — Homes in Salado, Texas, a little less than 10 miles north of Jarrell, were damaged by a tornado Tuesday. Salado is about an hour north of Austin, immediately south of Temple and Belton.
The tornado was spotted a little after 5:30 p.m., moving in between Florence and Salado. Those communities were most affected by storm damage.
Officials with the Bell County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety said there’s a lot of debris and power lines down on FM 2843 between Salado and Florence. The road is closed off, with only local traffic being allowed through.
Officials said well-built, ranch-style homes were heavily damaged or destroyed.
“If we have to stay out here all night, we’re not going to stop until everybody’s accounted for and everybody is safe, and then we’re going to definitely — the ones that have lost their homes, or they’re not structurally sound, we’re going to find a place to put them,” said Sgt. Bryan Washko with Texas Highway Patrol.
KXAN’s Tahera Rahman was off of FM 2843 and Cedar Valley Road, where neighbors said was “wiped off the map” from the tornado.
Law enforcement personnel from Temple, Killeen, and Williamson County blocked off a side of FM 2843 where glimpses of destroyed homes could be seen.
They said they were also trying to contain a gas leak.
KXAN’s Jim Spencer said the city of Salado was very lucky Tuesday evening, as the tornado was headed straight for the town, but turned to the north, staying west of the community. The First Warning Weather team predicts the tornado could be of EF-2 or EF-3 strength.
One homeowner in Florence said he was inside his home when he saw giant pieces of tin fly across his land and the tornado funnel.
“I was in my living room, saw a dust storm outside, I heard the wind, stuff hitting the windows, and I saw a large piece of tin go across the pasture,” recalled Zach Liveris. “It’s a little overwhelming.”
He said his home didn’t sustain as much damage as his neighbor’s– where you could see the walls blown out, showing a burgundy couch inside, and insulation stuck in branches.
Liveris said he’s glad everyone is safe.
Hail in Salado April 12 (Photo: Emily Buckwalter) Hail in Salado (Photo: Tom Russian)
“It was so dusty outside, I couldn’t even see the trees and the pasture from the house. It was just very intense winds,” Liveris said.
Folks in the Hidden Springs subdivision, while not impacted by the tornado, were pounded by baseball-sized hail. | https://cw33.com/news/texas/watch-tornado-damages-homes-in-texas/ | 2022-04-13T11:52:40Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of The Lang School – a private, nonprofit K-12 school serving twice-exceptional (2e) children – recently appointed Dr. Sue Groesbeck as the school's Interim Head of School for the 2022-2023 school year. The Board selected Dr. Groesbeck, an experienced and talented educator, after a deliberate and intensive interview process.
Dr. Groesbeck brings to the position more than 40 years of experience working with independent schools, including a number of Head of School appointments across the United States and Canada.
"Dr. Groesbeck is a deeply passionate, enthusiastic, family-centered educator," said Gavin Simms, Chair of Lang's Board of Trustees. "She is an ideal leader for a moment of transformation and renewal at our school. She shares our vision for a lively, energetic and compassionate learning community in which our twice-exceptional students can thrive, and she prides herself on partnership with families in achieving their goals."
"I am very excited to be at Lang," said Dr. Groesbeck. "The school's halls exude a positive energy that reflects the careful and deliberate preparation of the setting, the strong, flexible curriculum, and the dedicated team of professionals who embody the school's mission. It is an excellent place for 2e students, and I am very enthusiastic about the year ahead."
The Lang School's Board of Trustees has engaged Butler/White Strategies to support its Search Committee in selecting its next Head of School.
The Lang School offers high potential, gifted, and twice exceptional (2E) students in grades K through 12 a child-centered, classroom-based, STEM- and STEAM-driven education informed by the ethics and poetics of the humanities. Our specially trained gifted and special education teachers differentiate both the content and delivery of a rigorous, child-centered, empirically validated education with integrated supports. Visit The Lang School website at www.thelangschool.org.
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SOURCE The Lang School | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/lang-school-welcomes-interim-head-school-dr-sue-groesbeck/ | 2022-08-15T20:30:14Z |
Citi Open Tournament launches website for fans to donate to UNICEF USA alongside Murray through every round.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Citi Open Chairman Mark D. Ein announced this weekend that his foundation and the tournament will match a pledge made earlier this year by three-time Grand Slam winner, and UNICEF Ambassador, Andy Murray to donate all his 2022 winnings to UNICEF's effort to help children in need in Ukraine. The Citi Open will not only match Murray's prize money in next week's tournament, but also launched a new web site, MatchUkraine.org, to encourage fans in the stadium and all over the world to support efforts in the embattled country by donating with every round he plays.
"We must do everything we can to help the situation in Ukraine," said Murray. "The most devastating aspect of this horrible tragedy is what is happening to children. I encourage everyone to join in and help these kids. Together, the Citi Open and tennis fans everywhere can stand up and make a difference. I know I will give it everything I have on the court to help UNICEF with their mission to help the children of Ukraine."
"Andy Murray's efforts to help children in Ukraine inspired all of us and we want to use our platform in Washington to help him do even more," said Ein. "Andy demonstrated why he is one of the most respected leaders in sports when he selflessly stepped up just after the invasion of Ukraine to help millions of children in need—a need that grows with each passing day. We have all seen the tragic toll on innocent children and their families caught in the crossfire. The Citi Open is proud to join Andy in raising funds to help this important cause, and we invite our fans and tennis fans around the world to do the same."
"Andy Murray is a champion on and off the court," said Michael J. Nyenhuis, CEO and President of UNICEF USA. "The generosity shown by Andy, the Citi Open and tennis fans around the world could not come at a more critical time for children in Ukraine, who are continuing to face unprecedented challenges."
Through this week, Murray's prize money donation is more than $300,000 and he could make another $342,800, which would then be matched by the Mark and Sally Ein Foundation and the Citi Open, if he wins the title at the Citi Open in the Nation's Capital.
UNICEF's emergency response teams and partners are continuing to deliver safe water to families in communities where water systems are barely functioning. They are providing health care, nutrition and education support where services are severely lacking or have shut down entirely. And they are focusing on protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse in the face of increased threats of gender-based violence and the risk of harm from mines and other explosive remnants of war.
The campaign will be promoted on social media and on site at the Citi Open. Murray's first match at the Citi Open is Monday, August 1 at 4pm ET.
Andy Murray, Three-time Grand Slam Champion & Former World No. 1: Andy Murray holds 46 career titles, including the 2012 US Open title and 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon titles. He was the first player to win two Olympic gold medals and was the first British World No. 1 player. This season he reached the finals in Stuttgart and Sydney. Murray will compete in the Citi Open for the fourth time in 2022, where he was a finalist in 2006 and quarterfinalist in 2018. Off the court, Andy has been a global ambassador to UNICEF since 2016.
About Citi Open: The Citi Open® tournament is Washington DC's premier tennis event benefiting the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF), the tournament's non-profit owner and beneficiary. The tournament was founded in 1969 by Donald Dell, John Harris and Arthur Ashe in its current location in Rock Creek Park with a vision of making pro tennis accessible for all athletes and fans in the Washington community. Beginning in 2019, venture capitalist and entrepreneur Mark Ein's organization, MDE Tennis, began managing and operating the tournament under an agreement with WTEF. The organization provides underserved children in the D.C. area with a safe environment to learn critical life skills both on and off the courts through academic and athletic enrichment. The Citi Open tennis tournament is one of only five combined tour events in the country, featuring player fields from both the ATP and WTA. The tournament is also one of 13 elite ATP World Tour 500-level events worldwide and the only one held in the United States. Washington is one of the five largest tennis events in the United States, and after 50 years, it is also the longest-running professional tennis event at the same site in the United States.
About MDE Tennis: MDE Tennis, which is part of MDE Sports & Entertainment, oversees operations for Citi Open and the Washington Kastles. Mark D. Ein is the CEO of MDE Sports & Entertainment and MDE Tennis. Ein is an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who has created, acquired, invested in and built a series of growth companies across a diverse set of industries over the course of his 30-year career.
During this time, Ein has been involved in the founding or early stages of six companies that have been worth over one billion dollars and has led over $3.0 billion of private equity, venture capital, and public company investments. Ein is the Founder and CEO of Capitol Investment Corporation, Venturehouse Group, LLC and Leland Investment Co.
Ein is deeply dedicated to supporting his Washington area community with active leadership roles on many community, charitable and cultural organizations including currently serving on the boards of the DC Public Education Fund (Chairman), DC College Access Program (DC-CAP), and DC Policy Center (Co-Founder). He formerly served on the Board of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) from 2012-2018 (serving as a Vice President of the Board from 2016-2018). Ein has been a member of the World Economic Forum since 2016, and the Gridiron Club, the oldest and one of the most prestigious journalistic organizations in Washington, D.C.
A native of the Washington, D.C., area and a ball boy in his youth at the city's summer pro tennis tournament that became the Citi Open, Ein is also the Founder and Owner of the Washington Kastles, the most successful team in World TeamTennis history. The Kastles have won the league championship six of its 12 years since its founding and holds the record for the longest winning streak in U.S. pro team sports history winning 34 straight matches from 2011 through 2013. In September 2009, Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty presented Ein with the Key to the City, highlighting his Washington Kastles success on the court and, "for their commitment to the District's communities and our youth."
In September 2018, Ein founded the Washington Justice esports franchise in the Overwatch League, bringing the premier global esports league to the greater Washington, D.C. region. Also, in 2018, Ein acquired the Washington City Paper, the renowned weekly paper serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area since 1981. In 2019, Ein took over management and operation of Citi Open in Washington, D.C., one of only five U.S. professional tennis tournaments that include both men's and women's fields.
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SOURCE Citi Open | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/citi-open-announces-it-will-match-andy-murrays-donation-his-2022-prize-money-help-children-ukraine-while-he-plays-dc/ | 2022-08-01T14:48:10Z |
NORWALK, Conn, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar today announced that a new, 6 GW tracker tube line will start operations in the Midwest in February 2023, supporting GameChange in its rapid growth in the US market. This state-of-the-art, highly automated facility allows GameChange to expand its US tracker tube capacity to 14 GW.
Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar, stated, "As our customers grow their business, GameChange is committed to continue to grow our substantial USA manufacturing base to allow for fast deliveries and flexibility in our supply chain."
Contact and media inquiries can be directed to Derick Botha +1 (302) 528-2125
email: derick.botha@gamechangesolar.com
Related Links
https://www.gamechangesolar.com/
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SOURCE GameChange Solar | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/gamechange-solar-announces-6-gw-midwest-tracker-factory-increases-usa-capacity-14-gw/ | 2022-08-03T19:51:26Z |
SAN DIEGO, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Eurofins Discovery, the leading brand with over 35 years of success providing a complete solution of products and services for drug discovery, today announced the acquisition of DiscoveryBioMed, a contract research organization (CRO) focused on developing novel human bioassays utilizing cells from diseased and normal human tissues.
Eurofins Discovery acquired DiscoveryBioMed for its expertise in leveraging primary and immortalized human diseased and normal cells to develop novel, customized bioassays supporting clients from HTS to lead optimization. DiscoveryBioMed achieves this through its focus on biologically relevant cellular models for the renal, skin, taste, ophthalmic, liver, respiratory, oncology, and other therapeutic areas. The addition of DiscoveryBioMed supports Eurofins Discovery's strategy to have the most complete, highest quality portfolio of drug discovery services and products, and further strengthens its ability to support translational biology for drug discovery research and development.
For further information
eurofinsdiscoveryservices.com
About DisoveryBioMed
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, DiscoveryBioMed has become globally recognized as a life science and biotechnology company forging the path of integrating human cell physiology with the drug discovery critical path. DiscoveryBioMed's mission is to fill a niche within the drug discovery industry by specializing in custom human cell engineering and human cell-based drug discovery and commercialization.
About Eurofins Discovery
Eurofins Discovery is recognized as the industry leader for providing drug discovery researchers with the largest and most diverse portfolio of standard and custom in vitro safety & pharmacology assays and panels for drug screening and profiling. In addition to in vitro safety pharmacology strengths, we also offer a broad portfolio of over 3,500 drug discovery services and 1,800 products. These include in vitro assays, cell-based phenotypic assays, safety pharmacology and efficacy, ADME toxicology, medicinal chemistry design, synthetic chemistry, and custom proteins and assay development capabilities. We support a variety of drug discovery targets such as GPCRs, Kinases, Ion Channels, Nuclear Hormone Receptors and other proteins & enzymes. Eurofins Discovery capabilities, expertise, knowledge and skill sets provide clients the benefit of being able to work with a single outsourcing provider (CRO) for all their drug discovery programs.
About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in vitro diagnostic products.
With 58,000 staff across a network of 900 laboratories in 54 countries, Eurofins' companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods.
Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
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SOURCE Eurofins Discovery | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/eurofins-discovery-announces-acquisition-discoverybiomed/ | 2022-07-05T17:44:45Z |
ATLANTA, Aug. 29, 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 health equity programs, including Susan G. Komen's Stand for H.E.R— a Health Equity Revolution — a focused initiative to decrease breast cancer disparities in the Black community. The Walk will be held on September 24, 2022, at Lenox Square.
"We look forward to creating a community for those impacted by breast cancer as we gather, in person, for this year's Walk. Funds raised from the MORE THAN PINK Walk will further Komen's ability to meet the needs of patients and advance our health equity efforts to break down barriers to quality, timely care that create poor breast health outcomes." said Dr. Jamar Jeffers, State Executive Director at Susan G. Komen.
Komen is pleased to welcome new and returning sponsors this year including Georgia-Pacific, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Ford, Insight Global, Georgia Natural Gas, Kroger, KPMG, Wellstar Health System, The Atlanta Braves, UPS, Voya Financial, Workday, United Distributors, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, Regions Bank, Change Healthcare, Publix, Wilmington Trust, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Regions, Quantum Radiology, Lenox Square, McDonald's, Mohawk, Coca-Cola, The Westin Buckhead, Cox Media Group, WSB-TV Family 2 Family, and Chick-fil-A. Additionally, WSB-TV News Anchor, Karyn Greer, will serve as the Walk Chair and Emcee of the event.
Participants can expect to enjoy the following at the Walk:
- Kids Fun Zone with facepainting and crafts sponsored by Kroger
- Hope Village, a place for survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer to gather, sponsored by Georgia Natural Gas
- Mobile mammography screening sponsored by Quantum Radiology
- Opening ceremonies entertainment from The Pink Nation Breast Cancer Survivors Choir and the Stayin' Alive Crew: an over 50's high energy dance team
Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk
Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
September 24, 2022
7:00 AM EVENT OPENS
8:45 AM OPENING CEREMONY
9:00 WALK
Register Online
komen.org/georgiawalk
Atlanta residents can continue to support those impacted by breast cancer in October through events and partnerships in the area: A portion of the proceeds from the Atlanta Falcons vs. Cleveland Browns game on Sunday, October 2, 2022, will go toward Komen's Stand For H.E.R. initiative to improve breast health equity for Black women in metro Atlanta. Also, Cirque du Soleil will host A Night at Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, under The Big top at Atlantic Station with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen.
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: Camille Smith
Susan G. Komen
972-855-1688
csmith@komen.org
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SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/29/susan-g-komen-more-than-pink-walk-raises-money-health-equity-among-those-most-impacted-by-breast-cancer/ | 2022-08-29T16:52:00Z |
Donuts Wins 'Publisher's Choice Anti-Phishing Award' for Homograph Phishing Protection Included with its Domain Names
SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Donuts Inc., the global leader in next-generation top-level descriptive domains and authentic digital identities, today announced in conjunction with the RSA Conference that it was awarded the 'Publisher's Choice Anti-Phishing Award' from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry's leading electronic information security magazine. Donuts is the first and only domain registry to automatically provide homograph phishing protection to its customers across hundreds of top-level domains (TLDs).
"We're thrilled to receive one of the most prestigious and coveted cybersecurity awards in the world from Cyber Defense Magazine, during their 10th anniversary," said Akram J. Atallah, CEO, Donuts Inc. "We knew the competition would be tough, and with top judges who are leading InfoSec experts from around the globe, we couldn't be more pleased."
With phishing on the rise, businesses need to fight back against bad actors using look-alike domain names in their attacks. Unlike other domain registries, Donuts' Phishing Protection automatically identifies known homographs of a buyer's domain name at the time of registration and provides phishing protection for a domain's lifetime. In addition to Phishing Protection, Donuts offers enhanced brand protection with its Domains Protected Marks List (DPML) program. This service protects a brand's trademarks, prevents cybersquatting, and ensures that domains are available for future use.
"We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators who could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cybercrime," said Yan Ross, editor of Cyber Defense Magazine. "Donuts Inc. is absolutely worthy of this coveted award and consideration for deployment in your environment."
The RSA Conference takes place from June 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. For a complete list of winners, please visit http://www.cyberdefenseawards.com/.
About CDM InfoSec Awards
This is Cyber Defense Magazine's tenth year of honoring InfoSec innovators from around the globe. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early-stage, later-stage, or public companies in the InfoSec (Information Security) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service.
About the Judging
The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, and certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission, including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature, and other market variables. CDM has a flexible philosophy of finding more innovative players with new and unique technologies than those with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking "What's Next?" so we are looking for best of breed, next-generation InfoSec solutions.
About Donuts Inc.
Donuts Inc. simplifies and connects the online world with domain names and related technologies that allow people to build, market and own their digital identities. Donuts owns the world's largest portfolio of top-level domains, branded TrueName Domains, and operates hundreds of others for registry partners on its innovative registry services platform. Together, Donuts' top-level domains have nearly 25 million domains under management. Beyond its domain name registry and innovative registry services platform, Donuts enables customers to discover, register, support, and use high-quality domain names with its registrar, Name.com. Donuts, which ranked on Inc.'s 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing U.S private companies in 2021, is a global company with hundreds of employees. It is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington with international offices across four continents. For more information, please visit www.donuts.domains.
Media Inquiries:
Irene Noser, Marketing Executive
Cyber Defense Magazine
marketing@cyberdefensemagazine.com
1-833-844-9468
www.cyberdefensemagazine.com
Sacha Arts
Bella Vista Communications
(408) 458.6316
sacha@bellavista.agency
www.bellavista.agency
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SOURCE Donuts Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/donuts-inc-named-winner-coveted-global-infosec-awards-rsa-conference-2022/ | 2022-06-06T17:14:00Z |
Lague's expertise bolsters Merchants' $2.5 billion commitment and strategy behind fleet electrification in North America
HOOKSETT, N.H., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Merchants Fleet, the nation's fastest growing fleet management company, today announced the hire of Ted Lague as Director of ESG, as part of the company's continued commitment to sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.
"Viewing corporate strategy through an ESG lens enables Merchants to engage with stakeholders who are increasingly measuring success in new and meaningful ways," said Lague. "The opportunity to do good while simultaneously doing well, is great, and I'm thrilled to lead the way with ESG at Merchants."
Lague's first initiative with Merchants was spearheading the company's inaugural ESG report, which is now available for download at https://www.merchantsfleet.com/about/corporate-sustainability.
"Ted is a highly-regarded and welcomed addition to our team who will help drive, support and enrich Merchants ESG initiatives and business growth," added Alicia Hart, vice president, human resources. "Championing diversity is a core value at Merchants, reflected across our leadership and employee base where female representation is nearly 50%, and Ted is ideally positioned to contribute to the advancement of our strategic ESG goals."
Merchants has also been named a Diversity & Inclusion Rising Champion by the University of New Hampshire, which promotes organizations that demonstrate values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In 2022 the company will launch a 'Diversity in Fleet' initiative designed to help level the playing field for men and women within the industry.
Merchants has made a string of bold commitments toward sustainability by driving fleet electrification in North America with reservations of nearly 40,000 electric vehicles and $2.5B committed toward having its mobility fleet 50% electric by 2025, and 50% of its clients' fleets electric by 2030. In addition, more than 96% of Merchants leadership is trained in Sustainable Business Practices from Harvard Business School.
An experienced ESG strategist, Lague is the founder of MONA Environmental LLC, a sustainability company that innovated solutions to inspire the preservation, conservation, and renewal of Earth's natural resources. While at MONA, Lague integrated ESG principles into all facets of the business. From a supply chain that employed the blind and visually impaired, to generous philanthropic giving programs and scalable solutions that diverted otherwise wasted food to hungry families and renewable energy processors across New England, the company Lague built was founded on corporate social responsibility.
Lague also spent nearly a decade at Liberty Mutual Insurance, in special projects, risk management and strategic transformation roles where he frequently advised executive leadership on strategic initiatives. During his tenure, he led projects that optimized operating models, implemented performance management systems based in agile and lean principles, improved corporate processes, reduced enterprise risk, enhanced employee engagement, and innovated business, social and governance solutions that drastically improved performance for the company. Lague graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and is currently based in Newburyport, MA.
About Merchants Fleet
Merchants Fleet is North America's fastest growing fleet management company, enabling the movement of people, goods and services freely and responsibly. From flexible funding, fleet acquisition and fleet management to vehicle remarketing, fleet consulting, fleet electrification, and the power of cloud-based fleet management platform TotalView®, Merchants serves as a single source for all fleet and mobility needs across more than 20 unique industries. Merchants is headquartered in New England, has its Innovation Center in the Chicago area, and serves fleet clients of all sizes throughout North America. Learn more at www.MerchantsFleet.com.
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SOURCE Merchants Fleet | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/merchants-fleet-adds-industry-expert-ted-lague-its-sustainability-team-drive-esg-initiatives/ | 2022-04-21T12:50:30Z |
Britain's Largest Sofa Retailer Sees 6.8% Uplift in Conversion Rates with Namogoo's Customer Hijacking Prevention Solution
DONCASTER, England, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Namogoo, the world's first Digital Journey Continuity platform, today announced its new partnership with DFS Furniture, the biggest sofa retailer and manufacturer in Britain, which specialises in sofas and soft furnishings.
DFS trialled Namogoo's Customer Hijacking Prevention software and generated a 6.8% uplift in DFS' conversion rate and millions of pounds in annualised rescued transactions. DFS then utilised AWS Marketplace to partner with Namogoo on a multi-year contract.
AWS Marketplace is a curated digital catalogue that includes thousands of software, data, training and professional services listings from third-party vendors and makes it easy for organisations to find, test, buy, and deploy solutions that run on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
DFS is Britain's number one sofa manufacturer and retailer, and has been making high quality, stylish sofas for over five decades, many in one of its three factories in the UK. DFS was the first sofa company to be awarded the British Standard Kitemark for upholstered furniture, demonstrating that DFS sofas live up to the highest possible standards.
Amid the pandemic and increase in online shopping, DFS' online traffic tripled over two years, with 60% of its website users visiting the site from their mobile devices. A challenge facing many retailers is the rise in session hijacking, where third party ads are displayed on the website and disrupt the customer journey. One in five DFS customers were being distracted by these interruptions, especially during checkout.
"A major challenge for any retailer is abandonment at checkout, and the current industry-wide abandonment typically exceeds 80%. As DFS has a high order value in comparison to most other retailers, it was imperative for us to remove this unauthorised content and ensure that the customer journey remained as smooth and convenient as possible" said Chemi Katz, CEO and founder of Namogoo. "In the trial, we were able to quantify how much of that checkout abandonment was caused by unwanted ads that disrupt the customer journey, in addition to harming brand integrity. In just 30 days, Customer Hijacking Prevention proved its incredible value, removing thousands of unauthorised ads and generating a return of nearly 50x on DFS' investment."
As part of the AWS Partner Network, Namogoo's products are easy to implement for retailers who utilise AWS Marketplace. This relationship creates an important channel for Namogoo to work with retailers, like DFS, enabling Marketplace customers to form an easy way to implement Namogoo's solution quickly and as part of their existing Enterprise Discount Programme.
"Utilising rigorous A/B testing, Namogoo came in and helped us to address the challenge of unwanted ads disrupting our online customers' journey, allowing us to rescue transactions and increase conversion rates," said James Vernon, Head of Digital at DFS Furniture. "Namogoo came out of the 30-day trial as our preferred provider with strong results, demonstrating its expertise in customer hijacking prevention"
"For large retailers considering technology deployment, there is typically a significant amount of red tape to navigate, but these companies can leverage solutions via AWS Marketplace to experiment, integrate and deliver differentiated customer offerings in a much more streamlined process," said Tom Litchford, Head of Worldwide Retail at AWS. "We have found Namogoo to be a valuable member of the marketplace, providing their innovative solutions to AWS customers."
About Namogoo
Namogoo is the world's first Digital Journey Continuity platform, helping over 1,000 unstoppable brands shape their customer journeys to fit each and every shopper's needs. Namogoo's platform autonomously adapts to each customer visit in real time, lifting conversion rates and revenue, while maintaining eCommerce retailers' margins and bolstering brand equity. Namogoo is available on all major eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Magneto - serving over a thousand global brands of all sizes.
The company's product suite includes "Customer Hijacking Prevention," which identifies and manages journey interruptions injected into consumer web sessions in real time; "Intent-Based Promotions," which predicts and individualises the most effective minimum promotion for each visit; "Customer Journey Operating System," which provides the underlying infrastructure to power all digital customer journeys in real time. and "Personalised Email and SMS," which engages customers with personalised campaigns across social, email and SMS to win more sales. Founded in Herzliya, Israel in 2014, Namogoo also has offices in Boston, New York and London. To learn more, visit namogoo.com.
Contact:
Shani Weinstein
VP of Brand & Comms at Namogoo
shani.weinstein@namogoo.com
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SOURCE Namogoo | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/namogoo-signs-multi-year-deal-with-dfs-furniture-improve-online-shopping-journey-dfs-customers/ | 2022-07-27T15:23:07Z |
Chery SUV model, with Cipia's driver monitoring system integrated, will be sold globally
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cipia (TASE: CPIA), an AI computer vision in-cabin automotive solutions provider, today announced that the company had secured a design win for a sport utility vehicle (SUV) from automaker Chery. The SUV will be sold globally, in Europe, South America, Australia, Middle East and Africa, with an expected start of production (SOP) during Q3 2023.
"Driver Sense DMS is robust, computationally lean and enables OEMs and Tier 1s to meet the strict regulatory and safety requirements that the EU and other markets demand of new vehicles," said Yehuda Holtzman, CEO of Cipia. "We're proud to be working with Chery to deliver a safer driving experience for all road users."
The model will integrate Cipia's Driver Sense DMS running on Ambarella's CV28 SoC. The CV28 - Driver Sense integration utilizes neural networks to offer robust driver monitoring capabilities, complying with highest global automotive regulatory standards while maintaining the lightest possible computing requirements.
Cipia's Driver Sense software uses computer vision and AI to monitor the driver's state in real-time. The DMS detects signs of drowsiness, distraction, phone use, seatbelt and more, enabling lifesaving alerts to the driver.
The latest win increases the total number of design wins for Cipia globally to 25 vehicle models, on 8 different platforms across 5 car manufacturers. Cipia's OEM customers currently include an electric car manufacturer in the US, SAIC Motors, Chery, an American car brand in China, and one additional leading car manufacturer in China.
About Cipia:
Cipia is a leading provider of intelligent sensing solutions that use edge-based computer vision and AI for safer and better mobility experiences. The company focuses on the automotive in-cabin environment, offering Driver Sense - driver monitoring system, Cabin Sense - occupancy monitoring systems and Cipia-FS10 - a driver monitoring and video telematics device for fleets and telematics system providers (TSPs). Over a decade of research and development stands behind the company's proprietary market-leading computer vision technology. Cipia is constantly pushing the boundaries of what intelligent sensing solutions can see and accomplish, for better and safer mobility.
Cipia Company Contact:
Lazer Cohen
lazer@westraycommunications.com
347-753-8256
Liat Rostock
Liat.R@cipia.com
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SOURCE Cipia | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/cipia-awarded-additional-design-win-with-carmaker-chery/ | 2022-08-18T18:43:35Z |
New shipping law sets sail, aims to ease inflation and optimize U.S. supply chains
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and John Thune team up on the Ocean Reform Act to protect American farmer’s exports
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Joe Biden signed the Ocean Reform Act into law Thursday.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a sponsor of the bill says it will solve several problems facing Americans right now.
“It’s one of the ways we can start bringing down prices.”
She and Senator Thune worked closely on the initiative – saying it impacts farmers in their states.
“we’ve had these huge issues, particularly with foreign flagged vessels, containers who you know, bring products into the United States,” said Sen. John Thune. “When they turn around, they won’t carry American agricultural commodities.”
Representative Dusty Johnson says even though his state is land-locked, shipping is the lifeline for agricultural exports.
“People are sometimes surprised that the gentleman from South Dakota is a maritime law expert, but the reality is that 60% of the soybeans grown in South Dakota are exported And our state also exports a tremendous amount of beef, corn, dairy, and our whole country exports a lot of agricultural goods we are a net exporter of products, a big trade surplus.”
The law will bolster the Federal Maritime Commission’s ability to enforce import/export ratios for American goods. That means stopping the unfair practice of foreign vessels refusing to take back American products.
“When you have grain actually rotting at the ports because there’s no container to take it and you’ve got containers that are available that are unwilling to do it, something is fundamentally wrong,” said Thune.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/22/new-shipping-law-sets-sail-aims-ease-inflation-optimize-us-supply-chains/ | 2022-06-22T15:45:14Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s list of impossible tasks keeps getting longer.
Despite lofty promises he’s made, from the campaign trail through his first year in office, he has limited power to safeguard voting rights or expand the fight against climate change on his own.
And now it’s become clear that Biden has no good options for preserving abortion access as the Supreme Court appears poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.
It’s a disorienting and discouraging state of affairs for Democrats, who control both Congress and the White House for the first time in more than a decade.
But the reality is the party holds only the narrowest of majorities in the Senate, and there simply aren’t enough votes to guarantee abortion rights, especially with the filibuster in place.
Biden’s pledge to codify Roe v. Wade into law seems destined for the same rocky shoals where other parts of his agenda, like tax credits for clean energy or legislation that would preempt state voting restrictions, have already run aground.
Perhaps the most succinct explanation came from Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., earlier this week.
“We’re stuck,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled a vote on abortion for next Wednesday, but it’s almost certain to fail. Republicans are united in opposition, and a handful of Democrats may not support it either.
The impasse is forcing the White House to reopen its backup playbook — scrounging for ways to make a difference through executive action or regulatory steps while criticizing Republicans for the lack of broader action.
“The White House is under enormous pressure to be more forceful and vocal,” said Lawrence Gostin, who runs the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health at Georgetown Law.
But Gostin, who is advising administration officials on next steps, said, “Biden needs to stick with winnable battles” by focusing on “low hanging fruit.”
One of those ideas involves making abortion medication more accessible by mail. The Food and Drug Administration has already eliminatedthe requirement to pick up the pills in person, and Gostin said the practice will need an aggressive defense as it faces conservative attacks.
The Justice Department has already gone to court over abortion access, suing Texas last year in an effort to stop a law that would ban most abortions.
Another concept, Gostin said, would be allowing Medicaid to pay for travel if a woman can’t get an abortion in her own state. Such a plan might run afoul of the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding for abortions, so it would require careful wording.
For example, the policy could say Medicaid would pay for travel for authorized medical treatment if it’s not legal where the patient lives — making no mention of abortion.
None of these proposals are foolproof, and they will likely face Republican challenges in the courts or through legislation.
“It’s like whack-a-mole,” Gostin said. “Anytime a woman tries to overcome state restrictions, they make them tighter.”
These kinds of administrative steps are similar to what Biden has done when other initiatives have stalled on Capitol Hill.
On voting, for example, he signed an executive order intended to make it easier to register, and the Justice Department is ramping up its efforts to protect ballot access.
In addition, Biden included some climate policies in the infrastructure legislation that passed last year, and regulators are strengthening rules on vehicle emissions.
“The president is incredibly proud of what he’s already accomplished in 15 months of his presidency,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
Asked about Biden’s struggles on Capitol Hill, Psaki pointed to his long experience as a senator.
“He knows and understands it sometimes takes more time than he would like to get your agenda forward,” she said.
However, abortion stirs even greater passions than other issues across the political spectrum, and frustration about inaction is bubbling up.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who wants his state to become a refuge for people seeking abortions, said this week that Democrats are falling short.
“Where the hell is my party?” he said. Abortion opponents are winning, Newsom added. “We need to stand up. Where’s the counteroffensive?”
Cecilia Muñoz, a senior adviser at New America, a left-leaning think tank based in Washington, said in an interview earlier this year “there’s an assumption that the president has a magic wand that he doesn’t always have.”
She saw that firsthand as director of President Barack Obama’s Domestic Policy Council, when the White House increasingly relied on executive actions to make progress toward its goals despite Republican opposition.
“I think the advocacy community has gotten used to the idea that there are shortcuts,” she said. “But there are no good shortcuts.”
Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the expected end of Roe v. Wade will require activists to use different tactics.
“The American people are used to relying on the courts to protect their fundamental freedoms,” she said. “And now we really have to get folks used to shifting their attention to legislators, members of Congress, legislative bodies. And that’s going to be a little bit of a culture shock and a little bit of a shift in the way we think.”
Democrats seem likely to lose control of Congress in the November elections, especially with Biden’s sagging approval ratings. However, some hope that the Supreme Court decision will fire up their voters.
“What you’re looking for in politics is an opportunity,” said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster. “There’s an opportunity that wasn’t there before this came out.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, rejected the idea that voters are frustrated by Biden’s ability to deliver on some of his priorities.
“If we show the fight we need to show … our voters will come out in large numbers,” he said before Biden toured a metal company in his state Friday. He added, “They know if we had a few more members of the Senate, a lot of those things they care about would have been enacted.”
Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian, compared Biden’s situation to President Harry Truman, who was floundering as he ran for reelection in 1948. He turned his campaign into an indictment of a “do-nothing Congress,” which was controlled by Republicans at the time, and he managed to pull off a narrow victory.
The goal, Beschloss said, is to “take a bad hand and play it perfectly.”
Biden is trying a similar tack ahead of the midterms, escalating his criticism of other Republican proposals.
He repeatedly points to a blueprint from the National Republican Senatorial Committee that would increase taxes on people at the lower end of the income scale and force federal programs like Social Security to be reauthorized every five years.
“I’ve offered a different plan — a plan rooted in American values of fairness and decency,” Biden said Wednesday.
And he warns that Republicans won’t stop at abortion and could target other rights that were earned through the Supreme Court, such as access to birth control or same sex marriage.
“This MAGA crowd” — a reference to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan — “is really the most extreme political organization that’s existed in recent American history,” Biden said.
__
Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/abortion-adds-to-bidens-all-but-impossible-to-do-list-2/ | 2022-05-07T13:22:45Z |
Large Australian property fund manager selects award-winning solution for its powerful and flexible capabilities
WINDSOR, Conn., Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced that ISPT, one of the largest property fund managers in Australia, chose SS&C Sylvan for performance measurement. SS&C Sylvan was selected for its ability to process data automatically, calculate key returns, and provide robust analytical tools.
ISPT is one of Australia's largest unlisted property fund managers, with over A$22 billion in funds under management through investments in commercial, retail, industrial, education, health, social infrastructure and residential development via both funds and bespoke mandates. The firm sought to replace its internally built performance measurement system. SS&C Sylvan will automate financial data ingestion, calculate both time-weighted (income, capital and total return) and money-weighted returns, and provide enhanced analytics on their property portfolios.
"SS&C Sylvan will allow us to customize its strong analytical tools to meet our specific requirements, including decomposing returns into multiple return types and segmenting returns across multiple dimensions," said Damien Damiano, Manager, Performance and Investor Reporting. "The solution's flexible analytics, in addition to its data automation and calculation tools, make Sylvan the best choice for our needs and future growth."
"We are pleased ISPT will benefit from our award-winning investment performance measurement, attribution and risk solution," said Christy Bremner, Senior V.P. and General Manager, SS&C Technologies. "We look forward to our collaboration with ISPT and involvement with Australian fund managers to help elevate performance measurement and analysis activities."
SS&C Sylvan streamlines performance measurement and attribution (PMA) operations so performance teams can focus more on analysis and attribution via the solution's cloud-based customizable dashboards and flexible self-service reporting. In addition, SS&C Sylvan, which won the Waters Technology Buy-Side Technology Award for PMA two years in a row, supports multiple attribution methodologies, risk analytics, comprehensive data management, GIPS® standards, composite management and advanced benchmark construction.
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ISPT is committed to creating growth for people and places through property. For over 25 years our properties have been meaningful places for the retailers, companies, government departments and communities that use them. We generate returns for our Investors, which are some of Australia's largest industry superannuation funds, and ultimately the 50%+ of working Australians who have their retirement savings invested in property through us. ISPT's $22 billion portfolio invests in and develops commercial, retail, industrial, health, education, social infrastructure and residential development property in Australia.
For more information on ISPT, visit https://ispt.net.au/
SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. Some 20,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology.
SOURCE: SS&C
Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.
Follow SS&C on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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SOURCE SS&C | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/ispt-selects-ssampc-sylvan-advance-investment-performance-measurement/ | 2022-09-07T23:57:24Z |
Valens joins the Logitech Collaboration Program by providing USB & power extension solutions that streamline Logitech conferencecam installations
HOD HASHARON, Israel, April 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Valens Semiconductor (NYSE: VLN), a premier provider of high-speed connectivity solutions for the audio-video and automotive markets, today announced that it has collaborated with Logitech to develop a solution tailored to Logitech's USB peripheral suite of products, that solves the challenge of extending USB cameras and power over a single category cable. This collaboration solves for installation challenges in the education segment as a result of the new hybrid setting (HyFlex) that accommodates sessions for both in-classroom and remote participants, as well as enhances corporate meeting and huddle rooms.
"Logitech is continuously raising the bar, providing the highest quality experience for its customers and we are looking forward to deepening our business partnership and continuing to innovate together," said Gabi Shriki, SVP and Head of Audio-Video at Valens. "Valens' advanced, cost-effective solution is at the forefront of the education market's rapid transformation from in-person to hybrid. We thrive on working with leading companies of the video conferencing and USB peripherals markets like Logitech."
Valens' HDBaseT connectivity technology provides Logitech customers and installers a simple, cost-effective way to extend Logitech cameras with the freedom to place USB devices anywhere in the room over a single, standard category cable. Valens' semiconductor provides:
- Professional-grade extension of USB and Power up to 100m/328'
- High quality, zero latency multimedia distribution
- Plug & play single-cable solution, no driver installation required
"There is a growing number of devices being deployed in classroom and conference room setups – including multiple displays, cameras, microphones, and speakers," said Sudeep Trivedi, Head of Alliances and Go-To-Market at Logitech. "This makes convergence of high-quality multimedia critical for a streamlined, cost-effective installation, and it is exactly what Valens' HDBaseT technology delivers. Feedback from customers has been fantastic, and with our partnership with Valens, they can expect even greater things to come."
This offering is ideal for both new and retrofit projects, providing flexibility for USB peripheral placement and eliminating the need for a dedicated A/C outlet.
About Valens Semiconductor
Valens is a leading provider of semiconductor products, pushing the boundaries of connectivity by enabling long-reach, high-speed video and data transmission for the audio-video and automotive industries. Valens' HDBaseT technology is the leading standard in the professional audio-video market with tens of millions of Valens' chipsets integrated into thousands of HDBaseT-enabled products. Valens Automotive is a key enabler of the evolution of autonomous driving, providing chipsets that are on the road in vehicles around the world. The underlying technology has been selected to become the basis for MIPI A-PHY, the global standard for automotive connectivity. Founded in 2006, Valens is based in Hod Hasharon, Israel, with offices in the US, Europe and Asia.
For more information: www.valens.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Valens may, in this communication, make certain statements that are not historical facts and relate to analysis or other information which are based on forecasts or future or results. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future prospects, product development and business strategies. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means for identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. You should understand that a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements, including the risks set forth under "Risk Factors" in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 and our other SEC filings. Valens cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Valens does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Media Contact:
Yoni Dayan
Head of Communications
Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
Yoni.dayan@valens.com
Investor Contacts:
Daphna Golden
Vice President Investor Relations
Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
investors@valens.com
Moriah Shilton
Financial Profiles, Inc.
ValensIR@finprofiles.com
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SOURCE Valens Semiconductor | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/13/valens-semiconductor-logitech-simplify-video-conferencing-deployments-with-professional-grade-connectivity-solution/ | 2022-04-13T12:35:49Z |
NEW YORK, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. ("Akebia" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: AKBA) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and docketed under 22-cv-01411, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Akebia securities between June 28, 2018 and September 2, 2020, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.
If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Akebia securities during the Class Period, you have until May 13, 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.
Akebia is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development and commercialization of renal therapeutics for patients with kidney diseases. The Company's lead investigational product candidate is vadadustat, an oral therapy, which is in Phase 3 development for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease ("CKD") in dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis dependent ("NDD") adult patients.
Akebia's Phase 3 clinical programs for vadadustat include, among others, the PRO2TECT program in NDD-CKD patients with anemia (the "PRO2TECT Program"). The PRO2TECT Program's primary safety endpoint was defined as non-inferiority of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa in time to first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events ("MACE").
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) vadadustat was not as safe in treating NDD-CKD patients with anemia as Defendants had represented; (ii) as a result, Defendants overstated the PRO2TECT Program's clinical prospects; (iii) accordingly, Defendants also overstated vadadustat's overall commercial and regulatory prospects; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
On September 3, 2020, Akebia issued a press release announcing "top-line results" from the PRO2TECT Program, disclosing that "[v]adadustat did not meet the primary safety endpoint of the PRO2TECT program, defined as non-inferiority of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa in time to first occurrence of [MACE.]"
On this news, Akebia's common stock price fell $7.35 per share, or 73.5%, to close at $2.65 per share on September 3, 2020.
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.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-reminds-shareholders-with-losses-their-investment-akebia-therapeutics-inc-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline-akba/ | 2022-04-25T16:43:22Z |
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fitness Ventures LLC announces Jay Thomas as their new VP of Construction
Fitness Ventures, LLC. Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, one of the fastest growing franchisees in the Crunch Fitness system announced today the hiring of Jay Thomas as their new VP of Construction. Thomas will begin with the company on June 1, and will be responsible for overseeing all development projects throughout the United States, including nearly $50 million dollars of construction projects already in the pipeline.
Jay Thomas brings unparalleled experience in overseeing the construction of various businesses across the U.S., holds several General Contractor licenses across different states and regions across the U.S.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Jay Thomas to the Fitness Ventures team", said Brian Hibbard, founder, and CEO of Fitness Ventures. "With our growth rate continuing to accelerate, and the challenges with construction in today's environment, it was critical that we bring someone on to oversee these projects. We operate in states across the country which provides its own set of challenges, and you combine it with today's inflationary environment and supply chain issues, and it becomes critically important to have someone with the expertise to oversee these projects to make sure they come in on time and on budget."
With each new opening, Fitness Ventures brings new jobs to the markets they operate in, and with 28 more in development over the next 18 months, they are adding another 2,500 jobs. "The Fitness Ventures management team has demonstrated the ability to maintain a rapid growth rate, all while executing on a strategy that continues to deliver industry leading results. Having Jay on board overseeing the construction projects will allow us to seize on these opportunities at a faster pace, accelerating our overall growth rate and pushing to our ultimate goal of owning and operating 100 Crunch Fitness locations by 2026", said Brian Hibbard.
For additional information, please contact Hiba Abduljawad at hiba@fitnessventuresllc.com, 407-360-6746
About Fitness Ventures, LLC
Founded in 2016 by Brian Hibbard, Fitness Ventures, LLC is one of the fastest growing franchisees within the Crunch Fitness system. The Company currently operates locations across eight different states, with several more in development. With a unique operating and development strategy, and a keen focus on execution, Fitness Ventures operates some of the highest volume Crunch locations in the system and boasts industry leading financial returns.
Fitness Ventures was acquired by Prospect Hill Growth Partners, L.P., a private equity firm focused on operational value creation in middle-market growth companies, in 2020. The partnership with Prospect Hill and new access to institutional capital has allowed Fitness Ventures to seize on new opportunities at a faster pace, accelerating their already rapid growth rate.
Website: www.fitnessventuresllc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fitness-ventures-llc-crunch/
About Crunch Fitness
Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people, with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Today, we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves over 1.9 million members with over 400 gyms worldwide in 34 states and the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe. For more information, please visit crunch.com.
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SOURCE FITNESS VENTURES | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/25/fitness-ventures-llc-adds-vp-construction-their-all-star-team/ | 2022-05-25T11:34:09Z |
Man found guilty of asking 11-year-old relative to record him having sex
WACO, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) – A Texas man who asked an 11-year-old family member to record him having sex with his girlfriend was convicted Tuesday.
Jurors deliberated for about two hours before finding Joshua David Orler, a 35-year-old construction worker, guilty of 10 counts of indecency with a child by exposure.
The punishment phase of the trial began Wednesday morning. He faces up to 10 years in prison on each count for a total of 100 years.
Orler was also found guilty of showing the young girl a tattoo of Hello Kitty on his genitalia when she inquired about it after watching him have sex with his girlfriend multiple times.
Orler denied the allegations during testimony Tuesday afternoon, but could not offer a reason why the girl would make up the story.
The girl said she was hesitant to come forward because she didn’t want Orler to get in trouble. However, she said as the pressure intensified to keep his secret, she could no longer hide it and reported it to her mother.
Orler’s girlfriend, Cristina Marsh, 27, also has been charged and is under indictment on five counts of indecency with a child by exposure.
The girl said the inappropriate sexual conduct started two years ago when she was spending the night at Orler’s home. She said she fell asleep on the couch and woke up and saw Orler and Marsh having sex in the bedroom. She said she watched for a while, apologized and then went back to sleep.
Orler, who spent a year in a state jail after his probation for methamphetamine possession was revoked, told her not to tell anyone what she had seen or he would go back to prison, she testified.
“That brought a lot of pressure on me,” the girl, now 13, told the jury.
On another visit, she woke up again in the middle of the night to find Orler and Marsh having sex again, she said. However, this time, Orler said she could come in and watch their sexual encounter. She said she asked questions about what they were doing, and they taught her the slang terms for the sex acts they were performing.
Assistant District Attorney Tara Avants, who is prosecuting the case with Will Hix, asked the girl how many times she watched Orler and Marsh have sex.
“I don’t really know,” she said. “A lot of times.”
She said she saw them have sex at Marsh’s house and they took her to a hotel in Waco once, where they also had sex there.
The girl said Marsh caught her watching porn videos on an iPad, and Marsh offered to answer any questions she might have about what she was seeing. She told the jury that Orler asked her to use the iPad to record him and Marsh and gave her instructions about how to keep the camera still so it would look like it was sitting on a table.
Attorneys did not play the sexually explicit videos for the jury of four men and eight women. However, the prosecutors showed photos of Orler’s genitalia that features the Hello Kitty tattoo.
Orler got the tattoo in prison because he said inmates have too much time on their hands and “there is nothing else to do when you are locked up.”
He told the jury he did not knowingly have sex in front of the girl or ask her to record him. He said she learned about his Hello Kitty tattoo because members of the family wanted to know if he got any tattoos in prison and mentioned it frequently.
“I’m not that kind of person,” he said. “I don’t like people like that. That’s just not who I am.”
Two members of Orler’s family and a family friend all testified for the defense that Orler is not the kind of person to do what he is charged with.
Copyright 2022 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/25/man-found-guilty-asking-11-year-old-relative-record-him-having-sex/ | 2022-05-25T19:06:54Z |
Crews pull worker from collapsed trench after more than 2 hours of rescue efforts
By Senait Gebregiorgis
Click here for updates on this story
BREVARD COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A man up to his neck in mud, sand and filth was pulled to safety on Thursday after the trench he was working in collapsed in Brevard County.
It took almost three hours for crews to rescue the 59-year-old construction worker at an excavation site at 4885 U.S. Route 1 in Sharpes just outside of Cocoa.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says the call came in just after 12 p.m., and by the time crews made it to the scene, the man was buried neck-deep with water filling the hole.
About 29 units were at the scene from Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, including the fire rescue and the dive team.
David Walker from Brevard County Government said a construction crew was performing a test hole at the excavation site. Two workers were standing on each side of the trench before one of the sides collapsed, causing the man to fall inside.
“Then, the other side of the hole collapsed and that’s when it began filling up with water,” Walker said.
As many as 70 people took turns using cranes to get water out of the hole before pulling the man out safely.
“He was able to communicate with firefighters while all of that was still happening. I can tell you when they pulled him out of the hole though there was some excruciating pain,” Walker said. “The problem is every time they would pull the water and the dirt from the hole, it would immediately fill back in, so they had to use some crafty efforts to be able to dig him out.”
The man was placed in a truck before he was flown to the hospital’s trauma center.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is looking into what led to the collapse.
Walker said the man is a worker from Jr. Davis Construction Company.
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/news/2022/05/13/crews-pull-worker-from-collapsed-trench-after-more-than-2-hours-of-rescue-efforts/ | 2022-05-13T20:11:40Z |
Completed the Previously Announced Acquisition of SeaTrust Mortgage Company
Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.10 Per Share
MCLEAN, Va., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Primis Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: FRST) ("Primis" or the "Company"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Primis Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income from continuing operations of $5.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to $4.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and $8.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Earnings per share ("EPS") from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022 were $0.20 on a basic and diluted basis, compared to $0.19 on a basic and diluted basis for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Net income from continuing operations adjusted for nonrecurring income and expenses(1) was $6.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 versus $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Adjustments, as described further below, include nonrecurring expenses due to branch closures and merger-related expenses. Operating earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were $0.25 on a basic and $0.24 on a diluted basis, compared to $0.19 on a basic and diluted basis for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Net income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $9.6 million compared to $17.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Earnings per share from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 were $0.39 on a basic and diluted basis, compared to $0.71 basic and $0.70 diluted for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
As previously disclosed, on May 31, 2022, Primis Bank completed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the stock of SeaTrust Mortgage Company ("SeaTrust"), a bank-owned mortgage company based in Wilmington, North Carolina, which was subsequently renamed Primis Mortgage Company ("Primis Mortgage").
Commenting on the quarter, Dennis Zember, Jr., President and CEO said "We have made significant progress in several areas of the Bank that we believe were limiting our market value. We have remixed our deposits with a focus on core deposits and checking accounts and built some unique lines of business that will change the market's opinion about our ability to grow. We have built a culture that is catching on in our local markets and beyond and have improved expertise and skills in our workforce rapidly. I believe this quarter's results and the movement in some of our key ratios are evidence that we are being successful."
Financial Highlights for the Period Ended June 30, 2022
- Improvement in return on average assets from continuing operations(1) to 0.63% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 0.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Operating return on average assets from continuing operations(1) improved by a larger amount to 0.76% from 0.57% in the first quarter of 2022.
- Loans held for investment grew at an annualized rate of 24.7% for the first six months of 2022 or 30.8% net of a decline in PPP balances.
- Non-interest bearing checking deposits were $653.1 million, representing 24.3% of total deposits at June 30, 2022, compared to 19.1% at June 30, 2021.
- Time deposits were only $329.2 million, representing 12.3% of total deposits at June 30, 2022, down from 14.1% at the same time in 2021.
- Net interest margin of 3.33% in the second quarter of 2022, was up substantially from 2.80% the same period last year.
- FHLB borrowings of only $25 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022, which provides substantial liquidity opportunities.
- Strong capital position with Tier 1 Leverage Ratio at Primis Bank of 12.27% at the end of the second quarter of 2022, which is more than adequate in terms of supporting the Company's expected growth.
- Revenue growth outpaced expenses, despite significant investment in the organization. Total revenue in the second quarter of 2022 increased 12.5% to $27.2 million compared to $24.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Total revenue, excluding PPP-related income, increased 25.5% in the second quarter of 2022 to $27.2 million from $21.7 million in the second quarter of 2021.
- Non-interest expenses were $20.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 18.8% from the second quarter of 2021. Excluding nonrecurring revenue and expenses, non-interest expenses grew to $19.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 11.2% from the $17.2 million recorded in the second quarter of 2021.
- Pre-tax pre-provision return on average assets from continuing operations(1) was 0.83% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 8 basis points from 0.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Pre-tax pre-provision operating return on average assets from continuing operations(1) was 1.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, up 23 basis points from 0.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
- Allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.15% at June 30, 2022, compared to 1.23% at March 31, 2022. Allowance for credit losses to total loans (excluding PPP balances and loans held for sale) was 1.16% at June 30, 2022, compared to 1.24% at March 31, 2022.
Operating Performance
The Company reported strong increases in key ratios and growth rates for the second quarter of 2022. Speaking about the performance improvement, Mr. Zember said, "Our primary focus is on two areas right now. First, to tweak the core bank's performance while rationalizing its cost base. We consolidated six branches in the current quarter and are planning to consolidate two additional in the third quarter. Secondly, to bring the lines of business quickly to the kind of profitability that moves the needle for our organization. Both Panacea and Life Premium Finance had substantial growth in the quarter and while their pipelines and expectations are just as substantial, the costs to produce and book this growth have already been incurred. I expect all of these decisions will compound and that our second half of the year will be exciting."
Lines of Business
While the Company's main business continues to be the core bank, management has invested diligently in certain lines of business that augment the profitability and growth rates a core community bank can offer shareholders. These businesses are resource light, digitally oriented and produce return on assets that are superior to bank only returns with better than average long-term credit quality. The table below highlights revenue and expenses directly attributable to the Company's various business lines. Net interest income in the table below also includes an assumed cost of funds given to each business line for illustrative purposes, with offsetting benefit to net interest income included in the bank column. The bank column includes all activities not captured in the business lines, including parent company activities.
Panacea has successfully built a nationally-recognized brand and now has ten national and state association partnerships. The division has banking relationships with over 2,000 doctor households across all 50 states. Panacea finished the second quarter of 2022 with approximately $143 million in outstanding loans, an increase of $61.4 million, or 76%, from March 31, 2022. At the end of the second quarter, Panacea's loan portfolio was 52% commercial, 28% consumer and 20% student loan refinance. As previously discussed, Panacea became profitable on a direct basis in the first quarter. Including an assumed cost of funds, Panacea became profitable on a funded basis in the second quarter as well as highlighted above.
Commenting on Panacea's recent momentum, Tyler Stafford, President of the division stated, "The success of Panacea's doctor-centric relationship banking model continues to compound within our target market of doctors across the country, evidenced with a 5.0-star customer review rating and the #1 ranking on TrustPilot within the "Bank" category. With our recently added bankers continuing to ramp, our pipeline of loan opportunities is well over $150 million and continues to build. As a result, we are increasing our loan growth expectations for 2022 from a range of $125 to $150 million to $175 to $200 million. Importantly, the credit quality of our portfolio remains pristine and, given the robustness of our pipeline, we are in a position to be even more selective on pursuing the strongest credits that maximize our profitability. Lastly, we have several deposit-focused initiatives underway which we expect to translate into stronger core deposit growth in the coming quarters."
The Life Premium Finance Division, launched in late 2021, ended the second quarter of 2022 with outstanding balances, net of deferred fees, of $99.7 million, compared to $13.0 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021. The Life Premium Finance Division is already showing a healthy level of profitability (including assumed cost of funds) with just 7 months of operations. The division's emphasis on technology, operational efficiencies and a superior customer experience continues to resonate with the marketplace. Total approved credit in the division finished the second quarter of 2022 at $413 million with remaining funding of premiums over the next three to five years.
Primis acquired Primis Mortgage Company on May 31, 2022 and successfully integrated its operations in June. On July 11, Primis Mortgage Company welcomed Chris Blevins to the team as a regional executive. Chris came from a large independent mortgage company where he managed a large region that generated annual production of approximately $6 billion. As previously discussed, the Company expects marginal contribution to earnings from mortgage in 2022 as Primis Mortgage builds out its team and achieves the needed scale and production capacity to make a meaningful earnings contribution in 2023.
As of July 25, Primis now offers a full service, full-featured checking account powered by its new digital platform. The account's low cost of acquisition and management allows the Bank to offer hyper-competitive terms. The account includes free overdrafts, refunds to the customer of debit and credit interchange income on its cards, free ATM transactions nationwide, bill pay, peer-to-peer capabilities and delivery of almost any conceivable banking service directly to customers' doorsteps in select markets.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased 12.9% to $24.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $21.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The Company's reported net interest margin for the second quarter of 2022 was 3.33% compared to 2.80% in the second quarter of 2021. Net interest income, excluding the effect of PPP fees, was $24.6 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $20.0 million in the second quarter of 2021, an increase of $4.6 million or 23.1%. Also excluding the effects of PPP, the Company's net interest margin expanded to 3.35% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 2.77% in the same quarter of 2022.
The Company's loan growth over the past several quarters and the improved asset mix has been the driver of positive movements in both margins and net interest income. Loans held for investment represented 84.7% of total average interest earning assets in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 74.6% in the same quarter of 2021. Yield on loans for the second quarter of 2022 was 4.20% compared to 4.34% in the second quarter of 2021. Loan yields in the second quarter, excluding the effect of PPP, were 4.23%, down from 4.46% in the same quarter of 2021.
Total cost of funds in the second quarter of 2022 was 0.53%, down from 0.66% in the same quarter of 2021. Continued growth in checking accounts as a percentage of total deposits and lower rates on other deposits led to the improvement. Total demand deposits and total non-time deposits at the end of the second quarter of 2022 were 24.3% and 87.7%, respectively, compared 19.1% and 85.9%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2021.
Non-interest Income
During the three months ended June 30, 2022, Primis had non-interest income of $2.63 million, compared to $2.09 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to revenues associated with Primis Mortgage for only one month as the acquisition closed on May 31, 2022. The Company closed $27.0 million in loans in June, down 5.6% from May as the team transitioned to Primis. The rapid slowdown in the mortgage and housing markets have caused many mortgage companies to restructure substantially, reducing headcount in servicing, support and production. While the current market conditions are not ideal for substantial revenues and profitability in this sector, the opportunity to add the needed production capacity at much more reasonable terms than a year ago are real. The division expects to recruit profitable teams and the necessary support throughout the remainder of 2022 and be a material contributor to the Company's results in 2023.
Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense was $20.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, which included $0.4 million in merger costs, $0.9 million in branch closure costs, and new mortgage expenses of approximately $0.8 million. Non-interest expense also included a recovery of unfunded commitment reserve of $168 thousand in the second quarter of 2022. Excluding merger costs, branch closure costs, new mortgage expenses and unfunded commitment reserve impacts, the Company's adjusted operating expense was $18.5 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared to $18.6 million in the first quarter of 2022 and $17.0 million for the second quarter of 2021.
The Company's operating efficiency ratio from continuing operations(1) in the second quarter of 2022 was 70.2% compared to 75.7% in the first quarter of 2022. The Bank intends to consolidate two more branch locations in the third quarter of 2022. Additionally, management has identified other areas of savings including consolidation of certain staffing positions, contract renegotiations and other opportunities that we expect could save between $3 million and $4 million per year. These amounts, combined with operating performance improvements at the Company's lines of business, could reduce the operating efficiency to below 63% by year end.
Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality
Loans held for investment increased to $2.63 billion at June 30, 2022, compared to $2.39 billion at March 31, 2022. Loans held for investment grew at an annualized rate of 24.7% for the first six months of 2022 or 30.8% net of a decline in PPP balances. Loan growth was robust across the organization, particularly the Panacea and Life Premium Finance divisions which saw their growth rates accelerate in the second quarter. The Company believes loan growth will continue at a similar pace as the first half of 2022 for the rest of the year.
Nonperforming assets, excluding portions guaranteed by the SBA, were $19.9 million at June 30, 2022 compared to $15.1 million at March 31, 2022 driven by a large residential loan that had been adversely rated and is now subject to foreclosure. The loan-to-value on the property is less than 50% and no loss is anticipated. Loans rated substandard or doubtful increased to $27.1 million in the second quarter of 2022 from $23.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 2022.
The allowance for credit losses was $30.2 million at June 30, 2022, up $0.83 million from $29.4 million at March 31, 2022. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.4 million compared to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2022. As a percentage of loans, excluding PPP balances, the allowance declined to 1.16% at the end of the second quarter of 2022 compared to 1.24% at the end of the first quarter of 2022. The Company recorded $0.4 million in net recoveries in the second quarter of 2022 compared to net recoveries of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2022.
Deposits
Total deposits decreased slightly to $2.68 billion at June 30, 2022, compared to $2.69 billion at March 31, 2022. Non-interest bearing demand deposits now represent 24.3% of total deposits and time deposits represent only 12.3% of total deposits at June 30, 2022.
Shareholders' Equity
Book value per share as of June 30, 2022 was $16.17, a decrease of $0.25 since March 31, 2022. Tangible book value per share(1) at the end of the second quarter of 2022 was $11.77, a decrease of $0.34 since March 31, 2022. Shareholders' equity was $399 million, or 12.3% of total assets, at June 30, 2022. Tangible common equity(1) at June 30, 2022 was $290 million, or 9.3% of tangible assets(1). Equity balances decreased from March 31, 2022 to June 30, 2022 because of $8.5 million of unrealized losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities portfolio due to continued increases in market interest rates during the quarter. The Company has the wherewithal to hold these securities until maturity or recovery of the value and does not anticipate realizing any losses on the investments.
Additionally, the Board of Directors announced and declared a dividend of $0.10 per share payable on August 26, 2022 to shareholders of record on August 12, 2022. This is Primis' forty-third consecutive quarterly dividend.
About Primis Financial Corp.
As of June 30, 2022, Primis had $3.24 billion in total assets, $2.63 billion in total loans and $2.68 billion in total deposits. Primis Bank provides a range of financial services to individuals and small- and medium-sized businesses through thirty-four full-service branches in Virginia and Maryland and provides services to customers through certain online and mobile applications.
Contacts
Dennis J. Zember, Jr., President and CEO
Matthew A. Switzer, EVP and CFO
Phone: (703) 893-7400
Primis Financial Corp., NASDAQ Symbol FRST
Website: www.primisbank.com
Address:
Primis Financial Corp.
6830 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22101
Conference Call
The Company's management will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter results on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (ET). A live Webcast of the conference call is available at the following website: https://app.webinar.net/Dn1WKpOkRPb. Participants may also call 1-888-346-2613 and ask for the Primis Financial Corp. call. A replay of the teleconference will be available for 5 days by calling 1-877-344-7529 and providing Replay Access Code 7372270.
Non-GAAP Measures
Statements included in this press release include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables. Primis uses non-GAAP financial measures to analyze its performance. The measures entitled net income from continuing operations adjusted for nonrecurring income and expenses; pre-tax pre-provision operating earnings from continuing operations; operating return on average assets from continuing operations; pre-tax pre-provision operating return on average assets from continuing operations; operating return on average equity from continuing operations; operating return on average tangible equity from continuing operations; operating efficiency ratio from continuing operations; operating earnings per share from continuing operations – basic; operating earnings per share from continuing operations – diluted; tangible book value per share; tangible common equity; tangible common equity to tangible assets; and net interest margin excluding PPP loans are not measures recognized under GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. We use the term "operating" to describe a financial measure that excludes income or expense considered to be non-recurring in nature. Items identified as non-operating are those that, when excluded from a reported financial measure, provide management or the reader with a measure that may be more indicative of forward-looking trends in our business. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures is provided in the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP items table.
Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information about Primis that allows management and investors to evaluate the ongoing operating results, financial strength and performance of Primis and provide meaningful comparison to its peers. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider Primis' performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of Primis. Non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized and, therefore, it may not be possible to compare these measures with other companies that present measures having the same or similar names.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and certain of our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such statements can generally be identified by such words as "may," "plan," "contemplate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "continue," "expect," "project," "predict," "estimate," "could," "should," "would," "will," and other similar words or expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the banking industry and economy in general. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding our future operating and financial performance, including our outlook and long-term goals for future growth and new offerings and services; our expectations regarding net interest margin; expectations on our growth strategy, expense management, capital management and future profitability; expectations on credit quality and performance; statements regarding the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related variants on our business and financial results and conditions; and the assumptions underlying our expectations.
Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the information known to, and current beliefs and expectations of, the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to implement its various strategic and growth initiatives, including its recently established Panacea Financial and Life Premium Finance Divisions, new digital bank and V1BE fulfillment service and recent acquisition of SeaTrust; competitive pressures among financial institutions increasing significantly; changes in applicable laws, rules, or regulations, including changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies or practices; changes in management's plans for the future; credit risk associated with our lending activities; changes in interest rates, inflation, loan demand, real estate values, or competition, as well as labor shortages and supply chain disruptions; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; adverse results from current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions, including as a result of the Company's participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic; the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's assets, business, cash flows, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and results of operations; potential increases in the provision for credit losses; and other general competitive, economic, political, and market factors, including those affecting our business, operations, pricing, products, or services.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. These forward-looking statements are based upon information presently known to the Company's management and are inherently subjective, uncertain and subject to change due to any number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risks and other factors set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, under the captions "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors," and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE "OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS" BELOW).
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Koninklijke KPN N.V. ("KPN") announces an offer to purchase for cash (the "Offer") any and all of the outstanding securities listed in the table below (the "Securities"). The Offer is being made upon, and is subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated September 13, 2022 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The purpose of the Offer is to proactively manage KPN's indebtedness and reduce its ongoing interest expense. Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined have the meaning given to them in the Offer to Purchase.
Summary of the Offer
The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York Time) on September 20, 2022 (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Securities tendered may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to the Expiration Date, but not thereafter. The "Settlement Date" is expected to be September 22, 2022, which is the second business day after the Expiration Date. In the case of Securities accepted for purchase pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, payment is expected to be made on September 23, 2022 (the "Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date").
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, the purchase price will be 101.30 per cent. of the principal amount of Securities validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Date or the Guaranteed Delivery Date pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures, and accepted for purchase (the "Purchase Price").
In addition to the Purchase Price, holders whose Securities are accepted for purchase will be paid accrued and unpaid interest on such Securities to, but not including, the Settlement Date.
KPN's obligation to accept Securities tendered in the Offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the Financing Condition, as described in the Offer to Purchase. KPN reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to the Offer.
Under the terms and conditions of the Securities, in the event that KPN repurchases (and effects corresponding cancellations) or redeems Securities in respect of 90 per cent. or more in the principal amount of the Securities initially issued, KPN has the right to redeem all, but not some only, of the remaining Securities at their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest up to (but excluding) the redemption date.
Holders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Securities as to when such intermediary needs to receive instructions from a holder in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or (in the circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in the Offer before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. The deadlines set by each clearing system for the submission and withdrawal of tender instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase.
Where to Obtain Information
For additional information regarding the terms of the Offer, please contact the Dealer Managers at Banco Santander, S.A. at Tommaso.GrosPietro@santandercib.co.uk / alex.pilkington@gruposantander.com, Barclays Bank Ireland PLC at +1(800) 438-3242 / +1(212) 528-7581 (U.S.) or +44 (0)20 3134 8515 (Europe), Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. at +31 30 216 9022, Credit Suisse Bank (Europe), S.A. at +44 20 7883 8763 or +1 (800) 820-1653 (toll-free) and UniCredit Bank AG at +49 171 306 6648 / corporate.lm@unicredit.de. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tendering of Securities may be directed to the Tender Agent, Kroll Issuer Services Limited, at +44 207 704 0880 or kpn@is.kroll.com.
The Offer to Purchase may be obtained by Holders at the following web address, or by contacting the Tender Agent:
Disclaimer
This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer. If any Holder is in any doubt as to the contents of the Offer to Purchase or the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own financial advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial, tax or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Securities are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to tender such Securities pursuant to the Offer. None of KPN, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, employees or affiliates makes any recommendation whether Holders should tender Securities pursuant to the Offer.
Offer and Distribution Restrictions
The distribution of this announcement and/or the Offer to Purchase in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement and/or the Offer to Purchase come(s) are required by KPN, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. Nothing in this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase constitutes an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Securities (and tenders of Securities in the Offer will not be accepted from any Holders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and any Dealer Manager or any of the Dealer Managers' respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of KPN in such jurisdiction.
Italy
None of the Offer, this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Offer have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offer is being carried out in the Republic of Italy as an exempted offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Securities that are located in Republic of Italy can tender Securities for purchase in the Offer through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority.
Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-à-vis its clients in connection with the Securities and/or the Offer.
United Kingdom
The communication of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order or any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order.
France
The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of France ("France"). Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other document or material relating to the Offer has been or shall be distributed to the public in France and only (i) providers of investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties (personnes fournissant le service d'investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers) and/or (ii) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés), acting for their own account, with the exception of individuals, within the meaning ascribed to them in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 and D.411-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier, and applicable regulations thereunder, are eligible to participate in the Offer. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase have not been and will not be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers.
Belgium
Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been submitted to or will be submitted for approval or recognition to the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor financiële diensten en markten / Autorité des services et marchés financiers) and, accordingly, the Offer may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids, as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offer may not be advertised and the Offer will not be extended, and neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offer (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents) has been or shall be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 10 of the Belgian Law of 16 June 2006 on the public offer of placement instruments and the admission to trading of placement instruments on regulated markets, as amended or replaced from time to time, acting on their own account. Insofar as Belgium is concerned, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase have been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Offer. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium.
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Metabolon and the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre will identify new metabolomic biomarkers to advance Parkinson's research and detect new therapeutic targets
MORRISVILLE, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in providing metabolomics solutions that advance a wide variety of research, diagnostic, therapeutic development, and precision medicine applications, today announced it is partnering with the University of Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre to identify metabolomic biomarkers related to Parkinson's disease progression and prediction and to detect new therapeutic targets.
The Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC) is a unique multidisciplinary research program at the University of Oxford. Founded in 2010, OPDC Discovery, also known as the Oxford Discovery Cohort, is a leading Parkinson's biomarker cohort and among the most deeply phenotyped and genotyped Parkinson's cohorts in the world. This unique cohort also includes a population of patients diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) that are at risk of developing Parkinson's.
Through this collaboration, Metabolon will perform global metabolomics on longitudinal serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected by OPDC. This will enable Metabolon and Oxford to gain insights into the metabolomic changes occurring during Parkinson's disease progression over many years in this deeply phenotyped cohort. The metabolomic data will be incorporated with clinical and genetic data to provide a holistic view of Parkinson's over the course of the disease.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre to support their mission to improve research and understanding of the biology of early Parkinson's," said Rohan Hastie, Ph.D., President and CEO of Metabolon. "Metabolon's highly accurate data will enable the identification of metabolomic biomarkers crucial to understanding and better predicting Parkinson's disease progression to help improve patient care and the proactive management of symptoms."
"I am excited to be collaborating with Metabolon, who are global leaders in their field and ISO 9001:2015 recertified, reflecting their highest standards of testing and quality assurance. Understanding the unique, real-time fingerprint of an individual's biological system alongside individual clinical and digital measures captured longitudinally across the Oxford Discovery cohort is a powerful combination. I am optimistic this will lead to tailored treatments to reverse deranged metabolic pathways in Parkinson's, as well as biomarkers that capture each individual's response to these therapies," said Professor Michele Hu, University of Oxford.
Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research. Over 20 years, 10,000+ projects, 2,800+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015 and CLIA certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technology, and bioinformatics techniques. Metabolon's Precision Metabolomics™ platform is enabled by the world's largest proprietary metabolomics reference library. Metabolon's industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success. The company offers scalable, customizable metabolomics and lipidomics solutions supporting customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only 'omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system. Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond the genetic variation of individuals, capturing the combined impact of genetic as well as external factors such as the effect of drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers enabling a better understanding of a drug's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.
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SOURCE Metabolon, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/metabolon-partners-with-university-oxford-parkinsons-disease-centre/ | 2022-08-23T13:14:43Z |
OPELOUSAS, La., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: "CLST") (the "Company"), the parent company for Catalyst Bank (the "Bank") (www.catalystbank.com), reported financial results for the second quarter of 2022. For the quarter, the Company reported net income of $18,000, compared to a net loss of $131,000 for the first quarter of 2022. The quarter was highlighted by the rebranding of the Bank from St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank to Catalyst Bank. Pre-tax costs associated with the rebranding of the Bank totaled $208,000 during the quarter. The quarter also included the receipt and recognition into income of a $171,000 Bank Enterprise Award ("BEA") Program grant from the Community Development Financial Institution ("CDFI") Fund. Professional fees associated with the grant totaled $26,000.
"We're thrilled to have completed our rebrand to Catalyst Bank," said Joe Zanco, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. "Our name now reflects our mission: to be catalysts for economic growth in our communities. Congratulations to our team on executing our rebrand strategy so incredibly well."
"During the second half of the year, we'll be laser focused on developing and deepening customer relationships," continued Zanco. "Thanks to the investment of our shareholders, we have a tremendous level of capital to invest in growing our company."
Loans receivable totaled $133.6 million at June 30, 2022, up $1.6 million, or 1%, from March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by new originations of residential mortgage loans and commercial and industrial loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial real estate loans. Construction loans with outstanding balances of $1.2 million at March 31, 2022 were converted to permanent residential mortgage loans during the second quarter of 2022. At June 30, 2022, the total unpaid principal balance of PPP loans, included in commercial and industrial loans, totaled $22,000, down $819,000 from $841,000 at March 31, 2022.
The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.
Non-performing assets ("NPAs") totaled $1.6 million at June 30, 2022, up $18,000, or 1%, compared to March 31, 2022, primarily due to a slight increase in non-performing loans. The ratio of NPAs to total assets was 0.57% at June 30, 2022, compared to 0.55% at March 31, 2022. Non-performing loans ("NPLs") totaled $1.3 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022. At June 30, 2022, approximately 91% total NPLs were one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, compared to 89% at March 31, 2022.
The allowance for loan losses totaled $2.0 million, or 1.48% of total loans, at June 30, 2022, down $193,000 from $2.2 million, or 1.65% of total loans, at March 31, 2022. The decline in the allowance for loan losses primarily reflects the reversal of provisions made for loan losses during 2020 associated with our initial assessment COVID-19's impact on credit risk and a $77,000 decrease in reserves for loans individually evaluated for impairment. The Company recorded a reversal to the allowance for loan losses of $189,000 during the second quarter of 2022, compared to a reversal of $71,000 for the first quarter of 2022. Net loan charge-offs totaled $4,000 during the second quarter of 2022, compared to net loan charge-offs of $32,000 for the first quarter of 2022.
Total investment securities were $95.8 million at June 30, 2022, down $2.4 million, or 2%, from March 31, 2022. At June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022, 86% of our total investment securities were classified as available-for-sale. Net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale totaled $8.4 million at June 30, 2022, compared to $5.7 million at March 31, 2022. The increase in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities related principally to increases in market interest rates for similar securities. For the second quarter of 2022, the average yield on the investment securities portfolio was 1.37%, up 9 basis points from the first quarter of 2022.
Total deposits were $178.7 million at June 30, 2022, down $4.3 million, or 2%, from March 31, 2022. The decrease in deposits was primarily due to declines in certificates of deposit and demand deposit accounts, partially offset by increases in NOW account balances. Total average deposits were $183.3 million for the second quarter of 2022, up $3.7 million, or 2%, from the prior quarter.
The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's deposits as of the dates indicated.
Our net interest margin for the second quarter of 2022 was 2.71%, up 12 basis points compared to the prior quarter. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased by 11 basis points to 2.94% for the second quarter of 2022, while the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities declined 2 basis points to 0.39%, compared to the first quarter of 2022. Net interest income for the second quarter of 2022 was $1.8 million, up $59,000, or 3%, from the first quarter of 2022 primarily due to an increase in interest income from investment securities (up $23,000, or 7%) and other interest earning assets (up $39,000, or 205%). Rising market interest rates have increased the yields earned on our securities portfolio and our interest-bearing cash accounts. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company recognized $45,000 of interest income due to the full pay-off and recovery of a partially charged-off non-accrual loan.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Taxable equivalent ("TE") yields have been calculated using a marginal tax rate of 21%. All average balances are based on daily balances.
Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2022 was $379,000, up $182,000, or 92%, from the first quarter of 2022. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company received and recognized into income a $171,000 BEA Program grant from the CDFI Fund. The BEA Program grants awards to depository institutions that have successfully increased their investments in economically distressed communities through certain qualified activities, including investments in CDFIs and providing loans, investments and financial services to businesses and residents located in distressed communities. In addition, income from bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") increased by $77,000 to $98,000 for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter largely due to an aggregate of $10.0 million in additional policies purchased in March and April of 2022.
The increases in non-interest income due to the BEA Program grant and BOLI were partially offset by the disposal of fixed assets totaling $77,000, net of accumulated depreciation, during the second quarter of 2022. Of the assets disposed, $55,000 was attributable to branch signage that was replaced due to our rebranding.
Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2022 totaled $2.4 million, up $193,000, or 9%, compared to the first quarter of 2022. Total non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2022 included $153,000 of rebranding-related expenses, compared to $34,000 for the first quarter of 2022.
Salaries and employee benefits expense totaled $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2022, down $43,000, or 3%, from the first quarter of 2022 primarily due to a decrease in our employee count.
Data processing and communication expense totaled $242,000, up $34,000, or 16%, from the previous quarter primarily due to rebranding expenses related to project support provided by our core software vendor.
Professional fees totaled $175,000 for the second quarter of 2022, up $35,000, or 25%, from the first quarter of 2022. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company incurred professional fees of $26,000 for assistance with the BEA Program grant application.
Advertising and marketing expense totaled $109,000 for the second quarter of 2022, up $67,000, or 160%, from the first quarter of 2022. Advertising and marketing expense included rebranding costs of $87,000 in the second quarter of 2022 and $34,000 in the first quarter of 2022.
Other non-interest expense totaled $240,000 for the second quarter of 2022, up $58,000, or 32%, from the first quarter of 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, other non-interest expense included rebranding costs of $18,000.
Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLST) is a Louisiana corporation and registered bank holding company for Catalyst Bank, its wholly-owned subsidiary, with $281.0 million in assets at June 30, 2022. Catalyst Bank, formerly St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank, has been in operation in the Acadiana region of south-central Louisiana for 100 years. With a focus on fueling business and improving lives throughout the region, Catalyst Bank offers commercial and retail banking products through our six full-service branches located in Carencro, Eunice, Lafayette, Opelousas, and Port Barre. To learn more about Catalyst Bank, visit www.catalystbank.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could" or "may." Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include changes in the interest rate environment, changes in general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes that adversely affect the business of Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. and Catalyst Bank, and changes in the securities markets. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in belief, expectations or events.
For more information:
Joe Zanco, President and CEO
(337) 948-3033
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SOURCE Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/catalyst-bancorp-inc-announces-2022-second-quarter-results/ | 2022-07-28T13:01:24Z |
FBI joins search for Florida mom missing since Sunday
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Gray News) – The FBI has now joined the search for a mom in Florida who has been missing since Sunday night.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said in a press conference Thursday afternoon that Cassie Carli, 37, was last seen on Navarre Beach in Pensacola on Sunday evening near a restaurant called Juana’s Pagodas.
Johnson said that Carli was at the restaurant to meet with Marcus Spanevelo, the father of her 4-year-old daughter, Saylor, to “do a child exchange.”
Carli’s father reported her missing the following day.
On Tuesday, police located Carli’s vehicle behind the restaurant with her purse still inside the car. Her purse being left behind is a cause for concern, Johnson said.
Spanevelo was located in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday with Saylor. He was interviewed by investigators, and Saylor was taken into the custody of Alabama Protective Services, Johnson said.
“The way she has gone missing concerns us greatly,” Johnson said.
Johnson said detectives plan to speak more with Spanevelo, as he was the last known person to see Carli.
Carli is 5′5″ and approximately 150 pounds with blonde hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-983-1190.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/01/fbi-joins-search-florida-mom-missing-since-sunday/ | 2022-04-01T18:12:46Z |
Grant Expands Food Pantry Program and Supports Family Members of Service Members Deployed to Europe Due to Russia-Ukraine Conflict
TYSONS, Va., July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, furthered its commitment to military heroes with a $50,000 grant to support the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) to mitigate food insecurities among families of junior enlisted service members serving at Fort Bragg. ASYMCA Fort Bragg will now be able to expand the food pantry program to include a mobile pantry and transition into a larger building to serve more military families.
"Food insecurity affects our military families. We are determined to support our men and women in uniform and their families by improving access to initiatives like ASYMCA Fort Bragg Food Pantry Program. A partnership between PenFed Foundation and ASYMCA Fort Bragg has established food pantries on site," said PenFed Credit Union Senior EVP and President of PenFed Foundation Shashi Vohra. "No Soldier, Airman, Sailor, or Marine should struggle to feed their family."
"The PenFed Foundation is proud to support the ASYMCA Fort Bragg food pantry expansion renovation project and mobile ASYMCA/PenFed mobile food truck. We thank ASYMCA Fort Bragg for their tremendous impact on the service members, veterans, and their families," said retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. and PenFed Foundation Outreach Director David Clark. "On behalf of the PenFed Foundation and the many service members, veterans, and families you support, thank you for making a positive difference."
PenFed Foundation and ASYMCA Fort Bragg will be renovating a vacated 20th Engineer Brigade dining facility to expand crucial support to junior enlisted service members and their families. Renovations to the building will include refrigeration renovation, floor repair or replacement and the addition of stock shelving and storage facilities.
"We are honored by The PenFed Foundation's support of our Fort Bragg Food Pantry," said Executive Director of ASYMCA Fort Bragg Jeremy Hester. "This grant will enable us to expand and serve more military families."
The new location will increase the food pantry space from 800 square feet to 2,000 square feet. The dining facility also has a loading dock which will be beneficial for receiving large donations.
About PenFed Foundation
Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to empowering military service members, veterans and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity. It provides service members, veterans, their families and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, homeownership, veteran entrepreneurship, and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides. Equal Housing Opportunity. To learn more, visit www.penfedfoundation.org.
About ASYMCA Fort Bragg, NC
As the only authorized food assistance program on the installation, the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg Food Pantry offers military families and area veterans' access to nutritious food options and necessities at no cost to combat economic, health and readiness stress. ASYMCA is proud to provide our nation's young military personnel, both single and married, and their families, quality programs that will assist in building Soldier careers and strong families. ASYMCA aids 62,500 active-duty Soldiers, 76,486 family members and 94, 939 retired Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines either stationed or living within the vicinity of Ft. Bragg, NC and surrounding counties in North Carolina. To learn more, visit www.asymca.org/fort-bragg-home
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SOURCE PenFed Foundation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/penfed-foundation-combats-food-insecurity-among-military-families-with-50000-grant-support-armed-services-ymca/ | 2022-07-29T22:03:43Z |
Company's in-market investment grows as it reaches 50,000 locations, introduces localized brand and serves more than 9 million Brazilians through the Wi-Fi Brasil program
SAO PAULO, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, has reached the 50,000 sites mark in Brazil, helping to close the country's digital gap through the provision of high-speed satellite internet across the country. This achievement, combined with the introduction of its Brazil brand, further fuels Viasat's in-market commitment and investment. The company, operating in Brazil since 2018, has become the first internet service provider (ISP) to offer residential connectivity in 100% of the country.
Internet via satellite can reach more remote regions even where other ISPs cannot, creating economic opportunities for businesses and communities that previously did not have access to reliable and high-quality internet.
Viasat's Internet services have also enabled people to work remotely from their homes, access online entertainment, stay in touch with their loved ones, and more, even in regions far from commercial centers. The company's portfolio of internet services offered in Brazil includes residential, business and the Federal Government's Wi-Fi Brasil program in partnership with Telebras.
Viasat's impact across Brazil: In partnership with Telebras, through the SGDC-1 satellite Viasat has connected government agencies and millions of students through the Wi-Fi Brasil program resulting in more than 20,000 internet access points, including 10,000 points located in rural and indigenous schools, health posts, public service facilities, non-profit organizations and more. As a result, more than five million students who previously lacked internet in these rural schools and indigenous communities can now benefit from online access. Together, Viasat, Telebras and the Wi-Fi Brasil program have boosted the social and digital inclusion of more than nine million Brazilians through internet access points installed in 3,055 cities.
"Surpassing 50,000 sites since becoming Brazil's first and only nationwide residential internet service provider 18 months ago is a testament of our growth in the Brazilian market. To further drive our commitment across Brazil, we are also introducing a localized Viasat brand that includes more vibrant colors which reflects the essence of Brazilian culture. These achievements combined with our collaboration with Telebras and the Wi-Fi Brasil program demonstrate our investment across Brazil to help reduce the country's digital gap and create economic opportunities by providing many Brazilians with the ability to use the internet, many for the first time," says Leandro Gaunszer, Managing Director of Viasat Brazil.
While Viasat's customers are located throughout the country, 33% of its customers are in the Northeast, followed by 25% in the North and 21% in the Southeast. In terms of consumption habits, 27% of Viasat customers are using its satellite internet service to access and send messages on social networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Tik Tok, followed by 21% of customers using the service to access video and streaming services including YouTube and Netflix. Finally, 16% of customers use Viasat's service for browsing.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
To learn more about Viasat internet service offerings in Brazil, call 0800 948 9010 or visit www.viasat.com.br.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the expected capabilities and benefits of the ViaSat-3 satellite constellation including more speed, data and streaming; and the pricing, coverage, benefits, speed, quality and other performance and plan features of Viasat residential internet in Brazil. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of Viasat's satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; risks associated with the operation of the SGDC-1 satellite, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; the ability to successfully implement Viasat's business plan for broadband satellite services on Viasat's anticipated timeline for all; contractual problems, or other issues with our sales, fulfillment and support partner; product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues; technologies that do not perform according to expectations; Viasat's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of its satellite platforms; and increased competition and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2022 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/viasats-satellite-internet-helps-reduce-brazils-digital-gap/ | 2022-07-27T12:39:17Z |
Boston-Based Business Law Firm Expands Engagement in Banking Industry
BOSTON, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohn & Dussi, a full-service, Boston-based law firm, is proud to announce that it has joined the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA).
For more than 25 years, Cohn & Dussi has represented business clients in practice areas that include collection on breach of equipment lease, finance and rental agreements, workouts, litigation, bankruptcies, replevins, real estate, documentation, and other general matters.
The MBA is a banking trade group that represents about 125 banks, including commercial, savings and co-operative banks, federal savings banks, savings and loan associations, and trust companies throughout New England. Cohn & Dussi brings deep expertise in representing banks of all sizes with its 50-state attorney network, using alternative fee arrangements such as contingency fee and flat fee options — with hourly reserved for non-routine matters.
"Joining the Massachusetts Bankers Association is a natural fit for our firm, given that Cohn & Dussi counts many banks and financial institutions of all sizes as our long-term clients," said Lewis J. Cohn, Managing Partner at Cohn & Dussi, LLC. "We look forward to engaging with the MBA and its members and offering them a 50-state solution in matters where there is a need to reduce delinquency, increase recoveries, improve cashflow and minimize losses – all at a fair cost with an optimized netback."
For more information about Cohn & Dussi, please visit www.cohnanddussi.com.
For more information on the MBA, please visit massbankers.org.
Boston law firm Cohn & Dussi is full-service law firm that offers clients comprehensive, customized solutions to their complex business challenges. Attorneys in the firm offer extensive experience in collections and workouts, creditors' rights, commercial litigation, leasing, bankruptcy, corporate and finance law, construction law, and real estate transactions. Over the course of more than 25 years, Cohn & Dussi has built long-term relationships with its clients, solving problems using a team approach and leveraging a national network of attorneys in all 50 states. Learn more at cohnanddussi.com and connect on LinkedIn @Cohn&Dussi.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Lazarczyk
Tel: 617.838.7327 or lisa@lazpr.com
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SOURCE Cohn & Dussi | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/cohn-amp-dussi-llc-joins-massachusetts-bankers-association/ | 2022-06-22T18:30:42Z |
Republican Attorney General candidate Tony Mattivi meets voters in Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -It’s June and the clock is ticking for Kansas candidates.
Republican Attorney General candidate Tony Mattivi was greeting voters Wednesday evening in Topeka. He was making the case for people to choose him, over former Secretary of State Kris Kobach and State Senator Kelli Warren, who also are vying for the GOP nomination.
The former federal prosecutor believes he can make change.
“The first issue that we have right now, is all of our enforcement agencies, all of our law enforcement and prosecutors in the state are under sourced, understaffed, and underfunded. The AG helps those law enforcement professionals across the state do their job. Issue number two, is Fentanyl. Right now, Fentanyl is killing our communities and is more of a weapon than a drug and we need to treat it as such,” Mattivi said.
Mattivi, as well as Warren and Kobach all support the “Value Them Both” amendment, also on the August 2 primary ballots.
“The next attorney general is the person who is going to be standing at the podium defending ‘Value Them Both’ after it passes on August 2nd,” Mattivi said.
The three leading Republicans in the race have met twice for debates, most recently last week in Johnson Co. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Chris Mann in November.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/23/republican-attorney-general-candidate-tony-mattivi-meets-votes-topeka/ | 2022-06-23T03:59:09Z |
GetYourGuide shares survey results on travelers' behavior, concerns and needs
- U.S. booking volumes for GetYourGuide are up 100% more than pre-pandemic numbers in 2019
- Most travelers (68%) say they've decided against visiting attractions and excursions that are considered tourist traps
- Over half of U.S. travelers (55%) are craving to explore new and unforgettable experiences within their home country
NEW YORK, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading travel booking platform GetYourGuide.com, announced today the results of a new survey[1]—aimed at uncovering what 'unforgettable' experiences mean to U.S. travelers in today's world—which revealed consumers are in search of authentic experiences, avoiding tourist traps when planning itineraries and opting for domestic destinations in 2022. These trends are expected to play out widely as travel bookings are increasing: GetYourGuide's U.S. booking volumes have more than doubled compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.
"It's great to see a renewed desire to discover new and different experiences through travel," said Caroline Berger, Head of Brand, U.S. at GetYourGuide. "We've observed a sharp increase in our U.S. booking volumes as travelers are making up for time lost over the last few years—many of whom are more conscious than ever of avoiding the stereotypical tourist traps. As travelers become more discerning, we will be providing unforgettable experiences for them."
The report's results found common themes among those planning to travel and book experiences in 2022. Notable highlights include:
Travelers are going out of their way to avoid tourist traps
As many seasoned travelers know, popular destinations can often include 'tourist traps,' identified by survey respondents as attractions lacking in authenticity – inaccurately claiming to be unique and exclusive – with inflated prices, long lines, and/or large crowds. These 'traps' may act as a barrier for travelers when creating their travel itineraries, leading some to change plans or avoid a destination altogether.
- Two out of three (67%) travelers feel they have experienced tourist traps that led to inauthentic experiences
- More than two-thirds of travelers (68%) say they've decided against visiting an attraction or excursion because they were concerned it was a tourist trap, while four out of ten travelers (41%) say they've avoided a destination altogether due to concerns of tourist traps
"Doing your research and booking with a trusted provider is essential for those looking to escape the tourist traps," said Berger. "By visiting GetYourGuide.com or the GetYourGuide app, travelers not only have access to transparent pricing, flexible booking policies and real customer reviews – which have become table stakes to today's traveler – they also get a fully curated experience, one that has been vetted by us."
Travelers are craving to explore new and unforgettable experiences in their own backyard
On average, U.S. travelers take around 3 ½ leisure trips per year[2], and this year, many (55%) Americans are planning to spend their time off within the U.S., opting for beach getaways (44%) and road trips (36%). Among those with 2022 travel plans:
- Two-thirds of travelers say that experiencing new and different things (66%), as well as feeling recharged and relaxed (66%) are the main goals of their vacations
- Most travelers plan to go sightseeing (42%) and partake in family-friendly activities (39%)
- Travelers ranked favorable prices (54%), having a wide range of activities and experiences (34%) and avoiding big crowds (34%) as top priorities when booking travel experiences
- The top priorities for travelers are having a sense of freedom (38%) and taking part in authentic experiences (37%)
Travelers are valuing the 'who' in addition to the 'where'
Whether it is enjoying a new city's culinary scene, hiking the Grand Canyon or swimming with sharks, most travelers agree that it's the people they travel with that contribute to making an experience 'unforgettable.' Among the open-text comments requested in the survey, respondents echoed the importance of family, friends and loved ones when creating lasting memories.
- Close to two-thirds (58%) of travelers feel that creating beautiful memories with loved ones contribute to making a travel experience unforgettable, while four out of ten of travelers (38%) say that learning about the history of different sights and places also makes a trip unforgettable
- 'Beautiful' and 'fun' were the most mentioned words when asked to describe unforgettable experiences
Utilizing the survey results, GetYourGuide has launched an online quiz for travelers to discover their 'unforgettable' travel experience. For more information, please visit www.getyourguide.com.
About GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is the booking platform for unforgettable travel experiences. Travelers use GetYourGuide to discover the best things to do in a destination — including walking tours by top local experts, local culinary tours, cooking and craft classes, skip-the-line tickets to the world's most iconic attractions, bucket-list experiences and niche offerings you won't find anywhere else. Since its founding in 2009, travelers from over 190 countries have booked more than 58 million tours, activities and attraction tickets through GetYourGuide. Powered by a global team of over 550 travel experts and technologists, the company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has offices in 15 countries around the world.
1 Survey issued to 2,000 U.S. adults who usually take at least one vacation per year, representative of the U.S. population based on age, gender and region; surveyed online between March 16-21, 2022
2 Based on years when there were no restrictions in place due to COVID-19 or anything else; includes anything from a 'weekend away' to a longer vacation
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SOURCE GetYourGuide | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/tourist-traps-among-biggest-travel-nightmares-us-consumers/ | 2022-05-04T16:50:21Z |
Serena Williams says she is ‘evolving away from tennis’
NEW YORK (AP) — Serena Williams says she is ready to step away from tennis after winning 23 Grand Slam titles, turning her focus to having another child and her business interests.
“I’m turning 41 this month, and something’s got to give,” Williams wrote in an essay released Tuesday by Vogue magazine.
Williams, one of the greatest and most accomplished athletes in the history of her — or any other — sport, said she does not like the word retirement and prefers to think of this stage of her life as “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.”
Williams is playing this week in Toronto, at a hard-court tournament that leads into the U.S. Open, the year’s last Grand Slam event, which begins in New York on Aug. 29.
The American has won more Grand Slam singles titles in the professional era than any other woman or man. Only one player, Margaret Court, collected more, 24, although she won a portion of hers in the amateur era.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a Grand Slam final, then yes, I am thinking about that record,” Williams said. “Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help. The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams.”
But, Williams went on to write, “These days, if I have to choose between building my tennis resume and building my family, I choose the latter.”
She and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, have a daughter, Olympia, who turns 5 on Sept. 1.
“Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair,” said Williams, who was pregnant when she won the 2017 Australian Open for her last Grand Slam trophy. “If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labor of expanding our family.”
Williams was off the tour for about a year after getting injured during her first-round match at Wimbledon in 2021. She returned to singles competition at the All England Club this June and lost in the first round.
After that defeat, Williams was asked whether she would compete again.
“That’s a question I can’t answer,” she said at the time. “I don’t know. ... Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up?”
Williams hints in the essay that the U.S. Open will be her last tournament but does not say so explicitly.
“I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment,” Williams wrote. “I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst.”
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/09/serena-williams-says-she-is-evolving-away-tennis/ | 2022-08-09T14:18:56Z |
Amazon: IMDb TV will be renamed Amazon Freevee
Associated Press
Amazon announced Wednesday its free streaming service IMDb TV will be renamed Amazon Freevee later this month. The retailer said the streaming service will also expand its original programming by 70% in 2022, with spinoffs of shows such as “Bosh: Legacy” and other series. It will also add more original movies. Wednesday’s announcement comes as the retail giant embraces a path of boosting its streaming services. Last month, Amazon closed a $8.5 billion deal to acquire Hollywood studio MGM, making it the company’s second-largest acquisition following its $13.7 billion deal with Whole Foods in 2017. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/13/amazon-imdb-tv-will-be-renamed-amazon-freevee/ | 2022-04-13T17:09:08Z |
The acquisition of Emmersion's state-of-the-art testing platform broadens IXL Learning's language and literacy offerings
SAN MATEO, Calif. and LEHI, Utah, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people worldwide, announced it has acquired Emmersion, the Utah-based leader in certifying language ability through artificial intelligence. Emmersion's platform has conducted millions of automated assessments for corporate and educational institutions, including The World Bank, Randstad, Columbia University, Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, providing valuable data insights into language proficiency scores.
The acquisition of Emmersion deepens IXL Learning's line of language and literacy products, which include the world-renowned Rosetta Stone, IXL English Language Arts, Vocabulary.com, SpanishDict, inglés.com and Fluencia. Emmersion's cofounders, Brigham Tomco and Dr. Jacob Burdis, will remain with the company.
Emmersion's adaptive assessments evaluate and certify speaking, writing and reading abilities, which shorten an organization's time-to-hire and improve customer satisfaction scores.
Its AI-powered Speaking and Writing Assessments conduct reliable, pre-employment language screenings in 15 minutes so that companies can hire the perfect candidates for the right roles. The verbal exam is the world's first fully automated speaking assessment and covers nine languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese and Tagalog.
The Speaking and Writing Assessments are scored using Emmersion's proprietary 100-point scale, TrueNorth, which gives organizations unparalleled insights into test-takers' language skills. Additionally, each assessment uses AI to deliver accurate, bias-free scores that are mapped to global language standards, such as CEFR, ACTFL and TOEFL.
Educational institutions use WebCAPE, Emmersion's adaptive placement exam, to measure learners' reading, grammar and listening skills. The multiple-choice test takes only 15-30 minutes to complete and can assess learners' abilities in seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Russian.
"Emmersion's adaptive technology and automated exams are unrivaled," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "The Emmersion team will be a valuable addition to our family and we expect to make more investments in the company as we expand to additional languages and capabilities."
"Emmersion has striven to close the global communication gap through exceptional services that assess employees, check academic knowledge and certify language abilities. Joining IXL Learning is an incredible opportunity to continue advancing our mission and perfecting our products," said Brigham Tomco, CEO of Emmersion. "Our companies share the same ambitious vision for helping people build and evaluate their language skills, and we can't wait to contribute our expertise to this new venture."
Founded in 2015, Emmersion is a rapidly growing technology company located in Lehi, Utah. With a mission to close the global communication gap, the company focuses on helping organizations be smarter with their global language strategy. It has developed AI-driven, fully automated language assessments that provide accurate and immediate reports in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian and Tagalog. With over 700 customers around the world, Emmersion's cloud-based, AI technology automates assessment processes and provides the most accurate results. Learn more at www.emmersion.ai.
IXL Learning has revolutionized educational technology since its founding in 1998. Today, the company leads the world of education through innovation and provides a diverse set of products and services that help learners develop skills in math, literacy, language and more. IXL Learning's eight brands—IXL, Rosetta Stone, Curiosity Media, Emmersion, Wyzant, Vocabulary.com, ABCya and Education.com—empower all students with engaging, personalized learning experiences. Our teams create breakthrough solutions to education's most pressing challenges and inspire students to become life-long learners.
Eric Bates
IXL Learning
press@ixl.com
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SOURCE IXL Learning | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/ixl-learning-acquires-emmersion-developer-ai-powered-language-assessments/ | 2022-09-09T01:49:20Z |
Teen shot 7 times in a case of mistaken identity, police say
RACINE, Wis. (WTMJ) - A 16-year-old who police believe was shot last month as a result of mistaken identity is still in the hospital recovering.
Police say Tamarion Moss, 16, and his young cousins were walking back from the store when a car pulled up by them. At least two people got out of the car and started shooting.
Moss was shot at least seven times in what prosecutors call an attempted execution, but court records indicate Moss was not the intended target.
Instead, investigators believe 18-year-old Xavier Jackson shot Moss in retaliation for the death of Eugene Henderson, a 14-year-old shot and killed in the area last month.
The complaint states, “It is believed Jackson and the other shooter(s) mistakenly identified T.M. as an NFL gang member and believed he was involved in E.H.’s death. However, T.M. had nothing to do with E.H.’s death and is NOT a gang member.”
Court documents state the car shown in a video of the dramatic shooting captured on a security camera was stolen. Jackson crashed it nearly a week after the shooting in Zion, Illinois, where he was caught.
Moss will be at the children’s hospital for a few more weeks as he recovers from his injuries. His grandmother said she’s relieved a suspect has been caught but is also at a loss for words.
“Just to know that people are out here on the streets, young people, with these guns and things going around doing what they do. When they find out it’s not who they intended it to be for, that’s when you start worrying,” Cokitha Moss said.
Copyright 2022 WTMJ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/05/teen-shot-7-times-case-mistaken-identity-police-say/ | 2022-04-07T11:20:42Z |
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy-two percent of Americans would experience financial difficulty if their paychecks were delayed for a week, according to results from the 2022 "Getting Paid In America" survey conducted by the American Payroll Association (APA). This is a nine percent increase from the 63 percent of individuals who indicated they were living paycheck to paycheck in 2021 the survey.
"Now more than ever, employees should educate themselves on ways they can take hold of their finances," said Dan Maddux, executive director of the APA. "More take-home pay can be used to boost their emergency savings now to be better prepared for the future."
The annual survey asked respondents how difficult it would be to meet their current financial obligations if their paychecks were delayed for a week. Approximately 20,079 out of 27,642 respondents to the question, 72 percent, said they would find it either somewhat or very difficult to meet their financial obligations.
"That a majority of respondents reported they would have at least some difficulty meeting current financial obligations if their pay is delayed shows how narrow a margin for error they have in managing their finances. On-demand pay programs assist workers with making it to the next payday without damaging their financial status," said Michael Baer, CPP, special advisor at DailyPay.
On its National Payroll Week website, the APA offers educational resources and tools to help individuals better understand how to get more from their pay, make strategic withholding decisions, and better plan for their financial goals today and tomorrow.
"Increasingly, we're seeing leading organizations offer on-demand pay to support employee financial wellness, drive engagement, and boost their reputations as employers of choice," said Seth Ross, general manager of Dayforce Wallet and consumer services at Ceridian.
The "Getting Paid In America" survey was held in conjunction with the APA's annual public awareness campaign National Payroll Week, September 5 – 9. Over 29,100 individuals responded to the survey, providing insight into how individuals are paid in America. For complete survey results, visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com.
The APA is the nation's leader in payroll education, publications, and training. Visit the APA online at www.americanpayroll.org.
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SOURCE The American Payroll Association | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/number-americans-living-paycheck-paycheck-has-increased/ | 2022-09-15T00:04:23Z |
Responses show the majority of Minnesota seniors plan on hitting the road at least once over the next 12 months
EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new survey from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), the majority of Minnesota seniors plan on taking at least one trip in the next 12 months and place importance on having access to health care while away from home.
The Blue Cross survey results, which reflect more than 500 responses from across the Twin Cities metro area and throughout Greater Minnesota, found that seniors are prioritizing travel among other health and wellness goals.
- More than half of Minnesota seniors plan on traveling in the next 12 months, with 81% planning multiple trips.
- Minnesota seniors say they like to stay active when traveling, with over half (63%) exercising while on the road.
- The primary reason for travel is vacation and to visit family and/or friends, with almost three-quarters (72%) of Minnesota seniors choosing to drive their own car to get there and 54% choosing to fly on an airplane. A majority (64%) of Minnesota seniors believe that coverage for unexpected medical care or prescription medications is extremely important while traveling.
Overall, Minnesota seniors are experiencing fewer negative emotions regarding COVID-19 than they have reported in the previous two years. However, while they feel positive about their health, they intend to continue taking precautions to protect it. The survey showed subtle shifts in seniors' health goals, with an emphasis on healthy eating versus losing weight. Fewer seniors said that spending time with friends and family was a top goal in 2022. There was also a marked increase in respondents prioritizing relaxation activities to deal with stress.
"The COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on Minnesota seniors' mental health and emotional well-being," said Dr. Mark Steffen, senior vice president of medical management and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. "Returning to much-awaited activities, like travel with the proper precautions, can be beneficial in improving seniors' overall well-being."
John Hines, a long-time Twin Cities radio personality who is newly enrolled in Medicare, recently traveled to Alaska, one of the top travel destinations for seniors. Hines has partnered with Blue Cross to raise awareness of health issues facing seniors. He agrees that there are perks to growing older.
"How I have spent my time, along with my activities and habits, have changed this last year, in mostly positive ways," Hines said. "I have felt more comfortable traveling and exercising in a gym, which has helped my physical and emotional health immensely."
The Blue Cross survey also found Minnesota seniors are still focused on promoting their health. Among Minnesota seniors, 67% are highly motivated to make their health a priority. Additionally, 70% of seniors strongly agree that quality health insurance gives them peace of mind, allowing them to focus on other areas of life.
For more information on senior attitudes about their health in 2022, visit Bluecrossmn.com/seniors.
Survey methodology: Blue Cross surveyed 515 Minnesota residents 65+ years of age. The survey was fielded July 12 to July 21, 2022.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
For nearly 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the health, wellbeing and peace of mind of our members by striving to ensure equitable access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our 2.7 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/survey-shows-minnesota-seniors-look-positive-aspects-life-both-near-away-home/ | 2022-09-12T15:50:41Z |
...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/ FRIDAY...
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 113.
* 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/ Friday.
* 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/ FRIDAY...
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 113.
* 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/ Friday.
* 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.
&&
MACON – Wayne Johnson, who finished third, and thus out of a runoff, in an attempt to challenge Democrat Sanford Bishop for Bishop's 2nd Congressional U.S. House seat in November, has announced his endorsement of Chris West in the GOP runoff with Jeremy Hunt scheduled Tuesday.
"I was a contender in the recent Republican primary election for U.S. Congress in the Georgia 2nd District, and although I did not finish as one of the runoff candidates, I am pleased to have participated in the process and was honored by the votes that were made in support of me and my ideas related to how to 'Stop the Stupid' in Washington," Johnson said in a news release. "I learned a lot about the needs of the people of middle and southwest Georgia and continue to look forward as to how we can hold our elected officials accountable so as to make Washington work for us.
"I also learned a lot about the two candidates who are now in the runoff to be the Republican nominee to go up against Sanford Bishop in November. Chris West is a man of honor and integrity. He is a devoted Christian, a family man, an Air Force officer, a jobs creator, and he has lived and worked in the district his entire life. Most importantly to me is that I am convinced that Chris wants to truly serve the people of middle and southwest Georgia in Congress and has earned our trust through a lifetime of noteworthy community involvement. Chris embodies that which is right and good about faith, family and community."
Johnson said he believes the winner in the GOP runoff will take the seat from Bishop.
"It is my belief that either of the candidates will prevail in delivering a Republican victory in November," Johnson said. "The expanded district, coupled with disenchantment with Democrats in general, and fatigue with Congressman Bishop in particular, will make it so. Therefore, the single most important question we now face in this Republican primary runoff election is which of the two candidates will best represent us, and seriously care about serving the interest of Georgians in our district.
"Without any doubt — nor any element of reservation — I encourage people to vote for Chris West on June 21. Early voting is underway."
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/wayne-johnson-endorses-chris-west-in-gop-congressional-runoff/article_59e1b17a-eda3-11ec-84b9-7b3e2ba5d720.html | 2022-06-16T20:17:37Z |
INLET BEACH, Fla., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightNight CEO, Martin Hermann issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration's actions to support the U.S. solar industry.
"The Biden Administration's move to place a two-year pause on new solar tariffs protects a thriving U.S. clean energy economy, helps to create valuable jobs across the renewable energy industry, and clears the way for hundreds of renewable energy projects under development across the U.S. While the environmental value of solar power is critical, the broader economic and energy reliability benefits affect every American; as President Biden shared, 'the stakes could not be higher.' BrightNight prides itself on providing best-in-class dispatchable renewable power solutions to its utility and corporate customers across the U.S. The game plan in this decade is about renewable capacity and the urgency for the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable renewable power at industrial scale. Thanks to these crucial steps taken by President Biden and his administration, I am confident that our industry has never been better positioned to meet these needs. Together, we can harness the power of the American economy, our country's history of innovation, and the strength of our nation's workforce to deliver a clean, reliable, energy future."
BrightNight is the first renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale, hybrid renewable power projects optimized to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading prices empower customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: www.brightnightpower.com.
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SOURCE BrightNight | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/brightnight-ceo-responds-biden-administrations-pause-solar-tariffs/ | 2022-06-07T20:12:05Z |
Man tries to lure woman into back alley by impersonating officer, police say
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WFSB/Gray News) - A man from Waterbury, Connecticut was arrested by police in Holyoke, Massachusetts for impersonating a police officer, according to WFSB.
Roberto Ruiz-Montanez, 51, was charged with disturbing the peace and impersonating a police officer.
The incident started around 3:15 a.m. on Saturday.
A resident flagged down an officer to report that a man was bothering a woman at a Holyoke address.
Officers who arrived on the scene learned that Ruiz-Montanez had stopped a woman by telling her he was an officer. The woman reportedly told police that the suspect approached her in a threatening manner and tried to get her into a rear alley. She said Ruiz-Montanez tried to convince her that he was an undercover officer.
An unidentified man tried to intercede but Ruiz-Montanez also identified himself as a police officer to him and told the man to leave, according to police. The unidentified male was the one who flagged down the initial officer for help.
Copyright 2022 WFSB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/05/man-tries-lure-woman-into-back-alley-by-impersonating-officer-police-say/ | 2022-07-05T19:25:29Z |
John Driskell Hopkins doesn't know what the future holds, but for now he plans to keep rocking.
The Zac Brown Band member recently revealed via social media that he was been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS.
According to the ALS Association, it is "a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord" in which "people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe."
In his announcement of the "tough news" posted on Instagram, Hopkins stood surrounded by his bandmates.
He said that for the past few years he's noticed that he's had balance issues and stiffness in his hands. That led to consultations with top neurologists and the ALS diagnosis.
"Because my symptoms have been slow progressing from the start, we believe they will be slow progressing going forward," Hopkins said.
He also said he plans to "be rocking with" his band "for many years to come."
He and his wife, Jennifer, have launched Hop On a Cure to raise money for ALS research, hopefully leading to a cure.
"Our vision is clear," Hopkins told People magazine. "We need to do everything we can to generate funds to cure ALS."
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/john-driskell-hopkins-of-zac-brown-band-diagnosed-with-als/article_a1034507-3f0b-54e3-9637-f0833e607a63.html | 2022-05-24T17:13:28Z |
ALBANY – Area residents are being encouraged to wear orange and participate in a Saturday call to action for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
The event will be held at noon at Ray Charles Plaza, 112 N. Front St.
“This is an opportunity to raise awareness about gun violence, just an opportunity to heal,” said Sherrell Byrd, co-chair of SOWEGA Rising, which organized the event. “It’s really hard for people to process and visualize what’s been happening. It's the whole weekend. Starting on Friday, people can wear orange on their jobs, particularly someone who‘s lost a loved one or is a victim of gun violence.”
While recent mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y., and Uvalde, Texas, have led to a national conservation, gun violence also is a local issue, she said.
“Unfortunately, you see higher rates of violence in minority communities, our marginalized communities and now you’re seeing it more in rural communities,” Byrd said.
Some of the potential solutions, she said, include background checks, “red-flag laws,” age limits and secure storage of guns.
“We know in Georgia they just relaxed (regulations) on guns,” she said. “We'd like for this to be reversed. It does not mean taking away guns from responsible owners. Gun control is making sure it’s not easy for people who are not responsible to get guns. It’s not taking away people’s Second Amendment rights.”
Participants also will have the opportunity to get in touch with elected officials to give their opinions on the issue.
“The biggest thing is people have the opportunity to (contact) their local leaders through a text they can send for immediate action to their senators telling them we have to stop the violence,” Byrd said. “We urge leaders to act and see this as a public health issue so we don’t see things like (what) happened in Uvalde and Buffalo in Albany, Georgia.”
Movies and television shows wouldn’t get made without producers. Giggster ranks the 25 richest producers in the world, illuminating who they are and how much they do. Click for more.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/saturday-stop-the-violence-event-planned-in-downtown-albany/article_bf72a656-e2a0-11ec-b417-473da67be3cc.html | 2022-06-02T19:03:51Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — When you hear kickboxing, you think about fighting and if you aren’t into that sort of thing, the idea of kickboxing might turn you off.
Conventionally those two are synonymous; however, Mafia Kickboxing in Dallas uses it in an unconventional way: for fitness.
“This [kickboxing] is strictly for fitness here. No experience necessary. All fitness levels are welcome here. We train you from the ground up and get you in the best shape of your life,” Keontaye Harris, owner of Mafia Kickboxing, said.
J-Kruz stopped by Mafia Kickboxing to see what it’s all about and to get a lesson or two himself. | https://cw33.com/news/inside-dfw/strong-looks-good-on-you-how-dallas-mafia-kickboxing-uses-this-fighting-technique-to-get-you-fit/ | 2022-06-15T17:45:58Z |
MIAMI, July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim Dean and Professor of Surgery Dr. Juan C. Cendan has been appointed senior vice-president for health affairs and dean of the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM).
Cendan, 56, joined FIU last summer as vice-dean and executive associate dean for student affairs. He is a board-certified surgeon with a clinical focus on minimally invasive surgery and surgical disorders of the breast. He also has a lengthy career in academic medicine.
"Dr. Cendan is the right leader for this moment in the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine's history," said FIU Interim President Kenneth A. Jessell. "He has a unique combination of practice and academic leadership experience coupled with a clear and ambitious vision for our College of Medicine."
Following his medical training at the University of Florida, Cendan practiced as a general surgeon in Gainesville, Florida. He then returned to UF as faculty, where he developed an academic focus on simulation-based medical education.
Cendan joined the University of Central Florida College of Medicine as founding faculty in 2010, where he served several institutional roles, including assistant dean for simulation, medical director of the simulation laboratory, and chairman of the department of medical education. As provost chair and associate dean in residence alongside UCF's provost, he developed the framework for founding the UCF Academic Health Center.
"This is an exciting time for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and I am honored and eager to collaborate with our FIU family and our community partners to improve the health care ecosystem in South Florida," said Cendan.
A native of Cuba who spent his early years in Spain, Cendan said he is looking forward to helping build on HWCOM's impact and to serve Miami, the city that welcomed him.
"Since he was appointed interim dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Cendan has built on the solid foundational work of his predecessors," said Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Elizabeth M. Bejar. "He has worked with the faculty to revise the HWCOM strategic plan and redouble efforts to increase the impact of FIU's clinical capabilities as well as develop clarity in the vision for our collective work across our academic health center programs."
Cendan and his wife Dr. Judith Seline Simms-Cendan, a professor of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at the University of Miami, live in Coral Gables. The couple has two adult sons.
Media Contact:
Ileana Varela
305-348-4926
ilvarela@fiu.edu
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SOURCE Florida International University | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/dr-juan-c-cendan-named-dean-fius-herbert-wertheim-college-medicine/ | 2022-07-07T18:42:29Z |
US stocks swoon as Target’s woes renew inflation fears
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are falling sharply on Wall Street Wednesday as dismal results from Target renew fears that inflation is battering U.S. companies. Target lost more than a quarter of its value, dragging other retailers down with it, after saying its profit fell by half in the latest quarter as prices spike for fuel and other essentials. That comes a day after Walmart cited inflation for its own weak results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave up 1,000 points, or 3.3% and the tech-heavy Nasaq pulled back 4.6%. The S&P 500, the benchmark for many index funds, fell 3.8%. Treasury yields fell as investors sought safer ground.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell sharply in afternoon trading on Wall Street Wednesday, led by led by steep drops in retailers as Target plunged after issuing a grim quarterly earnings report.
The S&P 500 fell 2.9% as of 12:03 p.m. Eastern. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 804 points, or 3.4%, to 31,850 and the Nasdaq fell 3.4%.
Target lost a quarter of its value after reporting earnings that fell far short of analysts’ forecasts, while citing higher costs. The report comes a day after Walmart said its profit took a hit from higher costs. The nation’s largest retailer fell 6.6%, adding to its losses from Tuesday.
The weak reports stoked concerns that persistently rising inflation is putting a tighter squeeze on a wide range of businesses and could cut deeper into their profits.
Retailers had some of the biggest losses. Dollar Tree fell 16.8% and Dollar General slumped 11.3%. Best Buy fell 9.3% and Amazon fell 5.5%. Technology stocks also fell broadly. Apple lost 4.2%.
Makers of household goods and grocery stores also fell sharply. Kroger slipped 5.6% and Procter & Gamble fell 4.4%.
Bond yields fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 2.92% from 2.97% late Tuesday. Utilities held up better than the rest of the market as investors shifted money to investments that are considered less risky.
The disappointing report from Target comes a day after the market cheered an encouraging report from the Commerce Department that showed retail sales rose in April, driven by higher sales of cars, electronics, and more spending at restaurants.
Stocks have been struggling to pull out of a slump over the last six weeks as concerns pile up for investors. Trading has been choppy on a daily basis and any data on retailers and consumers is being closely monitored by investors as they try to determine the impact from inflation and whether it will prompt a slowdown in spending. A bigger-than-expected hit to spending could signal more sluggish economic growth ahead.
The Federal Reserve is trying to temper the impact from the highest inflation in four decades by raising interest rates. On Tuesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell told a Wall Street Journal conference that the U.S. central bank will “have to consider moving more aggressively” if inflation fails to ease after earlier rate hikes.
Investors are concerned that the central bank could cause a recession if it raises rates too high or too quickly. Worries persist about global growth as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine puts even more pressure on prices for oil and food while lockdowns in China to stem COVID-19 cases worsens supply chain problems.
The United Nations is significantly lowering its forecast for global economic growth this year from 4% to 3.1%. The downgrade is broad-based, which includes the world’s largest economies such as the U.S., China and the European Union.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/18/us-stocks-swoon-targets-woes-renew-inflation-fears/ | 2022-05-18T18:15:52Z |
Manhattan DA: Trump criminal investigation is continuing
NEW YORK (AP) — Refuting suggestions that he’s lost interest in going after Donald Trump, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Thursday a criminal investigation into the former president and his business practices is continuing “without fear or favor” despite a recent shakeup in the probe’s leadership.
In a rare public statement, Bragg denied that the three-year investigation was winding down or that a grand jury term expiring this month would impede his office’s ability to bring charges.
Citing secrecy rules, the district attorney said he couldn’t discuss details of the probe but pledged to publicly disclose findings when it’s over.
“In recent weeks, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has been repeatedly asked whether our investigation concerning former President Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, and its leadership is continuing,” Bragg wrote. “It is.”
The Democrat’s affirmation of the investigation was part of a double dose of bad legal news for Trump on Thursday.
It came shortly after the New York attorney general’s office asked a judge to hold Trump in contempt and fine him $10,000 per day for not meeting a March 31 deadline to turn over documents in a parallel civil investigation. Trump is appealing a subpoena for his testimony in that investigation, but not one requiring him to provide documents.
“The judge’s order was crystal clear: Donald J. Trump must comply with our subpoena and turn over relevant documents to my office,” Attorney General Letitia James said. “Instead of obeying a court order, Mr. Trump is trying to evade it. We are seeking the court’s immediate intervention because no one is above the law.”
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, called James’ request for sanctions “frivolous and baseless,” and said the former president has “consistently complied with the many discovery requests” from her office over the years.
Bragg’s statement marked the district attorney’s first public comment on the Trump investigation since the two men who had been leading it, Mark Pomerantz and Carey Dunne, resigned Feb. 23 in a dispute over the direction of the case.
Pomerantz, a former mafia prosecutor, wrote in a resignation letter that he believed Trump is “guilty of numerous felony violations” but that Bragg, who inherited the probe when he took office in January, had decided not to pursue charges.
Pomerantz said in the letter, published last month by The New York Times, that there was “evidence sufficient to establish Mr. Trump’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt” of allegations he falsified financial statements to secure loans and burnish his image as a wealthy businessman.
“I believe that your decision not to prosecute Donald Trump now, and on the existing record, is misguided and completely contrary to the public interest,” Pomerantz wrote.
Bragg’s silence after the resignations and the March 23 publication of Pomerantz’s letter gave rise to a narrative that the investigation was effectively dead.
After Pomerantz and Dunne left, Trump lawyer Robert Fischetti told the Associated Press: “I’m a very happy man. In my opinion, this investigation is over.”
Pomerantz and Dunne started on the probe under former District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.
Pomerantz wrote that Vance had directed them to seek an indictment of Trump and other defendants “as soon as reasonably possible,” but that Bragg reached a different conclusion after reviewing the evidence.
Vance and Bragg are Democrats. No former president has ever been charged with a crime.
In his statement Thursday, Bragg tried to wrest back the narrative, putting Trump on notice that he isn’t done while reassuring supporters who backed him in part because he pledged to continue investigating the former president, a Republican.
Bragg said that a team of “dedicated, experienced career prosecutors” is working on the investigation, led by the chief of his Investigation Division, Susan Hoffinger, and that they are “going through documents, interviewing witnesses, and exploring evidence not previously explored.”
“In the long and proud tradition of white-collar prosecutions at the Manhattan D.A.’s Office, we are investigating thoroughly and following the facts without fear or favor,” Bragg said.
Trump has called the investigation a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
So far, the three-year investigation has resulted only in tax fraud charges against Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, and its longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg relating to lucrative fringe benefits such as rent, car payments and school tuition. They have pleaded not guilty.
Weisselberg’s lawyers filed court papers in February asking a judge to throw out his case, arguing that prosecutors targeted him as punishment because he wouldn’t flip on the former president.
Trump has cited potential peril from the criminal case as he appeals a ruling requiring him to answer questions under oath in James’ civil investigation.
Trump’s lawyers contend James, who assigned two lawyers to work on the criminal case, is using the guise of a civil deposition to get around a state law barring prosecutors from calling someone to testify before a criminal grand jury without giving them immunity.
James, a Democrat, has said her investigation has uncovered evidence that Trump may have misstated the value of assets like golf courses and skyscrapers on his financial statements for more than a decade.
Bragg said his career and perspective have been shaped by “high-profile, complex investigations,” including a lawsuit he oversaw while a top deputy in the attorney general’s office that led to the closure of Trump’s charity over allegations he used it to further his political and business interests.
“Prosecutors fulfilling their duties cannot and do not bring only cases that are ‘slam dunks,’” Bragg wrote. “To the contrary, every case must be brought for the right reason — namely that justice demands it. That’s what I’ve done throughout my career, regardless of how easy or tough a case might be.”
A grand jury convened in the Trump investigation last fall hasn’t met regularly for several months and its term is expected to run out soon, but Bragg said there are grand juries sitting in Manhattan all the time and “there is no magic at all to any previously reported dates.”
“In the meantime, we will not be discussing our investigative steps. Nor will we be discussing grand jury matters.” Bragg wrote. “In short, as we have previously said, the investigation continues.”
___
Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/07/manhattan-da-trump-criminal-investigation-is-continuing/ | 2022-04-07T20:22:20Z |
Consolidated Results of Operations - Three-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT) announced today that for the three-month period ended June 30, 2022, net income was $5.2 million, or $.38 per diluted share, as compared to $6.6 million, or $.48 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.
As calculated on the attached Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule"), our funds from operations ("FFO"), were $12.2 million, or $.88 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to $12.6 million, or $.92 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.
Our financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 included a gain of $1.3 million, or $.09 per diluted share, related to the sale of certain real estate assets. After adjusting the reported net income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the $1.3 million gain, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $5.3 million, or $.39 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.
The decrease in our adjusted net income of $99,000, or $.01 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, was due primarily to: (i) a decrease of $737,000, or $.05 per diluted share, related to a vacant specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, on which, as discussed below, the lease expired on December 31, 2021; (ii) a decrease of $184,000, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from an increase in interest expense primarily due to increased borrowings and an increase in our borrowing rate; partially offset by; (iii) a net increase of $341,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from the asset purchase and sale agreement with Universal Health Services, Inc. ("UHS") that occurred on December 31, 2021; (iv) an increase of $335,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from the impact of the fair market value lease renewal on Wellington Regional Medical Center, which became effective on January 1, 2022, and; (v) an increase of $146,000, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from an aggregate net increase in the income generated at various properties.
During the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, our FFO decreased $450,000, or $.04 per diluted share. The decrease was due to the above-mentioned $99,000, or $.01 per diluted share, decrease in adjusted net income experienced during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, as well as a $351,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense incurred on our consolidated and unconsolidated investments.
Consolidated Results of Operations - Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, net income was $10.6 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, as compared to $12.2 million, or $.89 per diluted share during the first six months of 2021.
As calculated on the Supplemental Schedule, our FFO were $24.6 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2022, as compared to $25.4 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021.
After adjusting the reported results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the above-mentioned $1.3 million gain recorded during the second quarter of 2021, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $10.9 million, or $.79 per diluted share during the first six months of 2021.
The decrease in our adjusted net income of $280,000, or $.02 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2022, as compared to the comparable period of 2021, was primarily due to: (i) a decrease of $1.6 million, or $.12 per diluted share, related to a vacant specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, on which, as discussed below, the lease expired on December 31, 2021; (ii) a decrease of $273,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from an increase in interest expense primarily due to increased borrowings and an increase in our borrowing rate; partially offset by; (iii) a net increase of $666,000, or $.05 per diluted share, resulting from the asset purchase and sale agreement with UHS that occurred on December 31, 2021; (iv) an increase of $670,000, or $.05 per diluted share, resulting from the impact of the fair market value lease renewal on Wellington Regional Medical Center, which became effective on January 1, 2022, and; (v) an increase of $278,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from an aggregate net increase in the income generated at various properties.
During the first six months of 2022, as compared to the comparable period of 2021, our FFO decreased $776,000, or $.06 per diluted share. The decrease was due to the above-mentioned $280,000, or $.02 per diluted share, decrease in adjusted net income experienced during the first six months of 2022, as compared to the first six months of 2021, as well as a $496,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense incurred on our consolidated and unconsolidated investments.
Dividend Information:
The second quarter dividend of $.71 per share, or $9.8 million in the aggregate, was declared on June 8, 2022 and paid on June 30, 2022.
Capital Resources Information:
At June 30, 2022 we had $284.3 million of borrowings outstanding pursuant to the terms of our $375 million revolving credit agreement and $87.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of that date, net of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.
Vacant Specialty Facilities:
As previously disclosed, the lease on the specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, expired on December 31, 2021 and the facility is currently vacant. During the three and six-months ended June 30, 2021, we earned $390,000 and $780,000, respectively, of lease revenue in connection with this property. The operating expenses incurred by us in connection with this facility during the three and six-months ended June 30, 2022 were $347,000 and $840,000, respectively. Prior to 2022, the former tenant was responsible for the operating expenses on this facility. Pursuant to the terms of the lease that expired in December, 2021, we earned approximately $1.6 million of lease revenue during the 2021 full year.
We estimate that the aggregate operating expenses for the three vacant specialty facilities, including the facility located in Chicago, Illinois, as well as facilities located in Evansville, Indiana, and Corpus Christi, Texas (which have been vacant since 2019), will approximate $1.3 million during the remaining six months of 2022. Future operating expenses related to these facilities will be incurred by us during the time they remain owned and vacant. We continue to market these specialty facilities to potential interested parties. However, should these properties continue to remain vacant for an extended period of time, or should we incur substantial renovation costs to make the properties suitable for other operators/tenants, our future results of operations could be materially unfavorably impacted.
General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human-service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral health care hospitals, specialty facilities, medical/office buildings, free-standing emergency departments and childcare centers. We have investments or commitments in seventy-six properties located in twenty-one states.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to the potential impact of COVID-19 on our financial results, as well as the operations and financial results of each of our tenants, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements and Certain Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Many of the factors that could affect our future results are beyond our control or ability to predict, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future operations and financial results of our tenants, and in turn ours, could be materially impacted by various developments including those related to COVID-19. Such developments include, but are not limited to, decreases in staffing availability and related increases to wage expense experienced by our tenants resulting from the nationwide shortage of nurses and other clinical staff and support personnel, the impact of government and administrative regulation and stimulus on the health care industry; declining patient volumes and unfavorable changes in payer mix caused by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions (including increases in uninsured and underinsured patients as the result of business closings and layoffs); potential disruptions related to supplies required for our tenants' employees and patients; and potential increases to other expenditures. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on the economy, we may experience a decrease in prospective tenants which could unfavorably impact the volume of new leases, as well as the renewal rate of existing leases. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay our construction projects which could result in increased costs and delay the timing of opening and rental payments from those projects, although no such delays have yet occurred. The COVID-19 pandemic could also impact our indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, as well as risks associated with disruptions in the financial markets and the business of financial institutions as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could impact us from a financing perspective; and changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in the markets where our properties are located resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not able to quantify the impact that these factors will have on our future operations, but developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our future financial results.
We believe that, if and when applicable, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share (as reflected on the Supplemental Schedule), which are non-GAAP financial measures ("GAAP" is Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America), are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. In addition, we believe that, when applicable, comparing and discussing our financial results based on these measures, as calculated, is helpful to our investors since it neutralizes the effect in each year of material items that are non-recurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, gains on transactions.
Funds from operations ("FFO") is a widely recognized measure of performance for Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). We believe that FFO and FFO per diluted share, which are non-GAAP financial measures, are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. We compute FFO, as reflected on the attached Supplemental Schedules, in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we interpret the definition. FFO adjusts for the effects of certain items, such as gains on transactions that occurred during the periods presented. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, FFO should not be used as: (i) an indication of our financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP; (ii) an alternative to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP; (iii) a measure of our liquidity, or; (iv) an indicator of funds available for our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions to shareholders. A reconciliation of our reported net income to FFO is reflected on the Supplemental Schedules included below.
To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income, determined in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Since the items included or excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be alternatives to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Since these measures, as presented, are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.
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SOURCE Universal Health Realty Income Trust | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/universal-health-realty-income-trust-reports-2022-second-quarter-financial-results/ | 2022-07-25T20:48:42Z |
Nobody likes traffic backups. The experience of sitting bumper-to-bumper is frustrating for a number of reasons, from running late for work or picking up the kids to simply feeling stuck with nothing you can do about it. Most people tend to do what they can to avoid the experience of sitting in traffic by timing their commutes to avoid rush hour and planning alternate routes, among other tactics.
Using data from the 2021 Global Traffic Scorecard, Routific identified the worst 25 cities in the U.S. for traffic delays and calculated how much those delays cost drivers based on the metro’s median hourly wage. Commute times were calculated by looking exclusively at the time it takes to get to and from major employment centers, based on anonymized GPS data to find commuting patterns.
In some cities, sitting in traffic is simply unavoidable. Traffic congestion is caused by several factors, among them the road grid (how a given road system is laid out); the density of the environment in terms of residents, businesses, and popular attractions; the availability (or lack thereof) of public transportation options; and the sheer volume of cars and trucks on the road. For many cities, commuting slowed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but traffic congestion returned as Americans eased out of restrictions.
One pandemic lifestyle habit that seems here to stay is online shopping: From March 2020 to February 2022, Americans spent a staggering $1.7 trillion on e-commerce, according to Adobe Analytics. With millions of online purchases moving back and forth across the country, it’s only added to daily congestion. More truck drivers are on roadways shipping goods to warehouses—and more delivery drivers are in neighborhoods distributing parcels every day. Expect more in the future as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for delivery truck drivers will increase by 12%—faster than the average growth of all occupations—with 190,700 jobs available each year for the next decade.
Growth and expansion of a given urban area is also a significant contributor, as population growth often exceeds a city’s ability to grow its transportation system to meet the demand. Some of the most prevalent examples of the past few years are the cities of Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston—all of which are on this list and among the 10 most populous cities in the country.
If you live in a major city, odds are your town is on this list—but there are a few surprises for those who think smaller means easier to get around. In our data points highlighted below, the time loss is calculated by analyzing peak speed and free-flow speed data for the busiest commuting corridors. The annual added cost data was calculated based on the 2021 median hourly wage in the metro area according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
AevanStock // Shutterstock
#25. Phoenix, Arizona
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 21 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $460
– Trips downtown: down 7% since pre-COVID
Moab Republic // Shutterstock
#24. San Antonio, Texas
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 23 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $572
– Trips downtown: down 5% since pre-COVID
Cassiohabib // Shutterstock
#23. Sacramento, California
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 25 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $584
– Trips downtown: down 30% since pre-COVID
S-F // Shutterstock
#22. Las Vegas, Nevada
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 28 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $505
– Trips downtown: down 3% since pre-COVID
Ceri Breeze // Shutterstock
#21. Seattle, Washington
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 30 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $869
– Trips downtown: down 36% since pre-COVID
Philip Lange // Shutterstock
#20. Austin, Texas
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 32 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $722
– Trips downtown: down 21% since pre-COVID
Dogora Sun // Shutterstock
#19. San Diego, California
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 32 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $739
– Trips downtown: down 12% since pre-COVID
photosounds // Shutterstock
#18. Baltimore, Maryland
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 37 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $855
– Trips downtown: down 23% since pre-COVID
bibiphoto // Shutterstock
#17. Providence, Rhode Island
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 38 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $866
– Trips downtown: down 5% since pre-COVID
Canva
#16. Concord, California
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 40 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,192
– Trips downtown: down 8% since pre-COVID
Cameron MacRae // Shutterstock
#15. Denver, Colorado
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 40 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $946
– Trips downtown: down 10% since pre-COVID
Drew Angerer // Getty Images
#14. Washington D.C.
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 44 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,304
– Trips downtown: down 38% since pre-COVID
Philip Lange // Shutterstock
#13. Dallas, Texas
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 44 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $962
– Trips downtown: down 32% since pre-COVID
barbsimages // Shutterstock
#12. Stamford, Connecticut
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 46 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,150
– Trips downtown: down 24% since pre-COVID
4kclips // Shutterstock
#11. Portland, Oregon
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 48 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,116
– Trips downtown: down 32% since pre-COVID
RodClementPhotography // Shutterstock
#10. Atlanta, Georgia
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 53 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,167
– Trips downtown: down 16% since pre-COVID
Trong Nguyen // Shutterstock
#9. Houston, Texas
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 58 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,245
– Trips downtown: down 25% since pre-COVID
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#8. Los Angeles, California
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 62 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,418
– Trips downtown: down 28% since pre-COVID
Konoplytska // Shutterstock
#7. New Orleans, Louisiana
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 63 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,153
– Trips downtown: down 28% since pre-COVID
Keep Smiling Photography // Shutterstock
#6. San Francisco, California
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 64 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,908
– Trips downtown: down 49% since pre-COVID
oksanatukane // Shutterstock
#5. Miami, Florida
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 66 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $1,227
– Trips downtown: down 20% since pre-COVID
FrimuFilms // Shutterstock
#4. Boston, Massachusetts
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 78 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $2,272
– Trips downtown: down 23% since pre-COVID
Andrea Izzotti // Shutterstock
#3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 90 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $2,057
– Trips downtown: down 22% since pre-COVID
Ryan DeBerardinis // Shutterstock
#2. New York City, New York
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 102 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $2,737
– Trips downtown: down 18% since pre-COVID
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#1. Chicago, Illinois
– Time lost per driver in 2021 due to congestion: 104 hours
– Annual added cost per driver: $2,365
– Trips downtown: down 21% since pre-COVID
This story originally appeared on Routific and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. | https://cw33.com/news/local/these-texas-cities-had-some-of-the-worst-traffic-last-year/ | 2022-08-19T17:22:22Z |
America adds 428,000 jobs in April
By Anneken Tappe, CNN Business
America’s employers added 428,000 jobs in April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.6%.
The days of millions of job gains per month are behind us. That’s partly due to the fact that the recovery has come a long way, and partly due to the worker shortage that makes it hard to hire more people.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/05/06/americas-job-growth-is-starting-to-slow-3/ | 2022-05-06T14:29:51Z |
Two Muslim men have filed a federal discrimination suit against Alaska Airlines for being removed from a plane prior to takeoff after a passenger alerted the crew that the men were texting and speaking in Arabic.
According to a complaint filed last week in federal district court, the plaintiffs, Abobakkr Dirar and Mohamed Elamin, allege they boarded a flight from Seattle to San Francisco on February 17, 2020, and after being seated in their first-class seats, they started speaking and texting in Arabic. Another passenger, who did not speak Arabic the complaint says, saw some of Dirar's text messages and told the crew who removed Dirar and Elamin from the flight due to what they claimed to be a "ticket issue."
Once Dirar and Elamin were off the flight, the men spoke with an Alaska Airlines manager who translated their text messages and the messages were deemed not to be a threat, but the men were subsequently surrounded by law enforcement, according to the complaint.
Dirar and Elamin, the complaint says, felt humiliated for being taken off the plane and being surrounded by law enforcement while allowing other passengers to observe "humiliating Plaintiffs before their fellow passengers by unnecessarily deplaning said passengers and allowing them to observe Plaintiffs surrounded by uniformed law enforcement personnel."
According to the complaint, they are seeking damages against the airline.
The pair was booked on subsequent flights separately to San Francisco, but Elamin had to sit in a downgraded seat and both passengers arrived at their destinations hours later than originally intended.
Dirar and Elamin's attorney, Luis Segura, told CNN in a statement that Alaska Airlines could have handled the situation better after finding that the complaining passenger's claims were baseless.
The airline "...could have acted responsibly by calming tensions, apologizing to our clients for their mistreatment, and allowing our clients to remain in their rightful seats, he said. "Instead, Alaska Airlines chose to pile onto the bigotry by using these two Black, Muslim American passengers as props in an admittedly unjustified, unnecessary, and self-serving display of security theater. By bringing this lawsuit, our clients not only seek justice for themselves, but also for an entire community tired of being scapegoated to justify discrimination in air travel."
When asked why it took more than two years to file a lawsuit, Segura told CNN that in December of 2020, Alaska Airline's counsel stated that they would be conducting an internal investigation into the matter but never reached back out to his clients.
In a statement to CNN, Alaska Airlines says it takes discrimination complaints very seriously.
"Our greatest responsibility is to ensure that our flight operations are safe every day, and that includes complying with federal regulations on investigating any passenger safety reports. Since this case remains pending litigation, we're unable to share any further comment or details at this time."
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/two-muslim-men-file-federal-discrimination-suit-against-alaska-airlines-after-they-say-they-were/article_1ddfe841-f3a1-575f-859e-d12da45a8da9.html | 2022-08-09T00:12:42Z |
(The Hill) – Republicans are coming under fire for their rhetoric over $80 billion in funding for the IRS included a massive climate, tax and health care bill that Democrats in Congress are sending to the White House.
The funding, over 10 years, is intended to help the IRS enforce various provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which would raise more than $700 billion in new revenue by instituting a 15% corporate minimum tax, taxing stock buy backs and extending a cap on deductions for business losses, in addition to helping the IRS enforce existing tax law. Of the $80 billion, more than half would go to increased enforcement, like audits.
Republicans, who have nursed grievances over the IRS going back to the Obama administration that were inflamed further by fights over former President Trump’s tax returns, have taken aim at the funding, arguing it amounts to creating a new army of IRS agents to go after taxpayers.
But the IRS, Democrats and outside experts all say the new enforcement money will mostly allow the IRS to focus on audits of the wealthy.
“Contrary to the misinformation from opponents of this legislation, small business or households earning $400,000 per year or less will not see an increase in the chances that they are audited,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig in a letter dated Aug. 11.
In an appearance on “Fox and Friends” this week, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) questioned whether the IRS was ready to send in armed units of agents into small Iowa businesses.
“Are they going to have a strike force that goes in with AK-15s already loaded, ready to shoot some small business person in Iowa with these, because I think they’re going after middle class and small business people, because they think that anybody that has pass-through income is a crook, and they aren’t paying their fair share, and we’re going to go after them,” he said.
In using the phrase “pass-through,” Grassley was referring to owners of certain types of companies, like partnerships and sole proprietorships, that allow for income to be reported on the tax returns of their owners. The Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act extends a limitation on the ability of pass-throughs to use losses to write off costs like salaries and interest. The limits were initially set up by the Trump administration’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Democrats said that such views should be considered ridiculous.
“The incendiary conspiracy theories Republicans are pushing about armed IRS agents are increasingly dangerous and out of control,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a statement.
“High-ranking Republicans, including the former chair of the Finance Committee, are saying shockingly irresponsible things,” he continued, seeming to refer to Grassley’s remarks. “It’s unbelievable that we even need to say this, but there are not going to be 87,000 armed IRS agents going door-to-door with assault weapons. This is funding for answering phone calls and upgrading computer systems. I would hope that House Republicans act responsibly today as the House considers the Inflation Reduction Act.”
Grassley’s office fired back at the statement from Wyden. A Grassley aide said in a statement to The Hill that “Democrats’ partisan bill includes an additional $80 billion to beef up IRS enforcement, including hiring an additional 87,000 IRS employees, which will undoubtedly result in more audits targeting American small businesses — at their expense. Unfortunately, Democrats’ focus is on IRS enforcement rather than providing badly needed tax services. It’s shockingly disingenuous to argue all of these new agents will only be answering phone calls.”
Fact-checking websites have also taken aim at some of the rhetoric and online chatter fueling Republican arguments about the increased tax enforcement budget.
The Poynter Institute, a Florida journalism school and media studies center, called claims that the new funding would militarize the IRS “outlandish.”
“One outlandish claim suggested those new IRS agents might soon be coming to your door armed to the teeth to collect your taxes, if not for a dramatic early morning intervention by ‘Delta Force’ soldiers,” fact-checker Jeff Cercone wrote for the Poynter Institute’s Politifact website about a false news story that came out prior to Grassley’s appearance on “Fox and Friends.”
Democrats have long argued the IRS needed a major funding boost as audit rates and hiring levels dipped over the last decade. They say the lack of audits has benefitted rich taxpayers, a finding buttressed by a report on tax compliance released in May from the Government Accountability Office, the government’s internal watchdog.
The report found that in recent years, “audit rates have dropped for all income levels — with audit rates decreasing the most for taxpayers with incomes of $200,000 or more.”
Findings like this one have caused Democrats to argue for more enforcement at the IRS and to call out Republicans for getting in the way.
“For decades, Republicans have starved the IRS of funding, and now American taxpayers are paying the price,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) said in a statement back in February. “The IRS needs greater support to carry out its most essential functions, like processing tax returns, enforcing the tax code, and closing the tax gap. Without resources from Congress to update its woefully out-of-date technology, the agency simply cannot operate at the level American taxpayers expect.”
Republican lawmakers have repeatedly argued against providing more money for the IRS.
“This additional money for the IRS to target all Americans is absolutely wrong. It will target our families, it’s going to target our small businesses, and it’s going to go after them to get them to pay more money,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said back in December 2021 about the Democrats’ unsuccessful Build Back Better legislation, which also proposed an IRS enforcement funding boost.
Experts say it’s not entirely clear how the IRS will actually use its new funding.
The bill’s “language was pretty generic,” former Congressional Budget Office tax analyst Janet Holtzblatt said in an interview. “It doesn’t really get into the specifics about how the money aligns to a particular task. It certainly doesn’t say how many employees there will be, how much will be spent on computers, how much will be spent on rent. But all of that will be covered.”
Republicans have made the argument about 87,000 new tax collectors targeting the middle class by pointing to a Treasury report released in May 2021 that said that $80 billion would allow for 86,852 new full-time employees at the IRS. Experts say they wouldn’t all be auditors.
“They didn’t give details on how they came up with this very precise number,” Janet Holtzblatt said. “But they didn’t ever say that those were all going to be auditors. The report said that part of the new workforce would be customer service reps to help navigate issues.”
Republicans have locked on to the 87,000 figure, sensing a political opportunity.
“I guarantee you citizens in every one of our states, if you ask them, what do they want, they don’t want 87,000 new IRS agents,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said after proposing an amendment to strike the additional funding for the IRS from the Democrats’ bill.
The figure of 87,000 new auditors has also been criticized by fact-checking websites. Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler called it “wildly exaggerated” in giving House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) a rating of “three Pinocchios” for the claim.
Republicans have also said the language in the bill doesn’t mean the IRS will just go after corporations and the wealthy.
“They’re being created to audit you,” Cruz said before pointing to an estimate from Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee that claimed 700,000 of the 1.2 million new audits that could be conducted because of the new funding will fall on taxpayers making $75,000 or less.
But the Treasury Department and the IRS have both made assurances that rich people and corporations, whose audit rates have decreased more sharply in recent years relative to regular Americans, are the intended targets.
The IRS criminal investigation division (IRS-CI), who are federal law enforcement officials like the FBI and U.S. Marshals, told The Hill that they are not going after any one segment of American taxpayers other than people who cheat on their taxes.
The division said in a statement to The Hill that its “special agents are sworn law enforcement agents investigating tax crimes and criminal activities that may include gangs, drug dealers, and other dangerous criminals. In order to carry out their daily duties, such as search warrants and arrests, CI special agents carry firearms. They also receive continuous annual training in order to carry firearms.”
In an interview with The Hill, IRS-CI spokesperson Anny Pachner said that “the IRS Criminal Investigation Division has about 3,000 employees. About 2,100, or roughly 2,000, of those are special agents, federal law enforcement agents. They investigate financial crimes and violations of the U.S. tax code. Our agents go after criminals that are cheating taxpayers and the federal government. That’s their work, to investigate those crimes, make sure they’re stopped, and return the funds back to victims.” | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/gop-under-fire-for-rhetoric-over-irs/ | 2022-08-13T20:08:30Z |
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Richmond Hotel, one of Bangkok's premier hotels was awarded WellHotel® Accreditation for Medical Travel and Well-being by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA).
Setting the standard for luxury events and business and leisure stays, the Grand Richmond Hotel is a distinctive five-star convention venue and hotel located in northern Bangkok just a short drive from the city center. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group, one of Thailand's premier hoteliers, who recently added a new 35-story tower to the property and upgraded the existing facilities with an elegant remodel and redesign. The hotel welcomes travelers from all over the world and is sought-after a destination for guests seeking to focus on their well-being or recover after a medical treatment.
GHA recently launched WellHotel® Accreditation for hotels seeking to enhance the guest experience and safety protocols for wellness and/or medical travel guests. GHA WellHotel® for Well-being and WellHotel® for Medical Travel focuses on validating the services and programs hotels provide for these growing markets and the accreditation seal builds trust and offers a competitive edge to those hotels that achieve accredited status.
Ms. Laksawan Wongworrakan, Grand Richmond Hotel's Chief Executive Officer stated, "At Grand Richmond we strive to offer each guest the most exquisite experience with the utmost attention to detail. Many of our guests choose the Grand Richmond Hotel to focus on their health and well-being. We offer them a calm and healing environment with safety protocols and services that meet their unique needs. It is an honor to have achieved GHA WellHotel® for Medical Travel and Well-being Accreditation which demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of our wellness and medical travel guests."
GHA WellHotel® Accreditation offers these key highlights:
- Building trust, confidence and comfort for wellness tourists or medical travel guests through a third-party review and trusted GHA WellHotel® seal.
- Attraction by guests in new niche markets to increase room bookings and length of stay.
- Validation of the hotel's cleanliness and safety and instilling peace of mind that proper cleaning and sanitation is a hotel priority.
- Validation that safety protocols are in use for guests and staff.
- Attraction for bookings through wellness travel agents and medical travel facilitators.
- Providing assurance to medical travel and wellness guests that the hotel identifies and supports the cultural, dietary, religious, handicapped access, and other unique needs of the guests/patients.
- Increase in guest satisfaction for wellness tourists and medical travel guests.
- Well-being and medical travel packages provide an opportunity for organizations to increase TRevPAR.
The GHA WellHotel® application and accreditation process are completed conveniently online and include access to the accreditation handbook and online training.
According to Ms. Renée-Marie Stephano, GHA's Interim Chief Executive Officer, "As travel continues to increase post-pandemic, there is a growing number of consumers that are choosing hotel experiences that support a healthy lifestyle - whether it be healthy eating plans, exercise routines, wellness programs and/or an appropriate environment to recover after a medical procedure or treatment. GHA WellHotel® demonstrates to these growing niche markets that the property has implemented programs and services that meet their unique needs and expectations and also complies with recognized industry-wide hotel cleaning and sanitation standards. We congratulate the Grand Richmond Hotel for achieving GHA WellHotel® Accreditation for Medical Travel and Well-being and applaud its commitment to prioritizing guest safety and the guest experience for wellness and medical travel guests."
Global Healthcare Accreditation® (GHA) is a dynamic and innovative accreditation body with specialized focused in medical and wellness travel, safety, and well-being. Founded in September of 2016, GHA's initial purpose as an independent accrediting body centered on improving the patient experience for medical travelers and supporting healthcare providers in validating quality, increasing visibility, and implementing a sustainable business model for medical travel. Since then, GHA pioneers a variety of programs covering the entire spectrum of the care continuum and offers certification and accreditation for stakeholders in all aspects of health and wellbeing.
Visit: https://globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/
The Grand Richmond Hotel is a distinctive five-star convention venue and hotel located in northern Bangkok, Thailand, just a short drive from the city center. The hotel features 774 luxury rooms and suites, 28 versatile and superbly equipped function rooms and two grand ballrooms. The property is operated by the Richmond Group, one of Thailand's premier hoteliers and caters to discerning travelers from around the globe.
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SOURCE Global Healthcare Accreditation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/grand-richmond-hotel-achieves-ghas-wellhotel-accreditation-medical-travel-amp-well-being/ | 2022-09-14T11:29:32Z |
MIAMI, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), one of the nation's largest homebuilders, announced today that the Company will release earnings for the second quarter ended May 31, 2022 before the market opens on June 21, 2022, now that June 20, 2022 is observed as a federal holiday. Additionally, the Company will hold a conference call on June 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The call will be broadcast live on the Internet and can be accessed through Lennar's website at investors.lennar.com. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived at investors.lennar.com for 90 days.
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.
Contact:
Allison Bober
Investor Relations
Lennar Corporation
(305) 485-2038
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SOURCE Lennar Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/lennar-corporations-second-quarter-earnings-conference-call-be-broadcast-live-internet/ | 2022-06-08T20:46:19Z |
The trailblazing brand brings a one-of-a-kind audio experience to consumers inspired by its latest release, Avión® Reserva Cristalino, with the help of Iman Shumpert
NEW YORK, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequila Avión, an award-winning tequila that continues to redefine standards of quality and taste, today unveiled a new immersive audio experience that marries crystal-clear tequila and crystal-clear sound. Drawing inspiration from the global listening room phenomenon, Tequila Avión combines audio, culture and premium tequila to introduce the Avión Listening Experience – in celebration of its latest release, Avión Reserva Cristalino. The one-of-a-kind sonic journey incorporates actual sounds of the tequila-making process in Mexico to deliver a multi-sensorial tour through the craftsmanship and clarity of crystal clear Avion Cristalino tequila.
Kicking off with an invite only event series in New York City hosted by NBA player and cultural trailblazer Iman Shumpert, legendary audio engineer Danny Keith Taylor, and Carlos Andrés Ramirez of Tequila Avión, attendees are immersed in the quality of the Avión Reserva tequilas through the lens of elevated sound. Shumpert serves as host, guiding attendees through the evening while also debuting a curated playlist inspired by the experience that is also available online.
"Music has always been a safe haven for me to be my most unapologetic self and with that being said, the Avión Listening Experience is one I resonate with and is one that highlights the craft and clarity of the brand's premium tequila while adding to bliss," said Shumpert. "As Co-Curator of the Avión Listening Experience, I had the pleasure of working closely with the brand to create a one-of-a-kind audio journey that truly marries the quality of Avión Reserva Cristalino tequila."
Consumers will then have the opportunity to enjoy the Avión Listening Experience from the comfort of their own home, as Tequila Avión has created a limited-edition kit that will provide everything one needs to feel fully immersed in the sounds of the tequila-making process. This includes a modern turntable with built-in speakers and Bluetooth streaming, pressed vinyl with the curated sonic journey, a bottle of Avión Reserva Cristalino, rocks glasses and custom ice molds. The not-to-miss kits are available for purchase exclusively on ReserveBar ($295, plus shipping).
The Avión Listening Experience pressed vinyl features sounds directly from the Avión distillery and agave fields, co-curated by Keith Taylor and Ramirez. Individual tracks and compositions follow the order of the tequila-making process and truly highlight the craft in the production of the Avion Reserva Range. From the agave piña harvest, cooking and distilling, filling the barrels and finally the bottling line, each step in the process has its own unique sound.
"As someone who has had the honor of being involved in the creation of Avión Reserva Cristalino, I was thrilled to be part of the Avión Listening Experience and help to intertwine the taste of the clear liquid with the sounds of our agave, taken directly from Mexico," said Carlos Andrés Ramirez, Tequila Avión Brand Advocacy Manager. "Through the Avión Listening Experience, we're able to bring a piece of Mexico and the Avión distillery straight into people's homes, all while they sip on the highest quality tequila."
Visit TequilaAvion.com to discover more about Avión Reserva Cristalino and the brand's full portfolio.
About Tequila Avión
Born from agave grown at the highest elevations in Arandas, Jalisco, and forged through the vibrancy of modern Mexico, Tequila Avión is an award-winning tequila that defines a new standard of quality and taste. Produced with fifth generation growers from among the finest Blue Weber agave, the ultra-premium tequila's distinct flavors are achieved through a combination of slow-roasting at lower temperatures to protect the natural flavors of the agave and an ultra-slow filtration process which creates an unusually smooth taste profile. Tequila Avión is available in Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Reserva 44, and Reserva Cristalino. Visit TequilaAvion.com for more information and follow @TequilaAvion on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates, inspiration, and more.
Please drink Avión responsibly. Tequila Avión 40% Alc./Vol (c) 2022 imported by Tequila Avión, New York, NY.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second-largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Avión® Tequila, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Malibu®, Martell® Cognac, Olmeca Altos® Tequila , Beefeater® Gin, Del Maguey® Single Village Mezcal, Monkey 47® Gin, Plymouth® Gin, Seagram's® Extra Dry Gin, Malfy® Gin, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Midleton® Irish Whiskey, Powers® Irish Whiskey, Redbreast® Irish Whiskey, Aberlour® Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Lillet®; Smithworks® Vodka, Jefferson's® Bourbon, Smooth Ambler® Whiskey, Rabbit Hole® Whiskey, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards, Campo Viejo® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines. Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 700 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," Pernod Ricard USA is committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.responsibility.org
PR Contact:
Amanda Karpen
akarpen@devriesglobal.com
Matthew Hirsch
matthew.hirsch@pernod-ricard.com
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SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/tequila-avin-introduces-avin-listening-experience-an-immersive-sonic-journey/ | 2022-06-15T13:52:45Z |
Toddler hospitalized in critical condition after coyote attack
DALLAS (WFAA) - A 2-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a coyote on the front porch of his Dallas home, police say.
Anthony Divenuti lives directly across the street from where a 2-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote. It happened about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Dallas’ Lake Highlands neighborhood.
“It’s gut-wrenching,” Divenuti said. “That little boy was sitting on his front porch, and that animal came right up to the porch, unfazed whatsoever, and attacked him.”
The 2-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Even after the attack, Divenuti says the coyote showed no fear.
“[It] came out across the street and stood there, staring in the direction of where the EMTs and the parents were,” he said.
Police say an officer saw the coyote near a park after the attack and shot at it before it ran into the woods. It’s not clear if the animal was hit by a bullet.
Around 3 p.m., Dallas Animal Services said the coyote had been located, isolated in a wooded area.
During an investigation into the attack, animal services says it was revealed that the coyote was well-known in the neighborhood, and residents had been feeding and petting it.
“This tragic incident shows why it is critical that residents treat all wildlife as wild animals,” said animal services in a statement.
Some neighbors say they’ve been calling the city and complaining about the coyote.
Clark Collier says he saw the animal on Easter hanging out near the park at White Rock Elementary School. He says it locked eyes with a child.
“It looked like it wanted to attack a kid,” Collier said.
Coyotes are generally reclusive animals who prefer to avoid human contact, but they still creep into North Texas neighborhoods.
Animal services says anyone who sees a coyote should call 911 and not approach it. Making loud noises, such as banging pots and pans, should help scare it off.
Copyright 2022 WFAA via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/04/toddler-hospitalized-critical-condition-after-coyote-attack/ | 2022-05-04T10:34:17Z |
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MIND Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIND) ("MIND" or the "Company") today announced financial results for its fiscal 2023 second quarter ended July 31, 2022.
Revenues from Marine Technology Products sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 were $8.7 million, up 28% compared to $6.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 of approximately $1.8 million compared to a net loss of $2.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Second quarter of fiscal 2023 net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders was $0.20 per share compared to a net loss of $0.25 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 was a loss of $1.0 million compared to a loss of $1.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, which is a non-GAAP measure, is defined and reconciled to reported net loss from continuing operations and cash provided by operating activities in the accompanying financial tables. These are the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Backlog of Marine Technology Products as of July 31, 2022, was approximately $19.3 million compared to $13.4 million at April 30, 2022 and $11.7 million at July 31, 2021.
Rob Capps, MIND's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We were pleased with our second quarter results, with revenues coming in 28% higher than the second quarter of last year. These revenues were in line with our expectations and were comparable to our first quarter revenues of approximately $9.1 million. We feel that the higher level of revenue that we've generated in the first half of this year is an indication of our revenue potential on an ongoing basis. As we have discussed previously, we see robust interest, improved customer optimism, increased order flow and backlog. Based on these factors, we expect revenue in the second half of fiscal 2023 to exceed that of the first half.
"Despite slightly lower revenue in the second quarter as compared to the first, our operating loss improved to approximately $1.6 million as compared to approximately $2.5 million in the previous quarter. We saw improved gross margins, lower selling, general and administrative expenses and lower research and development expense.
"We remain encouraged by the underlying market conditions that surround our business. The sustained global energy prices we are seeing continue to drive increased activity among our marine seismic and exploration customers, as evidenced by recent and pending order activity. In addition to the firm backlog of orders, we are experiencing significant inquiries from our exploration and survey customers, particularly for source controller and high-resolution seismic streamer systems. Due to lead times for certain components, we are encouraging customers to place orders for fiscal 2024 deliveries as early as possible to ensure an appropriate place in our production queue. We believe some of our recent orders for sonar systems are directly associated with the current geopolitical climate, namely the security concerns in Europe. Although we're pleased with these orders and the inquiry levels that we've seen to date, we remain focused on continuing to leverage our growing product offerings to take advantage of opportunities in this improved market.
"As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we expect improved results when compared to the first half. While the timing of orders remains variable, which may result in a sequential drop in the third quarter, we expect to more than make up for it in the fourth quarter. Given the current state of our backlog and anticipated deliveries before year end, we expect to generate meaningfully higher revenue and positive income from continuing operations in the fourth quarter," concluded Capps.
NOTE: As has been previously disclosed, the Company is exiting the land leasing business. Accordingly, the Equipment Leasing segment has been treated as a discontinued operation, and the associated results are excluded from the Company's results from continuing operations for all periods presented. Assets and liabilities associated with the Equipment Leasing segment have been reclassified as "held for sale" in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheet.
Management has scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Central Time) to discuss the Company's fiscal 2023 second quarter results. To access the call, please dial (412) 902-0030 and ask for the MIND Technology call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. Investors may also listen to the conference live on the MIND Technology website, http://mind-technology.com, by logging onto the site and clicking "Investor Relations." A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available through September 20, 2022 and may be accessed by calling (201) 612-7415 and using passcode 13732406#. A webcast archive will also be available at http://mind-technology.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days. For more information, please contact Dennard Lascar Investor Relations by email at MIND@dennardlascar.com.
MIND Technology, Inc. provides technology to the oceanographic, hydrographic, defense, seismic and security industries. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, MIND has a global presence with key operating locations in the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. Its Seamap and Klein units, design, manufacture and sell specialized, high performance, marine sonar and seismic equipment.
Certain statements and information in this press release concerning results for the fiscal second quarter ended July 31, 2022 may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "should," "would," "could" or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts of our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions or dispositions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, reductions in our customers' capital budgets, our own capital budget, limitations on the availability of capital or higher costs of capital, volatility in commodity prices for oil and natural gas and the extent of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, unless required by law, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein.
Certain statements and information in this press release contain non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Company management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the GAAP financial measures, provide information that is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on results in any particular period. Company management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the ability of investors to analyze the Company's business trends and to understand the Company's performance. In addition, the Company may utilize non-GAAP financial measures as guides in its forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning processes and to measure operating performance for some management compensation purposes. Any analysis of non-GAAP financial measures should be used only in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliation of Backlog, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is not included in this press release due to the inherent difficulty and impracticality of quantifying certain amounts that would be required to calculate the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
--Tables to Follow--
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SOURCE MIND Technology, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/mind-technology-inc-reports-fiscal-2023-second-quarter-results/ | 2022-09-12T21:50:21Z |
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — The top dog gets crowned at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Wednesday night, with a field that includes a French bulldog with an NFL connection, a bloodhound, a German shepherd, a Maltese and three more finalists yet to be chosen.
Out of more than 3,000 dogs entered, just seven will make it far enough to vie for the best in show prize at the most prestigious U.S. dog show. Usually held in winter at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the show moved to the suburban Lyndhurst estate last year and this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Each finalist represents a different canine “group,” or type, such as hounds or terriers.
Westminster is often described as the Super Bowl of U.S. dog shows, and Winston the French bulldog aims to make it so for co-owner Morgan Fox, a defensive lineman who was just signed by the Los Angeles Chargers and has played for the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers.
Fox said he was “ecstatic” when Winston made the finals.
“He’s basically a superstar,” Fox said by phone Wednesday.
The dog came his way from his grandmother, Sandy Fox, who has bred and shown Frenchies for years. Morgan Fox grew up with one and says that as he watched Winston mature, he knew the dog was a winner in both appearance and character.
“He’s a joy to be around,” Fox said. “He always walks around with as much of a smile on his face as a dog can have.”
Winston, currently the top-ranked dog in the country, faces River, a big-winning German shepherd, and Trumpet, a bloodhound descended from the 2014 winner of another major show, the Thanksgiving-season National Dog Show.
Then there’s a Maltese that clearly is aiming for stardom: Her name is Hollywood.
Still to be chosen Wednesday evening are three more finalists: a terrier, a sporting dog (such as spaniels and retrievers) and a working dog (guard dogs, sled dogs and other big breeds).
Hopefuls include Striker, a Samoyed that made it to the finals at Westminster last year and won his breed again on Wednesday morning. After topping the canine rankings last year, Striker has lately been hitting a few dog shows “to keep his head in the game,” said handler Laura King.
What makes the snow-white Samoyed shine in competition? “His heart,” said King, of Milan, Illinois.
“His charisma shows when he’s showing,” and he complains – vocally – when he’s not, she said.
Monty, the giant schnauzer headed to the semifinals Wednesday night, is a son of the dog that won Westminster’s runner-up prize in 2018. Classified as a working dog, Monty enjoys yard work — which, to him, means presenting a football to be thrown while handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin’s husband, Adam, is mowing the lawn, she said.
Another competitor, Ooma, had a smooth path Wednesday to the semifinals. She was the only Chinook that showed up. The sled-pullers are the official dog of the state of New Hampshire, but they’re rare nationwide.
“I would love to see a couple more” in the Westminster ring, said Ooma’s breeder, owner and handler, Patti Richards of West Haven, Vermont. “Without people who will show and breed, we’re in danger of losing our breed.”
Bonnie the Brittany is Dr. Jessica Sielawa’s first show dog, and the two didn’t come away with a ribbon on Wednesday. But their teamwork extends beyond the ring.
Bonnie accompanies Sielawa to work at her chiropractic practice in Syracuse, New York, where “she’s really helped people with their emotional stress,” Sielawa said.
She plans to get her show dog certified as a therapy dog, too. | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/good-dog-westminster-dog-show-gets-set-to-pick-a-winner/ | 2022-06-23T00:17:44Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be a shopping cart that could provide convenient item scanning for in-cart accounting purposes," said an inventor, from Houston, Texas, "so I invented the SALES SAVING CARD. My design ensures accurate cart basket inventory at all times."
The patent-pending invention provides a smart design for a shopping cart. In doing so, it helps to make the checkout process more efficient. As a result, it increases convenience and it could help to reduce shoplifting. The invention features a practical and user-friendly design that is easy to use so it is ideal for stores and other retail shopping establishments.
The original design was submitted to the Houston sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-HUN-838, 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/2022/06/29/inventhelp-inventor-develops-smart-shopping-cart-hun-838/ | 2022-06-29T20:15:14Z |
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