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DENVER, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - BellRock Brands Inc. ("BellRock" or the "Company") (CSE: BRCK.U) an industry-leading cannabis consumer packaged goods ("CPG") and intellectual property platform, announces that Chairman of the Board of Directors, Andrew Schweibold, and Director, Jonathan Rosenthal, are resigning in good standing with the Company from their respective roles on the Board, effective immediately.
Schweibold and Rosenthal have served BellRock as Directors since BR Brands, LLC ("BR Brands") completed its reverse takeover of Dixie Brands Inc. ("Dixie") in October of 2020, with Schweibold serving as the Company's Board Chairman during that same time.
"Alongside current restructuring efforts at the business, I believe it is an appropriate time for me to step aside as Chairman to allow the future leaders of the Company to drive BellRock forward," said Andrew Schweibold. "Rose Capital recently introduced West 4th Holdings to lead the Company through its next evolution and, in short order, they have driven material changes in improving the Company's profitability, operations, and capital structure. I leave the BellRock Board knowing that the Company is in the very capable hands of West 4th and I continue to believe in the strength of the BellRock platform and its future as a leading cannabis CPG company." Schweibold added, "I would like to thank the BellRock Board and management for all of our collective work together to overcome a myriad of challenges during particularly challenging times. While I am resigning from the Board, Rose and myself will continue to support BellRock and I look forward to the Company's next chapter."
West 4th Holdings co-founder, Zachary L. Venegas, said, "Rose Capital's prescient vision of a national CPG platform built upon leading brands led to a brand platform unique in its size and scope, and it continues to evolve and advance. West 4th is focused on supporting their pioneering work by focusing on critical company performance and governance. Venegas added, "the Company would like to thank Rose for all their efforts and support over the years in building BellRock alongside of management."
The Company will timely seek to fill the vacant Director positions.
BellRock also announces an agreement in principle for one of its U.S. subsidiaries to purchase JRMI27, LLC ("JRMI27"), a medical and adult use marijuana product manufacturer located in Jackson, Michigan, subject to approval by Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency and applicable local agencies. BellRock's flagship brands, Dixie Brands™ and Mary's Medicinals®, currently enjoy a presence in Michigan under a Licensing Agreement with JRMI27, but the acquisition of the license by the subsidiary of the Company, if approved, will offer BellRock a lasting presence in the Michigan market.
"The agreement to acquire JRMI27 is a product of BellRock's focused efforts to build and ultimately control the Company's brands and growth initiatives in both the country's emerging and most established markets," said Brian Jansen, CEO of BellRock. "This is yet another step by BellRock towards its goal of being a national industry leader and the premier cannabis house of brands."
BellRock Brands is a cannabis multi-state house of brands and intellectual property focused CPG operator that possesses one of the industry's broadest branded product portfolios. BellRock's two flagship brands, Dixie Brands and Mary's Medicinals, offer over 200 SKUs and reaches nearly every key consumer group and addresses the needs of a diverse cannabis consumer base. The BellRock manufacturing and distribution footprint continues to expand and currently spans nine US states and Canada, and the Company holds strategic alliances with licensed production facilities in its largest markets. For more information, visit www.bellrockbrands.com.
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SOURCE BellRock Brands Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/bellrock-brands-announces-changes-board-directors-agreement-acquire-michigan-licensed-operator/ | 2022-09-12T12:00:03Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITCI).
If you are a shareholder of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:
You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at rl@pjlfirm.com or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.
Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/shareholder-alert-purcell-amp-lefkowitz-llp-is-investigating-intra-cellular-therapies-inc-potential-breaches-fiduciary-duty-by-its-board-directors/ | 2022-08-04T19:22:27Z |
Woman hospitalized after picking up $1 bill at McDonald’s
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Kentucky couple is speaking out after the wife claims she overdosed on fentanyl after picking up a dollar bill at McDonald’s.
Renee Parsons said picking up a dollar bill Sunday afternoon at a McDonald’s in Nashville, Tennessee, landed her in the hospital. She believes it was a fentanyl-laced dollar bill, and she had a bad reaction.
“It is like your body is just shutting down,” she said.
Renee Parsons and her husband Justin, of Lexington, Kentucky, were on their way to a work conference in Dallas with two of their children when they stopped at McDonald’s.
“As I was walking inside, there was a dollar on the floor just hanging out, so I picked it up, not thinking anything of it,” Renee Parsons told WSMV.
Within 10 minutes after picking up the dollar, she said her body went numb. She said she could barely talk or breathe before passing out.
“She hadn’t said anything for a while, then she said, ‘Justin, I am sorry. I love you.’ Then she just quit talking,” Justin Parsons said.
The family drove to St. Thomas Ascension Hospital. Paperwork there showed Renee Parsons had an accidental drug overdose.
The couple believes the dollar she picked up was laced with fentanyl. Her husband said he even started to feel symptoms after his wife touched his arm.
“What I do know is how I felt, what happened. It can’t be made up,” Renee Parsons said.
WSMV talked to Dr. Rebecca Donald, a fentanyl expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, about the incident.
“I think it is really unlikely the substance this lady got into her system is fentanyl based on the symptoms she had,” Donald said.
Donald is an assistant professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine at Vanderbilt. She said skin-to-skin contact is not a way people are exposed to drugs at levels that would cause them harm.
“It is much more likely for her to have a reaction if she had inadvertently rubbed her nose and exposed that drug to some of the blood vessels in her nose or licked her fingers or rubbed her eyes,” she said.
Donald said it is possible for the drug to get aerosolized and inhaled.
“That would take more of a volume of drug or quantity of drug,” she said. “It is certainly not impossible for that to happen, but one would think it would be a significant amount that you could see it on the hands and dollar bill to get into the air system.”
Donald said someone’s medical history and medications they are taking may also contribute to symptoms. She said fentanyl contaminating anything is a safety threat and could be life-threatening.
Police responded to the hospital on Sunday. A spokesperson told WSMV that officers did not see any sort of residue on the dollar bill, but it was not tested for fentanyl since no one is being charged.
Police are still going to destroy the dollar bill.
Last month, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office said there were two separate incidents in which meth and fentanyl were found in folded dollar bills on a gas station floor. Police said this is not an issue they are seeing in Nashville.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/12/woman-hospitalized-after-picking-up-1-bill-mcdonalds/ | 2022-07-12T08:04:50Z |
Brand Breaks into Dessert Category with a Sweet New Flavor
WEBSTERVILLE, Vt., May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vermont Creamery, B Corp Certified makers of consciously crafted artisanal cheese and butter, today answered consumers' call for a sweet, indulgent snack made from clean, high-quality ingredients with the release of Strawberry Spritz, the first dessert-inspired goat cheese from the #1 nationwide brand of fresh goat cheese.
This new flavor is available now at Murray's Cheese and retails for $6, and is coming soon to grocery shelves nationwide.
This year, snacking is leveling up to new indulgent heights, where decadent snacks like goat cheese can truly shine, thanks to its unique flavor profile, light and mousse-like texture and rich taste.
According to industry data, indulgent categories replaced cooking and staples in 2021. As people spend less time in their kitchens, and more time crafting simple and approachable treats, Strawberry Spritz delivers on the occasion, in the form of perfect bites of bright strawberries and mildly sweetened goat cheese, inspired by the timeless pairing of champagne and berries.
"Goat cheese has always been our core, and our fresh chèvre portfolio will continue to evolve to offer our fans the chance to enjoy it in the ways they want most," shares Kate Paine, director of marketing. "Strawberry Spritz – with its sweet and creamy flavor profile that pairs so well with everything from shortbread to chocolate bark – ushers in a fresh and decadent side of goat cheese. This flavor is designed for dessert trays, cocktail hour spreads, or even midday bites with a little sweetness."
Vermont Creamery has been crafting goat cheese in central Vermont since 1984, and is one of the pioneers of fresh chèvre in the country. For nearly forty years, goat cheese has gained popularity as a salad and pizza topping and as a cheeseboard staple. Now Strawberry Spritz pushes into the dessert space, with a mild and creamy honey-sweetened base that is blended with strawberry chunks for a luxurious treat.
This flavor is the first of three in a new line of flavors that will find their place on small tasting plates and dessert charcuterie boards at any time of day, no matter the occasion. It pairs perfectly with a glass of bubbly and a bite of chocolate to round out the upscale tasting experience.
Consumers with discerning tastes seek Vermont Creamery products for their commitment to premium ingredients, superior flavor profiles and responsible business. Vermont Creamery is dedicated to answering the growing demand for responsibly made, delicious food as they evolve their portfolio alongside consumers' palates.
Founded in 1984 and B Corp certified since 2014, Vermont Creamery is a pioneer of artisan cheese, winning countless national and international awards for their suite of cheeses and cultured dairy products, while supporting a network of family farms and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. Ranked in June 2021 in the top 10% of most purposeful brands, according to the 2021 Purpose Power Index, Vermont Creamery is an independently operated subsidiary of Minnesota-based Dairy Cooperative Land 'O Lakes, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.vermontcreamery.com.
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SOURCE Vermont Creamery | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/09/vermont-creamery-elevates-snacking-with-launch-strawberry-spritz-goat-cheese/ | 2022-05-09T22:44:33Z |
DETROIT, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CURE auto insurance celebrates expanding into the Michigan market a year ago today and does so with impressive numbers. At the time when the latest no-fault reforms took effect, the insurer had projected savings of up to 40% for Michigan drivers. Those numbers held true and after a year, CURE has insured more than 30,000 Michigan drivers with millions of dollars in savings. Breaking that down further, the average savings per driver was in excess of $1,000.
"For all the naysayers, our numbers and more importantly, our insureds, tell a different story," says Eric S. Poe, Esq., CPA, CEO of CURE. "The reforms really are working and working well." Poe was confident that CURE could make a real difference to the residents of a state that had drivers paying the highest car insurance rates in the United States. "However, drivers need to shop around and rely less on their agents who are paid a commission on what consumers pay for insurance. The higher the rate, the more money the agent makes. At CURE, we do not use agents. That's why Michiganders are flocking to our website. We are finding that 94% of drivers are selecting options under the new law with average savings of 40%, which reaffirms that the reforms are needed and working."
Looking back to day one, Poe remembers, "One of the very first bound policies was for a mother and son in Pontiac, Michigan, who were previously paying $3,600 per year. Their rate dropped to $1,820. The next was a 52-year-old Detroit manager, who had been paying 55% more with his previous car insurance company." Poe adds, "We could not be happier than what we've accomplished this past year and are even more excited about the difference we have made for thousands of Michigan families."
Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., CURE auto insurance was heralded as the "cure" for the auto insurance no-fault crisis in New Jersey when it was founded in 1990. Specializing in no-fault insurance markets, CURE auto insurance insures over 85,000 vehicles and is licensed to do business New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
More information can be found at cure.com or by calling 800-535-CURE.
Contact: Glori Gayster, ggayster@cure.com
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SOURCE CURE Auto Insurance | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/cure-celebrates-one-year-michigan-saving-more-than-30000-drivers-millions-dollars-says-ceo-poe-proof-reforms-are-working/ | 2022-07-01T19:09:07Z |
The Mindbody CEO brings deep platform and embedded payment applications expertise to the company's growing board of directors
NEW YORK, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP), a leading technology-enabled residential real estate brokerage, today announced the appointment of Josh McCarter to its board of directors. McCarter currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Mindbody, the leading wellness experience technology platform that empowers businesses and entrepreneurs in the fitness, wellness, and beauty industries.
"I am delighted to welcome Josh to Compass' board of directors," said Robert Reffkin, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Compass. "Josh is a proven business leader with a deep knowledge of building technology platforms with embedded payment applications that empower entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. His extensive experience adds tremendous value to the Compass board of directors."
McCarter joined Mindbody in 2018 where he served as Chief Strategy Officer and later as President before taking over as CEO. Prior to Mindbody, McCarter was CEO and Co-founder of Booker, a cloud-based scheduling platform, which was acquired by Mindbody in 2018. Before Booker, McCarter was President and COO of Arbitech, a leading independent distributor of computer hardware. McCarter previously served as COO of SpaFinder, managing the company's technology, operations and strategic initiatives. Prior to SpaFinder, he served as Vice President of International Development and Vice President of Business Development for Autobytel, the first online automotive marketplace.
"I am beyond excited to join the Compass board," McCarter said. "Compass is doing for real estate agents what Mindbody does for wellness entrepreneurs – providing a seamless platform of software, services, and support to help them run and grow their businesses. I look forward to contributing my experience in this space to advance the company's agent-centered strategy and next phase of growth."
Compass is the #1 residential real estate brokerage in the United States by closed sales volume.1 The company is home to over 26,000 agents in 70 markets covering nearly half of the United States population.
About Compass
Founded in 2012, Compass is a leading technology-enabled residential real estate brokerage, providing an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time and manage their business more effectively. For more information on how Compass empowers real estate agents, one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, please visit www.Compass.com.
1 T. Velt, "RealTrends 500: The Rise of Compass," RealTrends, Online, HW Media, 3/25/2022
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SOURCE Compass | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/compass-appoints-josh-mccarter-ceo-mindbody-board-directors/ | 2022-04-11T20:49:36Z |
Boyd-Whitesboro Baseball Highlights
Published: Apr. 22, 2022 at 10:53 PM CDT|Updated: 19 hours ago
Boyd-Whitesboro Baseball Highlights
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved.
Boyd-Whitesboro Baseball Highlights
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/23/boyd-whitesboro-baseball-highlights/ | 2022-04-23T23:45:38Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. (CSE: NVLH) (OTCQB: NVLHF) (FSE: 87K) ("Nevada Lithium" or the "Company") and its 50% partner in Bonnie Claire, Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTC: BVTEF) (FSE: YQGB ) ("Iconic") are pleased to announce that drilling of the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project (the "Project" or "Property") has commenced.
Nevada Lithium CEO, Stephen Rentschler, comments: "We are pleased to report that our 50% partner, Iconic, who is operator of our initial joint work program, has advised us that drilling is now underway at Bonnie Claire. This drilling is additive to the metallurgical and geophysical work now advancing the Project. We firmly believe that Bonnie Claire is one of the most attractive global lithium assets remaining in junior developers' hands."
The drill program is anticipated to include five (5) holes spaced approximately one-half mile apart, with a target end-of-hole depth of 2,000 feet (610 meters) for each hole. Both, core, and mud/rotary holes will be completed. Each drill hole will be logged and chip/core samples sent to a qualified geochemical lab for assaying. One mud/rotary drill hole will be preserved as a water well and pumping tests conducted by our borehole mining consultants, Barr Engineering Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota ("Barr"). Barr will also collect core samples for extensive materials testing in preparation for a borehole mining demonstration hole.
QP Disclosure
Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration of the Company, and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.
Subscribe to updates about Nevada Lithium Resources here: https://www.nvlithium.com/
About Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.
Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on shareholder value creation through its core asset, the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, located in Nye County, Nevada, where it currently holds a 50% interest. A recently completed NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment returned attractive investment metrics and the Company is actively advancing the Project towards Pre-Feasibility. Learn more: https://www.nvlithium.com/
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Stephen Rentschler
CEO
Find Nevada Lithium on Social Media: on Instagram and Twitter
The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statement
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the word "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the proposed exploration program, development of the Bonnie Claire Project, and advancement of the Bonnie Claire Project to pre-feasibility. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
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SOURCE Nevada Lithium Resources Inc | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/drilling-commences-bonnie-claire-lithium-project-nevada/ | 2022-06-13T11:33:01Z |
North Korea fired two cruise missiles early Wednesday morning from the coastal town of Onchon into waters off its west coast, according to a South Korean Defense Ministry official.
Military officials from South Korea and the United States said they were analyzing the launch for further details.
After the launch, South Korea's national security adviser held a meeting to assess the security situation and examined the military's preparedness, according to the presidential office.
The meeting participants agreed to closely monitor any related movements ahead of joint US-South Korea military drills, planned for early next week, the office added.
North Korea is not banned from firing cruise missiles under United Nations sanctions and last did so in January.
Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles are propelled by jet engines and stay closer to the ground, making them harder to detect. Most cruise missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads.
The launch came before a speech by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to mark his 100th day in office, during which he reiterated his willingness to provide North Korea with aid -- if it agreed to end nuclear weapons development and start the process of denuclearization.
Yoon also mentioned this "audacious initiative" to improve North Korea's economy in exchange for denuclearization in separate remarks earlier this week. He first extended the offer during his inauguration speech in May.
Building tensions
North Korea has had a flurry of recent missile tests, with Wednesday's marking the 18th launch this year, according to CNN's count.
By comparison, the hermit kingdom conducted only four tests in 2020, and eight in 2021.
The last missile launch was on June 5, with eight short-range ballistic missiles -- which South Korea and the US responded to by firing eight more missiles into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.
Tensions between the two Koreas have been building this year, with US military and intelligence agencies warning that North Korea appears to be preparing for a nuclear test -- which would be its first in five years.
South Korea and the US have stepped up their cooperation to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, announcing last month that the two countries would resume long-suspended live field training this summer.
The 25 top-earning men's tennis stars? Stacker reveals who they are, what they've earned, and more based on data compiled by the ATP Tour. Click for more.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/north-korea-fires-two-cruise-missiles-toward-sea-off-its-west-coast-south-korean-officials/article_f4ea9ab5-202f-5fc5-97ad-2e55f761c344.html | 2022-08-17T08:05:00Z |
NetBase Quid® adds TikTok and Instagram Reels, enhanced language processing, and new visualizations
SANTA CLARA, Calif. , July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetBase Quid®, a global leader in AI-powered consumer and market intelligence, announced a multitude of platform enhancements including expanded TikTok Certified Topics, expanded forum content and global language coverage, among other key updates. The quarterly updates further cement NetBase Quid's global footprint by analyzing social conversations, as well as forums, in a variety of regions and languages.
"The advancement of social media capabilities, combined with the imperative need of brands to engage with their community and understand how they are being perceived, is a continual challenge," said Mike Baglietto, Global Head of Product Marketing at NetBase Quid®. "These in-demand improvements meet our customers where their audiences are geographically and socially. The updates are critical to helping us continue to deliver the best in class social analytics and consumer intelligence platform."
Enhanced consumer and market intelligence capabilities include:
- Expansion of the industry's most comprehensive channel and data coverage
- Unmatched accuracy and data quality improvements for global language
- Even faster time to insight with quick views and streamlined capabilities
Key product highlights this quarter include:
- TikTok Certified Topic and pre-curated industry dashboards: Certified topics in NetBase now cover Trending TikToks for popular hashtags such as #fashion, #beauty, #travel, and thousands of channels covering brands and influencers across industries.
- Global Language Interface and NLP Improvements: Natural language processing (NLP) enhancements to support global enterprise and regional customers in Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.
- Expanded AI and Geo Classification: Out-of-the-box geo-classification enhancements through metadata-based approaches and advanced AI classification using machine learning (ML). Enhanced AI-based dialect classification improves coverage for French content now with others to follow.
- Expanded Forum Content: Enhanced coverage for global forum data, including coverage for France, Germany, Spain, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, and Japan from an additional forum feed provider.
- Audience Analytics: Incorporation of additional author data into Quid Social networks through ingested author interests, professions, and meta data intersected with discovered themes and trends.
- Quick Views and New Visualizations: Set of 13 curated key views (Fundamental Views and Inspirational Views) showcasing what users are saving often as their go-to view and their exposure to outliers and advanced Quid metrics.
In addition, NetBase Quid® announced earlier this year the enhancement of Quid cluster formation, naming, entity recognition, and the ability to match quote tweets enabling users to auto-expand queries to retrieve authors' quoted tweets.
To read more about the updated capabilities, please visit: https://netbasequid.com/blog/summer-product-update/
About NetBase Quid®
We make the world make sense™.
We deliver AI-powered consumer and market intelligence to enable business reinvention in a noisy and unpredictable world.
Our platform uses advanced artificial intelligence to process billions of indexed resources across all forms of structured and unstructured data, empowering brand, agency, and consulting services customers to make smart, data-driven decisions accurately, quickly, and efficiently.
We are the trusted partner of Ogilvy, T-Mobile, United Airlines, Yum! Brands, Walmart, Hyundai, Wunderman Thompson, Microsoft, BCG, and The New York Times.
Learn more at www.netbasequid.com
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SOURCE NetBase Quid | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/netbase-quid-expands-consumer-intelligence-increase-globalization-social-media-data/ | 2022-07-19T16:45:22Z |
MIAMI, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jills Zeder Group, a powerhouse team of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Ambassadors with Coldwell Banker Realty, have once again been ranked as the No. 1 large team in the entire United States, as announced in the 2022 RealTrends "The Thousand" list published in The Wall Street Journal. Per RealTrends, a large team ranges from 11 to 20 members.
RealTrends ranked The Jills Zeder Group No. 1 on the list, based on achieving $2,250,764,707 in closed sales volume in 2021 and 367.60 closed transaction sides in 2021. Affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty's offices in Miami Beach and Coral Gables, Florida, the sales team, which specializes in luxury real estate, including luxury estates, condominiums, waterfront properties, and highly complex assemblages, achieved more sales volume than any other small, medium or large team from any brokerage or company nationwide.
"Year over year, The Jills Zeder Group not only sets the bar for the industry standard of excellence, but they surpass their own benchmark. The team's ingenuity, dedication to client service, extreme market intelligence and fierce business acumen has resulted in another outstanding recognition this year," said Ryan Gorman, CEO of Coldwell Banker. "It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to serve this top-performing, legendary team as part of Coldwell Banker."
"I'm honored to once again congratulate The Jills Zeder Group for their distinguished achievement earning the No. 1 spot on the prestigious RealTrends list, solidifying them as the very best real estate team in the country," said Duff Rubin, president of Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida. "This well-earned recognition reconfirms what we already know about the team, that they offer their clients incomparable professionalism and real estate knowledge, as well as a superior understanding of the complex and evolving market of South Florida."
The RealTrends "The Thousand" ranking consists of all real estate agents and teams throughout the United States who took part in residential real estate transactions in 2021. The individual rankings are divided into two top 250 categories, based on closed transaction sides and closed sales volume. To qualify, an individual agent had to close at least 50 transaction sides or $20 million in sales volume in 2021. For real estate teams, the minimum was 75 transaction sides or $30 million in closed sales volume.
About The Jills Zeder Group: The Jills Zeder Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, is comprised of three families, all of whom are major players in the luxury residential real estate business. These families include Jill Hertzberg, Jill Eber and Felise Eber; and Hertzberg's children Danny Hertzberg and Hillary Hertzberg; and Judy Zeder and her children, Nathan Zeder and Kara Zeder Rosen. Prior to The Jills Zeder Group's formation in 2019, the families closed a combined total of more than $8 billion in real estate sales, including collaborating on multiple luxury sales in the Coral Gables market. With offices in Miami Beach and Coral Gables, The Jills Zeder Group specializes in high-end, multimillion-dollar luxury properties in South Florida's most elite enclaves, representing celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, and a diverse international clientele. They offer incomparable knowledge and services to luxury real estate clients. For more information and to contact The Jills Zeder Group, visit JillsZeder.com.
About Coldwell Banker Realty: Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is a leading residential real estate brokerage company with approximately 73 offices and 8,106 affiliated sales associates. Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE:HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States. Visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Visit ColdwellBankerLuxury.com
*Sales data according to MLS records from 1/1/2021–12/31/21.
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SOURCE Coldwell Banker Realty | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/10/jills-zeder-group-coldwell-banker-realty-again-ranked-no-1-large-team-us-by-realtrends/ | 2022-06-10T15:52:14Z |
Gestalt-Hamamatsu unified solution will provide end-to-end support to the entire workflow
SPOKANE, Wash., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Gestalt Diagnostics, Inc., a leading provider of digital pathology solutions, and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., a leading provider of whole slide imaging systems, announced the implementation of a unified solution at Intermountain Healthcare. This combined solution will facilitate Intermountain Healthcare's adoption of digital pathology* and accelerate implementation across the entire Intermountain Healthcare system.
As laboratories adopt digital pathology, they must leverage complex hardware and software solutions ecosystems to augment their existing workflows. Intermountain Healthcare recognized the complexity of implementation and adoption of digital pathology. To facilitate adoption and help users recognize the value of digital pathology, Intermountain Healthcare opted for an open ecosystem that was genuinely interoperable. As a result, Intermountain Healthcare selected Gestalt and Hamamatsu to drive efficiencies while reducing turnaround times for their clinicians.
Dylan Miller, MD, who co-led the digital pathology implementation strategy at Intermountain Healthcare, noted, "Combining the flexibility, reliability, and durability of Hamamatsu's latest generation scanning technology with Gestalt's highly adaptable and interoperable image management and reporting solution has been an ideal pairing. We are able to meet diverse and dynamic needs across multiple lab sites and pathology groups in our system as we are rolling out digital pathology because of this tremendous partnership."
Don Ariyakumar, Product Manager at Hamamatsu stated, "Enabling customers to select the best-in-class solutions for their organization along with interoperability is critical for the adoption of digital pathology. We are thrilled to work with Gestalt and help Intermountain Healthcare reach its potential with Hamamatsu NanoZoomer digital pathology systems."
"A truly interoperable platform which incorporates every component necessary to streamline the workflow for pathologists is essential for leveraging the full benefits of digital pathology," said Lisa-Jean Clifford, COO & Chief Strategy Officer at Gestalt. "The deep integration of our Image Management System with Hamamatsu is a cornerstone of the digital process. PathFlow, our digital pathology solution, streamlines the workflow and case management for Intermountain Healthcare's pathologists through interoperability, increasing efficiency. Our ability to integrate bi-directionally with the LIS and EMRs to provide the right case to the right pathologist both internal to Intermountain Healthcare and to their external clients, regardless of their location, has a positive impact on their operations."
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. is a leading manufacturer of photonics devices. We design, manufacture, and sell optical sensors, light sources, optical components, cameras, photometry systems, and measurement/analysis systems.
Gestalt Diagnostics is committed to bringing anatomic pathology into the digital age. The US company was formed in 2017 and provides enterprise solutions and services to transform anatomic pathology laboratories from glass slides, microscopes, and couriers to an automated, electronic digital workflow. Gestalt has developed its flagship product, PathFlow®, built upon its experience and expertise in a radiology PACS - Image Management System. This experience in radiology forged its success in developing and deploying a fully digital pathology solution specifically for pathology labs. The advisory board contains industry-leading pathologists who continually weigh in on Gestalt's development plans and the usability of solutions in clinical practice, education, and research.
*Whole Slide imaging system is sold for research use only
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SOURCE Gestalt Diagnostics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/intermountain-healthcare-selects-gestalt-hamamatsu-accelerate-digital-pathology-adoption/ | 2022-06-07T16:20:54Z |
Partnership will integrate cyber threat intelligence and risk management solutions into one of the leading markets in Latin America
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a U.S. cybersecurity and intelligence company, announced its partnership with ECOMIL SAS to expand Resecurity's AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and threat intelligence services to Colombia. Based in Bogotá, Colombia, ECOMIL SAS provides cybersecurity, IT management and networking solutions to enterprise and government customers in Colombia.
Colombia is rapidly transforming to a digital economy, where remote work has exploded 400% post pandemic. The transition to a digital economy has increased the threat of cyber-attacks, which increased 59% in the first half of 2020 alone. The uptick in cyber-attacks have increased the need for cyber security services in Colombia. To accelerate the adoption of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, Resecurity is partnering with ECOMIL SAS to provide managed threat detection and response to Colombian organizations, along with tailored solutions oriented on needs of law enforcement, government agencies, aerospace and defense (A&D).
"We are thrilled to partner with ECOMIL and to join forces to deliver our solutions across all market verticals in Colombia" – said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, Inc.
"Partnership with Resecurity will positively impact on Colombian cybersecurity market, and will enable delivery of cutting-edge solutions to protect critical sectors of economy" – Edgar Ernesto Hernandez, CEO of Ecomil SAS.
Resecurity's innovative cybersecurity solutions allow organizations to automate the identification, assessment, and triage of possible cyber threats while staying ahead of cybercriminals using advanced tactics to attack organizations at scale. The AI-driven platform allows administrators to reduce potential blind spots and security gaps by quickly seeing in-depth analysis and specific artifacts obtained through the Dark Web, botnets activity, network intelligence, and high-quality threat intelligence.
Click here to learn more about Resecurity's cybersecurity solutions.
Reference:
https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/colombia-cybersecurity-outlook
Resecurity, Inc. (Los Angeles, California) is a cybersecurity company providing managed threat detection and response for Fortune 500. The company delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An official member of AFCEA, FS-ISAC, NDIA, SIA, Infragard, the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (AmChamMexico). To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com.
ECOMIL SAS is a leading technology services provider based in Bogotá, Colombia. ECOMIL provides Colombian organizations and companies with expertise in telecommunications, information security, network infrastructure, cloud solutions, and support/professional services with many years of experience in the market. https://www.ecomil.co.
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SOURCE Resecurity | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/resecurity-usa-partners-with-ecomil-sas-accelerate-cybersecurity-colombia/ | 2022-08-26T22:26:59Z |
Bigfoot sighting reported at South Carolina state park
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC/Gray News) – Three visitors to a state park in South Carolina claim they saw an animal they believe could be Bigfoot.
The three people visited Hunting Island State Park on Aug. 3 and reported seeing an animal that was 5-6 feet tall and walking upright retreat into the woods from the roadway.
The people were unable to take a photo quickly enough but reported the sighting to park staff and to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.
According to the report, the animal had legs that were “approximately 3 feet long, human-like jointed knee, with dark brown, splotchy black hair that was approximately 2 inches long.”
The report continues, “We were all in a state of amazement as to what occurred as it happened so quickly. We have enjoyed taking many vacations at the park throughout the years since we were children in the 1950′s to the present. While the area is abundant in wildlife, we have never witnessed anything like this in the past.”
The park superintendent informed the group he would take the report as a “credible incident” and initiate an investigation.
Copyright 2022 WTOC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/02/bigfoot-sighting-reported-south-carolina-state-park/ | 2022-09-02T17:29:55Z |
Presentations Cover Hardening the Attack Surface for the City of Las Vegas and An Outcome Based Approach to Cyber Security
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BLACK HAT USA 2022 – Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security artificial intelligence, today announced it will present two sessions at Black Hat USA 2022. Listed below, Darktrace speakers will explore preventative approaches to cyber security that are redefining how organizations and smart cities mitigate cyber risk.
"I'm honored to be presenting alongside Michael Sherwood, Chief Innovation Officer from the City of Las Vegas about how organizations can take a more proactive approach to cyber risk to stay steps ahead of the attacker," said Nicole Eagan, Chief Strategy & AI Officer, Darktrace. "Now is the moment to have a global conversation on how we can evolve our collective thinking as threats evolve and leverage AI as an always-on feedback mechanism to strengthen our entire security ecosystem."
Throughout the conference, Darktrace will be stationed at Booth #1132, showing publicly for the first time the recently launched Darktrace PREVENT™, a product family that uses AI to 'think like an attacker,' finding pathways to an organization's most critical assets and people from inside and outside. PREVENT is the third product area in Darktrace's delivery of a Cyber AI Loop, the industry-first set of AI capabilities which work together autonomously to optimize an organization's state of security through a continuous feedback loop.
Darktrace sessions at Black Hat include:
How Darktrace Helps the City of Las Vegas Harden Its Attack Surface
Date: Wednesday, August 10 | 10:20am-11:10am (Mandalay Bay I)
Speakers:
- Nicole Eagan | Chief Strategy Officer, Darktrace
- Justin Fier | VP, Tactical Risk and Response, Darktrace
- Michael Sherwood | Chief Innovation Officer, the City of Las Vegas
Track: Risk, Compliance and Security Management
Details: A challenge for security teams is understanding and prioritizing the real risks their organizations face. Smart Cities, like the City of Las Vegas, are no exception. Beyond general vulnerabilities, what paths might an attacker take to cause the most disruption? Applying AI research led Darktrace experts to discover, simulate, and prioritize external and internal cyber risk for customers like the City of Las Vegas. While threats increase in complexity, hear how a new technology in preventative security goes far beyond shiny tools to streamline continuous testing of controls to ensure real world risks are mitigated.
Outcome-based AI Cyber Security: Are We Ready?
Date: Wednesday, August 10 | 8:00am-8:15am (Virtual)
Speaker: Justin Fier | VP, Tactical Risk and Response, Darktrace
Track: Risk, Compliance and Security Management
Details: In the cult classic movie 'War Games,' Matthew Broderick used a rotary phone to dial in to the WOPR – an AI that could simulate different scenarios and carry out real world outcomes. Thirty years later, we are still haunted by the words, "Shall we play a game?" Now the Darktrace AI Research Centre has found safe ways for AI to help us understand our attack surface, identify attack paths, emulate cyber-attacks, and ensure we have effective countermeasures in place. Take a glimpse into the current state of preventive AI cyber security systems that continuously harden defenses.
About Darktrace
Darktrace (DARK.L), a global leader in cyber security artificial intelligence, is on a mission to free the world of cyber disruption. Breakthrough innovations in our Cyber AI Research Centre in Cambridge, UK have resulted in over 100 patent applications filed and research published to contribute to the cyber security community. Rather than study attacks, our technology continuously learns and updates its knowledge of 'you' and applies that understanding to optimize your state of optimal cyber security. We are delivering the first ever Cyber AI Loop, fueling a continuous end-to-end security capability that can autonomously spot and respond to novel in-progress threats within seconds. Darktrace employs over 2,000 people around the world and protects over 7,400 customers globally from advanced cyber threats. Darktrace was named one of TIME magazine's 'Most Influential Companies' in 2021. To learn more, visit https://darktrace.com.
Media Contacts
Liz Scanlon
CommStrat (US)
+1 510 295 7542
darktrace@commstrat.com
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SOURCE Darktrace | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/05/darktrace-present-key-sessions-black-hat-usa-2022/ | 2022-08-05T18:16:01Z |
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s annual book fair kicked off Wednesday, with several publishers of political books prevented from taking part in the fair and others saying they had to be cautious about what they exhibited.
The fair’s main organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said it did not screen the books for sale at the fair. But Hong Kong authorities have tightened controls on freedom of expression and arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists after a tough national security law took effect in 2020, and the council stressed that exhibitors must abide by the law.
Independent publisher Hillway Culture, which publishes books on Hong Kong and political events, was among those not allowed to participate. Another publisher, One of a Kind, which has published several books about 2019 protests in the city, was another.
Publishers are having a tough time given the impact of the pandemic on the city’s economy and concerns over censorship and rejection of independent publishers, said Kaying Wong, a guest curator at The House of Hong Kong Literature, the city’s largest literary organization.
“It’s surely not an easy job for us to set up a booth in the book fair and be selected (to exhibit),” Wong said.
The book fair is one of the largest in Asia. In past years, it was known for exhibiting a variety of books, including politically sensitive ones and those banned on the communist-ruled Chinese mainland.
In 2020, the city postponed the fair several times due to the pandemic. The event finally was held in person last June after a one-year hiatus. This year’s book fair runs from Wednesday until Tuesday, July 26.
Novelist Gabriel Tsang, who works with publisher Spicy Fish Cultural Production Limited, said writers have to consider whether they can get published in the current environment.
“I guess many writers have their own intentions … and they have to think a lot about whether they can have work published. They may use some allegory or use many rhetoric skills, rather than directly expressing what they wanted to express originally,” he said.
Last year, complaints were lodged against Hillway Culture, one of the publishers rejected this year, for exhibiting politically sensitive books that could be seen as violating the national security law.
“Last year, we had (exhibited) political books in the book fair and this was also the case for another publisher that was banned,” said Raymond Yeung, Hillway Culture’s founder. He was one of the few publishers allowed to exhibit political books about Hong Kong at last year’s book fair.
Yeung attempted to set up an independent book fair as an alternative to the main fair earlier this month but had to cancel that after the landlord of the venue accused Hillway of violating its tenancy contract by subletting its space to other publishers.
The authorities ought to be clearer and more transparent about what kinds of activities are allowed, said Hui Ching, research director of the policy think tank Hong Kong Zhi Ming Institute.
“If there’s no transparency, it’s reasonable for citizen to suspect their rights being deprived,” Hui said.
Visitors still value the fair as an opportunity to browse and purchase a wide range of books.
“I read as a habit and today I’ve come to look for some Chinese novels and short stories that I’m interested in,” said Grace Ng, a 22-year-old university student who visited the fair with her boyfriend.
Ng usually attends the annual fair and said this year’s appeared somewhat subdued. “It’s not as crowded now as before the pandemic,” she said. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/hong-kong-book-fair-kicks-off-with-fewer-political-books/ | 2022-07-20T23:21:06Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rich Talent Group (RTG), executive recruiting firm known for its track record of building diverse leadership teams and boards, announced the addition of Yumi Prentice as Partner, representing an expansion into the LA market.
With more than 25 years of experience across three continents, Prentice is a seasoned business leader and team builder with deep global, operations, and marketing expertise. She has built and led interdisciplinary teams across cultures in private and public companies in APAC, EMEA, and North America.
"In today's challenging business environment, clients look to us to deeply understand their needs and help them build diverse, high-performing leadership teams," said RTG Founder and CEO, Jana Rich, "Yumi—with decades of experience working alongside clients and her commitment to our mission around DE&I—will be an incredible partner to our clients and leader in our firm."
Previously, Prentice worked at major advertising agencies and consultancies across industries, most recently serving as President and Managing Partner at integrated creative advertising agency, David&Goliath. Throughout her career, she has overseen global, regional, and national initiatives for clients such as Nokia, Microsoft, Dell, HBO, Hotwire, Kia, Unilever, and Charles Schwab, among others.
Prentice is a passionate advocate for women and minorities. She is a Time's Up Advertising Signatory and a founding member of Chief in LA.
"I'm thrilled to join a team that's making a substantial impact when it comes to diversifying leadership and enabling real inclusion across organizations," said Prentice, "I'm passionate about helping more women, people of color, and LGBTQ people rise to become the next generation of leaders and drive transformative business outcomes. Rich Talent Group is exactly the place to do this vital and meaningful work."
About Rich Talent Group
Rich Talent Group partners with today's visionary companies to build transformative leadership teams and boards that help change the world. Since its founding in 2014, the firm has become a leader in advocating for diversity and creating more diverse and inclusive teams across the country. In 2021, 90% of the candidates RTG recruited into operating roles added diversity as women, people of color, and/or LGBTQ+. And that was 100% for boards. With offices in San Francisco and New York, RTG works with both early-stage companies and larger established organizations in consumer and technology spaces. In 2021, RTG joined kyu—a global collective of best-in-class creative companies.
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SOURCE Rich Talent Group | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/yumi-prentice-joins-rich-talent-group-partner/ | 2022-08-01T18:34:40Z |
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As student anxiety skyrockets, campus ministries are trying to help by not only offering the comforts of faith and community, but also creating collaborations with mental health professionals.
On Ivy League campuses, large public institutions and faith-based colleges, chaplains and psychologists are teaming up, informed by abundant research showing religion and spirituality can ease mental distress by providing group support and boosting personal resilience.
“We’re good partners, and routinely refer back and forth,” said Calvin Chin, Princeton University’s director of counseling and psychological services, which a third of students use. “We’re really thinking holistically about how to support a student, what they need to lead successful and satisfying lives.”
On a spring Saturday afternoon close to finals week, Sadaf Shier, the Muslim chaplain at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, oversaw a celebration for the end of Ramadan where students of all faiths, or none, did stress-reducing activities like flowerpot painting and henna hand decorating.
Shier and the university’s Protestant pastor, Neil Ellingson, mingled with dozens of students on the lawn outside the Catholic chapel.
“My major engagement is providing a climate where students feel their religious identity is legitimate,” Shier said. “That’s directly supporting mental health.”
Ellingson also saw a direct connection between faith and mental health: Belief in a higher being leads students to feel that “you’re loved by the cosmos and you matter in this big sense.”
But he added the challenge is to broaden ministry’s outreach.
“Students who tend to come through the door are already plugged in. How do you connect with those who aren’t?” he said. “At the time when students need this stuff the most, they’re not seeking it.”
The need is indeed critical. In December, halfway through the first academic year when most colleges returned to in-person instruction, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on the country’s youth mental health crisis. It found everything from sadness to suicide plans increased by more than 40% in the decade before COVID-19 — and that the pandemic’s further impact was “devastating.”
Counselors are seeing distress become more widespread and more severe — particularly anxiety, which overtook stress and depression among students, according to the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors.
“Our faculty say … students seem much more overwhelmed, to be carrying a lot more anxiety,” especially about coping with demands and social interactions, said Cindy Bruns, director of counseling and licensed psychologist at Central Washington University.
By fostering supportive community events where students can relearn to socialize in real life and not in always-curated social media — a skill often lost in pandemic isolation — campus ministries can have a big impact.
At Yale University, Omer Bajwa, an imam and director of Muslim life, has seen a dramatic increase in attendance at Friday prayers and Ramadan events compared to pre-pandemic times. While he said the class of 2025 has nearly double the usual number of self-identifying Muslim students, he believes attendance is also driven by how relevant chaplains have become.
“We are trained to be good listeners, to ask reflective questions, to engage with people where they are,” Bajwa said.
Across the country at the University of Southern California, home to 50,000 enrolled students, record numbers showed up at spirituality and wellness events — at Shabbat dinners, Buddhist meditations, Catholic Masses and pet therapy sessions.
“We had 250 kids come out to pet two therapy dogs. We normally get 20 kids,” said Varun Soni, dean of religious life. “They were so desperate to be with each other within a context of meaning-making, that suddenly religious and spiritual life boomed in the fall.”
Even before the pandemic, despair seemed to mark Generation Z, whose members were born roughly between 1997 and 2012.
“Students were no longer asking me, ‘How should I live?’ They started asking me, ‘Why should I live?’” Soni said.
Chaplains and counselors have been teaming up for years, he said, but even though USC bolstered its wellness team by adding 60 new counselors since 2008, appointment wait times remain around three weeks.
Still, chaplains and psychologists are quick to emphasize that one can’t replace the other – especially since demand is so high. By serving as students’ long-term mentors, chaplains can free up counseling to deal with critical care like panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
The Newman Center at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, offers game nights and dances and also pays for weekly student counseling sessions at its residence hall, which is open to non-Catholics, too.
“We aren’t just an activity center, we want to be a place for people to ask the big questions,” said its director, the Rev. Dan Andrews. “Not to have answers is a root cause of the anxiety they’re experiencing.”
David deBoer, director of counseling at Loyola’s wellness center, sees in that soul-searching the special role of campus ministry.
“Campus ministry can engage students to a more existential level, gets at more profound questions that mental health language has limitations for,” he says. For example, a chaplain can help reconcile the dissonance that traditionally educated Muslim or Catholic students might feel if developing a sexual orientation or gender identity not welcomed by their faith, he added.
Many experts argue that therapy should assess students’ engagement with spirituality as an overall part of their identity. It would help uncover potential coping mechanisms, said David Hodge, professor in the school of social work at Arizona State University.
It also prevents misdiagnosing them — a Catholic student who just received the sacrament of reconciliation might say “I’m OK with dying” but not be suicidal, said Charis Davidson, a professor and public health researcher at Mercy College.
Her studies found that collaborations between campus ministry and counseling are still “definitely the exception” at public universities, but that the current crisis might bring more together.
Also crucial is to broaden the outreach to students reluctant to approach faith leaders. Vanessa Gomez Brake, a secular humanist and the associate dean of religious and spiritual life at USC, said expanding spiritual wellness offerings for religious and nonreligious students alike should become the priority for campus ministry.
This year, for example, she partnered with the counseling center to launch a group for those processing pandemic-related grief.
At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the Catholic student center tried to keep as many community programs going as possible even during the pandemic’s darkest moments, said its director, the Rev. Eric Nielsen.
“I had an atheist come in who wanted to just hang out,” he recalled, adding the student said it helped him feel a bit less depressed.
At the recent Eid celebration at the University of St. Thomas, three students worked the table offering glitter, decals and ribbons to decorate mason jars and hijabs. Salma Nadir, a graduating senior and secretary of the Muslim Student Association, said Shier, the chaplain, “saved us so many times” with events like this that foster a welcoming community.
“It’s been good for my stress, to be able to talk with new people,” first-year student Arianna Norals agreed.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/campus-ministries-counselors-join-to-tackle-mental-health/ | 2022-06-01T16:47:22Z |
NEW YORK, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. ("Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp." or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LILM) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between March 30, 2021 and March 14, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
LILM investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (1) Lilium materially overstates the design and capabilities of the Lilium Jet, an electric vertical take-off-and-landing aircraft for use in a new type of high-speed air transport system for people and goods; (2) Lilium materially overstates the likelihood for the Lilium Jet's timely certification; (3) Lilium misrepresents its ability to obtain or create the necessary batteries for the Lilium Jet; (4) the special purpose acquisition company merger would not and did not generate enough cash to commercially launch the Lilium Jet; (5) Qell Acquisition Corp. did not engage in proper due diligence regarding its merger with Lilium GmbH; and (6) as a result, Defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. during the relevant time frame, you have until June 17, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/12/lilm-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-lilium-nv-fka-qell-acquisition-corp-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-05-12T10:35:18Z |
- Consolidated revenue increased 1% for the quarter and 6% year-to-date
- Consolidated segment profit(1) decreased 23% for the quarter and 9% year-to-date
- Consolidated segment profit margin(1) of 24% for the quarter and 32% year-to-date
- Net income attributable to shareholders of $16.2 million ($0.08 per share basic) for the quarter and $92.4 million ($0.44 per share basic) year-to-date
- Net debt to segment profit(1) of 2.70 times at February 28, 2022, down from 2.76 times at August 31, 2021
- Free cash flow(1) of $88.4 million for the quarter and $168.4 million year-to-date
TORONTO, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) announced its second quarter financial results today.
"Corus has delivered modest consolidated revenue growth in a challenging macroeconomic environment in the second quarter," said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our Q2 results reflect strong subscriber revenue gains and a recovery in our radio business, offset primarily by lower timing-related content licensing revenues. We delivered strong free cash flow and strengthened our capital structure, providing a solid foundation for our growth initiatives in the years to come. At the mid-way point of our year, Corus is well positioned to benefit from the disciplined execution of our strategic plan and priorities as the economy reopens."
Financial Highlights
Segment Revenue
Operational Highlights
The Company advanced its Strategic Priorities on multiple fronts. Corus expanded its digital and traditional video advertising offerings; new content development partnerships and international sales were secured through Corus' content business and the Company significantly increased its financial flexibility with the issuance of Senior Unsecured Notes and the extension of its credit facilities.
- On February 9, 2022, the Company announced the expansion of its premium, multi-channel streaming service STACKTV onto Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream platforms. This marks the first time STACKTV is available as a stand-alone streaming channels bundle through a traditional distribution partner. Corus also highlighted the addition of Lifetime to its suite of networks on STACKTV.
- As of April 4, 2022, the Company reached a new milestone of nearly 750,000 paying subscribers to its STACKTV, Nick+ and other streaming platforms, an increase from more than 725,000 paying subscribers on January 10, 2022.
- On March 1, 2022, the Company announced the Canadian launch of Magnolia Network - Chip and Joanna Gaines' joint media venture with Discovery, Inc. The Company exclusively debuted Magnolia Network on March 28, 2022, becoming the first broadcaster outside of the U.S. to launch the channel.
- On April 7, 2022, the Company's Corus Studios announced its largest U.S. output deal ever with streaming platform Hulu. This new multi-year agreement consists of over 400 episodes of lifestyle, renovation, unscripted and crime content from Corus Studios, building on the previously announced sale to Hulu of 200+ episodes last year.
Financial Highlights
- Free cash flow(1) of $88.4 million in Q2 and $168.4 million year-to-date compared to $89.7 million and $152.1 million year-to-date, respectively, in the same comparable prior year periods. The decrease in free cash flow(1) in the second quarter is attributable to a decrease in cash provided by operating activities, offset by a reduction in cash used in investing activities. The increase in free cash flow(1) for the six months ended February 28, 2022 is mainly attributable to a $43.5 million venture fund distribution, offset by a decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $25.9 million.
- On February 28, 2022, the Company issued $250.0 million in principal amount of 6.0% Senior Unsecured Notes due February 28, 2030 (the "Notes"). The net proceeds therefrom were used to repay amounts under the Company's Term Credit Facility (the "Term Facility").
- Subsequent to the quarter, the Company's credit agreement with a syndicate of banks was amended and restated effective March 18, 2022. The principal amendments effected extended the maturity dates for the Term Facility and bank revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") to March 18, 2027.
- Net debt to segment profit(1) was 2.70 times at February 28, 2022, down from 2.76 times at August 31, 2021, principally due to the repayment of bank loans, net of Notes issuance, in the current year of $70.2 million year-to-date, offset by the addition of $13.5 million in production financing for an acquired subsidiary.
- As of February 28, 2022, the Company had $95.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and the committed $300.0 million Revolving Facility that remains undrawn.
Corus Entertainment Inc. reports its financial results in Canadian dollars.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the three and six months ended February 28, 2022 and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available on the Company's website at www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section and under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
A conference call with Corus senior management is scheduled for April 8, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. ET. While this call is directed at analysts and investors, members of the media are welcome to listen in. The dial-in number for the conference call for local and international callers is 1.647.794.4605 and for North America is 1.888.204.4368. More information can be found on the Corus Entertainment website at www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section.
COVID-19 Update
Many provinces and territories have begun the gradual lifting of health restrictions related to COVID-19, which may see a phased return to on-site work across various sectors. Disruptions caused by imposition or removal of public health restrictions and rising COVID-19 infection rates, including labour shortages, employee absenteeism at the Company or its clients and suppliers, changes in consumer demand, and supply chain shortages or disruptions, particularly in the retail, tourism and entertainment sectors, can negatively impact the Company's operations and financial performance, including advertising revenue. There can be no certainty that current vaccination and public health measures can mitigate negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business in the short to medium term.
Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This press release includes the non-IFRS financial measures of segment profit, segment profit margin, free cash flow, adjusted net income, adjusted basic earnings per share, net debt to segment profit, optimized advertising revenue, and new platform revenue that are not in accordance with, nor an alternate to, generally accepted accounting principles ("IFRS") and may be different from non-IFRS measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-IFRS measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles.
Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. They are limited in value because they exclude charges that have a material effect on the Company's reported results and, therefore, should not be relied upon as the sole financial measures to evaluate the Company's financial results. The non-IFRS financial measures are meant to supplement, and to be viewed in conjunction with, IFRS financial results. A reconciliation of the Company's non-IFRS measures is included in the Company's most recent Report to Shareholders for the three and six months ended February 28, 2022, which is available on Corus' website at www.corusent.com as well as on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information and should be read subject to the following cautionary language:
To the extent any statements made in this press release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements and may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). This forward-looking information relates to, among other things, the Company's objectives, goals, strategies, targets, intentions, plans, estimates and outlook, including the adoption and anticipated impact of the Company's strategic plan, advertising and expectations of advertising trends for fiscal 2022, distribution, merchandise and subscription revenue, the Company's dividend policy and the payment of future dividends; the Company's leverage target; the Company's proposed share purchases, including the number of Class B non-voting shares to be repurchased under its normal course issuer bid, if any, and timing thereof; and expectations regarding financial performance including capital allocation strategy and capital structure management, operating costs and tariffs, taxes and fees, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may" or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances may be considered forward-looking information. Although Corus believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves assumptions, risks and uncertainties and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied with respect to the forward-looking information, including without limitation, factors and assumptions regarding the general market conditions and general outlook for the industry including the potential impact of new competition and industry mergers and acquisitions, interest rates, stability of the advertising, distribution, merchandise and subscription markets, operating and capital costs and tariffs, taxes and fees, the Company's ability to source desirable content and the Company's capital and operating results being consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: the Company's ability to attract and retain advertising revenue; audience acceptance of the Company's television programs and cable networks; the Company's ability to recoup production costs, the availability of tax credits and the existence of co-production treaties; the Company's ability to compete in any of the industries in which we do business; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by the Company; conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries and technological developments therein; changes in laws or regulations or the interpretation or application of those laws and regulations; the Company's ability to integrate and realize anticipated benefits from its acquisitions and to effectively manage its growth; the Company's ability to successfully defend itself against litigation matters arising out of the ordinary course of business; failure to meet covenants under the Company's senior credit facility, senior unsecured notes or other instruments or facilities; epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the current outbreak of COVID-19 and changes in accounting standards. Additional information about these factors and about the material assumptions underlying any forward-looking information may be found under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended August 31, 2021 and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2021. Corus cautions that the foregoing list of important assumptions and factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Corus, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Unless otherwise specified, all forward-looking information in this document speaks as of the date of this document. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Corus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, events or circumstances that arise after the date thereof or otherwise.
About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the Company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a suite of digital and streaming assets, animation software, technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The Company also owns innovative full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, leading 2D animation software supplier Toon Boom and children's book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus' roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with broadly distributed Canadian streaming platforms STACKTV, Nick+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. For more information visit www.corusent.com.
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SOURCE Corus Entertainment Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/corus-entertainment-announces-fiscal-2022-second-quarter-results/ | 2022-04-08T11:14:13Z |
British girl Madeleine McCann still missing after 15 years
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The parents of Madeleine McCann, a British toddler who vanished from an apartment during her family’s vacation in Portugal 15 years ago and captured global interest, say they remain hopeful that efforts by police in three countries to solve the mystery will eventually bring answers.
Kate and Gerry McCann, both British doctors living in England, said in a statement to mark Tuesday’s anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance that “a truly horrific crime” was committed on May 3, 2007.
They said on the website created to help find Madeleine that “our need for answers, for the truth, is essential.”
They thanked British, Portuguese and German police who continue to work on what happened when the 3-year-old disappeared from her bed in southern Portugal’s Algarve region. She was in the same room as her 2-year-old twin brother and sister while her parents had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.
Last month, Portuguese prosecutors formally accused the latest suspect in the investigation.
They didn’t name the suspect, in line with Portuguese privacy laws, but said they were acting on a request by German authorities and in coordination with British investigators.
In mid-2020, Germany’s police identified Christian Brueckner, a 45-year-old German citizen who was in the Algarve in 2007, as a suspect in the case. Brueckner has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
The Portuguese accusation prevents the statute of limitations expiring in the case. The expiry would have occurred 15 years after the alleged crime took place, but accusing a suspect halts that count.
Madeleine’s disappearance stirred worldwide interest, with public claims of having spotted her stretching as far away as Australia, and brought the publication of books and television documentaries about the case.
Rewards for finding Madeleine reached several million dollars.
The case involved sensational developments. In one dramatic twist, Madeleine’s parents were briefly named as official suspects after police found traces of blood in their vacation rental car.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/03/british-girl-madeleine-mccann-still-missing-after-15-years/ | 2022-05-03T13:29:39Z |
Kansas’ victory most-viewed men’s title game on cable TV
NEW YORK (AP) — Kansas’ comeback victory over North Carolina to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship was the most-viewed title game on cable television. The Jayhawks’ 72-69 win averaged 18.1 million viewers on TBS, TNT and truTV. That’s a 4 percent increase over last year’s title game between Baylor and Gonzaga on CBS. This was the third time the championship game was on Turner, but first since 2018. They were supposed to have the 2020 final, but the tournament was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The entire tournament on CBS and Turner averaged 10.7 million, a 13% increase over last year. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/05/kansas-victory-most-viewed-mens-title-game-on-cable-tv/ | 2022-04-05T23:40:44Z |
Hill's Returns as National Sponsor of NBCUniversal Local's Clear the Shelters for the Fifth Consecutive Year to Help Shelter Animals Find Homes Through Science-led Nutrition this August
TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year1. This year marks a critical time as over the past five months, more animals are entering shelters than leaving them2. That's why Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led pet nutrition, is ramping up its year-round support of shelters as part of its mission to help end pet homelessness.
For the fifth year, Hill's returns as the national sponsor of Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local's nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, and is teaming up with actor Taylor Lautner (Twilight, Scream Queens) to encourage prospective pet owners to find their new best friend during the country's largest pet adoption of the year.
As a longtime pet lover and owner, Lautner adopted his dog Remi in 2021 and jumped at the opportunity to join this year's Clear The Shelters campaign.
"Adopting Remi was one of the best decisions my fiancée and I have ever made. She not only completed our family but has also fueled our passion for advocating for shelter pets who are in need of a loving home," said Lautner. "Hill's does a great job helping get shelter pets ready for adoption through science-led nutrition. Together we encourage anyone considering adopting a pet to open their hearts and homes to pets in need."
Each year through Clear The Shelters, NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide team up with shelters and rescues in their communities, which included more than 1,300 organizations last year, to help find loving homes for pets in need. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has helped more than 700,000 find their forever homes.
The campaign will again feature online donations through partners Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, and The Animal Rescue Site, which will host the fundraising and cover all transaction fees so that 100 percent of donations go directly to shelters and rescues in need. Online donations can be made to participating shelters or rescues during the campaign at ClearTheSheltersFund.org, which is also accessible via ClearTheShelters.com.
In addition to being a national sponsor, Hill's will provide adoption kits to new pet parents containing starter bags of Hill's pet food, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies, which will be available at select shelters throughout the month.
"For the past two decades, Hill's has helped millions of shelter pets find their forever homes through our Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program, and we are proud to continue our long-time support of the Clear The Shelter campaign," said Nicki Baty, President of Hill's Pet Nutrition US. "We are grateful to work in partnership with Greater Good Charities, Taylor Lautner, and thousands of veterinary, retail and shelter partners nationwide, to help end pet homelessness - especially during a time when shelters are under-resourced and experiencing rising intake rates."
Hill's is also providing financial support for the campaign to support two Greater Good Charities "Good Flights" pet airlifts during Clear The Shelters month in August, where at-risk animals in overpopulated shelters will be transported to new shelters to be evaluated and receive needed medical care before being put up for adoption.
With purpose at the heart of everything, Hill's is empowering its employees to give back to communities and support the initiatives that help drive the brand's mission forward. Across the organization, hundreds of Hill's employees will volunteer at participating shelters during Clear The Shelters crescendo weekend August 26-28, 2022 to provide adoption kits to help pet parents welcome their new pets into the family.
The year's campaign also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of Hill's Food, Shelter and Love program, which partners with shelters 365 days a year to supply premium pet nutrition for animals in need. The program has provided more than $300 million in pet food to more than 1,000 shelters and has helped more than 12 million pets find new homes. When pet parents purchase Hill's products, they help us provide premium nutrition to thousands of shelter pets across the country.
For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.
To learn more about Hill's support of shelters and the pets they care for, visit www.hillscleartheshelters.com.
1 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
2 Shelter Animals Count
PR Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg, Hill + Knowlton Strategies
jennie.rosenberg@hkstrategies.com
Founded more than 80 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday foods, Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Healthy Advantage and Hill's Bioactive Recipe, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products, nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com or HillsVet.com. To learn more about Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program, visit hillspet.com/shelter.
Clear The Shelters™ / Desocupar Los Albergues® is an annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign that is spearheaded by NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal. Every year, NBCUniversal Local's NBC and Telemundo owned stations, plus affiliated stations, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to host Clear The Shelters events. NBCUniversal Local's Clear The Shelters campaign was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX and dozens of area shelters that resulted in the most adopted pets in one day for North Texas. Since 2015, NBCUniversal Local's Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign has resulted in more than 700,000 pets finding new homes. Visit ClearTheShelters.com and DesocuparLosAlbergues.com for more information.
NBCUniversal Local is NBCUniversal's local media division that delivers English and Spanish-speakers and bilingual audiences in 31 U.S. markets and Puerto Rico, the very best in local sports, news, weather, consumer and investigative reporting, and lifestyle entertainment across any platform and screen. NBCUniversal Local is comprised of three individual media groups including the NBC Owned Television Stations, the NBC Sports Regional Networks and the Telemundo Station Group. The division is also home to multicast networks NBCLX, COZI TV and TeleXitos, the regional cable news network NECN, as well as NBC Spot On, an advanced video advertising business designed for local/regional CTV and OTT advertisers and several in-house companies including production company LXTV, marketing and promotions company Skycastle, its out-of-home business NBC Everywhere, and the Arthouse, a graphics design group. With seven regional sports networks and 42 NBC and Telemundo stations serving 38 percent of U.S. homes, NBCUniversal Local is the only network-owned local media division that is home to the largest bilingual local newsrooms within the country's top 10 TV markets. NBCUniversal Local's stations and networks serve diverse audiences and communities across linear, streaming, OTT, digital web, mobile and audio, and cable platforms and work together to keep local audiences informed anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit NBCUniversal.com.
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SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/science-love-hills-pet-nutrition-actor-taylor-lautner-invite-pet-lovers-join-clear-shelters-campaign-end-pet-homelessness/ | 2022-08-02T13:58:30Z |
Artist, Russell Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo) is awarded Best of Show at Santa Fe Indian Market's 2022 Awards Luncheon in the Pottery Classification
SANTA FE, N.M., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Fe Indian Market is pleased to announce this year's Best of Show, Best of Class and Special Award winners in a variety of classifications. Since 1922, Santa Fe Indian Market, the world's largest and most prestigious Native North American art market, has awarded Best of Show winners to the nation's exceptional Indigenous artists in a variety of juried categories.
Over 40 judges, experts in various mediums, spent all day Thursday, August 18, reviewing and critiquing this year's entries and determining the winners. The announcement of the Best of Show, Best of Class, and Special Award winners was made publicly at the Best of Show Luncheon on Friday afternoon.
All the Best of Show winners' phenomenal artwork was available this past weekend during Santa Fe Indian Market on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe.
The 2022 Centennial Best of Class winners are:
Ernest Benally (Navajo)
Jeweled belt entitled, "Turtle Family"
Handmade and stamped tooled bezel
2"x3"
12 turtle pieces
Made with natural stones and shells
Russell Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo)
Polychrome jar- incised, then painted. "100 years in the making!"
8" w x 7" d x 10 ½ h
Inlaid with sleeping beauty hematite and lone mountain turquoise.
All traditional materials and firing.
Cara Romero (Chemehuevi)
Archival pigment print. "The Zenith"
43" x 48" x 3"
Digital capture of model with corn on fishing line.
Manuel Chavarria (Hopi)
Hopi old- style katsina dolls "Qooglee Storyteller Hunters"— set of 2
15" t x 4.5" w and 15.5 t x 8.5" w
Leather cottonwood root, pigment paint, parrot feathers, leather attire, sinew, copper on knives and arrow tips, cotton string, turquoise necklace, and sterling silver pendants.
Ryan Benally (Diné)
Hand carved Italian marble and granite sculpture, "Bold as Love"
34" w x 24"h x 10" d
Love comes and goes but love is infinite. Love is in our hands.
Ahkima Honyumptewa (Hopi)
Weaving, "Oryavi Kenel Kwasa"
43" x 46.5"
Woven wool in diamond and diagonal twills with hills and valleys.
Glenda McKay (Ingalik Athabascan)
Traditional walrus harpoon with float
Harpoon: 6' x 2.5"
Float: 48" x 12"
Handmade 4 strand rope: 30 +"
Hand carved walrus ivory.
Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty (Assiniboine Sioux)
Beaded and quilled horse collar "Walking this Good Way of Life Together"
60"
Original design created by the artist with hopes and dreams for this generation to find healthy partnerships. Designs are centered around Wahpe Wastemna (sweet leaf) as used as good medicine. Used to help partners walk this good way of life. Porcupine Quills, smoked moose hide, antique size 15 beads, brass beads, bells, thimbles, French cut beads, silk ribbon, Ermine, horsehair.
TobieMae Patricio (Acoma Pueblo)
Basket Weave Polychrome Pot
4" x 5"
Traditional clay, traditional paints, sandstone paints, wild spinach, hand coiled and traditionally fired.
Jeremy Frey (Passamaquoddy)
"Dawnland"
21.5"h x 11.5" w
Black ash, sweet grass, dye. Plate weave.
All materials harvested and processed by artist from Maine.
Santa Fe Indian Market's Centennial Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon was sponsored by a generous anonymous donation and co-sponsored by Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and JoAnn and Bob Balzer. SWAIA is grateful for these generous contributions. A complete list of winners in all categories and special awards will be posted on the SWAIA website this week. Congratulations to all the winners!
About SWAIA:
The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is a non-profit organization supporting Native American arts and culture. It creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native American artists by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market, the biggest and most prestigious Indian art event in the world since 1922; cultivating excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms; and developing programs and events that support, promote, and honor Native artists year-round. swaia.org
IG: santafeindianmarket
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SOURCE Southwestern Association for Indian Arts | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/santa-fe-indian-market-announces-centennial-best-show-winners/ | 2022-08-22T19:16:00Z |
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, RiskExec, Inc. ("RiskExec") a subsidiary of Asurity Technologies, LLC ("Asurity"), announced its software has been selected by Abilene, TX based First Financial Bank to assist in automating HMDA, CRA, Fair Lending processes.
RiskExec is a leading SaaS compliance and reporting platform designed for managing regulatory compliance for banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, auto lenders, and digital lenders. The best-in-class solution quickly geocodes, runs edit checks, and with clean data, creates analyses to determine lending dispositions, compares to peers by market, and tracks performance towards achieving internally-defined goals.
Randy Roewe, Chief Risk Officer, at First Financial Bank commented, "We are pleased to join the growing list of banks using RiskExec's market leading solution. We chose the platform because we needed an intuitive data management platform for CRA, HMDA, and fair lending."
First Financial Bank comes to RiskExec through a preferred provider relationship with Lenders One, a national alliance of independent mortgage bankers. First Financial Bank is one of the nation's top performing banks and has multiple banking regions with 78 locations throughout Texas. Bank Director Magazine named it as one of the top 10 banks in the nation in the $5 Billion to $50 Billion asset category in each of the past 10 years.
"We are pleased to have First Financial Bank added to our growing list of RiskExec users. We look forward to providing our clients with the most up-to-date, robust reporting and analysis solutions possible," said Anurag Agarwal, President, RiskExec. "Our team of compliance experts provide an exceptional customer experience for our users so they can focus on serving their clients, remaining compliant and strengthening their competitive edge in the marketplace."
For more information on RiskExec, contact us at info@asurity.com or (202) 765-2150.
Asurity delivers compliance-focused solutions to the mortgage, retail banking, and consumer lending industries. RiskExec is one of Asurity's leading SaaS-based products, combining the best of compliance expertise with state-of-the-art software for reporting and analytics to help lenders meet demanding regulatory requirements and business objectives. RiskExec is embraced by financial institutions to analyze their data for compliance or other uses in mortgage, retail banking, auto lending, student lending, and other forms of credit and deposit products. Asurity also offers Propel™, a leading solution for the dynamic preparation of compliance mortgage document packages, and RegCheck® which provides comprehensive compliance checks against loan-level data pulled from any integrated LOS. For additional information Asurity and its leading software solutions, please visit www.asurity.com.
First Financial Bank, N.A. is recognized as one of the nation's most financially secure banks, with assets of $13.3 billion. The bank operates 78 convenient locations to serve customers in Texas markets stretching from Hereford in the Panhandle to Orange in southeast Texas.
The Lenders One cooperative was established in 2000 as a national alliance of independent mortgage bankers. Today, we're one of the largest mortgage co-ops in the country with a diverse mix of 240+ member companies. Lenders One is dedicated to helping independent mortgage bankers, banks and credit unions improve their profitability and compete against larger, well-funded industry participants.
Media Contacts
Asurity Technologies
Era Williams
Director of Marketing
(214) 257-1763
ewilliams@asurity.com
First Financial Bank
Chris Cook
EVP, Marketing
(325) 627-7026
ccook@ffin.com
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SOURCE Asurity | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/first-financial-bank-selects-riskexec-saas-platform-fair-lending-compliance/ | 2022-08-16T14:45:18Z |
NANJING, China, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After twelve decades of ever-growing excellence, Nanjing Normal University (NNU) celebrated its 120th anniversary on September 10th, the 38th Chinese Teachers' Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Alumni and guests from all sectors, faculties, staff and students gathered together to celebrate the 120 years' magnificent journey of NNU. The Innovation and Development Conference for Nanjing Normal University's 120th Anniversary of its establishment was held in the sports center on Xianlin Campus.
Attendees included Du Yubo, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Chairman of the China Association of Higher Education, Hu Jinbo, Secretary of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, Xiang Zhang, President of the University of Hong Kong and Ma Xin, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government delivered speeches for congratulations to all teachers and students of NNU and alumni from all walks of life at home and abroad.
A total of 105 domestic and foreign universities sent congratulatory letters or videos. Leaders from more than 40 universities were present at the conference on the site, including University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Nanjing University and Southeast University. Representatives of current and former leaders, teachers and students of NNU also attended the conference. It was presided over by Wang Chengbin, Secretary of the Party Committee of the university.
The construction and development of NNU have received care and encouragement. In the first half of this year, Nanjing Normal University's 120th Anniversary Artwork Exhibition of Fine Arts Education was held at the National Art Museum of China, displaying more than 240 fine works of calligraphy and painting from different historical periods. Peng Peiyun, former Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, gladly inscribed words with high praise for the university.
NNU will carry on its fine traditions established in the past 120 years and achieve new glories on the next journey. It will always stay true to the original aspiration and mission to cultivate talents. It will build on past achievements and pursue new progress in a righteous and innovative way. Thereby it can build itself into a distinctive first-class university to open a new chapter in the development of NNU and make more contributions to building education powerhouse.
For more information please visit: https://en.njnu.edu.cn/
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=429199
Caption: Nanjing Normal University's 120th anniversary
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SOURCE Nanjing Normal University | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/innovation-development-conference-was-held-nanjing-nanjing-normal-universitys-120th-anniversary/ | 2022-09-14T03:50:12Z |
CEDARHURST, N.Y., April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The securities litigation law firm of Kuznicki Law PLLC issues this alert to shareholders of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson ("Ericsson" or the "Company") (NasdaqGS: ERIC), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 27, 2017 and February 25, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Shareholders have until May 2, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in the securities class action lawsuit.
Shareholders are encouraged to contact us at https://kclasslaw.com/cases/securities/nasdaqgs-eric/https://kclasslaw.com/cases/securities/nyse-hmlp/, by calling toll-free at 1-833-835-1495 or by email (dk@kclasslaw.com).
Kuznicki Law PLLC is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a Company lead to artificial inflation of the Company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
Kuznicki Law PLLC
Daniel Kuznicki, Esq.
445 Central Avenue, Suite 344
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Email: dk@kclasslaw.com
Phone: (347) 696-1134
Cell: (347) 690-0692
Fax: (347) 348-0967
https://kclasslaw.com
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SOURCE Kuznicki Law PLLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/filing-deadline-kuznicki-law-pllc-announces-class-action-behalf-shareholders-telefonaktiebolaget-lm-ericsson-eric/ | 2022-04-21T08:34:50Z |
Best budget mantel decorations for fall
The Christmas holiday season isn’t the only time to decorate your mantle with festive adornments. As fall rolls around, vibrant colors and autumn holidays provide ample opportunities to turn your mantel into a showpiece. With things like garlands, lights, fall leaves and pumpkins, there are numerous ways to decorate for fall without breaking your budget. To help you with your mantel decor plans, here’s a guide with tips and affordable product recommendations.
Affordable options for a fall mantel
Some of the best ways to decorate a mantel for autumn include inexpensive items. Here are a few tips to give yours a beautiful seasonal look without spending a lot of money.
Include natural items
When you think of fall, pumpkins, gourds, acorns and leaves come to mind. These natural items are fun to decorate with and can usually be found at local stores and farmer’s markets. If you prefer reusable items, artificial options are available. Regardless of which you choose, these small autumn items look great perched individually or arranged in display baskets on a mantel.
Fall flowers add a nice accent, but they don’t last. However, dried flowers often last for many seasons. Placing a bouquet in a vase among other fall decor is an appealing touch.
Keep the colors seasonal
Traditional fall colors are bold yet warm and include orange, yellow, gold, red, burgundy and brown. Of course, black is a must if you want a Halloween look. Keep these colors in mind when choosing decorations for your mantel to create a design that fits the season.
Adorn it with garland
Just like garland is available with tinsel for the Christmas season, you can find it with an autumn theme. A fall garland typically features faux leaves adorned with items like faux pine cones, acorns, gourds and pumpkins. Some garlands even have lighting so you can accomplish two decorative tasks at once.
Add illumination
Just like lights make Christmas decorations pop, they also give a mantel inviting appeal. You can make your decor glow easily by adding candles, string lights or garland with lights. Additionally, decorative pieces with fall or Halloween themes that have LED lights are available.
Create a fall holiday theme
If you love Halloween and Thanksgiving, it’s easy to give your fall mantel a bit of holiday flair by adding a fun decorative piece. Pumpkins, witches, turkeys and other holiday characters and symbols are available.
Best affordable mantel decorations for fall
Geefuun Maple Leaves Lighted Garland
In addition to fall leaves, this garland includes battery-powered lights to illuminate your mantel. They have steady and flashing settings so you can create a look you love. You’ll get four strands per pack for a total of more than 39 feet.
Sold by Amazon
Celebrate Together Fall Woven Pumpkin Basket
This pumpkin basket will look right in style for the fall when filled with items like acorns, leaves and gourds. The woven material has an orange hue that’s perfect for the season.
Sold by Kohl’s
One Holiday Way Artificial Gourds
You can certainly use real gourds to decorate your autumn mantel, but artificial gourds will last for years. This set includes 12 realistic gourds that are difficult to distinguish from real ones.
Sold by Amazon
The Holiday Aisle Halloween Ceramic Tree
Not all decorative trees are for Christmas. This adorable ceramic tree has purple and orange lights with a Halloween theme. At 9 inches tall, it will stand out on your Halloween mantel.
Sold by Wayfair
National Tree Company Harvest Accessories Garland with Maples and Pumpkins
The maple leaves, pumpkins, gourds and vibrant orange colors of this garland will pop on your mantel. Combine it with real gourds and pumpkins for a gorgeous look.
Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Turnmeon 24-inch Lighted Maple Trees, Two-pack
You’ll get two lighted maple trees for an affordable price, so you can place one on both ends of your mantel and combine them with other decorative pieces. The built-in LED lights are powered by batteries, so you can use them even if your mantel isn’t close to an electrical outlet.
Sold by Amazon
JennyGems Grateful Thankful Blessed Wood Block Signs
With a heartfelt message of thankfulness, these wood blocks are ideal for decorating a mantel for Thanksgiving. They also feature fall colors, so you can display them throughout the season.
Sold by Amazon
Yankee Candle Apple Pumpkin Large Jar Candle
Yankee candles are known for their delightful scents and long burn times. Because it smells like apples and pumpkins, this jar candle is made for autumn. It will burn for as long as 110 hours.
Northern Lights Autumn Harvest 12-inch Taper Candles
If you love to change the taper candles on your mantel to fit the season, this pack of six is made for fall thanks to the rich colors. The 12-inch length creates an elegant appearance.
Sold by Amazon
HBotanicsWeddings Autumn Terracotta Preserved Flowers
These real flowers have the colors of fall and look beautiful in a vase on a mantel. They are dried and arranged by hand, so each bouquet is unique.
Sold by Etsy
National Tree Company LED Ceramic Pumpkin
Whether you are decorating your mantel for Halloween, Thanksgiving or the entire fall season, the National Tree Company lighted ceramic pumpkin makes a nice addition. The glossy finish and intricate details give it a high-end look even though it’s affordable. It’s powered by batteries for easy operation.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
NaturalCozy Five-piece Small Round Woven Basket Set
Small baskets look pretty on a mantel when they are stuffed with fall items like gourds, nuts, dried flowers and more. There are five in this set, so you can decorate in numerous ways.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/home-br/decor-br/how-to-decorate-your-mantel-for-fall-under-50/ | 2022-09-03T18:19:30Z |
Teen collapses during baseball practice, coaches save his life with CPR
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC/Gray News) – Coaches at a high school in Missouri jumped into action when a student-athlete collapsed during baseball practice.
It started out as a normal hitting practice when 17-year-old Davis Dwight was gearing up for the start of the fall season with Coach Nik Crouch.
But before the first swing, practice took a turn – Davis went into cardiac arrest and his coaches said they couldn’t feel a pulse.
Coach and former catcher for the Kansas City Royals Mike MacFarlane and Crouch began chest compressions right away.
“What we were trying to help him with for 12 minutes felt like an absolute eternity,” Crouch said.
Those 12 minutes saved his life.
“Other than seeing my children born, it was probably the most emotional day I’ve ever had,” MacFarlane said.
Davis spent nearly a week in the hospital – five of those days in the ICU. He has since been released from the hospital and one of his first stops was to thank his coaches.
“I turn the corner and I just see him. You see the face. It was an incredible moment to see him. He looked great. His smile, it just lit up my life heavily,” Crouch said.
It will take time before Davis can return to practice, but he is just thankful to be alive.
Copyright 2022 KMBC via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/17/teen-collapses-during-baseball-practice-coaches-save-his-life-with-cpr/ | 2022-08-17T19:05:41Z |
NASDAQ | TSX: ACB
Long Term Investment Expected to Deliver Aurora Immediate Positive Cash Flow
- Aurora acquires a controlling interest in Bevo; one of the largest suppliers of propagated vegetables and ornamental plants in North America with proven track record of profitability
- Bevo will continue to be run by existing management team; robust growth plan includes use of Aurora Sky for ornamental plant cultivation and for vegetable propagation
- Transaction is expected to be immediately accretive adding ~$9 million of LTM Adjusted EBITDA; Aurora remains on track to achieve consolidated positive Adjusted EBITDA run rate exiting the first half of fiscal 2023.
EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (the "Company" or "Aurora") (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future of cannabinoids worldwide, is pleased to announce today that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company has acquired a controlling interest in Bevo Agtech Inc. ("Bevo"), the sole parent of Bevo Farms Ltd., one of the largest suppliers of propagated vegetables and ornamental plants in North America (the "Bevo Transaction"). Concurrent with closing of the Bevo Transaction, Bevo entered into an agreement to acquire the Company's Aurora Sky facility in Edmonton, Alberta through the acquisition of one of Aurora's wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Aurora Sky Transaction" and together with the Bevo Transaction, the "Transaction").
The Transaction allows Aurora to immediately benefit from a profitable, cash flow positive and growing business, and may have the potential to drive long term value to Aurora's existing cannabis business via the application of Bevo's industry leading plant propagation expertise. Aurora, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, will acquire 50.1% of Bevo's outstanding common shares, take a controlling position on Bevo's board of directors and financially consolidate Bevo. Bevo's experienced management team are to remain significant shareholders and stay in place to embark on a robust growth plan, including the use of the Aurora Sky facility for orchid cultivation and vegetable propagation.
Founded in 1986, Bevo operates 63 acres of greenhouse in British Columbia, Canada; is led by a management team with over 85 years of agricultural experience, and supplies greenhouses, nurseries, field farms and wholesalers. Bevo has consistently demonstrated growth in revenue and earnings over the past decade through process improvements and facility expansions. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, Bevo has achieved revenues of $39 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $9 million (excluding non-recurring rental revenue). Bevo's business exhibits seasonality driven by agricultural grow cycles, with the strongest financial period being from January to June.
"This investment once again demonstrates our disciplined capital allocation approach and is consistent with both our short term needs and long-term vision to be the leading global cannabis company. Bevo's track record in generating not only positive Adjusted EBITDA but free cash flow, world class propagation expertise, and established distribution networks in Canada and the United States makes them an ideal strategic partner," said Miguel Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora. "We expect this investment and collaboration between industry leaders will drive significant shareholder value and synergies for both parties. We are also excited about Bevo repurposing Aurora Sky and the potential to expand the scale and scope of their business and saving significant costs previously expected in connection with the wind down and sale of the facility".
Leo Benne, President & CEO of Bevo, added, "Since inception, Bevo has taken great pride in utilizing state-of-the-art technology to become a leading plant propagator in North America. We are delighted to join forces with Aurora to pursue our high growth strategy, starting with our move into Alberta which allows us to significantly expand Bevo's addressable market. We are incredibly happy that the Aurora team is committed to keeping all of our facilities dedicated to our customer base, and to expanding our operations into Alberta through the addition of the Aurora Sky facility. It is clear that the Aurora team is deeply aligned with our existing business plans and objectives for profitable growth, and we look forward to building upon the strengths of Aurora as a sponsor to accelerate our business."
- Supports Aurora's timeline to profitability with positive and growing Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. The Transaction is aligned with Aurora's plan to achieve Adjusted EBITDA profitability on a run-rate basis in the first half of fiscal 2023, as Bevo has consistently achieved positive and growing Adjusted EBITDA for over 10 years.
- Bevo's management team is pursuing a high-growth business plan intended to scale Adjusted EBITDA from current levels, starting with conversion of the Aurora Sky facility for non-cannabis agriculture. Repurposing of the Aurora Sky facility is expected to generate revenue and Adjusted EBITDA with minimal capital investment needed to retrofit the facility, while saving on facility shutdown costs. This is expected to allow Bevo to greatly increase its production capability, extend its shipping range, and access new regional greenhouse demand in Canada and the United States.
- Bevo employs proprietary and innovative processes and greenhouse technology designed to provide industry-leading efficiency. Ability to leverage Bevo's propagation capabilities is expected to enhance Aurora's existing genetics licensing business (Occo) to create healthy clones for sale and could potentially lead to large scale cannabis propagation across the industry.
- Bevo's management team will retain substantial equity ownership and partner with Aurora to drive profitable growth across both businesses. Bevo's existing management team, who have a proven track record of achieving consistent revenue growth and driving EBITDA improvement through innovative agricultural processes, will remain in place with significant equity ownership.
Aurora is purchasing its controlling interest in Bevo from certain of Bevo's existing shareholders (the "Bevo Selling Shareholders"). Total cash consideration paid by a subsidiary of Aurora on closing was approximately $45 million. Up to an additional $12 million shall be payable by a subsidiary of Aurora to the Bevo Selling Shareholders over the three years following closing of the Bevo Transaction, conditional on Bevo successfully achieving certain financial milestones at its Site One facility in Langley, which additional amounts may be satisfied, at Aurora's option, through the issuance of Aurora common shares, subject to approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Up to $25 million could be payable over time by Bevo to Aurora in connection with the Aurora Sky Transaction, based on Bevo successfully achieving certain financial milestones at the Aurora Sky Facility. Closing of the Aurora Sky Transaction is conditional upon receipt of certain third-party consents.
Lazard Canada Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor and Stikeman Elliott LLP acted as legal counsel to Aurora in connection with the Transaction.
Agentis Capital Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP acted as legal counsel to Bevo in connection with the Transaction.
Aurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry, serving both the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company's adult-use brand portfolio includes Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, Whistler, Being and Greybeard, as well as CBD brands, Reliva and KG7. Medical cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co. Driven by science and innovation, and with a focus on high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and adult recreational markets wherever they are launched. Learn more at www.auroramj.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Aurora's common shares trade on the NASDAQ and TSX under the symbol "ACB" and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
Bevo is North America's leading supplier of propagated agricultural plants, operating approximately 63 acres of greenhouse facilities on 98 acres of land in Langley, BC, 50 acres of land in Aldergrove, BC, and 20 acres of land in Pitt Meadows, BC. Bevo's main products are the propagation of vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other plants such as bedding plants, flowers and grasses. Bevo markets its products to established greenhouse growers, nurseries and retail outlets throughout North America.
This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding the Transaction, including, but not limited to: the expected timing for closing of the Aurora Sky Transaction; the impact of the Transaction on the Company's premiumization strategy and position in the Canadian recreational market; the impact of the Transaction on the Company's path to profitability and goal to achieve Adjusted EBITDA profitability in the first half of fiscal 2023; the synergies, revenue, positive cash flow and positive Adjusted EBITDA expected to be realized as a result of the Transaction; the expansion of the scale and scope of Bevo's business in connection with the Aurora Sky Transaction and the potential for conditional additional consideration to be paid in connection with the Transactions.
These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward looking information or statements contained in this news release have been developed based on assumptions management considers to be reasonable. Material factors or assumptions involved in developing forward-looking statements include, without limitation, publicly available information from governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to be reasonable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the development of third party government and non-government consumer sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in Canada and in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the risk of successful integration of acquired business and operations (with respect to the Transactions and the repurposing of the Aurora Sky facility and more generally with respect to future acquisitions), management's estimation that SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the general impact of financial market conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the current outbreak of COVID-19, and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated September 27, 2021 (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
This news release contains reference to certain financial performance measures that are not recognized or defined under IFRS (termed "Non-GAAP Measures"). As a result, this data may not be comparable to data presented by other licensed producers of cannabis and cannabis companies. Non-GAAP Measures in this news release include, but are not limited to, "Adjusted EBITDA".
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) excluding interest income (expense), accretion, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, changes in fair value of inventory sold, changes in fair value of biological assets, share-based compensation, acquisition costs, foreign exchange, share of income(losses) from investment in associates, government grant income, fair value gains and losses on financial instruments, gains and losses on deemed disposal, losses on disposal of assets, restructuring charges, onerous contract provisions, out-of-period adjustments, and non-cash impairments of deposits, property, plant and equipment, equity investments, intangibles, goodwill, and other assets. Adjusted EBITDA is intended to provide a proxy for the Company's operating cash flow and is widely used by industry analysts to compare Aurora to its competitors, and derive expectations of future financial performance for Aurora, and excludes out-of-period adjustments that are not reflective of current operating results. Adjusted EBITDA increases comparability between comparative companies by eliminating variability resulting from differences in capital structures, management decisions related to resource allocation, and the impact of FV adjustments on biological assets and inventory and financial instruments, which may be volatile and fluctuate significantly from period to period.
For an explanation of this measure to related comparable financial information presented in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, refer to the Company's news release of February 10, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com the discussion below.
Non-GAAP Measures should be considered together with other data prepared in accordance with IFRS to enable investors to evaluate the Company's operating results, underlying performance and prospects in a manner similar to Aurora's management. Accordingly, these non-GAAP Measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/aurora-cannabis-acquires-controlling-interest-bevo-farms/ | 2022-08-25T11:24:33Z |
Thieves steal millions worth of jewelry from Brink’s truck
LEBEC, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS) - In California, the FBI is investigating after an estimated $10 million worth of jewelry and gems were taken from a Brink’s truck at a rest stop.
At the Flying J in Lebec, California, truckers were stunned to learn about a jewelry heist that happened at the truck stop.
Associated Press reports it was a tractor trailer and that thieves broke its lock when the armed guards left it parked in the back of the rest stop late at night.
“Truck stops like this are supposed to be made for us to be safe,” trucker Justin King said. “Its a shock. I would’ve never thought something like that would happen, especially to a Brink’s truck. You know, security guards all that.”
Arnold Duke, the president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, is in disbelief. He said for 45 years, he has used Brink’s without issue to being jewels all over the country.
The valuable load last week was coming from his show in San Mateo to a show in Pasadena.
“The last story we heard is that the drivers parked in a remote area of that truck stop parking lot and left the truck unattended while they went to eat, and I guess when they come back, they discovered that the trunk had been breached, which would be 100% against all Brink’s protocols. I mean, those men are not allowed to leave that vehicle unattended. I mean, it’s beyond my comprehension if that’s what in fact happened,” Duke said.
According to the Associated Press, it is unclear whether the suspects followed the truck or hit the jackpot by chance.
Brink’s said it will fully reimburse clients and said the total value taken was less than $10 million.
Duke said it is common for the small family jewelers in his shows to underinsure their items because of the cost of insurance. They also assume their jewelry is safe because it is being carried by Brink’s.
“The fact that we have never lost a bag with Brink’s. Everybody was very comfortable and complacent, and it seems to me that Brink’s employees were too comfortable and complacent if they allowed this to happen under their watch,” Duke said.
Copyright 2022 KCAL/KCBS via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/20/thieves-steal-millions-worth-jewelry-brinks-truck/ | 2022-07-20T13:19:58Z |
Making memories is no longer a memory itself! All Signature Events, Socials, and Activities return to the luxury Cavalier Resort, and promise to be bigger and better than ever before!
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the Cavalier Resort welcomes back its full lineup of spring and summer events, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Formerly a Resort known for its extensive variety of both grand Cavalier Signature Events and intimate socials, visitors and locals alike can look forward to the Resort returning to its original pre-pandemic event schedule - and then some.
The Cavalier Resort has been approved for its full schedule of ticketed Cavalier Signature Events, including the Cavalier Derby Day (Kentucky Derby Celebration) and the Symphony on the Lawn (featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra). Socials such as popular Wednesday evening Garden Parties are now scheduled May through August, and holidays such as Independence Day will once again include lawn activities and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
As for resort hotel guests and Residents, exclusive events and activities will once again be scheduled on recurring days throughout the Spring and Summer months, including the newly launched Cavalier Kid Zone, fitness-focused programming, opportunities for kid-free escapes for the adults, and fun for the entire family. These activities range from exotic animals, crafts, and live mermaids for the kids, to Zumba, wine tastings and meditation & mimosas for the adults. To cap off these eventful days, the Resort offers Full Moon parties, Movies on the Lawn, and Sunken Garden S'mores for the whole family.
"The Cavalier Resort is intended to be just that: A resort. One that guests don't need to leave in order to experience the best that Virginia Beach has to offer. From resort-wide charging privileges for amenities to exclusive activities, plus grand event and holiday celebrations, there is always something going on at the Resort each day," said Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key | PHR. "Now that we have gotten through the peak of the pandemic, we are able to return to that original caliber of hosted activities and events, which we intend to expand on."
An exciting new addition to the Cavalier Resort schedule, is the all-new partnership with The Beach rosé by Whispering Angel. The Cavalier Resort is slated to become the only The Beach by Whispering Angel partner launch in the Mid-Atlantic. To kick off this partnership, locals and guests alike will be invited to attend, at NO charge, The Beach Rosé By Whispering Angel kick-off party on June 5, complete with a transformed Beach Grill, DJ, and featured Whispering Angel rosés. To compliment this partnership, Whispering Angel rosés will be available at the Stop & Smell The Rosé Garden Parties, and an all-new Sunday Happy Hour – Rosé All Day – at the Cavalier Beach Bar & Grill, featuring a DJ takeover and special pricing on The Beach, Whispering Angel, and The Rock rosés. This rosé is also a proud supporter and partner to the Virginia chapter of the Surfrider Foundation – dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches.
With all that the Resort is scheduled to host this spring and summer, event access will once again require tickets and/or hotel reservations to monitor attendance. Up to date event and activity information can all be found at CavalierResortVB.com.
About The Cavalier Resort
The Cavalier Resort is a collection of historic and modern hotels, a luxury beach club and private residences offering guests the finest accommodations, signature amenities, resort-wide charging privileges, and unparalleled views of Virginia's coast. The Cavalier Resort includes the exquisitely restored Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the panoramic Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and construction is underway on an equally impressive third hotel which is scheduled to open in early 2023. When the $350MM masterplan is complete, the Cavalier Resort will be an all-in one destination with a vast collection of 548 guest rooms, multiple meeting spaces, 6 indoor/outdoor swimming pools, 2 fitness centers, 8 restaurants, an onsite distillery, and an expansive full-service spa. While the recently restored Historic Cavalier Hotel blends classic southern charm with rich vibrant colors, complemented by elevated services and amenities, the new Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel exudes a less-formal luxury and contemporary aesthetic inspired buy its prominent beach front location. The two magnificent properties are connected by lush and meticulously manicured lawns, gardens, and outdoor social spaces, creating a one-of-a-kind resort experience, rivaled only by the finest destinations in the world.
The Cavalier Resort is located at 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA. All information, including events, activities, and booking at the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, can be found at CavalierResortVB.com.
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SOURCE The Cavalier Resort | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/virginia-beachs-luxury-cavalier-resort-welcomes-return-all-spring-summer-signature-events/ | 2022-05-17T18:17:14Z |
Spectrum Sailing to host camp for children with Autism Sept. 16-18
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - 2022 registration is open for Sailing Camp for Autistic Youth in Sarasota Spectrum Sailing.
The organization, based out of Charleston, S.C. is coming to Sarasota for its final free sailing camp opportunity. The camp will run September 16-18, 2022.
The three-day camp offers individuals 10- 17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to get outside, explore, try new activities and socialize with peers.
Registration for the free camp is currently open and can be found at spectrumsailing.org.
The three-day program covers general sailing knowledge with professional instructors, including lessons on:
• Water safety rules
• Wind direction and points of sail
• Boat parts
• On-the-water conditions
• Knots and rigging/de-rigging
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/09/12/spectrum-sailing-host-camp-children-with-autism-sept-16-18/ | 2022-09-12T20:49:04Z |
Flashfood will roll out in five Vallarta stores in Palmdale and Lancaster to save Southern California shoppers money on groceries while reducing food waste
LANCASTER, Calif., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains in California, has announced an exciting pilot partnership with Flashfood, a digital marketplace that provides customers access to heavily discounted food nearing its best-by date. The five-store pilot will bring the app to Los Angeles County shoppers in Palmdale and Lancaster for the first time, expanding Flashfood's presence across the U.S. from coast-to-coast.
Flashfood aims to eliminate food waste at the retail level by connecting shoppers with savings up to 50% on food nearing its best by date that would otherwise be thrown away. The partnership will enable consumers to save big on everyday grocery items like meat, produce boxes, dairy and bakery items, as well as center-store foods and snacks at five Vallarta stores.
The Flashfood app allows shoppers to conveniently browse and buy their groceries. Purchases are made directly through the app and customers can simply pick their order up from the Flashfood zone located inside their participating Vallarta store. The pilot partnership will not only save shoppers money but will drive further impact for the planet by reducing the amount of perfectly good food reaching landfills. To-date, the Flashfood app has diverted 40 million pounds of food from reaching the landfill and has saved shoppers more than $100 million on their groceries.
"Partnering with Flashfood enables us to connect our communities with discounted groceries at their local Vallarta store," said Andrew Lewis, Vice President of Marketing, Vallarta Supermarkets. "As a proven sustainability leader, Flashfood will not only help our shoppers save up to 50% on groceries but will also effectively reduce the amount of food reaching the landfill and further our commitment to zero waste."
The pilot partnership will make Flashfood available at the following Vallarta locations:
- 440 E. Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale, CA
- 1803 E. Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale, CA
- 38118 47th St. East, Palmdale, CA
- 815 E. Ave K, Lancaster, CA
- 1801 West Ave. I, Lancaster, CA
"An estimated one in nine Americans are food insecure, including more than 15% of shoppers in Lancaster and Palmdale," said Flashfood CEO and Founder, Josh Domingues. "We are proud to partner with Vallarta, who is deeply committed to serving their community to offer shoppers more affordable groceries, while in turn reducing food waste. This pilot partnership is exciting because it also marks Flashfood's entrance into the West Coast and expands our footprint across the country."
Today, Flashfood can be found in more than 1,210 participating grocery locations in the U.S. and Canada including GIANT, SpartanNash, SN Martin's, Loblaws, Tops Friendly Markets, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, and more. All participating Flashfood store locations can be found via the store locator.
To learn more about Flashfood, visit Flashfood.com. To learn more about Vallarta's sustainability commitments visit vallartasupermarkets.com/en/sustainability/.
About Vallarta Supermarkets
Founded in 1985, Vallarta Supermarkets is a full-service independent grocery chain with 53 locations throughout California. Vallarta Supermarkets, known as the home of the Original Carne AsadaTM, is recognized for having fresh produce, quality meats, exquisite pastries, and specialty items from Latin America and other parts of the world. Visit www.vallartasupermarkets.com for additional information.
About Flashfood
Flashfood is a mobile app that is tackling the mounting problem of food waste by connecting local shoppers with grocery items nearing their best before date. Founded in 2016, Flashfood is live in more than 1,210 grocery stores throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Wisconsin, and Canada. Flashfood has diverted 40 million pounds of food, saved shoppers millions of dollars on their groceries, and fed hundreds of thousands of families more affordably. Flashfood partners include Meijer, The GIANT Company, Tops Friendly Markets, SpartanNash, Giant Eagle, and Loblaw Corp. Flashfood is available on iOS and Android. Find out more at www.flashfood.com.
Media Contact:
Marika Kelly
Flashfood
Marika.Kelly@padillaco.com
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SOURCE Flashfood | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/vallarta-supermarkets-partners-with-flashfood-five-store-pilot-bringing-app-coast-to-coast-first-time/ | 2022-06-01T10:26:49Z |
WATCH: Bald eagle seen going through airport security
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Gray News/TMX) – Transportation Security Administration agents saw a non-traditional traveler go through airport security Monday - an apparent bald eagle.
Elijah Burke shared a video on Twitter of a traveler in Charlotte Douglas International Airport holding the large bird of prey.
The raptor is perched on the arm of a man wearing what looks like a falconry glove or gauntlet and flaps its wings.
“It was my girlfriend, Karleen, who pointed the eagle out to me,” Burke said.
TSA allows small pets, including birds, through security checkpoints, but their travel accommodations are set by each airline.
Some airlines allow small pets to accompany their owners in the cabin of the plane if their travel carrier meets size requirements, while other animals must travel in the cargo hold.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. TMX contributed to this report. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/25/watch-bald-eagle-seen-going-through-airport-security/ | 2022-08-25T20:52:04Z |
(The Hill) – Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Sunday said the reason lawmakers such as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) were not brought into negotiations on a climate, health care and taxes deal that he struck with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was that he feared it wouldn’t come to “fruition.”
The deal would require the support of all 50 Senate Democrats, placing Sinema, who was not involved in the behind-the-scenes negotiations, in close scrutiny until she announces a position.
“The reason people weren’t brought into this, I didn’t think it would come to fruition,” Manchin told CNN “State of the Union” co-anchor Jake Tapper. “I didn’t want to disappoint people.”
The bill is a slimmed-down package from the roughly $3 trillion Build Back Better deal Democrats hoped to pass before Manchin announced he couldn’t support the bill late last year after months of wrangling over a potential deal.
Manchin and Schumer had been negotiating for months on a smaller package. Their talks collapsed on July 14, but the two Democrats surprised many in Washington when they announced a deal last week.
The package would invest $369 billion in energy-focused climate programs over the next 10 years and $300 billion to reduce the deficit in addition to provisions to extend health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
When asked by Tapper if Sinema would support the bill, Manchin highlighted what he said were her contributions to the potential text.
He said Sinema was “very instrumental” in allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and the two moderate senators were in agreement to not raise taxes on Americans.
“She has so much in this piece of legislation,” Manchin said. “She’s formed quite a bit of it and worked on it very hard.”
Manchin added that he and Sinema “speak a lot” but declined to say the last time they met.
“Hopefully, she will be positive about it,” he said. “But she’ll make her decision. I respect that.”
Manchin said he hopes that the Senate will pass the bill this week before they leave for the upcoming August recess. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/manchin-some-senators-not-involved-in-bill-talks-because-he-didnt-think-it-would-come-to-fruition/ | 2022-07-31T17:43:00Z |
DENVER, May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the first quarter of 2022, healthy food incentive program redemptions, supported by Snap2Save's technology, exceeded $100,000, and total redemptions since program inception have now passed $400,000. While this increase sadly demonstrates that many Americans continue to struggle with food insecurity, it shows that valuable food incentive programs, enabled by Snap2Save, are continuing to make a difference and reach families in need.
Snap2Save's technology automates healthy food incentive programs, lowering costs and allowing for greater expansion. Snap2Save currently supports two applications.
The first application helps grocers better serve SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers by automating USDA produce incentives, like Double Up Food Bucks. Through these programs, SNAP recipients receive vouchers for matching funds for the purchase of fresh produce.
Lonni Byrd, Food Access Manager at Nourish Colorado, which sponsors Double Up Food Bucks programs at several Save-A-Lot stores said "Our valuable partnership with Snap2Save and Save-A-Lot allows us to provide critical food access in some of Colorado's underserved communities, helping to address food insecurities by ensuring that shoppers don't have to compromise on fresh produce."
The second application is a FoodRx program, thru which healthcare providers prescribe fresh produce to patients with vouchers for free produce. Tracking and rewarding patient shopping behaviors, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, is vital in managing both health outcomes and healthcare expense.
Julia Koprak, Associate Director of Nutrition Incentives at The Food Trust, which sponsors both produce incentive and FoodRx programs in Pennsylvania, explained that "In addition to adding a local grocery store to our nutrition incentive redemption network, Snap2Save has allowed us to work more efficiently with healthcare partners as we grow our Food Bucks Rx produce prescription voucher program. Through automation and expansion, this platform has the potential to reach more residents as we work toward our mission of delicious, nutritious food for all."
Snap2Save's healthy incentive programs are currently operating at a variety of retail locations in Colorado, Illinois and Pennsylvania, and are the first steps in developing a broad-based health and wellness incentive platform focused on independent grocery retailers and aimed at rewarding the purchase of healthy foods, as well as a national platform connecting grocers and healthcare providers for FoodRx.
Sam Jonas, Founder and CEO of Snap2Save, explained that "Good health and food security - with an emphasis on nutrition in the form of fresh produce - are two sides of the same coin. Our goal is to provide technology that effectively supports at-risk consumers and those suffering from chronic conditions."
Snap2Save's applications automate healthy food incentive programs, enabling retailers, healthcare providers and agencies to expand healthy incentive programs and lower costs. https://www.snap2save.com/
Nourish Colorado is dedicated to developing sustainable food systems to ensure equitable access to nutritious foods, and manages the statewide Double Up Food Bucks Program. https://nourishcolorado.org/
The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. http://thefoodtrust.org/
Contact: Amy Soltes
asoltes@snap2save.com
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SOURCE Snap2Save | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/10/snap2saves-healthy-food-incentive-redemptions-reach-new-levels/ | 2022-05-10T14:37:39Z |
Company Moves into Top 20 in Annual Rankings
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) has been named one of America's Best Employers for Diversity for 2022 by Forbes Magazine. Air Products moved into the top 20 in the annual rankings and is 17th on this year's list, up from 128th in 2021.
"We know that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest assets," said Victoria Brifo, Air Products' Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. "We are proud to again be recognized by Forbes and know there is always more work to be done as we continue to build a company culture where every employee knows that they belong and matter."
Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to compile its annual list of America's Best Employers for Diversity. To determine the ranking, Statista surveyed 60,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees and pinpointed the companies they identified as most dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. Survey participants were asked to rate their organizations on criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation equality, as well as that of general diversity. Statista then asked respondents belonging to underrepresented groups to nominate organizations other than their own.
Air Products' inclusion on the Forbes Best Employers for Diversity list is the latest recognition for its efforts to build the most diverse industrial gas company workforce in the world. Air Products also earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index for the sixth year in a row. Air Products was awarded a gold medal rating for its Corporate Responsibility performance from EcoVadis, a multinational CSR ratings agency, for the fifth year in a row and was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI) for the 11th consecutive year.
It is clearly stated in Air Products' corporate goals to be the most diverse industrial gas company in the world. To continue its efforts to build a more inclusive workplace, Air Products in 2021 announced a new goal to further increase the percentage of U.S. minorities in professional and managerial roles to 30 percent by 2025, up from a current level of 22 percent. Air Products set the new goal after reaching its previous objective of raising the population of U.S. minorities in professional and managerial positions from a base of 17 percent to 20 percent in the same time frame. Air Products also had announced a goal to achieve at least 28 percent female representation in its professional and managerial population globally by 2025, up from a 25 percent baseline.
Additional details on Air Products' diversity and inclusion efforts can be found at airproducts.com/diversity.
Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the Company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the global leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment. The Company develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest industrial gas projects, including: gasification projects that sustainably convert abundant natural resources into syngas for the production of high-value power, fuels and chemicals; carbon capture projects; and world-scale low- and zero-carbon hydrogen projects supporting global transportation and the energy transition.
The Company had fiscal 2021 sales of $10.3 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $55 billion. More than 20,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
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SOURCE Air Products | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/air-products-named-one-americas-best-employers-diversity-2022-by-forbes-magazine/ | 2022-07-28T19:05:25Z |
Oops! Mistake leaves road with crooked lane markings
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KSBW) - One California city may have the crookedest road in the world – at least for now – after a contractor painted a little too far outside the lines.
The newly repaved and stripped Ladd Lane in Hollister is causing confusion for drivers after the lanes were incorrectly drawn.
The city redesigned the road to add a bike lane and central circles. The goal was to add those obstructions to slow traffic and prevent people from using the street as a drag racing strip.
The lanes were supposed to be slightly curved but ended up more like zig-zags.
A massive do-over is on the way, starting Monday, to replace the odd squiggles with new lane markings done to code. There will be no added cost to taxpayers.
Copyright 2022 KSBW via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/24/oops-mistake-leaves-road-with-crooked-lane-markings/ | 2022-07-24T10:56:13Z |
Patriot Front leader among those arrested near Idaho Pride
(AP) - After the arrest of more than two dozen members of a white supremacist group near a northern Idaho pride event, including one identified as its founder, LGBTQ advocates said Sunday that polarization and a fraught political climate are putting their community increasingly at risk.
The 31 Patriot Front members were arrested with riot gear after a tipster reported seeing people loading up into a U-Haul like “a little army” at a hotel parking lot in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, police said.
Among those booked into jail on misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to riot was Thomas Ryan Rousseau of Grapevine, Texas, who has been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as the 23-year-old who founded the group after the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. No attorney was immediately listed for him and phone numbers associated with him went unanswered Sunday.
Also among the arrestees was Mitchell F. Wagner, 24, of Florissant, Missouri, who was previously charged with defacing a mural of famous Black Americans on a college campus in St. Louis last year.
Michael Kielty, Wagner’s attorney, said Sunday that he had not been provided information about the charges. He said Patriot Front did not have a reputation for violence and that the case could be a First Amendment issue. “Even if you don’t like the speech, they have the right to make it,” he said.
Patriot Front is a white supremacist neo-Nazi group whose members perceive Black Americans, Jews and LGBTQ people as enemies, said Jon Lewis, a George Washington University researcher who specializes in homegrown violent extremism.
Their playbook, Lewis said, involves identifying local grievances to exploit, organizing on platforms like the messaging app Telegram and ultimately showing up to events marching in neat columns, in blue- or white-collared-shirt uniforms, in a display of strength.
Though Pride celebrations have long been picketed by counterprotesters citing religious objections, they haven’t historically been a major focus for armed extremist groups. Still, it isn’t surprising, given how anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has increasingly become a potent rallying cry in the far-right online ecosystem, Lewis said.
“That set of grievances fits into their broader narratives and shows their ability to mobilize the same folks against ‘the enemy’ over and over and over again,” he said.
The arrests come amid a surge of charged rhetoric around LGBTQ issues and a wave of state legislation aimed at transgender youth, said John McCrostie, the first openly gay man elected to the Idaho Legislature. In Boise this week, dozens of Pride flags were stolen from city streets.
“Whenever we are confronted with attacks of hate, we must respond with the message from the community that we embrace all people with all of our differences,” McCrostie said in a text message.
Sunday also marked six years since the mass shooting that killed 49 people at the Orlando LGBTQ club Pulse, said Troy Williams with Equality Utah in Salt Lake City.
“Our nation is growing increasingly polarized, and the result has been tragic and deadly,” he said.
Authorities in the San Francisco Bay Area are investigating a possible hate crime after a group of men allegedly shouted homophobic and anti-LGBTQ slurs during a weekend Drag Queen Story Hour at the San Lorenzo Library on Saturday. No arrests have been made, no one was physically harmed, and authorities are investigating the incident as possible harassment of children.
In Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, police found riot gear, one smoke grenade, shin guards and shields inside the van after pulling it over near a park where the North Idaho Pride Alliance was holding a Pride in the Park event, Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White said.
The group came to riot around the small northern Idaho city wearing Patriot Front patches and logos on their hats and some T-shirts reading “Reclaim America” according to police and videos of the arrests posted on social media.
Those arrested came from at least 11 states, including Washington, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Wyoming, Virginia, and Arkansas.
Though there is a history of far-right extremism dating back decades in northern Idaho, White said only one of those arrested Saturday was from the state.
The six-hour Pride event generally went on as scheduled, including booths, food, live music, a drag show and a march of more than 50 people, the Idaho Statesman reported.
“We have been through so much, so much,” Jessica Mahuron of the North Idaho Pride Alliance, which organized the event, told KREM-TV. “Harassment, and attempts to intimidate on the psychological level, and the truth is if you allow yourself to be intimidated you let them win and what we have shown today is that you will not win.”
The group is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.
__
Whitehurst and Metz reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writer Martha Bellisle contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/13/patriot-front-leader-among-those-arrested-near-idaho-pride/ | 2022-06-13T03:39:03Z |
Yellowstone visitation statistics for June 2022
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) – Yellowstone National Park hosted 536,601 recreation visits in June 2022.
This is a 43% decrease from June 2021 (938,845 recreation visits), which was the most-visited June on record.
On June 13, all entrances to Yellowstone National Park closed due to historic flooding. All park visitors were evacuated over the next 24 hours. On June 22, the East, South and West entrances to the park reopened on a limited entry basis. Portions of the park remained closed through the remainder of June, including the North and Northeast entrances.
As the park recovers, it's critical that visitors traveling to the park in the coming weeks stay informed about what's open and closed.
So far in 2022, the park has hosted 1,268,053 recreation visits, down 20% from 2021.
The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years (through June):
- 2022 – 1,268,053 (The park was closed June 13 through June 21. Three entrances opened on June 22)
- 2021 – 1,587,998
- 2020 – 719,054 (The park was closed May 1 through May 18. Two entrances were open May 18 through May 31)
- 2019 – 1,358,629
- 2018 – 1,381,708
- 2017 – 1,354,137
More data on park visitation, including how we calculate these numbers, is available on the NPS Stats website. | https://localnews8.com/news/wyoming/2022/07/29/yellowstone-visitation-statistics-for-june-2022/ | 2022-07-29T20:44:53Z |
HANGZHOU, China, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase" or the "Company"), one of China's leading internet and online game services providers, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Ms. Grace Hui Tang as a new independent director, effective as of July 1, 2022. As a result of this appointment, the Company's board of directors will consist of six members, five of whom are independent and two of whom are female.
Ms. Tang will also serve as the chairperson of the audit, compensation and nominating committees of the board as well as a member of the board's environmental, social and governance committee. With these appointments and certain other changes to such committees which are effective as of July 1, 2022, the committees will be comprised of the following independent directors:
Audit Committee: Grace Hui Tang (chair), Alice Cheng and Joseph Tong
Compensation Committee: Grace Hui Tang (chair), Alice Cheng and Joseph Tong
Nominating Committee: Grace Hui Tang (chair), Alice Cheng and Joseph Tong
Environmental, Social and Governance Committee: Alice Cheng (chair), Grace Hui Tang and Joseph Tong
Ms. Tang worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for more than 30 years, including approximately 19 years as an audit partner in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, until her retirement in 2020. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ms. Tang was responsible for the audits of numerous public and private companies in Hong Kong, Chinese mainland and other jurisdictions. Since 2009, she has also been a professor at the Guanghua School of Management of Peking University where she teaches courses on accounting and auditing for the graduate school of the accounting department and on career development. In addition, Ms. Tang serves as an independent director of Textainer Group Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: TGH), Brii Biosciences Ltd. (HKEX: 2137) and Elkem ASA (OSLO: ELK). Ms. Tang received a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Utah and an MBA degree from Utah State University.
"We are pleased to have Grace join our board. Her deep expertise in accounting, finance and business management, as well as her well-respected career distinguished by her commitment and diligence, make her the perfect fit for our board and our business," said Mr. William Ding, CEO and Director of NetEase. "Grace's onboarding also represents a milestone in our efforts to continue strengthening and diversifying our corporate governance. We appreciate the valuable support from each of our directors and we believe our new board team will continue to guide NetEase to grow and innovate."
About NetEase, Inc.
As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase") provides premium online services centered around innovative and diverse content, community, communication and commerce. NetEase develops and operates some of China's most popular mobile and PC games. In more recent years, NetEase has expanded into international markets including Japan and North America. In addition to its self-developed game content, NetEase partners with other leading game developers, such as Blizzard Entertainment and Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary), to operate globally renowned games in China. NetEase's other innovative service offerings include the majority-controlled subsidiaries Youdao (NYSE: DAO), China's leading technology-focused intelligent learning company, and Cloud Village (HKEX: 9899), also known as NetEase Cloud Music, China's leading online music content community, as well as Yanxuan, NetEase's private label e-commerce platform. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/.
Contact for Media and Investors:
Margaret Shi
Email: ir@service.netease.com
Tel: (+86) 571-8985-3378
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetEase_Global
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SOURCE NetEase, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/netease-announces-new-independent-director-changes-composition-board-committees/ | 2022-06-30T09:27:19Z |
For the first time in months, steady rain doused Temple streets.
Streams of water ran down city streets and quenched thirsty lawns that have suffered for months.
A storm system that inundated the Dallas-Fort Worth area with torrential flooding moved into Central Texas Monday, ushering in at last .36 inches of rain by the late afternoon.
It is the most significant rainfall in Temple since late May, when the area received more than an inch of rain, according to data from Weatherspark.com.
All summer long, most of Texas has been bone-dry as drought conditions continually intensified. Most of Bell County is now under exceptional drought conditions, the highest level, with a sliver of the eastern county under extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Storm systems have spurred some rain since late last week. The National Weather Service recorded .21 inches of rain on Friday and another .23 inches on Sunday. Both observations came from the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport in Temple.
Bell County and other parts of Central Texas were under a flash flood watch as a storm system stalls over the region, National Weather Service Meteorologist Allison Prater said Monday.
The system is “an efficient rain producer” that saturated dry soil and caused much runoff, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth, which experienced widespread flooding in low-lying areas, including near downtown Dallas, she said.
Significant rain in D-FW on Sunday and Monday totaled 9.19 inches —making it the second wettest 24-hour period since Sept. 4-5, 1932, the National Weather Service said. However, the East Dallas area near White Rock Lake saw even more rain with 15.16 inches recorded, the agency said.
Central Texas has not had reports of flooding yet, Prater said.
“As rain chances continue throughout the week, lower rainfall amounts and total are expected,” Prater said.
Weather response
On Saturday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to prepare for severe weather and flooding.
Among the resources activated include six Texas A&M Task Force 1 swift water boat squads from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department search & rescue boat teams; three Texas Department of Public Safety Tactical Marine Unit helicopters with hoist capabilities; three Texas National Guard helicopters and three ground transportation companies totaling more than 60 vehicles and more than 150 personnel and the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force ambulances, ambulance buses, and emergency medical service personnel.
After D-FW flooding Monday, Abbott also activated five additional Texas A&M Task Force 1 swift water boat squads and a floodwater boat squad to support local response efforts.
“The State of Texas remains proactive in our emergency response efforts, and we continue to monitor rainfall and flooding conditions across the state,” Abbott said in a statement. “I want to thank emergency response personnel and first responders for working around the clock to protect lives and property amid these storms. As we work together to protect our communities, I urge Texans to heed the guidance of their local officials and avoid dangerous roadways that could be affected by heavy rain and flash flooding in the days ahead.”
Abbott encouraged Texans to report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool damage survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
Central Texas forecast
More rain is expected in Bell County on Tuesday as the forecast calls for an 80% chance of precipitation, mostly in the morning. The high temperature is expected to be 85 with a low of 73.
The National Weather Service said new rainfall amounts could be between a tenth and quarter of an inch, but higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Rain chances decrease throughout the week.
Wednesday will be partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances will be 20% on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to forecasts. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_ed0c0c3a-2272-11ed-b5ce-132dfdcb8f68.html | 2022-08-23T03:00:02Z |
Newman Regional opens appointments for da Vinci Robot assisted surgeries
EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) - Residents in and around Emporia now have a new surgical option for minimally invasive, outpatient procedures.
Newman Regional Health says as of Friday, July 29, Dr. Bradley Rupp will now accept patient referrals for robotically assisted laparoscopic minimally invasive surgeries to be performed at the hospital. It said Rupp is certified by the American Board of Urology and was an early practitioner of robotic surgery - performing his first cases in 2008.
Newman Regional noted that Rupp specializes in urology oncology and female urology. He helped start the da Vinci Robotics program in Topeka and has performed more than 1,000 robotic prostatectomies. He has also used the da Vinci Robot for partial nephrectomies, pyeloplasties and large bladder stone removals.
According to the health network, a prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland, a partial nephrectomy removes part of one kidney or a kidney tumor - not the entire kidney - and a pyeloplasty is a procedure to unblock the tube that drains urine from the kidney into the bladder.
Newman indicated that Rupp plans to perform these surgeries one Tuesday per month. It said the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis followed with an overnight stay in Newman’s Clinical Decision Unit. It said most patients can expect to be up and walking within just a few hours after surgery.
The health network said its da Vinci XI robotic surgery system is the latest generation of the robot and offers 3D visualization and smaller, more maneuverable instrumentation resulting in shorter surgical times, less blood loss, less pain and faster recoveries.
Newman noted that there is no additional cost to the patient or insurers for the use of the robot during these procedures, as reimbursement remains the same as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery without a robot.
For more information about Newman Regional Health, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/30/newman-regional-opens-appointments-da-vinci-robot-assisted-surgeries/ | 2022-07-30T16:57:05Z |
Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical coming-of-age drama “The Fabelmans” won the Toronto International Film Festival’s top prize, the People’s Choice Award, solidifying its early status as Academy Awards frontrunner.
Toronto’s audience award was announced Sunday as the largest North American film festival wrapped up its 47th edition and first full-scale gathering in three years. The return of crowds at TIFF brought the world premieres of a number of anticipated crowd pleasers, including the Viola Davis-led “The Woman King,” Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and Billy Eichner’s “Bros.”
Toronto’s audience award, voted on by festival moviegoers, is a much-watched harbinger of the coming awards season. Each of the last ten years, the TIFF winner has gone on to be nominated for best picture at the Oscars — and often won it. Last year, Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” triumphed at a much-diminished hybrid Toronto International Film Festival. The year before that, Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” took TIFF’s award before winning at the Academy Awards. Other past winners include “12 Years a Slave,” “La La Land” and “Green Book.”
This year, no film came into the festival more anticipated than “The Fabelmans,” Spielberg’s memory-infused film about his childhood. In the movie, which Universal Pictures will release Nov. 11, Michelle Williams and Paul Dano play the parents, with newcomer Gabriel LaBelle as teenage Spielberg, Sammy Fabelman. The film scored rave reviews after its premiere.
“This is the most personal film I’ve made and the warm reception from everyone in Toronto made my first visit to TIFF so intimate and personal for me and my entire ‘Fabelman’ family,'” Spielberg said in a statement read by Cameron Bailey, festival director.
The first runner-up to the prize was Sarah Polley’s “Woman Talking,” about the female members of a Mennonite colony gathered to discuss years of sexual abuse. The second runner-up went to Johnson’s “Glass Onion,” the director’s whodunit sequel for Netflix.
Audience in other sections of the festival also vote for People’s Choice awards. The festival’s audience prize for documentary went to “Black Ice,” Hubert Davis’ film about the history of Black hockey players executive produced by LeBron James. The midnight section winner was “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” Eric Appel’s music biopic parody co-written with Yankovic and starring Daniel Radcliffe.
“Wow,” said Appel in a statement. “I never in a million years thought that our satire of traditional awards films would actually win an award, itself.”
___
Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-steven-spielbergs-fabelmans-wins-toronto-audience-award/ | 2022-09-18T22:46:02Z |
Cologix customers now have access to Comcast Business's platform for ActiveCore℠ Software-Defined Networking, Comprehensive Data Networking and Cybersecurity Solutions
TREVOSE, Pa., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast Business announced today it is expanding its collaboration with Cologix, North America's leading network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company, with a new point-of-presence (PoP) at Cologix's NNJ3 digital edge data center in Parsippany, New Jersey. The latest collaboration in Parsippany expands the existing network solutions Comcast Business offers at Cologix's NNJ2 digital edge data center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey.
Cologix's NNJ3 digital edge data center is purpose-built to help protect mission-critical data applications across 120,000 SQFT of space with 4.5MW of power. It is situated above the Federal Emergency Management Agency 500-year flood plain and just outside of Manhattan, offering proximity to New York City for connectivity and geographic diversity, along with a safe, dry and accessible option in the event of natural disasters or storms.
Companies wanting to do business at the digital edge can now benefit from the suite of services offered by Comcast Business. This includes Metro Ethernet Forum-compliant Data Connectivity offerings, including Ethernet Network Service (ENS), Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) and Ethernet Dedicated Internet (EDI). In addition, Comcast can provide advanced offerings such as DDOS Mitigation Service and ActiveCore™ based Software-Defined Networking offerings, such as SD-WAN with Unified Threat Management (UTM) services enabled.
"We value our ongoing relationship with Comcast Business," said Cologix Chief Sales Officer Chris Heinrich. "The demand for data and its applications has only continued to accelerate as a result of the growing need to support hybrid and remote work. Our customers in New Jersey now have access to Comcast Business's fully redundant path fiber-based backbone for fast, reliable connectivity."
With Comcast Business, Cologix customers can experience improved latency and speeds and the peace of mind that comes with redundancy. It also supports Cologix with more flexibility in its ability to respond to the explosion of data, the Internet of Things (IoT), remote or hybrid work and other trends that are continuing to push the data colocation space.
"We are excited to expand our partnership with Cologix to help businesses continue to safeguard their data and benefit from enhanced connectivity," said Michael Louden, Vice President of Business Services for Comcast Business's Freedom Region. "Our partnership with Cologix is a significant example of how Comcast Business services can support a variety of industries on a broader scale through partnerships with data centers. This is truly just the beginning of what's next as we continue to help shape the future of digital infrastructure."
For more information, please visit http://business.comcast.com or www.cologix.com.
About Comcast Business
Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what's next. Powered by the nation's largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation's largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services.
For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.
About Cologix Inc.
Cologix provides carrier- and cloud-neutral hyperscale edge data centers and services across North America. Cologix is the interconnection hub for cloud service providers, carriers and a rich ecosystem of partners who want to deploy applications at the very edge across Canada and the U.S. With a growing portfolio of next generation facilities that meet the unique requirements for hyperscale growth with deep connectivity, Cologix offers massive scale and tailor-made data center solutions to accelerate customers' digital transformation. For on-demand connectivity for scale and control, Cologix Access Marketplace provides fast, reliable, self-service provisioning. For a tour of one of our data centers in Ashburn, Columbus, Dallas, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Minneapolis, Montreal, New Jersey, Silicon Valley, Toronto or Vancouver visit Cologix or email sales@cologix.com. Follow Cologix on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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SOURCE Comcast NBCUniversal | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/cologix-comcast-business-expand-collaboration-northeast/ | 2022-06-22T15:47:41Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lamenting a uniquely American tragedy, an anguished and angry President Joe Biden delivered an urgent call for new restrictions on firearms after a gunman shot and killed at least 19 children at a Texas elementary school.
Biden spoke Tuesday night from the White House barely an hour after returning from a five-day trip to Asia that was bracketed by mass shootings in the U.S. He pleaded for action to address gun violence after years of failure — and bitterly blamed firearm manufacturers and their supporters for blocking legislation in Washington.
‘“When in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?” Biden said with emotion. “Why are we willing to live with this carnage? Why do we keep letting this happen?”
With first lady Jill Biden standing by his side in the Roosevelt Room, the president, who has suffered the loss of two of his own children — though not to gun violence — spoke in visceral terms about the grief of the loved ones of the victims and the pain that will endure for the students who survived.
“To lose a child is like having a piece of your soul ripped away,” Biden said. “There’s a hollowness in your chest. You feel like you’re being sucked into it and never going to be able to get out.”
He called on the nation to hold the victims and families in prayer — but also to work harder to prevent the next tragedy, “It’s time we turned this pain into action,” he said.
At least 19 students were killed at Robb Elementary School in the heavily Latino town of Uvalde, Texas, according to local officials. The death toll also included two adults. The gunman died after being shot by responding officers, local police said.
It was just a week earlier that Biden, on the eve of his overseas trip, traveled to Buffalo to meet with victims’ families after a racist, hate-filled shooter killed 10 Black people at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York.
The back-to-back tragedies served as sobering reminders of the frequency and brutality of an American epidemic of mass gun violence.
“These kinds of mass shootings rarely happen anywhere else in the world,” Biden said, reflecting that other nations have people filled with hate or with mental health issues but no other industrialized nation experiences gun violence at the level of the U.S.
“Why?” he asked.
It was much too early to tell if the latest violent outbreak could break the political logjam around tightening the nation’s gun laws, after so many others — including the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26, including 20 children — have failed.
“The idea that an 18-year-old kid can walk into a gun store and buy two assault weapons is just wrong,” Biden said. He has previously called for a ban on assault-style weapons, as well as tougher federal background check requirements and “red flag” laws that are meant to keep guns out of the hands of those with mental health problems.
Late Tuesday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer set in motion possible action on two House-passed bills to expand federally required background checks for gun purchases, but no votes have been scheduled.
Biden was somber when he returned to the White House, having been briefed on the shooting on Air Force One. Shortly before landing in Washington, he spoke with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and offered “any and all assistance” needed, the White House said. He directed that American flags be flown at half-staff through sunset Saturday in honor of the victims in Texas.
His aides, some of whom had just returned from Asia with the president, gathered to watch Biden’s speech on televisions in the West Wing.
“I’d hoped when I became president I would not have to do this, again,” he said. “Another massacre.”
In a stark reminder of the issue’s divisiveness, Biden’s call for gun measures was booed at a campaign event in Georgia hosted by Herschel Walker, who won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
Speaking at an Asian Pacific American event that was intended to celebrate Biden’s Asia trip, Vice President Kamala Harris said earlier that people normally declare in moments like this, “our hearts break — but our hearts keep getting broken … and our broken hearts are nothing compared to the broken hearts of those families.”
“We have to have the courage to take action … to ensure something like this never happens again,” she said.
Echoing Biden’s call, former President Barack Obama, who has called the day of the Sandy Hook shooting the darkest of his administration, said, “It’s long past time for action, any kind of action.”
“Michelle and I grieve with the families in Uvalde, who are experiencing pain no one should have to bear,” he said in a statement. “We’re also angry for them. Nearly ten years after Sandy Hook—and ten days after Buffalo—our country is paralyzed, not by fear, but by a gun lobby and a political party that have shown no willingness to act in any way that might help prevent these tragedies.”
Congress has been unable to pass substantial gun violence legislation ever since the bipartisan effort to strengthen background checks on firearm purchases collapsed in the aftermath of the 2012 shooting.
Despite months of work, a bill that was backed by a majority of senators, fell to a filibuster — unable to to overcome the 60-vote threshold needed to advance.
In impassioned remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who represented Newton, Connecticut, in the House at the time of the Sandy Hook massacre, asked his colleagues why they even bother running for office if they’re going to stand by and do nothing.
“I’m here on this floor to beg — to literally get down on my hands and knees — to beg my colleagues,” he said.
Murphy said he was planning to reach out to Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn after the two had teamed on an earlier background check bill that never became law. He said he would also reach out to Texas’ other Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.
“I just don’t understand why people here think we’re powerless,” Murphy said. “We aren’t.”
Cornyn told reporters he was on his way to Texas and would talk with them later. Cruz issued a statement calling it “a dark day. We’re all completely sickened and heartbroken.”
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who sponsored gun legislation that failed to overcome a filibuster in the Senate after Sandy Hook, said, “We’re just pushing on people who just won’t budge on anything.”
“It makes no sense at all why we can’t do commonsense things and try to prevent some of this from happening,” he said.
——
Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Michael Balsamo, Alan Fram and Farnoush Amiri contributed. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/biden-to-address-nation-following-texas-school-shooting/ | 2022-05-25T08:04:58Z |
Big changes are coming to your 401(k). Here’s what you need to know
By Nicole Goodkind, CNN Business
The United States is on the brink of a retirement crisis. The primary savings tool for Americans — your 401(k) — isn’t helping.
By the end of the decade, about 21% of the country’s population will be 65 or older, up from 15% in 2016, according to forecasts by the Census Bureau. Most non-retired adults have some type of retirement savings, but only 36% think their savings are on track.
Now, Congress is looking to help Americans save by bolstering 401(k) programs — the tax-deferred, company-sponsored retirement accounts to which employees can contribute income, and employers can match their contributions.
A new bill, expected to reach President Joe Biden’s desk by the end of the year, could require most employer-sponsored retirement plans to enroll their workers automatically, making it easier for student-loan borrowers to save, and for older workers to make catch-up contributions. It will also lower costs for smaller businesses.
Retirement savings in the United States were long thought of as a three-legged stool. Americans had pension plans, Social Security benefits, and defined contribution plans like the 401(k). Not any more.
Pension plans are nearly extinct. About half of private sector workers were covered by those so-called defined-benefit plans in the mid-1980s, but by 2021 only 15% of private sector workers had them.
Social Security payments still provide about 90% of income for a quarter of older adults, according to Social Security Agency surveys. But the Social Security trust fund is facing a 75-year deficit, and without intervention it will be depleted by the mid-2030s. Lawmakers have faced a decades long political stalemate on how to fix it.
What’s left is the 401(k), which 68% of private industry workers have access to, but only 50% use.
“I don’t think it was ever anticipated that this would be the primary leg of the stool,” said Jonathan Barber, head of compensation and benefits policy research at Ayco, a unit of Goldman Sachs that provides investment services to hundreds of US companies and more than a million corporate employees.
Indeed, the 401(k) was never designed to be the primary retirement tool for Americans when it was introduced into the US tax code in 1978. “When it works, it works really well,” said Sri Reddy, senior vice president of retirement and income solutions for Principal Financial Group.
The 401(k) naturally appeals as a savings vehicle to Americans who bring in more money, say critics. Under the current plan, an employee in the highest tax bracket saves 37%. But an employee in the lowest tax bracket would gain a pre-tax advantage of saving only 10% on deferred income.
The tax breaks for these retirement savings are expected to cost the government nearly $200 billion this year, with most of those benefits going to the top 20% of earners, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Less than 40% of lower-paid workers have retirement accounts, compared with 80% of middle- and upper-income families, according to Vanguard. Making a 401(k) plan more accessible doesn’t help Americans who don’t have money to save in the first place.
Still, Congress thinks there’s a solution.
In late 2019, one of the most significant pieces of retirement legislation in the past 15 years, was signed into law by President Donald Trump: the bipartisan Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, or SECURE Act. The bill removed maximum age limits on retirement contributions, provided tax credits for small businesses to offer their employees 401(k) plans, and extended retirement benefits to some long-term but part-time employees.
Last week Congress almost unanimously passed another bill, SECURE 2.0, that has even broader changes. The Senate is expected to pass its version in the coming weeks.
Here’s a look at how the primary retirement savings plan in the US may soon change.
Automatic enrollment
In what would be the largest change to the 401(k) program, SECURE 2.0 would require employers to automatically enroll all eligible workers into their 401(k) plans at a savings rate of 3% of salary. (Many employees currently have to opt in and then choose their contribution level.) The new rule also applies to the 403(b), a similar program for employees of certain public and tax-exempt organizations.
Enrolled workers’ contribution rates would be automatically increased each year by 1% until their contribution reaches 10% annually.
While workers have the option to opt out of the plan or change their contribution level after they enroll, automatically enrolling workers into these plans would make a huge change in younger and low-waged employees’ participation in the program.
A 2012 study cited in the SECURE 2.0 bill found that, “[t]he most dramatic increases in enrollment rates are among younger, low-paid employees, and the racial gap in participation rates is nearly eliminated among employees subject to auto-enrollment.”
About one in six of employers already offer automatic enrollment, and about 90% of new hires who use them participate in retirement plans, compared with just 28% under voluntary enrollment, according to a recent study by Vanguard, the largest provider of mutual funds in the United States.
Pre-retirees save more
Older workers who are between the ages of 62 and 64 can increase their catch-up contributions to $10,000 a year, up from $6,500 now. Beginning in 2023, these catch-up contributions would be taxed as Roth contributions, meaning they’d be taxed before being invested for retirement, though earnings would be indexed to inflation.
People generally earn more as they age, said Reddy, and people in their 60s are typically earning more than they spend. Giving them the ability to increase their contributions makes a huge difference in retirement savings. “If you have people who are motivated and have incremental means, it’s a wonderful way of helping them get caught up for retirement,” he said.
Barber, who heads up benefits research at Goldman Sachs’ financial advisory Ayco, worries that this change may be overly complex.
Currently, most 401(k) contributions come from employees’ paychecks pre-tax, so investors don’t really feel the bite until they’re ready to withdraw their savings. Under the new plan, the catch-up contribution will be raised, but employees must pay taxes before they contribute.
For investors, “that might be a shock to some people who don’t understand the financial impact of that, especially if they’ve never had a Roth account,” said Barber.
Pay off student loan debt while saving
About 43.4 million borrowers in the United States have federal student loan debt, totaling a whopping $1.7 trillion, and many employees tend to forgo saving for retirement until they pay their loans in full.
Losing out on those early years of potential savings puts them at a significant disadvantage. The plan has a solution to that.
Employers could treat student loan repayments as elective retirement account deferrals, and provide a matching contribution to their 401(k). So if you pay off $1,000 in student loan debt, it would be the same as putting $1,000 into a retirement plan, as far as matching goes. If a company matches by 6%, that’s an extra $60 in savings.
“The earlier you do [invest], the more those investment gains can multiply,” said T. Lake Moore V, an employee benefits attorney at McAfee & Taft.
Delay mandatory withdrawals and limit tax penalties
Americans are retiring later and living longer. Secure 2.0 lifts the minimum age at which enrollees must begin withdrawing money from their accounts each year to 75 from 72. That allows for three additional years of tax-free growth on their retirement investments.
(The penalty for those who fail to withdraw the required minimum from their account after 75 would be halved, to 25% from 50%.
Part-time workers can contribute
Under the proposed act, companies that offer a 401(k) plan would be required to allow part-time employees who work at least 500 hours a year for two years, (the equivalent of just under 10 hours a week) to contribute to a retirement account. That would include part-time workers, gig employees, freelancers, caregivers and independent contractors.
Additional provisions
The plan would also extend tax credits to small businesses for providing greater access to retirement plans for their workers, and create an online database for Americans to locate lost retirement funds.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/04/06/big-changes-are-coming-to-your-401k-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ | 2022-04-06T16:34:33Z |
SHANGHAI, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 24, 2022, the 122nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) came to a successful conclusion in Miami, USA. After two years of online annual meeting, this year, experts and scholars in the field of orthodontics from all over the world gathered together to drive the future of the whole industry. As one of the suppliers invited to attend for the first time, Weiyun AI & Robotics Group and its dental medical brand AI SMILE have once again attracted the attention of the industry with its industrial AI solutions and technological breakthroughs.
INDUSTRIAL EXCHANGE: ORTHODONTIC INDUSTRY IS COMING THE NEW ERA
Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), as the oldest and most authoritative dental professional organization in the world, annual meeting of it is regarded as a feast of the orthodontic industry and academic exchanges. In the future, it will guide a new direction for the development of the orthodontic industry.
Varying from the academic forums known to the public in the past, AAO integrates industry exchange lectures, scientific knowledge exhibitions and orthodontic equipment exhibitions. One of the biggest highlights of this year is the innovation pavilion in the Miami Beach Convention Center exhibition hall. Many blockbuster cutting-edge technologies debuted for the first time, which also indicates that the field of orthodontics has officially entered the era of technological globalization.
PUBLIC FOCUS : WEIYUN AMAZES THE WORLD BY ITS FRQUENT TECH UPDATES
Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, as a pioneer of industrial AI and an advocate of new standards in the oral medical industry, has always captured the public's eyes. This year, it represented the leading technology company in this industry was invited by the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists. With its self-developed smart scanner AI SMILE S4 intra-oral scanner, which just won the German Red Dot Award recently, it made a stunning appearance, which once again attracted the attention of the industry. In addition to its streamlined minimalist beautiful design, this oral scanner that has undergone 4 iterations, also has the ability to link the data portal of millions of cases worldwide with cloud brains, smart factories and terminal medical institutions. It can be used in various oral medical scenarios including orthodontics, implantation, restoration, dental aesthetics, etc., and provide doctors and patients with more comfortable, accurate, efficient and real-time visual orthodontic solutions, while the cost is only 1/3 of the same precision equipment but more effective. Weiyun's technology and its close-loop industrial chain reduces the cost in the robotics device production in a large extent, which makes the AI techology accessible for the common use in the real world.
In addition, AI SMILE also brought three-layer and multi-layer TPU polymer diaphragms jointly launched with North American strategic partner GOOD FIT. This revolutionary breakthrough product also attracted the strong interest of many professionals who came to communicate with it. By virtue of its strong molecular chain structure and high flexural modulus of elasticity, it can continuously and stably apply force, so as to closely fit the teeth, strengthen the treatment, and ensure that the treatment force is evenly and smoothly released to the teeth. Moreover, it also has outstanding resistance performance in complex oral environment at the same time. This innovative breakthrough will also benefit 1 billion patients worldwide in extensive commercial use in the future.
FUTURE TREND : INDUSTRIAL AI ENABLES AI POPULARIZATION IN DENTAL MEDICINE
At the exhibition site, there was an endless stream of people in front of the AI SMILE booth. Carefully and thoughtfully, the staff of Weiyun AI & Robotics Group introduced industrial AI solutions and technological breakthroughs through a combination of video explanations and operation demonstrations. Regarding the future industry trends, in the reporter's interview, AI SMILE artificial intelligence expert responded, "Dental medicine is an application scenario that requires highly personalized solution design and high-precision production and delivery standards. Artificial intelligence applications are undoubtedly the optimal solution for the future development of the dental industry. With years of technology accumulation and the deep integration of the industry, Weiyun AI & Robotics Group has built a closed loop of high-precision large-scale flexible production capacity in the industry. And the team recently independently developed AI robot execution terminal equipment and achieved significant results. Technological breakthroughs have greatly improved production efficiency and reduced production costs, making it possible to popularize AI in the whole industry."
MORE POSSIBLITIES: WEIYUN IS EXPECTED TO OPEN MORE POSSIBITIES WITH ITS INDUSTRIAL AI POWER
As an advocate and pioneer of industrial AI, Weiyun AI & Robotics Group has never stopped moving forward. With the core advantages of artificial intelligence technology and robot execution terminal equipment, it reshapes the upstream and downstream ecological chain of digital dentistry. In the oral medical industry with high market stock，individual demand and high precision demand, Weiyun AI has formed technical barriers in every link of the industrial chain, truly realizing the vertical landing of AI and building a closed loop of high-precision and large-scale flexible production capacity. Meanwhile, Weiyun has been able to intelligently deliver thousands of SKUs in the oral medical scene, forming unshakable international competitiveness and market influence, and laying a pioneering position in the whole industry.
It is reported that through the American Orthodontic Annual Conference, Weiyun AI & Robotics Group, based on its core AI technology and robot execution terminal, deeply empowers the oral medical industry and establishes industry standards. Moreover, its unique industrial AI strength in the industry and the status of reshaping industry standards have been widely recognized internationally. It is worth expected that in the future, Weiyun will release more huge potential and lead the dental medical industry to realize more infinite possibilities.
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SOURCE AI SMILE | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/weiyun-ai-amp-robotics-group-attended-annual-meeting-aao-with-its-ai-smile-new-breakthough-shows-its-leading-power-industrial-ai-dental-medicine/ | 2022-05-30T14:58:03Z |
Crowe hospital data report finds a major decline in collection rates and an increase in bad debt for hospitals when patient balances are greater than $7,500
CHICAGO, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- How much is too much for patients to pay off a bill for medical care? According to data gathered by the Crowe Revenue Cycle Analytics (Crowe RCA) software, collection rates drop significantly when the patient portion reaches a balance of $7,500. The inability to collect expected revenue has resulted in a significant increase in bad debt among healthcare providers. A new Crowe report, "Hospital Collection Rates for Self-Pay Patient Accounts," looked further into this topic based on data collected through calendar year 2021.
Crowe is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm with offices around the world. The Crowe RCA solution captures every patient transaction for over 1,600 hospitals and more than 100,000 physicians nationally for purposes of automating hindsight, accounts receivable valuation and net revenue analyses. Within its benchmarking database, Crowe analyzed a portfolio including 47 states and comprising 1,413 hospitals.
With the rising cost of medical coverage, many consumers are enrolling in insurance programs such as high-deductible plans (HDHPs), health saving accounts, and various Affordable Care Act 'metal' plans – bronze, silver, gold and platinum. These programs and plans are often the least expensive in terms of monthly premiums, but patients are left with a large portion of the bill when care is needed.
"In the past, insured patients may have had a $75 to $200 copay and many were able to pay the total amount at the point of service," said Brian Sanderson, a principal in the Crowe healthcare consulting group. "These days medical bills could be thousands of dollars, even after the insurance balance has been resolved, which is more than a lot of patients can afford, and hospitals are struggling to collect this revenue."
Collectability on self-pay patient accounts dropped significantly when the out-of-pocket expenses exceed $7,500. According to the Crowe report, total patient statements with balances of more than $7,500 have more than tripled in the past three years, from 5.2% in 2018 to 17.7% in 2021. As a result, hospitals reported higher bad debt – write-offs associated with patient balances that are deemed uncollectible after significant collection efforts by the provider. In fact, 2021 was the first time self-pay-after-insurance accounts were the leading source of bad debt, accounting for 57.6% of patient bad debt compared to 11.1% in 2018.
The research also revealed:
- The percentage of patients with health insurance who paid their out-of-pocket bill dropped from 76% in 2020 to 54.8% in 2021.
- In 2021, the self-pay after insurance collection rate for claims between $5,000 and $7,500 was 32% and 17% for claims between $7,501 to $10,000.
- Patient statements with balances greater than $14,000 nearly quadrupled from 4.4% in 2018 to 16.8% in 2021.
Sanderson noted that given these trends, there will likely be a rise in direct patient-to-hospital negotiations for complex medical care, more consumer financial companies offering payment plans on behalf of patients, and more sophisticated models for hospitals to align their already thin workforce to patients who have the means to pay their out-of-pocket expenses.
"With the shortage in experienced personnel and slim operating margins, healthcare providers are already under tremendous financial pressure," said Sanderson. "To survive, these hospitals must find solutions that will improve their revenue cycle operations to maintain higher collection rates on larger balances."
To download a copy of the report, please visit "Hospital Collection Rates for Self-Pay Patient Accounts."
Over 1,600 hospitals and more than 100,000 physicians use the Crowe RCA solution to capture every patient transaction for purposes of automating hindsight, accounts receivable valuation and net revenue analyses. Crowe developed a proprietary benchmarking solution that monitors revenue cycle performance through normalized key performance indicators at healthcare organizations across 47 states and accounts for over $800 billion in annual gross revenue.
Crowe LLP is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm with offices around the world. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax, advisory and consulting services. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the best places to work in the U.S. As an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world, Crowe serves clients worldwide. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world.
Twitter: @CroweUSA
LinkedIn: Crowe
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SOURCE Crowe LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/higher-out-of-pocket-patient-bills-are-hitting-hospitals-hard/ | 2022-08-16T15:04:59Z |
Announces Addition of Indoor Pickleball Courts at Select locations For Members
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- YouFit Gyms, the popular nationwide fitness chain, today, on National Pickleball Day, announced a Charity Pickleball Tournament taking place on September 17-18, 2022 at four South Florida locations. As part of the gym's YouFit Lifts initiative, a community focused program that partners with, and supports, local charities and nonprofit organizations in the communities surrounding their 80 locations across the country, the Pickleball Tournament will donate all funds raised to the Cancer Research Institute in honor of longtime employee, David Sarner, who recently lost his battle to the disease.
Former professional tennis player and YouFit Gyms CEO, Brian Vahaly is excited to bring the fastest growing sport in the country to YouFit. "We strive to make fitness affordable and fun and with the addition of indoor pickleball in our clubs we continue to succeed," says Vahaly. "Pickleball is an incredible exercise for both beginners and experienced players and the sport helps to build a sense of community, another important pillar for YouFit."
The tournament is open to the public as well as members and there will be a $20 entry fee to participate. All funds will be donated to the Cancer Research Institute. Tournament Winners will receive a one-year Premium + Membership to YouFit Gyms and a 2-month supply of energy drinks from CELSIUS, the tournament sponsor. Tournament locations include:
South Pompano - 401 S Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060
North Lauderdale - 7346 West Mcnab Road, North Lauderdale, FL, 33068
Sunrise - 2101 N University Drive, Sunrise, FL 33322
West Boca Sandalfoot - 23078 Sandalfoot Plaza Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33428
YouFit Gyms is partnering with Pickleball Is Great, a leading pickleball tournament management company, to help run the tournament, bracket system and ensure that players have the proper equipment. Keeping participants energized throughout the two-day event, CELSIUS will be on hand providing samples of their energy drink that is clinically proven to boost metabolism and provide essential energy via formulas infused with essential vitamins and minerals and functional ingredients.
To sign up to participate, visit https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=c6fa70db-b56a-44ee-8852-8017874e331f
Additionally, YouFit will offer indoor pickleball with complimentary equipment rentals at these four locations for Premium and Premium+ members. YouFit has plans to roll out pickleball in more locations over the course of the coming months. "As a former professional tennis player, I understand the benefits pickleball and all racket sports have on mental and physical health," says Vahaly. "Studies have shown that racket sports lower the risk of death from heart disease and stroke by 56%. Our ability to provide our YouFit members a totally different form of exercise that not only boosts health, but also provides a sense of community and fun, is something we are very proud of," Vahaly continued.
For more information or to find a YouFit Gyms location near you, visit https://youfit.com/. Follow on social media at @YouFitGyms.
With 80 locations nationwide, YouFit Gyms offers a premium fitness experience at an accessible price. Memberships start at $9.99 and individual personal training sessions cost as low as $35. YouFit Gyms offer everything from Olympic weightlifting platforms and endless cardio equipment, to small group personal training, high-energy fitness classes, customized nutrition advice from registered dietitians, and virtual fitness classes. By combining cutting-edge workouts and high-end amenities with an unbeatable price, YouFit Gyms members can take charge of their wellness journey, no matter what fitness level they start from.
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SOURCE YouFit Gyms | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/youfit-gyms-hosts-charity-indoor-pickleball-tournament-four-south-florida-locations-benefiting-cancer-research-institute/ | 2022-08-08T15:44:58Z |
MOMBASA, Kenya (AP) — Better climate-related research and early warning systems are needed as extreme weather — from cyclones to drought — continues to inflict the African continent, said Sudanese billionaire and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim, who heads up his own foundation.
“We don’t have a voice on global climate discussions as we lack strong research capabilities,” Ibrahim told The Associated Press. Ibrahim said that Africa must help “shape the agenda” at the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Egypt in November, known as COP27.
He added that weather stations across the country were sparse and unevenly distributed, leading to “critical” gaps in climate data.
Experts say having a greater frequency of reliable data can help predict and plan for future extreme weather events, mitigating their impact on human life.
Earlier this year a U.N. report by leading climate scientists said that determining climate change risks on the continent currently “relies on evidence from global studies that use data largely from outside of Africa.” The panel said global data, while good at estimating averages across the world, lacks the specifics African nations need to determine how vulnerable they are and how best they can adapt.
Central and north African regions have been singled out by the U.N.’s weather agency as the worst affected by the absence of weather data, which it says leads to significant margins of error in predicting rainfall trends.
This year, Africa has been experiencing a severe drought in the Horn and eastern Africa, extreme heat in the northern parts of the continent, while the southern African region has been pummeled by intense cyclones.
The Mo Ibrahim foundation estimates that some of countries most vulnerable to extreme weather globally are in Africa, with 20% of the continent’s population the most at risk. A report released by the foundation also estimates that around 10 million people across the continent are already displaced, at least in part, because of climate change.
Earlier this year the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tasked the World Meteorological Organization to ensure that “every person on earth is protected by early warning systems” within five years. Currently, only 22% of weather stations in Africa meet the global climate observing system reporting requirements. The U.N. weather agency is expected to present an action plan of how to achieve their five-year goal at COP27.
Evans Mukolwe, a former U.N. weather scientist, says besides weather stations installations and ocean observations there’s also an urgent need to rescue historical data for African countries to inform future predictions. Mukolwe, who’s now a climate and drought monitoring advisor with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, said Kenya still “holds 20 million analogue weather cards going back to 1896” containing valuable climate information.
“It is in Africa’s and the world’s interest to invest more on climate research and integrate weather information services for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies,” he added.
Mo Ibrahim said that despite a lack of investment in weather services, the continent has already made headway in other areas when it comes to combatting climate change.
“Africa has a great record on climate adaptation. We have over 22 countries in the continent where the main sources of energies are renewables, a feat that is unmatched by any other continent, and vast forests that are efficient in carbon capture,” he said.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/africa-needs-better-weather-warning-systems-urge-experts/ | 2022-06-07T02:47:48Z |
LONDON (AP) — Jennifer Jones keeps feeding money into her energy meter, but it never seems to be enough. And when she can’t pay, she feels the impact immediately.
The power in her London home has gone off suddenly three times recently, once when her partner was cooking an egg.
Like millions of people, Jones, 54, is struggling to cope as energy and food prices skyrocket during Britain’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. The former school supervisor has health problems and relies on government benefits to get by, but her welfare payments are nowhere near enough to cover her sharply rising bills.
“I’ve always struggled, but not as much,” she said. “Everything is going up. I can’t even pay my rent, my council tax, I can’t afford to do anything. … I keep asking myself, what am I supposed to do?”
And things are getting worse. U.K. residents will see an 80% increase in their annual household energy bills, the country’s energy regulator announced Friday, following a record 54% spike in April. That will bring costs for the average customer from 1,971 pounds ($2,332) a year to 3,549 pounds.
The latest price cap — the maximum amount that gas suppliers can charge customers per unit of energy — will take effect Oct. 1, just as the cold months set in. And bills are expected to rise again in January to 4,000 pounds.
To blame for the increase is the soaring price of wholesale natural gas triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine, which is driving up consumer prices and roiling economies across Europe that rely on the fuel for heating homes and generating electricity.
That includes the United Kingdom, which has the highest inflation rate among the Group of Seven wealthiest democracies and seen disruptive strikes for months as workers push for pay to keep pace with the increasingly expensive cost of living.
The energy increases, together with rapidly rising food costs, are expected to push inflation above the 40-year high of 10.1% recorded in July and trigger a recession later this year, the Bank of England has predicted. Charities, public health leaders and even energy firms warn of catastrophic effects on poorer people already struggling to afford essentials as wages lag behind.
Jon Taylor, who helps Jones and others at debt counseling charity Christians Against Poverty, said growing numbers of people who have never had debt problems are turning to the group’s helpline.
“What I’m seeing a lot of at the moment is personal tragedies, losing loved ones, emotional health problems,” he said. “The pressure of not knowing how to pay the next bill or having enough food to survive just accentuates whatever they’re already going through.”
About 1 million low-income households have had to take on new or extra debt to cover an essential bill, according to a May study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on U.K. poverty.
The drop in living standards is “of a scale we haven’t seen for many decades,” said Rebecca McDonald, the charity’s chief economist. “It really warrants big and creative national policy interventions in order to prevent what is a difficult year becoming essentially a catastrophe for many low-income families.”
Britain’s Conservative government is under heavy pressure to do more to help people and businesses — and fast. Authorities have said they’re sending around 1,200 pounds to low-income people. Every household, no matter their financial situation, will get 400 pounds off their energy bills this winter.
Many say that financial support needs to be doubled — at least —and some have called for an immediate freeze on the amount that suppliers can charge for energy. The opposition Labour Party has called for an extension of the government’s temporary tax on the windfall profits of oil and gas companies to help pay for relief.
But the government has said no further measures will be announced until the Conservative Party announces a new leader to replace Boris Johnson on Sept. 5. Neither Liz Truss nor Rishi Sunak, the two politicians vying to become the next prime minister, appear to support taxing energy giants.
Treasury chief Nadhim Zahawi acknowledged that the increase in the energy price cap would cause “stress and anxiety.” But he insisted the government was ready to develop more options to support households.
“While (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is driving up energy prices in revenge for our support of Ukraine’s brave struggle for freedom, I am working flat out to develop options for further support,” he said. “This will mean the incoming prime minister can hit the ground running and deliver support to those who need it most, as soon as possible.”
Unions across multiple key sectors have reacted by going on strike to demand pay raises that keep pace with inflation. A series of national rail strikes brought the U.K. train network to a standstill during peak travel days this summer, and postal and port workers, garbage collectors and lawyers have all staged walkouts over pay disputes.
Meanwhile, a grassroots movement called “Don’t Pay” is campaigning to gather 1 million people who will commit to not paying their energy bills on Oct. 1 if the price hike goes ahead. The group is hoping that mass nonpayment will force energy firms to end the crisis.
“Everyone we speak to thinks that the price increases we’ve seen and are going to be seeing on Oct. 1 are beyond a joke and will push people to the edge,” said Jeffrey James, one of the campaign’s organizers.
“We are being forced into poverty, whilst others who are already in poverty will be forced into a life-or-death situation this winter,” he added. “That is the level of discontent and despair we are talking about.”
___
AP reporter Danica Kirka contributed from London. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-britain-to-see-80-spike-in-energy-bills-as-crisis-worsens/ | 2022-08-26T11:08:47Z |
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To facilitate sustainable, local cacao production for the finest chocolate, XAG agricultural drone is adopted by cacao growers in Ecuador and provides relief to labour shortage during the busy season.
As more plantations struggle to improve efficiency and remain profitable, farmers are now seeking better solutions to combat plant diseases that can flourish with rainy spells. XAG's drone technology steps into Ecuador's cacao gardens to spray timely after rains, protecting cacao fruit from yield loss with trustworthy effect.
More Efficient Spraying Solution in Sloped Farm
As the world's leading export of cacao, Ecuador is the top spot of high-quality cacao beans, the major ingredient of single-origin chocolates. Small farm owners account for over 90% of the cacao producers. However, the downward trend in cacao prices and the capricious weather have pushed more pressure on preserving yields.
This season, Ecuadorian farmers are opening their arms to embrace drone technology for fruit tree spraying. XAG's local partner, Megadrone, dispatched an agricultural service team to manage a 180-hectare cacao farm in Guayaquil, the second largest city of Ecuador. Drone was used as an alternative spraying tool to cope with the increasing labour costs.
The cacao farm is located on mountains and the sloped, undulating terrain makes it hard to reach by large ground machinery. Over the previous years, spraying crops and spreading fertilizers were mostly conducted by hired workers manually. It took at least a month to cover the whole fields even with sufficient labour.
Since the drones arrived this April, cacaos can be farmed in a more sustainable practice and become more resilient to climate change. During the operation, the XAG P Series Agricultural Drone was equipped with a full tank of foliar fertilizers and fungicides. It took off from the slope and flew over clusters of bushes to precisely spray on the cacao trees.
Due to the powerful downdraft under propellers, chemical droplets could be easily carried to the whole plant and attach to the leaves uniformly. Two sets of XAG agricultural drones were able to serve the entire 180-hectare cacao fruits in 3 to 4 days.
Keep Cacao Distant from Rain Season Diseases
When the rainy season comes, manual operation is susceptible to the changing climate, and farmers often miss the best time to spray for pest control or disease prevention. In this cacao farm of Guayaquil, the hot, humid weather has last for at least two months, which would accelerate the nutrition loss in plants and increase the risk of infesting diseases.
With the help of drones, now cacao farmers can apply timely fungicide sprays and supply fertilizers to boost growth right after the heavy rains. In addition to aerial spraying, the drone can be fully automated to deal with the complicated landform of cacao trees.
"What's more, XAG's agricultural drone can be easily operated by most people. Before launching the drone, the pilot just plans the flight path and sets up parameters on mobile app. This is convenient to learn even for our elderly workers," said by the farm owner.
In the coming three months, the cocoa plantations in Ecuador will enter a vital stage where foliar feeding and insecticide spraying are required for a bumper harvest of cacao pods. With their high agility and efficiency, drones can strongly support cacao farmers to produce fine aromatic cacao beans that the global market adores.
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SOURCE XAG | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/xag-drone-supports-cacao-farm-fight-diseases-during-rainy-spells/ | 2022-07-13T15:42:37Z |
NEW YORK, June 15, 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:
Future Health ESG Corp. (NASDAQ: FHLT)'s merger with Excelera DCE. If you are a Future Health shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Tivity Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVTY)'s sale to funds managed by Stone Point Capital for $32.50 in cash per share. If you are a Tivity Health shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Manning & Napier, Inc. (NYSE: MN)'s sale to Callodine Group, LLC for $12.85 per share. If you are a Manning & Napier shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Entasis Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ETTX)'s sale to Innoviva, Inc. for $2.20 per share in cash. If you are an Entasis 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/2022/06/15/investigation-alert-halper-sadeh-llp-investigates-fhlt-tvty-mn-ettx/ | 2022-06-15T13:57:36Z |
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. ("Axsome" or the "Company") (NasdaqGM: AXSM).
On November 5, 2020, the Company disclosed that the New Drug Application ("NDA") for its product candidate, AXS-07, would be delayed to "the first quarter of 2021, versus previous guidance of the fourth quarter of 2020." Then, on April 25, 2022, the Company disclosed that it was informed by the FDA that the issues identified during the FDA's review of the NDA for AXS-07 remained unresolved.
Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period in violation of federal securities laws, which remains ongoing.
KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Axsome's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.
If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Axsome shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgm-axsm/ to learn more.
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients – including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors – in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
Contact:
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200
New Orleans, LA 70163
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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/13/axsome-therapeutics-investigation-initiated-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-investigates-officers-directors-axsome-therapeutics-inc-axsm/ | 2022-08-13T04:25:32Z |
NAPLES, FLA, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Enveric Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENVB) ("Enveric" or the "Company"), a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company developing next-generation, psychedelic-inspired mental health medicines, today announced that Avani Kanubaddi, President and Chief Operating Officer of Enveric, will participate virtually in Microdose's Psychedelic Capital: May 2022 Conference to be held virtually on May 26, 2022.
Mr. Kanubaddi will participate on a panel "The Spinoffs - Divide and Conquer" on Thursday, May 26th at 4:05 p.m. ET. The panel will discuss the latest spinoffs among publicly traded companies to stay competitive, honor the shareholders and combat the markets. Register to attend here.
For more information about the conference, or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Enveric's management team, please send an email to KCSA Strategic Communications at EnvericBio@kcsa.com.
About Enveric Biosciences
Enveric Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENVB) is a neuroscience-focused pharmaceutical company developing next-generation, psychedelic-inspired mental health medicines. Enveric's robust pipeline supports drug development from the clinic to commercialization aimed to help millions of patients in need around the world suffering from conditions that include cancer-related distress, PTSD and more. For additional information, please visit www.enveric.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans,"" expects" or "does not expect," "proposed," "is expected," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements consist of not purely historical statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of the company to successfully spin-off its cannabinoid assets; the ability to achieve the value creation contemplated by technical developments; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Enveric's ongoing and planned clinical trials; the geographic, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on Enveric's ability to conduct its business and raise capital in the future when needed; delays in planned clinical trials; the ability to establish that potential products are efficacious or safe in preclinical or clinical trials; the ability to establish or maintain collaborations on the development of therapeutic candidates; the ability to obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market potential products; the ability to obtain future funding for developmental products and working capital and to obtain such funding on commercially reasonable terms; Enveric's ability to manufacture product candidates on a commercial scale or in collaborations with third parties; changes in the size and nature of competitors; the ability to retain key executives and scientists; and the ability to secure and enforce legal rights related to Enveric's products, including patent protection. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties with respect to Enveric, is set forth in Enveric's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Enveric disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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SOURCE Enveric Biosciences | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/enveric-biosciences-participate-microdose-psychedelic-capital-conference-may-26-2022/ | 2022-05-24T21:53:07Z |
ALPINE, Utah, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Van Wagner and SponsorCX are pleased to announce they have entered into a partnership. SponsorCX will provide its world-class software to Van Wagner to manage their industry leading multimedia rights college division.
With technology playing an increasingly critical role in every aspect of sponsorship management, more and more organizations, like Van Wagner, are recognizing that they need to accelerate their sponsorship management processes to ensure they have a streamlined solution for sales, on-boarding, and activation with their partners. Van Wagner has been seeking a solution that quickly amasses data and provides a simple, easy-to-use, platform that can be utilized across their portfolio of campus marketing partners.
"This partnership with Van Wagner is the beginning of a much bigger trend we are seeing in the sponsorship industry," says Jason Smith, founder and CEO of SponsorCX. "So many properties across the world are seeking a better solution than what has been provided in the past. We couldn't be prouder to partner with Mike Palisi and the Van Wagner team to lead out in a new and innovative way to manage sponsorships. It's a pleasure to work with forward-thinking organizations that are always looking to take their processes to the next level."
Serving clients across various industries, including sports, entertainment, events, arts, and non-profits, SponsorCX provides a suite of online automated sponsorship management tools, including:
- Relationship Management
- Fulfillment Management
- Inventory Management
"Van Wagner takes pride in bringing innovation, while over-delivering value, to our clients and partners," said Mike Palisi, President, Van Wagner College. "Partnering with SponsorCX, which was developed by Jason Smith who enjoyed a tremendously successful career in our field and uniquely understands our industry, will further streamline communication and enhance collaboration by integrating sponsorship sales and fulfillment into one easily accessible platform."
SponsorCX is a leader in sponsorship management within the sports, entertainment, causes, arts, and events industries. It is a complete sponsorship management tool to assist in managing sales, fulfillment, and inventory to maximize sponsorship revenue. The company was founded in 2017, and continues to grow rapidly as the newest and most innovative sponsorship software solution in the industry. Learn more at sponsorcx.com
Van Wagner Sports, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Wagner Group LLC, creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, properties, and colleges. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and the highest levels of international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. www.vanwagner.com.
Contact: admin@sponsorcx.com
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SOURCE SponsorCX | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/12/van-wagner-partners-with-sponsorcx-manage-sponsor-relationships/ | 2022-08-12T12:53:25Z |
Judge: Walgreens contributed to San Francisco opioid crisis
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Walgreens can be held responsible for contributing to San Francisco’s opioid crisis for over-dispensing highly addictive drugs for years without proper oversight and failing to identify and report suspicious orders as required by law.
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said the pharmacy chain “continually violated what they were required to do under the federal Controlled Substances Act,” failing to track opioid prescriptions, preventing pharmacists from vetting prescriptions and “nor did they see the many red flags of physicians and others who were dramatically over-prescribing.”
“Pharmacists were pressured to fill, fill, fill,” he said, “and as a result, Walgreens filled our streets with opioids.”
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that for 15 years, Walgreens dispensed hundreds of thousands of pills, eventually contributing to the city’s hospitals being overwhelmed with opioid patients, libraries being forced to close because of syringe-clogged toilets, and syringes littering children’s playgrounds in San Francisco.
A Walgreens spokesman said the chain is disappointed in the outcome, which he said is not supported by the facts and the law.
“As we have said throughout this process, we never manufactured or marketed opioids, nor did we distribute them to the ‘pill mills’ and internet pharmacies that fueled this crisis,” spokesman Fraser Engerman said in a statement. “The plaintiff’s attempt to resolve the opioid crisis with an unprecedented expansion of public nuisance law is misguided and unsustainable. We look forward to the opportunity to address these issues on appeal.”
San Francisco in 2018 sued Walgreens and drug manufacturers and distributors over the city’s worsening opioid epidemic, saying they created a “public nuisance” by flooding the city with prescription opioids. All the other defendants previously settled with the city for a total of $114 million, including $54 million that opioid makers Allergan and Teva agreed to pay on the eve of closing arguments in the trial, leaving Walgreens as the sole defendant.
Wednesday’s ruling did not include a ruling on monetary damages, which will be determined in a future trial.
The opioid epidemic has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, counting those from prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and generic oxycodone as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally produced fentanyl.
The surge in deaths has led to more than 3,000 lawsuits filed by state and local governments, Native American tribes, unions, hospitals and other entities in state and federal courts over the toll of opioids. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency last year in the Tenderloin neighborhood, saying something had to be done about the high concentration of drug dealers and people consuming drugs in public.
The city attorney’s office says San Francisco saw a nearly 500% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths between 2015 and 2020 and that on a typical day, roughly a quarter of visits at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Emergency Department are opioid-related.
In 2020, 712 people died of drug overdoses, compared with 257 people who died of COVID-19, according to the city health department.
A high percentage of an estimated 7,800 homeless people in San Francisco — many of whom pitch tents in the Tenderloin — are struggling with chronic addiction or severe mental illness, often both. Some people rant in the streets, nude and in need of medical help.
Pharmacy chains have been sued less often than opioid makers or wholesalers that distribute pharmaceuticals more broadly. In one groundbreaking case, a federal jury in Ohio last year found CVS, Walgreens and Walmart recklessly distributed massive amounts of pain pills in two Ohio counties.
In May, Walgreens reached a $683 million settlement with the state of Florida in a lawsuit accusing the company of improperly dispensing millions of painkillers that contributed to the opioid crisis. Walgreens did not admit wrongdoing in its agreement with Florida and will make payments to the state over 18 years.
The company also faces litigation in Alabama, Michigan and New Mexico, among other states.
Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. runs a network of around 9,000 drugstores in the United States. Walgreens and other prescription drug distributors have faced a slew of lawsuits over the opioid crisis.
___
Associated Press writer Tom Murphy in Indianapolis contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/10/judge-walgreens-contributed-san-francisco-opioid-crisis/ | 2022-08-10T22:22:16Z |
Ship christened in namesake city in a ceremony steeped with tradition
SEATTLE, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's flagship Rotterdam received the royal treatment in a ceremony rich with Dutch heritage May 30, 2022, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands served as godmother and officially named the ship in front of invited dignitaries and guests.
Upon arrival, Princess Margriet was welcomed at the gangway with a traditional floral bouquet presented by seven-year-old Nora van Dijk, daughter of Nathalie van Dijk, who has been with Holland America Line for 15 years, most recently as a business development representative in sales in the Rotterdam office. During the daytime naming celebration, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, Holland America Group President Jan Swartz, Rotterdam Captain Werner Timmers, Lord Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb and Mariner Ambassadors David and Gisela Gere joined Princess Margriet to officially welcome Rotterdam to the fleet.
"Our heritage is rooted here in the Netherlands, and we are deeply honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet as godmother of her fifth Holland America Line ship," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "When Rotterdam was delivered in 2021 we postponed its naming ceremony so we could hold it in Rotterdam, because there's no better place to name a ship than in the city it was named after. After a challenging couple of years, we are excited to celebrate this memorable moment in our company's history."
Following the ceremony, a gala luncheon was held onboard for invited guests. The festivities continued into the evening with a gala dinner and the opportunity for guests to pour champagne over the ship's bell. The blessing of the ship's bell is a Holland America Line tradition when welcoming a new ship to the fleet.
Rotterdam's naming ceremony also was attended by Stein Kruse, senior advisor to the chairman and CEO, Carnival Corporation; Keith Taylor executive vice president, fleet operations Holland America Group; Randy Weisenburger, board member, Carnival Corporation; Nico Bleichrodt, vice president, international sales, Holland America Line and Seabourn; Jaap Smit, commissioner to the King; and Boudewijn Siemons, COO, Port Of Rotterdam and Chairman of the Cruise Policy Board. Antorcha was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Geres were selected as Mariner Ambassadors for Rotterdam to honor Holland America Line's appreciation of its loyal guests who are long-time cruisers. Since first sailing in 1988 aboard Rotterdam V, the Geres have sailed nearly 2,500 days on Holland America Line, including several cruises on Rotterdam VI.
A History of Royal Namings
Holland America Line's connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam II (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).
Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam's godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937.
About Rotterdam
The third vessel in the Pinnacle Class series and the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line, Rotterdam carries 2,668 guests and features highly successful amenities and innovations introduced with her sister ships. Throughout the ship, Rotterdam showcases Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest guest repeat rates in the industry: exquisite cuisine guided by seven of the world's leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations.
Rotterdam delivers the best live music at sea with an exclusive collection of world-class performances nightly at Rolling Stone Rock Room with classic rock hits; Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians entertain the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King's Blues Club, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, Rotterdam immerses guests in panoramic visual and sound effects.
In addition to the impressive Dining Room, guests can delight in specialty restaurants Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie; Tamarind, exploring traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan; Nami Sushi with tasty sushi and Asian spirits; Pinnacle Grill, the ultimate steakhouse at sea; Canaletto with family-style Italian dining; and Club Orange exclusively for guests in the Club Orange program.
Rotterdam to Explore Northern Europe and the Caribbean
Rotterdam's special seven-day "Rotterdam Naming Celebration" cruise departed May 29 and sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, also visiting Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.
Following the cruise, the ship will homeport out of Amsterdam and spend the season on seven- and 14-day Norway cruises, as well as explorations to Scandinavia, Iceland and the Northern Isles.
On Oct. 15, 1872, Rotterdam I — the first Holland America Line ship — embarked on its maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York. Exactly 150 years later on Oct. 15, 2022, Rotterdam VII will depart Rotterdam once again as Holland America Line recreates this historic 150th Anniversary crossing with calls at Plymouth, England; New York and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will then spend the season in the Caribbean sailing tropical itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editors Note: Photos and video are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/iklss3js.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.
The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line's ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
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SOURCE Holland America Line | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/holland-america-lines-holds-naming-ceremony-rotterdam-with-godmother-her-royal-highness-princess-margriet-netherlands/ | 2022-05-30T13:26:34Z |
ROME (AP) — Italy’s president, marking the 100th anniversary of one of the attacks that helped bring dictator Benito Mussolini to power, on Thursday encouraged Italians to reinvigorate their country’s democracy as a bulwark against fascism.
President Sergio Mattarella was commemorating the trashing and torching by fascist thugs of a farm cooperative building in the northeastern city of Ravenna 100 years ago. The violent attack was one in a series launched by fascist supporters of the dictator, whose iron-rule would last into World War II.
Italy’s fascist legacy faces increasingly closer scrutiny these days as the country holds an early parliamentary election on Sept 25. Opinion polls indicate the far-right Brothers of Italy, which has neo-fascist roots, would be the top vote-getter, with the party’s leader, Giorgia Meloni, eager to become premier.
She has never disavowed her party’s fascist roots but has distanced it from Mussolini’s racial laws targeting Jews.
Meloni is now the dominant force in an alliance with the right-wing League party led by Matteo Salvini and the center-right Forza Italia party led by former Premier Silvio Berlusconi. The two latter parties have seen their support erode in recent local elections.
Mattarella, as head of state, serves as a guarantor of the republic’s post-war Constitution. He called the Ravenna attack a “chapter of our history that would lead to the loss of freedom for Italians, with the start of the dark season of the fascist dictatorship.”
Mussolini took power in a march on Rome by his followers in October 1922.
In his speech, Mattarella said Italy’s democracy had survived World War I only to be rocked by “dramatic social emergencies, turbulence, strikes, the occupation of factories” and other violence in the immediate post-war period.
Mussolini came to power during a period of “weak” government, the president said, adding that democracy is born of the “widespread conscience of responsibility of each one of us in the defense of common freedoms.”
“It’s up to us to regenerate it every day,” Mattarella said, appealing to young people in particular to take up that responsibility.
After Italian Premier Mario Draghi’s wide-ranging coalition collapsed last week, Mattarella dissolved Parliament, triggering the early election.
Sinking Draghi’s pandemic unity government were Salvini, Berlusconi and the populist 5-Star Movement, all refusing to back him in a confidence vote.
Meloni was the only major leader to refuse to join Draghi’s pandemic unity government when it was formed in early 2021 after he was tapped by Mattarella. She argued that Italians should decide their leader in an election.
When it appeared that Berlusconi and Salvini were waffling at the prospect of Meloni becoming the next premier — and the first woman to hold that office — she demanded the three of them huddle to confirm the alliance’s long-standing rule: whoever gets the most votes becomes its pick for the premiership. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/italys-president-strong-democracy-crucial-against-fascism/ | 2022-07-29T02:42:15Z |
Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft—Projected to Increase 25 percent in 2022
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recently published report from Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, networks, and data center IT industries, data center capex grew at the fastest rate year-over-year in three years in 1Q 2022. New cloud deployments and higher data center infrastructure costs drove capex.
"Data center capex grew double-digits year-over-year in 1Q 2022 despite persistent supply chain constraints," said Baron Fung, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group. "However, growth was attributed to higher data center equipment average selling prices as vendors passed supply chain costs to end-users, and from the adoption of new server architectures and accelerated computing. We anticipate further upside in data center capex later this year, as the Top 4 cloud service providers expand their services and as server memory prices trend higher," explained Fung.
Additional highlights from the 1Q 2022 Data Center IT Capex Quarterly Report:
- Worldwide data center capex growth expected to trend higher through 2022.
- Persistent supply chain challenges to limit server unit growth to high single-digits in 2022.
- The Top 4 US cloud service providers scheduled to launch services in more than 30 new regions in 2022.
Dell'Oro Group's Data Center IT Capex Quarterly Report details the data center infrastructure capital expenditures of each of the ten largest Cloud service providers, as well as the Rest-of-Cloud, Telco, and Enterprise customer segments. Allocation of the data center infrastructure capex for servers, storage systems, and other auxiliary data center equipment is provided. The report also discusses market trends, drivers of the leading Cloud service providers' capex growth during the quarter, and the outlook for the next year. To purchase this report, please contact us at dgsales@delloro.com.
Dell'Oro Group is a market research firm that specializes in strategic competitive analysis in the telecommunications, enterprise networks, data center infrastructure, and network security markets. Our firm provides in-depth quantitative data and qualitative analysis to facilitate critical, fact-based business decisions. For more information, contact Dell'Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit www.delloro.com.
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SOURCE Dell'Oro Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/data-center-capex-grew-fastest-rate-three-years-1q-2022-according-delloro-group/ | 2022-06-16T12:47:14Z |
NEW YORK, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: New York, N.Y., May 31, 2022. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS) between March 19, 2021 and March 25, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 28, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Credit Suisse 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 Credit Suisse class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5868 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 28, 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 made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Credit Suisse had deficient disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (2) Credit Suisse's practice of lending money to Russian oligarchs subject to U.S. and international sanctions created a significant risk of violating rules pertaining to those sanctions and future sanctions; (3) the foregoing conduct subjected the Company to an increased risk of heightened regulatory scrutiny and/or enforcement actions; (4) a synthetic securitization deal, in which Credit Suisse sold off $80 million worth of risk related to a $2 billion portfolio of loans backed by assets owned by certain of the bank's ultra-high net worth clients (the "Securitization Deal") concerned loans that Credit Suisse made to Russian oligarchs previously sanctioned by the U.S.; (5) the purpose of the Securitization Deal was to offload the risks associated with these loans and mitigate the impact on Credit Suisse of sanctions likely to be implemented by Western nations in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine; (6) Credit Suisse's request that non-participating investors destroy documents related to the Securitization Deal was intended to conceal the Company's noncompliance with U.S. and international sanctions in its lending practices; (7) the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to subject the Company to enhanced regulatory scrutiny and significant reputational harm; and (8) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Credit Suisse class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5868 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
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/rosen-leading-longstanding-top-ranked-firm-encourages-credit-suisse-group-ag-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-cs/ | 2022-06-01T00:31:19Z |
Growth equity investment catalyzes 500 megawatts of projects currently in Verogy's development pipeline
HARTFORD, Conn., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Verogy, a leading, vertically integrated solar developer focused on the commercial, industrial and small utility-scale segments, has sold a minority stake in its business to funds managed by CarVal Investors, L.P., a Minneapolis-based global alternative asset manager with approximately $14 billion in assets under management.
The strategic, long-term partnership created by CarVal's investment in Verogy – a partnership of two established, successful firms in the solar development space with extensive track records – creates a pool of capital available for the development and ownership of 500 megawatts of solar projects. This availability of capital will be of immediate benefit to Verogy's current and prospective clients.
As part of the transaction, the entirety of Verogy's founding management team will continue in their roles, and will also maintain a significant equity stake in the company. Board oversight of Verogy will be managed by representatives from both CarVal and Verogy's founding management team. In addition, affiliates of Stonehenge Growth Capital, LLC, a provider of venture capital, private equity and mezzanine debt and Verogy's pre-seed equity investor, will also retain a significant equity stake in the firm.
"It's difficult to overstate how excited we are about partnering with CarVal," said Will Herchel, Verogy's Co-Founder and CEO. "This partnership meaningfully expands Verogy's ability to develop, build and own projects for our clients for the foreseeable future, and partners us with a savvy, sophisticated capital provider for the long haul."
"We have evaluated several solar development platforms over the years," said Jerry Keefe, a Principal at CarVal. "The two driving factors that made this investment in Verogy attractive to CarVal were the management team's significant experience developing projects, and their 'ownership mentality,' as indicated by their desire to maintain a meaningful ownership percentage in the business. We are excited to continue to expand on Verogy's already impressive growth trajectory."
"These are interesting times in the landscape for raising capital for solar development platforms," said Patrick Norton, a Managing Director at Javelin Capital, who served as Verogy's financial advisor for this transaction. "This transaction is a testament to the enduring strength of both parties' demonstrated ability to roll up their sleeves and drive value for their clients in a variety of market contexts. We can't wait to observe and celebrate this formidable partnership in the years to come."
The transaction closed on April 29, 2022. Javelin Capital served as financial advisor and Baker Botts LLP served as legal counsel to Verogy. Marathon Capital served as financial advisor and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to CarVal.
About CarVal Investors
CarVal Investors is an established global alternative investment manager focused on distressed and credit-intensive assets and market inefficiencies. Since 1987, CarVal's team has navigated through ever-changing credit market cycles, opportunistically investing $135 billion in 5,630 transactions across 82 countries. Today, CarVal Investors has approximately $14 billion in assets under management in corporate securities, loan portfolios, structured credit and hard assets.
For more information, visit www.carvalinvestors.com.
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SOURCE CarVal Investors | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/carval-investors-acquires-minority-stake-verogy/ | 2022-05-05T17:00:12Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chris Pavlovski, CEO of Rumble, Inc. ("Rumble"), the fast-growing neutral video platform, spoke with Howard W. Lutnick, CEO of CF Acquisition Corp. VI (Nasdaq: CFVI) ("CFVI"), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald.
To access the video, please click here.
About Rumble
Rumble is a high-growth neutral video platform that is creating the rails and independent infrastructure designed to be immune to cancel culture. Rumble's mission is to restore the Internet to its roots by making it free and open once again. Additionally, the company announced in December 2021 the execution of a definitive business combination agreement with CFVI. See the announcement here: https://corp.rumble.com.
About CF Acquisition Corp. VI
CFVI is a blank check company led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard W. Lutnick and sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald.
About Cantor Fitzgerald
Cantor Fitzgerald, with over 12,000 employees, is a leading global financial services group at the forefront of financial and technological innovation and has been a proven and resilient leader for 77 years. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is a preeminent investment bank serving more than 5,000 institutional clients around the world, recognized for its strengths in fixed income and equity capital markets, investment banking, SPAC underwriting and PIPE placements, prime brokerage, and commercial real estate on its global distribution platform. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is one of 24 primary dealers transacting business with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For more information, please visit: www.cantor.com.
Important Information and Where to Find It
This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Rumble and CFVI. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the transaction described herein, CFVI has filed with the SEC an effective registration statement on Form S-4, which includes a proxy statement/prospectus of CFVI, on August 12, 2022 (the "Registration Statement"), and has filed, and will file, other relevant materials with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been sent to all CFVI stockholders as of the Record Date. Investors and security holders of CF VI are urged to read the Registration Statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus (and any supplements thereto, as and when filed), and all other relevant documents filed or to be filed in connection with the proposed transaction because they contain important information about the proposed transaction.
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CFVI through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The documents filed or that will be filed by CFVI with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to CF Acquisition Corp. VI, 110 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 or via email at CFVI@cantor.com. The documents filed or that will be filed by Rumble or any successor entity of the transaction with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to Rumble USA Inc., 444 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.
Participants in the Solicitation
CFVI, Rumble and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CFVI's stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. CFVI's stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and executive officers of CFVI in the Registration Statement. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from CFVI's stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination is set forth in the Registration Statement.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of CFVI or Rumble, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the proposed transaction between CFVI and Rumble. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the closing of the transaction and CFVI's, Rumble's, or their respective management teams' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. The words "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intends", "may", "might", "plan", "possible", "potential", "predict", "project", "should", "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this document. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of CFVI and Rumble. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ from the forward looking-statements in this document, including but not limited to (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, (ii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, (iii) the inability to complete the PIPE offering, (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement, (v) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Rumble and/or CFVI related to the business combination agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, (vi) the ability to maintain the listing of CFVI stock on Nasdaq, (vii) costs related to the transactions and the failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transactions or to realize estimated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, including with respect to estimated stockholder redemptions, (viii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Rumble's business relationships, operating results, performance and business generally, (ix) changes in the combined capital structure of Rumble and CFVI following the transactions, (x) changes in laws and regulations affecting Rumble's business, (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the transactions, and identify and realize additional opportunities, (xii) risks related to Rumble's limited operating history, the rollout of its business and the timing of expected business milestones, (xiii) risks related to Rumble's potential inability to achieve or maintain profitability and generate cash, (xiv) current and future conditions in the global economy, including as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their impact on Rumble, its business and markets in which it operates, (xv) the ability of Rumble to retain existing content providers and users and attract new content providers and customers, (xvi) the potential inability of Rumble to manage growth effectively, (xvii) the enforceability of Rumble's intellectual property, including its patents and the potential infringement on the intellectual property rights of others, and (xviii) the ability to recruit, train and retain qualified personnel. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Registration Statement, CFVI's Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2022 and the other filings that CFVI has filed or will file with the SEC from time to time. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Rumble and CFVI assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Rumble nor CFVI gives any assurance that either Rumble or CFVI will achieve its expectations.
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SOURCE Rumble and CFVI | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/conversation-with-chris-pavlovski-ceo-rumble-howard-w-lutnick-ceo-cantor-fitzgerald-cfvi/ | 2022-09-13T20:14:15Z |
(The Hill) – President Biden is considering limiting student loan forgiveness to individuals who make below a specific income, three sources familiar with the issue told The Washington Post.
Officials are looking at limiting cancellation to those making below $125,000 or $150,000 as an individual or $250,000 or $300,000 for couples who file taxes together.
“There’s different proposals floating around the administration about how to structure this,” one person told the Post. “Over the course of the past week especially, administration and congressional staff have focused the conversation on debt cancellation on how to best meet the president’s desire to ensure the most economically vulnerable people with student debt benefit from any action.”
One of the arguments Republicans use against student loan relief is that it will benefit higher income Americans who are capable of paying back their debt.
The sources told the outlet the conversations are still in early stages and plenty of changes may unfold before an official plan is announced.
Earlier this week, Biden denied debt relief would be as high as $50,000 per borrower but said he would have more to say on the issue in the upcoming weeks.
“I am considering dealing with some debt reduction,” Biden said. “I am not considering $50,000 debt reduction, but I’m in the process of taking a hard look at whether or not there will be additional debt forgiveness and I’ll have an answer on that in the next couple of weeks.”
Since his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden has promised to eliminate at least $10,000 in student debt per borrower, but fellow Democrats and activists are pushing for more ahead of the midterm elections.
Biden has been holding off the issue by continuing to extend the student loan payment freeze that began during the pandemic due to the loss of jobs.
Biden has extended the resumption of payments twice, with borrowers set to begin paying again at the beginning of September. | https://cw33.com/news/biden-considering-income-stipulations-on-student-loan-cancellation-report/ | 2022-05-02T14:41:05Z |
STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola Power" or the "Company") (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, today announced the publication of its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, which details the Company's ESG strategy, policies, and initiatives, as well as summarizes the Company's ESG activities and achievements during the recent years.
"We are pleased to release our first ever ESG report and share our ESG performance with investors and all the stakeholders," said Mr. Yumin Liu, ReneSola Power Chief Executive Officer. "Since our strategic restructuring in 2017, we have transitioned to a pure downstream player with a focus on solar development projects globally. With our mission of providing clean, low-carbon, sustainable energy solutions that combat climate change, ReneSola Power has been committed to driving a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable future for everyone. Sustainability is an essential part of our strategic thinking, business development, and long-term value creation, so we utilize the report to transparently communicate our thinking and progress in ESG with all our investors and stakeholders on an annual basis."
ReneSola Power's ESG report is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework with relevant ESG metrics. The report covers the ESG activities of all ReneSola Power operations across its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut and professional teams in 10 countries.
To view and download a copy of the ESG report, please visit the Company's website at https://www.renesolapower.com/cate/385.html.
About ReneSola Power
ReneSola Power (NYSE: SOL) is a leading global solar project developer and operator. The Company focuses on solar power project development, construction management and project financing services. With local professional teams in more than 10 countries around the world, the business is spread across number of regions where the solar power project markets are growing rapidly and can sustain that growth due to improved clarity around government policies. The Company's strategy is to pursue high-margin project development opportunities in these profitable and growing markets; specifically, in the U.S. and Europe, where the Company has a market-leading position in several geographies, including Poland, Hungary, Minnesota and New York. For more information, please visit www.renesolapower.com.
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SOURCE ReneSola Ltd. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/renesola-power-launches-inaugural-environmental-social-governance-esg-report/ | 2022-09-12T11:12:01Z |
QINGDAO, China, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense has joined forces with FIFA, through its Football for Schools programme, to help increase environmental awareness among children in South Africa.
Football for Schools, a global programme to make football more accessible and fun to children by incorporating football into education, was launched in South Africa on 24 August at an event in Johannesburg.
In recent years, climate change has affected South Africa, which has affected people's lives, and caused the loss of many green football pitches. In response, FIFA has collaborated with Hisense around the South Africa launch, hoping to bring the joy of football to children while helping build a greener and environmentally friendly future for the next generation.
Hisense organized an educational workshop that included an interactive session with children, coaches, and FIFA ambassadors. The customized session provided children with more practical eco-friendly knowledge and tips through engaging games. In a fun question and answer session, Hisense shared tips on saving the disappearing pitches to raise children's environmental protection awareness and inspire them to save more green pitches. The event ended with participants, including children and FIFA Legend Yaya Touré, creating the environmental painting "My Dream Pitch".
Hisense also donated high-tech devices to provide a more enjoyable educational experience, such as Hisense's eye-friendly tablet, a Hisense 100-inch Laser TV, and Interactive Digital Boards.
FIFA legend Portia Modise was present to support the Football for Schools project.
"Raising awareness, particularly among children, is a key to tackling climate change and environmental issues in the future," said Fatimata Sidibe, Director of Football for Schools. "Football is an ideal way to do this, and this initiative in South Africa, which combines enjoyment with education, is a clear example of how football can play a role in improving society and empowering children."
"At Hisense, we are committed to the concept of establishing a more sustainable and better living environment for all through our initiatives and technology," said Wei Liu, General Manager of Hisense South Africa & Vice President of Hisense Middle East & Africa. "Through this collaboration with FIFA and Hisense, we successfully raised global environmental awareness and underlined the impact of climate change on everyday life through fun activities that engage kids together and create a greener future."
Over the years, Hisense has extensively focused on ESG sustainable development concepts to build a better world. Through this cooperation with FIFA, Hisense further enhanced children's well-being and society´s sustainable development.
Football for Schools (F4S), launched in 2019, is an ambitious programme that aims to contribute to children's education, development, and empowerment worldwide. It seeks to make football more accessible to boys and girls worldwide by incorporating football activities into the education system in partnership with relevant authorities.
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SOURCE Hisense | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/hisense-fifa-launch-environmental-programme-south-african-children/ | 2022-09-01T09:07:36Z |
Florida-based IMO with winning pedigree further bolsters Integrity's mission to innovate life, health and wealth solutions that help Americans make the most of what life brings
DALLAS, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ("Integrity"), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has acquired Abernathy Financial Services, an independent marketing organization ("IMO") based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. As part of the acquisition, Brent Abernathy, President of Abernathy Financial Services, will become a Managing Partner in Integrity. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Abernathy joined the insurance industry following 13 seasons playing professional baseball. His athletic career also included winning an Olympic gold medal while representing Team USA in the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. By applying the corresponding principles of discipline, hard work and resilience he learned over the course of his time in baseball, Abernathy has guided the Abernathy Financial Services team to more than 10 years of sustained growth and success. The company offers life insurance and financial services products, helping nearly 200,000 Americans annually. In 2021, they grew to secure more than $130 million in annual paid premium.
"Brent's story offers a compelling view into where persistence and dedication can take you in this industry," explained Bryan W. Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity. "True success in our business comes from having a service-first mindset, and Brent and his team genuinely care for those they serve. Now, everyone at Abernathy Financial Services can access Integrity's industry-leading resources to serve agents, carriers and clients in a way that can improve the lives of all stakeholders. Brent will gain more time to do what he excels at — caring for others and growing his business. We are always thrilled to partner with strong, forward-looking leaders who are intent on doing things the right way. As an Integrity partner, Brent will continue succeeding well into the future."
"My years in Major League Baseball helped me understand how to create a solid team and what it takes to win, despite obstacles," explained Brent Abernathy, President of Abernathy Financial Services. "As an Integrity partner, we feel we have joined the best team in the industry, since we are both committed to changing the lives of clients and agents every single day. Integrity will help our agents reach more Americans with a wider range of products, making it possible to craft more impactful solutions. This is an exciting day for Abernathy Financial Services — I'm confident we'll be knocking it out of the park for many years to come."
Abernathy gains the opportunity to connect with Integrity's partner network, an expansive group comprised of many legends and icons from within the industry. This diverse collective of leaders strives to innovate and integrate holistic life, health and wealth solutions, allowing agents and advisors to help more Americans prepare for the good days ahead. In addition, Integrity partners collaborate on best practices and strategies that optimize insurance and financial services processes.
"Brent is someone who truly understands the power of teamwork," shared Shawn Meaike, President of Family First Life and Managing Partner at Integrity. "He recognizes that to be successful in this business, it's important to surround yourself with like-minded leaders who share a similar commitment to excellence. And that's what he gets by joining the Integrity family — a team that is devoted to building each other up. Ultimately, he gains a peer network that settles for nothing less than being their best."
The Abernathy Financial Services team will also improve efficiency and boost productivity by utilizing Integrity's omnichannel insurtech platform of proprietary resources. These products and systems include in-depth customer relationship management software, systematic data and analytics, and continuous product development. Integrity's infrastructure of shared services is built to further streamline business functions, which will empower Abernathy Financial Services to enhance its growth strategies and reach its full potential. These shared services include People & Culture, Technology & Innovation, legal and compliance, and access to a world-class advertising and marketing firm.
Additionally, Abernathy Financial Services can now offer its employees meaningful company ownership through the Integrity Employee Ownership Plan.
For more information about Abernathy Financial Services' partnership with Integrity, view a video at www.integritymarketing.com/Abernathy.
About Integrity Marketing Group
Integrity, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of innovative solutions for wealth management and retirement planning. Through its partner network, Integrity helps millions of Americans protect their life, health and wealth with a commitment to meet them wherever they are — in person, over the phone and online. Integrity's cutting-edge technology helps streamline the insurance and financial planning experience for all stakeholders. In addition, Integrity develops products with carrier partners and markets them through its distribution network of agencies, brokerages and RIAs throughout the nation. Integrity's nearly 6,000 employees work with more than 450,000 agents and advisors who serve over 10 million clients annually. In 2022, Integrity will help carriers place more than $12 billion in new sales and oversee more than $20 billion of assets under management and advisement through its RIA and broker-dealer platforms. For more information, visit www.integritymarketing.com.
About Abernathy Financial Services
Abernathy Financial Services, headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a life insurance distributor that also provides solutions for retirement planning and wealth management to its clients. In 2021, the agency helped provide solutions to nearly 200,000 Americans. Abernathy Financial Services believes in putting client families first and doing whatever they can to serve those families in person, over the phone or online. With thousands of agents across the nation working under the same mission statement and values, the company is committed to providing exceptional service — and looks forward to positively impacting millions of lives in the future.
Partnership Inquiries:
Eric Pederson, Vice President of Business Development
Integrity Marketing Group
partnership@integritymarketing.com
866-650-1857
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SOURCE Integrity Marketing Group, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/integrity-expands-life-insurance-distribution-by-partnering-with-abernathy-financial-services/ | 2022-06-01T15:33:57Z |
CALGARY, AB, July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Sundial Growers Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDL) ("Sundial" or the "Company") announces that its forthcoming Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") will be held on July 21, 2022 at 1 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. EDT).
The current nominees for election to the Board of Directors (the "Board"), include existing board members Greg Mills, Zach George, Gregory Turnbull, Bryan Pinney, and Lori Ell. At the Meeting, the Company will also seek the approval of its shareholders to, among other items, consolidate all of its issued and outstanding shares (the "Consolidation") on the basis of a consolidation ratio of between 10:1 and 25:1 (the "Consolidation Ratio"). Sundial is currently not in compliance with Nasdaq's $1 minimum bid price requirements. The proposed Consolidation is expected to enable Sundial to avoid a delisting event that could cause material disruption through the reduction of both trading liquidity and access to capital. If the Consolidation resolution is approved by shareholders at the Meeting, the Board will have discretion to determine the final Consolidation Ratio within the shareholder-approved parameters.
"Sundial shareholders have played a key role in the Company's growth into the largest private market, regulated products platform in Canada," said Greg Mills, Chair of the Board. "Every shareholder has a role to play in the future direction of the Company. We encourage our shareholders to actively participate in the governance of the Company by voting their shares. Having considered factors including trading liquidity, access to capital, and regulatory restrictions, our Board believes that it is in the best interest of Sundial and its shareholders to maintain its Nasdaq listing and has tabled the Consolidation resolution to do so."
Voting and Meeting Reminders
The Company also reminds shareholders that the deadline for submission of voting proxies for the Meeting is July 19, 2022 at 1 p.m. MDT. Shareholders are encouraged to vote by Proxy in advance of the Meeting by one of the methods described in the form of Proxy (the "Proxy") and management information circular (the "Circular"). Additional instructions may be found in Sundial's Proxy and Circular on www.sndlgroup.com in the Investor section and on SEDAR and EDGAR.
All shareholders will have the opportunity to participate in the Meeting online. Only registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to vote in real time at the Meeting. Shareholders who hold their common shares with a bank, broker, or other financial intermediary and wish to vote at the Meeting must carefully follow the instructions provided by their intermediary.
To participate online please use the following information:
Link: https://web.lumiagm.com/263589432
Meeting ID: 263 – 589 – 432
Password: sundial2022
Registered Shareholder Number: Listed on your form of Proxy
Sundial is a public company whose shares are traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "SNDL." Its business is operated and reported in four segments: Cannabis Production and Cultivation, Cannabis Retail, Liquor Retail, and Investments.
As a licensed producer that crafts small-batch cannabis using state-of-the-art indoor facilities, Sundial's 'craft-at-scale' modular growing approach, award-winning genetics, and experienced growers set us apart. Sundial's brand portfolio includes Top Leaf, Sundial Cannabis, Palmetto, Spiritleaf Selects, and Grasslands. Sundial is the largest private sector cannabis and liquor retailer in Canada. The Company's retail banners include Spiritleaf, Value Buds, Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, and Ace Liquor. Sundial's investment portfolio seeks to deploy strategic capital through direct and indirect investments and partnerships throughout the global cannabis industry.
For more information on Sundial, please go to www.sndlgroup.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking-statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the expectation that Sundial will avoid a delisting event should the proposed Consolidation be approved by shareholders and the Board and effected. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions, including but not limited to assumptions with respect to the potential Consolidation, were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.
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SOURCE Sundial Growers Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/notice-annual-special-meeting-july-21-2022/ | 2022-07-07T22:59:46Z |
The Olympic soccer competition at the 2024 Paris Games will conclude with the women’s final — instead of the men’s — for the first time.
FIFA announced the Olympic soccer competition schedule on Wednesday. The governing body also said there will be no double-headers in France, making each match a standalone event.
The women’s final will take place on Aug. 10 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The men’s gold-medal match will be played at the same stadium the day before.
The combined tournament will start on July 24 and go to seven cities in France: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Saint-Etienne.
As host, France’s men’s team will play in the tournament opener in Marseille, while the women’s team will play on July 25 in Lyon, site of 2019 Women’s World Cup final.
“That this should take place in France is particularly exciting,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a prepared statement. “A country with a distinguished history of developing and excelling in both men’s and women’s football, which has hosted some of the most iconic FIFA tournaments in history, including the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, and where FIFA has recently re-opened an office to better serve its 211 member associations.”
The U.S. women secured a spot in the Olympics by winning the CONCACAF W Championship, while Brazil and Colombia qualified at the Copa America.
On the men’s side, the U.S. team and the Dominican Republic earned spots at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/womens-final-will-cap-olympic-soccer-tournament-in-paris/ | 2022-07-29T02:50:22Z |
RENO, Nev., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Times bestselling author Loral Langemeier has released a new book targeting the creation of generational wealth after her son Logan, a senior at Georgia Southern University playing Division l football, goes All-American.
Sports Illustrated reports 78% of NFL players and 60% of NBA players face serious financial hardships after retirement. On average, NFL players last 3.3 years in the league, while NHL, MBA, and MLB careers last 3.5, 4.8, and 5.6 years, respectively. "Watching kids work their butts off to go pro, only then to lose it all because they never were taught financial literacy—that's a sin," states Langemeier.
Langemeier developed her proprietary system of creating millionaires over her 25 years of teaching real world wealth building skills that are not taught in school. After working with her son's teammates, along with teams across the country, her passion has become ensuring young pro athletes don't lose their fortunes. "I've worked with scores of Division I coaches across the country. They will also tell you financial literacy should be a prerequisite for every athlete before they go pro," says Langemeier.
"Most parents are never given the insight into how to teach their children about money," says Scott Donnell, founder of the GravyStack banking app for families. "This book provides badly needed guidance that parents can take to help their kids get the education about financial freedom they need to hear."
Make Your Kids Millionaires: The Step-by-Step Guide to Lead Children to Financial Freedom was released on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 by McGraw Hill and was an immediate Amazon Bestseller. Langemeier, along with co-author Kyle Boeckman, wrote this comprehensive playbook to walk any parent or young adult through financial strategies that can be applied at any age.
"We should be teaching kids about how to make, save, invest, and grow their money from the age of 5!" says Langemeier. The famed "Millionaire Maker" raised her two children around these principles and the information she writes about in her newest book and, true to her title, both kids became millionaires while in high school.
Loral Langemeier is available for interviews. Contact Laura Witlox - TGC Worldwide (laura@tgcworldwide.com)
About Loral Langemeier
Loral Langemeier is a money expert, sought after speaker, entrepreneurial thought leader, and bestselling author of five books on a relentless mission to change the conversation about money. She has perfected a 3-5 year strategy to make millions for the "Average Jill and Joe" that has served thousands of individuals worldwide.
Loral's straight talk electrifies and inspires audiences on live stages and television programs running on CNN, CNBC, The Street TV, Fox News, Fox Business, The Dr. Phil Show, and The View. As a single mother of two children, she is redefining the possibility for women to have it all and raise their children in an entrepreneurial and financially literate environment.
Learn More:
https://www.lorallangemeier.com/
https://integratedwealthsystems.com/
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SOURCE Integrated Wealth Systems | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/langemeier-releases-playbook-young-pro-athletes-avoid-being-financially-exploited-during-career/ | 2022-05-19T21:38:57Z |
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
News Advisory:
Details:
This is a private, invitation only event organized by the National Press Club and the Tice Family. Press Coverage is welcome but please let us know you are coming by emailing members@press.org
The Club has hosted awareness events on the anniversary of Austin's abduction for several years but, during the pandemic, safety issues precluded robust attendance and the Tices participated via video. This will be the first time they have joined us in person for this event. In the 2020 event the Club unveiled The Freedom Clock -- a 24/7 365 large display in the lobby dedicated to tracking the time of Austin's kidnaping in years, days, seconds.
We hope through this event we will raise awareness of who Austin is and discuss the current status of his case and what is being done to bring him home.
In the past year there have been significant breakthroughs in the case including a May 2, 2022 Oval Office meeting with President Biden. In that meeting, the President gave explicit instructions to his National Security team on exactly how they should proceed with respect to engaging with the Syrians. Also, in April 2022, the White House Correspondent's Assn. made Debra Tice a focus of their event and President Biden spoke of his interest in meeting with the Tices and bringing Austin home. Since last Fall The Washington Post has engaged in an unprecedented advertising campaign with dozens of full-page ads, first calling for a meeting with the President and now calling for the government to bring Austin home. In the current campaign they are unveiling a banner on their building. This is the most significant message support provided by The Washington Post for a press freedom case. And McClatchy Newspapers has prepared unprecedented news packages and coverage related to Austin's case. The Tices have made countless TV appearances including recent interviews with Jake Tapper and Lester Holt.
As a reminder, Austin Tice is the only U.S. journalist currently being held overseas. He has been held longer than any U.S. journalist – even Terry Anderson of the Associated Press. The position of the American government is that we have every reason to believe he is alive. The U.S. last sent a delegation to meet with the Syrians about releasing Austin in September of 2020 and there were significant steps taken during the meeting and more follow-up by the U.S. is now urgently required.
The Press Club has engaged in many campaigns to help obtain Austin's release over the years. In the last year these have included a 5k Run for Austin with participation in 13 states and four countries and a Change.org petition signed by 150,000 people as well as news conferences, panels, videos and social media. The National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Club's non-profit affiliate has created an exhibit on Austin and launched important and successful letter writing campaigns to Congress.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/austin-tice-family-host-event-mark-10-years-since-abduction/ | 2022-08-08T20:53:55Z |
Written as the Theme Song for a New Documentary Film Series About Forest Conservation Projects That Offer an Essential Climate Solution
NEW YORK, May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Julian Lennon, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and global philanthropist, has written and recorded a new song that will be performed for the first time at Everland's Concert for Climate on June 4 as part of the United Nations Environment Programme's World Environment Day
(WED) celebrations. Everland commissioned Lennon to create the theme song for its short documentary film series about the forest conservation projects it represents in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The concert will be at the Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, and live streamed by Looped.
Touching on the urgency to protect our natural world, the song aligns with Lennon's work with The White Feather Foundation, which he founded in 2007 after being asked by Elders of The Mirning People to use his voice to help preserve their Indigenous culture. It also expresses Everland's commitment to end deforestation and support Indigenous communities at the heart of forest conservation and protecting biodiversity.
The heartfelt song urges people to come together to take care of our planet:
We gonna Change…Change
Change the World Together.
You and I and everyone forever
We gonna Change…Change
Change the World Together
You and I and everyone forever…
The first film in the series is "Kasigau" – a story about the pioneering, community-centered Wildlife Works' REDD+ project in Kenya located between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
REDD+ is an acronym for a UN-envisioned climate change mitigation mechanism that stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The REDD+ approach has been successfully implemented at more than 70 projects globally. According to the IPCC's latest climate mitigation report, reduced conversion of forests and other ecosystems is the most effective nature-based solution for mitigating carbon emissions.
"Kasigau" was filmed at the end of 2021 and shows the harsh reality of climate chaos in a rural African community as told by community members in the midst of experiencing severe drought. The film highlights how this community of 120,000 people came together to stop deforestation and how the REDD+ project is directing significant carbon finance for local sustainable development.
The world premiere of "Kasigau" is scheduled for September 6, 2022, at London's Curzon Theatre. It will have its U.S. debut at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York City on October 13 at a theater that will be announced later.
Discussing his new single, Lennon said, "When I learned about the impactful work happening at the forest conservation projects that Everland represents, which puts lndigenous rights and community investment at the center, I felt compelled to create a song for the series that would remind everyone of the vital need to protect nature. Forests are essential to maintaining life on earth and Indigenous people hold the key to safeguarding this most precious resource."
The song will be showcased at the Concert for Climate emceed by well-known Swedish comedian and TV personality Kodjo Akolor. The concert is part of an event series hosted by Everland to celebrate this year's World Environment Day and to launch its landmark The Forest Plan - a business plan that shows how it is possible to end deforestation.
During the concert, other notable artists will also lend their voices to raise awareness of the critical need to conserve nature. The lineup includes Julian Marley and The Uprising, Gennady, Raquel Bitton, Rusty Watson & The Legacy Singers with the Solid Gospel, and All Ways with Dara Hart and Josh Tosteson. Julia Butterfly Hill will welcome concert guests with a special recorded video message. Julia Butterfly is an American environmental activist who lived in a 180-foot-tall, roughly 1500-year-old California redwood tree for over two years to prevent Pacific Lumber Company loggers from cutting it down.
On commissioning Lennon to write the documentary film theme song, Everland CEO and Co-founder Gerald Prolman said, "In addition to being an extraordinary artist, Julian Lennon is a globally recognized humanitarian who has long been a strong advocate for forest conservation and Indigenous peoples' rights. We are most grateful and honored that he accepted our request to write an inspirational theme song for our forest conservation documentary series."
The concert comes as the United Nations convenes the Stockholm+50 international meetings set up to help businesses, activists and policymakers report on the progress being made to realize the ambitions of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
Notes to Editor
About Everland
Everland represents the world's largest portfolio of high-impact forest conservation projects in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Everland brings forest communities and corporations together in a common cause to protect some of the world's most important and vulnerable forests. Visit https://www.everlandmarketing.com/.
RSVP
Register here to get access to the Looped livestream of Everland Presents: The Concert for Climate.
Everland Media Contacts
US: Lori Sinsley, lori.sinsley@everlandmarketing.com, +1 415 308 6970
UK: Aisha Ali, aali@stonehaven.uk.com, +44 7768967015
Sweden: Malin Cederholm,malin@clapyourhands.net, +46 70 471 27 24
Julian Lennon Media Contacts
US: Sonia Muckle, sonia@m2mconstruction.com
US: Samantha Goldstein Bufford, Samantha@nashunderground.com
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SOURCE Everland | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/26/julian-lennon-debut-change-everland-concert-climate-during-uneps-world-environment-day-celebrations-stockholm/ | 2022-05-26T15:00:29Z |
(The Hill) — President Joe Biden has repeatedly talked about taking on former President Donald Trump.
He still tells anyone who will listen that he’s the only Democrat who can defeat the former president, and he said last month that he wouldn’t be disappointed if Trump ran against him in 2024.
But some Democrats say that if Biden does run for reelection, he also needs to actively target Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and stop boxing himself into a Trump race.
Trump is all but certain to enter the race, but with the Jan. 6 hearings hammering him and potential lawsuits looming, DeSantis is the Republican to watch, some Democrats say.
“To me, DeSantis is the scarier prospect,” one Democratic strategist said. “He’s a smarter version of Trump, he’s way more strategic, and he doesn’t have a hundred lawsuits at his feet.“
“If Trump goes bust, and he very well may, he’s the main guy I’d be watching,” the strategist said of the Florida governor.
Throughout his administration, DeSantis has made it a point to use Biden as a foil, blaming the president for policies he says are taking the country in the wrong direction.
In recent days, he has doubled down on Biden’s push for vaccine booster shots to help combat COVID-19, which still rages throughout much of the country.
“We just saw Joe Biden test positive for COVID, right? And I’ve said we obviously wish him well on that, but you know, this is a guy that’s taken how many booster shots? I mean, seriously, [he’s] done all this stuff and gets it,” DeSantis told supporters late last month at an event in Tampa.
During another speech that week, he also used Biden’s diagnosis to blast him. “I want to wish the president a speedy recovery from COVID and America a speedy recovery from Biden.”
As DeSantis runs for reelection this year in a state that has been moving toward Republicans, Democrats say Biden and other national Democrats should take him on.
“What’s inexplicable to me is, why — not just Joe Biden — but the entire Democratic establishment isn’t trying to disqualify him now in the governor’s race,” said Fernand Amandi, a Miami-based pollster and consultant whose firm helped Barack Obama’s presidential campaign win the state in 2008 and 2012.
“He’s getting an absolute free pass,” Amandi said of DeSantis. “He has no sense of shame. … He’s acting like someone who doesn’t feel accountable to anyone.”
It’s not as though Biden has been completely silent on DeSantis. In recent months, he has taken on policies in Florida endorsed by the governor.
The Biden administration went after DeSantis after Florida was the only state in the country that didn’t preorder pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.
The president has also taken veiled swipes at DeSantis on other issues, including Disney, after the governor signed a bill into law stripping its self-government power that provides derives for its theme parks. The law was seen as payback after Disney criticized DeSantis for the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prohibits discussion of sexual orientation in classrooms.
“This is not your father’s Republican Party,” Biden said at a Democratic National Committee fundraising event in April. “It’s not even conservative in a traditional sense of conservatism. It’s mean. It’s ugly. I mean, look at what’s happening now in Florida: Christ, they’re going after Mickey Mouse.”
Biden also took to Twitter to voice his opposition to the law.
“I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are,” the president wrote on the social media platform. “I have your back, and my administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.”
Still, some Democrats say they’d like to see Biden go after DeSantis more. They say he should emulate California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who, in a rare move, took the fight to DeSantis by airing an ad on Fox News last month.
“Biden has to spend more time in Florida, taking on DeSantis, and not giving him the complete stage,” the strategist said. “We can’t be surprised when he suddenly emerges as the favorite of the party because we see this train coming.”
While Trump continues to dominate polls for Republicans, DeSantis appears to be on his heels in key states. A Detroit News poll of likely Republican primary voters found DeSantis statistically tied with Trump. A University of New Hampshire poll also found both Republicans dead even in the state.
But for now, at least, Biden remains largely fixated on Trump, Biden allies say.
“They believe strongly in the end that Trump will be the nominee,” said one ally who speaks to White House officials regularly. “That’s the governing theory, until somebody proves otherwise.”
As Martin Sweet, a professor of political science at Purdue University put it: “For Biden, using Trump as the leader of the opposition is a useful, motivating tool.”
“Trump is such shorthand for everything,” he said. “He is such a unique political figure that it would be crazy not to talk about him.” | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/desantis-is-scarier-opponent-than-trump-say-democrats/ | 2022-08-08T13:22:22Z |
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African police are patrolling the streets of Johannesburg’s Soweto township, following a spate of bar shootings that have rocked the nation.
The country’s abundance of guns held illegally is partially to blame for the shootings in which 22 people were killed at three different taverns this past weekend, community activists said.
At least 16 people were shot dead at a tavern in the township of Soweto while four others were killed in Pietermaritzburg and two were shot dead in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. One of those wounded in the Soweto shooting died in hospital on Tuesday, raising the death toll in that incident to 16.
It’s not known if the different shootings are linked but regional and ethnic rivalries, an organized crime extortion ring, competition between bar owners and political enmities are all possible motivations for the shootings, say analysts.
In all three incidents, the suspects opened fire on patrons before speeding off in their vehicles and notably the attackers did not rob the victims.
According to police, the gunmen in the Soweto shooting used high-caliber rifles including AK-47s, leaving 137 empty cartridges found on the scene. This has raised concerns about how criminals are able to access such high-powered weapons.
The illegal guns circulating in South Africa contributes to the country’s high crime rate, according to activists. An average of 23 people are shot and killed in South Africa daily, according to the country’s annual crime statistics.
Many of the weapons used by criminals have been stolen from police and private security firms, according to Gun Free South Africa. More than 12,900 people were arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition in 2020/2021, according to official statistics.
More than 3,400 police firearms had been reported stolen or unaccounted for in the last five years, according to the country’s official opposition, the Democratic Alliance. In January this year, the country’s parliamentary committee on policing heard that 158 guns went missing at the Norwood police station in Johannesburg.
“The most effective way to reduce gun deaths is to reduce gun availability. Right now we have guns flooding into the legal market, and then they move into the illegal market,” said Gun Free South Africa director Adele Kirsten.
“We know that the majority of these move from the hands of the private security industry and from fraud and corruption in the police,” said Kirsten.
Addressing the Soweto community this week South Africa Police Minister Bheki Cele said police would search houses to find the illegal guns that were used to terrorize the community.
“We have heard that illegal guns are everywhere in this community, we will be deploying the police here,” said Cele.
Soweto residents have decried the abundance of illegally held guns in the area, with some telling The Associated Press that they often hear gunshots at night.
“The reason why we don’t feel safe is because we don’t know whether the people responsible for the shooting are still in our township or not,” Anele Msompi said in the Xhosa language. “We are not safe. We can’t walk in the street, or even go to the shops without feeling nervous, anxious. We are afraid because these people could still be here with us.”
Another resident of the Nomzamo part of Soweto, Nkosimpendulo Mbhele, called on police to do more to reduce the number of guns in the area.
“I would like for our government could go door-to-door and collect all the illegal firearms, and arrest those found with illegal firearms,” said Mbhele. “They must operate during the day and at night, and go through all these shacks and houses here, because we often get mugged. You can’t even walk through this veld (field) because you may bump into thugs who will rob you at gunpoint.”
In a separate development, police arrested the owner of Enyobeni Tavern in East London where 21 teenagers were found dead last month. The owner was arrested on Saturday and two of his employees were arrested on Tuesday and will face charges for violating liquor trading laws and selling alcohol to children, according to the police. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/south-africas-many-illegal-guns-a-factor-in-bar-shootings/ | 2022-07-14T12:12:36Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of LifeStance Health Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFST) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all purchasers of LifeStance common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the documents issued in connection with LifeStance's June 10, 2021 initial public stock offering.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: October 11, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in LFST:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/lifestance-health-loss-submission-form?id=31351&from=4
LifeStance Health Group, Inc. NEWS - LFST NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that LifeStance Health Group, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the number of virtual visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was decreasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby flatlining LifeStance Health's out-patient/virtual revenue growth; (ii) the percentage of in-person visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was increasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby causing LifeStance Health's operating expenses to increase substantially; (iii) LifeStance Health had lost a large number of physicians due to burn-out and, as a result, its physician retention rate had fallen significantly below the 87% highlighted in the initial public offering's registration statement, and LifeStance Health had been expending additional costs to onboard new physicians who were less productive than the outgoing physicians they were replacing; and (iv) as a result, LifeStance Health's business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as the initial public offering's registration statement represented.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in LifeStance you have until October 11, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased LifeStance securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the LFST lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/lifestance-health-loss-submission-form?id=31351&from=4.
ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/lfst-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-11-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-lifestance-health-group-inc-shareholders/ | 2022-09-06T17:36:06Z |
LIMA, Peru, May 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C., Sucursal del Perú ("HOCP") announced today that it has finalized the previously estimated Consent Payment (as defined below).
As previously disclosed, on May 2, 2022, HOCP announced that it had received the consents necessary to effect the amendments to the indenture (the "Indenture") governing its 6.375% Trust Enhanced Senior Notes due 2028 (CUSIP Nos.: Rule 144A: 445640 AB1, Regulation S: P5300P AB9), (ISINs: Rule 144A: US445640AB18, Regulation S: USP5300PAB96) (the "Notes"). The Notes were originally issued in an aggregate principal amount of US$600,000,000 (the "Original Principal Amount"). Following the scheduled repayment of 4.2% of the Original Principal Amount on December 1, 2021, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 15, 2022 (the "Record Date"), US$574,800,000 in principal amount of the Notes remained Outstanding (the "Outstanding Principal Amount"). On May 4, 2022, HOCP made to each consenting holder of record as of the Record Date who validly delivered its consent prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on April 29, 2022 (the "Expiration Date"), a cash payment of US$2.50 for each US$1,000 of the Original Principal Amount of Notes (which corresponded to approximately US$2.39 for each US$1,000 of the Outstanding Principal Amount of Notes) (the "Consent Payment").
HOCP has now finalized the previously estimated Consent Payment, to equal US$2.50 for each US$1,000 of the Original Principal Amount of Notes (which corresponds to US$2.395 for each US$1,000 of the Outstanding Principal Amount of Notes). As a result, HOCP will make an additional cash payment to the consenting holders resulting in a total aggregate amount of US$2,531.20 (the "Subsequent Payment"). Only holders who validly delivered a consent prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive their respective pro rata portion of the Subsequent Payment. Interest will not accrue on or be payable with respect to the Subsequent Payment. The Subsequent Payment is expected to be paid no later than on May 16, 2022.
Full details of the terms and conditions of the consent solicitation, including the eligibility for the Consent Payment, were included in the consent solicitation statement, dated April 18, 2022.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any Notes or any other securities. This press release is also not a solicitation of consents with respect to any securities. The solicitation of consents is not being made in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such solicitation under applicable state or foreign securities or "blue sky" laws.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to: statements regarding the expected payment of the Subsequent Payment. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "driving," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About HOCP
Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C., Sucursal del Perú ("HOCP") is part of the Camisea Consortium and holds a 25.2% interest in the License Contracts related to the largest natural gas producing fields in Peru, the Camisea Fields; which include Block 88 and Block 56 in the Ucayali Basin of Peru. Block 88 is the largest source of natural gas production in Peru and also contains the largest number of Proved Reserves, while Block 56 is the second largest in Peru in terms of natural gas production and Proved Reserves. As a result of its 25.2% interest in the Camisea Consortium, it also holds a 25.2% interest in each of the facilities related to the Camisea Fields, including the Malvinas Plant, a natural gas processing plant near the Camisea Fields and the Pisco Plant, a liquids fractionation facility near Pisco, Peru on the Pacific coast.
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SOURCE Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/13/hunt-oil-company-peru-llc-sucursal-del-per-announces-subsequent-payment-holders-connection-with-consent-solicitation-with-respect-its-6375-trust-enhanced-senior-notes-due-2028/ | 2022-05-13T19:53:06Z |
(NewsNation) — In a historic ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade Friday, the landmark case that protected the right to abortion under the U.S. Constitution.
The decision of whether to allow abortion access now falls to individual states, 13 of which already had so-called trigger laws in place to ban abortion. Among those states poised to criminalize the act of providing abortion are: Kentucky, Louisiana, South Dakota, Idaho, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.
Exemptions vary by state and include cases in which pregnancy has been a result of rape or incest; whether there is danger to the pregnant person’s life; or in cases in which medical treatment unintentionally leads to a terminated pregnancy.
Here’s a look at some of the charges that abortion providers in these 13 states could face in the absence of Roe. v. Wade:
Some cities, however, have vowed to be sanctuaries for people seeking abortions in states that plan to outlaw the medical procedure.
San Antonio and Austin, in Texas, as well as Washington D.C., and Lebanon, Ohio, are some of the cities that have chosen not to enforce abortion bans.
José “Chito” Vela is a member of the Austin City Council, where he’s pushing a resolution that would make abortion investigations the lowest priority for local law enforcement. It also would prevent the use of city funds and resources from being used to investigate and track abortions by way of a special task force or citywide database.
“We’re trying to strike that balance very carefully because we don’t want to get into a direct conflict with the state of Texas,” Vela said.
In response, the Texas Right to Life is advocating for the Texas Heartbeat Act, which includes a provision that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who helps another person secure an abortion.
In Oakland, California, the city council passed a resolution declaring itself a sanctuary city, despite Gov. Gavin Newsome’s commitment to abortion access.
Oakland City Council President Pro Tem Sheng Thao said the resolution sends a message that Roe v. Wade supporters “will not go quietly.”
“If women are not given safe access and safe alternatives that doesn’t mean they won’t get abortions,” Thao said. “What it means is women will die trying, just as they did pre-Roe. We are determined to not let that happen.”
Laws banning abortion generally target providers, but earlier this year, a 26-year-old Texas woman was indicted on a murder charge stemming from a self-induced abortion. A Texas district attorney in April asked the judge to dismiss the charge, saying the woman hadn’t committed a crime.
“Given the politics in Texas, our current attorney general — and there are a lot of DAs in Texas also that I think would potentially aggressively prosecute women who receive their abortion, who self-manage their own abortions — I’m not comfortable at this point saying they’re only going to target providers,” Vela said. “I’m still concerned that they may target women. And so we’re moving forward to make sure to prevent that in every way that we can.” | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/with-roe-overturned-which-states-are-ready-to-ban-abortion/ | 2022-06-24T18:24:17Z |
8 weeks of treatment with leva delivers symptom improvement for one year: real-world data establishes efficacy outside of a research setting
AUSTIN, Texas, June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AUGS/IUGA Scientific Meeting 2022- Renovia Inc. (Renovia), a women-led company that develops digital therapeutics for female pelvic floor disorders, announced today that researchers presented new data supporting the value of the leva® Pelvic Health System in treating female urinary incontinence (UI). Three accepted abstracts showed that leva delivers durable UI symptom improvement for 12 months following eight weeks of therapy, generates valuable real-world data that both supports leva's effectiveness and provides an opportunity to enhance future women's health research, and continues to improve access to first-line treatment for UI through scalable at-home pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Researchers presented their findings at the 2022 Scientific Meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and International Urogynecological Association held in Austin, TX from June 14-18, 2022.
The study, "Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A 6- and 12-month Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial," extends the findings of an April 2022 randomized controlled superiority trial (RCT) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (The Green Journal), showing that leva was statistically and clinically superior to Kegel exercises alone for improving UI symptoms. At the 2022 Annual Meeting, several researchers from the original RCT gave two oral presentations, showing that leva delivers durable and significantly more improvement in UI symptoms compared to home PFMT alone at 6 and 12 months from the start of treatment. Notably, this continued superior symptom improvement was seen regardless of whether the woman continued treatment beyond 8-weeks.
Significantly, the leva arm of the study also provides valuable detail about the potential for machine learning to process large quantities of clinical data including changes in physiologic parameters, validated survey results and adherence. These findings may be useful in the future as researchers understand and possibly even predict outcomes for women who engage in PFMT with leva to treat urinary incontinence. Dr. Milena M. Weinstein, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School presented the data.
A second presentation, "A Digital Health Program for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence: Retrospective Review of Real-World User Data," analyzes real-world clinical data to show that leva is a safe and effective treatment for stress, mixed, and urgency urinary incontinence, including overactive bladder. The findings align with the results of the RCT published in the Green Journal, which demonstrated leva's superiority to standard care. Lead Investigator Laura E. Keyser, PT, DPT, MPH, Renovia's Snr. Manager, Medical Affairs, commented: "This paper is among the first in urogynecology to provide real-world evidence related to PFMT and its effectiveness in UI treatment. Our data not only demonstrate leva's value for UI treatment but also its ability to capture and evaluate real-world data from women to generate real-world evidence. This is especially important for behavioral interventions like PFMT, where adherence to treatment may be challenging."
"The alignment between the data from academic studies and real-world user data that researchers have observed underscores the strength of the data generated by leva and points to potential future use in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications," said Samantha J. Pulliam, M.D, Chief Medical Officer for Renovia. "The ability to capture real-world data is also rare in women's health. Combined, these achievements affirm leva as an effective and accessible treatment for UI backed by rigorous data."
The 2022 Scientific Meeting seeks to improve women's urogynecologic care. Multiple studies show that PFMT, commonly referred to as Kegel exercises, can offer effective, first-line treatment for UI. However, most women cannot strengthen and train their pelvic floor effectively performing Kegels on their own. leva is an FDA-cleared, prescription digital therapeutic (PDT) that combines a small vaginal motion sensor with a smartphone app that guides a woman through treatment, offering an easy, non-invasive, drug-free way for women to effectively strengthen their pelvic floor muscles to improve UI symptoms. leva requires just five minutes of therapy a day, which women can do at home, on their own schedule. Importantly, women's prescribing clinician remains involved in their UI treatment through monthly reporting on adherence and symptom status. This closed loop approach is meant to help ensure women and their clinicians remain supported and informed.
Published RCT available in the Green Journal:
"Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Obstetrics & Gynecology, April 2022
At the Scientific Meeting:
Thursday, June 16, 2022; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: a 6- and 12-month Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial as part of the abstract session, "Urinary Incontinence: Treatment"
Friday, June 17, 2022, 3:21 PM – 3:27 PM CDT
Pelvic Floor Excursion and Endurance in Response to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Using a Digital Therapeutic Device. (#103) as part of the session, "Anatomy, Pelvic Pain and Functional Problem 2"
The unmoderated poster, "A Digital Health Program for Conservative Treatment of Urinary Incontinence: Retrospective Review of Commercial User Data," is #499.
About the leva® Pelvic Health System
The leva Pelvic Health System offers a novel, non-invasive, medication-free way for women to train and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles—at home in just five minutes a day—to treat urinary incontinence (UI). Combining a small FDA-cleared vaginal motion sensor connected to a smartphone app, leva offers precise visualization of pelvic movement in real-time, enables progress tracking and allows active physician involvement, all of which support women's success. Recognizing that level-one evidence shows pelvic floor muscle training is most effective when performed under the supervision of a skilled healthcare provider, leva is available by prescription only, allowing physicians the opportunity to treat UI on a broad scale and with continued involvement in patient success. leva is the first femtech product included in the Digital Therapeutics Alliance product library and has multiple clinical trials and published data from globally recognized medical centers supporting its efficacy in treating UI. leva received the 2021 Excellence Award for Research from Medical Device Network.
About Renovia
Boston-based Renovia Inc. is a women-led company dedicated to improving the lives of women with pelvic floor disorders. Renovia's flagship product, the leva® Pelvic Health System, offers a novel, effective, first-line treatment for urinary incontinence (UI), an underreported condition affecting 78 million women in the U.S. alone. Renovia's technology enables non-invasive, drug-free treatment via precise visualization of movement in real time during pelvic floor muscle training, while monitoring usage and progress. For more information about Renovia or leva please visit www.renoviainc.com and www.levatherapy.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Important Indication and Other Information for the leva Pelvic Health System
The leva Pelvic Health System is intended for strengthening of pelvic floor muscles, and rehabilitation and training of weak pelvic floor muscles for the treatment of stress, mixed, and mild to moderate urgency urinary incontinence (including overactive bladder) in women. Treatment with the leva System is by prescription and is not for everyone. Please talk to your prescriber to see if leva is right for you. Your prescriber should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Do not use leva while pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant, unless authorized by your doctor. For a complete summary of the risks and instructions for the leva System, see its Instructions for Use available at www.renoviainc.com and www.levatherapy.com.
Renovia Inc. and leva® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Renovia Inc. in the United States and other countries. All Rights Reserved.
Media inquiries:
Shanti Skiffington
mobile: 617 921-0808
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SOURCE Renovia Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/abstracts-augsiuga-scientific-meeting-affirm-levas-treatment-value-female-urinary-incontinence/ | 2022-06-17T11:46:40Z |
NEW ORLEANS, La., June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 19, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Okta, Inc. ("Okta" or the "Company") (NasdaqGS: OKTA), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 5, 2021 and March 22, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Get Help
Okta investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-okta/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Okta and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 22, 2022, the Company disclosed that it had detected an attempted hacking attack in late January 2022, and that, "[b]ased on our investigation to date, there is no evidence of ongoing malicious activity beyond the activity detected in January." Later that same day, the Company disclosed that "[a]fter a thorough analysis of [the hackers'] claims, we have concluded that a small percentage of customers – approximately 2.5% – have potentially been impacted and whose data may have been viewed or acted upon."
On this news, shares of Okta fell $17.88 per share, or 10.74%, to close at $148.55 per share on March 23, 2022.
The case is City of Miami Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Retirement Trust v. Okta, Inc., No. 22-cv-02990.
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/18/okta-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-okta-inc-okta/ | 2022-06-18T03:09:40Z |
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Giant Eagle Inc. is voluntarily recalling packages of apple slices and peanut butter sold in the company’s GetGo stores.
In a notice issued Monday, Giant Eagle said the recall is due to possible salmonella contamination tied to the recent recall of Jif peanut butter products nationwide.
The recalled product was sold at GetGo locations through May 13 and have an expiration date of May 29. The UPC code on the products is 30034 93770 6.
The packages were sold in stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Indiana.
Giant Eagle said there have been no reports of illness associated with the items.
The apple packages include Jif peanut butter, which is the subject of the nationwide recall.
Customers are urged to dispose of the products or return them with a receipt to their local GetGo store.
Anyone with questions can call GetGo customer service at 1-800-553-2324 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/giant-eagle-recalls-apple-slices-peanut-butter-packs-due-to-jif-recall/ | 2022-05-24T18:10:08Z |
LEESBURG, Fla., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly recognized non-profit Choose Charities has launched Summer 2022 on a mission to end homelessness, hunger, and more in the United States.
Co-founder Bill Galli has combined his passions for creative branding and assisting the marginalized into a new creative agency engineered for making change. The US Census Bureau reported in 2021 that "In the United States alone, 37.2 million people are living in poverty." The more he discovered, the more he knew he needed to act. With the Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse reporting over 21.9 million millionaires living in the U.S., Galli knew there had to be some way of connecting those with resources to those desperately in need.
With the launch of Choose Charities, Bill is turning his passions into a national giveback plan. Choose Charities is a creative branding agency that is on a mission "To create a worldwide philanthropy that addresses the economic, medical, psychological, and social issues of our society's vulnerable in order to provide a sustainable living blueprint of self-help and support."
The non-profit accomplishes this by partnering together brands with charitable causes and generating creative marketing strategies to amplify the voices of those in need. Choose Charities creates catchy marketing programming that aims to raise awareness and funds for the charitable organization.
Choose Charities as a newly launched organization is looking for companies who are ready to step up their philanthropic outreach. Together, Choose Charities believes that we can create a place where our V.E.T.S. and vulnerable citizens can finally call "home" and assimilate back into society, providing them the opportunity to live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect.
You can learn more about our mission by going to our website at www.choosecharities.org or watching the promotional video www.facebook.com/choosecharities/videos/590368829091394. Any brands interested in partnering with Choose Charities and a non-profit of their choosing can contact us online at https://www.choosecharities.org/contact or email the founder directly at hello@choosecharities.org. Individuals can also get involved through participating in our program marketplace, volunteering, sharing the mission, or donating directly at https://www.choosecharities.org/donate.
Contact: Bill Galli, hello@choosecharities.org, 844 740 5004
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SOURCE Choose Charities | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/new-501c3-organization-pair-up-charities-business-organizations-amplify-voices-those-need/ | 2022-07-20T12:34:54Z |
Prime Day Sale Starts as Early as July 7, Save Big on all AIRMATE Products
SEATTLE, July 07, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading air quality enhancement home appliances brand, AIRMATE, is all set to offer amazing discounts ahead of Prime Day, Amazon's highly anticipated two-day shopping bonanza for Prime members that will kick off on Tuesday, July 12, and Wednesday, July 13. Customers can start saving on AIRMATE's top-rated fans and air purifiers as early as July 7, just in time to beat the summer heat.
The AIRMATE 2-in-1 Bladeless Fan with Air Purifier is available at a price of $279.00, a 39% discount on its original price of $459.99.
This sleek fan traps up to 99.9% of indoor air pollution, including pet dander, dust, pollen, allergens, and other fine particles down to 0.3 microns in size. The built-in AIRMATE HEPA Air Purifier filters air 5x per hour, while the active carbon filter reduces formaldehyde and other household odors. You can choose from 5 modes and 24-speed levels for personalized cooling.
The AIRMATE Tower Fan, is available at a price of $53.00, a 60% discount on its original price of $139.99.
This oscillating fan provides fresh air without rotating blades, and is safe for homes with children and pets. It provides a well-dispersed gentle breeze instead of jet-focused air flow and covers up to 590 sq.ft. The AI Smart Wind feature helps adjust fan speed according to room temperature. Compact and portable, you can easily carry it to your bedroom, study, or office.
The AIRMATE Circulator Table Fan, is available at a price of $59.00, a 55% discount on its original price of $129.99.
This personal portable fan features a unique ventilation channel to control and generate a stronger, straighter, and more precise airflow. You can feel the power of this desk fan from up to 22 feet away; the maximum wind speed is 13 ft/s. It can be used both with an air conditioner in summer and a heater in winter to quickly balance the temperature in the room.
Save big ahead of Amazon Prime Day! AIRMATE is fulfilling its vision of bringing clean and healthy air to every home while increasing cooling and comfort this summer at unbeatable prices.
About AIRMATE
Founded in 1973, AIRMATE has long focused on air quality improvement household appliances, especially manufacturing and exporting electric fans. True to its brand spirit of "AIRMATE for You", the company aims to bring clean air and healthier lifestyles to every home. The company's global presence spans 80 countries and 5 continents.
For more information visit
Official site: https://www.airmate.sg/pages/about-us
Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/AIRMATE/page/813D7698-6293-4978-B681-785861A844C7?ref_=ast_bln
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SOURCE AIRMATE | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/leading-air-quality-home-appliances-brand-airmate-offers-lowest-ever-prices-ahead-prime-day/ | 2022-07-07T14:08:49Z |
Rod Watson Joins Industry Leaders in Pacaso Agent Collective
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacaso, the leading technology-enabled real estate marketplace that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, announces today its partnership with Aston Rose Sports + Entertainment, the first ultra-luxury national real estate firm devoted to finding homes for professional athletes, entertainers and high-net worth individuals, and Co-Founder Rod Watson. The partnership introduces co-ownership, the most sustainable and modern way to buy and own a second home, to Aston Rose's influential network of athletes and entertainment professionals in 40 global luxury second home destinations in which Pacaso currently operates.
Aston Rose is a sports and entertainment based luxury real estate firm co-founded by former professional athletes Rod Watson, Lisa Leslie, Tomi Rose and Rob Hite. Rod Watson has helped some of the world's most notable sports and entertainment professionals find luxury real estate worldwide including De'Aaron Fox, Zach Randolph, Melo Ball and Money Bag Yo. Watson is the latest member to join the Pacaso Agent Collective (PAC), a curated group of industry leaders and culture shifters committed to the belief that co-ownership is the future of second home real estate.
"Pacaso's innovative co-ownership model is perfect for Aston Rose clients with busy lifestyles and for those seeking simplicity. We handle not only details like maintenance and property management but also provide the luxury of flexibility, as our technology allows owners the ability to easily and equitably schedule time at their home, visit when works for them, and not worry about it when they're not there," said Vice President of Industry Relations Marnie Blanco.
Pacaso partners closely with all interested real estate agents and brokerages to help clients buy, sell, and own a second home. Real estate agents representing buyers who purchase a share of a Pacaso earn a 3% referral commission, along with the opportunity to earn equity rewards. PAC members have the opportunity to earn additional equity rewards. Pacaso manages the entire process, from scheduling a home tour and answering client questions, to managing inspections, escrow, title, and reporting.
"Our brokerage was created with the goal of reinventing the luxury real estate industry and Pacaso is doing that to the second home market. Pacaso is changing the game when it comes to second home ownership by eliminating many costs and hassles that come with owning and managing a whole second home." said Rod Watson, co-founder and advisor at Aston Rose. "Our clients in the sports and entertainment industries have demanding schedules with limited time off, but when off-season hits they want to spend it relaxing, recharging and with their families. Pacaso allows them to do just that and we're excited to advise them on the innovative co-ownership model that is likely to be a better investment and option for their vibrant and busy lifestyles."
The real estate industry is embracing co-ownership as Real Estate Standards Organization and its members defined co-ownership as a property type. Pacaso was recently named a finalist in the Most Innovative Company Category in the annual Inman Innovator Award and the Inman Golden I Award in the category of Best Luxury Standout.
Real estate agents who are interested in learning more about the co-ownership category and how they can work with Pacaso can visit pacaso.com/agents.
Pacaso® is a technology-enabled marketplace that modernizes real estate co-ownership to make owning a second home possible and enjoyable for more people. Pacaso curates luxury listings with premium amenities and high-end contemporary interior design, offers ⅛ to ½ ownership with integrated financing, and, after purchase, professionally manages the home and supports seamless resale. Co-founded by Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff in 2020, Pacaso operates in top second home destinations around the world. Pacaso has been certified as a Great Place to Work and is recognized as one of Glassdoor's 2022 Best Places to Work.
For more information about Pacaso and to view luxury second home listings, visit www.pacaso.com or download the Pacaso app for Android or iPhone. You can also follow Pacaso on social media @PacasoHomes on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or @Pacaso_Homes on TikTok.
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SOURCE Pacaso | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/pacaso-forms-partnership-with-leading-luxury-sports-entertainment-brokerage-aston-rose/ | 2022-08-01T14:52:49Z |
BELTON — Services for Phyllis Marie Wick, 76, of Morgan’s Point Resort will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton.
Burial will be in North Belton Cemetery.
Mrs. Wick died Monday, March 28, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 25, 1945, in San Antonio to Frederick and Lillian Koelzer. She graduated from Providence High School. She attended St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas. She was a teacher. She married Steven Charles Wick in 1971. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Marissa Suzette Wick of Owensboro, Ky., and Erica Ann Wick and Laura Marie Wick, both of Waxahachie; a brother, Michael Koelzer of Pawhatan, Va.; and two grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 726 community Drive, Belleville, IL. 62223, or to the Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Dossman Funeral Home in Belton is in charge of arrangements. | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_f2ff5ef4-b2be-11ec-ae27-97b461c649e2.html | 2022-04-03T09:28:45Z |
RADNOR, Pa., June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP, NRx Pharmaceuticals), ("NRXP" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied the Breakthrough Therapy designation (BTD) request for ZYESAMI® (aviptadil) and emphasized its focus on the company's NRX-101 BTD compound for Bipolar Depression associated with Suicidality. The request for BTD was submitted based on the positive finding of a post-hoc subgroup analysis of patients who in addition to Aviptadil or placebo were also treated with Remdesivir and whose respiratory failure due to Critical COVID-19 continued to progress.
"Although we are disappointed about FDA's decision, as recently announced, our strategic focus has already shifted to the advancement of our Breakthrough Therapy designation drug NRX-101. We expect topline data for our ongoing Phase II study of NRX-101 in patients with bipolar depression with sub-acute suicidal ideation (SSIB) by the end of the year. COVID-19, unfortunately, has also created a mental health crisis, including depression and suicides. Our commitment to helping patients with high unmet needs remains at the core of our work," said Robert Besthof, interim CEO of NRx Pharmaceuticals.
"Given ZYESAMI's mechanism and its well characterized safety profile, NRx Pharmaceuticals will further evaluate the options for its use in other high unmet pulmonary as well as other non-pulmonary indications."
NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("NRx Pharmaceuticals" or the "Company") draws upon decades of collective, scientific, and drug-development experience to address very high unmet needs of patients and bring improved health to patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has additionally granted Breakthrough Therapy designation, a Special Protocol Agreement, and a Biomarker Letter of Support for NRX-101, an investigational medicine for the treatment of severe bipolar depression in patients with acute suicidal ideation and behavior (ASIB) after initial stabilization with ketamine or other effective therapy. NRx Pharmaceuticals is led by executives who have held leadership roles at Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis as well as major investment banking institutions.
This announcement of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, product development, business prospects, and market and industry trends and conditions, as well as the Company's strategies, plans, objectives, and goals. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections of, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management.
The Company assumes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement, and all forward-looking statements are herein qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth above.
CORPORATE CONTACT
Molly Cogan
Sr. Director, Global Communications
mcogan@nrxpharma.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Tim McCarthy
Investor Relations
tim@lifesciadvisors.com
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SOURCE NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/11/nrx-pharmaceuticals-provides-update-breakthrough-therapy-designation-btd-request-zyesami-aviptadil/ | 2022-06-11T04:03:30Z |
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the Securities and Exchange Commission about the lawsuits SEC v. Elon Musk, No. 18-cv-8865 (S.D.N.Y.) and SEC v. Tesla, Inc., No. 18-cv-8947 (S.D.N.Y.).
Those who purchased or acquired Tesla common stock, listed on a U.S. Exchange and registered with the Commission and traded under the symbol TSLA (the "Securities") during the Relevant Period (between 12:48:16 p.m. EDT on August 7, 2018 and 4:00 p.m. EDT on August 8, 2018), may be eligible for a distribution from the Fair Fund.
On September 27, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") filed a civil action against Elon Musk ("Musk") alleging violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder in connection with certain false and misleading statements by Musk.
On September 29, 2018, the Commission filed a related civil action against Tesla, Inc. ("Tesla") alleging violations of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, also in connection with Musk's false and misleading statements.
The two complaints alleged that Musk, the Chief Executive Officer of Tesla, made a series of materially false and misleading statements about Tesla on his Twitter account in August 2018, and that Tesla failed to implement adequate procedures or controls for determining whether to disclose the information Musk disseminated on Twitter in its filings.
Musk and Tesla (the "Defendants") paid a total of $40 million to the Commission. By Order entered February 26, 2020, the Court established a Fair Fund, so the civil penalties paid by the Defendants can be distributed to harmed investors.
To receive a payment from the Fair Fund, you must satisfy the following: 1) You must have purchased or acquired Tesla common stock, listed on a U.S. exchange and registered with the Commission and traded under the symbol TSLA, during the Relevant Period; 2) Your approved transactions must calculate to a Recognized Loss Amount pursuant to the Plan of Allocation and the Distribution Payment must equal or exceed $10.00; and 3) You are not an Excluded Party as defined in the Plan of Distribution (the "Plan").
You can file an online Claim Form or obtain a physical Claim Form by visiting www.SECvTeslaFairFund.com. To submit a Claim Form by mail, you must submit it to SEC v Tesla Fair Fund, c/o Rust Consulting, Inc., Distribution Agent – 7329, P.O. Box 44, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0044. All Claim Forms are due by September 17, 2022.
For more information:
Copies of the Plan, the Plan Notice, and the Claim Form are available at www.SECvTeslaFairFund.com as well as background information. You may also call 1 (877) 576-9981 or email the Distribution Agent at info@SECvTeslaFairFund.com.
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SOURCE U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/distribution-tesla-fair-fund-established-by-securities-amp-exchange-commission/ | 2022-06-03T14:40:50Z |
FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecast International projects that 18,679 large commercial jet transports will be produced in the 10-year period from 2022 to 2031. The value of this production, in constant 2022 U.S. dollars, is estimated at $2.94 trillion.
Annual unit production is projected to increase from 1,156 large commercial jet transports in 2022 to 2,111 in 2029. Production is forecast to drop to 2,037 aircraft in 2030 due to an anticipated cyclical downturn. Production in 2031 is forecast to total 2,051 aircraft.
Our forecast indicates that Airbus and Boeing will account for 96.7 percent of total production in the large airliner market during the 10-year forecast period. Together, the two manufacturers are projected to build 18,066 large jetliners during the timeframe.
Airbus is forecast to build 9,774 large commercial airliners during the forecast period, while Boeing is forecast to build 8,292. Airbus is projected to lead the market in narrowbody production, while Boeing is forecast to lead the market in widebody production.
Demand for large commercial airliners picked up substantially in 2021. Combined, Airbus and Boeing recorded 1,666 gross orders for large commercial airliners in 2021, almost triple the 561 gross orders registered by the two companies in 2020. Order cancellations did continue at a high (though reduced) rate into 2021, suppressing net order totals.
"The large commercial airliner market remains essentially an Airbus/Boeing duopoly," said Forecast International Senior Aerospace Analyst Raymond Jaworowski. "Nevertheless, the two giant manufacturers do face some challengers, particularly in the narrowbody segment. New narrowbodies entering the market include the COMAC C919 from China and the Irkut MC-21 from Russia.
"Boeing has made considerable progress in getting its 737 MAX program back on track. The company resumed customer deliveries of MAXs in December 2020.
Boeing is well-positioned in the widebody market, where its twin-engine 777 and 787 models have proven to be popular items. The 787 program did suffer a production hiccup in 2021, causing a temporary suspension of deliveries, but this should prove to be only a short-term obstacle. As for the 777, Boeing is currently managing a transition from the Classic versions to the new 777X series, a move that has become somewhat complicated in the midst of a difficult widebody market. Production of the four-engine 747-8 is scheduled to end in 2022.
Airbus has also been in the process of refashioning its product line. In the narrowbody segment, the re-engined A320neo variants have largely succeeded the original members of the A320 family in production. The A321LR and A321XLR versions of the A321neo are mounting at least a partial foray into the Boeing 757 replacement market. Acquisition of the CSeries from Bombardier has provided Airbus with a product, re-named the A220, positioned at the lower end of the narrowbody market.
In the widebody arena, Airbus is replacing the original A330 with the re-engined A330neo. The production ramp-up of the A350 was interrupted by the pandemic, but is slated to resume in 2023. A freighter version of the A350 is under development. Production of the 500+ passenger A380 ended in 2021.
Forecast International representatives will be available during the Farnborough Airshow (Hall 3, Booth 2521) to demonstrate the company's extensive line of Aerospace & Defense Market Intelligence products, including Platinum Forecast System 4.4.
Accurate and reliable market forecasts are more critical than ever to achieving success. For over 45 years, Forecast International has been setting the industry standard for defense and aerospace research and analysis. Our unmatched expertise has served our clients well when markets change rapidly in response to dramatic global events. FI remains steadfast in its mission of delivering actionable intelligence that reduces uncertainties and makes the future as predictable as it can be. Visit forecastinternational.com for details.
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SOURCE Forecast International | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/forecast-international-projects-that-nearly-18700-large-jetliners-will-be-built-over-10-years/ | 2022-07-19T12:08:32Z |
UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (AP) — When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the U.S., sales of window coverings at Halcyon Shades quickly went dark. So the suburban St. Louis business did what hundreds of other small manufacturers did: It pivoted to make protective supplies, with help from an $870,000 government grant.
But things haven’t worked out as planned. The company quit making face shields because it wasn’t profitable. It still hasn’t sold a single N95 mask because of struggles to get equipment, materials and regulatory approval.
“So far, it has been a net drain of funds and resources and energy,” Halcyon Shades owner Jim Schmersahl said.
Many companies that began producing personal protective equipment with patriotic optimism have scaled back, shut down or given up, according to an Associated Press analysis based on numerous interviews with manufacturers. Some already have sold equipment they bought with state government grants.
As COVID-19 was stressing hospitals and shuttering businesses in 2020, elected officials touted the need to boost U.S. production of protective gear: “All this stuff should be made in the United States and not in China,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in remarks echoed by others.
Yet many manufacturers who answered the call have faced logistical hurdles, regulatory rejections, slumping demand and fierce competition from foreign suppliers. On April 1, Florida-based American Surgical Mask Co. became one of the latest to close.
“I’m just done with the fight,” CEO Matt Brandman told the AP.
After the initial scramble for PPE subsided, many industry newcomers faced difficulty selling products. Government agencies sometimes wanted huge quantities at tough-to-meet deadlines. Hospital systems tended to contract with established suppliers. Retail sales waned after every virus surge.
“At the end of the day, when everybody said they wanted American-made, nobody’s buying, not even the state,” said Tony Blogumas, vice president of Green Resources Consulting, a rural Missouri firm that received an $800,000 state grant but has sold only a few thousand masks. “We’re kind of upset about the whole situation.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also is disappointed. His administration divided $20 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds among 48 businesses for the production of masks, gowns, sanitizer and other supplies. Parson hoped to seed a permanent field of manufacturers.
“I’m still a firm believer in that — that we need to be making PPE here in this state,” Parson said. “Unfortunately, a lot of entities went right back to where they were getting it before.”
The onset of the pandemic revealed that the U.S. was highly dependent on foreign countries for protective gear. When China limited exports because of its own battle against COVID-19, U.S. stockpiles plummeted. Prices skyrocketed as federal officials, governors and health care systems competed for supplies.
Though federal stockpiles have been replenished, shriveling domestic production has raised concerns that state governments, medical facilities and others could again get stuck scrambling for gear during a future pandemic.
The AP identified more than $125 million in grants to spur production of pandemic supplies made to over 300 business in 10 states — Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Ohio. It’s possible that grants were awarded in additional states, but there is no central clearinghouse to track them.
In November 2020, Alabama awarded one of the single largest grants — nearly $10.6 million from federal pandemic relief funds — to HomTex Inc. The company was to equip a new Selma facility to make 250 million surgical masks and 45 million N95 masks annually. The plant returned $1.8 million of the state grant and has yet to make anything due to a lack of customers.
“I can’t produce product that I can’t sell,” HomTex President Jeremy Wootten said.
Other companies also had trouble living up to political hype.
In October 2020, New York announced eight grants that then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, now the governor, said were “a model for how we build back better for the post-pandemic future.” Those included $800,000 for newly formed Altor Safety and $1 million for startup firm NYPPE.
But NYPPE’s equipment wasn’t ready until February 2021, by which time the market had changed, President Connor Knapp said.
So Knapp tapped the brakes on his plans. NYPPE still hasn’t sold any N95 masks because it lacks regulatory approval. It just recently scaled up production of surgical masks, after obtaining a U.S. Food and Drug Administration certification that came with its purchase of Altor Safety.
Some PPE manufacturers point to federal regulations as part of the reason for their struggles. Three-ply masks need FDA approval to be marketed for medical use — an important designation for building a long-term customer base.
That process can be time-consuming. Facing delays, Angstrom Manufacturing in Missouri ended up buying another business that already had FDA approval, President Chris Carron said. By then, it was fall 2021 — a year after it received a state grant.
Companies need approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to market products as N95 respirators, which filter at least 95% of airborne particles.
During the first two years of the pandemic, NIOSH approved 30 new manufacturers — more than seven times the typical number during a similar pre-pandemic period, according to agency data. Some applications remain pending, while numerous others were denied.
Halcyon Shades’ N95 certification was rejected in October because its samples didn’t have head straps attached. While the company works on another application, its equipment sits idle inside the clear plastic-sheet walls of a “clean room” specially built to shield materials from airborne contaminants. Partially finished masks remain paused on a conveyor belt, waiting to be deposited into a cardboard box.
Without federal approval, “we’re just dead in the water,” said Schmersahl, the company owner.
Progress reports filed with the Missouri Department of Economic Development show that nearly all its PPE grant recipients faced challenges by July 2021, especially with sales.
Patriot Medical Devices, which received $750,000 from Missouri, hired nearly 100 people as it cranked out millions of masks during a COVID-19 surge in late 2020 and early 2021, CEO Rick Needham said. Fewer than 10 employees remain.
“We felt it was our patriotic duty to do something to help solve the problem,” Needham said. But, he added, “It’s frankly a little bit of a dysfunctional business model at this point.”
Ohio awarded $20.8 million to 73 businesses to manufacture pandemic-related supplies, according to state data. Of 60 businesses that complied with a recent reporting deadline, more than one-third no longer produced PPE by the end of 2021.
Cleveland Veteran Business Solutions, which received a $500,000 grant to get into the PPE business, made about 5 million surgical masks beginning in August 2020. It ultimately halted production in the face of cheaper imports and sold its machines this year, co-founder Taner Eren said.
“It was surprising and disappointing strategically that there wasn’t support for a local PPE manufacturing industry,” Eren said.
The business was among several dozen that banded together to form the American Mask Manufacturer’s Association with the goal of sustaining the industry. The group’s membership has dwindled as more and more go out of business.
Association organizers say the industry has reached a critical point. They want the federal government to treat PPE manufacturers like the nation’s defense industry — entering into long-term contracts to perpetually replenish a stockpile for future pandemics or emergencies.
“If the federal government doesn’t come in and help support the U.S. manufacturing base, it’s almost certainly going to go back to China, and we’ll be just as vulnerable as we were in early 2020 and 2019,” said Brent Dillie, the association chairman and co-founder of Premium-PPE, a Virginia manufacturer started during the pandemic that has shed about two-thirds of its roughly 300 employees.
Infrastructure legislation signed by President Joe Biden took a step toward bolstering domestic suppliers. Effective in February, it required new contracts for PPE purchased by the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to run for at least two years and be awarded to U.S. producers — unless there’s not sufficient quantity and quality at market prices.
The health and veterans departments said they haven’t bought anything yet. Homeland Security hasn’t answered the AP’s questions. Documents show the government solicited bids due Dec. 6 for up to 381 million U.S.-made surgical masks over three years for its stockpile. No deal has been announced.
Other documents show the government is looking to contract with three major suppliers — 3M, Moldex, and Owens & Minor — for a total of $115 million in U.S-made N95 masksover three years. A justification document says noncompetitive contracts are necessary to preserve capacity for future coronavirus surges or emergencies.
The Biden administration also formed a task force of experts from federal agencies, health care providers, PPE manufacturers and distributors to develop a national strategy for ensuring a “resilient public health supply chain.” Its work is expected to extend for years.
Some manufacturers said they can’t wait long for a federal life preserver.
Dentec Safety Specialists is wrapping up a contract to supply 125,000 rubber reusable respirators and 500,000 filtration cartridges from its Kansas facility for the national stockpile, said President Claudio Dente. It needs more orders soon to prevent layoffs, he said.
“I thought that COVID would really change the mindset of the people, the governments and manufacturing,” Dente said. But he added: “The general marketplace is reverting back to their old ways — meaning looking to buy product from China.” | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/efforts-to-make-protective-medical-gear-in-us-falling-flat/ | 2022-04-12T00:14:42Z |
The annual Belton turtle festival, which was scheduled for Saturday at Yettie Polk Park, has been canceled.
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Belton Kiwanis (Club) has had to cancel the turtle festival," Kiwanis Club of Belton President Rhonda Hershey said in a news release. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_0c2d8af0-c7c2-11ec-b81f-07e6951b7ffd.html | 2022-04-29T14:50:49Z |
CLEVELAND OH, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Disinfectants and sanitizers will register among the fastest gains in the global industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning chemicals market through 2026, finds a new Freedonia Group analysis:
- An increase in food and beverage production, notably for export markets, will support gains.
- Gains in healthcare spending will also boost growth.
- In addition, the continuation of stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols, most notably in foodservice, commercial, and institutional applications, will benefit demand.
These trends will also promote strong gains for hand cleaners, which are increasingly formulated with antimicrobial active ingredients and other higher-priced raw materials that are better able to kill germs but are mild on users' skin even after repeated and/or prolonged use, as is common in medical environments and areas in which food is handled.
Vehicle care products will also see above average gains, buoyed by increasing shipping and distribution activities, as well as increasing patronization of commercial car washes as average vehicle miles traveled returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Global I&I Cleaning Chemicals Market to Advance 3.9% Annually Through 2026
Global demand for industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning chemicals is expected to grow 3.9% yearly to $53.7 billion in 2026. Gains will be supported by:
- ongoing growth in manufacturing activity, most notably in food and beverage manufacturing, the single largest outlet for I&I cleaning chemicals
- increases in healthcare spending, boosted by aging populations in developed regions and the expanding access to healthcare in developing regions
- the ongoing application of stringent cleanliness and sanitation protocols in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities
- increasing personal incomes, which will support demand in foodservice and hotels as consumers dine out more often and travel more frequently
- the continued transition toward better performing, higher value cleaning chemicals, especially in developing countries
Want to Learn More?
Global Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Cleaning Chemicals provides historical data for 2009, 2014, and 2021 and forecasts to 2026 in current US dollars (which are not adjusted to account for inflation) for global I&I cleaning chemicals demand by product, market, and major world region and country. Corporate trends among market leaders including market share are also analyzed.
Products:
- general purpose cleaners
- floor care products
- warewashing products
- disinfectants and sanitizers
- laundry care products
- vehicle care products
- other products such as furniture polishes, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, deodorizers, urinal cakes and bathroom cleaners
Markets:
- commercial
- manufacturing
- institutional and governmental
About the Freedonia Group - The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is the premier international industrial research company, providing our clients with product analyses, market forecasts, industry trends, and market share information. From one-person consulting firms to global conglomerates, our analysts provide companies with unbiased, reliable industry market research and analysis to help them make important business decisions. With over 100 studies published annually, we support over 90% of the industrial Fortune 500 companies. Find off-the-shelf studies at https://www.freedoniagroup.com/ or contact us for custom research: +1 440.842.2400.
Press Contact:
Corinne Gangloff
+1 440.842.2400
cgangloff@freedoniagroup.com
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SOURCE The Freedonia Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/disinfectants-sanitizers-amp-vehicle-care-iampi-cleaning-chemicals-will-see-healthy-growth-through-2026/ | 2022-07-21T18:59:45Z |
Mom shoots, kills child’s grandmother at Starbucks during custody visit, police say
RICHARDSON, Texas (Gray News) – A woman shot and killed her child’s grandmother at a Texas Starbucks during a custody visit on Tuesday, according to police.
The Richardson Police Department said Tranisa Octavin Trana Watts, 23, is charged with capital murder for the death of Kentoria Nicole Edwards, 52.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Starbucks, about 15 miles north of Dallas, just after 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Police said upon arriving at the scene, officers saw Watts trying to flee the location with a child, but they were able to apprehend her. Other officers immediately began CPR on Edwards. She was taken to the hospital where she died.
Richardson police said Edwards was the grandmother of Watt’s child and had full custody of the child. Investigation revealed that Watts requested to see her child, and Edwards agreed they could meet up at Starbucks for a visit.
According to police, during the visit, Watts pulled out a gun and shot Edwards multiple times and then attempted to leave with the child.
Police said the child was unharmed.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/19/mom-shoots-kills-childs-grandmother-starbucks-during-custody-visit-police-say/ | 2022-04-21T07:52:47Z |
SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifestyle Wellness Labs today announced Recovery, a new natural supplement developed on the heels of the Dopamine/Serotonin research related to Opioid Dependency. Recovery is a potential resource for those individuals looking to break a dependency on Opioids, without consuming man-made substances designed to replace the dependency. Recovery is a high potency blend of nano processed CBD partnered with other dynamic cannabinoids shown to interact with dopamine and serotonin receptors. Lifestyle Wellness Labs has been developing hemp compounds since early 2020, and this release was timed to follow the sensational research that went viral recently, to provide consumers with an extremely potent formulation from a company grounded in cannabinoid research.
Recovery is provided in an AM and PM formulation, which will provide users a method for coping with withdrawal symptoms, while also during the day providing a natural level of energy with the inclusion of CBG, and during the evening providing added sleep support with the inclusion of CBN.
"We set a goal to create a natural tool for those suffering from opioid addiction to find a natural path towards not only finding themselves again, but also something that could be used to help treat the problems that began the addiction cycle. I'm ecstatic to announce that we have accomplished that goal beyond our expectations."
-David Kisner CMO
Features and benefits of Recovery include.
- High Bioavailability CBD along with other cannabinoids
- Potential relaxation of known withdrawal symptoms
- Support for Day and Night withdrawal symptoms
Recovery will be available starting 05/15/2022 at $59.95. For more information on Recovery and other key plant-based medicines, visit: https://www.lifestylewellnesslabs.com/opioid-addiction
About Lifestyle Wellness Labs: LWL was formed as a response to the explosion of research data centered around hemp. There is a large gap in the industry, with most CBD centered companies focused on "general wellness" and the overall impacts of hemp to the public. With more and more emerging research on in-depth cannabinoids Lifestyle Wellness Labs is focused on researching those profiles in relation to specific disease and ailments, such as our new product designed to reduce diabetics A1-C levels, products centered around Immune System Support, natural weight loss and more.
At its core, Lifestyle Wellness Labs is focused on a more clinical approach to hemp-based compounds, and how those cannabinoids can target very specific physical maladies.
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SOURCE Lifestyle Wellness Labs | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/breakthrough-cannabiniod-supplement-opioid-recovery/ | 2022-05-17T19:40:18Z |
Comprehensive cross-channel customer segmentation now integrated into Audience Explorer
LONDON, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blis, the audience-first platform that doesn't rely on personal data, today announced a new partnership with Experian to integrate socio-demographic data into Blis Audience Explorer across the UK, US, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. Experian Mosaic data will allow Blis' clients to understand the context behind the decisions that consumers make and who are the most valuable customers, to drive awareness, improve retention and increase the share of wallet.
Audience Explorer, Blis' visual and interactive planning and activation tool, is now even richer with Experian's comprehensive, cross-channel Mosaic customer segments. The partnership allows Blis to bring even more robust and precise audiences to life for its major media agency and brand clients globally. By combining Blis' precise location data with Experian Mosaic's deep understanding of audience socio-demographics, decision making and customer value, our clients can access unparalleled, actionable consumer insights. This partnership will help paint a clear and up-to-date consumer picture, so advertisers can easily and effectively target and engage the highest value customers across channels at the right place and time, delivering on campaign objectives.
Experian Mosaic combines millions of pieces of information across Experian proprietary, public and trusted third-party sources. This information is expertly condensed to summary groups and subtypes to help marketers and media planners better target their campaigns. Through this partnership, marketers can now also understand geographic considerations at a deep, granular level and optimise accordingly, to ensure they are capturing the right audience when they are most receptive.
"We're extremely excited to bring Experian Mosaic data into Audience Explorer," said Amy Fox, VP of Product at Blis. "Experian coupled with Blis' already robust data within Audience Explorer means we have unparalleled and actionable consumer insights. With access to an even deeper understanding of customers, our clients can target the right people more easily and at scale, right at their fingertips. I'm really proud to bring yet another powerful dataset into our platform to continue helping media planners continue to reach the right customers in a privacy-first world."
"It is really great to be working with Blis. They are a true innovator in the space and bringing Experian's flagship consumer data into their platform is a big step forward," said Colin Grieves, Managing Director of Marketing Services at Experian. "Our comprehensive socio-demographic data, layered with Blis real-world behavioural lifestyle segments and other rich data sources, will help media planners and other agency stakeholders unlock unique customer insights, easily build the richest audiences possible and make more informed media decisions. We are really looking forward to making this partnership a huge success and expanding even further in the future."
Unlike ID'd solutions, the aggregated and anonymised Experian Mosaic data combined with Blis behavioural lifestyle segments and other rich data sources (including clients' first-party data), enable media planners to build their target audiences based on the most comprehensive cross-channel customer understanding to deliver privacy-first targeting at scale.
About Blis
Blis is the audience-first platform that doesn't rely on personal data. We're an integrated planning and buying platform that delivers scaled, relevant and high-performing audiences, helping the world's largest brands and media agencies achieve their goals.
Over the past 18 years, Blis has built its reputation on delivering award-winning location-powered advertising solutions. In today's consumer-centric landscape, Blis is transforming the role of location data by combining it with a broad range of rich and powerful datasets to give our clients the deepest audience understanding available. Our unique approach to integrated planning and buying provides personalised targeting and performance without reliance on personal data. We serve relevant ads to the highest-value addressable audiences across any channel and deliver our clients' campaign outcomes every time, from brand awareness and engagement through to store/site visits and sales.
Established in the UK in 2004, Blis now operates in more than 40 offices across five continents. Working with the world's largest and most customer-driven companies across all verticals including Unilever, Samsung, McDonald's, HSBC, Mercedes Benz and Peugeot, as well as every major media agency.
To learn more, visit blis.com.
About Experian
Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.
We have 20,600 people operating across 43 countries and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1501097/Blis_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Blis | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/blis-announce-new-partnership-with-experian-across-seven-markets/ | 2022-08-02T14:50:32Z |
Pomelo launches a new type of credit card that enables families in the US to extend their credit abroad while avoiding expensive remittance fees – an industry first
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomelo announced a Series Seed of $20 million in venture capital and $50m in warehouse facility for a total of $70m in seed financing, and is the first company to combine credit and international money transfer. Pomelo also announced its official launch and availability to serve its first corridor, the Philippines. Keith Rabois at Founders Fund as well as Kevin Hartz, Co-Founder of Xoom and General Partner, at A* Capital led the round with Afore Capital, Xfund, Josh Buckley, the Chainsmokers, and the Weeknd also investing in the round.
"Pomelo is on a mission to change how international money transfer fundamentally works," said Eric Velasquez Frenkiel, Pomelo founder and CEO. "Our goal is to help our customers establish their financial future here in the United States by building positive credit history with their existing remittance obligations, and to financially include their loved ones in emerging economies with access to modern financial instruments. For many of our customers, Pomelo is their first credit card here in the US and the very first card for their loved ones overseas."
Frenkiel brings entrepreneurship and engineering experience from his previous work at other startups. Prior to founding Pomelo, he co-founded Singlestore, now valued at over $1 billion, which he led as CEO from 2011 to 2017. A graduate of Stanford University's School of Engineering and early engineer at Meta, Frenkiel was previously named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list of technology innovators for Singlestore. Frenkiel founded Pomelo after many years of experiencing the challenges of money transfer firsthand.
The company also announced its official launch and availability of the product to serve the US-Philippines corridor. After several months in private beta, customers love the fact that the product is both free and personally beneficial.
"It's been a game changer for me. Pomelo is so much easier than sending money, and the instant feedback on my family's spending gives me peace of mind," said John Simbajon, a physical therapist who sends money to three family members in Bohol, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines with Pomelo. "We've saved money with the real-time exchange rates and no transfer fees. Pomelo makes me the 'bank' for my family."
"When it comes down to it, banking is about trust," said Eric Sprink, Coastal Community Bank president and CEO. "Pomelo is weaving together expertise in financial technology with a true focus on the people at the heart of its business. Pomelo gives U.S. immigrants and their families an opportunity to build a financial future, which is why we were eager to be involved."
"It's amazing to me that something like Pomelo doesn't already exist," said Abel Tesfaye, also known as the Weeknd, who invested in the seed round. "Pomelo's focus on connecting families across borders and doing what's right by their customers is both powerful and refreshing. Investing in a company like that was a no-brainer."
Product
The Pomelo Mastercard is issued by Coastal Community Bank, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International, and features a mobile app available on both Android and iOS. U.S. citizens and permanent residents 18 years and older can apply for the Pomelo Mastercard and invite their loved ones abroad to join their family plan. Pomelo sends their loved ones a virtual card instantly and a physical card via courier delivery, enabling the convenience of shopping online and swiping at checkout instead of handling cash.
Pomelo ensures customers get the best real-time exchange rate for each purchase made with the Pomelo Mastercard, eliminating the need for tedious price hunting. Unlike traditional money transfer services that can charge up to 6% in transfer fees, Pomelo is paid by the merchant via interchange and daily foreign exchange rates, eliminating transfer fees for its customers.
For those with low or no credit, the company offers a secured version of their Pomelo Mastercard, which allows customers to establish or build credit with the funds they would normally remit.
"Establishing credit is critical to financial wellness in the U.S., but it is often challenging for new Americans," says Frenkiel. "Even when financial activity is conducted responsibly, individuals remain credit invisible unless it can be reflected on their credit score. Pomelo makes it possible to not only save up to several hundred dollars per year, but to be rewarded for helping family. That makes Pomelo a win-win outcome for our customers."
To apply for the Pomelo Mastercard, visit www.pomelo.com.
Media Contact
media@pomelo.com
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SOURCE Pomelo, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/new-fintech-launches-with-20-million-seed-capital-50m-warehouse-be-first-combine-credit-international-money-transfer/ | 2022-08-16T17:47:42Z |
BELTON — Services for Freddie Parker, 82, of Moffat will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton with the Rev. Luis Rivera officiating.
Burial will be in Moffat Cemetery.
Mrs. Parker died Sunday, Sept. 4, at her residence.
She was born Sept. 26, 1939, in Rosebud to Fritz and Elizabeth Rutherford Koenig. She married Elmer Ray Parker on June 10, 1958, in Thorndale. She was a homemaker. She was a Lutheran.
Survivors include her husband of Moffat; two daughters, Debra “Debbie” Sanders and Tammie Provasek, both of Troy; a sister, Betty Barnes of Burnet; and two grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_54e505ce-2d99-11ed-8504-a35b88caca95.html | 2022-09-06T06:19:45Z |
Informed by Historic Trends, the Guide Illustrates Possible Impacts of Recessions
and Seven Steps Social Good Organizations Can Take Now to Build Resiliency
CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blackbaud Institute, a research division of Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world's leading cloud software company powering social good, has released a new guide Philanthropy Through Recession: How Savvy Organizations Weather Uncertain Times. Evaluating data from 11 U.S. recessions, the guide identifies trends and potential implications to help charitable organizations navigate the uncertainty that accompanies occasional economic downturns.
"A review of recessions over the last 40 years shows that philanthropy is quite resilient and can withstand short-term economic fluctuations," said Ashley Thompson, managing director, Blackbaud Institute. "This guide aims to give social good organizations a better indication of what to expect during a potential recession and insights to help foster resilience."
Key Findings from the Study:
- While the same macroeconomic factors that influence the U.S. economy can also influence the philanthropic sector, giving typically lags behind stock market volatility by about two years, effectively shielding philanthropy against short-term economic fluctuations.
- The three economic indicators with the strongest relationship to charitable giving are wealth, as represented by the S&P 500 Index, income, as assessed through U.S. gross domestic product, and tax policy.
- According to Giving USA, total giving has steadily increased over the last four decades, even when adjusted for inflation. During times of recession, impact is evident, but in the long run, giving continues to rise.
- Donor advised funds (DAFs) are particularly resilient in times of economic shock, as DAFs build assets over time, giving donors a ready stash of cash available to give when conditions require extra support.
The guide offers a wide array of historical research against the backdrop of long-term trends, leveraging data from the annual Giving USA Report. In addition, the guide includes seven steps that organizations can take today to future-proof their operations, tips for nonprofit finance teams and overall trends to watch.
These insights can be accessed in the full Philanthropy Through Recession guide here. All Blackbaud Institute resources are offered for free, as part of Blackbaud's give-back philosophy.
The Blackbaud Institute drives research and insight to accelerate the impact of the social good community. It convenes expert partners from across the philanthropic sector to foster diverse perspectives, collective thinking, and collaborative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Using the most comprehensive data set in the social good community, the Blackbaud Institute and its partners conduct research, uncover strategic insight and share results broadly to drive effective philanthropy at every stage, from fundraising to outcomes. Knowledge is powering the future of social good, and the Blackbaud Institute is an engine of that progress. Learn more, sign up for our newsletter, explore our knowledge base of social good best practices and trends, see the latest quarterly statistics on giving, and check out our most recent resources at www.blackbaudinstitute.com.
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world's leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG), school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for more than four decades, Blackbaud is a remote-first company headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, with operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
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SOURCE Blackbaud, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/new-guide-blackbaud-institute-shows-how-philanthropy-fares-during-recessions/ | 2022-09-08T15:21:28Z |
DELAWARE, Ohio, June 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced webcast details for the Investor Day that will be hosted on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Convene, 75 Rockefeller Plaza 31st Floor in New York City. The presentation will start at approximately 8:30 am EDT, conclude at approximately 11:30 am EDT and will include live question and answer sessions.
Investor Day 2022 will feature in-depth discussion of Greif's Build to Last strategy led by new President & Chief Executive Officer Ole Rosgaard, as well as an overview of the Global Industrial Packaging and Paper Packaging & Services business segments and a discussion of Greif's financial position and outlook by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Larry Hilsheimer.
Please utilize this link to participate in the webcast. Alternatively, the webcast and presentation will be available on Greif's website at http://www.investor.greif.com and can be viewed under the "events calendar." To dial in please call 833-490-0898, for international calling +1 2132179332, and use the conference ID 9256917. The webcast will open at 8:00 am EDT on June 23, 2022. The event replay will be available at the above links shortly following the live presentation.
About Greif
Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: to be the best performing customer service company in the world. The Company produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides filling, packaging and other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, Greif manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company is strategically positioned in over 35 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "aspiration," "objective," "project," "believe," "continue," "on track" or "target" or the negative thereof and similar expressions, among others, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, expectations and other information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, whether expressed or implied. The most significant of these risks and uncertainties are described in Part I of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Investor Relations contact information
Matt Leahy, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
740-549-6158 Matthew.Leahy@Greif.com
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SOURCE Greif, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/20/greif-inc-announces-webcast-details-investor-day-june-23-2022/ | 2022-06-20T13:31:22Z |
NEW YORK, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This press release provides shareholders of Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: FOF) (the "Fund") with information regarding the sources of the distribution to be paid on July 29, 2022 and cumulative distributions paid fiscal year-to-date.
In December 2021, the Fund implemented a managed distribution policy in accordance with exemptive relief issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The managed distribution policy seeks to deliver the Fund's long-term total return potential through regular monthly distributions declared at a fixed rate per common share. The policy gives the Fund greater flexibility to realize long-term capital gains throughout the year and to distribute those gains on a regular monthly basis to shareholders. The Board of Directors of the Fund may amend, terminate or suspend the managed distribution policy at any time, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund's shares.
The Fund's monthly distributions may include long-term capital gains, short-term capital gains, net investment income and/or return of capital for federal income tax purposes. Return of capital includes distributions paid by the Fund in excess of its net investment income and net realized capital gains and such excess is distributed from the Fund's assets. A return of capital is not taxable; rather, it reduces a shareholder's tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund. The amount of monthly distributions may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio and market conditions.
At the time of each monthly distribution, information will be posted to cohenandsteers.com and mailed to shareholders in a concurrent notice. However, this information may change at the end of the year because the final tax characteristics of the Fund's distributions cannot be determined with certainty until after the end of the calendar year. Final tax characteristics of all of the Fund's distributions will be provided on Form 1099-DIV, which is mailed after the close of the calendar year.
The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year-to-date from the sources indicated. All amounts are expressed per common share.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution policy. The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with 'yield' or 'income'. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates, are likely to change over time, and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for accounting and tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The amounts and sources of distributions year-to-date may be subject to additional adjustments.
*THE FUND WILL SEND YOU A FORM 1099-DIV FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR THAT WILL TELL YOU HOW TO REPORT THESE DISTRIBUTIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES
The Fund's Year-to-date Cumulative Total Return for fiscal year 2022 (January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022) is set forth below. Shareholders should take note of the relationship between the Year-to-date Cumulative Total Return with the Fund's Cumulative Distribution Rate for 2022. In addition, the Fund's Average Annual Total Return for the five-year period ending June 30, 2022 is set forth below. Shareholders should note the relationship between the Average Annual Total Return with the Fund's Current Annualized Distribution Rate for 2022. The performance and distribution rate information disclosed in the table is based on the Fund's net asset value per share (NAV). The Fund's NAV is calculated as the total market value of all the securities and other assets held by the Fund minus the total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding. While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's individual investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market.
Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information:
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expense of the Fund carefully before investing. You can obtain the Fund's most recent periodic reports, when available, and other regulatory filings by contacting your financial advisor or visiting cohenandsteers.com. These reports and other filings can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR Database. You should read these reports and other filings carefully before investing.
Shareholders should not use the information provided here in preparing their tax returns. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year indicating how to report Fund distributions for federal income tax purposes.
SOURCE: Cohen & Steers, Inc.
Website: https://www.cohenandsteers.com
Symbol: (NYSE: CNS)
About Cohen & Steers. Cohen & Steers is a leading global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, including real estate, preferred securities, infrastructure, resource equities, commodities, as well as multi-strategy solutions. Founded in 1986, the firm is headquartered in New York City, with offices in London, Dublin, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and other statements that Cohen & Steers may make may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect the company's current views with respect to, among other things, its operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
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SOURCE Cohen & Steers, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/cohen-amp-steers-closed-end-opportunity-fund-inc-fof-notification-sources-distribution-under-section-19a/ | 2022-07-21T00:39:15Z |
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