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Tom Slingsby joins American Magic for 37th America’s Cup
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Olympic and America’s Cup champion Tom Slingsby has joined New York Yacht Club American Magic in a bid to win back the most prestigious trophy in sailing. The team announced that Slingsby will be sailing with American Magic for the 37th America’s Cup, set to be contested off Barcelona in late 2024. Slingsby says “I look forward to doing whatever I can to help our team in their quest to bring the trophy back to the United States and the New York Yacht Club.” Slingsby won an Olympic gold medal for Australia in 2012. He sailed with Oracle Team USA in the 2013 and 2017 America’s Cup matches and he won the first two seasons of SailGP with Team Australia. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/03/tom-slingsby-joins-american-magic-for-37th-americas-cup/ | 2022-05-04T03:34:13Z |
Sunset Zoo’s Expedition Asia to open Saturday, NatGeo’s Joel Sartore visits
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Donors, board members and builders who worked on the Sunset Zoo’s Expedition Asia got a sneak peek at the new exhibits.
Expedition Asia houses one-of-a-kind habitats for the Amur Leopard, sloth bears, and Malayan tigers.
The Sunset Zoo’s Expedition Asia provides larger enclosures for the animals to provide space for enrichment and training within the public space.
National Geographic’s Joel Sartore gave a presentation about his work National Geographic’s Photo Ark, where he worked to photograph every species being cared for in captivity to inspire people to help save wildlife.
“Coming to the zoo and supporting the zoo should be a number one priority if they live around here, because this is a world class zoo that breeds critically endangered species.” National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore says.
The Sunset Zoo will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening of Expedition Asia on Saturday at 9:00 am, with activities and events throughout the zoo all day.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/09/sunset-zoos-expedition-asia-open-saturday-natgeos-joel-sartore-visits/ | 2022-04-09T05:14:48Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Back in February the students of St. Philips School in Dallas got a very special visit from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
The seven-foot-tall center, known for his career with The Lakers and off the court as a sports analyst, is also referred to as “Big Aristotle” for his calm composure and resounding advice that he openly gives to others.
On top of being a sports analyst, O’Neal helps underserved children achieve their full potential through his foundation, The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation.
O’Neal also spoke to more than 1,200 people at the St. Philips Destiny Award Luncheon, sharing his “Aristotelian’ philosophy. In the spirit of hindsight and reflection here are some of the things O’Neal shared.
- Practice discipline and develop good habits
- Make hard work the rule, not the exception
- Become passionate about education
- Education is the foundation for success
- Work to be involved in and improve your community
For more insight into O’Neal’s visit to Dallas, visit stphilips1600.org. | https://cw33.com/lifestyle/inside-dfw/recap-what-we-learned-from-shaquille-oneals-visit-to-dallas-school/ | 2022-05-09T17:45:24Z |
GERMANTOWN, Tenn., July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., or MAA (NYSE: MAA), today announced operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
A reconciliation of FFO and Core FFO to Net income available for MAA common shareholders, and an expanded discussion of the components of FFO and Core FFO, can be found later in this release. FFO per Share – diluted and Core FFO per Share – diluted include diluted common shares and units.
Eric Bolton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Leasing conditions across our Sunbelt markets remain robust as strong job growth, positive migration trends and the higher cost of single-family homeownership fuels a growing demand for apartment housing. Results for the second quarter were ahead of expectations, and we have again increased our outlook for growth in Core FFO performance for the year."
Highlights
- During the second quarter of 2022, MAA's Same Store Portfolio produced increases in property revenues, operating expenses and Net Operating Income (NOI) of 13.7%, 8.1% and 17.1%, respectively, as compared to the same period in the prior year.
- As of the end of the second quarter of 2022, MAA had five communities under development, representing 1,759 units once complete, with a projected total cost of $444.0 million and an estimated $213.6 million remaining to be funded.
- As of the end of the second quarter of 2022, MAA had four recently completed development communities in initial lease-up. Two communities are expected to stabilize in the third quarter of 2022 and two in the first quarter of 2023.
- MAA completed redevelopment of 1,844 apartment homes during the second quarter of 2022, capturing average rental rate increases of approximately 11% above non-renovated units.
- MAA closed on the disposition of two multifamily communities in the Fort Worth, Texas market for combined gross proceeds of approximately $167 million during the second quarter of 2022.
- During the second quarter of 2022, MAA closed on the acquisition of a four acre land parcel located in the Orlando, Florida market for future development expected to begin in late 2023.
- Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2022, MAA acquired a 196-unit multifamily community located in the Tampa, Florida market and a six acre land parcel in the Denver, Colorado market for future development expected to begin in late 2023.
- During the second quarter of 2022, Fitch Ratings upgraded MAA's long-term debt rating to A- with a Stable outlook.
- Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2022, MAALP amended its unsecured revolving credit facility increasing borrowing capacity to $1.25 billion with an option to expand to $2.0 billion. MAALP refers to Mid-America Apartments, L.P., which is MAA's operating partnership.
Same Store Portfolio Operating Results
To ensure comparable reporting with prior periods, the Same Store Portfolio includes properties that were owned by MAA and stabilized at the beginning of the previous year.
Same Store Portfolio results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the same periods in the prior year are summarized below:
A reconciliation of NOI, including Same Store NOI, to Net income available for MAA common shareholders, and an expanded discussion of the components of NOI, can be found later in this release.
Same Store Portfolio operating statistics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 are summarized below:
Same Store Portfolio lease pricing for leases effective during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the prior lease, increased 18.0% for leases to new move-in residents and increased 16.5% for renewing leases, which produced an increase of 17.2% for both new and renewing leases on a blended basis. The rent-to-resident-income relationship for new leases signed during the second quarter of 2022 remained consistent with recent trends in the range of 22%.
Same Store Portfolio lease pricing for leases effective during the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to the prior lease, increased 17.3% for leases to new move-in residents and increased 16.9% for renewing leases, which produced an increase of 17.1% for both new and renewing leases on a blended basis.
Additionally, through July 25, 2022, Same Store Portfolio lease pricing for leases effective during July 2022, as compared to the prior lease, increased 17.9% for leases to new move-in residents and increased 15.4% for renewing leases, which produced an increase of 16.6% for both new and renewing leases on a blended basis.
Development and Lease-up Activity
A summary of MAA's development communities under construction as of the end of the second quarter of 2022 is set forth below (dollars in thousands):
The expected average stabilized NOI yield on these communities is 5.7%. During the second quarter of 2022, MAA funded $53.9 million of costs for current and completed projects, including predevelopment activities related to land parcels located in the Denver, Colorado market, the Tampa, Florida market and the Orlando, Florida market.
A summary of the total units, cost and the average physical occupancy of MAA's lease-up communities as of the end of the second quarter of 2022 is set forth below (dollars in thousands):
Property Redevelopment and Repositioning Activity
A summary of MAA's interior redevelopment program and Smart Home technology initiative as of the end of the second quarter of 2022 is set forth below:
As of June 30, 2022, MAA had completed installation of the Smart Home technology (unit entry locks, mobile control of lights and thermostat and leak monitoring) in over 67,000 units across its apartment community portfolio since the initiative began during the first quarter of 2019.
During the second quarter of 2022, MAA continued its property repositioning program to upgrade and reposition the amenity and common areas at select apartment communities. The program includes targeted plans to move all units at the properties to higher rents that are expected to deliver yields on cost averaging 8%. During the six months ended June 30, 2022, work continued on properties selected for this program in 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, MAA spent $8.0 million on this program.
Acquisition and Disposition Activity
In June 2022, MAA closed on the disposition of two multifamily communities in the Fort Worth, Texas market totaling 730 units. MAA received combined gross proceeds of approximately $167 million and recognized a combined gain on the sale of depreciable real estate assets of approximately $132 million.
During the second quarter of 2022, MAA closed on the acquisition of a four acre land parcel located in the Orlando, Florida market for approximately $12 million. MAA expects to begin multifamily development projects on four to six land parcels currently owned or under contract over the next 18 to 24 months.
In July 2022, MAA acquired a 196-unit multifamily community located in the Tampa, Florida market for approximately $73 million. At the time of acquisition, the community's physical occupancy was 89.8%. During July 2022, MAA also acquired a six acre land parcel in the Denver, Colorado market for future development.
Capital Expenditures
A summary of MAA's capital expenditures and Funds Available for Distribution (FAD) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 is set forth below (dollars in millions, except per Share data):
A reconciliation of FFO, Core FFO, Core AFFO and FAD to Net income available for MAA common shareholders, and an expanded discussion of the components of FFO, Core FFO, Core AFFO and FAD can be found later in this release.
Balance Sheet and Financing Activities
As of June 30, 2022, MAA had $1.1 billion of combined cash and available capacity under MAALP's unsecured revolving credit facility.
In July 2022, MAALP amended its unsecured revolving credit facility, increasing borrowing capacity to $1.25 billion with an option to expand to $2.0 billion. The amended facility has a maturity date of October 2026 with two six-month extension options, and bears interest at an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a spread based on an investment ratings grid, currently at 0.775%.
Dividends and distributions paid on shares of common stock and noncontrolling interests during the second quarter of 2022 were $129.0 million, as compared to $121.5 million for the same period in the prior year.
Balance sheet highlights as of June 30, 2022 are summarized below (dollars in billions):
A reconciliation of Net Debt to Unsecured notes payable and Secured notes payable and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAre to Net income, along with an expanded discussion of the components of Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDAre can be found later in this release.
114th Consecutive Quarterly Common Dividend Declared
MAA declared its 114th consecutive quarterly common dividend, which will be paid on July 29, 2022 to holders of record on July 15, 2022. The current annual dividend rate is $5.00 per common share, an increase of 15% from the immediately prior rate. The timing and amount of future dividends will depend on actual cash flows from operations, MAA's financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and other factors as MAA's Board of Directors deems relevant. MAA's Board of Directors may modify the dividend policy from time to time.
2022 Earnings and Same Store Portfolio Guidance
MAA is updating its prior 2022 guidance for Net income per diluted common share, Core FFO per Share and Core AFFO per Share, along with its expectations for growth of Property revenue, Property operating expense and NOI for the Same Store Portfolio in 2022. MAA expects to update its 2022 Net income per diluted common share, Core FFO per Share and Core AFFO per Share guidance on a quarterly basis.
FFO, Core FFO and Core AFFO are non-GAAP financial measures. Acquisition and disposition activity materially affects depreciation and capital gains or losses, which combined, generally represent the majority of the difference between Net income available for common shareholders and FFO. As discussed in the definitions of non-GAAP financial measures found later in this release, MAA's definition of FFO is in accordance with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts', or NAREIT's, definition, and Core FFO represents FFO further adjusted for items that are not considered part of MAA's core business operations. MAA believes that Core FFO is helpful in understanding operating performance in that Core FFO excludes not only depreciation expense of real estate assets and certain other non-routine items, but it also excludes certain items that by their nature are not comparable over periods and therefore tend to obscure actual operating performance.
MAA expects Core FFO for the third quarter of 2022 to be in the range of $1.99 to $2.15 per Share, or $2.07 per Share at the midpoint. MAA does not forecast Net income per diluted common share on a quarterly basis as MAA generally cannot predict the timing of forecasted acquisition and disposition activity within a particular quarter (rather than during the course of the full year). Additional details and guidance items are provided in the Supplemental Data to this release.
Supplemental Material and Conference Call
Supplemental data to this release can be found on the "For Investors" page of the MAA website at www.maac.com. MAA will host a conference call to further discuss second quarter results on July 28, 2022, at 9:00 AM Central Time. The conference call-in number is 877-830-2598. You may also join the live webcast of the conference call by accessing the "For Investors" page of the MAA website at www.maac.com. MAA's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are filed under the registrant names of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. and Mid-America Apartments, L.P.
About MAA
MAA, an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on delivering full-cycle and superior investment performance for shareholders through the ownership, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of quality apartment communities primarily in the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. As of June 30, 2022, MAA had ownership interest in 101,229 apartment units, including communities currently in development, across 16 states and the District of Columbia. For further details, please visit the MAA website at www.maac.com or contact Investor Relations at investor.relations@maac.com, or via mail at MAA, 6815 Poplar Ave., Suite 500, Germantown, TN 38138, Attn: Investor Relations.
Forward-Looking Statements
Sections of this release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to our expectations for future periods. Forward-looking statements do not discuss historical fact, but instead include statements related to expectations, projections, intentions or other items related to the future. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expected operating performance and results, property stabilizations, property acquisition and disposition activity, joint venture activity, development and renovation activity and other capital expenditures, and capital raising and financing activity, as well as lease pricing, revenue and expense growth, occupancy, interest rate and other economic expectations. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects," "assumes," "will," "may," "could," "should," "budget," "target," "outlook," "proforma," "opportunity," "guidance" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, as described below, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results of operations, financial conditions or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore such forward-looking statements included in this release may not prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results or conditions described in such statements or our objectives and plans will be achieved.
The following factors, among others, could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements:
- the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken or that may be taken by federal, state and local governmental authorities to combat the spread of the disease;
- inability to generate sufficient cash flows due to unfavorable economic and market conditions, changes in supply and/or demand, competition, uninsured losses, changes in tax and housing laws, or other factors;
- exposure to risks inherent in investments in a single industry and sector;
- adverse changes in real estate markets, including, but not limited to, the extent of future demand for multifamily units in our significant markets, barriers of entry into new markets which we may seek to enter in the future, limitations on our ability to increase or collect rental rates, competition, our ability to identify and consummate attractive acquisitions or development projects on favorable terms, our ability to consummate any planned dispositions in a timely manner on acceptable terms, and our ability to reinvest sale proceeds in a manner that generates favorable returns;
- failure of development communities to be completed within budget and on a timely basis, if at all, to lease-up as anticipated or to achieve anticipated results;
- unexpected capital needs;
- material changes in operating costs, including real estate taxes, utilities and insurance costs, due to inflation and other factors;
- inability to obtain appropriate insurance coverage at reasonable rates, or at all, or losses from catastrophes in excess of our insurance coverage;
- ability to obtain financing at favorable rates, if at all, or refinance existing debt as it matures;
- level and volatility of interest or capitalization rates or capital market conditions;
- the effect of any rating agency actions on the cost and availability of new debt financing;
- significant change in the mortgage financing market or other factors that would cause single-family housing or other alternative housing options, either as an owned or rental product, to become a more significant competitive product;
- ability to continue to satisfy complex rules in order to maintain our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, the ability of MAALP to satisfy the rules to maintain its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to maintain their status as such for federal income tax purposes, and our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to operate effectively within the limitations imposed by these rules;
- inability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
- cyber liability or potential liability for breaches of our or our service providers' information technology systems, or business operations disruptions;
- potential liability for environmental contamination;
- changes in the legal requirements we are subject to, or the imposition of new legal requirements, that adversely affect our operations;
- extreme weather, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other public health events;
- impact of climate change on our properties or operations;
- legal proceedings or class action lawsuits;
- impact of reputational harm caused by negative press or social media postings of our actions or policies, whether or not warranted;
- compliance costs associated with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations; and
- other risks identified in this release and in reports we file with the SEC or in other documents that we publicly disseminate.
New factors may also emerge from time to time that could have a material adverse effect on our business. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this release.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Adjusted EBITDAre
For purposes of calculations in this release, Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization for real estate, or Adjusted EBITDAre, represents EBITDAre further adjusted for items that are not considered part of MAA's core operations such as adjustments related to the fair value of the embedded derivative in the MAA Series I preferred shares, gain or loss on sale of non-depreciable assets, gain or loss on investments, net casualty gain or loss, gain or loss on debt extinguishment, legal costs and settlements, net, COVID-19 related costs and mark-to-market debt adjustments. As an owner and operator of real estate, MAA considers Adjusted EBITDAre to be an important measure of performance from core operations because Adjusted EBITDAre does not include various income and expense items that are not indicative of operating performance. MAA's computation of Adjusted EBITDAre may differ from the methodology utilized by other companies to calculate Adjusted EBITDAre. Adjusted EBITDAre should not be considered as an alternative to Net income as an indicator of operating performance.
Core Adjusted Funds from Operations (Core AFFO)
Core AFFO is composed of Core FFO less recurring capital expenditures. Core AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders as an indicator of operating performance. As an owner and operator of real estate, MAA considers Core AFFO to be an important measure of performance from operations because Core AFFO measures the ability to control revenues, expenses and recurring capital expenditures.
Core Funds from Operations (Core FFO)
Core FFO represents FFO as adjusted for items that are not considered part of MAA's core business operations such as adjustments related to the fair value of the embedded derivative in the MAA Series I preferred shares, gain or loss on sale of non-depreciable assets, gain or loss on investments, net casualty gain or loss, gain or loss on debt extinguishment, legal costs and settlements, net, COVID-19 related costs and mark-to-market debt adjustments. While MAA's definition of Core FFO may be similar to others in the industry, MAA's methodology for calculating Core FFO may differ from that utilized by other REITs and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other REITs. Core FFO should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders as an indicator of operating performance. MAA believes that Core FFO is helpful in understanding its core operating performance between periods in that it removes certain items that by their nature are not comparable over periods and therefore tend to obscure actual operating performance.
EBITDA
For purposes of calculations in this release, Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or EBITDA, is composed of net income plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and income taxes. As an owner and operator of real estate, MAA considers EBITDA to be an important measure of performance from core operations because EBITDA does not include various expense items that are not indicative of operating performance. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income as an indicator of operating performance.
EBITDAre
For purposes of calculations in this release, Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization for real estate, or EBITDAre, is composed of EBITDA further adjusted for the gain or loss on sale of depreciable asset sales and plus adjustments to reflect MAA's share of EBITDAre of unconsolidated affiliates. As an owner and operator of real estate, MAA considers EBITDAre to be an important measure of performance from core operations because EBITDAre does not include various expense items that are not indicative of operating performance. While MAA's definition of EBITDAre is in accordance with NAREIT's definition, it may differ from the methodology utilized by other companies to calculate EBITDAre. EBITDAre should not be considered as an alternative to Net income as an indicator of operating performance.
Funds Available for Distribution (FAD)
FAD is composed of Core FFO less total capital expenditures, excluding development spending, property acquisitions and capital expenditures relating to significant casualty losses that management expects to be reimbursed by insurance proceeds. FAD should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders as an indicator of operating performance. As an owner and operator of real estate, MAA considers FAD to be an important measure of performance from core operations because FAD measures the ability to control revenues, expenses and total capital expenditures.
Funds From Operations (FFO)
FFO represents net income available for MAA common shareholders (calculated in accordance with GAAP) excluding gain or loss on disposition of operating properties and asset impairment, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, and adjustments for joint ventures. Because net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is added back, FFO, when used in this document, represents FFO attributable to the Company. While MAA's definition of FFO is in accordance with NAREIT's definition, it may differ from the methodology for calculating FFO utilized by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other companies. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders as an indicator of operating performance. MAA believes that FFO is helpful in understanding operating performance in that FFO excludes depreciation and amortization of real estate assets. MAA believes that GAAP historical cost depreciation of real estate assets is generally not correlated with changes in the value of those assets, whose value does not diminish predictably over time, as historical cost depreciation implies.
Gross Assets
Gross Assets represents Total assets plus Accumulated depreciation. MAA believes that Gross Assets can be used as a helpful tool in evaluating its balance sheet positions. MAA believes that GAAP historical cost depreciation of real estate assets is generally not correlated with changes in the value of those assets, whose value does not diminish predictably over time, as historical cost depreciation implies.
Gross Real Estate Assets
Gross Real Estate Assets represents Real estate assets, net plus Accumulated depreciation, Cash and cash equivalents and 1031(b) exchange proceeds included in Restricted cash. MAA believes that Gross Real Estate Assets can be used as a helpful tool in evaluating its balance sheet positions. MAA believes that GAAP historical cost depreciation of real estate assets is generally not correlated with changes in the value of those assets, whose value does not diminish predictably over time, as historical cost depreciation implies.
Net Debt
Net Debt represents Unsecured notes payable and Secured notes payable less Cash and cash equivalents and 1031(b) exchange proceeds included in Restricted cash. MAA believes Net Debt is a helpful tool in evaluating its debt position.
Net Operating Income (NOI)
Net Operating Income represents Rental and other property revenues less Total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, for all properties held during the period, regardless of their status as held for sale. NOI should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders. MAA believes NOI is a helpful tool in evaluating operating performance because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance.
Non-Same Store and Other NOI
Non-Same Store and Other NOI represents Rental and other property revenues less Total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, for all properties classified within the Non-Same Store and Other Portfolio during the period. Non-Same Store and Other NOI should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders. MAA believes Non-Same Store and Other NOI is a helpful tool in evaluating operating performance because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance.
Same Store NOI
Same Store NOI represents Rental and other property revenues less Total property operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, for all properties classified within the Same Store Portfolio during the period. Same Store NOI should not be considered as an alternative to Net income available for MAA common shareholders. MAA believes Same Store NOI is a helpful tool in evaluating operating performance because it measures the core operations of property performance by excluding corporate level expenses and other items not related to property operating performance.
OTHER KEY DEFINITIONS
Average Effective Rent per Unit
Average Effective Rent per Unit represents the average of gross rent amounts after the effect of leasing concessions for occupied units plus prevalent market rates asked for unoccupied units, divided by the total number of units. Leasing concessions represent discounts to the current market rate. MAA believes average effective rent is a helpful measurement in evaluating average pricing. It does not represent actual rental revenue collected per unit.
Average Physical Occupancy
Average Physical Occupancy represents the average of the daily physical occupancy for an applicable period.
Development Communities
Communities remain identified as development until certificates of occupancy are obtained for all units under development. Once all units are delivered and available for occupancy, the community moves into the Lease-up Communities portfolio.
Lease-up Communities
New acquisitions acquired during lease-up and newly developed communities remain in the Lease-up Communities portfolio until stabilized. Communities are considered stabilized when achieving 90% average physical occupancy for 90 days.
Non-Same Store and Other Portfolio
Non-Same Store and Other Portfolio includes recently acquired communities, communities in development or lease-up, communities that have been disposed of or identified for disposition, communities that have experienced a significant casualty loss, stabilized communities that do not meet the requirements defined by the Same Store Portfolio, retail properties and commercial properties.
Resident Turnover
Resident turnover represents resident move outs excluding transfers within the Same Store Portfolio as a percentage of expiring leases on a rolling twelve month basis as of the end of the reported quarter.
Same Store Portfolio
MAA reviews its Same Store Portfolio at the beginning of each calendar year, or as significant transactions or events warrant. Communities are generally added into the Same Store Portfolio if they were owned and stabilized at the beginning of the previous year. Communities are considered stabilized when achieving 90% average physical occupancy for 90 days. Communities that have been approved by MAA's Board of Directors for disposition are excluded from the Same Store Portfolio. Communities that have experienced a significant casualty loss are also excluded from the Same Store Portfolio.
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SOURCE MAA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/maa-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-07-27T21:44:13Z |
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blueprint Medicines Corporation (NASDAQ: BPMC) today announced the appointment of Habib Dable to its board of directors. Mr. Dable, who was Chief Executive Officer of Acceleron Pharma from 2016 to 2021, brings nearly 30 years of experience in strategic leadership, commercial growth and organizational scale across global pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology companies.
"Habib's experience leading global, complex organizations will be incredibly valuable as Blueprint Medicines drives our next phase of transformational growth," said Kate Haviland, Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled to welcome his significant expertise and perspective to our board."
"Blueprint Medicines has an impressive track record for a company of its size and age; even more impressive are the potential opportunities that lie ahead across development and commercialization," said Mr. Dable. "I look forward to working with Blueprint's high caliber team to execute on these opportunities and continue bringing the promise of precision medicine to broad patient populations."
Mr. Dable joins Blueprint Medicines with significant leadership, growth and commercial experience gained during nearly 30 years in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, as CEO at Acceleron, Mr. Dable generated more than $10 billion in shareholder value over his 5-year tenure as CEO before successfully transitioning to Merck following its acquisition. Prior to joining Acceleron in 2016, Mr. Dable spent 22 years at Bayer AG. During his tenure at Bayer, Mr. Dable held positions of increasing responsibility and geographic footprint, including President of U.S. Pharmaceuticals; Executive Vice President, Global Head Specialty Medicine; Vice President, Ophthalmology; Global Launch Team Head, EYLEA®; Global Head, Neurology and Ophthalmology; and Vice President, Regional Head, Hematology and Cardiology. Recently, Mr. Dable served on the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). Mr. Dable received a B.B.A. in Marketing and Finance and his M.B.A. from the University of New Brunswick.
About Blueprint Medicines
Blueprint Medicines is a global precision therapy company that invents life-changing therapies for people with cancer and blood disorders. Applying an approach that is both precise and agile, we create medicines that selectively target genetic drivers, with the goal of staying one step ahead across stages of disease. Since 2011, we have leveraged our research platform, including expertise in molecular targeting and world-class drug design capabilities, to rapidly and reproducibly translate science into a broad pipeline of precision therapies. Today, we are delivering approved medicines directly to patients in the United States and Europe, and we are globally advancing multiple programs for systemic mastocytosis, lung cancer and other genomically defined cancers, and cancer immunotherapy. For more information, visit www.BlueprintMedicines.com and follow us on Twitter (@BlueprintMeds) and LinkedIn.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Blueprint Medicines' strategy, goals and anticipated milestones, business plans and focus. The words "aim," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "target" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this report are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this report, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to Blueprint Medicines' business, operations, strategy, goals and anticipated milestones, including Blueprint Medicines' ongoing and planned research and discovery activities, ability to conduct ongoing and planned clinical trials, clinical supply of current or future drug candidates, commercial supply of current or future approved products, and launching, marketing and selling current or future approved products; Blueprint Medicines' ability and plans in continuing to establish and expand a commercial infrastructure, and successfully launching, marketing and selling current or future approved products; Blueprint Medicines' ability to successfully expand the approved indications for AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT and GAVRETO or obtain marketing approval for AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT in additional geographies in the future; the delay of any current or planned clinical trials or the development of Blueprint Medicines' current or future drug candidates; Blueprint Medicines' advancement of multiple early-stage efforts; Blueprint Medicines' ability to successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates and gain approval of its drug candidates on a timely basis, if at all; the preclinical and clinical results for Blueprint Medicines' drug candidates, which may not support further development of such drug candidates either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents or may impact the anticipated timing of data or regulatory submissions; the timing of the initiation of clinical trials and trial cohorts at clinical trial sites and patient enrollment rates; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials; Blueprint Medicines' ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT, GAVRETO or any drug candidates it is developing; Blueprint Medicines' ability to develop and commercialize companion diagnostic tests for AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT, GAVRETO or any of its current and future drug candidates; Blueprint Medicines' ability to successfully expand its operations, research platform and portfolio of therapeutic candidates, and the timing and costs thereof; Blueprint Medicines' ability to realize the anticipated benefits of its executive leadership transition plan; and the success of Blueprint Medicines' current and future collaborations, acquisitions, partnerships or licensing arrangements. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Blueprint Medicines' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Blueprint Medicines' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any other filings that Blueprint Medicines has made or may make with the SEC in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report represent Blueprint Medicines' views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Except as required by law, Blueprint Medicines explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Trademarks
Blueprint Medicines, AYVAKIT, AYVAKYT, GAVRETO and associated logos are trademarks of Blueprint Medicines Corporation.
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SOURCE Blueprint Medicines Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/blueprint-medicines-appoints-habib-dable-its-board-directors/ | 2022-06-23T22:03:20Z |
The system ranked No. 1 in the nation on the 2022 list
ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth year in a row, Texas Health Resources has placed No. 1 on Fortune's list of Best Workplaces in Health Care™.
"We are proud to be recognized during our 25th anniversary year for having built an organization where our team members can do their best work," said Carla Dawson, chief people officer, Texas Health. "Teamwork, respect, caring and integrity are all hallmarks of our workplace culture."
The Fortune rankings are based on the responses of more than 800,000 employees working in the healthcare industry across the country. According to the Great Places to Work® survey, 85% of the ranking is centered on employees' work experiences of trust and reaching their full potential within the organization. The remaining 15% is an assessment of employees' daily experiences of innovation, values and effectiveness of leadership.
The Best Workplaces in Health Care™ ranking is among numerous other recognitions Texas Health has earned as a great place to work. In 2022 alone, Texas Health was named to the Companies That Care® list by PEOPLE magazine and Great Place to Work®; ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For®; received the Business Group on Health Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-Being Award; and was named to the Best Workplaces in Texas™ list.
Texas Health Resources is a faith-based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider. With a service area that consists of 16 counties and more than 7 million people, the system is committed to providing quality, coordinated care through its Texas Health Physicians Group and 29 hospital locations under the banners of Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, Texas Health Harris Methodist and Texas Health Huguley. Texas Health access points and services, ranging from acute-care hospitals and trauma centers to outpatient facilities and home health and preventive services, provide the full continuum of care for all stages of life. The system has more than 4,200 licensed hospital beds, 6,400 physicians with active staff privileges and more than 26,000 employees. For more information about Texas Health, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.
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SOURCE Texas Health Resources | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/texas-health-named-best-workplace-healthcare/ | 2022-09-07T18:17:30Z |
US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced multiple steps to protect access to reproductive health care in a news conference on Tuesday.
Becerra said the department would work to increase access to medication abortion across the country, work with the department's Office for Civil Rights to protect patient and provider privacy, examine the department's authority in protecting the clinical judgment of health care providers in treating pregnant patients, work on training clinicians in family planning, and he said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would "take every legally available step" to protect access to family planning care.
"There is no magic bullet, but if there is something we can do we will find it and we will do it at HHS," Becerra said. "Indeed that was the instruction I received from the President of the United States."
This move comes after the Supreme Court released a decision Friday overturning Roe v. Wade.
Becerra called the decision "despicable," and said it "unconscionably put at risk the life and health of millions of our fellow Americans."
"The Supreme Court's decision will result in worsened health outcomes and death for some patients. Working to increase access to this (abortion) drug is a national imperative and in the public interest," Becerra said.
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With the MediaTek Genio platform stack, designers and OEMs can bring differentiated and secure intelligent devices to market faster
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MediaTek today unveiled its new Genio platform for AIoT devices and introduced the first chip in the Genio family, the Genio 1200 designed for premium AIoT products.
MediaTek Genio is a complete platform stack for the AIoT with powerful and ultra- efficient chipsets, open platform software development kits (SDKs) and a developer portal with comprehensive resources and tools. This all-in-one platform makes it easy for brands to develop innovative consumer , enterprise and industrial smart applications at the premium, mid-range and entry levels, and bring these devices to market faster.
With MediaTek Genio, customers have access to all the hardware, software and resources needed to go from concept to design and manufacturing. Customers can choose from a range of Genio chips to suit their product needs, and then use MediaTek's developer resources and the Yocto Linux open platform SDK to customize their designs. MediaTek also makes it easy for customers to access its partners' system hardware and software, and leverage partners' networks and sales channels. By offering an integrated, easy-to-use platform, MediaTek Genio reduces development costs and speeds up time to market, while providing long-term support for operating system updates and security patches that extend the product lifecycle.
"Today MediaTek powers the most popular AIoT devices on the market. As the industry enters the next era of innovation, MediaTek's Genio platform delivers flexibility, scalability and development support brands need to cater to the latest market demands," said Jerry Yu, MediaTek Corporate Senior Vice President and General Manager of MediaTek's Computing, Connectivity and Metaverse Business Group. "We look forward to seeing the new user experiences brands bring to life with the Genio 1200 and its powerful AI capability, support for 4K displays and advanced imaging features."
Open Platform AIoT SDK
The Genio open platform AIoT SDK allows designers to customize multiple products with the same software pack, which supports Yocto Linux. By streamlining the writing and coding of each software application layer, customers can develop their products with minimal support – regardless of the type of application.
Developer Resources and Partner Ecosystem
MediaTek's Genio developer portal gives customers access to a wide range of developer tools, along with access to partners' system hardware and software. Furthermore, brands can use the portal to take advantage of partners' networks and sales channels. This range of development tools and partner support makes it easy for brands of all sizes to streamline the design of AIoT products and speed up time-to-market.
High-Performance Chipsets
The MediaTek Genio chipsets offer fast multicore performance with extreme power-efficiency, optimizing the user experience for even the most compute-intensive AI applications. The CPU, GPU and AI Processing Unit (APU) in each Genio chipset work together to enhance intelligent autonomous capabilities at the edge and support high quality displays, cameras and more. Additionally, each chipset offers support for the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols to deliver seamless connectivity.
The Genio series includes premium, mid-tier and entry-level system-on-chips (SoCs) and modules to address different market and application needs such as:
- Genio 1200 for premium AIoT applications that need best-in-class performance, support for the latest multimedia standards and 4K displays, 4.8 TOPs AI accelerator, and exceptional power efficiency
- Genio 500 for retail and commercial IoT applications that require high performance edge processing and advanced multimedia capabilities.
- Genio 350 for hubs in portable and home environments that require lighter vision and voice edge processing.
- Genio 130 for thin-OS and cloud-supported voice assistant devices that require an audio and microphone-orientated platform.
With a highly capable octa-core CPU, five-core graphics, dual-core AI processor and advanced multimedia engines, the Genio 1200 is ideal for advanced smart home appliances, industrial IoT applications and other demanding AI-embedded devices. The Genio 1200 can also receive and process ultra-high definition display and camera inputs from a range of computer vision (CV) applications.
The new Genio 1200 combines best-in-class performance, support for the latest multimedia standards and 4K displays, and exceptional power efficiency in a 6nm-class chip. This highly integrated, powerful and extendable platform supports several high-speed interfaces, such as PCI-Express, USB 3.1 and GbE MAC, and also supports MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E and sub-6 5G modules to meet a wide range of connectivity needs.
The Genio 1200 will be commercially available starting in H2 2022. To learn more about the Genio platform and Genio 1200 please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/products/internet-of-things/aiot
Developers can access the MediaTek Genio portal at https://www.mediatek.com/aiot/home
About MediaTek Inc.
MediaTek Incorporated (TWSE: 2454) is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables nearly 2 billion connected devices a year and its AIoT platforms are already trusted by global device makers in products that power wide ranging applications. We are a market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile device, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products. MediaTek is the number one Wi-Fi supplier across broadband, retail routers, consumer electronics devices and gaming, and its Wi-Fi 6 chipsets are powering the latest networking equipment for faster computing experiences. Our dedication to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. MediaTek empowers and inspires people to expand their horizons and achieve their goals through smart technology, more easily and efficiently than ever before. We work with the brands you love to make great technology accessible to everyone, and it drives everything we do. Visit www.mediatek.com for more information.
MediaTek Press Office:
PR@mediatek.com
Kevin Keating, MediaTek
+1- 206-321-7295
10188 Telesis Ct #500, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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SOURCE MediaTek Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/10/mediatek-unveils-new-aiot-platform-stack-introduces-genio-1200-aiot-chip/ | 2022-05-10T19:20:33Z |
BEIJING, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes has released the 2022 Global 2000 list and Oriental Yuhong ranks 1,838th on it thanks to its stable and ever-improving performance in sales, profit, asset, and market value.
The Global 2000 list released by Forbes Magazine is rated as one of the most authoritative and most-watched enterprise ranking lists across the globe. This year the candidates were ranked based on four indicators of sales, profit, asset, and market value, which were calculated based on their financial data of the past 12 months as of April 22, 2022.
In 2021, faced with severe challenges from momentous changes never seen in the last 100 years and the pandemic of the century, Oriental Yuhong continued to enhance its value as a construction materials system service provider, proactively explored the path of lean creation, vertically integrated new technologies, new processes, and new materials, and horizontally developed intelligent manufacturing, low-carbon environmental protection, and lean management. With waterproofing business at its core, Oriental Yuhong constantly tapped its own potential, expanded its business scope, prolonged upstream, downstream and relevant industrial chains, and fully advanced its high-quality development course. In 2021, Oriental Yuhong achieved an operating revenue of RMB 31.934 billion yuan, an increase by 44 times in business performance since its IPO in 2008.
Additionally, Oriental Yuhong has taken an active part in exploring a new path for enterprises to fulfill their social responsibilities, delivering the corporate values of "truth, kindness, and beauty" to innumerable households, and embarked on a high-quality development path on this basis. During the COVID-19 outbreak from 2020 to 2022 and the disastrous heavy rainfall in Zhengzhou, Henan, Oriental Yuhong rushed to the rescue with all efforts, demonstrated its sense of responsibility, and contributed to consolidating the defense lines with its own professional advantages.
In the future, Oriental Yuhong will continue to focus on construction materials system services, empower construction materials, technologies and solutions in the vertical domains with technological innovations, strive to consolidate the foundation of high-quality development, and provide greater service value and better service experience to society, clients, and partners in a faster and more efficient way.
Founded in 1995, Oriental Yuhong, over the past 20 plus years, has been devoted to providing high-quality waterproofing system solutions for tens of thousands of major infrastructures and industrial, civil and commercial buildings. Having grown into a leading service provider in the construction and building materials industry, the company went public in 2008 and its revenue exceeded CNY 21.7 billion in 2020, 30 times that of 2008. In the meantime, some of its products have been awarded the CE Mark of EU, EC1 Mark of Germany, and other marks at home and abroad. It has also won numerous titles including the 17th China Quality Award, National Quality Benchmark (2017) and National Technological Innovation Demonstration Enterprise and been included in the list of Fortune China 500.
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SOURCE Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co., Ltd. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/oriental-yuhong-takes-place-2022-forbes-global-2000/ | 2022-05-19T09:31:10Z |
ODOT says I-35 traffic will get worse if changes aren’t made
ARDMORE, Okla. (KXII) - The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said if something doesn’t change soon, drivers will see more and more frustrating traffic along I-35 in the coming decades.
ODOT said traffic on I-35 is getting worse, especially near Thackerville and between Oklahoma City and Purcell.
“It provides a vital connection between people, goods, services and helps link our market to the world.,” ODOT chief engineer Brian Taylor said. “Its importance can not be over exaggerated.”
Taylor called I-35 the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy, saying the highway is heavily used by trucks coming from Texas and Kansas.
But he said if you think congestion is bad now, it’s only expected to get worse-with much of the Oklahoma City metro area expected to be stop-and-go by 2050.
Not only will the congestion be annoying for drivers, Taylor said it causes problems for the communities around the highway.
“As I-35 breaks down, travel times will increase,” Taylor said. “Spillover onto the busy street system will occur which will decrease the safety, reliability and function of local systems.”
In ODOT”s eight-year construction plan, the highway will get a few more lanes, widening to 6 in some areas near Oklahoma City, and widening the bridge around Winstar. But it’s not enough, according to Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz.
He said most of the traffic is going through Oklahoma on the way to a destination in another state.
“It’s going to take, for Oklahoma’s future, an all-of-the-above approach for us to be able to manage traffic,” Gatz said. “And all-of-the-above means we’ve got to continue to be forward thinking and manage traffic for the future, especially in our major metropolitan areas and also we’ve got to look at options like transit. We’ve got to look at options like commuter route, expanded Amtrak service.”
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/09/odot-says-i-35-traffic-will-get-worse-if-changes-arent-made/ | 2022-06-09T03:08:52Z |
HONG KONG, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangfor Technologies (300454.SZ) proudly announces that it is one of the top 3 cybersecurity vendors by revenue for 2021 in the Asia Pacific region* based on the recently released Gartner Market Share: Security Software, Worldwide, 2021 report.[1] The Gartner report presents the security software revenue and market share of over 90 security software vendors across all security markets and all regions of the world.
Sangfor's security products were included in the following three security subsegments of the report:
- Endpoint Protection Platform (Enterprise): Sangfor Endpoint Secure
- Secure Web Gateway: Sangfor IAG
- Other Security Software: Sangfor NGAF (Next-Gen Firewall), Sangfor Cyber Command (NDR), etc.
An APAC Leader
The Market Share report reveals Sangfor's excellent results in a security market for 2021 that was worth $6.2B in total:
- Top 2 vendor in APAC (combination of the above subsegments)
- Top 3 vendor in APAC (all security subsegments)
- 61.30% revenue growth in the APAC security market
In recent years, Sangfor has pursued ambitious international expansion and deep localization strategies, with Asia Pacific the focus of attention. The region has seen a sharp increase in cyber security spending due to the growing need to protect digitally transforming businesses across various industries from cyber-attacks. Indonesia, in particular, has been on the receiving end of the most ransomware attacks in the world, and organizations are in urgent need of strengthening their network defense capabilities.
With professional teams, multiple offices, and trusted partners based in countries across the region, coupled with years of rich local experience, Sangfor is perfectly positioned to help users keep their businesses secure.
"We feel great results like these are the driving forces behind our continuous innovation and strive for excellence. Sangfor is committed to delivering users worldwide the industry's leading products and services and fulfilling our mission to make your Digital Transformation Simpler and Secure," says Kaden Zhang, President of Sangfor International Market.
Source
[1] Gartner, Inc., Market Share: Security Software, Worldwide, 2021, Shailendra Upadhyay et al., published 10 May 2022.
*The Asia Pacific region referred to in this article is a combination of Emerging Asia/Pacific, Mature Asia/Pacific, and Greater China regions in the Gartner report.
Disclaimer: GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
About Sangfor
Sangfor Technologies is an APAC-based, global leading vendor specializing in Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, and IT Infrastructure. Founded in 2000 and publicly listed since 2018 (STOCK CODE: 300454.SZ), Sangfor employs 9,500 employees, operates 60 offices, and serves more than 100,000 customers worldwide, many of them Fortune 500 companies, governmental institutions, universities, and schools. Visit us at www.sangfor.com to learn more about Sangfor's solutions and let Sangfor make your Digital Transformation Simpler and Secure.
Media Contact
Sunny Sun
+86 755 8656 0605
marketing@sangfor.com
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SOURCE Sangfor Technologies | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/sangfor-ranked-top-3-apac-security-vendor-2021-gartner-security-software-market-share-report/ | 2022-06-15T13:51:58Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Avaya Holdings Corp. (NYSE: AVYA) resulting from allegations that Avaya may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Avaya securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8033 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.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On August 9, 2022, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Avaya Taps Legal, Financial Advisers to Look at Debt Options" and also published another article entitled "Avaya's Collapsing Debt Deal Hits Clients of Goldman, JPMorgan". The articles highlighted issues at Avaya Holdings, including how the company had cut its earnings forecast by more than 60% just weeks after borrowing $600 million from institutional investors through deals arranged by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase. The articles also reported that Avaya provided no explanation for the dramatic earnings miss, indicated it would also miss revenue targets, and was removing its CEO. The articles further reported that the Company's audit committee opened an internal investigation regarding the most recent quarter and is also investigating a whistleblower letter.
On this news, Avaya's stock price fell 45%, to close at $0.61 per share on August 9, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.
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. 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.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/rosen-leading-investor-rights-law-firm-encourages-avaya-holdings-corp-investors-inquire-about-class-action-investigation-avya/ | 2022-08-11T19:59:44Z |
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 350 participants from 57 countries gathered today in Jakarta for the opening of the Sector Ministers' Meeting which will generate urgent prioritization of water and sanitation worldwide.
Among them were 50 ministers of water, sanitation, health, environment and the economy, who met to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and a struggling global economy, which have threatened decades of progress on sustainable development. The event was hosted by the Government of Indonesia and convened by the United Nations-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA) and UNICEF.
Opening the event, Patrick Moriarty, Chair of SWA's Steering Committee told participants that this triple crisis is deeply intertwined with water and sanitation, making government prioritization of these issues vital.
"Water and sanitation are indispensable for preventing public health emergencies, integral to supporting economic development and imperative for making communities resilient to climate change," he said.
According to event organizers, access to water and soap will generate $45 billion per year, and reduce the spread of infections in a COVID-19-like epidemic by up to 20 per cent.
Approximately 74 per cent of all natural disasters between 2001 and 2018 were water-related, requiring urgent action. Forty per cent of the global population is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
Additionally, universal access to toilets with safely managed waste will generate $86 billion per year in greater productivity and reduced health costs.
"Water and sanitation are the foundation of all sustainable development – and key to helping children survive and thrive," said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF. "When 300,000 children still die every year from diseases linked to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation, we know we need to do more."
The Sector Ministers' Meeting will equip political leaders with the evidence and best practices they need to prioritize investments in water and sanitation, which in turn will support the Sustainable Development Goals. It also aims to transform inter-ministerial collaboration at the national level around the human rights to water and sanitation, as well as international learning and cooperation.
It was preceded by a six-month-long preparatory process at both global and national levels, involving 126 governments and organizations.
Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a multi-stakeholder partnership of governments and their partners from civil society, the private sector, UN agencies, research and learning institutions and the philanthropic community. Together, SWA partners stimulate high-level political dialogue - at the country, regional and global levels - and coordinate and monitor progress toward the sanitation, water and hygiene-related targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For more information visit www.sanitationandwaterforall.org.
UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. UNICEF's work is funded entirely through the voluntary support of millions of people around the world and our partners in government, civil society and the private sector. Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook.
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SOURCE Sanitation and Water for All (hosted by UNICEF) | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/landmark-meeting-urges-prioritization-water-sanitation-to-get-health-climate-economic-targets-back-track/ | 2022-05-18T06:23:47Z |
Tomorrow.io to Provide Air Force With Global Weather and Ocean Data Under Multi-Year $19.3 Million Contract Funded Through Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program
BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2022 The Tomorrow Companies Inc. ("Tomorrow.io"), developer of a leading platform for global weather and climate security, has completed assembly and testing of its first precipitation radar and delivered the payload to Astro Digital for satellite integration. Tomorrow.io was awarded a multi-year $19.3 million contract last year from the U.S. Air Force, funded through the Air Force's Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program, to support deployment of the company's first four satellites.
Tomorrow.io selected Astro Digital's Corvus-XL satellite platform for the first two satellites of its constellation. Delivery of the radar payload, after Tomorrow.io and the Air Force conducted a successful critical design review earlier this year, puts Tomorrow.io on track to launch its first satellite in early 2023, with a full constellation expected in orbit during 2025.
Tomorrow.io will offer operational satellite data-as-a-service to the U.S. Department of Defense and governmental agencies worldwide, while also ingesting the data into its proprietary modeling suite that powers its Weather and Climate Security Platform, which is used by hundreds of organizations to proactively manage weather-related challenges.
Precipitation measurements are critical to weather forecasting and are ranked the top priority out of 152 Earth observations by the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations. Radar provides detailed observations of precipitation that no other sensor can see, yet much of the world lacks reliable ground-based radar coverage, including many areas of interest to the Department of Defense.
Tomorrow.io plans to launch a constellation of approximately 30 small satellites to provide high-resolution global coverage of 3-D precipitation and other key parameters—revisiting each point on the globe every hour on average, compared to the 2- to 3-day revisit rate of existing spaceborne radar missions.
"Global environmental data is essential to effective mission planning and execution of air and ground operations," said John Dreher, materiel leader, Weather Systems Branch, in an Air Force news release. "This satellite constellation partnership with Tomorrow.io will give Air Force weather operators a vastly improved awareness of current and forecasted weather conditions."
The constellation will enhance the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) mission to provide authoritative and accurate 24/7 global weather intelligence to the warfighter. Capabilities delivered under this contract are expected to further the Department of Defense's ability to address the Joint Requirements Oversight Council Meteorological and Oceanographic Collection Requirements and bolster weather observations around the globe.
Tomorrow.io announced earlier this year the addition of microwave sounders to its planned satellite constellation, which would create the first commercial multi-sensor weather satellite system owned and operated by a private company. The combined sensing capabilities from radars and sounders will allow Tomorrow.io to acquire multiple types of near real-time, global atmospheric data critical to improving operational weather forecasts.
Tomorrow.io is the world's leading Weather and Climate Security Platform, helping countries, businesses, and individuals manage their weather and climate security challenges. The platform is fully customizable to any industry impacted by the weather. Customers around the world, including Uber, Delta, Ford, National Grid, and more use Tomorrow.io to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Tomorrow.io was built from the ground up to help teams prepare for the business impact of weather by automating decision-making and enabling climate adaptation at scale. To learn more, please go to: www.tomorrow.io
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SOURCE The Tomorrow Companies Inc | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/tomorrowio-delivers-first-radar-weather-satellite-constellation-backed-by-us-air-force/ | 2022-09-12T15:23:56Z |
BERLIN and NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW Tech and Clio Inc. have settled a patent infringement lawsuit involving one of WOW Tech's Pleasure Air Technology patents. From July 2022 onwards, Clio Inc. will cease selling the plusOne "Air Pulsing Arouser."
Jamie Leventhal, CEO of Clio Inc., states: "We are glad that we found an agreement that works for both parties. We value the innovation efforts in our industry and respect Intellectual Property. We believe that this agreement will help the overall growth of our industry and every market participant."
"Clio Inc. recognizes the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, and to this end, an agreement has been reached between us. We are pleased about that development and wish the team around Clio all the best and success in the future," says Johannes von Plettenberg, CEO of WOW Tech.
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SOURCE WOW Tech Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/wow-tech-group-concludes-settlement-with-clio-inc-alleged-patent-infringement/ | 2022-08-16T14:51:32Z |
Safe Water Network Invites Esteemed Guests to Celebrate 15 Years of Impact and Take Action in Support of Sustainable Safe Water Solutions
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe Water Network, the global non-profit founded by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman, will host the 2022 Water for All Ball on November 8 – a charity event held at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City, with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM EST. The event aims to raise funds and inspire action to deliver safe water for underserved communities across the world. Visit waterforallball.org to learn more.
Safe Water Network is reaching nearly 2 million people across Ghana and India, while collaborating with international public and private partners to make water work for millions more. The organization's market-driven approach to delivering safe water in underserved communities is essential to achieving universal access to safe water for all globally.
Safe Water Network's inaugural Water for All Ball in 2019, hosted by Robert De Niro, honored the organization's late co-founders Paul Newman and John Whitehead, as well as founding board chair emeritus Josh Weston. This year's event will assemble a star-studded guest list to imagine a world where all communities can sustainably manage their own safe water. The event's Board Co-hosts are Dr. Rita Colwell, award-winning microbiologist and 11th Director of the National Science Foundation, and Dr. Surya Mohapatra, the former CEO and President of Quest Diagnostics. Prior to the event will be an invite-only industry thought-leader roundtable, hosted by water quality expert Dr. Shane Snyder. The evening will kick off with a "blue carpet," hosted by TV/radio personality Guy Lambert and close out with entertainment, including selections from singer/songwriter Amos Lee, performing 'Sweet Pea," "Wonderland,' and 'Shout Out Loud,' as well as "Worry No More" from his 2022 album Dreamland.
Robert De Niro said during his remarks at the 2019 Water for All Ball, "The world isn't going to be safe by one sweet gesture, but through initiatives like Safe Water Network and [through] continuing support, we can make the world a better place."
The gala will be a celebration of the organization's 15 years of partnership and impact. In that time, Safe Water Network has transformed communities, solved challenges with innovative technology, improved health outcomes, opened doors to entrepreneurship for women, and created opportunities for children to grow into a better future. Funds raised at this year's event will help the organization achieve its goal of reaching 50 million people with access to safe water by 2026. Sponsorship opportunities are available upon request.
About Safe Water Network: Safe Water Network believes in a collaborative, innovative response to the global water crisis. The organization's mission is to develop and demonstrate affordable, economically viable solutions, share sector knowledge, and build partnerships that reach millions in underserved communities. Visit safewaternetwork.org for more information.
CONTACT: Nathan Yardy, nyardy@safewaternetwork.org, or Divya Gupta, DivyaGupta@gridsconsulting.com
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SOURCE SAFE WATER NETWORK | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/water-all-ball-nonprofit-event-raise-funds-address-global-water-crisis/ | 2022-09-14T20:41:15Z |
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New Wave Group has today acquired 100 % of the shares in the UK promotional, corporate and teamwear apparel company B.T.C. Activewear Limited. The consideration for the purchase of the shares is £33 million on a cash and debt free basis and is paid in cash.
B.T.C. Activewear was founded in 2000 through a merger of three regional businesses and has its distribution center and head office in Birmingham. The company is the UK's third largest wholesale distributor within its sector, offering ca. 50 leading international apparel brands. B.T.C. Activewear's sales model showcases the potential of e-commerce for B2B sales, as ca. 90 % of orders are placed via the company's webshop www.btcactivewear.co.uk (where you may also find further information about the company).
In 2021, B.T.C. Activewear's revenue was £53.0 million. The acquisition will have a positive impact on New Wave Group's result already this current year but will have a negative impact on the group's gross and operating margin, as these are lower in B.T.C. Activewear than in New Wave Group. The introduction of New Wave Group's own brands to the company's portfolio will however allow for a considerable increase in both the gross and operating margin of B.T.C. Activewear in the coming years.
The UK is one of Europe's biggest markets for promotional products, with a clear trend towards increased focus on own-brand products. Together with B.T.C. Activewear, who has a broad and well-established customer base, New Wave Group will have a strong platform for the distribution of the group's brands in the UK.
CEO and co-founder of B.T.C. Activewear, Stephen Pope, who will continue as CEO for the company comments New Wave Group's acquisition: "I am delighted to have a strong financial owner, that is known for its long-term commitment and deep industry knowledge. B.T.C. Activewear will be able to grow and take further steps together with New Wave Group, where the mix between our understanding of and position in the UK market and New Wave Group's experience and brands will be an unmatched combination."
Stephen Pope sees big opportunities for B.T.C. Activewear through the addition of New Wave Group's own brands: "With a more comprehensive and improved customer offer, we will be able to reach new customers and compete in new areas. Of course this will be beneficial to the business and also allows us to grow sales of our existing portfolio of brands."
Torsten Jansson, CEO and founder of New Wave Group, also has a bright view of the future: "Through this acquisition, we establish New Wave Group as one of the main players on the UK market, which of course feels great. In addition, we will add a very attractive and well-run company to our company group, as well as invaluable industry knowledge that will benefit all New Wave Group companies."
B.T.C. Activewear will be a part of the Corporate operating segment with its primary focus on the promo sales channel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
CEO and Group CEO
Torsten Jansson
Phone: +46 (0) 31 712 89 01
E-mail: torsten.jansson@nwg.se
1st Senior Vice President
Göran Härstedt
Phone: +46 (0) 703 62 56 11
E-mail: goran.harstedt@nwg.se
This information is information that New Wave Group AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons detailed above, at 8.45 a.m. CET on 2 September 2022.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE New Wave Group | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/new-wave-group-ab-publ-acquires-btc-activewear-limited/ | 2022-09-02T08:21:45Z |
All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") (TSX: PPL) (NYSE: PBA) announced today that it does not intend to exercise its right to redeem the currently outstanding Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares, Series 15 ("Series 15 Shares") (TSX: PPL.PR.O) on September 30, 2022.
As a result, and subject to certain terms of the Series 15 Shares, the holders of the Series 15 Shares will have the right to elect to convert all or part of their Series 15 Shares on a one-for-one basis into Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate Class A Preferred Shares, Series 16 of Pembina ("Series 16 Shares") on October 3, 2022 (the "Conversion Date"), being the first business day following the statutory holiday on September 30, 2022. Holders who do not exercise their right to convert their Series 15 Shares into Series 16 Shares will retain their Series 15 Shares.
As provided in the terms of the Series 15 Shares: (i) if Pembina determines that there would remain outstanding immediately following the conversion less than 1,000,000 Series 15 Shares, then all remaining Series 15 Shares will be automatically converted into Series 16 Shares on a one-for-one basis effective as of the Conversion Date; or (ii) if Pembina determines that there would be less than 1,000,000 Series 16 Shares outstanding immediately following the conversion, no Series 15 Shares will be converted into Series 16 Shares on the Conversion Date. There are currently 8,000,000 Series 15 Shares outstanding.
With respect to any Series 15 Shares that remain outstanding after the Conversion Date, holders thereof will be entitled to receive quarterly fixed cumulative preferential cash dividends, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Pembina. The annual dividend rate for the Series 15 Shares for the five-year period from and including September 30, 2022, to, but excluding, September 30, 2027, will be 6.164 percent, being equal to the five-year Government of Canada bond yield of 3.244 percent determined as of today plus 2.92 percent, in accordance with the terms of the Series 15 Shares.
With respect to any Series 16 Shares that may be issued on the Conversion Date, holders thereof will be entitled to receive quarterly floating rate cumulative preferential cash dividends, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Pembina. The annual dividend rate applicable to the Series 16 Shares for the three-month floating rate period from and including September 30, 2022, to, but excluding, December 31, 2022, will be 6.238 percent, being equal to the annual rate of interest for the most recent auction of 90-day Government of Canada treasury bills of 3.318 percent plus 2.92 percent, in accordance with the terms of the Series 16 Shares (the "Floating Quarterly Dividend Rate"). The Floating Quarterly Dividend Rate will be reset every quarter.
Beneficial holders of Series 15 Shares who wish to exercise their right of conversion during the conversion period, which runs from August 31, 2022, until 3:00 pm (MT) / 5:00 pm (ET) on September 19, 2022, should communicate as soon as possible with their broker or other intermediary for more information. It is recommended that this be done well in advance of the deadline in order to provide the broker or other intermediary with the time to complete the necessary steps. Any notices received after this deadline will not be valid.
As previously announced, the dividend payable on October 3, 2022, to holders of the Series 15 Shares of record on September 15, 2022, will be $0.2790 per Series 15 Share, consistent with the dividend rate in effect since the issuance of the Series 15 Shares. For more information on the terms of the Series 15 Shares and the Series 16 Shares, please see Pembina's articles of amendment dated October 2, 2017, relating to the creation of the Series 15 Shares and the Series 16 Shares, which can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America's energy industry for more than 65 years. Pembina owns an integrated network of hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and a growing export terminals business. Through our integrated value chain, we seek to provide safe and reliable infrastructure solutions which connect producers and consumers of energy across the world, support a more sustainable future and benefit our customers, investors, employees and communities. For more information, please visit pembina.com.
Purpose of Pembina:
To be the leader in delivering integrated infrastructure solutions connecting global markets:
- Customers choose us first for reliable and value-added services.
- Investors receive sustainable industry-leading total returns.
- Employees say we are the 'employer of choice' and value our safe, respectful, collaborative and inclusive work culture.
- Communities welcome us and recognize the net positive impact of our social and environmental commitment.
Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division.
Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of applicable securities legislation, that are based on Pembina's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "continue", "anticipate", "schedule", "will", "expects", "estimate", "potential", "planned", "future", "outlook", "strategy", "protect", "trend", "commit", "maintain", "focus", "ongoing", "believe" and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.
In particular, this document contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, without limitation, the conversion rights, future dividend rates and payment terms for the Series 15 Shares and the Series 16 Shares.
The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that Pembina has made in respect thereof as at the date of this news release regarding, among other things: oil and gas industry exploration and development activity levels and the geographic region of such activity; the success of Pembina's operations; prevailing commodity prices, interest rates, carbon prices, tax rates and exchange rates; the ability of Pembina to maintain current credit ratings; the availability of capital to fund future capital requirements relating to existing assets and projects; future operating costs; geotechnical and integrity costs; that all required regulatory and environmental approvals can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; prevailing regulatory, tax and environmental laws and regulations; maintenance of operating margins; and certain other assumptions in respect of Pembina's forward-looking statements detailed in Pembina's Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 and from time to time in Pembina's public disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov and through Pembina's website at www.pembina.com.
Although Pembina believes the expectations and material factors and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these expectations, factors and assumptions will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and decisions and Indigenous and landowner consultation requirements; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on third parties to successfully operate and maintain certain assets; the strength and operations of the oil and natural gas production industry and related commodity prices; non-performance or default by counterparties to agreements which Pembina or one or more of its affiliates has entered into in respect of its business; actions by governmental or regulatory authorities; the ability of Pembina to acquire or develop the necessary infrastructure in respect of future development projects; fluctuations in operating results; adverse general economic and market conditions in Canada, North America and worldwide; risks relating to the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; the ability to access various sources of debt and equity capital; changes in credit ratings; counterparty credit risk; and certain other risks and uncertainties detailed in Pembina's Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 and from time to time in Pembina's public disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com, www.sec.gov and through Pembina's website at www.pembina.com.
This list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted or projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. Pembina does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
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SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/pembina-pipeline-corporation-provides-notice-series-15-preferred-share-conversion-right-announces-reset-dividend-rates/ | 2022-08-31T17:59:56Z |
Contentz and SVBC Deliver Media Production Hub
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Contentz, in partnership with the Silicon Valley Business Center (SVBC), is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of 'The Content Studio,' a simple, cost-effective multi-media space available for professionals to book and create content for social media and communications, in person or remotely.
Contentz is hosting a Grand Opening event on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 1900 Camden Avenue, in San Jose, from 12 to 2:00 PM. Meet Contentz staff and local creators. Record a free video at the event. To register, visit https://contentz.com/silicon-valley-rsvp/.
Content studios provide microphones, mixing boards and flexible set design to support creators in developing content. Remote producers help plan and edit video, audio and writing for guests.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with such a credible partner," said Greg Bunker, SVBC President. "The Contentz team has done a fantastic job in developing a simple, streamlined platform for our members to book studio time, access equipment and get consulting that helps create ROI."
Businesses need more content as the world spends more time online.
"Sending clients (or leads) a video, article or audio clip to educate, for example, keeps satisfaction and delight sky high," said Petersen. "Our mission is for media production to help companies improve ROI via support and communications."
Petersen is a former community newspaper writer from South San Jose and has supported both private and public organizations in creating article, video and podcast content.
Contentz started as a high school sports-focused newspaper and has grown into a content production company, primarily supporting clients in education, real estate and medical industries.
Contentz operates two in-person locations. The other location is in Roseville, CA.
"The understatement of the decade is that the pandemic changed things at work," said Petersen. "With more remote interactions, there is a huge need to establish personality, while delivering a message. Podcasts and videos exploded because they are a great way to humanize messages and answer business questions at the same time."
Contentz is a custom publishing partner that helps organizations like California Interscholastic Federation, USA Water Polo, GoFan and OM Surgical Solutions plan and produce content.
SVBC is a South San Jose Coworking Space, hosting more than 400 member businesses across professional services and technology industries.
Media Contact
Contentz
Tamara Gocken
Email:tamara@contentz.com
Cell: 815.716.3751
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SOURCE Contentz LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/the-content-studio-opens-south-san-jose/ | 2022-07-07T18:26:46Z |
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leatt Corporation (OTCQB: LEAT), a developer and marketer of protective equipment and ancillary products for sports, especially extreme high-velocity sports, announced today that it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter 2022 before the market opens on Thursday, August 11, 2022. The Leatt management team will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results on the same day at 10:00 am ET.
Participants should dial in to the call ten minutes before the scheduled time, using the following numbers: 1-877-407-9716 (USA) or 1-201-493-6779 (international) to access the call.
There will also be a simultaneous live webcast through the Company's website at www.leatt-corp.com. Participants should register on the website approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the webcast.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for seven days and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (USA) or 1-412-317-6671 (international). The replay PIN number is 13731945.
For those unable to attend the call, a recording of the live webcast will be archived shortly following the event for 30 days on the Company's website.
Leatt Corporation develops personal protective equipment and ancillary products for all forms of sports, especially extreme motor sports. The Leatt-Brace® is an award-winning neck brace system considered the gold standard for neck protection for anyone wearing a crash helmet as a form of protection. It was designed for participants in extreme sports or riding motorcycles, bicycles, mountain bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other vehicles. For more information, visit: www.leatt.com .
Follow Leatt® on Facebook and Instagram.
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SOURCE Leatt Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/leatt-announces-date-second-quarter-2022-results-conference-call-webcast/ | 2022-08-08T17:10:59Z |
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary bond and fixed income investor William H. (Bill) Gross today released a new Investment Outlook, "3.5% ASAP". In his latest Investment Outlook, Mr. Gross revisits one of his most prescient Investment Outlooks, "Credit Supernova!" – the phenomenon of ever expanding credit as "a monster that requires perpetually increasing amounts of fuel, a supernova star that expands and expands, yet, in the process begins to consume itself."
At the time of that Investment Outlook in February 2013, outstanding credit in the U.S. was $56 trillion "and counting", and since then "has expanded from $75 trillion to $90.5 trillion in a misguided effort to stabilize asset prices, inflation, and economic growth," according to Mr. Gross. Much of it going "into speculative financial assets as opposed to investment in the real economy", including "near historic P/E ratios for profitless stocks, NFTs, meme stocks and cryptocurrencies."
In consideration of this "highly levered system", Mr. Gross compares the Fed's task of raising rates "much like a drug addict would consider the steps for a healthy withdrawal. 'Cold turkey' in this case is definitely out, no matter what Powell says about inflation being his "top" and nearly only policy consideration." Instead of raising rates "rates too high, too soon," Mr. Gross recommends the Fed "stop at 3.5% but get there ASAP", and that investors avoid bonds and stocks, but consider Treasuries.
Full text of Bill Gross's May 26, 2022, Investment Outlook can be found at his website.
About Bill Gross
Bill Gross has been a pioneer in fixed income investing for more than 40 years. He co-founded PIMCO in 1971 and served as managing director and chief investment officer until joining Janus Henderson Investors in 2014. He retired in 2019 to focus on managing his personal assets and private charitable foundation. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including Morningstar Fixed Income Manager of the Decade for 2000 to 2009 and Fixed Income Manager of the Year for 1998, 2000 and 2007. Mr. Gross became the first portfolio manager inducted into the Fixed Income Analysts Society's Hall of Fame in 1996 and received the Bond Market Association's Distinguished Service Award in 2000. In 2011, Institutional Investor magazine awarded him the Money Management Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Gross oversees the $390 million-asset William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, which annually donates up to $21 million to non-profits involved in humanitarian causes, health care, and education. For more information or to view Investment Outlook archives, please visit https://williamhgross.com. For information about Mr. Gross's philanthropic activities through the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, please visit https://grossfamilyfoundation.com/. Order his new book "I'm Still Standing: Bond King Bill Gross and the PIMCO Express" on Amazon.com.
Related Links
https://williamhgross.com
https://grossfamilyfoundation.com/
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SOURCE Bill Gross | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/bill-gross-releases-investment-outlook-35-asap/ | 2022-07-11T18:25:50Z |
Award-winning collaboration display and companion whiteboard empowers the hybrid workplace.
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DTEN ONboard, a new collaboration solution from fast-growing DTEN, is in-stock and available today from the company directly and through channel partners. Designed in collaboration with Zoom, DTEN ONboard elevates collaboration through its advanced touch-enabled 55-inch display, allowing in-room and remote participants to interact equally. In pre-release, the new device received three major industry awards and generated considerable media attention.
"DTEN ONboard paired with Zoom Whiteboard quickly becomes the centerpiece of team collaborations, notably in meeting rooms equipped with legacy video conferencing equipment," states Nia Celestin, the company's Head of Marketing. "The virtual shared whiteboard promotes collaboration equity, providing all meeting attendees the ability to participate, regardless of location."
Recognizing many companies have already invested in video conferencing systems, DTEN ONboard complements — and elevates — existing set-ups by adding advanced, interactive touch. It easily integrates with any Zoom Rooms device, including video bars, and immediately introduces interactive touch, with the ability to draw, ideate, annotate, and organize meeting content.
"DTEN ONboard exemplifies our ongoing partnership with Zoom," continues Scott Krueckeberg, Head of Strategic Alliances at DTEN. "Our companies worked closely together to ensure DTEN ONboard fully delivers on the robust features of the new Zoom Whiteboard."
Included among the device's many features are real-time touch to brainstorm, visualize and diagram ideas; an expandable canvas to elaborate collaborations; easy sharing via email or Zoom chat; and a persistent hub to promote building on ideas after a meeting ends. DTEN ONboard also enables Zoom Whiteboard visualization tools including sticky notes, shapes and connectors, and drop and drag images.
Built for versatility, other common use cases for DTEN ONboard are:
- As a stand-alone collaboration appliance
- In classrooms and college campuses
- For digital signage via Zoom Rooms Kiosk Mode
- For reserving hot desks and meeting rooms with Zoom's Workspace Reservations
The device's flexibility, superior user experiences, and streamlined aesthetics all contributed to DTEN ONboard winning the 2022 Red Dot Product Design Award, Best of Enterprise Connect for Meeting Room Innovation, and Best of Show InfoComm 2022 Award from Installation magazine.
"The award recognitions and advanced media coverage affirm just how valuable DTEN ONboard is in the hybrid workplace, delivering effective, productive, and inclusive collaborations," concludes Celestin. "We're excited it's now readily available for everyone."
Priced at $2,999.99(USD), DTEN ONboard may be ordered through channel partners and at DTEN.com.
DTEN is changing the way people connect and collaborate through immersive, video-first devices and subscription services. Our solutions are found in businesses, schools, homes, and hybrid environments worldwide, delivering intuitive, high-quality, and real-life video conference experiences for every meeting space. As recipient of multiple international awards, DTEN is recognized for plug-and-play simplicity, superior audiovisual clarity, and fluent, elegant designs. DTEN was founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Jose, California; Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is an investor. Find more at www.DTEN.com.
For more information, please contact smckenzie@tropospheremarketing.com or pr@dten.com.
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SOURCE DTEN | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/dten-onboard-designed-new-zoom-whiteboard-now-available/ | 2022-08-16T12:34:55Z |
INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: CLMT) announced today that it plans to report results for the second quarter 2022 on August 5, 2022. A conference call to discuss the financial and operational results is scheduled for August 5, 2022, at 9:00 AM ET.
Investors, analysts and members of the media interested in listening to the live presentation are encouraged to join a webcast of the call with accompanying presentation slides, available at http://calumetspecialty.investorroom.com/events. For those wishing to dial into the call, please pre-register by following the link https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf8770ef9380a4e13a5d61119e9763d3b. A replay of the conference call will be available a few hours after the event on the investor relations section of the Company's website, under the events section.
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: CLMT) manufacturers, formulates, and markets a diversified slate of specialty branded products to customers in various consumer-facing and industrial markets. Calumet is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and operates twelve facilities throughout North America.
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SOURCE Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/calumet-release-second-quarter-2022-results-august-5-2022/ | 2022-07-21T14:23:56Z |
When to look up at the sky for the Lyrid meteor shower
By Angie Orellana Hernandez and Ashley Strickland
If you spot a shooting star in the night sky later this week, it might be from the Lyrid meteor shower, which will reach its peak overnight around 12 a.m. ET on April 22, according to EarthSky.
Named after the Lyra constellation, the Lyrid meteor shower will end the “meteor drought,” the period between January and mid-April when no meteor showers light up the sky.
For those looking to get a glimpse at the Lyrids, they will be best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, along the northeastern sky in the mid-northern latitudes, according to the American Meteor Society. This area encompasses North America.
Gazers should find an area away from city light pollution and lie back to get as much of the night sky in view. Wait 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness to make meteors easier to spot, NASA recommends.
The Lyrids have been observed for 2,700 years, according to NASA. This shower tends to have bright and fast meteors and has reached a peak of as many as 100 meteors seen per hour.
However the moon this year will be in a waning gibbous phase, meaning more than half of it will be shining luminously, so you’ll only see the brightest meteors during the early morning of April 22, according to the American Meteor Society.
Want a better view? Try between late in the evening of April 22 and dawn of April 23 to get another look at the meteor shower under clearer conditions. Lyrids are commonly known to have unpredictable surges, so be prepared for unexpected outbursts, according to EarthSky.
Watchers should also keep an eye out for fireballs or glowing dust trails that meteors leave behind.
This shower will remain active until April 29.
After the Lyrids, there are 10 meteor showers that peak in 2022. Here’s a list of the remaining showers to watch for this year:
- Eta Aquariids: May 4 to 5
- Southern delta Aquariids: July 29 to 30
- Alpha Capricornids: July 30 to 31
- Perseids: August 11 to 12
- Orionids: October 20 to 21
- Southern Taurids: November 4 to 5
- Northern Taurids: November 11 to 12
- Leonids: November 17 to 18
- Geminids: December 13 to 14
- Ursids: December 21 to 22
Lunar and solar eclipses
Following the Lyrids, the celestial show will continue on April 30, when a partial solar eclipse occurs. The event can be seen by those in southern South America, the southeastern Pacific Ocean and the Antarctic peninsula, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Another partial solar eclipse on October 25 will be visible to those in Greenland, Iceland, Europe, northeastern Africa, the Middle East, western Asia, India and western China.
Neither of the partial solar eclipses will be visible from North America.
Partial solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in front of the sun but only blocks some of its light. Be sure to wear proper eclipse glasses to safely view solar eclipses, as the sun’s light can be damaging to the eye.
There will also be two total lunar eclipses in 2022.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible to those in Europe, Africa, South America and North America (except for those in northwestern regions) between 9:31 p.m. ET on May 15 and 2:52 a.m. ET on May 16.
Another total lunar eclipse will also be on display for those in Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South America and North America on November 8 between 3:01 a.m. ET and 8:58 a.m. ET — but the moon will be setting for those in eastern regions of North America.
A lunar eclipse can occur only during a full moon when the sun, Earth and moon align, and the moon passes into Earth’s shadow. Earth casts two shadows on the moon during the eclipse. The penumbra is the partial outer shadow, and the umbra is the full, dark shadow.
When the full moon moves into Earth’s shadow, it darkens, but it won’t disappear. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere lights the moon in a dramatic fashion, turning it red — which is why this event is often referred to as a “blood moon.”
Depending on the weather conditions in your area, the moon may appear rusty, brick-colored or blood red.
This color variability happens because blue light undergoes stronger atmospheric scattering, so red light will be the most dominant color highlighted as sunlight passes through our atmosphere and casts it onto the moon.
Full moons
There are eight full moons still to come in 2022, with two of them qualifying as supermoons. Here is a list of the remaining moons this year, according to the Farmers’ Almanac:
- May 16: Flower moon
- June 14: Strawberry moon
- July 13: Buck moon
- August 11: Sturgeon moon
- September 10: Harvest moon
- October 9: Hunter’s moon
- November 8: Beaver moon
- December 7: Cold moon
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/21/when-to-look-up-at-the-sky-for-the-lyrid-meteor-shower/ | 2022-04-21T18:26:05Z |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan (CHCWM) and OneOncology, the national platform for independent community oncology practices, announced today that the two organizations have finalized an agreement to partner in delivering oncology services to Michigan communities. CHCWM has 25 medical oncologists and 55 advanced practice providers caring for patients at four main sites in Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon.
The partnership with OneOncology brings analytics, clinical technology and national partnerships to help CHCWM expand services along the cancer care continuum, including an expansion of CAR-T therapies and theranostics.
"Affiliating with OneOncology benefits our patients and our practice partners by providing resources to expand access to innovative treatment options for patients in West Michigan," said Mark Campbell, MD, MHA, President, CHCWM. "By aligning with other leading oncology practices, our participation in OneOncology brings the technology and data that will place CHCWM at the forefront of value-based contracting arrangements with employers and payers – a must to provide patient-centric, high-quality cancer care in our communities."
In addition to their robust phase II and phase III research programs, CHCWM's phase I research program, START-Midwest, is one of the largest phase I units in the midwestern US with 60 open phase I trials enrolling approximately 190 patients last year. CHCWM will participate in OneOncology's OneR research network, thereby bringing additional trial opportunities to the community. Their addition will reciprocally enhance the diverse patient population footprint that OneR trials offer sponsors. The affiliation of the two organizations will further improve access to biomarker testing and next generation sequencing for patients in the community setting.
"Having a practice as prestigious and innovative as the Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan further strengthens our partnership, which benefits all our practices," said Jeff Patton, MD, CEO, OneOncology. "The Western Michigan physicians bring their patients the best in cancer care services, including clinical trials and innovative therapies. We look forward to working with them to expand their service lines and ensure patients in Western Michigan have access to cutting-edge cancer care close to home."
CHCWM is a leader in value-based care. A participant in Medicare's Oncology Care Model, the practice has saved Medicare greater than $27 million dollars since the inception of the program, representing a 9% reduction in cost of care. The practice is also one of twelve oncology practices participating in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Patient-Centered Cancer Care Certificate Program, a pilot that certifies outpatient oncology group practices and health systems that meet a single set of comprehensive, expert-backed standards for patient-centered care delivery. The pilot is based on ASCO and COA published oncology medical home standards.
OneOncology was founded by community oncologists, for community oncologists, with the mission of improving the lives of everyone living with cancer. Our goal is to enable community oncology practices to remain independent and to improve patient access to care in their communities, all at a lower cost than in the hospital setting. OneOncology supports our platform of community oncology practices through group purchasing, operational optimization, practice growth, and clinical innovation. Our 700 cancer care providers care for 280,000 patients at 181 sites of care nationwide. To learn more, visit oneoncology.com or LinkedIn.
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SOURCE OneOncology | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/cancer-amp-hematology-centers-western-michigan-joins-oneoncology/ | 2022-06-02T11:22:45Z |
NEW YORK, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial is designed to assess the effectiveness of three different disc replacement devices used for two-level symptomatic cervical disc disease. The study is sponsored by Centinel Spine, LLC, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, is one of the centers participating in the research.
Cervical disc disease, or degenerative disc disease, is the progressive deterioration of spinal discs and arthritic changes in the facet joints. During this procedure, surgeons will test the safety and efficacy of removing discs at two levels and implanting an artificial disc device at each level of the cervical spine between the vertebrae where the disc was removed. The artificial disc will serve to stabilize the spine while preserving greater motion than a conventional fusion surgery.
Previous patients who underwent artificial disc replacement reported greater improvements in their pain relief, mobility, and activities of daily living than those who underwent spinal fusion surgery, the standard treatment. It is less invasive but as effective as spinal fusion surgery, however the procedure using this particular device has not been validated through a clinical trial to date.
"The concern with doing a fusion type operation is that over the long term the other discs have to accommodate for the motion lost at the fused level," said Darren Lebl, MD, a minimally invasive spine surgeon who is leading the research at HSS. Over time, the increased mechanical demand on the surrounding vertebrae can make the discs in the region more vulnerable to additional degeneration.
"We do know very clearly that fusion is limiting motion," Dr. Lebl added. "The concept of the two-level disc replacement is to preserve motion with two moving mechanical devices."
To be eligible for participation, patients must be between the ages of 18 and 69 years and have received a diagnosis of radiculopathy (impingement of the nerves in the spinal column) or myelopathy with radiculopathy, a more severe form of damage to the spinal cord involving vertebrae in the neck, defined at cervical discs C3 through C7. Patients must also be experiencing symptoms associated with disc problems, such as neck or arm pain, decreased muscle strength and abnormal reflexes that has not responded well to conservative treatments such as rest, heat, physical therapy and pain relievers.
The trial will include at least 390 patients once enrollment is complete. Patients will receive regular evaluations for two years after surgery and may be examined in periodical follow-up visits for a total of seven years.
For more information about the trial at HSS, contact Philip Paschal at paschalp@hss.edu or 917-260-4285.mailto:
HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 12th consecutive year), No. 4 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2021-2022), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" list (2021-2022). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a second consecutive year (2022). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 145 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.
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SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/clinical-trial-test-replacement-devices-two-level-symptomatic-cervical-disc-disease/ | 2022-06-01T16:58:32Z |
Fauci: US in ‘a different moment’ but pandemic not over
(AP) – Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday the coronavirus is under better control in the United States, but the pandemic isn’t over — and the challenge is how to keep improving the situation.
“We are in a different moment of the pandemic,” said Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, in an interview with The Associated Press.
After a brutal winter surge, “we’ve now decelerated and transitioned into more of a controlled phase,” he said. “By no means does that mean the pandemic is over.”
His comments came a day after he said on the PBS “NewsHour” that the U.S. was “out of the pandemic phase” and also told The Washington Post that the country was finally “out of the full-blown explosive pandemic phase.”
Fauci’s remarks reflect how health authorities are wrestling with the next stage of the pandemic — how to keep COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations manageable and learn to live with what’s still a mutating and unpredictable virus.
Fauci said the U.S. appears to be out of what he called the “fulminant phase” of the pandemic, huge variant surges that at their worst sparked hundreds of thousands of infections daily, along with tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.
COVID-19 cases are at a lower point than they’ve been in months and two-thirds of the U.S. population is vaccinated. Nearly half of those who need a booster dose have gotten the extra shot, and effective treatments are available.
“We are much, much better off than we were a year ago,” he said.
Still, there have been lulls before, and while cases are low, they are increasing in many parts of the country. Vaccination rates worldwide are far lower, especially in developing countries.
To keep improving, Fauci ticked off a to-do list: Get more people fully vaccinated; develop even better vaccines; figure out the best booster strategy to counter variants; and make sure people can access treatment as soon as they need it.
“We can’t take our foot off the pedal,” Fauci said. “There’s a lot of viral dynamics throughout the world and we still may get another variant which could lead to another potential surge.”
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/27/fauci-us-moving-endemic-phase-covid/ | 2022-04-29T02:12:10Z |
NORCROSS, Ga., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Beloved breakfast brands POPCAKE and ASHWOOD'S announce a new parent brand: Peachtree Foods. Today, with more than 12,000 customers spanning 25 countries, Peachtree Foods is on a fast track to becoming a leading breakfast specialist company in the global hospitality and food service industries.
Peachtree Foods CEO David Walsh said, "Breakthrough innovation and delivering experiences that are "beyond expected" are the cornerstones of our brand. Our company has and will continue to evolve and grow to meet the demands of our customers. Today's announcement to bring POPCAKE and ASHWOOD'S under the Peachtree Foods umbrella brand is the next exciting step in fulfilling our mission to pioneer the best, most creative breakfast solutions for the hospitality and foodservice industries."
POPCAKE, first launched in 2008, is the world's first and only fully automatic counter-top pancake-making machine. Satisfied customers across the globe have enjoyed fresh, hot, delicious POPCAKE pancakes for more than a decade. In addition, POPCAKE became an industry solution for freshly cooked, self-serve hot breakfast offerings for guests during the pandemic with its contactless, self-contained and fully enclosed cooking process.
ASHWOOD'S honey products and real fruit jams are served in over 3,500 hotels and restaurants worldwide. ASHWOOD'S is focused on bringing the highest quality products by working only with the best honey farmers and fruit growers throughout Europe and North America.
Walsh continued, "We are building a powerful stable of breakfast-focused brands. Our Board and I are very excited for the future of Peachtree Foods, and we cannot wait to unveil our next breakthrough innovation later this year." Stay tuned.
Peachtree Foods focuses on innovation, industry-leading design, and delivering end-user experiences that are beyond expected. With customer service at the forefront, our Company is committed to ensuring that products and services are anything but ordinary. Peachtree Foods services customers in the hospitality, Foodservice and travel industries, including Hilton®, MGM Resorts®, InterContinental Hotels Group®, Accor®, Disney®, QANTAS airlines®, Aramark®, Alaska Airlines®, and Wyndham Hotels®, among many others. Learn more at www.peachtreefoods.com/.
Media Contact:
Hector Gonzalez
hector@meshbr.com
(225) 266-9006
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SOURCE Peachtree Foods | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/introducing-peachtree-foods-parent-brand-breakfast-favorites-popcake-ashwoods/ | 2022-06-14T11:45:41Z |
Dr. Narang to Discuss the Advantages and Opportunities of Quantum Networking for the US Intelligence Community at the Virtual Summit May 11-12, 2022
BOSTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aliro Quantum, the first pure play quantum networking company, today announced that Co-Founder and CTO, Dr. Prineha Narang, has been invited to speak at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Future Technologies Symposium. The two-day virtual event hosted by the DIA Chief Information Office (CIO) and Chief Technology Office (CTO) will take place on May 11-12, 2022.
Dr. Narang will participate in a panel discussion of Quantum Computing moderated by Ramesh Menon, Chief Technology Officer in the Office of the CIO at the Defense Intelligence Agency where he is responsible for technology and strategy planning, experimentation, and emerging technology solutions architecture. Also on the panel are Dr. William Layton, Senior Subject Matter Expert for Quantum Resistant Cryptography with the National Security Agency and Dr. Joanna Ptasinski, Head of the Cryogenic Electronics and Quantum Research Branch, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific. The Quantum Computing panel is on May 11th at 1420 EDT.
Dr. Narang is a renowned scholar in theoretical and computational quantum science. In addition to her role as CTO of Aliro Quantum, Dr. Narang is an Assistant Professor at Harvard University where she leads the NarangLab, an interdisciplinary group working on topics at the vibrant intersection of theoretical and computational quantum information science, condensed matter physics, and quantum photonics. UCLA recently announced that she will join their faculty in physical sciences as the Howard Reiss Chair effective July 1, 2022, and transition the NarangLab to UCLA where the team will continue and expand its work.
The DIA Future Technologies Symposium will discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, current initiatives, successes, and opportunities for integration with government stakeholders, academia, and the private sector. The symposium will explore the theme of Strategic Competition, and will feature keynote speakers from the Intelligence Community, Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Academia, and Industry.
About Aliro
Aliro Quantum is a quantum computing and networking company that spun out of NarangLab at Harvard University. Aliro is leading the charge on quantum network development by offering the foundational technologies needed for organizations around the world to build scalable and powerful distributed quantum systems. Aliro has assembled a team of world-class experts in quantum and classical networking.
Aliro is working with industry and academic partners through the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), the NSF Center for Quantum Networks (CQN), and the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN). Aliro is partnering with leading quantum hardware vendors including IBM, Honeywell Quantum Solutions (now Quantinuum), IonQ, and Rigetti Computing. To learn more, visit www.aliroquantum.com.
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SOURCE Aliro Quantum | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/aliro-quantum-co-founder-cto-dr-prineha-narang-speak-defense-intelligence-agency-future-technologies-symposium/ | 2022-05-04T12:49:23Z |
Canton, community partners plan southeast grocery, health center
CANTON – A long-awaited grocery store and health center in southeast Canton might be a step closer to reality soon.
The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) is attempting to transfer 1318 Gonder Ave. SE to either the city or the nonprofit Canton For All People. Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei said in an email that the potential owner had not been decided.
Rev. Don Ackerman, who leads Canton For All People, described a health center and grocery store combination as a novel concept.
"You can imagine going in for your diabetes appointments but then also being able to go over and get fresh and healthy food right next door," he said.
An estimated $1.5 million to construct and equip the facility is essentially secured, Ackerman added. The city has committed $1 million of Issue 13 neighborhood funds, and several area charities and foundations have pledged to cover the remaining cost.
'There was really no opposition.'
Herman Hill, executive director of SMHA, said he expects HUD to approve the property transfer within 30 to 45 days.
"I believe this decision will be favorable because there was really no opposition from the residents or the community for us to convey the building to Canton For All People," he said.
SMHA built the multi-purpose center in 1975, according to the agency's historical report. Hill said the building was leased to the YWCA for childcare services and has been vacant for about eight years.
A grocery and health center would provide much-needed services, he said: "Currently, those services don't exist in that area."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies southeast Canton as a food desert — a low-income area where a significant number of residents don't have easy access to healthy and affordable food. And the federal Health Resources and Services Administration considers a swath of eastern Canton to be medically underserved.
'Full-scale grocery store'
StarkFresh initially planned to convert the building into a supermarket while leasing it from SMHA, but a partnership evolved with Canton For All People.
Ackerman said he talked with StarkFresh Executive Director Tom Phillips and offered assistance through Canton For All People — the nonprofit development arm of Crossroads United Methodist Church. The church brought in its partners, My Community Health Center and Lemmon Development.
"We drew up architectural plans for the usage. It's about 11,000 square feet," Ackerman said. "What we know we couldn't make work, talking to for-profit grocers, was an 11,000-square-foot market with that kind of investment."
Canton For All People and StarkFresh plan to establish a grocery store in half of the building, and My Community Health Center will operate in the other half.
StarkFresh already operates a grocery store at its Food Justice Campus on Cherry Avenue NE, and Canton For All People has fresh markets in downtown Canton and on Harmont Avenue NE.
"The store will be a hybrid of basically what Crossroads does with their free market and what we do with our grocery store," Phillips said.
The StarkFresh director said the Gonder site will have produce, bread and more free items than what is available at the Cherry Avenue store.
Ackerman said details are being discussed with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank — a provider for the fresh markets — to allow the giveaway and sale of groceries in the same space.
"We are working with the Akron-Canton Food Bank to develop out a hybrid model," he said. "It'll be the only one like this in the state that we know of."
The annual care and maintenance of the grocery store is expected to cost $39,312. That should be covered for the next 10 years by an annual gift of $44,000 from Crossroads United Methodist Church, Church of the Lakes, Faith United Methodist Church, and the Tuscarawas District of the United Methodist Church.
Ackerman said the store revenue would be deposited in an escrow account managed by a community advisory board. The board, to be created after the property is obtained, would guide any future development of the center and surrounding area.
"But that's made possible by these churches coming together and taking the overhead cost away for the next 10 years," he said.
Health care center
What the city refers to as the Canton Invest Health Project is the result of work started in 2016, Bernabei said.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Philadelphia-based Reinvestment Fund awarded $60,000 to Canton for health research as part of an initiative called Invest Health. Most of the money funded team members' travel to national seminars or community engagement that helped develop current plans, Bernabei said.
The planning grant "was designed to bring diverse leaders from mid-sized cities together to develop new strategies to leverage private and public investments for neighborhoods facing barriers to better health," he stated.
The health facility was planned for the Edward "Peel" Coleman Community Center. However, former Deputy Mayor Fonda Williams informed City Council last fall that the Gonder Avenue location was a better fit because it would address "two critical needs of the community."
My Community Health Center is a federally funded facility that provides care to patients regardless of their ability to pay and offers a sliding fee scale. CEO Terry Regula said the Gonder location first would offer primary care services.
"And then, as we build success there, in year two we're planning to put women's health there as well," she said.
A nurse practitioner would work in the building for the first year, and a physician practitioner would be added later, if needed.
"When we're at full capacity, we'll have about 3,000 patients from the community," Regula said. "I would be delighted if we could serve 3,000 patients at that site."
Residing in southeast Canton wouldn't be necessary to receive treatment, but there is a need for health care in that area, she said. The center's Seventh Street location serves about 700 people from the city's southeast side.
Regula plans to host community meetings if the building is released by HUD and would like to employ area residents at the health center.
"We just want it to be something really wonderful and that the community can feel that they're a part of it," she said. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/04/11/canton-community-partners-plan-southeast-grocery-health-center/9467999002/ | 2022-04-11T10:13:15Z |
- Highest-ever April ADV
- Overall ADV increased 26% year-over-year
- Record SOFR options ADV and OI
- Equity Index ADV up 42%, led by growth in E-mini S&P 500 options
CHICAGO, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today reported its April 2022 market statistics, showing average daily volume (ADV) increased 26% to 20.8 million contracts during the month. Market statistics are available in greater detail at https://cmegroupinc.gcs-web.com/monthly-volume.
April 2022 ADV across asset classes includes:
- Interest Rate ADV of 9.6 million contracts
- Equity Index ADV of 6.6 million contracts
- Options ADV of 3.6 million contracts
- Energy ADV of 2 million contracts
- Agricultural ADV of 1.3 million contracts
- Foreign Exchange ADV of 811,000 contracts
- Metals ADV of 470,000 contracts
Additional April 2022 product highlights compared to April 2021 include:
- Equity Index ADV increased 42%
- Interest Rate ADV increased 36%
- Options ADV increased 24%
- Foreign Exchange ADV increased 21%
- Energy ADV increased 5%
- Ether futures ADV increased 74%
- Micro Products ADV
- ADV outside the United States increased 16% to 5.5 million contracts, including 54% growth in Latin America, 34% in APAC and 8% in EMEA
- BrokerTec U.S. Treasury average daily notional value (ADNV) increased 41% to $143B, U.S. Repo ADNV increased 35% to $288B and European Repo ADNV increased 13% to €334B
- EBS Spot FX ADNV increased 8% to $66B
As the world's leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group (www.cmegroup.com) enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex® platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates one of the world's leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing.
CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex, and, E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT and Chicago Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. BrokerTec and EBS are trademarks of BrokerTec Europe LTD and EBS Group LTD, respectively. Dow Jones, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and S&P are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and S&P/Dow Jones Indices LLC, as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE CME Group | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/03/cme-group-reports-april-2022-monthly-market-statistics/ | 2022-05-03T12:16:24Z |
The $225 million development will bring boutique restaurants, retail and multifamily to Gilbert
PHOENIX, Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thompson Thrift, a full-service nationally recognized real estate company, announced today the acquisition of a 35-acre parcel in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert where the company plans to develop The Gilmore, a mixed-use project with luxury apartment homes and more than 200,000 square feet of boutique restaurant and retail space. The company expects to break ground on the development in the first half of 2023.
"As Gilbert's path of growth has extended south in recent years, there is strong demand from residents to have elevated shopping and dining options near where they work and live," said Ashlee Boyd, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Commercial. "We are excited to collaborate across Thompson Thrift's commercial, residential and construction business units to bring a high-end, mixed-use project to the community."
Located just off Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway on the northwest corner of Val Vista Drive and Germann Road, The Gilmore is located in the heart of the southeast valley and is expected to bring a host of regional and local retailers, restaurants, entertainment-based and service-based tenants to the community.
Thompson Thrift has designed The Gilmore to provide a sense of place and will feature a seamless blending of retail, restaurants and residential uses with a Main Street-style entrance, beautiful landscaping, covered walkways, common area seating, local artist murals and multiple outdoor gathering spaces.
"Mixed-use developments like The Gilmore are possible for Thompson Thrift because of the synergy between our Commercial and Residential development companies. This in-house relationship allows us the ability to work with planners and designers to partner with local municipalities to deliver a first-class development that will be well received by local residents," said Josh Purvis, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Residential.
Chris Hake, senior vice president, director of the Southwest region for Thompson Thrift, added, "We expect leasing interest to continue to be robust due to the Gilmore's proximity to the Val Vista and 202 Loop exchange, strong day time population and the high-end residential neighborhoods that surround the site."
Phoenix Commercial Advisors, an experienced Arizona retail commercial brokerage, will be representing Thompson Thrift in leasing the retail component of the project.
"The Gilmore will be a unique, high-density mixed-use project in the southeast Valley. It will include boutique retail, full-service and fast-casual regional and national restaurants along with high-end multifamily residential," said Zach Pace, senior vice president for Phoenix Commercial Advisors.
Gilbert is located southeast of Phoenix in Maricopa County, about 18 miles from Scottsdale. The city's dedicated attention to nurturing local and regional businesses, its attractive cost of living, economic diversity and a highly ranked public school system helped it earn the title as the best place to live in Arizona as well as the most prosperous large city in the nation.
Thompson Thrift is a full-service real estate development company focused on ground-up commercial and mixed-use development across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Since its founding more than 30 years ago, Thompson Thrift has invested more than $3.8 billion into local communities and has become known as a trusted partner committed to developing high-quality, attractive retail and residential projects.
Thompson Thrift is well-established throughout Arizona with more than 20 retail, multifamily and industrial projects in development, with an estimated volume of more than $1.5 billion.
About Thompson Thrift Real Estate Company
Thompson Thrift is an integrated full-service real estate company with offices in Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Indiana, Denver, Houston and Phoenix. Three business units drive Thompson Thrift's success—Thompson Thrift Residential which is focused on upscale Class A multifamily communities and luxury leased homes, Thompson Thrift Commercial which is focused on ground-up commercial development, and Thompson Thrift Construction, a full-service construction company. Through these business units, Thompson Thrift is engaged in all aspects of acquisition, development, construction, leasing, and management of quality multifamily, mixed-use, retail, industrial and commercial projects across the country. We are passionate about our customer's success and strive to ensure our projects not only meet the needs of our customers but also the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.thompsonthrift.com
Contact:
Jennifer Franklin
Spotlight Marketing Communications
949.427.1385
jennifer@spotlightmarcom.com
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SOURCE Thompson Thrift | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/thompson-thrift-purchases-35-acres-mixed-use-development-near-phoenix/ | 2022-09-16T18:19:51Z |
In Partnership with Snowflake, Turnkey Solutions Provider Enables Advisors Excel to Combine Disparate Data Systems, Automate Workflows, and Create Practice Efficiencies to Position Advisors for Unlimited Growth
EXTON, Pa. and TOPEKA, Kan., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iPipeline® announces that Advisors Excel, a Topeka-based financial marketing organization, will leverage iPipeline's services to obtain real-time metrics for analyzing product and operational performance, generate competitive benchmarking and create market penetration opportunities. Financial advisors within the Advisors Excel network will also be able to leverage these insights for automating workflows to increase practice efficiencies.
iPipeline integrates its InsureSight Data Factory, which is powered by data cloud company Snowflake, with Advisors Excel's customer relationship management (CRM) system. This takes previously siloed data from across the organization's systems and unites it so that it can be shared across business lines. The end result enables Advisors Excel to analyze life insurance/annuity cases, quotes, and e-Application data – all in an easier and faster process -- to access the streamlined data. This solution will enable Advisors Excel to generate scorecards for each advisor, providing them with their overall ranking compared to peers across key metrics, including cycle time, placement ratio, paid cases, and paid premiums.
To learn more about how iPipeline can help you leverage analytics and create efficiencies to capitalize on business opportunities, click here to see how we helped Advisors Excel increase their premium by $1.2 million in 12 months.
"Many distribution firms are working with disparate data systems that have created roadblocks for continued growth. We offer the ability to look at new ways to view data and in ways that intelligence tools and pivot tables simply cannot do," said David Libesman, Vice President of Data Analytics at iPipeline. "By unifying their data streams through our InsureSight solution, Advisors Excel can now leverage core insights to scale its business, make staffing projections, and provide financial advisors with the opportunity to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplaces they serve. We are extremely proud to play a key role in helping Advisors Excel become a data-driven company."
Developed by iPipeline's data analytics and data science team, the Case Analytics service in InsureSight leverages data from iPipeline's Agency Management System, which is comprised of more than 300 BGAs (brokerage general agents), 70 carriers, 800,000 annual application submissions, $8 billion in annuity deposits, and $4 billion in life insurance premiums across the industry.
"We have worked with iPipeline consistently for more than a decade and have grown together as our businesses continue to evolve," said Jim Bowman, President of Life at Advisors Excel. "iPipeline is truly a leader within the life insurance and annuities data space. We view iPipeline as a strategic partner for us over the long haul. As new solutions become available through their ecosystem, we are excited to expand this existing relationship and the services we currently leverage to meet our strategic vision."
In partnership with data cloud company Snowflake, iPipeline takes the siloed information from Advisors Excel and organizes it into one centralized location. This enhances and streamlines regulatory oversight and compliance while providing financial advisors with a broad enterprise view across all channels.
"Big Data is not just a trendy marketing term; it's become a necessity to empower our business leaders with different ways to view data from various perspectives," said Ryan Fickel, Chief Technology Officer of Advisors Excel. "We can't do that if data is isolated from one system to another. iPipeline has provided us with the tools and access to consolidate multiple datasets, producing insights that can affect our bottom line—such as performance and trends."
To learn more about iPipeline's InsureSight solution, please visit https://www.ipipeline.com/products/insuresight, or get in touch with a sales representative via our Contact Us page: https://www.ipipeline.com/contact-us/.
About iPipeline
iPipeline is building the end-to-end digitized ecosystem for the life insurance and wealth management industries, which will enable millions of uninsured or under-insured Americans to secure their financial futures as part of a holistic financial planning experience. The firm is working to optimize all application and processing workflows—from quote to commission—and consolidating them within one of the most expansive straight-through processing platforms, significantly reducing paper, saving time, and increasing premiums and placements for insurance agents. iPipeline is also committed to offering premier subscription-based tools to help financial institutions and advisors automate and digitize financial transactions, comply with regulations, and seamlessly incorporate life insurance and annuities into client accounts.
The iPipeline digital ecosystem incorporates one of the industry's largest data sets to enable advisors and agents to optimize their businesses. Since its establishment in 1995, iPipeline has facilitated 1.5 billion quote responses, $32 billion in savings on printing and mailing costs, the collection of 55 billion premiums, and the protection of 25 million lives. iPipeline operates as a unit of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP), a constituent of the S&P 500® and Fortune 500® indices. For more information, please visit https://www.ipipeline.com/.
About Advisors Excel
Advisors Excel, founded in 2005, has redefined the role a marketing organization can play in supporting independent financial advisors. Their growth has been unparalleled in the industry and is achieved by working with a smaller group of select advisors. With a focus on making good advisors great business owners, Advisors Excel has revolutionized how financial professionals build and operate their businesses.
In 2021, the 500 advisors working with Advisors Excel did over $8.9 billion in annuity, Medicare, and life insurance production. Their affiliated Registered Investment Advisory Firm, AE Wealth Management, currently manages over $18.8 billion and has been named one of the fastest-growing RIAs in the country.
Media Contacts:
Laura Simpson
JConnelly for iPipeline
973-713-8834
ipipelinepr@jconnelly.com
Tracey Stratton
Public Relations Manager, Advisors Excel
tracey.stratton@advisorsexcel.com
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SOURCE iPipeline | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/ipipeline-provides-advisors-excel-with-unified-path-toward-accessing-core-data-analytics-financial-services/ | 2022-06-22T18:56:22Z |
For the second year in a row, Triangle Business Journal credits homebuilder for outstanding workplace culture and extensive employee programs
CARY, NC, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - For the second year in a row, the Triangle Business Journal has named Mattamy Homes as one of Raleigh/Durham's Best Places to Work.
- The Triangle's 50 Best Places to Work winners were chosen based on an employee-survey process conducted by Quantum Workplace.
- Once nominated, companies have to meet a threshold in employee participation – a percentage that varies based upon the size of the company – to be eligible to be honored.
- Companies receive the award because their organization received high marks in areas such as team effectiveness, trust with co-workers, manager effectiveness and work engagements.
"This recognition is especially rewarding and meaningful because it is driven by an employee survey and so is a true reflection of how our people feel about working at Mattamy and what makes this a special place to build a career," says Bob Wiggins, President of Mattamy's Raleigh Division. "We are honored to continually provide our employees with an environment where they can do their best work and a workplace culture they are proud to be part of and promote."
This year, the Journal is recognizing 50 businesses with local offices and operations in the Greater Triangle region, representing a variety of industries, including real estate, life sciences, legal, finance and technology.
"Employees are the lifeblood of any company," Triangle Business Journal Publisher and Market President Jason Christie said. "These 50 companies have demonstrated belief that happy employees produce successful and thriving businesses."
Honorees including Mattamy Homes will be featured in the Triangle Business Journal's August 26 Best Places to Work special edition, as well as online.
For more information, see the Triangle Business Journal's 2022 class of Best Places to Work award winners and the Mattamy Homes Careers page.
Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of home ownership. In the United States, the company is represented in 11 markets – Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its US head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida – and in Canada, its communities stretch across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com for more information.
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SOURCE Mattamy Homes Limited | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/mattamy-homes-confirmed-best-place-work-raleighdurham/ | 2022-07-14T14:36:43Z |
SILVER SPRING, Md., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an update on steps it has taken that will lead to millions of cans of additional infant and specialty formula being available to U.S. consumers.
"We continue to do everything in our power as part of the all-of-government efforts to ensure there's adequate infant formula available wherever and whenever parents and caregivers need it," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. "Our recent steps will help further bolster supply of infant formula, including through the import of safe and nutritious products from overseas based on our increased flexibilities announced last week. Importantly, we anticipate additional infant formula products may be safely and quickly imported into the U.S. in the near-term based on ongoing discussions with manufacturers and suppliers worldwide."
Key Activities
U.K.'s Kendal Nutricare Will Send About 2 Million Cans to U.S.
The FDA has informed Kendal Nutricare that the agency is exercising enforcement discretion for the importation of certain infant formula under the Kendamil brand. Under the agency's recent increased flexibilities regarding importation of certain infant formula products, the company initially estimates that about 2 million cans of infant formula are expected to land on U.S. store shelves beginning in June. Kendal Nutricare currently has over 40,000 cans in stock for immediate dispatch and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated conversations to evaluate options for getting the products to the U.S. as quickly as possible. Kendamil has set up a website for consumers to receive updates and locate product once it arrives in the U.S.
The agency reviewed applicable information relating to certain Kendamil products and, based on the information provided, does not have concerns that the products can be used safely and that they provide adequate nutrition. In reaching this decision, the FDA evaluated information pertaining to nutritional adequacy and safety, including microbiological testing, labeling, and additional information about facility production and inspection history.
Today's announcement follows guidance issued last week that outlined a process by which the FDA would not object to the importation of certain infant formula products intended for a foreign market or distribution in the U.S. of products manufactured here for export to foreign countries. This guidance also may provide flexibilities to those who manufacture infant formula products domestically and may be able to increase further the quantity of domestically produced product for the U.S. market.
The agency remains in further discussions with manufacturers and suppliers regarding additional supply and intends to prioritize submissions for products that can demonstrate safety and nutritional adequacy and have the largest volume of product available and/or those who can get product onto U.S. shelves the quickest. The FDA has posted a webpage that will be updated with information about additional products headed to the U.S.
Abbott Will Release About 300,000 Cans of EleCare Specialty Formula on Case-By Case Basis
The FDA is announcing that it is not objecting to the release of about 300,000 cans of EleCare amino acid-based infant formula previously produced at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, facility to individuals needing urgent, life-sustaining supplies of this specialty formula on a case-by-case basis. These products will undergo enhanced microbiological testing before release. Although some EleCare product was included in Abbott Nutrition's infant formula recall, these EleCare products that will be released were in different lots, have never been released and have been maintained in storage under control by Abbott Nutrition.
These EleCare product lots were not part of the recall but have been on hold due to concerns that they were produced under insanitary conditions observed at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, facility. As noted above, these products will undergo enhanced microbiological testing prior to their release.
Given the critical need of this product for some individuals, the FDA encourages parents and caregivers to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the potential risk of bacterial infection with this product. The FDA will continue to work closely with healthcare provider organizations and stakeholders to understand the potential risks and benefits of using this product. Parents and caregivers seeking access to these products should contact Abbott directly to request that a product be made available to them by calling 1-800-881-0876. Parents and caregivers should continue to work with their medical provider to consider whether comparable alternative products may be appropriate.
The FDA is also announcing that in response to the agency's concerns, Abbott has confirmed to the agency that EleCare will be the first formula produced at the Sturgis facility when it restarts production, and other specialty metabolic formulas will closely follow. Additionally, under the consent decree with the FDA, Abbott is required to retain an independent expert to review the Sturgis facility's operations to ensure compliance with the law.
Additional Ongoing Efforts to Increase Supply of Infant Formula
On Friday, the agency held a webinar with more than 700 attendees to review the recent guidance for the infant formula industry, particularly those manufacturers and processors not currently manufacturing infant formula products for the U.S. market.
The FDA's around-the-clock work as part of the all-of-government efforts has already begun to improve supply and availability. The agency expects that the measures and steps it is taking, and the potential for Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, facility to safely resume production in the near-term, will mean more and more supply is on the way or on store shelves moving forward.
As more formula becomes available to the general population of infants, the agency understands that availability of specialty products -- such as amino acid-based specialty formulas and metabolic products -- continues to be of concern. The FDA has already taken steps with Abbott Nutrition to make product available to those with life-threatening conditions on a case-by-case basis and will continue its efforts to make these products even more readily available as the agency works with the company to implement provisions of a consent decree. In addition, these products have been an area of focus for discussions with other manufacturers that make comparable products. As a result of the recall and work with the FDA, other manufacturers have increased production of comparable product lines and in some cases expedited the importation of these products where available.
The FDA continues to advise against making infant formulas at home or diluting formula. Caregivers are encouraged to work with their child's health care provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices, if needed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also released a fact sheet with information to help families find infant formula.
The agency also monitors online marketplaces for fraudulent products and works with major online retailers to remove violative and harmful products offered for sale on their sites. Additionally, since many of these fraudulent products originate overseas, the agency targets and examines these products at ports of entry. The FDA also monitors and follows up on various external signals such as consumer complaints about potential counterfeit and fraudulent products.
The FDA will continue to dedicate all available resources to help ensure that infant formula products remain available for use in the U.S. and will keep the public informed of progress updates.
Additional Information:
- Enforcement Discretion to Manufacturers to Increase Infant Formula Supplies
- FDA Encourages Importation of Safe Infant Formula and Other Flexibilities to Further Increase Availability
- FDA Takes Important Steps to Improve Supply of Infant and Specialty Formula Products
- HHS Fact Sheet: Helping Families Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage
- FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022)
- Powdered Infant Formula Recall: What to Know
- CDC Information on Cronobacter Infection and Infants
Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540
Consumer Inquiries: 888-723-3366
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/fda-flexibilities-yield-millions-cans-additional-infant-formula-coming-months-increase-supply-available-us-consumers/ | 2022-05-25T08:03:14Z |
University Health in San Antonio said a 66-year-old patient injured the day of the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde has been released.
The only remaining patient from the shooting, a 10-year-old girl, has been upgraded to good condition, the hospital system tweeted Tuesday.
As CNN has previously reported, the 66-year-old woman is the grandmother of the shooter, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos.
The grandmother's husband, Rolando Reyes, said his wife was shot in the face at their home. The shooting happened before her grandson drove to nearby Robb Elementary and killed 19 children and two teachers, authorities said.
A bullet pierced the jaw and upper cheek of his wife, Reyes told CNN last month, and she would need significant reconstructive surgery at a hospital in San Antonio.
On June 18, Albany State University hosted a free drone safety session. The event was open to the community and open to participants of all ages. Click for more.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/a-month-after-getting-shot-in-the-face-the-grandmother-of-the-uvalde-school-shooter/article_d1954ba0-ad6d-53d7-ba94-3fdf496c65cc.html | 2022-06-28T17:47:58Z |
Retailers just sounded an alarm on inflation. It’s worth heeding
By Julia Horowitz, CNN Business
Shares of retailers were pummeled on Wednesday as investors dug through the latest earnings results from Target and Walmart, which were flush with signs that the economy is entering a period of deep uncertainty.
What’s happening: Inflation is already causing consumers to pull back spending on some items as they look to cut expenses, a shift that will have major consequences for the next phase of America’s recovery from the pandemic, the country’s top chains revealed.
Target reported a 52% drop in profit for its most recent quarter, stunning Wall Street. The company blamed higher expenses due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, but also said rising prices had encouraged shoppers to pull back spending on non-essential items.
That left it with too much inventory of some products, especially for kitchen appliances, TVs and outdoor furniture. Its shares plunged 25% on Wednesday, their worst day since 1987.
The results came one day after Walmart’s stock logged its worst day since 1987. The country’s largest retailer said its profit dropped 25% last quarter and revised its full-year expectations lower.
Alarm spread to other companies in the sector. Shares of Best Buy and Macy’s fell almost 11% on Wednesday, while Costco lost 12%.
Shoppers are concerned about “the high and persistent inflation they’ve been experiencing, particularly in food and energy,” Target CEO Brian Cornell said during a conference call with analysts, though he stressed that consumers remain “resilient” and continue to benefit from pent-up savings and excitement around seeing friends and family again.
Traffic to stores remains robust, rising almost 4% year-over-year, and May is off to a healthy start, he added.
But analysts poring over the results said they represented a sea change after the boom era that followed Covid lockdowns.
Flush with stimulus checks and money they’d stashed away while staying at home, Americans spent with abandon. Now, as bills rise, anxiety is forcing many households to be much more cautious — and stores have been caught off guard.
“Few companies are so entwined into so many aspects of the US economy as [Walmart] and [Target], and their logistics and supply chain operations rival or exceed those of most other companies,” Bespoke Investment Group said in a note to clients. “If they’re having these types of issues keeping up with the rapidly changing environment, who isn’t?”
Scott Mushkin of R5 Capital said after Target’s earnings that he now sees the environment for retailers as uninvestable, at least in the short-term.
“Inflation and costs are out of control, consumer spending is swinging wildly and, at least in our minds, fear is growing around how long the consumer spending can hang in there,” he wrote in a research note.
Target’s stock price drop on Wednesday seems to indicate that investors are bracing for “the idea that this shoe is likely to drop.”
“This leaves us to ponder if the unprecedented boom of the last two years will be followed by an unprecedented bust, the scope of which we can’t even imagine,” Mushkin said.
The controversial hedge fund Melvin Capital is shutting down
When an army of day traders coordinating on Reddit set their sights on GameStop shares early last year, many hoped to punish a single man: Gabe Plotkin of Melvin Capital.
The hedge fund had made a bet that shares of GameStop would fall. It got battered when the stock soared about 1,700% in a single month.
Now, as the market plunges, Plotkin has announced that Melvin Capital is shutting down.
In a letter to investors seen by Reuters, he said that the last 17 months had been “an incredibly trying time.”
Melvin Capital had $12.5 billion in assets at the start of 2021, and was seen as one of the most successful hedge funds on Wall Street. Then its fortunes changed.
The firm had $7.8 billion in assets at the end of April. It lost 23% in the first four months of 2022, a person familiar with the fund’s finances told Reuters.
Plotkin said Wednesday that he had begun the process of exiting positions and would stop charging management fees at the beginning of June. He added that he had “given everything” he could, but it still wasn’t enough to deliver the returns clients expected.
Big picture: The shuttering of Melvin Capital is a stunning fall from grace. It shows the lasting effects of not only the meme stock frenzy last year, which shocked many traditional investors, but also far-reaching implications of this year’s volatility, as fears about inflation, interest rates, China’s response to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine leave investors with few places to hide.
Musk rages as Tesla gets the boot from S&P’s ESG index
Tesla has been kicked out of the S&P 500 index that highlights companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance — or “ESG” — issues. CEO Elon Musk is not happy about it.
“ESG is a scam,” he tweeted. “It has been weaponized by phony social justice warriors.”
Step back: S&P Dow Jones Indices said in a blog post that Tesla’s ESG standing had been affected by claims of racial discrimination and poor working conditions at its Fremont manufacturing plant.
The automaker’s handling of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into fatal crashes involving its Autopilot technology has also been called into question.
“While Tesla may be playing its part in taking fuel-powered cars off the road, it has fallen behind its peers when examined through a wider ESG lens,” Margaret Dorn, the executive in charge of ESG indexes for North America, wrote in a blog post.
My thinking: The claims made against Tesla in a lawsuit from the state of California are shocking. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing said it found evidence that the Fremont factory “is a racially segregated workplace where Black workers are subjected to racial slurs and discriminated against in job assignments, discipline, pay and promotion.” It’s not often you see formal allegations of not just discrimination, but also outright segregation at one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Yet putting aside the Tesla question, it’s clear that ESG investing has shortcomings and inconsistencies.
Index makers have jumped on the ESG investing frenzy to create a raft of new products they can market to clients who want to better align their portfolios with their values. But many have been making up the rules as they go. Oversight from regulators remains scant.
That leads to baffling outcomes based on convoluted ranking systems. ExxonMobil is now one of the biggest constituents of the S&P 500 ESG index. And here, Musk has a point: Why does a massive oil and gas company hold that spot when it’s earning billions of dollars every quarter producing fossil fuels, while an electric vehicle maker is screened out? Does that really make sense?
Up next
Canada Goose and Kohl’s report results before US markets open. Ross Stores follows after the close.
Also today:
- Initial US jobless claims for last week arrive at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Existing US home sales for April post at 10 a.m. ET.
Coming tomorrow: Earnings from Deere and Foot Locker.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/05/19/retailers-just-sounded-an-alarm-on-inflation-its-worth-heeding/ | 2022-05-19T14:26:50Z |
Standout Special Teams Player Enters Partnership with The Official Energy Drink of Esports®
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- G FUEL is pleased to announce that Seattle's star punter Michael Dickson has signed a long-term contract with The Official Energy Drink of Esports®.
"I've been a huge fan of G FUEL for a long time now. I take it with me on the road, before workouts, when I'm gaming on off days, game days … basically, every day," said Dickson. "I love that I'm able to officially partner with a brand that I've genuinely always been a big advocate for."
Dickson will serve as a G FUEL ambassador via in-store G FUEL events, social media integrations, special giveaways and more.
Voted into the 2019 Pro Bowl following his rookie season – a rare occurrence – Dickson continues to dazzle on Seattle's Special Teams year after year. In the 2021 season, Dickson punted 83 times for 3,895 yards and pinned 40 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line, which was a season high for the league and the 10th most in league history. In another 2021 season feat, Dickson executed a memorable "double punt" maneuver against Los Angeles, answering a blocked punt with a 68-yard return while on the run.
Looking ahead, CBS Sports ranked Dickson as the No. 1 punter in the league heading into the 2022 season.
Dickson joins G FUEL as an active and passionate member of the video gaming community, with his game of choice being Call of Duty: Warzone.
"Michael Dickson is one of the most accomplished and promising athletes in the league, and we're immensely excited to see what he does next as a G FUEL partner," said G FUEL Founder and CEO Cliff Morgan. "We're proud to fuel Dickson on and off the field throughout this upcoming season."
Now at GFUEL.com, fans can save 30% on their next order by entering Code "DICKSON" at checkout.
Keep your eyes on G FUEL and Dickson's social media platforms for updates on this exciting partnership!
As The Official Energy Drink of Esports®, G FUEL provides gamers with a performance-driven alternative to standard energy drink products. With an ever-expanding, sugar-free product lineup that includes a powdered Energy Formula, ready-to-drink cans, powdered Hydration Formula and Sparkling Hydration bottles, G FUEL has firmly established itself as the market leader in the gamer energy drink industry.
With over 341,000 5-star Shopper Approved Ratings, a shipping network that spans over 125 countries, a nationwide retail campaign, and a global social media footprint of over 1 billion followers, G FUEL maintains the industry's largest and most passionate community of fans, customers, content creators, and partners. Content creators and partners include the likes of Ninja, Sentinels Esports, Logic, NoisyButters, Luminosity Gaming, PewDiePie, Mikal Bridges, Michael Dickson, Summit1G, xQc, Ghost Gaming, Activision, VIZ Media, Rare Ltd., SEGA of America, Capcom®, Bethesda Game Studios, Warner Bros., Disney, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures, The Tetris Company, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., RESPAWN Products, SteelSeries, and Digital Storm.
Join the movement today at GFUEL.com and follow us on social media @GFuelEnergy.
Press Contact:
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Distribution and Wholesale Contact:
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Michael Dickson is not your average NFL athlete. Not only was Michael born in Australia, he did not play in a competitive American football game until opening day his freshman year at the University of Texas. Michael grew up playing soccer but eventually made the switch to Australian football which while having a similar name is not comparable to the American game. Michael was able to get himself recruited by Texas after attending a coaching program to help kickers and punters cross Pacific into the world of American football.
In his time at Texas, Michael solidified himself as one of the greatest punters in Texas history. In his third and final year at Texas, Michael was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, best punter in the nation earning him the Ray Guy Award and was named a Consensus All-American. He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. He was selected in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks.
If Michael's first year in the NFL is any indication to the rest of his career, he could go down as the greatest punter in the history of the game. He was named to the All-Rookie Team, the Pro-Bowl, and even the All-Pro Team in his first season. He was the first rookie punter in over 30 years to be named to the All-Pro team.
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SOURCE G FUEL | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/seattle-punter-michael-dickson-enters-agreement-with-g-fuel/ | 2022-09-08T18:22:08Z |
Jackson Township trustees accept agreement with SWAT team
The Repository
Jackson Township trustees
Tuesday meeting
ACTION: Accepted a memorandum of understanding with the SWAT Team.
DISCUSSION: The agreement means the township will provide two tactical paramedics to assist the Canton Regional SWAT team with operations, training and other related activities when needed.
OTHER ACTIONS:
- Approved purchasing four new Ford 2022 Inceptors for the Police Department at a cost of $37,292 each. Chief Mark Brink said he will order them from Montrose Ford, but they will not be delivered until next year due to a backup in orders.
- Accepted a $400 donation from the Canton Community Tennis Association for the Park Division.
- Set a public hearing at 5 p.m. July 26 for two nuisance violations in the township, one at 7522 Wales Ave. NW and one at 7336 Klingston St NW.
UP NEXT: Meet at 5 p.m. July 12 at town hall.
Patricia Faulhaber | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2022/06/29/jackson-trustees-accept-memorandum-understanding-swat-team/7765549001/ | 2022-06-29T16:28:34Z |
A Thomasville resident with a violent criminal history who fled from police after being caught illegally with multiple weapons has been sentenced to serve 21 years in prison for his crime.
VALDOSTA – A Valdosta man who produced child sexual assault material involving two young children has been sentenced to the statutory maximum prison sentence of 60 years in prison.
Henry Theodore Salmons, aka Ted, 48, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve a total of 720 months in prison (the statutory maximum of 360 months imprisonment per count) to be followed by 25 years of supervised release and pay $150,000 in restitution to each of the two minor victims by U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. In addition, Salmons will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.
“Ted Salmons will spend the rest of his life in prison, where he will no longer be able to sexually assault children and film their horrific suffering,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. “Our office and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to protect children from exploitation; we will use every resource at our disposal to track down dangerous sex offenders who target children and bring them to justice.”
“Finding and stopping predators like Salmons, that not only victimize innocent children but also share those horrific images with others who delight in viewing this filth, is one of our highest priorities,” Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations operations in Georgia and Alabama, said. “Thanks to the great work done by our agents along with our state, local and federal partners, we were able to remove a serious threat from our community and we will continue to pursue those who commit these evil acts.”
“The U.S. Marshals and our K-9 unit helped us track down and take this defendant into custody; and thanks to our federal partners, we were able to build a good case against him," Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said. "With this sentence, Ted Salmons will not see the light of day in Lowndes County again."
According to court documents, Salmons admitted that he enticed two minor children under the age of 10 to engage in sexually explicit acts, which were filmed or photographed in April and July 2021. For the protection of the minor victims, Salmons' guilty plea was sealed by the court at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Learn more at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales prosecuted the case with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/valdosta-man-sentenced-to-60-years-in-prison-on-child-sex-charges/article_8f3e603a-0a03-11ed-a2f2-dfab5d532baf.html | 2022-07-23T11:50:10Z |
UK to hold days-long bash to celebrate queen’s 70-year reign
By DANICA KIRKA
Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — Britain is getting ready for a party featuring mounted troops, solemn prayers — and a pack of dancing mechanical corgis. The nation will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne this week with four days of pomp and pageantry in central London. But behind the brass bands and the queen’s appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace lies a drive to show that the royal family still remains relevant. The royals, sometimes criticized as being out of touch, want to show that their support comes from all parts of a society that has become more multicultural amid immigration from the Caribbean, South Asia and Eastern Europe. The jubilee is also part of the effort to prepare the public for the day when Prince Charles takes the throne. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/05/29/uk-to-hold-days-long-bash-to-celebrate-queens-70-year-reign/ | 2022-05-29T06:59:40Z |
PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES CLIENTS WITH ADVANCED DATA SERVICES FOR ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS
LONDON, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Investment and Accelex have today launched a new initiative to offer an enhanced range of data services to alternative investors. One of Europe's leading fund service platforms and Super ManCos, Universal Investment, has partnered with Accelex, one of the best data acquisition, analytics and reporting providers, to deliver comprehensive portfolio analytics for alternative investments – including detailed underlying asset insights.
Transparency is key for investors, however, unlike highly standardized and automated securities, investments in private equity, infrastructure or renewable energy generate large amounts of unstructured content that requires manual, time-consuming processing. With Accelex, Universal Investment will digitize these processes from document acquisition and tagging, through data extraction, reporting and analytics – all powered by Accelex's proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. As part of this partnership, the firms will also be developing a suite of advanced data services, providing clients with tools to better understand the drivers of alternative investment performance.
"The partnership with Accelex is an important part of our continued drive for innovation. It extends our existing advanced reporting capabilities to alternative investments, enabling us to increase transparency for investors and asset managers on our platform. In addition, Accelex helps us also to further automate processes around alternative investments," remarked Michael Reinhard, CEO at Universal Investment. "Accelex brings proven, scalable capabilities and an outstanding team that we are excited to work with as we now also automate traditionally manual tasks for alternative investments allowing our clients to further improve their investment decisions."
"We are delighted to partner with Universal Investment, deliver our solution and add value to their alternative investor clients," said Franck Vialaron, CEO at Accelex. "This relationship is a huge validation of the work we are doing here at Accelex, the applicability of our platform today and the future functionalities we can build together. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship."
About Universal Investment
Universal Investment Group is one of Europe's leading fund service platforms and Super ManCos with around EUR 753 billion (USD 785 billion) in assets under administration, about 2,000 mutual and special fund mandates and a workforce of more than 1,000 at locations in Frankfurt am Main, Luxembourg, Dublin and Krakow. Founded in 1968, the company is an independent platform for asset managers as well as institutional investors offering structuring and administration solutions as well as risk management for Securities, Real Estate and Alternative Investments. The companies UI labs, UI Enlyte and CAPinside complement the group's innovative service offering. Universal Investment is a signatory of the UN Principles of Responsible Investment. (as of April 30, 2022).
About Accelex
Accelex provides data acquisition, analytics and reporting solutions for alternative investors and asset servicers, enabling firms to access the full potential of critical investment performance and transaction data. Powered by proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, Accelex solutions automate processes for extraction, analysis and sharing of difficult-to-access unstructured data. Accelex is headquartered in London, with offices in Paris, Luxembourg, New York and Toronto. For more information please visit: www.accelextech.com.
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Media contacts:
Universal Investment:
Bernd Obergfell
Head of External Communications
bernd.obergfell@universal-investment.com
Accelex:
Ben Sinden
Marketing Manager
ben@accelextech.com
+44 (0)7964 339482
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SOURCE Accelex | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/universal-investment-accelex-partner-deliver-next-generation-alternative-investor-services/ | 2022-06-22T12:51:58Z |
The Eaton Eagle baseball team has been all about the fight this season. After closing out their regular season strong, the Eagles have been preparing for their first round of playoffs. VYPE DFW takes a dive into what fans can expect from the bi-district round between V.R. Eaton and Weatherford baseball:
V.R. Eaton Eagles (12-10, 5-6)
Nearly four seasons removed from their state title, the Eagles have used this season to build off of the success from last season when they had a strong playoff run. With a legacy to uphold, Eaton has been proving that they are more than meets the eye when it comes to Texas high school baseball.
Fighting their way into playoffs, Eaton is an extremely determined team. With the determination to turn this season into everything they want, the team can be expected to showcase extreme talent on the diamond during this three game series against Weatherford. Led by Nolan Bushko, Conner Massimini, Jeremy Jackson, Cody Brasch, and more- Eaton will do whatever it takes to make it to the next round.
Weatherford Kangaroos (21-5-2, 13-1)
Finishing first in their district, the Kangaroos are not going to be an easy team to go up against for the Eagles. Weatherford, a powerhouse when it comes to baseball, hosts incredible talent like Dayton Tockey, Jake Williams, Omar Jaurez, Trace Holcomb, and more.
The team set the bar high as they opened the season with two strong victories over Aledo. From there, they rode the high and took down opponent after opponent while outscoring the teams by a combined 80 runs. This team is more than prepared and has been working toward one goal this season.
What To Expect:
Weatherford is a team of excellence. When they go down, they don’t stay down for long. Fans can expect this team to do everything they’re capable of in order to take down Eaton. Eaton is a team of resiliency and surprise attacks. The Eagles know how to slip through the cracks undetected and take down their opponents. As the underdogs coming into this battle, Eaton has the opportunity to strike unexpectedly. Fans should expect an intense showdown during this season.
Game one of the series is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6th at Eaton. Game two will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Weatherford with game three immediately following if necessary. | https://cw33.com/sports/high-school-sports/bi-district-preview-eaton-is-prepped-and-ready-for-weatherford-baseball/ | 2022-05-06T17:28:00Z |
MIRROREYE OEM TAKE RATES REMAIN STRONGER THAN ORIGINAL EXPECTATIONS WITH INCREASED OUTLOOK FOR 2023
SECOND-QUARTER PERFORMANCE IMPACTED BY FX HEADWINDS
2022 Second-Quarter Results
- Sales of $220.9 million
- Adjusted sales of $205.7 million
- Gross profit of $38.6 million (18.7% of adjusted sales)
- Operating loss of ($5.9) million
- Adjusted operating loss of ($6.5) million ((3.2%) of adjusted sales)
- Adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 million (1.1% of adjusted sales)
- Loss per share ("EPS") of ($0.27)
- Adjusted EPS of ($0.29)
2022 Full-year Guidance Update
- Reducing full-year 2022 midpoint revenue guidance by $15 million to $865 million ($855 million - $875 million) to reflect slower-than-expected improvement in customer production volumes despite strong end-market demand
- Reducing midpoint adjusted EPS guidance ($0.17) to a midpoint of ($0.20) (($0.25) – ($0.15))
NOVI, Mich., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, with sales of $220.9 million and loss per share of ($0.27). Adjusted sales were $205.7 million and adjusted EPS was ($0.29) for the second quarter. Sales were adjusted to normalize the impact of $15.3 million of electronic component spot buys recovered from customers within the quarter. The exhibits attached hereto provide reconciliation detail on this and all other normalizing adjustments.
For the second quarter of 2022, Stoneridge reported gross profit of $38.6 million (18.7% of adjusted sales). Operating loss was ($5.9) million and adjusted operating loss was ($6.5) million ((3.2%) of adjusted sales). Adjusted EBITDA was $2.3 million (1.1% of adjusted sales). Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency rates, adjusted gross, operating and EBITDA margins would have been approximately 19.7%, (2.3%) and 0.9%, respectively.
Jon DeGaynor, president and chief executive officer, commented, "In the second quarter, our team continued to adapt to volatile production schedules, limited material availability and continued rising material costs. Although material costs continue to create a headwind, we have significantly reduced the net impact of rising material costs on our financial performance as we have offset approximately 90% of these incremental costs incurred year-to-date through price increases and cost recovery actions. Our performance was negatively impacted by foreign currency exchange rate movements during the quarter resulting in an adjusted EPS headwind of $0.06. We continue to focus on controlling the variables within our control and adapting our cost structure to align with current market conditions. While production and material availability remain volatile, we are seeing improvements in customer production forecasts as a result of improved material availability. We expect that the actions we have taken, and will continue to take, will result in strong run-rate financial performance as our end-markets and supply chains continue to recover."
DeGaynor continued, "Although macroeconomic conditions continue to be challenging, we remain focused on the initiatives that will drive long-term, profitable growth. Market demand continues to be strong for the first OEM MirrorEye® program in Europe with take rates averaging approximately 35%. That said, material availability is constraining take rates in 2022. Based on discussions with our first OEM partner, we expect the take rate will continue to expand as supply chain issues subside and are forecasting the take rate to be greater than 50% heading into next year. This has the potential to drive significant revenue upside and strong contribution margins going-forward."
Second Quarter in Review
Control Devices sales totaled $85.0 million, an increase of 0.7% relative to adjusted sales excluding the impact of the divested business in the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to customer price increases offset by COVID-19 related shutdowns impacting production in China in the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter adjusted operating margin was 4.8%, a decrease of 220 basis points relative to the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to the increase in material costs as a result of supply chain constraints and inflation, offset by negotiated price increases.
Control Devices sales were consistent with our first quarter sales, primarily due to incremental revenue on actuation program ramp-ups offset by continued volatility in customer production volumes and COVID-19 related shutdowns impacting production volumes in China. Second quarter adjusted operating margin decreased 310 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to a one-time favorable SG&A benefit related to a legal settlement recognized in the first quarter of 2022 and higher material costs from supply chain constraints and inflation.
Electronics adjusted sales totaled $115.1 million, an increase of 18.3% relative to sales in the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to increased end-market demand, customer price increases and the ramp-up of new program launches partially offset by an unfavorable foreign currency impact of $11.8 million. Second quarter adjusted operating margin was (2.2%), a decrease of 40 basis points relative to the second quarter of 2021 primarily due to fixed cost leverage on incremental sales offset by an increase in material costs as a result of supply chain constraints.
Relative to the first quarter of 2022, Electronics adjusted sales increased 6.4%, primarily due to increased end-market demand, expansion of recently launched programs and pricing actions offset by an unfavorable foreign currency impact of $1.8 million. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency, sales increased by 8.0%. Adjusted operating margin increased 30 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to reduced net engineering spend as well as reduced SG&A costs offset by an unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $2.1 million. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency, operating margin improved by 210 basis points versus the first quarter of 2022.
Stoneridge Brazil sales were $13.3 million, a decrease of 10.4% relative to sales in the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to lower sales in most product lines partially offset by favorable foreign currency impact of $1.0 million. First quarter adjusted operating margin decreased 440 basis points relative to the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to unfavorable fixed cost leverage on lower sales.
Relative to the first quarter of 2022, Stoneridge Brazil sales increased by $1.3 million primarily due to favorable foreign currency impact of $0.7 million. Stoneridge Brazil adjusted operating margin decreased by 140 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2022 primarily due to higher SG&A and D&D spend.
Cash and Debt Balances
As of June 30, 2022, Stoneridge had cash and cash equivalents balances totaling $40.7 million. Total debt as of June 30, 2022 was $162.0 million. The 2022 amendment to the Company's $300 million credit facility provides for a covenant relief period through the end of Q1 2023 at which point covenants revert back to pre-amendment levels. This amendment to the credit facility waives the maximum leverage ratio covenant for the first three quarters of 2022 and modifies the fourth quarter of 2022 covenant to include a maximum 4.75x leverage ratio. This amendment also modified the minimum interest coverage covenant for each quarter of 2022. The Company expects to remain in compliance with the amended existing covenants through the covenant relief period.
2022 Outlook
Matt Horvath, chief financial officer, commented, "The pricing and supply chain actions taken in the first half of the year continue to provide relief on incremental material costs. Driven primarily by limited material availability, customer production forecasts have not recovered as quickly as we expected despite continued strong end-market demand. As a result, we are reducing the midpoint of our 2022 adjusted revenue guidance by $15 million to $865 million to reflect updated second half expectations. This results in a reduction to adjusted EPS of approximately $0.11 based on our expected contribution margin of 25% to 30%."
Horvath continued, "We are reducing our margin guidance to reflect reduced fixed cost leverage on lower expected revenue, offset in part by a continued focus on reducing operating expenses and aligning our cost structure with current market conditions. Additionally, we expect incremental interest and tax expense to reduce adjusted EPS by approximately $0.05 for the remainder of the year. As a result, including consideration for second quarter performance, we are reducing our full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a mid-point of ($0.20)."
The Company announced updated full-year sales guidance of $855.0 million to $875.0 million, adjusted gross margin guidance of 21.25% to 21.75% and adjusted operating margin guidance of 0.75% to 1.25%. Full-year tax expense guidance was updated to $5.5 million to $6.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin guidance was updated to 4.75% to 5.25%. Adjusted EPS guidance was updated to ($0.25) – ($0.15).
Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of Stoneridge's conference call regarding 2022 second-quarter results can be accessed at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at www.stoneridge.com, which will also offer a webcast replay.
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) operational expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "will," "may," "should," "designed to," "believes," "plans," "projects," "intends," "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," "continue," and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:
- the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;
- fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and components and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions;
- global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and China or other countries;
- our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;
- the impact of COVID-19, or other future pandemics, on the global economy, and on our customers, suppliers, employees, business and cash flows;
- the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;
- the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;
- a significant change in automotive, commercial, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;
- competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;
- our ability to manage foreign currency fluctuations
- customer acceptance of new products;
- our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;
- adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions, including tariffs, affecting our products or our customers' products;
- our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;
- liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;
- labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;
- business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;
- the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving Credit Facility;
- capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;
- the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;
- risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions; and
- the items described in Part I, Item IA ("Risk Factors") of our 2021 10-K filed with the SEC.
The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains information about the Company's financial results that is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. The provision of these non-GAAP financial measures for 2022 and 2021 is not intended to indicate that Stoneridge is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those non-GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the Company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.
Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company's financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that adjusted sales, adjusted gross income and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted net loss, adjusted loss per share, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted loss before tax, adjusted income tax expense and adjusted tax rate are useful measures in assessing the Company's financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company's core operating performance or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company's continuing operating activities. Management also believes that these measures are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company's results of operations and provide improved comparability between fiscal periods.
Adjusted sales, adjusted gross income and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted net income loss, adjusted loss per share, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted loss before tax and adjusted tax rate should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for sales, gross profit, operating income (loss), net loss, loss per share, income before tax, income tax expense, tax rate, cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/stoneridge-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-03T22:17:25Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid months of mass flight cancellations and delays, the Department of Transportation has launched a customer service dashboard to help vacationers ahead of the travel-heavy Labor Day weekend.
Starting Thursday, travelers will be able to check the dashboard and see what kinds of guarantees, refunds or compensation the major domestic airlines offer in case of flight delays or cancellations. It’s designed to allow travelers to shop around and favor those airlines that offer the best compensation.
The dashboard is part of an extended pressure campaign from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has publicly challenged the major carriers to improve service and transparency after a summer marred by cancellations and flight delays. As summer travel returned to nearly pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, airlines struggled to keep pace, with mass cancellations being blamed on staffing shortages, particularly among pilots.
“Passengers deserve transparency and clarity on what to expect from an airline when there is a cancelation or disruption,” Buttigieg said in a statement Wednesday. The new tool, he said, will help travelers to “easily understand their rights, compare airline practices, and make informed decisions.”
The dashboard compares all the major domestic airlines’ policies on issues such as which offer meals for delays of more than three hours and which offer to rebook flights on the same or different airlines at no additional charge. It focuses on what it calls “controllable” cancellations or delays — meaning those caused by mechanical issues, staffing shortages or delays in cleaning, fueling or baggage handling. Delays or cancellations caused by weather or security concerns do not count.
The Department of Transportation is hoping that the dashboard will encourage competition among airlines to offer the most transparency and the best protections for customers.
So far this year, airlines have canceled about 146,000 flights, or 2.6% of all flights, and nearly 1.3 million flights have been delayed, according to tracking service FlightAware. The rate of cancellations is up about one-third from the same period in 2019, before the pandemic, and the rate of delays is up nearly one-fourth.
Federal officials have blamed many of the disruptions on understaffing at airlines, which encouraged employees to quit after the pandemic started. The airlines have countered by blaming staffing problems at the Federal Aviation Administration, which employs air traffic controllers.
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Associated Press writer David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.
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Follow AP’s coverage of air travel at https://apnews.com/hub/air-travel. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-new-online-dashboard-to-help-flyers-on-delays-cancellations/ | 2022-09-01T19:11:31Z |
ATLANTA (AP) — Tuesday’s debate among Georgia Republican Senate candidates was predictably defined by the man who wasn’t there — Herschel Walker.
If the race wasn’t dominated by Walker’s football celebrity and Donald Trump endorsement, Gary Black, Latham Saddler, Kelvin King, Josh Clark and Jon McColumn might all be more viable candidates for the Republican nomination. But instead, each continued to try to scratch out a case for GOP voters to turn away from Walker and consider them in the May 24 primary as an alternative to take on Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock in November.
“This is our fifth debate or forum he hasn’t showed up,” said Saddler, a Navy veteran and former bank executive. “We need a leader or fighter that’s going to show up to defeat Raphael Warnock in November. Raphael Warnock is a very smooth operator, we got to see him in action this last election cycle.”
The Atlanta Press Club, which sponsored the debate televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting, set out an empty podium for Walker, with the other candidates taking turns dunking on his absence.
They aim to drag Walker into a runoff, hoping the frontrunner will not be able to float above the fray in a one-on-one matchup. Black, Georgia’s elected agriculture commissioner, has made the sharpest attacks on Walker, saying Tuesday he’s unelectable in November because of questions about his past including “domestic violence, stalking women, threatened shootouts with police, business deals that have gone sour.”
Officers responding to a 2001 report that Walker was armed and scaring his estranged wife at a suburban Dallas home later noted that Walker “talked about having a shoot-out with police,” according to a police report revealed by the AP in February. In a protective order sought by his then-ex-wife in 2005, Walker was accused of repeatedly threatening her life. He’s also faced questions about whether he’s lied about graduating from the University of Georgia, about being the valedictorian at his high school and about whether he has inflated his business record.
Walker has been open about his long struggle with mental illness and acknowledged violent urges. His campaign has dismissed the report of a shoot out and blamed the media for highlighting it.
“Herschel Walker will not win in November, so selecting someone who can win, who has a record that can defeat Raphael Warnock should be the No. 1 priority,” Black said.
Walker has dismissed calls to debate, telling a radio station on April 20 that his opponents were jealous.
“Because right now Herschel’s going to win that seat,” Walker told WDUN-AM. “They can’t win it, so they’re going to the old politics where people are tired of that.”
Walker spokesperson Mallory Blount posted on social media Tuesday night that Walker was meeting with voters in Burke County, near Augusta. “Hope y’all have fun obsessing over Herschel Walker at the debate!” she wrote on Twitter.
At times, the candidates Tuesday had a standard Republican debate, all saying they would welcome a potential U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and declaring they want a total ban on abortion.
“I want to ask those people who are for abortion, I want to ask you this question, what did the baby do wrong to deserve to be killed?” said McColumn, a retired brigadier general.
Several candidates promised to cut federal spending as a way of combating inflation. Questioned about health care, Clark proclaimed his opposition to former President Barack Obama’s health care reform, with the former state representative saying he wanted to promote patient choice. Saddler defended himself against charges from Clark that he’s a former Democrat and a “global elitist,” promoting his experience working in the White House during the Trump administration.
King, a contractor and Air Force veteran, touted himself as the most well-rounded, while Clark noted he was the only candidate with legislative experience, saying he would “be the tie-breaking vote that could serve the citizens of Georgia from Day One.”
Multiple candidates expressed varying degrees of skepticism that the 2020 election in Georgia was fairly won by President Joe Biden over Trump. Some repeated Trump’s lies that the vote was stolen, despite the moderator pointing out that Trump’s own attorney general said there was no significant evidence of fraud.
But in the end, the focus came back to the empty podium, and the man who wasn’t there. Saddler suggested that Walker, if he couldn’t handle a Republican primary debate where candidates agreed on most things, wouldn’t be up to bigger challenges.
“I think a simple question for Herschel Walker is, what do you think the United States Senate does?” Saddler said. “It’s the deliberative body of Congress. It’s what you do as a United States Senator, you get up there and you debate ideas…. And Herschel Walker can’t get up here.” | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/georgia-gop-senate-debate-focuses-on-herschel-walker-absence/ | 2022-05-04T16:53:09Z |
NY lieutenant governor indicted in alleged bribery scheme
By Sonia Moghe and Gregory Krieg, CNN
New York Democratic Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has been indicted on charges including bribery and related offenses in connection with his alleged participation in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for securing a state grant, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is expected to hold a news conference on the indictment at 12 p.m. ET. The office declined to comment further.
Benjamin was indicted on multiple counts, including bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, bribery, honest services wire fraud and two counts of falsification of records, for an alleged conspiracy that took place while he was a state senator.
A source familiar with the matter says Benjamin turned himself into authorities Tuesday morning.
CNN has reached out to a spokesperson for Benjamin and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office for comment. A Benjamin campaign spokesperson previously told CNN, “Neither Lieutenant Governor Benjamin nor his campaign are being accused of any wrongdoing and they are prepared to fully cooperate with authorities. As soon as the campaign discovered that these contributions were improperly sourced, they donated them to the Campaign Finance Board, pursuant to guidance obtained from the CFB.”
Alleged scheme involved campaign contributions
The indictment states that from about 2019 to 2021, when Benjamin was a state senator, he allegedly took part in a scheme to get campaign contributions from an unnamed Harlem-based real estate developer in exchange for a $50,000 state grant for a non-profit organization controlled by the developer. The non-profit organization donated school supplies and other resources to public school programs and students in Harlem, the indictment states.
“In doing so, Benjamin abused his authority as a New York State senator, engaging in a bribery scheme using public funds for his own corrupt purposes,” the indictment states.
The indictment alleges that others acting at his direction or on his behalf “engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up his scheme” by allegedly falsifying campaign donor forms, misleading municipal regulators and providing false information in vetting forms that Benjamin submitted while he was under consideration to be appointed as the next lieutenant governor of New York. Benjamin served as a state senator from June 2017, representing northern Manhattan, until he was appointed by Hochul.
The unnamed real estate developer allegedly made fraudulent contributions to Benjamin’s failed bid to become the New York City comptroller by purportedly making donations in the names of people who had not personally funded the contributions or who were reimbursed for making the contributions, the indictment states.
Prosecutors allege that Benjamin told staff and advisers that certain contributions were collected by the developer, and that on more than one occasion, Benjamin personally met with the developer to receive his contributions — even meeting on the street to collect a “bundle” of contributions.
The indictment also alleges that Benjamin told the developer he’d help the real estate mogul obtain community board approval for a zoning variance permit for a property he owned, in exchange for a contribution to a political action committee.
When the New York State Board of Elections notified Benjamin’s campaign in 2019 that it needed to file forms identifying the owners of LLC’s that had contributed to the campaign, including one linked to the unnamed real estate developer, Benjamin allegedly asked a staffer in an email, “What happens if someone refuses to provide that information?” Prosecutors allege that the campaign ultimately did not provide information on who owned the company associated with the developer to election officials.
After a report published by The City in 2021 raised questions about donations, prosecutors allege Benjamin’s campaign for comptroller sent a letter to the Campaign Finance Board stating it had no reason to question the legitimacy of the contributions.
The indictment also alleges that while Benjamin was under consideration for the lieutenant governor post, he allegedly falsely claimed on a questionnaire that he had never directly exercised his governmental authority concerning a donor he directly solicited. Prosecutors claim Benjamin called the real estate developer two hours after he submitted the questionnaire, for the first time in six months.
Hochul’s opponents pounce on news
Benjamin was appointed to his position by Hochul after she took over the state’s top job from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo following his resignation last summer. Hochul, who just completed contentious budget negotiations in Albany, will now come under scrutiny over the vetting process that preceded her decision to elevate Benjamin, who finished fourth in the 2021 Democratic primary for New York City comptroller — a campaign in which prosecutors now say he sought and received illegal contributions. Benjamin is also accused of lying on a background check that followed Hochul’s decision to make him her top deputy.
It is unclear whether Benjamin will resign from his post. Like Hochul, he is the party’s endorsed candidate in the 2022 primary, and cannot be removed from the ballot. He is running against two other Democrats, Ana Maria Archila, a longtime progressive leader supported by the liberal Working Families Party, and Diana Reyna, a former member of the New York City council.
New York Working Families Party director Sochie Nnaemeka said the charges against Benjamin underscored the decision facing New York Democrats.
“When voters show up to the polls in June, they will have to make a decision whether they want to preserve a long-standing culture of corruption or chart a new path forward with leaders who want to do right by our communities,” Nnaemeka said in a statement Tuesday morning.
In a joint statement, Reyna and New York Rep. Tom Suozzi, who is challenging Hochul in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, cast Benjamin’s arrest as a mark against the new governor.
“Today’s bombshell is an indictment on Kathy Hochul’s lack of experience and poor judgement,” Suozzi and Reyna said. “Hochul’s first decision was to pick her LG, who she entrusted with leading her failed bail reform effort, negotiating the budget and last week said she had the utmost faith in him despite many reports of investigations into his conduct in office.”
The New York State Democratic Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/04/12/ny-lieutenant-governor-indicted-on-multiple-charges/ | 2022-04-12T16:44:52Z |
Market-leading billing and revenue management platform recognized for innovative achievements
DENVER, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BillingPlatform, the enterprise monetization platform for today's innovative business models, today announced that it was named the winner of a bronze Stevie® Award in the company of the year - computer software category in The 19th Annual International Business Awards®.
BillingPlatform is being recognized for its achievements in innovation over the last two years and its ability to expand its capabilities and launch new solutions to deliver value to customers. One judge applauded BillingPlatform by expressing the impressiveness of the company's expertise and research, denoting its success through impactful achievements. Other judges praised BillingPlatform's "impactful and innovative solution" and its "wonderful engagement channel to understand customer needs." After having received a gold Stevie in 2020, it is clear that BillingPlatform remains committed to innovation and excellence.
"We're honored to be recognized by such a respected industry organization for our ongoing innovation and growth over the last few years," said Dennis Wall, BillingPlatform CEO. "Our team works nonstop developing new and innovative solutions that have directly translated into market momentum and customer success with enterprise customers around the world who are looking to automate and accelerate their quote-to-cash processes."
More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year and Executive of the Year, among others. This year's competition also featured a number of new categories to recognize organizations' and individuals' achievements in social media and thought leadership.
"We're thrilled that we're able to return to celebrating Stevie winners in person this year," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. "This year's class of honorees are as innovative, adventuresome, persistent and successful as we've ever had. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with them during our 15 October awards banquet in London."
The International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2022 IBAs received entries from organizations in 67 nations and territories. Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel in London, England, on Saturday, 15 October – the first live IBA awards ceremony since 2019.
Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July.
Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.
BillingPlatform's enterprise monetization platform gives innovative companies the freedom to effectively monetize products and services that result in growth and competitive differentiation. Our industry-leading, cloud-based platform adapts to every unique business model and pricing structure. With global customers across multiple industries, including communications, transportation, manufacturing, banking, technology, energy, media and software, BillingPlatform processes billions of transactions and dollars every year, enabling enterprises to grow revenue, reduce costs and improve overall customer experience. To learn more, visit billingplatform.com.
Press Contact:
Abigail Souza
BillingPlatform
billingplatform@threeringsinc.com
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SOURCE BillingPlatform | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/billingplatform-wins-bronze-stevie-award-2022-international-business-awards/ | 2022-08-15T13:42:51Z |
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Skyryse, a transportation company building the future of general aviation, has appointed Will Fulton as Vice President of Product and Marketing. At Skyryse, Fulton will lead strategy, execution, and growth of its FlightOS product, which makes flying safer and more accessible. Fulton joins Skyryse from Airbus Helicopters where he served as Head of Marketing for North America.
Skyryse's mission is to transform aviation safety for all pilots and bring interoperability across aircraft platforms. FlightOS replaces the complex controls in a typical cockpit with touchscreens and a joystick, alongside fly-by-wire hardware and software that automates most actions. The technology removes many of the complexities of flying and safely manages the aircraft through emergencies and almost all weather conditions.
"We are on the cusp of generational transformation in transportation. Skyryse's technology is unlocking safer and more accessible flight, and Will's unique background as a military helicopter pilot, an aerospace engineer, and a leading aviation marketer will be instrumental to Skyryse's next phase of growth," said Dr. Mark Groden, Skyryse's founder and CEO. "Will's leadership will help drive the FlightOS product roadmap and deliver a drastic leap in aviation safety to more aircraft through its advanced automation and revolutionary user-friendly design."
A West Point graduate with a degree in Mechanical Aerospace Engineering, Fulton served in the U.S. Army for seven years as an Apache Longbow helicopter pilot. He subsequently joined Bell Helicopters, a global producer of military and commercial, vertical-lift aircraft, as an R&D Project Engineer while also receiving his MBA from Texas Christian University.
"Skyryse's world-class team has figured out how to make flying both safer and simpler," said Fulton. "The significance of that technological leap cannot be overstated. I'm excited to work alongside the incredible innovators at Skyryse to make safe, joyful flying a daily experience for aircraft operators."
Skyryse has tripled its headcount over the past year, which included hiring its first Chief Financial Officer and appointing a new Chief Operating Officer earlier this summer. To date, Skyryse has secured partnerships with numerous of the world's largest fixed wing and rotorcraft original equipment manufacturers, which collectively produce over half of the world's new general aviation aircraft. Most recently, the company has partnered with Air Methods, the leading American air medical transport company, to retrofit more than 400 single-engine helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the Air Methods fleet with FlightOS.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Skyryse is a transportation technology company built by transportation experts from Airbus, Boeing, Ford, General Atomics, JetBlue, Moog, SpaceX, Tesla, Uber, the U.S. Military and Zoox. The company is building the future of general aviation, and its flagship automation technology, FlightOS, removes many of the complexities of flying and safely manages aircraft through emergencies and almost all weather conditions. Skyryse has raised $250 million to date and is backed by leading investors including Fidelity Management & Research Company, Monashee Investment Management, ArrowMark Partners, Venrock, Eclipse Ventures, Cantos, Stanford University, and Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.skyryse.com
CONTACT: skyryse@missionnorth.com
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SOURCE Skyryse | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/skyryse-appoints-will-fulton-vice-president-product-marketing-lead-commercialization-its-flagship-product-flightos/ | 2022-09-15T15:02:11Z |
BEIJING, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JD.com today announced the launch of its "Green Impact Initiative" to promote sustainable consumption throughout the supply chain. Starting from this year's 618 Grand Promotion, China's largest mid-year shopping festival, approximately one million different kinds of products on JD.com will be selected to be green-labeled, helping Chinese consumers find and buy green products more easily.
The program will be officially launched on JD's app on May 31, in collaboration with global partners including P&G, JOMOO, L'Oréal, CHERY, PurCotton, Nestlé, Panasonic, Abbott, etc., and China Association of Small and Medium Enterprise. By purchasing these labeled products, customers are able to collect green credits and redeem for green products, coupons and peripheral products including digital collectibles through a newly established green account system integrated in JD's app.
"JD's products and services can be accessed by our customers almost anytime and anywhere, but this is not enough," said Chen Lin, vice president of JD.com and head of platform business of JD Retail. "Only by making every node on the supply chain low-carbon, such as creation, marketing, circulation, and fulfillment, can we lead sustainable green consumption."
JD.com selects and labels products based on certification, function, usage scenario and packaging materials. The labeled products will include those certified by national and international standards, advocating for refill and less packaging, adopting sustainable materials, with zero waste, as well as low-carbon transportation products including BEVs, sustainable fashion and furnishing products, and energy efficient appliances.
The delivery boxes for products under the Green Impact Initiative are reusable, and can be transformed into DIY pet houses and storage boxes.
On June 5, World Environment Day, JD will hold a grand marketing campaign to promote the initiative to its over 580 millions of customers.
JD.com launched the green supply chain program "Green Stream Initiative" in 2017. Through the initiative, over 2 billion carton boxes can be saved annually by innovating packaging materials and standards with more than 200,000 brands and merchants. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 on the basis of 2019 emissions, and building the largest rooftop photovoltaic (PV) power generation ecosystem with partners by 2030.
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SOURCE JD.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/jdcoms-green-impact-initiative-offer-one-million-green-labeled-products/ | 2022-05-20T05:07:23Z |
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government on Thursday confirmed that ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to a prison compound in quarters separate from other detainees.
Suu Kyi was arrested on Feb. 1, 2021, when the army seized power from her elected government. She was initially held at her residence in Naypyitaw, the capital, but was later moved to at least one other location. For most of the past year, she has been held at an undisclosed location in Naypyitaw, generally believed to be on a military base.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the ruling military council, confirmed in a text message to journalists that Suu Kyi was moved on Wednesday to the main prison in Naypyitaw, where she is being held separately in “well-kept” circumstances. News of her transfer had been reported Wednesday but not officially confirmed.
He said Suu Kyi, having already been convicted in several cases, was transferred to the prison in accordance with the law.
A legal official familiar with Suu Kyi’s court proceedings said she is being held in a newly constructed building with three policewomen, whose duty is to assist her. Her ongoing trials will also be held at the prison, in another newly constructed facility. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to release any information about her cases.
Suu Kyi, who turned 77 on Sunday, spent about 15 years in detention under a previous military government, but virtually all of it was under house arrest at her family home in Yangon, the country’s biggest city.
The secret location where she had been held for most of the past year was a residence. She had nine people to help her there, and was allowed to keep a dog that was a gift arranged by one of her sons, said another legal official, who also asked not to be named for fear or repercussions from the government.
The official said neither her assistants nor the dog accompanied Suu Kyi to her new prison quarters.
Suu Kyi is being tried on multiple charges, including corruption. Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated to discredit her and legitimize the military’s seizure of power.
She has already been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment on charges of illegally importing and possessing walkie-talkies, violating coronavirus restrictions, sedition and an initial count of corruption.
The prison where Suu Kyi is being held is slightly west of Naypyitaw. It was constructed in 2014 to temporarily hold detainees awaiting trial.
One of the legal officials said Suu Kyi’s first hearing in the new prison courtroom was held Thursday in the case of violating the Official Secrets Act.
Defense lawyers cross examined three prosecution witnesses but details of their testimony was not available. All of Suu Kyi’s cases have been held in closed hearings. Her lawyers are prohibited from discussing the proceedings.
Suu Kyi’s co-defendants in the case are Australian economist Sean Turnell, who had been her advisor, and three former Cabinet members.
Turnell is also being held at the same prison with Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi is also being tried on 11 counts of corruption, each of which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, and an election fraud charge, which carries a maximum sentence of three years.
The military’s takeover last year triggered peaceful nationwide protests that security forces quashed with lethal force, triggering armed resistance that some U.N. experts now characterize as civil war.
The ruling military council has said it plans to hold new elections around the middle of next year if circumstances permit. However, critics caution such polls are unlikely to be free and fair.
Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said Thursday that the military has been working hard to “create an impression of legitimacy” after ousting Suu Kyi’s government.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in a November 2020 general election. The army claimed it seized power because the polls were marred by widespread fraud — an allegation was not corroborated by independent election observers.
“Any suggestion that there could be any possibility of a free and fair election in Myanmar in 2023 is frankly preposterous,” Andrews said at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “You can’t have a free and fair election if you locked up your opponents.” | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/myanmar-says-suu-kyi-held-alone-in-new-prison-quarters/ | 2022-06-23T15:02:55Z |
Angeion Group Makes the Recorder and the National Law Journal Best of 2022
PHILADELPHIA, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Angeion Group, an industry leader in class action administration services, today announced that they have been named the first-place winner in The Recorder's Best of 2022 annual readers survey. Angeion Group was also inducted into The Recorder's Best of Hall of Fame after earning top three placement in three consecutive years.
Additionally, Angeion Group was voted the best claims administrator by the readers of the National Law Journal (NLJ) in its 11th annual Best of 2022 readers survey.
"We know we can only achieve these honors when our clients cast their votes for us," said Steven Weisbrot, President & CEO of Angeion Group. "As always, our clients' success, is our success!"
Headquartered in a state-of-the-art 14,000 square-foot processing and hosting facility in center city Philadelphia, Angeion is the only claims administration partner that provides strategic, comprehensive, and reliable claims administration for class action and group litigation orders, domestically and abroad. By combining customized, innovative noticing services with extensive subject matter expertise, proven processes, and technology, Angeion delivers the accuracy, efficiency, and security clients need to fulfill their claims administration with trust and confidence.
Angeion Group has also ranked #1 in The Legal Intelligencer, Connecticut Law Tribune, and Best of Texas Lawyer for providing breakthrough class action administration services.
Angeion Group is an industry-leading provider of class action claims administration and legal noticing. Angeion has handled some of the largest and most complex settlements in recent history. Angeion's operation excellence increases efficiency, provides accountability, and gives counsel and the courts peace of mind.
For more information, visit www.angeiongroup.com.
1650 ARCH STREET, SUITE 2210, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 | (215) 563-4116 | WWW.ANGEIONGROUP.COM
Media Contact:
Angeion Group
Shiri Lasman
(215) 563-4116
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SOURCE Angeion Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/angeion-group-voted-1-class-action-claims-administrator-by-recorder-national-law-journal/ | 2022-07-19T15:09:42Z |
Grayson, Murray State land All-American softball selections
Published: Jun. 7, 2022 at 10:57 PM CDT|Updated: 18 minutes ago
(KXII) - Grayson and Murray State each landed softball standouts on the NJCAA All-American teams.
Grayson softball star JT Smith has been named all-American by the NJCAA in Division I. Smith had another outstanding year for the Lady Vikings.
Murray State star, and former Sulphur Bulldog Abby Beck was named 1st team all-American infielder in Division II, along with her teammates Sabetha Sands (1st team catcher) and Sheyeene Creek (first team pitcher).
Seminole State’s Makella Mobly, another Sulphur native, was also named All-American.
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/08/grayson-murray-state-land-all-american-softball-selections/ | 2022-06-08T04:17:52Z |
Investment Backs Founding CEO Alex Tuff to Build Omni-Channel Personal Lines Distribution Platform
NEW YORK, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance industry veteran, Alex Tuff, has partnered with Integrum Holdings LP ("Integrum"), an innovative investment firm focused on investing in technology-enabled services companies, to launch Evertree Insurance ("Evertree"), an omni-channel personal lines insurance distribution platform. The build-out and growth of the business will be financed through a substantial equity commitment from funds affiliated with Integrum.
Integrum's investment will support the continued growth of the emerging insurance agency through the acquisition of top tier agencies, development of a new technology platform, recruitment of best-in-class personal lines agents and expanding the executive leadership team.
"I am thrilled to partner with the team at Integrum who has a long and successful track record of investing in the insurance services sector, including USI, Alliant, Pure Insurance, and Sedgwick, amongst others," said Alex Tuff, Founder and CEO at Evertree. "Together we are building a new type of distribution company that is focused on the independent agent. By providing new technology, lead generation tools and adopting best practices we will be able to attract the next generation of top independent agents and allow them to focus on what they do best – building and strengthening relationships."
"The personal lines insurance sector in the U.S. is a massive and growthful market that represents an extraordinary opportunity for those who can effectively implement technology solutions and deliver a differentiated customer experience and agent value proposition," said Tagar Olson, Founding Partner of Integrum. "We look forward to working alongside Alex and his team to continue to build Evertree by combining the benefits of technology with high-quality service from human agents."
"We are excited to partner with Alex to help build a scalable, next generation independent personal lines distribution platform," said Ursula Burns, Founding Partner of Integrum. "Alex's vision to build a strong, diverse culture and have a social impact in the communities within which Evertree operates fully aligns with our vision and values at Integrum."
The investment in Evertree is the third investment from Integrum's inaugural fund, Integrum Capital Partners, L.P., ("the Fund"). The Fund is expected to include a portfolio of companies across the insurance services, business and corporate services, financial technology and payments, and financial services sectors.
Integrum is an innovative investment firm focused on partnering with technology-enabled services companies in the financial and business services sectors. The firm was founded by a team of proven leaders with a vision to build a different type of investing platform benefiting from the complementary background and experiences of a diverse team and vast relationship network.
Integrum's approach is to build a focused portfolio of high-conviction investments and aims to create repeatable opportunities for outperformance by accelerating growth and efficiencies through investments in technology and innovation, and by partnering with management teams to enhance access to talent, relationships, and capabilities.
For more information on Integrum, please visit https://www.integrumholdings.com.
Evertree is a technology-enabled personal lines insurance agency that is focused on building the premier platform for the next generation of independent brokers. Evertree's strategy is to develop and deploy productivity enhancing technology, recruit, and train new agents, and to identify, close and fully integrate strategic acquisitions.
Evertree was founded in 2022 by insurance industry veteran Alex Tuff and received a significant investment from Integrum, an innovative private investment firm, whose senior team has led successful investments in Pure, USI, and Alliant, amongst others.
For more information on Evertree, please visit https://www.evertreeinsurance.com.
Media Contact:
Andy Merrill
Prosek Partners
amerrill@prosek.com
917-622-1252
Richard Kunzer
Integrum Holdings LP
richard.kunzer@integrumholdings.com
212 970 2501
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SOURCE Integrum Holdings LP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/evertree-insurance-announces-significant-investment-integrum/ | 2022-07-19T13:41:48Z |
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Friday dismissed Donald Trump’s lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, rejecting the former president’s claim that she targeted him out of political animus and allowing her civil investigation into his business practices to continue.
In a 43-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes wrote that case law bars federal judges from interfering in state-level investigations, with limited exceptions, and that there wasn’t evidence to support the Republican’s contention that James, a Democrat, was proceeding in bad faith because of their differing political views.
Sannes, who was appointed in 2014 by former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, said James had a legitimate basis for investigating Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, and that Trump failed to show that recent court proceedings seeking to enforce subpoenas on him were “commenced for the purpose of retaliation.”
James’ public statements about Trump “make clear that she disagrees vehemently with Mr. Trump’s political views,” Sannes wrote, but Trump and his lawyers failed to demonstrate any connection between her opinions and how the investigation has played out.
“The fact that (James’) public statements reflect personal and/or political animus toward (Trump) is not, in and of itself, sufficient,” Sannes wrote.
James heralded Friday’s ruling as a “big victory” over a “frivolous” lawsuit. Sannes’ decision came a day after a New York appeals court ruled that Trump must answer questions under oath in James’ probe, upholding a lower-court ruling requiring him to sit for a deposition.
“Time and time again, the courts have made clear that Donald J. Trump’s baseless legal challenges cannot stop our lawful investigation into his and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings,” James said in a written statement. “No one in this country can pick and choose how the law applies to them, and Donald Trump is no exception. As we have said all along, we will continue this investigation undeterred.”
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, questioned Sannes’ justification for dismissing the lawsuit — singling out, by name, the legal precedent at issue — and said they would take the matter to the 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals.
“There is no question that we will be appealing this decision,” Habba said. “If Ms. James’s egregious conduct and harassing investigation does not meet the bad faith exception to the Younger abstention doctrine, then I cannot imagine a scenario that would.”
Trump sued James in December, resorting to a familiar but seldom successful strategy of litigation in an attempt to end the three-year investigation, which James has said uncovered evidence Trump’s company misstated the value of assets like skyscrapers and golf courses on financial statements for more than a decade.
Trump filed the lawsuit just after James issued subpoenas for him and his two eldest children, Ivanka and Donald Jr., to give deposition testimony in James’ probe.
Trump sought an injunction barring James from investigating him and preventing her from being involved in any “civil or criminal” investigations of him and his company, such as a parallel criminal probe being led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Although the civil investigation is separate, James’ office has been involved in both. Trump also wanted a judge to declare that James violated his free speech and due process rights.
“We are sitting with our hands tied. We are simply dodging subpoenas at this point,” Habba said at a May 13 hearing.
Trump has long contended that the New York investigations are part of a politically motivated “witch hunt.” In the lawsuit, his lawyers alleged that James had violated his constitutional rights in a “thinly-veiled effort to publicly malign Trump and his associates.”
The lawsuit described James as having “personal disdain” for Trump, pointing to numerous statements she’s made about him, including her boast that her office sued his administration 76 times and tweets during her 2018 campaign that she had her “eyes on Trump Tower” and that Trump was “running out of time.”
James’ office responded that the lawsuit was a “collateral attack” on her investigation and a “complete about-face” after Trump previously agreed to turn over his 2014-2019 income tax returns to her office and his company provided more than 900,000 documents and testimony from more than a dozen current and former employees.
Trump and his company never challenged the underlying legal basis for the investigation or the attorney general’s office’s legal authority to conduct it until her office issued a subpoena for his testimony, James’ office said.
James’ office started investigating Trump in 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen told Congress that Trump had a history of misrepresenting the value of assets to gain favorable loan terms and tax benefits.
At a May 13 hearing that precipitated Sannes’ ruling Friday, a lawyer for James’ office said the probe is winding down and that evidence from it could support legal action against the former president, his company, or both.
The lawyer, Andrew Amer, said “there’s clearly been a substantial amount of evidence amassed that could support the filing of an enforcement proceeding,” although a final determination on filing such an action has not been made.
All of that, Amer said, “really shuts the door on any argument” by Trump’s lawyers that the James’ office was proceeding in bad faith.
__
Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak. Send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/. | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/judge-dismisses-trumps-lawsuit-allowing-ny-probe-to-go-on/ | 2022-05-27T22:24:47Z |
Families of FedEx shooting victims file lawsuit against FedEx, Securitas
By Kyle Boyd
Click here for updates on this story
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Nearly one year after a shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, families of five of the victims have filed a lawsuit.
Attorneys for the families filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court.
The suit names FedEx Corp., FedEx Ground Service System Inc., Federal Express Corp., FedEx Corporate Services Inc., and Securitas Security Services USA as defendants.
The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages. The lawsuit claims that Securitas provided unarmed security for the facility.
On April 15, former FedEx employee Brandon Hole shot and killed eight people before taking his own life.
Killed in the shooting were Matthew R. Alexander, 32; Samaria Blackwell, 19; Amarjeet Johal, 66; Jasvinder Kaur, 50; Jaswinder Singh, 68; Amarjit Sekhon, 48; Karli Smith, 19; and John Steve Weisert, 74.
The shooting began in the parking lot before Hole went inside the building.
Sheila Hole has said she had spoken to law enforcement about her son in 2020. Brandon Hole never appeared before a judge in a “red flag” hearing.
On Sunday afternoon, a remembrance prayer was held for victims of the shooting at a Sikh service. Four of the victims were of the Sikh faith.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/12/families-of-fedex-shooting-victims-file-lawsuit-against-fedex-securitas/ | 2022-04-12T19:48:30Z |
SHANGHAI, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ATRenew Inc. ("ATRenew" or the "Company") (NYSE: RERE), a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
- Total net revenues grew by 14.9% to RMB2,145.7 million (US$320.3 million) from RMB1,867.7 million in the second quarter of 2021.
- Loss from operations was RMB168.2 million (US$25.1 million), compared to RMB507.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP)[1] was RMB42.3 million (US$6.3 million) compared to an adjusted loss from operations of RMB51.0 million in the second quarter of 2021.
- Total Gross Merchandise Volume ("GMV[2]") increased by 10.3% to RMB8.6 billion from RMB7.8 billion in the second quarter of 2021. GMV for product sales increased by 15.8% to RMB2.2 billion from RMB1.9 billion in the second quarter of 2021. GMV for online marketplaces increased by 8.5% to RMB6.4 billion from RMB5.9 billion in the second quarter of 2021.
- Number of consumer products transacted[3] remained flat at 7.8 million compared to the second quarter of 2021.
Mr. Kerry Xuefeng Chen, the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of ATRenew, commented, "Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 resurgence, our quarterly revenue surpassed the guidance we provided, as our team proactively adjusted our operations to adapt to changes. Although our business is facing short-term headwinds from the pandemic, we firmly believe that the demand for electronic device recycling, trade-in, and other value-added services will grow concurrently with the long-term development of the circular economy in China. Going forward, we will continue to focus on executing our city-level integration strategy while constantly increasing the penetration of our recycling offerings. At the same time, we will maintain our investment in automation to improve cost efficiency. Furthermore, we will increase strategic investment in category expansion and corresponding capabilities while continuing to provide consumers with more diverse and convenient recycling services."
Mr. Rex Chen, the Chief Financial Officer of ATRenew, added, "The pandemic has disrupted domestic consumption and adversely impacted our self-operated store business as well as marketplace transactions. Facing such challenges, we responded nimbly by adjusting our operating strategy and implementing cost control measures. As a result, our losses narrowed compared with the same period of last year. Since June, when cities including Shanghai and Beijing resumed normal production and daily life, our self-operated recycling and trade-in businesses went on a visible path to recovery. In addition, as of June 30, 2022, we have sufficient cash reserves to support our business in the face of a dynamic operating environment. Looking ahead, we plan to tap into new categories and further generate synergies from our city-level integration strategy. We look forward to expanding our market share and delivering long-term value to shareholders and society."
Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
REVENUE
Total net revenues increased by 14.9% to RMB2,145.7 million (US$320.3 million) from RMB1,867.7 million in the same period of 2021.
- Net product revenues increased by 15.6% to RMB1,854.1 million (US$276.8 million) from RMB1,603.4 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the sourcing volume and the corresponding sales of pre-owned consumer electronics through Paipai Marketplace and the Company's overseas channels.
- Net service revenues increased by 10.3% to RMB291.6 million (US$43.5 million) from RMB264.3 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily due to the increases in transaction volume and monetization capability of PJT Marketplace.
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Operating costs and expenses decreased by 2.2% to RMB2,327.4 million (US$347.5 million) from RMB2,379.4 million in the same period of 2021.
- Merchandise costs increased by 18.5% to RMB1,653.8 million (US$246.9 million) from RMB1,395.4 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily due to the growth in product sales.
- Fulfillment expenses decreased by 0.1% to RMB275.2 million (US$41.1 million) from RMB275.5 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease of share-based compensation expenses as the Company recognized more expenses with IPO condition in the same period of last year which was offset by the increases in operation center related expenses and personnel cost which were in line with the Company's business growth.
- Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 7.2% to RMB293.4 million (US$43.8 million) from RMB316.3 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to (i) a decrease in sales promotion and coupon expenses as a cost control measure during the resurgence of the COVID-19 variants; and (ii) the decrease of share-based compensation expenses as the Company recognized more expenses with IPO condition in the same period of last year.
- General and administrative expenses decreased by 85.4% to RMB45.2 million (US$6.8 million) from RMB310.3 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease of share-based compensation expenses as the Company recognized more expenses resulting from share-based awards granted with an IPO condition in the second quarter of 2021.
- Technology and content expenses decreased by 27.1% to RMB59.7 million (US$8.9 million) from RMB81.9 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the recognition of share-based compensation expenses resulting from options granted to employees with an IPO condition compared to the second quarter of 2021.
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
Loss from operations decreased by 66.8% to RMB168.2 million (US$25.1 million) from RMB507.3 million in the same period of 2021. Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP), excluding amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions and recognition of share-based compensation expenses resulting from options and restricted stock units granted to employees, decreased by 17.1% to RMB42.3 million (US$6.3 million) from RMB51.0 million in the same period of 2021.
NET LOSS
Net loss was RMB125.3 million (US$18.7 million), compared to RMB505.7 million in the same period of 2021. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)[1] was RMB13.2 million (US$2.0 million), compared to RMB59.7 million in the same period of 2021.
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE
Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share were RMB0.78 (US$0.12), compared to RMB13.47 in the same period of 2021.
Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share (non-GAAP)[1] were RMB0.08 (US$0.01), compared to RMB1.59 in the same period of 2021.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, RESTRICTED CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND FUNDS RECEIVABLE FROM THIRD PARTY PAYMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and funds receivable from third party payment service providers increased to RMB2,594.1 million (US$387.3 million) as of June 30, 2022, from RMB2,421.9 million as of December 31, 2021.
Business Outlook
For the third quarter of 2022, the Company currently expects its total revenues to be between RMB2,500.0 million and RMB2,550.0 million. This forecast only reflects the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.
Environment, Social, and Governance
On June 9, 2022, ATRenew published its second annual environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") report (the "Report") incorporating the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures recommendations, a framework set by the G20's Financial Stability Board, for the first time. In the Report, the Company explores the climate-change-related opportunities and challenges it faces in its operation and reuse of pre-owned electronic devices through the perspectives of governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.
In order to help quantify its commitment to ESG, the Company has leveraged the Circular Footprint Formula for the first time to disclose its contribution of 464,000 metric tons of green-house gas emission reductions through reusing pre-owned mobile phones in 2021.
Recent Development
On December 28, 2021, ATRenew announced a share repurchase program, effective immediately, to repurchase up to US$100 million of its shares over a twelve-month period. During the second quarter 2022, the Company repurchased 2,881,811 American depositary shares ("ADSs") in the open market at an average price of US$3.14 per ADS, with a total cash consideration of US$9.0 million. As at the end of the second quarter 2022, the Company repurchased a total of 7,635,651 ADSs for approximately US$31.5 million under its share repurchase program.
Conference Call Information
The Company's management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 08:00 A.M. Eastern Time (or 08:00 P.M. Beijing Time on Wednesday, August 24, 2022) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:
The replay will be accessible through August 31, 2022, by dialing the following numbers:
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at ir.atrenew.com.
About ATRenew Inc.
Headquartered in Shanghai, ATRenew Inc. operates a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China under the brand ATRenew. Since its inception in 2011, ATRenew has been on a mission to give a second life to all idle goods, addressing the environmental impact of pre-owned consumer electronics by facilitating recycling and trade-in services, and distributing the devices to prolong their lifecycle. ATRenew's open platform integrates C2B, B2B, and B2C capabilities to empower its online and offline services. Through its end-to-end coverage of the entire value chain and its proprietary inspection, grading, and pricing technologies, ATRenew sets the standard for China's pre-owned consumer electronics industry.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.6981 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of June 30, 2022.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company also uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its business. For example, the Company uses adjusted loss from operations, adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per ordinary share as supplemental measures to review and assess its financial and operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted loss from operations is loss from operations excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions. Adjusted net loss is net loss excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions, fair value change in warrant liabilities and tax effects of amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions. Adjusted net loss per ordinary share is adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share.
The Company presents non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the Company's management to evaluate the Company's financial and operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss help identify underlying trends in the Company's business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in loss from operations and net loss. The Company also believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors' assessment of the Company's operating performance. The Company believes that adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss provide useful information about the Company's operating results, enhance the overall understanding of the Company's past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company's management in its financial and operational decision making.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions, fair value change in warrant liabilities and tax effects of amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions have been and may continue to be incurred in the Company's business and is not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures. Further, the non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP measures used by other companies, including peer companies, potentially limiting the comparability of their financial results to the Company's. In light of the foregoing limitations, the non-GAAP financial measures for the period should not be considered in isolation from or as an alternative to loss from operations, net loss, and net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per share, or other financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results."
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. ATRenew may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about ATRenew's beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: ATRenew's strategies; ATRenew's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; ATRenew's ability to maintain its relationship with major strategic investors; its ability to provide facilitate pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and provide relevant services; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ATRenew's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ATRenew does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Investor Relations Contact
In China:
ATRenew Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@atrenew.com
In the United States:
ICR LLC.
Email: atrenew@icrinc.com
Tel: +1-212-537-0461
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SOURCE ATRenew Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/atrenew-inc-reports-unaudited-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-08-24T09:32:05Z |
Man woken up by police who tell him: ‘Your house fell’
By Jaclyn Lee
Click here for updates on this story
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A man and his dog were inside their home in Philadelphia’s Tioga-Nicetown neighborhood when it partially collapsed early Sunday morning, police said.
It happened around 5 a.m. in the 1900 block of Bonitz street near Clarissa Street.
Authorities say Dennis Myers and his dog were inside sleeping when the property started to crumble.
“I was sleeping and my dog was sleeping beside me. Then the cops came in, grabbed me and grabbed my dog,” recalled Myers. “They said, ‘Your house fell.’ I said, ‘Huh? What?’ I looked up and said, ‘Oh no, I’m not staying here.'”
Myers and his canine were able to escape without any injuries.
A neighboring home was also evacuated.
As he assessed his home in the daylight, Myers recognized how close he was to death.
“Thank God I didn’t. Praise the lord I’m out,” Myers said.
As investigators try to determine what happened and if the home can be saved, Myers says he believes it may have been due to a water leak and exterior bricks that were never repaired.
“There was a car accident, it hit my wall a month ago and bricks started falling,” Myers said.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/05/02/man-woken-up-by-police-who-tell-him-your-house-fell/ | 2022-05-02T20:45:52Z |
GARDINER, Mont. (AP) — Most of Yellowstone National Park should reopen within the next two weeks — much faster than originally expected after record floods pounded the region last week and knocked out major roads, federal officials said.
Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said the world-renowned park will be able to accommodate fewer visitors for the time being, and it will take more time to restore road connections with some southern Montana communities.
Park officials said Sunday they’ll use $50 million in federal highway money to speed up road and bridge repairs. There’s still no timetable for repairs to routes between the park and areas of Montana where the recovery is expected to stretch for months.
Yellowstone will partially reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, more than a week after more than 10,000 visitors were forced out of the park when the Yellowstone and other rivers went over their banks after being swelled by melting snow and several inches of rainfall.
Only portions of the park that can be accessed along its “southern loop” of roads will be opened initially and access to the park’s scenic backcountry will be for day hikers only.
Within two weeks officials plan to also open the northern loop, after previously declaring that it would likely stay closed through the summer season. The northern loop would give visitors access to popular attractions including Tower Fall and Mammoth Hot Springs. They’d still be barred from the Lamar Valley, which is famous for its prolific wildlife including bears, wolves and bison that can often be seen from the roadside.
“That would get 75 to 80% of the park back to working,” National Park Service Director Charles “Chuck” Sams said Sunday during a visit to Yellowstone to gauge the flood’s effects.
It will take much longer — possibly years — to fully restore two badly-damaged stretches of road that link the park with Gardiner to the north and Cooke City to the northeast.
During a tour of damaged areas on Sunday, park officials showed reporters one of six sections of road near Gardiner where the raging floodwaters obliterated most of the roadway.
Muddy water now courses through where the roadbed had been only a week ago. Trunks of huge trees litter the the surrounding canyon.
With no chances for an immediate fix, Sholly said 20,000 tons of material were being hauled in to construct a temporary, alternate route along an old road that runs above the canyon. That would let employees who work at the park headquarters in Mammoth get to their homes in Gardiner, Sholly said. The temporary route also could be used by commercial tour companies that have permits to lead guided visits.
“We’ve gotten a lot more done than we thought we would a week ago,” Sholly said. “It’s going to be a summer of adjustments.”
The scope of the damage is still being tallied by Yellowstone officials, but based on other national park disasters, it could take years and carry a steep price tag to rebuild in an environmentally sensitive landscape — with a huge underground plumbing system — where construction season only runs from the spring thaw until the first snowfall.
“They’ll have to look at all the resources the park is designed to protect, and try to do this project as carefully as possible, but they’re also going to try to go fairly quickly,” said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Montana counties have also been surveying their damages.
Some of those hardest hit in the disaster — far from the famous park’s limelight — are leaning heavily on one another to pull their lives out of the mud.
In and around the agricultural community of Fromberg, the Clarks Fork River flooded almost 100 homes and badly damaged a major irrigation ditch that serves many farms. The town’s mayor says about a third of the flooded homes are too far gone to be repaired.
In Red Lodge, nearly 150 homes were damaged or destroyed after Rock Creek escaped its banks last week.
In Park County — which includes Livingston, Gardiner and Cooke City — a preliminary assessment of 437 structures found three residences were destroyed, 76 had moderate to major damage and another 126 had minor damage. Eight bridges and seven roads were destroyed, while 16 commercial buildings suffered moderate to major damage, officials said.
Stillwater County officials were still tallying the damage there on Monday, following heavy rains on the weekend that caused the rivers to rise again, said Rich Cowger, the fire chief in Columbus.
One house at the confluence of Rosebud Creek and the Stillwater River near Absarokee remained threatened on Monday, Cowger said.
“If that house goes out, it’s a direct threat to county infrastructure,” he said. People also want to remove logjams upstream, but that could also create downstream problems, he said.
Not far from the riverbank in Fromberg, Lindi O’Brien’s trailer home was raised high enough to avoid major damage. But she got water in her barns and sheds, lost some of her poultry and saw her recently deceased parents’ home get swamped with several feet of water.
Elected officials who showed up to tour the damage in Red Lodge and Gardiner — Montana tourist towns that serve as gateways to Yellowstone — haven’t made it to Fromberg to see its devastation. O’Brien said the lack of attention is no surprise given the town’s location away from major tourist routes.
She’s not resentful but resigned to the idea that if Fromberg is going to recover, its roughly 400 residents will have to do much of the work themselves.
“We take care of each other,” O’Brien said as she and two longtime friends, Melody Murter and Aileen Rogers, combed through mud-caked items scattered across her property. O’Brien, an art teacher for the local school, had been fixing up her parents’ home with hopes of turning it into a vacation rental. Now she’s not sure it’s salvageable.
A few blocks away, Matt Holmes combed through piles of muck and debris but could find little to save out of the trailer home that he shared with his wife and four children.
Holmes had taken the day off, but said he needed to get back soon to his construction job so he could begin making money again. Whether he can bring in enough to rebuild is unclear. If not, Holmes said he may move the family to Louisiana, where they have relatives.
“I want to stay in Montana. I don’t know if we can,” he said.
___
Hanson reported from Helena. | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/yellowstone-aims-for-quick-opening-flooded-towns-struggling/ | 2022-06-21T02:53:45Z |
NEW YORK, April 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Bakkt Holdings, Inc. f/k/a VPC Impact Acquisition Holdings (NYSE: BKKT, BKKT-WT) (NASDAQ: VIHAU, VIH, VIHAW) (a) between May 7, 2021 and February 25, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (b) pursuant and/or traceable to the Offering Documents issued in connection with the business combination between the Company and Bakkt Holdings, LLC ("Legacy Bakkt") completed on or about October 15, 2021 (the "Business Combination"), of the important June 20, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Bakkt 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 Bakkt class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5546 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 20, 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, the Offering Documents were negligently prepared and, as a result, contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading and were not prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations governing their preparation, and that throughout the Class Period defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Offering Documents and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company had defective financial controls; (2) as a result, there were errors in the Company's financial statements related to the misclassification of certain shares issued prior to the Business Combination; (3) accordingly, the Company would need to restate certain of its financial statements; (4) the Company downplayed the true scope and severity of these issues; (5) the Company overstated its remediation of its defective financial controls; and (6) as a result, the Offering Documents and defendants' public statements throughout the Class Period were materially false and/or misleading and failed to state information required to be stated therein. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Bakkt class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5546 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
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/29/rosen-national-trial-counsel-encourages-bakkt-holdings-inc-fka-vpc-impact-acquisition-holdings-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-bkkt-bkkt-wt-vihau-vih-vihaw/ | 2022-04-30T16:45:05Z |
MAQUOKETA, Iowa (AP) — Three people were killed in a shooting at a state park in eastern Iowa Friday morning and the suspected gunman is also dead, police said.
Police responded to reports of the shooting at the the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground before 6:30 a.m., Mike Krapfl, special agent in charge of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said in a statement.
Krapfl said officers responding to reports of shooting found three people dead at the scene, but he did not specify how they died and has not released their identities.
He said officers searching the campground later found the body of a Nebraska man who had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities identified him as 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin.
The campground was evacuated in the wake of the shooting. A children’s summer camp on site called Camp Shalom said in a Facebook post that parents had been notified and that it had established a pick-up site for campers.
Camp Shalom officials said they have accounted for all campers.
Krapfl said the park remains closed but that there is no longer a threat to the public. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/police-gunman-kills-3-at-iowa-state-park-shooter-also-dead/ | 2022-07-22T18:20:14Z |
1 dead, 4 injured in Chicago neighborhood where ‘hostile crowd’ fought off police performing first aid, officials say
By Amy Simonson and Aya Elamroussi, CNN
One person died and four others were hurt in a shooting Tuesday in Chicago after which first-responders were interrupted by a crowd when they tried to provide first aid to those injured, police said.
Police arrived on the scene in the city’s South Side neighborhood and saw five people had been shot, Chicago Police Commander Don Jerome of the Ninth District said during a news conference.
“Officers immediately attempted to perform life-saving measures on those that were shot, and they were met by a hostile crowd,” Jerome said. “Members from the community and gang members from this crowd were actively fighting the police while they were trying to attend to the victims.”
One person died, and two others suffered critical injuries, he said. The other two people who were shot are in stable condition, police added.
No officers were injured, Jerome said.
Chicago saw a slight uptick in shootings last year, when 3,561 shootings were reported compared to 3,258 in 2020, data from the Chicago Police Department shows.
This year, there have been 779 shootings as of the week ending May 8, which means shootings are down 13% compared with the same time last year, the data shows.
On a broader scale, 2020 was the year the US saw the highest firearm homicide rate since 1994, according to data published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The overall firearm homicide rate increased about 35% between 2019 and 2020, the CDC report said.
In 2020, 79% of all homicides involved guns, according to the CDC, which is somewhat higher than during the preceding five years.
Meanwhile in Chicago, police said they recovered three weapons related to the shooting.
After analyzing private video taken from the scene, police discovered that a vehicle fled the scene and crashed several blocks away, according to Jerome.
Two weapons were recovered from the vehicle and a third weapon was recovered from the scene. Police are currently searching for the occupants of that vehicle and no arrests have been made at this time, the police commander said.
“There’s a historic gang conflict between two rival gangs here. We don’t believe that the community is being targeted, but that it’s specific gang members that are targeting one another in this historic conflict,” Jerome added.
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/05/11/1-dead-4-injured-in-chicago-neighborhood-where-hostile-crowd-fought-off-police-performing-first-aid-officials-say/ | 2022-05-11T10:53:24Z |
Police: Man offers mother cash for daughter in attempted kidnapping
Published: Sep. 10, 2022 at 2:33 PM EDT|Updated: 15 minutes ago
CHICAGO (CNN) - Chicago police say they are searching for a suspect in an attempted kidnapping.
Authorities say a man tried to kidnap a 5-year-old girl Friday morning.
The girl and her mother were walking on a sidewalk when they said the man had approached them.
The man allegedly offered the mother cash for her daughter. Police said he tried to pull the girl toward him when she refused.
The mother and daughter were able to escape, but police are now looking for the man.
Police said the suspect is believed to be a white man, between the ages of 20 and 25, with bright red hair and a thin beard. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, red shorts and a black hat.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/09/10/police-man-offers-mother-cash-daughter-attempted-kidnapping/ | 2022-09-10T18:51:02Z |
More Americans apply for jobless aid last week
By MATT OTT
AP Business Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week but the total number of people collecting jobless aid is at its lowest level in more than 50 years.
Jobless claims in the U.S. rose by 19,000 to 200,000 for the week ending April 30, the Labor Department reported Thursday. First-time applications generally reflect the number of layoffs.
The four-week average for claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, rose 8,000 from the previous week to 188,000.
The total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits for the week ending April 23 fell by 19,000 from the previous week, to 1,384,000. That’s the fewest since January 17, 1970.
American workers are experiencing historically strong job security two years after the coronavirus pandemic plunged the economy into a brief but devastating recession. Weekly applications for unemployment aid have been consistently below the pre-pandemic level of 225,000 for most of this year, even as the overall economy contracted.
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers posted a record 11.5 million job openings in March — an unprecedented two job openings for every person who is unemployed. A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March — a sign that they are confident they can find better pay or improved working conditions elsewhere.
Employers have added an average of more than 540,000 jobs a month for the past year, pushing the unemployment rate down to 3.6%. The Labor Department is expected to report Friday that the economy generated another 400,000 new jobs in April, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet. That would mark an unprecedented 12th straight month that hiring has come in at 400,000 or more.
The only thing hotter than the job market is inflation. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve intensified its fight against the worst inflation in 40 years by raising its benchmark short-term interest rate by a half-percentage point — its most aggressive move since 2000 — and signaling further large rate hikes to come.
The increase in the Fed’s key rate raised it to a range of 0.75% to 1%, the highest point since the pandemic struck two years ago.
The Commerce Department reported last month that the U.S. economy shrank last quarter for the first time since the pandemic recession struck two years ago, contracting at a 1.4% annual rate, even as consumers and businesses kept spending in a sign of underlying resilience. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/05/more-americans-apply-for-jobless-aid-last-week/ | 2022-05-05T14:51:23Z |
Appeals arguments set on immigrants brought to US as kids
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Immigrant advocates head to a federal appeals court in New Orleans on Wednesday in hopes of saving an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of thousands of people brought into the U.S. as children.
A federal judge in Texas last year declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program illegal — although he agreed to leave the program intact for those already benefitting from it while his order is appealed.
DACA proponents planned an early morning vigil ahead of arguments at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The U.S. Justice Department is defending the program, allied with the state of New Jersey, advocacy organizations such as the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund and a coalition of dozens of powerful corporations — including Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft — which argue that DACA recipients are “employees, consumers and job creators.”
Texas, the lead plaintiff with eight other Republican-leaning states, argues that DACA was enacted without going through proper legal and administrative procedures, including public notice and comment periods. Additionally, the states argue that they are harmed financially by allowing immigrants to remain in the country illegally.
“DACA imposes classic pocketbook injuries on the States through social services, healthcare, and education costs,” Texas attorneys argued in a brief, estimating that the state spends tens of millions of dollars on Medicaid services on those in the country illegally.
DACA proponents argue the state hasn’t proven that ending the program would decrease its costs. They argue that DACA is a policy that falls within federal authorities’ power to decide how best to spend finite enforcement resources and that Texas diminished its claims of financial injury by waiting six years to challenge the program. They also argue the state ignores evidence that DACA recipients decrease Texas’ costs because many of them hold jobs with health insurance benefits and many own homes and pay property taxes that support schools.
“Texas and the other states cannot point to an injury that is traceable to DACA,” MALDEF attorney Nina Perales said in a news conference last week. “Without injury, there’s no jurisdiction for the federal courts to hear this case.”
The damage to DACA recipients would be grave, immigrant advocates argued in one brief, exposing them to removal from the only country many of them have known and disrupting the lives of established families.
“Collectively, they are parents of over a quarter-million U.S. citizens, and 70% of DACA recipients have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen,” advocates stated in one brief.
DACA has faced numerous court challenges since then-President Barack Obama created it by executive order in 2012. Former President Donald Trump moved to end the program. But a U.S. Supreme Court decision determined that he had not done it properly, bringing it back to life and allowing for new applications. That was followed by the Texas-led lawsuit.
Assigned to hear arguments at the 5th Circuit were Chief Judge Priscilla Richman, an appointee of President George W. Bush; and two Trump appointees, judges James Ho and Kurt Engelhardt.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/06/appeals-arguments-set-immigrants-brought-us-kids/ | 2022-07-06T10:37:10Z |
Leading providers demonstrate innovative M&C offerings, robust portfolios, and market reach
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from Guidehouse Insights identifies the top monitoring and control (M&C) vendors in the industry for solar and storage. These M&C solution providers represent diverse vendors across a competitive and continually innovating landscape.
As solar and storage system deployments continue to increase globally, asset owners and customers are demanding more flexibility and efficiency from their systems. M&C vendors are well-placed in the solar and storage industry to provide offerings that allow for detailed asset management. According to a Leaderboard report from Guidehouse Insights, AlsoEnergy, GreenPowerMonitor, and PowerFactors are the leading solar and storage M&C vendors.
"Many M&C vendors have surfaced as industry leaders in this market. These include diverse companies that offer a range of products and services for M&C applications," says Maria Chavez, research analyst with Guidehouse Insights. "As the demand for flexible and efficient solar and storage systems rises, these solutions providers are tasked with maintaining adaptable and innovative features for their clients."
According to Guidehouse Insights, by 2031, solar and storage M&C revenues are expected to reach approximately $3 billion, which is especially critical given the high upfront costs of solar PV and storage systems. M&C capabilities allow for optimized use of an asset using real-time data and as a result, they facilitate cost-effective management. Leaders demonstrate innovative M&C offerings, robust portfolios, and market reach, according to the report.
The report, Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: Solar and Storage Monitoring and Control Vendors, outlines key trends and industry players currently active in the M&C space. Competitors were scored on Strategy and Execution and their offerings reviewed. Although many other players have shown excellent offerings in the M&C space, AlsoEnergy, Power Factors (Inaccess), and GreenPowerMonitor stood out as Leaders. Other vendors, such as meteocontrol, Trimark Associates, and SMA Solar Technology, are also highlighted. As M&C can be a rapidly evolving set of technologies, more advancements—especially in AI and machine learning—will take place in coming years. Because of rapid innovation in this market, Guidehouse Insights will keep a close eye on the competitive landscape and its evolution. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the Guidehouse Insights website.
Guidehouse Insights, the dedicated market intelligence arm of Guidehouse, provides research, data, and benchmarking services for today's rapidly changing and highly regulated industries. Our insights are built on in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research, and demand assessment, paired with a deep examination of technology trends, to provide a comprehensive view of emerging resilient infrastructure systems. Additional information about Guidehouse Insights can be found at www.guidehouseinsights.com.
Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. By combining our public and private sector expertise, we help clients address their most complex challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures focusing on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services, we create scalable, innovative solutions that help our clients outwit complexity and position them for future growth and success. The company has more than 13,000 professionals in over 50 locations globally. Guidehouse is a Veritas Capital portfolio company, led by seasoned professionals with proven and diverse expertise in traditional and emerging technologies, markets, and agenda-setting issues driving national and global economies. For more information, please visit www.guidehouse.com.
* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard: Solar and Storage Monitoring and Control Vendors, is a summary and reflects the current expectations of Guidehouse Insights based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report's conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Guidehouse Insights nor Guidehouse undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.
For more information, contact:
Cecile Fradkin
+1.646.941.9139
cfradkin@scprgroup.com
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SOURCE Guidehouse Insights | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/guidehouse-insights-names-alsoenergy-greenpowermonitor-powerfactors-leading-solar-storage-monitoring-control-vendors/ | 2022-08-16T09:29:56Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd. ("FHS" or the "Company") (NYSE: FHS).
Class Period: March 2021 IPO
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 11, 2021
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the new rules, regulations, and policies to be implemented by the Chinese government following the Two Sessions parliamentary meetings were far more severe than represented to investors and posed a material adverse threat to First High-School Education and its business; (2) that contemplated Chinese regulations and rules regarding private education were leading to a slowdown of government approval to open new educational facilities which would have a negative effect on First High-School Education's enrollment and growth; and (3) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/fhs-investors-have-opportunity-lead-first-high-school-education-group-co-ltd-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-06-13T15:47:23Z |
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks rose broadly in morning trading on Wall Street Thursday as investors cheered a strong set of quarterly results from Macy’s and other retailers.
The S&P 500 rose 1.3% as of 10:11 a.m. Eastern and is solidly in the green for the week following a choppy few days of trading.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 404 points, or 1.3%, to 32,528 and the Nasdaq rose 1.5%. Smaller company stocks also made strong gains, a sign of bullishness on the economy. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.7%.
Bond yields held steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 2.74% from late Wednesday.
Retailers led the broader market higher. Macy’s surged 12.6% after it raised its profit forecast for the year following a strong first-quarter financial report. Dollar General surged 12.1% and Dollar Tree jumped 18.7% after the discount retailers reported solid earnings and gave investors encouraging forecasts.
The retail sector is being closely watched by investors looking for more details on just how much pain inflation is inflicting on companies and consumers. Weak reports from the several big names last week, including Target and Walmart, spooked an already volatile market.
The latest reports from retailers have helped lift and keep the major indexes in the green for the week and could break a slump. The benchmark S&P 500 is coming off of seven straight weekly losses.
Technology stocks also did much of the heavy lifting. TurboTax maker Intuit jumped 6%. Companies in the sector, with their lofty stock values, tend to push the market harder up or down.
The broad gains on Thursday follow a late push for markets on Wednesday prompted by details from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, which confirmed expectations of more interest rate hikes.
Investors have been uneasy over the impact of interest rate hikes in the United States and other Western economies that are meant to cool surging inflation. The key concern is whether the Fed can temper inflation with aggressive interest rate hikes without crimping economic growth to the point that the U.S. falls into a recession.
Inflation is at a four-decade high and businesses have been raising costs on everything from food to clothing to offset higher costs. The impact from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine worsened inflation pressures by fueling higher energy and key food commodity costs. Supply chain problems worsened in the wake of China’s lockdown for several major cities as it tried to contain COVID-19 cases.
U.S. crude oil prices rose 2.6% and are up roughly 50% for the year.
Consumers have been resilient about spending, but the pressure from inflation remains persistent and could be prompting a pullback or shift in spending from big discretionary items to necessities. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/asian-stocks-lower-after-fed-confirms-rate-hike-plans/ | 2022-05-26T16:28:41Z |
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Teche Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) today announced Chuck Kummeth's planned two-year transition from his position as Bio-Techne's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective June 30, 2024. The Company's Board of Directors has begun its search for Mr. Kummeth's replacement, evaluating both internal and external candidates to assume the CEO position upon Kummeth's retirement at the end of its fiscal 2024. It is anticipated that Mr. Kummeth will continue to serve on Bio-Techne's Board of Directors upon his retirement.
Mr. Kummeth has served as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors since April 2013. Under Mr. Kummeth's leadership, the Company delivered on key strategic initiatives to accelerate its organic growth rate, expand its total addressable market and fortify its position as a leader in the life science tools and diagnostics markets. During Kummeth's tenure as CEO, Bio-Techne grew its revenue from approximately $311 million in fiscal 2013 to $1.1 billion in fiscal 2022, representing a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15%. Additionally, the Company grew from approximately 800 to over 3,000 employees, expanded its product portfolio and total addressable market through the completion of 17 acquisitions, established a best-in-class executive leadership team, and implemented processes and procedures to drive future growth.
"During the last nine years, Chuck has done an extraordinary job accelerating growth, building a strong leadership team and positioning Bio-Techne for the future," said Robert Baumgartner, Bio-Techne's Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Throughout his tenure as CEO, Chuck and the Board have been focused on building management bench strength. Chuck has successfully built an extremely strong leadership team, including a deep bench of experienced and results-driven executives. Additionally, the Company's enviable position as a rapidly growing, leading life science tools and diagnostics company positions Bio-Techne to attract top-caliber external candidates. With Chuck at the helm for the next two years, we have time for a thorough evaluation of potential candidates and a seamless transition to his eventual successor."
"I am looking forward to continuing to lead the Company and execute our strategic plan over the next two years. As a Board member, I will play an instrumental role in choosing my successor," commented Chuck Kummeth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. "I am extremely proud of the Company and team we have built over the last nine years. Bio-Techne is in an ideal position to find the leader to drive the business forward starting in fiscal 2025."
Forward Looking Statements:
Our press releases may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual results of operations. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the planned CEO transition on June 30, 2024. The following important factors, among others, have affected and, in the future, could affect the Company's actual results: the effect of new branding and marketing initiatives, the integration of new businesses and leadership, the introduction and acceptance of new products, the funding and focus of the types of research by the Company's customers, the impact of the growing number of producers of biotechnology research products and related price competition, general economic conditions, customer site closures or supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations, and the costs and results of research and product development efforts of the Company and of companies in which the Company has invested or with which it has formed strategic relationships.
For additional information concerning such factors, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements we make in our press releases due to new information or future events. Investors are cautioned not to place undue emphasis on these statements.
About Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH)
Contact: David Clair, Vice President, Investor Relations
david.clair@bio-techne.com
612-656-4416
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SOURCE Bio-Techne Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/bio-techne-announces-ceo-transition-plan/ | 2022-08-04T11:44:35Z |
The United Nations says more than 300 civilians from the besieged southeastern city of Mariupol and four other towns have been evacuated to Ukrainian-held Zaporizhzhia in a second successful operation to get civilians out of areas subject to Russian shelling and attacks.
Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian chief in Ukraine, said in a statement that many of the civilians from Mariupol, Manhush, Berdiansk, Tokmak and Vasylivka came Wednesday with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and are now getting humanitarian assistance. She said they’ll also receive “much- needed psychological support.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the 344 evacuated Wednesday are in addition to the more than 150 people who were evacuated earlier this week from the bunkers under the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, which is surrounded by Russian troops and reportedly came under renewed fire on Wednesday.
No civilians were reported evacuated from the plant on Wednesday. Zelenskyy said they are trying to reach an agreement to save those remaining at Azovstal, including women and children.
___
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: — AP evidence points to 600 dead in Mariupol theater airstrike
— EU takes major step toward Russian oil ban, new sanctions
— Why Russia is attacking Ukraine’s railways
— Russia storms Mariupol steel plant as some evacuees reach safety
— Pope Francis struggles to make progress in Ukraine peace effort
— EU eyes sanctions for head of the Russian Orthodox Church
Follow all AP stories on Russia’s war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
___
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
The commander of the main defending force at the Azovstal steel mill in the strategic Ukrainian port city of Mariupol says Russian troops have broken into the territory of the mill, where limited evacuations of besieged civilians occurred last week.
The Russian government, meanwhile, pledged to facilitate humanitarian corridors from Thursday through Saturday to enable more evacuations.
In a video posted Wednesday, Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Ukrainian Azov regiment, said the incursions had continued a second day “and there are heavy, bloody battles.”
Azovstal remains one of the biggest hubs of Ukrainian military resistance and has been subjected to massive Russian aerial bombardments and shelling. Russian State TV showed smoke rising over Azovstal.
Hundreds of Ukrainian forces from different parts of the army, as well as civilians, remain in the plant’s underground shelters.
___
Sweden’s foreign minister says the United States is willing to provide “security assurances” during the application period if Sweden and neighboring Finland seek membership in NATO.
Ann Linde spoke to Swedish public broadcaster SVT on Wednesday from Washington after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Linde said there is great interest from the U.S. in Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
Jolted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland appear ready to revoke their long-standing policy of military non-alignment and apply for NATO membership.
Russia has warned of unspecified consequences if that happens and both countries have been looking for some form of NATO protection from the moment they apply to when they become members, a process that can take months.
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A Russian government statement said its armed forces and their allies would open a humanitarian corridor on specified hours from Thursday through Saturday from the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, Ukraine, so civilians can be evacuated.
The statement appeared on the Telegram messaging app Wednesday and pledged the forces would refrain from military actions, withdraw to a safe distance and facilitate the withdrawal of the civilians to any destination they choose.
But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other sources and similar promises to set up evacuation corridors have collapsed, because of what the Ukrainians blamed on continued fighting by Russians. A United Nations spokesman said discussions about future evacuations were ongoing.
___
Air raid sirens sounded in cities across Ukraine on Wednesday night and missile fire followed shortly after in the cities of Cherkasy, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.
In Dnipro, Mayor Borys Filatov said one strike hit the center of the city. The strikes in Dnipro also hit a railroad facility, authorities initially said, without elaborating. Ukrainian Railways said none of its staff were injured in the Dnipro attack.
Complaining that the West is “stuffing Ukraine with weapons,” Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line points across the country. Meanwhile, the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war by proposing a ban on oil imports, a crucial source of revenue for Russia.
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BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the sanctions imposed by his country and others against Moscow over its war in Ukraine will set back Russia’s economic development by decades if they remain in place.
Scholz told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday that Russia cannot hope to win a peace with Ukraine unless Kyiv supports it.
“A peace by diktat will not work,” he said.
___
In a video message posted on Twitter, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the European Union’s decision to propose an embargo on Russian oil. He said Ukraine isn’t happy it will be delayed for several months, but “it’s better than nothing.”
Kuleba said it should be clear now “that times for half-sanctions or half-measures when it comes to sanctions is gone.” He says the EU can no longer support Ukraine on one hand by imposing sanctions, while continuing to pay Russia for oil and gas and support their “war machine.”
He also said if any country continues to oppose the embargo on Russian oil, it will be a reason to say the country is complicit in the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
The proposals need unanimous approval from EU countries and are likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won’t take part in any oil sanctions. They could be granted an exemption.
___
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s foreign minister says the country won’t support a European Union proposal for banning oil imports from Russia in a move that could derail the bloc’s efforts to apply united pressure against Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
In a video on social media, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Wednesday that Hungary’s energy supply “would be completely destroyed” by an EU embargo of Russian oil, which he said would make it “impossible for Hungary to obtain the oil necessary for the functioning of the Hungarian economy.”
Szijjarto’s statement came as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that EU member nations phase out imports of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year as part of a sixth package of sanctions against Russia.
The proposals must be unanimously approved to take effect, and reluctance by governments in Hungary and Slovakia to support sanctions against Russian fossil fuels has placed roadblocks before a united EU response.
Szijjarto said Hungary would only support the sixth round of sanctions if oil imports were exempted.
___
LONDON — Britain announced a further raft of sanctions against Russia, banning the country from doing business with management consultants, accounting and PR firms in the U.K.
The British government also imposed asset freezes and travel bans on journalists working for state-owned media and other broadcast organizations the U.K. accuses of spreading propaganda.
The sanctioned individuals include three journalists embedded with Russian forces in Ukraine: Evgeny Poddubny, Alexander Kots and Dmitry Steshin.
The British government said the new sanctions would mean social media, internet services and app stores must take action to block content from two of Russia’s major sources of alleged disinformation, RT and Sputnik. Both have been pulled from British airwaves.
Tech and Digital Economy Minister Chris Philp said RT and Sputnik “have churned out dangerous nonsense dressed up as serious news to justify Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.”
___
BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russian President Vladimir Putin has “completely miscalculated with his brutal war of aggression against Ukraine” because it has led NATO to strengthen its eastern flank, resulted in comprehensive sanctions against Russia, and prompted large-scale military support for the Ukrainian side.
Scholz said Wednesday that Germany is currently considering supplying Ukraine with howitzers, in addition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns and other equipment the government has already agreed to send.
He spoke to reporters in Meseberg, near Berlin, alongside German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who announced plans to require that Russians who are subject to sanctions have to disclose their assets in Germany or risk fines.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the government is also planning to make it easier for Russians fleeing their home country to find work in Germany.
“We can really use them,” he said, but added that there would be security checks to ensure that “we don’t bring a lot of spies over here.” ___
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgaria’s parliament has approved providing additional aid to war-torn Ukraine following a debate that had rattled the governing coalition.
The proposal, introduced by the centrist party of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, was supported by 200 legislators. Sixteen were against, one abstained, while 23 lawmakers were not present.
The vote took place after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter to the parliament in Sofia. Instead of weapons deliveries, he reportedly asked for damaged Ukrainian military equipment to be repaired at Bulgarian plants and then sent back.
While three of the parties in the four-party ruling coalition had been in favor of sending weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, the fourth party, the pro-Russian Socialists, threatened to quit the coalition if such aid were approved.
The decision also includes Bulgarian assistance for the export of Ukrainian grain via Bulgaria’s Black Sea ports, and Bulgaria importing electricity from Ukraine.
___
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace reaffirmed his country’s strong support for Finland and Sweden potentially joining NATO.
Finland and Sweden are expected to announce next week whether to seek membership of the 30-nation alliance.
“I cannot conceive that we would not come to support,” Wallace told reporters. “We will do whatever we need to do.”
Wallace said Finland was “in a pole position” to join NATO and the British Parliament would be able to ratify a Finnish membership “quickly.”
Wallace on Wednesday observed a military exercise in western Finland involving troops from the United Kingdom, Latvia, the United States and Estonia.
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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country could not accept a deal with Moscow that would allow Russian troops to remain in occupied territory.
Speaking to participants in the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had halted the Russian offensive in what he described as the first stage of the conflict.
In the second stage, he said, Ukraine would expel Russian troops from its territory and in the third, would move to fully restore its territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy said he would not accept a cease-fire deal that would allow Russian forces to remain in their current positions. “We will not accept a frozen conflict,” the president said without giving further details.
Zelensky emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin must agree to meet him to negotiate any deal to end the fighting.
He said it was important to continue peace talks but noted that “until the Russian president signs it or makes an official statement, I don’t see the point in such agreements.”
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LVIV, Ukraine — New satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press suggest fighting may be ongoing at a besieged steel plant in Mariupol.
The Kremlin is denying that Russian forces are trying to storm the Azovstal plant, the last remaining holdout of Ukrainian fighters in the port city.
An image shot by Planet Labs PBC at dawn Wednesday showed black smoke rising at one side of the plant near a canal. Buildings at the plant, including one under which hundreds of fighters and civilians are likely hiding, showed large, gaping holes in the roof. Debris littered the grounds.
Meanwhile, another satellite photo showed that a recent Russian missile attack tore a hole in a key bridge near Odesa.
Russia has attacked the bridge on three occasions. Though it is still standing, a chunk of the bridge is missing toward its south end, the image shows.
___
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Interior Ministry says a road crash in the western Rivne region has killed 26 people and injured 12 more. The collision involved a bus, a van and a fuel truck, the ministry said. The bus had been headed to Poland, which has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees.
According to a ministry statement, the accident occurred because the van “performed a maneuver to overtake another vehicle, and drove into the oncoming lane, where it collided with a fuel truck.”
It wasn’t immediately clear how a Poland-bound bus with 34 passengers on board became part of the accident.
___ MOSCOW — The Kremlin has rejected media reports that President Vladimir Putin might formally declare war on Ukraine on May 9, when Russia celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, and announce a broad mobilization.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports as “untrue” and “nonsense” at a daily conference call with reporters.
Western media reported earlier this month, citing U.K. and U.S. officials, that Putin might pivot from a “special military operation” to an all-out war with Ukraine, which would allow him to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists.
The reports said Putin could announce the changes during Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Russia’s most important holiday. ___
MOSCOW — The Russian defense minister has warned that Moscow will see any Western transports carrying weapons into Ukraine as legitimate targets.
Sergei Shoigu’s statement Wednesday comes as the U.S. and other Western allies have increased shipments of weapons to Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting with top military officials, Shoigu denounced the West for “stuffing Ukraine with weapons.”
“Any NATO transports carrying weapons or resources for the Ukrainian military that arrives in the country’s territory will be seen by us as a legitimate target to be destroyed,” he said.
The Russian military has repeatedly reported strikes on Ukrainian depots containing Western weapons. Striking Western transports delivering them would mark a significant escalation in the conflict.
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MOSCOW — Belarus has announced snap military exercises amid the Russian war in Ukraine, while insisting it would not threaten any neighbors.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry said the exercises that began Wednesday would be used to assess the readiness and capability of the country’s armed forces, and the military’s ability to operate on “unknown terrain in a rapidly changing situation.”
The ministry did not say how many troops are involved in the exercises but noted that their number would be gradually increased.
It said the maneuvers “do not threaten the European community in general and any neighboring countries in particular.”
Belarus allowed its ally Russia to use its territory as a staging ground before Moscow launched its military action in Ukraine on Feb. 24.
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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials say evacuations from the besieged port of Mariupol will continue on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said evacuations from Mariupol and three other locations to Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeast Ukraine, would take place “if the security situation permits.”
The governor of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko, confirmed that evacuation buses had already left Mariupol and would stop at three other locations to pick up more passengers.
Kyrylenko said the effort is supported by the United Nations and the International Red Cross.
___
BRUSSELS — The European Union plans to sanction the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, in its next round of measures against Russia, according to several EU diplomats.
The three people with direct knowledge of the discussions were not authorized to speak publicly as negotiations on the sixth EU package of sanctions between the 27-nation bloc’s ambassadors were ongoing Wednesday.
Kirill is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has justified his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kirill has also echoed Putin’s unfounded claims that Ukraine was engaged in the “extermination” of Russian loyalists in Donbas, the breakaway eastern region of Ukraine held since 2014 by Russian-backed separatist groups.
If the sanctions proposed by the EU’s executive arm are approved by EU member countries, Kirill would be added to the EU’s updated list of individuals facing travel bans and a freeze of assets.
A total of 1,093 individuals, including Putin and oligarchs, as well as 80 entities, are already subject to the punishing measures.
— Reported by Samuel Petrequin
___
BRUSSELS — The European Union’s chief executive is proposing that the bloc ban oil imports from Russia over its war on Ukraine, and target the country’s biggest bank and major broadcasters in a new round of sanctions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers Wednesday that the sanctions should involve “a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.”
She says the aim is to “make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets.”
The sanctions proposals are to be debated by the 27 EU member countries. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they would not take part. The two are landlocked and heavily dependent on Russia for their energy supplies.
Banks are also in the EU executive arm’s sights, notably the giant Sberbank. Von der Leyen says the aim is to “de-SWIFT Sberbank,” as well as two other banks. SWIFT is the major global system for financial transfers.
Von der Leyen says those alleged to be spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine should be targeted, notably three big Russian state-owned broadcasters. She did not identify any of the outlets. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/live-updates-eu-leader-calls-for-russian-oil-ban/ | 2022-05-05T04:57:45Z |
Premium woman-owned salon relocating due to rapid business growth
TEMPE, Ariz, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lacquer Nails & Spa, Tempe's premier salon for professional manicures, pedicures, and spa services, announced today its retail expansion and grand opening of its new Tempe location. Accompanying this expansion will be the recruitment and hiring of incremental workers to meet the growth in demand.
Established in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic, this woman-owned business has experienced significant growth in new clientele, both male and female, seeking a sophisticated, high-quality salon experience. Lacquer Nails & Spa's word of mouth referrals have contributed to a 30% increase in new clients for the company over the past 12 months.
The new location for Lacquer Nails & Spa will be at 930 West Broadway Road, Suite 12, in the same plaza as the current Tempe location. This new facility will be twice the size of the previous space , with more spa stations and greater capacity to serve its growing clientele base. Currently, the salon staffs approximately 20 professional nail technicians, but is actively working to recruit and hire 30% more workers.
"We owe the success of our business to our thousands of amazing clients who have supported us these past two years," said Kristina Huang, founder of Lacquer Nails & Spa. "Every day we strive to deliver comfort, quality, style, and cleanliness so our guests depart from our salon with beautiful nails and a beautiful feeling. Our new Tempe location will deliver that feeling even better."
The new salon will be even more upscale in its design, with modern, high-fashion interior decor, comfortable spa changes, and personal amenities. The grand opening for the new location will be on Tuesday, September 13, from 3pm to 7pm. The VIP event will feature a DJ, complimentary beverages and appetizers, prizes, and a range of discounted spa services to commemorate the special day.
About Lacquer Nails & Spa: Established in 2020, Lacquer Nails & Spa is a growing provider of professional nail and spa services. In addition to its Tempe location, Lacquer's original location remains in Scottsdale. In total, the two locations will staff nearly 50 workers and serve thousands of clients in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Visit Lacquer Nails & Spa
Lacquer Nails & Spa - Tempe
930 W Broadway Rd
Suite 12
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 361-1529
Lacquer Nails & Spa - Scottsdale
8664 E Shea Blvd
Suite 152
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 809-6434
Media Contact:
David Murphy
NventMarketing
+1-(623)-505-6363
dm@nventmarketing.com
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SOURCE Lacquer Nails & Spa | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/lacquer-nails-amp-spa-expands-new-tempe-location/ | 2022-08-31T20:14:29Z |
R. Kelly accuser to give key testimony on trial-fixing charge
CHICAGO (AP) — R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago that starts Monday is in many ways a do-over of his 2008 state child pornography trial, at which jurors acquitted the singer on charges that he produced a video of himself when he was around 30 having sex with a girl no older than 14.
There’s one big difference: This time, prosecutors say, she will testify.
Kelly goes into Chicago federal court already sentenced by a New York federal judge to 30-year prison term for a 2021 conviction on charges he parlayed his fame to sexually abuse other young fans.
Among the most serious charges the Grammy Award winner faces at his federal trial is conspiracy to obstruct justice by rigging the 2008 trial, including by paying off and threatening the girl to ensure she did not testify.
Testimony by the woman, now in her 30s and referred to in filings only as “Minor 1,” will be pivotal. The charges against Kelly also include four counts of the enticement of minors for sex — one count each for four other accusers. All are also slated to testify.
Even just one or two convictions in Chicago could add decades to Kelly’s New York sentence, which he is appealing. With the New York sentence alone, Kelly will be around 80 before qualifying for early release.
Prosecutors at the federal trial plan to play the same VHS tape that was “Exhibit No. 1″ at the 2008 trial. While it was the only video in evidence 14 years ago, at least three other videos will be entered into evidence at the federal trial.
Prosecutors say Kelly shot the video of Minor 1 in a log cabin-themed room at his North Side Chicago home between 1998 and 2000 when she was as young as 13. In it, the girl is heard calling the man “daddy.” Federal prosecutors say that she and Kelly had sex hundreds of times over the years in his homes, recording studios and tour buses.
Before the 2008 trial, Kelly carried a duffle bag full of sex tapes everywhere he went for years, but some tapes later went missing, according to court filings. In the 2000s, bootleg copies of some videos appeared on street corners across the U.S.
Kelly, who rose from poverty on Chicago’s South Side to become a star singer, songwriter and producer, knew a conviction in 2008 would effectively end his life as he knew it.
On June 13, 2008, Kelly shut his eyes tight and bowed his head as jurors returned from deliberations. As a court official read the jury’s decision and it became clear Kelly would be acquitted on all counts, tears streamed down his cheeks and he said over and over, “Thank you, Jesus.”
Two Kelly associates, Derrel McDavid and Milton Brown, are co-defendants in Chicago. McDavid is accused of helping Kelly fix the 2008 trial, while Brown is charged with receiving child pornography. Like Kelly, they have also denied any wrongdoing.
Double jeopardy rules bar the prosecution of someone for the same crimes they were acquitted of earlier. But that shouldn’t apply to the Chicago federal trial because prosecutors are alleging different crimes related to Minor 1, including obstruction of justice for fixing the 2008 trial.
Minor 1 first met Kelly in the late 1990s when she was in junior high school. She had tagged along to Kelly’s Chicago recording studio with her aunt, a professional singer working with Kelly’s music. Soon after that meeting, Minor 1 told her parents Kelly was going to be her godfather.
In the early 2000s, the aunt showed the parents a copy of a video she said depicted their daughter having sex with Kelly. When they confronted Kelly, he told them, “You’re with me or against me,” a government filing says.
The parents took it as a threat.
“Minor 1′s mother did not want to go up against Kelly’s power, money, and influence by not following what he said,” the filing adds.
Kelly told the parents and Minor 1 they had to leave Chicago, paying for them to travel to the Bahamas and Cancun, Mexico. When they returned, prosecutors say Kelly sought to isolate Minor 1, moving her around to different hotels.
When called before a state grand jury looking into the video, Minor 1, her father and mother denied it was her in it. Prosecutors say an attorney for Kelly sat in on their testimony and reported back to Kelly what they said.
Prosecutors from the Cook County state’s attorney’s office chose to push ahead with charges and to take the case to trial in 2008 despite what they knew was a major hurdle: their inability to call the girl in the video to testify.
Any confidence Kelly may have had of beating similar charges a second time were likely dashed when he learned Minor 1 was now cooperating the government. With more resources, federal prosecutors also boast conviction rates of more than 90% compared to around 65% for their state counterparts.
In 2008, his lawyers argued the man in the VHS video who appeared very much to be Kelly was not Kelly. They showed jurors that Kelly has a large mole on his back, then played excerpts of the video in which no mole was visible on the man.
One of Kelly’s attorneys, Sam Adam Jr., told jurors during closings that no mole on the man’s back meant one thing: “It ain’t him. And if it ain’t him, you can’t convict.”
Some 2008 jurors told reporters after the trial that they weren’t convinced the female in the video was who state prosecutors said she was.
That shouldn’t be an issue at the Chicago federal trial. Prosecutors say both the girl and her parents will testify.
What defense Kelly’s legal team will present this time isn’t clear.
The defense is likely to say Kelly’s accusers are misrepresenting the facts. Kelly was more blunt in a 2019 interview with Gayle King of “CBS This Morning,” saying about the women: “All of them are lying.”
__
Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter at @mtarm.Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/13/r-kelly-accuser-give-key-testimony-trial-fixing-charge/ | 2022-08-13T14:03:16Z |
Houston innovation leader will help maximize the incubator's energy transition efforts
SOMERVILLE, Mass. and HOUSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs, the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, today announced that it has appointed Barbara J. Burger, Ph.D., former Vice President of Innovation and President of Chevron Technology Ventures, to its board of directors.
Dr. Burger has been a long-time, transformative supporter of Greentown Labs and the opening of its Houston incubator. While at Chevron—a Greentown Labs partner since 2013—she spearheaded the corporate's partnership with Greentown, and Chevron became the first Founding Partner of Greentown Houston, which opened in 2021. Today, she continues to be an ally to Greentown's community of entrepreneurs and hosts semi-annual Women of Greentown Houston dinners.
As an experienced corporate executive with demonstrated leadership in base business, innovation, venture investment, and the energy transition, Dr. Burger has played a pivotal role in advancing Houston's energy innovation ecosystem throughout her career.
"Barbara Burger is a tireless advocate for the energy transition and the unique role that the City of Houston can play in it," said Ryan Dings, Greentown Labs' Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel. "Barbara is a key reason why our vision for Greentown Houston became reality. We are honored to welcome Barbara to the Board and look forward to benefiting from Barbara's industry expertise and deep technical knowledge as Greentown continues to grow."
Dr. Burger has held management positions across international marketing, chemicals, technology marketing, lubricants, ventures, and innovation. While at Chevron—from which she recently "graduated" —she also held a wide range of civic and industrial leadership positions, including the governing board of the MIT Energy Initiative, the external advisory council for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Greentown Houston Advisory Board, the Rice University Corporate Innovation Advisory Board, Houston Exponential, the Activate Leadership Council, the Houston Symphony Society, and the Board of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Climate Investment LLP.
"I am honored and excited to join the Greentown Labs Board of Directors," said Dr. Burger. "Combatting the effects of climate change requires bringing a wide range of innovative solutions to scale. There is work for incumbents and startups alike in this enormous challenge that WE all face. Greentown Labs plays an essential role in providing facilities, tools, programs, and an inclusive community to nurture and grow innovation that matters."
Dr. Burger holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Rochester, a doctoral degree in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and an academic honor MBA in finance from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an active alumnus of the University of Rochester, where she serves on the Board of Trustees and the university's River Campus Libraries National Council. She established the Barbara J. Burger Endowed Scholarship in the Sciences and founded the Barbara J. Burger iZone, where students generate, refine, and communicate ideas for social, cultural, community, and economic impact. At Caltech, she supports graduate women in chemistry who aim to contribute through careers beyond academia and serves on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Resnick Sustainability Institute.
Dr. Burger joins 11 existing board members:
- Gilda A. Barabino, President of Olin College of Engineering
- Alicia Barton, CEO of FirstLight Power (Board Chair)
- Nisha Desai, Founder and CEO of Intention (Greentown Labs Community Board Member)
- Katherine Hamilton, Chair of 38 North Solutions
- Dawn James, Director of U.S. Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Science at Microsoft
- Leah Ellis, Co-founder and CEO of Sublime Systems (Greentown Labs Community Board Member)
- Matthew Nordan, Co-founder and Managing Director of Prime Impact Fund and General Partner at Azolla Ventures
- Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs
- Nidhi Thakar, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory at Form Energy
- Kathleen Theoharides, Head of Offshore Development (East) at RWE Renewables
- Mitch Tyson, Principal at Tyson Associates and Co-founder of the Northeast Clean Energy Council
"I am thrilled to welcome Barbara to our already outstanding Board of Directors at Greentown Labs," said Barton. "She brings a wealth of private and nonprofit sector expertise to our growing organization, and Barbara's deep expertise in helping climate technology startups accelerate their growth and deliver pioneering solutions to the world's energy and climate problems will help further propel Greentown and its members forward."
Greentown Labs is a community of climate action pioneers working to design a more sustainable world. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown Labs brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate solutions. Driven by the mission of providing startups the resources, knowledge, connections, and equipment they need to thrive, Greentown Labs offers lab space, shared office space, a machine shop, an electronics lab, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With its headquarters in Somerville, Mass. and a recently opened incubator in Houston, TX, Greentown Labs is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 450 startups since the incubator's founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 8,400 jobs and have raised more than $2.2 billion in funding. For more information, please visit www.greentownlabs.com or Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Greentown Labs Media Contact:
Lara Cottingham
Chief of Staff, Greentown Labs
lcottingham@greentownlabs.com
281-797-9246
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SOURCE Greentown Labs | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/greentown-labs-appoints-barbara-burger-its-board-directors/ | 2022-06-16T14:15:56Z |
SINGAPORE, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Request Finance, the Web3 enterprise crypto payments startup, has closed a $5.5 million seed round with institutional backers including Animoca Brands, Europe's leading early-stage venture capital investor Balderton Capital, and XAnge.
The seed round also attracted a star-studded lineup of Web3 founders including Sebastien Borget co-founder and COO at The Sandbox, Michael Kong, CEO of Fantom, and Stani Kulechov, founder and CEO of Aave, and Julien Bouteloup, Founder of StakeDAO.
The fresh round of capital will support the company's efforts to expand its in-app services, and grow its team to capture a greater share of the growing crypto payments space. According to a report from blockchain data platform Chainalysis, the volume of cryptocurrency transactions globally grew to $15.8 trillion in 2021, up 567% from 2020.
Yat Siu, the executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, commented: "The services provided by Request Finance allow Web3 projects - including some Animoca Brands companies - to save time and effort on crypto payments. We believe the company has a significant potential for growth and expansion."
Simplifying Enterprise Crypto Payments
Since launching in January 2021, a whopping $203 million in crypto invoices have been paid in the app. Today, Request Finance simplifies and automates invoicing, expenses, payroll, and accounting in crypto for more than 2,000 Web3 teams.
Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder and COO of metaverse giant, The Sandbox, who personally backed the company's seed round, said: "We've been looking for a robust solution to enable crypto payments for the hundreds of invoices; salaries and various expenses generated through our activity each month. Request Finance has been the go-to solution that delivered above our expectations and that scales as The Sandbox keeps expanding the open metaverse."
It all started with a simple idea: give businesses a better way to pay, and be paid in crypto.
The founders saw serious problems that had to be solved before more businesses would start using crypto. For one, making crypto payments by copying and pasting wallet addresses from a spreadsheet is both laborious, and frightfully vulnerable to human error. On top of that, keeping proper financial records of crypto transactions was also an accountant's nightmare.
To address these pain points, the team built a suite of enterprise-friendly features like on-chain payment confirmations, automated billing and payments in crypto, and even integrations with accounting software like Xero. The self-custodial platform currently supports over 150 tokens and stablecoins on 14 different chains.
By addressing the common challenges faced by companies using crypto, it has attracted large users from different Web3 verticals. Notable names include DeFi companies like Aave, metaverse projects like The Sandbox and Decentraland, as well as DAOs like Maker.
With growing calls for crypto payments to be regulated under existing tax and anti-money laundering laws, Request Finance also offers enterprises an easy way to document critical information about their crypto payments which are typically required by the authorities.
Alexis du Peloux, Principal, at XAnge, commented: "After backing Ledger, Coinhouse, and Dogami we're backing a Web3 company that is set to become an essential part of tooling for Web3 businesses like DAOs, DeFi platforms, metaverse companies, and more."
What Winter?
Despite the cratering in crypto asset prices, and skepticism over the real-world adoption of cryptocurrencies, the company appears immune to the cold of the crypto winter.
According to the company's published data for the month of May, the number of crypto invoices paid rose 81% month-on-month, bringing the total count to over 10,000 invoices paid to date. This represents about $10.5 million in crypto invoices paid last month alone, up 91%, or about $5 million more than the previous month.
And while larger crypto companies have recently been making the headlines for layoffs and canceled job offers, Request Finance is actively looking to grow its ranks. It is hiring for various roles including a Chief Finance Officer (CFO), software developers, as well as positions in business development and marketing.
The remote-first team currently comprises more than 20 blockchain engineers, UX designers, growth hackers, and support staff working from 12 different countries across Asia and Europe. This includes Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, the UK, Netherlands, France, Greece, Germany, Portugal, Mauritius, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
Follow us:
Contact Us:
(Marketing & PR) Ivan Hong — ivan.hong@request.finance
(Partnerships & Integrations) Christophe Fonteneau — christophe.fonteneau@request.finance
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SOURCE Request Finance | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/singapore-crypto-payments-startup-raises-55m-animoca-brands-european-vcs-founders-sandbox-fantom-aave/ | 2022-06-09T06:28:02Z |
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – The government of Mexico has extradited to the United States a former La Linea cartel leader to face long-standing drug charges.
According to the Mexican Attorney General’s Office, Carlos Arturo Quintana, a.k.a. “El 80,” was put on an airplane under the custody of U.S. agents at the Toluca International Airport and flown to the United States late last week. He is wanted by a federal district court in New Mexico for allegedly supervising drug exports from the state of Chihuahua to the United States.
Mexican media report that Quintana was in charge of enforcement for La Linea in Western Chihuahua and has engaged in deadly skirmishes with cells of the Sinaloa cartel, namely the Gente Nueva faction. He also gained notoriety in 2017 for hanging signs from bridges threatening police, the press and then-new Chihuahua Gov. Javier Corral. Quintana was arrested in Mexico in 2018.
Quintana is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerry H. Ritter in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Quintana and other leaders of La Linea have been under indictment in the U.S. since December 2012 for their role in a conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. A superseding indictment in July 2014 expanded those charges to include conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, operating a continuing criminal enterprise, and aiding and abetting. A third superseding indictment further expanded the charges in July 2015.
Alleged La Linea current leader Jesus Venzor Salas Aguayo, a.k.a. “Chuyin,” is also named in the indictments.
Court documents shed light on Juarez cartel operations
Further superseding indictments shed light on the day-to-day operations of the faction that has taken over the old Juarez cartel, which once controlled drug trafficking in much of Mexico.
The Juarez cartel was headed by local trafficker Rafael Aguilar Guajardo until he was murdered in Cancun in 1993. Court documents suggest his murder was “an inside job” by his top lieutenant, Amado Carrillo Fuentes.
Carrillo became known as “The Lord of the Skies” for using large airplanes to bring drugs into Mexico from Central and South America, and under his leadership, the Juarez cartel “grew immensely,” court documents show. The cartel exported multi-ton quantities of cocaine, marijuana and other illicit drugs into the U.S.
Carrillo died while undergoing plastic surgery in 1997 and his younger brother, Vicente, took over. Vicente Carrillo formalized an alliance with the Zetas cartel of Tamaulipas and the two groups conducted paramilitary training in Chihuahua and elsewhere, documents show.
Vicente Carrillo was on the losing side of a war with the Sinaloa cartel in the late 2000s and early 2010s and has since been arrested by Mexican authorities and remains in custody.
The documents described Salas Aguayo as the day-to-day leader of the organization, with operational control over drug distribution, revenue collection, communication with corrupt government officials and enforcement. “Suspected theft, cooperation with the police, sloppy work or careless handling (of drugs) by any person within the process is dealt with harshly,” the documents state.
The group was known to use three cities – Juarez, Palomas and Ojinaga – as its main springboard for drug smuggling into the United States, according to the indictments.
Though U.S. authorities today report marijuana seizures on the way down, the cartel as of a few years ago was still hiring farmers in Indigenous communities in Chihuahua to grow the crop, paying them not in money but rather providing the tribes with food, clothing blankets, medical supplies and even health care workers, documents show.
Federal authorities said the cartel received “hundreds of millions of dollars” in gross receipts for their operations during the period covered by the indictments.
Other defendants named in the indictments in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico include Elmy Hermosillo Trujillo, Raul Corella Hernandez, Jorge Adrian Ortega Gallegos, Guadalupe A. Prieto, Jesus Isaac Rodriguez Contreras, Claudio Rene Rojo Nevarez, Jorge Olivas Nevarez, Guillermo Castillo Rubio and Marco Antonio Guzman Zuniga. | https://cw33.com/news/border-report-news/la-linea-cartel-leader-extradited-to-face-drug-charges-in-u-s/ | 2022-08-22T20:54:05Z |
The third of three Toyota performance cars, the 2023 GR Corolla hot hatchback, starts at $36,995, Toyota announced on Tuesday.
The 2023 GR Corolla comes in Core, Circuit Edition, and Morizo Edition trim levels. The base price applies to the Core. The Circuit Edition starts at $43,995 and the top-of-the-line Morizo Edition starts at $50,995. All figures include $1,095 for destination.
Toyota outfits the Core model with fabric sport seats with gray stitching, a 6-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, aluminum pedals, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and 235/40-size Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard safety features consist of blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
The Circuit Edition, which will be offered only for 2023, adds Torsen front and rear limited-slip differentials, a bulged hood, a forged carbon-fiber roof, synthetic suede and synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, red interior stitching, and wireless smartphone charging.
A Toyota representative told Motor Authority the more hardcore Morizo Edition is likely to return every other year and will be limited to 200 units in its debut year. It comes with the Circuit Edition’s equipment, plus a synthetic suede wrap on the shift knob and steering wheel and 245/40/R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
All models draw their motivation from a 1.6-liter turbo-3 that makes 300 hp and comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Core and Circuit Editions have 25.3 psi of boost, while the Morizo—the designation borrowed from a nickname of Toyota’s current chief—ups the boost to 26.2 psi and gets different gear ratios. That increases torque from 273 lb-ft of torque in the two lower grades to 295 lb-ft of torque in the Morizo.
The GR Corolla also comes standard with the GR Four all-wheel-drive system. It has three settings: Normal with a 60/40 front-to-rear torque split, Track with a 50/50 torque split, and Sport with a 30/70 torque split.
Packages are only offered for the Core. A $1,180 Performance Package adds the Torsen differentials and red-painted calipers. A $770 Technology Package adds an 8-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. A $500 Cold Weather Package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Supersonic Red paint adds $425 to the Core or Circuit, Heavy Metal paint costs $425 for the Circuit, Windchill Pearl paint adds $425 to the Morizo, and matte-finish Smoke paints adds $1,645 to the Morizo.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Core goes on sale in November, while the Circuit and Morizo are set to arrive next spring.
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- Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Audi RS Q E-Tron E2, 2023 Honda Civic Type R: This Week’s Top Photos | https://cw33.com/automotive/internet-brands/feisty-2023-toyota-gr-corolla-starts-at-36995/ | 2022-09-07T01:22:53Z |
CAUGHT ON CAM: Driver gets gun pulled on him in road rage incident
AVONDALE, Ariz. (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) -- A man in Arizona has been accused of pointing a gun at another driver after the driver cut him off in a road rage incident that was caught on camera.
Officers with the Avondale Police Department took Bryan Duran into custody for the alleged incident Wednesday, AZFamily reported.
The road rage incident was caught on Francisco Garcia’s dash camera last Saturday just after 5 p.m. Garcia said he was driving home from the movies when Duran’s black Dodge Durango drifted into his lane. Garcia then went around Duran’s car and cut him off.
“I was in the left lane, and he was just going to my lane drifting in and out. I don’t know if he was texting,” Garcia said.
Garcia explained he recently got his car back after a crash a few months ago and was trying to avoid getting hit again.
“I actually just went around in his lane and cut him off and went around again and took off because, by the time I cut him off, he was honking, so I know he was mad,” Garcia said, adding he sped up down the road to avoid a confrontation. “I know what I did was wrong; that was my fault for that, but that doesn’t justify me almost losing my life over a little cutoff.”
When Garcia pulled up to a red light, Duran got out of his car and went over towards Garcia’s car. This is when Garcia turned his dash camera toward his face to record what happened next.
The video shows Duran pointing a gun at Garcia and yelling at him through the window, police said. Duran then began punching the window and walked away from Garcia’s car, according to investigators.
Garcia said he then got out of his car to look at Duran’s license plate when Duran began fighting him, officers said. Duran then got in his car and left.
Officers did not say how they caught up with Duran. He faces several charges including aggravated assault. The investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2022 KVTK/KPHO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/12/caught-cam-driver-gets-gun-pulled-him-road-rage-incident/ | 2022-05-12T19:03:34Z |
The Hemingway plan opens for tours this Saturday!
LEONARDTOWN, Md., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of Maryland, a subsidiary of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MDC), is pleased to announce the grand opening of a brand-new model home at Clarks Rest, a sought-after masterplan in the quaint waterfront town of Leonardtown.
The two-story Hemingway model is fully furnished and features airy 9' main-floor ceilings, quartz countertops, hardwood flooring and a tranquil covered patio. The notable new neighborhood also offers the two-story Yorktown and Hopewell floor plans, as well as the ranch-style Arlington plan.
Prospective homebuyers and area agents are encouraged to stop by Clarks Rest between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14, to explore the Hemingway model and discover everything this brand-new community has to offer.
- Four inspired ranch and two-story floor plans from the low $500s
- 3 to 7 bedrooms, approx. 1,950 to 2,930 sq. ft.
- Community clubhouse, pools, sports courts, playgrounds, walking trails and more
- Desirable location offering easy access to Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore
- Close proximity to notable schools, major employment hubs, unique shops, art galleries, dining and historical attractions
Those who choose to build a new home from the ground up at this community will have the opportunity to work with professional design consultants to select colors, textures, finishes and fixtures for their new living spaces—a complimentary service!
Clarks Rest is located at 23266 Applewood Lane in Leonardtown. Call 410.312.2829 or visit RichmondAmerican.com for more information. View health and safety updates at RichmondAmerican.com/COVID-19.
Operating under the name Richmond American Homes, MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries have built more than 220,000 homes since 1977. Among the nation's largest homebuilders, MDC's subsidiary companies have operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, plus insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDC." For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com.
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SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/richmond-american-debuts-new-model-home-st-marys-county/ | 2022-08-08T22:20:00Z |
China and Russia veto new UN sanctions on North Korea for first time since 2006
By Samantha Beech, CNN
Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution to strengthen sanctions on North Korea in a vote the US ambassador to the UN called dangerous, disappointing and likely to fuel Pyongyang’s program to develop nuclear-capable missile systems.
The move comes after more than a dozen North Korean ballistic missile tests this year, all of which violated previous UN resolutions and which US officials argued necessitated another international response.
A resolution needs nine “yes” votes and no vetoes by the permanent members of Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom or the United States to be adopted by the UN Security Council. The 13 other members of the Security Council voted to adopt the resolution.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield blasted the vetoes from Russia and China, which hadn’t blocked any of the nine previous sanction votes made since 2006, saying the gravity of the threat from North Korea’s weapons program has not changed.
“For the first time in 15 years, a UN Security Council member has used a veto to stop the council from fulfilling its responsibility to hold the DPRK (North Korea) accountable for its unlawful proliferation,” the US envoy said in a statement made on behalf of the US, Japan and South Korea.
“The vetoes today are dangerous. Those members today have taken a stance that not only undermines the Security Council’s previous action to which they have committed but also undermines our collective security.”
Speaking in a session at UN headquarters, Thomas-Greenfield added: “These council members have decided to shield a proliferator from facing the consequences of its actions and they have demonstrated the worthlessness of their word by giving an explicit nod of approval to the DPRK.”
North Korea has tested missiles on at least 16 occasions this year, the latest on Wednesday, when it fired three missiles. At least one of North Korea’s tests this year was believed to be of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the US mainland.
China’s ambassador to the UN argued new sanctions on North Korea would not stop its weapons program and may instead increase its level of testing.
New sanctions could also put further pressure on the humanitarian situation in North Korea as it grapples with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ambassador Zhang Jun said.
Russia’s envoy also cited the Covid situation in North Korea as a reason for its veto.
“The strengthening of the sanctions pressure on Pyongyang is not only useless but it’s extremely dangerous from the humanitarian consequences of such measures,” Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Alekseevich Nebenzya said in translated comments after the vote.
Nebenzya said the past 15 years of sanctions pressure on North Korea had not worked.
“Starting in 2006, many restrictive resolutions were adopted against Pyongyang, however as history has shown us, the paradigm of sanctions has still not been able to guarantee security in the region or resolve issues of missile and nuclear non-proliferation,” the Russian envoy said.
Leading up to the vote, both China and Russia had urged Washington to issue a presidential statement instead of introducing the draft Security Council resolution.
But Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador, said China and Russia were not even open to discussion of new sanctions on Pyongyang.
“We have been circulating a draft of this resolution for nine weeks. In that time, the countries vetoing this resolution have refused to engage on the text, despite our commitment to inclusivity and flexibility during consultations,” she said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/26/china-and-russia-veto-new-un-sanctions-on-north-korea-for-first-time-since-2006/ | 2022-05-27T05:17:37Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce that Big Ridge Gold Corp. ("Big Ridge") (TSXV: BRAU) has completed the Stage 1 earn-in requirements (the "Stage 1 Earn-In") with respect to the Hope Brook Gold Project ("Hope Brook") as set out in the earn-in agreement (the "Agreement") that Big Ridge signed with First Mining on April 5, 2021. As required under the Agreement, Big Ridge has (i) incurred $10 million in qualifying exploration expenditures at Hope Brook, (ii) issued 15,000,000 common shares of Big Ridge ("Big Ridge Shares") to First Mining, and (iii) granted to First Mining a 1.5% net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on Hope Brook, of which 0.5% can be bought back by Big Ridge for $2 million.
With the Stage 1 Earn-In now complete, Big Ridge has earned a 51% ownership interest in Hope Brook and has until June 8, 2026 to acquire an additional 29% direct interest in Hope Brook (the "Stage 2 Earn-In") by: (i) incurring a further $10 million in exploration expenditures (the "Additional Expenditures"); and (ii) issuing additional Big Ridge Shares to First Mining in the amount that is the lesser of (a) 10,000,000 Big Ridge Shares; or (ii) the number of Big Ridge Shares which, when combined with the number of Big Ridge Shares owned by First Mining at the time of issuance, would result in First Mining owning 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Big Ridge Shares outstanding. Upon completion of the Stage 2 Earn-In, First Mining will hold a 20% interest in Hope Brook which will be free carried until the completion of a Feasibility Study by Big Ridge.
"First Mining is delighted that Big Ridge has completed its $10 million worth of Stage 1 expenditures on the Hope Brook project in such an expeditious timeframe", stated Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining. "Our partnership with Big Ridge has surfaced significant value for First Mining's shareholders and continues to highlight the potential value for the Hope Brook deposit. Our team remains encouraged and eagerly awaits results from Big Ridge's ongoing Phase 1 drill program."
"The successful completion of the Stage 1 earn-in at Hope Brook marks a significant milestone in the development of this exciting project" commented Mike Bandrowski, CEO of Big Ridge. "The promising results from our Phase 1 drill program have motivated the Big Ridge team to continue to advance the Hope Brook Project and highlight that it is a much larger, high-grade deposit in a Tier-1 location."
To date, Big Ridge has completed 61 diamond drill holes and released results from 33 of those holes. The Phase 1 drill program at Hope Brook has focused on connecting the Main Zone and the 240 Zone near surface and at depth, respectively, and testing the down dip extensions to both the Main and 240 Zones. Results from the Phase 1 drill program will be included in the updated mineral resource estimate that Big Ridge expects to issue in H1 2023.
The Hope Brook Gold Project is an advanced stage, high-grade gold project that produced 752,162 ounces of gold from 1987 – 1997. Hope Brook hosts an indicated gold resource totalling 5,500,000 tonnes grading 4.77 grams per tonne gold for 844,000 ounces and inferred resources totalling 836,000 tonnes grading 4.11 grams per tonne gold for 110,000 ounces based on a 3.0 gram per tonne cut-off grade and a long-term gold price of US$1,200, according to a technical report for Big Ridge Gold Corp., prepared by authors Michael Cullen, P. Geo., and Matthew Harrington, P. Geo., of Mercator Geological Services Limited and Jeffrey Burke, P. Geo., and titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Hope Brook Gold Project, Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada", May 6, 2021.
The Hope Brook gold deposit is a high-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit hosted in the Proterozoic aged Whittle Hill Sandstone and is intruded by a Late Proterozoic quartz-feldspar porphyry sill-dyke complex of the Roti Intrusive Suite. The deposit is located adjacent to and within an extensive advanced argillic alteration envelope which includes pyrophyllite, kaolinite, andalusite, and alunite. The principal gold mineralization occurs in a buff-coloured massive, vuggy silicic alteration with an associated, less developed grey silicic alteration with pyrite, chalcopyrite and lesser bornite. Gold mineralization is also found with pyrite in units of advanced argillic alteration adjacent to or near silicic alteration horizons. The altered and mineralized zone is cut by mafic dykes whose contacts are often mineralized. All of the altered and mineralized sequences and the intruded dykes have been folded.
Hope Brook is located 85 kilometres east of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The project has well maintained infrastructure on site, including an operational 28-person camp, an 1,100-meter airstrip, ice-free docking facility and importantly, connection to the provincial electrical power grid via an on-site substation.
Significant exploration potential remains on the ~26,000-hectare concession providing a great opportunity to expand the mine area as well as surface showings throughout the concessions.
Big Ridge Gold Corp. is an exploration and development company managed by a disciplined and experienced team of officers and directors. The Company is committed to the development of advanced stage mining projects using industry best practices combined with strong social license from the local communities. Big Ridge owns a 100% interest in the highly prospective Oxford Gold Project located in Manitoba and the Destiny Gold Project in Quebec. Big Ridge is the operator of the Hope Brook Gold Project located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hazel Mullin, P.Geo., Director, Data Management and Technical Services of First Mining, is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and she has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.
First Mining is a gold developer advancing a portfolio of gold projects in Canada, with our most advanced project being the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, which is one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in Canada, and where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are on-going with a draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the project published in June 2022. First Mining also owns the Cameron, Duparquet, Duquesne and Pitt gold projects, all advanced-stage gold projects in Ontario (in the case of Cameron) and Québec. Our portfolio of gold project interests also includes the Pickle Crow gold project (being advanced in partnership with Auteco Minerals Ltd.), the Hope Brook gold project (being advanced in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp.), an equity interest in Treasury Metals Inc., and a portfolio of 21 gold royalties.
First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp.
ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP.
Daniel W. Wilton
Chief Executive Officer and Director
This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) completion and timing of the Stage 2 Earn-In; (ii) the timing for results of Big Ridge's Phase 1 exploration drill program at Hope Brook; (iii) timing for the release by Big Ridge of an updated mineral resource estimate for Big Ridge; (iv) the Company's plans with respect to advancing its portfolio of gold projects; and (v) Feasibility and permitting activities related to the Springpole Gold Project. All forward-looking statements are based on First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, without limitation the Company's business, operations and financial condition potentially being materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, and by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee health and safety as a result of the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, that may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and the additional risks described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR.
First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law.
The Company is a "foreign private issuer" as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is eligible to rely upon the Canada-U.S. Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System, and is therefore permitted to prepare the technical information contained herein in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the securities laws currently in effect in the United States. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.
Technical disclosure contained in this news release has not been prepared in accordance with the requirements of United States securities laws and uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada with certain estimates prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.
NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning the issuer's material mineral projects.
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SOURCE First Mining Gold Corp. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/first-minings-joint-venture-partner-big-ridge-gold-completes-stage-1-earn-in-hope-brook-gold-project-ontario-canada/ | 2022-09-13T11:33:48Z |
Which Adidas golf shoe is best?
When playing the game of golf, you may encounter a wide range of courses and weather conditions. Golfers need shoes that can handle all these conditions, so they can play their best golf. For a trusted brand name in golf shoes with a high level of traction and comfort, Adidas golf shoes are a popular choice among golfers of all skill levels.
The top choice is the Adidas Men’s Tour 360 22 Golf Shoes, which have outstanding support for walking around the course in any kind of weather.
What to know before you buy an Adidas golf shoe
Spiked golf shoes
About half of the shoes Adidas offers for golf will have spikes. Rather than the metal spikes that were popular on golf shoes a few decades ago, today’s spiked golf shoes have plastic spikes that are shallow and that don’t dig into the dirt. Instead, the spikes provide a little bit of grip on the grass, preventing unwanted slips.
Some golf courses may not allow spiked golf shoes, because they have concerns about damaging the greens. However, this is rare with the plastic spikes. It is more common for golf courses to ban shoes with metal spikes. Adidas does not make golf shoes with metal spikes.
Spikeless golf shoes
Adidas makes a large number of designs of golf shoes without spikes. These have nubs that provide a little bit of traction.
You would have a greater chance of slipping when using spikeless Adidas golf shoes versus spiked shoes. However, spikeless shoes provide a greater comfort level for walking around the course than spiked shoes. Some people even choose to wear their Adidas spikeless golf shoes in the clubhouse and at home because of the comfort level.
What to look for in quality Adidas golf shoes
Comfort
Many models of Adidas golf shoes focus on comfort, which is great when walking several miles during a round of golf. Even if you choose to ride a golf cart, you still will be walking quite a bit, so having comfortable golf shoes from Adidas is important.
Look for a padded collar around the upper part of the shoe and a sock liner to give you cushioning in stress areas. Look for plenty of support around the edges of the shoe, as you will place a lot of pressure in this area when swinging the club.
Waterproof materials
Golfers often encounter damp conditions on the golf course. Having a style of Adidas golf shoe that includes waterproof materials will keep your feet dry and comfortable while playing. Look for a leather or synthetic leather upper section that specifically blocks water if this feature is important to you.
Design
Traditional golf shoes looked more like men’s dress shoes. This is no longer the case, especially with Adidas shoes. These shoes look like comfortable athletic shoes or slip-on shoes that people of any gender can wear.
The majority of golf shoes from Adidas are white, using other colors as accents. If you often play in damp conditions, you may want a darker-colored shoe to hide soils. And, of course, all Adidas golf shoes will have the iconic three-stripe company logo somewhere on them.
How much you can expect to spend on Adidas golf shoes
The least expensive Adidas golf shoes will cost around $60 for the pair, while the most expensive pairs will cost $200. The average Adidas golf shoes will cost $100-$125.
Adidas golf shoe FAQ
Do I need to buy golf shoes that match the brand of my clubs?
A. No. Some people do like to have all their golf gear match, from clubs to bags to golf balls to shoes, but it is not necessary. Pick golf shoes that are comfortable and fit your needs.
Can’t I just wear my favorite Adidas shoes on the golf course, rather than Adidas golf shoes?
A. Although many golfers wear golf shoes, some players choose to wear regular athletic shoes. This is simply a personal preference. Some people dislike the way the golf shoes grip the grass, but they will risk slipping when wearing non-golf shoes.
What is the best Adidas golf shoe to buy?
Top Adidas golf shoe
Adidas Men’s Tour 360 22 Golf Shoes
What you need to know: These are the most popular golf shoes from Adidas, providing impressive comfort for all 18 holes.
What you’ll love: This pair of shoes consists of 50% recycled materials, which is an important feature for some people. It makes use of TPU plastic spikes that will deliver the greatest level of traction and stability. The fit is highly comfortable and responsive.
What you should consider: It carries a much higher cost than average versus other Adidas golf shoes and versus other brands of golf shoes.
Where to buy: Sold by Adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Top Adidas golf shoe for the money
Adidas Women’s EQT Spikeless Golf shoes
What you need to know: Adidas borrowed from its designs of sneakers to create this highly comfortable shoe that’s perfect for walking 18 holes.
What you’ll love: These shoes have a lower price than you may expect. They include recycled content, which makes them an eco-friendly choice. Even when playing an early-morning round in dewy grass, your feet will stay dry with these.
What you should consider: If you prefer a highly colorful design of shoe, this is not going to meet your needs. Gray and white are the primary design colors.
Where to buy: Sold by Adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Worth checking out
Adidas Unisex Solarthon Spikeless Golf Shoes
What you need to know: These spikeless golf shoes have the majority of the nubs around the exterior, which helps with generating maximum power on your golf shots.
What you’ll love: These shoes make use of some recycled materials. Adidas emphasizes the balance of the golfer in the design of the outsole. With extra cushioning in the mid-sole, you can walk the course in comfort.
What you should consider: For golfers who like to slide their feet a little bit in the swing, the extra grip in the nubs on the sole may hinder this move.
Where to buy: Sold by Adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/golf-br/best-adidas-golf-shoes/ | 2022-06-01T02:06:54Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to self-expression, personal style offers an important opportunity to showcase individuality. And while clothing choice is just one piece of individual identity, those clothes can have the power to help everyone look and feel like their best and most authentic self. That's what the Dockers® brand strives to provide in each of its designs, and in celebration of Pride 2022, the brand is excited to release its 7th Pride collection to date.
Available starting May 16th, Dockers® is launching its latest Pride collection titled "Say It Loud" to honor the LGBTQ+ community. This colorful collection takes inspiration from the rich history of activism and acceptance in San Francisco, the birthplace of Dockers®, and each item features unique drawings created by Bay Area-based artist and Dockers® partner Richard Ceely.
"The artwork is meant to inspire all people to let their love soar, and to remind us that we're all birds of a feather in pursuit of a life well lived," says Ceely. "When I was first brainstorming designs I was out on my deck, and the birds around my house really had a lot to say that morning – and they were saying it loud. Listening to those birds sounded like the joyful greeting of a new day full of possibilities, and I wanted to convey that positive energy with this design."
The capsule features five new styles including a garment dyed hooded sweatshirt, graphic tees in both blue and white colorways, a summer-ready white tank top and a versatile pair of khaki shorts that reflect the signature California cool Dockers® vibe. Through these gender-neutral styles, "Say It Loud" aims to evoke a joyful celebration of who you truly are, because everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin.
"We were so excited to work with Richard on this collection to celebrate Pride this year, as he is a local artist and long-time friend of the Dockers® brand" says Lisa Relth, Director of Design at Dockers®. "His colorful and imaginative paintings burst with irreverent positivity and whimsical personality, beautifully infusing some of Dockers' most beloved casual staples with the joy that characterizes Pride."
In addition to the product collection, Dockers® continues its long-standing partnership with Stonewall Community Foundation in the hopes of sparking positive change for the LGBTQ+ community that lasts far beyond the month of June. The brand is proud to support Stonewall's incredible work amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and addressing key issues through community grants and consulting.
As part of the Levi Strauss & Co. portfolio, the Dockers® brand has a rich history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights dating back to its inception in 1986. LS&Co. was the first prominent business to take action in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the first Fortune 500 company to extend benefits to same sex partners. The company continues to support the LGBTQ+ community through financial commitments and political action in support of same-sex marriage, along with other relevant policy matters. Dockers® remains committed to recognizing LGBTQ+ individuals and supporting their rights to equality in all walks of life.
The Dockers® "Say It Loud" collection will be available for purchase on Dockers.com through the end of June.
Dockers® Pride 2022 Lifestyle Images HERE.
Dockers® Pride 2022 Product Images HERE.
Need more info?
Marissa Tsolinas Stanley Wiggins
mtsolinas@levi.com stanley@paulandwilliams.com
About the Dockers® brand:
The Dockers® brand has been the authority in khaki pants for more than 30 years. First introduced in 1986 in San Francisco, California, this American classic has always been at the heart of the casual movement, providing men with quality products for every occasion. Our thoughtful innovations and meaningful details have always served a purpose, not a trend. Today, the Dockers® brand continues to be America's favorite khaki and offers a wide range of apparel and accessories with no compromises in quality -always superior comfort and versatile style. The Dockers® brand is a division of Levi Strauss & Co. and available worldwide in 60 countries, on six continents. For more information about the Dockers® brand, its products and stores, please visit www.dockers.com.
About Richard Ceely:
Richard Ceely is a passionate artist and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Much like his vibrant paintings and drawings, Ceely is joyful and fun-loving as an artist and an individual, with a firm belief that love and kindness will always prevail. Ceely is originally from Upstate New York and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Stonewall Community Foundation:
Stonewall Community Foundation is a prolific funder of LGBTQ+ issues, supporting over 700 organizations since 1990 to advance queer liberation and racial, social, and economic justice. Founded against the tragic backdrop of the AIDS crisis, its mission amplifies the amazing power of collective giving. In addition to grantmaking, including scholarships and microgrants, Stonewall offers free consulting and training for nonprofit leaders on the front lines of change.
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SOURCE Dockers | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/say-it-loud-dockers-releases-2022-pride-collection-featuring-local-artist/ | 2022-05-16T16:38:43Z |
Texas Realtors releases 2022-Q1 edition of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
AUSTIN, Texas, April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The median sales price of Texas homes topped $325,000 during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 18.6% compared to the same period last year, according to the 2022-Q1 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today by Texas Realtors.
"The demand for Texas housing continued its rapid, upward trajectory during the first three months of 2022," said Russell Berry, chairman of Texas Realtors. "We have tight levels of housing inventory but continued relocation activity to Texas—as well as plenty of existing Texans who want to change their housing situation for a variety of reasons. So, we continue to see home prices rise across the state and home sales that are stronger than ever."
During the first quarter this year, 88,700 homes were sold in Texas, a 5.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2021. Nearly half of the homes sold in Texas were in the $200,000-$399,000 price range.
Jim Gaines, Ph.D., research economist with the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, commented, "Homebuyers and sellers in Texas have had a decade of high expectations, and that excitement isn't going away, but it may be approaching a peak. Mortgage interest rates are going to continue to rise through the rest of the year and this, combined with the lack of good supply, may make the pace and rate of home sales look a little more modest. Although home sales statistics in the first quarter of 2022 don't appear as positive compared to the same quarter last year, the Texas real estate market is still very strong."
Homes spent an average of 37 days on the market before going under contract, 10 days less than the first quarter of 2021. Housing supply in Texas decreased 0.2 months in the first quarter of 2022 to 1.1 months of inventory.
Chairman Berry concluded, "This year is already shaping up as another highly active time for Texas real estate. With record demand, increasing interest rates and low inventory, it can be a complex market for buyers and sellers. There has never been a more crucial time for people to work with a local Realtor to help them achieve their real estate dreams."
About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
Data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among local REALTOR® associations and their MLSs, and Texas REALTORS®, with analysis by the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University. The report provides quarterly real estate sales data for Texas and 25 metropolitan statistical areas in Texas. To view the report in its entirety, visit texasrealestate.com
About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 150,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocates for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas. Visit texasrealestate.com to learn more.
CONTACT
Hunter Dodson
Hdodson@piercom.com
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SOURCE Texas Realtors | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/20/median-home-sales-price-texas-rises-186-first-quarter-2022/ | 2022-04-20T15:48:40Z |
Lake Wind Advisory issued May 20 at 4:22AM MDT until May 20 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
…LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM
MDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low
as 31. For the Lake Wind Advisory, north northeast winds 10 to
20 mph with gusts around 25 to 30 mph expected.
* WHERE…Lower Snake plain.
* WHEN…For the Freeze Warning, now until 9 AM MDT this morning.
For the Lake Wind Advisory, from 10 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT
this evening.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create
hazardous conditions for small craft. Frost and freeze
conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and
possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds
and rough waves can overturn small craft.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing. | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2022/05/20/lake-wind-advisory-issued-may-20-at-422am-mdt-until-may-20-at-900pm-mdt-by-nws-pocatello-id/ | 2022-05-20T11:52:33Z |
COTTONWOOD, Ariz., May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (Arizona ARVC) has named Verde Valley RV Resort the 2022 Large Park of the Year award winner. This marks Verde Valley RV Resort's first time winning this prestigious award, and a first for a Thousand Trails branded campground. Overall, this is the ninth season an RV resort within the network of Encore RV Resorts and Thousand Trails Campgrounds has been recognized by Arizona ARVC. Last year, Encore's Voyager RV Resort won the ARVC Mega Park of the Year award for the third time since 2014.
The Large Park of the Year Award, for parks with 251 to 500 sites, was presented to the manager of Verde Valley RV Resort, Scott Woolley, by members of the executive committee for Arizona ARVC. The annual ARVC Park of the Year Awards recognize RV resorts that deliver extraordinary guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement for more than 20 years.
"We offer something truly special for everyone here at Verde Valley RV, but mostly it's the friendly culture and the beautiful scenery that brings guests regularly," said Scott Woolley. "To be the first Thousand Trails RV campground recognized by Arizona ARVC makes our whole team very proud. The award recognizes the amazing efforts that the management team and our staff have made this past year in providing service that ensures our guests will have an unforgettable experience."
Located in Cottonwood, Arizona, outside of Sedona, the scenic resort sits just off the Verde River. The 300-acre resort is surrounded by mountains, with the famously beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona to the north. Guests enjoy the moderate year-round climate, the comfortable community atmosphere and hours of exploration throughout the area. Guests can bring their RVs or rent a cottage, cabin, or even a tiny house during their stay.
About Thousand Trails
Thousand Trails provides top RV resorts and campgrounds in North America with over 80 locations in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. Thousand Trails and their affiliates offer RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations, complemented with amenities and activities for the whole family. For more information, please visit ThousandTrails.com.
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SOURCE Thousand Trails | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/thousand-trails-verde-valley-rv-resort-named-large-park-year-by-arizona-arvc/ | 2022-05-18T22:39:31Z |
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, today announced that Richard Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Andrew Page, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present at Cowen's 6th Annual Future of the Consumer Conference on Tuesday, May 24th at 3:10 p.m. ET.
A link to the live audio fireside chat will be available on www.footlocker-inc.com, and a replay will be available on the website for 90 days following the event.
Foot Locker, Inc. leads the celebration of sneaker and youth culture around the globe through a portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Eastbay, atmos, WSS, and Sidestep. With approximately 2,900 retail stores in 28 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as websites and mobile apps, the Company's purpose is to inspire and empower youth culture around the world, by fueling a shared passion for self-expression and creating unrivaled experiences at the heart of the global sneaker community. Foot Locker, Inc. has its corporate headquarters in New York. For additional information please visit www.footlocker-inc.com.
Investor Contact:
Robert Higginbotham
Vice President, Investor Relations
robert.higginbotham@footlocker.com
(212) 720-4600
Media Contact:
Cara Tocci
Vice President, Corporate Communications
cara.tocci@footlocker.com
(914) 582-0304
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SOURCE Foot Locker IR | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/foot-locker-inc-present-cowens-6th-annual-future-consumer-conference/ | 2022-05-16T11:10:14Z |
New children's mental health initiative to assist providers in Stark, Tuscarawas & Carroll
CANTON – Stark County is part of a new community-based, Medicaid-funded program designed to help families and providers form a holistic plan for children with serious mental health needs.
The program created by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, which is based in Steubenville, has received $1.11 million in start-up funds from the OhioRISE initiative (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence.)
OhioRISE is the state’s first highly integrated care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs.
The Jefferson service center is one of 20 regional sites to receive grants to coordinate services in eight area counties: Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark.
More:OhioRISE mental health program coming to Stark County
Some of the money has been earmarked to open a Care Management Entity facility in the former KeyBank building at 100 Central Plaza N (Tuscarawas St. E entrance), along with a second site in Steubenville.
How does OhioRISE programming work?
Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Charles "Chuck" Kokiko stressed that the program will work in partnership with existing care providers.
While his office will coordinate services, other agencies will provide counseling and therapy to the children.
"Our agency itself is not going to provide any services," he said. "We're just there to coordinate services that already exist in the state. If a family comes in and applies for services, we coordinate a team to develop a plan for the kid."
Kokiko said walks-in and referrals are welcome.
"If the family is interested in the service, the whole thing is driven by a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment," he said. "We have people who are certified to do assessments, which tell us about their eligibility for services."
Coordinators, Trushel and Kokiko, have met with Family and Children First Councils, school districts, children’s services and juvenile justice systems within the participating counties to explain the program, and the employees have also undergone extensive training since March 7 to make the transition a smooth one.
Workers being hired
The initiative is being overseen by Aetna Better Health of Ohio. So far, officials have created 20 new positions to assist the effort with the potential for 100 more jobs upon the enrollment of participating families.
In a statement, Care Management Entity Program Director Linda Trushel said the primary focus was to have the necessary staff and tools in place as the program begins.
“The coordinators have been reaching out to families who might qualify and telling them what the program can offer," she said. "If the family is willing, the coordinators meet with them to complete a CANS assessment to determine eligibility for the program.”
Employment opportunities are available on the JCESC website at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/ under the “About” tab.
About 2,335 youth ultimately will be served throughout the region, with an overall estimate of 60,000 being served statewide. The network to support them includes moderate care coordinators and intensive care coordinators, and a majority of the new hirings would fall within those categories.
Qualifications range from helping children through mental health and child welfare to developmental disabilities, juvenile justice and behavioral health care.
“This is a brand new program and there’s a lot of prepping, orienting and training to get in place,” Trushel said. “We are doing a lot of outreach and are excited to get the program off the ground to help families in our region.”
Kokiko credits the JCSEC board for supporting the initiative.
“They have made themselves available whenever needed and completely supported the project," he said. "Current and new staff also worked diligently to see that JCESC would be ready for day one enrollments, and both the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Aetna have been a tremendous source of assistance since the onset of the program."
For more information, call the OhioRISE statewide number at 800-324-8680. For general program questions, contact Trushel at 740-792-4011. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2022/07/08/stark-county-ohiorise-site-childrens-mental-health-services/7810775001/ | 2022-07-08T16:45:15Z |
– Company to Award 100 Teachers with Cruises Aboard Groundbreaking Ship Norwegian Prima and up to $25,000 for Their School –
– GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist, Kelly Clarkson, to Perform at Award Ceremony –
– Nominate and Vote for Deserving Teachers at nclgivingjoy.com by June 3,2022 –
MIAMI, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, is making a final call for nominations and votes of deserving educators for its award-winning Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign closing on Friday, June 3, 2022.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8998057-final-chance-reward-educators-norwegian-giving-joy/
The annual recognition program, which relaunched on May 2, 2022, during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – 6), serves to recognize and reward 100 teachers across the U.S. and Canada with a free cruise, as well as a chance at up to $25,000 for their school. The educators with the most votes will travel to Galveston, Texas for an exclusive five-day sailing aboard the Company's record-breaking ship, Norwegian Prima, from Oct. 27 to 31, 2022, where GRAMMY Award-winning artist and superstar Kelly Clarkson will host an exclusive concert on board.
"This campaign holds a special place in our hearts and with the incredible participation we are seeing, it is clear that it is just as important to many others," said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We are now in the final stretch of this year's Norwegian's Giving Joy contest, and we cannot wait to honor the next class of winners with a well-deserved vacation aboard our highly anticipated Norwegian Prima ship."
The annual program which recognizes the connection between travel and education and celebrates teachers for their unwavering dedication to inspiring students every day, has awarded 130 teachers with free cruises and over $185,000 to schools since 2019. This year, in addition to the exclusive sailing aboard Norwegian Prima, the top three grand prize winners will receive an additional seven-day voyage for two from the U.S. or Canada, as well as a $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 donation respectively for their school.
Now through June 3, 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line is encouraging nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada. To nominate a beloved teacher, to vote and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit www.nclgivingjoy.com.
For more information about the Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com or call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or contact a travel professional. For Norwegian Prima's press kit and assets, click here.
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
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SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/final-chance-reward-educators-with-norwegians-giving-joy-prize-money-free-cruises/ | 2022-05-31T13:39:46Z |
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The PGA Tour is in Delaware for the first time and the buzz still surrounded Tiger Woods, even if he didn’t have clubs and wasn’t even at the golf course.
Woods flew to Wilmington on Tuesday for a private meeting of top players to discuss the threat of Saudi-funded LIV Golf, according to two people aware of the plans at the BMW Championship.
They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the privacy of the meeting. One person invited to the meeting said it was to get on the same page against LIV Golf, along with taking more ownership in the direction of the PGA Tour.
That meeting led to a previously scheduled Player Advisory Council meeting being moved back an hour or so to later Tuesday afternoon. Woods flew up from his home in Florida with Rickie Fowler, who didn’t qualify for the second FedEx Cup playoff event.
The meeting was held away from Wilmington Country Club at a hotel, according to another person aware of the details. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan was not invited.
“There is a player meeting, but that’s all I can tell you about that,” Jon Rahm said.
Monahan met with the players informally last week following a hearing in which a federal judge denied a request by three LIV Golf players seeking to play in the PGA Tour postseason.
He also met with the players a week after the U.S. Open to detail plans for big increases in prize money on the PGA Tour, qualifying changes and a new schedule that will return to a January start to the season in 2024.
“I’m not sure what, if anything, will change, what will be the result of it,” Patrick Cantlay said. “I think it’s good that a lot of the players are getting together to discuss the situation out here, especially given the current circumstances.”
Woods has been a strong opponent of LIV Golf. The rival league’s leader, Greg Norman, confirmed in an interview with Fox News last month that Woods was offered in the range of $700 to $800 million to take part. Norman said that was before he was hired to run LIV Golf.
Norman and Woods have never been close, going back to when Woods arrived on the PGA Tour and instantly became the biggest star golf had seen in generations.
Woods was particularly forceful at the British Open last month when he said of Norman not being invited to festivities around the 150th Open, “Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game.”
He said he disagreed with players getting enormous signing bonuses to defect to LIV Golf, saying they have turned their backs on the tour that made them famous.
The PGA Tour has reacted to the depth of Saudi funding with a $50 million bonus pool called the Player Impact Program that pays 10 leading players based on how much attention they get. Some players, such as Cantlay, the defending FedEx Cup champion, don’t like the program.
Also in the works is a series of overseas tournaments at the end of the year that will reward the top performers. The tour hasn’t announced set details or a sponsor.
LIV Golf has played three events offering $25 million apiece in prize money to a group of players that includes Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. It resumes its eight-tournament schedule after the FedEx Cup ends next week.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-sources-tiger-to-meet-with-top-players-against-liv-golf/ | 2022-08-17T16:13:19Z |
The President makes short and long-term proposals to curb fluctuating gas prices
Gas companies say no single firm sets the price for a gallon of gas.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - As gas prices fluctuate across the nation, the President has a plan to lower costs in both the long and short term. But, some oil and gas companies claim they need policy stability in Washington to feel confident to invest.
AAA pegs the national average for gas at $4.10. That’s down from one month ago when gas was $4.33. One year ago, the national gas average stood at $2.86.
“We’re coming off a pandemic that really scrambled supply and demand but what we’re seeing right now is Putin’s price hike on gasoline prices,” said Ali Zaidi, White House Deputy Climate Advisor.
The President is focused on increasing supply.
On Tuesday, he announced a plan to expand the sale of E15 gasoline, a 15% ethanol blend, this summer. The Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue the national emergency waiver to increase the fuel supplies. The White House claims E15 can save families 10 cents per gallon on average. It’s currently sold at 2,300 gas stations.
The president also announced a plan that includes a proposed fee on companies that lease federal land but are not producing from the wells. Companies that produce on the leased acres and existing wells would not face the higher fees.
Mike Sommers of the American Petroleum Institute said that fee sounds like an additional tax.
“It certainly would be the first case of someone increasing taxes and expecting more in return. In terms of development, we would have great concerns about an increased tax on American companies that are trying to produce American energy during this time of high oil and gas prices. We’re focused on making sure that there’s long term development here in the United States so that we can provide energy security not just for Americans, but for the world,” he said.
Sommer said, in the long-term, the Biden administration is pushing for a larger reliance on renewable energy and electric cars. However, he noted that idea competes with the notion that companies need to improve production.
“A number of members of Congress that are saying that oil and gas industry here in the United States isn’t producing enough while at the same time they’re saying that we should stop producing and make a faster transition to renewables. This is a huge concern, I think, that we have about what the world should be doing right now to advance oil and gas, because the world is going to continue to consume these products for decades and decades to come,” said Sommers.
Chairmen, CEOs, and presidents of oil and gas companies from bp America, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Devon Energy, Shell, and Pioneer Natural Resources Company testified via teleconference on Capitol Hill in April. They told the Energy and Commerce committee that increasing production on wells that are not currently in use requires more workers and equipment.
They said they are willing to increase production and invest in renewable energy. But, they said they need predictability and stability in the policy-making in Washington in order to feel confident to invest.
They also said they are not hoarding or price gouging gas.
“We know that today’s high prices at the pump are hurting Americans, the impact of high energy costs, underscores the importance of reliable and affordable energy supplies,” said Darren Woods of Exxon. He added, “no single company, sets the price of oil or gasoline, the market establishes the price based on the available supply and the demand for that supply.”
Meantime, the President has moved forward on a plan to increase supply by dipping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In March, he announced the largest release in history, putting one million additional barrels on the market per day for the next six months. Zaidi calls the 6-month release a ‘bridge’ to give oil and gas companies the time needed to increase their production.
“That is just a dramatic exercise of the president’s authority in a way that we’ve never done before in the history of the United States. And, it is directly designed to counter the supply challenges that come from Putin’s war and aggression in Europe,” he said.
Zaidi said the president is also focused on new fuel economy standards, electric car production, and technology to weatherize and retrofit homes.
“The long-term play here, and it’s not a long-term play we start in the long term, it’s something we’ve got to get doing right now is to accelerate the adoption of zero emissions vehicles like electric cars and trucks. And, what we know is that if we do that, that means for the average family, 900 bucks per year that they would have spent on gasoline that they no longer have to. And for the economy, that means over a million barrels per day of oil that won’t need to be consumed or purchased from somewhere else,” said Zaidi.
Republicans held their own press conference in April to discuss gas prices. They raised concern over dipping into the national reserve. They also accuse the President of handcuffing oil and gas companies by not granting more permits and leases for pipelines and pumping on federal land. They say the president should focus on how more American oil and natural gas can be drilled and delivered.
Republicans want the President to once again start construction on the Keystone XL Pipeline. That pipeline was the subject of protest by several environmental groups.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/13/president-makes-short-long-term-proposals-curb-fluctuating-gas-prices/ | 2022-04-13T15:53:34Z |
61% of respondents have hope that modern research will lead to a cure for the rare condition in their lifetime
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a difficult health journey in terms of diagnosis, symptoms, access to treatments and quality of life, people living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or NMOSD, have hope for the future care of their condition, according to a recent survey conducted by Health Union, the leader in social health. The inaugural NMOSD In America survey illuminates the perspectives and experiences of people living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
These findings also support and fuel content and engagement for the recent launch of Neuromyelitis-Optica.net, one of Health Union's 40 condition-specific online health communities.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or NMOSD, is a rare chronic condition, with research suggesting as many as 8,000 people in the U.S. live with the condition. According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, NMOSD is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve of the brain and the spinal cord. Often confused in its early stages with multiple sclerosis, NMOSD can have a significant impact on various motor, sensory and autonomic functions, including mild to severe paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, pain in the spine or limbs and loss of clear vision.
Obstacles along the NMOSD patient journey often begin with diagnosis. Due to the rare occurrence of NMOSD and the similarity of symptoms with other, more prominent conditions, misdiagnosis is common. In fact, 62% of NMOSD In America survey respondents were misdiagnosed before receiving their official NMOSD diagnosis; of those individuals, 55% were misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"The road to diagnosis with NMOSD can be a long one," said Neuromyelitis-Optica.net patient leader Mo Jones. "Stay the course. If you don't like or are unsure about something that you have been told, question it."
On average, respondents had experienced eight NMOSD-related symptoms over the previous month, with the most prominent being fatigue, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, sleep issues, pain and walking/balance/coordination issues. When NMOSD symptoms temporarily intensify or flare-up, they are often referred to as attacks and can lead to significant nervous and motor system damage. Seven in 10 respondents said they had experienced at least one attack over the previous two years.
Access to treatment can also be a significant obstacle. Only a third of respondents said they feel their NMOSD is well-controlled on their current treatment plan, and three in 10 believe cost impacts their ability to seek and receive optimal NMOSD treatment.
These factors likely contribute to only 18% of survey respondents feeling satisfied with their current quality of life. Specifically, 62% agree that NMOSD adds anxiety to their daily life, and 46% say NMOSD has negatively impacted their social life or friend relationships.
Potentially as a result of these factors, survey findings reveal a community that is active and interested in the NMOSD treatment and clinical pipeline. More than four in 10 respondents said they actively seek out information about the latest NMOSD treatments, 52% are interested in information or content around the latest NMOSD research and 56% are interested in participating in NMOSD-related clinical trials.
On a positive note, 61% of respondents said they have hope that modern research will lead to a cure for NMOSD in their lifetime. And many have been able to find solace or ways to cope with aspects of their health journey. For example, a third of respondents said being diagnosed has empowered them to raise awareness of their condition, and nearly six in 10 said being part of an online community of people living with NMOSD has helped them feel less alone.
"With rare conditions like NMOSD, for which resources might be limited, the need for people to find information, support and connections can sometimes be magnified," said Olivier Chateau, Health Union's co-founder and CEO. "By providing information that people need and opportunities to connect, Neuromyelitis-Optica.net represents an important resource and, as the survey findings reveal, helps people with the condition feel less alone."
The inaugural NMOSD In America survey, which was fielded from Jan. 16 to March 23, 2022, included responses from 61 people living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Additional survey results may be available upon request. More information about living with NMOSD can be found on Neuromyelitis-Optica.net.
About Health Union
Health Union is the proven industry leader driving and amplifying social health. As the premier social health company, only Health Union encourages the dynamic, real-time action people take to find meaningful connections and share information that impact their health journey. The company reaches millions of people through the largest portfolio of condition-specific online health communities (e.g., Migraine.com, MultipleSclerosis.net, LungCancer.net) and health leaders - addressing virtually every condition and providing the information, connection and support they need.
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SOURCE Health Union | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/survey-finds-people-with-nmosd-are-hopeful-despite-obstacles-around-diagnosis-treatment-quality-life/ | 2022-08-11T15:20:47Z |
GUANGZHOU, China, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNFinance Holdings Limited (NYSE: CNF) ("CNFinance" or the "Company"), a leading home equity loan service provider in China, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, before U.S. markets open on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
CNFinance's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 26, 2022 (8:00 PM Beijing/ Hong Kong Time on Thursday, May 26, 2022).
Dial-in numbers for the live conference call are as follows:
A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call until 11:59 PM ET on June 2, 2022.
Dial-in numbers for the replay are as follows:
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of CNFinance's website at http://ir.cashchina.cn/.
About CNFinance Holdings Limited
CNFinance Holdings Limited (NYSE: CNF) ("CNFinance" or the "Company") is a leading home equity loan service provider in China. CNFinance conducts business by collaborating with sales partners and trust company partners. Sales partners are responsible for recommending micro- and small-enterprise ("MSE") owners with financing needs to the Company and the Company introduces eligible borrowers to its trust company partners who will then conduct their own risk assessments and make credit decisions. The Company's primary target borrower segment is MSE owners who own real properties in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China. The loans CNFinance facilitated are primarily funded through a trust lending model with its trust company partners who are well-established with sufficient funding sources and have licenses to engage in lending business nationwide. The Company's risk mitigation mechanism is embedded in the design of its loan products, supported by an integrated online and offline process focusing on risks of both borrowers and collateral and further enhanced by effective post-loan management procedures.
For more information, please contact:
CNFinance E-mail: ir@cashchina.cn
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SOURCE CNFinance Holdings Limited | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/cnfinance-report-first-quarter-2022-financial-results-thursday-may-26-2022/ | 2022-05-20T11:27:51Z |
- Jeff Williams will retire effective Aug. 1, 2022.
- A global search for his successor is underway as Johnson Controls accelerates its focus on technology-driven solutions for buildings management to make assets smarter, healthier and more sustainable.
- Global Products is a business unit of Johnson Controls including product development and R&D.
CORK, Ireland, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced that 38-year company veteran Jeff Williams is retiring and that a global search is underway for his successor. Williams' replacement will inherit a business group generating more than a third of Johnson Controls approximately $24B annual revenues including product development and research & development.
Williams started at Johnson Controls in 1984 as a sales account manager and spent more than 30 years in its automotive business before taking over as leader of its Global Products business in 2019. He was the co-author of the Johnson Controls Manufacturing Systems operating system that continues to guide the company's global operations today.
"Jeff has been a phenomenal member of our executive leadership team over the past decades, combining an unwavering will to win with faultless integrity," said George Oliver, Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO. "We thank him for his years of service, and he leaves the Global Products business in fantastic shape, with an amazing opportunity for a new leader to come in and drive forward.
He added: "Johnson Controls is at a unique point in its near 140-year history as it looks to move an industry that founder Warren Johnson helped to create when he invented the electric room thermostat in 1883. The next chapter will see us reshaping how buildings technology is designed and applied, using all the power of artificial intelligence through Johnson Controls OpenBlue platform. Our aim now, and at the heart of the new role Jeff's successor will take on, is to maximize the performance of our customer's buildings; harvesting and applying data insights to optimize every aspect of operations - elevating the performance of human users and equipment, while making environments healthier, more secure and sustainable through lowering energy and water use."
Within Global products, alongside leading the HVAC/R and Residential business units, a key focus for Williams' successor will be steering the fire, security and controls teams, which are the heart of the transformation of buildings' operational technology. The application of advanced solutions utilizing Machine Learning is elevating the capacity for ultra-accurate detection insights, ever more efficient responses and proactive fault reporting.
About Johnson Controls Global Products group
Johnson Controls Global Products group designs and sells HVAC equipment, controls software and software services for residential and commercial applications to commercial, industrial, retail, residential, small business, institutional and governmental customers worldwide. In addition, Global Products designs and sells refrigeration equipment and controls globally. The Global Products business designs and sells fire protection, fire suppression and security products, including intrusion security, anti-theft devices, access control, and video surveillance and management systems, for commercial, industrial, retail, residential, small business, institutional and governmental customers worldwide.
About Johnson Controls
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.
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SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/johnson-controls-38-year-veteran-jeff-williams-retire-president-global-products/ | 2022-07-06T21:07:44Z |
MACON – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging five alleged members of the Gangster Disciples with murder and racketeering related to the alleged murder of three people, as well as various other offenses including drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka Dolla Phil, 33, of Atlanta; Andrea Paige Browner, aka Light Brite, aka Shawty, 27, of Athens; Lesley Chappell Green, aka Grip, 34, of Stone Mountain; Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka Different, 33, of Lithonia, and Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka Lil L, aka L, aka Lil Bro, aka Lil Larry, 27, of Decatur are each charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy. Chambers and Browner are additionally charged with Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering-murder; the carry, use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and use of a firearm resulting in death.
The Gangster Disciples are a national gang with roots in Chicago dating back to the 1970s, and are now active in at least 25 states. Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are three gang-related murders triggered by the murder of a Gangster Disciple member. After that murder, other Gangster Disciples allegedly sought to identify and retaliate against those responsible for the victim’s death. Chambers allegedly followed Rodriguez Apollo Rucker to his Athens residence where he shot and killed Rucker, who was a relative of a suspect of the first murder.
According to the indictment, after learning that police suspected Chambers of Rucker’s murder, Chambers and Browner fled from Georgia to Texas. In order to cover up this crime, Chambers allegedly ordered that fellow gang members he suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson, be killed. Defendants Green, Guidry and Carlisle allegedly shot and killed Ruff and Jackson and left their bodies in a storage unit in Lawrenceville, where they were discovered four months later.
Chambers allegedly held a “Position of Authority” with the Gangster Disciples organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement” or “Elimination” team (E-Team); Browner was allegedly a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” or “SOS,” a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciple organization; Green allegedly was a member of the E-Team; Carlisle was a member of the GD organization; and Guidry allegedly held a “Position of Authority” as the “Assistant Literature Coordinator.”
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.
The case is being investigated by FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Ken Kaplan of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/reputed-gangster-disciples-indicted-for-murder/article_f9581800-ee72-11ec-b59b-0f334c43129d.html | 2022-06-17T20:41:16Z |
BEIJING, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 5th, the World Winter Sports (Beijing) Expo 2022 (hereinafter referred to as the "WWSE"), co-hosted by Asia Digital Group, was concluded in Shougang Park, Beijing. Since its inception in 2016, it has been held annually and backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG), the Chinese Olympic Committee and the All-China Sports Federation.
As a legacy of the Olympic Winter Games, the WWSE 2022 has continued the theme of "The Power of Ice & Snow". Aiming to realize the connection with international winter sports resources to stimulate the development of China's ice and snow industry, it has integrated exhibitions, forums, industry docking and supporting activities in a comprehensive manner to build a bridge connecting more ice and snow enterprises with the world at large.
Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Cai Qi made an inspection tour of the exhibition hall of the WWSE on September 1st, the very opening day of the expo. Li Yingchuan, deputy head of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Zhang Jiandong, vice mayor of Beijing and executive vice president of the BOCOG, Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA) and Fu Xiaohui, secretary-general of the BODA and member of the Executive Committee at the World Union of Olympic Cities visited the booths of Austria, Liaoning Province, Yulin City, Yanqing District, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Japan National Tourism Organization, Poma, TechnoAlpin Group, ilodo, Joy Billiards, Orient Fitness & Health, Swix, Enlio and good family, accompanied by Founding Chairman of IDG capital Hugo Shong, President of Asia Digital Group Zhu Dongfang, and Executive Vice President of Asia Digital Group Zhang Li.
As the most influential expo in the global ice and snow industry, this WWSE has further strengthened the integration of global ice and snow resources, with an internationalization rate of nearly 68%. It has attracted more than 20 ice and snow countries including Austria, Italy, Japan, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom and Slovenia to participate online or offline and involved over 600 brands as exhibitors and 200,000 some winter sports enthusiasts as visitors during the five-day ice and snow feast. A number of government officials in and out of China, officials from the IOC and other international sports organizations, executives of ice and snow companies, experts from the ice and snow industry, and elites in related industries attended the forum, effectively promoting the connection, exchange and integration of resources in international sports industry.
The international influence of the WWSE and participation of visitors have been further upgraded, arousing enthusiastic responses from all walks of life. More than 600 authoritative media from all over the world, including People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and China Media Group covered the event in an all-round way, and published over 2,000 reports, which has promoted the popularization of ice and snow sports and opened up new prospects for the development of the ice and snow industry.
Taking Advantage of the Olympic Winter Games to Build an Exchange Platform for Global Ice and Snow Industry
Following the successful holding of the Beijing 2022, the ice and snow industry has ushered in huge market with growing opportunities. Guests from different circles conducted in-depth discussions and exchanged ideas on hot topics such as the development and integration of the global sports industry, the sustainable development of the ice and snow industry in the post-Winter Olympics era, and smart sports.
The Beijing Olympic Winter Games and the ice and snow industry were followed with interest as before in the Main Forum of the International Sports Services Trade Conference & the World Winter Sports (Beijing) Expo.
Li Yingchuan proposed that, relying on China's super-large market, the potential of sports services trade is huge in the long run. In particular, the "cold resources" of the ice and snow industry are being transformed into "hot economy", benefiting from the successful holding of the Beijing 2022 and the realization of the goal of "engaging 300 million people in winter sports", which will foster new drivers of growth for sports services trade.
Zhang Jiandong pointed out that under the leadership of the Chinese government, this year has witnessed every effort made by us to overcome difficulties and challenges such as the COVID-19, and the presentation of a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games to the world. The successful hosting of the Beijing 2022 has further stimulated the sports enthusiasm of hundreds of millions of Chinese people. He stressed that it is imperative to give full play to the advantages of the dual-Olympic city, and promote the development of mass sports, competitive sports, and the sports industry in an all-round way, so as to make citizens' lives more colorful and the city full of vitality.
Executive Director of the Olympic Games at the IOC Christophe Dubi stated in his video speech that how proud we are that the games that were just delivered were outstanding. And we always knew about the formidable willingness and capabilities and commitment that we were facing with the organizers in China and Beijing. Furthermore, President of the International Biathlon Union Olle Dahlin put forward that this year's WWSE is particularly important as it's the first edition to take place after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Previously, this Expo was used to support with the preparation for the games. It was an opportunity for the Chinese and international sports community to connect, share best practice and plan for how to maximize the Beijing 2022. Now we are in a post-Olympic era. It's more important than ever that legacy is not forgotten. Key to this will rightly be continuing to invest in winter sport.
In addition, guests who got involved in the main forum offline or via video to offer suggestions on promoting the development of the ice and snow industry as well as the high-quality integration of ice and snow with sports include Deputy Director of the Sports Economy Department at the GASC Peng Weiyong, Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports Zhao Wen, British Trade Commissioner for China John Edwards, Minister Counsellor of the Department for International Trade at the British Embassy Beijing Sohail Shaikh, President of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Jason Ferguson, President of the International Sports Press Association Gianni Merlo, Chairman of the China Sled Association and Deputy Director of the Sustainable Development Committee at the BOCOG Zhao Yinggang, Michael Berger, counsellor of the Commercial Office at the Austrian Embassy in China, Counsellor for Health, Welfare and Sports at the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing Nico H. Schiettekatte, Chairman of the Yulin City Committee of the CPPCC of Shaanxi Province Zeng Dechao, General Manager of Doppelmayr China Li Yanqiu, Director of the Engo Division at TechnoAlpin Group Shen Yumei and Executive Vice President of Asia Digital Group Zhang Li.
Peng Weiyong released and interpreted the Report on China's Sports Services Trade (2021), which clarifies the status quo of China's sports services trade industry supported by data and points the way forward. Besides, the Research Report on China's Winter Sports Industry Development (2022) was released by Zhang Li for the reference of the ice and snow industry.
In addition to the Main Forum, the WWSE 2022 organized a dozen of parallel forums and supporting activities such as the Olympic City Development Forum, the Outdoor Living Forum and the Sports Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Competition to gather global wisdom, seek solutions for all parties in the ice and snow industry, and further deepen the exchange and cooperation of international resources.
Connecting Chinese and Overseas Markets to Provide a Top Arena for Ice and Snow Exhibitors
The WWSE 2022 has been the first major ice and snow industry event held online and offline in China since the Beijing Olympic Winter Games. The games have ignited the enthusiasm of all Chinese people for ice and snow. The WWSE has once again spurred on the development of ice and snow industry with greater confidence, although the development of China's sports industry and ice and snow sports encountered certain challenges from factors such as the COVID-19 epidemic. The exhibition area was full of visitors, from nonagenarians to babbling children, all immersed in the atmosphere of ice and snow. The successful convening of this international event has enabled the mass to release their long-held enthusiasm for ice and snow.
As one of the hosts of the expo, Asia Digital Group has been deeply involved in the preparation of the WWSE in the last few years. According to its Executive Vice President Zhang Li, this great event has not only attracted giants from the international ice and snow industry to join us, but what is more gratifying is that with the development of China's ice and snow industry in recent years, more and more ice and snow enterprises in China have steeled themselves, gradually developed and shined on the stage of the WWSE.
Many well-known Chinese and overseas enterprises have conducted docking and exchanges through this international platform. TechnoAlpin Group from Italy, responsible for ice and snow making in the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, showcased its cutting-edge ice and snow black technologies such as the TR10 automatic gun-type snowmaker and the Engo IceWolf Classic ice resurfacer. TechnoAlpin, as a leading company in the global snowmaking industry, has a market share of over 60%. Exhibitors and visitors can have a better understanding of the snowmaking technology of the world's top ski resorts here.
Austria, together with Doppelmayr and other famous Austrian ice and snow brands, presented the high-quality "Made in Austria" products and services to the public in a national pavilion. Among them, the indoor ski simulator in front of the booth of Doppelmayr attracted many visitors to "unlock" their first skiing experience. The full service process of skiing was displayed on site with two cableways placed in the center of the venue and an access control system installed at the entrance. Visitors could experience the charm of alpine skiing, ski jumping and other events of the Olympic Winter Games with the help of VR and AR equipment.
As one of the three major competition zones of this Olympic Winter Games, Yanqing built the Eye of Haituo with LED screens in the center of the exhibition hall, based on Xiaohaituo Mountain, where the core area of the competition zone is located. What's more, various Olympic Winter Games and ice and snow related exhibits scattered on the hexagonal prism of snowflakes attracted a large number of exhibitors to take pictures to share them on social media or for memory. The booth of Yanqing has enhanced the interaction and conveyed the enthusiasm of the Olympic Winter Games more closely to visitors, showing the unique charm of ice and snow sports to the world.
Exhibitors from overseas noted ice and snow companies and institutions, such as POMA in France, Swix in Norway, and the Japan National Tourism Organization, appeared at this WWSE with up-to-date products and tourism projects, displaying products as well as communicating with and learning from peers with top level in the world.
Shijingshan District showed the achievements of this "dual-Olympic district" from multiple perspectives by integrating elements of the ice and snow industry. The International Ski Federation (FIS) Beijing Liaison Office debuted the Dynamic Friction S-LAB, and China's first comprehensive sports center built by Tus-Ice & Snow Group with the theme of ice sports was unveiled at the expo, so that visitors can feel the charm of ice and snow brought by technology up close.
Secretary of the CPC Shijingshan District Committee of Beijing Municipality Chang Wei said that Shijingshan District is faced with the opportunity of strategic importance to be integrated into the new development pattern of Beijing, capital of China and it's in a crucial period of transformation and urban revitalization. The district will seize the precious opportunity brought about by the post-Winter Olympics era and the driving force from the revitalization of Shougang, deeply implement the development strategy of urban renewal and industrial transformation and make every effort to build the new landmark of urban revitalization of "Embracing a Better Future" to push the west gate of the capital to a higher level. Zhang Li, dean of the School of architecture at Tsinghua University, pointed out that the new connection of sports, architecture and urban renewal once made the Big Air Shougang one of the hot topics on Chinese and overseas social media. It is expected that more new technologies can be integrated into Shijingshan as well as the design of high-quality urban renewal projects in Beijing.
Meanwhile, Liaoning Province, Yulin City from Shaanxi Province and other ice and snow powers in China showed their rich resources in ice and snow industry. Among them, Yulin City displayed wool and cashmere clothing with local characteristics, and the cross-border combination of fashion and ice and snow sports like this attracted many visitors to stop and appreciate. In addition, China's well-known sports enterprises, such as Jam Session Sports, SNOWELAN, Orient Fitness & Health, good family and ilodo, paraded their most advanced equipment and facilities.
The Outdoor Sports Exhibition Area Has Fully Generated the Public's Passion for Sports
Varied supporting activities at each WWSE have reached winter sports enthusiasts and people engaged in the industry to a large extent. A series of supporting activities showing the highlights of the ice and snow industry include the Sports Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Competition and the Industry TOP Awards for enterprises and institutions, and the Sports Equipment Fashion Show, the Experience for Camp Life, and mass sports for the general public, which have been widely acclaimed and welcomed.
Scientific and technological innovation has played a vital role in the development of ice and snow power. As a highlight of this WWSE, the Sports Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Competition gathered eight entrepreneurial teams from China in sports science and technology, sports culture, sports tourism and other related fields. The competition under smooth operation has acted as a superior exchange and cooperation platform for those engaged in the industry, and has helped the Chinese sports industry to embrace free development of all forms.
The lists of Top 10 Ski Resorts (China), Top Winter Destinations of the Year and Top Brands Awards for Global Innovative Enterprises under the International Leading Brands in Winter Sports were unveiled on September 3rd and the winners will be new benchmarks in the industry.
On top of deepening industrial cooperation and promoting the development of sports, this WWSE has stirred the public's passion for fitness. A 9,000-square-meter sports area was set up to bring together popular sports such as camping, standup paddleboarding, frisbee, archery and skiing. The experience areas for Decathlon, Liri Tent, UYN Sports Equipment, recreational vehicles and outdoor life and water sports have exhilarated the public while showing the vitality of the sports market.
The on-site activities were highly attractive. Visitors could feel the charm of archery in the booth of Decathlon, and experienced the joy of paddleboarding in the water sports area. Moreover, long queues could be seen in the experience areas for frisbee, ice chuiwan (golf-like game in ancient China), and billiards. So here was the most popular place in the exhibition hall.
Models in the most cutting-edge ski clothing and supporting equipment appeared on the fashion show, where sports and fashion elements merged, and visitors heaped praise on this feast and recorded these wonderful moments with their mobile phones.
Experiencing a series of ice and snow sports such as skiing and curling is also an indispensable part of each WWSE. A great deal of large ice and snow sports equipment caught the eye of visitors, who then got involved actively, especially teenagers. These varied supporting activities have stimulated the enthusiasm of the public for sports, facilitated the promotion of winter sports and the development of sports, and fully covered the entire chain of the sports industry.
The WWSE has become the largest, most authoritative and professional expo in the global ice and snow industry after seven years of development since 2016 and remained committed to building an ice and snow feast for those engaged in the industry as well as winter sports enthusiasts. With the successful holding of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games and the realization of the goal of "encouraging 300 million people across China to embrace winter sports", the WWSE will release more positive factors, so that the dividends will benefit the development of ice and snow enterprises, sports and industries to the greatest extent, and boost China's ice and snow services trade, attract more ordinary people to follow ice and snow with interest and bring refreshing changes to the ice and snow industry in the "post-Winter Olympics era".
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SOURCE Asia Digital Group | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/curtain-fell-wwse-2022-beijing-bringing-refreshing-changes-ice-snow-industry-post-winter-olympics-era/ | 2022-09-09T14:05:41Z |
World's leading prostate cancer research nonprofit encourages Americans to take the "108 Miles in September" and "30 Foods in 30 Days" challenges while raising awareness about prostate cancer risk
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) challenges Americans to show their support for men affected by prostate cancer by taking a simple challenge to get active and eat healthfully during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September. Olympic freestyle aerial skier and PCF celebrity ambassador Winter Vinecki joins PCF's "Get Healthy" campaign, a national effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer and show that making healthy lifestyle choices can have a meaningful impact in potentially reducing risk and improving outcomes.
"It's so important that men and their families understand the link between lifestyle and prostate cancer. I'm committed to do everything I can to support the "Get Healthy" challenge which, in turn, will raise awareness about prostate cancer risk and save lives," said Vinecki, a freestyle skier and member of Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
"We are so honored to have Winter help PCF create awareness about the correlation between healthy lifestyles and prostate cancer risk," said PCF President and CEO Charles J. Ryan, MD. "Lifestyle modifications have been convincingly shown to reduce the risk of the onset of cancer and progression, including prostate cancer. Men who adopt these healthier lifestyle changes can help reduce prostate cancer risk, especially Black men who are at a higher risk for developing the disease."
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. For Black men, it's one in six, and they are twice as likely to die from it as white men. Lifestyle factors, like exercise and healthy eating, play a significant role in health risks, health equity, and outcomes. While eating healthy and exercising can't stop you from getting cancer, research shows that it can lower your risk.
To help create awareness about the link between healthy lifestyles and reduced cancer risk, PCF invites the public to take on the challenge of running, walking or hiking 108 miles in 30 days for the one in eight men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. They are invited to join a private Facebook group, create a personal Facebook fundraiser, and challenge themselves to raise money for life-saving prostate cancer research and walk away with better health. Americans can also take the "30 Foods in 30 Days" healthy eating challenge, by eating 30 foods selected from PCF's Periodic Table of Healthy Foods.
All healthy eating challenge participants will receive PCF's wellness guide, "The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer" which encompasses the latest scientific recommendations for cancer prevention and overall health, including actionable tips for optimal nutrition, exercise, and rest. The wellness guide is not just for men with living with prostate cancer, but for anyone interested in living well and reducing their risk for cancer.
During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month PCF is also launching a new patient-focused webinar series hosted by President and CEO Charles J. Ryan, MD. Each month, Dr. Ryan will speak with leaders in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, and survivorship and take questions from the audience during these live virtual events. The inaugural two-part webinar will take place virtually on September 20, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. PDT/7:30 p.m. EDT. "Prostate 8" will feature a discussion of simple lifestyle changes and prostate health with PCF-funded investigator Dr. Stacey Kenfield, ScD, Associate Professor of Urology, University of California San Francisco. "Mental Health and Prostate Cancer" will focus on mental wellness with Dr. Andrew Roth, attending psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Register for the webinar here. The Health and Wellness webinar is supported by a grant from AstraZeneca.
Join the Prostate Cancer Foundation's "Get Healthy" Challenges at https://www.pcf.org/pcam2022/. Connect with PCF at www.pcf.org, on Facebook (facebook.com/pcf.org), Instagram (@prostatecancerfoundation), or Twitter (@pcfnews).
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world's leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has been responsible for raising close to $1 billion in support of cutting-edge research by more than 2,200 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers in 28 countries around the world. Since PCF's inception, and through its efforts, patients around the world are living longer, suffering fewer complications, and enjoying better quality of life. PCF is committed to creating a global public square for prostate cancer, in service to our mission of ending death and suffering from the disease. Learn more at pcf.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Staci L. Vernick
Prostate Cancer Foundation
svernick@pcf.org
610-812-6092
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SOURCE Prostate Cancer Foundation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/prostate-cancer-foundation-olympic-freestyle-skier-winter-vinecki-challenge-americans-get-healthy-during-prostate-cancer-awareness-month/ | 2022-08-30T14:56:41Z |
NORWOOD, Mass., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrinsic Bioscience (EBS) announces a tool to measure intestinal peristalsis that could lead to the development of therapeutic agents for constipation, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation (IBS-C). University of Florida researcher Dr. Sadasivan Vidyasagar, founder and chairman of the company's scientific advisory board, recently shared a tool to better measure peristalsis and the interactions of intraluminal pressure, muscle contraction, and changes in fluid volume at the Experimental Biology 2022 conference held in Philadelphia.
Peristalsis is a collective process of intestinal muscle contractions that moves food through the gastrointestinal tract. Though it has been extensively studied, the qualitative analysis of peristaltic propulsion is not fully understood because no definitive tool exists. Lack of a tool has limited drug discovery in the field of constipation, including IBS-C.
Vidyasagar and his team, which included researchers from UF and Entrinsic Bioscience, used directional lighting, field-imaging as well as pressure recordings to measure net peristaltic activity.
Stephen J Gatto, chairman and CEO of Entrinsic Bioscience, congratulated Anusree Sasidharan and the rest of Dr. Vidyasagar's team for their continued commitment in driving innovative ways to assess the gastrointestinal tract.
"The team's presentation highlights our ability to better measure gut peristalsis and lays out the path for future treatment regimens that can address opioid-induced chronic constipation as well a non-PEG-based approach to acute constipation and IBS-C. Gut peristalsis abnormalities are central to a broad array of common medical conditions, such as constipation and inflammatory bowel disease."
"Being able to manipulate GI segments and assessing the effects may revolutionize how we look at peristaltic issues on secretion/absorption uptake," Gatto continued. "These elegant techniques, we expect will allow for the rapid development of our RxAA therapies to treat constipation and IBS."
Vidyasagar also presented a poster on a tool his lab has developed to better measure intestinal peristalsis and the interactions of intraluminal pressure, muscle contraction, and changes in fluid volume.
"Our team has developed a novel modality for understanding peristalsis and gut mucosal functionality. The role of SAA as RxAAs is showing promise as we unlock the mechanisms for chronic constipation, IBS and other GI related diseases," said Dr. William Denman, Chief Medical Advisor to Entrinsic Bioscience. "This work is still early stage but represents a significant step forward in the development of solutions to a number of digestive diseases."
Entrinsic Bioscience is a UF startup located in UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech in Alachua. The company is developing all-natural, glucose-free formulations for clinical hydration, gut health and wellness, allergies, and skin care.
Company contact:
Entrinsic Bioscience
Joe Del Regno
JDelRegno@entrinsic.com
About Entrinsic Bioscience:
Entrinsic Bioscience (EBS) is a pioneering life science company that combines its proprietary IP platform and discovery engine to deliver patented next generation therapeutic compositions, functional ingredients, and product innovations designed to provide multiple consumer health and wellness benefits. Through proprietary bio-mapping and electrophysiology techniques, the EBS platform harnesses the body's natural processes to restore, protect, and enhance health and wellness.
About UF Innovate:
UF Innovate is the umbrella organization uniting the four entities that drive the innovation ecosystem at UF. Based at one of the nation's leading research institutions, UF Innovate comprises Tech Licensing, Ventures, Pathways, and an Accelerate program, which includes two business incubators, The Hub and Sid Martin Biotech. Together, those organizations move research discoveries from the laboratory to the market. UF Innovate connects innovators with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry, incubates startups and growth companies, and fosters a resilient economy—all in an effort to make the world a better place. In 2020, the George W. Bush Institute and Opus Faveo ranked the University of Florida No. 1 in innovation impact, naming it the most productive large university in the country at leveraging research funding into new companies, new jobs and new ideas.
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SOURCE Entrinsic Bioscience | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/entrinsic-bioscience-announces-tool-with-potential-development-new-therapies-addressing-constipation/ | 2022-04-12T19:41:10Z |
NEW YORK, June 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the common stock of Dentsply Sirona Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY) between June 9, 2021 and May 9, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 1, 2022.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Dentsply common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Dentsply class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6111 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 1, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants orchestrated a scheme to inflate Dentsply's revenue and earnings by manipulating its accounting for a distributor rebate program in order for senior executives to be eligible for significant cash and stock-based incentive compensation; (2) in order to facilitate this scheme, Dentsply and its executives made numerous false and misleading statements to investors during the Class Period; (3) accordingly, Dentsply's financial statements were not prepared in accordance with GAAP and SEC rules, and Dentsply's internal controls over financial reporting were deficient throughout the Class Period; and (4) as a result of defendants' misrepresentations, Dentsply's common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. As a result of the foregoing, When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Dentsply class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6111 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/12/xray-investor-news-rosen-leading-law-firm-encourages-dentsply-sirona-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-xray/ | 2022-06-13T00:39:21Z |
Again, Ranked Best Hospital in NY, NJ, and CT
NEW YORK, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospital for Special Surgery's (HSS) Lerner Children's Pavilion is again ranked the top hospital for pediatric orthopedics in the New York tri-state region in U.S.News & World Report's annual "Best Children's Hospitals" list announced today. Nationally, Lerner Children's Pavilion captured a spot in the top 10 for pediatric orthopedics in the newly released 2022-2023 rankings.
"We strive to provide the most advanced, comprehensive and compassionate care for our young patients and are honored to be recognized as one of the nation's very best hospitals in pediatric orthopedics," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. "This achievement validates the commitment of our team of pediatric specialists to provide personalized care to meet the specific needs of every patient and family."
The annual U.S.News Best Children's Hospitals edition, now in its 16th year, offers guidance to parents seeking the best place for a child in need of expert care. Pediatric orthopedics is among 10 ranked specialties, which also include pediatric cancer and pediatric cardiology & heart surgery.
Fifty hospitals were ranked in pediatric orthopedics for the treatment of conditions such as scoliosis and spina bifida and injuries such as complex fractures or other sports injuries. Rankings are based on clinical data and on an annual survey of pediatric specialists. Factors under consideration include patient outcomes, compliance with best practices, nursing staff and resources for patients, such as services to ease the anxiety of a child's hospital stay.
"Choosing a hospital is one of the most important decisions parents will ever make, and everyone wants what's best for their child. Our goal is to provide the highest quality, family-centered care in a supportive setting," said Roger F. Widmann, MD, chief of the Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Service at HSS. "Our pediatric orthopedic surgeons are highly specialized in areas such as spine, sports medicine, hip disorders and cerebral palsy. They work alongside a team of pediatric anesthesiologists and non-surgical specialists to ensure the best and safest care."
"We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in quality and safety, recognizing that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach does not work in health care," said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. "As the leading academic medical center specialized in musculoskeletal health, we are able to offer advanced care for the most complex problems with a healing environment specifically designed for children and teenagers."
There were over 56,000 physician visits and more than 48,000 rehabilitation visits to the HSS Lerner Children's Pavilion last year. A low dose X-ray system that exposes patients to only 10 percent of the radiation of standard X-rays and the Leon Root, MD Motion Analysis Laboratory are among the diagnostic tools that benefit patients.
About HSS
HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 12th consecutive year), No. 4 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2021-2022), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" list (2022-2023). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a second consecutive year (2022). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 145 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.
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SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/hss-lerner-childrens-pavilion-rises-top-10-pediatric-orthopedics-usnews-amp-world-reports-best-childrens-hospital-2022-2023/ | 2022-06-14T15:06:55Z |
LGBTQ+ youth are at an increased risk of suicide: Here’s how you can help
(Gray News) – Every 45 seconds, a young member of the LGBTQ+ community attempts suicide.
That’s according to The Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on suicide prevention for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another nontraditional orientation (LGBTQ+).
The importance of mental health has become especially prevalent in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many focus on maintaining their own mental health, some members of the community may have a more difficult time than others due to a lack of resources and support.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to The Trevor Project, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are at a significantly higher risk.
Kollyn Conrad is the founder and executive director of Publicly Private, a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide online support and resources to people who identify as LGBTQ+. He said there are a number of factors that can contribute to an increased risk of suicide for many in the community.
Some factors include bullying in schools, cyberbullying, a lack of affirmation of personal identities, and environments that may push back against their self-expression. Many in the community may also find themselves without much in the way of real-life support where they live.
“Feeling different growing up is hard, but then you place the orientation aspect of your identity into it and … it’s not really discussed that there are different ways people can identify sexually,” Conrad said. “So that often leaves one feeling isolated.”
According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide, with more than 1.8 million between the ages of 13 and 24 considering suicide every year in the U.S.
Conrad said the problem could worsen with a growing community as more and more people identify with nontraditional genders and orientations.
“So where are we gonna be at next year?” Conrad said. “We can stand up and try to help and support the community now, or we’re gonna have a huge problem on our hands in the coming years.”
As a gay man who grew up in the Bible belt of the American South, Conrad said he’s no stranger to the feelings of isolation that comes with having a different identity.
“You see that religion is a big aspect of people’s lives,” Conrad said. “So you start to kind of put the factors that it’s not being discussed to a lot of people’s viewpoints around, you are very much against anybody identifying a certain way. It leaves you in this space of feeling isolated and that you have to suppress yourself.”
Conrad isn’t without possible solutions to the growing issue. He said anyone who wants to help support the LGBTQ+ community could start by finding nonprofits that align with their values and advocate for additional studies and surveys to be conducted on the growing community.
He said schools could also contribute by implementing gay-straight alliances to create safer spaces for those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, along with tackling in-school and online bullying.
For more immediate support, The Trevor Project can provide direct emotional support via a confidential texting service as well as a suicide hotline that specifically caters to the LGBTQ+ community.
“Those two are basically perfect for anyone that is really in a crisis moment and needs to reach someone fast,” Conrad said.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, the Suicide Prevention Hotline is available by calling 988. Additional support can be found by chatting with an online counselor.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/09/08/lgbtq-youth-are-an-increased-risk-suicide-heres-how-you-can-help/ | 2022-09-08T01:24:59Z |
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