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Krispy Kreme to offer new doggy doughnuts to celebrate National Dog Day
Published: Aug. 23, 2022 at 5:36 PM CDT|Updated: 13 minutes ago
(CNN) - Krispy Kreme is sharing its sweets with man’s best friend.
The doughnut chain is putting doggie doughnuts on the menu for the first time in the U.S.
The limited-edition baked treats are doughnut-shaped dog biscuits for pups of all ages and sizes.
Krispy Kreme said the hard-baked cookies are made with canine-friendly ingredients. For instance, they substitute carob for chocolate.
The doggy doughnuts will be available Friday and sold in boxes of six in honor of National Dog Day.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/23/krispy-kreme-offer-new-doggy-doughnuts-celebrate-national-dog-day/ | 2022-08-23T22:49:24Z |
Not 24 hours after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month, ending the right to an abortion in the United States, Myisha Malone-King got a call from her insurance company. It said that the medication she takes for a condition totally unrelated to abortion would no longer be available to her.
Malone-King has Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can come with life-threatening complications. She was taking methotrexate, an inexpensive drug that has been used to help with chronic inflammation and pain since the 1980s.
Millions of people take the drug for chronic conditions. Doctors prescribe it to help with things like cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. But it can also be used off-label in very high doses to treat a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, creating an unviable pregnancy that can be deadly for the pregnant person.
Methotrexate is not used in what's known as a medication abortion, which involves mifepristone (sold under the brand names Mifeprex or Korlym, and is also known as RU 486) and misoprostol.
But in some states with restrictive abortion policies like Texas, the law classifies methotrexate as a drug that can induce abortion and groups it with the other two, meaning there can be restrictions on its use. However, Texas law also says that methotrexate can be prescribed for other purposes. And in that case, it is exempt from restrictions.
Recent changes in abortion laws have sown confusion that has spooked insurance providers, pharmacies and medical offices into restricting the use of methotrexate, even in states where abortion is legal. It's not clear how many people may be affected, but about 500,000 methotrexate prescriptions were written each month for the past year, said IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm.
'Like a miracle drug'
Malone-King lives in Maryland, which allows abortion up to the point of fetal viability. The decision to remove methotrexate from her care plan made absolutely no sense to her.
"My feeling is, nobody should be making this decision over my body that my doctor and I have determined was right for me," she said.
Malone-King's doctor was able to switch her to another medication. But she knows that not everyone is so lucky.
Malone-King, a patient advocate who runs a chronic illness support group called Game of Crohn's & Chronic Illness, worries about some of its members.
"I really feel for the ones who really need this medication and it's their only option and now they don't have access all because of a law that has nothing to do with their situation," she said.
Like Malone-King, Becky Schwartz takes methotrexate for a chronic condition. She has lupus, a disease in which the person's immune system attacks their own tissues and organs.
Not six days after the US Supreme Court decision, Schwartz said, she got a letter from her doctor's office that said it was pausing all prescriptions and refills of methotrexate. The form letter went on to explain that this decision was because of the Supreme Court decision on abortion.
She spoke to her rheumatologist, who told her that they would have to start weaning her off the drug, since her prescription would run out the first week of September.
"Methotrexate has really been effective with helping me get my disease under control," Schwartz said. "For me, it really is like a miracle drug."
Schwartz is dreading the medication change. Before she started methotrexate, flares would give her trouble walking, and it was so difficult to stand that she needed a shower chair to wash.
"What if something causes me to get a flare again?" she asked. "For people who don't have this, it's hard to explain how such a change in my medicine could make such a drastic and terrible difference in my life.
"I'm just going to have to decrease my activity until we can figure out what to do," she added. "And for what?"
Schwartz lives in Virginia, a state where abortion is legal, at least for now.
"This feels like such an extreme reaction," she said. "I feel like I'm being babysat by the government. I'm a grown adult. I am well aware of how to take my medication safely."
When doctors prescribe methotrexate, they typically have careful conversations with the patient about its potential side effects, including severe birth defects. Schwartz's doctor recommended that she use birth control, which she said she does.
As soon as the Supreme Court decision came down, medical associations across the country told CNN that they anticipated some legal confusion and reduced access to some drugs. Several groups set up special task forces to guide members on best practices, particularly in states setting limits on abortion.
The Arthritis Foundation has also set up a helpline for people to report problems and a website to answer questions about methotrexate.
'My doctor and I should not be treated like criminals'
Abortion is now banned in at least eight states, and many more bans are expected. Legal experts think half the states in the country will either outright ban abortion or restrict it significantly.
For Annie England Noblin, it wasn't her doctor's office that put a stop to her prescription for methotrexate. It was her pharmacy.
England Noblin, a writer, lives in Missouri, where abortion is restricted except in case of emergency. She started taking methotrexate to help with her rheumatoid arthritis early this year.
It wasn't until she went in to pick up a refill last week that the pharmacist told her that they needed a specific direction from the doctor that said the prescription was not for an abortion.
The extra step is not unusual in certain states with restrictive abortion laws. CVS told CNN that that is the chain's policy now. Walgreens also said trigger laws in certain states require this extra step of verification. There are reports from some doctors, though, that some pharmacies are refusing to carry methotrexate at all.
England Noblin's local Walgreens carried the drug, but it had to take the additional step, she said.
"It's humiliating to be standing at a pharmacy counter and have the pharmacist look you in the eye and say she just needs to make sure you're not using that drug to have an abortion," she said.
"My doctor and I should not be treated like criminals in the pharmacy line, and I shouldn't be discriminated against because I have a body part that can produce a child."
England Noblin was so upset after the incident that she called Walgreens' regional office. She said that when she asked whether the pharmacy would be having that same conversation with men, the answer was no.
"I'm not angry at my pharmacist," she said. "I'm angry at the policy. It just feels like they think I'm going to go home and pop 12 of them and have an abortion. Like that's something women do."
Walgreens told CNN that it can't address specific instances but that trigger laws in various states now require additional steps for dispensing certain prescriptions.
"Our focus is meeting the needs of our patients and making sure they have access to the medications they need, in compliance with applicable pharmacy laws and regulations," Fraser Engerman, senior director for external relations, wrote in an email.
Engerman said the company provides ongoing training and information to help its pharmacists understand the latest requirements in their area. "With these supports, they are empowered to fill lawful, clinically appropriate prescriptions," he said.
In clarifying guidance last week, the Biden administration said pharmacies couldn't discriminate against customers with regard to supplying medications, making determinations regarding the suitability of a prescribed medication, or advising them about medications and how they are supposed to take them.
The administration encouraged people to file complaints with the US Health and Human Services Department Office for Civil Rights if their prescription was rejected. England Noblin did so immediately.
"It's just so frustrating and just so wrong," she said.
Searching for clarity
Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi, a rheumatologist who also specializes in reproductive issues and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, has been hearing from a number of patients who are not able to get refills of medications that can cause abortion or birth defects, including methotrexate.
"That's really a travesty, because some of these patients have diseases that really are well-managed by these particular medications," she said. "Just the idea that your reproductive health status might undermine your care and your treatment, even if you're not pregnant -- it's really disheartening."
The American Pharmacists Association said it is monitoring the situation with methotrexate closely, but it isn't the only drug that has seen some restrictions. The group is also looking into issues related to access to misoprostol for things like gastric ulcer prevention, and there may be other medications that are included in the definition of "abortion-inducing drug."
"This comes back to the definitions of abortion-inducing drugs and state laws which sometimes are very detailed and very clear but sometimes are very vague and up to a lot of misunderstandings," said Michael Murphy, adviser for state government affairs with the American Pharmacists Association.
The association has been observing how state pharmacy groups are handling the issue closely, as well. Kentucky's association, for instance, said in guidance for its pharmacists July 1 that any prescription or medical order for a drug that is known to possibly cause abortion should be presumed by a pharmacy "to be for indications other than for the termination of a pregnancy. A pharmacy dispensing such prescription or medical order shall not be required to verify that the prescription or medical order does not violate any provision."
That kind of clarification helps pharmacists, Murphy said, but he knows that his members would like additional clarity from state policymakers so health care professionals can know how to navigate the complicated legal landscape after the Supreme Court's decision.
"For us as pharmacists, one of our biggest responsibilities is ensuring the safe and effective use of medications," Murphy said. "And right now, with so much uncertainty around health care professionals' legal liability, it's really unfortunate how many patients are having access issues."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/features/health/women-with-chronic-conditions-struggle-to-find-medications-after-abortion-laws-limit-access/article_aac64509-7261-5983-972a-06b7b34ad8c2.html | 2022-07-22T13:21:14Z |
SHANGHAI, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals, a biological high-tech enterprise focusing on R&D and services of innovative antibody drugs, and Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical, a CDMO and CMO enterprise dedicated to providing world-leading high-end biological drug manufacture services, announced a long-term strategic partnership taking effective. The two parties will share their experiences and technical advantages, and provide integrated and modular solutions that cover biological drug R&D, CDMO and commercial productions to the global biopharmaceutical industry.
Aiming to provide the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with high-quality, high-efficiency and cost-effective drug development and manufacturing services, the two companies will invest their advantageous resources, expertise and experience through this strategic partnership to carry out extensive collaboration in the field of drug discovery, drug development and CDMO. Sanyou will provide preclinical R&D services including drug screening, pharmacology research, process development and quality control of various biological drugs including monoclonal antibodies, multi-specific antibodies, ADC drugs, etc. Dragon Sail will provide services of pilot production, clinical sample production, scale-up process development and commercial production of various biological drugs.
Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical is a leading high-tech CDMO enterprise for biological drug production in China, committed to provide one-stop R&D and manufacturing outsourcing services from sequence to IND, and from clinical sample production to BLA and commercial production. With a total investment of 690 million RMB and a total production scale of up to 12000L, the company site is built and operated in compliance with NMPA and FDA cGMP requirements and has passed the EU QP audit, which qualifies for different stages of clinical sample and commercial drug productions. The company has a professional technical team of over 200 staffs, with team members from well-known domestic and international pharmaceutical companies and universities. 90% of the current employees are technical R&D professionals, and about 40% of the employees own master and doctoral degrees. Equipped with the advanced NONCROS® non-crossover antibody production technology, Dragon Sail has provided high quality and efficient R&D and manufacturing services to more than 10 pharmaceutical companies for various biological drug projects.
Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals is a biological high-tech company focusing on R&D and services of innovative antibody drugs. Sanyou has established an integrated innovative antibody drug R&D laboratory of more than 20,000 square meters with advanced facilities in Shanghai Caohejing High-Tech Park. Driven by the excellent innovation platforms of Super-Trillion Innovative Antibody Drug Discovery Platform, Integrated Innovative Antibody Drug R&D Platform and Intelligent Innovative Antibody Drug R&D Platform, Sanyou has 10 major functional modules and more than 40 core technological platforms covering preclinical R&D, and has a professional team of more than 250 staffs, over 70% of which holds a doctoral or master's degree. Sanyou has provided high quality and high efficiency innovative antibody drug development solutions, staged services and collaborative R&D to more than 300 companies and organizations worldwide, and several drug development projects above have entered the clinical stages.
"We are honored to deepen and broaden our collaboration with Sanyou" said Kai Tan, general manager of Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical. "Sanyou has accumulated a lot of successful experience in the discovery and development of antibody drugs. Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical has established a GMP-compliant cross-free manufacturing base in the new Lingang District and has built a systematic development platform for antibody drugs from DNA to BLA. The collaboration between the two parties will provide a powerful engine for successful antibody drug development, accelerate the new drug development process, empower partners and benefit more patients."
"We highly value our strategic partnership with Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical." said Guojun Lang, CEO of Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals. "Dragon Sail's robust antibody drug CMC development and GMP manufacturing platform has been recognized by the industry. Sanyou has excellent innovative drug discovery and preclinical R&D capabilities, and our proprietary super-trillion innovative antibody drug discovery platform integrates nine types of super-trillion innovative antibody libraries with a cumulative library capacity of up to ten trillion, and a high-throughput automated screening system. Sanyou will combine the technical advantages with Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical to provide more comprehensive and high quality one-stop services to our clients."
About Dragon Sail Pharmaceutical
Dragon Sail was esatablished in 2016, directly invested by Guilin Sanjin Pharmaceutical Company Limited and is one of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sanjin. The aim of Dragon Sail is to create a high-end monoclonal antibody drug cGMP and commercial manufacturing sites in the Lingang Science Blue Bay (Shanghai). The total investment of this manufacturing site is around 690 million YUAN. The manufacturing scale of the first phase is 3*2000L and the second phase could reach to 6*2000L scale. Dragon Sail provides one-stop CDMO services for antibody drugs from CMC development to Commercial Production, the site of Blue Bay is one of the largest monoclonal antibody production bases in Shanghai.
About Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals
Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is a biological high-tech enterprise focusing on R&D and services of innovative antibody drugs. Sanyou is committed to establishing a leading high-quality, high-throughput, integrated R&D and value transformation platform for innovative antibody drugs internationally, constructing a business ecosystem involving therapy, R&D, and diagnostic products and services, and cooperating with global biopharmaceutical, diagnostic, and drug R&D companies to make a new progress in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Sanyou has established an innovative antibody drug integrated R&D laboratory of over 20,000 square meters with advanced facilities and equipment, and more than 40 core innovation technology platforms, including innovative antibody drug discovery featured with a series of trillion phage display antibody libraries, innovative antibody drug optimization, cell line construction, upstream and downstream process development, preclinical R&D and industrial development.
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SOURCE Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/25/sanyou-biopharmaceuticals-forged-strategic-partnership-with-dragon-sail-pharmaceutical-upgrade-integrated-innovative-antibody-drug-rampd/ | 2022-06-25T01:39:42Z |
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The United States Conference of Mayors, on the Senate's bipartisan gun safety proposal released today:
"As mayors continue to face the devastating impact of gun violence in their cities, we are encouraged that a bipartisan group of Senators has heeded the call of the American people and has come together around a set of common sense gun safety principles. While the proposal may not include all that mayors are calling for, it does contain important measures that could save lives. We look forward to learning the details of the agreement and thank the Senators for their leadership and commitment to addressing this crisis. Mayors will continue to do all that they can to keep their residents safe and we call on Congress to do the same by considering this legislation without delay."
About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/12/statement-by-us-conference-mayors-senate-gun-safety-proposal/ | 2022-06-12T23:07:59Z |
VAUGHAN, ON, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - GFL Environmental Inc. ("GFL") (TSX: GFL) (NYSE: GFL) has been awarded the National Waste & Recycling Association ("NWRA") 2022 Recycling Facility of the Year for its Multi Material Recovery Campus in Toronto, Ontario. The award recognizes leading material recovery facilities ("MRFs") in North America based on key factors such as innovation, partnership, public education and environmental impact.
"We are proud to receive the NWRA 2022 Recycling Facility of the Year award," said Patrick Dovigi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "This is the second time in the last three years that one of our MRFs has received this honor. We have always invested heavily in technology to provide the best in sustainable solutions to our customers. This award supports our vision of always remaining entrepreneurial, investing in leading technology and providing our customers with the very best in recycling services."
GFL's Toronto Multi-Material Recovery Campus is located on a 27-acre site that houses two single stream MRFs that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
122 Arrow Road was the first MRF developed at the Campus. It began operations in 2010, processing mainly commercial material, and has since been modified to house an advanced single stream processing system. 124 Arrow Road was built in 2013 for the City of Toronto single stream processing contract, with excess capacity for future opportunities. As one of the largest, most technologically-advanced single stream facilities in North America, this facility was designed with sustainability and future needs at the forefront of all decision making.
Both facilities are designed with state-of-the-art technology including elliptical fiber separation, optical sorting, fully automated high-speed sorting robots and other mechanical separation processes. This design not only maximizes recovery, it also allows GFL to adapt to changing material composition and ensure the end production of high-quality processed recyclables. A dedicated material composition analysis center is also located on site to facilitate the sorting and analysis of inbound and outbound material.
The Campus has proven to be an overwhelming success for GFL. The Campus serves the material recovery needs of approximately 4 million municipal households and has processed over 3.5 million tons of material from municipal and commercial sources since its inception in 2010.
About GFL
GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing a comprehensive line of solid waste management, liquid waste management and soil remediation services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in more than half of the U.S. states. Across its organization, GFL has a workforce of more than 19,000 employees.
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SOURCE GFL Environmental Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/gfl-environmetnal-awarded-nwra-2022-recycling-facility-year/ | 2022-09-06T11:32:25Z |
NEW YORK, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Energy Transfer LP ("Energy Transfer" or the "Company") (NYSE: ET) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Energy Transfer investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired common shares of Energy Transfer stock between April 13, 2017 and December 20, 2021, both dates inclusive. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
ET investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (a) Energy Transfer had inadequate internal controls and procedures to prevent contractors from engaging in illegal conduct with regards to drilling activities, and/or failed to properly mitigate known issues related to such controls and procedures; (b) Energy Transfer, through its subsidiary Rover Pipeline, LLC, hired a third-party contractor to conduct Horizontal Directional Drilling Activities for the Rover Pipeline Project, whose conduct of adding illegal additives in the drilling mud caused severe pollution near the Tuscarawas River when a large inadvertent release took place on April 13, 2017; (c) Energy Transfer continually downplayed its potential civil liabilities when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") was actively investigating the Energy Transfer's wrongdoing related to the April 13 release and consistently provided it with updated information about FERC's findings on this matter.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Energy Transfer during the relevant time frame, you have until August 2, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/et-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-energy-transfer-lp-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-06-23T10:03:21Z |
PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) will release financial results for the second quarter 2022 prior to the market opening on Thursday, August 4, 2022.
Management will host a conference call on the same day at 8:00 a.m. EDT to discuss results.
To access the conference call, please dial (800) 343-4849 (U.S. toll-free) and reference conference ID BALYQ22022. An online audio webcast of the conference call will be available via the Investors section of the Company's website https://ballys.com. An online archive of the webcast will be available for 120 days.
About Bally's Corporation
Bally's Corporation is a global casino-entertainment company with a growing omni-channel presence of Online Sports Betting and iGaming offerings. It currently owns and manages 14 casinos across 10 states, a horse racetrack in Colorado and has access to OSB licenses in 18 states. It also owns Gamesys Group, a leading, global, online gaming operator, Bally Interactive, a first-in-class sports betting platform, Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest growing daily fantasy sports site in North America, SportCaller, a leading, global B2B free-to-play game provider, and Telescope Inc., a leading provider of real-time fan engagement solutions.
With approximately 10,000 employees, Bally's Casino operations include more than 15,800 slot machines, 500 table games and 5,300 hotel rooms. Upon closing the previously announced Tropicana Las Vegas (NV) transaction, as well as completing the construction of a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally's will own and manage 16 casinos across 11 states. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BALY".
Investor Contact
Robert Lavan
Chief Financial Officer
401-475-8564
InvestorRelations@ballys.com
Media Contact
Richard Goldman
Kekst CNC
646-847-6102
BallysMediaInquiries@kekstcnc.com
BALY-INV
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SOURCE Bally's Corporation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/ballys-report-second-quarter-2022-results-august-4-2022/ | 2022-07-20T21:37:51Z |
5 things to know for April 1: Ukraine, Oil and gas, LGBTQ rights, Covid, North Korea
By AJ Willingham, CNN
Last month saw the most tornadoes ever recorded in March in the US, and it was the second record-breaking March in a row. In general, scientists are seeing more severe weather earlier in the year, and yes, climate change is likely a factor.
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
(You can get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. Ukraine
About 100,000 people remain trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol in Ukraine, and local leaders say Russian forces are not allowing aid supplies inside. A Ukrainian official said some evacuation buses heading to Mariupol were held at a Russian checkpoint and 14 tons of humanitarian aid bound for the city were confiscated by Russian troops. In addition to suspicions that Russia is regrouping its forces in neighboring Belarus, British intelligence suggests Russian troops are also being redeployed from the former Soviet republic of Georgia. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia resume today, but Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, says he has a “very, very small portion of optimism” after apparently fruitless talks earlier this week in Istanbul.
2. Oil and gas
The International Energy Agency is planning to hold an emergency meeting today to discuss ways to stabilize oil markets — possibly following suit with President Joe Biden’s decision to release millions of barrels of oil from emergency reserves. Oil prices dropped sharply after Biden’s announcement yesterday, but even the release of a million barrels a day would only cover about a third of lost production from Russia. Industry experts warn that gas prices could still hit new highs in the US this spring and summer. Biden also announced plans yesterday to ramp up domestic production of minerals needed to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles and long-term energy storage. The hope is that by doing so, the US can lessen its dependence on fossil fuels — and be less vulnerable to wild swings in oil prices during international conflicts.
3. LGBTQ rights
Florida’s controversial law, which is dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, is already inviting feuds and fallout. After the bill was signed into law, the Walt Disney Company wrote in a statement that its “goal” was to get the law repealed or defeated in the courts. Disney is Florida’s largest private employer, and had come under pressure to speak out about the measure. Now, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled support for a Republican-led effort to repeal a 55-year-old provision that allows the entertainment company to operate as an independent government around its Orlando-area theme park. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger joined voices condemning the law, telling Chris Wallace on CNN+ that it’s not political, “it’s about right and wrong.” Two LGBTQ rights advocacy groups, joined by students, parents and a teacher, have already filed the first federal lawsuit challenging the new rule.
4. Coronavirus
Republicans have struck an “agreement in principle” with Democrats on a $10 billion package to provide further pandemic relief, according to GOP Sen. Mitt Romney. The White House has been appealing to Congress to pass more funding, saying the administration doesn’t have the money to purchase monoclonal antibody therapies, vaccines, and more tests — as well as reimburse providers and provide personal protection equipment. The $10 billion price tag is about half of what the White House was seeking. Some Democrats say the deal is a little farther afield than Romney has suggested. Meanwhile, another bipartisan group of senators is trying to extend pandemic school meal waivers that gave federal funds and flexibilities to provide free food to more kids and to cope with supply chain and labor issues.
5. North Korea
The US and its allies are growing concerned that North Korea may be making preparations for an underground nuclear test for the first time since 2017. North Korea has recently resumed digging tunnels and other construction activities at its underground nuclear test site, officials say. The US intelligence community estimates North Korea could be ready to conduct a nuclear test this year, a concern heightened by the country’s recent demonstration of a missile that could potentially reach the US. The Defense Department is currently considering military responses to that missile test, which could include flying bombers or sailing warships in the region, or beefing up exercises and training in concert with regional allies like Japan and South Korea.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
NFL changes playoff overtime rule after Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills thriller
AT LAST, a deep sports injustice has been righted.
Skippy is recalling 161,692 pounds of peanut butter
That amounts to a “limited number” of about 9,000 cases, which serves as a reminder that peanut butter is very heavy. (Still though, check your pantry.)
Ikea will pay you to get its old furniture back
You will have to pry this Kallax from my cold, dead hands.
‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ will premiere this summer
Are we ready to be hurt again, GOT fans? Yes, yes we are.
A Japanese ‘killing stone,’ said to contain an evil 9-tailed fox spirit, has split in two
Not now, evil 9-tailed fox spirit!
QUIZ TIME
Will Smith and Chris Rock made headlines when Smith struck Rock during the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday. Smith later won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. What movie did he star in to win the award?
A. “King Richard”
B. “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
C. “CODA”
D. “The Power of the Dog”
Take CNN’s weekly news quiz to see if you’re correct!
IN MEMORIAM
French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, who was best known as Princess Diana’s personal photographer and for his iconic images of some of the 20th century’s most glamorous women, died yesterday at the age of 78, according to a statement posted to his official Instagram account. No cause of death was specified. In a statement to CNN, New York’s Staley-Wise Gallery, which represents Demarchelier’s work, described him as “a brilliant photographer who had an extraordinary sense of classic and elegant style — certainly the best of his generation.”
TODAY’S QUOTE
“There is no room for employers who do not secure the freedom and safety of World Cup workers. No room for leaders that cannot host the women’s game. No room for hosts that cannot legally guarantee the safety and respect of LGBTQ+ people coming to this theater of dreams. FIFA must set the tone and lead.”
Norway’s FA President Lise Klaveness, who delivered a speech at FIFA’s 72nd annual Congress criticizing the decision to allow Qatar to host the World Cup despite various controversies.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
Weekend craft, anyone?
My toxic trait is thinking I could make stained glass just like these artists, who use centuries-old techniques to reproduce a masterpiece. (Click here to view)
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/04/01/5-things-to-know-for-april-1-ukraine-oil-and-gas-lgbtq-rights-covid-north-korea-2/ | 2022-04-01T12:04:11Z |
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, the Florida panhandle and
big bend, and southwest and south central Georgia.
* WHEN...Through Thursday morning.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected
across most of the area. However, localized amounts in excess
of 5 inches are likely in areas that experience multiple
rounds of thunderstorms.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.
&&
The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at ABAC is collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House through April 15.
TIFTON — The Omega Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is collecting personal care items for the Ronald McDonald House as its spring community service project.
Chapter President Leana Atkinson said the organization is gathering personal care items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
“This is a meaningful project for our members to continue to support,” Atkinson said. “In the past, our club has collected donations like these for the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center as part of a community service project organized through the University System of Georgia. When we received a request from the Ronald McDonald House for these kinds of donations, we knew we could help.”
Collection boxes will be at the Carlton Center and the King Hall lobby at ABAC through April 15. Atkinson said many families use the Ronald McDonald House in Savannah while their loved ones are in the hospital with COVID-19 and other illnesses.
“I’ve already collected over 400 items to donate, and we can collect more by asking PTK members and people in the ABAC community to help,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson said family members are provided free housing at the Ronald McDonald House while their loved ones receive medical care. The Ronald McDonald House asks families to supply such items as toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and cream rinse, deodorant, powder, lip balm and other products for themselves.
“We would like to provide these things for them, so they will have one less thing to worry about,” Atkinson said. “Thank you for your support. Our Honor Society members and I appreciate your help.”
For more information on donations, interested persons can contact ABAC Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Charlotte Klesman at (229) 391-4976 or at cklesman@abac.edu.
To determine which countries have taken in the most people fleeing Ukraine since fighting broke out on Feb. 24, Stacker compiled refugee data (last updated April 4) from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Click for more.
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NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRBP).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/kiromic-biopharma-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31300&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired: (a) Kiromic common stock issued in connection with the Company's public offering that closed on July 2, 2021 and/or (b) Kiromic common stock between June 25, 2021 and August 13, 2021, both dates inclusive.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until October 4, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
The complaint alleges that the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's public offering that closed on July 2, 2021 (the "Offering Documents") failed to disclose that the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") had, prior to the filing of these documents, imposed a clinical hold on the Company's Investigational New Drug ("IND") applications for its two new drug candidates. Given that the offering closed on July 2, 2021, more than thirty (30) days after the Company submitted the IND applications for its two immunotherapy product candidates, investors were assured that no clinical hold had been issued and clinical trials would commence.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/krbp-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-kiromic-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-4-2022/ | 2022-09-02T11:26:11Z |
Former national security adviser Robert McFarlane dies at 84
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House national security adviser Robert C. McFarlane, a top aide to President Ronald Reagan who pleaded guilty to charges for his role in an illegal arms-for-hostages deal known as the Iran-Contra affair, has died. He was 84.
McFarlane, who lived in Washington, died Thursday from complications of a previous illness at a hospital in Michigan, where he was visiting family, according to a family statement.
“As his family we wish to share our deep sadness at the loss of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, and note his profound impact on our lives,” the family said in the statement. “Though recognized as a strategic political thinker, we remember him for his warmth, his wisdom, his deep belief in God, and his commitment to serving others.”
McFarlane, a former Marine lieutenant colonel and Vietnam combat veteran, resigned his White House post in December 1985. He was later pressed into service by the administration as part of a secret — and illegal — plan to sell arms to Iran in exchange for the freedom of Western hostages in the Middle East and pass along the proceeds to the contra rebels in Nicaragua for their fight against the Marxist Sandinista government.
He played a major role in the affair, leading the secret delegation to Tehran, then as now a U.S. adversary, to open contact with so-called moderate Iranians who were thought to hold influence with kidnappers of American hostages. He brought with him a cake and a Bible signed by Reagan.
The scheme began to unfold a after a cargo plane carrying a CIA-arranged shipment of arms was shot down in October 1986 by the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, setting off what eventually became one of the biggest modern political scandals.
McFarlane was rushed to a Washington-area hospital in February 1987 after taking an overdose of Valium the day before he was scheduled to testify before a presidential commission investigating the affair.
He pleaded guilty in March 1988 to four misdemeanor counts of withholding information from Congress. His lawyer said he was being unfairly singled out because he, unlike other key figures in the affair, testified willingly before investigative panels. He also admitted his role.
“I did indeed withhold information from the Congress,” he told reporters at the time. “I believe strongly that, throughout, my actions were motivated by what I believed to be in the foreign policy interest of the United States.”
He was pardoned by President George H.W. Bush, along with five other figures from the scandal.
McFarlane, a career Marine known as “Bud” to his friends, had risen to lieutenant colonel and to positions in the Nixon and Ford administrations. He served as national security special assistant to Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford during their presidencies.
During the Carter administration, he was on the Republican staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He returned to the executive branch with Reagan’s election, serving as a State Department counselor until moving to the White House as national security adviser William Clark’s deputy in January 1982. He was appointed to the top national security post in 1983.
McFarlane, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was the son of a former Democratic congressman from Texas, William Doddridge McFarlane, who served from 1932 to 1938. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, two daughters and a son.
—
Associated Press news researcher Ronda Shafner contributed from New York.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/13/former-national-security-adviser-robert-mcfarlane-dies-84/ | 2022-05-13T21:09:16Z |
HANOI, Vietnam and SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viettel Group and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced plans to collaborate and develop a next-generation 5G Radio Unit (RU) with massive MIMO capabilities and distributed units (DUs). This focuses on helping to expedite the development and roll-out of 5G network infrastructure and services in Vietnam and globally.
Using the Qualcomm® X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card and Massive MIMO Qualcomm® QRU100 5G RAN Platform combined with its own advanced hardware and software systems, Viettel expects to accelerate the development and commercialization of high-performance Open RAN massive MIMO solutions, which simplify network deployment and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
Viettel is one of four global partners trusted and selected by Qualcomm to participate in the development and application of this new 5G chipset of Qualcomm. According to Qualcomm, the partnership will help advance the cellular ecosystem and accelerate the innovation cycle.
"Viettel has been a pioneer in adopting new telecommunications technologies including 5G. We are delighted to have Qualcomm Technologies as a key technology provider in our 5G gNodeB project," said Nguyen Vu Ha, general director, Viettel High Technology. "This collaboration between Qualcomm Technologies and Viettel Group will be the cornerstone of Vietnam's national strategy for Made in Vietnam 5G infrastructure."
"Qualcomm Technologies, as a global technology leader in 5G, is looking forward to collaborating with Viettel for the development of Open RAN solutions that will establish the foundation for Vietnam's next-generation of wireless networks," said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, Cellular Modems and Infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
About Viettel
Viettel has built a large 4G telecommunications infrastructure covering 97% of Vietnam population and has become a pioneer in 5G adoption in Vietnam. Viettel's 5G services are available in 16 cities and provinces in Vietnam to date. Viettel develops full network elements including Devices, Radio Access Network (RAN), Transmission Network, and Core Network which are forming a strong foundation for digital society.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the world's leading wireless technology innovator and the driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business.
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SOURCE Viettel Group | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/13/viettel-qualcomm-collaborate-5g-infrastructure-development/ | 2022-05-13T08:58:06Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bowman and Brooke, a nationally recognized trial firm with one of the country's largest product liability practices, is one of the first firms to adopt AllSearch, novel search technology powered by an emerging form of AI known as neural nets.
AllSearch was developed by Casetext, the leading provider of AI-powered technology for attorneys, to address a fundamental weakness in traditional legal research tools: search results are limited to the specific keywords that are input as queries.
AllSearch encodes documents in a much richer format than traditional search engines. This enables attorneys to more efficiently identify information, reducing "false positives" and increasing recall of relevant material. Bowman and Brooke's attorneys have used AllSearch to save significant amounts of time when conducting document searches, particularly when sifting through thousands of documents to find the information they need during litigation.
"After seeing the benefits of using neural net search on case law, Bowman and Brooke approached Casetext about expanding this search capability to other databases. This advanced tool allows our firm to streamline discovery processes and instantly identify key evidence in litigation records," said Chris Austin, Director of Information Governance at Bowman and Brooke.
"We're always seeking to gain a competitive advantage and provide the best possible work product to our clients while also striving for efficiencies," added Austin. "AllSearch helps our firm accomplish these goals."
"Bowman and Brooke's dedication to using technology to best represent their clients was a driving force for the development of AllSearch," said Pablo Arredondo, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Casetext. "Working with Bowman and Brooke, we were able to confirm that the benefits of neural net search extends well beyond case law research to other critical tasks like discovery, deposition prep, and appellate drafting."
Casetext has made it effortless for law firms to apply its search technology to any set of documents, including written discovery, transcripts, expert reports, brief banks, and contracts. AllSearch databases can be created via a simple drag-and-drop interface, or via an API. After a successful paid beta with a handful of client law firms, AllSearch is now being rolled out as Casetext's latest product offering.
Since 1985, Bowman and Brooke has defended products and manufacturers as both lead trial counsel and national coordinating counsel in high-exposure and technically intricate lawsuits. With twelve offices coast to coast, Bowman and Brooke is a nationally recognized law firm with one of the largest product liability practices in the country.
The firm also defends corporate clients, including Global 500 and international companies, in widely publicized catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters as well as other complex litigation. Bowman and Brooke's resources go beyond its core group of first-chair trial lawyers to include the legal acumen necessary to aggressively and tirelessly pursue results for clients.
For more information, visit www.bowmanandbrooke.com.
Casetext builds the most advanced AI legal technology available on the market today. Launched in 2013, Casetext has steadily grown to provide lawyers with a range of innovative tools to streamline critical elements of legal practice. Casetext offers powerful technology for legal research, brief drafting, knowledge management, discovery, and more. Today, over 10,000 law firms, including over 40 AmLaw 200 firms, rely on Casetext to improve the efficiency of their law practice.
For more information on Casetext, visit www.casetext.com or contact our team at info@trycasetext.com.
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SOURCE Casetext | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/bowman-brooke-adds-powerful-search-technology-casetext-its-arsenal-litigation-tools/ | 2022-08-18T21:45:13Z |
- Existing, single-family home sales totaled 419,040 in April on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 1.9 percent from March and down 8.5 percent from April 2021.
- April's statewide median home price was $884,890, up 4.2 percent from March and up 8.7 percent from April 2021.
- Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 7.4 percent in April.
LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- California home sales retreated in April as rising interest rates and higher home prices depressed housing demand even as the statewide median home price set another record for the second straight month, primarily due to strong sales at the top end of the market, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today.
Infographic: https://www.car.org/en/Global/Infographics/April-2022-Sales-and-Price
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 419,040 in April, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2022 if sales maintained the April pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.
April's sales pace was down 1.9 percent on a monthly basis from 426,970 in March and down 8.5 percent from a year ago, when 458,170 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The month-to-month April sales decline is in line with the long-run change of -1.6 percent recorded between March and April. The annual sales drop, however, was the biggest decline in the last four months. On a year-to-date basis, sales were down 7.4 percent in April.
"As rates remain on the rise, the sense of urgency to buy is keeping the market highly competitive, especially since housing inventory continues to stay well below pre-pandemic levels," said C.A.R. President Otto Catrina, a Bay Area real estate broker and REALTOR®. "While we will likely see more listings come on to the market as we move further into the home-buying season, the housing shortage issue will likely persist throughout the rest of the year in major metropolitan areas, such as the Bay Area and the Southern California region."
California's median home price set another record in April at $884,890 — surpassing the record of $849,080 set just the previous month. The April price was 4.2 percent higher than the $849,080 recorded in March and 8.7 percent higher than the $814,010 recorded last April. The year-over-year increase was the smallest since June 2020 but was strong enough to establish a new peak price for the state. The month-to-month percent change was higher than the long run average of 2.3 percent recorded between a March and an April in the last 43 years.
A change in the mix of sales continues to play a role in statewide record-setting home prices as sales in high-priced markets remain stronger than their more affordable counterparts. The share of million-dollar home sales increased for the third consecutive month, reaching the highest level on record at 34.7 percent. Home sales priced below $500,000, meanwhile, dipped again in April and hit the lowest level ever. Sales dropped by double-digits for price segments $750,000 and below, while sales above $2 million remained on the rise on a year-over-year basis. The shift in the mix of sales toward high-end homes is expected to persist in the upcoming months.
"California's housing market is moderating from the 12-year-high levels experienced in 2021, as higher mortgage interest rates and soaring home prices are starting to have an adverse impact on housing demand," said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. "With April pending home sales recording the worst drop in two years, the affordability challenges that buyers have been encountering are materializing in recent sales trends, and further declines in housing demand could continue in the second half of the year."
Other key points from C.A.R.'s April 2022 resale housing report include:
- At the regional level, home sales in all major California regions declined from a year ago, with three of the five regions falling by double-digits on a year-over-year basis. The Central Coast region continued to have the biggest decline of all regions in April, with sales dropping 21.3 percent from a year ago. Despite being down sharply from last year's unusually high level, April's sales in the Central Coast were only down 2.1 percent from the pre-pandemic average. The San Francisco Bay Area (-18.1 percent) and Southern California (-16.0 percent) were the other two major regions with sales declines exceeding 10 percent from a year ago.
- More than four in five of all counties tracked by C.A.R. experienced a sales decline from a year ago in April 2022, compared to nearly two in three the prior month. Sales in 29 California counties fell more than 10 percent from a year ago, with Mono dropping the most at 70.0 percent, followed by Glenn (-41.7 percent) and Plumas (-29.3 percent). Counties with a sales drop from last year decreased an average of -16.3 percent in April. Only nine counties recorded a sales increase on a year-over-year basis in April, compared to 19 counties in March. Yuba (43.2 percent) had the largest sales growth from last year, followed by Sutter (25.4 percent) and Mariposa (18.2 percent). Through the first four months of 2022, Plumas had the biggest year-to-date sales decline, registering -31.0 percent, while Yuba (+61.3 percent) had the best sales performance of all counties.
- At the regional level, home prices in all major California regions, except the Far North continued to surge from last year by double-digits, with three of them reaching a new record high in April. The San Francisco Bay Area recorded the highest year-over-year price growth with an increase of 15.9 percent, followed by the Central Valley (14.9 percent), the Central Coast (13.4 percent), Southern California (11.7 percent), and the Far North (8.9 percent). The Central Coast and the Far North were the only regions that did not post a new record median price in April.
- At the county level, home prices continued to rise across the state, with 26 counties in California setting new record median highs in April. Forty-five out of 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded a price increase in April, with 33 of them rising 10 percent or more from a year ago. Mono had the biggest year-over-year gain in median price at 142.6 percent, followed by Marin (31.2 percent) and Mariposa (23.3 percent). The median price in six counties dipped from last year, with Plumas dropping the most at -12.5 percent, followed by Glenn (-7.0 percent) and Tehama (-3.3 percent).
- The overall housing supply condition in California improved in April, with the statewide Unsold Inventory Index (UII) inching up slightly from last month and from the same month a year ago. The number of active listings surged more than 20 percent on a year-over-year basis and recorded the highest yearly growth in properties for sale since January 2019. Active listings in April climbed to the highest level in seven months
- Forty of the 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. recorded an increase in active listings on a year-over-year basis in April, compared to 36 counties in March. For the second straight month, Yuba had the biggest increase in homes on the market with a jump of 176.7 percent in growth in active listings from last April. Sutter (108.7 percent) and Glenn (100.0 percent) were the other two counties that also experienced triple-digit annual increases in active listings. On the other hand, eight counties came in short on properties on the market when compared to the same month of last year, with Sonoma dropping the most at -26.2 percent, followed by Mono (-23.3 percent) and Lassen (-21.6 percent).
- The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 8 days in April and 7 days in April 2021.
- C.A.R.'s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio* was 104.2 percent in April 2022 and 103.3 percent in April 2021.
- The statewide average price per square foot** for an existing single-family home was $433, up from $383 in April a year ago.
- The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 4.98 percent in April, up from 3.06 percent in April 2021, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate averaged 3.70 percent, compared to 2.81 percent in April 2021.
Note: The County MLS median price and sales data in the tables are generated from a survey of more than 90 associations of REALTORS® throughout the state and represent statistics of existing single-family detached homes only. County sales data are not adjusted to account for seasonal factors that can influence home sales. Movements in sales prices should not be interpreted as changes in the cost of a standard home. The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical than average prices, which are skewed by a relatively small share of transactions at either the lower end or the upper end. Median prices can be influenced by changes in cost, as well as changes in the characteristics and the size of homes sold. The change in median prices should not be construed as actual price changes in specific homes.
*Sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its last list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio with 100 percent or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100 percent indicates that the price sold below the asking price.
**Price per square foot is a measure commonly used by real estate agents and brokers to determine how much a square foot of space a buyer will pay for a property. It is calculated as the sale price of the home divided by the number of finished square feet. C.A.R. currently tracks price-per-square foot statistics for 50 counties.
Leading the way…® in California real estate for more than 110 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with more than 217,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.
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SOURCE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/rising-interest-rates-climbing-home-prices-moderate-california-home-sales-april-statewide-median-price-sets-another-peak-car-reports/ | 2022-05-17T16:27:45Z |
Schumer urges Senate action in wake of Uvalde school shooting
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer swiftly set in motion a pair of firearms background-check bills Wednesday in response to the school massacre in Texas. But the Democrat acknowledged Congress’ unyielding rejection of previous legislation to curb the national epidemic of gun violence.
Schumer implored his Republican colleagues to cast aside the powerful gun lobby and reach across the aisle for even a modest compromise bill. But no votes are being scheduled.
“Please, please, please damnit - put yourselves in the shoes of these parents just for once,” Schumer said as he opened the Senate.
He threw up his hands at the idea of what might seem an inevitable outcome: “If the slaughter of schoolchildren can’t convince Republicans to buck the NRA, what can we do?”
The killing of at least 19 children plus a teacher at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, has laid bare the political reality that the U.S. Congress has proven unwilling or unable to pass substantial federal legislation to curb gun violence in America.
In many ways, the end of any gun violence legislation in Congress was signaled a decade ago when the Senate failed to approve a firearms background check bill after 20 kindergartners were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Despite the outpouring of grief Wednesday after the starkly similar Texas massacre, it’s not at all clear there will be any different outcome.
“We are accepting this as the new normal,” lamented Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., on “CBS Mornings.” “It’s our choice.”
While President Joe Biden said “we have to act,” substantial gun violence legislation has been blocked by Republicans, often with a handful of conservative Democrats.
Despite mounting mass shootings in communities nationwide — two in the past two weeks alone, including Tuesday in Texas and the racist killing of Black shoppers at a Buffalo, New York, market 10 days earlier — lawmakers have been unwilling to set aside their differences and buck the gun lobby to work out any compromise.
Even the targeting of their own failed to move Congress to act. Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was shot in the head at a Saturday morning event outside a Tucson grocery store in 2011, and several Republican lawmakers on a congressional baseball team were shot years later during morning practice.
“The conclusion is the same,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “I’m not seeing any of my Republican colleagues come forward right now and say, ‘Here’s a plan to stop the carnage.’ So this is just normal now, which is ridiculous.”
It’s “nuts to do nothing about this,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Giffords’ husband, said Wednesday using an expletive.
Pleading with his colleagues for a compromise, Murphy said he was reaching out to the two Texas Republican senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and had called fellow Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin who authored the bill that failed after Sandy Hook.
“When you have babies, little children, innocent as can be, oh God,” Manchin told reporters late Tuesday, noting he had three school-age grandchildren. “It just makes no sense at all why we can’t do common sense — common sense things — and try to prevent some of this from happening.”
In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, compromise legislation, written by Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, was backed by a majority of senators. But it fell to a filibuster — blocked by most Republicans and a handful of Democrats, unable to to overcome the 60-vote threshold needed to advance.
The same bill flamed out again in 2016, after a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
“My interest in doing something to improve and expand our background check system remains,” Toomey told reporters Wednesday. He said he had been in contact with Murphy.
But Toomey was an outlier. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has declined to publicly comment, and few other Republicans added their voices to the mix.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins said she too had spoken to Murphy and Congress should focus on “what some states have done red or yellow flag laws” — which are designed to keep firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others.
One known deal-maker, Democratic Sen. Krysten Sinema of Arizona, told reporters Wednesday she’ll start having conversations with senators on “red flag” laws or others.
“People at home all across America are just, they’re scared. They want us to do something,” Sinema said.
A modest effort to strengthen the federal background check system for gun purchases did make it into law in 2018a. The “Fix NICS” measure, which provided money for states to comply with the existing National Instant Criminal Background Check system and penalize federal agencies that don’t.
Former President Donald Trump vowed action in 2019, after back-to-back mass shootings rocked the nation when a gunman opened fire at a shopping center in El Paso and another targeted a popular nightlife spot in Ohio, killing dozens. In 2018 his administration had banned bump stocks, the attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns and were used during the October 2017 shooting massacre in Las Vegas.
But Trump eventually backed away from the proposals, pressured both times by the National Rifle Association and other groups.
Biden, whose party has slim control of Congress, has failed to push gun violence bills past what is now primarily Republican opposition in the Senate.
Last year, the House passed two bills to expand background checks on firearms purchases. One would have closed a loophole for private and online sales. The other would have extended the background check review period, a response to the church shooting of Black people by a white man in South Carolina.
Schumer immediately set them in motion for votes after the Texas tragedy. Both had languished in the 50-50 Senate where Democrats have only a narrow majority because of Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability to cast a tie-breaking vote but need at least 10 Republicans to overcome a filibuster.
The stalemate has renewed calls to do away with Senate filibuster rules for legislation, lowering the threshold to a 51-vote majority for passage.
“Why do you go through all the hassle of getting this job, of putting yourself in a position of authority if your answer is that as the slaughter increases, as our kids run for their lives, we do nothing?” Murphy said in a fiery speech late Tuesday as news spread of the Texas massacre.
Cornyn was en route Wednesday to Uvalde. Cruz issued a statement calling it “a dark day. We’re all completely sickened and heartbroken.”
___
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Mary Clare Jalonick, Alan Fram and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/25/schumer-urges-senate-action-wake-uvalde-school-shooting/ | 2022-05-25T16:48:03Z |
WESTON, Mass., May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster Worldwide is proud to announce a partnership with Massachusetts High Technology Council (MHTC) and Home Base in conjunction with the Red Sox Foundation to educate employers on the value of veteran hiring, as well as provide resources and expertise for transitioning Military as they begin their civilian careers.
Monster is a leader in providing veteran hiring and recruitment tools and solutions, and its online defense news publication, Military.com, is the largest online publisher of military and veteran-related news, advice, and resources. With Monster becoming the official job board of the Boston Red Sox in April, this partnership brings together Monster's veteran hiring expertise and the Red Sox Foundation's philanthropic efforts through Home Base to create opportunities for employers and job seekers to learn more about veteran hiring.
Working directly with MHTC's Tech Vets initiative allows Monster to fulfill its mission of connecting people with jobs by offering some of the top employers in Massachusetts access to a valuable talent pool—transitioning Military and their families.
"In today's market, where sourcing candidates with the right skills is essential to finding the right fit, it's natural for us to partner with MHTC to bring the area's technology leaders together with a highly motivated talent pool ready to advance their skills and careers," says Scott Gutz, CEO of Monster Worldwide. "As the CEO of Monster, a longtime MHTC board member, and a lifelong fan of the Red Sox, it is a privilege to launch this partnership."
"Originally launched in 2014, the Mass High Tech Council is honored to bring back a revised Tech Vets initiative in 2022 as an additional talent strategy feature for our members," said MHTC president Chris Anderson.
A kickoff event will take place at Fenway Park later this year, and the partnership will focus on two critical aspects of veteran hiring and feature events catered to employers and candidates:
- Training and credentialing of employers: Introduce area employers to the value of veteran hiring, best practices in recruiting and onboarding veterans and transitioning Military, and how to create a military-friendly company culture.
- Veteran candidate education and job-search preparation: Explain skills translation, résumé prep, and adapting to civilian workplace culture.
About Monster
Monster is a global leader in connecting the right people to the right jobs. Every day, Monster aims to make every workplace happier and more productive by transforming the way employers find talent and candidates find careers. For 25 years, Monster has worked to transform the recruiting industry. Today, the company leverages innovative digital, social, and mobile solutions and propriety data and insights to enable employers and candidates to see each other more clearly.
About Home Base
Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education, and research. As a National Center of Excellence, Home Base operates the first and largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to providing life-saving clinical care and support for the treatment of the invisible wounds to include post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, family relationship challenges, and other issues associated with military service – all at no cost to the Veteran. Headquartered in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA, with a satellite location in southwest Florida, Home Base is a nonprofit organization serving the entire country that operates predominantly on the philanthropic generosity of a grateful nation: federal, state, and local funding, foundation grants, and donations from individuals and corporations. For more information: www.homebase.org.
About the Massachusetts High Technology Council:
The Massachusetts High Technology Council, Inc. is an organization of CEOs and senior executives representing technology companies, professional services firms, and research institutions who are dedicated to creating and sustaining conditions that support investment, job growth, and improved quality of life in Massachusetts. Our members are growth-oriented, knowledge-intensive employers and institutions that develop, deliver, and depend on technology products, services, and innovations to advance their organizational objectives—a definition which covers about all business enterprises in Massachusetts today. Our mission is to help make Massachusetts the world's most attractive place in which to live and work, and in which to create, operate, and grow high technology businesses.
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SOURCE Monster | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/25/monster-massachusetts-high-technology-council-home-base-a-red-sox-foundation-massachusetts-general-hospital-program-launch-new-veteran-hiring-partnership/ | 2022-05-25T16:07:48Z |
Addition of Ultramax Brings Owned Fleet to 25 Ships
NEWPORT, R.I., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. ("Pangaea" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PANL), a global provider of comprehensive maritime logistics solutions, announced it has purchased a vessel to add to its operating fleet. The ship was purchased in the second-hand market for USD 17.1 million. The Company will own 25 ships when the new ship is delivered to Pangaea in September or October 2022. Pangaea consistently operates a total fleet of 50-60 vessels in worldwide trades.
"This 2010 Hyundai Vinashin shipyard-built 56,000 dwt dry bulk vessel fits well with our core fleet, with CO2 fitted holds able to transport premium cargo under our customer contracts of affreightment and spot trades. We have operated the ship for the past year on a charter-in basis, and it has performed well for us," said Pangaea's Chief Operating Officer Mads Boye Petersen. "We are committed to providing our clients with excellent service through our flexible owned and operated fleet. This ship, to be named Bulk Sachuest, will bring our owned fleet to 25 and is another step in our efforts to maintain our owned fleet with high quality and efficient tonnage," Petersen added.
About Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.
Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ: PANL) provides logistics services to a broad base of industrial customers who require the transportation of a wide variety of dry bulk cargoes, including grains, pig iron, hot briquetted iron, bauxite, alumina, cement clinker, dolomite, and limestone. The Company addresses the transportation needs of its customers with a comprehensive set of services and activities, including cargo loading, cargo discharge, vessel chartering, and voyage planning. Learn more at www.pangaeals.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors, as well as other risks that have been included in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov.
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SOURCE Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/pangaea-logistics-solutions-ltd-announces-purchase-vessel/ | 2022-08-23T21:19:20Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Amazon common stock between July 30, 2021, and April 28, 2022, inclusive.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 6, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in AMZN:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/amazon-com-inc-loss-submission-form-2?id=30842&from=4
Amazon.com, Inc. NEWS - AMZN NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Amazon.com, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: 1) defendants knew or recklessly disregarded that the Company's infrastructure and fulfillment network investments substantially outpaced demand; 2) those investments were a massive, self-imposed, undue drain on Amazon's financial condition; 3) contrary to defendants' public statements and undisclosed to investors, defendants had already implemented cutbacks to Amazon's fulfillment capacity by July 2021; and 4) as a result of defendants' misrepresentations and omissions, Amazon's common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the class period.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Amazon you have until September 6, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Amazon securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the AMZN lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/amazon-com-inc-loss-submission-form-2?id=30842&from=4.
ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/amzn-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-6-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-amazoncom-inc-shareholders/ | 2022-08-16T10:04:57Z |
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis said Thursday the Vatican was in contact with the Nicaraguan government about its crackdown on the Catholic Church and hoped “at the very least” that nuns from Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity religious order would be allowed to return to operations in the country.
Francis said he didn’t understand the government’s actions: it has forced out the Vatican ambassador, closed the Sisters of Charity local operation and placed a bishop under house arrest. But Francis stressed that the Vatican was not prepared to sever contact or relations with the Nicaraguan government.
“There is dialogue. That doesn’t mean we approve of everything the government is doing, or disapprove of it. There is dialogue,” he said. “When there’s dialogue it means we must resolve problems. In this moment, there are problems.”
Speaking while traveling home from a trip to Kazakhstan, Francis termed Managua’s expulsion of Ambassador Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag a “serious diplomatic” incident, especially since the ambassador was very capable diplomat, who has recently been appointed to head the Vatican’s embassy in West Africa.
Francis said he hoped at least the Sisters of Charity could return.
“These women are great revolutionaries, of the Gospel. They aren’t making war against anyone. Actually, we all need them. One cannot understand this gesture. But we hope they can go back.”
The Vatican has been exceedingly measured in its public reaction to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s crackdown, limiting itself to a statement of concern after Sommertag was forced out as the Holy See’s ambassador and then again last month when Matagalpa Bishop Rolando Alvarez was put under house arrest.
Vatican officials have said they haven’t wanted to escalate the conflict by publicly admonishing Ortega’s administration. Sommertag’s appointment in West Africa creates a formal opening in the Vatican’s Managua embassy that the Vatican would presumably seek to fill with someone else if the Ortega government approves his credentials.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-pope-vatican-seeks-talks-on-nicaraguas-catholic-crackdown/ | 2022-09-16T15:07:03Z |
Which is better, Innova or Prodigy disc golf discs?
Disc golf is a flying disc sport played worldwide by people of all ages. Unlike other sports, disc golf doesn’t require running, jumping or physical contact, making it a relatively relaxing way to spend an afternoon. If you’re interested in playing, you’ve likely already heard of Innova and Prodigy, two of the most popular disc brands. Still, each brand has pros and cons worth considering before deciding which discs to buy.
Innova disc golf discs
Innova is the most popular disc golf brand, with over 90 discs available. Innova has been around since 1983, when Dave Dunipace designed the first disc specifically for disc golf. This brand is known for innovative discs meant to curve right, curve left, travel straight or stop entirely upon impact. Many Innova discs feature translucent “candy plastic” designs. Innova discs typically cost around $11-$20 for a single disc, although you can buy sets of three or more and pay less per disc.
Innova disc golf disc pros
- There is a wide range of discs.
- Innova is a trusted brand known for producing quality discs.
- In many cases, you can buy discs in sets of three or more.
- Innova discs often have exciting designs.
- Many Innova discs are “stable,” meaning they’re designed to fly straight.
- Innova has numerous disc golf baskets, bags and other equipment.
Innova disc golf disc cons
- Although Innova has numerous long-range drivers, many don’t fly as far as discs from other brands.
- Some Innova discs don’t give players precise weights and sizes.
- There is some inconsistency in the way the discs fly. For example, an Archangel disc made in 2018 may fly slightly differently than an Archangel made in 2022.
Best Innova disc golf discs
Innova Disc Golf Five-Disc Starter Set
This set comes with a special edition mini disc ideal for marking where your shots land. This includes a variety of midrange discs, distance drivers and putters, making it excellent for beginners. Many users felt this set was a great bang for their buck.
Sold by Amazon
Although you don’t get to choose the disc’s color, you can guarantee you’ll receive a disc with an interesting design. This disc is ideal for players that want to learn to throw a hyzer flip shot.
Sold by Amazon
Innova Disc Golf Three-Disc Set
This includes one driver, one mid-range disc and one putter. The included Aviar is one of the most popular discs available. Most people felt this was an excellent disc golf starter set.
Sold by Amazon
Prodigy disc golf discs
Prodigy is a relatively new brand of discs that have managed to gain a lot of notoriety in a short amount of time. This brand released its first line of discs in 2013 and now has over 30 discs available. Although Prodigy isn’t as popular as Innova, many avid disc golfers own at least one Prodigy disc.
Prodigy disc golf disc pros
- Prodigy discs follow an easy-to-understand naming convention. Each disc’s name is a single letter representing the type of disc followed by a single number representing how stable the disc is.
- These discs come in a range of colors, including candy-plastic colors.
- These discs consistently fly the same way.
- Many Prodigy discs feature unique rims and plastic, making them easier to hold and throw.
Prodigy disc golf disc cons
- Although the naming convention is helpful, many people find it boring.
- The discs don’t feature exciting designs.
- Prodigy discs can be harder to find than Innova discs.
Best Prodigy disc golf discs
This disc is an excellent choice for weaving your throws through wooded areas, as it can travel straight, left or right, depending on how you throw it. Depending on the power you put into your throw, this disc can range from stable to overstable. This disc is ideal for backhand and sidearm throwers.
Sold by Amazon
Prodigy Disc Ace Line Base Grip P Model S
The unique rim on this disc makes it easier to grip. Most people felt this disc consistently flew straight when they threw it.
Sold by Amazon
Innova vs. Prodigy FAQ
Is disc golf growing in popularity?
A. Due to the accessibility and affordability of disc golf, it has grown immensely popular throughout the pandemic. People looking to get out of their homes simply needed a distance driver and a putter to go to their local park and play disc golf for free.
Is disc golf played like regular golf?
A. Disc golf’s rules are similar to traditional golf. Players throw flying discs at a basket to make it in under the basket’s par. Courses typically have nine to 18 holes, and whoever has the lowest number of throws wins at the end of the game.
Is disc golf harder than golf?
A. Disc golf can be tricky, but most people who have played both sports agree that traditional golf is more complex than disc golf.
Who started Prodigy?
A. Several world-class disc golf players founded Prodigy. After creating their first run of discs, Prodigy distributed the discs to numerous professional players, such as Catrina Allen, Paige Pierce and Jeremy Koling. The players were considered founding members and were allowed to help Prodigy design future discs. Before Prodigy was started in 2013, there were only a few disc golf brands.
Should you get Innova disc golf discs or Prodigy disc golf discs?
Innova is an excellent brand for new and experienced disc golfers. They have an enormous selection of discs with interesting designs and can be purchased in sets if you want to save money. Prodigy is less popular but has a great selection of discs that many avid players love. Neither brand is necessarily better than the other, and most players like to carry a wide selection of discs from various brands.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/recreational-sports-br/innova-disc-golf-discs-vs-prodigy-disc-golf-discs/ | 2022-04-23T12:17:55Z |
Cross-Industry Business Leaders Celebrated for Achievements and Community Impact
NEW YORK, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ascend Foundation hosted a one-of-a-kind vibrant Ascend A-List Awards Gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday evening to celebrate Pan-Asian business leaders. Spotlighting resilient, impactful, and courageous leadership during disruptive times, honorees were recognized for their professional achievements and advancement of others in their industries or for being catalysts for change in their workplace and society.
The Honorable Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, made a special appearance to address the Asian and business communities at this sold-out celebration and was introduced by Seema Mody, Master of Ceremonies for the event, CNBC Global Markets Reporter and Host, "Trading Nation".
Ascend Foundation congratulates the 2022 Ascend A-List honorees: Anu Aiyengar, J.P. Morgan; Aditya Bhasin, Bank of America; Muhammad Bhayat, Grant Thornton LLP; Chi-Foon Chan, Synopsys Inc.; Timothy Chandran, Ericsson; Lisa Chang, The Coca-Cola Company; Alex Chi, Goldman Sachs and Co.; Marvin Chow, Google LLC; Rishi Chugh, KPMG LLP; Ajay Dhaul, Johnson & Johnson; Tracey Doi, Toyota Motor North America; Julia Gouw, Piermont Bank; Rohit Gupta, Enact Mortgage Insurance; Xihao Hu, TD Bank; Derek Idemoto, Cisco; Simmi Kelly, Altria; Reshma Kewalramani, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Anand Kini, NBCUniversal; Michael Ku, Pfizer Inc.; Sandra Leung, Bristol Myers Squibb Company; Jean Lu, Vanguard; Vasant Narasimhan, Novartis; Dinesh Nirmal, IBM; Roger Park, Ernst & Young LLP; Reshma Shetty, Ginkgo Bioworks; A.N. Sreeram, Dow; Padmasree Warrior, Fable Group Inc.; PK Yegneswaran, Merck & Co., Inc.; Deborah Yeh, Sephora.
"The leadership and attainments of this exemplary group of Pan-Asian executives serve as a model for future generations. The positive impact they provide reinforces Ascend Foundation's focus on mobilizing leaders with initiatives that address pressing societal needs, support communities and develop future API leaders," said Anna Mok, President & Co-Founder, Ascend & Ascend Foundation.
"It is an honor to be selected for this award with this group of esteemed leaders," said Reshma Kewalramani, Chief Executive Officer and President Vertex Pharmaceuticals. "The Ascend A-List Awards has turned a spotlight on the very important need for the Asian American community to support each other, motivate and inspire each other, and pay it forward to the next generation of leaders."
"What a wonderful way to celebrate Asian success in North America," said Sandeep Gupta, Event Chair, Past Board Director & Officer, Ascend. "Our awardees individually and collectively, inspire us and create a sense of belonging for all of us to grow and surpass our aspirations and achieve more than our full potential in the workplace and in society."
About Ascend Foundation and Ascend
The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to educate, advocate, and enable Asian and Pacific Islander (API) business leaders to reach their full potential and make greater positive societal impacts. Ascend Inc. is the largest non-profit Pan-Asian membership organization for business professionals in North America with a mission to drive workplace and societal impact by developing and elevating all API business leaders and empowering them to become catalysts for change.
Contact: Peyen Fong, 212-248-4888, programs@ascendleadership.org
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SOURCE Ascend Foundation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/ascend-a-list-awards-recognizes-pan-asian-leaders/ | 2022-06-29T15:05:05Z |
NEW YORK, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Arqit Quantum Inc. f/k/a Centricus Acquisition Corp..
Shareholders who purchased shares of ARQQ during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of: (i) all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Arqit securities between September 7, 2021 and April 18, 2022, inclusive; and/or (ii) all holders of Centricus securities as of the record date for the special meeting of shareholders held on August 31, 2021 to consider approval of the merger between Arqit and Centricus (the "Merger") and entitled to vote on the Merger.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Arqit's proposed encryption technology would require widespread adoption of new protocols and standards for telecommunications; (2) British cybersecurity officials questioned the viability of Arqit's proposed encryption technology in a meeting in 2020; (3) the British government was not an Arqit customer but, rather, providing grants to Arqit; (4) Arqit had little more than an early-stage prototype of its encryption system at the time of the Merger; and (5) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: July 5, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/arqit-quantum-inc-f-k-a-centricus-acquisition-corp-loss-submission-form/?id=29273&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of ARQQ during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is July 5, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-arqit-quantum-inc-fka-centricus-acquisition-corp-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-july-5-2022-nasdaq-arqq/ | 2022-06-29T16:43:15Z |
Seager homers in 3rd straight game, Rangers beat Braves 3-1
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager homered in his third straight game, Dane Dunning allowed one run over a career-high 7 2/3 innings and the Texas Rangers beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1. Seager’s solo homer gave Texas its first run in the first inning since opening day. The Rangers snapped a four-game losing streak. Dunning won for the first time since last Aug. 2, allowing three hits. He struck out five of Atlanta’s first six batters and retired 14 straight before a one-out double in the eighth by Adam Duvall. Ronald Acuña Jr., playing his second game this season since being activated Thursday from the injured list, singled home Atlanta’s only run. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/30/seager-homers-in-3rd-straight-game-rangers-beat-braves-3-1/ | 2022-05-01T04:52:42Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be a way to power a scooter with your arms instead of your legs," said an inventor, from Pompano Beach, Fla., "so I invented the TWICE FIT. My design would be fun to ride and would provide a great upper body workout in the process."
The invention provides a unique way to power and control a scooter. In doing so, it offers an alternative to traditional scooters that are powered by the legs. As a result, it enables the user to engage the upper body muscles while riding a scooter and it could provide added fun and entertainment. The invention features a user-friendly design that is easy to use so it is ideal for children and adults. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Fort Lauderdale sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-FJK-157, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/20/inventhelp-inventor-develops-arm-powered-scooter-fjk-157/ | 2022-06-20T17:40:46Z |
NASA’s Artemis I mega moon rocket test postponed
By Ashley Strickland, CNN
The final, crucial prelaunch test of NASA’s Artemis I mission to the moon was halted Sunday due to issues that prevented the safe loading of propellants into the mega rocket.
The agency’s next opportunity to begin fueling the 322-foot-tall (98-meter-tall) Artemis I rocket stack, including NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, is on Monday. Teams are meeting to assess whether resuming the test tomorrow is possible, and NASA will provide another update today at 5:30 p.m.
The test, known as the wet dress rehearsal, began on Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. ET.
The wet dress rehearsal simulates every stage of launch without the rocket actually leaving the launchpad. This includes powering on the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, loading supercold propellant into the rocket’s tanks, going through a full countdown simulating launch, resetting the countdown clock and draining the rocket tanks.
Operations were stopped on Sunday before loading propellants into the core stage of the rocket “due to loss of ability to pressurize the mobile launcher,” according to an update shared by the agency.
Prime and redundant supply fans for the mobile launcher weren’t working properly.
“The fans are needed to provide positive pressure to the enclosed areas within the mobile launcher and keep out hazardous gases. Technicians are unable to safely proceed with loading the propellants into the rocket’s core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage without this capability.”
Prior to this issue on Sunday afternoon, Artemis I weathered a powerful thunderstorm at Kennedy Space Center on Saturday.
Four lightning strikes hit the lightning towers within the perimeter of Launchpad 39B. While the first three were low-intensity strikes to tower two, the fourth strike was much more intense and hit tower one.
When these strikes occurred, the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket core stage were powered up. The rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage and boosters were not.
The fourth lightning strike was “the strongest we have seen since we installed the new lightning protection system,” tweeted Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager of the exploration ground systems program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, who has been providing regular updates all weekend. “It hit the catenary wire that runs between the 3 towers. System performed extremely well & kept SLS and Orion safe. Glad we enhanced protection since Shuttle!”
Each of the towers are topped with a fiberglass mast and series of overhead, or catenary, wires and conductors that help divert lightning strikes away from the rocket, Parsons explained. This new system provided more shielding than the one used during the Shuttle program. It also has an array of sensors that can determine the condition of the rocket after lightening strikes, preventing days of delays caused when teams have to assess the rocket.
Despite the strikes and delays, team were prepared to carry on with the wet dress rehearsal Sunday until they encountered the tanking issue.
Parsons shared a reminder that this is the point of the wet dress rehearsal — working out the kinks of a new system before launch day.
“A nice thing about this being a test, and not launching today, is that we have flexibility with the test window to work through first time issues,” Parsons tweeted.
The results of the wet dress rehearsal will determine when the uncrewed Artemis I will launch on a mission that goes beyond the moon and returns to Earth. This mission will kick off NASA’s Artemis program, which is expected to return humans to the moon and land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface by 2025.
What to expect next
When the wet dress rehearsal resumes, it will involve loading the rocket with more than 700,000 gallons (3.2 million liters) of supercold propellant — the “wet” in wet dress rehearsal — and then the team will go through all the steps toward launch.
“Some venting may be seen during tanking,” according to the agency, but that’s about it for visible action at the launchpad.
The team members will count down to within a minute and 30 seconds before launch and pause to ensure they can hold launch for three minutes, resume and let the clock run down to 33 seconds, and then pause the countdown.
Then, they will reset the clock to 10 minutes before launch, go through the countdown again and end at 9.3 seconds, just before ignition and launch would occur. This simulates what is called scrubbing a launch, or aborting a launch attempt, if weather or technical issues would prevent a safe liftoff.
At the end of the test, the team will drain the rocket’s propellant, just as it would during a real scrub.
Depending on the outcome of the wet dress rehearsal, the uncrewed mission could launch in June or July.
During the flight, the uncrewed Orion spacecraft will launch atop the SLS rocket to reach the moon and travel thousands of miles beyond it — farther than any spacecraft intended to carry humans has ever traveled. This mission is expected to last for a few weeks and will end with Orion splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis I will be the final proving ground for Orion before the spacecraft carries astronauts to the moon, 1,000 times farther from Earth than where the International Space Station is located.
After the uncrewed Artemis I flight, Artemis II will be a crewed flyby of the moon, and Artemis III will return astronauts to the lunar surface. The time line for the subsequent mission launches depends on the results of the Artemis I mission.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2022/04/03/nasas-artemis-i-mega-moon-rocket-test-postponed/ | 2022-04-03T22:16:30Z |
HONG KONG, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Newchic, an online fashion platform composed of brands that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and creativity, today announced the seven finalists behind the Top 8 designs in its 2022 #ArtYourPossibility Contest. The contest was open to both emerging designers and creatives with little-to-no fashion background to produce a portfolio of original illustrations and written materials.
This year's finalists are listed below, in alphabetical order:
Constantin Babeanu
Frenki Ceko
Scarlet Lacasse
Arron Lam
Ana Lloshi
Żaneta Siłkowska
Hyoni Woo
Each of the seven finalists submitted a portfolio that addressed either one or two contest themes. Each theme was centered around one of Newchic's partner brands - Selfsow, Koyye, Mensclo, and Charmkpr - which focus on their own unique social missions while supporting Newchic's overarching goal of giving multi-hyphenates a global platform to express themselves and advocate for the causes they care about.
Over the next few days, Newchic will schedule one-on-one video interviews with each of the seven finalists above and give them the opportunity to share more about their evolution as a designer, including the things that inspire their craft and the impact of creativity on their self-expression, among other details.
On the weekend of August 27, 2022 (PST), Newchic will host an Instagram Live with all seven finalists. During the event, a panel of celebrity judges - including Paula Franco, Danielle Sarkissian, and Marcos Gonzalez - will review the finalists' designs in real-time and announce the Top 4 winners based on a scoring system that includes the following criteria: creativity, design, resourcefulness, adherence to the theme, productionability, originality, relevance, and popularity. The winners will receive a cash prize of 1,500 USD each.
Registration is currently closed, but Newchic encourages the public to vote for their favorite design. Simply head to the following link and follow the instructions: www.newchic.com/designers2022
About Newchic
Newchic is an online fashion platform composed of brands that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and creativity. Founded in 2014, Newchic has achieved rapid development on a global scale, ranking among the top online shopping websites. Newchic offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories to help conscious customers pursue their styles. Newchic has won recognition and trust from customers in Europe, America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Media Relations Contact:
Allison Tu
https://www.newchic.com/
duyinlin@newchic.com
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SOURCE Newchic Company Limited | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/newchic-global-online-fashion-platform-announces-contest-finalists/ | 2022-08-23T16:11:32Z |
Customer expectations, accelerated business pace, and competitive pressures emerge as key drivers behind digital adoption
MCLEAN, Virginia, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital transformation platform, today released its 2022 State of Digital Transformation Research, which shows 100% of surveyed enterprises are now engaged in digital transformation (DX), with most (77%) starting their journey within the past two years. Most are at an early stage, with a fourth (24%) at the discussion stage and half (49%) currently transforming.
According to the research, enterprises are engaged in DX to achieve growth, gain competitive advantage, and provide a better customer experience. But DX is not easy. The top three challenges cited by survey respondents include lack of management support, cyber security concerns, and lack of in-house digital transformation experience.
"Newgen has consistently seen its customers embrace digital transformation over the past several years," said Virender Jeet, CEO, Newgen Software. "The research illustrates that most enterprises are in the thick of it. It's a complex process, and only a quarter have completed their transformation. With our NewgenONE platform, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this huge market opportunity," Jeet added.
Key Findings
- Most enterprises (68%) are transforming front-end processes (i.e., those processes that face the customer). Sixty-one percent are transforming back-end. And just 38% are transforming both (end-to-end).
- Enterprises are more focused on transforming complex parts of their business than simple ones. 50% see transforming simple business processes as important, while nearly all (93%) cite transforming complex business processes as important. It is the same with complex business information (91% versus 57%) and complex customer engagement (92% versus 6%).
- Enterprises that are the most successful in their DX efforts are more than seven times as likely to be digitally transforming end-to-end (80% versus 11%).
- Top-tier enterprises use a rich set of tools for DX. The tools they use vary depending on whether the business application is simple or complex with regards to the business process, business information, and style of customer engagement.
Recommendations for Digitally Transforming Complex Business Applications:
- Keep customer experience in focus
- Automate end-to-end applications
- Integrate with business-critical systems of record
- Choose a DX platform that can handle all levels of complexity
Eleven Market Research surveyed 301 senior business and IT leaders within enterprise organizations of 1,000 or more employees in North America, EMEA, and APJ. For information on enterprises successful in their DX efforts and more, download the full report (https://newgensoft.com/resources/research-report-state-of-digital-transformation).
About Newgen Software Inc.
Newgen is the leading provider of a unified digital transformation platform with native process automation, content services, and communication management capabilities. Globally, successful enterprises rely on Newgen's industry-recognized low code application platform to develop and deploy complex, content-driven, and customer-engaging business applications on the cloud. From onboarding to service requests, lending to underwriting, and for many more use cases across industries. Newgen unlocks simple with speed and agility.
For more details, visit www.newgensoft.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676258/Newgen_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Newgen Software Technologies Ltd | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/newgen-2022-state-digital-transformation-research-finds-77-enterprises-surveyed-began-their-dx-journey-past-two-years/ | 2022-08-23T14:45:24Z |
ZURICH, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following The Geneva Association's 2022 General Assembly last week, the organisation announces two key developments:
- The election of four new members to its Board of Directors: Lard Friese, CEO, Aegon; Xi LUO, Chairman, People's Insurance Company of China; Hiroshi Shimizu, President and CEO, Nippon Life; Peter Zaffino, Chairman & CEO, AIG.
- The Geneva Association's joining the United Nations Environment Programme-Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI).
The Geneva Association's 49th General Assembly brought together 57 global insurance CEOs over 2–3 June in Venice, Italy. Titled Building Bridges to a More Sustainable Future, the event explored how global challenges, from climate change to economic volatility, are impacting the insurance industry and how insurers can best support society in navigating these crises.
Recent shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have catalysed institutions to hone their ESG agendas for maximum impact. General Assembly discussions highlighted that for insurers, this means
- Increasing resilience to climate change by combining mitigation efforts and adaptation measures, incentivising risk reduction and providing disaster relief through insurance coverage
- Promoting not only environmental but also social sustainability across underwriting, investments and operations
- Tackling protection gaps so that a greater number of people, especially in the most vulnerable contexts, can access insurance coverage
- Promoting individuals' physical, mental and financial wellbeing through innovative products and services
Christian Mumenthaler, Chairman of The Geneva Association and CEO of Swiss Re, said: "Discussions at our General Assembly revealed that geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, social inequality and climate change are key concerns for us all. I am pleased that The Geneva Association has become a supporting institution of UNEP-FI's Principles for Sustainable Insurance, reinforcing that sustainability – the E, the S, and the G – is a central issue for the industry.
I also warmly welcome Lard Friese, Xi LUO, Hiroshi Shimizu and Peter Zaffino to the Geneva Association Board of Directors. As representatives of Europe, China, Japan and the United States, their views will be instrumental to ensuring our agenda captures the priorities of insurers around the globe."
Jad Ariss, Managing Director of The Geneva Association, commented: "The challenges before us, as an industry and as a society, require coordinated thinking and action. Our annual meeting was a powerful platform for 57 of our member CEOs around the world to align, particularly on their social and environmental ambitions. Sustainability is clearly the dominant priority for insurance companies and their customers today. We are proud to become a supporting institution to the UNEP-FI PSI."
The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association investigates key risk areas that are likely to impact the insurance industry, develops recommendations and provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss them. In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 26 countries around the world; manage USD 21 trillion in assets; employ more than 2.5 million people; and protect 2.6 billion people.
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SOURCE The Geneva Association | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/geneva-association-general-assembly-appoints-4-new-board-members-organisation-highlights-sustainability-top-priority-insurance-industry-it-becomes-supporting-institution-unep-fis-principles-sustainable-insurance/ | 2022-06-07T11:35:53Z |
- Global travel marketplace Skyscanner details the top searched destinations for Americans looking to get away this Independence Day weekend
- Travel expert Mark Crossey explains how to get a good deal
- Skyscanner.com and Skyscanner app have last minute deals for holiday weekend travel, with flexible fares and health and safety ratings highlighted in searches
MIAMI, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global travel marketplace Skyscanner is releasing July 4th travel statistics, following the continued simplification and removal of restrictions in global vacation hotspots.
Top five booked domestic destinations for Independence Day travel****
- New York
- Las Vegas
- Orlando
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
Top five booked international destinations for Independence Day travel*****
- London
- Athens
- Cancun
- Paris
- Rome
Pricing facts for Independence Day travel******
- Average price for domestic travel is $345
- Average price for international travel is $712
"It is so important to contrast and compare when buying travel, especially for trips in the short term. There are still great deals on airfares for those who know how to shop around."
Be price smart: "Searching by multiple dates and airports will give you the best chance of a bargain. Setting up price alerts will ensure you're the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you're interested in and Skyscanner will email you whenever the price goes up or down."
Consider all options: "The last few years have seen new destinations rise in popularity as corridors shone a light on some surprising gems. Swapping your usual break in Cancun for Florida or California could be an unexpected delight."
Mix & Match to save $$: "Not just a summer fashion trend, mix and matching the airlines you choose to fly with can seriously cut costs. Fares don't have to be booked as returns, look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money. You can easily compare prices on Skyscanner's cheapest month tool."
Use the whole month tool to find the best deals: "Flight prices are all based on supply and demand. Because some dates are more popular than others, prices will vary. The 'whole month' search tool allows you to see cheap flights at a glance and pick the right deal for you. Consider traveling a day before or a day after your original departure dates, flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper."
Flex is the word: "In the past being flexible with travel might have meant flying at anti-social times to get a good price. But now with a constantly changing travel landscape, it's important to know what the change policies are on flight tickets and accommodation. These policies are highlighted on Skyscanner searches, so booking travel can be changed easily. Choosing these flexible options can sometimes be much cheaper than package deals and of course, allows for a personally tailored trip."
Notes to editors
**Economy class, return travel from the US, weekly search volumes week beginning January 1, 2022, compared to week beginning May 24, 2022, on Skyscanner platforms
***Economy class, return travel from the US, weekly booking volumes week beginning May 15, 2022, compared to week beginning May 24, 2022, on Skyscanner platforms
**** Economy class, return travel from the US, weekly booking volumes week beginning January 1, 2022, compared to week beginning May 24, 2022, on Skyscanner platforms
*****Economy class, return travel redirects (bookings) on Skyscanner platforms
******Economy class, return, international travel from the US, redirects (bookings) between March 18 – June 18, 2021, on Skyscanner platforms
*******Average cost for travel between July 1 and July 5, taken from prices on Skyscanner platforms for redirects (bookings) made during 2022 for economy class, return travel from the US
Founded in 2003, Skyscanner is a leading travel marketplace dedicated to putting travelers first. Skyscanner helps millions of people in 52 countries and over 30 languages find the best travel options for flights, hotels and car rental every month. Skyscanner is available on desktop, mobile web and its highly rated app has 100 million downloads. Working with 1200 travel partners, Skyscanner's mission is to lead the global transformation to modern and sustainable travel.
For more information, visit: https://www.skyscanner.com
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SOURCE Skyscanner | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/skyscanner-reveals-latest-july-4th-trends-deals-still-available/ | 2022-06-30T14:40:57Z |
NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 15, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Unilever PLC (NYSE: UL), if they purchased the Company's American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") between September 2, 2020 and July 21, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
If you purchased ADRs of Unilever as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ul/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by August 15, 2022.
Unilever and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On July 19, 2021, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Ben & Jerry's, announced a resolution to end sales of its ice cream in "Occupied Palestinian Territory" upon the expiration of the current licensing agreement by which its products had been distributed in Israel for decades. Then, on July 22, 2021, media sources reported that the states of Texas and Florida were investigating Ben & Jerry's actions for possible violations of the states' Anti-BDS (boycotts, divestment, and sanctions of Israel) legislation.
On this news, ADRs of Unilever fell $3.19 per share, or approximately 5.4%.
The case is City of St. Clair Shores Police and Fire Retirement System v. Unilever PLC, et al., No. 22-cv-05011.
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients – including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors – in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
Contact:
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200
New Orleans, LA 70163
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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/09/unilever-shareholder-alert-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-unilever-plc-ul/ | 2022-07-09T10:55:09Z |
How major US stock indexes fared Monday
The Associated Press
Stocks fell on Wall Street Monday, extending a losing streak from last week. Technology stocks sank and were the biggest weights on the market. Energy companies also slipped along with falling crude oil prices. Twitter rose after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he wouldn’t be joining the company’s board after all. Musk recently became the company’s biggest individual shareholder and is now free to increase his stake. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/11/how-major-us-stock-indexes-fared-monday-32/ | 2022-04-11T22:12:17Z |
A Guide to Survive and Guide Life's Waves
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the pandemic surged around us, many people felt their mental health change for the worse. Feelings of disappointment, confusion, helplessness, and anger arose. According to the World Health Organization, "global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%." Legendary world champion surfer and author, Shaun Tomson, is no stranger to depression. After losing his son to a tragic accident, Tomson walked the bitter road of loss and crossed from darkness into the light. The Surfer and the Sage addresses the eighteen relentless, breaking waves of life, from loss and aging to relationships and depression, and guides you to transformation. Rather than a clinical approach, this book provides spiritual guidance and inspirational hope. Alongside Tomson's essays, international bestselling poet-philosopher and Pulitzer Prize nominee, Noah BenShea, adds insight on a path of purpose, hope, and faith. Together, it is a collection of advice from two guides who have traveled far and wide and suffered deeply, but still look forward to tomorrow with faith and hope. This book doesn't guarantee success, health, or wealth, but instead helps the reader ride the waves of life.
Praise for the book:
"Some great insights into riding the waves of life.
If you surf, read this book. If you don't surf, read this book."
—Carissa Moore, surfing Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion
ARC:
https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=1641706554&g=4400
Link to pre-order:
https://www.familius.com/book/the-surfer-and-the-sage/
About the Authors:
Noah benShea is one of North America's most respected and beloved poet-philosophers. He is the Pulitzer Prize–nominated and internationally bestselling author of 29 books.
Shaun Tomson is a former World Surfing Champion and has been described as one of the greatest and most influential surfers of all time. Shaun is also a world-renowned leadership mentor, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and bestselling author.
About the Publisher:
Familius is a global trade publishing company that publishes books and other content to help families be happy. We believe that happy families are the foundation of a happy life. We recognize that every family looks different, and we passionately believe in helping all families find greater joy.
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SOURCE Familius | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/surfer-sage/ | 2022-05-18T17:13:31Z |
Week after losing home to tornado, Andover family already has sights set on rebuilding
ANDOVER Kan. (KWCH) - It’s been an exhausting but productive week for the Triplett family with pieces of the structure they used to call home piled up on the curb.
“The faster we can get this done, the faster we can get to rebuilding our house,” Mark Triplett said.
With the help of family and friends, most of the debris in the Tripletts’ yard is cleared after last week’s tornado destroyed the family’s home.
“We’ve had people here since Saturday morning, a week ago, here helping clear out and demolish and get it to where we can rebuild from scratch,” Triplett said.
What’s left of the family’s home is a skeleton, the bones of what will be a new house at the same site. Triplett said he’s fortunate insurance money is coming, and he’s already found a builder for the job.
“I got contacted quickly from my insurance and got the claim started, got that process started to get the insurance money and things to cover the different pieces of the project,” he said. “This is all obviously kind of new to me, so figuring out how all this stuff works and coordinating and getting the right people contacted, shutting off utilities and all the things you don’t think about until something like this happens.”
Some other families impacted by last week’s tornado said insurance is one thing that’s been holding them back. Something that could help speed up that process is contacting the Kansas Insurance Department to see if they can give your agent a nudge.
Copyright 2022 KWCH. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/07/week-after-losing-home-tornado-andover-family-already-has-sights-set-rebuilding/ | 2022-05-07T18:26:18Z |
TUCKER, Ga., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Oglethorpe Power Corporation executive management will discuss first quarter results during a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Investors, media and the public may view a live internet webcast or join via telephone.
How to Participate:
Joining Via Telephone:
Domestic Toll-Free Dial-in Number: (877) 930-8094
International Dial-in Number: (253) 336-8058
Conference ID: 6016688
Joining Via the Internet:
Please navigate to the following web address to view the webcast:
The presentation may be downloaded at the website listed above when the conference begins. Instruction on how to submit questions will be provided during the call. For investor questions, please contact Joe Rick, Director of Capital Markets & Investor Relations, at 770-270-7240 or via e-mail at joe.rick@opc.com. For media inquiries, please contact Blair Romero, Corporate Communications Manager, at 770-270-7290 or via e-mail at blair.romero@opc.com.
Shortly following the live presentation, a replay of the webcast will be accessible at the web address indicated above. This link will also be posted on the Investor Relations page of the company's website, www.opc.com.
About Oglethorpe Power
Oglethorpe Power is one of the nation's largest power supply cooperatives with more than $15 billion in assets serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations which, collectively, provide electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgia residents. A proponent of conscientious energy development and use, Oglethorpe Power balances reliable and affordable energy with environmental responsibility and has an outstanding record of regulatory compliance. Its diverse energy portfolio includes natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and coal generating plants with a combined capacity of more than 8,300 megawatts. Oglethorpe Power was established in 1974 and is owned by its 38 Member Systems. Its headquarters are in Tucker, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. For more information, visit www.opc.com.
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SOURCE Oglethorpe Power Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/oglethorpe-power-first-quarter-2022-investor-briefing-call-be-held-may-26/ | 2022-05-19T17:13:54Z |
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) announced the publication of a study in the Green Analytical Chemistry journal, titled Establishment of a Platform Imaged Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (icIEF) Characterization Method for Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Capsid Proteins. The study, led by Jiaqi Wu, Ph.D., and Chris Heger, Ph.D., describes an icIEF method on Maurice, the flagship CE (capillary electrophoresis) instrument by ProteinSimple (a Bio-Techne brand) for the development, platform suitability, and environmental friendliness (greenness) in evaluating the identity and stability of AAV samples for gene therapy development. This publication highlights not only Maurice's functionality and efficiency, but also its environmentally friendly impact.
The icIEF method described in this study used native fluorescence (NF) detection and was validated against the ICH Q6B guidelines to determine its precision, linearity, and limit of quantitation. It fared well on all three fronts. The precision was good for both percent peak area (relative standard deviation under 5%) and apparent pI (isoelectric point) values (standard deviation under 0.01 pH units). Linearity was sound, resulting in an excellent R2 value of 0.998, and the LOQ was 2.6 x 1010 VP/mL. This validated method was then used to evaluate charge and stability profiles of different AAV serotypes. The resulting charge profiles were distinct, even between serotypes that differed only by six amino acids, and showed clear changes in charge profiles over time, thus rendering this method suitable for identity and stability of viral serotypes.
The greenness of the validated icIEF method was evaluated using the principles of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC), which is a three-pronged approach that assesses an analytical method for its efficiency, environmental friendliness and safety, and practicality. The reported icIEF method scored 88.8, 92.5, and 87.9 under the three criteria, respectively. The overall score of this method was 89.7, undeniably making it a sustainable one, which is a key requirement for being published in Green Analytical Chemistry.
The data presented in this publication shows that confirming the identity and stability of AAV samples can be a fast and efficient process with Maurice, unlike with other commonly used more laborious methods (SDS-PAGE, ion-exchange chromatography, etc.). Additionally, the Maurice icIEF method is environmentally friendly, owing to its NF detection capability, low sample/reagent volume requirement, and the cartridge design with its in-built waste reservoir.
"Maurice is already widely known in the biopharma industry for its unparalleled ease-of-use and high-quality, reproducible data for CE analysis," said Will Geist, Bio-Techne's Protein Sciences Segment President. "Now, with this publication having demonstrated the greenness of this analytical method, scientists can have confidence not just in their data, but also in the low impact their work has on the environment."
Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) is a global life sciences company providing innovative tools and bioactive reagents for the research and clinical diagnostic communities. Bio-Techne products assist scientific investigations into biological processes and the nature and progress of specific diseases. They aid in drug discovery efforts and provide the means for accurate clinical tests and diagnoses. With thousands of products in its portfolio, Bio-Techne generated approximately $1.1 billion in net sales in fiscal 2022 and has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Bio-Techne and its brands, please visit http://www.bio-techne.com
About Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH)
Contact: David Clair, Vice President, Investor Relations
david.clair@bio-techne.com
612-656-441
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SOURCE Bio-Techne Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/maurice-icief-established-green-method-characterization-aav-identity-stability/ | 2022-08-25T11:27:41Z |
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HOUSTON, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The current labor shortage has heavily impacted the cash management industry, and to combat some of the new talent acquisition challenges, Loomis US launched an updated careers site at www.work4loomis.com. The new site highlights the Loomis US culture and benefits for potential candidates while also outlining the recruitment process and making it easy to apply for jobs across the country.
"The goal of our new career website is to give potential job candidates a transparent look at what it is like to work at Loomis here in the US," says, Emily Wiley, Vice President of Marketing at Loomis US. "We understand that the current job market is very tight, and candidates have a lot of options. This is why we have taken the time to expertly craft a positive recruitment experience that begins the moment someone visits our career website."
Some of the new features on www.work4loomis.com include a new and improved search interface that allows candidates to search for jobs based on geographic location or role type, a dedicated military and veterans page that caters to that audience, and an expertly designed site navigation that makes applying to jobs and searching the site more user friendly.
"Every industry has been greatly impacted by the labor shortage over the last year," says Kaleb Faulk, Director of Talent Acquisition at Loomis US. "It was important for us to invest in the proper recruitment tools not only in an effort to attract quality team members, but so potential candidates have the information they need to make an informed decision on evaluating Loomis being a right fit for a long-term career. That is what we are after. 'Career' seekers as opposed to those trying to find their next paycheck."
"People," is one of Loomis's core values, and despite the challenges brought on by the current job market and labor shortage, Loomis US continues to prioritize and invest in recruiting and employee retainment efforts. Visit the new website at www.work4loomis.com to learn more.
As a leader in cash distribution across the United States – with nearly 200 branch locations, 10,000 employees, 3,200+ vehicles, and more than 46,000 SafePoint locations serviced—Loomis is proud to provide cash-handling products and services to financial institutions and commercial/retail businesses nationwide. Learn more at http://www.loomis.us.
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SOURCE Loomis US | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/loomis-us-launches-new-career-site-attract-engage-with-candidates/ | 2022-07-29T21:01:36Z |
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I'm an automotive do-it-yourselfer and I thought there could be a better way to replace disc brake pads on vehicles," said an inventor, from Charlotte, N.C., "so I invented the RAPID TOOL DISC BRAKE PAD SPREADER. My design enables you to apply the necessary torque in a smooth, safe and controlled manner."
The patent-pending invention provides an improved tool for depressing the brake caliper piston on a vehicle for disc pad replacement. In doing so, it eliminates the need to directly grip and turn the large knob on a traditional brake pad spreader tool. As a result, it saves time and effort. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for mechanics and do-it-yourselfers. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype model is available upon request.
The original design was submitted to the Charlotte sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-CNC-806, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/05/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-tool-disc-pad-replacement-cnc-806/ | 2022-09-05T15:36:59Z |
NEW YORK, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Waste Management, Inc. (NASDAQ: WM) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all purchasers of certain Waste Management redeemable senior notes between February 13, 2020 and June 23, 2020.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 8, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in WM:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/waste-management-inc-loss-submission-form?id=28813&from=4
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Waste Management, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the U.S. Department of Justice had indicated to Waste Management that it would require Waste Management to divest significantly more assets than the $200 million indicated in the merger agreement between the Company and Advanced Disposal Services; (ii) as a result, the merger would not be completed by July 14, 2020, the end date under the merger agreement; and (iii) the Waste Management redeemable senior notes would be subject to mandatory redemption at 101% of par.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Waste Management you have until August 8, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Waste Management securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the WM lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/waste-management-inc-loss-submission-form?id=28813&from=4.
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/wm-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-8-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-waste-management-inc-shareholders/ | 2022-06-21T10:15:39Z |
Puerto Rico's power grid suffered an island-wide outage Wednesday, utility officials said, leaving an untold number of people without electric service overnight as workers scrambled to restore it into Thursday morning.
The outage is believed to be related to a problem at the Costa Sur power plant outside the town of Guayanilla, near the island's southwest coast, Puerto Rican utility company LUMA Energy said.
A fire was visible at the plant in video posted Wednesday night to social media by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.
LUMA Energy is working to restore power to customers, and the exact cause and the number of people affected weren't immediately known, the utility said early Thursday on Twitter.
"The power grid has suffered a massive island-wide blackout, potentially caused by a circuit breaker failure at the Costa Sur generation plant," LUMA officials said Wednesday. In that statement, the company said it anticipated restoration efforts would continue into Thursday.
Firefighters extinguished flames that affected two substations at the Costa Sur plant, the Bureau of the Puerto Rico Fire Departments said on Facebook Wednesday. The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known, fire officials said.
LUMA is a joint venture of Quanta Services and the Canadian energy company ATCO, which the Puerto Rican government chose to take over the operation of the power grid from its previous public electric utility, PREPA. LUMA has been in charge of the power grid since June 1.
Stacker ranked the 50 countries spending the most on their military, based on estimates from 2020 data (released in 2022) from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute via The World Bank. Click for more.
CNN en Espanol's Rafy Rivera contributed to this report.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/puerto-rican-crews-scramble-to-restore-power-after-island-wide-outage/article_71517bdb-088b-5978-88f6-d134e82cc39e.html | 2022-04-07T12:47:05Z |
The month-long event celebrates the most influential women and moments in sports over the fifty years of Title IX
NEW YORK, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Paley Center for Media today launched ESPN Fifty/50: Honoring the Stories of Title IX, an exploration of the rise of women in sports coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of Title IX, the law that leveled the playing field for women in sports and paved the way for a new generation of female sports leaders. ESPN Fifty/50 runs through July 10, 2022.
Featuring unforgettable moments of struggle and triumph, ESPN Fifty/50 features iconic athletic attire, photography, and video from women's sports over the last fifty years, including from tennis great Serena Williams, pioneering professional race car driver Danica Patrick, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, track star Wyomia Tyus, the trailblazing 1976 Yale women's crew team, the champion U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, the women of the WNBA, and many other women's sports stars. ESPN Fifty/50 includes examples of the actual outfits these athletes wore and the gear they used, including Serena Williams's 2018 US Open "Tutu," pioneering racecar driver Danica Patrick's fire suit, and a racket used in competition by tennis and equality icon Billie Jean King.
"We are proud to present these impactful and inspirational stories of challenge and triumph in partnership with ESPN here at The Paley Center," says The Paley Center president and CEO Maureen Reidy. "Thanks, in great measure to Title IX, women are now headliners throughout sports media and in sporting venues worldwide, avidly followed by legions of fans. We are thrilled to join with ESPN in presenting this most important exhibit."
Laura Gentile, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Disney Networks & ESPN said, "Our team has assembled an exceptional collection of artifacts, memorabilia, photography, and footage to help tell the story of the transformational impact of Title IX. The Paley Center for Media, in the heart of NYC, is the perfect venue for an exhibit celebrating the fight for equality."
ESPN has created an immersive experience that brings to life the stories of the female athletes who served as vital agents of change in the fight for equality over the last fifty years and continue to lead the way towards full equality for women in all fields.
ESPN Fifty/50 opens with a June 1 private red-carpet event featuring the world premiere of ESPN's four-part docuseries "37 Words" from acclaimed directors Dawn Porter and Nicole Newnham, which tells the inspiring story of Title IX the hard-fought battle to push for equal rights in education and athletics; the decades-spanning effort to nullify its impact; and the rippling impacts of the landmark civil rights law that continue to resonate today.
On Friday, June 24 at 5:00 pm, The Paley Center will host a recording of the ESPN podcast "Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy" in front of a live audience, on the impact of Title IX with host and soccer legend Julie Foudy in conversation with two former Women's Sports Foundation presidents, Angela Ruggiero and Phaidra Knight. Ruggiero is an Olympic ice hockey gold medalist and Knight is a Hall of Fame rugby player and current MMA fighter.
During ESPN Fifty/50, there will be daily screenings of Paley Archive content connected to key moments in women's sports.
The Paley Center invites its Members to the ESPN Fifty/50 opening cocktail reception on Thursday, June 2 at 6:00 pm.
ESPN Fifty/50: Honoring the Stories of Title IX runs from June 1 to July 10, 2022.
The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society.
The Paley Center's premier programming can be viewed on the Paley Center's YouTube channel and the Paley Center's Facebook page. The public can access the Paley Center's permanent media collection, which contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media.
Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.
For more information about the Paley Center and to learn about the Paley Center's acclaimed programming, please visit www.paleycenter.org.
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SOURCE The Paley Center for Media | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/paley-center-media-hosts-espn-fifty50-honoring-stories-title-ix/ | 2022-06-01T18:36:58Z |
Robust loan growth, continuing strength in asset quality metrics, and significant increases in several key fee income categories highlight quarter
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercantile Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: MBWM) ("Mercantile") reported net income of $11.7 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2022, compared with net income of $18.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, for the respective prior-year period. Net income during the first six months of 2022 totaled $23.2 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to $32.3 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021.
"We are pleased to report another quarter of solid operating performance," said Robert B. Kaminski, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile. "The substantial growth in core commercial loans and residential mortgage loans and sustained strength in asset quality metrics during the first six months of 2022 exhibit our ongoing focus on meeting the credit needs of our customers while employing sound underwriting practices. The increase in net interest income stemming from earning asset growth and a higher net interest margin, growth in several key fee income revenue streams, and overhead cost control have largely offset a substantially lower level of mortgage banking income primarily resulting from increased mortgage loan interest rates. The entire Mercantile team has adeptly pivoted from assisting clients with initial COVID-19 pandemic-related issues to helping them navigate through the latest economic challenges such as high inflation levels, rising interest rates, and staffing concerns, and we believe our commitment to serving as a trusted advisor will present us with additional opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relationships with new and existing customers."
Second quarter highlights include:
- Annualized net core commercial loan growth of approximately 10 percent
- Significant increase in residential mortgage loan portfolio
- Continued strength in commercial loan pipeline
- Net interest income expansion reflecting loan growth and improved net interest margin
- Substantial increases in several key fee income categories
- Sustained low levels of nonperforming assets and loan charge-offs
- Solid capital position
Operating Results
Total revenue, which consists of net interest income and noninterest income, was $42.1 million during the second quarter of 2022, compared to $45.4 million during the prior-year second quarter. Net interest income during the current-year second quarter was $34.3 million, up $3.4 million, or 11.2 percent, from $30.9 million during the respective 2021 period due to earning asset growth and an improved net interest margin. Noninterest income totaled $7.7 million during the second quarter of 2022, down from $14.6 million during the second quarter of 2021 mainly due to decreased mortgage banking income, which more than offset notable increases in several key fee income categories.
The net interest margin was 2.88 percent in the second quarter of 2022, up from 2.57 percent in the first quarter of 2022 and 2.76 percent in the prior-year second quarter. The yield on average earning assets was 3.32 percent during the current-year second quarter, up from 2.99 percent during the first quarter of 2022 and 3.20 percent during the second quarter of 2021. The increased yield on average earning assets primarily resulted from a higher yield on other interest-earning assets, reflecting the rising interest rate environment, and a change in earning asset mix, comprised of a decrease in lower-yielding interest-earning deposits and an increase in higher-yielding loans as a percentage of earning assets. An increase in the yield on loans from 3.87 percent during the first quarter of 2022 to 3.97 percent during the current-year second quarter, mainly reflecting higher rates on variable-rate commercial loans resulting from the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") significantly raising the targeted federal funds rate by a total of 150 basis points during the period of March 2022 through June 2022, also significantly contributed to the increased yield on average earning assets during the respective periods. The yield on average loans during the second quarter of 2022 was virtually unchanged from the yield during the second quarter of 2021 as the negative impact of a lower level of Paycheck Protection Program net loan fee accretion was substantially offset by the positive impact of the aforementioned higher rates on variable-rate commercial loans stemming from the FOMC rate hikes. As of June 30, 2022, approximately 63 percent of the commercial loan portfolio consisted of variable-rate loans, with substantially all of the loans subject to immediate repricing in response to likely further FOMC rate hikes.
The cost of funds equaled 0.44 percent in the second quarter of 2022, unchanged from the prior-year second quarter as an increased cost of borrowings, primarily reflecting the issuance of $90.0 million in subordinated notes in December of 2021 and January of 2022, was offset by a decreased cost of time deposits. Subordinated note issuance proceeds of $85.0 million were injected into Mercantile Bank as an increase to equity capital to support anticipated loan growth. The cost of funds during the current-year second quarter was also virtually unchanged from the first quarter of 2022.
A significant volume of excess on-balance sheet liquidity, which initially surfaced in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 environment and has persisted since that time, negatively impacted the yield on average earning assets by 28 basis points and 42 basis points during the second quarters of 2022 and 2021, respectively, and the net interest margin by 23 basis points and 37 basis points during the respective periods. The excess funds, consisting almost entirely of low-yielding deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, are mainly a product of local deposit growth and Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness activities.
Mercantile recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.5 million during the second quarter of 2022, compared to a negative provision expense of $3.1 million during the second quarter of 2021. The provision expense recorded during the current-year second quarter mainly reflected allocations necessitated by net commercial and residential mortgage loan growth, increased specific reserves for certain problem commercial loan relationships, and a higher reserve for residential mortgage loans stemming from slower prepayment speeds and the associated extended average life of the portfolio. The required reserve allocations resulting from these factors were largely offset by the positive impact of a change in the COVID-19 environmental factor, the recording of net loan recoveries, and ongoing strong loan quality metrics during the period. The negative provision expense recorded during the prior-year second quarter was mainly comprised of a reduced allocation associated with the economic and business conditions environmental factor, reflecting improvement in both current and forecasted economic conditions. Mercantile's adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2022, resulted in a $0.4 million one-time reduction to the allowance for credit losses.
Noninterest income during the second quarter of 2022 was $7.7 million, compared to $14.6 million during the respective 2021 period. Noninterest income during the current-year second quarter included a $0.5 million bank owned life insurance claim, while noninterest income during the second quarter of 2021 included a $1.1 million gain on the sale of a branch. Excluding the impacts of these transactions, noninterest income decreased $6.3 million during the second quarter of 2022 compared to the respective 2021 period. The lower level of noninterest income almost entirely reflected decreased mortgage banking income and interest rate swap income, which more than offset increases in several key fee income sources, including service charges on accounts, credit and debit card income, and payroll processing fees. Continued strength in purchase residential mortgage loan originations during the second quarter of 2022 partially mitigated the negative impacts of higher interest rates, reduced refinance activity, a lower sold percentage, and a decreased gain on sale rate on mortgage banking income during the period when compared to the prior-year second quarter. The residential mortgage loan sold percentage declined from approximately 59 percent during the second quarter of 2021 to approximately 27 percent during the current-year second quarter, in large part reflecting customers' preferences for adjustable-rate loans in the current interest rate environment and construction loans representing an increased percentage of overall loan production.
Noninterest expense totaled $26.9 million during the second quarter of 2022, compared to $26.2 million during the prior-year second quarter. Overhead costs during the current-year second quarter included a $0.4 million expense associated with the sale of a branch facility and a $0.5 million contribution to The Mercantile Bank Foundation. Excluding these transactions, noninterest expense decreased $0.2 million during the second quarter of 2022 compared to the respective 2021 period. The slightly lower level of expense primarily resulted from higher residential mortgage loan deferred salary costs as well as decreased health insurance costs and residential mortgage lender commissions and associated incentives, which more than offset increased regular salary expense largely stemming from annual employee merit pay increases and a larger bonus accrual.
Mr. Kaminski commented, "We are very pleased with the net interest income expansion during the second quarter and first six months of 2022, and we believe our balance sheet is structured to enhance our net interest margin if the FOMC continues to raise the targeted federal funds rate in an effort to curb inflation, which appears likely based on recent Federal Reserve communications and interest rate forecasts. The increase in net interest income, along with growth in several key fee income categories, have significantly offset a notable decline in mortgage banking income stemming from changed market conditions. We remain committed to controlling overhead costs and are constantly reviewing and monitoring our operating expenses, including our branch structure, to identify additional opportunities to improve efficiency."
Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2022, total assets were $5.06 billion, down $199 million from December 31, 2021. Total loans increased $270 million during the first six months of 2022, reflecting net increases in core commercial loans of $159 million and residential mortgage loans of $152 million, which more than offset a reduction in Paycheck Protection Program loans of $37.2 million. Core commercial loans and residential mortgage loans grew $76.5 million and $101 million, respectively, during the second quarter of 2022. The increases in core commercial loans during the second quarter and first six months of 2022 equated to annualized growth rates of 10.2 percent and 11.0 percent, respectively. As of June 30, 2022, unfunded commitments on commercial construction and development loans, which are expected to be funded over the next 12 to 18 months, and residential construction loans, which are anticipated to be largely funded over the next 12 months, totaled $175 million and $85.2 million, respectively. Interest-earning deposits decreased $526 million during the first six months of 2022 as excess overnight funds were used to fund loan growth, purchase securities and payoff matured wholesale funds. In addition, a customer's withdrawal of a majority of funds that were deposited in late 2021, as well as other fund withdrawals by customers to make customary tax payments, contributed to the reduced level of interest-earning deposits.
Ray Reitsma, President of Mercantile Bank, noted, "We are very pleased with the robust levels of core commercial loan and residential mortgage loan growth during the second quarter and first six months of 2022. Core commercial and industrial loan growth accounted for more than one-half of the increase in core commercial loans during both periods, providing our lenders and treasury management personnel with further opportunities to augment commercial banking-related revenue streams. The increases in core commercial loans during the current-year second quarter and first half of 2022 were attained despite payoffs of certain larger relationships totaling approximately $78 million and $124 million during the respective periods. The payoffs were largely related to customers' sales of businesses and assets, with approximately one-fifth of the dollar volume of payoffs during the first six months of 2022 being connected with borrowers that were experiencing financial troubles. The significant increase in residential mortgage loans was also satisfying when considering the downturn in market conditions and associated headwinds that are restricting market opportunities. Based on the sustained strength of our commercial loan pipeline and strong levels of unfunded commitments on commercial construction and development loans and residential construction loans, we believe loan originations and draws on existing lines of credit will continue to be solid in future periods."
Commercial and industrial loans and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans together represented approximately 58 percent of total commercial loans as of June 30, 2022, a level that has remained relatively consistent with prior periods and in line with internal expectations.
Total deposits at June 30, 2022, were $3.87 billion, down $209 million, or 5.1 percent, from December 31, 2021. Local deposits and brokered deposits declined $185 million and $23.9 million, respectively, during the first six months of 2022. The decrease in local deposits primarily reflected the previously mentioned customer withdrawal of funds and customers' normal tax payment levels. Wholesale funds were $362 million, or approximately 8 percent of total funds, at June 30, 2022, compared to $398 million, or approximately 9 percent of total funds, at December 31, 2021.
Asset Quality
Nonperforming assets totaled $1.8 million, $2.5 million, and $3.2 million at June 30, 2022, December 31, 2021, and June 30, 2021, respectively, with each dollar amount representing less than 0.1 percent of total assets as of the respective dates. The level of past due loans remains nominal, and loan relationships on the internal watch list declined in both number and dollar volume during the first six months of 2022. During the second quarter of 2022, loan charge-offs were less than $0.1 million, while recoveries of prior period loan charge-offs equaled $0.3 million, providing for net loan recoveries of $0.3 million, or an annualized 0.04 percent of average total loans.
Mr. Reitsma commented, "Our sustained commitment to underwriting loans in an appropriate and cautious manner is reflected in our ongoing outstanding asset quality metrics. We continue to carefully monitor our loan portfolio for any signs of distress stemming from the current economic environment and associated challenges, including high levels of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and tight labor market conditions, and are prepared to take swift action to mitigate the impact of any noted credit issues on our portfolio's condition."
Capital Position
Shareholders' equity totaled $429 million as of June 30, 2022, down from $457 million at year-end 2021 mainly due to an increase in the after-tax net unrealized holding loss on securities available for sale resulting from higher market interest rates. Mercantile Bank's capital position remains "well-capitalized" with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.4 percent as of June 30, 2022, compared to 13.6 percent at December 31, 2021. At June 30, 2022, Mercantile Bank had approximately $149 million in excess of the 10.0 percent minimum regulatory threshold required to be considered a "well-capitalized" institution. Mercantile reported 15,861,055 total shares outstanding at June 30, 2022.
Mr. Kaminski concluded, "As evidenced by our Board of Directors' declaration of an increased third quarter 2022 regular cash dividend, our ongoing financial strength has enabled us to reward shareholders with competitive dividend yields while supporting strong loan growth. We believe our robust overall financial condition, including solid capital levels, pristine asset quality metrics, strong operating performance, and significant loan funding opportunities, along with the potential to enhance net interest income from likely additional FOMC rate increases, will help mitigate the potential negative impacts from a downturn in economic conditions. Our solid financial performance during the first six months of 2022 and projected loan growth give us confidence that strong operating results can be achieved during the remainder of the year and beyond as we continue our efforts to be a consistent and profitable performer."
Investor Presentation
Mercantile has prepared presentation materials that management intends to use during its previously announced second quarter 2022 conference call on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and from time to time thereafter in presentations about the Company's operations and performance. These materials have been furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concurrently with this press release, and are also available on Mercantile's website at www.mercbank.com.
About Mercantile Bank Corporation
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mercantile Bank Corporation is the bank holding company for Mercantile Bank. Mercantile provides banking services to businesses, individuals and governmental units, and differentiates itself on the basis of service quality and the expertise of its banking staff. Mercantile has assets of approximately $5.1 billion and operates 45 banking offices. Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM." For more information about Mercantile, visit www.mercbank.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @MercBank and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/merc-bank.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements or information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods. Any such statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; increasing rates of inflation and slower growth rates; significant declines in the value of commercial real estate; market volatility; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and nontraditional financial services companies; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies, and assessments; the impact of technological advances; potential cyber-attacks, information security breaches and other criminal activities; litigation liabilities; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of existing or future contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; damage to our reputation resulting from adverse publicity, regulatory actions, litigation, operational failures, and the failure to meet client expectations and other facts; changes in the method of determining Libor and the phase-out of Libor; changes in the national and local economies, including the ongoing disruption to financial markets and other economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and unstable political and economic environments; and other factors, including those expressed as risk factors, disclosed from time to time in filings made by Mercantile with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mercantile undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained herein.
MBWM-ER
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SOURCE Mercantile Bank Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/mercantile-bank-corporation-announces-strong-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-07-19T10:38:04Z |
Grappling with middle age, "Clerks III" turns out to be unexpectedly sentimental and nostalgic, reflecting that writer-director-editor-co-star Kevin Smith inherently recognizes this will likely be the gang's final visit to Quick Stop Groceries.
Grappling with middle age, "Clerks III" turns out to be unexpectedly sentimental and nostalgic, reflecting that writer-director-editor-co-star Kevin Smith inherently recognizes this will likely be the gang's final visit to Quick Stop Groceries. If so, it's an uneven if gentle way to hang out the "We're closed" sign.
The original "Clerks" in 1994 was a sort of master class in micro-budgeted filmmaking, down to the black-and-white cinematography and claustrophobic setting, as two guys killed time in the convenience and video stores where they worked. Smith revisited the title a dozen years later, upgrading the casting with Rosario Dawson, but it took an off-screen trauma that makes it all deeply personal to put what feels like a somewhat unnecessary bow on the whole package.
Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) are still up to their old tricks when the movie begins, doing things like closing up to play hockey on the roof and debating everything from movies to religion to both simultaneously, such as Randal saying that he prays to Conan the Barbarian's god, Crom, mostly to irritate those around him.
Things take a rather abrupt and darker turn, however, when Randal suffers a near-death experience, clearly inspired by Smith's own cardiac episode in 2018. The heart attack prompts Randal to engage in some out-of-character soul searching. Looking for a sense of purpose, he decides to make a movie about their lives, shrugging off the logical question, "Who'd want to watch that?," and explaining his knowledge of film by saying, "I worked in a video store for 20 years."
"Clerks III" thus becomes a sort of meta redo of the making of "Clerks," with plenty of callbacks and cameos, the latter cleverly linked to auditions for the film within the film. And yes, Dawson returns, although not exactly in the way one might expect.
The weightlessness of the material was, initially, basically the point, which makes the reach for more emotional heft ungainly. Smith, who moonlights as a cinematic super-fan, obviously still harbors enormous affection for these characters and this world, which is reinforced by his monologue over the closing credits, tacking what amounts to a DVD extra onto the movie. (The film is receiving a brief theatrical run before taking its logical place on the current version of video-store shelves, digital and streaming.)
Those less invested in "Clerks" will be rewarded with a few amusing lines scattered along the way to go with the disarming pathos woven into the proud immaturity and irreverence.
Frankly, "Clerks" really isn't the kind of title meant to have II's and III's attached to it, but Smith has delivered an affectionate ode to the film he made that launched his career, as well as those who have been with him, through better and worse, over the course of the nearly three decades that have seen video stores disappear from view.
"Clerks III" will play exclusively in theaters via Fathom Events from September 13-18. It's rated R.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/clerks-iii-is-kevin-smiths-sentimental-ode-to-the-movie-that-launched-his-career/article_f711049f-eba2-5e67-9dd5-bb9227b17cb5.html | 2022-09-13T18:20:03Z |
- GreenLight's messenger RNA production process is transferable to large-scale equipment and CMO facilities
- Technology transfer and scale-up from lab bench to Samsung's commercial facility was completed in seven months
- GreenLight's mRNA synthesis reaction had a titer of 12g/L at a commercial scale and produced 650g of mRNA
- The mRNA synthesis reaction was achieved without the need for customization, using standard equipment for Contract Development and Manufacturing Companies (CDMO)
- Commercial-scale run has demonstrated production—in a single facility—of both Drug Substance and LNP formulation, allowing the production of bulk Drug Product
BOSTON and INCHEON, South Korea, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GreenLight Biosciences (Nasdaq: GRNA), a biotechnology company dedicated to making ribonucleic acid (RNA) products affordable and accessible for human health and agriculture, and Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a leading global CDMO providing fully integrated end-to-end contract development and manufacturing services, announced the successful completion of the first commercial-scale engineering run for the companies' mRNA production partnership.
Since the announcement of the strategic partnership between GreenLight Biosciences and Samsung Biologics in late 2021, technology transfer and scale-up from the lab bench to Samsung's commercial facility was completed in seven months, demonstrating platform adaptability and scalability.
GreenLight's process—from drug substance and lipid nanoparticle formulation to bulk drug product—can be completed in the same facility, an important capability. GreenLight's mRNA synthesis reaction had a titer of 12g/L at commercial scale and produced 650g of mRNA.
The company's RNA platform allowed GreenLight to move from conceptualizing an mRNA vaccine to delivering released clinical trial material in less than two years. With the demonstration at Samsung, and with GreenLight's Covid booster vaccine clinical trial expected to start in 2022, GreenLight would be capable of supplying mRNA vaccine at a commercial scale.
"This demonstrates a major achievement in our continuing goal to offer one-stop end-to-end mRNA production from Drug Substance to Aseptic Fill Finish to commercial release, all from a single site, as we strive across our biomanufacturing network to fight the pandemic," said John Rim, CEO and President at Samsung Biologics.
Earlier this year, Samsung Biologics completed the expansion of its mRNA drug substance manufacturing suite at its Songdo headquarters, where the company is now fully equipped to provide end-to-end mRNA production for clients.
"One of the greatest challenges when producing quality pharmaceuticals is advancing from a small lab to large-scale commercial production," said GreenLight CEO Andrey Zarur. "We are grateful for the help and support of Samsung in demonstrating that our small mRNA process can scale in a linear fashion to the industrial scale that will be needed to help satisfy the vaccine needs of humanity."
To date, all comparability data conforms with expected outcomes, indicating successful scale up and fit of GreenLight's process to Samsung Biologics' Songdo facility. A second engineering run will start in August, to implement improvements indicated by the first run and to demonstrate repeatability at scale.
About GreenLight Biosciences
GreenLight Biosciences aims to address some of the world's biggest problems by delivering on the full potential of RNA for human health and agriculture. Our RNA platform allows us to research, design, and manufacture for human, animal, and plant health. In human health, this includes messenger RNA vaccines and therapeutics. In agriculture, this includes RNA to protect honeybees and a range of crops. The company's platform is protected by numerous patents. GreenLight's human health product candidates are in the pre-clinical stage, and its product candidates for the agriculture market are in the early stages of development or regulatory review. GreenLight is a public benefit corporation that trades under the ticker GRNA on Nasdaq. For more information, visit https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/
GreenLight Biosciences contact:
Head of Media Relations
For press, email: press@greenlightbio.com
For investors, email: investors@greenlightbio.com
About Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) is a fully integrated CDMO offering state-of-the-art contract development and manufacturing services. With proven regulatory approvals, the largest capacity, and the fastest throughput, Samsung Biologics is an award-winning partner of choice and is uniquely able to support the development and manufacturing of biologics products at every stage of the process while meeting the evolving needs of biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. For more information, visit samsungbiologics.com.
Samsung Biologics contact:
Senior Director of Global Marketing Communications
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SOURCE Samsung Biologics | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/greenlight-biosciences-samsung-biologics-complete-first-commercial-scale-engineering-run-mrna-covid-19-vaccine/ | 2022-08-01T14:03:26Z |
Anderson helps White Sox beat Mariners for 4th straight win
By JAY COHEN
AP Baseball Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — Tim Anderson homered and drove in three runs in the rain, leading the banged-up Chicago White Sox to a 6-4 victory over Robbie Ray and the Seattle Mariners. Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert also connected, helping Chicago to its fourth straight win since its dramatic loss at Detroit on opening day. Ray was charged with six runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings in his first loss with his new team. He won the AL Cy Young Award last year with Toronto and agreed to a $115 million, five-year contract with Seattle in November. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/13/anderson-helps-white-sox-beat-mariners-for-4th-straight-win/ | 2022-04-14T04:00:40Z |
Ky. teacher resigns after controversy over pro-LGBTQ message
ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A Kentucky teacher has resigned after writing a message encouraging LGBTQ students on his classroom board that read “You are free to be yourself with me.”
Tyler Morgan was a music teacher at West Irvine Intermediate School, which teaches third through fifth grade students. He posted a photo of the message on his Facebook page, WKYT reports. It included a rainbow flag, a transgender flag and rainbow colors.
“You are free to be yourself with me. You matter,” the message read.
Some parents feel Morgan’s message was inappropriate, and others did not have an issue with it. Dozens in the community said they stand behind Morgan.
Morgan noted he resigned from Estill County Schools on his own recognizance.
“I still firmly believe more work needs to be done in Kentucky, especially in Eastern Kentucky, to ensure that more resources are provided to make sure all students feel safe, secure, and seen,” he wrote on Facebook.
The Estill County Board of Education is investigating.
Superintendent Jeff Saylor said he had no problem with the statement, explaining the district must meet the needs of all students and families. He said the main issue stemmed from a conversation that took place during class.
It’s not clear what that conversation entailed, but the superintendent said it was not related to academic standards.
In a statement, Saylor wrote, “Of course, there are times that conversations may vary from that day’s lesson plan, but these conversations went far beyond the music curriculum. It is my job to make sure that parents are not surprised by these types of situations.”
The Fairness Campaign, an organization that advocates against sexual orientation and gender discrimination, feels the district mishandled the situation.
“I would not be surprised at all if the school is sued,” said Chris Hartman with the Fairness Campaign.
Hartman said talking about LGBTQ issues in the classroom could help students who may be struggling.
“We know that the rates of suicide, self-harm, depression, and isolation among LGBTQ kids is astronomically high,” Hartman said.
In his statement, Saylor said school counselors have been trained to offer support to students dealing with difficult circumstances.
Copyright 2022 WKYT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/06/ky-teacher-resigns-after-controversy-over-pro-lgbtq-message/ | 2022-04-06T11:03:23Z |
FIFA picks 6 female referees, assistants for men’s World Cup
By GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writer
GENEVA (AP) — Female referees will make World Cup history this year by working games at a major men’s tournament for the first time in Qatar.
Three female referees and three female assistant referees were announced Thursday by FIFA among 129 officials selected for World Cup duty, including one man who caused controversy when refereeing a chaotic African Cup of Nations game in January while suffering with heatstroke.
French referee Stéphanie Frappart already worked men’s games in World Cup qualifying and the Champions League, after handling the 2019 Women’s World Cup final. She also refereed the final of the men’s French Cup this month.
“As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’ and the selected match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide,” said FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina, who worked the 2002 World Cup final. “In this way, we clearly emphasize that it is quality that counts for us and not gender.”
Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan are also on the list of 36 referees preparing for the 64 games at the tournament, which will be played from Nov. 21-Dec. 18.
The 69 assistant referees include Neuza Back of Brazil, Karen Díaz Medina of Mexico and Kathryn Nesbitt of the United States.
“I would hope that in the future the selection of elite women’s match officials for important men’s competitions will be perceived as something normal and no longer as sensational,” Collina said.
Among the male referees is Janny Sikazwe of Zambia, who blew the final whistle at an African Cup group match after 85 minutes and again 13 seconds before the 90 minutes were complete, with Mali leading Tunisia 1-0.
About 30 minutes after the match, officials ordered the teams back on the field to restart play but Tunisia refused. The result was later ratified by the Confederation of African Football despite an official protest by Tunisia.
The match was played in heat and humidity in Cameroon, and Sikazwe later explained he started to become confused in the intense conditions.
Sikazwe will be working at his second World Cup after handling two group games at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
The extreme heat in Qatar led FIFA to decide in 2015 to move the tournament to the cooler months in the Gulf emirate.
FIFA has picked 24 men to work on video reviews. The VAR system made its debut in 2018.
FIFA said 50 referee-and-assistant trios began preparing in 2019 for World Cup duty, with the project affected by limits on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two referees were picked from each of Argentina, Brazil, England and France.
All the officials — who were not allocated into specific teams of three — face future technical, physical and medical assessments this year, FIFA said.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/19/fifa-picks-6-female-referees-assistants-for-mens-world-cup/ | 2022-05-19T12:52:50Z |
UPDATED: Chairman & CEO of Citius, Leonard Mazur, to present September 12, 2022 at 8:30am ET
CRANFORD, N.J., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTXR), today announced that Citius will participate in the H.C. Wainwright 24th Annual Global Investment Conference being held September 12-14, 2022. Leonard Mazur, Chairman and CEO of Citius, will present in person on September 12, 2022 at 8:30 am EDT, and host one-on-one meetings with investors.
Registered participants will be able to view Mr. Mazur's presentation live through the conference website or access an archived webcast of the presentation under "Events" in the Investors section of the Citius website. The archived webcast will be available for 90 days following the event.
About Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Citius is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of first-in-class critical care products, with a focus on oncology, anti-infectives in adjunct cancer care, unique prescription products, and stem cell therapies. The Company's diversified pipeline includes two late-stage product candidates, Mino-Lok®, an antibiotic lock solution for the treatment of patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 3 Pivotal superiority trial, and I/ONTAK (E7777), a novel IL-2R immunotherapy for an initial indication in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), for which a BLA submission is being prepared for the second half of 2022. Mino-Lok® was granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I/ONTAK has received orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of CTCL and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). In the first half of 2022, Citius initiated a Phase 2b trial for Halo-Lido, a topical formulation for the relief of hemorrhoids. The Company anticipates completing enrollment in the Halo-Lido trial by the end of 2022. For more information, please visit www.citiuspharma.com.
Investor Contact:
Ilanit Allen
Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
T: 908-967-6677 x113
E: ir@citiuspharma.com
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SOURCE Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/citius-pharmaceuticals-inc-present-hc-wainwright-24th-annual-global-investment-conference/ | 2022-09-08T21:42:51Z |
Announces Four Operating Partner Additions
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolent Health, Inc. (NYSE: EVH), a health care company that delivers proven clinical and administrative solutions to payers and providers, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Highlights from the second quarter of 2022 announcement include:
Quarter ended June 30, 2022:
- Revenue of $319.9 million, an increase of $97.9 million, or 44.1%, from the three months ended June 30, 2021.
- Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Evolent Health, Inc. of $4.6 million resulting in a net loss margin of (1.43)%.
- Achieved Adjusted EBITDA of $21.7 million resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.8%.
- Total Lives on Platform of 21.9 million as of June 30, 2022, composed of 2.1 million Evolent Health Services Lives on Platform and 19.8 million Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform.
Also today, Evolent announced the following partnership additions:
- Molina Healthcare will launch New Century Oncology Performance Suite for their Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace membership, initially in three states by the end of 2022.
- Evolent Health Services will provide quality and care gap technology services Medicare Advantage and Commercial Exchange lines of business for a major midwestern Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.
Seth Blackley, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Evolent Health stated, "Evolent's strong financial results for the second quarter as well as on a year-to-date basis clearly demonstrate that our team is creating value for our shareholders, clients, patients and employees. Our financials reflect both an increasing number of successful partnerships with our payer and provider clients as well as deeper and broader relationships across our solutions. This year, we have added 10 new operating partnerships in 2022, already exceeding our annual goal of 6-to-8 additions for the second year in a row.
Mr. Blackley continued, "In addition to strong financial performance this quarter, yesterday we closed the acquisition of IPG, announced on June 28. This transaction marks a significant step in Evolent's goal to be a go-to partner with a deep and highly integrated specialty value-based care platform."
Financial Results of Evolent Health, Inc.
In our earnings releases, prepared remarks, conference calls, slide presentations and webcasts, we may use or discuss non-GAAP financial measures. Definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures, as well as reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in this earnings release. See Financial Statement Presentation and Non-GAAP Financial Measures for more information.
Reported Results
Evolent Health, Inc. reported the following results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"):
- Revenue of $319.9 million and $222.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Cost of revenue of $249.7 million and $172.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Selling, general and administrative expenses of $59.0 million and $42.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Evolent Health, Inc. of $(4.6) million and $(9.1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Loss attributable to common shareholders of Evolent Health, Inc., per basic and diluted share, of $(0.05) and $(0.11) for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Segment Highlights: Clinical Solutions
- Revenue of $227.6 million, up 54.6%, from $147.2 million from the three months ended June 30, 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $13.5 million and $13.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform in our Performance suite was 2.5 million with a quarterly Clinical Solutions Performance suite Average PMPM of $34.58 and in our New Century Health Technology and Services suite Lives on Platform was 17.3 million with a quarterly New Century Health Technology and Services suite Average PMPM of $0.36 as of June 30, 2022.
Segment Highlights: Evolent Health Services
- Revenue of $92.3 million, up 23.3%, from $74.9 million from the three months ended June 30, 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $15.1 million and $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Evolent Health Services Lives on Platform was 2.1 million with a quarterly Evolent Health Services Average PMPM of $14.58 as of June 30, 2022.
Total cash and cash equivalents was $193.1 million as of June 30, 2022.
Adjusted Results
- Adjusted cost of revenue of $248.5 million and $171.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses of $49.7 million and $37.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $21.7 million and $13.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Adjusted income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of $9.4 million and $(1.9) million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
- Adjusted income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders of $0.10 and $(0.02) for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Business Outlook
The guidance numbers below reflect the estimated impact of the acquisition of IPG from the date of close.
Third Quarter 2022 Guidance
For the three months ending September 30, 2022, revenue is expected to be in the range of approximately $343.0 million to $363.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of approximately $24.0 million to $29.0 million.
Full Year 2022 Guidance
Revenue for the year ending December 31, 2022 is expected to be in the range of approximately $1.32 billion to $1.36 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of approximately $95.0 million to $105.0 million.
This "Business Outlook" section contains forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations are set forth below in "Forward Looking Statements - Cautionary Language" and Evolent Health, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
Additional Outlook Information
Cash deployed for software development is expected to be in the range of $30 million - $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Web and Conference Call Information
As previously announced, Evolent Health, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter performance this evening, August 2, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time. To listen to a live broadcast via the internet and view the accompanying materials, please visit the Company's Investor Relations website at http://ir.evolenthealth.com. To participate by telephone, dial 855.940.9467 or 412.317.6034 for international callers, and ask to join the "Evolent Health call." Participants are advised to dial in at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register. The call will be archived on the company's website for one week and will be available beginning later this evening. Evolent Health invites all interested parties to attend the conference call.
About Evolent Health
Evolent Health (NYSE: EVH) delivers proven clinical and administrative solutions that improve whole-person health while making health care simpler and more affordable. Our solutions encompass total cost of care management, specialty care management, and administrative simplification. Evolent serves a national base of leading payers and providers, is the first company to receive the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Population Health Program Accreditation, and is consistently recognized as a top place to work in health care nationally. Learn more about how Evolent is changing the way health care is delivered by visiting evolenthealth.com.
Contacts:
Seth Frank
Investor Relations
sfrank@evolenthealth.com
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with GAAP, we present and discuss Adjusted Cost of Revenue, Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Adjusted Depreciation and Amortization Expenses, Adjusted Total Operating Expenses, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share Available to Common Shareholders, which are all non-GAAP financial measures, as supplemental measures to help investors evaluate our fundamental operational performance.
Adjusted Cost of Revenue and Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses are defined as cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, adjusted to exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expenses, severance costs, amortization of contract cost assets recorded as a result of a one-time ASC 606 transition adjustment, acquisition-related costs related to acquisitions and business combinations, securities offerings, discontinued operations, strategy and shareholder advisory services and certain one-time adjustments. Management uses Adjusted Cost of Revenue and Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses as supplemental performance measures, which are also useful to investors, because they facilitate an understanding of our long-term operational costs while removing the effect of costs that are not expected to reoccur frequently (e.g. acquisition-related costs) and non-cash (e.g. stock-based compensation expenses) in nature. Additionally, these supplemental performance measures facilitate understanding a breakdown of our Adjusted Total Operating Expenses. Adjustments for acquisition-related costs incurred generally represent professional service fees and direct expenses related to acquisitions. Because we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, we do not consider the amount of acquisition-related costs to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.
Adjusted Depreciation and Amortization Expenses is defined as depreciation and amortization expenses adjusted to exclude the impact of amortization expenses related to intangible assets acquired through asset acquisitions and business combinations. Management uses Adjusted Depreciation and Amortization Expenses as a supplemental performance measure because it reflects a complete view of the operational results. The measure is also useful to investors because it facilitates understanding a breakdown of our Adjusted Total Operating Expenses.
Adjusted Total Operating Expenses is defined as the sum of Adjusted Cost of Revenue, Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses and Adjusted Depreciation and Amortization Expenses, and reflects the adjustments made in those non-GAAP measures. Adjusted Total Operating Expenses is further adjusted to exclude the impact of (gain) loss on disposal of assets and items arising from acquisitions and business combinations, such as changes in fair value of contingent consideration.
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is defined as Adjusted Revenue less Adjusted Total Operating Expenses, and reflects the adjustments made in those non-GAAP measures. Management uses Adjusted Total Operating Expenses and Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) because the removal of acquisition costs, one-time or non-cash items (e.g. depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expenses) allows us to focus on operational performance, and believes these measures are useful to investors because they give investors insight into our core operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss attributable to common shareholders of Evolent Health, Inc. before interest income, interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses, adjusted to exclude gain on transfer of membership, loss on repayment of debt, gain from equity method investees, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, other income (expense), net, repositioning costs, stock-based compensation expense, severance costs, amortization of contract cost assets, strategy and shareholder advisory services, acquisition-related costs and gain from discontinued operations.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure because the removal of acquisition-related costs, one-time or non-cash items (e.g. depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expenses) allows us to focus on operational performance. We believe that this measure is also useful to investors because it allows further insight into the period over period operational performance in a manner that is comparable to other organizations in our industry and in the market in general.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is as defined Adjusted EBITDA divided by Revenue. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA margin as a supplemental performance measure because it allows the investor to understand operational performance compared to revenues over time. We believe that this measure is also useful to investors because it allows further insight into the period over period operational performance in a manner that is comparable to other organizations in our industry and in the market in general.
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders is defined as net loss attributable to common shareholders of Evolent Health, Inc. adjusted to exclude gain from equity method investees, other income (expense), net, gain on transfer of membership, loss on repayment of debt, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, purchase accounting adjustments, repositioning costs, stock-based compensation expenses, severance costs, amortization of contract cost assets recorded as a result of a one-time ASC 606 transition adjustment, gain from discontinued operations, strategy and shareholder advisory services and acquisition-related costs.
Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share Available to Common Shareholders is defined as Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders divided by Weighted-Average Common Shares, and reflects the adjustments made in those non-GAAP measures.
Management uses Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share Available to Common Shareholders because excluding non-cash items (e.g. depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expenses) allows us to focus on operational performance. We believe that these measures are also useful to investors for the same reason.
These adjusted measures do not represent and should not be considered as alternatives to GAAP measurements, and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of these adjusted measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures is presented in the tables below. We believe these measures are useful across time in evaluating our fundamental core operating performance.
Lives on Platform and Per Member Per Month ("PMPM") Fee
Total Lives on Platform are calculated by summing our Evolent Health Services Lives on Platform and our Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform. Evolent Health Services Lives on Platform are calculated by summing members on our value-based care and comprehensive health plan administrative platform. Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform are calculated by summing the Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform in our Performance suite and New Century Health Technology and Services suite Lives on Platform. Clinical Solutions Lives on Platform in our Performance suite are calculated by summing members covered for oncology specialty care services and members covered for cardiology specialty care services for contracts not under ASO arrangements. New Century Health Technology and Services suite Lives on Platform are calculated by summing members covered for oncology specialty care services, members covered for cardiology specialty care services and members covered for advance care planning services for contracts under ASO arrangements. Members covered for more than one category are counted in each category.
Evolent Health Services average per member per month ("PMPM") fee is defined as platform and operations revenue pertaining to the Evolent Health Services segment during the period reported divided by the average of the beginning and ending Evolent Health Services segment membership during the period reported divided by the number of months in the period. Clinical Solutions Performance suite Average PMPM fee is defined as platform and operations services revenue pertaining to our Clinical Solutions Performance suite during the period reported divided by the average of the beginning and ending Clinical Solutions Performance suite membership during the period reported divided by the number of months in the period. New Century Health Technology and Services suite Average PMPM fee is defined as platform and operations revenue pertaining to the New Century Health Technology and Services suite during the period reported divided by the average of the beginning and ending New Century Health Technology and Services suite membership during the period reported divided by the number of months in the period.
Management uses lives on platform and PMPM fees because we believe that they provide insight into the unit economics of our services. We believe that these measures are also useful to investors because they allow further insight into the period over period operational performance. We believe that these measures are also useful to investors because they allow further insight into the period over period operational performance.
The guidance reconciliation provided above reconciles the midpoint of the respective guidance ranges to the most comparable GAAP measure.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS - CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE
Certain statements made in this report and in other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words like: "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "aim," "predict," "potential," "continue," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "shall," "may," "might" and other words or phrases with similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to our ability to grow our impact significantly throughout this year and beyond, future actions, trends in our businesses, prospective services, new partner additions/expansions, our guidance and business outlook and future performance or financial results, and the closing of pending transactions and the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings. We claim the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the PSLRA.
These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially, some of which are described within the forward-looking statements, include, among others:
- the significant portion of revenue we derive from our largest partners, and the potential loss, non-renewal, termination or renegotiation of our relationship or contract with any significant partner, or multiple partners in the aggregate;
- evolution in the market for value-based care;
- uncertainty in the health care regulatory framework, including the potential impact of policy changes;
- our ability to offer new and innovative products and services;
- risks related to completed and future acquisitions, investments, alliances and joint ventures, including our acquisition of the Implantable Provider Group, Inc., which could divert management resources, result in unanticipated costs or dilute our stockholders;
- the financial benefits we expect to receive as a result of the sale of certain assets of Passport may not be realized;
- the growth and success of our partners, which is difficult to predict and is subject to factors outside of our control, including governmental funding reductions and other policy changes, enrollment numbers for our partners' plans, premium pricing reductions, selection bias in at-risk membership and the ability to control and, if necessary, reduce health care costs;
- risks relating to our ability to maintain profitability for our total cost of care and New Century Health's performance-based contracts and products, including capitation and risk-bearing contracts;
- our ability to effectively manage our growth and maintain an efficient cost structure, and to successfully implement cost cutting measures;
- changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in our markets, including inflation and economic and business conditions and the impact thereof on the economy resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies;
- our ability to recover the significant upfront costs in our partner relationships;
- our ability to attract new partners and successfully capture new growth opportunities;
- the increasing number of risk-sharing arrangements we enter into with our partners;
- our ability to estimate the size of our target markets;
- our ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition;
- consolidation in the health care industry;
- competition which could limit our ability to maintain or expand market share within our industry;
- risks related to governmental payer audits and actions, including whistleblower claims;
- our ability to partner with providers due to exclusivity provisions in our contracts;
- risks related to our offshore operations;
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The risks included here are not exhaustive. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "2021 Form 10-K") and other documents filed with the SEC include additional factors that could affect our businesses and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors.
Further, it is not possible to assess the effect of all risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. In addition, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this report.
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SOURCE Evolent Health | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/evolent-health-announces-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-02T21:58:23Z |
PFL live events and on-demand video content available on Viaplay year-round
PFL MMA Regular Season kicks off on April 20 to more than 160 countries
NEW YORK, April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, and Viaplay have agreed to an exclusive broadcast partnership to feature the 2022 PFL Regular Season, Playoffs and PFL World Championship on Viaplay's streaming platform in 10 countries. Viaplay will become the exclusive PFL content provider in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and the Netherlands, joining other major sports, including sports properties such as Super Cup, Bundesliga, and Premier League.
PFL live events, including international qualifier series matchups, as well as original programming and content, will be available to audiences in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and the Netherlands on Viaplay. The partnership was made in partnership with Athletic Sports Group and its subsidiary Fight Globe.
"The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce our partnership with Viaplay to carry coverage of the upcoming 2022 PFL Regular Season, Playoffs and PFL World Championship," said SVP International, James Frewin. "We are excited by our continued global expansion and look forward to delivering premium MMA content to combat sports fans across Europe."
"The PFL's innovative structure delivers high-impact action throughout the year leading up to the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship," said NENT Group Chief Sports Officer Peter Nørrelund. "Bringing this thrilling promotion to viewers in 10 countries shows once again that Viaplay is a European heavyweight in live sports streaming."
PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advance to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with a $1 million prize.
Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster with 25 percent of its fighters independently ranked in the top-25 of the world, including 2021 PFL champions Kayla Harrison and Ray Cooper III. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to the more than 600 million MMA fans globally.
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Globo, Sky Sport, Eleven Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
About VIAPLAY
Nordic Entertainment Group AB (publ) (NENT Group)'s Viaplay streaming service is available in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the US and the Netherlands. Viaplay will launch in the UK in 2022, followed by Canada, Germany, Austria and Switzerland by the end of 2023. We operate streaming services, TV channels, radio stations and production companies, and our purpose is to tell stories, touch lives and expand worlds. Headquartered in Stockholm with a global perspective, NENT Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm ('NENT B'). NENT Group has proposed to rebrand as Viaplay Group, subject to approval at its Annual General Meeting on 18 May.
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SOURCE Professional Fighters League (PFL) | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/20/professional-fighters-league-expands-global-content-distribution-with-viaplay-partnership-nordics-baltics-poland-netherlands/ | 2022-04-20T15:50:27Z |
Profit Pump: 100 years after first patient uses insulin, out-of-pocket costs continue to climb
Manufacturers, insurance industry trade barbs while those with diabetes face impossible choices
InvestigateTV - Every day, usually multiple times a day, millions of people in the U.S. put into their bodies a substance that per milliliter is 60 times more expensive than a bottle of 2008 vintage Dom Perignon champagne.
Whether it’s drawn into a syringe, dialed up by a pen or dosed by an automatic pump, the chain of proteins known as insulin is required by those diabetes patients using it to stay alive.
For many patients, however, the cost of survival is at an all-time high — despite the life-sustaining drug marking 100 years of human use in January.
Pharmaceutical companies blame the cost on insurance companies and “middlemen” for not passing along savings, while those insurance companies and contractors say it’s the drug makers that ultimately set the price.
While lawmakers at both the state and federal level have attempted caps on copays or taken the companies to court over business practices, patients say many in the diabetes community are forced to choose between paying their bills or rationing their medication — and the results can be deadly.
‘It’s terrifying’
Megan Cornelius has carved out a sizable following on social media, but not about her job in tech start ups or life in Southern California.
Instead, her channel focuses on the diagnosis she received when she was 10 years old.
“I actually self-diagnosed myself,” she said, recounting how a childhood friend had received the news of having Type-1 diabetes and she recognized the symptoms in herself.
“I just remember sitting there crying and saying, ‘Can I eat pizza? Can I eat cake?’” she said.
As an adult with Type-1, she said she still must carefully consider what she eats each day, but it takes much more mental energy thinking about the financial implications of her disease.
“It’s terrifying, because in America, our insurance is tied to our jobs. If you lose your job at any moment, you could just be out-of-luck getting insulin,” she said. “If I got fired right now, next month, I might not have enough money to afford what I need to live.”
The financial strain and emotional toll led her to create a platform aimed at supporting other patients with diabetes by not only sharing tips on how to save money or navigate the health care system, but by reminding them they are not alone.
Cornelius said based on everything she’s learned about living with diabetes she considers herself lucky — because of her stature she only needs about a vial and a half of insulin each month, compared to others who may need five or more. With insurance her out-of-pocket cost for insulin is just $35 per month — and her insurance plan covers up to 90% of her other diabetes medications and supplies, such as her pump and blood-glucose monitor.
But that’s after she meets her $1,500 deductible, which she said she does in the first week or two of each January.
Without insurance, she said the list price for her insulin and the supplies for her glucose monitor and pump averages around $6,200 every three months. Add in other medications to help regulate her blood sugar, visits to the doctor and other supplies, and Cornelius estimates treating her Type 1 diabetes would cost nearly $50,000 if she were uninsured.
Even with her insurance, she estimates she pays up to $10,000 out of pocket each year to manage her disease.
She said she has experienced the fear of not knowing if she can afford it all.
“First time I was laid off from a job, literally, that was the first thought: ‘How am I going to afford to pay for my diabetes?’” she said.
Between the delay in unemployment benefits and the limitation of the affordable plans on the healthcare marketplace, she was stuck having to cobble together the cash for her medication.
“I found a ton of odd jobs to make it happen,” she said.
She added that thanks to her physician prescribing the maximum dose she would ever need per-day, she had some reserves of insulin as well.
“I had a little bit of a supply leftover so I could make it through until I was able to figure out what to do for insurance and how I could afford it,” she said.
Others in the same situation, however, are not always as fortunate.
The American Diabetes Association estimated in the summer of 2020, even as COVID-19 unemployment and wage-losses finally began to drift back down, more than 650,000 diabetes patients in the U.S. were still regularly rationing their insulin by skipping doses or taking less than prescribed. The ADA also estimated 3 million people were skipping blood glucose tests.
For diabetes patients reliant on prescribed insulin, but especially those with Type 1 diabetes, rationing the drug can be deadly.
When asked if she thinks people are dying because they cannot afford their insulin, Cornelius said there isn’t a doubt in her mind.
“1,000%,” she said. “I can think of a couple people on the top of my head that have died because of it.”
Prices Vary
What a patient pays at the counter for insulin varies greatly depending on if they are insured and what kind of policy they have, which pharmacy they are doing business with and which type of insulin they’ve been prescribed.
Three companies, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi produce 96% of the world’s insulin for human use.
InvestigateTV looked at the hallmark insulin from each of the three major manufacturers: Humalog from Eli Lilly, Novolog from Novo Nordisk and Lantus from Sanofi.
Those brands were also the three most prescribed to respondents to an informal survey conducted by InvestigateTV in 2021.
Doses of insulin are measured in “units,” with patients needing a daily amount based on their body weight as well as additional, smaller doses to account for carbohydrates in food or mitigate blood sugar spikes.
For example, a patient weighing 160 pounds could have a daily requirement of 40 units, plus additional doses at mealtimes.
Humalog and Novolog are both short-acting insulins, meaning they begin to lower blood sugar about 15 minutes after a dose, while Lantus is a long-acting insulin and works to lower blood sugar throughout the day. While all three are available in easy-to-use pens, the cheapest option is generally for a vial, with the most common being a 10 milliliter vial containing 1000 units.
Depending on if they are Type 1 or Type 2, their body size, hormone levels or other factors, a patient’s needs can vary, though most require more than one vial per month. Patients who are particularly insulin-resistant, such as those with severe Type 2 diabetes, can use six to seven vials a month or more.
Online tools such as NeedyMeds — a nonprofit founded in the 1990s to assist patients who struggle to afford their prescriptions — show the range of retail prices patients might find at the pharmacy counter for a 10 milliliter vial of each of the three major brands.
Those amounts are similar to what an independent pharmacy InvestigateTV spoke with found when looking up the price of vials from their wholesale distributor around the same time.
List prices of these insulins have been on a steady march upward.
A congressional report looking at medication costs found list prices for a vial of Humalog, Novolog and Lantus have increased 1,219%, 627% and 715% respectively since the drugs were launched. Humalog, which has seen the largest over-time increase, entered the market first in 1996. Novolog and Lantus launched roughly a decade later, but introduced their products at a price similar to that of Humalog at the time.
In a 2021 informal, online survey posted to social media by Gray Media Group television stations, InvestigateTV asked respondents to share if they had health insurance and what type, as well as the total they pay out of pocket each month for insulin.
Those with employer-provided insurance, representing the majority of those answering the survey, reported paying an average of $173 a month. That category also had the widest range of responses, with some saying they had no out-of-pocket cost, while others said they pay up to $1,600 a month.
Those on Medicaid or Medicare reported much lower out-of-pocket amounts, averaging less than $100.
But data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows the programs — and ultimately taxpayers — have been paying increasingly high amounts per claim.
A few survey respondents reported they utilize Walmart’s ReliOn insulin brands, which cost $25 to $75 a vial, and others said they used biosimilars or “authorized generics” produced by the three major companies.
In a statement in response to a request for comment from InvestigateTV, Eli Lilly said its 2019 introduction of an authorized generic or “non-branded” version of Humalog, Insulin Lispro, has effectively lowered the price “down to what it was in 2008.”
“In the past years, we have introduced multiple solutions that have progressively lowered the out-of-pocket cost for Lilly insulin,” the company said in the statement.
[See Eli Lilly’s full statement below]
Novo Nordisk, which did not return InvestigateTV’s invitation to comment, introduced its own authorized-generic, Insulin Aspart, shortly after Eli Lilly did in 2019, according to industry news reports. The Food and Drug Administration also approved a biosimilar for Lantus in 2019.
While these less-expensive options exist along with older, more-basic types of insulin, pharmacists and providers repeatedly told InvestigateTV that doesn’t mean they are necessarily a better option — effective doses of older types of insulin can be difficult to calculate, and “non-branded” insulins and biosimilars may not be covered by insurance or even available at a patient’s pharmacy.
In an interview with InvestigateTV about changes to a federal drug discount program, Anne Webster, an Illinois nurse practitioner of endocrinology, said when one of her patients was forced to use an older type of insulin because of cost, she had concerns about his body experiencing more extreme high and low blood sugar events.
“It wasn’t my first choice for him,” she said.
In their responses to inquiries from InvestigateTV, Eli Lilly and Sanofi both claim they have programs and mechanisms in place to provide their products at a lower cost to patients, regardless of their insurance.
“We have a suite of innovative and patient-centric savings programs that have launched in recent years to help people reduce their prescription medicine costs,” a Sanofi spokesperson said.
But the dollar amounts patients see either on their insurance benefits documents or are asked to pay at the register at the pharmacy are still outrageous to Megan Cornelius, the California content creator.
When she was diagnosed as a child 25 years ago, she said a vial of insulin cost her family less than $50. Today, she said she sees that vial ringing up at $350.
“People can’t afford that, especially if they’re uninsured or under insured,” she said.
Instead, some of them are traveling to Canada or Mexico, where the same vials of insulin are available for purchase at a fraction of the price.
Even as someone who can usually afford her medication, Cornelius said she’s done it herself.
“I’m 30 minutes from the border to Mexico. I went to a wedding and stopped by a pharmacy afterwards,” she said. “I paid $60 for a pen and a bottle of insulin. It took me five minutes, and I didn’t need a prescription. So tell me why: A 30-minute drive, I can buy two bottles of insulin for $60, and here that will cost me $700. It’s the exact same thing.”
‘Cost’ depends on who you ask
While the list price of medications like insulin can be determined with a little research, what an individual patient may see at the cash register is determined by contracts and negotiations that are shielded from public view.
The path prescription medications take through the healthcare system from those manufacturers to the end patient has grown more complicated as “middlemen” such as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and wholesale distributors have entered the supply chain.
Manufacturers set a list price, known as a “Wholesale Acquisition Cost,” and sell insulin and other drugs to wholesale distributors, or in some cases pharmacies directly, either for the list price or at a slight discount. The distributors sell to pharmacies, and while there isn’t typically a large additional mark-up, distributors may use the original list price rather than the discounted price they received from the manufacturer.
In most cases, a patient purchases insulin at the pharmacy and pays an amount determined by their insurance — either a set copay or percentage of the list price determined by coinsurance, or the retail price charged by the pharmacy if the patient hasn’t met their deductible.
The pharmacy then sends a bill to the patient’s insurance and typically receives an additional dispensing fee.
If the patient’s insurance company contracts with a PBM, the insurer may get a rebate for the insulin, based on rebates the PBM received from the manufacturer and fees paid by the pharmacy.
The details of these rebates, fees and other aspects of relationships between PBMs, insurance companies, pharmacies and manufacturers are often opaque, but experts and lawmakers alike attribute much of the increase in what patients pay for insulin to these relationships.
So do the entities themselves — but each side points to the other as the problem.
Lisa Joldersma, senior vice president for policy and research for Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said the industry blames high costs to patients on insurance companies not passing along the rebates they receive.
“Health insurers purchase insulin in quantity, they secure significant discounts,” said Joldersma, who focuses on public policy, state and insurance issues. “Unfortunately, too often they are choosing not to make those discounts available to patients at the pharmacy counter, and we think that’s just wrong.”
While she acknowledged list prices for insulin set by drug manufacturers continue to rise, she said the net price — what manufacturers ultimately receive at the end of the process — has plateaued and even decreased since the late 2000s.
“Our companies are delivering better insulin, more innovative, easier to use insulin than was available 15 years ago, actually at a lower cost than 15 years ago,” she said, but clarified: “When I say lower cost, I have to refer to the major purchaser of insulin in this country, which is health insurers.”
A study by the University of Southern California’s Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics indeed found that in 2018, while the list price of 100 units of insulin topped $25, the net price manufacturers received was less than $10. That gap used to be smaller.
However, a drug pricing investigation by the Committee on Oversight and Reform released in December 2021 claims the pharmaceutical industry’s stance is relying too heavily on the decrease in net price.
“A drug’s net price does not account for uninsured patients, who cannot access the benefits of rebates negotiated by payers and may pay the full list price for drugs. In addition, because certain out-of-pocket costs borne by patients are based on a drug’s list price, when drug companies raise the list price, patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs even as supply chain rebates lower the aggregate net prices of some drugs,” the investigation report reads.
In other words: When list prices go up, patients pay more — especially if they are uninsured.
Joldersma countered by noting more people in the U.S. have health insurance than ever before thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and she reiterated PhRMA’s view that the responsibility for high out-of-pocket costs lies with insurers and their intermediaries.
“The manufacturers do set the price; that’s absolutely true,” she said. “But manufacturers also deeply discount their products, and they do that because they want the products to be more affordable for patients, and again, unfortunately, the significant discounts that manufacturers offer and provide on insulin products are too often being held by insurers, and by their intermediaries, and they’re not being passed along to patients at the pharmacy counter, and we think that’s wrong and needs to change.”
The motivation behind the discounted prices, however, is seen differently by those in Congress.
Higher prices, higher priority
A Senate Finance Committee report on insulin commissioned in 2019 by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) found evidence that those discounts or rebates were often motivated by companies either seeking preferred placement on formulary lists — a list of prescription drugs covered by an insurer, often determined by a PBM — or to avoid retaliation by insurers and PBMs in the form of exclusion from formulary lists.
Based on documents provided by manufacturers to the Senate committee, the report found one example where the board of Novo Nordisk decided not to decrease prices because of the financial downsides and expected pressure from insurers and their “middlemen.”
The report states: “The company believed that its decision to decrease list price could upset payers, and that many in the drug supply chain (e.g., wholesaler distributors, PBMs, and health insurers) would be negatively impacted financially and could retaliate against Novo Nordisk.”
As with the production of insulin, the PBM market has three major players of its own that are specifically noted by the Grassley-Wyden report: CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx.
The report found these companies have “significant marketing power when negotiating rebates.”
The result of that marketing power, Joldersma said, are lower prices for insurers but “mark-ups” for patients because that savings isn’t being passed along.
“You have an entity a powerful entity that is effectively buying a product on sale, 70% off, 80% off, and then turning around and asking an individual, who is paying premiums for their health insurance, asking that individual to pay 100% of the undiscounted price of the medicine,” she said.
The insurance and PBM industries don’t see it that way.
Savings: All for one, or one for all?
InvestigateTV reached out to AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans), a trade and lobbying association for health insurers, to ask about the claims raised by Joldersma and lawmakers.
In response, a spokesperson sent a link to a statement on recent legislation in the House of Representatives regarding caps on the price of insulin, as well as an information sheet on the industry’s position on “point of sale rebates,” or the passing-on of savings referenced by PhRMA.
“Health insurance providers are Americans’ bargaining power, negotiating for lower drug prices for everyone. That includes negotiating rebates for drugs and maximizing the impact for all plan enrollees by passing on those savings directly to patients and consumers through lower out-of-pocket costs and premiums,” the information sheet reads. “Big Pharma argues that those savings should not be passed on to everyone through lower premiums and lower cost sharing. Instead, they believe rebates should only go to patients at the pharmacy counter. While this may sound attractive — or even fair — on its face, what drug manufacturers don’t mention is that rebates are only available for some drugs.”
In the statement in opposition to a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would cap insulin copays at $35 for those with commercial insurance, AHIP placed the responsibility for the price of insulin squarely on the shoulders of manufacturers.
“Insulin prices are too high because Big Pharma alone sets and controls the price.”
But Beth Caveness, the pharmacist who shared the prices from her distributors for insulin, told InvestigateTV she and others in her field consider the proliferation of insurance companies utilizing PBMs to be the primary driver of the ever-increasing price of not only insulins, but all drugs.
“No matter what you fill, no matter what you do, they’re going to come up with a new way to take money from you,” she said, referring to not just patients, but business owners like herself.
Operating an independent pharmacy, she said she often takes a loss on insulin prescriptions in particular, because even after adding a standard retail mark-up, PBM fees erase any profit.
“We sell it to a patient and think we’re going to make $20, and then three months later, four months later, you find out that that pharmacy benefit manager takes about $40,” she said.
Dr. Steve Miller, the recently-retired but longtime chief medical officer for Express Scripts, argued PBMs like the one he helped lead are trying to reduce prices — that by negotiating with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of health plans, more patients get access to lower prices than they otherwise would.
“What we do is we negotiate against those manufacturers to try to lower that price for people that are lucky enough to have good insurance,” he said.
At Express Scripts, some plans are also eligible for what the company calls a “diabetes care value program” that Miller said further leveraged the company’s relationship with insulin manufacturers.
“We said, why don’t we take the money that you’re putting into patient assistance programs, or copay cards or giveaway stuff? And let’s buy-down the copay to $25 for everyone regardless of how much insulin they use, regardless of what branded insulin they use,” he said.
The result is a more predictable amount for those with specific insurance plans, but Miller admitted it leaves out those who don’t have any insurance or whose plan doesn’t meet the program requirements.
While the other individual PBMs, CVS Caremark and OptumRx did not respond to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) , a trade and lobbying organization for PBMs, contacted InvestigateTV after receiving word from member companies about those requests.
The spokesperson sent links to online materials, as well as a written statement:
“We believe the key to reducing drug costs is increasing competition, including for insulin products. Unfortunately, tactics used by drug manufacturers to avoid competition, including ongoing patent extensions on insulin products, are a significant barrier to getting costs down even further for people with diabetes.
PBMs have introduced programs to cap, or outright eliminate, out-of-pocket costs for insulin and have stepped up efforts to help patients living with diabetes by providing clinical support and education, which help patients maintain their insulin regimens and lead healthier lives.”
Miller also pointed back to manufacturers as holding the controls for the market.
“Only one stakeholder sets the price of drugs, that’s the pharmaceutical manufacturers. They could choose to quit raising those prices, and so and so the idea that the prices keep going up, and it’s being forced upon them is not true. If they want to sell the drug for a lower price, we would be thrilled to do that.”
Lawmakers don’t entirely disagree.
The Oversight Committee investigation notes similar points to both AHIP and PCMA, stating “the three insulin companies have engaged in strategies to maintain monopoly pricing and defend against competition.”
Both that report and the Grassley-Wyden report also reference the practice of “shadow pricing” with regard to insulin.
The lawmakers list examples of shadow pricing — where companies raise the price of a similar good seemingly in lockstep, virtually eliminating any price reduction based on market competition and often without the increases being related to inflation or the cost of producing the goods — by all three major insulin manufacturers.
In both reports, lawmakers also claim pharmaceutical companies are not spending enough money on research and development to justify higher prices. The industry refutes this by pointing to the new types and methods of administering insulin that have emerged over the last 15 years — including long-acting insulins, insulin pens and inhaled insulins — as evidence the drug has advanced like any other, — and again Joldersma, from PhRMA, blamed insurers and PBMs.
“Our manufacturers who are delivering insulin, better insulin than we’ve ever had before are providing substantial discounts that insulin to the insurance companies who are paying the bill,” Joldersma said, “and we think it is awful, that insurance companies are choosing to use those dollars to use those savings for things other than reducing the cost of being insulin for a patient’s diabetes is too important.”
‘We’ve got to hold them accountable’
While manufacturers, insurers and PBMs embody the 1968 episode of the animated Spider-Man series “To Catch a Spider/Double Identity” that became a viral sensation in 2011, patients with diabetes who are dependent on insulin are facing difficult choices.
“What happens to these individuals, they end up using expired insulin, they don’t take the correct amount of insulin, or they don’t take it at all, and then the physical consequences are, again are devastating in that regard,” said Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch.
Fitch filed a lawsuit in June 2021 against the three major insulin manufacturers as well as the three largest PBMs — a lawsuit that coming from a state attorney general was the first of its kind.
“There’s a scheme going on here, there’s a pricing scheme going on,” she said, “and we’ve got to make it affordable. And in order to do that, we’ve got to hold them accountable.”
Mississippi, squarely in the “Diabetes Belt” has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation. In the Mississippi Delta, where socioeconomic factors also limit access to healthcare, around 70% of counties have a higher rate than the national average.
Fitch’s interest in the issue holds personal value as well.
“I’ve seen it, I have lived with my child going through these trials and tribulations and challenges,” she said.
Fitch’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 13.
“It just breaks your heart as a mother, ‘What could I have done differently? How did I not see this coming?’” she said of the questions that flooded her mind at the time. “But, you know, diabetes just sneaks up and says, I’m going to go in, and I’m going to affect this child’s life. And it truly did.”
She said the financial toll was significant as well, and remains on her mind even as her daughter has become an adult.
“It’s been a tremendous financial drain. From the moment she was diagnosed to the age she is now,” she said. “It’s devastating from the financial side.”
InvestigateTV obtained documents from the offices of 11 state attorneys general where patients filed consumer complaints involving insulin against both pharmaceutical companies and insurers.
A patient in Maryland alleged price gouging in early 2020 after their 90-day supply of insulin increased from $340 in February to $1,100 in March as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the nation.
“This is the same year, same insurance plan, same prescription, and same pharmacy. When I spoke with my CVS Caremark representative, he said the manufacturers had increased the price significantly within the last month,” the patient wrote.
Fitch’s lawsuit, still moving through federal court, accuses the insulin manufacturers and PBMs of violating the Mississippi Consumer Act, unjust enrichment and civil conspiracy.
“The reason behind the increase [in insulin prices] is a fraudulent conspiracy between billion-dollar companies known as PBMs and the Manufacturer Defendants,” the complaint reads.
The complaint references an April 2019 congressional hearing where the state claims the defendants themselves explain how their interactions have driven up prices.
Fitch’s lawsuit faces an uphill battle, however.
Others against manufacturers, such as the one brought by the Minnesota Attorney General, have been either thrown out or gutted in federal courts, because in many cases federal laws don’t allow companies to be sued by an undefined plaintiff — and many cases are written as being on behalf of the entire population, not a specific person.
Those named in the lawsuit have filed motions to dismiss, claiming lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a claim.
Miller, with Express Scripts, couldn’t address specific litigation, but said he feels PBMs are being unfairly maligned.
“We have a system that’s created these high prices. And we have both regulatory legislative, but also market forces that are driving it up, we believe we’re the force for good trying to drive that down,” he said, adding, “all those things conspire to work against the patient, and we feel like we’re one of those forces to actually trying to do the opposite, but are often being blamed for the cause of high prices.”
Capping conundrum
Other efforts to curb the sticker shock patients face at the pharmacy counter, such as copay caps, have been slow going.
Several states have implemented or are in the process of debating caps on out-of-pocket spending on insulin for those with certain insurance coverage.
At the federal level, the House of Representatives passed its $35 copay cap on insulin prescription copays for the commercially insured — originally part of President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan — while on the other side of the hill Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) have introduced and proposed, respectively, insulin price cap legislation.
Collins said in an interview with InvestigateTV that while caps are the primary topic of conversation on Capitol Hill, she does think more will need to happen to address insulin prices.
“I would agree that this is a far more complicated issue than just putting a monthly out-of-pocket cap on the amount that it’s paid for insulin, although that’s certainly it’s beneficial to many people,” she said.
“What I have found due to an investigation that was done when I was chair of the aging committee, is that the price of insulin is rife with conflicts of interest.”
The senator said those findings were similar to those from the Grassley-Wyden and Oversight reports: that manufacturers are keeping list prices high to be chosen by PBMs for an insurer’s formulary thanks to larger rebates, and PBMs not discouraging that behavior because their fees are based on a percentage of the list price.
Collins has not yet introduced her own bill, but according to Kaiser Health News has been selected along with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) to work on the Senate’s consideration of the House bill. Collins and Shaheen have previously worked together on insulin affordability legislation, but those efforts never saw a bill become law.
Manufacturers have in general been supportive of these attempts at capping copays for insulin.
A spokesperson for Sanofi, which produces the long-acting insulin Lantus, told InvestigateTV in an email: “Sanofi supports efforts to cap monthly co-pays for covered insulin. We also support legislation that results in patients paying less when they pick up their insulin such as requiring rebates to be shared at the pharmacy counter, requiring plans to cover insulin without applying a deductible, and prohibiting plans from imposing a higher co-pay than its net cost after manufacturer rebates.”
[See Sanofi’s full statement below]
Back in Southern California, Meagan Cornelius is skeptical of the effort in Washington, telling her TikTok followers the House bill is just “smoke.”
“They’re making people think they’re doing something, but they’re not,” she said in the short video.
Cornelius, who places the responsibility for the price of insulin squarely on pharmaceutical companies, said lawmakers should be more focused on regulations to reel in that industry, not legislate caps that don’t help all patients.
“Holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, putting caps on how they can raise prices, on the amount of money, they can actually make off a medication,” she said, listing what she thinks needs to change.
“The money their CEOs make is an unfathomable amount,” she said. “Cut that in half, what are you doing with all this money? Why do you need it so badly that you’re allowing people to die, just so you can have extra money in the bank? I don’t get it. I don’t get how someone can sleep at night with that.”
Justine Arens and Payton Romans provided research assistance for this report.
InvestigateTV reached out to the three major insulin manufacturers as well as the three pharmacy benefit managers referenced in congressional reports and lawsuits to address the claims made by various parties. Of those that responded, these were their full statements:
Sanofi:
List Price vs. Net Price
“Despite rhetoric about skyrocketing insulin prices, the net price (meaning the amount that Sanofi actually receives from a sale of its medicine after payment of any rebates or discounts on such sale) of insulin has been falling for seven consecutive years, making our insulins significantly less expensive for insurance companies.
PBMs have demanded rebates for pharmaceutical products for nearly two decades, and they are an engrained feature of our healthcare system. Since 2012, the net price of our insulins declined by 54%. Over the same period, the net price for commercial and Medicare Part D plans of our most prescribed insulin, Lantus, has fallen 62%, while average out-of-pocket costs for patients with commercial insurance and Medicare has risen approximately 60%. For all the focus by health plans and others on the growth of list prices, today, the average net price of Lantus is below 2006 levels.”
Sanofi Diabetes Access Programs
“We disagree with your claim that access to our patient programs are limited as we have a suite of innovative and patient-centric savings programs that have launched in recent years to help people reduce their prescription medicine costs.
• 100% of commercially insured people are eligible for co-pay assistance programs, regardless of income or insurance plan design, which limits out-of-pocket expenses for a majority of people between $0 and $10. These programs are available for those prescribed Adlyxin, Apidra, Lantus, Soliqua 100/33, and Toujeo.
• 100% of uninsured people are eligible for the Insulins Valyou Savings Program — regardless of income level — enabling them to buy one or multiple Sanofi insulins (Lantus, Toujeo, Admelog, and Apidra) for a fixed price of $99 per month, for up to ten boxes of SoloStar pens and/or 10 mL vials or 5 boxes of Toujeo Max SoloStar pens. Soliqua 100/33′s cash offer also allows uninsured people to pay as little as $99 per box of pens, for up to two boxes of pens for a 30-day supply.
• We also provide free medications to qualified low- and middle-income patients through the patient assistance component of the Sanofi Patient Connection program. Some people facing an unexpected financial hardship may be eligible for a one-time, immediate month’s supply of their Sanofi medicine as they wait for their application to process.
• Sanofi also volunteered to join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Senior Savings Model which allows patients enrolled in participating Part D plans to pay a $35 or less co-pay for each 30-day prescription of a Sanofi insulin throughout the year.
The only people ineligible for our programs are those insured by federal programs, including Medicare and Medicare Part D, due to federal rules. Sanofi supports changes to these rules that would allow all patients to benefit from assistance programs.”
Pricing Allegations and Lawsuits
“We strongly believe the allegations have no merit, and we will defend ourselves against these claims.”
State and Federal Patient Out-Of-Pocket Caps on Insulin
“Sanofi supports efforts to cap monthly co-pays for covered insulin. We also support legislation that results in patients paying less when they pick up their insulin such as requiring rebates to be shared at the pharmacy counter, requiring plans to cover insulin without applying a deductible, and prohibiting plans from imposing a higher co-pay than its net cost after manufacturer rebates.”
Executive Compensation
“Sanofi executives’ compensation is not a factor in the Company’s decisions regarding the pricing of its medicines.
Consistent with our pricing principles, Sanofi sets the prices of its medicines based on their value, which includes considerations of the benefit to patients, compared to a standard of care; the reduced need — and therefore costs — of other health care interventions; and any increase in quality of life and productivity. We also consider factors such as the affordability for patients and any unique factors specific to the medicine, like the need to support ongoing clinical trials, implement important regulatory commitments, or develop sophisticated patient support tools that improve care management and help decrease the total cost of care.
Any price increases take into account these factors and also are limited to the projected annual health care spending growth rate — NHE — as estimated by CMS.
Moreover, Sanofi determines its executive personnel’s variable compensation based on a complex and multi-faceted set quantitative and qualitative criteria that account for both individual and company-wide performance and may include criteria related to research and development, new product launches, the financial performance of relevant business lines, organization and staff relations, and corporate social responsibility.”
Eli Lilly
Lilly is deeply committed to making insulin affordable for all people living with diabetes, regardless of income or insurance status.
In the past years, we have introduced multiple solutions that have progressively lowered the out-of-pocket cost for Lilly insulin. Today, anyone is eligible to purchase their Lilly insulin prescription for $35 or less per month, regardless of the number of pens or vials they use, and whether they are uninsured or use commercial insurance, Medicaid, or are enrolled in a participating Medicare Part D plan.
We have not raised list prices on any of our insulins for the past five years. To the contrary, we lowered the list price on our most commonly used insulin (Humalog) by 70%, bringing the list price down to what it was in 2008, by introducing our own non-branded equivalent and making it available to any health plan that wants to put it on their formulary.
Our solutions are making a real impact for people with diabetes. Despite rising deductibles, the average monthly out-of-pocket cost for Lilly insulin has dropped by 44 percent, to $21.80, over the last five years. This translates to $7-10 per vial and $2-3 per pen.
Lilly has been acting voluntarily to make its insulins more affordable for patients within our current healthcare system, but we also advocate for comprehensive solutions and public policies, such as passing through rebates directly to people who use insulin and limiting out-of-pocket costs, to move the U.S. healthcare system from a series of patchwork solutions to systemic change that helps people access and afford their insulin, and other lifesaving drugs.
None of our insulins’ active ingredients are patent protected, and we are not using patents to keep new entrants out of the insulin market. A follow-on version of Humalog has been on the market for four years. Lilly supports the use of generics and biosimilars to enter the market when patents rightfully expire. We also support removing regulatory barriers to allow such entry.
Scientists have made extraordinary strides in insulin innovation over the last 100 years, improving the lives of millions of people with diabetes. Lilly has pioneered many of the great advancements in insulin treatments, and our diabetes pipeline includes a once-weekly basal insulin medication that could eliminate daily insulin injections for certain individuals living with diabetes, and a “smart insulin” platform (glucose-responsive insulins that can sense sugar levels in the blood and automatically activate as needed throughout the day).
Until gaps in the healthcare system are filled, Lilly will continue to provide affordability solutions to people who need them. Anyone paying more than $35 per month for Lilly insulin can call the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at (833) 808-1234 or go to insulinaffordability.com to learn more about our insulin affordability solutions and get help.
Additional facts on our Insulin Affordability Programs (also found on insulinaffordability.com):
Lilly has many programs that provide affordable insulin. In the past years, Lilly has introduced multiple solutions that allow people to purchase a monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35 or less, including:
• In 2020, we announced the Lilly Insulin Value Program, a co-pay card allowing people with commercial insurance or uninsured to buy their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35. There is no application or enrollment process; interested individuals need only confirm they are over 18, a U.S. resident, and not covered by a government insurance program, and in a matter of seconds they will receive a copay card that they can download to their mobile device or print and present when they pick up their insulin prescription.
• Lilly and other manufacturers are contributing $250 million over five years to make our insulins available in the Senior Savings Model, allowing seniors in a participating Part D insurance plan to purchase their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35.
• Lilly pays a 100 percent rebate to state governments to make our insulins available to millions of people in the Medicaid and VA programs.
• In 2019, we introduced a non-branded insulin, Insulin Lispro, at half the list price of branded Humalog. Insulin Lispro, which is the same molecule as Humalog, is now 70 percent off the list price of its branded counterpart.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/25/profit-pump-100-years-after-first-patient-uses-insulin-out-of-pocket-costs-continue-climb/ | 2022-04-25T22:47:03Z |
NEW YORK, May 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: , N.Y., May 22, 2022. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. (NASDAQ: SDIG) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's October 2021 initial public offering ("IPO") of the important June 13, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Stronghold Digital Mining securities pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement 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 Stronghold Digital Mining class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5313 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 13, 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 IPO Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state: (1) contracted suppliers, including MinerVa, were reasonably likely to miss anticipated delivery quantities and deadlines; (2) due to strong demand and pre-sold supply of mining equipment in the industry, Stronghold Digital Mining would experience difficulties obtaining miners outside of confirmed purchase orders; (3) as a result of the foregoing, there was a significant risk that Stronghold Digital Mining could not expand its mining capacity as expected; (4) as a result, Stronghold Digital Mining would likely experience significant losses; and (5) as a result, defendants' statements about Stronghold Digital Mining's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Stronghold Digital Mining class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5313 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
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/22/rosen-top-ranked-firm-encourages-stronghold-digital-mining-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-sdig/ | 2022-05-22T19:27:06Z |
SINGAPORE and HONG KONG, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Wall Capital Co., Ltd. announced today that it has joined the co-investment with Recco Control Technology Pte. Ltd. and Dazheng Group (Hong Kong) Investment Holdings Company Limited in acquiring Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: HOLI) on a non-binding basis.
Recco and Dazheng issued a press release on March 21, 2022, announcing the strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding entered into among Great Wall Capital, Recco and Dazheng. At this stage, there can be no assurance that any agreement with the board of Hollysys could be reached in respect of a potential acquisition of Hollysys.
About Great Wall Capital Co., Ltd.
Great Wall Capital Co., Ltd. is a Beijing-based private equity investment firm under China Great Wall Asset Management Co., Ltd., one of the four Chinese state-owned asset management companies.
About Recco
Recco Control Technology Pte. Ltd is a Singapore-incorporated investor in the automation industry and was founded by Mr. Ke Lei, a veteran in the automation industry in China.
Contact:
Mr. Ke LEI, Tel. +86 139 0290 1093
E-Mail: leike@reccogroup.com
About Dazheng
Dazheng Group (Hong Kong) Investment Holdings Company Limited is a Hong Kong-incorporated financial investor founded by sophisticated entrepreneurs and investment banking professionals.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "believe," "envision," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "plan" and similar expressions. Although the management of Great Wall Capital, Recco and Dazheng believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of any of Great Wall Capital, Recco and Dazheng, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Other than as required by applicable law, none of Great Wall Capital, Recco and Dazheng undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
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SOURCE Great Wall Capital Co., Ltd. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/great-wall-capital-co-ltd-join-co-investment-hollysys-with-recco-control-technology-pte-ltd-dazheng-group-hong-kong-investment-holdings-company-limited/ | 2022-04-11T10:12:33Z |
Fintech executive promoted to help lead strategic vision of Finotta's core platform
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. , June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Finotta, provider of embedded fintech for digital banking, announced today that it's promoted Kelsey Houghton as its new Chief Product Officer. She will help lead the strategic vision of Finotta's core platform, Personified, and an expanding portfolio of products.
Finotta empowers financial institutions (FIs) to deliver the right experience, service, or product to users with a gamified Financial Health Level that helps improve their financial life. By combining financial wellness with the fun of gamification, customers have an interactive and engaging way to improve their financial health regardless of their journey.
Before Houghton's promotion, she was Head of Product at Finotta for over three years. Houghton was a founding member, joining in its early startup stages in 2019, where she pioneered the products from conception to market fit.
Previously, she served as Technical Project Manager at Grant Street Group, a tax collection and payment processing platform. Here, she gained experience managing large-scale, complex software and hardware implementations and leading cross-functional teams of software engineers and product professionals. Houghton also worked for UL, a global safety certification company, in the medical device division.
"Finotta is combining the desire for financial guidance with a personalized and gamified digital approach," said Houghton. "Whether customers are building an emergency fund, paying off debt, building wealth, or anything in between. I'm proud of the platform we've built and the positive impact it will have on our FI clients and consumers, and I look forward to my expanded role."
Finotta officially launched earlier this year in partnerships with First United Bank & Trust and with Q2 to integrate Personified with Q2's Digital Banking Platform.
"Consumers want to better understand their finances. With Kelsey's leadership, Finotta is bridging the gap between exceptional digital experiences and financial wellness. She has been instrumental to our company's success, and we are confident she will help us continue growing as more FIs partner with us," said Finotta Founder and CEO, Parker Graham.
About Finotta
Finotta helps financial institutions personalize their mobile banking experience to increase engagement, combat larger institutions, and create new revenue streams. Finotta empowers financial institutions to deliver customers and members the right experience, service, or product at the right time with a gamified Financial Health Level, all while helping improve their financial life.
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SOURCE Finotta, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/finotta-names-kelsey-houghton-chief-product-officer/ | 2022-06-07T18:42:32Z |
New Strategic Relationship Delivers the Deeper Data Insights Required by Organizations in a Digital Commerce-Driven Economy
ATLANTA and BROOKFIELD, Wis., April 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax® (NYSE: EFX), the global data, analytics and technology company, and Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, are partnering to deliver the data-driven insights organizations need to succeed in a digital economy. The companies are collaborating on new offerings that deliver a more holistic picture of businesses and their data and enable financial institutions and businesses of all sizes to embrace the power of real-time data insights.
Equifax and Fiserv are targeting late 2022 to deploy joint commercial solutions that leverage new analytics to help strengthen business verification, accelerate account acquisition and enhance risk assessment for small-to-medium sized businesses. The two companies plan to expand innovation efforts into the consumer ecosystem in the future.
"Equifax understands that more data enables better decisions. We are energized about partnering with Fiserv to expand our differentiated data assets - leveraging our new Equifax Cloud capabilities to deliver smarter insights at a greater velocity than ever before," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "In a digital economy, speed matters. To keep up, organizations have to be able to leverage real-time data insights to help them say 'yes' to more customers with greater speed and confidence."
"Equifax and Fiserv have a shared vision for how timely, detailed data can transform the financial services ecosystem, helping to better inform decision makers with the right knowledge at the right time," said Frank Bisignano, Fiserv President and Chief Executive Officer. "Together we will empower financial institutions and businesses to operate in new ways as they benefit from data-enabled insights."
Equifax maintains a powerful suite of differentiated data assets on which its business customers rely to drive more informed decisions and deliver exceptional outcomes across the customer lifecycle. Through the company's cloud native data fabric and scalable platforms, Equifax brings decision intelligence to a wide spectrum of global customers. Fiserv enables money movement for thousands of financial institutions and millions of people and businesses worldwide, enabling 12,000 financial transactions every second. Insights gleaned from these transactions can provide timely and detailed visibility into business activity and vitality, or signal suspicious activity.
The integration of Fiserv information with Equifax differentiated data and solutions will enable analytics that can help increase the predictiveness of business credit scores and help support smarter growth through new prospect identification, cash flow trends, propensity to spend models, and share-of-wallet analysis.
"Customers expect that financial institutions with which they have relationships understand them and understand what they want," said Prasanna Dhore, Chief Data Officer at Fiserv. "Insights gleaned from real-time data can empower financial institutions to initiate and build relationships and deliver personalized, positive experiences that open the door to future growth and new revenue opportunities."
For more information, please visit Equifax.com or Fiserv.com.
At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 13,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.
Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud- based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index, the FORTUNE® 500, and has been recognized as one of FORTUNE World's Most Admired Companies® for 11 of the past 14 years and named among the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company for two consecutive years. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kate Walker for Equifax
mediainquiries@equifax.com
Ann Cave for Fiserv
ann.cave@fiserv.com
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SOURCE Equifax Inc. and Fiserv, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/19/equifax-fiserv-partner-advance-digital-commerce-with-data/ | 2022-04-19T22:07:10Z |
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Silex Technology, a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions, announced the introduction and availability of its new enterprise Wi-Fi bridge, BR-330AC-LP, on September 7, 2022. The BR-330AC-LP is a wireless LAN bridge (station device) that supports the IEEE 802.11ac wireless communication standard and enterprise security. It accelerates IT/OT convergence by wirelessly bridging between legacy wired IP devices and secure enterprise IT network requiring 802.1X authentication. The BR-330AC-LP eliminates the need for copper wiring in building energy management systems and reduces the power consumption required for wireless connectivity in those applications. Silex's broader Ethernet to Wi-Fi bridge product portfolio allows customers to select the optimal solution for each use case
Why 802.1X Authentication Matters:
The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has emerged in the industrial IoT deployment. The OT was traditionally separated from IT and had different sets of requirements for security and deployment. In the IT segment, many enterprises rely on 802.1X for device authentication, while OT devices have not been equipped with 802.1X authentication capability. The 802.1X becomes the emerging topic for OT devices to connect with IT using 802.1X authentication. The silex enterprise Wi-Fi bridge allows users to securely connect non-802.1X capable devices to 802.1X IT enabled networks and Wi-Fi infrastructure.
How much power does BR-330AC-LP save:
The BR-330AC-LP reduces the power consumption by about 45% when transmitting the Wi-Fi data compared with another silex's 802.11ac Wi-Fi bridge. The power consumption in its idle state is also reduced by about half. The BR-330AC-LP's low power operation results in longer operation for battery powered and mobile applications.
SD-330AC-LP Features:
- Single or Multi-client mode operations
- Enterprise security
- Low Power Consumption
- Fast-roaming for mobility
- Easy device configuration
- Built-in web portal for device configuration through Ethernet port
Pricing and Availability
The product is now available. Please contact our sales team at sales@silexamerica.com and sales@silexeurope.com for more details on early access.
About Silex Technology America, Inc.
Silex Technology builds on more than 40 years of hardware and software connectivity know-how and IP, custom design development experience, and in-house manufacturing capabilities, bringing value to customers with a foundation of technical expertise. With relentless attention to quality, exclusive access to Qualcomm Atheros expertise, and strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor providers, Silex Technology is the global leader in reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for products ranging from a medical device to a document imaging product to a video or digital display. With Silex Technology, customers get a single vendor that provides hardware and software support from design through manufacturing for successful product after successful product. For more information, please visit www.silextechnology.com.
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SOURCE Silex Technology America, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/silex-technology-announces-enterprise-wi-fi-bridge-with-lowest-power-consumption-market/ | 2022-09-07T18:17:16Z |
Justices reject states’ appeal over cap on tax deductibility
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected a challenge from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland to the 2017 tax law that capped federal tax deductions for state and local taxes. The lawsuit had previously been dismissed by lower courts. The suit argued that the Republican-led tax law, signed by then-President Donald Trump, unfairly singled out high-tax states in which Democrats predominate. The law caps a deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT, at $10,000. The lawsuit claimed lawmakers crafted the provision to target Democratic states, interfering with the states’ constitutionally granted taxing authority. Legislation to raise the cap has passed the House but not the Senate. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/18/justices-reject-states-appeal-over-cap-on-tax-deductibility/ | 2022-04-18T15:12:30Z |
Lifeguard, 18, helps couple deliver baby at YMCA pool
DENVER (KMGH) – A lifeguard about to head to college in the fall had an experience at her summer job that she will likely never forget.
Natalie Lucas, 18, works as a lifeguard at a YMCA in Colorado and said her days are usually pretty calm.
Tessa Rider was 9-months pregnant when she thought she’d go for a swim Sunday, but she didn’t last long in the pool as the expecting mother realized her baby boy was about to make his debut.
“Then it suddenly dawned on me that we were not making it to the hospital, and he was coming out right then and there,” Rider said.
“The husband tells me they’re having the baby and I am like OK, sounds good, and the adrenaline kicks in right then and there,” Lucas explained.
Lucas yelled for someone to call 9-1-1, grabbed a medical bag and towels and was with the couple as Rider pushed.
Rider said the lifeguard was there to help support her back during the birthing process.
“The baby was already kind of coming out and it was quick. I would say less than five minutes that it all happened,” Lucas said.
Baby Tobin was born happy and healthy on the pool deck of the YMCA.
“Without [Lucas] I would not have been able to safely focus my attention on making sure that Tobin came out and that he was safe and healthy,” Tobin’s father, Matthew Jones, said.
“I stayed calm, and I helped them through from begging to end of what all happened,” Lucas said. “It was definitely quite a crazy thing to happen, but I’m pretty proud of myself.”
Lucas is going to college in the fall but said she plans to send Tobin birthday cards.
Tobin was gifted a lifetime membership to the Y.
Copyright 2022 KMGH via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/04/lifeguard-18-helps-couple-deliver-baby-ymca-pool/ | 2022-08-04T19:47:43Z |
Leading tech-driven tools company provides innovative, rechargeable portable power solution for active, on-the-go users and DIY enthusiasts with hot-swappable battery plus electronics charging capability anytime, anywhere power is at a premium.
HOBOKEN, N.J., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Take the power where you want it with the powerful new 300-Watt 24-Volt Max Cordless Power Station inverter/charger from SUN JOE®. The innovative, portable power system enables both homeowners and handymen to quickly charge up to six electronic devices and "hot swap" up to four 24-volt iON+ battery packs anytime or anywhere power is at a premium. From worksite to campsite, and boating to blackouts, it's the one portable power solution to keep your busy life running even when the power is out.
Leading the market in cordless innovations, Snow Joe® and its partner brands Sun Joe®, Aqua Joe®, and Auto Joe® have revolutionized the lithium-ion tool industry, and paved the way for greater advancements in this emission-free, more eco-conscious power option. The company's iON+ system — the most advanced 24-volt lithium-ion battery system — brings trusted, advanced EcoSharp® technology, no-fade power, and rugged, durable design to its latest innovation.
Designed as a multi-port portable inverter + charger, the station's onboard compartments can charge up to four batteries simultaneously while connected to a power source — to power up 150+ tool options from the company's home, garage and garden tools, and lifestyle products. Then, when you need to stay connected on-the-go, the station pulls power from any 24-Volt iON+ battery and converts it, powering up the 2.7-Amp AC outlet, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and 10-Watt wireless charging pad to safely and reliably charge laptops, tablets, e-readers, smart phones, and more — up to 6 electronic devices at once, using only battery power.
Plus, handy features like an LCD screen to display power status, four built-in 1-Watt reading lights and 3-Watt spotlights for added safety and security after dark or in an emergency make this all-in-one power solution a must have for any DIYer, adventurer, or handyman.
The 300W 24V Max Cordless Power Station (24V-300WI) also comes with a two-year warranty, is $199 or $17.99 per month with Affirm, and is available on Amazon and snowjoe.com. One station, countless cordless possibilities!
SUN JOE is a division of SNOW JOE® (http://snowjoe.com), a technology-driven tools company that innovates and distributes high-quality, yet affordable, eco-conscious home, yard, garage, and lawn and garden gear.
About Snow Joe, LLC
Snow Joe — and its complementary brands Sun Joe, Aqua Joe, and Auto Joe — planted its roots as a digitally native, direct-to-consumer company that designs, develops and distributes high-quality, yet affordable, lawn and garden tools. Intuitively merging advanced eCommerce technology on the back-end with innovative tools on the front-end, the "Joe" family of brands has disrupted the lawn and garden landscape by its ability to get its tools quickly into the hands of its customers when they need them most. Originally founded in 2004 with the mission to bring homeowners smart winter solutions, the company has grown to become not only the market share leader in electric and cordless snowblowers, but also the leader in the electric pressure washer category. Over the years, Snow Joe has evolved into a robust, omnichannel, customer-centric business that now offers a wide range of problem-solving solutions to keep your home, yard and garden looking beautiful throughout the year. Go With Joe® and Get Equipped® with the right tools to tackle any outdoor chore. For more information, visit: https://snowjoe.com/ or connect with Snow Joe on Facebook and Instagram. For media inquiries, please contact pr@snowjoe.com
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SOURCE Snow Joe LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/new-sun-joe-300w-24v-ion-cordless-power-station-supercharges-your-life-chores-amp-more/ | 2022-05-04T17:10:22Z |
The versatile collection, which delivers style and comfort for leisure or work through intentional design, is now available online and in all 260 Academy stores
KATY, Texas, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports and Outdoors ("Academy") (Nasdaq: ASO), a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, today announced the launch of its newest private label men's activewear brand, Right of Way (R.O.W.). The menswear line is designed with intentional fits, comfortable materials, and relaxed styles that meet everyday needs.
The inaugural collection features shorts, pants, joggers, polos, t-shirts, and long sleeves in different mix and match colorways. The color palette allows shoppers to create custom looks for any occasion from their favorite pieces. The brand's sizes and prices range from small to 2XL and $19.99 to $34.99, respectively.
"R.O.W. provides the guy on the go with a collection of athletic-inspired essentials that seamlessly integrates into his lifestyle from workday to weekend and everything in between," said Eli Getson, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager of Apparel at Academy. "Whether you're taking a video call, running errands, or grabbing dinner, these accessible pieces create an effortless style."
R.O.W has versatile closet staples for everyone. From moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool to hidden pockets for distraction-free storage, comfort and function are built into every piece.
The collection is the latest addition to Academy's exclusive lineup of private label brands including Magellan Outdoors, Freely, BCG, and more.
R.O.W. is now available at academy.com/row and in all 260 Academy Sports + Outdoors locations, along with convenient shopping options like free shipping on orders over $25 and Buy Online, Pick Up in Store.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 260 stores across 16 states. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
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SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/academy-sports-outdoors-launches-row-new-mens-activewear-line/ | 2022-06-23T13:05:24Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of LifeStance Health Group, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of LFST during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of all purchasers of LifeStance common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the documents issued in connection with LifeStance's June 10, 2021 initial public stock offering.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the number of virtual visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was decreasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby flatlining LifeStance Health's out-patient/virtual revenue growth; (ii) the percentage of in-person visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was increasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby causing LifeStance Health's operating expenses to increase substantially; (iii) LifeStance Health had lost a large number of physicians due to burn-out and, as a result, its physician retention rate had fallen significantly below the 87% highlighted in the initial public offering's registration statement, and LifeStance Health had been expending additional costs to onboard new physicians who were less productive than the outgoing physicians they were replacing; and (iv) as a result, LifeStance Health's business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as the initial public offering's registration statement represented.
DEADLINE: October 11, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/lifestance-health-group-loss-submission-form/?id=31648&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of LFST during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is October 11, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-lifestance-health-group-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-11-2022-nasdaq-lfst/ | 2022-09-14T10:24:11Z |
Admired Industry Leader to Unify Label's Multi-Genre Marketing Strategy
LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dionnee Harper is joining Warner Records as Executive Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development, effective September 15th. The widely admired industry leader is currently Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing at Warner Music Group sister label Atlantic Records. In her new post, Harper will oversee Warner's marketing strategy across all genres, while working closely with the company's various departments. She will relocate from New York to the label's Downtown Los Angeles headquarters and report to Warner Records Co-Chairman and COO Tom Corson.
In the course of her career, Harper has worked closely with artists such as Charlie Puth, Kevin Gates, Kehlani, B.o.B, Flo Rida, and many more. She also served as Atlantic's primary liaison with Mike Caren's successful APG label. Harper has played a key role in shaping Atlantic's world-class Black Music department and has been an influential guide and mentor to the next generation of Atlantic executives.
At the same time, it was announced that Chris Atlas, Warner's EVP, Urban Music & Marketing, who recently relocated to New York City, will be taking on a new role at the label, to be revealed in the near future. In addition, Mark Flaherty, Warner Records' current EVP, Head of Marketing, has decided to leave the company. To ensure a seamless transition, he will remain in his post until Harper's arrival this fall.
"Dionnee is a true marketing superstar, and her wide-ranging creativity, deep experience, passionate dedication, and closeness to culture will make her a fantastic addition to the team," said Tom Corson. "She'll work with Aaron and me to evolve the identity of the label and unify our marketing strategy across all genres under one outstanding leader. Dionnee has done a phenomenal job at Atlantic and is loved by her artists and colleagues, so I want to thank Julie Greenwald for helping us bring her on board. We're looking forward to announcing an exciting new leadership role for Chris, who's made exceptional contributions to our success. I also want to thank Mark for his great work with us over the past five years, and we wish him all the best in the future."
"I'm super excited to be joining Tom, Aaron, and the whole Warner Records team," said Dionnee Harper. "It's an incredible opportunity to work with their fantastic artist roster and explore every avenue to embed their music in the culture and bring it to the fans. It's not easy leaving all my wonderful colleagues and artists at Atlantic, but I'm very happy to be staying within the WMG family, where I've spent my whole career. I want to thank Julie and Mike Kyser for their amazing guidance that got me to this life-changing moment, and Max Lousada for his enthusiastic support. I'm looking forward to taking everything I've learned over the years and helping bring the great Warner label to new heights."
Harper has spent her entire 22-year career with Warner Music Group, and with her new appointment at Warner Records, she will have worked at all three of the company's frontline labels. Right out of college, she joined Elektra Entertainment Group as in intern in 2000. Just a month later, she was hired as an assistant in the label's Urban/Mixshow Promotions Department. In 2004, when Elektra merged with Atlantic Records, she became Urban Marketing Coordinator, climbing the ranks to Product Manager, Senior Director, Vice President, and her current SVP post.
Harper holds a BS degree in Consumer Studies from Syracuse University.
Access accompanying image here.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine
Media Contact
Laura Swanson
Laura.Swanson@warnerrecords.com
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SOURCE Warner Music Group Corp. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/dionnee-harper-named-evp-marketing-amp-artist-development-warner-records/ | 2022-07-13T20:11:42Z |
Cincinnati Zoo needs your help naming hippo Fiona’s newborn brother
CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) - The Cincinnati Zoo’s world-famous hippo Fiona now has a baby brother.
The hippo was born Aug. 3 to mom Bibi, and the zoo is looking for help in coming up with a name.
Cincinnati Zoo Director of Animal Care Christina Gorsuch said the zoo is happy the calf is healthy.
“The sex didn’t matter much to the hippo team, but it will be interesting to observe and compare the behavioral differences between a hand-raised girl and a mom-raised boy,” she said. “Will this calf be as comfortable with humans as Fiona is? Will he be less independent? Will he love cameras?”
The team has not chosen a name for the 5-day-old calf, but they are looking for suggestions.
According to the zoo, possible name suggestions will be reviewed, and the new name for the calf will be announced later in the week, according to WXIX.
“Bibi and the baby are doing great together,” Gorsuch said. “They are inseparable, which is why it took almost five days to be sure about the sex. They will continue to bond inside for another week or two. Fiona and Tucker are outside, so visitors will still be able to see hippos when they come to the zoo.”
Members of the zoo have access to live cameras at Hippo Cove every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT.
Copyright 2022 WXIX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/10/cincinnati-zoo-needs-your-help-naming-hippo-fionas-newborn-brother/ | 2022-08-10T01:00:54Z |
LOS ANGELES, April 21, 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 MP Materials Corp. ("MP Materials" or the "Company") f/k/a Fortress Value Acquisition Corp. ("FVAC") (NYSE: MP).
Class Period: May 1, 2020 – February 2, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 25, 2022
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 that: (1) FVAC had overstated its due diligence efforts and expertise with respect to identifying target companies to acquire; (2) FVAC performed inadequate due diligence into Legacy MP Materials prior to the Business Combination, or else ignored significant red flags regarding, among other things, Legacy MP Materials' management, compliance policies, and Mountain Pass's profitability; (3) as a result, the Company's future business and financial prospects post-Business Combination were overstated; (4) MP Materials engaged in an abusive transfer price manipulation scheme with a related party in the People's Republic of China to artificially inflate the Company's profits; (5) MP Materials' ore at Mountain Pass was not economically viable to harvest for rare earth metals; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading 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.
Contacts
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles
Frank R. Cruz, 310-914-5007
fcruz@frankcruzlaw.com
www.frankcruzlaw.com
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SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/mp-investors-have-opportunity-lead-mp-materials-corp-fka-fortress-value-acquisition-corp-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-04-21T16:01:17Z |
Fashion designer & entertaining expert Peter Som hosts an intimate gathering to celebrate the latest collaboration and showcase the ultimate hosting hack - the "Surprise & Delight" kit - now available for purchase for a limited time
NEW YORK, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With spring in the air and summer right around the corner, at-home entertaining is more prevalent than ever from brunches to barbecues to backyard gatherings. To help give hosts the tools they need to entertain with ease, Baileys Deliciously Light Liqueur, the latest addition to the Baileys portfolio made with 40% less sugar and 40% less calories than Baileys Original Irish Cream and Social Studies, the go-to resource for all things entertaining, have partnered to curate a stylish yet approachable tablescape ideal for springtime gatherings of all kind now available for rent through June 2022.
To celebrate the limited-edition kit entitled "Surprise & Delight", fashion designer & entertaining expert Peter Som hosted an intimate brunch in New York City on Thursday, June 2nd where he showed guests his tips and tricks for entertaining in style this season including Baileys Deliciously Light, a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways including in hot and iced coffee as well as an espresso martini.
The "Surprise & Delight" kit features full place settings for up to 4 guests, a signature Baileys Deliciously Light Iced Coffee recipe to treat your guests (Baileys Deliciously Light not included), as well as tools and ingredients to recreate the Baileys Deliciously Light Iced Coffee such as fluted glassware, Jade glass straws, edible cocoa dust, cold brew coffee beans and a coffee scoop. Consumers will also receive an assortment of keepable items exclusive to this collaboration, including a bundle of self-care and entertaining essentials perfect for a spring get-together.
"Since I can remember, I've always had a passion for food and design which has taken me on the path where I am today," said fashion designer & entertainment expert Peter Som. "Working alongside Baileys and Social Studies to showcase how easy hosting can be has been so fun, all you really need is a beautiful tablescape and a delicious cocktail such as a Baileys Deliciously Light Iced Coffee that pairs perfectly with a delectable food spread to really wow your guests!"
Stacey Cunningham, Director of Baileys & Liqueurs, Diageo North America adds, "Baileys Deliciously Light is our most versatile product offering yet, allowing for more occasions to treat yourself including daytime celebrations, brunch and many more. Partnering with Social Studies makes it more convenient than ever to host an event and create new ways to incorporate Baileys Deliciously Light during various spring and summer celebrations."
The "Surprise & Delight" kit will be available for rent through June 2022 on the Social Studies website for $72 per guest. Add a bottle of Baileys Deliciously Light for the full experience and celebrate the impulsive and imaginative treat moments of a playful, modern life available for purchase nationwide (wherever spirits-based beverages are sold) as well as online via Drizly.com.
Baileys encourages consumers of legal drinking age to treat themselves responsibly.
About BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur
BAILEYS launched in Ireland in 1974. It is now available in 180 markets worldwide and is the number one selling liqueur in the world. Owned by Diageo plc, BAILEYS is currently ranked 7th among all distilled spirits sold worldwide. It's the signature delicious balance of Irish Cream, whiskey and fine spirits that makes BAILEYS Original Irish Cream the perfect little indulgence when you need a break from your daily routine. The BAILEYS portfolio includes Original Irish Cream, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Cinnamon, Espresso Crème, Strawberries & Cream and Almande. For more information on BAILEYS Original Irish Cream, please visit us at www.BAILEYS.com.
About Social Studies
Social Studies is America's go-to for all things entertaining helping our customers gather better without the stress. Our flagship product is a rentable kit with everything needed to set a beautiful, Instagram-worthy table. We also offer a retail assortment of items from and inspired by our rentable looks, either pre-curated as bundles or a la carte, as well as entertaining essentials from games to candles. We are available nationwide and offer white glove customer service. We equip hosts with all the resources and tools they need, including pre-curated playlists on our Spotify channel that fit any mood and hosting tips and tricks on our editorial arm The Social.
About Peter Som
Peter Som is known for his signature use of color and pattern with streamlined feminine silhouettes, he's also widely known for his entertaining style and love of food. Peter's brand of effortless sophistication has extended to the food and home space, with recipes featured in numerous national publications and digital platforms. @petersom www.petersom.com
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SOURCE Baileys Irish Cream | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/your-spring-soiree-just-got-stylish-delicious-upgrade-with-tablescapes-by-baileys-deliciously-light-social-studies/ | 2022-06-06T18:14:47Z |
Nonprofit recognizes unsung black leaders who help others to live, own, vote, and excel
MIAMI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Juneteenth holiday celebration of Black culture approaches, nonprofit BMe Community announces awards to 23 remarkable Black leaders whom they call BMe Vanguards. The award is given to Black people whose service and leadership have earned them the respect and trust of their communities. Each awardee is admitted into an advanced leadership program and receives a $10,000 grant to further the work they are doing in their communities.
Through its Vanguard Program, BMe Community equips awardees to lead from narratives of Black aspirations rather than degradations. It also provides them access to expert knowledge and networks, in addition to the grants which total $230,000, to advance their life-changing work.
"The BMe Vanguard are taught to define Black people and all people by their aspirations and contributions rather than by degradations and disparities," said BMe Community Founder and CEO, Trabian Shorters. "We don't ignore what's wrong with situations, but we start with what's right with the people. Then we build their freedoms to live, own, vote, and excel. That's how we build equity without stigma."
BMe Community strikes a novel yet effective tone on racial and social progress.
The commitment to defining people by aspirations and contributions is known as "Asset-Framing". Its practitioners report that it helps them to raise more money, have bigger policy impacts, and gain greater public support than traditional approaches.
"We're all different," said 2022 BMe Vanguard Anton Horton, Dean of Culture at University Prep in Detroit. "We all come from different places, but the one thing that makes us alike is that we're here to change the world as Black people for Black people." And that creates a better society for everyone.
The 2022 BMe Vanguard Awardees from Metro Detroit are: Kenya Abbott Jr., Tyrone Bean, Dillion Ashton Brown, Javier Evelyn, Nedra Hall, Ragine Head, Anton Horton, Destynee Nixon, Jeremiah Steen, Daniel Washington, Alyssa Williams.
The 2022 BMe Vanguard Awardees Nationally (not including Detroit) are: Kibi Anderson – Los Angeles, CA; John Borders IV – Boston, MA; Saeeda Dunston – Queens, NY; Paula Fontana – McDonough, Georgia; Tina Gridiron – Indianapolis, IN; Adam Johnson – Las Vegas, NV; Kenya Lloyd – Raleigh, NC; Samantha Lyons – Philadelphia, PA; Sophia Peake – Philadelphia, PA; Jerelyn Rodriguez - New York, NY; Anthony ShoeCraft – Seattle, WA; Derek Steele - Inglewood, CA.
The 2022 BMe Vanguard awardees join 400 previous winners whose work with hundreds of organizations help millions of families to live healthier, more fulfilling lives; own and build wealth; secure their voting rights, and achieve their full potential. This inspired community of Black leaders hail from the business, education, public policy, culture, and social impact fields. They were chosen for their authenticity, positivity, effectiveness, and the trust they've earned with their peers and in the communities they serve.
The 2022 BMe Vanguard award and program are funded by the NBA Foundation, Skillman Foundation and the Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation.
Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day", celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and is observed annually on June 19th.
BMe Community is a network of leaders and allies who give their talents, knowledge, and skills to support Black people in achieving their highest aspirations for the good of everyone in society. It operates leadership and partnership programs such as the BMe Vanguard Awards and Allies For Equity. Through its Asset-Framing initiative, it also offers field-leading training, support and engagement opportunities for foundations and social impact organizations that want to help build equity without stigma.
Join BMe Community in its efforts to help Black people everywhere Live, Own, Vote, and Excel (L.O.V.E.) for the benefit of everyone, by taking the Black L.O.V.E. pledge at www.BlackLOVEPledge.org.
To learn more about BMe Community, its work, and most recent BMe Vanguard honorees, visit its website at BMeCommunity.org.
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SOURCE BMe Community | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/bme-community-announces-230000-grants-23-bme-vanguard-awardees/ | 2022-06-17T02:22:51Z |
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, invites guests to a Grande Labor Day Weekend celebration. Featuring abundant programming for guests of all ages, special culinary experiences, and attractive stay packages, Grande Lakes Orlando has curated an active holiday weekend to send off summer in style.
The newly renovated hotels, conveniently located just outside of bustling Orlando, offer a natural oasis with amenities including the world-class Ritz-Carlton Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, newly renovated pools and relaxing poolside cabanas, ample outdoor recreation and even more to explore. Guests can combine their Labor Day Weekend experiences with an array of Grande Summer Stay Packages, offering savings on room rates, parking and other amenities.
Activity Highlights
Throughout the long weekend, guests can enjoy a range of themed parties and live performances across the resort, including the Heat Wave Summer Bash by the JW Marriott pool and its three waterslides, taking place daily and featuring a DJ. Havana Nights, a Cuban-inspired pop-up, will take place at JW Marriott EvrBar on Saturday, September 3, featuring an evening of classic Cuban cocktails, light bites and live music.
The Ritz-Carlton Pool will showcase live steel drums performances as well as a sunset Polynesian fire dancer, while kids can enjoy magic shows, a stilt walker, balloon artist and face painting. Guests are also encouraged to cool off with refreshing treats poolside with the Fresh Coconut Ice Bar, served all weekend long, a Tito's Signature Cocktail Bar on Saturday, and a dedicated Moet & Chandon Ice Bar offered on Sunday and Monday.
Families can also look forward to an ideal night in together at Family Movie Night in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom with complimentary popcorn, as well as the special LakesAlive! fireworks display taking place Sunday evening. The fireworks show is complimentary for overnight guests, with upgrade options available that include food and beverage service at both hotels and a private in-room viewing package at The Ritz-Carlton designed for a family of four.
Special to Marriott Bonvoy members, The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge will serve complimentary cocktails by Maker's Mark and Casamigos on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
More Resort-Wide Fun
As part of the weekend calendar, guests can look forward to additional programming including a Labor Day 5K race, giant inflatable waterslides for little ones, a range of wellness and fitness classes including balance yoga, HIIT and meditation, and much more. Combined with a vast array of enriching recreational offerings at Grande Lakes Orlando, including kayaking, eco-tours, falconry classes, mountain biking, fishing, and more, an action-packed weekend awaits. For a full lineup of the weekend's festivities and event details, see the Labor Day Weekend brochure HERE.
Guests are also encouraged to indulge in elevated culinary experiences at each hotel's diverse collection of award-winning restaurants, bars and lounges, including the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon by John Tesar at The Ritz-Carlton and the Michelin-recommended Primo by Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott.
During their Grande Summer vacation, guests are invited to take a picture, post it to Instagram and use the hashtag "SUMMERGLO" to be instantly entered for a chance to win another stay.
For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando, its Labor Day Weekend programming and to reserve a stay, visit www.grandelakes.com/.
About Grande Lakes Orlando
Hidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,010-room JW Marriott hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa as well as three picture-perfect pools. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar, and Primo, Mediterranean/Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grand Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks.
Follow Grande Lakes Orlando @grandelakesorlando on Instagram and grandelakesorlando on Facebook. Also, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott on Twitter @RC_Orlando and @JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando.
For more information, visit www.grandelakes.com.
Media Contact:
The Brandman Agency
Stephanie Krajewski & Michael Gartenlaub
grandelakesorlando@brandmanagency.com
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SOURCE Grande Lakes Orlando | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/grande-lakes-orlando-welcomes-families-final-summer-send-off-with-labor-day-weekend-celebration/ | 2022-08-25T14:30:16Z |
WASHINGTON — Democrats on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee have unveiled a gun control legislative package that they plan to mark up Thursday morning.
The package, named the Protecting Our Kids Act, is made up of eight bills related to gun control, all first introduced in 2021 by Democratic lawmakers. Only one had any Republican co-sponsors, and it’s unlikely the package will find much GOP support.
Horrific mass shootings this month in Buffalo, N.Y., and Uvalde, Texas, have propelled the White House and Democrats to push for some type of gun control legislation. While this package will likely pass the House, it’s expected to go nowhere in the evenly divided Senate. A small group of bipartisan senators is working on some type of gun control legislation, but no bill has been unveiled.
None of the bills to be debated in the House would ban assault-style weapons, which were used in the New York and Texas shootings. One measure does bar the purchase of certain semiautomatic rifles by anyone under the age of 21. Others deal with gun trafficking, gun storage and so-called ghost guns.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, said on Twitter that the House separately will take up Georgia Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath’s “red flag” bill this month. Red flag laws allow the courts or law enforcement to temporarily remove a firearm from an individual who is adjudged to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Here are the eight bills combined in the House Judiciary package:
Bill: H.R.3015: Raise the Age Act, Introduced by Rep. Anthony Brown, Democrat of Maryland.
This bill would prohibit the sale of certain semiautomatic rifles to anyone under 21. Currently, a person needs to be 18 to purchase one. There are exceptions under the bill. They would include members of the armed forces or a full-time employee of the U.S. government who is authorized to carry a firearm. This bill had two Republican co-sponsors, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.
Bill: H.R. 2280: Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, Introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly, Democrat of Illinois.
This bill would establish a new federal penalty for gun trafficking, which could range from a fine to up to 10 years in prison. The bill also allows for the seizure of firearms and ammunition involved in the offense. It would also be “unlawful to sell or dispose of a firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reason to believe that the person intends to sell or dispose of the firearm in violation of a federal law, or to sell or dispose of the firearm to a person in another state in violation of that state’s law.” This measure had no Republican co-sponsors.
Bill: H.R. 3088: The Untraceable Firearms Act, Introduced by Rep. David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island.
This bill aims to curb ghost guns, which are homemade guns that lack a serial number, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the owner of the weapon if it’s found at a crime scene. The Biden administration directed the Justice Department to issue a final rule to ban manufacturers from making ghost gun kits. The measure would require that all firearms need to be traceable, including guns that are made with a 3D printer. Only gun manufacturers are allowed to issue a serial number for a firearm, according to the bill. In terms of penalties, a first violation of this law would result in a fine, no more than a year in prison, or both. If there is a repeat offense, a person would be fined, serve up to five years in prison, or both. This bill had no Republican co-sponsors.
Bill: H.R. 748: Ethan’s Law, Introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut.
This bill aims to regulate the storage of firearms, particularly in homes with children, by setting federal, state and tribal requirements. The bill establishes “requirements for firearms on residential premises to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access without permission or if a resident is ineligible to possess a firearm.” A person could be fined up to $500, per violation, and if a minor or someone who does not possess a firearm obtains a firearm in the home and is injured or causes injury, the person to whom the firearm belongs can be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.
Bill: H.R. 6370: The Safe Guns, Safe Kids Act, Introduced by Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan.
This bill would establish federal requirements for the storage of firearms on residential properties. The bill would make it unlawful if a person who has a firearm “knows, or reasonably should know, that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the parent or guardian,” and if “a minor obtains the firearm and uses the firearm in the commission of a crime or causes injury or death to such minor, or any other individual.” There were no Democratic or Republican co-sponsors for this bill.
Bill: H.R. 130: The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas.
This bill would establish federal requirements for firearms and ammunition on residential properties by requiring firearms and ammunition to be safely stored if a minor is likely to gain access without permission to the firearm. The firearms would need to be secured, unloaded and separated in a safe and locked, or the firearms would need to be off the residential property and stored at a storage facility or gun range. The bill would also require those safes and storage facilities to be certified by the Department of Justice. If someone violates this law in connection with a civil charge, and there is no discharge of the firearm, they can be fined up to $5,000. If someone violates this law in a criminal action, and there is a discharge of the firearm, they would be fined a minimum of $50,000 and no more than $100,000, imprisoned for no more than 20 years, or both. There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.
Bill: H.R. 5427: Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act, Introduced by Rep. Dina Titus, Democrat of Nevada.
This bill would classify bump stocks as machine guns and require them to be registered under the National Firearms Act and prevents the manufacture, sale, or possession of new bump stocks for civilian use. A bump stock allows “a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter,” according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill.
Bill: H.R. 2510: The Keep Americans Safe Act, Introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch, Democrat of Florida.
This bill would make it unlawful for the import, sale, manufacture, transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, which can be a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition. However, the bill allows existing magazines to be “grandfathered” in, so they can still be held in possession, but prohibits the sale or transfer of “grandfathered” large capacity ammunition feeding devices. This bill also allows for the use of funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for buy-back programs for such devices. Individuals who surrender a LCAFD under a buy-back program receive compensation. There were no Republican co-sponsors to this bill. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/what-gun-control-proposals-will-the-u-s-house-consider-here-s-the-list/article_f302e01c-e287-11ec-8c1e-3f840e42b0cd.html | 2022-06-02T20:35:27Z |
Cabrera reaches 3,000-hit mark, Tigers and Rockies split DH
By DANA GAURUDER
Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera achieved another major milestone as the Detroit Tigers ruled the day. Austin Gomber and the Colorado Rockies won the night. Cabrera needed only one at-bat Saturday to deliver his long-awaited 3,000th career hit, quickly reaching the mark as the Tigers routed the Rockies 13-0 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. Gomber tossed six scoreless innings as the Rockies spoiled the major league pitching debut of Beau Brieske with a 3-2 victory in the nightcap. Cabrera became the 33rd player in major league history and first Venezuelan-born player to reach the 3,000-hit mark when he grounded a first-inning single into right field. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/23/cabrera-reaches-3000-hit-mark-tigers-and-rockies-split-dh/ | 2022-04-24T03:18:13Z |
Essentially All Nutrients Plants Need
Enormous Potential for Growing Crops
RENO, Nev., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Itronics Inc. (OTC: ITRO) today reported that it has begun formulation development for a new nutritionally complete liquid multi-nutrient GOLD'n GRO fertilizer that contains essentially all the nutrients that a plant needs to grow and be healthy.
The new fertilizer, made possible by the Company's Advanced Nutrient Transfer Technology (ANT Technology), contains nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, and zinc, and has the targeted formulation GOLD'n GRO 12-1-5 with 2% Ca, 1.0% Fe, 1% Mg, 0.1% Mn, 2% S, 0.5% Zn, and trace amounts of copper, boron, and molydenum.
A stable liquid formulation with such a high and relatively complete nutrient package was not previously possible due to significant chemistry technical barriers. This new technology is a "break through" technology achievement, and for the first time will provide farmers, nursery growers, turf growers, golf courses, and home gardeners the opportunity to use an affordable, complete liquid fertilizer for growing their crops. Severe soil nutrient deficiencies can still be corrected by single nutrient fertilization. The potential for crop improvement using this approach is enormous.
Due to the ANT Technology, the nutrients are expected to be readily available to the plant roots when applied to the soil with drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation, or other methods. Agronomists know that many crops suffer from hidden nutrient deficiencies and from deficiencies that cannot be cost-effectively remedied by single nutrient fertilization. They also know that soils worldwide are being depleted of their nutrients. Having a multi-nutrient liquid fertilizer that contains most of the needed plant nutrients in a stable, readily available form has the potential to improve crop growth, health, and yields by eliminating hidden nutrient deficiencies and to replenish the broad nutrient content of soils that are currently being depleted.
A key aspect of this new formulation will be affordability, made possible by availability of a new multi-nutrient raw material source being developed by Itronics.
Itronics' new Rock Kleen Technology being developed to process spent mine tailings is demonstrating the ability to recover nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sulfur, and zinc from gold/silver mine tailings. Rock Kleen processing requires regular removal of a small percentage of the liquid chemistry being used, called a 'bleed stream', which is replaced by new chemistry to prevent the buildup of impurities. The bleed stream is removed after all the non-nutrient metals have been recovered, making this multi-nutrient liquid highly suitable for use as a raw material for manufacturing the fertilizer. Once a Rock Kleen operation is established, the amount of new liquid needed, and the amount of bleed stream liquid will be stable quantities on an ongoing basis.
The Company created the technology for this by developing the ability to demetallize spent silver-bearing photographic liquids and to formulate them for use as a raw material in the manufacture of the GOLD'n GRO fertilizers. The ANT Technology is a direct result of this. The 'Award Winning' GOLD'n GRO fertilizers have been proven environmentally clean, safe, and effective over 30 years of field testing and commercial use on a wide variety of field, vegetable, tree, and vine crops, turf farms and golf courses, and on home lawns and gardens. They have consistently demonstrated the ability to improve crop quality and yield.
The new Rock Kleen bleed stream liquid is expected to become available in large volume from each Rock Kleen project that is developed. Each new Rock Kleen project will expand the raw material supply by a measured amount. Fertilizer consumers will be able to look forward to a large and measured and expanding supply of GOLD'n GRO multi-nutrient fertilizers as the emerging Rock Kleen technology is applied to new projects. Gold/silver mining is a worldwide activity as are tailings from the mining. The Rock Kleen Technology is expected to be useable to process gold/silver mine tailings regardless of where they are located, meaning that the raw material over time would become available on a broad geographic basis.
Rock Kleen is a revolutionary, emerging technology that recovers residual gold and silver, base and ferrous metals, nutrient minerals, and industrial minerals from 'sub-ore grade' gold/silver mine tailings. The Company believes that many of the gold/silver deposits worldwide have similar geochemical systems. Rock Kleen technology has the potential to expand the supply of important raw materials and to significantly improve mining environmental compatibility by utilizing spent "sub ore grade" mine tailings that presently are managed by mining companies, after mining has stopped, to maintain long term environmental safety. Mining companies are under increasing pressure to clean up their tailings. Rock Kleen is emerging as a tailings processing option that mining companies should now consider.
"We would like to thank our investors for their continued support, "said Dr. John Whitney, Founder and President. "It is now becoming clearer how our portfolio of 'Zero Waste Energy Saving Technologies' can make the world cleaner and greener, while the Company continues its drive to profitability."
About Itronics
Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Itronics Inc. is a "Zero Waste Energy Saving Technology" Company that produces GOLD'n GRO multi-nutrient liquid fertilizers, silver bullion, and silver-bearing glass. The Company's environmentally friendly award winning GOLD'n GRO liquid fertilizers are used extensively in agriculture in California. Itronics is adding Rock Kleen Technology to its active business operations.
Follow Itronics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itronicsinc
Follow Itronics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itronicsinc
VISIT OUR WEB SITE: http://www.itronics.com
Contact us (775-689-7696)
("Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements such as statements regarding the Company's growth and profitability, growth strategy, liquidity and access to public markets, operating expense reduction, and trends in the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in risks, uncertainties or assumptions underlying or affecting such statements, or for prospective events that may have a retroactive effect.)
Contact:
Paul Knopick
888.795.6336
investor@itronics.com
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SOURCE Itronics Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/itronics-announces-developing-breakthrough-goldn-gro-multi-nutrient-liquid-fertilizer/ | 2022-08-23T12:05:39Z |
America’s casinos off to their fastest 2-month start ever
By WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — America’s commercial casinos are off to their best two-month start ever, the latest indication the industry is recovering in the third year of the coronavirus pandemic. The American Gaming Association says revenue from in-person casino games, sports betting and internet gambling reached nearly $9 billion in January and February, up more than 19% from the previous record set in 2020. In-person slots and table games revenue was over $7 billion in the first two months of 2022, up just under 1% from the same period in 2020. The figures do not include tribal-run casinos, many of which are experiencing similar increases. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/05/americas-casinos-off-to-their-fastest-2-month-start-ever/ | 2022-04-05T20:34:31Z |
Megan Wood is organization's first female leader after national search
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio History Connection board of trustees has named Megan Wood, 41, of Worthington as the organization's next executive director and CEO, effective Aug. 1.
Wood, who has served as director of cultural resources for the Ohio History Connection since 2019, is the first woman to lead the private, nonprofit organization that was established in 1885. The organization functions as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology, natural history and historic architecture across a network of 58 sites, 1.8 million collections items and hundreds of exhibits.
"Megan was the clear choice among a large and diverse pool of national candidates," said Charles R. Moses, president of the Ohio History Connection board of trustees. "She represents the Ohio History Connection's ongoing commitment to cultivating talent within its own ranks. Her vision for the organization is in line with the board's, and she is the ideal leader to guide the Ohio History Connection into its next era as we continue our enduring mission of embracing the present, sharing the past and transforming the future."
Wood emerged as the Ohio History Connection's next leader after a nationwide search yielded a deep pool of diverse and talented candidates from elite institutions across the country.
"I am pleased that the Ohio History Connection will be led by Ohioan Megan Wood," said Governor Mike DeWine. "Ohio has an important and remarkable past, and with Megan Wood as the new CEO, the Ohio History Connection will continue to ensure that Ohio's many historic places and fascinating stories reach a wide variety of audiences."
"I believe in the power of history as a way to better understand ourselves and our place in this world," Wood said. "I plan to help the Ohio History Connection embrace its role of sharing Ohio's diverse stories and making Ohio communities better as a partner with other governmental, nonprofit and private partners. The Ohio History Connection will continue to grow as a vibrant organization that improves every community we touch by cultivating pride, encouraging economic development and bringing people together."
Wood succeeds Burt Logan, who in late March announced his plans to retire in 2023.
Effective Aug. 1, Logan will transition into a role of executive consultant to the board of trustees through Feb. 28, 2023.
For more information, photos and video, go to: http://www.ohiohistory.org/newCEO.
Contact: Neil Thompson, Ohio History Connection
nthompson@ohiohistory.org | 614.297.2330
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SOURCE Ohio History Connection | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/ohio-history-connection-names-new-ceo/ | 2022-07-06T16:43:00Z |
(NEXSTAR) – Heardle, the online music guessing game, has been acquired by streaming giant Spotify, the company announced Tuesday.
The daily trivia game, which debuted earlier this year, tasks players with identifying the name and artist of a song after hearing only a short snippet. Players who guess incorrectly, or choose to “skip,” can hear more of the song with each incorrect guess or skip. The game ends when a player submits the correct guess or fails to identify the song within six guesses or skips.
In other words, it’s “Name That Tune” for a new generation.
“We are always looking for innovative and playful ways to enhance music discovery and help artists reach new fans,” said Jeremy Erlich, the global head of music at Spotify, in a statement issued with Tuesday’s news release. “Heardle has proven to be a really fun way to connect millions of fans with songs they know and love and with new songs . . . and a way to compete with their friends as to who has the best musical knowledge.”
In the release, Spotify said the game would remain free to play, and the “look and feel” will also stay the same. A representative for Spotify told Nexstar on Tuesday that the company is planning to share more news on the possible expansion of the answer pool “in the near future.”
Heardle, which was developed by web designer in London, was inspired by the success of the daily word-guessing game Wordle, Variety reported. The game’s designer created the first version of Heardle in roughly a day, according to the outlet.
A representative for Spotify would not disclose details of the deal. But the inspiration for Heardle — Wordle — was purchased by The New York Times in January for somewhere in “the low seven figures,” the Times confirmed. | https://cw33.com/news/heardle-a-daily-music-trivia-game-acquired-by-spotify/ | 2022-07-12T21:08:45Z |
ORLANDO, Fla., April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's housing market in March and 1Q 2022 showed the impact of rising mortgage rates, increased home prices and a shortfall of for-sale supply, with fewer closed sales compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®' latest housing data.
"Buyers and sellers in Florida in March continued to see rising mortgage rates, a very limited supply of for-sale homes and rising prices," said 2022 Florida Realtors President Christina Pappas, vice president of the Keyes Family of Companies in Miami. "Housing affordability remains a challenge, and higher mortgage rates may mean some buyers who had previously qualified under a lower rate are forced to rethink their plans. The continued limited supply means that homes are selling at a fast pace. The median time to contract statewide for single-family existing homes in March was nine days compared to 15 days during the same month a year ago. And the median time to contract for existing condo-townhouse units was 11 days compared to 32 in March 2021.
"Now more than ever, consumers can benefit from the expertise of a local Realtor, who can guide them through current market conditions."
Last month, closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 30,793, down 6.2% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 14,631, down 11.4% over March 2021. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.
Higher mortgage rates and less pandemic-driven buyer demand helped drive the drop in closed sales, according to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O'Connor. He pointed out several factors that make it difficult to make exact comparisons between last year's spring homebuying season and this year's, now underway with the March data.
"First, last year could really be considered our first spring buying season in two years, with the 2020 season having been snuffed out by the onset of the pandemic," he said. "So there was an excess of pent-up demand there. Second, the pandemic was still quite severe a year ago and was spurring relocations and second home purchases in Florida from out-of-state buyers. That's still happening now, but not to the same extent. Third, while our single-family inventory was severely depleted by the beginning of 2021, there was still some slack in our condo and townhouse inventory at the time. That inventory cushion allowed for last year's massive statewide boom in condo and townhouse sales. And last, but certainly not least, mortgage rates were still near record lows last spring. It simply can't be understated how much these low rates helped fuel housing demand during the pandemic."
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in March was $396,558, up 21.3% from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Last month's statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $308,000, up 27.3% over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.
Dr. O'Connor said, "With the rising prices we're seeing, despite fewer sales so far this year, the dollar volume of closed sales remains high. Single-family dollar volume in the first quarter of 2022 came in at $42.1 billion, an 11.5% increase over the same quarter last year, while condo-townhouse dollar volume was up 16.3%, to $16.1 billion.
"The big question over the next few months will be how much the recent elevation in mortgage rates will slow price growth."
On the supply side of the market, inventory (active listings) remained tightly constrained in March as well as for all of Q1 2022: Single-family existing homes were at a restricted 1-months' supply while condo-townhouse inventory was at a 1.2-months' supply.
According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.17% in March 2021, significantly higher than the 3.08% averaged during the same month a year earlier.
To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to the Florida Realtors Newsroom at http:// floridarealtors.org/newsroom and look under Latest Releases or download the March 2022 and 1Q 2022 data report PDFs under Market Data at: http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom/market-data.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 225,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom.
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SOURCE Florida Realtors | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/20/flas-housing-market-median-prices-up-supply-tight-march/ | 2022-04-20T16:38:07Z |
BELTSVILLE, Md., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- X-Chair, a leader in the world of ergonomic office seating, is set to showcase five (5) revolutionary products at NeoCon 2022, located in The Mart, 7th Floor Exhibit Hall, booth #7-4077. As the office industry continues to rapidly evolve, X-Chair is committed to not only advancing but disrupting the space with their innovative new products. The impressive lineup will be on display from June 13-15, featuring Elemax Smart – the first app-controlled cooling, heat and massage option for office chairs – the X77 Massage Chair, X-Tech and FS 360 Adjustable Arms, in addition to sister brand, Mavix Gaming Chairs.
"X-Chair continues to push the envelope, developing products with the end user in-mind, and NeoCon 2022 is our time to introduce what's new," said Tony Mazlish, President. "We are excited to debut our revolutionary products including the soon-to-launch Elemax Smart, which will benefit end users as well as corporate health and safety leaders."
Products on display:
- Elemax Smart – the much-anticipated Elemax Smart can be paired with X-Chair's X1, X2, X3, X4 and X-Tech office chairs. The cooling, heat and massage unit is located in the lower back, dynamic variable lumbar support section of the office chair and features a phone app with Bluetooth control at your fingertips. With Sit Score Smart application technology, the Elemax Smart helps users to understand their sitting health score, length of sitting and more, while encouraging movement throughout the day for improved overall health and increased productivity.
- X77 Massage Chair – X-Chair's first high-performance massage chair dedicated exclusively to providing individuals with an elevated at-home relaxation and rejuvenation experience. With programs from a Shiatsu Master X77 total-body massage chair is equipped with advanced technology to deliver world-class, therapist-level quality of touch.
- X-Tech Office Chairs – the X-Tech collection comes complete with the X4 mechanism and design features, but also includes a 22" cooling gel contoured M-Foam seat as well as two premium fabrics in its design, Brisa Soft Touch, a supple and breathable fabric that promotes air circulation for the highest level of seating comfort; and Advanced Tensile Recovery (A.T.R.) fabric in the lumbar section, a responsive and supportive nylon weave that molds to your shape.
- FS 360 Adjustable Arms – the only armrests on the market that can be adjusted 360 degrees to provide the most comfortable arm position for any type of sitter. The latest advancement X-Chair is offering, to allow chair customization for each user.
- Mavix Gaming Chairs – the ergonomic gaming chair, created for gamers looking for a better solution than the traditional race car seat gaming chair.
X-Chair features 21st century technology and design, enabling users to both look good and be more productive. 10 ergonomic adjustments allow users to fine-tune the office chair via the seat, back, headrest and lumbar, providing unparalleled comfort. Technologies also include SciFloat Infinite Recline, Dynamic Variable Lumbar (DVL) Support and Tilt Lock all of which make X-Chair the most technologically ergonomic chair on the market.
For more information on X-Chair, visit xchair.com.
X-Chair
X-Chair, one of the leading providers of ergonomic office chairs featuring 21st century technology and design, enable users to both look good and be more productive. This is not your grandfather's chair; 10 ergonomic adjustments allow users to fine-tune the arms, seat, back, headrest and lumbar, providing unparalleled comfort. While the SciFloat Infinite Recline, Dynamic Variable Lumbar (DVL) Support and Tilt Lock technologies make X-Chair the most technologically ergonomic chair on the market. Made with quality craftsmanship and high-performance materials, X-Chair's products feature a 15-year limited warranty and 30-day risk free trial. For more information, visit xchair.com.
For More Media Information:
The Zimmerman Agency for X-Chair
xchair@zimmerman.com
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SOURCE X-Chair | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/x-chair-raises-bar-office-technology-neocon-2022/ | 2022-06-08T14:46:59Z |
CHICAGO, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI) (the "Company" or "Ryerson") announced today that it has amended its existing asset-based revolving credit facility (as amended, the "Amended Credit Facility") to, among other things, increase the aggregate commitments to $1.3 billion from $1.0 billion and extend the maturity from November 2025 to June 2027. The Company expects to continue to use the facility for general purposes in the ordinary course of business. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by the inventory and accounts receivable of the Company's U.S. and Canadian operating subsidiaries.
Under the Amended Credit Facility, Ryerson will receive pricing benefits if certain financial metrics are achieved. As a result of the refinancing, Ryerson will be able to lower its borrowing costs and significantly increase available liquidity. The Amended Credit Facility was converted from a LIBOR to SOFR base rate with margins eligible to be 12.5 bps lower than the existing rates if certain financial metrics are achieved.
"The revolving credit facility upsize and extension is another important step in transforming and fortifying our balance sheet, allowing Ryerson to leverage its strong "through-the-cycle" operating model and positions us for a successful exit from the high-yield borrower market in July while providing increased optionality as industry conditions remain in flux," stated Jim Claussen, Ryerson's Chief Financial Officer.
Bank of America, N.A. is the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and BofA Securities, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association are Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.
Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,000 employees in approximately 100 locations. Visit Ryerson at www.ryerson.com.
Certain statements made in this presentation and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, objectives, or projections relating to the future. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objectives," "goals," "preliminary," "range," "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Among the factors that significantly impact our business are: the cyclicality of our business; the highly competitive, volatile, and fragmented metals industry in which we operate; fluctuating metal prices; our substantial indebtedness and the covenants in instruments governing such indebtedness; the integration of acquired operations; regulatory and other operational risks associated with our operations located inside and outside of the United States; impacts and implications of adverse health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic; work stoppages; obligations under certain employee retirement benefit plans; the ownership of a majority of our equity securities by a single investor group; currency fluctuations; and consolidation in the metals industry. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth above and those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we caution against placing undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, new information or otherwise.
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SOURCE Ryerson Holding Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/ryerson-announces-increase-revolving-credit-facility-aggregate-commitments-extension/ | 2022-06-30T22:11:21Z |
CHICAGO (AP) — A 17-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder after a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot near “The Bean” sculpture in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park, which is among the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
The shooting prompted a curfew at the park to combat violence. Officials announced Sunday that minors will not be allowed in the park after 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday without an adult, but they did not comment on how the curfew will be enforced.
The 17-year-old, who was taken into custody following Saturday evening’s shooting, also faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated battery, police announced Sunday night. He was due in juvenile court Monday.
The 16-year-old was shot in the chest near the giant, mirrored structure and was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said.
Another teen, who was allegedly armed with a ghost gun — a weapon that does not have a serial number and can’t be traced — was arrested in connection to the shooting, police said.
In total, 26 minors and five adults were arrested during the gathering in the park on Saturday evening. A total of eight guns were confiscated and five gun arrests were made, police said.
“We must also have zero tolerance for young people carrying firearms or settling petty disputes with acts of violence,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “We all must condemn this behavior in the strongest terms possible.”
Hundreds of people were at the park earlier Saturday as part of demonstrations around the U.S. against the recently leaked draft opinion that suggests the Supreme Court is prepared to overturn the nationwide right to abortion. It is unclear if the teen who was shot had taken part in the 1 p.m. demonstration, however participants had largely dispersed by late afternoon.
The shooting comes amid a surge in deadly violence in the city in recent years. This year, Chicago has recorded 779 shooting incidents and 194 homicides, compared to 898 shootings and 207 homicides during the same period in 2021, according to figures last updated by the Chicago Police Department on May 8.
Chicago and some other U.S. cities reported dramatic spikes in homicide totals last year. Chicago’s 797 homicides in 2021 — its highest toll for any year in a quarter century — eclipsed the totals in the two bigger U.S. cities, surpassing Los Angeles’ tally by 400 and New York’s by nearly 300.
“The Bean” sculpture is a popular tourist attraction in downtown Chicago. It is formally known as “Cloud Gate,” but it came to be known as “The Bean” for its bean-like shape. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-u-s-headlines/teen-charged-in-fatal-shooting-near-chicago-bean-sculpture/ | 2022-05-16T14:25:43Z |
Services help ensure researchers submit a complete budget application that accounts for all necessary research support and avoids post-award financial shortfalls
COLUMBIA, Md., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advarra, the market leader in regulatory review solutions, clinical research technology for sites and sponsors, and research quality and compliance consulting services, announced today the launch of new dedicated support services for researchers and institutions applying for research grant funding.
Including a complete, customized grant budget that considers all necessary study resources will help researchers avoid financial and operational surprises in later study conduct. Key offerings include a thorough estimate development process for grant applications, supported by a new dedicated request form and a checklist document outlining elements commonly forgotten in grant application budgets, as well as streamlined expert internal processes to provide timely budget estimates for grant applications. Additionally, Advarra offers special pricing considerations for research funded by federal grants.
"Even though more and more funding agencies are requiring single IRB (sIRB) review of multisite studies, many researchers either forget to include this line item or assume their institution can serve as sIRB," said Frank Conte, Vice President of Institutional Partnerships at Advarra. "Not all institutional IRBs can or are willing to do that. Plus, there are many other tasks and services that investigators don't consider when they're submitting the application – then down the road they have to reconfigure the study structure because they forgot to budget for something."
Grant funding is a critical part of many research programs, both at academic institutions and other research organizations. Federal agencies, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), require sIRB oversight of the multisite studies they fund or oversee. Other non-governmental funding organizations have established similar policies, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made clear its support of such requirements via 2006 published guidance.
"Research organizations, especially sites and institutions, are incredibly under-resourced right now," said Robann Cunningham, Chief Commercial Officer at Advarra. "We hope these tools help research professionals make the most of the resources they do have and prevent future shortfalls that could easily be avoided with a little extra planning."
To learn more about Advarra's support for research grant applicants, visit https://info.advarra.com/grant-gaq.
Advarra advances the way clinical research is conducted: bringing life sciences companies, CROs, research sites, investigators, and academia together at the intersection of safety, technology, and collaboration. With trusted review solutions, innovative technologies, experienced consultants, and deep-seated connections across the industry, Advarra provides integrated solutions that safeguard trial participants, empower clinical sites, ensure compliance, and optimize research performance. Advarra is advancing clinical trials to make them safer, smarter, and faster. For more information, visit advarra.com.
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SOURCE Advarra | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/advarra-launches-dedicated-support-services-research-grant-applicants/ | 2022-08-23T14:39:29Z |
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mongolia's Prime Minister, L. Oyun-Erdene, has met today with major Hollywood studios and film companies to discuss how they can work together to further develop and promote the Mongolian film industry internationally.
Attendees at the meeting included senior representatives from HBO, Netflix, Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers, who are all in Ulaanbaatar at the invitation of Mongolia's Culture Minister, Nomin Chinbat.
Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister outlined the Government's efforts to develop Mongolia's creative industries as part of strengthening and diversifying the country's economy. Developing the creative industries is a key part of Mongolia's New Recovery Policy and provides opportunities to create a new, independent source of growth away from mining.
The Prime Minister stressed the Government's commitment to create a favourable filming environment in Mongolia to take its film industry to the next level. Mongolia's Law on the Support of Cinematography was approved in 2021 and started to be implemented in early 2022.
The law introduced competitive incentives, including a reimbursement program for film production costs, to help major global productions and studios create jobs and build capacity, attracting more investment into Mongolia, increasing tourism and creating greater awareness of the country's unique heritage.
The visit by the leading film executives coincides with "FAM TOUR-2022", an initiative jointly organised by Mongolia's Ministry of Culture and the Mongolian National Film Council to promote the incentives available for filming in Mongolia, as well as the activities of the Council and Mongolia's beautiful natural environment. It is running from 14-19 September.
During the rest of their visit to Mongolia, which lasts until 19 September, the film executives will meet with Mongolian filmmakers, directors, producers and artists, including Nomadia Pictures and the world-class recording studio B Production. They will also visit the Mongol Nomadic Tourist Camp and see an equestrian stunt show at Terelj National Park.
Speaking following the meeting, Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene said:
"Mongolia's creative industries have the potential to become a major pillar of our economy, and strengthening our partnership with these leading film companies is key to making progress in this area as part of our New Recovery Policy.
"I look forward to our work together in future and to seeing an increasing number of studios choosing to work in Mongolia in the years ahead, helping to put our film industry firmly on the map."
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1900050/The_Government_of_Mongolia.jpg
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SOURCE The Government of Mongolia | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/pm-meets-major-film-studios-discuss-development-mongolian-film-industry/ | 2022-09-15T16:32:01Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for AAPL, CSIQ, GME, CVX, and NVDA.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/thinking-about-trading-options-or-stock-apple-canadian-solar-gamestop-chevron-or-nvidia/ | 2022-08-19T15:12:42Z |
IRVING, Texas, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) ("Darling" or the "Company") today announced the pricing of its private offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6% unsecured senior notes due 2030 (the "add-on notes"). The add-on notes will be issued as additional notes under the same indenture (the "indenture") as Darling's 6% senior notes due 2030, $750.0 million in aggregate principal amount of which were issued on June 9, 2022 (the "initial notes"). The add-on notes will have the same terms as the initial notes (other than issue date and issue price) and will, together with the initial notes, constitute a single class of securities under the indenture. The initial offering price to investors will be 102.0% of the principal amount thereof. The offering is expected to close on or about August 17, 2022, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Darling intends to use the proceeds from the offering of the add-on notes (i) for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness and (ii) to pay the costs, commissions, fees, and expenses incurred in connection with the offering of the add-on notes (including the initial purchasers' discount). Darling may temporarily apply proceeds to reduce revolving credit indebtedness or invest in cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments pending application of the proceeds.
The add-on notes and related guarantees will be offered in the United States to persons reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States to non‑U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The add-on notes and related guarantees will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the add-on notes and related guarantees, nor shall there be any offer to sell, solicitation of an offer to buy or sale of the add-on notes and related guarantees, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Darling
Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is the largest publicly traded company turning food waste into sustainable products and a leading producer of renewable energy. Recognized as a sustainability leader, the company operates 250 plants in 17 countries and repurposes nearly 15% of the world's meat industry waste streams into value-added products, such as green energy, renewable diesel, collagen, fertilizer, animal proteins and meals and pet food ingredients.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Statements that are not statements of historical facts are "forward-looking" statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "estimate," "project," "planned," "contemplate," "potential," "possible," "proposed," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "may," "will," "would," "should," "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking" statements. "Forward-looking" statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions regarding its business, the economy and other future conditions. The Company cautions readers that any such "forward-looking" statements it makes are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results may differ materially from anticipated results or expectations expressed in its "forward-looking" statements as a result of a variety of factors, including many that are beyond the Company's control. These factors include, among others, existing and unknown future limitations on the ability of the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries to make their cash flow available to the Company for payments on the Company's indebtedness or other purposes; global demands for bio-fuels and grain and oilseed commodities, which have exhibited volatility, and can impact the cost of feed for cattle, hogs and poultry, thus affecting available rendering feedstock and selling prices for the Company's products; reductions in raw material volumes available to the Company due to weak margins in the meat production industry as a result of higher feed costs, reduced consumer demand or other factors, reduced volume from food service establishments or otherwise; reduced demand for animal feed; reduced finished product prices, including a decline in fat and used cooking oil finished product prices; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs like the U.S. government's renewable fuel standard, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for biofuels both in the United States and abroad; possible product recall resulting from developments relating to the discovery of unauthorized adulterations to food or food additives; the occurrence of 2009 H1N1 flu (initially known as "Swine Flu"), highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (collectively known as "Bird Flu"), severe acute respiratory syndrome ("SARS"), bovine spongiform encephalopathy ("BSE"), porcine epidemic diarrhea ("PED") or other diseases associated with animal origin in the United States or elsewhere, such as the outbreak of African Swine Fever ("ASF") in China and elsewhere; the occurrence of pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, such as the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak; unanticipated costs and/or reductions in raw material volumes related to the Company's compliance with the existing or unforeseen new U.S. or foreign (including, without limitation, China) regulations (including new or modified animal feed, Bird Flu, SARS, PED, BSE, ASF or similar or unanticipated regulations) affecting the industries in which we operate or our value added products; risks associated with the DGD Joint Venture, including possible unanticipated operating disruptions and issues relating to the announced expansion project; risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other trade protections imposed by foreign countries; difficulties or a significant disruption in the Company's information systems or failure to implement new systems and software successfully, risks relating to possible third party claims of intellectual property infringement; increased contributions to the Company's pension and benefit plans, including multiemployer and employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plans as required by legislation, regulation or other applicable U.S. or foreign law or resulting from a U.S. mass withdrawal event; bad debt write-offs; loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations; continued or escalated conflict in the Middle East, North Korea, Ukraine or elsewhere; uncertainty regarding the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union; and/or unfavorable export or import markets. These factors, coupled with volatile prices for natural gas and diesel fuel, climate conditions, currency exchange fluctuations, general performance of the United States and global economies, disturbances in world financial, credit, commodities and stock markets, and any decline in consumer confidence and discretionary spending, including the inability of consumers and companies to obtain credit due to lack of liquidity in the financial markets, among others, could cause actual results to vary materially from the "forward-looking" statements in this press release or negatively impact the Company's results of operations. Among other things, future profitability may be affected by the Company's ability to grow its business, which faces competition from companies that may have substantially greater resources than the Company. Other risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business and the industries in which it operates are referenced from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update its "forward-looking" statements whether as a result of change of circumstances, new events or otherwise.
For More Information, contact:
Suann Guthrie, Vice President, Investor Relations, Sustainability and Global Communications
Suann.Guthrie@darlingii.com
(1) 469-214-8202
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SOURCE Darling Ingredients Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/darling-ingredients-inc-announces-pricing-private-offering-2500-million-unsecured-senior-notes-due-2030/ | 2022-08-15T21:55:58Z |
ALBANY – Raccoons, skunks and foxes, oh my! Those three animals common to Georgia are among the top animals reported for rabies, but the title holder is the nocturnal bat.
A recent increase in the number of residents being bitten by wild and stray animals has prompted the Southwest Georgia Public Health District to issue a warning about approaching, handling and feeding animals that could transmit the rabies virus.
“Before handling an animal, think twice and avoid getting bit,” the Albany-based health district said in a Wednesday news release. “Animal bites are painful and may expose a person to the rabies virus and other infections.”
With more people active outdoors as weather warms, the chances of encountering wild and stray animals increases.
People – and pets – can become infected with the viral disease through saliva transmitted during a bite from an infected animal.
“The rabies virus travels from the site of the bite up through the nerves until it reaches the brain, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death,” the health district said. To avoid potential exposure to rabies, the health officials recommend:
-- Do not approach, handle or feed wild or stray animals;
-- Vaccinate family pets against rabies annually;
-- Teach children not to approach or play with wild or stray domestic animals of any kind;
-- Do not leave pets or children unattended outside or allow them to roam free.
If bitten by an animal, officials say to:
-- Thoroughly clean the wound immediately with soap and water to reduce the likelihood of rabies transmission;
-- Call your doctor or local health department as soon as possible for advice. An individual or doctor can consult with the Georgia Poison Center at 1 (800) 282-5846 to determine whether post-exposure treatment is recommended for the bite. A doctor also can notify the bite victim if a tetanus booster or antibiotics are needed. Be prepared to provide information about the type of animal, any symptoms the animal exhibited, whether the attack was provoked or unprovoked, type and number of exposures, animal’s vaccination status if a pet and whether the animal is available for testing or quarantine.
-- Under certain circumstances, a domestic animal may be placed under quarantine and observed for 10 days following the bite to see if it develops symptoms of rabies. Cats, dogs, and ferrets will become ill and expire within days of exposure.
-- If it is deemed necessary to euthanize the animal, it is important to preserve the head/brain for testing. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/health-officials-warn-albany-area-residents-to-take-steps-to-avoid-animal-bites/article_ba400dd4-d145-11ec-8394-b76118c6de58.html | 2022-05-11T18:35:31Z |
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) today applauded the historic U.S. Senate passage of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. The legislation will finally guarantee care and benefits for veterans who suffer the ill effects of their exposure to burn pits and other toxins while serving America.
"This toxic exposure bill will literally save the lives of countless veterans," Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington said after the Senate vote. "Thousands of veterans and supporters made their voices heard on Capitol Hill. We want to thank every U.S. Senator who supported the vital legislation. Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran deserve a lot of credit for working together in a bipartisan way to get this bill across the finish line. Now we're calling on the U.S. House to quickly follow suit and send this bill to President Biden for his signature."
Wounded Warrior Project and other veterans service organizations (VSOs) have worked for years to build support for comprehensive toxic exposure legislation. According to WWP's Annual Warrior Survey, nearly all of the warriors served by WWP report being exposed to hazardous or toxic substances during their service, with 75% reporting being exposed to burn pits, specifically.
The Honoring Our PACT Act will declare 23 new presumptive conditions tied to toxic exposure, establish 31 new VA health care facilities around the country, and grant VA health care enrollment eligibility to any veteran who suffered toxic exposures while in service.
"The road to passing this legislation was longer than it needed to be, but the road doesn't end when the president signs the bill," Linnington said. "WWP will continue to help toxic-exposed veterans – and all post-9/11 wounded warriors – get the treatment they need."
Now and after the bill passes, the WWP Benefits team is available to help post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans get the care and benefits they need and deserve.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/wounded-warrior-project-says-senate-passage-toxic-exposure-bill-will-save-lives-countless-veterans/ | 2022-06-16T17:26:44Z |
400+ parking spaces in Aggieville parking garage opens
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - A year and 4 months after breaking ground, the Aggieville Parking Garage is now open for use.
While there is still some work to be done on the Manhattan Avenue entrance, the rest of the garage is ready for use…
Community leaders cut a ribbon to officially open the 453-space public parking garage located at the corner of Laramie and Manhattan Avenue.
The parking garage has a walkway next to Rally House with photos of Aggieville throughout the years, along with security cameras and lighting, to make access to the space safe.
“We’re very excited to get it open, excited for the lunch crowd to show up and the weekend crowd. I heard one DJ on the radio suggest, ‘It’s a great place to park and hopefully everybody can find their car when they’re leaving.’”
City of Manhattan, Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers says.
There will be no fees to use the parking garage through the end of 2021, however, vehicles parked in the same space for more 48 hours could be fined or towed.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/16/400-parking-spaces-aggieville-parking-garage-opens/ | 2022-04-16T02:13:28Z |
BOSTON, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is the June 2022 Monthly Update for the Liberty All-Star Equity Fund. (NYSE: USA)
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund
Ticker: USA
Monthly Update, June, 2022
Investment Approach:
Fund Style: Large-Cap Core
Fund Strategy: Combines three value-style and two growth-style investment managers. Those selected demonstrate a consistent investment philosophy, decision making process, continuity of key people and above-average long-term results compared to managers with similar styles.
Investment Managers:
Value Managers:
Aristotle Capital Management, LLC
Fiduciary Management, Inc.
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
Growth Managers:
Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP
TCW Investment Management Company
New Holdings
None
Holdings Liquidated
Baker Hughes Co.
Dover Corp.
Illumina, Inc.
The net asset value (NAV) of a closed-end fund is the market value of the underlying investments (i.e., stocks and bonds) in the Fund's portfolio, minus liabilities, divided by the total number of Fund shares outstanding. However, the Fund also has a market price; the value at which it trades on an exchange. If the market price is above the NAV the Fund is trading at a premium. If the market price is below the NAV the Fund is trading at a discount.
Performance returns for the Fund are total returns, which includes dividends, and are net of management fees and other Fund expenses. Returns are calculated assuming that a shareholder reinvested all distributions. Past performance cannot predict future investment results.
Performance will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance information shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders would pay on Fund distributions or the sale of Fund shares. Shareholders must be willing to tolerate significant fluctuations in the value of their investment. An investment in the Fund involves risk, including loss of principal.
Sources of distributions to shareholders may include ordinary dividends, long-term capital gains and return of capital. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2022 for tax reporting purposes will be made after year end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Based on current estimates no portion of the distributions consists of a return of capital. These estimates may not match the final tax characterization (for the full year's distributions) contained in shareholder 1099-DIV forms after the end of the year.
All data is as of June 30, 2022 unless otherwise noted.
Liberty All-Star® Equity Fund
1-800-241-1850
www.all-starfunds.com
libinfo@alpsinc.com
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SOURCE Liberty All-Star Equity Fund | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/liberty-all-star-equity-fund-june-2022-monthly-update/ | 2022-07-18T20:53:07Z |
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Three day-old lion cubs were on display Saturday in a cardboard box at a Gaza City zoo, a rare joyous sight for children and adults alike, just days after Israeli aircraft pounded the territory and Gaza militants fired hundreds of rockets at Israel.
Veterinarian Mahmoud al-Sultan said each cub weighed about 700 grams. He said he felt lucky the birth was successful despite the deafening sound of constant explosions during three days of fighting. The cubs’ mother had suffered miscarriages in the past, said al-Sultan.
Loud noise “causes stress to the wild animals, especially the lions, whose roars get higher, and they keep moving in a circular way inside the cage,” he said.
The cubs were born on Friday, several hours apart, and five days after an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire halted the fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad militants. Forty-nine Palestinians, including 17 children, were killed and several hundred were injured in the fighting.
Shocks from war aren’t the only threat to animals. Gaza is impoverished, with double-digit unemployment, largely as a result of a border blockade Egypt and Israel imposed after Hamas militants took control of the territory 15 years ago.
In the past, a number of animals in small private Gaza zoos starved to death or were killed in the long-running conflict, which included four Israel-Hamas wars and countless smaller skirmishes.
International animal welfare groups carried out several evacuations to move frail lions and tigers to sanctuaries in Jordan and Africa. The costly effort to rescue animals, while some 2.3 million Gazans remain largely trapped in a small territory, has also drawn criticism.
On Saturday, visitors flocked to the small Nama zoo on the outskirts of Gaza City, with children allowed to pet the newborns. Nama is operated by a private charity, putting it in a slightly better position than the small number of private zoos that often struggle to provide for the animals.
Schools organize daily trips to the zoo and the entry fee is less than $1, helping to cover costs.
The zoo also houses a variety of birds, along with monkeys, deer, foxes, wolves and hyenas. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/3-newborn-lion-cubs-a-rare-joyous-sight-in-war-scarred-gaza/ | 2022-08-14T01:52:41Z |
PALO ALTO, Calif. and EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the ENCALS Conference (European Network to Cure ALS) Neuvivo presented an abstract titled: "Plasma biomarkers of microbial translocation are modulated in ALS patients clinically responsive to NP001".
Microbial translocation (MT) occurs when bacteria or bacterial products that should only be in the lumen of the intestine, travel across the epithelial barrier into systemic circulation, where they contribute to chronic inflammation and disease pathogenesis. This is a process known to occur in patients with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. NP001 is a regulator of innate immunologic function converting inappropriately activated macrophages that promote MT to a normal wound healing form that can reverse the MT process.
In phase 2 studies with NP001 in ALS patients, clinical signs of disease activity and respiratory vital capacity were positively affected compared to controls. Plasma specimens obtained during the phase 2A study were evaluated for levels of inflammatory markers related to MT at baseline and after 6 months and compared to placebos. Baseline markers of MT (LPS, LBP, sCD163, IL-18) all decreased significantly in the NP001 treatment arm as compared to placebos (p = 0.04, 0.006, 0.02, 0.02, respectively) whereas the plasma levels of wound healing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and neopterin increased in patients treated with NP001 (p = 0.04 and 0.02 respectively).
"NP001 treatment reduced inflammation and importantly, enhanced production of wound healing factors," said Michael McGrath, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Neuvivo. "The clear clinical improvement in patients as measured by ALSFRS-R and Vital Capacity scores, coupled with NP001's known mechanism of action targeting the immune system - suggests that reversal of MT may alter ALS pathogenesis. Taken together, the NP001 trial data links positive clinical outcomes with changes in biomarker levels supporting NP001 as a potentially effective therapy for ALS through regulation of MT."
About Neuvivo: Neuvivo is a private, late-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to creating and delivering advanced treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The company was formed by industry leaders and scientists, committed to improving the prognosis for patients diagnosed with ALS and a range of diseases for which few current treatment options exist. For more information please visit: www.Neuvivo.com.
Contact:
Jennifer Larson
415 409 2729
Jennifer@neuvivo.com
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SOURCE Neuvivo, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/neuvivos-np001-an-immune-system-regulator-has-effect-biomarkers-microbial-translocation-als-patients-responsive-treatment/ | 2022-06-02T12:59:30Z |
Former substitute teacher charged, accused of showing profanity-laden poem to student
By Jennifer Borrasso, Heather Lang
Click here for updates on this story
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A former substitute teacher at Hempfield Area High School is facing charges for allegedly showing a student a lewd, profanity-laden poem, state police said.
In a letter sent home to families, the district said Troy Perkins was suspended and immediately removed from campus after the student told a school counselor of the incident on April 12.
Perkins is accused of repeatedly walking past the student’s desk and making an inappropriate gesture. He approached her again and allegedly told the teen he had a poem that he wrote specifically for her, according to the criminal complaint.
He showed the girl the note, which was full of profanity and inappropriate language, investigators said.
Following the incident, state police said he continued to harass the student, allegedly asking if she “liked the poem.” The teen told investigators that she asked if she could keep the note. He refused, allegedly saying, “You would have a better chance of Jesus Christ coming down and giving her the poem then for him handing it to her.”
He’s also accused of showing her a picture of his alleged wife from Germany and saying inappropriate things about her as well. State police caught the incident on camera.
“Why would he do this,” said Patty Lonsbary, of Greensburg, told KDKA’s Jennifer Borrasso. “What precipitated this? And of course, we don’t blame the girl. She’s a victim. This is an adult. He knows better.”
“I’ve had him like once or twice just to cover classes,” senior Brianna Wassel told KDKA’s Jennifer Borrasso. “He’s always just been there, not saying anything or teaching.”
Perkins is now facing harassment and disorderly conduct charges.
The school district is encouraging students to report any inappropriate incidents with staff members. They said the teen took the appropriate steps to report the incident.
According to the school board’s minutes, Perkins resigned last Tuesday. He was charged three days later.
The superintendent denied a request for an interview on Monday from KDKA’s Jennifer Borrasso. KDKA also went to Perkins’ home in Youngwood, where a man said he is in shock and a woman said he is innocent.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/03/former-substitute-teacher-charged-accused-of-showing-profanity-laden-poem-to-student/ | 2022-05-03T14:51:19Z |
The James Webb Space Telescope is fully aligned and ready to observe the universe
By Ashley Strickland, CNN
The James Webb Space Telescope is ready to observe the universe.
The space observatory’s massive mirror, capable of peering into the most distant reaches of space, is now completely aligned, according to the NASA’s Webb team.
Hailed as the world’s premier space observatory, Webb has successfully completed a number of steps within the past few months that were crucial for aligning its 18 gold mirror segments.
The mirror is so large that it had to be folded to fit inside the rocket for its December 25 launch. After reaching an orbit a million miles from Earth in January, Webb began the careful process of unfolding and aligning its mirror.
Webb will be able to peer inside the atmospheres of exoplanets and observe some of the first galaxies created after the universe began by observing them through infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye.
The first high-resolution images Webb collects of the cosmos aren’t expected until the end of June since the observatory’s instruments still need to be calibrated. But test results released by NASA on Thursday show the clear, well-focused images that the observatory’s four instruments are capable of capturing. Together, these images share the telescope’s full field of view. Webb’s mirrors are directing focused light from space into each instrument and those instruments are capturing images.
For the test, Webb observed a small neighboring satellite galaxy called the Large Magellanic Cloud. The galaxy’s dense field of hundreds of thousands of stars can be seen in the test images.
“These remarkable test images from a successfully aligned telescope demonstrate what people across countries and continents can achieve when there is a bold scientific vision to explore the universe,” said Lee Feinberg, Webb optical telescope element manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
The telescope team expects that the observatory may even exceed the goals it was meant to achieve because it’s already performing better than expected.
“These images have profoundly changed the way I see the universe,” said Scott Acton, Webb wavefront sensing and controls scientist at Ball Aerospace, in a statement. “We are surrounded by a symphony of creation; there are galaxies everywhere! It is my hope that everyone in the world can see them.”
A previous image shared in March also showed that Webb can use the individual segments of its mirror as one giant 21-foot, 4-inch (6.5-meter) mirror and capture the light from a single star.
For the next couple months, the team will ensure all of the science instruments are calibrated.
Each instrument has a number of specialized detectors with custom equipment to help achieve Webb’s science objectives, and all of the instruments have to be configured before they can be declared ready.
And this summer, we’ll see Webb’s first glimpses that could unlock the mysteries of the universe.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2022/04/29/the-most-powerful-telescope-ever-built-is-about-to-change-how-we-see-the-universe/ | 2022-04-29T15:08:04Z |
Editor’s note: Backroads columnist Patricia Benoit is on vacation this week. Here is an edited version of a Backroads column about Memorial Day initially published in 2018.
Memorial Day, set for Monday, is one of those observances that has become bigger than the sum of its parts.
Civic and patriotic groups will be gathering throughout the county, honoring deceased persons who served their communities and their nation.
Memorial Day was originally set aside to honor the Union dead from the War Between the States. Since then, Memorial Day has evolved to honor all those who serve — from military from all conflicts to local emergency responders.
As Memorial Day expanded throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the observance took on a larger identity. For example, Texas Parks and Wildlife recently honored the 19 Texas game wardens who lost their lives in the line of duty. Each day, more than 550 Texas game wardens dedicate themselves to protecting the state’s natural resources.
It’s a legacy begun in the early 1900s and still continues. Texas game wardens also help to keep communities safe, patrol the waterways and respond to natural disasters.
“This memorial service is a stark reminder of the dangers Texas game wardens face every day while protecting our incredibly valuable natural resources, responding to natural disasters, and helping to keep Texans safe on our waterways,” said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. “We will never forget the sacrifice made by these game wardens, other peace officers, and their families throughout Texas and across the country.”
Thus, Memorial Day’s significance expands to fill the community’s need to remember and honor.
It wasn’t always so in the 19th century.
19th century celebrations
Memorial Day originated in 1868 as Decoration Day after the American Civil War when the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), an organization of Union veterans, established it as national observance to place flowers at the graves of the Union war dead.
By the early 20th century, Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, competed for attention. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bell County residents participated in competing traditions — both Union and Confederate.
Each May a century ago, the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) in Temple and Belton decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers and held memorial observances. Ceremonies often featured speeches, singing “Dixie,” bands, parades and plenty of flags — U.S. and Confederate.
GAR observances included both Union and Confederate veterans in a show of solidarity. They served an important role in helping Southerners come to accept losing the Civil War. Although men presided and were featured speakers, women were often in charge of hosting the public ceremonies and celebrations.
Honoring other veterans
However, World War I expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars, shifting focus away from the War Between the States to the larger, more ominous conflicts overseas.
Coupled with the observances were drives to buy Liberty Bonds and donate to the Red Cross. Also included were tributes to Czech- and German-Americans who readily enlisted to fight for their adopted county. As Confederate flags faded from view, communities joined underneath one flag representing a nation united.
Even six months after the 1918 Armistice, May was considered a time for remembrance and honor for those who served and to drum up Liberty Bond drives.
The Temple Daily Telegram in 1919 ran full-page ads pushing bond sales, saying, “Your patriotism and mine was not buried in those graves in Flanders fields. There is still work to do — for your country, for ourselves, for our children. Else the war will have failed in its purpose and millions of young lives will have gone out on a vain quest.”
The 1920s observances took on a more solemn tone. All businesses closed, and mail service suspended. American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars posts led the observances in Temple and Belton cemeteries. No matter which war and which cemetery, the protocol remained the same: stand quietly motionless for one minute.
During and after World War II, volunteers converged on McCloskey Army Hospital (and later, the Olin E. Teague Veterans Center) to visit veterans and bring small gifts. Memorial Day evolved into a day to honor those still dealing with and healing from battlefields. For those hospitalized veterans, Memorial Day meant more than high-flown oratory, patriotic bunting and shopping sales.
Not until 1971, during the Vietnam era, did Congress declare Memorial Day a national holiday and the last Monday in May designated a federal holiday. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_c5df4b9e-dfcf-11ec-ad38-9b4ef5a8b4d0.html | 2022-05-30T07:22:56Z |
The Company plans to purchase up to $200 million worth of shares concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the offering
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) ("Halozyme" or the "Company"), a leader in converting IV biologics to subcutaneous delivery and autoinjector devices, today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $500 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2028 (the "Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes are to be offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Company also expects to grant a 13-day option to the initial purchasers to purchase up to an additional $75 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes.
The Convertible Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of the Company and will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears. The Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2028, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding February 15, 2028, the Convertible Notes will be convertible only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and on and after February 15, 2028, at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, the Convertible Notes will be convertible regardless of these conditions. The Company will settle conversions in cash and, if applicable, shares of the Company's common stock. The initial conversion rate, interest rate and other terms of the Convertible Notes will be determined at the time of pricing in negotiations with the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes.
In connection with the offering, the Company intends to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions with option counterparties that may include one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates and/or other institutions. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes, the Company may enter into additional capped call transactions with the option counterparties. The capped call transactions are generally expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company's common stock upon conversion of the convertible notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted notes, as the case may be.
The Company has been advised that, in connection with establishing their initial hedges of the capped call transactions, the option counterparties and/or their affiliates (i) expect to purchase shares of the Company's common stock and/or enter into derivative transactions with respect to the Company's common stock concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Convertible Notes and (ii) may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding derivative transactions with respect to the Company's common stock and/or purchasing or selling the Company's common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Convertible Notes and prior to the maturity of the Convertible Notes. These activities could have the effect of increasing, or preventing a decline in, the market price of the Company's common stock concurrently with, or shortly following, the pricing of the Convertible Notes. The effect, if any, of these activities, including the direction or magnitude, on the market price of the Company's common stock will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and cannot be ascertained at this time. Any of these activities could, however, adversely affect the market price of the Company's common stock.
The Company expects to use a portion of net proceeds of the offering to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions. The Company also expects to use a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to enter into privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of its outstanding 1.25% convertible senior notes due 2024 (the "Existing Convertible Notes") to exchange their Existing Convertible Notes for a combination of cash and shares of its common stock through privately negotiated transactions entered into concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the proposed offering (the "Note Repurchases").
In parallel to this transaction, the Company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds of the offering for the repurchase of shares of its common stock (the "Share Repurchases") up to $200 million, concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the offering in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, which may be effected through one or more of the initial purchasers or any affiliate thereof.
The Share Repurchases, if consummated in full, would represent an increase of $100 million of the previously planned share repurchases to be made in 2022 under the Company's ongoing three-year $750 million share repurchase program, which was commenced and previously announced in 2021.
Further, the Company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to repay all of its outstanding $250 million term loan facility due 2026. The Company intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including other repurchases of the Company's common stock from time to time under the existing stock repurchase program, working capital, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions and strategic transactions. If the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes, the Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of additional notes to fund the cost of entering into additional capped call transactions.
The Note Repurchases and Share Repurchases could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of Halozyme common stock or the Convertible Notes. We also expect that some existing noteholders may purchase or sell shares of the Company's common stock in the market to hedge their exposure in connection with these transactions. The Note Repurchases, Share Repurchases and any associated hedging by holders could affect the market price of the Company's common stock prior to, concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Convertible Notes and could also result in a higher effective conversion price for the Convertible Notes.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Convertible Notes or the shares of the Company's common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, if any, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offer of these securities will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.
The offer and sale of the Convertible Notes and the shares of the Company's common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.
Forward-looking Statements:
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the planned offering. Words such as "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "intends," "plans," "will," "believes" and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs about future events and are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Except as required by law, the Company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter any forward-looking statements whether as a result of such changes, new information, subsequent events or otherwise. With respect to the planned offering, such uncertainties and circumstances include whether the Company will offer the notes or consummate the offering; and the anticipated terms of the notes and the use of the net proceeds from the offering. Various factors could also adversely affect the Company's operations, business or financial results in the future and cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in detail in the "Risk Factors" sections contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.
Halozyme is a biopharmaceutical company bringing disruptive solutions to significantly improve patient experiences and outcomes for emerging and established therapies. As the innovators of the ENHANZE® technology with the proprietary enzyme rHuPH20, Halozyme's commercially-validated solution is used to facilitate the delivery of injected drugs and fluids in order to reduce the treatment burden to patients. Having touched more than 600,000 patient lives in post-marketing use in five commercialized products across more than 100 global markets, Halozyme has licensed its ENHANZE® technology to leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies including Roche, Baxalta, Pfizer, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Alexion, argenx, Horizon Therapeutics, ViiV Healthcare and Chugai Pharmaceutical.
Halozyme also develops, manufactures and commercializes, for itself or with partners, drug-device combination products using its advanced auto-injector technology that are designed to provide commercial or functional advantages such as improved convenience and tolerability, and enhanced patient comfort and adherence. The Company has a commercial portfolio of proprietary products including XYOSTED®, TLANDO™ and NOCDURNA® and partnered commercial products and ongoing product development programs with industry leading pharmaceutical companies including Teva Pharmaceutical, Covis Pharma, Pfizer and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals.
Halozyme is headquartered in San Diego, CA and has offices in Ewing, NJ and Minnetonka, MN. Minnetonka is also the site of its operations facility.
Contacts:
Tram Bui
VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
609-359-3016
tbui@antarespharma.com
Dawn Schottlandt / Claudia Styslinger
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
Halozyme@argotpartners.com
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SOURCE Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/halozyme-therapeutics-inc-announces-proposed-offering-500-million-convertible-senior-notes-due-2028/ | 2022-08-15T12:58:19Z |
Honor society
Lake Belton Middle School principal Erica Garrett recently inducted Henry Mead into the National Junior Honor Society.
Henry serves on the student council; participates in football, track, golf and socce; and plays clarinet in the band. He also competes in UIL Number Sense, Science and Impromptu Speaking.
He is the grandson of the late Mary Elizabeth and Charles Henry “Chuck” Mead of Belton.
Dean’s list
Heather Johnson, a 2019 Little River-Academy graduate and a senior at Texas State University in San Marcos majoring in business management with a human resources concentration, made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2022 semester. She will graduate from the university this fall. | https://www.tdtnews.com/life/article_34d69a80-fc67-11ec-81d1-437956d39707.html | 2022-07-05T15:10:42Z |
Whipshots™ now available on retail shelves in Hawaii, Missouri, and Indiana
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Starco Brands today announced that Whipshots™, the innovative new vodka-infused whipped cream, is establishing its retail presence in Hawaii, Missouri, and Indiana. The expansion builds upon Whipshots' successful entry into both on and off premise retail across the U.S., making the highly demanded product available to even more consumers in more locations. With the addition of these three states, Whipshots is now sold in 14 markets nationwide.
Following its national retail launch in February 2022, Whipshots continues to establish its retail footprint, launching in Hawaii, Missouri, and Indiana with initial availability through retailers including Foodland, Total Wine & More, Hy-Vee, and Randall's. In addition to the recent retail expansion in Texas, Washington D.C./Maryland and Illinois, Whipshots will be available for purchase in Hawaii, Missouri, and Indiana in 50mL ($5.99), 200mL ($14.99), and 375mL ($24.99) sizes in all three flavors: vanilla, caramel and mocha.
"We're thrilled to be able to offer Whipshots to even more consumers in more locations across the country," says Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands. "The demand for Whipshots has been astounding and shows what is possible when you have an incredible product and elite retail partners."
A Double Gold medal recipient in both the 2022 SIP Awards and the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, Whipshots has 10% Alc./Vol, does not require refrigeration, and is a luxurious addition to any cocktail, dessert, or party. Whipshots is also available nationwide online at Whipshots.com, powered by The Spirits Network.
Starco Brands is a disruptive and scaling company that prides itself on only creating behavior-changing products and technologies. Together with its retail partners, Starco Brands is making Whipshots easily accessible to consumers nationwide. Follow @whip_shots and visit Whipshots.com for more information.
About Whipshots™
Developed by Starco Brands, Whipshots™ is a first-of-its-kind alcoholic whipped cream that is a party in a can and launched in 2021 with Partner Cardi B. Whipshots™ is a playful shot of sophistication that will indulge your curiosity and senses. A Double Gold medal recipient in the 2022 SIP Awards and Double Gold medal recipient in the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, the boozy whipped cream is non-dairy (contains caseinate), does not require refrigeration and can be found next to other spirits at retail and in hospitality and entertainment locations. Follow Whipshots™ @whip_shots and visit whipshots.com for more information.
About Starco Brands
Starco Brands (OTCQB: STCB) invents consumer products with behavior-changing technologies that spark excitement in the everyday. Today, its disruptive brands include: Whipshots, bringing the fun back to a stagnant alcohol category with the only alcohol-infused whipped cream in the market; Breathe, the first-ever air-powered aerosol cleaning line that meets the Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice criteria; and Winona Popcorn Spray, bringing home the movie-going experience with the first indulgent theater-popcorn taste powered by air. A modern-day invention factory to its core, Starco Brands identifies whitespaces across consumer product categories. It draws upon a portfolio of innovative formulas and commercial manufacturing facilities spanning 10 product categories with limitless innovation potential. Starco Brands publicly trades on the OTCQB stock exchange, so retail investors can invest in STCB alongside accredited individuals and institutions. Visit www.starcobrands.com for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ariel Moses l Rogers & Cowan PMK
Whipshots@rogersandcowanpmk.com
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SOURCE Starco Brands | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/starco-brands-stcb-expands-retail-distribution-whipshots/ | 2022-09-13T18:45:54Z |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said no one knows how long the war in his country will last but that Ukrainian forces are defying expectations by preventing Russian troops from overrunning eastern Ukraine, where the fighting has been fierce for weeks.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said he was proud of the Ukrainian defenders managing to hold back the Russian advance in the eastern Donbas region, which borders Russia and where Moscow-backed separatists have controlled much of the territory for eight years.
“Remember how in Russia, in the beginning of May, they hoped to seize all of the Donbas?” the president said late Saturday. “It’s already the 108th day of the war, already June. Donbas is holding on.”
After failing to capture Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, early in the war, Moscow has focused on seizing the parts of the largely Russian-speaking Donbas still in Ukrainian hands, as well as the country’s southern coast. Russian forces have been drawn into a long, laborious battle, thanks in part to the Ukrainian military’s use of Western-supplied weapons.
Sievierodonetsk, an eastern city with a prewar population of 100,000, is still being hotly fought over, both sides said. The city and neighboring Lysychansk are the last major areas of the Donbas’ Luhansk province not under the control of the pro-Russia rebels.
Leonid Pasechnik, the head of the separatist-declared Luhansk People’s Republic, said Ukrainian fighters remained in an industrial area of the city, including a chemical plant where civilians had taken shelter during a weeks-long Russian bombardment.
“Sievierodonetsk is not completely 100% liberated,” Pasechnik said, claiming that Ukraine was shelling the city from the Azot plant. “So it’s impossible to call the situation calm in Sievierodonetsk, that it is completely ours.”
Luhansk Gov. Serhii Haidai reported that a big fire broke out at the plant Saturday during Russian shelling. Haidai said Sunday on the Telegram messaging app that Russian forces were still shelling the chemical plant and destroyed a second bridge connecting Sieverodonetsk and Lysychansk.
He did not address how many soldiers or civilians were holed up in the plant.
A Luhansk People’s Republic’ official, Rodion Miroshnik, said that 300 to 400 Ukrainian troops remained blockaded inside the Sievierodonetsk chemical plant along with several hundred civilians. He said efforts are underway to try to evacuate the civilians but the troops will be allowed to leave only if they lay down their arms and surrender.
To the north of the city, Russian shelling of settlements in the Kharkiv region killed three people, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Sunday.
The Russian military said Sunday it destroyed a large weapons depot in western Ukraine, while local officials said missile strikes had injured civilians.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said long-range, sea-based Kalibr missiles had hit “a large depot of anti-tank missile systems, portable air defense systems and shells supplied to the Kyiv regime by the U.S. and European countries” near the city of Chortkiv in the western Ukrainian region of Ternopil.
Ternopil governor Volodymyr Trush said missile strikes on Chortkiv injured 22 people, including seven women and a 12-year-old boy. Trush said four Russian missiles, launched Saturday evening, partially destroyed a military facility and damaged four residential buildings.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, a counteroffensive pushed Russians out of parts of the southern Kherson region they took early in the war, according to Zelenskyy.
Moscow has installed local authorities in Kherson and other occupied coastal areas, offering residents Russian passports, airing Russian news broadcasts and taking steps to introduce a Russian school curriculum.
Zelenskyy said while an end to the war was not in sight, Ukraine should do everything it can so the Russians “regret everything that they have done and that they answer for every killing and every strike on our beautiful state.”
The Ukrainian leader asserted that Russia has suffered about three times as many military casualties as the number estimated for the Ukrainian side, adding: “For what? What did it get you, Russia?”
There are no reliable independent estimates of the war’s death toll so far.
Speaking at a defense conference in Singapore on Sunday, Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe said Beijing continues to support peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and hopes the U.S. and its NATO allies have discussions with Russia “to create the conditions for an early ceasefire.”
“China will continue to play a constructive role and contribute our share to easing tensions and realizing a political resolution of the crisis,” Wei said.
He suggested that nations supplying weapons to Ukraine were hindering peace by “adding fuel to the fire” and stressed that China had not provided any material support to Russia during the war.
The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank based in Washington, said Ukrainian intelligence suggested the Russian military was planning “to fight a longer war.” It cited the deputy head of Ukraine’s national security agency as saying that Moscow had extended its war timeline until October.
The intelligence “indicates the Kremlin has, at a minimum, acknowledged it cannot achieve its objectives in Ukraine quickly and is further adjusting its military objectives in an attempt to correct the initial deficiencies in the invasion,” the think tank said.
Pasechnik, the separatist leader, said the Ukrainians making a stand in Sievierodonetsk should save themselves the trouble.
“If if I were them, I would already make a decision (to surrender),” he said. “We will achieve our goal in any case.”
___
David Rising in Bangkok and Colleen Barry in Milan contributed.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ukraines-leader-says-his-troops-keep-defying-predictions/ | 2022-06-12T17:43:54Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to enjoy a meal knowing that my nice clothing is protected, however, I did not want a covering that diminished my elevated style of dress," said an inventor, from Union Beach, N.J., "so I invented the GLAM KIN. "My design offers a stylish way to enjoy a meal without worrying about getting stains on nice clothing."
The patent-pending invention protects the wearer's clothing while dining at a restaurant, while driving, etc. In doing so, it offers a stylish alternative to tucking or holding a napkin while dining. As a result, it helps to prevent messes and stains and it enhances style while dining. The invention features an attractive, reusable and versatile design that is easy to apply and use so it is ideal for adults, Additionally, it is easy to remove without drawing attention to its use and it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the New Jersey sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-NJD-2421, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/inventhelp-inventor-develops-stylish-protective-covering-clothing-njd-2421/ | 2022-06-21T16:58:35Z |
Things to learn before you fly a drone
Drones are propeller-driven aircraft controlled with joysticks that look just like the ones on video games. This is why serious gamers are able to learn to fly drones more quickly than most people.
As the size of the drone gets bigger, so does its lifting ability and battery life. For instance, mini drones make great gifts for beginners; they carry small cameras and are used mostly for training new pilots. Mid-sized drones, on the other hand, are better able to survive crashes because they have stronger components. Large drones have the best cameras and controllers.
What you need to know
You are going to crash
Unless you’re already a skilled pilot, you have a lot to learn about controlling a flying machine in three dimensions at once.
Start off easy
It’s best to learn to start and stop, turn and go up and down by practicing at low speeds and low altitudes.
- Joysticks: One joystick makes the drone fly up or down while also rotating it to the left or right. The other joystick makes it move forward and back on one axis and left and right on another. Over time, you learn to synchronize these motions.
- Buttons and switches: You control cameras with buttons and switches that let you tilt, pan and zoom in for closeups. You also use buttons and switches to access menus where you adjust all your drone and camera settings.
Where can you fly?
Pilots should keep their drones away from people, animals and traffic. The best places are open areas without trees or power lines. Make sure you’re not trespassing on private property.
Your drone can harm people and property if you’re not a skilled pilot
Even if you’re lucky enough to not harm anyone, you will surely damage your drone when it crashes into the ground. Some drones have a beginner mode that restricts speed and altitude to reduce your likelihood of causing harm.
Drones run out of fuel
Until you learn your drone’s flying time, operate it close to where you are standing, so you don’t lose it when it falls to the ground. Some drones automatically lower themselves to the ground gently when power is almost gone.
Drones have range limits
If your drone gets beyond the range limit of the remote controller, it will not respond to any of your commands. A few drones are built with the ability to automatically return to the base station when battery power is low.
What kind of flying do you have in mind?
Recreational
Some people fly hobby drones just for the fun of it, just as they would a radio-controlled model helicopter.
Aerial photography and videography
Most photo and video drones are built so you can mount your tablet or smartphone directly to the remote control. This gives you a display screen so you can fly it as if you were in the pilot’s seat. Drones without cameras are flown with the pilot watching from the ground, not from the viewpoint of actually being in the cockpit.
Racing
Drone racing has become hugely popular, with regularly televised racing events. To be a good racer, you’ll need a fast racing drone with a good camera and the ability to sense and avoid obstacles.
Drone types
Ready-to-fly
You can fly these drones right out of the box. All the components are designed to work together so they are essentially foolproof. Controls are usually simple to operate.
Build-it-yourself
If you’re handy with tools, electronics and computers, you may enjoy designing and building your own drone. Serious hobbyists buy frames, motors, rotors, controllers, antennas, transmitters and cameras from separate suppliers to build custom drones that meet all their specifications.
Almost-ready-to-fly
This is an RTF/BIY combo. You get to build the drone yourself, but you don’t need to shop for separate components. When you buy an ARF drone, you choose the price you want to pay and you get all the best components in your price range, including transmitters, controls and first-person-view goggles.
What you need to buy
A drone with a first-person-view camera
You can capture 4K photos and videos with this drone’s intuitive shooting functions. It senses obstacles in three dimensions and has a flying time of up to 34 minutes.
Sold by Amazon
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone
You can stream 120-degree wide-angle video directly to your phone with this drone. Set it to hover hands-free for stable, crisp aerial photos. Control it with your voice or gestures through a series of pre-programmed maneuvers over a 20-minute flight time.
Sold by Amazon
Ruko Foldable Dual-GPS Drone with 4K Video
The ultra-high-definition camera has shock absorption technology built in for clear, stable images. It has one GPS in the drone and the other in the controller, giving it a range of up to 1,640 feet and a 30-minute flight time.
Sold by Amazon
FPV goggles
First-person-view goggles are your portal to immersive flying experiences. The drone sends a constant video to the receiver that converts it into images displayed in real time on the pilot’s screen.
- Box goggles: These goggles use one screen. They are usually built with a 4:3 aspect ratio because that’s the image provided by most FPV cameras.
- Low profile goggles: These goggles use two screens. Each is a miniature liquid crystal display with high contrast and minimal image distortion. These goggles may have a 16:9 aspect ratio, the same as on your TV.
These comfortable, lightweight box goggles have a slot for a microSD card so you can share your drone views with other FPV users.
Sold by Amazon
Fat Shark Dominator HDO2 FPV1122 Goggles
The outstanding image quality of these 4:3 aspect ratio goggles with a 37-degree field of vision is great for serious racers. The improved interface makes for better switching between HDMI and analog feeds.
Sold by Amazon
iFlight FPV Goggles with DVR Function
Small and lightweight, these budget goggles have batteries with 3.5-hour charge times. The super-sensitive receiver comes with a three-way adjustable headband in a carrying case with a USB charging cable.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/how-to-fly-a-drone/ | 2022-07-08T07:22:03Z |
NEW YORK , April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB) resulting from allegations that Zai Lab may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Zai Lab 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=4899 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 March 9, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") published a notification identifying Zai Lab, among other companies, as in potential violation of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which allows the SEC to delist companies and ban a company's shares from being traded if the company fails to allow U.S. regulators to review their company audits for three straight years. Zai Lab and the other companies named in the SEC notification have until March 29, 2022 to challenge the charges against them.
On this news, Zai Lab's stock price fell $6.74 per share, or 18%, to close at $30.02 per share on March 10, 2022.
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 litigate securities class actions. 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
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/04/zlab-investor-alert-rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-zai-lab-limited-investors-with-losses-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation-zlab/ | 2022-04-05T01:29:00Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT) announced today that Jeremy Male, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time. A live and replay audio webcast will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.OUTFRONTmedia.com.
About OUTFRONT Media Inc.
OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location, and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go.
Contacts:
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SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/outfront-media-chief-executive-officer-jeremy-male-participate-goldman-sachs-communacopia-technology-conference/ | 2022-09-07T19:28:20Z |
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ("Innovative Industrial Properties") (NYSE: IIPR) shareholders:
The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of investors who purchased between May 7, 2020 and April 13, 2022.
If you suffered a loss on your investment in Innovative Industrial Properties, contact us about potential recovery by using the link below. There is no cost or obligation to you.
ABOUT THE ACTION: The class action against Innovative Industrial Properties includes allegations that the Company made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Innovative Industrial Properties' focus is to be a cannabis company lender rather than a REIT; (2) that the true values of the Company's properties are significantly lower than Innovative Industrial Properties represents; (3) there are existential issues in its top customers; (4) as a result, its top customers may not be able to continue making payments to Innovative Industrial Properties and the Company would face significant issues replacing these customers; and (5) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: June 24, 2022
Aggrieved Innovative Industrial Properties investors only have until June 24, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. You are not required to act as a lead plaintiff in order to share in any recovery.
Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
Vincent Wong, Esq.
39 East Broadway
Suite 304
New York, NY 10002
Tel. 212.425.1140
E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com
View original content:
SOURCE The Law Offices of Vincent Wong | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/class-action-alert-law-offices-vincent-wong-remind-innovative-industrial-properties-investors-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-24-2022/ | 2022-05-16T10:52:22Z |
ARLINGTON, Texas (KDAF) — This year, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and the Arlington City Council made June 20-26 National Pollinator Week.
This week city officials encourage the people of Arlington to learn about the importance of pollinators in the community and to promote the creation of pollinator habitats on public and private property.
Pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, birds and bats.
“Residents and businesses can help by creating pollinator habitat. Using native and adapted plants in landscapes and gardens to provide food, nest and egg laying sites, and protection from predators will attract native pollinators,” officials said on the city’s website.
For more information, click here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/its-national-pollinator-week-heres-what-city-of-arlington-officials-say-you-can-do-to-celebrate/ | 2022-06-20T22:20:30Z |
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