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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally recognized InnoVision Marketing Group has been named agency of record for Island Fin Poké. Continuing to expand at a steady pace, InnoVision will assist Island Fin Poké with branding, franchise development, digital marketing, and national public relations & outreach. This offers InnoVision the opportunity to help expand the national reach and awareness of Island Fin Poké.
The brand approached InnoVision after seeing the branding, positioning and marketing strategies that have led to much growth and success for other franchises on their client roster. Experts in branding and creating sticky campaigns, the campaign the company developed for Huey Magoo's, The Filet Mignon of Chicken, has received national praise and recognition.
San Diego-based InnoVision Marketing Group offers the full scope of marketing services completely in-house, including digital media, traditional media, web development, design, public relations, video production and more. Representing a variety of clients in different industries, Island Fin Poké adds to their franchise and fast-casual dining category.
"We are so honored to have the opportunity to work with Mark [Setterington]. His vision is clear, and his passion and enthusiasm are contagious," says Ric Militi, CEO / Executive Creative Director of InnoVision Marketing Group. "We look forward to helping Island Fin become the leader in the poke category – it's a goal we know is achievable, and we are excited to be part of it."
Coming in at #22, between Chipotle and Jersey Mike's, Island Fin Poké is a top mover and shaker, recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2022 Top Food Franchises Ranking, the 2022 Top New & Emerging Franchises Ranking and Fast Casual's 2022 Movers & Shakers List.
Offering fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls, described as sushi in a bowl, Island Fin Poké serves fresh poke in endless combination options, creating customized bowls for every guest. Guests choose from responsibly-sourced ingredients and can personalize their own poke bowl with options including over eight proteins, 25 different toppings, gluten-free house-made sauces that have been creatively crafted, and specialty mix-ins. Island Fin Poké offers a unique and full-service experience to each and every guest that walks through their doors, implementing this approach into everything they do.
Entering into four new markets with four new locations by the end of this year, Island Fin Poké currently has 24 locations open, looking to double in the next year.
"Island Fin Poké could not be more excited to have InnoVision as our agency of record. We are truly humbled that such an incredible agency has committed to helping us to become the brand we know we can be," says Mark Setterington, Co-founder and CEO of Island Fin Poké.
InnoVision is made up of five divisions including public relations, film production, digital media, traditional media and Español. Representing brands in multiple categories, including airports, automotive, fast-casual dining, food & beverage, healthcare, soft drinks, casinos, retail, tribal government, economic development and nonprofit, the agency serves clients across the US.
To learn more about InnoVision Marketing Group, please contact Bianca Kasawdish at bianca@teaminnovision.com or click here.
What began as an idea of a way to better service clients, has turned into a brand that stands out among the rest. InnoVision Marketing Group is a full-service, nationally recognized agency, with clients across the country, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Phoenix, Tampa and Orlando. From branding to creative design, media buying, digital advertising, web development and SEO, video production, social advertising and management, PR and digital content, entirely everything is done in-house. Our client portfolio spans across several different industries, including casino, dining, jewelry, healthcare, lifestyle, nonprofit and more.
Since first opening in 2012, InnoVision has branched out from its humble beginnings, adding world-class clients to a growing roster that includes Valley View Casino & Hotel, Palomar Health, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders, and more. InnoVision also offers commercial film production through Pretzel Logic Productions, a wholly owned subsidiary, creating cutting-edge commercial and internet films while embracing storytelling and the brand vision.
At the heart of everything we do, InnoVision is committed to maintaining our unique culture. Team members at InnoVision are continually empowered, inspired and supported on a daily basis, no matter their position. We work hard to ensure an environment that team members thrive and grow in. The happier our team is, the better the work we produce – something we remember every day. To learn more about InnoVision, please visit TeamInnoVision.com.
Island Fin Poké is a Florida-based fast-casual concept known for its Hawaiian-style build-your-own poké bowls. From farm-to-fork, the brand uses the freshest ingredients to bring traditional flavors from the islands to local communities nationwide. Founded in 2017, Island Fin Poké has 20+ locations open, with numerous others in various stages of development. Island Fin Poké was listed in Fast Casual's 2022 Movers & Shakers List. For more information, or if interested in joining the brand's Ohana, please visit https://www.islandfinpoke.com/.
Contact:
Bianca Kasawdish
Director of Public Relations
& Digital Content
InnoVision Marketing Group
(619) 516-9337
Bianca@teaminnovision.com
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SOURCE InnoVision Marketing Group | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/innovision-marketing-group-welcomes-island-fin-pok-recently-named-22-top-movers-shakers-by-fast-casual-their-booming-agency-roster/ | 2022-08-01T15:31:56Z |
Mark, Gerald, and Bob from DEVO talked about their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and what it means to them. They also shared why they think DEVO and their music appeals to so many people, over a range of generations.
DEVO will be performing live at the 2022 Cruel World Festival on May 14 and 15. May 14 is sold out, but tickets are still available for May 15, at ClubDEVO.com.
You can vote for them to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until April 29, also at ClubDEVO.com.
This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on April 8, 2022. | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/devo-talks-about-their-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-nomination/ | 2022-04-08T19:24:20Z |
Avocados from Peru, the friend of the environment, kicks off its 2022 promotional campaign emphasizing health and sustainability.
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As global demand for avocados continues to grow year after year, so does Peru's commitment to help consumers eat healthy and lead sustainable lifestyles.
This summer, Peru expects to export to the U.S. an unprecedented 250 million pounds of avocados. Once again, the country will export over one billion pounds to the world making it the second largest producer and exporter of the world's favorite superfood. This represents an increase in Peru's export volume from last year that will undoubtedly satisfy the ever-growing demand for avocados – especially during a year with lower-than-expected supplies from other origins.
The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC), the industry's U.S.-based marketing arm headquartered in Washington, D.C., will facilitate a first of its kind promotional retail campaign to celebrate the arrival of Avocados from Peru (AFP) to the U.S. that will include multiple environmentally forward, educational and cost saving tactics to help consumers. "This season, Avocados from Peru will be promoted through an extensive marketing campaign with many never-before-seen tactics for the retail industry," said Xavier Equihua, president of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, "We are ready to work with our strategic retail partners to carry out our biggest promotional campaign yet."
2022 AVO TESLA SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES GIVEAWAY
The most exciting aspect of the campaign is the 2022 AVO Tesla Summer Sweepstakes Giveaway. PAC will launch a unique sweepstakes giveaway of AVO Teslas in partnership with Meijer and Lidl. Our strategic retail partners will host separate sweepstakes in different regions of the country to promote and spread the message of the campaign: "Eat Healthy and Drive Green." The key pillar of this giveaway is to encourage healthy and sustainable living as consuming AFP provides benefits to the body and the environment – just as electric vehicles cut down on pollution and carbon emissions.
AFP PARTNERSHIP WITH NBC, TELEMUNDO, AND FOX
AFP will also expand its media partnership with NBC, Telemundo and FOX to include over 70 media markets including the top 10 markets in the U.S. such as Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas and Boston, to name a few. It will also be the local sponsor of top programming that includes the MLB All-Star Game, Gordon Ramsey's "MasterChef," "America's Got Talent," and the Latino Billboard Music Awards, among others. PAC will use these opportunities to promote AFP as well as the 2022 Avo Tesla Summer Sweepstakes Giveaway. AFP will be positioned as "the friend of the environment and health" to educate consumers on Peru's leading agricultural efforts to maximize its water footprint and efficiency while providing one of the healthiest superfoods.
AVO BIKE SHARING AND PUBLIC BUS INITIATIVES IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND PHILADELPHIA
To further promote the theme of health and sustainability, AFP will launch the 2022 AVO Bike Social Media Contest in partnership with Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia Public Transit Authorities. The contest will give away electric bikes wrapped in avocado skin print to lucky winners living in the cities. This will be advertised at bikeshare stations to promote sustainable and healthy living by eating well and riding bikes. Additionally, AFP branding will be wrapped around public buses in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to promote the use of public transportation and the 2022 AVO Tesla Summer Sweepstakes. "It's really important for us to use public transportation options, alongside healthy eating, to encourage others to be environmentally forward and health conscience," Equihua shared.
GIVING BACK TO AFP CONSUMERS
Throughout the summer, the campaign will include substantial marketing and promotional efforts to encourage the sale of Peruvian avocados in and around retail stores across the country. One of the signature tactics includes distributing geo-targeted retailer e-coupons to give back to customers who purchase our avocados. In addition, PAC is re-introducing its coupon program at Costco, BJs, Walmart and many other top retailers across the U.S. Since 2020, when we introduced the first-ever coupon program in the avocado category at Costco, AFP has helped countless consumers save money and eat healthy during the pandemic. "Considering the lasting economic effects of the past two years, and the current level of inflation, the coupons and our other promotional efforts will continue to provide much needed support to consumers across America," said Equihua.
EXPANSION OF MESH BAG PROGRAM
To build upon last year's introduction of the educational mesh bag band at Costco and other top retailers, PAC plans this year to introduce another first in the category: the educational mesh bags for organic avocados. Peru is committed to expanding its footprint of organic avocados and PAC plans to fortify the only current marketing support program in the U.S. designed specifically to support the sell-in of organic avocados by releasing this first of its kind origin-branded mesh bag. The bags for both conventional and organic avocados will continue to offer tips to educate consumers on how to properly ripen and store avocados, as well as include a QR code to download a free 100-page e-book devoted to cooking with avocados – another first of its kind in the world.
STUDY: RETURN OF WATER USED TO PRODUCE AVOCADOS ON HEALTH
To further complement its environmental and sustainable themed campaign, PAC has also commissioned the first study to compare the health and economic benefits of avocados to its water footprint. This will be conducted by PhD scientists and professors from the University of California – Davis and Sacramento State University including Dr. Fraser Shilling, Dr. Selina Wang, and Dr. Julian Fulton, who specialize in studying ecological impacts of the agriculture industry. This important addition to the 2022 promotional campaign will provide sound evidence and research to reinforce the environmental benefits of growing and producing avocados compared to other popular fruits.
The 2022 avocado season will be the most exciting one yet. Keep your eyes peeled for the opportunity to join in on the fun this summer as the "World's Favorite Avocado" returns to a store near you.
About the Peruvian Avocado Commission
The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2010 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC's promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the federal promotion program for Hass avocados, which is under the oversight of the USDA. Detailed information regarding these programs will be announced throughout the season. Avocados from Peru will be available in the U.S. from June through September. For more information about the PAC, please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email info@avocadosfromperu.com.
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SOURCE Peruvian Avocado Commission | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/eat-healthy-live-green-worlds-favorite-avocado-returns-us/ | 2022-06-08T21:13:31Z |
LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Heska Corporation (NASDAQ: HSKA; "Heska" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of advanced veterinary diagnostic and specialty solutions, today released its 2021 Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Factsheet, which includes disclosure regarding environmental, workforce, and corporate governance priorities. The summary factsheet emphasizes Heska's longstanding commitment to corporate responsibility and provides an initial overview of Heska's ESG program, the related corporate policies and practices, and the specific metrics aligned with industry standards.
"At Heska, we are committed to bettering the lives of our veterinarian customers, their pet patients, and pet owners around the world," commented Mr. Wilson, Heska Chief Executive Officer and President. "We take this responsibility seriously- it drives our behavior, investments, and innovation across our corporate framework, and through it, we intend to make our world, communities, and teams better. At Heska, we seek to create lasting impact for the environment and for people through our sound practices and good stewardship."
Heska's commitment to corporate responsibility starts with the Company's Board of Directors and executive leadership to promote ESG priorities throughout the organization and to align activities and resources with measurable practices and accountability. Our ESG strategy is spearheaded by our ESG working group, comprised of cross-function leaders from Legal, Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain and Procurement, Research and Development, Product Quality and Safety, Data Privacy and Security, while the Board's Governance Committee provides oversight. Members of the ESG working group periodically engage with external stakeholders such as shareholders and industry experts regarding best practices and initiatives. In addition, ESG-related risks and opportunities are identified and assessed as part of the Board's regular discussions and meetings, at least annually, including matters related to human capital management; diversity, equity and inclusion; sustainability within supply chain; and environmental management practices.
The disclosure included in Heska's 2021 ESG Factsheet is aligned with industry-leading frameworks, including the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guideline for the Medical Equipment & Supplies industry and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and it serves as a baseline from which the Company seeks to advance its impact in meaningful ways. For more information, please visit Heska's investor relations website at https://ir.heska.com/.
Heska Corporation (NASDAQ: HSKA) manufactures, develops and sells advanced veterinary diagnostics, informatics, and specialty healthcare solutions through its two business segments: North America and International. Both segments include Point of Care Lab testing instruments and consumables, digital imaging products, software and services, data services, allergy testing and immunotherapy, and single-use offerings such as in-clinic diagnostic tests and heartworm preventive products. The North America segment also includes private label vaccine and pharmaceutical production for third-parties, primarily for herd animal health. For more information, please visit www.heska.com.
This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "may," "anticipates," "intends," "would," "will," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "should," "project," and similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide our current expectation or forecasts of future events; are based on current estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions; and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by Heska pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. Heska assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements are set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
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SOURCE Heska Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/heska-publishes-environmental-social-governance-esg-factsheet-share-commitment-sustainable-responsibilities-initiatives/ | 2022-08-19T13:44:16Z |
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Ted Alejandre was awarded State Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).
"I am extremely honored and humbled by this accolade," said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. "I could not have achieved this recognition without the support and dedication of the staff at County Schools, our students, families, community partners and the remarkable educators I've had the honor of working alongside throughout my professional journey."
With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Alejandre now holds the prestigious title of Superintendent of the Year in the 2022 Statewide Awards Program. The state award recipients represent the excellence and commitment of California's educators.
On May 2, Alejandre was honored as Superintendent of the Year for the San Bernardino County region at the ACSA Region 12 Spring Celebration Awards. Alejandre will be recognized for the State Superintendent of the Year Award at the ACSA Leadership Summit in San Diego on Nov. 4, 2022.
As county superintendent, Alejandre works collaboratively with educators, families, and other agencies and stakeholders to provide advocacy, leadership and services for and on behalf of more than 400,000 K-12 students attending public schools in San Bernardino County.
Among his many achievements, Alejandre was commended by ACSA for his contributions and collaboration with key partners to build, sustain and implement the San Bernardino County Cradle to Career roadmap. The roadmap includes key indicators of success for all students in both academics and social/emotional readiness. Districts and cities have adopted this roadmap, and as a result, graduation rates and other key indicators continue to improve.
To increase literacy rates across San Bernardino County, Alejandre worked with county partners to expand the Vision2Read initiative by launching the Footsteps2Brilliance learning platform that provides free access to tools for students to read, write and engage in key literacy skills.
He strengthened the countywide Family Engagement Network to gain input and recommendations from stakeholders. Due to the success of this network, SBCSS was selected by the state as the only county office to lead the Statewide Community Engagement Initiative, which established cohorts of school districts throughout the state that serve as models for all districts.
Alejandre emphasizes the importance of listening to student voice and creating opportunities for students to speak up. He established the first ever countywide Student Advisory Council, inviting students from high schools throughout the county to collaborate with students from other districts. At the culminating session, they presented recommendations to leaders at the local, county and state level that have influenced policies in the past.
In addition to his illustrious career in education, Alejandre is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant Colonel. He received the USAF Meritorious Service Award three times, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and many other distinctions. He began his service in 1984.
For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.
The mission of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to transform lives through education. Working in collaboration with school districts, other agencies, families and our community partners, we provide leadership, advocacy and services to ensure innovative, inspiring educational practices for the 33 K-12 school districts within the county. This endeavor is essential to the quality of life and economic vitality of our communities.
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SOURCE San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/ted-alejandre-named-state-superintendent-year/ | 2022-06-02T18:00:35Z |
HOUSTON, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation has won Benevity's Community Hero Award for 2022, part of Benevity's annual Corporate Goodness Awards.
CITGO was selected from more than 90 submissions to win the Community Hero Award, which recognizes best-in-class approach to corporate social responsibility and community investment. Corporate purpose programs in the category were evaluated on their ability to build close relationships with nonprofit partners, engage employees in strategic decision-making, and measure and communicate impact in innovative ways.
"As proud members of the communities we serve, we feel a fundamental responsibility to do our part to help to create and support thriving, resilient communities," said Michael Rosen, CITGO General Manager, Government & Public Affairs, "Our social investments represent the very best of our Fueling Good spirit—a shared sense of responsibility for improving the lives of others. We're thrilled to share this award with our volunteers and our community partners."
CITGO has long demonstrated its commitment to the communities it serves, both through direct corporate contributions and through the company's TeamCITGO employee volunteer organization. The company's corporate citizenship pillars focus on community growth and resiliency through disaster relief; environmental protection, conservation and restoration; healthcare; and education and social investment.
Highlights of CITGO community investments include:
- STEM Talent Pipeline and CITGO Innovation Academies designed to increase access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related educational opportunities by supporting educators and encouraging students to pursue STEM degrees.
- Disaster relief and resilience efforts, including short-term immediate assistance to support local partners working on recovery efforts and long-term assistance to repair homes and rebuild communities after severe storms.
- Caring for Our Coast program, which utilizes education and volunteerism to restore vulnerable coastal and inland habitats.
- Matching gifts program combined with employee volunteering and fundraising for local partners and national charities.
2022 Goodie Award winners were recognized at Benevity's annual Goodness Matters conference, held on June 2 in San Diego, Calif.
More information on the company's corporate social responsibility and community programs can be found at CITGO.com/responsibility.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 38 active terminals, six pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the fifth-largest, and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 4,400 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.
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SOURCE CITGO Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/citgo-awarded-benevitys-2022-community-hero-award/ | 2022-06-06T18:44:48Z |
The Temple Police Department said it is investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred Friday night.
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Senate GOP blocks domestic terrorism bill, gun policy debate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats’ first attempt at responding to the back-to-back mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas, failed in the Senate Thursday as Republicans blocked a domestic terrorism bill that would have opened debate on difficult questions surrounding hate crimes and gun safety.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. tried to nudge Republicans into taking up a domestic terrorism bill that had cleared the House quickly last week after mass shootings at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and a church in Southern California targeting people of color. He said it could become the basis for negotiation.
But the vote failed along party lines, raising fresh doubts about the possibility of robust debate, let alone eventual compromise, on gun safety measures. The final vote was 47-47, short of the 60 needed to take up the bill. All Republicans voted against it.
“None of us are under any illusions this will be easy,” Schumer said ahead of the vote.
Rejection of the bill brought into sharp relief the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States, with the Senate in the unusual position of struggling to keep up with the violence — voting on legislation responding to shootings in Buffalo and California that have been overshadowed by yet another massacre, this time at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 children and two teachers.
Schumer said he will give bipartisan negotiations in the Senate about two weeks — the next 10 days, while Congress is away for a break — to try to forge a compromise bill that could pass the 50-50 Senate, where 60 votes will be needed to overcome a filibuster.
A small, bipartisan group of senators who have for years sought to negotiate legislation on guns huddled Wednesday night in the Capitol. But so far, there appeared to be little appetite among Republicans for major changes. Schumer acknowledged Democrats’ “deep skepticism” about reaching a deal.
“I’m hopeful there’s growing momentum,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who is leading the negotiations. “But I’ve failed plenty of times before.”
Murphy has been working to push gun legislation since the 2012 attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 20 children and six educators.
The Democrats’ best hopes for a legislative partner could be Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who ushered to law a modest bill to encourage compliance with gun purchase background checks during the Trump era, after devastating 2017 church shootings in his state.
Cornyn said he and Murphy have been in touch and have been talking over these issues for a long time to try to and find compromise. “Maybe this is an impetus,” he said of the Uvalde attack.
Still, Cornyn cautioned that “restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens is not going to make our communities or our country any safer.
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., told reporters that a bill he has been working on for the past decade to expand background checks for firearm sales still does not have enough support to advance in the Senate. “I couldn’t count 60 at this point,” he said, “but I hope we’ll get there.”
In one sign of GOP resistance to shifting the gun policy debate, several Republican senators came to the floor Thursday to discus other topics -- immigration, border security and, in the case of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, the nation’s struggle with inflation.
The domestic terrorism bill that failed Thursday dates back to 2017, when Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., first proposed it after mass shootings in Las Vegas and Southerland Springs, Texas.
The House passed a similar measure by a voice vote in 2020, only to have it languish in the Senate. Since then, Republicans have turned against the legislation, with only one GOP lawmaker supporting passage in the House last week.
“What had broad bipartisan support two years ago, because of the political climate we find ourselves in ... or to be more specific, the political climate Republicans find themselves in, we’re not able to stand up against domestic terrorism,” Schneider, who came into office in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting, told The Associated Press.
Republicans say the bill doesn’t place enough emphasis on combating domestic terrorism committed by groups on the far left. Under the bill, agencies would be required to produce a joint report every six months that assesses and quantifies domestic terrorism threats nationally, including threats posed by white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups.
Proponents say the bill will fill the gaps in intelligence-sharing among the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and the FBI so that officials can better track and respond to the growing threat of white extremist terrorism.
These efforts would focus on the spread of racist ideology online like replacement theory, which investigators say motivated an 18-year-old white gunman to drive three hours to carry out a racist, livestreamed shooting rampage two weeks ago in a crowded supermarket in Buffalo. Or the animus against Taiwanese parishioners at a church in Laguna Woods, California, that led to the shooting death the following day of one man and the wounding of five others.
While Schneider acknowledged that his legislation may not have stopped those attacks, he said it would ensure that those federal agencies work together to better identify, predict and stop threats.
Under current law, the three federal agencies already work to investigate, prevent and prosecute acts of domestic terrorism. But the bill would require each agency to open offices specifically dedicated to those tasks and create an interagency task force to combat the infiltration of white supremacy in the military.
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky slammed that aspect of the bill, calling it an “insult to every police officer in this country,” and an “insult to everyone in our armed services.”
The proposal would stop short of creating new federal statutes needed to prosecute domestic terrorism in the same way the U.S. prosecutes attacks inspired by foreign groups. It would not create new criminal offenses or new lists of designated domestic terrorist groups. And it would also not give law enforcement additional investigative powers.
But supporters say it would be an important toward helping the government broadly assess, for the first time, the volume of domestic terrorist attacks and threats in the U.S.
“This alone is not going to do much to actually directly combat the threat of domestic terrorism but to me, this is like step one,” said Mary McCord, who served as a senior Justice Department national security official in the Obama administration and into the early Trump era.
___
Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
This story is corrected to show that Sen. Collins’ vote was incorrectly announced in the Senate chamber as a yes vote. All Republicans voted against the measure.
___
More on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: https://apnews.com/hub/school-shootings
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/26/senate-gop-blocks-domestic-terrorism-bill-gun-policy-debate/ | 2022-05-26T17:18:39Z |
— Companies Agree to 7-Year Extension of Patent Licensing Agreement Through 2030 —
— Snapdragon Platforms to Power Future Samsung Galaxy Devices —
SAN DIEGO, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated today announced that the Company has strengthened its strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to deliver leading premium consumer experiences for Samsung Galaxy devices. Qualcomm Incorporated and Samsung have agreed to extend their patent license agreement for 3G, 4G, 5G and upcoming 6G mobile technology through the end of 2030. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, and Samsung also agreed to expand their collaboration with Snapdragon® platforms for future premium Samsung Galaxy products, including smartphones, PCs, tablets, extended reality, and more. These collaborations reinforce the Companies' track record of success and reaffirms their commitment to expanding technology leadership and delivering the world's best device experiences.
"The extension of our licensing agreement is further evidence of our mutual commitment to long-term collaboration," said Cristiano Amon, president and chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. "Our relationship with Samsung has never been stronger. For more than two decades we've worked together to lead the industry and we are pleased to continue this strategic partnership to develop innovative technologies and products using Snapdragon platforms to power more Samsung premium devices globally."
"Qualcomm's innovative technology has played a pivotal role for advancement of mobile industry. The collaboration between Samsung and Qualcomm spans many years and these agreements reflect our close and long-standing strategic partnership. We are committed to working with Qualcomm to advance the mobile industry and users' experiences for future Samsung Galaxy devices," said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of MX Business, Samsung Electronics.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the world's leading wireless technology innovator and the driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G. When we connected the phone to the internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our foundational technologies enable the mobile ecosystem and are found in every 3G, 4G and 5G smartphone. We bring the benefits of mobile to new industries, including automotive, the internet of things, and computing, and are leading the way to a world where everything and everyone can communicate and interact seamlessly.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. 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.
Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Qualcomm Contacts:
Pete Lancia, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com
Mauricio Lopez-Hodoyan, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: ir@qualcomm.com
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SOURCE Qualcomm Incorporated | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/qualcomm-samsung-extend-expand-broad-strategic-partnership/ | 2022-07-27T21:31:49Z |
Volunteer with the Red Cross to turn 'thank you for your service' into action
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross provides support to our U.S. military community at every step of their career — from the time a service member takes their oath to navigating life as a veteran and each event in between. You can find American Red Cross support of military communities across the globe at military hospitals, on installations locally and overseas and through local chapter offices in every state.
This month, the American Red Cross is inviting people around the country to turn 'Thank you for your service' into action. For those with a military background or just a heart for military and veteran communities, opportunities to volunteer and support are available.
"Military families experience emergencies, just like civilian families, except oftentimes they go through a crisis separated from a family member who is deployed," said Susan Malandrino, spokesperson for the American Red Cross. "Handling an emergency without your support system can be challenging, but Red Cross volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of our military families through emergency relief, comfort and care."
ANSWER EMERGENCY CALLS WITH THE HERO CARE NETWORK. The Red Cross Hero Care Network is a free 24/7 support system for military and veteran families when they are facing life-changing events like the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, a medical emergency or even a financial crisis. The Red Cross is the only organization to provide this emergency messaging service to separated and active-duty military families.
- Volunteers help serve members each day by answering calls, delivering messages and opening cases to support connections to additional resources.
VOLUNTEER AT A MILITARY OR VETERAN HOSPITAL. The Red Cross has medical and non-medical volunteers that help provide care, comfort and therapy at military medical facilities in the U.S. and all around the world.
- Medical Volunteers: Licensed doctors or nurses, help support hospital staff in a variety of ways, including seeing patients in-person or through telehealth, nurse charting, answering calls and more.
- Non-medical Volunteers: Non-medical volunteers help with a variety of programs including visiting patients; manning coffee, snack and book carts; providing art and garden therapy classes; hosting animal visitation programs; and distributing care and comfort items to patients and medical staff.
- Over the last year, the Red Cross has distributed over 850,000 critical care and therapy items at medical facilities and helped rehabilitate over 100,000 patients.
TEACH MENTAL WELLNESS WORKSHOPS. The Red Cross conducts mental wellness courses, called Resiliency Workshops, for military and veteran families.
- Programs are free, confidential and offered in-person or online by licensed mental health professionals.
- The programs help service members, veterans and their families build resilience, manage stress and address trauma.
- Mental health professionals serve as volunteer leaders of Resiliency workshops for military and veteran communities.
- Over the last year, the Red Cross provided more than 15,000 military families with support through Resiliency Workshops.
Volunteer Today – Turn your appreciation into action by volunteering with the Red Cross today. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn about open availabilities.
Visit www.redcross.org/saf for full information about programs that support military communities.
NATIONAL DONORS JOIN LONG LEGACY OF RED CROSS MILITARY SUPPORT
Generous donations from Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Giving Program (SAFGP) members enable the American Red Cross to maintain a global network of thousands of volunteers and employees to support the military 365 days a year through emergency communications, training, community resources and support to ill and injured service members and veterans. Contributions from partners like Lockheed Martin Corporation, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., USAA and Wilf Family Foundations ensure the Red Cross is there 24/7 to provide comfort and care to members of the military, veterans and their families as they prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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SOURCE American Red Cross | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/support-military-families-honor-military-appreciation-month/ | 2022-05-04T12:58:12Z |
- First patient surgery completed; additional surgeries already scheduled
- 8 clinical centres now fully initiated and recruiting / screening for patients
MONTREAL, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc. (CSE: ORTH) (OTCQB: ORTIF) ("Ortho" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage orthobiologics company focused on the development of novel soft tissue repair regenerative technologies, today announced the initiation of patients' enrollment following completion of the first patient surgery in its U.S. Phase I/II rotator cuff tear repair clinical trial.
The first patient surgery was successfully completed at the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute in Tucson, Arizona.
"The enrollment of our first patient in the U.S. Phase I/II rotator cuff tear repair clinical trial is our most significant clinical milestone to date. With 8 centers now actively screening for patients and enrollment of additional patients already scheduled over the coming weeks, completion of the Phase I safety portion of the clinical program is now expected by the end of September should our enrolment estimates be confirmed", said, Philippe Deschamps, CEO.
The ORTHO-R Phase I/II clinical study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ORTHO-R as an adjunct to standard of care surgery vs. standard of care surgery alone for rotator cuff tear repair. The clinical trial will enroll a total of 78 patients at ten clinical sites throughout the U.S.
Ortho is a clinical stage orthobiologics company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutic soft tissue repair technologies to dramatically improve the success rate of orthopedic and sports medicine surgeries. Our proprietary RESTORE technology platform is a proprietary muco-adhesive Chitosan-based biopolymer matrix, specifically designed to deliver biologics such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), to augment and guide the regeneration of new tissue in various musculoskeletal conditions. ORTHO-R, our lead Chitosan-PRP hybrid drug/biologic implant combination product, is formulated and designed to increase the healing rates of occupational and sports related injuries to tendons, meniscus and ligaments. Other formulations are being developed for cartilage repair, bone void filling and osteoarthritis treatment. The proprietary Chitosan-PRP combination ORTHO-R implant can be directly applied into the site of injury by a surgeon during a routine operative procedure without significantly extending the time of the surgery and without further intervention. Considering the significant potential of our technology platform, Ortho continues to assess new therapeutic target uses outside of the soft tissue repair field. Further information about Ortho is available on the Company's website at www.orthorti.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's expectations for future events. Such expectations are based on certain assumptions that are founded on currently available information. If these assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, amongst others, uncertainty as to the final result and other risks. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by security laws.
NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
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SOURCE Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/27/ortho-regenerative-technologies-announces-enrollment-first-patient-its-us-phase-iii-rotator-cuff-tear-repair-clinical-trial/ | 2022-07-27T12:20:45Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Unilever PLC ("Unilever" or the "Company") (NYSE: UL) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Unilever investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Unilever American Depositary Receipts between September 2, 2020 and July 21, 2021, inclusive. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
UL 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) in July 2020, the board of Ben & Jerry's, one of Unilever's marquee brands, passed a resolution to end sales of its ice cream in "Occupied Palestinian Territory" ; and b) this boycott decision risked adverse governmental actions for violations of laws, executive orders, or resolutions aimed at discouraging boycotts, divestment, and sanctions of Israel adopted by 35 U.S. states.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Unilever during the relevant time frame, you have until August 15, 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/2022/08/04/ul-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-unilever-plc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-08-04T11:09:39Z |
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Con Edison Chairman and CEO Timothy Cawley told shareholders in the company's virtual annual meeting that the company is accelerating its work to create a clean energy future that benefits everyone in the region, including historically disadvantaged communities.
Cawley called the company's Clean Energy Commitment Con Edison's roadmap for the future and reiterated the company's plan to deliver 100-percent emissions-free energy by 2040.
He gave special thanks to the company's employees and the leadership at Local 1-2, Local 3, and Local 503 for their contributions to the company's success.
"They are exceptional and valued partners," he said. "Together, we are building the clean energy future for all. Together, we are making it happen now and for generations to come."
The company has begun building transmission projects that will connect a supply of increasingly renewable power to the grid and allow for the retirement of fossil fuel-powered plants, meaning cleaner air. Con Edison is investing $800 million on projects in Staten Island, Queens and Brooklyn, he said.
Cawley said the company wants to play an even greater role in securing a sustainable future. That's why Con Edison advocates for utility ownership of large-scale renewable generation.
On behalf of its customers, Con Edison plays an integral role in keeping the region's environment clean for future generations, Cawley said. Spending on energy efficiency programs will triple to more than $1.5 billion by 2025.
Con Edison and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc. offer energy efficiency programs that pay customers incentives for upgrades that lower their energy usage. The programs cover every type of customer group.
The company is changing its approach to its gas delivery systems, Cawley said.
The shift will be toward cleaner, more efficient alternatives for heating. The company is investing $100 million in research and development and exploring technologies such as green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and carbon capture and storage, he said.
Cawley noted the company's support of the transition to electric vehicles, including the changes in its own fleet. He said every new passenger car the company buys is an EV. The company is helping to install 20,000 chargers by 2025.
Cawley stressed the company's diversity efforts designed to ensure every employee feels valued, respected, and included, vowing to address workplace equity while continuing to transform the corporate culture through ongoing dialogue and company training.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Con Edison remains a solid, stable company, he said.
Con Edison Inc.'s dividend grew again, now for the 48th consecutive year - the longest streak of any energy company in the S&P 500. Investors are seeing a 6-cent increase over 2021 to $3.16 per share.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and $64 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), a regulated utility providing electric service in New York City and New York's Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile-area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc., the second-largest owners of solar electric projects in North America, which, through its subsidiaries develops, owns and operates renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure projects and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and through its subsidiaries invests in electric transmission projects supporting its parent company's effort to transition to clean, renewable energy. Con Edison Transmission manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.
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SOURCE Con Edison Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/ceo-timothy-cawley-tells-shareholders-con-edison-is-creating-clean-energy-future/ | 2022-05-16T22:21:14Z |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A number of Tampa Bay Rays players decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team’s annual “Pride Night” on Saturday that recognized the LGBTQ community.
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed it after Sunday’s game, saying he doesn’t think it’ll negatively impact the clubhouse because discussions among the players over past few weeks were constructive and emphasized the value of differing perspectives.
“First and foremost, I think the organization has done a really good thing to have Pride Night’s supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the ballpark,” Cash said. “Impressed that our players have had those conversions and we want to support our players that choose to wear or choose not to wear to the best of our capabilities.”
Reliever Jason Adam was among those who opted out, and said it was a “faith-based decision” for him.
“It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s (Jesus) encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,” Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. “But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.”
Earlier this year, Florida legislators passed a law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, that forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Critics argue that the law’s true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families.
Members of the LGBTQ community took part in pregame activities and mini LGBTQ flags were given out to fans.
Saturday’s attendance was 19,452, above the season average of 16,868. The turnout for Sunday’s series finale against the Chicago White Sox was 11,162.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/cash-rays-players-not-wearing-lgbtq-logos-wont-divide-team/ | 2022-06-06T08:52:24Z |
MONTREAL, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) expects to announce its first quarter financial results on May 5, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. (ET), and to hold a conference call to discuss the results at 9:00 a.m. (ET).
The public is invited to join the call at 888 550-7724 at least fifteen minutes before its scheduled start time. A simultaneous webcast will also be available using the link provided under "Presentations and Webcasts" in the "Investors" section of www.resolutefp.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the company's website.
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products and papers, which are marketed in over 60 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada. Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Resolute has received regional, North American and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. Visit www.resolutefp.com for more information.
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SOURCE Resolute Forest Products Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/media-advisory-resolute-host-management-call-discuss-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-04-15T07:01:47Z |
Ms. Ilievska brings results driven B2B and B2C marketing leadership to Array.
TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Array Marketing ("Array"), the market leader in end-to-end in-store merchandising solutions, today announced it has appointed Katerina Ilievska as its Vice President of Marketing.
Katerina is a proven marketing leader, with B2B and B2C experience across a wide range of sectors. Highly motivated and results driven, Katerina ensures understanding customer needs are her first priority and the basis upon which her strategies and brand campaigns are built. With a proven track record of establishing and overseeing marketing functions, her approach has led to demonstrated success building brands, delivering revenue growth and increasing market share. Katerina will lead Array's global marketing efforts, in addition to overseeing the company's brand position and development.
Katerina looks forward to building on this success in her new role at Array.
"I'm thrilled to be joining an innovative organization like Array," says Katerina. "Our commercial teams already have exceptional relationships with clients and a strong reputation in the industry. I'm looking forward to bolstering Array's value proposition as we continue to expand our creative solutions in the retail market."
"Katerina's breadth of experience provides our leadership team with a fresh and unique perspective," says Steve Kremser, Array's CEO. "With an established record of commercial success, we're confident Katerina will strengthen Array's position in the industry and accelerate our marketing solutions efforts."
About Array
Array is the global leader in in-store merchandising services, solutions and experiences for many of the world's most iconic retailers and brands. For over 40 years, clients of Array have enjoyed an unparalleled experience with Array's creative solutions, global reach, sustainability leadership and exceptional client services. In short, Array creates amazing retail experiences. Array is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and employs more than 1,800 employees with operations in Canada, USA, Mexico, China, Singapore, Poland, UK, France, and Germany.
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SOURCE Array Marketing | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/array-appoints-katerina-ilievska-vice-president-marketing/ | 2022-09-08T17:06:57Z |
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Freight railroads and their unions are facing increasing pressure from business groups and the White House to settle their contract dispute before Friday’s looming strike deadline.
The pressure stems from concerns that halting railroad deliveries of raw materials and finished products that so many companies rely on would be, in the words of the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an “economic disaster.”
A White House official said President Joe Biden and members of his cabinet were in touch with the unions and railroads Monday as part of their efforts to avert a strike. And for the second time in the past week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh sat down at the negotiating table Sunday to urge the parties to reach a deal. Walsh postponed a planned to trip to Ireland this week to remain close to the talks.
A Labor Department spokesperson said Monday that it’s crucial that the parties remain at the negotiating table and come to an agreement because “a shutdown of our freight rail system is an unacceptable outcome for our economy and the American people.”
Suzanne Clark, the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Monday that “a national rail strike would be an economic disaster — freezing the flow of goods, emptying shelves, shuttering workplaces and raising prices for families and businesses alike.”
The chamber joined a number of other business groups, including a coalition of 31 agricultural shipping trade groups, in sending letters to Congress urging lawmakers to be prepared to step in and block a strike if the two sides can’t reach an agreement by the end of the week. The chamber said if it comes to that, Congress should impose the terms recommended by a Presidential Emergency Board that Biden appointed this summer.
The Association of American Railroads trade group put out a report last week estimating that shutting down the railroads would cost the economy $2 billion a day.
The coalition negotiating on behalf of the nation’s biggest freight railroads — including Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern — has announced eight of the 13 tentative agreements needed to avert a strike by some 115,000 rail workers.
The deals that have been announced so far have closely followed the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations that called for 24% raises over five years, $5,000 in bonuses and one additional paid leave day a year. But the two biggest unions representing conductors and engineers have been holding out because they want the railroads to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about strict attendance policies and working conditions.
The railroads have said they would begin curtailing shipments of hazardous materials and some other goods Monday in advance of a possible work stoppage at the end of the week. That would ensure that containers of those dangerous goods aren’t left stranded along the tracks.
The heads of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division union that represents conductors, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers, criticized that decision as a move to increase pressure on shippers and Congress to intervene.
The federal law governing railroad contract talks won’t allow a strike or lockout before Friday.
___
Associated Press reporter Josh Boak contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-pressure-mounts-on-us-railroads-and-unions-to-reach-a-deal/ | 2022-09-12T23:46:37Z |
Canton Parks and Recreation increase rental fees
CANTON – Canton Parks and Recreation is increasing the cost of shelter and facility rentals, effective July 1.
Fees will increase between $10 to $100 for the various rentals, according to the organization, which cited electrical, restroom and other upgrades in the last several years.
More:Canton park events to cost organizers more
A $100 check or cash deposit, which will be returned the following month if there's been no damage, now is required for Garaux Hall and the Canton Garden Center. The center's weekday rental hours also changed to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, according to a news release.
The new rental rates are as follows:
- Basic outdoor shelter — $50 a day for residents and $60 a day for non-residents.
- Outdoor shelter with kitchenette — $75 a day for residents and $85 a day for non-residents.
- Garaux Hall — $225 a day for residents and $275 a day for non-residents.
- Canton Garden Center — $225 for a 6-hour minimum weekday rental and $400 for a 6-hour minimum weekend rental regardless of residency.
Reservations for the remainder of 2022 booked before July 1 will be at the current rates, which can be found at cantonparksandrec.com. Canton Parks and Recreation can be contacted at 330-456-4521 or cantonparks@cantonohio.gov for more information. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/05/27/canton-parks-and-recreation-increase-rental-fees/9940249002/ | 2022-05-27T16:36:08Z |
Decoding the messages tucked away in one ‘politically significant’ city’s street art
Jacopo Prisco, CNN
Cita Sadeli saw the start of the pandemic from a different angle than most: standing on an articulated lift, hovering 120 feet above street level. She spent much of early March 2020 painting a mural on the exterior of Hotel Xena in downtown Washington, DC, watching from above as the coronavirus outbreak slowly caught the city in its grip.
“I started March 1, and the city shut down around mid-March,” she said in a phone interview. “I got to see the whole city change from that very high vantage point, people were dragging their office chairs across the square to take it home, because they weren’t going to come back to their office. Everyone was freaked out.”
Her work unexpectedly served as a salve. Titled “Guardians of the Four Directions,” the seven-story-tall mural depicts two warrior women of color holding spears and standing firmly, like sentinels watching over the city. They are meant to represent nature, which Sadeli, who signs her works as Miss Chelove, believes is among the things that gave us a sense of peace throughout the pandemic.
“People would just tell me that they would come out to take a walk at the end of the day, to try to regain some composure and have a sense of normalcy in their life, and they would see these two strong women, and tell me how much stronger they felt after seeing this (mural) unfold during this incredibly unstable time,” she recalled.
The experience encapsulates much of what is unique about street art and working on a large mural, which can be dangerous and inebriating at the same time — particularly in a place like DC.
“Being that it is such a politically significant city, there are so many people coming through here, organizing protests. There’s always something going on. It’s very, very alive in that sense. But (the political district) is a distinctly separate part of the city in a lot of ways and for a lot of (non-White) communities,” she said. These communities make DC one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with 14% of inhabitants either non-citizens or naturalized, and large groups of immigrants from countries such as El Salvador, Ethiopia and Guatemala.
“I’m half Indonesian; I’m also a minority and come from an immigrant background,” said Sadeli, who is featured in the Washington, DC, episode of the CNN Original Series “Nomad.” “One thing that’s important for me to do is to sort of maintain some of these stories from the minorities and the Black, Indigenous and people of color in the area and just keep those stories alive and circulating in the street as much as I can.”
Tagging and bombing
Sadeli was born in Bloomington, Indiana, but moved to the DC area when she was 4. Her mother was involved in the Indonesian embassy in town, which became a way for Sadeli to express her culture and, incidentally, to get exposed to street art. “We grew up going there and on these trips, all along the road, I would see graffiti — as a young person I was fascinated and immediately drawn to them,” she said.
“In my teens, I started tagging here and there in the streets and then finally linked up with some expats from the Bronx who had moved down to the area and who taught me more about the culture, and it just stuck. I feel like it’s still part of my work, although I’m not out there tagging and bombing all the time,” she said. A tag is the simplest form of graffiti — an artist’s stylized signature — and bombing means saturating an area, with tags or “throwies” (solid bubble letters using two colors).
Today, when doing street art Sadeli works mostly through grants. “Fortunately, there’s a fair amount of good grant money going into public art, at least in DC,” she said, adding that she’s seeing the same across the nation.
After applying for a grant and winning, artists are matched with the owner of the property that will host the mural, and they create a concept together, often with input from the community. The main goal for Sadeli as an artist, she said, is to send an uplifting and positive message, which is reflected in the bold and vibrant colors that have become her signature style. It’s an ethos exemplified by “She Smiles 100 Suns,” a Miss Chelove mural painted on the side of Sonnie’s Groceries on DC’s Kennedy Street, depicting a girl among flowers and meant to evoke youth and strength.
Community bonding
Although the designs are carefully planned rather than improvised, the artistic process is influenced by the surrounding environment and that can seep into the work, Sadeli said.
“What’s around you, who you meet informs the vibe and it can be a totally positive addition or — perhaps if you’re going through something personally — it can detract from the quality of the work, just like any performer,” she said. “Because it is a performance: What you bring to it every day and how that interacts with you, it changes everything.”
Another piece, created before the pandemic and titled “You are welcome,” is painted on the wall of a local clinic that has a mission to provide health care to the incarcerated and the homeless. It depicts three people of different ethnic backgrounds.
“That building is in a very ethnic part of the city, Columbia Heights. That space actually became a place for people to gather during COVID, but right before, immigrants weren’t coming to the clinic when they were sick because they were afraid that ICE would get them. In the grandmother’s shawl you see “Welcome” in five different languages — that’s meant to really connect with these communities. To let them know this is a space for them,” she said.
Local communities soon create a bond with these murals, Sadeli observed. “People get really attached to the work. If something happens to it, they get upset. They feel an ownership and I think that’s the greatest part of doing this work, something I wouldn’t trade for any position in a gallery, where only a certain segment of the population can really access your work,” she said.
“It’s the biggest privilege ever to just have your work be seen by anyone.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/entertainment/cnn-style/2022/05/13/decoding-the-hidden-messages-in-one-citys-street-art-revival/ | 2022-05-14T00:46:01Z |
US, others say APEC walkout aimed at Russia over invasion
By DAVID RISING
Associated Press
BANGKOK (AP) — The United States and four other nations emphasized their support for host nation Thailand after they walked out of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group meeting in Bangkok. They said their protest was aimed solely at Russia over its Ukraine invasion. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and delegates from Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada walked out of Saturday’s session just as Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia’s minister for economic development, was set to deliver his opening remarks. In a statement on Monday from the five nations, joined also by South Korea and Chile, said they had “unwavering support for APEC” but condemned “the unprovoked war of aggression by Russia.” | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/05/23/us-others-say-apec-walkout-aimed-at-russia-over-invasion/ | 2022-05-23T13:22:37Z |
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s play was not particularly, well, Djokovic-esque, at Wimbledon on Monday.
Even he acknowledged as much.
He got broken early and trailed 3-1 as he began his bid for a fourth consecutive championship and seventh overall at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament. He recovered to take that set, then dropped the next. He slipped and fell to the grass. He accumulated more unforced errors than his opponent. Maybe he was a bit under the weather; he grabbed tissues from a black box on the sideline and blew his nose. Maybe he was simply a bit off, not having played a match that mattered in nearly a full month.
This, though, is the top-seeded Djokovic, and there’s a reason he extended his winning streak at the All England Club to 22, and his career victory total there to 80 — making him the first player in tennis history with at least that many at each major — by beating Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at Centre Court under the retractable roof.
And there’s a reason that friends of the wife of Kwon’s coach, Daniel Yoo, held up decorated signs in a player guest box bearing Korean messages that Yoo said meant “Fight!” and “Don’t get hurt!”
So Kwon walked on court jittery. But after just two games, the 81st-ranked Kwon said through Yoo’s translation, “I felt like, ‘Oh, this is doable. … I can hang with him a little bit.’”
With the exception of a loss for No. 7 seed Hubert Hurkacz, a semifinalist at the All England Club a year ago, Day 1 signaled a fairly routine return to pre-pandemic normal, with capacity crowds, zero masks, the Wimbledon Queue in full effect and, of course, on-and-off-and-on-again showers.
Hurkacz, coming off a grass title over the weekend, lost 7-6 (4), 6-4, 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (10-8) to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a match that featured Wimbledon’s new final-set format: women’s third sets and men’s fifth sets that get to 6-all will go to a first-to-10-and-win-by-two tiebreaker.
That might as well be called the John Isner Rule, owing to the American’s 70-68 fifth-set victory over Nicolas Mahut in 2010 and 26-24 fifth-set loss to Kevin Anderson in 2018, both at Wimbledon, both before the tournament adopted deciding-set tiebreakers.
On Monday, Isner was back on Court 18, the site of the Mahut marathon, and smacked 54 aces in a 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Enzo Couacaud. Isner’s next match figures to be held at a bigger court, because he’ll be facing Andy Murray, who has won two of his three major championships at Wimbledon.
Murray’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over James Duckworth came at Centre Court and followed another triumph there by a British major title winner, reigning U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu.
“From the moment I walked out through those gates, I could really just feel the energy and the support and everyone was behind me from the word ‘go,’” the 19-year-old Raducanu said after defeating Alison Van Uytvanck 6-4, 6-4. “I just really tried to cherish every single point out there. Played every point like it could have been one of my last on that court.”
Djokovic, a 35-year-old from Serbia, had not played since losing to rival Rafael Nadal in the French Open quarterfinals and it seemed to show. Kwon’s piercing, flat groundstrokes and soft drop shots were effective for stretches.
“I did not start, or did not play, at my best,” said Djokovic, whose 20 Grand Slam trophies are tied with Roger Federer for the second-most in men’s tennis history behind Nadal’s 22. “But I think when I needed to find the right shots, I did. I think (my) serve got me out of trouble in some decisive moments. I know I can do better.”
Keep in mind, too, that this might very well be Djokovic’s last major event of this season — and for 11 more months, until the 2023 French Open.
As things stand, he will not be allowed into the United States as a foreigner who hasn’t gotten his COVID-19 shots and must miss the U.S. Open, which begins in August. He also could end up sitting out a second consecutive Australian Open because he is unvaccinated — a status he said Saturday he would not consider changing.
After Monday’s match, Djokovic said he’s not thinking ahead to New York at the moment but added: “I’m hoping some things can change and that I’ll be able to go and compete. I would want to.”
___
More AP Wimbledon coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/wimbledon and https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/djokovic-makes-more-history-with-1st-round-win-at-wimbledon/ | 2022-06-28T08:32:32Z |
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Maverick Entertainment has entered a programming partnership with FOX SOUL, the Black community's premium free streaming platform serving. This partnership will feature films every Saturday during the 'Maverick Movie Marathon' programming block from 12 pm PST - 12 am PST.
The genres include Thriller, Drama, Comedy, Romance and Inspirational. Also, the movies feature familiar celebrities like, Chuck D, Karlie Redd, Omar Gooding, Clifton Powell and Towanda Braxton.
"I am very excited about our new partnership with FOX SOUL. Maverick Entertainment has long been about providing visibility to our diverse library of films to be showcased on top global outlets. Our film library created through diversity, both in front of and behind the lens, will now be available to another new audience," said Doug Schwab, President and Founder of Maverick Entertainment. "Anytime we can expand our reach, we achieve our goals by providing additional platforms for our films to be viewed. We are excited about FOX SOUL offering feature film entertainment to its growing audience and what better way to kick off the partnership than with the Maverick Movie Marathon each and every week."
"As the premiere destination for Black Culture content, we're always looking for incredible partners who share in our mission to bring programming that feature some of today's most iconic faces and voices of our culture," said James DuBose, general manager and head of programming, FOX SOUL. "Our partnership with Maverick does just that as we look to continue our journey in delivering quality feature films to our community.
Beyond the distribution, this year's Maverick Movie Marathon will amplify the talent of Black creatives, and the varied stories within Black Culture.
FOX SOUL is the Black community's premiere free streaming platform serving UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, CONSUMABLE BY ALL entertainment around the clock to 44+ million viewers. With over 1,300 hours of live and interactive programming annually, we are home to some of the most iconic faces and voices of our culture: Cocktails with Queens hosted by Claudia Jordan, the award winning FOX SOUL's Black Report, the black filmmaker showcase known as FOX SOUL's Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, The Book of Sean hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan, Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac, TEA G-I-F and more. We share YOUR voice and YOUR Truth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on FOX SOUL, visit us on YouTube and FOXSOUL.TV.
Founded in 1997, Maverick Entertainment continues to be the premier distributor of niche and Urban content. Having released more than 1,000 films over the past 25 years, Maverick currently controls the world's largest library of feature-length Black Cinema.
In addition to funding and producing originals, Maverick releases 90+ movies a year and distributes physically and digitally worldwide to a growing list of platform partners.
Connect with Maverick on YouTube and social media, @MaverickMovies.
For more information, visit https://www.maverickentertainment.cc/.
Press Contact
Kelcie Schwab
KelcieS@maverickentertainment.cc.
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SOURCE Maverick Entertainment Group, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/fox-soul-partners-with-maverick-entertainment-distribute-worlds-largest-library-feature-length-black-cinema/ | 2022-06-21T16:23:57Z |
This commitment will benefit millions of workers worldwide
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kicking off National Safety Month, and one year after announcing a historic partnership with Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), the National Safety Council (NSC) unveiled the first-of-its-kind MSD Pledge to reduce the most common workplace injury, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Today, during the inaugural Workplace Safety Summit: Business Action to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries, more than 15 of the nation's leading organizations joined this effort and signed the pledge to improve workplace safety, reduce MSD risk, and enhance all workers' well-being.
MSDs – such as tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome – impact nearly a quarter of the world's population and are the leading cause of worker disability, early retirement, and limitations to gainful employment. The MSD Pledge seeks to create safer outcomes for millions of workers worldwide by reducing these injuries by 25% by 2025. By making critical changes, employers will also build more equitable workplaces for frontline workers and communities of color, which are two groups disproportionately impacted by MSDs.
Along with Amazon and NSC, founding pledge members include Alcon Research, LLC; Ansell Inteliforz; Amentum; American Industrial Hygiene Association; AMP; Benchmark ESG; Cummins Inc.; Human Balance and Stability Systems, LLC; John Deere; MEGA InTech; Meteorite; Tenneco; United Airlines; and VelocityEHS.
Organizations signing the MSD Pledge promise to:
- Reduce risks by analyzing the causes of MSD injuries across operations and investing in solutions and practices that reduce risks to workers.
- Innovate and collaborate by leveraging best practices and sharing learnings and countermeasures to expand upon innovations to improve safety practices.
- Build an organizational culture that values safety by promoting a workplace where safety excellence, transparency, and accurate reporting are equally valued, and where everyone, at every level of the organization, is accountable for the safety and health of workers.
- Commit to a significant reduction of MSD injuries by creating safer outcomes for millions of workers worldwide and reducing MSD risk and subsequent injuries by 25% by 2025.
"While there are no sirens associated with MSDs, their impact is alarming and the damage does not stop when workers leave for the day," said Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO. "At NSC, our mission is not only to save lives, but also to prevent injuries and we are asking employers everywhere to join the MSD Pledge and keep workers safe, so they can spend more time doing the things they love with the people they love – which is precisely what this month, National Safety Month, represents."
"We're always investing in new ways to keep our employees safe, and we look forward to working with NSC and the companies that sign this pledge to keep getting better every day," said Heather MacDougall, Amazon vice president for workplace health and safety. "MSDs are a challenge across many different industries, and this pledge will bring together forward-thinking leaders and allow us to share successes and innovate on behalf of all our employees."
In addition to accessing free resources and sharing safety innovations to help reduce MSD risks, MSD Pledge members will participate in the MSD Solutions Index, an annual company index that analyzes the benefits of the pledge over time. The index will aggregate data on risk reduction strategies, workplace safety culture, and innovation and collaboration, while also identifying areas for targeted action and uncovering trends to inform future approaches. MSD Pledge members benefit from free events, training and coaching opportunities from the Council's team of ergonomics experts, as well as opportunities to share best practices and lessons learned with one another. Participation in the MSD Pledge is free and open to any employer that is committed to identifying and reducing risks of MSD injuries and creating a culture of safety at work.
"All employees, no matter what company you work for, deserve a safe workplace," said Donald Flores, United Airlines ramp service employee. "Every day I work hard, safe and smart with the expectation to get back home so I can live my fullest life. I'm proud to work for United and appreciate the high safety standards that are in place to reduce injuries."
The MSD Pledge was developed at the MSD Solutions Lab, a groundbreaking initiative established as part of the NSC and Amazon partnership to solve this omnipresent safety challenge. Led by NSC, the pledge is one of several initiatives launching in 2022 to achieve the program goal of preventing MSDs before they start, including:
- Advisory Council: NSC has named the founding members of the advisory council for this groundbreaking program. Composed of volunteers, these experts in safety, health, ergonomics and innovation support and inform the program's work by engaging in, researching, solving, and amplifying MSD prevention efforts.
- MSD 2025 Pioneering Research: Support comprehensive research efforts, including utilizing natural language processing, case studies, reports, and expansive systematic reviews and meta-analyses to explore current and future MSD prevention-related strategies. The research findings will be available to all industries to explore and glean insights.
- Innovation Challenges: Individuals and organizations alike will have the opportunity to develop and share cutting-edge solutions to prevent and eliminate workplace-related MSDs. During this competition, prizes and grants will be awarded to honor innovation and help fund these solutions.
- Small Business and University Grants: Provide grants to small businesses, universities, and students to fund research and innovation that help companies of all sizes achieve impact.
"At United Airlines, safety is at the foundation of everything we do – especially when it comes to our employees," said Sasha Johnson, United Airlines vice president of corporate safety. "We are committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment, as well as ensuring they have the best information, resources and training. Joining the MSD Pledge furthers our safety commitment as we work together with other organizations to take on the challenge of reducing MSDs."
To learn more about the MSD Pledge, the MSD Solutions Lab, and the risks associated with MSDs, visit https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/msd.
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
Connect with NSC:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
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SOURCE National Safety Council | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/national-safety-council-amazon-top-industry-employers-pledge-reduce-workplace-injuries-by-25-by-2025/ | 2022-06-02T17:58:32Z |
Charita Goshay: 'Because 100,000 Deaths Is Too Many' opioid symposium is April 28
The American psyche is such that we love to move forward, always forward.
If we are honest, we'll admit that our collective attention span leaves much to be desired.
We're a young country and it shows. At times, we behave like toddlers on coffee.
As the weather breaks, many of us have packed away our COVD-19 masks because we have been eager to leave them behind, though COVID is hardly through with us, as evidenced by the new-and-improved XE variant in Europe.
As the great Satchel Paige put it, "Don't look back — something might be gaining on you."
It's hard to forget that an estimated 1 million Americans have died from complications connected to the disease, but we've managed to do just that, haven't we?
More Charita:Are there really UFOs in OH-IO ?
A pale horse
In the same way, we don't talk much these days about the ongoing scourge of opioid addiction. Yet it continues to ride a pale horse through this country, wielding a sickle of death and dysfunction and in some cases, laying waste to entire communities.
For this reason, the Stop Heroin From Killing Committee is hosting its seventh annual symposium, "100,000 Deaths Is Too Many," from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 28 at Malone University's Johnson Center in Canton.
Stark County Common Pleas Court Judge Frank G. Forchione, committee chairman and cofounder, said Ohio remains ground zero for the epidemic that has killed thousands of Americans over the last decade.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports: "Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 21,088 in 2010 to 47,600 in 2017, and remained steady in 2018 with 46,802 deaths. This was followed by a significant increase through 2020 to 68,630 overdose deaths."
Last year, 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, a jump of 29%. That's roughly the equivalent of the combined populations of Canton, Massillon, Alliance, Louisville and North Canton.
Last year, fentanyl was the cause in 75% of Stark's fatal cases, Forchione said.
At the height of the COVID pandemic, enterprising drug dealers mixed deadly but cheap fentanyl with heroin, a sure death sentence for their unsuspecting customers.
Opioid addiction also has wreaked havoc on the budgets of first-responder agencies, who have had to commit a portion of their budget toward naloxone, which resuscitates people when they overdose.
Even churches have gotten in on the act, distributing kits to their congregants to have on hand. Why? Because virtually everyone knows someone struggling from substance abuse — even if they aren't aware of it.
No safe communities
Because everything is connected, no community has been spared. Drug addiction puts all of us at risk because it produces crime, most notably in the form of burglaries, drug trafficking and prostitution.
More:'You started seeing people drop dead': Overdoses strike Stark County's Black community
It clogs the court dockets and adds to the burden of social service agencies, the frontline troops who must deal with the fallout inflicted upon the youngest victims, namely the children of addicts.
People often like to point to cities but opioid addiction has plenty of hostages in the suburbs and rural communities.
In 2017, Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, then-director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted: "The drug overdose death rate in rural areas is higher than in urban areas. We need to understand why this is happening so that our work with states and communities can help stop illicit drug use and overdose deaths in America."
The CDC also reports that while the proportion of people using illegal drugs in rural communities is smaller than in cities, the impact is greater. Also, the percentage of people in cities and outlying areas who are addicted to illegal drugs is similar.
The symposium speakers include Lisa Admiree and Aaron McCune, both recovering addicts, and Erin Morabito, a nurse with CommQuest.
The Johnson Center is at 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW. The event is free.
Charita M. Goshay is a Canton Repository staff writer and member of the editorial board. Reach her at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/opinion/2022/04/10/charita-goshay-opioid-symposium-reminds-us-ongoing-epidemic/9497231002/ | 2022-04-10T13:00:07Z |
PITTSBURGH, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be a quick and simple way to clean the inside of an air fryer," said an inventor, from Richmond, Va., "so I invented the ULTIMATE AIR FRYER. My design allows you to access and remove food particles, grease and other debris that may collect on the inside of the unit."
The patent-pending invention provides an improved design for an air fryer. In doing so, it enables the user to easily remove old grease and food particles. As a result, it enhances sanitation and safety and it saves time and effort. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households and commercial kitchens. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Richmond sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-RKH-242, 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/2022/07/15/inventhelp-inventor-develops-improved-design-air-fryers-rkh-242/ | 2022-07-15T16:46:44Z |
Appoints Sigurdur Olafsson as President and Chief Executive Officer
DUBLIN, Ireland, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc ("Mallinckrodt" or the "Company") today announced that it has successfully completed its reorganization process, emerged from Chapter 11 and completed the Irish Examinership proceedings.
The Company is moving forward as a diversified global specialty pharmaceutical company with a strengthened balance sheet and increased financial flexibility to invest in its business, execute its strategic initiatives, advance its pipeline and better meet the needs of patients. Supported by existing drug development programs and approximately 2,800 talented employees globally, the Company is poised to build on its 155-year history of providing medicines that address patient needs through its two business segments:
- Specialty Brands, a global, innovative biopharmaceutical business that develops and commercializes specialty branded pharmaceutical medicines for patients; and
- Specialty Generics, a U.S.-based, vertically integrated business that produces high-quality generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients in complex markets.
Paul Bisaro, Chairman of the Mallinckrodt Board of Directors, said, "Today marks a new beginning for Mallinckrodt as we emerge well-positioned for long-term success, with a substantially stronger capital structure and major litigation matters permanently resolved. As we move forward, the top priority for our new Board is working alongside management to review the business and develop a go-forward strategy to drive sustainable value for our patients, customers, partners, team members, shareholders and other stakeholders. We are focused on thoughtfully establishing a plan that builds on our innovation-driven therapies pipeline, capitalizes on Mallinckrodt's core strengths and positions the Company for long-term sustainable growth."
"I extend my deepest gratitude to Mallinckrodt's teams, whose determination, resilience and commitment to serving our customers and patients have been extraordinary throughout this process," Mr. Bisaro continued. "We also thank engaged patient groups and our customers and partners for their significant support and continued confidence in our company and our future, which has been instrumental in making this milestone possible."
Sigurdur Olafsson Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer
The Company also announced today that Sigurdur (Siggi) Olafsson has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of Mallinckrodt's Board, effective June 25, 2022. Mr. Olafsson brings almost 30 years of diverse pharmaceutical experience across branded and generic drugs, most recently serving as CEO of Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to Hikma, Mr. Olafsson served as President and CEO of the Global Generic Medicines Group of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Previously, he was President of Actavis plc (Watson) and CEO of the Actavis Group, which develop, manufacture and distribute branded, generic and biosimilar products. Mr. Olafsson also held a number of leadership positions in Pfizer's Global R&D organization in the UK and U.S., focused on branded drug development, and served as Head of Drug Development for Omega Farma in Iceland.
Mark Trudeau has stepped down from his role as President and CEO, effective today. Mallinckrodt has established an Office of the CEO on an interim basis until Mr. Olafsson starts at Mallinckrodt. The Office of the CEO comprises Mark Casey, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer; Hugh O'Neill, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial and Operations Officer; and Bryan Reasons, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Bisaro added, "On behalf of the Board and leadership team, I thank Mark for his significant contributions to Mallinckrodt over the past decade. We wish Mark all the best in his future endeavors. Importantly, we have strong leadership in place to guide us as we turn the page, with Siggi bringing decades of experience and deep expertise in both branded and generic pharmaceuticals. We appreciate Mark, Hugh and Bryan stepping into the Office of the CEO to lead us until Siggi officially joins Mallinckrodt later this month."
Mr. Olafsson said, "It's an honor to be appointed Mallinckrodt's CEO. I look forward to helping guide the Company as it continues to support patients around the world. Mallinckrodt is emerging from its recent restructuring process with an attractive pipeline, enhanced financial flexibility and significant opportunities to drive stakeholder value. I look forward to working closely with the Board and my new colleagues in developing and executing Mallinckrodt's revised strategic plan."
New Board of Directors
The Company's Board now comprises six independent directors, each of whom brings years of experience, relevant expertise and fresh perspectives to Mallinckrodt. These directors are:
- Paul Bisaro, Chairman, an industry veteran with 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry;
- Daniel Celentano, a seasoned financial advisor to major companies across numerous industries globally;
- Riad El-Dada, a pharmaceutical executive with extensive U.S. and international leadership experience, including as a senior executive at Merck for more than 25 years;
- Neal Goldman, Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, an investment professional with more than 25 years of experience in investing and working with companies in a variety of industries to maximize shareholder value, and with expertise in strategic planning and company transformations;
- Woodrow (Woody) Myers, Chair of the Governance and Compliance Committee, a nationally recognized leader in the development of advanced healthcare management programs and initiatives to improve medical quality; and
- James Sulat, Chair of the Audit Committee, a leader with more than 20 years of experience serving as an executive and board member in the life sciences industry.
When Mr. Olafsson joins the Company later this month, the total number of directors on Mallinckrodt's Board will be seven.
For full biographies of each director, please visit https://www.mallinckrodt.com/about/board-of-directors/.
Permanent Resolution of Litigation
As a result of the reorganization process, Mallinckrodt has significantly improved its financial position and resolved numerous lawsuits the Company was facing prior to the Chapter 11 proceedings. The Company's Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") and Irish law Scheme of Arrangement (the "Scheme"), which became effective today, include key legal settlements that resolve opioid claims brought against the Company and litigation matters involving Acthar® Gel, among other claims, and provides for significant equitization of the Company's guaranteed unsecured notes.
Mallinckrodt is now the first company that has permanently resolved opioid litigation on a global scale, including any future claims that might be brought for periods prior to emergence. The Company will continue operating its opioid business in a responsible manner, in compliance with an operating injunction agreed to with state Attorneys General that has been in place since the commencement of the Chapter 11 process, and under the oversight of an independent monitor.
Implementing the Plan and the Scheme strengthens the Company's balance sheet, reduces its total debt by approximately $1.3 billion and enables it to move forward with more than $250 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Issuance, Listing and Trading of New Common Stock
In connection with emergence, all of Mallinckrodt's existing ordinary shares were cancelled pursuant to the Plan and the Scheme. Mallinckrodt issued 13,170,932 new ordinary shares to its guaranteed unsecured noteholders in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and the Scheme.
In accordance with the Plan, Mallinckrodt also issued 3,290,675 warrants with a strike price of $103.40 to the opioid claimants and adopted a management incentive plan providing for the issuance to management, key employees and directors of the Company of equity awards with respect to up to an aggregate of 1,829,068 shares.
Mallinckrodt's new shares are anticipated to trade over-the-counter under the ticker symbol "MNKPF" until such time as the Company relists on a national securities exchange.
New Financing
In connection with emergence, Mallinckrodt issued $650 million in aggregate principal amount of new first lien senior secured notes. The proceeds of the notes will be used to, among other things, pay certain fees and expenses, satisfy other payment obligations under the Plan, and for other general corporate purposes. Mallinckrodt also entered into a $200 million accounts receivable financing facility.
Pursuant to the Plan, Mallinckrodt also reinstated $495 million in aggregate principal amount of its existing first lien senior secured notes and issued $1.76 billion in aggregate principal amount of new first lien senior secured term loans to the holders of its existing term loans in satisfaction thereof, issued $323 million in aggregate principal amount of new second lien senior secured notes to the holders of its existing second lien senior secured notes in satisfaction thereof and issued $375 million in aggregate principal amount of new second lien senior secured notes to the holders of certain of its existing unsecured senior notes in partial satisfaction thereof.
Advisors
Latham & Watkins LLP; Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Arnold & Porter; Ropes & Gray LLP; and Hogan Lovells served as Mallinckrodt's counsel. Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as investment banker and AlixPartners LLP served as restructuring advisor to Mallinckrodt.
About Mallinckrodt
Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this document that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding future financial condition and operating results, legal, economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Mallinckrodt's businesses, and any other statements regarding events or developments the company believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.
There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: the effects of the Chapter 11 cases, on the liquidity, results of operations and businesses of Mallinckrodt and its subsidiaries; governmental investigations and inquiries, regulatory actions and lawsuits brought against Mallinckrodt by government agencies and private parties with respect to its historical commercialization of opioids, including the agreement set forth in the Plan regarding a global settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims; the settlement set forth in the Plan with governmental parties to resolve certain disputes relating to Acthar Gel; the ability to maintain relationships with Mallinckrodt's suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties as a result of the Chapter 11 cases; the possibility that Mallinckrodt may be unable to achieve its business and strategic goals even now that the Plan is successfully consummated; the nondischargeability of certain claims against Mallinckrodt as part of the bankruptcy process; developing, funding and executing Mallinckrodt's business plan and continuing as a going concern; Mallinckrodt's post-bankruptcy capital structure; scrutiny from governments, legislative bodies and enforcement agencies related to sales, marketing and pricing practices; pricing pressure on certain of Mallinckrodt's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; the impact of the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus; the reimbursement practices of governmental health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payers; complex reporting and payment obligations under the Medicare and Medicaid rebate programs and other governmental purchasing and rebate programs; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; changes in or failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to successfully develop or commercialize new products or expand commercial opportunities; Mallinckrodt's ability to navigate price fluctuations; competition; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to protect intellectual property rights; limited clinical trial data for Acthar Gel; clinical studies and related regulatory processes; product liability losses and other litigation liability; material health, safety and environmental liabilities; potential indemnification liabilities to Covidien pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement; business development activities; retention of key personnel; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure including cybersecurity and data leakage risks; customer concentration; Mallinckrodt's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; Mallinckrodt's ability to receive procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; complex manufacturing processes; conducting business internationally; Mallinckrodt's ability to achieve expected benefits from restructuring activities; Mallinckrodt's significant levels of intangible assets and related impairment testing; labor and employment laws and regulations; natural disasters or other catastrophic events; Mallinckrodt's substantial indebtedness, its ability to generate sufficient cash to reduce its indebtedness and its potential need and ability to incur further indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's ability to generate sufficient cash to service indebtedness even now that the prepetition indebtedness has been restructured; restrictions on Mallinckrodt's operations contained in the agreements governing Mallinckrodt's indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's variable rate indebtedness; and future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws or the impact of disputes with governmental tax authorities; and the impact of Irish laws.
The "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC identify and describe in more detail the risks and uncertainties to which Mallinckrodt's businesses are subject. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACTS
Investor Relations
Daniel Speciale
Global Corporate Controller & Chief Investor Relations Officer
314-654-3638
daniel.speciale@mnk.com
Derek Belz
Vice President, Investor Relations
314-654-3950
derek.belz@mnk.com
Government Affairs
Mark Tyndall
Senior Vice President, U.S. General Counsel
202-459-4141
mark.tyndall@mnk.com
Media
Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Aura Reinhard
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449
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SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/mallinckrodt-emerges-chapter-11-with-strengthened-balance-sheet-enhanced-financial-flexibility/ | 2022-06-16T23:33:31Z |
CHICAGO, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Donnelley Financial Solutions (NYSE: DFIN), a leading global risk and compliance company, today announced that for the sixth consecutive year it has been named by Global M&A Network as "U.S.A. M&A Virtual Data Room Firm of the Year" for its Venue® solution. DFIN received this honor at the 13th annual special M&A Atlas Awards forum, held earlier this year. DFIN's Venue Data Room (VDR) platform is designed to facilitate due diligence and eliminate risks that can compromise deals.
"We are delighted to be recognized as a leader in AI-powered virtual data room platforms," said Craig Clay, president of Global Capital Markets at DFIN. "Our industry-leading platform enables our clients to assess risk, leverage auto-redaction and schedule audit reporting all from one secure location —anywhere they are in the world. It is a testament to why they trust Venue to provide secure, efficient data rooms with end-to-end guidance from deal experts to help close deals faster."
Full-Service Platform
Venue's industry-leading platform, continually optimized for security, productivity, and usability, leverages AI technology and learning to accelerate deal closing. Key benefits include:
- Seamless and Secure Integration: Venue data room can be set up quickly and seamlessly and instantly upload bulk documents, helping companies stay organized with a full folder arrangement view.
- Best-in-Class Security: With the highest level of infrastructure security, coupled with Data Protect, DFIN clients can safeguard their most important and critical information and data—both internally and externally, including PII, using:
- Speed and Efficiency—AI and Contract Analytics: Venue can accelerate your due diligence and post-merger integration processes. It allows you to analyze 50+ files in less than a minute, quickly find relevant provisions, and extract more than 115 types of data points. It's up to 90% faster and 10% more accurate than a manual approach.
- Multi-Deal Management Tools: Venue enables automatic electronic archiving, and scheduled reports provide transparency across projects.
- Reporting & Analysis: Venue provides real-time, on-demand intelligence, with accurate and insightful analytics on buyer behavior, to help close deals faster.
"We are honored to receive the title of U.S.A. Data Room of the Year for the sixth consecutive year," said Peter Braverman, global head of Venue Data Room sales at DFIN. "Venue's intuitive platform mitigates risk while providing expert technology and great service to our clients throughout their entire life cycle—from private to public."
Harness the power of the industry's smartest Virtual Data Room: visit DFIN's virtual data room decision tree and find out how Venue can meet the needs of your organization. Learn more about Venue by visiting us at https://www.dfinsolutions.com/products/venue.
About Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN)
DFIN is a leading global risk and compliance solutions company. We provide domain expertise, enterprise software and data analytics for every stage of our clients' business and investment lifecycles. Markets fluctuate, regulations evolve, technology advances, and through it all, DFIN delivers confidence with the right solutions in moments that matter. Learn about DFIN's end-to-end risk and compliance solutions online at www.DFINsolutions.com or you can also follow us on Twitter @DFINSolutions or on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Donnelley Financial Solutions | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/03/venue-by-dfin-named-usa-data-room-year-by-global-mampa-network/ | 2022-05-03T12:24:19Z |
Company to Present Corporate Update During Investor Webcast, May 24, 2022, at 7:00am ET
RADNOR, Pa., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced its interim Chief Executive Officer, Robert Besthof, and other executive leaders will be presenting a virtual update to the company's business via webcast at the H.C. Wainwright & Co. Global Investment Conference.
Webcast Presentation Details:
Event: H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference (Hybrid Conference)
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Time: 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Link to register for the NRx Pharmaceuticals' Presentation: CLICK HERE
(A replay will be available on the NRx Pharmaceuticals website for thirty (30) days following the presentation at www.nrxpharma.com).
About NRx Pharmaceuticals
NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals" or the "Company") draws upon decades of collective, scientific, and drug-development experience to bring improved health to patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation, a Special Protocol Agreement, and a Biomarker Letter of Support for NRX-101, an investigational medicine for the treatment of severe bipolar depression in patients with acute suicidal ideation and behavior after initial stabilization with ketamine or other effective therapy. In addition, ZYESAMI® (aviptadil), for patients with COVID-19, has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA and is in a Phase III trial for Critical COVID-19 patients which is sponsored and managed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
NRx Pharmaceuticals is led by executives who have held senior leadership roles at Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis as well as major investment banking institutions.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, product development, business prospects, and market and industry trends and conditions, as well as the Company's strategies, plans, objectives, and goals. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections of, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management.
The Company assumes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement, and all forward-looking statements are herein qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth above.
CORPORATE CONTACT
Molly Cogan
Sr. Director, Global Communications
mcogan@nrxpharma.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Tim McCarthy
Investor Relations
tim@lifesciadvisors.com
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SOURCE NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/nrx-pharmaceuticals-leaders-present-hc-wainwright-amp-co-global-investment-conference/ | 2022-05-19T12:35:44Z |
Twelve Republican representatives in a letter dated Thursday urged the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to prioritize a bill funding a program that provides medical care for survivors of and responders to the 9/11 attacks, in light of an “impending funding shortfall” the program is facing.
“As you are aware, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is facing an impending funding shortfall due to a rise in medical costs and cancer rates over the last three years,” the lawmakers wrote to Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).
They continued, citing an article by the New York Daily News: “WTCHP is rapidly approaching a deficit in funding that will force the program to have to ratchet down spending and bar any new sick responders or survivors by October 2024.”
Thursday’s letter followed up on another letter sent by the same group of representatives in July asking for Pallone’s bipartisan cooperation on the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act.
The bill, H.R. 4965, would bolster the WTCHP, a federal program that monitors the health of survivors and provides them with care for health conditions related to the 2001 attacks.
It would also establish a research program to determine the effects of the attacks on those who were 21 years old or younger when they occurred.
“H.R. 4965 not only addresses the current funding shortfall directly, but also ensures adequate funding for years to come,” wrote the 12 Republicans.
The lawmakers called on Pallone to allow for a full committee markup of the bill during the upcoming legislative period.
“If Congress does not quickly address this impending crisis, then the men and women who put their lives on the line and who survived the 9/11 terrorist attacks will lose health coverage to treat the physical and mental illnesses that they sustained on that fateful day,” they wrote, noting that no action had been taken since the letter sent in July “despite broad bipartisan support and the looming funding deficit.”
The lawmakers who signed the letter are Reps. Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.), Lee Zeldin (N.Y.), John Katko (N.Y.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Chris Jacobs (N.Y.), Claudia Tenney (N.Y.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), Dan Meuser (Pa.), David Joyce (Ohio), Jefferson Van Drew (N.J.) and Rodney Davis (Ill.).
“Congress has a responsibility to uphold our promises. We implore you not to turn a blind eye to the hardship 9/11 responders and survivors are facing and urge you to move this critical legislation forward without further delay,” they concluded. | https://cw33.com/news/gop-reps-warn-program-providing-medical-care-for-9-11-survivors-faces-impending-funding-shortfall/ | 2022-09-15T21:22:27Z |
Reports Record Quarterly Revenue and 32 Percent Increase in ARR to $7.3 Million
HENDERSON, Nev., May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Research Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSSS), a pioneer in providing cloud-based workflow solutions for R&D driven organizations, reported financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Fiscal Third Quarter 2022 Summary
- Total revenue of $8.8 million, a quarterly record for the Company and a 5% increase from the prior-year quarter
- Platform revenue up 33% to $1.8 million. Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR") up 32% to $7.3 million
- Gross profit up 20% from prior-year quarter. Total gross margin improved 460 basis points to 37.0%
- Loss of $0.01 per share, compared to breakeven in the prior-year quarter, positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.1 million compared to $0.2M in the prior-year quarter
- Platform incremental ARR generated in the quarter was $0.5M and a total of $1.8M in the past twelve months.
- 34 net new platform deployments in the quarter, 168 net new on a trailing twelve months basis
"Our third quarter results reflect the continued growth within our Platforms segment, as we posted our highest quarterly total revenue in company history and second consecutive quarter of at least $500,000 of incremental ARR," said Roy W. Olivier, President and CEO of Research Solutions. "In addition, Q3 is seasonally a strong renewal period for us and this quarter we experienced our highest ever upsell bookings from existing customers as they continue to see the value in our Article Galaxy platform."
Fiscal Third Quarter 2022 Results
Total revenue was $8.8 million, a 5% increase from $8.3 million in the year-ago quarter as platform revenue increased and transaction revenue was essentially unchanged from the prior period.
Platform subscription revenue increased 33% to $1.8 million compared to approximately $1.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The growth was due to an increase in ARR associated with renewals over the last twelve months as well as an increase in the total number of paid Platform deployments, including 34 net deployments added in the quarter. The quarter ended with annual recurring revenue of $7.3 million, up 32% year-over-year (see the company's definition of annual recurring revenue below).
Transaction revenue was $7.0 million, relatively flat compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Transaction customer count for the quarter was 1,193, compared to 1,108 customers in the prior-year quarter (see the company's definition of active customer accounts and transactions below).
Total gross margin improved 460 basis points from the prior-year quarter to 37.0%. The increase was primarily driven by a continued revenue mix shift to the higher-margin Platform business as well as lower copyright costs in the quarter.
Total operating expenses were $3.6 million, compared to $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher technology and product development and general and administrative costs related to strategic growth initiatives in the business.
Net loss in the third quarter was ($341,000), or ($0.01) per share, compared to net income of $50,000, or breakeven on a diluted share basis, in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $94,000, compared to $238,000 in the year-ago quarter (see definition and further discussion about the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP term, below).
Conference Call
Research Solutions President and CEO Roy W. Olivier and CFO Bill Nurthen will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period.
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-800-892-9785
International dial-in number: 1-212-231-2907
Conference ID: 22018555
The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay until June 12, 2022 by dialing 1-844-512-2921 and using the replay ID 22018555, and via the investor relations section of the company's website at http://researchsolutions.investorroom.com/.
Fiscal Third Quarter Financial and Operational Summary Tables vs. Prior-Year Quarter
Active Customer Accounts, Transactions and Annual Recurring Revenue
The company defines active customer accounts as the sum of the total quantity of customers per month for each month in the period divided by the respective number of months in the period. The quantity of customers per month is defined as customers with at least one transaction during the month.
A transaction is an order for a unit of copyrighted content fulfilled or managed in the Platform.
The company defines annual recurring revenue ("ARR") as the value of contracted Platform subscription recurring revenue normalized to a one-year period.
Use of Non-GAAP Measure – Adjusted EBITDA
Research Solutions' management evaluates and makes operating decisions using various financial metrics. In addition to the company's GAAP results, management also considers the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure provides useful information about the company's operating results.
The tables below provide a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense, other income (expense), foreign currency transaction loss, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, gain on sale of discontinued operations, and other potential adjustments that may arise. Set forth below is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss):
About Research Solutions
Research Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSSS) provides cloud-based technologies to streamline the process of obtaining, managing, and creating intellectual property. Founded in 2006 as Reprints Desk, the company was a pioneer in developing solutions to serve researchers. Today, more than 70 percent of the top pharmaceutical companies, prestigious universities, and emerging businesses rely on Article Galaxy, the company's SaaS research platform, to streamline access to the latest scientific research and data with 24/7 customer support. For more information and details, please visitwww.researchsolutions.com and www.reprintsdesk.com
Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding future events and our future results. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the markets in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects", "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "endeavors," "strives," "may," or variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, estimate or verify. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those factors described in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as such may be amended or supplemented by subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding additional customers, potential acquisitions and the Company's prospects for growth. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements. For more information, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SOURCE Research Solutions, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/12/research-solutions-reports-fiscal-third-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-12T22:45:14Z |
PEYNIER, France, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PMB announces the launch of the FLASHKNiFE Consortium, supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology for Health (EIT Health). This European public-private partnership aims at advancing radiation therapy by introducing a new radiotherapy device into clinical practice.
More than 10 million patients receive radiation therapy each year worldwide, making it an essential tool for cancer treatment, along with surgery and chemotherapy. Moreover, 30% to 40% of treated patients are resistant to radiotherapy. Radiation-induced side effects severely limit the radiation dose given to the tumor. If toxicity could be reduced, a greater dose of radiation could be given, providing a more efficient and better tolerated outcome in cancer treatment.
The FLASHKNiFE Consortium aims to address this challenge by using FLASH radiation therapy, a recently discovered method of administering radiotherapy. Given in a single, very short treatment session, FLASH radiotherapy has been shown to cause less side effects than conventional radiotherapy in several preclinical and clinical studies.
The Consortium brings together high-profile institutions across Europe who will be working over the next three years to achieve this goal: PMB, Alcen, Institut Gustave Roussy, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and ProductLife Group. With a total budget of €8.2 million, FLASHKNiFE is co-funded by the EIT Health (€2.5M) and the partners.
To advance the clinical application of FLASH radiotherapy, the FLASHKNiFE Consortium as well as our additional clinical partner CHUV, will conduct a multi-centric clinical investigation on skin cancer, starting in 2023.
Prof. Eric Deutsch, Head of Gustave Roussy Radiotherapy Department, says: "the decision to embark on this very exciting EIT Health project was made because it brought together a biological innovation, the FLASH concept, a technology innovation, FLASHKNiFE, and the ability to turn these innovations into reality for the patient."
About PMB:
PMB is an innovative company specialized in the design and manufacture of complex mechanical assemblies for the industries of Defense, Medical and Research. Since the late 2000s, the company has developed complex systems integrating particle accelerators for nuclear medicine, non-destructive testing, and a FLASH radiotherapy system. PMB is a subsidiary of Alcen, an industrial diversified French group with a strong focus on innovation advancing societal challenges.
For more information visit: www.pmb-alcen.com
Press Information:
Fatine Slaoui
flashknife-consortium@pmb-alcen.com
+33 4 42 53 13 13
Home page | FLASHKNiFE project
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SOURCE PMB-Alcen; FLASHKNiFE Consortium | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/pmb-announces-eit-health-supported-flashknife-consortium-towards-clinical-application-flash-radiation-therapy/ | 2022-06-01T08:37:01Z |
MIAMI, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tastemakers LLC's Arcade1Up, the leader in at-home retro gaming entertainment, today opens pre-orders for its new Legacy Edition category of three iconic multigenerational arcade machines for fans of all ages: BANDAI Legacy Arcade Game - PAC-MANIA™ Edition, MIDWAY Legacy Arcade Game - Mortal Kombat® 30th Edition and ATARI Legacy Arcade Game - Centipede® Edition.
"While bringing the arcade experience home, one of the best feelings of getting a high score, or challenging friends to go head-to-head remotely, is something we wanted to capture," said Davin Sufer, CTO of Arcade1Up. "By adding online leaderboards and gameplay to our new Legacy Edition arcade machines, it takes you back to gaming at an arcade while playing at home.
Arcade1Up's Legacy Edition machines offer gamers of all ages the most value in a single machine with an expanded set of 14 classic games as well as online leaderboards and competitive gameplay via the machine's WiFi. With authentic, licensor approved cabinet artwork, and optional features such as scan lines and a 3D coin door, gamers are transported back in time to when they first played an arcade machine.
The Legacy Edition Collection features three multigenerational titles for gamers of all ages:
- BANDAI Legacy Arcade Game - PAC-MANIA™ Edition – see how you stack up against the competition with newly added leaderboards
- MIDWAY Legacy Arcade Game - Mortal Kombat® 30th Edition – lets gamers play Mortal Kombat® online for the first time ever in an arcade format
- ATARI Legacy Arcade Game - Centipede® Edition – pop-culture and gaming fans rejoice with the introduction of this long-awaited classic shaped just like the original classic arcade cabinet
Beginning today, fans can now pre-order Arcade1Up's Legacy Edition machines on Arcade1Up.com or through our retail partners. The new collection will be available online and at retail stores this summer. Pre-orders for the Legacy Edition machines placed before June 19 on Arcade1Up.com qualify for free shipping.
Tastemakers LLC | Arcade1Up
It's time to play again! Home entertainment titan Tastemakers presents Arcade1Up, a line of award-winning, innovative ¾ scale home arcade and pinball machines featuring licensed retro games from the golden age of arcades. Arcade1Up's classic titles include Terminator 2, Tron™, Street Fighters™, X-Men, Mortal Kombat®, Atari, Pong®, PAC-MAN™, NBA Jam™, Star Wars™, Marvel Super Heroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™, and more. The latest from Arcade1Up is the Infinity Game Table, a high-fidelity touchscreen board game table preloaded with digital versions of family game night essentials like Scrabble, Monopoly, Chutes & Ladders, Sorry, and more. For more information, check out Arcade1Up.com and infinitygametable.com and on social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
News Contact:
Media@arcade1up.com
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SOURCE Arcade1Up | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/arcade1up-expands-line-legacy-edition-arcade-machines-with-three-new-introductions-available-pre-order-today/ | 2022-05-19T17:31:24Z |
ROME (AP) — European leaders ramped up their push to secure alternative energy supplies Monday as fears escalate of a complete natural gas cutoff by Russia, with the leaders of Italy, France and the European Union sealing deals with their counterparts in Algeria, Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates.
With his government’s fate in limbo back home, Italian Premier Mario Draghi visited Algeria’s capital of Algiers, seeking to cement the North African country’s role as a preeminent regional partner. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said a $4 billion deal would be signed Tuesday to supply “a significant quantity of gas.”
“Algeria is a very important partner for Italy, in the energy sector, in the industry and business fields, in the fight against criminality, and in the search for peace and stability in the Mediterranean,” Draghi said.
Also Monday, France and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement on energy cooperation to ensure oil and natural gas supplies from the Gulf country. The French economy ministry didn’t release details on the deal as President Emmanuel Macron hosted Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Paris.
The same day, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in Azerbaijan to clinch a deal with President Ilham Aliyev on increased gas supplies from the former Soviet republic.
With the tentative agreement, the EU wants to double the gas imports from Azerbaijan within half a decade. The bloc said the agreement also has guarantees for green energy supplies.
“This is good news for our supplies of gas this winter and beyond,” von der Leyen said.
Europe has been scrambling to secure alternative energy sources as Russia’s war in Ukraine and Moscow’s drawdown or cutoff of natural gas flows to a dozen EU countries have triggered soaring energy prices, inflation and growing expectations of a recession. The 27-nation EU now is bracing for the possibility of a complete Russian cutoff of natural gas that powers industry, generates electricity and heats homes in winter.
Leaders have been pushing to fill underground gas storage to try to avert a worsening energy crisis when the cold months arrive. There are fears a major pipeline between Russia and Germany that closed for scheduled maintenance last week will not turn back on in retaliation for sanctions over the war.
In Algeria, several Italian ministers signed a series of memos of understanding in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals, research, anti-corruption efforts, security as well as energy sectors.
“This summit also confirms Algeria as our preferred partner in the energy field. In these (last) months, Algeria has become the leading supplier of gas to our country,” Draghi said.
Tebboune, the Algerian leader, said that signed Tuesday would be “an important agreement between the companies Occidental, Eni and Total for a value of $4 billion which allows the supplying of a significant quantity of gas.”
He stressed his nation’s desire to ensure that Algeria will supply solar and conventional energy to Europe.
When Draghi visited Algeria three months ago, a major agreement was reached between Algerian energy giant Sonatrach and Italian energy company Eni to increase gas exports. A pipeline running through Tunisia and under the Mediterranean to Sicily is a key conduit in this strategy.
Referring to that deal, the Italian premier expressed satisfaction that there has been “an acceleration of what was predicted” for Algerian-Italian energy cooperation.
“That bodes well for more cooperation in the years to come,” Draghi said, adding that the two nations also saw prospects for working together on renewable energy.
Such deals are “fundamental for the European Union as well as Italy,” Draghi said. Italy also has been reaching out to other energy-producing nations to secure alternate sources, including Azerbaijan, Qatar, Congo, Angola and Mozambique.
Draghi had planned to spend two days in Algeria. He reduced the visit to Monday only as his government’s fate hangs in the balance after the defection last week of a key coalition member on an energy costs relief bill.
Prior to the war, Russia provided Italy about 29 billion cubic meters of gas per year, compared with about 23 billion from Algeria. Already this year, Algeria has delivered 13.9 billion cubic meters to Italy via the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline, a 113% rise over forecasts, according to Algerian energy giant Sonatrach.
Algeria on Friday announced a 4 billion cubic-meter increase in planned supplies for the months ahead.
___
Adamson reported from Paris. AP reporters Raf Casert in Brussels; Barbara Surk in Nice, France; and Masha Macpherson in Paris contributed. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/italys-embattled-pm-draghi-visits-algeria-for-gas-talks/ | 2022-07-19T01:18:32Z |
- Request seeks to increase the average residential customer bill in South Carolina by just under $4 per month, or $46 per year.
- Allocation of costs to residential, commercial, industrial customers will be reviewed during proceeding.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas today filed a request with the South Carolina Public Service Commission to recover recent capital investments and update its operating costs and billing rates through a general rate case proceeding.
The capital investments allow Piedmont to comply with federal regulations, build needed infrastructure, and provide safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to customers.
If approved, Piedmont anticipates the rates will go into effect by October 1, with the typical residential customer in South Carolina paying, on average, just under $4 more per month, or $46 more per year.
"We work to keep costs as low as possible while continuing to reliably and safely serve our customers," said Sasha Weintraub, Piedmont Natural Gas senior vice president and president. "These investments are critical to strengthening and modernizing our system to meet the service needs of our customers and growing communities."
The overall revenue increase allocated to Piedmont's customer groups – residential, commercial and industrial – is 3.4%.
Piedmont serves about 157,000 customers in Anderson, Spartanburg, Greenville and Cherokee counties in South Carolina. Piedmont's last general rate case proceeding in South Carolina was in 2002.
Piedmont has adjusted rates through incremental changes since 2005 when the Natural Gas Rate Stabilization Act (RSA) was enacted into state law. The RSA allows Piedmont to adjust rates annually in order to align with its capital spending and changes in operating costs needed to continue to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to customers. Piedmont agreed with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff in 2019 to file a general rate case no later than April 1, 2022 to conduct a more comprehensive review of rates including the allocation of costs to residential, commercial and industrial customers.
"Many of these investments were required for us to safely operate in our communities, but we know some customers may be facing economic hardships that can make any price increase challenging," Weintraub said. "There are a variety of ways customers can manage their bills through assistance programs, the equal payment plan program and using energy saving-tools."
Equal Payment Program (EPP)
This free service helps customers manage their budgets by eliminating high winter bills. The EPP program levels out a customer's natural gas bills, allowing them to pay a predictable, equal monthly amount to help avoid billing surprises. Piedmont determines this payment by adding up a customer's annual natural gas usage and then dividing it into the same payment amount each month. Learn more here.
Assistance for customers in need
Share the Warmth provides funds to local agencies to assist families with their utility bills, no matter the source of energy they use.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides winter heating assistance to pay for gas, electric and other methods customers use to heat their homes. There are many customers who are eligible but do not apply for this annual federal benefit that can reduce heating costs for low-income families. More information: http://oeo.sc.gov/liheap.html
Energy-saving tools
Piedmont Natural Gas also offers a variety of energy-saving tools to help customers and our communities identify ways to save money and energy all year long. These programs and tools help customers understand what factors are impacting their natural gas bills and emphasize specific actions they can take to reduce the impacts of high winter usage.
Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), distributes natural gas to more than 1.1 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Piedmont is routinely recognized by J.D. Power for excellent customer satisfaction, and has been named by Cogent Reports as one of the most trusted utility brands in the U.S. More information: piedmontng.com. Follow Piedmont Natural Gas: Twitter, Facebook.
Media contact: Meghan Miles
Media Line: 877.348.3612
Email: meghan.miles@duke-energy.com
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SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/piedmont-natural-gas-files-rate-adjustment-south-carolina-investments-better-serve-customers/ | 2022-04-01T22:09:12Z |
- Client utilities in the United States can now leverage Esri's technology through Minsait ACS and have access to technical professionals to help integrate these solutions.
ATLANTA, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Minsait ACS, Inc., a power grid control solutions and technology provider for the electric power industry, today announced its partnership with Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute). With Minsait ACS' strategic focus on global growth using GIS technology, ESRI (a leader in this field) was the perfect partner to align with.
"Minsait ACS' parent company, Minsait, has been partners with Esri for over 20 years," said Giovanni Polizzi, VP of Sales and Marketing at Minsait ACS. He continued, "Client utilities in the United States can now leverage Esri's technology through Minsait ACS and have access to technical professionals to help integrate these solutions."
"We are excited to build a strong and lasting partnership with Esri and look forward to the benefits the global energy industry will realize from our partnership and combined solutions," states Sergio de Mingo, Head of Geospatial & Mobility for Minsait's Phygital Division.
"Esri's geospatial and visualization insights will provide Minsait ACS customers with better data to make better business decisions which will improve their operations," said Juan Ramón Peña Jiménez, Project Manager in Minsait.
About Esri
Esri (esri.com), the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations globally and in over 200,000 institutions in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics.
About Minsait ACS
Minsait ACS (minsaitacs.com), an Indra Company, is a leading global technology and consulting company and technological partner for core business operations of its customers worldwide.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Minsait ACS has over 40 years' experience in the utility industry, and we are proud to bring the broadest set of OT and IT solutions to our valued customers.
At Minsait ACS, we leave our mark by providing solutions and services that support the entire energy value chain, from intelligent management networks and data to the commercialization of energy and new services. Our value proposition is based on innovation and knowledge of the business processes and challenges within the utility sector.
About Minsait
Minsait, an Indra company (minsait.com), is the leading firm in Digital Transformation Consultancy and Information Technologies in Spain and Latin America. Minsait possesses a high degree of specialization and knowledge of the sector, which it backs up with its high capability to integrate the core world with the digital world, its leadership in innovation and digital transformation, and its flexibility. Thus, Minsait focuses its offering on high-impact value propositions, based on end-to-end solutions, with a remarkable degree of segmentation, which enables it to achieve tangible impacts for its customers in each industry with a transformational focus. Its capabilities and leadership are demonstrated in its product range, under the brand Onesait, and its across-the-board range of services.
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SOURCE Minsait ACS | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/minsait-acs-announces-partnership-with-esri/ | 2022-04-05T14:26:56Z |
BOSTON and BERKELEY, Calif. , July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortify, a provider of 3D printers for advanced photopolymer composites, and polySpectra, a supplier of highly durable photopolymer resins, announced strategic funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at decarbonizing the U.S. industrial sector, advancing clean energy manufacturing, and improving America's economic competitiveness and workforce diversity.
The DOE announced a selection of 30 projects that will receive $57.9 million in funding from the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). The DOE awarded $3 million to polySpectra and Fortify, along with National Renewable Energy Laboratory, MPI Systems, RePliForm Inc, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop durable direct additive tooling for automotive lightweighting via Cyclic Olefin Resin-based composites.
"More than $8B is spent domestically each year on low-volume injection molding. The work addressed by this DOE award will pave the way for printed injection molding to unlock production applications," Josh Martin, CEO & Co-founder at Fortify said. "By combining advanced materials and post-processing with lightweight design principles, there is a significant opportunity to make a dent in the time to market, cost, and performance of part production within the automotive industry and beyond."
The goal of the project is to develop additively manufactured tooling with orders of magnitude improvements on cost and durability versus traditional CNC tooling with cycle times on par with CNC tooling. Fortify has already positioned itself as the leader developing robust solutions for additive tooling and, through this collaboration, will be developing a next-generation solution capable of producing long-lasting inserts for the molding of production volumes of lightweight automotive components from engineering-grade materials, including polymers, composites, and metals. With a focus on automotive, the proposed work will address the critical need to develop improved methods for commercial vehicle part production. This advanced manufacturing technology will accelerate improvements in transportation vehicle fuel efficiency and realize the corresponding energy savings and emissions reduction.
The project also features significant efforts to amplify underrepresented groups in the automotive manufacturing sector by building skills in additive manufacturing and rapid tooling. Through training and recruitment programs, the team hopes to create a diverse pool of candidates with the necessary additive tooling skills to enter the automotive work force. Along the way, the project team will be mentoring and providing in-kind support to underrepresented innovators, including students and entrepreneurs.
Raymond Weitekamp, polySpectra founder and principal investigator for the award, shares that, "Olefin-based thermoset composites have been used for many decades in extremely demanding applications such as wind turbine blades and fuel cell components, because they are among the most durable materials on the planet. Under this research grant, we will leverage Nobel-winning chemistry to directly 3D-print these robust composite Cyclic Olefin Resins. The goal of the DOE project is to bring unprecedented materials durability to additive manufacturing, which will provide the industry with immense leverage for the decarbonization and reshoring of the US manufacturing sector."
The joint project will begin later this year. You can see the latest developments in 3D printed tooling at Fortify's booth #433114 this September at IMTS. Learn more about polySpectra's massless mission to lower global energy usage by 25% by 2050 with distributed digital manufacturing, at https://massless.dev.
About Fortify:
Fortify is transforming the 3D printing industry with its patented DCM (Digital Composite Manufacturing) platform. DCM delivers new levels of additively manufactured part performance by introducing functional additives to photopolymers. By combining a deep understanding of material science with high performance mixing, magnetics, and polymer physics, Fortify is able to produce custom microstructures in high-resolution 3D printed parts. The company is currently focused on applications ranging from injection mold tooling to high performance end-use parts with unique mechanical and electromagnetic properties. Founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Fortify technology enables material properties and components unattainable using other additive or traditional manufacturing processes. For more information, visit www.3dfortify.com.
About polySpectra:
polySpectra is an advanced materials company with the mission to transform 3D printers from prototyping aids into production manufacturing tools. We see a world where every designer, inventor and engineer can quickly and affordably make their ideas real with digital manufacturing. Based on Nobel-winning chemistry from Caltech, polySpectra has developed new materials with unmatched properties for use in medical, aerospace, automotive, defense and other industries. Make it real at polyspectra.com.
Contact: Danielle Kershner, danielle@3dfortify.com
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SOURCE Fortify | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/department-energy-awards-3-million-polyspectra-fortify-advance-3d-printed-tooling/ | 2022-07-19T15:12:50Z |
Which dog harnesses for hiking are best?
There are lots of benefits to harnessing your dog on walks, regardless of your dog’s size or breed. The distribution of pressure is more comfortable for your dog when wearing a harness, plus it helps to prevent excessive strain on the neck for dogs who tend to pull.
If you enjoy taking your dog hiking, a harness can be particularly beneficial. But what’s the difference between a standard dog harness and a dog harness for hiking? There are a few small differences that help go a long way. If you’re looking for a harness that can work hard and hold up over time, the Ruffwear Multiuse Support Dog Harness is durable, reliable and comfortable for both you and your pup.
What to know before you buy a dog harness for hiking
If you do a lot of hiking with your pup, a standard dog harness might not be meeting all of your needs. Harnesses made for hiking and rugged outdoor use can have useful extras like reflective strips or pockets for storage. They are more customized and often include additional features to accommodate any scenario you might encounter out on the trails.
A good fit
The most important thing about a dog harness is getting the fit right. A dog harness for hiking shouldn’t be too tight but it also can’t be loose enough for your dog to wriggle out of it. If you want to check a harness’s tightness, try to stick your hand between the harness and your dog’s body. You know you have a good fit if the harness fits no more than two fingers.
Storage options
Some harnesses come with small pockets while other hiking harnesses double as backpacks so your dog can carry some of their snacks or toys with them as you go. In determining whether you want a saddlebag/backpack harness, consider your dog’s size, age and how much hiking you intend to do together.
Bonus features
Hiking harnesses can have bonus features unique to spending time around rough or rural terrain. They can have strong handles on the back, chest clips for alternative leashing methods or glow strips for better visibility at night. If it’s likely you’ll spend a lot of time out in the early morning or late at night, consider getting a harness that can accommodate a light source.
What to look for in a quality dog harness for hiking
A quality dog harness for hiking perfectly blends comfort, safety and practically. You wouldn’t want to cut a hike short because your own gear isn’t up to the task and it is the same thing when it comes to your dog. A hiking harness is part of your dog’s outdoor gear and should be able to withstand the elements.
A design that conforms to body type
A good harness for hiking is designed specifically for your dog’s body type, whether they be small and stocky or thin and long. The best harness for a large dog might not be the best harness for a small dog. Take into consideration what other users have said about using the harness with a dog the same breed or size as your own.
Rust-resistant
The best harnesses hold up against the elements. The metal hardware doesn’t rust when it gets wet and doesn’t corrode quickly over time. All metal pieces are strong, secure and reliable.
Breathable fabric
A breathable dog harness dries quickly and keeps your dog cool on hot days. It’s soft, lightweight, padded and water-resistant. It utilizes mesh and other quick-drying components so that if your dog gets way they dry easily without uncomfortable chafing.
How much you can expect to spend on a dog harness for hiking
A dog harness for hiking usually costs $15-$60, depending on the quality of the materials used and size.
Dog harness for hiking FAQ
What are points of adjustment?
A. Points of adjustment are areas on the harness which can be tightened or loosened so that your dog gets a comfortable fit. The more points of adjustment, the more customizable the fit is.
Does an unleashed dog still need a harness for hiking?
A. Even if you allow your dog to run around off leash during hikes, a reliable hiking harness is still a good idea. The color or reflective properties can help you to keep an eye on them amongst the trees and if you’re worried about getting separated you can attach a pet tracker to their harness or collar. If you want to grab them quickly, there’s a handle to reach for instead of their collar.
What’s the best dog harness for hiking to buy?
Top dog harness for hiking
Ruffwear Multiuse Support Dog Harness
What you need to know: This durable hiking and trail harness offers plenty of coverage in three colors and five sizes.
What you’ll love: It is padded with a reinforced handle and five points of adjustment for a secure fit. It’s lightweight, durable, and features a reflective trim. It’s not easy to escape from and it comes with a light loop for securing a safety light (sold separately).
What you should consider: There is no identification tag pocket on the harness.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
Top dog harness for hiking for the money
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
What you need to know: This lightweight pull-over harness comes in ten colors and five sizes with leash attachment points on the chest and back.
What you’ll love: It has foam-padded strips for even distribution of weight and can be adjusted in four places for a secure fit. It’s designed for your dog’s comfort and comes with a reflective trim, as well as an ID pocket for storing your dog’s tags.
What you should consider: It runs a little small.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
Worth checking out
Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack Harness
What you need to know: This polyester backpack/harness combo comes in three sizes and two colors.
What you’ll love: It features a two-sided pack for storing dog supplies or first aid materials. There are eight points of adjustment for a reliable fit and the trim is reflective for better visibility. It has leash attachments on the front and back plus the rear leash ring doubles as a bottle opener.
What you should consider: The packs are not removable and the harness as a whole might require additional adjustments as you hike.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/pets-br/collars-leashes-and-harnesses-br/best-dog-harness-for-hiking/ | 2022-04-01T19:22:57Z |
CARMEL, Ind., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- (NASDAQ:MBIN) Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital (MCC), along with Merchants Bank of Indiana (MBI), announces today that it has completed a $214 million Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) securitization of 14 multifamily mortgage loans secured by 24 mortgaged properties through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction.
This is MCC's second such transaction – last year, MCC secured a $262 million Q-Series transaction, which consisted of 15 workforce housing properties owned and operated by some of MCC's biggest clients. Unlike the previous transaction, 100% of the securities were guaranteed by Freddie Mac and sold to the market. MCC will continue to sub-service the loans in the pool.
The $214 million in loans consisted of 14 multifamily properties in Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Ohio. The developments range in size from 60 to 352 units. On a weighted average basis, the portfolio had 93.7% of units under 80% area median income (AMI), 52.1% of units under 60% AMI and 26.8% of units under 50% AMI. Several properties were made possible by low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The collateral pool is all seven-year capped adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), a new product for the platform.
Due to the characteristics of the underlying mortgage loans, the certificates are designated as "Social Bonds" within the Social Bonds Framework, published on Freddie Mac's website. Proceeds from Social Bonds are used to provide liquidity to social impact financial institutions (community development financial institutions, housing finance agencies and other financial institutions), such as MBI. These social impact financial institutions finance affordable housing to low-income communities and underserved populations consistent with the Social Bonds Framework. Freddie Mac engaged Sustainalytics, Inc., an affiliate of Morningstar, Inc., to independently evaluate the Social Bonds Framework. MCC has also created its own ESG Social Bonds Framework for use in their future deals, aligning with the four core components of the Social Bond Principles from Freddie Mac, and similarly evaluated by Sustainalytics. The ongoing assessment is based on the use of proceeds, project evaluation and selection, management of proceeds and reporting.
"It's been an honor working alongside great bankers PNC and Freddie Mac multifamily on another incredibly critical project," said Evan Gibson, Merchants Capital Senior Vice President of Capital Markets. "Merchants Capital has long pushed to find new, innovative ways to proactively increase our lending capacity for important properties across the nation. We remain steadfast in our goal to provide housing as a right for all, and the Q-series transaction helps us get there."
To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
ABOUT MERCHANTS BANCORP
Recognized as the best-performing U.S. public bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence, Merchants Bancorp is a diversified bank holding company headquartered in Carmel, Indiana operating multiple lines of business, including Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") multi-family housing and healthcare facility financing and servicing; mortgage warehouse financing; retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking; agricultural lending; and traditional community banking. Merchants Bancorp, with $9.7 billion in assets and $7.5 billion in deposits as of March 31, 2022, conducts its business primarily through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, Merchants Bank of Indiana, Merchants Capital Corp., Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois, Merchants Capital Servicing, LLC, and Merchants Mortgage, a division of Merchants Bank of Indiana. For more information and financial data, please visit Merchants' Investor Relations page at investors.merchantsbancorp.com.
ABOUT MERCHANTS CAPITAL
Established in 1990, Merchants Capital is one of the nation's top lenders for the refinance, acquisition, new construction and substantial rehabilitation of multifamily, affordable, senior and student housing. Whether you are considering tax credit syndication, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, HUD/FHA insured or balance sheet financing, let our personalized services help you meet your financing objectives. Experience the creativity of a small lender, with all the capabilities of a large institution. To learn more about Merchants Capital, visit www.merchantscapital.com.
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SOURCE Merchants Bancorp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/merchants-capital-completes-214mm-freddie-mac-q-series-transaction/ | 2022-05-23T18:28:01Z |
CALGARY, AB, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - High Tide Inc. ("High Tide" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HITI) (TSXV: HITI) (FSE: 2LYA), a leading retail-focused cannabis company with bricks-and-mortar as well as global e-commerce assets, announced today that its Canna Cabana retail cannabis store located at 10027 100 Street in Fort St. John, British Columbia will begin selling recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories for adult use at 4:20 PM local time today. This opening will represent High Tide's 128th branded retail location across Canada, and 1st in British Columbia, selling recreational cannabis products and consumption accessories. The store will be High Tide's first location in the Peace River Region of British Columbia, within which Fort. St John is the largest municipality. It is located in the centre of the city, close to numerous businesses, and is only minutes away from the Alaska Highway, which brings residents and visitors into the city.
"Our first organic store opening in British Columbia is a much-awaited and very positive milestone for High Tide. This is the result of many months of hard work by our team as we navigated the regulatory process to enter the province. I am excited that we finally have the opportunity to bring our innovative discount club model, which has been a proven hit with our customers in the four provinces where we already operate, to British Columbia," said Raj Grover, President and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide. "Combined with last week's announced acquisition of two operating retail cannabis stores in Vancouver through the Choom BC store portfolio, we are entering the province in a big way and are already almost halfway to the provincial store cap. With this foothold in British Columbia, I anticipate that we will be able to expand quickly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, putting us in a position to reach the cap of 8 stores in the coming months," added Mr. Grover.
High Tide is a leading retail-focused cannabis company with bricks-and-mortar as well as global e-commerce assets. The Company is the largest Canadian retailer of recreational cannabis as measured by revenue, with 128 current locations spanning Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The Company is also North America's first cannabis discount club retailer, under the Canna Cabana banner, which is the single-largest cannabis retail brand in Canada with additional locations under development across the country. High Tide's portfolio also includes retail kiosk and smart locker technology – Fastendr™. High Tide has been serving consumers for over a decade through its established e-commerce platforms including Grasscity.com, Smokecartel.com, Dailyhighclub.com, and Dankstop.com and more recently in the hemp-derived CBD space through Nuleafnaturals.com, FABCBD.com, BlessedCBD.co.uk,, BlessedCBD.de, and Amazon UK, as well as its wholesale distribution division under Valiant Distribution, including the licensed entertainment product manufacturer Famous Brandz. High Tide was featured in the third annual Report on Business Magazine's ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies in 2021 and was named as one of the top 10 performing diversified industries stocks in the 2022 TSX Venture 50™. High Tide's strategy as a parent company is to extend and strengthen its integrated value chain, while providing a complete customer experience and maximizing shareholder value.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information about High Tide Inc., please visit www.hightideinc.com, its profile page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and its profile page on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information and statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements" are made as of the date of this news release or as of the date of the effective date of information described in this news release, as applicable. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as "outlook", "expects", "intend", "forecasts", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "envisages, "assumes", "needs", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", or variations thereof, or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms or similar expressions, and other similar terminology) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to the ability of High Tide to execute on its business plan and that High Tide will receive one or multiple licenses from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, British Columbia's Liquor Distribution Branch, Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority permitting it to carry on its Canna Cabana Inc. business. High Tide considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that any one or more of the government, industry, market, operational or financial targets as set out herein will be achieved. Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The forward‐looking statements contained herein are current as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, High Tide does not have any obligation to advise any person if it becomes aware of any inaccuracy in or omission from any forward-looking statement, nor does it intend, or assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. Any and all forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement, and except as otherwise indicated, are made as of the date of this news release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.
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SOURCE High Tide Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/high-tide-opens-first-canna-cabana-location-british-columbia/ | 2022-07-13T11:00:24Z |
One meteor traveled quite a long way from home to visit Earth.
Researchers discovered the first known interstellar meteor to ever hit Earth, according to a recently released United States Space Command document. An interstellar meteor is a space rock that originates from outside our solar system -- a rare occurrence.
This one is known as CNEOS 2014-01-08, and it crash-landed along the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea on January 8, 2014.
The finding came as a surprise to Amir Siraj, who identified the object as an interstellar meteor in a 2019 study he coauthored while an undergraduate at Harvard University.
Siraj was investigating ʻOumuamua, the first known interstellar object in our solar system that was found in 2017, with Abraham Loeb, professor of science at Harvard University.
Siraj decided to go through NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies database to find other interstellar objects and found what he believed to be an interstellar meteor within days.
A need for speed
The meteor's high velocity is what initially caught Siraj's eye.
The meteor was moving at a high speed of about 28 miles per second (45 kilometers per second) relative to Earth, which is moving at around 18.6 miles per second (30 kilometers per second) around the sun. Because researchers measured how fast the meteor was moving while on a moving planet, the 45 kilometers per second was not actually how fast it was going.
The heliocentric speed is defined as the meteor's speed relative to the sun, which is a more accurate way to determine an object's orbit. It's calculated based on the angle at which a meteor hits the Earth. The planet moves in one direction around the sun, so the meteor could have hit Earth head-on, meaning opposite the direction the planet is moving, or from behind, in the same direction the Earth is moving.
Since the meteor hit the Earth from behind, Siraj's calculations said the meteor was actually traveling at about 37.3 miles per second (60 kilometers per second) relative to the sun.
He then mapped out the trajectory of the meteor and found it was in an unbound orbit, unlike the closed orbit of other meteors. This means that rather than circling around the sun like other meteors, it came from outside the solar system.
"Presumably, it was produced by another star, got kicked out of that star's planetary system and just so happened to make its way to our solar system and collide with Earth," Siraj said.
Difficulty getting published
Loeb and Siraj have been unable to get their findings published in a journal because their data came from NASA's CNEOS database, which doesn't divulge information such as how accurate the readings are.
After years of trying to obtain the additional information needed, they received official confirmation that it was, in fact, an interstellar meteor, from John Shaw, deputy commander of the US Space Command. The command is a part of the US Department of Defense and is responsible for military operations in outer space.
"Dr. Joel Mozer, the Chief Scientist of Space Operations Command, the United States Space Force service component of U.S. Space Command, reviewed analysis of additional data available to the Department of Defense related to this finding. Dr. Mozer confirmed that the velocity estimate reported to NASA is sufficiently accurate to indicate an interstellar trajectory," wrote Shaw in the letter.
Siraj had moved onto other research and almost forgotten about his discovery, so the document came as a shock.
"I thought that we would never learn the true nature of this meteor, that it was just blocked somewhere in the government after our many tries, and so actually seeing that letter from the Department of Defense with my eyes was a really incredible moment," Siraj said.
A second chance
Since receiving the confirmation, Siraj said his team is working to resubmit their findings for publication in a scientific journal.
Siraj would also like to put a team together to try and retrieve part of the meteor that landed in the Pacific Ocean but admitted it would be an unlikely possibility due to the sheer size of the project.
If researchers were able to get their hands on the "holy grail of interstellar objects," Siraj said it would be scientifically groundbreaking in helping scientists discover more about the world beyond our solar system.
NASA and US Space Command did not initially respond for comment.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/us-military-confirms-an-interstellar-meteor-collided-with-earth/article_f5d71f3b-a150-5d72-8796-d7f5ddb0a581.html | 2022-04-14T09:07:53Z |
Black club pro hopes to thrive, inspire at PGA Championship
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Wyatt Worthington II returns to the PGA Championship and not much has changed in six years. He remains only the second Black club pro to qualify for this major championship. Worthington is a teaching pro from central Ohio. He is competing at Southern Hills after tying for fourth in the PGA Professional Championship. Worthington sees this week as a chance to play well and a chance to inspire. He says access to golf for minorities is improving. The biggest obstacle is for minorities to get funding to play at the highest level. The only other Black club pro at the PGA was in 1991. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/18/black-club-pro-hopes-to-thrive-inspire-at-pga-championship/ | 2022-05-18T17:03:14Z |
NEW YORK, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cover Whale Insurance Solutions, Inc., a leading InsurTech for commercial auto insurance, today announced it's using Swiss Re's Motor Market Analyzer to further enhance its product offerings to customers.
Cover Whale's mission is to help make roads safer and save lives using data and advanced, proprietary technology. Tapping into Swiss Re's telematics and analytics expertise, Cover Whale will enhance its risk predictions for auto accidents based on highly granular data and detailed accident statistics from various sources. Ultimately, this will help to develop models which predict the relative level of accident frequency and severity between different areas and segments.
"The collaboration with Swiss Re will allow us to double down on why we do what we do: reduce accidents, keep our roads safe and help save lives," said Dan Abrahamsen, CEO of Cover Whale. "In the evolving auto insurance industry, using technology and data to ensure and 'insure' our customers with added support will always remain a top priority on our agenda. We look forward to expanding our valued relationship with Swiss Re in this area."
Motor Market Analyzer is a proprietary predictive model, which provides high resolution risk predictions of auto accidents. The model is developed on a deep pool of data including police accident reports, road networks, weather patterns, elevation, land use and more.
"This is a powerful example of how advanced risk prediction tools can dramatically improve insurance protection," said Duare Perez, Head of P&C Analytics Americas at Swiss Re. "We've seen Cover Whale make significant progress using technology to increase speed, efficiency and affordability, and we're thrilled to team up with them as they seek to further support their customers."
About Cover Whale
Cover Whale, an InsurTech founded by experienced insurance and technology veterans, focuses on underwriting, technology, and data to launch innovative insurance programs. Cover Whale provides the most agent-friendly platform online, providing a simple solution for fast insurance quotes. Products are available exclusively through CoverWhale.com, with capacity from multiple leading insurance markets.
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SOURCE Cover Whale | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/cover-whale-swiss-re-improve-auto-accident-risk-assessment/ | 2022-07-19T13:40:56Z |
JOBLIO is a technology-based platform and compliance engine that prevents fraud and provides transparent and efficient hiring processes for the global labor market.
AVENTURA, Fla., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joblio is honored and pleased to announce the appointment of David Arkless as Chairman of the Board.
David is an industry icon, with a demonstrated history of working in consulting, the staffing/recruitment industry, UN organisations and a myriad of not-for-profit organisations.
A former Global President at ManpowerGroup, International President at CDI Corporation and Director at Hewlett-Packard Europe, David has served as a Board Member of UNHCR and the IOM and is currently a Professor at the University of Durham.
Mr. Arkless has been an advisor to the US Department of State, various EU Departments and Governments, including the UK, China, Vietnam and the KSA.
He also served as Vice-President of CIETT, the international confederation of private employment agencies and as one of the founding sponsors of both the UK Modern Slavery Act and the California Act, he continues to contribute his experience and talent on an institutional and practical level to stop the abuse of human beings on a worldwide basis. Going forward he will assist the global expansion of Joblio, currently present in 45 markets, establishing the gold standard of cross-border, ethical and safe employment.
"I have been involved with Joblio for years, as I always viewed them as a global solution to end the abuse of migrant/foreign workers. Whatever we in the HR industry have done over the last 40 years, we still have not produced an international framework to protect workers. Joblio provides this. I am honored to be appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the company," – David Arkless outlined his determination to disrupt the industry of human capital management with the help of Joblio's technology.
Jon Purzhansky, CEO and co-founder of Joblio, Inc, congratulated David Arkless: " David Arkless is a recognized expert in cross-border employment that brings the knowledge and understanding of the global human capital management landscape. Mr.Arkless shares Joblio's values and together we will work on establishing the gold standard for the cross-border employment industry."
Labor shortages around the world are putting a serious strain on supply chains and companies of all sizes. Migrant laborers are being called upon to solve these shortages, yet high churn rates mean that employers are constantly seeking new migrant laborers who are costly to import, train, and acclimate to local norms.
A more efficient way to recruit, train, and retain talented migrant laborers is needed. Investing in migrant communities is the answer. Through its proprietary Applicant Concierge Experience (ACE) program, Joblio is revolutionizing migrant assimilation. The ACE program is focused on pre-departure and post-arrival community management. This means that migrant laborers begin acclimating to their new homes before they even leave their origin countries. It also ensures they receive continuous support once they land in their new home and face unexpected challenges.
Joblio's accessible, global platform removes the middlemen, freeing up economic value. They offer four accessible user interfaces for a streamlined and transparent hiring process that results in faster applicant processing, higher employment satisfaction and lower employee attrition.
For complete information, visit: https://joblio.co
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SOURCE Joblio, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/former-global-president-manpowergroup-david-arkless-appointed-chairman-board-joblio/ | 2022-06-30T12:32:25Z |
NEW YORK, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Missfresh Limited ("Missfresh" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MF) and certain of its officers, on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Missfresh securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with Missfresh's June 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/mf.
This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act").
The Complaint alleges the Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements that misrepresented and failed to disclose the following adverse facts pertaining to the Company's business, operational and financial results. Specifically, the Registration Statement contained false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company provided false financial figures in its Registration Statement; (2) the Company would need to amend its financial figures; (3) the Company, among other things, had lesser net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2021; and (4) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times and negligently prepared.
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/mf or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Missfresh you have until September 12, 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.
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Contact:
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Peretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson
212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com
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SOURCE Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/bronstein-gewirtz-amp-grossman-llc-notifies-missfresh-limited-mf-investors-class-action-encourages-investors-contact-firm/ | 2022-07-15T15:04:55Z |
Ricky Gervais draws backlash for jokes about transgender people in new Netflix special
By Leah Asmelash, CNN
A week before the start of Pride Month, comedian Ricky Gervais is being criticized for his new stand-up special, in which he mocks transgender women and the debate around bathroom access.
The special, called “SuperNature,” debuted Tuesday on Netflix.
A few minutes into the set, Gervais describes reading a comment from somebody calling him “as funny as a fart at a baby’s funeral,” and transitions to a joke about women. From there, he clarifies: “The old-fashioned women, the ones with wombs.”
He goes on to reference debates about bathroom access.
“And now the old-fashioned ones say, ‘Oh, they want to use our toilets.’ ‘Why shouldn’t they use your toilets?’ ‘For ladies!’ ‘They are ladies — look at their pronouns! What about this person isn’t a lady?’ ‘Well, his penis.’ ‘Her penis, you f***ing bigot!'”
Gervais shares his thoughts on cancel culture, calling it “virtue-signaling.” Later in the special, the comedian says he supports transgender rights in real life but makes fun of the topic because he makes fun of everything.
“Trans rights are human rights. Live your best life. Use your preferred pronouns. Be the gender that you feel that you are,” he says. “But meet me halfway, ladies. Lose the c**k.”
Both Gervais and Netflix were met with backlash online within hours of the special’s release, with some calling out Gervais’ remarks for being transphobic and the streaming giant for giving them a platform.
“(SuperNature is) full of graphic, dangerous, anti-trans rants masquerading as jokes. He also spouts anti-gay rhetoric & spreads inaccurate information about HIV,” LGBTQ media advocacy organization GLAAD wrote on Twitter, adding that Netflix was going against its own policy of not allowing content “designed to incite hate or violence.”
Netflix did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Gervais has been described as an “equal-opportunity offender,” a comedian with a previous history of polarizing jokes. And it’s not the first time Netflix has been criticized for giving a platform to transphobic views. Dave Chappelle has made jokes about transgender people in multiple Netflix specials, most recently in late 2021, when he made explicit jokes about the bodies of transgender women in his special “The Closer.”
Multiple trans rights advocates, including some Netflix employees, and civil rights organizations at the time called on the company to take Chappelle’s special down.
In a description about its organizational culture, Netflix lays out the company’s position on artistic expression.
“Not everyone will like — or agree with — everything on our service,” reads a statement on the company’s website. “While every title is different, we approach them based on the same set of principles: we support the artistic expression of the creators we choose to work with; we program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/24/ricky-gervais-draws-backlash-for-jokes-about-transgender-people-in-new-netflix-special/ | 2022-05-24T20:57:02Z |
Proud Boys leader pleads not guilty to Jan. 6 charges
WASHINGTON (AP) — Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he remotely led a plot to stop Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Though he wasn’t at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, prosecutors say Tarrio organized encrypted chats with Proud Boys members in the weeks before the attack, had a 42-second phone call with another member of the group in the building during the insurrection and took credit for the chaos at the Capitol.
Police had arrested Tarrio in Washington two days before the riot and charged him with vandalizing a Black Lives Matter banner at a historic Black church during a protest in December 2020. The day before the Capitol was attacked, a judge ordered Tarrio to stay out of Washington.
Tarrio’s indictment said that instead of staying out of town, he met with Oath Keepers founder and leader Elmer “Stewart” Rhodes and others in an underground parking garage for about 30 minutes on Jan. 5.
His lawyers have said the evidence against Tarrio was weak and relies mostly on text messages and social media.
A judge has postponed the May 18 trial for Tarrio and five others affiliated with the far-right group.
Prosecutors sought the postponement to give them more time to assess and share with opposing lawyers new information gathered in the investigation. Some defendants in the case agreed with the postponement request.
A new trial date is expected to be picked during an April 21 hearing.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/05/proud-boys-leader-pleads-not-guilty-jan-6-charges/ | 2022-04-06T05:57:24Z |
SUNDSVALL, Sweden, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ) on May 8, 2018 established a Medium Term Note program (MTN) with a loan framework amounting to SEK 8 billion. Up to and including July 15, 2022 SCA has issued SEK 6.2 billion under the MTN program, of which SEK 4 billion is outstanding.
In relation to the MTN program, SCA on May 8, 2018 prepared and published a base prospectus, which will be updated annually. For this reason, SCA has updated the base prospectus which today, July 15, 2022, has been approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen). The updated base prospectus will be available via the web sites of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (www.fi.se) and SCA (www.sca.com). Hard copies may be obtained at SCAs headoffice in Sundsvall.
For further information, please contact:
Anders Edholm, Svp Sustainability and Communications, +46 60 19 32 12, anders.edholm@sca.com
Andreas Ewertz, CFO, +46 60 19 31 97, andreas.ewertz@sca.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE SCA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/sca-updates-mtn-program-publishes-prospectus/ | 2022-07-15T13:34:46Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Outset Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: OM).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/outset-medical-loss-submission-form/?id=30777&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Outset Medical common stock between September 15, 2020, and June 13, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until September 6, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Outset Medical, Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's flagship product, Tablo Hemodialysis System ("Tablo"), would require an additional 510(k) application to be filed with The United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), as defendants had "continuously made improvements and updates to Tablo over time since its original clearance"; (2) as a result, the Company could not conduct a human factors study on a cleared device in accordance with FDA protocols; (3) the Company's inability to conduct the human factors study subjected the Company to the likelihood of the FDA imposing a "shipment hold" and marketing suspension, leaving the Company unable to sell Tablo for home use; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and /or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/12/om-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-outset-medical-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-6-2022/ | 2022-08-12T11:03:48Z |
Burn ban issued Tuesday
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - The Pocatello Fire Department said due to strong winds Tuesday, no burning should be taking place outside.
If you want to have an open burn at a later date when the winds are calm, you will need to obtain a burn permit.
A burn permit is required for the burning of the following:
- Garden trimmings
- Ditch banks
- Small tree trimmings
Permits can be purchased at Fire Station 1, 408 East Whitman, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Burn permits are $10 each and are good for a 30 day period.
The Central Fire District also said no burning is allowed Tuesday. | https://localnews8.com/news/pocatello/2022/04/05/burn-ban-issued-tuesday/ | 2022-04-05T17:28:41Z |
A Haven of Inspired Luxury and Genuine Hospitality Awaits at JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt
BETHESDA, Md., May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has made its debut in Frankfurt, Germany with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt. With purposeful design, extraordinary service and a commitment to holistic well-being, the property offers an elevated stay in the city, encouraging guests to connect with the world around them and revitalize the mind, body and spirit.
"With each new opening, JW Marriott brings with it a legacy of luxury hospitality combined with the brand's foundation of holistic well-being," said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. "Travelers to the storied German city staying at JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt will now have access to JW Marriott's genuine service, comfortably modern design and of course guiding principles of a well-being lifestyle that can be seen and felt throughout the guest experience."
Inspired Design
Each of the 219 guestrooms and suites features floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the sparkling city skyline and River Main, offering a moment of reflection. Directly connected to the shopping area Zeil, the hotel offers guests an unbeatable location just steps away from the heart of Frankfurt.
The hotel will soon complete a transformative renovation, bringing to life the JW Marriott brand's serene sensibility married with modern technology catering to the sophisticated, mindful traveller. Combining thoughtful interiors and fashionable state-of-the-art amenities, the hotel is a serene retreat within the heart of the thriving metropolis.
Embracing local touches that encourage moments of reflection, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt has enlisted Hartwig Ebersbach, one of the most famous painters in Germany, to create 230 paintings which are delicately placed throughout the hotel. While the paintings are not for sale, guests can marvel at the depictions and inspirations that Hartwig Ebersbach gathered during his journeys around the globe.
Culinary Delights
JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt embraces the brand's focus on authentic and sustainable dining experiences with two concepts for guests. Located on the first floor, Max on One offers modern French cuisine with an Asian twist in a metropolitan atmosphere. Perfect for after dinner drinks, guests can enjoy Ember Bar & Lounge, a chic cocktail and champagne lounge with an extensive gin and wine list.
Furthering the brand's commitment to nourishing the body as well as the spirit, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt produces its very own delicious honey from a colony of bees that reside on the hotel's rooftop. The honey is served fresh from a honeycomb during breakfast while also being incorporated into delectable dishes served during lunch and dinner.
An Urban Sanctuary
JW Marriott Frankfurt is designed with guests' well-being in mind. Guests of the hotel are encouraged to take a moment for themselves to truly discover the experiences that will leave them feeling revitalised and refreshed both during and after their stay.
The hotel's fitness centre offers a variety of services including cardiovascular equipment and free weights. The Spa by JW® offers amenities including indulgent and calming treatments and access to the onsite indoor pool, spa and sauna. The Spa by JW® invites guests to an experience that's effortless, approachable, and intuitive and where spaces connect seamlessly, offering areas to relax in with or without a treatment, as an individual or part of a group.
"We are excited to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Germany," said David Salomon, General Manager, JW Marriott Frankfurt. "With its perfect location in the heart of Frankfurt, as well as extraordinary service and special finishing touches, JW Marriott Frankfurt brings excellence and redefined luxury to the city."
JW Marriott Frankfurt is just a 15-minute drive from Frankfurt International Airport.
For more information on the hotel and its amenities, including open job opportunities and to secure reservations, please visit: www.marriott.com.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard "J.W." Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/jw-marriott-debuts-germany/ | 2022-05-31T19:58:34Z |
MACKINAW CITY, Mich., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Memorial Weekend and the anticipated increase in passengers this summer, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company, the most affordable and longest-running ferry service to Mackinac Island, Michigan, announced a new Priority Boarding option which allows passengers to board early to select their preferred seating. Passengers who choose Priority Boarding have an opportunity to purchase a ticket for a specific date and time to travel to and from Mackinac Island. A limited number of seats have been reserved for Priority Boarding on each ferry and can be purchased anytime up to 30 minutes prior to ferry departure, at a cost of $43 for adults, $31 for children (ages 5 -12), and children aged 4 and under are free. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company will donate $2 from every Priority Boarding purchase to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. One hundred percent of the monies donated by Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company go directly to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's® lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® For more information on the new Priority Boarding option, click here; for ferry photos click here.
"We wanted to provide passengers an option to board the ferry first and secure the best seat to help make their experience as fun, convenient and comfortable as possible as they head to and from Mackinac Island," said Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company. "We are supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® and feel this would be a nice way to continue to show our support while helping to create awareness around the important work they do to treat seriously ill children."
After two years of canceled events and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism experts in Michigan are feeling cautiously optimistic ahead of the 2022 summer season. According to projections from the World Travel and Tourism Council, the US travel and tourism industry is forecasted to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year.
Fetty leads the well-known ferry company that has been taking passengers to Mackinac Island since 1878, which recently announced it will change its name to Mackinac Island Ferry Company. During this transition, the company will be referred to as Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company. The new name is in alignment with the historical nature of servicing the island for over 140 years. As part of a natural transition of the brand name, the Star Line brand logo will continue to be used during this summer season and then will be phased out in the next couple of years. For the new transition logo click here.
Mackinac Island Ferry Company owns the well-known Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry branded fleet of ferries, the former Arnold Line Ferry fleet, and Mackinac Marine Services (MMS) shipyard. The company is best known for their high-speed hydro-jet rooster tail boats, family-friendly atmosphere, and most frequent number of trips to and from Mackinac Island and underneath the Mackinac Bridge. For Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company history click here.
About Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company
St. Ignace, Mich. based Mackinac Island Ferry Company and its acquired lines of ferries began serving Mackinac Island in 1878 and has since been ferrying families and islanders from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. The company is best known for their high-speed hydro-jet rooster tail boats, family-friendly atmosphere, most frequent number of trips to and from Mackinac Island and underneath the Mackinac Bridge. In addition to five classic ferries, Mackinac Island Ferry Company ferry boats include the Mackinac Express catamaran, Marquette II, Radisson, Cadillac, Joliet, LaSalle, and Anna May and the pirate ship Good Fortune. Mackinac Marine Services is located in St. Ignace, Mich., and provides boatyard and services for commercial and recreational boat needs. Mackinac Marine Services currently has a 200 metric ton marine travel lift, winter and summer boat storage, fiberglass repair, fabricating and mechanical work, welding, power washing and shrink-wrapping services. Mackinac Marine Services is owned and operated by Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company.
CONTACT: Pat Baskin, CKC Agency
pat@ckcagency.com
M: 248-318-0095
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SOURCE Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/star-line-mackinac-island-ferry-company-announces-new-priority-boarding-option-portion-proceeds-benefit-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital/ | 2022-05-19T12:42:57Z |
Remote working and cloud infrastructure top cyber risk for organizations
DALLAS, April 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced the findings of its latest global Cyber Risk Index (CRI) for the second half of 2021, standing at -0.04, which is an elevated risk level with North America being at -0.01. Respondents revealed that 76% of global organizations think they'll be successfully attacked in the next 12 months, with 25% claiming this is "very likely" to happen, and an even higher percentage (34%) among North American organizations.
To view the full report, CRI 2022, please visit: www.trendmicro.com/cyberrisk
"To craft effective cybersecurity strategy, organizations must master the art of risk management. This is where reports like the CRI can be a great resource in highlighting areas of possible concern," said Jon Clay, Trend Micro VP-Threat Intelligence. "As remote working and digital infrastructure threats persist, organizations should adopt a platform-based approach to optimize security whilst minimizing their security sprawl."
The semi-yearly CRI report asks pointed questions to measure the gap between respondents' preparedness of attack and their likelihood of being attacked*.
In this report, 84% claimed to have suffered one or more successful cyber-attacks in the past 12 months, with over a third (35%) saying they'd experienced seven or more.
Threats they're most concerned about globally are ransomware, phishing/social engineering, and denial of service (DoS)—and the negative consequences of a breach are stolen or damaged equipment, cost of outside consultants/experts, and customer turnover.
When it comes to IT infrastructure, organizations are most worried about mobile/remote employees, cloud computing (with a "high risk" score of 7.75 / 10 for North America), and 3rd party applications. USA organizations put the cloud computing risk score at 9.87 / 10.
This highlights the ongoing challenge many organizations have around securing the digital investments they made during the pandemic. Such investments were necessary to support remote working, drive business efficiencies and agility, and understandincrease the corporate attack surface.
"Organizations are facing demanding security challenges every day, from software vulnerabilities, data breaches, to ransomware attacks and more," said Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of Ponemon Institute. "The semi-annual survey has been a tremendous asset in evaluating the rapidly evolving cyber risk landscape to help organizations improve security readiness and serving as a guidance in strategic planning."
The highest levels of risk were around the following statements:
- My organization's IT security function supports security in the DevOps environment
- My organization's IT security leader (CISO) has sufficient authority and resources to achieve a strong security posture
- My organization's IT security function strictly enforces acts of non-compliance to security policies, standard operating procedures, and external requirements
This clearly indicates that more resources must be diverted to people, processes, and technology globally to enhance preparedness and reduce overall risk levels.
* An index value is calculated from this information based on a numerical scale of -10 to 10, with -10 representing the highest level of risk. In this report, the USA CRI stood at -0.18 versus -0.01 for North America and -0.04 for global, indicating a higher level of risk. This was driven by a higher cyber threat index figure in the US.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com.
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SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/18/over-three-quarters-global-organizations-think-theyll-be-breached-2022/ | 2022-04-18T18:24:23Z |
More Than 200 Boise Locals Attended Weekend's Events, Featuring Famous Designers, Models, and Production Talent.
BOISE, Idaho, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 18th, members of the Los Angeles and New York fashion industry descended on Boise for the first annual Idaho Fashion Week. Hosted at the Jackson Jet Center, IDFW featured designers from around the country, including Project Runway winner Kentaro Kameyama, Mister Triple X, Jose Gonzalez, and Boise local Rooney Mae Couture. The show was sponsored by many local businesses, as well as national powerhouses such as Macy's and Avelo Airlines. More than 200 people attended the shows, with front row seats filled by Boise influencers, business owners, and industry insiders.
When asked "Why bring an event like this to Boise", Idaho Fashion Week Executive Producer Amanda Rouse said, "My goal was to connect people. When I started modeling in Idaho nine years ago, I didn't have many opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders outside of Boise, let alone the state. She continued, "My goal in creating IDFWU was to provide a space for local Idaho artists to have a real platform to showcase their work, and ultimately for artists and creatives of all kinds to make connections and learn from industry experts from around the world". In addition to a runway show, Idaho Fashion Week also included a day of master classes and expert panels at the Grove Hotel. Attendees could receive hands-on training from renowned makeup artist Carlos Gonzalez, ask questions of published models such as Will Moncada (also known for his appearance on the series Love Island), and hear details of the design process from Kentaro Kameyama.
Another crucial aspect of Rouse's vision for connecting Boise to the greater fashion community was philanthropy. A portion of the weekend's ticket sales and revenue went to the local Boise chapter of Dress For Success, a nonprofit organization which provides clothing, training and career counseling for underserved women throughout the world. It was imperative to the IDFW production team that the event leave behind a positive footprint on the community, both in terms of an opportunity to experience beautiful fashion, but also as a means to give back to those in need.
Can we expect Idaho Fashion Week to be an annual Boise tradition? To this, Rouse said, "We are already moving forward with plans for next season, and I can't wait to highlight more of what Idaho has to offer to the fashion industry!"
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Arun Nevader for Idaho Fashion Week
Media Contact
Rachel Willingham
connect@idahofashionweek.com
425.270.9265
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SOURCE Idaho Fashion Week | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/inaugural-idaho-fashion-week-draws-fashion-loving-crowds-boises-jackson-jet-center/ | 2022-06-21T15:11:31Z |
Firm to Remain a Minority Investor
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising companies at the lower end of the middle market, today announced the closing of the merger of its portfolio company, Altima Dental, with 123Dentist, a leading dental support organization ("DSO") based in Vancouver, to create one of the largest DSOs in Canada. The transaction was financed through equity capital provided by 123Dentist's existing private equity sponsor, Peloton Capital Management, and new investors KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Heartland Dental, a KKR portfolio company and the leading dental support organization in the U.S. Sentinel will retain a minority equity stake in the combined company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Altima Dental, headquartered in Toronto, was Sentinel's fifth investment in the dental sector at the time of the closing in 2016. In 2019, Altima merged with Quebec-based Lapointe Group, creating a leading DSO with offices in six provinces across Canada. In July 2022, Altima Dental and 123Dentist announced the plan to merge all three entities to create one of the largest DSOs in Canada with a network of 350 clinics servicing the entire country with a presence in every major metropolitan market. The merger creates a business with a national footprint across Canada and supports dental practices that provide a wide range of dental care to more than 800,000 patients, with more than 2.5 million patient visits annually.
"We expect this merger to benefit Canadian dentists, dental professionals, and patients alike, and will greatly expand support services for an already thriving dentist community that focuses on delivering exceptional care, improved access to high quality dentistry services, and greater opportunities for career advancement and mentorship for our team members," said Dr. Amin Shivji, CEO of 123Dentist.
"As a dentist-led organization for nearly 30 years, we have focused on bringing to patient care a dentist perspective as we built Altima Dental. Because 123Dentist has a similar focus, this combination will enable our supported dentists to continue to deliver an exceptional patient experience to Canadians," said Dr. George Christodoulou and Dr. Sven Grail, co-Founders and co-CEOs of Altima Dental. "Now, as part of the 123Dentist family, we are incredibly well-positioned to further develop our capabilities as one of the leading dental support organizations in Canada."
"We are grateful for the strong partnership we have had with the founders and management teams at Altima Dental and Lapointe Group," said Paul Murphy, Partner at Sentinel Capital Partners. "As an ongoing investor in the merger, we are looking forward to supporting Dr. Amin Shivji and the combined 123Dentist team as they continue to build a leading dentist-centric organization."
Sentinel has established a strong long-term record of investing in the dental sector dating back to its first platform investment in 2003. Besides Altima Dental, Sentinel's other dental investments include MB2 Dental, a dental partnership organization with a unique doctor-centric ownership model; Castle Dental and Metro Dentalcare, each a leading regional dental service provider; Northeast Dental Management, a leading dental service provider in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic; and ReachOut Healthcare America, a leader in mobile dentistry.
Sentinel specializes in buying and building midmarket businesses in the United States and Canada in partnership with management. Sentinel targets aerospace and defense, business services, consumer, distribution, food and restaurants, franchising, healthcare, and industrial businesses. Sentinel invests in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, going-private transactions, and structured equity investments of established businesses with EBITDA of up to $80 million. Sentinel also invests in special situations, including balance sheet restructurings, operational turnarounds, and minority junior capital solutions. For more information, please visit: sentinelpartners.com.
Altima Dental is one of Canada's longest-standing premier dental support organizations, founded and led by dentists, Dr. George Christodoulou and Dr. Sven Grail, who recognize the aspiration of providing exceptional healthcare and achieving personal and professional advancement. Altima Dental focuses on supporting superior patient care, best clinical practices, and true partnership with dentists. Altima Dental was named 2021 Best Workplaces in Health Care. For more information, please visit: altimadentalpartners.com.
Founded in 1987 by Larry and Yves Lapointe, Lapointe Group has been serving professionals and patients for 35 years. The Lapointe Group joined Altima Dental in 2019 and operates the Lapointe Dental Centres, a 100% Quebec banner of the Lapointe Group, with over 35 dental practices that provide the infrastructure for the practice of dental health professionals, offering a wide range of integrated services that enable dentists and denturists to optimize their practice and direct their full focus on patient care. The Lapointe Group also operates a high-tech integrated dental lab, Summum Dental Laboratory, including over 80 dental technicians, and expertise in all types of dental prosthetics. For more information, please visit: centreslapointe.com.
123Dentist is a leading dental support organization in Canada. It has grown from a single practice in Vancouver, owned by CEO Dr. Amin Shivji and two partners, to more than 250 supported practices and 3,500 team members. 123Dentist was founded on two key principles: putting patients above all else; and that supported dentists and staff are the most important factors in keeping patients happy. 123Dentist's vision is to be the dental support community all Canadian dentists and dental professionals want to belong to. 123Dentist offers alternative partnership models to meet the needs of each individual dentist, including the opportunity to retain ownership of the clinic. This unique model enables supported dentists to focus on providing optimal care to patients, while an experienced team provides a wide range of support services. For more information, please visit: 123dentist.com.
Contact: Roland Tomforde
Broadgate Consultants
212-232-2222
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SOURCE Sentinel Capital Partners | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/sentinel-exits-altima-dental-via-merger-with-123dentist/ | 2022-08-15T12:53:08Z |
RICHMOND, Va., April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Single Mom Stimulus Grant from Wealthysinglemommy.com, a monthly $500 no-strings-attached grant for single mothers, celebrates awarding 60 grants totaling $30,000 over 2 years.
Emma Johnson, founder of wealthysinglemommy.com, launched the program early in the COVID pandemic to help the many single moms she saw struggling in the face of lockdowns, job loss, illness — on top of caring for children. "I received hundreds of emails and social media messages from mothers who do not live with a partner, and had to figure out the insurmountable task of home-schooling their kids and paying rent during lockdown," Johnson says. "Cash was what they needed most."
In the United States, 23% of children live with one parent and no other adult, according to the Census, and 82% of those parents are mothers — the majority of whom have their children in their care full- or majority-time.
More than 50,000 people have applied for the grant. "Applicant numbers continue to grow," Johnson says. "We expect more and more parents will need financial assistance as inflation takes its toll and we face the recession predicted by economists."
The pandemic, she says, calls to light the struggles most U.S. parents face: low-paying service jobs with unpredictable schedules, lack of affordable child care, and a culture that presumes mothers—especially single mothers—are to be primary caregivers of children.
Mothers overall suffer a pay gap of 29%, earning an average of 71 cents for every $1 earned by a dad — or an average of $16,000 less per year, according to the National Women's Law Center.
This motherhood penalty is dramatically worse for single mothers at 35%. According to Pew Research, single moms with a household of three earn just $26,000 per year on average, compared with $40,000 per year for single dads.
Johnson's own independent study of 2,227 women found that single mothers who share parenting time with their kids' dads are 3X more likely to earn $100,000 than other single moms.
Johnson plans to continue the grant indefinitely.
Single Mom Stimulus Grant applicants apply via a Google Form and are selected based on need and expressed attempt to work. It is open only to U.S. applicants at this time. Apply here.
Johnson founded wealthysinglemommy.com in 2012 to share her own experience as a single mom and offer information that helps women build success in finance, career, parenting, dating, wellbeing and co-parenting.
Emma Johnson is a business journalist, gender equality activist, and bestselling author of The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin). She is founder of Moms for Shared Parenting, an activist organization aimed at making equally shared parenting the norm in both culture and policy, and frequently speaks on gender issues, including at the United Nations Summit for Gender Equality. She lives in Richmond, Va., and has two children.
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SOURCE wealthysinglemommy.com | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/single-mom-stimulus-grant-celebrates-30000-given/ | 2022-04-25T22:50:36Z |
Mom accused of throwing newborn over banister in trash bag pleads guilty to murder
Published: May. 23, 2022 at 11:50 AM CDT|Updated: 26 minutes ago
CLAY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) – A Kentucky woman has pleaded guilty to murder for the death of her newborn.
In December 2018, Amber Bowling put the baby boy in a garbage bag before throwing the bag over a banister, state police said.
An autopsy showed the newborn suffered fractured ribs and cranial bleeding.
Bowling was supposed to go on trial Monday, but instead, she pleaded guilty to murder.
As part of the plea agreement, the recommended sentence is 40 years in prison.
Bowling will be formally sentenced on June 27.
Copyright 2022 WKYT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/23/mom-accused-throwing-newborn-over-banister-trash-bag-pleads-guilty-murder/ | 2022-05-23T17:17:37Z |
Native Security Solution Designed to Improve Data Security Posture and Reduce Risk Now Available
SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BigID, the leading data intelligence platform that enables organizations to know their enterprise data and take action for privacy, security, and governance, today announced the availability of SmallID: the first pay-as-you-go cloud data security platform.
Now more than ever, the world runs on data - and it's difficult to have a clear understanding of all data assets across the company. On top of that, evolving data protection and privacy regulations means that accumulating data without proactively protecting introduces more risk than ever.
SmallID brings cloud-native data privacy and protection to organizations of all sizes, making it easy to find and mitigate risk across their entire cloud environment. Customers can easily reduce their attack surface, identify high-risk data, and automatically discover dark data across the cloud - without impacting business.
Customers can now use the first on-demand cloud data security platform to manage their cloud risk posture, by benefitting from years of ML innovation from BigID, packaged up in a lightweight, on-demand platform in SmallID.
With SmallID, customers can:
- Automatically discover and classify their data by sensitivity, type, regulation, policy, and more
- Drastically reduce their attack surface
- Identify shadow data and dark data
- Improve security posture across the cloud
- Simplify regulatory compliance with a data-first approach
"Cloud-native organizations leave themselves vulnerable to bad actors and a host of other complex issues when they don't have insight into what kind of data they are collecting," said Tyler Young, Chief Information Security Officer at BigID. "SmallID is a huge step forward for organizations of all sizes to have on-demand cloud protection that reduces the attack surfaces through allowing teams to identify and mitigate risk across their entire cloud environment."
Visit BigID at RSAC 2022 to see SmallID in action, or try it for free today.
- Visit BigID's Data Protection HQ at RSAC2022 - save your spot
- Visit SmallID-sponsored Cloud Data Security Panels June 7 & 8, with CISO led discussions from Amplitude, Blackstone, Clearsky Cybersecurity, Datadog, Highspot, Optiv, Relativity, Servicenow, ServiceTitan, Wiz, and more
- Visit Booth #4529 in the North Expo Hall
BigID's data intelligence platform enables organizations to know their enterprise data and take action for privacy, protection, and perspective. Customers deploy BigID to proactively discover, manage, protect, and get more value from their regulated, sensitive, and personal data across their data landscape. BigID has been recognized for its data intelligence innovation as a 2019 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, named to the 2021 Forbes Cloud 100, the 2021 Inc 5000 as the #19th fastest growing company and #1 in Security, a Business Insider 2020 AI Startup to Watch, and an RSA Innovation Sandbox winner. Find out more at https://bigid.com.
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SOURCE BigID | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/smallid-introduces-cloud-data-security-on-demand/ | 2022-06-06T15:49:56Z |
– Results demonstrated a 64.5% confirmed objective response rate in patients treated with investigational combination of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab –
– Data highlighted in late-breaking presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2022 –
TOKYO and BOTHELL, Wash. and RAHWAY, N.J., Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., "Astellas"), Seagen Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced results from the phase 1b/2 EV-103 clinical trial (also known as KEYNOTE-869) Cohort K investigating PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) and PADCEV alone as first-line treatment in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who are ineligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The findings were presented today at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress as part of a late-breaking abstract presentation (Abstract #LBA73).
In patients treated with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab (n=76), results demonstrated a 64.5% confirmed objective response rate (ORR) (95% CI: 52.7 to 75.1) per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review (BICR), the primary endpoint of Cohort K, with 10.5% of patients experiencing a complete response and 53.9% of patients experiencing a partial response. The median duration of response (DOR) per BICR was not reached (95% CI: 10.25 months to NR). All-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of special interest for enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab were skin reactions (67.1%), peripheral neuropathy (60.5%), ocular disorders (dry eye, blurred vision, and corneal disorders) (26.3%), hyperglycemia (14.5%), and infusion-related reactions (3.9%). Pembrolizumab adverse events of special interest were consistent with previously observed safety data from monotherapy with the exception of severe skin reactions. Overall, the results were generally consistent with previously reported efficacy and safety results of the EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 dose-escalation cohort and expansion Cohort A.1
Please see Important Safety Information at the end of this press release for both drugs, including BOXED WARNING for enfortumab vedotin and immune-mediated adverse reactions for pembrolizumab.
Cohort K also included a monotherapy arm in which patients were treated with enfortumab vedotin alone (n=73), though this study was not designed to support a formal comparison between the two arms. Results showed a 45.2% confirmed ORR (95% CI: 33.5 to 57.3) per RECIST v1.1 by BICR, with 4.1% of patients experiencing a complete response and 41.1% of patients experiencing a partial response. The median DOR was 13.2 months (95% CI: 6.14 to 15.97) per RECIST v1.1 by BICR. All-grade TRAEs of special interest for enfortumab vedotin were peripheral neuropathy (54.8%), skin reactions (45.2%), ocular disorders (dry eye, blurred vision, and corneal disorders) (28.8%), hyperglycemia (11.0%), and infusion-related reactions (5.5%).
Additional secondary endpoints in the EV-103 Cohort K trial included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Among patients treated with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab, median PFS was not reached (95% CI: 8.31 months to NR). Median OS was 22.3 months (95% CI: 19.09 to NR). Among patients treated with enfortumab vedotin, median PFS was 8.0 months (95% CI: 6.05 to 10.35) and median OS was 21.7 months (95% CI: 15.21 to NR).
TRAEs of any grade that occurred in more than 20% of patients treated with enfortumab vedotin alone or in combination with pembrolizumab were fatigue, peripheral sensory neuropathy, alopecia, rash maculo-papular, pruritus, dysgeusia, weight decreased, diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, and dry eye.
"Results from EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 Cohort K support the ongoing investigation of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab in cisplatin-ineligible patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who are in need of treatment options, and this combination may be an important therapeutic option for these patients," said Jonathan E. Rosenberg, M.D., Chief, Genitourinary Medical Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, and Enno W. Ercklentz Chair, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 Cohort K primary investigator. Dr. Rosenberg has consulting relationships with Astellas, Seagen and Merck.
"We're encouraged by these positive findings from the combination of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab in people with advanced urothelial cancer who historically have had limited treatment options in the first-line setting, and we intend to discuss these results with regulatory authorities," said Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President and Head of Development Therapeutic Areas, Astellas.
"Nearly sixty-five percent of patients who were treated with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab responded to the combination, with almost eleven percent showing no detectable cancer following treatment. These study results represent an encouraging finding for people with advanced urothelial cancer who are not eligible for cisplatin treatment," said Marjorie Green, Senior Vice President and Head of Late Stage Development, Seagen.
"We're pleased that this combination provided a meaningful benefit to this group of advanced bladder cancer patients in this study, and we will continue to investigate enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab through our collaboration," said Dr. Eliav Barr, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Development and Chief Medical Officer, Merck Research Laboratories.
In February 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with unresectable la/mUC who are ineligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy in the first-line setting. The designation is based on results from the dose-escalation cohort and expansion Cohort A of the phase 1b/2 trial, EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 (NCT03288545), evaluating patients with la/mUC who are ineligible to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy treated in the first-line setting with enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab.
Astellas, Seagen and Merck are further investigating enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab in Phase 3 studies, including EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 (NCT04223856), which is intended to confirm these results for the investigational treatment combination in previously untreated la/mUC and in muscle-invasive bladder cancer in EV-304/KEYNOTE-B15 (NCT04700124) and EV-303/KEYNOTE-905 (NCT03924895).
About Bladder and Urothelial Cancer
It is estimated that approximately 83,730 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021.2 Urothelial cancer accounts for 90% of all bladder cancers and can also be found in the renal pelvis, ureter and urethra.3 Globally, approximately 573,000 new cases of bladder cancer and 212,000 deaths are reported annually.4
About the EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 Trial (Cohort K)
The EV-103 trial (NCT03288545) is an ongoing, multi-cohort, open-label, multicenter phase 1b/2 trial of enfortumab vedotin alone or in combination with pembrolizumab and/or chemotherapy in first- or second-line settings in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) and in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Cohort K of the EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 trial is a randomized 1:1 cohort investigating enfortumab vedotin alone (n=73) or in combination with pembrolizumab (n=76) in adult patients with unresectable la/mUC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy and have received no prior treatment for la/mUC. The enfortumab vedotin monotherapy study arm is intended to characterize the activity of enfortumab vedotin alone in this patient population. The key outcome measure of EV-103/KEYNOTE-869 Cohort K is objective response rate (ORR) per blinded independent central review (BICR) using RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints include ORR per investigator assessment; duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS) per BICR and investigator assessment; overall survival (OS); and assessment of safety.
About PADCEV
PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on the surface of cells and highly expressed in bladder cancer.5 Nonclinical data suggest the anticancer activity of PADCEV is due to its binding to Nectin-4 expressing cells followed by the internalization and release of the anti-tumor agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into the cell, which result in the cell not reproducing (cell cycle arrest) and in programmed cell death (apoptosis).6
PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) U.S. Indication & Important Safety Information
BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS SKIN REACTIONS
- PADCEV can cause severe and fatal cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment, but may occur later.
- Closely monitor patients for skin reactions.
- Immediately withhold PADCEV and consider referral for specialized care for suspected SJS or TEN or severe skin reactions.
- Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions.
Indication
PADCEV® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who:
- have previously received a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy.6
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions
Skin reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including fatal cases of SJS or TEN, occurred in patients treated with PADCEV. SJS and TEN occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment but may occur later. Skin reactions occurred in 55% of the 680 patients treated with PADCEV in clinical trials. Twenty-three percent (23%) of patients had maculo-papular rash and 33% had pruritus. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 13% of patients, including maculo-papular rash, rash erythematous, rash or drug eruption, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), dermatitis bullous, dermatitis exfoliative, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. In clinical trials, the median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 0.6 months (range: 0.1 to 6.4). Among patients experiencing a skin reaction leading to dose interruption who then restarted PADCEV (n=59), 24% of patients restarting at the same dose and 16% of patients restarting at a reduced dose experienced recurrent severe skin reactions. Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 2.6% of patients. Monitor patients closely throughout treatment for skin reactions. Consider topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, as clinically indicated. Withhold PADCEV and refer for specialized care for suspected SJS or TEN or for severe (Grade 3) skin reactions. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN, or for Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions.
Hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including fatal events, occurred in patients with and without pre-existing diabetes mellitus, treated with PADCEV. Patients with baseline hemoglobin A1C ≥8% were excluded from clinical trials. In clinical trials, 14% of the 680 patients treated with PADCEV developed hyperglycemia; 7% of patients developed Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia. The incidence of Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia increased consistently in patients with higher body mass index and in patients with higher baseline A1C. Five percent (5%) of patients required initiation of insulin therapy for treatment of hyperglycemia. The median time to onset of hyperglycemia was 0.6 months (range: 0.1 to 20.3). Hyperglycemia led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 0.6% of patients. Closely monitor blood glucose levels in patients with, or at risk for, diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. If blood glucose is elevated (>250 mg/dL), withhold PADCEV.
Pneumonitis Severe, life-threatening or fatal pneumonitis occurred in patients treated with PADCEV. In clinical trials, 3.1% of the 680 patients treated with PADCEV had pneumonitis of any grade and 0.7% had Grade 3-4. In clinical trials, the median time to onset of pneumonitis was 2.9 months (range: 0.6 to 6). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms indicative of pneumonitis, such as hypoxia, cough, dyspnea or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Evaluate and exclude infectious, neoplastic and other causes for such signs and symptoms through appropriate investigations. Withhold PADCEV for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis and consider dose reduction. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis.
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurred in 52% of the 680 patients treated with PADCEV in clinical trials, including 39% with sensory neuropathy, 7% with muscular weakness and 6% with motor neuropathy; 4% experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. PN occurred in patients treated with PADCEV with or without pre-existing PN. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 4.6 months (range: 0.1 to 15.8 months). Neuropathy led to treatment discontinuation in 5% of patients. Monitor patients for symptoms of new or worsening peripheral neuropathy and consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV when PN occurs. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients who develop Grade ≥3 PN.
Ocular disorders were reported in 40% of the 384 patients treated with PADCEV in clinical trials in which ophthalmologic exams were scheduled. The majority of these events involved the cornea and included events associated with dry eye such as keratitis, blurred vision, increased lacrimation, conjunctivitis, limbal stem cell deficiency, and keratopathy. Dry eye symptoms occurred in 34% of patients, and blurred vision occurred in 13% of patients, during treatment with PADCEV. The median time to onset to symptomatic ocular disorder was 1.6 months (range: 0 to 19.1 months). Monitor patients for ocular disorders. Consider artificial tears for prophylaxis of dry eyes and ophthalmologic evaluation if ocular symptoms occur or do not resolve. Consider treatment with ophthalmic topical steroids, if indicated after an ophthalmic exam. Consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV for symptomatic ocular disorders.
Infusion site extravasation Skin and soft tissue reactions secondary to extravasation have been observed after administration of PADCEV. Of the 680 patients, 1.6% of patients experienced skin and soft tissue reactions, including 0.3% who experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. Reactions may be delayed. Erythema, swelling, increased temperature, and pain worsened until 2-7 days after extravasation and resolved within 1-4 weeks of peak. Two patients (0.3%) developed extravasation reactions with secondary cellulitis, bullae, or exfoliation. Ensure adequate venous access prior to starting PADCEV and monitor for possible extravasation during administration. If extravasation occurs, stop the infusion and monitor for adverse reactions.
Embryo-fetal toxicity PADCEV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during PADCEV treatment and for 2 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with PADCEV and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions, Including Laboratory Abnormalities (≥20%)
Rash, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased, glucose increased, creatinine increased, fatigue, PN, lymphocytes decreased, alopecia, decreased appetite, hemoglobin decreased, diarrhea, sodium decreased, nausea, pruritus, phosphate decreased, dysgeusia, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased, anemia, albumin decreased, neutrophils decreased, urate increased, lipase increased, platelets decreased, weight decreased and dry skin.
EV-301 Study: 296 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥2%) were urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury (7% each) and pneumonia (5%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3% of patients, including multiorgan dysfunction (1.0%), hepatic dysfunction, septic shock, hyperglycemia, pneumonitis and pelvic abscess (0.3% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 17% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (5%) and rash (4%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 61% of patients; the most common (≥4%) were PN (23%), rash (11%) and fatigue (9%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 34% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (10%), rash (8%), decreased appetite and fatigue (3% each). Clinically relevant adverse reactions (<15%) include vomiting (14%), AST increased (12%), hyperglycemia (10%), ALT increased (9%), pneumonitis (3%) and infusion site extravasation (0.7%).
EV-201, Cohort 2 Study: 89 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and not eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy.
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥3%) were pneumonia, sepsis and diarrhea (5% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including acute kidney injury (2.2%), metabolic acidosis, sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction, pneumonia and pneumonitis (1.1% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients; the most common (≥2%) was PN (7%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 60% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (9%), fatigue (8%), diarrhea (5%), AST increased and hyperglycemia (3% each). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 49% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (11%) and fatigue (7%). Clinically relevant adverse reactions (<15%) include vomiting (13%), AST increased (12%), lipase increased (11%), ALT increased (10%), pneumonitis (4%) and infusion site extravasation (1%).
Drug Interactions
Effects of other drugs on PADCEV (Dual P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors)
Concomitant use with a dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase unconjugated monomethyl auristatin E exposure, which may increase the incidence or severity of PADCEV toxicities. Closely monitor patients for signs of toxicity when PADCEV is given concomitantly with dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Specific Populations
Lactation Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with PADCEV and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
Hepatic impairment Avoid the use of PADCEV in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING for PADCEV here.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry's largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
See additional selected KEYTRUDA indications in the U.S. after the Selected Important Safety Information.
Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
KEYTRUDA is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the PD-1 or the PD-L1, blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, can affect more than one body system simultaneously, and can occur at any time after starting treatment or after discontinuation of treatment. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed here may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.
Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. For patients with TNBC treated with KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant setting, monitor blood cortisol at baseline, prior to surgery, and as clinically indicated. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity of the immune-mediated adverse reaction. In general, if KEYTRUDA requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (94/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including fatal (0.1%), Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.3%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 67% (63/94) of patients. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 1.3% (36) and withholding in 0.9% (26) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence. Pneumonitis resolved in 59% of the 94 patients.
Pneumonitis occurred in 8% (31/389) of adult patients with cHL receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grades 3-4 in 2.3% of patients. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 2 days to 53 months). Pneumonitis rates were similar in patients with and without prior thoracic radiation. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 5.4% (21) of patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 42% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 68% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 77% had resolution.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.7% (48/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 69% (33/48); additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 4.2% of patients. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (15) and withholding in 0.5% (13) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence. Colitis resolved in 85% of the 48 patients.
Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
KEYTRUDA as a Single Agent
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (19/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 68% (13/19) of patients; additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 11% of patients. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.2% (6) and withholding in 0.3% (9) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence. Hepatitis resolved in 79% of the 19 patients.
KEYTRUDA With Axitinib
KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib can cause hepatic toxicity. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider monitoring more frequently as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt KEYTRUDA and axitinib, and consider administering corticosteroids as needed. With the combination of KEYTRUDA and axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (20%) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (13%) were seen at a higher frequency compared to KEYTRUDA alone. Fifty-nine percent of the patients with increased ALT received systemic corticosteroids. In patients with ALT ≥3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (Grades 2-4, n=116), ALT resolved to Grades 0-1 in 94%. Among the 92 patients who were rechallenged with either KEYTRUDA (n=3) or axitinib (n=34) administered as a single agent or with both (n=55), recurrence of ALT ≥3 times ULN was observed in 1 patient receiving KEYTRUDA, 16 patients receiving axitinib, and 24 patients receiving both. All patients with a recurrence of ALT ≥3 ULN subsequently recovered from the event.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
KEYTRUDA can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.8% (22/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.3%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (17/22) of patients; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) and withholding in 0.3% (8) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Hypophysitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (17/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (16/17) of patients; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (4) and withholding in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Thyroid Disorders
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (16/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%). None discontinued, but KEYTRUDA was withheld in <0.1% (1) of patients.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3.4% (96/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.8%). It led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (2) and withholding in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. Hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (237/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (6.2%). It led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) and withholding in 0.5% (14) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism required long-term thyroid hormone replacement. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 1185 patients with HNSCC, occurring in 16% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent or in combination with platinum and FU, including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 389 adult patients with cHL (17%) receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grade 1 (6.2%) and Grade 2 (10.8%) hypothyroidism.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Which Can Present With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Type 1 DM occurred in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. It led to permanent discontinuation in <0.1% (1) and withholding of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.3% (9/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.1%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 89% (8/9) of patients. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) and withholding in 0.1% (3) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence. Nephritis resolved in 56% of the 9 patients.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, has occurred with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate nonexfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% (38/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (1%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 40% (15/38) of patients. These reactions led to permanent discontinuation in 0.1% (2) and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.6% (16) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 6% had recurrence. The reactions resolved in 79% of the 38 patients.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received KEYTRUDA or were reported with the use of other anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions. Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis; Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy; Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss; Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis; Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis (1.5%), polymyalgia rheumatica; Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism; Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection.
Infusion-Related Reactions
KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, which have been reported in 0.2% of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for Grade 1 or Grade 2 reactions. For Grade 3 or Grade 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.
Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), acute and chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of these complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit vs risks of using anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Increased Mortality in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
In trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of KEYTRUDA to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of these patients with an anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment in this combination is not recommended outside of controlled trials.
Embryofetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise women of this potential risk. In females of reproductive potential, verify pregnancy status prior to initiating KEYTRUDA and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions
In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA were fatigue (28%), diarrhea (26%), rash (24%), and nausea (21%).
In KEYNOTE-054, when KEYTRUDA was administered as a single agent to patients with stage III melanoma, KEYTRUDA was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 14% of 509 patients; the most common (≥1%) were pneumonitis (1.4%), colitis (1.2%), and diarrhea (1%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA was diarrhea (28%). In KEYNOTE-716, when KEYTRUDA was administered as a single agent to patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma, adverse reactions occurring in patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma were similar to those occurring in 1011 patients with stage III melanoma from KEYNOTE-054.
In KEYNOTE-189, when KEYTRUDA was administered with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy in metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 20% of 405 patients. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonitis (3%) and acute kidney injury (2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA were nausea (56%), fatigue (56%), constipation (35%), diarrhea (31%), decreased appetite (28%), rash (25%), vomiting (24%), cough (21%), dyspnea (21%), and pyrexia (20%).
In KEYNOTE-407, when KEYTRUDA was administered with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound in metastatic squamous NSCLC, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 15% of 101 patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Adverse reactions observed in KEYNOTE-407 were similar to those observed in KEYNOTE-189 with the exception that increased incidences of alopecia (47% vs 36%) and peripheral neuropathy (31% vs 25%) were observed in the KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy arm compared to the placebo and chemotherapy arm in KEYNOTE-407.
In KEYNOTE-042, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 19% of 636 patients with advanced NSCLC; the most common were pneumonitis (3%), death due to unknown cause (1.6%), and pneumonia (1.4%). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia (7%), pneumonitis (3.9%), pulmonary embolism (2.4%), and pleural effusion (2.2%). The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) was fatigue (25%).
In KEYNOTE-010, KEYTRUDA monotherapy was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC; the most common was pneumonitis (1.8%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were decreased appetite (25%), fatigue (25%), dyspnea (23%), and nausea (20%).
In KEYNOTE-048, KEYTRUDA monotherapy was discontinued due to adverse events in 12% of 300 patients with HNSCC; the most common adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation were sepsis (1.7%) and pneumonia (1.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (33%), constipation (20%), and rash (20%).
In KEYNOTE-048, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin) and FU chemotherapy, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 16% of 276 patients with HNSCC. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonia (2.5%), pneumonitis (1.8%), and septic shock (1.4%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea (51%), fatigue (49%), constipation (37%), vomiting (32%), mucosal inflammation (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), stomatitis (26%), and cough (22%).
In KEYNOTE-012, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema and new or worsening hypothyroidism.
In KEYNOTE-204, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 14% of 148 patients with cHL. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA; those ≥1% were pneumonitis, pneumonia, pyrexia, myocarditis, acute kidney injury, febrile neutropenia, and sepsis. Three patients died from causes other than disease progression: 2 from complications after allogeneic HSCT and 1 from unknown cause. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were upper respiratory tract infection (41%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (22%), and pyrexia, fatigue, rash, and cough (20% each).
In KEYNOTE-087, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 5% of 210 patients with cHL. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 16% of patients; those ≥1% were pneumonia, pneumonitis, pyrexia, dyspnea, GVHD, and herpes zoster. Two patients died from causes other than disease progression: 1 from GVHD after subsequent allogeneic HSCT and 1 from septic shock. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (26%), pyrexia (24%), cough (24%), musculoskeletal pain (21%), diarrhea (20%), and rash (20%).
In KEYNOTE-170, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 53 patients with PMBCL. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients and included arrhythmia (4%), cardiac tamponade (2%), myocardial infarction (2%), pericardial effusion (2%), and pericarditis (2%). Six (11%) patients died within 30 days of start of treatment. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were musculoskeletal pain (30%), upper respiratory tract infection and pyrexia (28% each), cough (26%), fatigue (23%), and dyspnea (21%).
In KEYNOTE-052, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 11% of 370 patients with locally advanced or mUC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients; those ≥2% were urinary tract infection, hematuria, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, and urosepsis. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (24%), decreased appetite (22%), constipation (21%), rash (21%), and diarrhea (20%).
In KEYNOTE-045, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 266 patients with locally advanced or mUC. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.9%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of KEYTRUDA-treated patients; those ≥2% were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, anemia, and pneumonitis. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received KEYTRUDA were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), pruritus (23%), decreased appetite (21%), nausea (21%), and rash (20%).
In KEYNOTE-057, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 11% of 148 patients with high-risk NMIBC. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.4%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients; those ≥2% were pneumonia (3%), cardiac ischemia (2%), colitis (2%), pulmonary embolism (2%), sepsis (2%), and urinary tract infection (2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (29%), diarrhea (24%), and rash (24%).
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with MSI-H or dMMR CRC were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy.
In KEYNOTE-811, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 6% of 217 patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2+ gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation was pneumonitis (1.4%). In the KEYTRUDA arm versus placebo, there was a difference of ≥5% incidence between patients treated with KEYTRUDA versus standard of care for diarrhea (53% vs 44%) and nausea (49% vs 44%).
The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥20%) in patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy were fatigue/asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, dyspnea, pyrexia, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, mucosal inflammation, stomatitis, headache, weight loss, abdominal pain, arthralgia, myalgia, and insomnia.
In KEYNOTE-590, when KEYTRUDA was administered with cisplatin and fluorouracil to patients with metastatic or locally advanced esophageal or GEJ (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma who were not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 15% of 370 patients. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥1%) were pneumonitis (1.6%), acute kidney injury (1.1%), and pneumonia (1.1%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy were nausea (67%), fatigue (57%), decreased appetite (44%), constipation (40%), diarrhea (36%), vomiting (34%), stomatitis (27%), and weight loss (24%).
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with esophageal cancer who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy.
In KEYNOTE-826, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin, with or without bevacizumab (n=307), to patients with persistent, recurrent, or first-line metastatic cervical cancer regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression who had not been treated with chemotherapy except when used concurrently as a radio-sensitizing agent, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.6% of patients, including 3 cases of hemorrhage, 2 cases each of sepsis and due to unknown causes, and 1 case each of acute myocardial infarction, autoimmune encephalitis, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, femur fracture with perioperative pulmonary embolus, intestinal perforation, and pelvic infection. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab; those ≥3% were febrile neutropenia (6.8%), urinary tract infection (5.2%), anemia (4.6%), and acute kidney injury and sepsis (3.3% each).
KEYTRUDA was discontinued in 15% of patients due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation (≥1%) was colitis (1%).
For patients treated with KEYTRUDA, chemotherapy, and bevacizumab (n=196), the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were peripheral neuropathy (62%), alopecia (58%), anemia (55%), fatigue/asthenia (53%), nausea and neutropenia (41% each), diarrhea (39%), hypertension and thrombocytopenia (35% each), constipation and arthralgia (31% each), vomiting (30%), urinary tract infection (27%), rash (26%), leukopenia (24%), hypothyroidism (22%), and decreased appetite (21%).
For patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were peripheral neuropathy (58%), alopecia (56%), fatigue (47%), nausea (40%), diarrhea (36%), constipation (28%), arthralgia (27%), vomiting (26%), hypertension and urinary tract infection (24% each), and rash (22%).
In KEYNOTE-158, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 98 patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA; the most frequent included anemia (7%), fistula, hemorrhage, and infections [except urinary tract infections] (4.1% each). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (43%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), diarrhea (23%), pain and abdominal pain (22% each), and decreased appetite (21%).
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HCC were generally similar to those in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy, with the exception of increased incidences of ascites (8% Grades 3-4) and immune-mediated hepatitis (2.9%). Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (20%), ALT (9%), and hyperbilirubinemia (10%).
Among the 50 patients with MCC enrolled in study KEYNOTE-017, adverse reactions occurring in patients with MCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy. Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (11%) and hyperglycemia (19%).
In KEYNOTE-426, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with axitinib, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of 429 patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 40% of patients, the most frequent (≥1%) were hepatotoxicity (7%), diarrhea (4.2%), acute kidney injury (2.3%), dehydration (1%), and pneumonitis (1%). Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 31% of patients; KEYTRUDA only (13%), axitinib only (13%), and the combination (8%); the most common were hepatotoxicity (13%), diarrhea/colitis (1.9%), acute kidney injury (1.6%), and cerebrovascular accident (1.2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (56%), fatigue/asthenia (52%), hypertension (48%), hepatotoxicity (39%), hypothyroidism (35%), decreased appetite (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (28%), nausea (28%), stomatitis/mucosal inflammation (27%), dysphonia (25%), rash (25%), cough (21%), and constipation (21%).
In KEYNOTE-564, when KEYTRUDA was administered as a single agent for the adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma, serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA; the serious adverse reactions (≥1%) were acute kidney injury, adrenal insufficiency, pneumonia, colitis, and diabetic ketoacidosis (1% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.2% including 1 case of pneumonia. Discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to adverse reactions occurred in 21% of 488 patients; the most common (≥1%) were increased ALT (1.6%), colitis (1%), and adrenal insufficiency (1%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were musculoskeletal pain (41%), fatigue (40%), rash (30%), diarrhea (27%), pruritus (23%), and hypothyroidism (21%).
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with MSI-H or dMMR endometrial carcinoma who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent.
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with TMB-H cancer were similar to those occurring in patients with other solid tumors who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent.
Adverse reactions occurring in patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy.
In KEYNOTE-522, when KEYTRUDA was administered with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin or epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) followed by surgery and continued adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent (n=778) to patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated, high-risk early-stage TNBC, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.9% of patients, including 1 each of adrenal crisis, autoimmune encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis in association with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and myocardial infarction. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA; those ≥2% were febrile neutropenia (15%), pyrexia (3.7%), anemia (2.6%), and neutropenia (2.2%). KEYTRUDA was discontinued in 20% of patients due to adverse reactions. The most common reactions (≥1%) resulting in permanent discontinuation were increased ALT (2.7%), increased AST (1.5%), and rash (1%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving KEYTRUDA were fatigue (70%), nausea (67%), alopecia (61%), rash (52%), constipation (42%), diarrhea and peripheral neuropathy (41% each), stomatitis (34%), vomiting (31%), headache (30%), arthralgia (29%), pyrexia (28%), cough (26%), abdominal pain (24%), decreased appetite (23%), insomnia (21%), and myalgia (20%).
In KEYNOTE-355, when KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy (paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin) were administered to patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC who had not been previously treated with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting (n=596), fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2.5% of patients, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.7%) and septic shock (0.3%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy; the serious reactions in ≥2% were pneumonia (2.9%), anemia (2.2%), and thrombocytopenia (2%). KEYTRUDA was discontinued in 11% of patients due to adverse reactions. The most common reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation (≥1%) were increased ALT (2.2%), increased AST (1.5%), and pneumonitis (1.2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy were fatigue (48%), nausea (44%), alopecia (34%), diarrhea and constipation (28% each), vomiting and rash (26% each), cough (23%), decreased appetite (21%), and headache (20%).
Lactation
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.
Pediatric Use
In KEYNOTE-051, 161 pediatric patients (62 pediatric patients aged 6 months to younger than 12 years and 99 pediatric patients aged 12 years to 17 years) were administered KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The median duration of exposure was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 24 months).
Adverse reactions that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults were pyrexia (33%), vomiting (30%), leukopenia (30%), upper respiratory tract infection (29%), neutropenia (26%), headache (25%), and Grade 3 anemia (17%).
Additional Indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.
KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Please see Prescribing Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.
About Seagen
Seagen Inc. is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative cancer medicines to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Seagen is headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, and has locations in California, Canada, Switzerland and the European Union. For more information on the company's marketed products and robust pipeline, visit www.seagen.com and follow @SeagenGlobal on Twitter.
Merck's focus on cancer
Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose, and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About the Astellas, Seagen and Merck Collaboration
Astellas and Seagen entered a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck to evaluate the combination of Astellas' and Seagen's PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) and Merck's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with previously untreated metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
Astellas Cautionary Notes
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development), which is included in this press release, is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
Seagen Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking, such as those, among others, relating to the therapeutic potential of PADCEV alone or in combination, including its possible efficacy, safety and therapeutic uses; plans to discuss Cohort K results with regulatory authorities; and clinical development plans, including planned and ongoing clinical trials. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, without limitation, the possibility that the data from the EV-103 trial may not be sufficient to support any regulatory approval; the risk of adverse events, including the potential for newly-emerging safety signals; adverse regulatory actions; delays, setbacks or failures in clinical development activities, the submission of regulatory applications and the regulatory review process for a variety of reasons, including the inherent difficulty and uncertainty of pharmaceutical product development; possible required modifications to clinical trials; the inability to provide information and institute safety mitigation measures as may be required by the FDA or other regulatory authorities from time to time; failure to properly conduct or manage clinical trials; and failure of clinical results to support continued development or regulatory approvals. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seagen is contained under the caption "Risk Factors" included in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seagen disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
1 C.J. Hoimes, J.E. Rosenberg et.al. EV-103: Initial results of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Annals of Oncology 2019; 30 (Supplement 5): v356–v402.
2 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2021/cancer-facts-and-figures-2021.pdf. Accessed September 10, 2022.
3 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Bladder Cancer: Introduction (9-20). https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/introduction. Accessed September 10, 2022.
4 International Agency for Research on Cancer. Cancer Tomorrow: Bladder. http://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow. Accessed September 10, 2022.
5 Challita-Eid P, Satpayev D, Yang P, et al. Enfortumab Vedotin Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting Nectin-4 Is a Highly Potent Therapeutic Agent in Multiple Preclinical Cancer Models. Cancer Res 2016;76(10):3003-13.
6 PADCEV [package insert]. Northbrook, IL: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
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SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/astellas-seagen-merck-announce-results-clinical-trial-investigating-padcev-enfortumab-vedotin-ejfv-with-keytruda-pembrolizumab-padcev-monotherapy-first-line-advanced-urothelial-cancer/ | 2022-09-12T13:48:01Z |
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — One of the jurors in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial served improperly, an attorney for Heard alleged in a recent filing that asked the court to declare a mistrial and order a new trial.
“Newly discovered facts” show Juror No. 15 in the six-week trial was not the individual summoned in April to serve in the case, Heard’s attorney wrote in a five-page memo filed Friday in Virginia’s Fairfax Circuit Court.
Instead, the filing suggests Juror No. 15 was a younger individual with the same last name who “apparently” lives at the same address.
“As the Court no doubt agrees, it is deeply troubling for an individual not summoned for jury duty nonetheless to appear for jury duty and serve on a jury, especially in a case such as this,” the filing said.
Depp sued his ex-wife over a December 2018 op-ed Heard wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” Much of the testimony focused on whether Heard had been physically and sexually abused, as she claimed. Depp said he never hit Heard and that she was the abuser.
After a televised trial that turned into a spectacle, the jury found in Depp’s favor on all three of his claims relating to specific statements in the 2018 piece.
The jury decided Depp should receive $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, but the judge reduced the punitive damages award to $350,000 under a state cap.
Heard has previously said she plans to appeal the verdict.
News of Friday’s filing was first reported by Deadline, which posted the document online.
The memo expanded upon earlier post-trial motions filed by Heard’s legal team that asked the judge to throw out the verdict against her. Those motions had raised the possibility that one of the jurors may not have been properly vetted by the court.
The latest filing said a “jury panel list” in the case included a person who would have been 77 at the time of the trial. Voter registration information lists two individuals with the same last name “apparently” residing at the same address, said the filing, in which the names were redacted.
“The individual who appeared for jury duty with this name was obviously the younger one. Thus, the 52-year-old … sitting on the jury for six weeks was never summoned for jury duty on April 11,” violating Heard’s due process rights, the filing said.
The Associated Press sent emails seeking comment Sunday to a representative for Depp and two of his attorneys. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/amber-heard-attorneys-seek-mistrial/ | 2022-07-10T22:54:27Z |
Horrified by the surge of anti-Asian violence, she’s giving her community tools to protect themselves
By Meg Dunn, CNN
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, attacks on Asian Americans have surged across the country. In the first half of 2021, New York City alone saw a 395% increase over the previous year in reported anti-Asian hate crimes.
Michelle Tran, a Chinese and Vietnamese American medical student living in the city, was horrified by this spike in violence and wanted to do something to help her community.
“As an Asian American female, I’ve seen that we can be targeted for what we look like,” Tran said. “My friends started getting spit on and yelled slurs and being called, ‘Chinese Virus.'”
Tran co-founded Soar Over Hate, a nonprofit that works to support and protect the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in New York and San Francisco.
“I started to realize that many people don’t know where to get resources or don’t have the money to purchase a personal alarm,” she said.
Since March 2021, Tran says the organization has handed out more than 25,000 personal protective devices. They prioritized the most vulnerable, such as essential workers, the elderly, women and low-income Asian Americans.
Often at the nonprofit’s distribution events, hundreds of AAPI community members line up to receive a personal safety device. At its recent event at Yu and Me Books in NYC’s Chinatown, about 1,000 women waited over an hour in the cold to get a handheld device for protection.
“It was simultaneously heartbreaking, but also motivating to see so many people come out,” Tran said. “I think it highlighted the need and the fears that many folks, like me, are experiencing right now.”
Soar Over Hate also hosts self-defense classes for Asian women and femmes. The group held a recent self-defense class just a few weeks after the killing of Christina Yuna Lee in Manhattan.
“After this intense media coverage of Asian American women being attacked and humiliated and beaten up, we really wanted to recover our sense of power and strength,” Tran said.
The self-defense classes teach women about situational awareness and how to deescalate or escape an attack.
To help address the trauma individuals are experiencing, the nonprofit offers culturally competent therapy for victims of anti-Asian hate and their family members, as well as need-based scholarships for AAPI youth.
With the ongoing need, Soar Over Hate hopes to expand to more cities around the US.
Tran says she has one hope for her work moving forward: to help save lives.
“I hope that people that receive our personal safety devices or attend our self-defense classes leave feeling more empowered to fight back,” she said. “And if ever there was a scenario to arise, they would know how to protect themselves and leave unscathed.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/05/05/horrified-by-the-surge-of-anti-asian-violence-shes-giving-her-community-tools-to-protect-themselves-2/ | 2022-05-05T23:59:50Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The white-hot demand for U.S. workers cooled a bit in April, though the number of unfilled jobs remains high and companies are still desperate to hire more people.
Employers advertised 11.4 million jobs at the end of April, the Labor Department said Wednesday, down from nearly 11.9 million in March, the highest level on records that date back 20 years. At that level, there are nearly two job openings for every unemployed person. That’s a sharp reversal from the historic pattern: Before the pandemic, there were always more unemployed people than available jobs.
The number of people quitting their jobs remained near record highs at 4.4 million in April, mostly unchanged from the previous month. Nearly all of those who quit do so to take another job, typically for higher pay.
Historic levels of open jobs and quits, which force employers to pay more to attract and keep workers, are driving solid wage gains for America’s workers, particularly those that switch jobs.
Yet higher pay also leads most companies to raise prices to cover at least part of their higher labor costs, adding to inflation pressures, which Americans increasingly cite as their top national concern.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has targeted the high level of available jobs and hopes that by raising interest rates, the Fed can slow demand for workers and bring down the number of openings. Powell and other Fed officials have said their goal is to reduce openings and slow wage increases to cool inflation, potentially without forcing many layoffs. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/us-job-openings-decline-from-record-level-but-remain-high/ | 2022-06-01T16:43:14Z |
Implements Plan to Accelerate Platform Strategy and Deliver Sustainable Profitability
Expects Increased Marketing Efficiency and an Additional $70 Million in Annual Operating Expense Savings
LANHAM, Md., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), a leading online education platform company, today reported financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The company also announced a realignment of its operations to accelerate its platform strategy and drive sustainable profitability and free cash flow. As part of this plan, the company implemented a new marketing framework, resulting in lower marketing spend late in the second quarter, which impacted results in the period.
Results for Second Quarter 2022 Compared to Second Quarter 2021
- Revenue increased 2% to $241.5 million
- Degree Program Segment revenue decreased 2% to $143.1 million
- Alternative Credential Segment revenue increased 8% to $98.4 million
- Net loss increased $41.0 million to $62.9 million, or $0.82 per share
Non-GAAP Results for Second Quarter 2022 Compared to Second Quarter 2021
- Adjusted EBITDA increased $4.8 million to $21.9 million
- Adjusted net loss increased $0.8 million to $7.5 million, or $0.10 per share
"We are taking significant action to accelerate 2U's transition to a platform company under the edX brand and unify our product and marketing strategy to create the world's leading free-to-degree online learning marketplace," said 2U Co-Founder and CEO Christopher "Chip" Paucek. "Operating as one powerful brand and platform enables the company to pursue sustainable profitability, while building a stronger, more agile business that we believe will deliver greater value for learners, partners, and shareholders and drive the future of education for the long term."
Paul Lalljie, 2U's Chief Financial Officer, added, "In the second quarter we took important steps to align our organizational and cost structure to deliver sustained profitable growth and free cash flow. Our results for the quarter and our updated guidance reflect the shift in focus to more profitable growth resulting from the acceleration of our platform strategy. We expect that this plan will drive significant improvement to adjusted EBITDA for full-year 2022 and will generate positive free cash flow for full-year 2023."
Discussion of Second Quarter 2022 Results
Revenue for the second quarter totaled $241.5 million, a 1.8% increase from $237.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. This increase includes $10.0 million from edX, acquired in the fourth quarter of 2021. Revenue from the Degree Program Segment decreased $3.1 million, or 2.1%, primarily due to a 1.9% decrease in average revenue per FCE enrollment, from $2,420 to $2,373. Revenue from the Alternative Credential Segment increased $7.4 million, or 8.1%, primarily due to the addition of edX offerings and a 1.2% increase in average revenue per FCE enrollment, from $3,843 to $3,891, partially offset by a decrease in FCE enrollments of 236, or 1.0%.
Costs and expenses for the second quarter totaled $289.4 million, a 5.5% increase from $274.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. This increase includes $17.1 million of operating expense related to edX. The remaining change was primarily driven by higher restructuring charges associated with the realignment plan, partially offset by lower personnel and personnel-related expense and marketing spend.
As of June 30, 2022, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled $237.8 million, a decrease of $12.1 million from $249.9 million as of December 31, 2021. Cash provided by operations of $28.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was offset by cash used in investing activities of $35.2 million and cash used in financing activities of $3.0 million. Unlevered cash flow for the last twelve months ended June 30, 2022 was $11.5 million, a $45.6 million improvement compared to a negative unlevered cash flow of $34.1 million for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2022.
Business Outlook for Fiscal Year 2022
The company provided updated guidance for the full-year 2022 for the following metrics:
- Revenue to exceed $960 million, representing growth of 2%
- Net loss to range from $240 million to $230 million
- Adjusted EBITDA to range from $105 million to $115 million, representing growth of 65% at the midpoint
Strategic Update
2U also announced today the implementation of a plan to accelerate its transition to a platform company and align its cost structure and strategy. The plan reorients the company around the edX platform, allowing it to pursue a portfolio-based marketing strategy that drives traffic to the edX marketplace. The plan is designed to achieve durable growth that increases profitability by simplifying the current executive structure to reduce silos, reducing employee headcount, optimizing marketing spend and rationalizing the company's real estate footprint.
As part of the plan, Harsha Mokkarala, 2U's current Chief Data Scientist, will now serve as the company's Chief Revenue Officer, and Anant Agarwal, founder of edX and 2U's current Chief Open Education Officer, will serve as Chief Platform Officer. In their new roles, Mr. Mokkarala will focus on optimizing marketing spend while continuing to drive growth and Mr. Agarwal will be responsible for leading the company's unified product and technology strategy.
The company expects that implementation of the headcount reductions will be completed in the third quarter of 2022 while the remainder of the plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. The company expects to generate marketing efficiency and an additional $70 million in annualized cost savings, primarily due to savings associated with headcount reduction and reduced real estate costs. The company estimates it will incur aggregate restructuring costs associated with the plan ranging from approximately $35 million to $40 million.
Additional Leadership Update
The company's Chief Operating Officer, Mark Chernis, has also decided to step down from his role at the company to pursue other professional opportunities, effective October 3, 2022, at which time he will transition to a consulting capacity.
"On behalf of 2U's Board of Directors, executive management and employees, I would like to thank Mark for his 14 years of service to the company, first as a director then as an officer. Mark has been a great friend and colleague and his leadership and contributions have been integral in making 2U the company that it is today," said Mr. Paucek.
Non-GAAP Measures
To provide investors and others with additional information regarding 2U's results, the company has disclosed the following non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted EBITDA (loss), unlevered free cash flow, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share. The company has provided a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure used in this earnings release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The company defines adjusted EBITDA (loss) as net income or net loss, as applicable, before net interest income (expense), other income (expense), net, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, deferred revenue fair value adjustments, transaction costs, integration costs, restructuring-related costs, stockholder activism costs, certain litigation-related costs, consisting of fees for certain non-ordinary course litigation and other proceedings, impairment charges, losses on debt extinguishment, and stock-based compensation expense. The company defines unlevered free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures, payments to university clients, certain non-ordinary cash payments, and cash interest payments on debt. The company defines adjusted net income (loss) as net income or net loss, as applicable, before other income (expense), net, acquisition-related gains or losses, deferred revenue fair value adjustments, transaction costs, integration costs, restructuring-related costs, stockholder activism costs, certain litigation-related costs, consisting of fees for certain non-ordinary course litigation and other proceedings, impairment charges, losses on debt extinguishment, and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted net income (loss) per share is calculated as adjusted net income (loss) divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for periods that result in adjusted net income, and basic weighted-average shares outstanding for periods that result in an adjusted net loss. Some of the adjustments described in the definitions of adjusted EBITDA (loss), unlevered free cash flow, and adjusted net income (loss) may not be applicable in any given reporting period and they may vary from period to period.
The company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, to understand cash that is generated by or available for operational expenses and investment in the business after capital expenditures, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, for short- and long-term operating plans, and to evaluate the company's financial performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures reflect the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in the company's business as they exclude expenses that are not reflective of ongoing operating results. Management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the company's operating results and prospects in the same manner as management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies.
The use of adjusted EBITDA (loss), unlevered free cash flow, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share measures has certain limitations, as they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the company's operations. The company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Further, these non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore comparability may be limited. Management encourages investors and others to review the company's financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Conference Call Information
About 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU)
For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding 2U, Inc.'s future business expectations, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding future results of operations and financial position of 2U, including financial targets, business strategy, and plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. 2U has based these forward-looking statements largely on its estimates of its financial results and its current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs as of the date of this press release. The company undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results predicted, including, but not limited to:
- trends in the higher education market and the market for online education, and expectations for growth in those markets;
- the acceptance, adoption and growth of online learning by colleges and universities, faculty, students, employers, accreditors and state and federal licensing bodies;
- the impact of competition on the company's industry and innovations by competitors;
- the company's ability to comply with evolving regulations and legal obligations related to data privacy, data protection and information security;
- the company's expectations about the potential benefits of its cloud-based software-as-a-service technology and technology-enabled services to university clients and students;
- the company's dependence on third parties to provide certain technological services or components used in its platform;
- the company's expectations about the predictability, visibility and recurring nature of its business model;
- the company's ability to meet the anticipated launch dates of its degree programs, executive education offerings and boot camps;
- the company's ability to acquire new university clients and expand its degree programs, executive education offerings and boot camps with existing university clients;
- the company's ability to successfully integrate the operations of its acquisitions, including the edX acquisition, to achieve the expected benefits of its acquisitions and manage, expand and grow the combined company;
- the company's ability to refinance its indebtedness on attractive terms, if at all, to better align with its focus on profitability;
- the company's ability to service its substantial indebtedness and comply with the covenants and conversion obligations contained in the indenture governing its convertible senior notes and the term loan agreement governing its term loan facility;
- the company's ability to generate sufficient future operating cash flows from recent acquisitions to ensure related goodwill is not impaired;
- the company's ability to execute its growth strategy in the international, undergraduate and non-degree alternative markets;
- the company's ability to continue to recruit prospective students for its offerings;
- the company's ability to maintain or increase student retention rates in its degree programs;
- the company's ability to attract, hire and retain qualified employees;
- the company's expectations about the scalability of its cloud-based platform;
- potential changes in regulations applicable to the company or its university clients;
- the company's expectations regarding the amount of time its cash balances and other available financial resources will be sufficient to fund its operations;
- the impact and cost of stockholder activism;
- the impact of the significant decline in the market price of our common stock, including the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets;
- the timing, structure and expected impact of our realignment plan and the estimated savings and amounts expected to be incurred in connection therewith;
- the impact of any natural disasters or public health emergencies, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic;
- the company's expectations regarding the effect of the capped call transactions and regarding actions of the option counterparties and/or their respective affiliates; and
- other factors beyond the company's control.
These and other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and other SEC filings. Moreover, 2U operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for 2U management to predict all risks, nor can 2U assess the impact of all factors on its business 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 2U may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated.
Investor Relations Contact: investorinfo@2U.com
Media Contact: media@2U.com
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SOURCE 2U, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/2u-reports-results-second-quarter-2022/ | 2022-07-28T20:35:15Z |
Russia invades Ukraine
By Simone McCarthy, Steve George and Sana Noor Haq, CNN
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
By Simone McCarthy, Steve George and Sana Noor Haq, CNN
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
You must be logged in to post a comment. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-europe-mideast-africa/2022/04/03/russia-invades-ukraine-72/ | 2022-04-03T11:16:31Z |
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson // Becker, PLLC is a nationwide products liability law firm with extensive experience representing victims of pressure cooker explosions. The firm has represented over 500 clients who have been severely burned by exploding pressure cookers designed and sold by numerous manufacturers.
Johnson//Becker filed this Complaint against manufacturer Sunbeam Products Inc., on behalf of Barri Bolden, a resident of West Haven, Connecticut alleging that Ms. Bolden was burned by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker.
The pressure cooker explosion occurred when the lid opened while the unit was still under pressure, causing its scalding hot contents to erupt onto Ms. Bolden. In 2020, Sunbeam recalled 900,000 Crock-Pot pressure cookers following reports of lids opening while the contents were still pressurized, including 99 reports of burn injuries similar to Ms. Bolden's. These injuries occurred despite assurances the Crock-Pot pressure cooker will not open until the unit has depressurized. The Complaint alleges the manufacturer "failed to exercise ordinary care in the manufacture, sale, warnings, quality assurance, quality control, distribution, advertising, promotion, sale, and marketing" of the Crock-Pot pressure cooker.
This suit is filed by Lisa A. Gorshe and Anna R. Rick of Johnson // Becker, PLLC.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Crock-Pot pressure cooker, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are filing new pressure cooker lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation for your defective pressure cooker injuries.
We offer a free case evaluation. To learn more about Johnson // Becker's product liability cases, or to arrange a free, no obligation case review, please visit Johnson // Becker at https://www.johnsonbecker.com/product-liability/pressure-cooker-lawsuit/, https://www.johnsonbecker.com/product-liability/crock-pot-pressure-cooker-lawsuit/ or contact Johnson // Becker directly at (800) 279-6386.
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SOURCE Johnson // Becker, PLLC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/new-crock-pot-pressure-cooker-explosion-lawsuit-filed/ | 2022-08-01T20:59:04Z |
Payday loan scams victimize most financially vulnerable
Consumers have lost more than $3M over the last four years
InvestigateTV - Payday loans are high-cost, short term loans that are often a quick way for people to get cash before their next paycheck. Unfortunately, payday loan scams have cost consumers almost $500,000 this year.
Josh Planos with the Better Business Bureau said the con comes when bad actors pose as representatives from legal payday loan companies.
Planos explained that fraudsters will offer fake payday loans or trick customers into thinking they still owe money on a debt even after the debt is paid.
These scams typically cost victims an average of $1,000 per person and the frequency is increasing.
Planos reported that the BBB saw a 27% increase in payday loan scams from 2019 to 2021.
Senior Attorney Mark Glassman with the Federal Trade Commission said the uptick in payday loan scams means borrowers need to stay on high alert.
Glassman noted that the scams are targeted towards people who, in many cases, are already economically vulnerable.
Experts said one way to avoid falling victim is to skip the payday loan and instead, try working with your creditors to make payment arrangements.
If you need help with creditors, USA.gov and Consumer.gov both offer free resources on dealing with debt and managing debt.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/07/payday-loan-scams-victimize-most-financially-vulnerable/ | 2022-09-07T20:22:19Z |
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world's leading cloud software company powering social good, will report its second quarter 2022 financial results on Tuesday, August 2, after the U.S. financial markets close for trading. In conjunction with this announcement, Blackbaud will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the company's financial results.
A webcast will be available and archived on Blackbaud's investor webpage following the call.
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world's leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG), school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for four decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Steve Hufford
Director, Investor Relations
IR@blackbaud.com
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SOURCE Blackbaud, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/12/blackbaud-announces-date-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-07-12T22:05:06Z |
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Creatd, Inc. (Nasdaq CM: CRTD) ("Creatd" or the "Company"), a creator-first holding company and the parent company of Vocal, a proprietary technology platform for creators, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Financial Highlights
- Creatd's Q1 2022 GAAP revenue grew 81% YoY to nearly $1.4 million, with $2.5 million in non-GAAP revenue, led by stable growth across all business segments.
- Creatd maintained revenues QoQ while reducing operating expenses by a record 45%, as well as decreasing Vocal marketing costs.
- The reduction in Vocal subscription-related marketing expenses is a testament to the platform's 'stickiness,' the scalability of Creatd's multiple subscription-based revenue models, and management's commitment to working toward cash flow break-even.
- At the conclusion of Q1 2022, Creatd's balance sheet has no long-term debt.
- Mid-way through Q2 2022, the Company's second-quarter revenues are already tracking above those of last quarter; the Company maintains guidance of between $1.55 million and $1.75 million in net revenues for such period.
Business Highlights (Year to Date)
- Creatd's flagship platform, Vocal, released 'Comments', one of its most highly-requested features, as part of a suite of social-oriented features being introduced this year.
- Creatd Ventures' direct-to-consumer beverage brand, Dune, launched in luxury SoCal grocery retailer Erewhon Market after selling out at Urban Outfitters in less than two weeks. Dune continues to field strong interest from a range of additional retailers as consumer demand for premium, high-quality wellness drinks increases.
- Creatd Partners, the pillar housing the Company's agency businesses, released a new website design and media kit for its content marketing arm, Vocal for Brands. The new Vocal for Brands positioning works to highlight its shift toward a more integrated, cohesive agency offering, leveraging WHE's powerful influencer network as well as Vocal creators to drive even further impact for Creatd Partners clients.
- Creatd Studios, the Company's transmedia production arm, announced the upcoming launch of a new podcast featuring the voices and stories of Vocal's creators; additionally, the Company announced the upcoming release of a print book featuring the winners of Vocal's 'Fiction Awards' Challenge, with publication expected in early 2023 in partnership with UK-based publisher, Unbound.
- The Company is planning an Investor Day webcast to present its business expansion plans for the second half of 2022. The event is expected to take place next month, with further details to be announced.
Commented Creatd's CEO Laurie Weisberg, "Over the last quarter, our Company has been able to operate efficiently and effectively; at the heart of Creatd remains a commitment to creators and our technology platform, Vocal. In the face of significant headwinds, we are still on schedule to deliver our first ever Vocal mobile app, which we expect to be the most momentous event for the technology since the platform's inception nearly six years ago."
About Creatd
Creatd, Inc. (Nasdaq CM: CRTD) is a creator-first technology holding company and the parent company of the Vocal platform. Our mission is to empower creators, entrepreneurs, and brands through technology and partnership. We accomplish this through Creatd's four business pillars: Creatd Labs, Creatd Partners, Creatd Ventures, and Creatd Studios.
Creatd: https://creatd.com;
Creatd IR: https://investors.creatd.com;
Vocal Platform: https://vocal.media;
Investor Relations Contact: ir@creatd.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements that are not historical facts and that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, indicated through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "believes" and "projects") may be forward-looking and may involve estimates and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution that the factors described herein could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make and that investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our results of operations 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. This press release is qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
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SOURCE Creatd, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/creatd-announces-record-reduction-45-qoq-operating-expenses-its-first-quarter-2022/ | 2022-05-16T20:13:15Z |
Griner sends letter to President Biden pleading for his help
(AP) - Brittney Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not " forget about me and the other American Detainees.”
Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note.
″…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury center added. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested on Feb. 17 on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial will resume Thursday.
Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.
The White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner’s letter.
“We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner,” NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on Monday. “President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively – using every available means – to bring her home.”
Griner pleaded with Biden in the letter to use his powers to ensure her return.
“Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore,” Griner said “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Griner has been able to have sporadic communications with family, friends and WNBA players through an email account her agent set up. The emails are printed out and delivered in bunches to Griner by her lawyer after they are vetted by Russian officials. Once the lawyers get back to their office, they’ll scan any responses from Griner and pass them back to the U.S. to send along.
She was supposed to have a phone call with her wife on their anniversary but it failed because of an “unfortunate mistake,” Biden administration officials.
Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The State Department in May designated her as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.
Griner isn’t the only American being wrongfully detained in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.
___
Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.”
___
To see more stories on Griner: https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/04/griner-sends-letter-president-biden-pleading-his-help/ | 2022-07-04T22:45:26Z |
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The appearance by video of the head of Ukrainian soccer, wearing an armored vest from the streets of Kyiv, brought the impact of Russia’s war into the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
“We have regularly received sad news of the deaths of members of the Ukrainian football community,” Andriy Pavelko said in a recorded message to the gathering in Qatar including delegates from Russia.
“They have been killed by the aggressors’ rockets from one of the biggest army in the world. Football has taken a back seat in our country.”
Kyiv hosted the Champions League final only four years ago. Then the soccer world shifted to Russia in 2018 for a World Cup that FIFA President Gianni Infantino still celebrated Thursday as “a great success sportingly and culturally.”
“Obviously it did not solve the problems of the world,” Infantino said. “It did not even solve the problems in the region. It did not create a lasting peace.”
Infantino did not mention the man he was filmed juggling a ball with and praising in 2018: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nor did Infantino blame or mention Russia in his speech.
There was a plea to “stop conflicts and wars” generally rather than specifically issuing a direct message to Putin, who awarded Infantino Russia’s Order of Friendship medal after the World Cup. And in the Doha audience was Alexey Sorokin, the chief executive of Russia’s 2018 organizing committee and former member of the FIFA Council.
There was an expression of regret from Sorokin but only that Pavelko “has these emotions” in the video address.
“It is difficult for them, we understand that,” Sorokin said. “But I’m here not to discuss politics or military activities or anything, I am here in the FIFA Congress.”
Russia won’t be in the draw for the World Cup on Friday after being disqualified from playing internationally by FIFA over the war. Ukraine can still qualify but its playoff semifinal against Scotland has been postponed until June with the hope the team will be in a position to return to the field by then.
For now, the priority for Ukraine is protecting the country from Russia as Pavelko told the FIFA Congress.
“Our children have suffered terrible psychological injuries. Perhaps football will help them forget the horrors of war,” he said as sandbags were being placed around a statue behind him in Kyiv. “I believe every word, prayer and action in support of Ukraine and against the war can stop it.
“We have no right to remain silent. Let there be no air-raid alarms in our cities, instead the songs of fans. Let the battles take place not in the streets with weapons but in crowded stadiums in fair football duel and let the spectators in the stands explode when their favorite team scores a goal, not the bombs.”
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/russians-hear-fifa-congress-plea-from-ukraine-to-end-the-war/ | 2022-04-01T18:12:19Z |
Oklahoma St. beats Texas 9-1 to stay alive in Big 12 tourney
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jake Thompson had four RBIs — including a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning — Ryan Bogusz allowed one run over eight innings and No. 4 seed Oklahoma State beat Texas 9-1 to avoid elimination from the Big 12 Tournament. The Cowboys and fifth-seeded Longhorns play again later Saturday with the winner advancing to the championship game. Thompson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to open the scoring and Oklahoma State never trailed. Texas (41-18) had two runners on base with nobody out in four innings and one on with no outs in three more but finished 0-for-12 with six strikeouts with runners in scoring position. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/28/oklahoma-st-beats-texas-9-1-to-stay-alive-in-big-12-tourney/ | 2022-05-28T20:32:09Z |
1 dead after early morning crash in Manatee County
Published: May. 13, 2022 at 4:56 PM EDT|Updated: 16 minutes ago
MANATEE COUNTY Fla. (WWSB) - A 29-year-old man is dead and his passenger injured following a Friday morning crash.
The single-vehicle crash occurred around 6 a.m. on CR-675 (Rutland Road) south of Jim Davis Road.
The Chevy Sonic was headed northbound on Rutland at a high rate of speed. He failed to negotiate the curve and the car ran off the shoulder, resulting in the driver overcorrecting. The car struck a guardrail and went airborne over a culvert.
The driver was pronounced dead after being transported to Manatee Memorial. His 24-year-old passenger was transported from the scene by Manatee County EMS, to Blake Medical Center, for incapacitating injuries. His injuries are being classified as serious.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/13/1-dead-after-early-morning-crash-manatee-county/ | 2022-05-13T21:14:06Z |
DENVER and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Massage Envy, the nation's No. 1 provider of massage in the U.S. collectively across its franchise network and a national leader in skincare, and Charlotte's Web Inc., (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF) the market leader in innovative hemp-derived CBD wellness products, are pleased to announce the availability of premium CBD wellness products at participating Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. Massage Envy customers are now able to add Charlotte's Web CBD Clinic™ topicals as enhancements to most massage services.
CBD Clinic™ topicals are designed exclusively for health care practitioners, and are developed, formulated and manufactured to Charlotte's Web's high-quality standards.
Massage Envy customers may now choose to enhance their massage with either CBD Clinic Relax Massage Cream or Unscented Massage Cream, which are composed of plant-based extracts including CBD, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and cottonseed oil to help nourish and hydrate skin. The Relax formula also blends calming botanicals including arnica, lavender, chamomile and frankincense that offer aromatherapy benefits to enhance the overall massage experience. CBD Clinic topical products contain natural oils and do not contain any artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens or steroids.
"More and more people are interested in the benefits of CBD, and Massage Envy customers and Massage therapists alike have expressed interest in adding CBD enhancements to the brand's services," said Beth Stiller, Massage Envy CEO. "Charlotte's Web, The World's Most Trusted Hemp Extract™, is the pioneer and market leader in the CBD wellness category, which we are proud to bring to Massage Envy customers."
"As Americans increasingly seek ways to support body and mind, Charlotte's Web helps address their needs with safe and effective natural botanicals. Our massage therapy creams help create an experience that consumers are seeking by harnessing the power of aromatic botanicals with our premium hemp extract," said Charlotte's Web CEO Jacques Tortoroli. "We are pleased to supply our trusted Charlotte's Web CBD Clinic products to the expansive network of Massage Envy franchised locations, therapists and customers across the country."
For more information about Massage Envy's body care and skincare offerings please visit www.massageenvy.com
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 190 million massages and facials. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com, or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @MassageEnvy.
Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Denver, is the market leader in innovative hemp extract wellness products under a family of brands which includes Charlotte's Web™, CBD Medic™, CBD Clinic™, and Harmony Hemp™. Charlotte's Web branded premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are 100-percent American farm-grown using organic regenerative cultivation practices. The Company's hemp extracts have naturally occurring botanical compounds including cannabidiol ("CBD"), CBC, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds. Charlotte's Web product categories include full-spectrum hemp CBD oil tinctures (liquid products), CBD gummies (sleep, stress, exercise recovery), CBD capsules, CBD topical creams and lotions, as well as CBD pet products for dogs. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to more than 15,000 retail, over 8,000 health care practitioners, and online through the Company's website at www.CharlottesWeb.com. Charlotte's Web's mission is "To unleash the healing powers of botanicals with compassion and science, benefitting the planet and all who live upon it."
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SOURCE Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/massage-envy-enhances-massage-skin-care-portfolio-with-cbd-offerings-charlottes-web-worlds-most-trusted-hemp-extract/ | 2022-06-22T12:48:13Z |
Poignant tale inspired by Sophie's Choice author and his real-life nurse
BOSTON, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- An award-winning, coming-of-age tale, crafted by the former caregiver to the Pulitzer-Prize winning author William Styron, Dianne Braley's The Silence in the Sound will be released by Koehler Books on August 23rd, 2022.
The Silence in the Sound is a women's upmarket novel about a young nurse who escapes her past on Martha's Vineyard Island – hoping memories won't follow. While working on Martha's Vineyard, the ailing celebrity author Mr. S. helps heal old wounds; and new ones emerge in a toxic love affair.
The Silence in the Sound is inspired by author Dianne Braley's real experiences caring for Pulitzer prize-winning novelist William Styron. He not only was her patient but soon became her friend and motivator. His books helped realize she had some stories of her own to tell.
Braley has partnered with the Robert F. Kennedy Community Alliance organization and their division that assists children and families affected by addiction in Massachusetts. Part of the proceeds from her book will be shared with the organization.
Author Dianne C. Braley is a registered nurse with a passion for music, poetry, and literature. Braley has been featured in various online and printed publications. Her nursing blog, Nursing the Neighborhood, was named one of the top nursing blogs of 2018 by Nurse Recruiter. The Silence in the Sound has been named a winner in the Women's Fiction category in the April 2022 Firebird Book Awards.
To set up an interview with the author or receive a pre-written review for circulation, please contact publicist Jessie Glenn at Jess@mindbuckmedia.com.
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SOURCE Dianne Braley | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/caring-william-styron-inspired-me-write/ | 2022-08-16T13:08:02Z |
SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, today announced that company management will participate in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings in-person at the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference, which is taking place in Miami, Florida from May 23 – 26, 2022.
Details on the fireside chat can be found below.
A replay of the fireside chat will be available by visiting the "Events" section of the Cardiff Oncology website after its conclusion.
About Cardiff Oncology, Inc.
Cardiff Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers. Our lead asset is onvansertib, a PLK1 inhibitor we are evaluating in combination with standard-of-care (SOC) therapeutics in clinical programs targeting indications such as KRAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. These programs and our broader development strategy are designed to target tumor vulnerabilities in order to overcome treatment resistance and deliver superior clinical benefit compared to the SOC. For more information, please visit https://www.cardiffoncology.com.
Cardiff Oncology Contact:
Vicki Kelemen
Chief Operating Officer
858-952-7652
vkelemen@cardiffoncology.com
Investor Contact:
Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors
212-915-2569
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com
Media Contact:
Amy Jobe, Ph.D.
LifeSci Communications
315-879-8192
ajobe@lifescicomms.com
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SOURCE Cardiff Oncology, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/cardiff-oncology-present-hc-wainwright-global-investment-conference/ | 2022-05-17T13:17:58Z |
2 officers shot during July 4 celebration in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (KYW) - Two Philadelphia police officers were shot during the city’s Fourth of July festivities.
The shooting happened around 9:45 p.m. near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The fireworks were just getting underway at the time.
People were seen running and screaming as gunshots were heard at the celebration.
Police say an officer assigned to the Montgomery County bomb squad was shot in the right shoulder. Another officer assigned to highway patrol suffered a graze wound to the head. Both officers have been released from the hospital.
Police are still looking for the shooter or shooters.
According to police sources, the suspect(s) were not in a position of high ground or firing from a building. Sources say this may have all started as the result of police pulling over a vehicle.
The shooting came hours after a gunman on a suburban Chicago rooftop opened fire on a July 4 parade, killing at least six people and wounding at least 30.
Copyright 2022 KYW via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/05/2-officers-shot-during-july-4-celebration-philadelphia/ | 2022-07-05T06:25:37Z |
California beachfront property taken from Black couple returned to heirs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to return ownership of prime California beachfront property to descendants of a Black couple who built a resort for African Americans but were stripped of the land in the 1920s.
The board voted 5-0 on a motion to complete the transfer of parcels in an area once known as Bruce’s Beach in the fashionable city of Manhattan Beach that is now the site of the county’s lifeguard training headquarters and its parking lot.
Board chair Holly J. Mitchell, co-author of the motion, immediately signed the documents which allow the county to lease back the property with an option to purchase it for millions of dollars.
The land was purchased in 1912 by Willa and Charles Bruce, who built the first West Coast resort for Black people at a time when many beaches were segregated.
They suffered racist harassment from white neighbors, and in the 1920s the Manhattan Beach City Council took the land through eminent domain. The city did nothing with the property, and it was transferred to the state of California in 1948.
In 1995, the state transferred it to the county, with restrictions on further transfers.
Supervisor Janice Hahn launched the complex process of returning the property to heirs of the Bruces in April 2021. A key hurdle was overcome when the state Legislature passed a bill removing the restriction on transfer of the property.
Last month, the county completed the process of confirming that Marcus and Derrick Bruce, great-grandsons of Willa and Charles Bruce, are the legal heirs.
“We can’t change the past and we will never be able to make up for the injustice that was done to Willa and Charles Bruce a century ago, but this is a start,” an emotional Hahn said before the vote.
Hahn said returning the property will allow the heirs “the opportunity to start rebuilding the generational wealth that was denied them for decades.”
Anthony Bruce, a family spokesman, said in a statement that the return means the world to them, but it is also bittersweet.
“My great-great-grandparents, Willa and Charles Bruce, sacrificed to open a business that gave Black people a place to gather and socialize, and Manhattan Beach took it from them because of the color of their skin,” he said. “It destroyed them financially. It destroyed their chance at the American Dream.”
The transfer includes an agreement for the property to be leased back to the county for 24 months, with an annual rent of $413,000 plus all operation and maintenance costs, and the county’s right to purchase the land for up to $20 million.
“This may be the first land return of its kind, but it cannot be the last,” Hahn said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/29/california-beachfront-property-taken-black-couple-returned-heirs/ | 2022-06-29T11:59:50Z |
NATO: Turkey urges ‘concrete steps’ from Sweden, Finland
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s foreign minister said Friday that Sweden and Finland must now take “concrete steps” to alleviate his country’s security concerns to overcome Ankara’s objections to their NATO membership bid. Delegations from the two Nordic countries have returned home with Turkey’s demands after a visit this week and Ankara is awaiting their answers, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. The countries’ membership bids require support from all NATO countries, but Turkey is objecting to them. It has cited alleged support for Kurdish militants that Turkey considers terrorists and restrictions on weapons sales to Turkey. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/27/nato-turkey-urges-concrete-steps-from-sweden-finland-2/ | 2022-05-27T14:10:15Z |
LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The life trajectory of renowned Los Angeles attorney, Larry Litzky, was positively impacted in 2019 while he sat to watch a favorite show of his, NBC's The Voice. It was a performance of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" that brought Larry to tears as he witnessed the awe-inspiring sound and presence of 'Team Gwen Stefani' finalist, Rose Short.
Larry, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2009, has always been musically driven himself, earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami (in addition to his law degree from Southwestern Law School). But on that cold November night, Larry couldn't imagine that Rose would sing a Gospel song he wrote almost twenty years prior.
"I wrote 'Oh God, You Rescued Me' in the year 2000, a song about having the tenacity and strength to overcome," says Larry Litzky. "Years later, watching The Voice, I was completely blown away by Rose's brilliant singing and charisma, and I never forgot about her. Of course, I didn't know it then that I'd later be working with her."
In October of 2021, dreams began to manifest when Larry underwent an intensive and serious brain surgery to combat his Parkinson's disease. It was successful!
"My newly revived health brought back memories of when I wrote 'Oh God, You Rescued Me', and I knew that I wanted nothing more than to revive my song and have Rose Short record it," Larry explains.
To help get in touch with Ms. Short, Larry signed with public relations, marketing, and branding firm, EKC PR, who propelled Rose to record the beautiful Gospel track after she heard Larry's heartwarming narrative and positive message behind the song.
"'Oh God, You Rescued Me' is about perseverance," says Rose Short. "We've all been at a place where we were at the bottom, and so it's a story everyone can relate to."
The compelling news of having Rose on board motivated Larry to launch his own production company, Level 22 Entertainment, which produces and distributes uplifting and inspiring music. Rose Short is the first artist to lend her soulful vocals for a Level 22 composition.
The goal for the song, which is available on all major streaming platforms, is that it can be utilized as an emblem of hope.
Media Contact
Eileen Koch
EKC PR
310-441-1000
eileen@ekcpr.com
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SOURCE Level 22 Entertainment | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/rose-short-nbcs-voice-releases-gospel-single-oh-god-you-rescued-me-level-22-entertainment/ | 2022-04-12T00:45:48Z |
TIANJIN, China, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MDJM LTD (Nasdaq: MDJH) (the "Company" or "MDJM"), an integrated real estate services company in China, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary in United Kingdom, MD Local Global Limited ("MD UK"), entered into an Offer to Sell (the "Agreement") with Braveheart Hotels Limited ("Braveheart"), a United Kingdom company, pursuant to which MD UK agreed to purchase Fernie Castle Hotel from Braveheart. The Company believes that the purchase of this hotel, with its historical and cultural value, will be an important initiative for the Company's business transformation and expansion to specialty hotels, tourism and cultural markets in Europe.
Fernie Castle Hotel, located in the heart of Fife, Scotland, is situated in 17 acres of woodlands with its own lochan. Fernie Castle has hundreds of years of history and was passed to the Fernies in the 15th century. The castle consists of an altered 16th century L-plan tower house and has been renovated and expanded multiple times to cater to the expectation of today's visitors while preserving characteristics of the past. The Company intends to position the castle as the headquarters for its business in iconic assets and plans to maximize the castle's unique historical and cultural value through branding and other strategic initiatives.
"We are exceptionally pleased to announce the acquisition of Fernie Castle Hotel, which is a milestone of our strategic implementation of business transformation and international expansion. We believe physical assets play an important role in preserving value against inflation and that, by the time we make considerable progress in the strategic layout of our new business in the European market, our international expansion may become a key growth point. We expect to have stronger execution for our upgraded strategic business plan, discovering and operating more assets with unique historical and cultural value in the future," said Mr. Siping Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MDJM.
About MDJM LTD
MDJM provides primary real estate agency services, and as-needed real estate consulting and independent training services. Through its subsidiaries, the Company expects to focus on international expansion for the development of real estate-related hospitality, butler services and more. For more information regarding the Company, please visit http://ir.mdjmjh.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. In addition, there is uncertainty about the further spread of the COVID-19 virus or new variants thereof, or the occurrence of another wave of cases and the impact it may have on the Company's operations. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor Contact:
Sherry Zheng
Weitian Group LLC
Email: shunyu.zheng@weitian-ir.com
Phone: +1 718-213-7386
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SOURCE MDJM LTD | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/mdjm-acquires-fernie-castle-hotel-initiate-expansion-strategy-european-market/ | 2022-08-23T13:14:23Z |
Once a retail giant, Kmart will be down to 3 stores after NJ closing
AVENEL, N.J. (AP) — The familiar sights and sounds are still there: the scuffed and faded floor tiles, the relentless beige-on-beige color scheme, the toddlers’ clothes and refrigerators and pretty much everything in between.
There’s even a canned recording that begins, “Attention, Kmart shoppers” — except it’s to remind folks about COVID-19 precautions, not to alert them to a flash sale over in ladies’ lingerie like days of old.
Many of the shelves are bare, though, at the Kmart in Avenel, New Jersey, picked over by bargain hunters as the store prepares to close its doors for good April 16.
Once it shutters, the number of Kmarts in the U.S. – once well over 2,000 – will be down to three last holdouts, according to multiple reports, in a retail world now dominated by Walmart, Target and Amazon.
The demise of the the store in the middle-class suburb, 15 miles south of New York City, is the tale of the death of the discount department store writ small.
“You’re always thinking about it because stores are closing all over, but it’s still sad,” said cashier Michelle Yavorsky, who said she has worked at the Avenel store for 2 ½ years. “I’ll miss the place. A lot of people shopped here.”
In its heyday, Kmart sold product lines endorsed by celebrities Martha Stewart and Jaclyn Smith, sponsored NASCAR auto races and was mentioned in movies including “Rain Man” and “Beetlejuice.” It was name-dropped in songs by artists from Eminem to the Beastie Boys to Hall and Oates; in 2003, Eminem bought a 29-room, suburban Detroit mansion once owned by former Kmart chairman Chuck Conaway.
The chain cemented a place in American culture with its Blue Light Specials, a flashing blue orb affixed to a pole that would beckon shoppers to a flash sale in progress. Part of its success was due to its early adoption of layaway programs, which allowed customers who lacked credit to reserve items and pay for them in installments.
For a time, Kmart had a little bit of everything: You could shop for your kids’ back-to-school supplies, get your car tuned up and grab a meal without leaving the premises.
“Kmart was part of America,” said Michael Lisicky, a Baltimore-based author who has written several books on U.S. retail history. “Everybody went to Kmart, whether you liked it or not. They had everything. You had toys. You had sporting goods. You had candy. You had stationery. It was something for everybody. This was almost as much of a social visit as it was a shopping visit. You could spend hours here. And these just dotted the American landscape over the years.”
Kmart’s decline has been slow but steady, brought about by years of falling sales, changes in shopping habits and the looming shadow of Walmart, which coincidentally began its life within months of Kmart’s founding in 1962.
Struggling to compete with Walmart’s low prices and Target’s trendier offerings, Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2002 — becoming the largest U.S. retailer to take that step — and announced it would close more than 250 stores.
A few years later, hedge fund executive Edward Lampert combined Sears and Kmart and pledged to return them to their former greatness, but the recession and the rising dominance of Amazon contributed in derailing those goals. Sears filed for Chapter 11 in 2018 and currently has a handful of stores left in the U.S. where it once had thousands.
Kmarts continue to operate in Westwood, New Jersey; Bridgehampton, on New York’s Long Island, and Miami.
It didn’t have to end this way, according to Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia University in New York and former CEO of Sears Canada. Trying to compete with Walmart on price was a foolish strategy, he said, and Lampert was criticized for not having a retail background and appearing more interested in stripping off the assets of the two chains for their cash value.
“It’s a study in greed, avarice and incompetence,” Cohen said. “Sears should have never gone away; Kmart was in worse shape, but not fatally so. And now they’re both gone.
“Retailers fall by the wayside sometimes because they’re selling things people don’t want to buy,” he continued. “In the case of Kmart, everything they used to sell, people are buying but they’re buying it from Walmart and Target.”
Transformco, which owns Kmart and Sears, did not respond to an email seeking comment and a phone number listed for the company was not taking messages.
Nationwide, some former Kmarts remain vacant while others have been replaced by other big-box stores, fitness centers, self-storage facilities, even churches. One former site in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is now a popular dine-in movie theater.
Employees at the Kmart in Avenel found out last month that the store would close.
Unlike 20 years ago, when news of impending Kmart closures around the country prompted an outpouring of support from loyal shoppers and a Detroit radio station even mounted a campaign to try and save a local store, the closing of the Avenel location was met mostly with an air of resignation.
“It’s maybe a little nostalgic because I’ve lived my whole life in this area, but it’s just another retail store closing,” said Jim Schaber, a resident of nearby Iselin who said his brother worked in the shoe department at Kmart for years. “It’s just another sign of people doing online shopping and not going out to the retail stores.”
The closing packed a little more of an emotional punch for Mike Jerdonek, a truck driver who recalled shopping at Kmart in Brooklyn and Queens in his younger days.
“It’s like history passing right in front of our eyes,” he said as he sat in his car outside the Avenel store. “When I was younger I didn’t have any money, so it was a good place to shop because the prices were cheap. And to see it gone right now, it’s kind of sad.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/11/once-retail-giant-kmart-will-be-down-3-stores-after-nj-closing/ | 2022-04-11T12:21:57Z |
TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Leafythings, a thought leader in the cannabis industry and award-winning cannabis directory platform and mobile application, proposes a supplementary independent cannabis supply chain in Ontario.
The Leafythings platform is a digital aggregation of independent and regulated brands and retailers across the cannabis retail market. Leafythings uses Google and open-source solutions to compile all of its retailers and brands. Independent cannabis supply chains represent roughly a $3 billion marketplace in Canada, equal to the size of the regulated supply chain. Given the size of this market and the feedback Leafythings and industry leaders have received within the field, the company has a profound understanding of the Canadian cannabis consumer as well as existing operational gaps that can potentially translate to widespread industry issues.
"It is disastrous," said Nima Derak of Leafythings. "Local Canadian cannabis growers and farmers have made up the independent supply chain for 40+ years. They have worked to prove the medical and recreational benefits of cannabis through evidence-based research and development methods. These individuals have worked tirelessly with legislators to advocate for cannabis businesses and consumers, and to facilitate the legalization of consumption and possession of marijuana. They are members of the public, they are Canadians, and they have been neglected and removed from the current process. Canada is to marijuana cultivation as Belgium is to chocolate. Over-regulation and financial barriers coupled with monopolization of the cannabis supply chain in Ontario is causing major distress to independent Canadian growers and retailers and is locking them out from operating successfully.
Last week, The Ontario Cannabis Store has had to halt all deliveries to its retail partners due to an alleged hacking incident that crippled its third party logistics handlers.
"The role of Government should be held to regulating cannabis, not creating an unnecessary role as the distribution middle man. Delivery is a basic function of today's society. Could you imagine if the liquor store stopped delivering to its retail partners? This doesn't happen. It never happens within the logistics of our independent distributed food supply chain. It doesn't happen to tobacco products at the thousands of convenience stores and it doesn't happen in any other industry in Canada.."
Leafythings wishes to work together with our partners in cannabis at the OCS, to create a better and improved model now that Cannabis has been legalized for over three years. The independent supply chain has expressed substantial interest in working with regulators and contributing to the Canadian economy.
"It is not in the benefit of the Canadian tax payer to take an industry that already existed, ignore it, and put a new system in place that ignores the other 50% of consumers. Let's call it as it is: the OCS as the sole monopoly distributor and online store has acted only as another broken and redundant arm of the government," Derak states. He goes on to shed light on a logical solution to this issue.
"The $3 billion independent cannabis industry and the $3 billion regulated industry have to reconcile. It is absolutely insane to continue on the path we are on. We are making a clear and logical proposal to the Ontario Cannabis Store. The regulation and cannabis supply chains within Ontario can be managed exactly like food is. There are no mandated organic food certification companies within the food supply chain, but there are third parties who follow the principals of the Canadian Organic Standards, to certify organic food. We can create transparent Independent Cannabis Standards that support Health Canada's objectives.
Government can take on a more regulatory role. We propose the creation of an agency similar to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This agency's role would be to maintain samples and certificates of analysis from anyone who selling into the independent supply chain for the purposes of product recalls. There are hundreds of laboratories within the cannabis space, and these independent facilities can be leveraged for this capacity by independent producers. Due to the proven safe nature of cannabis, we propose no THC limits on independently produced cannabis goods. Independent producers must comply with the Federal Cannabis Act's guidelines on packaging, Says Derak, "There is no way to put this in a politically correct fashion - cannabis is proven to be safer than many non-regulated household goods and medications, and it is time we start acknowledging this."
What would this proposal mean for cannabis retailers? These companies would be able to order directly from independent manufacturers as well as the regulated supply chain, much like a grocer carrying traditional and organic foods. Some goods come directly from the manufacturer while others come from various food terminals. This would allow retailers the ability to differentiate themselves and cater to their local consumers more appropriately - and ultimately - it is the consumer that dictates the success of the retailer.
"Access to cannabis is very important to millions of people across Canada. With the recent service disruption experienced by the OCS here in Ontario, so many will have that access interrupted," states local cannabis consumer Kunal Vora. Allowing retailers diversity in their product sourcing would help ease the mind of the consumer, while managing to retain their trust in the event of another widespread industry issue.
Leafythings proposes a sensible, solutions-based approach for an economic engine like Ontario to help alleviate the burdens of supply chain management and to support the objectives of legalization.
Leafythings is empowered by a mission to help bridge the gap between consumers and businesses while supporting public health initiatives. Leafythings helps consumers find and access quality cannabis products in Canada through highly localized strategies and public education in efforts to collaboratively shatter social equity barriers in the market and improve public perception of the industry.
About Leafythings:
Since 2019, Leafythings has taken a cannabis consumer centric approach to helping Canadians find affordable and quality cannabis anywhere in Canada. Leafythings operates as a web platform, mobile application, and advertising medium. Through a series of event partnerships, advertising initiative, and grassroots marketing programs, Leafythings has developed the largest cannabis consumer database in Canada.
Leafythings is actively working with brands and retailers through partnerships and social initiatives to help drive industry credibility and reinforce the trust between consumers and their cannabis. Leafythings is committed to working with organizations, brands, retailers, and public health officials to create a better cannabis industry.
To read more about Leafythings, head to www.Leafythings.com
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SOURCE Leafythings Canada | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/leafythings-proposes-supplementary-independent-cannabis-supply-chain/ | 2022-08-15T18:18:01Z |
Rable brings innovative thought leadership to AI-powered bank behavior data company
OXFORD, Ohio, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, RIBBIT Inc. announced the appointment of Greg Rable to the RIBBIT Board of Directors. As the former Founder/CEO of FactorTrust, since acquired by TransUnion in 2017, Greg brings over 25 years of management and strategy experience, combined with a history of building successful fintech and alternative data businesses for the consumer finance space. In his role, Mr. Rable is helping guide the RIBBIT leadership team and promote the growth of bank behavior data as a powerful and necessary predictive data solution.
"The pandemic exposed a need for smarter, more comprehensive insights into the financial health of a consumer," said Rable. "As a result, lenders, banks, and financial service providers are looking for alternative data sources to better assess their digital applicants in real-time. I joined RIBBIT because I view bank behavior data as the next generation of financial decisioning and a win-win for both the lender and the applicant."
Evaluating a consumer's bank behavior data has been found to be very predictive of how the consumer will perform in a financial relationship. For example, RIBBIT's bank behavior insights reveal that 47% of consumer finance applicants have unstable income, spending, and identity associations. Reports of fraudulent savings and checking accounts have also increased by 64% since 2020. RIBBIT's AI-network is tracking 500K bank accounts that are actively transacting with 2.5M stolen identities across various financial service providers. These behaviors are used by lenders and fintechs to better evaluate their customers.
"Greg has joined our team during an inflection point in credit and predictive decisioning," says CEO at RIBBIT, Shawn Princell. "The industry's demand to build a seamless application flow and drive financial inclusion resides with bank behavior data, especially since 96% of US households have a bank or prepaid account. Greg's mentorship will strengthen the experience within our leadership team and help us become a world-class alternative data provider."
RIBBIT's newest innovation returns bank stability analytics from a simple API request using basic app information. Financial service providers can now instantly identify account ownership, affordability, risk, and recent fraud behaviors. Combining these capabilities with patent-ending credentialed banking analytics, RIBBIT meets consumers however they want to provide their banking data to empower better financial outcomes.
RIBBIT Inc. | The Bank Behavior Experts
RIBBIT leverages the recency and accuracy of bank behavior to empower financial service providers to make smarter decisions, promote financial inclusion, and reduce fraud. Consumers and small businesses can now use their own bank and payment data to improve access to quality financial services. With AI-powered bank insights, RIBBIT delivers instant actionable intelligence that drives customer acquisition with less friction and more accuracy than traditional tools. Learn more about the Bank Behavior Experts at www.RIBBIT.ai.
Media Contact: Amber Copeland, Sr. Dir. Marketing, PR@RIBBIT.ai
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SOURCE RIBBIT | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/former-factortrust-founderceo-greg-rable-joins-ribbit-board-directors/ | 2022-04-12T16:20:36Z |
How Herschel Walker united the right and has Democrats plotting for a fight
By Manu Raju and Alex Rogers, CNN
Last summer, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell was nervous about Herschel Walker, seeing stories about the rookie candidate’s turbulent past and fearful that an unvetted and untested Republican could implode in the heat of the biggest Senate race in the country.
But not long after he suggested to allies that former Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler should consider running, McConnell heard a different story — from Walker himself. Over the course of multiple conversations, Walker and McConnell talked about the campaign, the candidate’s life story and the GOP leader’s view of running in a race like this, according to people familiar with the calls.
“I think this guy is the real deal,” McConnell said to Sen. Lindsey Graham last fall, according to the South Carolina Republican, who had been lobbying the GOP leader to get behind Walker, a football legend with the support of former President Donald Trump.
Since then, Walker has had a cakewalk of a primary, skipping a handful of debates or forums, avoiding getting pinned down on policy positions and mostly limiting press appearances to the safe spaces of conservative media. In mid-May, a Fox News poll showed Walker with 66% support from Georgia Republican primary voters — unchanged since March.
But after his expected blowout victory in Tuesday’s primary, the scrutiny is only bound to intensify. Democrats are privately planning an aggressive campaign spotlighting Walker’s vulnerabilities, business record, policy views and dirty laundry about the candidate’s past, including his violent behavior with his ex-wife, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Walker has said he has dissociative identity disorder, which was previously known as multiple personality disorder, and has sought to advise people with mental health problems.
In 2008, his ex-wife claimed that he threatened her life, pointing a gun to her head a handful of times and a straight razor to her throat; Walker said in an interview that year that he didn’t remember being violent toward her, but he didn’t deny it and noted that one of the symptoms of his disorder was blackouts.
In 2012, an ex-girlfriend told authorities that Walker had also threatened to kill her and “blow her head off” and then “blow his head off.” After the allegation was reported last year, Walker’s spokesman said the candidate “emphatically denies these false claims.”
And a third woman also said Walker threatened and stalked her in 2002. Walker’s campaign previously declined to respond to the woman’s allegations or discuss the police report.
Top Democrats believe that Walker will collapse as the fight between freshman Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Walker intensifies.
“I don’t think he is ready for prime time,” said Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “I don’t think he understands the significant policy issues that we face as a country. And what he does believe in is simply not going to resonate with the voters of Georgia. So he’s going to make every effort he possibly can to hide from the voters of Georgia.”
“Who is he hiding from? Sen. Warnock’s out there every day answering questions and showcasing his extraordinary work delivering for the state,” Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff said. “A candidate who’s hiding from the public is afraid.”
Republicans scoff at that notion.
“They don’t know what they’re talking about,” Graham, who has been advising Walker and met with him in Georgia last month, said of Democrats. “This is a referendum on (President Joe Biden‘s) policies. Just keep it focused on ‘If you want a rubber stamp of the most destructive policies in modern American history, vote for that guy. If you want to stop this craziness, vote for me.'”
And his advice to Walker? “Be yourself. Tell your story.”
Asked about Walker’s past problems in an interview earlier this year, McConnell told CNN: “I looked into Herschel Walker’s record — I’m entirely comfortable with him.”
While the Walker campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the attacks Democrats plan to launch against him, a Walker aide noted that the candidate has spoken with every senator who has endorsed him.
Skating through the primary
Walker’s allies reject the notion that he’s been hiding, pointing to events he has had throughout the state. Yet Walker’s Republican opponents in the Senate race have accused him of just that.
A recent debate between Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, retired Navy SEAL Latham Saddler, construction company owner Kelvin King, former state Rep. Josh Clark and Army veteran Jon McColumn turned on the same question: Where is Herschel?
Black, Walker’s top GOP rival, tweeted on May 17 that Walker “refuses to debate the issues much less discuss his past. It’s a pattern of deflect, defer, run, hide, and twist. It’s unacceptable for service in the U.S. Senate.” Black then told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he would not support Walker as the nominee because “anybody who has put his hands on a woman like he has and has not taken responsibility has not earned my vote.”
Walker defended himself in an interview with Atlanta’s Fox affiliate last week. Walker said that Black is attacking him because the state agriculture commissioner is losing, that he is not currently receiving treatment for mental health and that he wants to help those with similar mental health issues if he serves in Washington, and that he and his ex-wife are close.
“And if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” he said. “Right now, I think people can bring up all the past. But the past is the past.”
While Black has raised some of the same concerns that McConnell once had, and that Democrats are sure to try to exploit, Black has not had the resources to air his attacks against Walker. Black has spent about $213,000 on ads in the primary, according to AdImpact data. Warnock has already spent or reserved more than $30 million in ads for the race, while the Senate Majority PAC, a liberal super PAC, and the DSCC have reserved another $30 million-plus to help him.
Warnock himself has not yet attacked Walker. Asked about his likely opponent last week, the senator told CNN he’s focused on trying to pass a bill to cap the cost of insulin.
“I do a lot of hard work for folks in Georgia,” Warnock said.
Walker, however, also has a number of advantages in the race, including Biden’s underwater approval rating, the historical benefit of running in a midterm election against the party in power, and a host of issues — from rampant inflation at home to global crises abroad — that damage Democrats up and down the ticket.
Warnock wouldn’t say whether he would want Biden to campaign for him.
“There will be plenty of time to talk about that,” he told CNN.
But Republicans believe that if Walker can keep the focus on the Biden agenda, that could be enough to win in an election environment that favors their party.
“I see him out there all the time,” Florida Sen. Rick Scott, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said of Walker. “He’s going to win.”
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CNN’s Morgan Rimmer, Ted Barrett and David Wright contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/05/22/how-herschel-walker-united-the-right-and-has-democrats-plotting-for-a-fight/ | 2022-05-23T10:25:59Z |
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — China’s first special envoy to the Horn of Africa on Monday offered to mediate in disputes in the region as Beijing seeks to strengthen its influence and protect its investments from conflict.
“I myself am ready to provide mediation efforts for the peaceful settlement of disputes based on the will of countries in this region,” Xue Bing told a China-led peace conference in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
The strategic Horn of Africa region is anchored by Ethiopia, recently shaken by war that spread from its northern Tigray region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last week said the government doesn’t want war anymore. He denied reports that negotiations were taking place with rival Tigray leaders but said a government committee would soon present a road map on the issue.
Ethiopian government spokesman Legesse Tulu didn’t immediately respond Monday when asked if the government would take up China’s mediation offer. Other mediation efforts have been pursued in recent months by the African Union, the United States and Kenya.
Others attending the China-led peace conference were foreign ministers or deputies from Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Djibouti. Notably absent was Eritrea, which teamed up with Ethiopia’s forces in the Tigray conflict and was among the African countries visited by China’s foreign minister early this year. Eritrea’s information minister didn’t immediately respond when asked about the absence.
China’s interests in the Horn of Africa include its first overseas military base, in Djibouti; oil investments in Sudan and South Sudan; manufacturing in Ethiopia; and a range of infrastructure projects.
The Chinese envoy in his speech noted “complicated and intertwined ethnicity, religion and boundary issues” in the region and noted they can be “difficult to handle, as many of them date back to colonial times.” China, like Russia, has stressed its lack of colonial activities in Africa to contrast with several European nations.
“Let us take our own share of responsibility for the failure (of regional peace) and commit ourselves to take the destiny of our region into our hands,” Redwan Hussein, Ethiopia’s national security adviser, told the conference, noting the interest in avoiding “unwarranted external interference and undue pressure.” That was a theme of Ethiopia’s pushback against criticism from some in the West over the Tigray conflict.
Ethiopia also has been at odds with neighboring Sudan over disputed land and Addis Ababa’s construction of a huge and controversial Blue Nile dam that will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/chinas-1st-horn-of-africa-envoy-offers-to-mediate-in-region/ | 2022-06-21T02:54:18Z |
EL PASO, Texas, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Community Investor (ACI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Companies, Inc., today announced it has made a strategic investment in HouseMax Funding. ACI is a holding company that invests in operating platforms focused on origination, lending, and investment management services that make our communities better. ACI is also comprised of Cazenovia Creek Investment Management, a tax lien buyer, manager, and servicer, and Caz Creek Lending, an asset-based lender to commercial investors.
"We are pleased to make this investment into HouseMax Funding. HouseMax is a top-tier origination platform with a proven management team," said Scott Campbell, CEO of American Community Investor. "HouseMax facilitates financing in urban and suburban communities in 42 states and is one of the top lenders in the country."
"Hunt is a great partner that has the resources and relationships to propel HouseMax Funding and accelerate our growth trajectory," said Alex Morris, President of HouseMax Funding. "We could not be more excited to join forces with such an established and respected organization."
The move expands ACI's expertise in the business purpose lending space. HouseMax Funding, based in Austin, Texas, is a specialty finance company focusing on residential and multifamily business purpose real estate lending, as well as new construction loans for small- and medium-sized builders in major market areas.
"The Housemax/Hunt partnership is the catalyst we sought to continue to grow this company to one that will have a significant impact on the industry," said Jeff Fechter, CEO of HouseMax Funding.
American Community Investors (ACI) is an investment holding company formed in 2015 aimed at improving our communities. Cazenovia Creek, a wholly-owned affiliate of ACI, is one of the country's largest tax lien purchasing and servicing platforms.
Founded in 2017 by Jeff Fechter and Alex Morris, HouseMax Funding is based in Austin, Texas and has funded over 2,900 business purpose loans, with a total loan volume of over $1.3 Billion.
Hunt, based in El Paso, Texas, is a diversified, family-owned holding company that invests in operating businesses, real estate assets and infrastructure assets. Since its founding in 1947, Hunt's size and scope have grown substantially while gaining considerable expertise across multiple real asset sectors. Hunt's reputation is built on integrity and performance. Hunt is committed to a culture of transparency for employees, clients, investors, and the communities it serves. Hunt and its affiliates employ more than 4,000 people across the United States and Europe. Learn more at www.huntcompanies.com.
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SOURCE Hunt Companies, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/american-community-investor-expands-its-specialty-finance-platform/ | 2022-08-08T13:14:45Z |
Which Thule bike racks are best?
Whether you’re an avid bike-tourer or a weekend road-warrior, a good Thule bike rack can help you discover new terrain. However, choosing the wrong rack can cause more problems than solutions.
Some vehicles have more attachment options than others and will allow you to choose between hanging your bikes, which is ideal for hardtail and road bikes, or securing them to a tray, which is great for full suspension bikes but may require removing the front wheel. For more information, check out the Best Reviews buying guide for bike racks.
Best Thule roof bike racks
Roof racks are tray-style racks that require an existing crossbar system, ideally from Thule. Although these are the easiest bike racks to set up, they can add significant height to your vehicle and increase drag. Roof racks are best suited for lower sedans and wagons, as opposed to SUVs.
This roof bike rack is easy to install and has a universal mount to fit all bikes. You don’t have to remove the wheel to use it, and it doesn’t have any frame contact for maximum protection. To top it all off, you can easily slide from the passenger side to driver side for easy access.
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Thule ProRide XT roof bike rack
The Thule ProRide XT is designed for heavier bikes with large front and rear suspension. With a weight capacity of 44 pounds and large foam pads to grip the frame, you can count on this rack to hold your bike securely under any conditions. Another great feature of the Thule ProRide XT is the fact that it self positions itself in the rack when you tighten the straps.
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Best Thule truck bed bike racks
Truck bed bike racks are a great option if you have a truck, since they’re affordable and don’t reduce your gas mileage as much as roof racks. If you manage to get a tall cap for your truck, you can add a layer of security as well.
Thule GateMate Pro truck bed bike rack
The Thule GateMate Pro slips right over the tailgate of your truck and can hold up to seven adult-sized bikes. The GateMate provides heavy duty protection for your bike, as well as your truck, and easily folds away when not in use. With a price tag of $200, it’s hard to beat the versatility, convenience and affordability of the GateMate Pro truck bed bike rack.
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Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack
While the GateMate Pro saves on space and offers great versatility, the Insta-Gater places a premium on frame protection. Designed as an upright rack for the inside of your truck bed, this rack is heavy duty from tip to the tail. It can handle tires up to 5 inches thick and heavy electric bikes without breaking a sweat.
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Best Thule hitch bike racks
Hitch bike racks easily attach to a trailer hitch and tend to be the most versatile. With both hanging and tray-style mount options, some hitch racks can hold up to seven bikes. However, hitch bike racks limit access to your rear cargo space while in use.
Thule EasyFold XT 2 hitch bike rack
If you’re looking for Thule’s flagship hitch bike rack then EasyFold XT 2 is for you. Featuring a fulling foldable design with built-in wheels and a foot-operated tilt lever for easy trunk access, this bike rack has all the bells and whistles and avid biker needs. Plus, loading it up with heavy electric bikes or mountain bikes is easy thanks to the integrated loading ramp.
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Thule Apex XT Swing 4 hitch bike rack
The Apex XT features a simple hanging-mount design and an awesome swing feature that allows you to easily move a fully loaded rack out of the way of your trunk opening. Thule also added their unique anti-sway cradles to prevent bike movement while in transit. This hitch bike rack is ideal for anyone constantly on the move.
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Specifically designed for the back of an RV or trailer, this hitch bike rack is ideal for people committed to living life outdoors. The Thule Range is packed with premium features, like enhanced anti-sway cradles and integrated security that keeps your gear safe during extended road trips.
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Best Thule trunk bike racks
Trunk bike racks, also known as rear racks, don’t require a trailer hitch or roof bars to attach to your vehicle. You can affix a trunk bike rack to almost any type of car, and they usually don’t increase the height of your vehicle or ruin it’s aerodynamics. However, it may take some time to learn how to quickly and properly install your Thule trunk bike rack.
Thule Outway 3 trunk bike rack
The Outway 3 is Thule’s flagship trunk bike rack. It can hold up to three bikes and offers maximum security for them by using steel cables, rather than nylon straps, to attach to your vehicle. Each cable is equipped with a plastic coating and rubber pads to protect your vehicle from scratches and dings.
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Designed for convenience and weight-saving, this simple bike rack is great for anyone on a budget. Although it’s loaded with Thule’s premium innovations, this trunk bike rack has loads of straps, no-sway cages and ample padding to keep both your bike and car safe. With a two bike capacity, it’s hard to beat the functionality of the Thule Passage for the price.
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Thule Spare Me Pro trunk bike rack
This trunk bike rack is ideal for anyone with a spare tire on the back of their vehicle. The Thule Spare Me Pro can easily attach to regular and oversize tires and hold two bikes with ease. With a load capacity of 75 pounds, you can put two heavy-duty bikes on this rack. Thule also included their signature anti-sway cages and stay-put cradles to keep everything together.
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Will Briskin 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/camping-outdoors-br/gear-br/which-thule-bike-rack-should-i-get/ | 2022-05-09T07:21:02Z |
Strategic acquisition expands footprint into Montana
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dakota Wealth Management, an independent investment management firm serving high-net-worth individuals and families, has entered into an agreement to acquire Billings, Montana-based Loveless Wealth Management LLC. Loveless is Dakota Wealth's fourth transaction in the past 12 months.
"We were focused on firms primarily on the East Coast when we were approached by an opportunity with Loveless in Montana. After a lengthy conversation, we were convinced that the Loveless team was a great fit with Dakota from both a cultural standpoint and their approach to wealth management," noted Peter Raimondi, Founder and CEO, Dakota Wealth Management, "When we are fortunate to come across extraordinarily talented individuals who share our philosophy about wealth management, we are eager to welcome them into the Dakota family."
The team at Loveless sought to join a larger firm to ensure proper continuity of planning and care for its clients.
"I wanted a partner who could ensure our transition and succession plan is well formulated with a multi-generational leadership structure that will continue to provide exceptional client service for many generations to come," Donald S. Loveless, CFA, CFP®, president and founder of Loveless Wealth Management, noted. "With its emphasis on employee ownership, I felt Dakota was the ideal partner for us."
In addition to Mr. Loveless, Brian Suskevich, WMCP®, Maribeth (Betsy) A. Rector, AIF®, and Hillary Lester will remain in place to serve their current clientele. Client service and advice will remain the top priority for both companies throughout the transition.
"Dakota was a perfect fit," commented Ms. Rector. "Their emphasis on people and relationships, both internally as a team as well as how that flows into taking care of clients, was very important to us. We are all excited to start this next chapter."
"I am thrilled to be part of a team as dynamic as Dakota Wealth Management," added Mr. Suskevich. They have been amazing throughout this entire transition process."
This is the first office in Montana for Dakota Wealth Management. The Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based firm now has 14 offices in 10 U.S. states.
Dakota Wealth Management is an independent investment management, wealth and estate planning, and full-service tax planning firm serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and founded by RIA industry veteran Peter Raimondi, Dakota elevates wealth management to an art with thoughtfully designed investment portfolios and personalized wealth management services. Dakota also provides a full suite of financial planning, estate planning and tax services for selected clients. For more information, visit www.dakotawm.com.
Loveless Wealth Management LLC is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm founded in 1987 by Donald S. Loveless, CFA, and CFP®. The firm is based in Billings, Montana and provides customized investment portfolio management, financial planning, tax planning and estate planning services to its clients. For more information, visit: https://loveless-wealth.com/
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SOURCE Dakota Wealth Management | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/dakota-wealth-management-acquire-loveless-wealth-management/ | 2022-07-01T13:03:54Z |
NEW YORK, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for CLNN, BBIO, GOVX, SWN, and CRK.
To see how InvestorsObserver's proprietary scoring system rates these stocks, view the InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alert by selecting the corresponding link.
- CLNN: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=CLNN&prnumber=072620222
- BBIO: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=BBIO&prnumber=072620222
- GOVX: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=GOVX&prnumber=072620222
- SWN: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=SWN&prnumber=072620222
- CRK: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=CRK&prnumber=072620222
(Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alerts are based on our proprietary scoring methodology. Each stock is evaluated based on short-term technical, long-term technical and fundamental factors. Each of those scores is then combined into an overall score that determines a stock's overall suitability for investment.
InvestorsObserver provides patented technology to some of the biggest names on Wall Street and creates world-class investing tools for the self-directed investor on Main Street. We have a wide range of tools to help investors make smarter decisions when investing in stocks or options.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/thinking-about-buying-stock-clene-bridgebio-pharma-geovax-labs-southwestern-energy-or-comstock-resources/ | 2022-07-26T15:00:14Z |
Leading Optical Retailer Offers New Value-Added Deals to Help Parents and Kids Kick Off the 2022 School Year with Stylish Eyewear
PALM SPRINGS, Fla., July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanton Optical, leading retail brand of Now Optics offering accessible and affordable eye care and eyewear, is celebrating back-to-school season with new family-friendly deals and promotions. The full-service retail eye care center will offer promotions on prescription eyewear; top brand contact lenses; and kids' specials on Disney, DC and Marvel frames.
From July 24 to September 3, Stanton Optical will be offering Free Kids Glasses including polycarbonate lenses and Eye Exam with the purchase of any prescription eyeglasses. Other offers include an Acuvue Oasys 6 Month Supply (two 12-Packs) and an eye exam for $125 or an Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism 6 Month Supply (four 6-packs) and Eye Exam for $150. The brand is also offering a special deal to buy 3 pairs of Blue Blocker Glasses for $39 and is also offering 50% off lenses with the purchase of any Disney, DC or Marvel frames.
For this back-to-school shopping season, Stanton Optical locations in the U.S are offering kids a wide assortment of fun, colorful and affordable eyewear products that fit every budget and style. This includes their line of color-changing frames called Color Rays. Kids can enjoy the novelty of having two looks for the price of one when they step outdoors in the sun and their frames change into a different color. Featuring popular colors like Sky Blue to Green, Pink to Purple, and Teal to Navy Blue, these frames are designed for kids ages 6-12 and qualify for the Buy One Get One Free promotion.
The brand will also offer popular character-themed frames with inspired designs from Disney and Marvel geared toward ages 4-10 for an attractive price. For example, character-themed eyeglasses feature Frozen with blue snowflakes in the inside of the arms and Spiderman with a Spiderman detail at the outside of the arms. These frames qualify shoppers to 50% off lenses after purchasing a pair. The character-themed glasses will also include a complementary glow-in-the-dark, character-branded case and microfiber cloth for cleaning.
"In light of this difficult economic year, Stanton Optical is committed help families kick off the new school year with stylish eyewear and quality eyecare services through these value-added deals," said Daniel Stanton, CEO of Now Optics, parent company of Stanton Optical. "From annual eye exams to blue light blocker glasses, these back-to-school promotions will help parents and kids take care of all their eyecare needs within any budget. Since many families have multiple members needing prescription glasses, we thought it was important to offer a free kids' glasses with any prescription glasses."
The launch of these new back-to-school deals and promotions falls right in line with Now Optics' mission to make eyecare easy and more accessible for all. For convenience, most Stanton Optical stores offer same day eye exams, walk-ins and same day service. You can get an eye exam and your single vision glasses all made the same day due to onsite labs. They accept most insurance; offer Buy Now, Pay Later options; and even without insurance, eye exams are free with the purchase of eyeglasses.
For more information about the brands, and ongoing Back-to-School specials, visit www.stantonoptical.com.
ABOUT NOW OPTICS:
Now Optics is a leader in the eye care industry. Its retail brands, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, are among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail eye care centers. The company continues to expand its retail footprint with over 250 corporate and franchise locations in 28 states while delivering affordable eye health and eyewear solutions. The company consistently ranks among the largest optical retailers in the country by Vision Monday and was ranked #3 on Entrepreneur's list of Top New Franchises in 2021. Visit myeyelab.com or stantonoptical.com for more information. Find details about franchise opportunities at myeyelabfranchise.com.
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SOURCE Now Optics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/stanton-optical-gears-up-back-to-school-season-with-family-friendly-eyewear-promotions/ | 2022-07-19T16:48:17Z |
DAVIS COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) – Police have arrested a man accused of going on a stabbing spree in Bountiful, Utah, on Thursday, luring one victim through the dating app Tinder.
The Davis County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Kane Thomas Fairbank, 18. Authorities say Fairbank’s stabbing spree has left two women hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities say Fairbank met with the first victim, an 18-year-old woman, at Mueller Park after communicating with her on Tinder. Fairbank allegedly lured the woman into his vehicle before stabbing her multiple times in the face, neck and hands. Authorities say the man’s knife was nearly one foot in length, leaving the woman with “significant injuries.”
Deputies say the woman fought back against Fairbank and escaped from the vehicle. As she was running away, Fairbank stabbed her in the back, leaving her with a “life-threatening” injury, according to police.
As the woman continued fleeing, she approached several people at the park for help. Officials say good samaritans “took action and created a barrier” between the woman and Fairbank. When Fairbank noticed, authorities say he ran away, hopped into his car and drove to a gas station in Bountiful.
The good samaritans were two nurses and an EMT who provided first aid to the woman while another eyewitness called 911.
When Fairbank arrived at the gas station, he allegedly threw away both the victim’s cell phone along with his own in an attempt to discard potential evidence. He also ditched his vehicle at the station, police say.
Fairbank then reportedly walked to a nearby neighborhood and spotted a 64-year-old woman. He approached her and stabbed her multiple times, authorities say. During the attack, the woman fell down, but continued fighting. Fairbank told authorities he targeted the woman “because she was elderly, alone, and vulnerable.”
Arrest documents say when other people ran to her aid, Fairbank fled the scene. As he continued fleeing, an eyewitness spotted him and detained him until authorities arrived.
During questioning, Fairbank admitted to stabbing the two women, police say. He had allegedly planned to murder the first woman since their first interaction on Tinder. He told deputies he invited the woman to the park “with the intent of luring her into his car and killing her.” While holding her captive, he admitted to “actively trying to kill her by stabbing and cutting her with a knife.”
Fairbank told authorities he planned to go on a continued murder spree after stabbing the two women, police report. He allegedly spoke at length about his desire of killing his parents and siblings with a pickaxe. He also mentioned planning to live out of his car during this time, packing enough food to “sustain him through this endeavor. “
Fairbank allegedly told officials he would continue killing more people if he was released from custody, using social media apps to find new victims.
Fairbank has been arrested on five charges including murder, obstruction of justice and aggravated kidnapping. He’s currently booked at the Davis County Jail.
“We’re asking the public to come forward with any surveillance video of Fairbank,” authorities say. “If you live or work in the area, please check your security devices between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 pm. If you have information, video, or photos, please call Davis County non-emergency dispatch at (801) 451-4150.” | https://cw33.com/news/national/nexstar-media-wire/man-arrested-lured-victim-on-tinder-with-intent-to-kill-during-bountiful-stabbing-spree/ | 2022-05-14T03:15:20Z |
- Operating revenue growth of $257 million for the quarter
- Inflation continues to pressure operating expenses; adjusted loss grew by $418 million to $459 million for the quarter
- One-time, non-cash benefit of $59.6 billion due to Postal Service reform legislation
- Continued progress on implementation of Delivering for America plan
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2022 (April 1, 2022 - June 30, 2022). The enactment of the Postal Service Reform Act (PSRA) on April 6, 2022, significantly impacted the financial condition of the Postal Service, as it repealed the requirement that the Postal Service annually prepay future retiree health benefits and canceled all past due prefunding obligations. These impacts are reflected as a one-time, non-cash benefit of $59.6 billion to net income for the quarter.
The Postal Service had adjusted loss of $459 million for the quarter, compared to an adjusted loss of $41 million for the same quarter last year. Adjusted loss excludes the impact of the PSRA, retiree health benefits expense, non-cash workers' compensation adjustments for the impacts of actuarial revaluation and discount rate changes, which are outside of management's control, and amortization expenses for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) unfunded liabilities. On a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, the Postal Service had net income of $59.7 billion for the quarter, compared to net loss of $3.0 billion for the same quarter last year, due almost exclusively to the non-cash impact of the PSRA.
The Postal Service continued to make significant progress in improving service during the quarter through the Delivering for America 10-year transformation plan. One of the goals of Delivering for America is to meet or exceed 95 percent on-time service performance for all mail and shipping products once all elements of the plan are implemented. It took on average 2.5 days to deliver a mailpiece or package during the third quarter, which is a 7 percent improvement, compared to the average of 2.7 days the same quarter last year. From an on-time delivery perspective, 93.3 percent of First-Class Mail pieces were delivered on time during the quarter, an increase of 5.4 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. Other achievements resulting from the 10-year plan include expansion of the Postal Service's package processing capacity, improvements in operating precision and the roll out of USPS Connect, a set of delivery solutions that leverage the ongoing network improvements with new pricing to meet evolving business needs.
"Our strong on-time delivery results and revenue growth this quarter demonstrate that we are making appreciable progress in implementing our Delivering for America plan and becoming the high performing organization the public expects and deserves," said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. "The one-time, non-cash benefit we recorded due to the enactment of postal reform legislation was significant, but also distortive. The fact of the matter is that we have a long road and a lot of hard work ahead in our 10-year transformation to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Postal Service, but we are confident that we will achieve what we have set out to accomplish."
The Postal Service's operating revenue was $18.7 billion for the quarter, an increase of $257 million, or 1.4 percent, despite a volume decline of 201 million pieces, or 0.7 percent, compared to the same quarter last year.
Marketing Mail revenue increased $324 million, or 9.4 percent, compared to the same quarter last year, on volume growth of 545 million pieces, or 3.5 percent. Marketing Mail experienced steep volume declines at the onset of the pandemic but has been rebounding as the economy continues to recover. Marketing Mail has generally proven to be a resilient marketing channel, and its value to U.S. businesses remains strong due to healthy customer returns on investment and better data and technology integration.
First-Class Mail revenue was essentially flat, compared to the same quarter last year, despite a volume decline of 620 million pieces, or 5.1 percent. First-Class Mail volume continued to decline due to on-going migration from mail to electronic communication and transaction alternatives and remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Shipping and Packages revenue decreased $85 million, or 1.1 percent, compared to the same quarter last year, on a volume decline of 92 million pieces, or 5.0 percent, compared to the same quarter last year. Shipping and Packages volume remains higher than pre-pandemic levels despite the volume decline compared to the same quarter last year, due to the prior year pandemic-related surge in e-commerce.
The pandemic has significantly transformed the mix of mail and packages processed through the Postal Service's network and the Postal Service anticipates that its volumes and mix will not return to pre-pandemic levels. The Postal Service continues to grow its mail services revenue through optimization of its pricing strategies and effective use of its pricing authority, as outlined in the Delivering for America plan.
Adjusted loss grew by $418 million, compared to the same quarter last year, despite the increase in revenue, due to inflationary impacts on several operating expense categories. Compensation and benefits expense increased $198 million, or 1.6 percent, primarily due to wage increases in our labor agreements tied to inflation, and in particular the impacts of cost of living adjustments. Highway transportation expense increased $131 million, or 10.1 percent, primarily due to the inflationary impacts of higher average diesel fuel costs. Other operating expense increased $373 million, or 14.9 percent, as inflationary pressures have led to higher average fuel prices for delivery vehicles and an increase in rent and utilities.
"The enactment of the PSRA is a key component of restoring the Postal Service to financial stability," said Chief Financial Officer Joseph Corbett. "but the one-time, non-cash impact this quarter of the statute is not reflective of our true financial condition. Net income for the quarter reflects the accounting impact of this legislation, and while we saw revenue growth of $257 million during the quarter, rising costs associated with inflationary pressures present significant challenges. We continue to strategically manage our business and aggressively control our expenses and kept them below the level of inflation thus far in fiscal year 2022."
Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 Operating Revenue and Volume by Service Category Compared to Prior Year
The following table presents revenue and volume by category for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
Selected Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 Results of Operations and Non-GAAP measures
This news release includes controllable income (loss) including partial impact of Postal Service reform legislation and partial retiree health benefits expense which is not calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP measure is calculated as net income (loss) adjusted for the impact of the PSRA on past due obligations to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund (PSRHBF) and on the current year PSRHBF amortization expenses, workers' compensation expenses caused by actuarial revaluation and discount rate changes, expenses caused by the actuarial revaluation of PSRHBF, and the amortization of the PSRHBF, CSRS and FERS unfunded liabilities.
This news release references controllable loss excluding full impact of Postal Service reform legislation and all retiree health benefits expense which is not calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP measure is calculated as net income (loss) adjusted for the full impact of the PSRA, all retiree health benefits expense, workers' compensation (benefit) expense caused by actuarial revaluation and discount rate changes, and the amortization of CSRS and FERS unfunded liabilities.
These non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist users of the Postal Service's financial statements in more fully understanding the financial results and assessing the Postal Service's ongoing performance because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, underlying operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Postal Service's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. This adjusted financial information does not represent a comprehensive basis of accounting.
The following table reconciles GAAP net income (loss) to the non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
Financial results in the Form 10-Q are available at http://about.usps.com/what/financials/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements contained in this release represent the Postal Service's best estimates of known and anticipated trends believed relevant to future operations. However, actual results may differ significantly from current estimates. Certain forward-looking statements included in this release use such words as "may," "will," "could," "expect," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "project," or other similar terminology. These forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties, reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this report. These risks include, but are not limited to, the effects of COVID-19 on the Postal Service's business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Postal Service has no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Contact: David Partenheimer
202.268.2599
David.A.Partenheimer@usps.gov
usps.com/news
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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/us-postal-service-reports-third-quarter-fiscal-year-2022-results/ | 2022-08-09T20:31:30Z |
- The report demonstrates Country Garden's latest progress on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and its green and low-carbon development strategy.
FOSHAN, China, June. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Country Garden Holdings Company Limited ("Country Garden") (02007.HK) recently released its 2021 Sustainability Report, systematically demonstrating its key practices and outstanding achievements in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) field.
According to the report, as of the end of 2021, the company had completed the construction of 997 projects in compliance with the national green building evaluation standard, with a total GFA of 221.16 million square meters, representing a compound annual growth rate of 46.4% and 46.2% respectively from 2017 to 2021. In 2021, 61 additional green buildings that won certificates were constructed by the company with a combined area of 9.15 million square meters, while 124 new Sponge City projects were added with a floor area exceeding 8.65 million square meters.
In terms of technological innovation, the subsidiary, Bright Dream Robotics, made the final intelligent parameter adjustments to its spraying robot. It's the first time such a robot has been showcased worldwide. Bright Dream Robotics passed the acceptance test of the "BIM + FMS + WMS + construction robot" multi-machine construction system in Shantou, and is the first construction firm worldwide to do so.
As of the end of 2021, Country Garden had nearly 50 types of robots under development, with 18 types of construction robots having been put into commercial application and rented or sold, involving more than 350 projects in 25 Chinese provinces. In addition, more than 730 construction robots have been delivered, handling a total applied construction area of more than 7 million square meters.
Furthermore, Country Garden continues to increase its investment in renewable and sustainable energies as well as green and eco-friendly technologies, while expanding the carbon neutral portfolio through Country Garden Venture Capital, its equity investment division.
In 2021, Country Garden Venture Capital achieved many milestones in the carbon neutral sector, investing in several carbon neutral firms including SVOLT Energy, Morion Nanotech and UtmoLight Technology. The company was listed in the "Top 10 Carbon Neutrality Investment Institutions" of the year by lieyunwang.com, and has entered the investment portfolios of Hang Seng ESG ETF, GX Hang Seng ESG, VSGXETF and multiple other ETF funds worldwide.
Meanwhile, Country Garden undertakes meaningful action to counter climate change and protect biodiversity.
An example is the Country Garden Forest City Project. In 2021, Forest City Fisherman's Wharf and Sea Shell Exhibition Center began the installation of several solar photovoltaic power stations, with an anticipated installed capacity of 405kWp and estimated power supply of 480,000 kWh per year.
In 2021, Forest City won the Construction21 International Green Solution Award for its comprehensive solutions, among them, the water resources recycling and biodiversity protection project. It also garnered the SCAHSA Global Model of Low-Carbon City Planning and Design Award from Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (SCAHSA) with its low-carbon and green development concept.
Country Garden engages in philanthropic actions while developing the core business.
To date, Country Garden Group and its founder have donated more than 10 billion yuan, and actively participated in targeted poverty relief projects in 57 counties across 16 Chinese provinces, helping more than 490,000 people move above the poverty line.
Country Garden founder and Chairman Yang Guoqiang and his family were China's fourth most generous providers of charitable cash donations in 2021 according to the 2021 China Philanthropy List issued by Forbes China. This is the 13th time that the Yang family has been included in the list.
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SOURCE Country Garden Holdings | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/country-garden-releases-2021-sustainability-report/ | 2022-06-17T05:42:12Z |
LaDainian Tomlinson Flag Football League begins in Denison
DENISON, Texas (KXII) -The LaDainian Tomlinson NFL Flag Football League kicked off Saturday morning over at Munson Stadium. The leagued got things started by holding a free camp to help introduce kids to the new league. The flag football league will be co-ed and for athletes grades 3-6.
The camp was put on by Performance Experience with the help of some Denison football coaches.
Denison alum Bo Springfield, who is the president and co-owner of Performance Experience, said Saturday was meant to give the kids a small taste of what the league will be.
”Today we’re helping kids understand what it’s going to be,” said Bo Springfield. “What’s coming down the road drill wise, play wise and be able to understand that when this does grow to what it’s going to be, there school will be a part of this and they’ll be able to compete in a rec development school system and be able to be a part of something big.”
Registration for the flag football league is open until June 10 Those interested can register at tomlinsonflag.com. League play will begin July 2nd.
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/29/ladainian-tomlinson-flag-football-league-begins-denison/ | 2022-05-29T05:09:05Z |
CALGARY, AB and TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Network Innovations, a global leader in providing critical communications solutions and services, today announced the formation of a collaboration agreement with hiSky, a company devoted to providing innovative technology to IoT and voice satellite communications.
hiSky's low data rate (LDR) network, which ideally targets Industrialized Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, uses a proprietary technology to transmit LDR over high frequency Ka/Ku-band networks, enabling low-cost satellite solutions for end users.
Andrew Burdall, President of Network Innovations, Americas, commented, "We are pleased to be entering into this agreement with hiSky as it demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers to provide the best value connectivity options available. hiSKy's range of terminals are ideally suited to complement regions that are lacking terrestrial connectivity. We look forward to this mutually beneficial partnership."
Shahar Kravitz, CEO of hiSky stated, "From early discussions onward, we were excited about partnering with Network Innovations. Their commitment to helping their customers succeed regardless of the mission or location is a perfect fit with hiSky. Our unique satellite network will offer Network Innovations' customers the opportunity to digitize and automize their operations for maximum efficiency and productivity."
Since 1989, Network Innovations has grown to be a global leader in connecting people, places, and things with always available solutions. Our dedicated specialists have the depth of training and experience to design, build, and execute the most successful technology solutions for the unique needs of government and defense, public safety, oil and gas, media, mining, utilities, maritime and recreation and leisure. We are a trusted partner empowering our clients to Succeed. Anywhere. www.networkinv.com
hiSky is the leader of satellite agile IoT networks, enabling businesses, people, and machines the freedom to connect from any device, anywhere, always. We provide a reliable and affordable satellite IoT and MSS network with an easy-to-use cloud-based management platform that includes monitoring, alerting, and billing capabilities. Companies benefit from our proven connectivity to cover every terrain, establish private commercial satellite IoT networks, gain insights from high-volume secure data, and more. hiSky's agile network comprises of satellite terminals, hub base stations, a mobile application, IoT/M2M interface, and application servers. The network operates using GEO and LEO satellites. True global connectivity starts with our vision: Making agile IoT connectivity accessible to everyone, everywhere. www.hiSkySat.com
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SOURCE Network Innovations | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/network-innovations-announces-collaboration-agreement-partnership-with-hisky-satellite-iot-network-connectivity-company/ | 2022-09-08T14:09:49Z |
Gallen out-pitches López, Diamondbacks outlast Marlins 5-4
MIAMI (AP) — Zac Gallen outpitched Pablo López as the Arizona Diamondbacks built a lead and held on to beat the Miami Marlins 5-4. David Peralta homered, singled twice and drove in three runs, and Daulton Varsho hit two doubles for the Diamondbacks, winner of five of seven. Arizona’s Jordan Luplow added two hits and two RBIs. Gallen threw 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits, striking out six and hitting two batters. López’s string of 18 2/3 scoreless innings ended in the first on Peralta’s two-run homer. Down 5-0, Miami rallied with a four-run seventh. Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a two-run double and Jesus Aguilar followed with an infield single that scored two. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/02/gallen-out-pitches-lopez-diamondbacks-outlast-marlins-5-4/ | 2022-05-03T03:48:34Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Russian operative who worked on behalf of one of the Kremlin’s main intelligence services has been charged with recruiting political groups in the United States to advance pro-Russia propaganda, including during the invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, the Justice Department said Friday.
Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov is accused of using groups in Florida, Georgia and California to spread pro-Kremlin talking points, with prosecutors accusing him of funding trips to Russia and paying for travel for conferences.
He is charged in federal court in Florida with conspiring to have U.S. citizens act as illegal agents of the Russian government. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf, and he is not currently in custody.
The indictment alleges Ionov directed one of the political activists to post a petition on the website created by former President Barack Obama’s team, change.org. The petition, entitled “Petition on Crime of Genocide against African People in the United States,” could still be found on change.gov on Friday and had more than 113,000 signatures.
The organizations were not identified in the indictment, which was filed in a federal court in Florida.
The Treasury Department also announced sanctions against Ionov Friday, accusing him of giving money to organizations that he and Russian intelligence services thought would create a social or political disturbance in the U.S. and also looked into ways to support an unspecified 2022 gubernatorial candidate.
“As court documents show, Ionov allegedly orchestrated a brazen influence campaign, turning U.S. political groups and U.S. citizens into instruments of the Russian government,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, said in a statement.
The case is part of a much broader Justice Department crackdown on foreign influence operations aimed at shaping public opinion in the U.S. In 2018, for instance, the Justice Department charged 13 Russian nationals with participating in a huge but hidden social media campaign aimed at sowing discord during the 2016 presidential election won by Republican Donald Trump.
FBI Special Agent in Charge David Walker in Tampa called the Russian efforts “some of the most egregious and blatant violations we’ve seen.”
“The Russian intelligence threat is continuous and unrelenting,” Walker said at a news conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. “Today’s actions should serve as a deterrent.”
____
Associated Press writer Michael Schneider in Orlando contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/russian-charged-with-using-us-groups-to-spread-propaganda/ | 2022-07-29T17:46:27Z |
Authorities have found 3-month-old Brandon Cuellar, who they say was kidnapped Monday in San Jose, California, as the infant's grandmother unloaded groceries.
The child was reunited with his mother Tuesday and taken to a local hospital for a precautionary evaluation, the San Jose Police Department said in a tweet.
"A million thank you's to all who assisted," police said, later adding, "Many of us are fathers, mothers, we were not going to give up until we found him."
Brandon's grandmother was watching him while his mother was at work when he was kidnapped, police had said.
The grandmother took the child inside her apartment and went back outside for a short time to unload groceries, police said. While the baby was alone, a man entered the apartment and took the child, they said.
Police released surveillance video showing a man walking on a sidewalk with a covered car seat, which investigators said held the child.
Police did not immediately say if any of the suspects in custody was the same person in those images.
The suspect previously described by police appeared to be a stranger, and neither the baby's grandmother nor mother recognized the man, Sgt. Christian Camarillo said Monday, before Brandon was located. The child's father is incarcerated, he said.
"Anybody who is a mother or father, you don't love anything more than you love your child," Camarillo said.
An Endangered Missing Advisory was activated by the California Highway Patrol, but an Amber Alert was not issued since the police did not have information on a suspect's vehicle or license plate, Camarillo said.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/a-3-month-old-baby-kidnapped-from-his-grandmothers-home-in-california-has-been-reunited/article_c4dba948-e7e0-563f-8253-ee456bc8b3a2.html | 2022-04-27T08:08:11Z |
SHANGHAI, NANJING, China and SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IASO Biotherapeutics (IASO Bio), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in discovering, developing, and manufacturing innovative cell therapies and antibody products, announced today that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved its investigational new drug (IND) application (Acceptance No.: CXSL2200233,CXSL2200234) for the new extended indication of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) for a fully human BCMA chimeric antigen receptor autologous T (CAR-T) cell Injection (Equecabtagene Autoleucel, CT103A). This is the world's first IND approval for CAR-T in NMOSD treatment.
The new IND application is based on clinical data from an investigator-initiated clinical study of Equecabtagene Autoleucel. Subjects in the study were NMOSD patients with poor symptom control who had at least one year of treatment with at least one immunosuppressant. The study's primary objective was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles in NMOSD patients treated with Equecabtagene Autoleucel. As of March 20, 2022, 12 subjects received Equecabtagene Autoleucel cell infusion, including three in the 0.5×106 CAR-T cells/kg dose group and nine in the 1.0×106 CAR-T cells/kg dose group. The study data initially showed that the Equecabtagene Autoleucel injection was safe in patients with relapsed/refractory NMOSD in the 0.5×106 CAR-T cells/kg and 1.0×106 CAR-T cells/kg dose groups. All patients experienced Grade 1-2 CRS (Cytokine Release Syndrome) and no Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) events. In terms of efficacy, all subjects observed improved Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores after infusion. Fifty percent experienced improved visual acuity, 67% improved their walking ability, and 75% experienced improved bladder function. After a median follow-up of 5.5 months, 11 / 12 (92%) subjects did not observe any disease recurrence.
Wen (Maxwell) Wang, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of IASO Bio, said, "As one of the first companies to conduct research on CAR-T to treat autoimmune diseases worldwide, our BCMA CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant milestone for Investigator Initiated Trial (IIT) data of relapsed and refractory NMOSD, an autoimmune disease with serious complications, blindness, and paralysis."
The existing treatment of NMOSD can only decrease the number of relapses within a certain period and has little effect on the functional recovery of sensory, nervous, and motor systems. BCMA CAR T-cell therapy can reduce the disability score and improve the functions of sensory, nervous, and motor systems, providing a milestone proof-of-concept for CAR-T therapy to treat autoimmune diseases caused by auto-antibodies produced by plasma cells. The IND's approval demonstrates further momentum for IASO Bio to promote the expansion of CAR-T therapy and launch products beyond the treatment of malignant tumors to the treatment of autoimmune diseases. IASO Bio will initiate and complete the clinical study per submitted protocol to prepare for new drug application (NDA) and to bring hope to NMOSD patients.
About Equecabtagene Autoleucel (CT103A)
Equecabtagene Autoleucel (CT103A) is a BCMA chimeric antigen receptor autologous T cell injection, a lentiviral vector containing a CAR structure with a fully human scFv, CD8a hinger and transmembrane, 4-1BB co-stimulatory and CD3ζ activation domains. Based on strict selection and screening, utilizing a proprietary in-house optimization platform, and integrated in-house manufacturing process improvement, the construct of the BCMA CAR-T is potent and Equecabtagene Autoleucel shows prolonged persistency in patients. The NMPA accepted the New Drug Application for Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the treatment of elapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Equecabtagene Autoleucel also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the NMPA in February 2021 and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD)by the U.S. FDA in February 2022.
In addition to multiple myeloma, the NMPA has received IND application of Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the new expanded indication of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).
About Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an acute or subacute inflammatory demyelination disorder of the central nervous system, an antibody-mediated idiopathic inflammatory disease of the nervous system. NMO Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) are marked by NMO-IgG antibodies in the serum, covering NMO and NMO-related diseases. The first onset of NMOSD is seen at all ages, mostly in young and middle-aged people, with a median age of 39 years. The prevalence of NMOSD is high in Asian populated areas, and middle-aged women are the most prevalent group. According to Frost & Sullivan, the number of NMOSD cases in China was around 49,300 and 173,000 worldwide in 2021. AQP4-Ab is a foremost pathogenic antibody of NMOSD, and many clinical studies have confirmed that this antibody may cause pathological damage to the central nervous system in animals and humans. Its diagnostic specificity is up to more than 90%, with the positive rate of AQP4-Ab in NMOSD patients ranging from 40% to 90%. NMOSD is a highly recurrent disease with a high disability rate. More than 90% of patients have a multitemporal course, 60% relapse within one year and 90% relapse within three years, with sequelae found in most patients such as severe visual impairment, physical dysfunction, and urination and defecation disorders.
About IASO Bio
IASO Bio is an innovative biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacture of cellular therapeutics and antibody drugs. The company is expanding into solid tumors and autoimmune diseases with the development of hematologic oncology cell-based drugs and antibody drugs as the cornerstone of innovation. It offers a complete platform from early discovery, registration, and clinical development to commercial production. IASO Bio owns many technology platforms, including a fully human antibody discovery platform, a high-throughput CAR-T drug preference platform, a general CAR technology platform, a production technology platform, and a clinical translational research platform. It has more than 10 products at different stages of development, including Equecabtagene Autoleucel (CT103A),fully human BCMA chimeric antigen receptor autologous T cell injection, which received NDA acceptance of the China NMPA for the treatment of elapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Equecabtagene Autoleucel also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the NMPA in February 2021 and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by the U.S. FDA in February 2022. In addition to multiple myeloma, the NMPA has received IND application of Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the new expanded indication of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). Additionally, its product CT120 (fully human CD19/CD22 dual-target CAR-T cell injection) has entered the clinical research stage for the treatment of CD19/CD22-positive relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and relapsed/refractory acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD).
Leveraging its strong management team, rich product pipeline, cutting-edge R&D, and business model, and with the introduction of innovative drugs that truly solve clinical pain points and open new treatment paths, IASO Bio is becoming one of the industry's most influential and innovative pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.iasobio.com or www.linkedin.com/company/iasobiotherapeutics.
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SOURCE IASO Biotherapeutics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/worlds-first-car-t-nmosd-treatment-iaso-biotherapeutics-equecabtagene-autoleucel-receives-ind-approval-by-nmpa/ | 2022-08-19T12:13:27Z |
FCIA to showcase latest in Fibre Channel and FC-NVMe technology by demonstrating a high performance, self-optimizing and high availability architecture for business-critical applications
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the first in-person Flash Memory Summit since 2019, the Fibre Channel Industry Association (FCIA) today announced that it will be demonstrating why Fibre Channel is the go-to transport for business and mission critical applications at this year's show as adoption continues to grow.
"We're excited to return to the show floor in Santa Clara this year, not least because we'll be able to perform a physical demonstration of the strength of Fibre Channel," said Chris Lyon, chairman, FCIA. "This year's event will be an ideal opportunity for attendees to learn more about the latest developments in Fibre Channel and see what this technology can deliver in their infrastructure."
The FCIA is attending this year's Flash Memory Summit at a time when Fibre Channel adoption shows strong growth. "Revenue for the total FC SAN market (FC switches + FC adapters) grew for the fourth consecutive quarter in 1Q22, up 11% Y/Y to $613 M on 6% higher port shipments of 1.82 M," according to Quillin Research's 1Q 2022 SAN Report.
Demonstrating Next Generation Fibre Channel Advancements
This week in booth #755 at the Flash Memory Summit, the FCIA is conducting a public demonstration highlighting the latest multi-vendor Fibre Channel technologies in an end-to-end fabric utilizing NVMe over Fabrics (FC-NVMe) running over Fibre Channel concurrently with legacy FCP/SCSI.
The live exhibit showcases how end points participate with Fibre Channels' new standards-based Fabric Notification (FPIN) technology that allows all elements of the SAN to pass critical link information among the peers enabling a self-optimizing fabric that mitigates congestion and improves link integrity determination. For the first time, the FCIA demonstration highlights Fibre Channel's Gen 7 64GFC speed, capable of 12,800 MB/s full-duplex performance.
To showcase interoperability, this year's demonstration will feature equipment from an array of FCIA members, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Broadcom, Teledyne LeCroy, Cisco, SANBlaze, Marvell® and Amphenol. FCIA members will be on hand at the booth to walk attendees through the demonstration and discuss Fibre Channel's clear advantages for high performance flash-based storage.
Expert Discussions at Flash Memory Summit Seminars
The FCIA is also hosting a session at Flash Memory Summit on Wednesday, August 3, 4:15 pm. – 4:30 p.m. titled "Fibre Channel in 2022". Hosted by Mark Jones, President Emeritus, FCIA, the session will provide the latest on Fibre Channel's capabilities and a window into upcoming technological updates.
Fellow FCIA member Nishant Lodha, Director of Technologies, Marvell will be diving deeper into Fibre Channel Fabric Notifications technology at the session NWRK-301-2 "The Quest for an Autonomous Storage Fabric" on Thursday, August 4, 9:45am.
Pick Up the Latest Fibre Channel Solutions Guide
The recently updated Fibre Channel Solutions Guide 2021-2022 will be available to all attendees at the FCIA booth. This year's Solutions Guide provides the latest insights into how Fibre Channel delivers value for organizations, including how Fibre Channel networks deliver more than just speed, and how organizations can learn to succeed with Fibre Channel solutions.
FCIA representatives will be on-hand at booth #755 at Flash Memory Summit from August 2-4, Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA. For more information, please visit fibrechannel.org.
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SOURCE Fibre Channel Industry Association | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/fibre-channel-industry-association-exhibits-next-gen-fibre-channel-technologies-flash-memory-summit-2022/ | 2022-08-01T20:36:03Z |
(The Hill) — About one out of three COVID-19 cases in the United States now stem from the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the omicron strain, which are on their way to becoming the most dominant coronavirus strains in the country.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 11.4 and 23.5 percent of U.S. COVID-19 cases are caused by the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants.
Early data also suggests these subvariants escape immunity more efficiently than previous lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
“The BA.4 and the BA.5 subvariants are about three to six times less sensitive to the neutralizing antibodies that the body makes in response to infection and vaccination,” David Montefiori, virologist and Duke University professor, told The Hill.
Montefiori, who has researched viruses like HIV for over 30 years, said BA.4 and BA.5 are essentially the same subvariant and current vaccines should be equally effective against both of them. The occurrence of these two subvariants is an indication of COVID-19 evolving to become less sensitive to antibodies, he added.
The BA.2.12.1 subvariant behind the recent rise in cases currently commands the greatest share at 56 percent.
The two subvariants are eliciting some concerns about another waver of the coronavirus moving through the U.S.
Cases have risen over the summer as many Americans have resumed the activities they took before the pandemic. But they have also hit a plateau of around 100,000 new cases a day. Experts believe vaccinations and booster shots have helped keep the figures lower.
In addition, deaths and hospitalizations have not spiked because of vaccines. More COVID-19 cases result in mild sicknesses.
This plateau of cases doesn’t include the two new sub-variants, for the most part.
At the start of June, less than 10 percent of cases were caused by BA.4 and BA.5, though that share has grown exponentially in the past few weeks.
David Dowdy, epidemiologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, said the rise of BA.4 and BA.5 is the “natural evolution” of any infectious disease.
At the same time, most do not expect the newer subvariants to lead to more deaths as in previous spikes during the pandemic.
Dowdy said there is no strong data to suggest that the newer subvariants are deadlier or more transmissible than previous ones.
While evidence has suggested that BA.4 and BA.5 escape antibodies more effectively, available vaccines should still reduce the chances of death and hospitalization, even if they don’t prevent as many infections.
Despite the continued mutations, these subvariants are not drastically different from the original omicron variant.
Given that the strains currently circulating in the U.S. all descend from the omicron variant lineage, Dowdy said the COVID-19 virus is likely approaching its “ideal adaptation” for infecting humans.
“So it’s gonna be harder for it to mutate into a completely new variant that’s going to be a lot more contagious than the current one,” Dowdy said.
At the same time, he would not rule out the chances of another surge later this year. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/new-covid-19-variants-raise-limited-worries-of-new-spikes/ | 2022-06-23T14:38:39Z |
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