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AUSTIN, Texas, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Living Security revealed this week a new brand identity and website to reflect the company's evolution as leaders in Human Risk Management. This comes on the heels of several major developments including the launch of the company's new, innovative Human Risk Management platform, Unify Insights, a solution that provides security leaders with the data and metrics to identify human behavior risks and trends inside their organizations, followed by targeted action plans to mitigate incidents.
"The security awareness and training industry is undergoing a major disruption and Living Security has been at the forefront of that since our inception, with the idea that the key to enterprise security is empowering the people inside organizations. Now, we're taking it a bit further with the launch of Unify Insights. This vision and strategic direction is fully reflected across our products and now our brand, communicating the changes we're making to help our clients reduce human risk inside their organizations with a combination of products to identify, report on and respond to risky behaviors and resolve them," said Ashley Rose, CEO and co-founder of Living Security.
Living Security announced its new brand identity this week at its annual conference which it also renamed this year from Breaking Security Awareness to the Human Risk Management Conference. This is the third year that the company has invited security leaders, industry practitioners, and thought leaders to gather and discuss some of the most important issues impacting cybersecurity. The company reported record interest this year with over 1400 registrants.
"This update to our look and feel represents our commitment to continued innovation and our role in supporting our clients' improved security posture," said Cassie Fulton Flores, the Vice President of Marketing at Living Security. "Through human risk management, and our full product suite, we are leaning into the disruption that is happening in the market and leading the way with a focus on quantifying human risk and transforming our clients' workforces into a proactive defense."
For additional information and to view Living Security's new website go to LivingSecurity.com.
Living Security's mission is to transform human risk to drive dramatic improvement in human behaviors, organizational security culture, and infosec program effectiveness. With our Human Risk Management platform, Living Security engages each employee with innovative and relevant context and content, while simultaneously providing the ability for leadership to identify, report on and directly mitigate the risk brought on by human behavior. Living Security is trusted by security-minded organizations like MasterCard, Verizon, MassMutual, Biogen, AmerisourceBergen, Hewlett Packard, and Target. Learn more at www.livingsecurity.com.
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SOURCE Living Security | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/living-security-unveils-new-brand-identity-reflect-companys-vision-direction-human-risk-management/ | 2022-06-30T12:44:34Z |
Rocket Man launches into web3 with one-of-a-kind Jadu virtual hoverboard, and Rocket NFT providing holders access to exclusive drops, pre-sale opportunities and more
LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading into NFT.NYC, global music legend Elton John announces his entrance into web3 by partnering with Jadu and Sweet to auction a one-of-a-kind Rocket Man Jadu Hoverboard NFT in addition to releasing a series of access tokens that give holders the opportunity to unlock a host of future fan experiences as part of the the Rocket NFT Club (nft.eltonjohn.com).
The Jadu Hoverboard auction begins at 10 am ET on Monday June 20 and will close on Wednesday Jun 22, 2022 at 6pm EST with all sales benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
Produced by Jadu, an Augmented Reality (AR) platform that puts web3 avatars at the center of gameplay mapped to the real world, the Rocket Man Hoverboard is the rarest of the 6,666 items within the Jadu Hoverboard collection. Designed by Voxel Bunny, who built Jadu's iconic jetpacks and hoverboards, the design creatively references a keyboard pinball machine, paying homage to Elton John "Pinball Wizard" Video from 1975, built inside the chassis supported by classic Elton John features including iconic star glasses, piano keys and the actual musical notes from "Rocket Man."
"As a fellow LGTBQ+ artist, it's hard to put into words the pride I feel paying tribute to Elton John & his legacy which continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of so many," said Voxel Bunny. "And knowing that my creation will play a role in helping to end the AIDS epidemic for the most vulnerable individuals and communities means the world to me," said Voxel Bunny.
"Whilst I'm no metaverse expert (!) I wanted to make sure that my first NFT was something true to me, and collaborating with LGBTQ+ artist Voxel Bunny and Jadu on something so unique which benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation for Pride month, was the perfect opportunity." said Elton John "Web3 has the potential to bring people from across the world together like never before and I'm excited for the opportunities to connect with my fans in a vibrant and growing community."
"Our team pours its heart into crafting virtual items that are expressive without constraint and allow collectors to develop a new relationship with their physical surroundings," said Jadu founder and CEO Asad J. Malik. "It's been a true delight to design our rarest Hoverboard with Elton John's iconic body of work as an inspiration and we're honored to play a small role in the Elton John AIDS Foundation fulfilling its mission to end the AIDS epidemic."
"Elton John has been on the frontline of innovation in music, fashion, and technology for over half a millenia. During his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, the release of these Elton John access tokens combines the innovative web3 world with Elton's penchant for providing high-value opportunities accessible to his entire fanbase," said Tom Mizzone, CEO of Sweet. "Together with Elton, we at Sweet look forward to continuing to reveal the additional benefits of the Yellow Brick Roadmap."
ABOUT ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION
The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. The Foundation's mission is simple: an end to the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcome the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keeps us from ending AIDS. With the mobilisation of our network of generous supporters and partners, we fund local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment as well as influencing governments to end AIDS. www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org
ABOUT JADU
Jadu is an augmented reality (AR) game-world built around virtual items owned by its community of players. Jadu is developing an AR mobile app, emerging from beta in summer 2022, that connects to players' Ethereum wallets, letting them turn their 3D animated NFTs into playable avatars. For more information about Jadu, visit jadu.ar, for more information on Jadu Hoverboards, visit jadu.ar/nft/hoverboards and to join the Jadu Mirroverse Discord, visit discord.com/invite/jadu.
As more aspects of our social lives go digital, the Metaverse continues to gain traction, with Jadu offering a unique take: virtual items that work in the physical world with the help of AR. Jadu crafts fantastical virtual objects like Hoverboards and Jetpacks that can be owned as NFTs and used in-game by 3D playable avatars. Considered some of the finest items in the metaverse, they've generated over $25M in trading. Past Jadu hoverboard collaborations include Seven-Time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, Canadian musician and internet sensation, GRIMES, legendary American rapper Snoop Dogg among others.
ABOUT SWEET
New York-based Sweet is a highly flexible, Non-Fungible Token (NFT) platform and marketplace used by top creators, sports, entertainment, and consumer brands worldwide. Sweet delivers immersive NFT programs driving revenue, consumer engagement, and gamified experiences reaching both sophisticated and novice NFT collectors in ways never before possible. For more information, please visit sweet.io
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SOURCE Sweet.io | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/20/elton-john-partners-with-jadu-amp-sweet-raise-funds-elton-john-aids-foundation/ | 2022-06-20T15:00:39Z |
Beachgoers and residents can now use the Passport Parking app to pay for and manage parking
INDIALANTIC, Fla., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Town of Indialantic launches its first cashless option for parking with transportation software and payments company, Passport. The application, Passport Parking, is powered by Passport's platform and allows for a contactless experience where motorists pay for and manage their parking sessions conveniently through their smartphones.
With Passport Parking, paying to park is convenient and seamless. After downloading the free app, a user enters the respective zone number, parking space number and the desired length of time for parking. Users can receive notifications when their sessions are about to expire and view receipts and parking history directly from their smartphones.
"We were looking to add a cashless payment option for parking and chose Passport based on its presence in the Florida region and for its cutting-edge technology," says Mike Casey, Town Manager. "With Passport's platform, we can offer our parkers greater flexibility and convenience and our operations can gain access to more insights and reporting tools."
Passport helps municipalities, universities and private operators of all sizes streamline their parking operations in one place and use mobility data more efficiently and effectively. Other Florida destinations that trust Passport's platform include the City of Key West, the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the City of Destin.
"The demand for contactless payment options continues to rise – especially for everyday tasks, such as parking," says Darryl Davis, Passport sales executive. "We are thrilled to partner with the Town of Indialantic to simplify the parking experience for their residents and tourists and to help them innovate through our platform."
The Passport Parking app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Users can also manage their parking online at passportparking.com.
About Passport
Passport is a transportation software and payments company that builds technology to more efficiently manage streets and sidewalks. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Passport is trusted by more than 800 cities, universities and agencies, including Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Miami. Passport's digital platform helps cities manage parking and mobility infrastructure, creating more livable, equitable communities. One of the fastest-growing companies on the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500 lists, Passport was also named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies for 2020.
Media Contact:
Allison Guthrie
(818) 523-8581
passport@greenbrier.partners
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SOURCE Passport | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/town-indialantic-fl-partners-with-passport-offer-contactless-payment-options/ | 2022-04-05T14:30:51Z |
$2 Million Dollar Grant from Philanthropic Arm of Olive Garden Parent Company Will Help Increase Access to Nutritious Food in Communities of Color
25 Food Banks Have Received Refrigerated Mobile Food Pantry Vehicles Since January 2021
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants is helping Feeding America® add refrigerated trucks for 10 member food banks to support mobile pantry programs and food distribution in communities with the highest need. Through a $2 million grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, and support from partners Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, each food bank will receive a 26-foot vehicle that can transport 12,000 pounds of food at a time, and will also receive $52,000 to use for food and other needs.
Food banks receiving this gift include:
- Arkansas Foodbank (Little Rock, Ark.)
- Chattanooga Area Food Bank (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
- Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (Tulsa, Okla.)
- Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley (Pharr, Texas)
- Golden Harvest Food Bank (Augusta, Ga.)
- Kansas Food Bank (Wichita, Kan.)
- Roadrunner Food Bank (Albuquerque, N.M.)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina (Fayetteville, N.C.)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of the Big Bend (Tallahassee, Fla.)
- Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank (Toledo, Ohio)
"Across our company, we have a higher purpose to nourish and delight everyone we serve, and that includes the communities where we operate our restaurants," said Rick Cardenas, President and CEO of Darden Restaurants. "We're uniquely positioned to help in the fight against hunger, and we're proud to continue helping more Feeding America member food banks increase access to nutritious food for people who need it most."
The Need
The rate of inflation has caused grocery prices to spike by more than 13% over the last year, and families are turning to local food banks for support. Communities of color continue to be impacted by food insecurity at a disproportionately higher rate.
In addition, local food banks are also dealing with the impacts of inflation, resulting in higher costs for food and the transportation needed to acquire and deliver food to their communities. Feeding America helped identify food banks serving communities of color with disproportionately high levels of food insecurity to receive a truck to help increase their mobile food pantry capacity.
"As food prices remain stubbornly high, the nearly 34 million people who experienced food insecurity in 2021 continue to face a tough choice, whether to purchase food or pay for other basic needs, such as electricity or medicine," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. "This Hunger Action Month, we're grateful for the collaborative efforts from Darden, Penske and Lineage in continuing to provide member food banks with refrigerated trucks that will help reach more communities and provide millions of meals to individuals and families across the country."
Responding to the Need
Darden and the Darden Foundation have been partners with Feeding America for more than 10 years. This donation marks the latest effort in Darden's ongoing commitment to help fight hunger, and it follows two previous donations that provided 15 refrigerated trucks for food banks located in: Birmingham, Ala.; Columbus, Ga.; Detroit, Mich.; Ft. Worth, Texas; Huntsville, Ala.; Jackson, Miss.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Memphis, Tenn.; Monroe, La.; Orlando, Fla.; San Antonio, Texas; Shreveport, La.; Tampa, Fla.; Theodore, Ala.; and Tyler, Texas. Within the first year of serving their communities, these trucks have conducted more than 7,000 mobile food pantry distributions and helped provide more than 27 million meals.*
This work builds on Darden's ongoing Harvest program, which donates unserved, nutritious food from Darden's family of restaurants to local nonprofits. Since this program's inception, Darden's team members have 'harvested' more than 130 million pounds food — amounting to more than 108 million meals.*
*According to the USDA, 1.2 pounds of food is equivalent to one meal.
About Darden Restaurants and the Darden Foundation
Darden's family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining — Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V's. For more information, visit www.darden.com.
The Darden Foundation works to bring to life our spirit of service through its philanthropic support of charitable organizations across the country. Since 1995, the Darden Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants to non-profit organizations such as Feeding America, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and American Red Cross.
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.: General | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/darden-restaurants-helps-feeding-america-member-food-banks-10-states-add-mobile-food-pantries-serve-communities-facing-hunger/ | 2022-09-15T18:21:45Z |
Acquisition Expands TricorBraun's Flexible Packaging Division
ST. LOUIS, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global packaging leader TricorBraun announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire PBFY, one of the largest flexible packaging distributors in North America, from retail and promotional packaging supplier Pacific Western Sales (PWS). The acquisition expands TricorBraun's award-winning flexible packaging division, TricorBraun Flex.
California-based PBFY has provided flexible packaging services for many well-known brands in the food, coffee, tea, and health and beauty markets for nearly 15 years. All PBFY team members will remain with TricorBraun.
"PBFY is an important addition to our industry-leading flexible packaging offerings, enabling us to provide customers with expanded services and supply chain options," said Court Carruthers, president and CEO, TricorBraun. "We have great admiration for the successful business the PBFY team has built, and we look forward to investing in its continued growth. We are pleased to welcome PBFY to the TricorBraun family."
The company will operate as PBFY, a TricorBraun company. After a transition period, PBFY will integrate with TricorBraun Flex.
"This is an exciting development for PBFY team members, customers, and suppliers," said Lyndsey Tidwell, CEO, PWS. "PBFY has enjoyed an outstanding history and I am confident TricorBraun's investments in PBFY's growth will lead to even greater success, while providing new opportunities and enhanced services."
Since its founding, TricorBraun has partnered with management teams to successfully acquire and further accelerate growth for 33 packaging companies globally.
The transaction is expected to close later this month.
About PBFY
PBFY is a full-service flexible packaging distributor with ancillary manufacturing capabilities. From stand-up pouches to side-gusseted bags, we have high-quality foil, paper, and plastic product packaging for all your needs. Industries we've served include food, coffee and tea, and health and beauty. We offer custom options, such as valve and tin-tie application, custom label printing and design, and hot-stamp printing. At PBFY, we can help you create unique product bags that represent your brand in a polished, professional manner.
About PWS
Founded in 1979, PWS (Pacific Western Sales), is a leading provider of bags and retail packaging supplies. Partnering with distributors in both the retail and promotional industries, PWS brings over 40 years of custom packaging experience. From their California and Tennessee locations, PWS serves various markets that include food service, retail, e-commerce, and events. PWS has spent over four decades providing custom printed quality products that enhance your client's branding message. PWS remains committed to serving their distributor partners.
About TricorBraun Flex
TricorBraun Flex is a global leader in stock and custom printed flexible packaging, serving over 4,500 customers in more than 50 countries. Focusing on markets such as coffee, tea, pet food, nutrition and specialty foods, our products include side-gusset bags, stand-up pouches, Biotrē (sustainable packaging), paper tin-tie bags, flat pouches, bulk packaging, rollstock, accessories, tins, and more. Our stock line is available to order on our website and ships from our local warehouses within 24-48 hours of order placement. TricorBraun Flex also offers a range of printing options, varying from short-run printing to full-speed production.
About TricorBraun
Founded in 1902, TricorBraun is a global packaging leader and North America's largest distributor of primary packaging. We provide innovative solutions across a wide array of customer end markets in plastic, glass, and aluminum containers, closures, dispensers, tubes, and flexibles. Our award-winning Design & Engineering Center provides forward-thinking design, driven by consumer insight and creative solutions. We leverage our global supply chain expertise, expansive and sustainable footprint, and unmatched purchasing power to identify the best sourcing partners and cost-effective solutions for our customers. TricorBraun is comprised of 1,700 packaging professionals operating from more than 75 locations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
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SOURCE TricorBraun | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/06/tricorbraun-acquire-flexible-packaging-leader-pbfy/ | 2022-04-06T23:50:11Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - PlantX Life Inc. (CSE: VEGA) (Frankfurt: WNT1) (OTCQB: PLTXF) ("PlantX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company generated monthly gross revenue of $1,489,988 for June 2022, with the cost of goods sold totaling $968,492 for the same month.
Gross revenue for June increased by $735,988 compared to June 2021, when the Company achieved gross revenue of $754,000, net of wholesale revenue, representing year-over-year gross revenue growth of approximately 97%.
"As we continue to build on our monthly revenue and performance, it is very exciting to see the growth compared to the same time last year", said PlantX CEO, Lorne Rapkin. "Our team is extremely dedicated and works day in and day out to contribute to the success of each of the Company's verticals and more importantly, establish the tone for becoming leaders in the e-commerce plant-based space. The team is also focused on reducing costs to increase cashflow aiming to maximize profitability"
The gross revenue and cost of goods sold results disclosed in this press release are management prepared and have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.
As previously announced on June 30, 2022, the Company will be restating its annual audited comparative financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. Due to the additional time needed to complete the restatement and to implement additional internal control procedures as a result of the restatement process, the Company today announces that it expects to be delayed in filing its annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022 ("2022 Annual Financial Statements") by the required filing deadline of July 29, 2022.
Accordingly, the Company has requested, and has applied for, the issuance of a management cease trade order ("MCTO") under the provisions of National Policy 12-203 – Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") so as to permit the continued trading in the Company's common shares other than by the Company's chief executive officer, chief financial officer and any other persons or companies at the discretion of the securities regulators should the Company miss the required filing deadline. Although the MCTO application has been made, there is no guarantee or assurance that the MCTO will be granted.
The Company is working diligently with its auditors to complete the 2022 Annual Financial Statements and, at this time, expects to have the 2022 Annual Financial Statements, the related management's discussion and analysis and officer certifications filed within 30 days following the required filing deadline, and in any event, no later than September 27, 2022.
The Company also confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of NP 12-203 and issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as the Company remains in default of the 2022 Annual Financial Statement filing requirement. The Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings nor is there any other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.
As the digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX's platform is the one-stop shop for everything plant-based. With its fast-growing category verticals, the Company offers customers across North America more than 5,000 plant-based products. In addition to offering meal and indoor plant deliveries, the Company currently has plans underway to expand its product lines to include groceries, cosmetics, coffee, juice, and home goods.— but the business is not limited to an e-commerce platform. The Company uses its digital platform to build a community of likeminded consumers and, most importantly, provide education. Its successful enterprise is being built and fortified on partnerships with top nutritionists, chefs and brands. The Company eliminates the barriers to entry for anyone interested in living a plant-based lifestyle and thriving in a longer, healthier and happier life.
The Company website is http://investor.PlantX.com/.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "likely," "should," "would," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "potential," "proposed," "estimate," "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information contained herein includes, without limitation, information regarding the restatement of the Company's 2021 financial results, the potential delayed filing of the Company's 2022 annual financial statements and the issuance of the MCTO.
By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release including, without limitation: risks that additional information may arise in preparing and auditing the restated financial statements or other subsequent events will require the Company to make additional adjustments; the Company's ability to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of the MCTO; the time and effort required to complete the restatement of the 2021 financial statements; the Company's ability to comply with all applicable governmental regulations, including all applicable food safety laws and regulations; impacts to the business and operations of the Company due to the COVID-19 epidemic; the conflict in Eastern Europe; a limited operating history; the ability of the Company to access capital to meet future financing needs; the Company's reliance on management and key personnel; competition; changes in consumer trends; foreign currency fluctuations; and general economic, market or business conditions.
Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE PlantX Life Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/plantx-announces-1489988-june-monthly-gross-revenue-alongside-corporate-update/ | 2022-07-11T13:09:30Z |
At a wellness-focused event, host Nicole Ari Parker encouraged fans to share how they enjoy blueberries on social media; USHBC will donate $1 for every tagged post, up to $50K
FOLSOM, Calif., July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For National Blueberry Month, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has challenged millions of devoted blueberry fans to grab a boost of blue – and give a boost to a good cause. Throughout July, when fans share how they enjoy blueberries on social media, USHBC will donate $1 to No Kid Hungry. Each tagged post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (@blueberries), as well as TikTok (@blueberrycouncil), will help raise up to $50,000, which can help provide 500,000 meals for kids around the country. Each post also doubles as an entry for a chance to win a Mood Boost Wellness Package of an Apple Watch Series 7, $50 VISA® gift card, Cosori 5-qt. Air Fryer and blueberry treats.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9063051-blueberry-council-31-day-challenge/
To celebrate National Blueberry Month and launch the challenge, actress and producer Nicole Ari Parker hosted an immersive event at Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel. Guests were transported to a blueberry-inspired wonderland in a garden oasis, with a variety of blueberry-inspired cocktails, mocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The wellness-focused event also featured fitness activations with celebrity fitness trainer Joey Thurman, as well as meditation and yoga sessions with wellness and nutrition expert Mascha Davis.
"Blueberries fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle, especially for busy families. I eat blueberries every day – they're nutritious, delicious and so easy! That's why everyone loves them, said Parker. "I can't wait to see the posts from blueberry fans across the country as they share how they enjoy blueberries for the 31-day challenge. We can all feel good and do good when we grab a boost of blue!"
Blueberries thrive from coast to coast, and USBHC supports blueberry growers nationwide. In honor of National Blueberry Month, growers have pledged to donate at least 70,000 pounds of blueberries to community organizations through No Kid Hungry, ensuring more kids get a nutritious, delicious boost this summer.
"USHBC is on a journey to make blueberries the world's favorite fruit – and that means helping more people get a boost of blue every day. Everyone deserves to enjoy the delicious taste and nutritious benefits of blueberries," said Kasey Cronquist, President, USHBC. "This July, we're excited to rally blueberry fans and the blueberry industry to support No Kid Hungry. There's no better way to celebrate National Blueberry Month than grabbing a boost of blue and giving a boost to a good cause."
Helping more people find access to fresh, healthy foods is especially important in the summer months. As many as 12 million children in the United States live in "food insecure" homes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture – meaning their households don't have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life. During the school year, many children rely on school programs that offer lunch and, in many cases, breakfast and supper. When schools close for summer vacation, many of those meals disappear – meaning summer can be the hungriest time of year for kids in need.
"We're grateful to partner with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council to drive awareness about child hunger, deliver healthy blueberries to community organizations and raise funds to feed children across the nation," said Pamela Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of No Kid Hungry. "Every child should have the three meals a day they need, 365 days a year, and our mission is to ensure they do. Together, we can help make this summer a happy one for kids."
For 31 days of blueberry-inspired activity ideas, health & wellness expert tips and mouthwatering blueberry recipes for summer, visit the National Blueberry Month microsite/website at www.blueberry.org/challenge. And, for year-round access to the latest blueberry hacks, swaps and other delicious inspiration, visit https://blueberry.org.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.
No child should go hungry in America. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 6 kids could face hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.
Media contact:
Katie Hill
Padilla
katie.hill@padillaco.com
(646) 218-6010
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SOURCE U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/national-blueberry-month-kicks-off-with-31-day-challenge-benefit-no-kid-hungry/ | 2022-07-01T14:54:48Z |
CHICAGO, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympic gold medalist and Laureus Academy Member Missy Franklin surprised youngsters from an inner-city baseball program at Wrigley Field today, presenting them with a Laureus World Sports Award, an honor which puts them alongside their sporting heroes.
Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts, joined Franklin to present Lost Boyz Inc. with the 2022 Laureus Sport for Good Award.
Ricketts handed the Award to LaVonte Stewart, who founded Lost Boyz Inc. in 2009 to help disadvantaged kids in Chicago's low-income neighborhoods. Stewart was coaching a boys' team in Chicago's Rosenblum Park when two men with a gun chased another through the area. The children's reaction to the violence--which was to laugh and take bets on what was going to happen next – shocked their coach into action.
From that day on, Lost Boyz Inc. has been a beacon of hope in the community. Today, the program provides at-risk youths with training and the competition of organized sport, but also economic and academic opportunities in an area where a third of residents live below the poverty line and are surrounded by gang violence.
The Cubs won the Team of the Year Award at the 2017 Laureus World Sports Awards following their World Series victory in 2016, their first since 1908.
Lost Boyz Inc. is one of more than 250 sport for development programs Laureus supports around the world. Laureus Sport for Good works with community sports organizations that use sport to combat violence, discrimination and disadvantage faced by young people. Together with our partners, Laureus Sport for Good has reached and helped change the lives of almost six million children and young people since 2000.
Missy Franklin, Laureus Academy Member, said: "As Laureus Academy members, programs like Lost Boyz Inc. are the reason we are so passionate about being part of this wonderful organization. When our founding patron Nelson Mandela said 'Sport has the power to change the world', this is what he was talking about. For these young boys and girls, sport is inspiration, hope and a path to a brighter future. They are an inspiration and as Academy Members, and we are so proud to celebrate their success."
Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, said: "Chicago is a proud baseball city and it is an honor for us to host the presentation of this global Award to the Lost Boyz Inc., an organization that impacts the lives of Chicago's youth through baseball and softball. The work LaVonte and his team are doing is an inspiration to us all and this Laureus Sport for Good Award is recognition of their tireless effort. We were honored to be recipients of the 2017 Laureus World Team of the Year Award and I continue to be inspired by their work to celebrate the positive power of sport."
Over the past five years, the Chicago Cubs and Cubs Charities have supported Lost Boyz Inc. via program grants, investment in community baseball fields in South Shore through the Diamond Project and hosted events at Wrigley Field for program participants to meet players and employees.
The 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards will be hosted by skiing great Lindsey Vonn on April 24, from the picturesque Spanish city of Seville.
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SOURCE Laureus | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/home-team-home-run-chicagos-lost-boyz-inc-receive-2022-laureus-sport-good-award/ | 2022-04-09T06:39:14Z |
Wind-tunnel testing has proven that the Lightyear 0 is the most aerodynamic production car in the world, Lightyear claims.
Testing conducted at the FKFS wind tunnels in Stuttgart, Germany, under WLTP protocols confirmed a 0.175 coefficient of drag (Cd) for the solar-assisted electric car, Lightyear said Thursday in a press release.
That figure puts the Lightyear 0 ahead of the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, and Mercedes-Benz EQS, all at 0.20 to 0.21. Each of those are much larger than the Lightyear 0, however, and will likely be produced in higher volumes. Lightyear has said it only plans to sell 150 cars (priced at about $260,000 each), with a “high-volume” model to follow.
Lightyear’s claim is an impressive achievement for even a low-volume production car, however.
The Mercedes EQXX achieves just 0.17, but it’s not production-bound. The concept is a showcase of ideas to improve EV efficiency, and did a real-world range run of 746 miles from Stuttgart to Silverstone, England, on a single charge—with enough energy to spare for some victory laps.
Launched in 2013, the Volkswagen XL1 achieved a 0.189 Cd. The slim coupe used a plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain that seemed like a good idea in the days before the VW emissions scandal, and was actually produced in very limited numbers. Just 200 were sold out of a planned run of 250 cars exclusively for the European market, where the Lightyear 0 will also be available.
The production General Motors EV1 had a Cd of 0.195, but that was achieved with a fairly impractical two-door body shell. The EV1 wasn’t a high-volume car, either. GM built 1,117 and leased them to customers in California and a handful of other locations. Most were recalled and destroyed after California changed its zero-emission vehicle laws, allowing the EV1 to be withdrawn without the threat of penalties.
The EV1, XL1, EQXX, and now the Lightyear 0 have shown that cutting drag requires a radically different shape to conventional cars. Does that make sedans obsolete? At the very least, designers and engineers attempting to make a three-box sedan with leading-edge aero face some tough challenges.
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- Honda plans 10 new electric motorcycle models by 2025, including one for kids | https://cw33.com/automotive/internet-brands/lightyear-0-is-the-most-aerodynamic-production-car-in-the-world-wind-tunnel-testing-verifies/ | 2022-09-16T23:05:59Z |
Allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy with CD19/CD7 dual-directed CAR shows promising early results in patients with r/r B-ALL
PALO ALTO, Calif. and SUZHOU, China, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gracell Biotechnologies Inc. ("Gracell" or the "Company", NASDAQ: GRCL), a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing highly efficacious and affordable cell therapies for the treatment of cancer, today announced the early results of a first-in-human clinical study of GC502, an allogeneic CD19/CD7 dual-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). Gracell will share the data in a poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2022 on April 12.
GC502 leverages the novel dual-directed CAR design of Gracell's proprietary TruUCAR platform, designed to generate high-quality allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies that can be administered "off-the-shelf" at lower cost and with faster patient's access. TruUCAR-enabled GC502 utilizes the dual-directed CAR design with one CAR targeting CD19 on malignant cells and a second CAR targeting CD7 to suppress host-versus-graft rejection. An enhancer molecule is embedded in the basic construct of TruUCAR to enhance proliferation of TruUCAR T cells.
"We are very excited to present our data on GC502 at this year's AACR annual meeting. CD19 is a validated target in the treatment of r/r B-ALL," said Dr. Martina Sersch, Chief Medical Officer of Gracell. "As an allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy, GC502 has the potential to provide patients who may not be eligible for autologous CAR-T therapy with hope to achieve a deep response. The early results show the potential of GC502 and warrant further evaluation in the ongoing clinical investigator-initiated-trial (IIT). Being the second product candidate from our allogeneic TruUCAR platform, GC502 further validates TruUCAR's platform approach and potential wide applicability."
Between September 2021 and January 2022, four r/r B-ALL patients were enrolled and treated in an open-label, non-randomized, prospective IIT study in China in two different dose levels and with two different formulations. Patients were heavily pretreated, and all had previously received either autologous or donor derived CD19 or CD19/CD22 targeted CAR-T therapy. As of the January 28, 2022 data cutoff date, all four patients had received a single dose of GC502, including one patient at dose level 1 (DL1) 1.0x107 cells/kg and three patients at dose level 2 (DL2) 1.5x107 cells/kg. Patients received a Flu/Cy based lymphodepletion regimen prior to treatment with GC502.
As highlighted in the AACR poster, three out of four patients achieved minimal residual disease negative complete response or complete response with incomplete count recovery (MRD- CR/CRi), and one patient achieved a partial response at month one and subsequently received allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) on day 39.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) presented as Grade 2 and Grade 3 with no Grade 4 or 5 events. No immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) or acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) were observed.
For more information on the ongoing trial, refer to the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05105867.
Details of the presentation are as follows:
- Presentation Title: Early results of a safety and efficacy study of allogeneic TruUCAR GC502 in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL)
- Session Title: Phase I Clinical Trials 2
- Session Date and Time: Tuesday, April 12, from 9:00AM – 12:30PM CT
- Location: New Orleans Convention Center, Exhibit Halls D-H, Poster Section 33
- Poster Board Number: 21
- Permanent Abstract Number: CT196
Additional meeting information is available on the AACR website. The full text of the abstract is available on the AACR Online Itinerary Planner and the e-poster is viewable to registered attendees on the AACR's e-poster website through Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
About GC502
GC502 is a TruUCAR-enabled CD19/CD7 dual-directed, off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-T product candidate that is being studied in an ongoing Phase 1 IIT in China for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. GC502 is manufactured using T cells from non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched healthy donors. An enhancer molecule is embedded in the basic construct of TruUCAR to enhance proliferation of TruUCAR T cells. Optimized for CD19/CD7 dual-CAR functionality and in vivo durability, GC502 has demonstrated robust anti-tumor effects with potential to suppress host versus graft (HvG) rejection in preclinical models.
About B-ALL
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer characterized by proliferation of immature lymphocytes in the bone marrow, which can involve either T lymphocytes (T-ALL), or B lymphocytes (B-ALL). Globally, approximately 64,000 patients are diagnosed with ALL every year with an estimated 6,660 new cases to be diagnosed in the United States in 2022[1]. B-ALL accounts for 75% of ALL diagnoses in adults.
About TruUCAR
TruUCAR is Gracell's proprietary technology platform and is designed to generate high-quality allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies that can be administered "off-the-shelf" at lower cost and with greater convenience. With differentiated design enabled by gene editing, TruUCAR is designed to control host versus graft rejection (HvG) as well as graft versus host disease (GvHD) without the need for being co-administered with additional immunosuppressive drugs after standard lymphodepletion. The novel dual-CAR design allows tumor antigen-CAR moiety to target malignant cells, while the CD7 CAR moiety is designed to suppress HvG response.
About Gracell
Gracell Biotechnologies Inc. ("Gracell") is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing breakthrough cell therapies. Leveraging its pioneering FasTCAR and TruUCAR technology platforms and SMART CART™ technology modules, Gracell is developing a rich clinical-stage pipeline of multiple autologous and allogeneic product candidates with the potential to overcome major industry challenges that persist with conventional CAR-T therapies, including lengthy manufacturing time, suboptimal production quality, high therapy cost and lack of effective CAR-T therapies for solid tumors. For more information on Gracell, please visit www.gracellbio.com. Follow @GracellBio on LinkedIn.
Cautionary Noted Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing date of the offering. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Gracell's most recent annual report on Form 20-F as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Gracell's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Gracell specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.
Media contacts
Marvin Tang
marvin.tang@gracellbio.com
Kyle Evans
kyle.evans@westwicke.com
Investor contacts
Gracie Tong
gracie.tong@gracellbio.com
Stephanie Carrington
stephanie.carrington@westwicke.com
[1] Data source: American Cancer Society
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SOURCE Gracell | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/gracell-biotechnologies-present-data-aacr-annual-meeting-2022-showcasing-early-first-in-human-results-gc502-rr-b-all/ | 2022-04-09T01:20:38Z |
Ex-Proud Boys leader to stay jailed until Capitol riot trial
(AP) - The former top leader of the Proud Boys will remain jailed while awaiting trial on charges that he conspired with other members of the far-right extremist group to attack the U.S. Capitol and stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s presidential victory, a federal judge has ruled.
Henry “Enrique” Tarrio poses a danger to the public that cannot be mitigated by home detention and banning him from using social media, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly said in an order issued late Friday.
Tarrio, a South Florida resident, has been jailed since his arrest on March 8, a day after his indictment on charges including conspiracy. A federal magistrate in Miami previously ordered his pretrial detention.
Tarrio and other Proud Boys leaders used encrypted channels, social media and other electronic communications to plan and carry out a plot to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and interfere with the congressional certification of the Electoral College vote, according to the indictment.
Tarrio asked Kelly to order his release on bond, but the judge rejected the request. Kelly said the evidence against Tarrio is “very strong” despite Tarrio’s argument that authorities essentially do not have “a smoking gun” against him, “perhaps in the form of direct evidence of an order from Tarrio to other Proud Boys to storm the Capitol.”
Tarrio was not in Washington when the insurrection took place. Police had arrested Tarrio in the District of Columbia 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. A judge ordered Tarrio to stay out of the nation’s capital.
Before he left Washington, Tarrio met with Oath Keepers founder and leader Elmer “Stewart” Rhodes and others in an underground parking garage for approximately 30 minutes, authorities say. Rhodes and several other members or associates of the anti-government Oath Keepers militia group are charged with seditious conspiracy in the Capitol attack.
A documentary filmmaker recorded part of the garage meeting.
“But not much about the substance of the meeting can be gleaned from the clips — at one point, Tarrio and others motion for the filmmaker to stop,” Kelly noted in his order.
Tarrio claims to have stepped down as Proud Boys’ national chairman.
Five other men linked to the Proud Boys — Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Charles Donohoe and Dominic Pezzola — were charged in the same March 7 indictment as Tarrio.
Donohoe, 34, of Kernersville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy and assault charges and has agreed to cooperate in the Justice Department’s cases against other Proud Boys members.
Nordean, Biggs, Rehl and Pezzola also remain jailed while awaiting a trial scheduled for August.
Nordean, of Auburn, Washington, was a Proud Boys chapter president. Biggs, of Ormond Beach, Florida, has described himself as a Proud Boys organizer. Rehl was president of the Proud Boys chapter in Philadelphia. The indictment describes Pezzola, of Rochester, New York, as a member of his local Proud Boys chapter.
Tarrio tried to communicate with Nordean and Biggs by telephone while the two men were moving in and out of the Capitol, the indictment says.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/28/ex-proud-boys-leader-stay-jailed-until-capitol-riot-trial/ | 2022-05-28T17:23:11Z |
Ongoing hurdles in scheduling, reimbursement and collections compound difficulties for a healthcare industry already under stress
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) released a report detailing new benchmarks related to the adoption rate of value-based reimbursement. The 2022 edition of MGMA DataDive Practice Operations includes data from more than 2,300 organizations across multiple specialties and practice types. The data reveals key performance indicators related to operational challenges affecting patient engagement and financial resilience for medical practices. With an accelerating emphasis on value-based care, a growing number of practices are experiencing revenue benefits from engaging in this approach while other practices have yet to realize the potential of engaging in value-based care.
For deeper data analysis, MGMA created the data report, "Patient Access and Value-Based Outcomes Amid the Great Attrition." Its findings build upon new MGMA DataDive benchmark data, including recent MGMA Stat polling of frontline healthcare leaders on ongoing challenges to ensure prompt patient access and quality care outcomes as the shift to value, stalled slightly during the COVID-19 pandemic, picks up steam.
MGMA's first-ever distributed benchmarking data shows that the average rate of value-based care only accounts for approximately 5.5% to 14.74% of revenue, with primary care and surgical specialties reporting lower revenue shares from value-based contracts in 2021 and nonsurgical specialties attributing 14.74% of total medical revenue to value-based contracts. The data also details the impact on appointment schedules from a surge in patient demand amid staffing shortages, with key performance data on no-show rates, cancellations and wait times.
"The medical workforce is grappling with burnout, staffing declines, decades-high inflation, operational challenges and a dynamic reimbursement environment that affects providers across the board," said Halee Fischer-Wright, MD, MMM, FAAP, FACMPE, president and chief executive officer of MGMA. "This report reveals how addressing scheduling errors and billing denials could help relieve the financial burden on health groups, moving them toward value-based care that promotes the welfare of physicians, staff, and patients."
MGMA's "Patient Access and Value-Based Outcomes Amid the Great Attrition" report includes enhanced analysis of this data. Key findings include:
- The median revenue amount across all practices from value-based contracts was $30,922 per full-time equivalent provider.
- Overall patient portal usage improved from 2020 to 2021, with a significant increase in patient logins.
- The percentage of practice claims denied on the first submission doubled across primary care, nonsurgical and surgical specialties.
- The return of patient volume in 2021 led to shifts in appointment scheduling benchmarks, as higher demand for care saw no-show rates hold steady and an uptick in cancellation rates.
The report includes additional findings on the burdens of prior authorizations, the appointment creation process and extended payment posting and collection timelines. Download the data report for more in-depth analysis and reporting.
Healthcare leaders have an opportunity to receive additional insights into value-based care at MGMA's upcoming Medical Practice Excellence: Leaders Conference, taking place October 9-12, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. MGMA will share key insights into new benchmarking data and more high-priority topics that are critical to the success of medical practices across the country.
Founded in 1926, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) is the nation's largest association focused on the business of medical practice management. MGMA consists of 15,000 group medical practices ranging from small private medical practices to large national health systems representing more than 350,000 physicians. MGMA helps nearly 60,000 medical practice leaders and the healthcare community solve the business challenges of running practices so that they can focus on providing outstanding patient care. Specifically, MGMA helps its members innovate and improve profitability and financial sustainability, and it provides the gold standard on industry benchmarks such as physician compensation. The association also advocates extensively on its members' behalf on national regulatory and policy issues. To learn more, go to MGMA.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contact:
Brad Krebs
314-973-8090
press@mgma.org
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SOURCE Medical Group Management Association | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/mgma-report-reveals-first-ever-data-operational-evolution-value-based-care-medical-practices/ | 2022-08-18T17:10:00Z |
WALTHAM, Mass., April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardelyx, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARDX), a biopharmaceutical company founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs, today announced that it has reached an agreement with its Japanese collaboration partner, Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., to amend the license agreement, originally executed in 2017, that grants to Kyowa Kirin exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Ardelyx's tenapanor for the treatment of cardiorenal diseases, including hyperphosphatemia, in Japan.
Under the agreement, in consideration for a reduction in the royalty rate due Ardelyx upon net sales in Japan, Kyowa Kirin has agreed to pay Ardelyx consideration of up to additional U.S. $40 million payable in two tranches, with payment due following Kyowa Kirin's filing with the Japanese Ministry Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of its application for marketing approval for tenapanor and the second payment due following Kyowa Kirin's approval to market tenapanor for hyperphosphatemia in Japan. Kyowa Kirin is finalizing its Phase 3 clinical program for tenapanor for hyperphosphatemia and has disclosed its current expectation to file for approval with Kyowa Kirin in the second half of 2022 and its current expectation that it will receive a decision from Kyowa Kirin regarding its application in the second half of 2023. The royalty rate at which Kyowa Kirin will make payments on net sales to Ardelyx under the License Agreement will be reduced from the high teens to low double digits for a two-year period, and then to mid-single digits.
"We are pleased to amend our longstanding agreement with Kyowa Kirin in a mutually beneficial way," said Mike Raab, president and chief executive officer of Ardelyx. "We believe that this agreement is reflective of both the positive clinical data Kyowa Kirin has generated for tenapanor and the attractive opportunity for treating hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients in Japan."
About Ardelyx, Inc.
Ardelyx was founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs. Ardelyx's first approved product, IBSRELA® (tenapanor), is available in the United States. Ardelyx is developing XPHOZAH® (tenapanor), a novel product candidate to control serum phosphorus in adult patients with CKD on dialysis, which has completed three successful Phase 3 trials. Ardelyx is also advancing RDX013, a potassium secretagogue, for the potential treatment of elevated serum potassium, or hyperkalemia, a problem among certain patients with kidney and/or heart disease and has an early-stage program in metabolic acidosis, a serious electrolyte disorder in patients with CKD. Ardelyx has established agreements with Kyowa Kirin in Japan, Fosun Pharma in China and Knight Therapeutics in Canada for the development and commercialization of tenapanor in their respective territories.
Forward Looking Statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts regarding Ardelyx, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995, including Ardelyx's expectation regarding the timing of Kyowa Kirin's filing for marketing approval for tenapanor for hyperphosphatemia in Japan and Ardelyx's expectations regarding the potential timing for Kyowa Kirin's marketing approval in Japan. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Ardelyx's future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, uncertainties in the drug development and regulatory processes in Japan. Ardelyx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ardelyx's business in general, please refer to Ardelyx's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2022, and its future current and periodic reports to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SOURCE Ardelyx | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/ardelyx-kyowa-kirin-amend-license-agreement-tenapanor/ | 2022-04-11T11:40:42Z |
Impact Partnership plans to leverage Policygenius Pro to empower its member firms to dramatically reduce the time spent placing term life coverage and increase overall profitability
NEW YORK, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Policygenius and Impact Partnership announced today a joint partnership to bring term life fulfillment platform Policygenius Pro to Impact's network of financial advisory and broker-dealer partners.
Policygenius Pro, which was announced earlier this year, is a turnkey partnerships platform that helps advisors accelerate and streamline life insurance sales. With this tool, advisors and agents can refer their clients to Policygenius to take them through the process, from finalizing policy selection to placing coverage in-force.
The move lets Impact's large partner network, which consists of over 200 constituent firms and 2,000 advisors, save significant time and energy helping clients secure term life coverage, while also maintaining a superior client experience. The time savings lets Impact reduce its current costs of placing term life coverage while also capturing additional opportunity that advisors may have avoided due to the onerous process of helping clients secure term life coverage. The partnership is one of many innovation partnerships Impact has formed, furthering its position as a forward-thinking field marketing organization (FMO).
"We're thrilled to be able to offer Policygenius Pro to Impact partners," Clay Eschrich, Impact SVP of Life and Distribution, said. "Term life coverage has always been tricky for advisors due to its time-intensiveness, and Policygenius Pro is the leading solution for alleviating that pain point."
With Policygenius Pro, Impact advisors receive access to Policygenius' wide variety of insurers, coverage types, and policy options, including accelerated underwriting offerings exclusively available on the Policygenius platform. Partners also receive support from an expert staff of 200+ dedicated specialists for case management, underwriting, and product support.
"Impact is an ideal partner for our Policygenius Pro platform," Jennifer Fitzgerald, CEO and co-founder of Policygenius, said. "They're an innovative FMO that experiences the exact pain point that Policygenius Pro is designed to solve: helping financial advisors and independent agents provide essential term life coverage for their clients, without the complexities and time-consuming process. The speed with which Impact has implemented Policygenius Pro and driven adoption shows how committed they are to better serving their advisory network and end clients."
To date, Policygenius Pro has helped partners cut placement times by half, on average, and reduced the average time an advisor spends on an application from 2.5 hours to 15-20 minutes.
"This isn't just a way for us to offload term life – we expect Policygenius Pro to help us more than double our term production," Eschrich said. "Simply by allowing partners to save so much time managing the logistics of getting their clients covered, they'll be able to focus on higher-value work and increase their overall profitability. We now feel we're in a position to make term life a profit center rather than a cost center."
Policygenius Pro is a turnkey partnerships platform that helps independent agents and financial advisors accelerate and streamline life insurance sales. With this program, Policygenius provides its one-stop-shop insurance solution to financial advisors, independent agents, community banks, credit unions, and more, with the goal of helping partners' clients get the insurance coverage they need. Partners receive access to a wide variety of insurers, coverage types, and policy options, including accelerated underwriting offerings exclusively available on the Policygenius platform.
Policygenius transforms the insurance journey for today's consumer, providing a one-stop platform where customers can compare options from top insurance carriers, get unbiased expert advice, buy policies, and manage their insurance portfolio, in one seamless, integrated experience. Our proprietary technology platform integrates with the leading life, disability, and home and auto insurance carriers and delivers an exceptional digital experience for both consumers and insurance carriers. Since 2014, our content, digital tools, and experts have served as a resource for millions of people on their insurance journey, and we have sold more than $160 billion in coverage.
To receive Policygenius announcements, email press@policygenius.com. For more information about Policygenius Pro, visit https://visit.policygenius.com/policygenius-pro/ or email partnerships@policygenius.com.
For more information:
Brooke Niemeyer
Associate Director of Media Relations
brooke.niemeyer@policygenius.com
Founded in 2011, Impact Partnership has helped independent financial advisors become household names in their communities through strategic marketing and innovative products, so that more Americans can retire well. Impact Partnership's mission is to revolutionize the financial services industry and help transform the lives of their clients and the lives of those they serve.
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SOURCE Policygenius | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/policygenius-impact-announce-partnership-simplify-streamline-term-life-insurance-impact-advisors-clients/ | 2022-06-23T14:56:44Z |
Did you lose money on investments in Arqit Quantum? If so, please visit Arqit Quantum Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.
NEW YORK, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who (i) purchased or acquired the securities of Arqit Quantum Inc. ("Arqit" or the "Company") (ARQQ, ARQQW), f/k/a Centricus Acquisition Corp. ("Centricus") (CENH, CENHU, CENHW) between September 7, 2021 and April 18, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (ii) held Centricus securities as of the record date for the special meeting of shareholders held on August 31, 2021 to consider approval of the merger between Arqit and Centricus (the "Merger"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Arqit is a cybersecurity company that has pioneered a unique quantum encryption technology. Arqit claimed its quantum encryption technology would be secure against current and future forms of cyberattacks, including from a quantum computer.
On May 28, 2021, Arqit filed with the SEC a Form F-4 Merger Proposal Registration (the "Proxy Statement") for the Merger. Then, on July 30, 2021, Arqit filed with the SEC a prospectus (the "Prospectus") for the Merger, which forms part of the Proxy Statement.
According to the Complaint, the Proxy Statement contained a Risk Factors section which failed to discuss the risks to Arqit surrounding the adoption of new communications technologies necessary for Arqit's encryption technology; namely, that Arqit needed certain new protocols and standards for telecommunications, cloud computing, and internet services that currently were not supported.
Plaintiff also alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made misleading statements about Arqit's business because: (1) Arqit's proposed encryption technology would require widespread adoption of new protocols and standards of for telecommunications; (2) British cybersecurity officials questioned the viability of Arqit's proposed encryption technology in a meeting in 2020; (3) the British government was not an Arqit customer but, rather, providing grants to Arqit; and (4) Arqit had little more than an early-stage prototype of its encryption system at the time of the Merger.
On April 18, 2022, The Wall Street Journal (the "WSJ") published an article entitled, "British Encryption Startup Arqit Overstates Its Prospects, Former Staff and Others Say." The WSJ article stated, in part: "When the company secured its Nasdaq listing last autumn, its revenue consisted of a handful of government grants and small research contracts, and its signature product was an early-stage prototype unable to encrypt anything in practical use, according to [former employees and other people familiar with the company]." Further, "[t]he encryption technology the company hinges on—a system to protect against next-generation quantum computers—might never apply beyond niche uses, numerous people inside and outside the company warned, unless there were a major overhaul of internet protocols." On this news, the price of Arqit stock price declined over 17% to close at $12.49 per share on April 18, 2022.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 5, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
If you purchased or held the securities of Arqit Quantum Inc. (f/k/a Centricus Acquisition Corp.) as discussed above, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Arqit Quantum Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com.
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.
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Contact Information:
Peter Allocco
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
https://www.bernlieb.com
(212) 951-2030
pallocco@bernlieb.com
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SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/arqit-quantum-inc-arqq-arqqw-cenh-cenhu-cenhw-shareholder-class-action-alert-bernstein-liebhard-llp-reminds-investors-deadline-file-lead-plaintiff-motion-securities-class-action-lawsuit-against-arqit-quantum-inc-fka-centricus-acquisition-corp/ | 2022-06-01T21:33:27Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced it has been named a Leader by Gartner Inc. in its 2022 Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce. It is the seventh consecutive year that Salesforce has earned the recognition.
Salesforce was recognized as a Leader in this Magic Quadrant report based on its "Ability to Execute" and "Completeness of Vision."
"There is no shortage of digital shoppers in today's world," said Scot Gillespie, GM of Salesforce Commerce Cloud. "We believe Commerce Cloud empowers businesses to build the flexible, personalized commerce experiences that these shoppers want across every touch point on a highly trusted and scalable platform."
Gartner defines a digital commerce platform as "the core technology that enables customers to purchase goods and services through an interactive and usually self-service experience. The platform provides necessary information for customers to make buying decisions and uses rules and data to present fully priced orders for payment."
Commerce Cloud helps companies around the world build a personalized experience around their customers across every channel — all with a secure, trusted, and highly scalable platform that allows for the flexibility needed to adapt to market shifts.
Businesses grow on Commerce Cloud because it's a complete platform built for the entire connected customer journey, offering AI capabilities, a 360 degree view of every customer, the Salesforce partner ecosystem, and more. These features, along with integrations with Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, Order Management, Salesforce Payments, and Experience Cloud, offer businesses better personalization, marketing, content management, customer service, and last mile capabilities that help them drive loyalty at every touchpoint throughout the shopper's journey.
In the last year, Commerce Cloud also unveiled Commerce Marketplace following its acquisition of Atonit, expanded Commerce for Social offerings, and released Composable Storefront. Additionally, Salesforce added to its B2B commerce offerings with Einstein AI recommendations and additional D2C functionality, and introduced new Order Management innovations
Additional Information
- A complimentary copy of the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce is available here.
- Learn more about Salesforce Commerce Cloud here.
*Source: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce, Jason Daigler, Mike Lowndes, Yanna Dharmasthira, Sandy Shen, Penny Gillespie, and Aditya Vasudevan, 10 Aug 2022.
Gartner Disclaimer
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Appeared as Demandware in 2016 report. Demandware was acquired by Salesforce in 2016.
About Salesforce
Salesforce is the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), bringing companies closer to their customers in the digital age. Founded in 1999, Salesforce enables companies of every size and industry to take advantage of powerful technologies—cloud, mobile, social, internet of things, artificial intelligence, voice and blockchain—to create a 360° view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
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SOURCE Salesforce | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/17/salesforce-positioned-leader-gartner-magic-quadrant-digital-commerce-seventh-consecutive-year/ | 2022-08-17T22:50:35Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, today announced that it has made an additional strategic investment in its portfolio company Imprivata, a digital identity company for mission- and life-critical industries, to fund Imprivata's acquisition of SecureLink, the leader in critical access management with elite patient privacy monitoring. Upon closing, Cove Hill Partners, SecureLink's existing majority investor, will retain a minority stake in the combined company.
Thoma Bravo acquired Imprivata in September 2016 in a transaction valued at approximately $544 million and has provided the operational, strategic and sector expertise to help further Imprivata's continued growth and leadership position as an innovator in digital privacy. Together with SecureLink's capabilities, Imprivata is uniquely able to provide a single source to enable and protect digital identities, spanning enterprise to third parties.
"Our long-term partnership with Imprivata reflects our passionate belief in the business-enabling power of security in the digital future," said Scott Crabill, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. "With the addition of SecureLink's capabilities, Imprivata is creating a new class of cybersecurity providers that unlocks digital freedom across platforms and applications by seamlessly securing identity interactions at every access point."
"Adding SecureLink's capabilities empowers Imprivata to address a critical need gap in digital identity verification across healthcare networks, which contain the most private of all personal information," said Andrew Almeida, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. "Since our initial investment in Imprivata in 2016, the company has successfully delivered on both its organic and inorganic initiatives, and we look forward to continuing to support its strong growth trajectory for years to come."
For more information about Imprivata's acquisition of SecureLink, visit www.imprivata.com/securelink.
Thoma Bravo is one of the largest private equity firms in the world, with more than $103 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2021. The firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging the firm's deep sector expertise and proven strategic and operational capabilities, Thoma Bravo collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices, drive growth initiatives and make accretive acquisitions intended to accelerate revenue and earnings. Over the past 20 years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 375 companies representing over $190 billion in enterprise value. The firm has offices in Chicago, Miami and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.thomabravo.com.
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SOURCE Thoma Bravo | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/thoma-bravo-makes-additional-investment-imprivata-fund-securelink-acquisition/ | 2022-04-11T14:10:54Z |
HENDERSON, N.C. (WNCN) – Surveillance videos from a gas station in Henderson, North Carolina, show so many bullets flying during a shootout, it’s surprising more people weren’t hurt.
Videos taken at the business on Saturday at 4:20 p.m. show a man with a long gun in his pants get out of a white sedan parked at a gas pump. As the man approaches the door to the business, shots ring out.
The man pulls out his gun and returns fire towards the street as a dark-colored SUV speeds away, and windows of the business shatter.
Another man gets out of the white sedan and starts shooting. Both back away toward the side of the business.
Cars can be seen stopping on the street and turning around as shots ring out. Bystanders can also be seen running for cover.
Henderson police said officers responded to the scene and collected evidence.
Multiple suspects have warrants out for their arrest in connection with the shooting, police said.
Henderson police confirmed one person suffered “injuries to his feet” during the shooting. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/video-shows-broad-daylight-shootout-at-north-carolina-gas-station/ | 2022-05-31T19:21:38Z |
The nearly 30-year industry veteran will focus on increasing organic growth, recruiting high-quality financial advisors and the continued expansion of Strategic Blueprint, the firm's fast-growing RIA
ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SFA Partners (SFAP), a family of companies focused exclusively on empowering independent financial advisors, announced today that it named Bryan Yvon as Director of Business Development. In his new position, Mr. Yvon will focus on bringing financial advisors into the SFA Partners community and promoting the organic growth of its existing professionals.
He will report to Jamie Mackay, SFA Partners Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Mackay was named to that role earlier this year.
Mr. Yvon is a longtime financial services industry veteran, starting in 1994 as a financial advisor at Allmerica Financial. Later, he embarked on a distinguished wholesaling career in 1998 with a stint at The Phoenix Funds.
From there, he spent more than two decades wholesaling across the Southeast for some of the largest asset managers in the country, including Transamerica, Prudential and WP Carey. Mr. Yvon most recently served as Director of Investment Relations at BC Partners.
Mackay said, "I'm thrilled to welcome Bryan to the SFA Partners community. His experience, not only as a wholesaler but as an advisor, makes him a perfect fit to accelerate our current growth trajectory. I look forward to partnering with him as he works to bring aboard new advisors and expand Strategic Blueprint, which has fast become a go-to destination for growth-focused, advice-based independent financial professionals."
SFA Partners has a wide range of affiliation options. Advisors can join as registered representatives or hybrid advisors via The Strategic Financial Alliance or as Register Investment Advisors through Strategic Blueprint, which has doubled its assets under management in the past two full years, growing from approximately $800 million to $1.6 billion.
Launched in 2017, Strategic Blueprint caters to entrepreneurial-minded independent advisors who want to grow their advisory businesses but don't want to deal with the time commitment, complexities and risks associated with running their own RIA firms.
Mr. Yvon said, "After 24 years of wholesaling, I'm excited to take on this new challenge. SFA Partners has a strong reputation in the industry and a very compelling story that I cannot wait to share with the marketplace. I think my skill set, extensive experience and contacts will allow me to hit the ground running, so I look forward to working with Jamie, existing advisors and recruits to not only reach but exceed the ambitious growth goals we have set for ourselves."
SFA Partners provides shared services for The Strategic Financial Alliance, Strategic Blueprint, and SFA Insurance Services.
About SFA Partners
SFA Partners provides shared services to a family of companies focused exclusively on empowering independent financial advisors. SFA Partners includes The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker-dealer and investment adviser; Strategic Blueprint, LLC, a registered investment adviser; and SFA Insurance Services. Our wide breadth of services enables us to support a variety of advisor business models. Parent company, SFA Holdings, Inc. is owned by advisors, employees, and individual investors. SFA is a privately owned independent broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser, which serves approximately 150 independent financial advisors across the country, collectively supporting approximately $6 billion in advisory and brokerage assets as of March 31, 2022. Strategic Blueprint provides independent advisors the advantages of having their own RIA but none of the hassles through a range of services, including turnkey compliance, supervisory and back-office support; expert due diligence; an integrated technology stack; and a broad universe of asset management services. SFA Insurance Services provides advisors access to insurance solutions, supporting their ability to address the risk management needs of their clients.
Media Contact:
Michael Dugan
Haven Tower Group
424-317-4852 / mdugan@haventower.com
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SOURCE SFA Partners | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/sfa-partners-names-bryan-yvon-director-business-development/ | 2022-08-11T14:28:43Z |
MINNEAPOLIS (NewsNation) — A nearly 30-year-old cold case has finally been solved thanks in part to a tiny smudge of DNA found on a napkin.
Jerry Westrom, 56, was found guilty Thursday of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree intentional murder for the killing of 35-year-old Jeanne “Jeanie” Childs.
“My condolences go out to the victim and her family. They have had to live without justice for her brutal murder for nearly three decades. I hope this brings some closure to them,” Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a press release.
Childs, who was a known sex worker, was found stabbed to death in her Minneapolis apartment back in June 1993. The crime scene was covered in DNA evidence, but technology could not trace it back to anyone at the time.
For 27 years, the case stayed stagnant, with no luck in proving Childs’ killer.
Then in 2018, investigators checked to see if DNA found at the scene matched any on a “commercial genealogy site,” similar to methods used in the Golden State killer case.
Westrom came back as a match.
A self-claimed Minneapolis farmer, officials said Westrom had several run-ins with the law, including instances involving prostitutes, around the time of Childs’ murder.
Investigators began tailing Westrom in 2019. While he was attending a hockey game with his daughter, he threw out napkins he used to clean his face after eating a hot dog.
Investigators dug the napkins out of the trash and were able to match DNA samples to the ones from the murder scene decades earlier.
Once the connection was made, Westrom was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, which holds a maximum sentence of 40 years if found guilty.
Westrom was later indicted in June 2020 for first-degree murder, which, if found guilty of, carries a mandatory life sentence under Minnesota law.
After just two hours of jury deliberation on Thursday, Westrom was found guilty and convicted of both charges in the killing of Childs.
Westrom now faces an automatic life sentence, without the possibility of parole. However, an official sentencing date has not been released. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/hot-dog-napkin-leads-to-guilty-verdict-in-29-year-old-cold-case-murder/ | 2022-09-01T02:49:50Z |
BENSALEM, Pa., June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Spero Therapeutics, Inc. ("Spero" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SPRO).
Class Period: October 28, 2021 – May 2, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 25, 2022
Investors suffering losses on their Spero investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the data submitted in support of the Tebipenem HBr NDA were insufficient to obtain FDA approval; (2) accordingly, it was unlikely that the FDA would approve the Tebipenem HBr NDA in its current form; (3) the foregoing would necessitate a significant workforce reduction and restructuring of Spero's operations; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contacts:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
888-638-4847
howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com
www.howardsmithlaw.com
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SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/spro-investors-have-opportunity-lead-spero-therapeutics-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-06-15T15:32:13Z |
CHICAGO, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --, May 31, 2022—The new children's picture book Remember Us with Smiles, written by award-winning author Gary Jansen and his wife, Grace, is gaining early praise from many notable authors from across the spectrum of book publishing.
"Remember Us with Smiles will spark the creativity of children of all ages and help them tell their own stories," says international bestselling author Deepak Chopra. New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Snyder describes Remember Us with Smiles as "a reminder to stay connected to what really matters—each other!" Cocreator of Blue's Clues Angela C. Santomero predicts, "Remember Us with Smiles will no doubt be a beloved book and a phrase that all parents will include in their hopes and dreams!"
Remember Us with Smiles is a tender story of a family remembering together both the fun and the challenging times of growing up. "Our book celebrates the everyday," states Jansen, "and offers the unspoken acknowledgement that life's most precious moments can come in the most ordinary circumstances."
The lively and colorful illustrations by Barbara Bongini show the family together recalling a visit to the park, bedtime stories, and car rides for ice cream. It also recalls how the family handled stormy nights, sicknesses, and scares. "We are inviting parents to imagine how they can help their children and grandchildren see yesterday through the lens of appreciation," Jansen says, "because when a family spends time together, what feels ordinary in the moment often becomes something to celebrate in the future."
Remember Us with Smiles reminds readers to savor even the humblest of moments because they provide the foundations for a lifetime of memories. This is a book for children of all ages. Young children will be introduced to the concept of seeing something extraordinary in the commonplace, while older children will be encouraged to commemorate milestones in their own lives. Families will relate to the power of remembered events that helped them grow, learn, and bond together as a unit. What readers are left with is the reassurance that when they remember everything with a smile, joy forms the bridge connecting then to now, now to the future.
Deepak Chopra, best-selling author of On My Way to a Happy Life: "Storytelling is what distinguishes our species from all others. The earlier our children participate in storytelling, the better will be the future of humanity. Remember Us with Smiles will spark the creativity of children of all ages and help them tell their own stories."
Angela C. Santomero, award-winning author, creator of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and cocreator of Blue's Clues: "Gary and Grace Jansen's warmth and beautiful spirit literally exude from each page. This is the perfect book to curl up to at the end of each day as parents and kids read, snuggle, reminisce, and, best of all, smile."
Kimberly Snyder, New York Times best-selling author of You Are More than You Think You Are: "Remember Us with Smiles is about the magic of love and family, and it's a reminder to stay connected to what really matters—each other! I can't recommend it more strongly for all families to read together!"
Lisa M. Hendey, founder of CatholicMom.com and author of I'm a Saint in the Making: "While we parents work to create lasting memories in our children's lives, it's often the simplest moments of everyday life that make the most lasting impressions. With gentle, engaging prose by Gary and Grace Jansen and delightful illustrations by Barbara Bongini, Remember Us with Smiles will help every family create and treasure their own magical moments. Destined to touch and impact hearts!"
Gary Jansen is a popular speaker and the author of several books, including the multi-award-winning MicroShifts, Station to Station, Life Everlasting, and the memoir Holy Ghosts. Jansen has appeared on A&E, the Sundance Channel, the Travel Channel, Coast to Coast AM, CNN.com, and NPR. His writing has been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, USA Today, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Angelus, and Religion Dispatches. Jansen worked at Penguin Random House for 25 years, where he was the editor of several New York Times best sellers. He is now the executive editor of acquisitions at Loyola Press.
An apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Loyola Press embraces the Jesuit passion for helping people find God in all things. We continue the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service by providing inspiring content for children and adults and by being people for others.
To request a review copy, contact Polly King, Loyola Press Publicist: publicist@loyolapress.com.
Follow Loyola Press on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Remember Us with Smiles
Illustrated by Barbara Bongini
Loyola Press | $19.99 | Hardcover | ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-5372-5
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SOURCE Loyola Press | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/national-praise-new-childrens-picture-book-that-celebrates-family/ | 2022-06-01T20:02:34Z |
Letter to the editor: Liberals, stop the tantrums
A toddler walks down the aisle of a toy store stops, grabs a shiny new toy off the shelf and tries to put it in the shopping cart that the mother is pushing. Mommy says no, lovingly of course, and puts the toy back on the shelf. The toddler, enraged, starts screaming, crying, then sits down in the aisle and begins slamming the floor. Soon, it is a full-fledged temper tantrum.
Similar reactions to how this toddler is being denied instant gratification are being seen across the country with the recent Supreme Court decisions. One can excuse the toddler. There is no excuse for adults to be conducting themselves the way they have been.
"Elections have consequences." Obama said that, and he was boasting when he said it. In fact, he rubbed Republicans' faces in it all during his eight-year presidency.
There was an election in 2014 that gave the Republicans control of the Senate, which allowed Mitch McConnell the ability to keep Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court.
Don't any of you out there for even a millisecond think if Chuck Schumer hadn't been in McConnell's shoes he would have acted differently.
In 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. At the end of his term, he had the opportunity to appoint three Supreme Court justices. Do not any of you liberals out there think even for a second that things would have gone differently if a Democrat had been in the same position? Because if you honestly think that, you are being disingenuous.
Mark Amey, Massillon | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/opinion/2022/07/06/letter-editor-liberals-stop-tantrums/7809293001/ | 2022-07-06T10:53:45Z |
Delivered $81 million Operating Profit. Extraordinary efforts partly mitigated impact from profound COVID-related disruptions
Sales recovery remains gradual and uneven as COVID outbreaks persist
Full year net new store target unchanged, powered by healthy new store performance
SHANGHAI, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) today reported unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Impact of COVID Outbreak and Mitigation Efforts
The most severe COVID outbreaks to date in China continued to significantly affect the restaurant industry and our operations in the second quarter. According to government statistics, the restaurant industry in China experienced a revenue decline of approximately 16% year over year in the quarter.
- Nationwide, regional COVID outbreaks impacted large portions of the country. During peak outbreak periods, hundreds of millions of people were in some type of lockdown.
- During April and May, over 2,500 of our stores in China, on average, were either temporarily closed or offered only takeaway and delivery services. Of these stores, approximately 45% were temporarily closed. Same-store sales declined by more than 20% year over year.
- Shanghai was in city-wide lockdown throughout April and May. During this period, only approximately 30% of our stores in Shanghai were open and able to offer limited services. Closed stores gradually re-opened in June with dine-in services resuming at reduced capacity in late June.
- Beijing tightened COVID control measures in May, including partial lockdowns and suspension of restaurant dine-in services. Dine-in services at reduced capacity subsequently resumed in early June.
- In June, COVID-related restrictive measures began to ease across the country. The number of stores temporarily closed or offering only takeaway and delivery services reduced to approximately 800 by the end of the month. Sales performance improved sequentially with same-store sales recording a decline of approximately high single digits year over year.
Yum China demonstrated exemplary resilience in the second quarter. In cities experiencing lockdowns, we reacted quickly by innovating and introducing initiatives to sustain operations. We immediately paused all promotional activities. Leveraging community purchasing as early as mid-March and packaged food products, we captured sharply changed consumer demand despite having a limited number of open stores and significant staff shortages. Our real-time inventory visibility from logistics centers to stores helped enable us to lessen supply disruptions with timely and accurate deployment of raw materials. We continued to rebase our cost structure to be more flexible. Across the country, we took prompt actions to rationalize advertising and promotional discounts, drive productivity gains with simplified menu offerings and shortened operating hours, as well as actively secure relief from landlords and government agencies. Through these extraordinary efforts we averted an operating loss, and delivered a profitable quarter, recording $81 million in operating profit for the period.
Entering the third quarter, we are seeing a gradual recovery. However, the COVID situation remains tenuous with potential intermittent outbreaks. We continue to expect the recovery of restaurant traffic to take time and likely be uneven and nonlinear. The number of cases has increased significantly in July, compared to June, as the highly transmissible new COVID sub-variant reached more cities. Many cities across a large swath of China have tightened COVID curbs or undergone full, partial lockdowns, or district-based control measures as new clusters have emerged. Nationwide, strict COVID-related health measures continue to restrict mobility, curtail travel and dampen consumer spending. As of the third week of July, approximately 2% of our stores remained temporarily closed or offered only delivery or takeaway services. Against this backdrop we remain committed to driving customer traffic with good food at great value. Moreover, we have developed multiple scenario-based operating plans with regional focus that are ready to be deployed. Moving forward we will be sharp-eyed in capturing consumer demand and further strengthening our business model to be more nimble and agile.
Second Quarter Highlights
- Total revenues decreased 13% year over year to $2.13 billion from $2.45 billion (an 11% decrease excluding foreign currency translation ("F/X")).
- Total system sales decreased 16% year over year, with decreases of 15% at KFC and 14% at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X, primarily due to same-store sales decline and temporary store closures.
- Same-store sales decreased 16% year over year, with decreases of 16% at KFC and 15% at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X.
- Opened 53 net new stores during the quarter; total store count reached 12,170 as of June 30, 2022.
- Restaurant margin was 12.1%, compared with 15.8% in the prior year period, primarily due to sales deleveraging resulting from the most severe COVID-related disruptions to date in the quarter.
- Operating Profit decreased 65% year over year to $81 million from $233 million (a 63% decrease excluding F/X).
- Adjusted Operating Profit decreased 65% year over year to $82 million from $237 million (a 63% decrease excluding F/X).
- Effective tax rate was 26.5%.
- Net Income decreased 54% to $83 million from $181 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in Operating Profit, partially offset by the net gain from our mark-to-market investment in Meituan Dianping.
- Adjusted Net Income decreased 55% to $84 million from $185 million in the prior year period (a 62% decrease excluding the net gains of $16 million and $5 million in the second quarter of 2022 and 2021, respectively, from our mark-to-market equity investments; a 60% decrease if further excluding F/X).
- Diluted EPS decreased 52% to $0.20 from $0.42 in the prior year period.
- Adjusted Diluted EPS decreased 52% to $0.20 from $0.42 in the prior year period (a 61% decrease excluding the net gains from our mark-to-market equity investments in the second quarter of 2022 and 2021, respectively; a 59% decrease if further excluding F/X).
- Results for the current year period include the consolidation of Hangzhou KFC.
CEO and CFO Comments
Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China, commented, "We have been battling the pandemic for the past two and a half years. The second quarter was the most challenging to date. I could not be prouder of the morale and resilience demonstrated by our employees. Our dedicated teams collaborated across brands and functions. We worked around the clock to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and quickly came up with innovative solutions. Even in the extremely difficult operating environment, we captured new opportunities and strengthened our business along the way. In cities under lockdown, we were able to sustain operations with an extremely lean work force through community purchasing, simplified menus and packaged food products. Some of these measures helped us think outside the box and provided us ideas to further grow and improve efficiency. I am also excited by the breakthroughs our emerging brands achieved during this period. By immediately launching packaged food offerings, leveraging Yum China's infrastructure and adapting business models, Taco Bell, Lavazza and Little Sheep were able to capture meaningful sales with few stores open in Shanghai during lockdown periods. More importantly, throughout the period we have been strengthening our strong emotional connection with consumers and bringing some joy into their lives through good food and exciting marketing campaigns."
Wat added, "We continue to make strides in reinforcing our RGM (Resilience-Growth-Moat) strategic framework. Our second quarter results have demonstrated business resilience. While we slowed new store openings in the second quarter, going forward we intend to expand our store network at a robust pace by focusing on small store formats, given the healthy payback and strong new unit economics. Our leading digital capabilities, in-house and tailor-made supply chain management system as well as hybrid delivery model gave us an edge in navigating the profound disruptions. We plan on further strengthening these elements of our strategic moat. We believe that these combined efforts will help enable us to maintain market leadership, drive long-term growth, and generate shareholder value in the years ahead."
Andy Yeung, CFO of Yum China, stated "Sales in the second quarter were severely impacted by the significant disruptions brought by COVID. However, we were able to generate meaningful profit in the quarter that exceeded our expectations. We achieved that through swiftly adjusting offers and promotions as well as our tremendous efforts in driving productivity gains, securing one-time relief and rebasing the cost structure. As we look into the third quarter, we remain cautious on same-store sales, given COVID uncertainties, weakening consumer sentiment, downward economic pressure and commodity price inflation. We expect sales recovery to be gradual, uneven and potentially volatile. Our focus is to drive sales recovery through innovative products and marketing, strong value propositions and greater promotional activities. We are delighted with the better than planned cost savings in the second quarter, but we are dialing back some austerity measures to sustain long term growth and operational excellence. In addition, sales deleveraging impact will likely continue to impact our margins. Undeterred by the short-term challenges, we remain confident about our long-term prospects and will continue to invest for growth while fortifying resilience."
Share Repurchases and Dividends
- During the second quarter, we repurchased approximately 4.1 million shares of Yum China common stock for $168 million at an average price of $41.37 per share. As of June 30, 2022, approximately $1.2 billion remained available for future share repurchases under the current authorization.
- The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on Yum China's common stock, payable on September 15, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 25, 2022.
Digital and Delivery
- The KFC and Pizza Hut loyalty programs exceeded 385 million members combined, as of quarter-end. Member sales accounted for approximately 62% of system sales in the second quarter of 2022.
- Delivery contributed approximately 38% of KFC and Pizza Hut's Company sales in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of approximately eight percentage points from the prior year period as a result of more severe outbreaks in the quarter which significantly impacted dine-in occasions and drove strong demand for delivery.
- Digital orders, including delivery, mobile orders and kiosk orders, accounted for approximately 89% of KFC and Pizza Hut's Company sales in the second quarter of 2022.
New-Unit Development and Asset Upgrade
- The Company opened 246 gross new stores, or 53 net new stores in the second quarter of 2022, mainly driven by development of the KFC and Pizza Hut brands.
- The Company remodeled 121 stores in the second quarter of 2022.
Restaurant Margin
- Restaurant margin was 12.1% in the second quarter of 2022, compared with 15.8% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to sales deleveraging, inflation in commodity, wage and utility costs, as well as increased rider cost associated with rising delivery volume, partially offset by higher productivity as well as temporary relief provided by landlords and government agencies.
2022 Outlook
Yum China remains focused on capturing long-term opportunities in China. The Company's fiscal year 2022 targets remain unchanged from those originally disclosed on February 8, 2022:
- To open approximately 1,000 to 1,200 net new stores.
- To make capital expenditures in the range of approximately $800 million to $1 billion.
Other Updates
- In June 2022, Yum China submitted for validation the Company's near-term science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to the Science Based Target Initiative ("SBTi"). The specific targets, in line with criteria and recommendations of SBTi, are expected to be announced before the end of 2022 following official approval from SBTi. The targets will provide a clearly defined pathway for Yum China to reach its goal of net-zero value chain GHG emissions by 2050. The Company also published its 2021 Sustainability Report and its first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD") report. Both reports are accessible on the Company's website at www.yumchina.com/respIndex.
- In July 2022, Yum China announced the commencement of construction of its Jiading Supply Chain Management Center in Shanghai with a total investment of approximately $90 million. This facility is Yum China's largest greenfield supply chain center project to date and will serve as the headquarters of the Company's supply chain operations. Completion is anticipated in 2024. This latest project is part of Yum China's continued effort in expanding supply chain network to support store and portfolio growth as well as enhance intelligent supply chain operations that ensure food safety and quality management throughout the value chain.
Note on Non-GAAP Adjusted Measures
Reported GAAP results include Special Items, which are excluded from non-GAAP adjusted measures. Special Items are not allocated to any segment and therefore only impact reported GAAP results of Yum China. See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Adjusted Measures" within this release.
Conference Call
Yum China's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 28, 2022 (8:00 a.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Friday, July 29, 2022).
A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/p39fxxya.
To join by phone, please register in advance of the conference through the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers, a passcode and a unique access PIN.
Pre-registration Link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10023458-dhsy7e.html
A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after the call ends until Thursday, August 4, 2022 and may be accessed by phone at the following numbers:
U.S.: 1 855 883 1031
Mainland China: 400 1209 216
Hong Kong: 800 930 639
U.K.: 0800 031 4295
Replay PIN: 10023458
Additionally, this earnings release, the accompanying slides, a live webcast and an archived webcast of this conference call will be available at Yum China's Investor Relations website at http://ir.yumchina.com.
For important news and information regarding Yum China, including our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, visit Yum China's Investor Relations website at http://ir.yumchina.com. Yum China uses this website as a primary channel for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including under "2022 Outlook." We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook", "commit" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future strategies, growth, business plans, investment, dividend and share repurchase plans, earnings, performance and returns of Yum China, anticipated effects of population and macroeconomic trends, the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipated effects of our innovation, digital and delivery capabilities and investments on growth and beliefs regarding the long-term drivers of Yum China's business. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: whether we are able to achieve development goals at the times and in the amounts currently anticipated, if at all, the success of our marketing campaigns and product innovation, our ability to maintain food safety and quality control systems, changes in public health conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional outbreaks caused by existing or new COVID-19 variants, our ability to control costs and expenses, including tax costs, as well as changes in political, economic and regulatory conditions in China. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.
About Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a licensee of Yum! Brands in mainland China. It has exclusive rights in mainland China to KFC, China's leading quick-service restaurant brand, Pizza Hut, the leading casual dining restaurant brand in China, and Taco Bell, a California-based restaurant chain serving innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China also owns the Little Sheep, Huang Ji Huang and COFFii & JOY concepts outright. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to explore and develop the Lavazza coffee shop concept in China. The Company had 12,170 restaurants in over 1,700 cities at the end of June 2022.
In 2021, Yum China was selected as a member of both Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): World Index and Emerging Market Index. In 2022, Yum China ranked # 359 on the Fortune 500 list. The Company was also named to the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and was certified as a Top Employer 2022 in China by the Top Employers Institute, both for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.
In this press release:
- The Company provides certain percentage changes excluding the impact of foreign currency translation ("F/X"). These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the F/X impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.
- System sales growth reflects the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned, franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurants that operate our restaurant concepts, except for non-Company-owned restaurants for which we do not receive a sales-based royalty. Sales of franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurants typically generate ongoing franchise fees for the Company at an average rate of approximately 6% of system sales. Franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurant sales are not included in Company sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the franchise fees are included in the Company's revenues. We believe system sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all of our revenue drivers, Company and franchise same-store sales as well as net unit growth.
- Effective January 1, 2018, the Company revised its definition of same-store sales growth to represent the estimated percentage change in sales of food of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open prior to the first day of our prior fiscal year, excluding the period during which stores are temporarily closed. We refer to these as our "base" stores. Previously, same-store sales growth represented the estimated percentage change in sales of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open for one year or more, including stores temporarily closed, and the base stores changed on a rolling basis from month to month. This revision was made to align with how management measures performance internally and focuses on trends of a more stable base of stores.
- Company sales represent revenues from Company-owned restaurants. Company Restaurant profit ("Restaurant profit") is defined as Company sales less expenses incurred directly by our Company-owned restaurants in generating Company sales. Company restaurant margin percentage is defined as Restaurant profit divided by Company sales.
Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Adjusted Measures
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in this press release, the Company provides non-GAAP measures adjusted for Special Items, which include Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Common Share ("EPS"), Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Adjusted EBITDA, which we define as net income including noncontrolling interests adjusted for equity in net earnings (losses) from equity method investments, income tax, interest income, net, investment gain or loss, certain non-cash expenses, consisting of depreciation and amortization as well as store impairment charges, and Special Items.
The following table set forth the reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP adjusted financial measures.
Net income, along with the reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA, is presented below:
Details of Special Items are presented below:
(1) In February 2020, the Company granted Partner PSU Awards to select employees who were deemed critical to the Company's execution of its strategic operating plan. These PSU awards will only vest if threshold performance goals are achieved over a four-year performance period, with the payout ranging from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares subject to the PSU awards. Partner PSU Awards were granted to address increased competition for executive talent, motivate transformational performance and encourage management retention. Given the unique nature of these grants, the Compensation Committee does not intend to grant similar, special grants to the same employees during the performance period. The impact from these special awards is excluded from metrics that management uses to assess the Company's performance. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $1 million and $3 million associated with the Partner PSU Awards for the quarter and year to date ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and $4 million and $7 million for the quarter and year to date ended June 30, 2021.
(2) The tax expense was determined based upon the nature, as well as the jurisdiction, of each Special Item at the applicable tax rate.
The Company excludes impact from Special Items for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. Special Items are not included in any of our segment results. In addition, the Company provides Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that investors and analysts may find it useful in measuring operating performance without regard to items such as equity in net earnings (losses) from equity method investments, income tax, interest income, net, investment gain or loss, depreciation and amortization, store impairment charges, and Special Items. Store impairment charges included as an adjustment item in Adjusted EBITDA primarily resulted from our semi-annual impairment evaluation of long-lived assets of individual restaurants, and additional impairment evaluation whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If these restaurant-level assets were not impaired, depreciation of the assets would have been recorded and included in EBITDA. Therefore, store impairment charges were a non-cash item similar to depreciation and amortization of our long-lived assets of restaurants. The Company believes that investors and analyst may find it useful in measuring operating performance without regard to such non-cash item.
These adjusted measures are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes that the presentation of these adjusted measures provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present results, excluding those items that the Company does not believe are indicative of our ongoing operations due to their nature.
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SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/yum-china-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-07-28T22:12:01Z |
- Today's virtual global event sets the stage for the launch of DS Core – a cloud-based solution powered by the collaboration between Dentsply Sirona and Google Cloud.
- Dentsply Sirona also introduces two new service offerings: DS Core Create and DS Core Care. DS Core seamlessly integrates with devices, services and technologies in dental practices – bringing improved efficiency to workflows from diagnosis to final care or treatment.
- Dentsply Sirona also announces added services to recently launched device category: Primeprint Solution, a medical-grade 3D printing solution that combines dental intelligence with high automation, convenience, accuracy, and improved safety.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and BENSHEIM, Germany, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today in a virtual event, Dentsply Sirona has unveiled DS Core and other services and solutions, a new and open platform that integrates the whole workflow of digital dentistry – across its devices, services, and technologies. DS Core is developed in collaboration with Google Cloud and gives dentists the power to do more, so that they can focus on their patients and create easier ways to collaboratively work with labs, partners, and specialists.
Cord Staehler, Chief Technology Officer at Dentsply Sirona: "We are very proud that we are now ready to take the next step in our mission to make digital dentistry easy to integrate into dental offices. In line with our recently launched collaboration with Google Cloud, this enables seamless workflows and the highest level of connectivity with the ultimate goal in mind: the best treatment outcome for patients."
DS Core gives dentists the power to do more
DS Core, an open, cloud-based platform operated by Dentsply Sirona, is transforming digital dentistry. It is designed around the needs of dentists and modern dental practices and with a focus on security.
The digital platform is efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-use – with automatic software updates that give dentists access to the latest version and features. DS Core makes running a dental practice easier, because it seamlessly connects to Dentsply Sirona equipment and is accessible across multiple devices. For dentists it means they can maximize the productivity of their practice by simplifying workflows and easily adding and integrating new ones. Practitioners can use DS Core to store different types of patient files and making them accessible from multiple locations, while collaborating with partners and colleagues outside their practice. DS Core supports GDPR and HIPAA-compliant file sharing and cloud storage for patient case files.
DS is also introducing two services that help dentists to get the most out of digital dentistry: DS Core Create and DS Core Care.
DS Core Create – with a few clicks to high-quality expert designs
DS Core Create is an excellent tool for next-level dental design services. With just a few clicks, dental practitioners can gain access to high-quality expert designs that are tailored for each patient's needs across a broad range of indications without having to use the software themselves. The cloud-based platform makes it easy to delegate the design workflow, which saves valuable time in the dental practice. The service integrates smoothly with Dentsply Sirona's new Primeprint Solution and will grow in the future.
DS Core Care – seamless service and support solution
DS Core Care is a comprehensive, integrated, and easy-to-understand equipment service and support solution that harmonizes equipment with service offerings to provide a seamless customer experience. This helps to increase equipment uptime and give dentists peace of mind so that they can focus on their patients.
Cord Staehler said: "By launching this digital universe with DS Core at its center and services like DS Core Create and DS Core Care, as well as solutions like Primeprint, we are positioning Dentsply Sirona at the forefront of digital dentistry. Most importantly, we help dental practitioners to unlock the full potential of their work so that they can focus on what matters most: treating patients and giving them healthy smiles."
Primeprint Solution – A medical-grade 3D printing system
Primeprint Solution is a highly automated, end-to-end, medical-grade 3D printing system for dentists and dental technicians who want to expand their treatment and service offerings. It is a smart hardware and software solution that is optimized for dental applications and can run the entire printing process including post-processing. The high level of automation helps reduce handling times, allows delegation, and enables maximized productivity. Primeprint Solution enables practitioners to print biocompatible applications with reproducible and accurate results*. The printing process has been developed in line with FDA guidelines for Additive Manufacturing (AM) medical devices and outputs from the device are medical products.
Dr. Mike Skramstad, dentist from Orono (Minnesota, USA), said: "3D printing has just taken the next leap forward with Primeprint. With the combination of complete integration, enclosed automated workflow, and industry defining efficiency, Primeprint gives me and most importantly my staff confidence that we are delivering very good and safe 3D printed parts to our patients. Furthermore, the automation supports that every application we 3D print is processed, cleaned and cured to a very high standard."
Due to various certification and registration periods, not all products are immediately available in all countries. In order to ensure an excellent customer experience DS Core will be launched in a phased rollout.
About Dentsply Sirona:
Dentsply Sirona is the world's largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with over a century of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive solutions offering including dental and oral health products as well as other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of world class brands.
Dentsply Sirona's products provide innovative, high-quality and effective solutions to advance patient care and deliver better and safer dental care.
Dentsply Sirona's headquarter is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company's shares are listed in the United States on NASDAQ under the symbol XRAY.
Visit www.dentsplysirona.com for more information about Dentsply Sirona and its products.
References:
* Reich S, Berndt S, Kühne C, Herstell H. Accuracy of 3D-Printed Occlusal Devices of Different Volumes Using a Digital Light Processing Printer. Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(3):1576. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031576
Press Contact:
Marion Par-Weixlberger
Vice President Public Relations & Corporate Communications
T +43 (0) 662 2450-588
F +43 (0) 662 2450-540
marion.par-weixlberger@dentsplysirona.com
Julia Schroeder
Edelman GmbH
T +49 (0) 30 2218290
dentsplysirona@edelman.com
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SOURCE Dentsply Sirona | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/dentsply-sirona-opens-gateway-new-digital-universe-with-cloud-based-solution-ds-core/ | 2022-05-04T17:07:16Z |
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner still detained amid start of the regular season
(CNN) - The WNBA’s new season tips off Friday, but the detainment of superstar Brittney Griner is weighing heavily over the league.
Russian authorities in Moscow arrested Griner in February.
Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, is accused of smuggling cannabis oil in her luggage, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
It remains unconfirmed what substance was actually in the vape pen she had.
To highlight her detainment, every WNBA team will display a special court decal with Griner’s initials and number.
Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department classified her arrest as a “wrongful detention.”
Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committee is also working to get her released.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/06/wnba-superstar-brittney-griner-still-detained-amid-start-regular-season/ | 2022-05-06T16:57:44Z |
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cat Financial reported second-quarter 2022 revenues of $668 million, an increase of $22 million, or 3%, compared with $646 million in the second quarter of 2021. Second-quarter 2022 profit was $143 million, an increase of $1 million, or 1%, compared with $142 million in the second quarter of 2021.
The increase in revenues was primarily due to a $20 million favorable impact from higher average financing rates and an $18 million favorable impact from returned or repossessed equipment, partially offset by a $15 million unfavorable impact from lower average earning assets.
Second-quarter 2022 profit before income taxes was $199 million, an increase of $10 million, or 5%, compared with $189 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to an $18 million favorable impact from returned or repossessed equipment, partially offset by a $12 million increase in provision for credit losses.
The provision for income taxes reflected an estimated annual tax rate of 26% in the second quarter of 2022, compared with 25% in the second quarter of 2021.
During the second quarter of 2022, retail new business volume was $3.10 billion, a decrease of $429 million, or 12%, from the second quarter of 2021. The decrease was driven by lower volume across all segments with the exception of an increase in Latin America.
At the end of the second quarter of 2022, past dues were 2.19%, compared with 2.58% at the end of the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in past dues was mostly driven by the Caterpillar Power Finance, EAME and North America portfolios. Write-offs, net of recoveries, were less than $1 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared with $54 million for the second quarter of 2021. As of June 30, 2022, the allowance for credit losses totaled $376 million, or 1.41% of finance receivables, compared with $357 million, or 1.29% of finance receivables at March 31, 2022. The increase in allowance for credit losses included a higher reserve for the Russia and Ukraine portfolios. The allowance for credit losses at year-end 2021 was $337 million, or 1.22% of finance receivables.
"Cat Financial's second-quarter results reflected strong portfolio performance," said Dave Walton, President of Cat Financial and Senior Vice President with responsibility for the Financial Products Division of Caterpillar Inc. "The global Cat Financial team continues to focus on providing financial services solutions to Caterpillar customers and dealers worldwide."
About Cat Financial
Cat Financial is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. For more than 40 years, Cat Financial has provided a wide range of financing solutions to customers and Cat® dealers for machines, engines, Solar® gas turbines, genuine Cat parts and services. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Cat Financial serves customers globally with offices and subsidiaries located throughout North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. Visit cat.com to learn more about Cat Financial.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release relate to future events and expectations and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "estimate," "will be," "will," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "project," "intend," "could," "should" or other similar words or expressions often identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding our outlook, projections, forecasts or trend descriptions. These statements do not guarantee future performance and speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.
Cat Financial's actual results may differ materially from those described or implied in our forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) disruptions or volatility in global financial markets limiting our sources of liquidity or the liquidity of our customers, dealers and suppliers; (ii) failure to maintain our credit ratings and potential resulting increases to our cost of borrowing and adverse effects on our cost of funds, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets; (iii) changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations or market liquidity conditions; (iv) an increase in delinquencies, repossessions or net losses of our customers; (v) residual values of leased equipment; (vi) our compliance with financial and other restrictive covenants in debt agreements; (vii) government monetary or fiscal policies; (viii) political and economic risks, commercial instability and events beyond our control in the countries in which we operate; (ix) demand for Caterpillar products; (x) marketing, operational or administrative support received from Caterpillar; (xi) our ability to develop, produce and market quality products that meet our customers' needs; (xii) information technology security threats and computer crime; (xiii) alleged or actual violations of trade or anti-corruption laws and regulations; (xiv) new regulations or changes in financial services regulations; (xv) additional tax expense or exposure; (xvi) changes in accounting guidance; (xvii) the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic; and (xviii) other factors described in more detail in Cat Financial's Forms 10-Q, 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SOURCE Cat Financial | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/cat-financial-announces-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-02T11:13:56Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. ("Stronghold" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: SDIG) for violations of the federal securities laws.
Investors who purchased the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's initial public offering conducted in October 2021 (the "IPO"), are encouraged to contact the firm before June 13, 2022.
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at bschall@schallfirm.com.
The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.
According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Stronghold's suppliers, including MinerVa, were not likely to meet delivery deadlines and quantities. The Company was likely to experience trouble obtaining miners beyond its confirmed purchase orders due to strong market demand. The Company was likely to face significant headwinds in expanding its mining operations. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the IPO period. When the market learned the truth about Stronghold, investors suffered damages.
Join the case to recover your losses.
The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.
CONTACT:
The Schall Law Firm
Brian Schall, Esq.,
www.schallfirm.com
Office: 310-301-3335
info@schallfirm.com
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SOURCE The Schall Law Firm | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/final-deadline-alert-schall-law-firm-encourages-investors-stronghold-digital-mining-inc-with-losses-100000-contact-firm/ | 2022-06-13T15:28:16Z |
There is growing concern that the United States may have lost its chance to contain the monkeypox virus, as the nation has been slow to vaccinate those most at risk on a broader scale.
"I think we're going to have to live with it until they vaccinate every high-risk person," Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Havey Institute for Global Health at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said this week.
Vaccinating against monkeypox has been a part of the Biden administration's response to the global outbreak since the nation identified its first case of the disease in May, but supplies have been limited, even as demand for protection from the virus surges.
At first, officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that vaccines for monkeypox were being released from the Strategic National Stockpile and offered to the "high-risk" contacts of monkeypox patients, as well as the health-care workers treating them.
Vaccinating someone already exposed to monkeypox to help prevent illness is called post-exposure prophylaxis or a ring vaccination strategy. Vaccinating a patient's close circle of contacts is like vaccinating a "ring" around them.
This approach has been used in response to sexually transmitted infections and prior monkeypox outbreaks.
"We can have a really effective strategy of containment and elimination by identifying all the cases and then providing the cases with treatment and the close contacts of those cases with post-exposure prophylaxis," said a federal health adviser who requested anonymity because they're not a government employee and don't speak for any federal agency.
"We know that this works," the adviser said. "We have data from other outbreaks to say that it is effective. And so in the beginning, when cases were low -- in the tens, the dozens of cases -- we were able to effectively work with jurisdictions to identify those cases and, through consultation, figure out how many doses of vaccines would they need to vaccinate as many contacts as they think existed."
But toward late June, the monkeypox outbreak had spread.
The CDC's initial strategy "was just doomed to failure," Murphy said, referencing how a "ring" strategy requires swift and robust outreach to all known contacts of a monkeypox patient -- which was becoming increasingly difficult to do as cases were growing, and in more places.
"A ring vaccination strategy was never going to work, frankly," Murphy said. "I mean, look how fast this virus has spread."
Federal health officials expanded vaccination efforts to focus on the broader community of men who have sex with men, the demographic that makes up most US monkeypox cases.
"We recognized that a traditional post-exposure prophylaxis strategy was no longer the best strategy for that current moment of the outbreak -- and so we shifted, along with the nation," the federal health adviser said.
After initial orders for 72,000 vaccines, 300,000 additional doses were made available. Another nearly 800,000 doses were OK'd this week, and will be available in the coming weeks. But the CDC estimates 1.5 million people are eligible for the two-dose vaccine.
The CDC's strategy still directs shots toward people who might have had a monkeypox exposure -- not preventing cases among those who might be exposed in the future.
As of Friday, the US has tallied nearly 5,200 confirmed or probable monkeypox cases. With limited supply and growing awareness of the virus and its painful effects, vaccination appointments are still going fast.
Limitations of the ring strategy
Even though the US response to the monkeypox outbreak has evolved, there are clear reasons why federal health officials would immediately consider a ring vaccination strategy early on.
"That's the way that we eradicated smallpox from the planet, and it was the way that prior monkeypox outbreaks have been controlled," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
But Adalja and many other public health experts argue that a broader vaccination response against monkeypox should have been implemented from the beginning, as the ring strategy comes with a limitation: It hinges on robust contact tracing.
"Because of the unique characteristics of this outbreak -- the fact that it's spreading mostly amongst men who have sex with men and has been kind of exploiting anonymous sex parties, raves and the like -- it became quickly clear that contact tracing was going to miss a lot of contacts, especially if individual case patients didn't even know the names of their contacts," Adalja said.
"It's not that we don't have the contact tracers. It's that the individuals don't know their contacts," he said. "The contact trace data was not complete enough to be able to rely solely on ring vaccination."
For ring vaccination to work, "there has to be enough vaccine, those in the ring need to be identified and vaccinated, and this has to be done quickly," Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director and president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, wrote in an email to CNN.
"Because many contacts of cases were from anonymous encounters, this makes ring vaccination much more challenging," he wrote. "And because monkeypox is spread by intimate contact, identifying those who were close to the patients is much harder than for smallpox, both because of the sensitivity of this information, and because some of the contacts may have been anonymous."
CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund told CNN that "ring vaccination can only be effective if all contacts of a case are identified and vaccinated."
"As the outbreak went on, it became clear that some of the cases were having anonymous close encounters, which fueled transmission. CDC then expanded our vaccination strategy," she wrote in an email.
The federal health adviser said this is not unique to monkeypox.
"Ring vaccination requires identification of cases and identification of contacts, and that is challenging no matter what disease it is. It's challenging for Covid; it's challenging for HIV; it's challenging for syphilis," the adviser said. "And so just because it's challenging doesn't mean we didn't want to pursue this strategy."
'We went against CDC'
Some local health officials saw the writing on the wall early in the outbreak and never implemented a ring vaccination of just close contacts. Instead, vaccines have been offered to a broader group of higher-risk people from the beginning.
In the nation's capital, the DC Department of Health has been closely tracking the spread of monkeypox virus since the spring, watching anxiously as cases emerged in regions of the world where the virus typically is not seen.
When the first US case was reported in Massachusetts, DC health officials organized a team that was trained in identifying monkeypox and how it spreads. Around that time, the city also ordered vaccines.
"I was one of the first to order vaccines from CDC, before we had a case," said Anil Mangla, state epidemiologist for the DC Department of Health. The first potential monkeypox case in DC was reported in early June.
After DC's vaccine order arrived, shots were offered in late June in two rings. Ring one included the close contacts of cases identified by the epidemiology team. Ring two included any adult resident who was gay or bisexual with multiple anonymous partners in the previous two weeks or who was a transgender woman or nonbinary who has sex with men or sex workers or staff at establishments where sexual activity occurs.
Among the close contacts, "we actually have vaccinated 246 people in that first ring," Mangla said Wednesday. "When I broaden that net, we have vaccinated -- as of last night -- 6,628."
He added that if DC just focused on vaccinating the close contacts in ring one, those thousands of people who voluntarily got immunized in ring two would have received the vaccine much later during the outbreak.
"We went against CDC," Mangla said of the district's broad two-ring vaccination approach, adding that the CDC is now working on projects with the DC Department of Health to better understand this outbreak response model.
However, the monkeypox vaccine supply has not met the growing demand in DC -- or in most regions across the country.
"It's very clear with the spread of this that there now has to be a balance between vaccines available for those who clearly have been exposed, as well as those at risk," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on CNN this week. "What you want to do is a balance between vaccinating those who clearly have had an exposure, but go well beyond that."
The public health community "is recognizing the tension between our desires and limited supply," the federal health adviser said.
With limited supply, cities prioritize first doses
On Monday, the DC Department of Health announced that due to the "very limited" supply of vaccines, only first doses will be provided to high-risk residents, even though Jynneos is a two-dose vaccine. Second doses will be provided at a later time.
"This decision is based on the available scientific evidence, the acceleration of the outbreak, the demand for vaccine from the high number of eligible people, and extreme shortages of the JYNNEOS Monkeypox vaccine nationally," the announcement said. "DC Health is confident that additional vaccine doses will be available when needed for those who have received their first dose."
In New York City, which also expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine to any adult in a high-risk group, first doses have been prioritized.
"New York City is the epicenter of the monkeypox outbreak in the U.S. and yet does not have sufficient vaccine supply," the city announced in mid-July. "Given the rapid increase in cases, the Health Department has decided that providing first doses to offer protection to more at-risk New Yorkers is the best strategy until we receive adequate vaccine supply. This single dose strategy is consistent with the monkeypox vaccine distribution strategy taken in the UK and Canada."
Chicago also is prioritizing first doses of vaccine.
The city announced that it is prioritizing doses for all known close contacts of monkeypox cases as part of a ring strategy, while offering vaccine to those who are gay, bisexual or trans men who have sex men and have had sexual contact with multiple partners, in a social or sexual venue or by giving or receiving money in exchange for sex.
These vaccines are being offered through doctors' offices and clinics as well as pop-up events at venues, such as bathhouses and Pride events, according to the city's announcement.
"The goal is address equity along with maximizing doses administered," Massimo Pacilli, the Chicago Public Health Department's deputy commissioner of disease control, wrote in an email.
Meanwhile, in a state that does not have many monkeypox cases or vaccines, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced Thursday that it will launch a program to administer doses of vaccine starting Monday to any adult resident who is gay, bisexual, a man who has sex with men, transgender, gender nonconforming, or gender nonbinary and has had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days. Connecticut has 28 probable or confirmed monkeypox cases.
"This is a national model that has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and it is consistent with our neighboring jurisdictions," Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said. "DPH is partnering with 15 community-based clinics to expand the availability and efficient delivery of the vaccine to those who need it the most."
A 'rapidly closing' window
Still, questions remain around where the nation's fight against monkeypox is heading.
"It's not clear that monkeypox can be contained at this point, but it's certainly worth trying," said Frieden, the former CDC director.
Federal health officials remain optimistic that the nation can end the outbreak.
"To the question, can we not only stay ahead of this virus but end this outbreak? Absolutely," Becerra said Thursday.
"We believe that we have done everything we can at the federal level to work with our state and local partners and communities affected to make sure we can stay ahead of this and end this outbreak, but everybody's got to take the oar and row. Everybody's got to do their part."
Lawrence Gostin, faculty director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, said "the window for containing monkeypox is rapidly closing."
"I do think it's still possible to contain, but it's also equally possible that this may become endemic in the United States," he said.
Endemic means a disease has a constant presence in a population but is not affecting an alarmingly large number of people, as typically seen in a pandemic. As part of the current outbreak, the United States now has the highest case count of monkeypox among nonendemic countries.
To contain the monkeypox virus, Gostin called for the United States to declare a national public health emergency, raise awareness about the virus in non-stigmatizing ways and, of course, make more vaccine doses available.
The World Health Organization declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern last week. On the national level, HHS has yet to make such a determination.
"We continue to monitor the response throughout the country on monkeypox," Becerra said Thursday. "We will weigh the decision on declaring a public health emergency based on the response we're seeing throughout the country."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/features/health/initial-strategy-of-vaccinating-only-known-monkeypox-contacts-was-doomed-to-failure-in-the-us/article_f82da9aa-5190-58a4-b46b-b4dfbdaf5f66.html | 2022-07-31T02:46:13Z |
Graphite Solar becomes Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company's largest operating renewables project
The 104 MWdc / 80 MWac project delivers benefits for Carbon County, UT, powers Meta with clean energy
SALT LAKE CITY, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphite Solar, a project developed by rPlus Energies, has reached commercial operation. Located in Carbon County, UT, with a power capacity of 104 MWdc / 80 MWac, Graphite is now the first operating solar project rPlus Energies has developed and the largest operational asset in project owner Greenbacker's clean energy fleet.
rPlus Energies and Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC ("GREC" or "Greenbacker"), a leading green energy investment company and independent power producer, joined project partners and local officials at a July 12 commissioning ceremony to celebrate the project's completion and the benefits it provides for the area. Graphite supports local green jobs and generates increased tax revenue for the community, while expanding the region's contributions to America's energy landscape.
"It's very special that Graphite Solar can play a role in helping Carbon County diversify its contributions to the local energy infrastructure," said Charles Wheeler, CEO of GREC. "A place with a long history of power production is now home to Greenbacker's largest operating clean energy project." (Previously, the company's 61 MWdc Turquoise Solar in Nevada held that title.)
The project has begun delivering solar energy to the Meta (formerly Facebook) data center in nearby Eagle Mountain, UT, helping the company power its operations exclusively with renewable energy.
"Bringing new renewable energy and investment to communities where we operate is a priority for Meta," said Urvi Parekh, Director, Renewable Energy at Meta. "We appreciate the partnership with rPlus and Greenbacker that is delivering this new solar energy to the Utah grid in support of our local operations."
Graphite has a long-term power purchase agreement with PacifiCorp on behalf of Meta. The contract was developed under Rocky Mountain Power's Schedule 34 green energy tariff, which helps sizable energy consumers source renewables to meet their clean energy targets.
"Rocky Mountain Power is committed to helping our customers, and the communities we serve, meet their renewable energy goals," said Merlin Rushton, regional business manager in Price, Utah. "Projects like this are a demonstration of our company's commitment to expand energy choices for our customers and manage the transition to a 21st Century electricity network."
Greenbacker, rPlus, and Sundt Renewables (the project's engineering, procurement, and construction contractor) have also invested in the community and its workforce with a scholarship program. The Local First Scholarship - Graphite Solar program provides $75,000 to students who reside in Carbon County and who plan to pursue their career goals locally after completing their certificate or degree.
"A lot of work, dedication, and collaboration has been made to get to this point," said Luigi Resta, rPlus Energies President & CEO. "We are immensely proud that we can contribute to the continuation of the energy legacy that is Carbon County."
Greenbacker acquired Graphite Solar from rPlus in December 2020, contracting with the developer to manage the project through construction. Construction involved installing 1.5 miles of transmission lines and 257,700 solar modules and supported 273,800 hours of construction labor.
Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms. We seek to invest in high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contract to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. We believe our focus on power production and income generation creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.
rPlus Energies develops modern power plants to contribute to the rebuilding of America's energy infrastructure. Through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, and utilities, rPlus Energies develops utility-scale power plants to access a region's best mix of renewable resources to enable a more dispatchable and reliable power supply. rPlus Energies has over 30 projects across 15 market areas in the U.S. in active development including solar, wind, pumped storage hydro, and solar plus battery. rPlus Energies is a subsidiary of The Gardner Company, family owned and operated since 1976, which is dedicated to building better communities through thoughtful, sustainable practices in developing and managing real estate, renewable energy and technology, and providing results-oriented philanthropy. Learn more at www.rplusenergies.com.
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving 2 million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon, and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificorp.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.
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SOURCE Rplus Energies | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/first-project-developed-by-rplus-energies-reaches-commercial-operation/ | 2022-07-28T17:36:10Z |
TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To address continued demand for Commercial Bonds from businesses in the country, AXA XL has appointed Cedric Franklin as VP, Regional Director, Canada. Renato Rodrigues, Country Manager, said: "We are very excited to expand our Commercial Bond expertise in Canada. Cedric's specialized background will be of great service to our growing business while we continue to strengthen existing relationships with clients and brokers from both the public and private sectors."
Based in Toronto, Mr. Franklin will work closely with Alex Barker, Head of Specialty Insurance for Canada and Pat Dougherty, Global Head of Commercial Bonds. He is tasked with leading the continued growth of Commercial Bonds business in the country through partnering directly with Canadian clients and their brokers.
Commenting on the appointment, Alex Barker, Head of Specialty, Canada added: "Cedric is an expert in his field and an excellent addition to our team of talented specialty insurance leaders. He will be working closely with our key brokers, banks and investors who see the unique growth opportunities that Commercial Bonds provide."
Mr. Franklin joins from BFL Canada where he served as Vice President, Surety. He has a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa, a Master's in International & European Relations from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and an MBA from the Grande École E.M Grenoble, France.
AXA XL offers a comprehensive set of commercial bond products including supply, customs, license and permit, lost instrument, court bonds (appeal, admiralty, bankruptcy trustee), depository, performance and payment for service providers, subdivision, reclamation, closure / post closure, workers compensation and utility.
Follow AXA XL on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
1AXA XL is a division of AXA Group providing products and services through four business groups: AXA XL Insurance, AXA XL Reinsurance and AXA XL Risk Consulting.
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SOURCE AXA XL | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/axa-xl-expands-commercial-bonds-capabilities-canada-appoints-cedric-franklin-vp-regional-director-commercial-bonds/ | 2022-08-22T14:19:02Z |
The Company's Total Investment Raised Now Tops $130 Million
CORALVILLE, Iowa, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Diagnostics, a leading artificial intelligence diagnostic health care technology company, today announced that it has successfully closed a $75 million Series B funding round. This brings the company's total amount raised to more than $130 million. Global investment firm KKR led the round, with participation from new and existing investors, including Cedar Pine, Kinderhook, 8VC, Optum Ventures, OSF Ventures, Gundersen Health System, Edward - Elmhurst Health Venture Capital, and the University of Iowa. Digital Diagnostics will use the funding to accelerate its product roadmap, expand its distribution footprint, and invest in sales and marketing. Ali Satvat, Partner and Global Head of Health Care Strategic Growth at KKR and Stephen Weiss, Managing Director of Cedar Pine, have joined the company's board of directors.
Digital Diagnostics is paving the way for AI diagnosis to become a standard-of-care, democratizing health care and closing care gaps. The company's flagship product, IDx-DR, an autonomous AI diagnostic system designed to detect diabetic retinopathy (including diabetic macular edema) at the point-of-care, is the first FDA De Novo cleared autonomous AI in health care.
"Our Series B fundraise, supported by our accelerating commercial traction, is another validation point that autonomous AI in health care is now mainstream," said John Bertrand, co-founder and CEO of Digital Diagnostics. "We are proud to have KKR, Cedar Pine, Kinderhook, 8VC, Optum Ventures, OSF Ventures, Gundersen Health System, Edward - Elmhurst Health Venture Capital, and the University of Iowa, join us in our mission to make AI-enabled diagnostic technology available at scale. We are focused on innovating the way providers manage patient care by creating technology rooted in equity and widespread access, while positively impacting patient outcomes through our AI solutions."
"Digital Diagnostics' AI technology platform is paving the path as a standard of care in the health care industry. We're focused on meeting patients where they want to experience health care—from primary care and value-based care groups to retail brick and mortar locations," remarked Seth Rainford, co-founder, president, and COO of Digital Diagnostics. "This new investment will help drive the company's next stage of growth as we double down on our AI product pipeline, allowing for commercial scalability for designing and developing AI the right way."
Dr. Michael D. Abramoff, MD, PhD, founder and executive chairman, added, "This momentous milestone furthers the mission of AI in health care with many other AI companies adopting the ethical principles that Digital Diagnostics has championed to drive the industry forward into mainstream use. As we continue to build on the ethical principles established during the design, development, and validation of IDx-DR, we are guided by a mission to transform the quality, accessibility, equity, and affordability of health care while eliminating bias."
"Digital Diagnostics is improving patient outcomes and creating compelling efficiencies for health care systems through its pioneering autonomous AI technology," said Ali Satvat, Partner and Global Head of Health Care Strategic Growth at KKR. "We are impressed with what the company has achieved so far and are excited to support its continued growth and efforts to develop new and innovative solutions for patients, providers, clinicians, and health plans."
KKR is investing in Digital Diagnostics through its Health Care Strategic Growth strategy, which is focused on investing in high-growth health care-related companies to which KKR can be a unique strategic partner in helping reach scale.
"We are proud to partner with Digital Diagnostics in advancing technology to prevent one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide: untreated diabetic retinopathy," said Stephen Weiss, Managing Director of Cedar Pine.
Digital Diagnostics Inc. is a pioneering AI diagnostics company on a mission to transform the quality, accessibility, equity, and affordability of global health care through the application of technology in the medical diagnosis and treatment process. The company, originally founded by Michael Abramoff, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist, practicing fellowship-trained retina specialist, and computer engineer, is led in partnership with co-founders John Bertrand, CEO, and Seth Rainford, President and COO.
Digital Diagnostics is paving the way for autonomous and assistive AI diagnosis to become a new standard of care, contributing to democratizing health care and closing care gaps. The company works closely with patient advocacy groups, federal regulators, and other quality of care and ethics-focused stakeholders to enable the adoption of autonomous AI. For more information and the latest news follow: https://digitaldiagnostics.com/
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at http://www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
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SOURCE Digital Diagnostics | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/digital-diagnostics-closes-75-million-series-b-funding-round-led-by-kkr/ | 2022-08-23T12:04:09Z |
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I believe there should be a way for casino patrons to enjoy various card games without the need for a dealer or staff member at the table," said an inventor, from Carson, Calif., "so I invented the GREENE CARD DEALER MACHINE. My design could help to reduce the spread of germs and viruses at casino card tables."
The patent-pending invention provides an automatic way to deal cards to players at a casino game table. In doing so, it eliminates the need for a dealer to be present at the table. As a result, it helps to limit physical contact between casino employees and patrons and it enhances safety. Additionally, the invention features an innovative design that is easy to use so it is ideal for casinos.
The original design was submitted to the Orange County sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-OCM-1524, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/05/inventhelp-inventor-develops-card-dealer-device-casinos-ocm-1524/ | 2022-09-05T23:12:59Z |
Survey: Only 11% of Americans Believe Influencers Deliver Trustworthy Reviews, While a Majority of Americans (53%) Rely Most on Recommendations From Product Experts
CHICAGO, Sept 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Social media has given influencers the clout and the platform to promote products, but many consumers doubt the credibility of their recommendations. According to initial findings from a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults commissioned by The Desire Company, a vast majority of consumers (87%) say it is likely that influencers don't even use the products they advertise and, furthermore, only 1 in 10 (11%) believe that a social media influencer with millions of followers is a trustworthy source of information.
"Social media influencers have evolved into becoming the billboards of the Internet," says Eric Sheinkop, co-founder and CEO of The Desire Company. "Great at spreading mass awareness but lacking in their ability to properly educate consumers about products. Our experts have dedicated their lives to becoming the best at what they do which is why they are qualified to provide trusted product information to shoppers. Clearly trust takes time to earn, certainly longer than the length of a TikTok."
It doesn't help that many consumers have had a bad experience when purchasing an influencer-promoted product: More than 4 in 5 (82%) consumers who have purchased something based on an influencer's pitch say they have had some sort of negative experience with the product, with the most common being that the product didn't match the influencer's claims (41%).
While a company may make a quick buck when they bring on an influencer to promote their product, poor customer experience has a lasting impact. More than 2 in 5 (42%) consumers who have dealt with the consequences of purchasing an influencer recommended product say they are unlikely to purchase from that company again.
When it comes to a dependable way to cut through the glut of information available, consumers are beginning to look for trusted experts and professionals in their field. The study found that when making purchases, the majority (53%) of Americans rely most on recommendations from product experts in making purchasing decisions. About half (51%) agree that an expert product demonstration is the only review they need to be confident in their purchase decisions.
The Desire Company was founded to provide shoppers with access to experts to help them find the right products for their needs and ensure they know how to use them. Its community of product reviewers is required to meet certain standards to ensure that the reviews provided are authentic and accurate.
"Consumers are weary of sorting through massive amounts of online misinformation when shopping online," continues Sheinkop. "Our study shows that the old approach of 'more is more' is not working for consumers who are being overwhelmed. This study clearly shows a demand from consumers for brands to move away from Influencer Marketing to Expert Marketing."
The study of 1,000 U.S. adults was conducted by independent research firm, Wakefield Research, commissioned by The Desire Company. More about the study can be found here: https://thedesirecompany.com/studies/retail-returns
The Desire Company is the world's only community of Experts who tell the truth about the products they actually use and trust. Our mission is to empower shoppers to make more educated, confident purchase decisions by providing reliable, expert-driven product reviews, how-tos, and classes. The company was created around the passions of accomplished professionals at the top of their game, in order to democratize their knowledge and build a community to share it.
Media Contact
Kristin Loretta
Kristin Joy Public Relations LLC
Kristin@KristinJoyPR.com
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SOURCE The Desire Company | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/07/end-influencer-most-consumers-doubt-social-media-influencers-use-products-they-promote/ | 2022-09-07T19:45:35Z |
DURHAM, N.C., May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the May 10 Starbucks workers' support rally, employees and demonstrators alike, experienced intimidation tactics by regional Starbucks management. Transform NC is vexed to learn of the recent unsuccessful unionization efforts by Starbucks employees in Asheville, NC, due to the intimidation of management.
On May 10, dozens of people from the Asheville community turned out for the "Solidarity is Brewing" worker support rally. From the moments before the event began, until after the event concluded, Starbucks regional management questioned attendees, insisted on being shown unnecessary permits, hovered over the participants, and made phone calls reporting everything that they saw.
On May 11, the day of the unionization vote, workers experienced undue monitoring and intimidation by management. This manipulation will not be tolerated by the community of Asheville, as well as key state civic engagement leadership, who stood with the employees of the Asheville Starbucks on May 10. "I'm feeling for the workers who risked a lot to advocate for better working conditions. I'm reminded that we will encounter both wins and losses in the fight for labor justice, and though this news is disappointing, we will continue rallying support for union-hopeful workers across North Carolina," says Jenny Andry, a local supporter of Starbucks workers.
Transform NC, celebrating one year in advocacy, is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. The mission of Transform NC is to embody a world built on regeneration, economic justice, and respect for nature by centering the priorities of communities most impacted by the climate crisis, racism, and corporate greed. Transform NC is led by nine BIPOC individuals and is in partnership with a network of one dozen organizations. We represent the intersection of the environmental, climate, and economic movements for justice. Connect with Transform NC https://www.transformnc.org/
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SOURCE Transform NC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/transform-nc-stands-with-starbucks-workers/ | 2022-05-16T15:53:11Z |
WASHINGTON (Nexstar)– Abbott, the baby formula maker, reached a deal with Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulators to restart the production of baby formula on Monday, but it could take weeks to get the new supply on store shelves.
The Biden Administration says it’s attempting to quickly help parents get the baby formula they need, working with manufacturers and major retailers to stock shelves.
“(We) have made clear to all of them that federal resources, including transportation and logistics resources are available and on-call,” said Brain Deese of the National Economic Council.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the FDA is taking other action, “making it easier to safely import formula products, which we generally don’t tend to do much in the U.S.”
The FDA shut down the Abbott Michigan plant as a safety precaution after four infants got sick and two died.
“There was nothing wrong with that plant. It was never proven that any of that formula caused these two deaths,” said State Representative Jerry Carl (R-Ala.).
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have introduced several bills to try to ensure similar baby formula shortages don’t happen in the future, and administration officials agree that changes are needed.
“Take a hard look as a country about how we got to having four companies control almost 90% of the market,” Buttigieg said. | https://cw33.com/news/washington-dc-bureau/abbott-fda-reach-agreement-to-reopen-baby-formula-plant-amid-shortage/ | 2022-05-17T00:49:30Z |
BENSALEM, Pa., June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc. ("LMP" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LMPX).
Class Period: June 29, 2021 – May 19, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 26, 2022
Investors suffering losses on their LMP investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company engaged in the improper identification and elimination of intercompany transactions; (2) that the Company used incorrect estimates for chargeback reserves for finance and insurance products; (3) that the Company had misclassified certain items in its financial statements which impacted balance sheet and income statement financial statement captions; (4) that there were material weaknesses in LMP's internal control over financial reporting; (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company overstated its revenue; (6) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company would restate certain of its previously issued financial statements and results; and (7) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contacts:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
888-638-4847
howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com
www.howardsmithlaw.com
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SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/lmpx-investors-have-opportunity-lead-lmp-automotive-holdings-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-06-15T16:16:04Z |
Mejia homers, doubles: Rays rip Cubs 8-2 in shortened game
MATT CARLSON
Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Francisco Mejia homered and drove in three runs to help the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 in a game that was called after 5 1/2 innings due to rain. First pitch was moved up 70 minutes because rain was forecast for later on a chilly evening. The game was then delayed in the middle of the sixth inning when the rain intensified. It was called about an hour later. Cubs rookie Seiya Suzuki walked in the fifth to reach base for the 12th straight game at the start of his career, breaking a team record held by two players — Art Williams in 1902 and Tony Taylor in 1958. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/20/mejia-homers-doubles-rays-rip-cubs-8-2-in-shortened-game/ | 2022-04-21T05:47:51Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Montage Gold Corp. ("Montage" or the "Company") (TSXV: MAU) (OTCPK: MAUTF) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a new exploration permit within haulage range of the Koné Gold Project ("KGP") in Côte d'Ivoire.
Hugh Stuart, Montage CEO commented, "With the completion of a very successful Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") our focus now is on expanding exploration away from the Koné deposit with the aim of locating higher grade satellite feed that will further boost the economics of the KGP. The Company has been advised that the Sisséplé Exploration permit has been granted over an area of 322km2, which brings our total permit holdings to 983km2, all of which is relevant to the large-scale, low-cost operation planned at Koné. First pass reconnaissance soil sampling is now in progress in Sisséplé and we have completed the first phase of sampling on the adjacent Farandougou permit. These areas have not been previously explored and lie on highly prospective gold trends and we plan to move quickly to define targets and then follow up aggressively."
- New Sisséplé Exploration Permit adds 322km2
- Reconnaissance soil geochemistry at Farandougou Exploration Permit
- Satellite exploration in progress within the Koné Exploration Permit
Sisséplé Exploration Permit
The Sisséplé permit represents a highly prospective addition to the KGP which has no history of previous exploration and lies within haulage distance of the planned Koné plant site (Figure 1). It sits on three strong structural trends with known endowment (see map below). In the east, the Syama trend is the principal regional structure hosting the Koné deposit to the south and extending north through Barrick's Fonondara and Kasseré prospects, Perseus' Sissingué Gold mine and further north to the Syama Mine in Mali.
The Nyangboue trend hosts a clear mineralized system on strike to the north within Turaco Gold's Boundiali permit where intercepts of up to 30m at 8.30g/t gold near surface have been reported at the Nyangboue prospect, 8km north (see Turaco Gold ASX Announcement 12 November 2021). The Sisséplé trend in the west of the permit hosts an extension of mineralized structures from the Barrick/Endeavour joint venture to the south and is marked by several areas of artisanal workings.
Sisséplé Exploration Program
Montage staff completed community consultations in Sisséplé in late March, meeting with village chiefs accompanied by members of the mining administration and local government (Figure 2). With that complete, the Company has commenced fieldwork with an 800m x 50m soil geochemical survey. The program will initially prioritize key areas but will ultimately cover the entire permit and will be accompanied by geological and regolith mapping. Anomalous targets will be followed up with more detailed surveys and where justified, shallow reverse circulation ("RC") drilling.
Koné Exploration Permit – Petit Yao Central Update
Following successful drilling at the Petit Yao Central target in 2021, an induced polarization ("IP") survey was completed over the wider target area with the aim of better defining the geological controls on the known mineralization. The survey clarified a strong northwest trend to the underlying geology and has resulting in a re-interpretation of the target which better aligns with the strong gold in soil anomaly and opens the potential to expand the known mineralization along strike to the southeast and northwest (Figure 3).
A program of RC drilling is planned to define a preliminary mineral resource at the target and test the extensions both to the south and north where the anomaly appears limited due to the presence of a duricrust cap.
Farandougou Exploration Permit Soil Geochemistry
Initial results have now been received from the first widely spaced 800m x 50m grid soil sampling in the Farandougou permit. The results have highlighted several areas for follow up sampling shown in Figure 4.
Given that this area is within easy haulage distance of the KGP and close to the asphalt road that runs straight to the planned plant site, the target deposit size is significantly reduced and infill sampling down to a 200m x 50m grid spacing will now be completed over the target areas. The sampling teams are now extending the grid to the west and south.
Montage is a Canadian-based precious metals exploration and development company focused on opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire. The Company's flagship property is the Koné Gold Project, located in northwest Côte d'Ivoire, which currently hosts a Probable Mineral Reserve of 161.1Mt grading 0.66g/t for 3.42M ounces of gold. The Company released the results of a DFS on the Koné Gold Project on February 14, 2022, outlining a 15-year gold project producing 3.06M ounces with average annual production of 207koz, and peak production of 320koz. Montage has a management team and Board with significant experience in discovering and developing gold deposits in Africa.
The technical disclosure contained in this press release have been approved by Hugh Stuart, BSc, MSc, a Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101. Mr. Stuart is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a Chartered Geologist and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London. Mr. Stuart is not independent of Montage as he is an officer, director and shareholder of Montage.
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.
This press release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "Forward-looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute Forward-looking Statements. Words such as "will", "intends", "proposed" and "expects" or similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Forward looking Statements in this press release include statements that imply the Company will obtain sufficient or any project financing to permit the Project to be developed as expected, and also includes those related to the Company's mineral reserve and resource estimates; the timing and amount of future production from the Koné Gold Project; expectations with respect to the IRR, NPV, payback and costs of the Koné Gold Project; anticipated mining and processing methods of the Koné Gold Project; anticipated mine life of the Koné Gold Project; expected recoveries and grades of the Koné Gold Project; timing for the DFS; and timing for permits and concessions. Forward-looking Statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral reserve and resource estimates and definitive feasibility studies such as the mineral reserve and resource estimates and the DFS, including but not limited to, assumptions underlying the production estimates not being realized, incorrect cost assumptions, unexpected variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, unexpected changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, unexpected failures of plant, equipment or processes, unexpected changes to availability of power or the power rates, failure to maintain permits and licenses, higher than expected interest or tax rates, adverse changes in project parameters, unanticipated delays and costs of consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks inherent in the Côte d'Ivoire, title risks, including failure to renew concessions, unanticipated commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Montage to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any Forward-looking Statement. Any Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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SOURCE Montage Gold Corp | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/montage-gold-corp-expands-regional-exploration-kon-gold-project/ | 2022-04-25T11:23:08Z |
MADISON, Wis., May 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Exact Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: EXAS), a leader in advanced cancer diagnostics, today announced new data supporting its cancer tests and treatment guidance tools will be showcased in nine poster presentations and five e-abstracts at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, being held June 3-7 in Chicago, Illinois.
"As the leading cause of death worldwide,1 cancer creates tremendous human suffering and staggering health care costs. Tests to help catch the disease earlier and guide more effective treatment are necessary to improve outcomes," said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. "Together with our collaborators from leading medical institutions, Exact Sciences is proud to present extensive data at this year's ASCO Annual Meeting. These presentations highlight the breadth of our pipeline and portfolio of tests as part of our relentless efforts to advance the field of cancer diagnostics."
Studies supporting Exact Sciences' screening and earlier detection efforts include a comparison of simulated outcomes between stool- and blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests. The modeled outcomes suggest blood-based tests result in detecting fewer colorectal cancer cases compared to stool-based tests due to differences in colorectal cancer sensitivity and specificity and lower advanced adenoma detection rates.2 A cost-effectiveness analysis that assumed adherence to stool-based screening and/or follow-up colonoscopy increased when coinsurance was waived showed improvement in outcomes including life years gained and CRC incidence and mortality reductions.3 Another study indicated a shorter time to diagnosis for screenable versus symptom-driven cancers, supporting an expanded use of multi-cancer testing.4
Also being presented are findings from Mayo Clinic as part of the academic center's ongoing collaboration with Exact Sciences to advance the use of methylated DNA markers in detecting a range of cancer types, including cutaneous melanoma, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.5
Data highlighting Exact Sciences' precision oncology portfolio of tests will also be presented. The analyses support use of Oncomap™ and Oncomap™ ExTra, comprehensive genomic profiling tests formerly known as the Oncotype Map™ Pan-Cancer Tissue and GEM ExTra® tests, respectively, to inform targeted therapy selection and clinical trial options for patients with advanced solid tumors.6 Also being presented is an overview of the ongoing CORRECT-MRD II study, designed to generate clinical validation data for the company's minimal residual disease assay in Stage II and III colorectal cancer patients.7
Following are details for the fourteen abstracts that have been accepted at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting. All abstracts are now available in the ASCO Meeting Library.
Saturday, June 4
NSABP C-14: CORRECT-MRD II – Second colorectal cancer clinical validation study to predict recurrence using a circulating tumor DNA assay to detect minimal residual disease
Authors: Salem, M., et al.
Session: Gastrointestinal Cancer ‒ Colorectal and Anal
Poster Discussion: 8:00-11:00 a.m. CT
Abstract Number: TPS3632
Methylated DNA markers in early detection of lymphoma: Discovery, validation, and clinical pilot
Authors: Witzig, T., et al.
Session: Hematologic Malignancies ‒ Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Poster Discussion: 8:00-11:00 a.m. CT
Abstract Number: 7562
Sunday, June 5
Comprehensive genomic profiling to identify gene alterations in DNA repair pathway across solid tumors
Authors: McDonnell, K., et al.
Session: Developmental Therapeutics ‒ Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology
Poster Discussion: 8:00-11:00 a.m. CT
Abstract Number: 3124
Monday, June 6
Comprehensive whole-exome and transcriptome profiling to identify actionable alterations associated with response to PARP inhibitors in breast cancer
Authors: Dombrowski, S., et al.
Session: Breast Cancer ‒ Metastatic
Poster Discussion: 8:00-11:00 a.m. CT
Abstract Number: 1096
BRAF mutation classes and co-occurring mutations in NSCLC
Authors: Niu, J., et al.
Session: Lung Cancer ‒ Non-Small Cell Metastatic
Poster Discussion: 8:00-11:00 a.m. CT
Abstract Number: 9083
Characterization of time to diagnosis indicates shorter interval for screenable versus symptom-driven cancers
Authors: Gainullin, V., et al.
Session: Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer
Poster Discussion: 1:15-4:15 p.m. CT
Abstract Number: 10526
Comparison of simulated outcomes between stool- and blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests
Authors: Fendrick, A. M., et al.
Session: Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer
Poster Discussion: 1:15-4:15 p.m. CT
Abstract Number: 10529
Plasma methylated DNA markers of cutaneous melanoma: Association with PET/CT-positive disease
Authors: Meves, A., et al.
Session: Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Poster Discussion: 3:15-6:15 p.m. CT
Abstract Number: 9567
Methylated DNA markers in urine aid in the selective identification of patients with prostate cancer as well as clinically significant pathology
Authors: Shah, P., et al.
Session: Genitourinary Cancer ‒ Prostate, Testicular, and Penile
Poster Discussion: 3:15-6:15 p.m. CT
Abstract Number: 5091
Online Publications
Cost-effectiveness of mt-sDNA vs mailed FIT outreach for Medicare Advantage enrollees using the CRC-AIM microsimulation model
Authors: Bhatt, J., et al.
Abstract Number: e18827
Cost-effectiveness of waiving coinsurance for follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based colorectal screening test in a Medicare population
Authors: Fendrick, A. M., et al.
Abstract Number: e13624
Modeling analysis of COVID 19-related delays in colorectal cancer screening on simulated clinical outcomes
Authors: Wilson, L., et al.
Abstract Number: e13631
Plasma methylated DNA markers detect recurrence and response to therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhu, M., et al.
Abstract Number: e15567
A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences relentlessly pursues smarter solutions providing the clarity to take life-changing action, earlier. Building on the success of Cologuard and Oncotype tests, Exact Sciences is investing in its product pipeline to support patients before and throughout their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Exact Sciences unites visionary collaborators to help advance the fight against cancer. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.exactsciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on Twitter @ExactSciences, or find Exact Sciences on Facebook and LinkedIn.
NOTE: Oncotype, Oncotype DX, Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score, Oncotype DX Breast DCIS Score, Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score, Oncotype MAP Oncotype DX AR-V7 Nucleus Detect, Oncomap, and Oncomap ExTra, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Genomic Health, Inc. Exact Sciences and Cologuard are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exact Sciences Corporation. GEM ExTra is a registered trademark of Ashion Analytics, LLC, an Exact Sciences Company. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially from those anticipated. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect our forward-looking statements are described in the Risk Factors sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
1 Cancer Fact Sheet. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer. Accessed May 13, 2022.
2 Fendrick, A. M., et al. Abstract #10529, ASCO 2022.
3 Fendrick, A. M., et al. Abstract #e13624, ASCO 2022.
4 Gainullin, V., et al. Abstract #10526. ASCO 2022.
5 Meves, A., et al. Abstract # 9567. Shah, P., et al. Abstract # 5091. Witzig, T., et al. Abstract # 7562. ASCO 2022.
6 Niu, J., et al. Abstract # 9083. Dombrowski, S., et al. Abstract # 1096. McDonnell, K., et al. Abstract # 3124. ASCO 2022.
7 Salem, M., et al. Abstract # TPS3632. ASCO 2022.
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SOURCE EXACT SCIENCES CORP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/27/exact-sciences-showcases-breadth-early-detection-treatment-guidance-portfolio-with-multiple-data-presentations-asco-2022/ | 2022-05-27T13:40:56Z |
Concentric Energy Advisors report reveals significant shortcomings accompany 'competitive' solicitations for regional transmission projects
NOVI, Mich., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC) and other members of the Developers Advocating Transmission Advancements (DATA) Coalition are calling attention to a new study showing that unintended consequences of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Order No. 1000 include project cost increases and schedule delays.
The study titled "Competitive Transmission: Experience to Date Shows Order 1000 Solicitations Fail to Show Benefits" prepared by Concentric Energy Advisors, reveals that completed and active competitive transmission projects awarded to non-incumbent developers experienced an average of 12 months in schedule delays and 27% in cost increases, contrary to promises made by competitive developers in winning bids.
Ten years ago, FERC issued Order No. 1000 in response to the growing challenge of planning and constructing new transmission to keep pace with national and state energy policy priorities. The order allows for public utility transmission providers to use competitive bidding to solicit transmission projects or project developers. Now a decade later, new emerging data of so-called "competitive projects" now in service, or in advanced stages of development, show significant shortcomings.
Using six projects awarded to developers through competitive solicitations, the study investigated claims that Order No. 1000 solicitations contribute to cost savings and the timely development of transmission infrastructure.
- One project from New York Independent System Operator's service territory experienced a 67% cost increase above the developer's promised cost cap, which is now attempting to be recovered from customers. This calls to question whether competitive processes create incentives for outside developers to submit overly aggressive bids to win projects.
- Another example from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region found that the final cost for a competitive project was approximately equal to MISO's planning-level cost estimate and the average of all the submitted bids, indicating no benefit from the solicitation.
For the first time, these case studies provide policymakers the most accurate assessment of the Order No. 1000 competitive process.
"These results add to the growing case that it is time to move in a new direction," said Nina Plaushin, Vice President of Regulatory and Federal Affairs at ITC and DATA Coalition member. "As FERC considers new reforms to regional transmission planning processes, it is clear we must return to a collaborative planning model that has been proven to result in cost effective transmission infrastructure. At a time when transmission investment is sorely needed to power our transition to a clean energy economy and achieve the nation's climate goals, there is no time to waste."
The study was prepared on behalf of the DATA Coalition, a group of transmission-owning utilities consisting of Ameren, Eversource Energy, Exelon Corporation, ITC Holdings Corp., National Grid USA, Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Xcel Energy.
ABOUT ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
ITC Holdings Corp. is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the United States. ITC provides transmission grid solutions to improve reliability, expand access to markets, allow new generating resources to interconnect to its systems and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. Through its regulated operating subsidiaries ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and in development in Wisconsin. These systems serve a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along 16,000 circuit miles of transmission line, supported by 700 employees and 1,000 contractors. ITC is based in Novi, Michigan. For further information visit WWW.ITC-HOLDINGS.COM. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit WWW.FORTISINC.COM.
About Concentric Energy Advisors
Concentric Energy Advisors specializes in management consulting and financial advisory services focusing on the North American energy and water industries. Through its subsidiaries, CE Capital Advisors and Concentric Advisors ULC, Concentric provides capital market advisory support and consulting services in Canada.
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SOURCE ITC Holdings Corp. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/study-shows-order-no-1000-transmission-solicitations-have-not-yielded-customer-savings-or-improved-transmission-development-timelines/ | 2022-08-16T18:46:19Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — What would you do if you won $25,000? Now, let’s preface this by omitting the cliche “pay off debt” type of answer and have a little fun with it. Example: Rent out a movie theater and host a MarioKart tournament on a Friday night in your hometown.
Well, if you recently bought a Texas Lottery ticket just south of Dallas-Fort Worth, that might be a reality for you. The lottery says a $25,000 winning Cash Five ticket was sold in Midlothian from Saturday’s drawing.
The ticket matched all five of the winning numbers from the June 4 drawing to net the big win. It was sold at a Kroger on 2200 FM 663 in Midlothian. In case you were wondering it was a Quick Pick ticket.
There were also 66 secondary prize winners who matched four of the five winning numbers to win $350 each. | https://cw33.com/news/local/25000-winning-texas-lottery-ticket-sold-just-south-of-dfw/ | 2022-06-06T21:19:31Z |
GRANBURY, Texas, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In what will be his first full year as a real estate agent, Eric Wilkins has achieved exceptional results in the industry already: more than $13 million in sales in the first two quarters of 2022. Notably, this has been accomplished in a market that has been extraordinarily competitive, requiring skills and instincts to negotiate multiple offers, bidding wars and contract anomalies beyond the norm.
Part of the top luxury brokerage in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, Wilkins brings his professional experience as a marketer to every real estate client, whether they are selling or buying. As the former creative director at a large, multisite church and the current owner of a successful digital marketing agency, Wilkins knows consumer behavior, technology and trends — and blends it all in his real estate career, whether marketing a seller's property to its fullest using the industry's most advanced tools or seeking the perfect place for his buyers.
In 2022, Wilkins has sold a range of properties, from a 1900s Victorian house near historic Granbury Square to sprawling luxury homes in sought-after neighborhoods. Wilkins' immediate real estate success is a testament to his innate ability to connect people to the ideal solutions and experiences for them.
The first person in his family to graduate from a four-year university — he earned a bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University — Wilkins was born in Dallas and lives in Granbury with his wife and five children. He is on the board of directors of the Granbury Chamber of Commerce, is a board member of the Lake Granbury Medical Center and is on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee of Granbury High School. He is also a musician at The Bridge church in Granbury.
For Wilkins, the opportunity to help people with a significant part of their lives is one of the most rewarding jobs anyone can have. "The purchase or sale of a property often signifies a new shift in life," he says. "Whether it's moving to a new location or moving from one, it's an opportunity for a fresh start." That is why Wilkins does what he does. He has learned, he says, "that new beginnings are often the catalyst to hopes and dreams becoming realities."
Wilkins is based in the Fort Worth office of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty. Contact him at 214-991-8180 or ewilkins@briggsfreeman.com. His current listings, sold listings and biography are at briggsfreeman.com.
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SOURCE Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/eric-wilkins-north-texas-real-estate-agent-with-unique-marketing-background-achieves-outstanding-sales-first-year-career/ | 2022-07-26T14:54:33Z |
B—ON's proprietary process guides customers through holistic electrification; partnership with Hitachi to power charging and energy management
LUXEMBOURG, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Odin Automotive S.à r.l., an automotive holding company led by global automotive experts, announced today in a live press conference that the company has rebranded to B—ON and launched an entire suite of electrification services, powered by a partnership with global technology giant Hitachi Group. B—ON is solving the electrification equation for last mile transportation, offering fleet owners higher uptime with less hassle, so that they can spend less time on setup and more time just being on.
Fleet owners know they need to electrify, but today, the process is so fragmented, decentralized, and unfriendly to handle that most don't even know where to begin. That's why B—ON was created, to provide a radically simpler, stress-free, and more fun path to give fleet owners everything they need to solve their problems with last mile transportation through one simple, all-inclusive process. The company's full scope of solutions provides customers with everything they need to electrify, including proven electric vehicles, smart delivery tools & reusable packaging, subscription access, service & maintenance, energy infrastructure & charging management, telematics & fleet management software, and even driver-focused solutions that make delivery jobs cool and fun again—all through one point of contact at B—ON.
"B—ON is so much more than just a name—it is a modern, living brand that is never static and always moving, dynamically communicating with our audience and actively inviting them to BE ON the journey with us to a cleaner future," said Gernot Friedhuber, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for the company. "We took brand creation way beyond just skin deep and designed our identity so that everything about us pulls the customer in to the center of a meaningful ecosystem for change."
The new services will be provided via a combination of internal capabilities and external partnerships, including a key cooperation with global technology leader Hitachi Group, who will support critical charging and energy management functions for B—ON customers in Europe and Asia. Additionally, Hitachi's venture capital arm, Hitachi Ventures, has come on board as one of B—ON's major investment partners.
"Acquiring StreetScooter earlier this year gave us a great head start, providing the vehicle piece of our complete electrification solution," says Stefan Krause, CEO and Chairman of B—ON. "And now, we're very excited and honored to be able to bring on a partner like Hitachi to support the service piece of our plan. We feel this entire holistic solution is the key that will finally open the door for fleet owners to make this change for good."
"Hitachi Ventures is committed to supporting key initiatives driving society's transformation to carbon net zero. B—ON's vision of a world where last mile transportation works for people and planet is perfectly in line with our own and made them a natural strategic choice for us," said Tobias Jahn, Partner at Hitachi Ventures. "Their proven product, the expert team behind it, and the insightful holistic business model are a unique and unbeatable combination for accelerating the electrification of commercial fleets worldwide."
Customers can get started today by visiting electrification.b-on.com and taking a short, straightforward quiz that assesses their needs and begins customizing the perfect solution just for them.
About B—ON
B—ON is a full-service solution provider democratizing fleet electrification, providing access to an entire ecosystem of services through one simple process. With seasoned employees working together across Europe, Asia, and North America, B—ON is focused on transforming last mile transportation of people and goods to zero emissions. By bringing together financing & insurance, service & maintenance, charging & energy management, telematics, driver solutions, and proven electric vehicles through one single point of contact, B—ON makes the electrification process accessible to all fleets, whether big or small. For more information, check us out on LinkedIn or on our website at www.b-on.com.
Media Contacts:
Veronica Grigoriou
PR & Communications
press@b-on.com
Holger Neumann
bmb-consult
h.neumann@bmb-consult.com
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SOURCE B-ON | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/odin-automotive-rebrands-b-on-launches-full-suite-electrification-services/ | 2022-05-19T15:36:44Z |
Former Coca-Cola Company Sales Executive Brings Nearly Three Decades of Industry Expertise to Fast-Rising Hydrating Lemon Water Brand
ATLANTA, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lemon Perfect, the fastest-growing brand in the enhanced water category*, announced today the hiring of former Coca-Cola Company executive Jim Brennan as President and Chief Revenue Officer.
Lemon Perfect Founder and CEO Yanni Hufnagel says Brennan is a transformational sales leader who will be instrumental in developing and implementing plans for driving future growth and profitability. "Lemon Perfect is disrupting the enhanced water category by offering a better-for you, better-tasting product that is resonating broadly with the American consumer," Hufnagel said. "Today is a monumental day for Lemon Perfect. Jim is a best-in-industry sales executive and passionate people leader whose experience is unsurpassed. His sales strategy will drive revenue and profit while accelerating Lemon Perfect's rise toward its goal of becoming the number one brand in the multibillion-dollar enhanced water category by market share."
Brennan joined Atlanta-based Lemon Perfect as a Board Member and Operating Advisor in April 2021 after concluding a 32-year run across various sales roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises. Brennan's day-to-day advisory played a key role in quadrupling Lemon Perfect's revenue in 2021. In his last role at Coca-Cola as Executive Vice President, National Retail Sales, Brennan led total customer management and the strategic selling vision for the top national retail customers across multiple channels of trade. In the role, Brennan was responsible for an $8B+ beverage portfolio and was heralded for his focus on developing people and talent.
"After retiring from The Coca-Cola Company, I thought my full-time roles were complete," said Brennan. "Then I met Yanni. I was motivated by his passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to changing the beverage landscape and making a healthier option accessible to all. Lemon Perfect is simply the best-tasting zero sugar product on the market and has unlimited growth potential. I am honored to lead the highly talented, energized Lemon Perfect team that is charging the hill every day with our distributor partners across the country. We are going to have fun scaling this great brand!"
"Jim is a seasoned beverage industry rockstar," said former Bai Brands Chief Operating Officer and Lemon Perfect Board Member Barak Bar-Cohen. "It is rare to find someone with Jim's experience, sales prowess, and tenacity who has the passion and drive to lead a commercial organization through triple-digit hypergrowth. On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Yanni and Jim on this exciting new chapter in the Lemon Perfect journey. We are all delighted to have Jim in the C-suite alongside Yanni and the rest of the Lemon Perfect team."
In April, the Company announced the closing of a $31 million Series A headlined by internationally celebrated award-winning artist and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The financing brought Lemon Perfect's total valuation to over $100 million in less than three years from the Company's selling its first bottle.
Lemon Perfect is a great-tasting and hydrating flavored lemon water with zero sugar and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Powered by squeezed organic lemons, Lemon Perfect contains electrolytes from potassium and is packed with vitamin C, making healthy hydration more convenient, delicious, and refreshing than ever.
Lemon Perfect is widely considered by industry insiders to be one of the most scalable, exciting, and innovative emerging beverages in the marketplace. The company's mission is to promote healthy hydration and deliver the joy of flavor—anytime, anywhere, and for everyone-.
Lemon Perfect is available at retailers nationwide, on Amazon, and on lemonperfect.com. The Lemon Perfect Company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA.
*Source: IRi Total MULO YTD Period Ending June 26, 2022
Shira Berg | Autumn Communications
lemonperfect@autumncommunications.com
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SOURCE Lemon Perfect | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/lemon-perfect-appoints-jim-brennan-president-chief-revenue-officer/ | 2022-07-14T14:36:30Z |
Best figures from Marvel
The Marvel Universe has given rise to the most iconic characters in pop culture history. Whether you are a fan of the Avengers, the X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Fantastic Four or every franchise, there is a carefully made action figure that can add to your collection or imaginative play.
The Marvel Avengers Action Figures featuring Iron Man, Hulk, Black Panther, Captain America, Spider-Man, Ant-Man, War Machine and Falcon are the best ones you can buy. For a low price, you can have eight different action figures of the most popular Avengers heroes.
What to know before you buy a Marvel figure
Different Marvel heroes
There are hundreds of characters in the Marvel universe, all dating back to 1939. While most people are familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which features the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man, there are also other popular characters such as X-men, Fantastic Four and Venom. There are also some characters who have yet to have big franchises beyond their comic book origins.
Various manufacturers
Marvel figures are manufactured by different toymakers. For example, Funko produces bobblehead-like figures with limited detail, whereas Hasbro creates posable action figures that can sometimes become collectors’ items. Each manufacturer puts their own spin on an action figure, sometimes making them connectable like Legos, other times focusing on bringing out the utmost detail in their expressions.
Marvel Legends
Perhaps the most popular line of Marvel action figures is produced by Hasbro. The officially licensed line features popular characters such as Iron Man and Spider-Man, and usually come with highly detailed costumes and accessories. Due to the rarity of some figures, their prices can soar soon after production ends.
What to look for in a quality Marvel figure
Detail
Marvel heroes are known for their iconic costumes and weapons. The movie versions also have famous actors lending their likeness to the character. It only makes sense to find figures that do those characters justice, adding the right details in the right places. Look for figures that have fine paint jobs and film or comic accurate renditions. Even the most simple figure designs tend to pay attention to certain facial expressions or costume design details.
Articulation
This isn’t necessary, but it’s always nice to be able to pose your figurines. Some only feature limited articulation, such as one or two limbs that move. The more detailed figures have dozens of points of articulation that allow them to pose in countless different ways. For children with wild imaginations, they can even recreate their favorite scenes and battles just with the figurines.
Durability
Action figures are meant to be played with, so it’s only reasonable that customers expect them to last beyond the usual wear. Fortunately, most action figures are made with hard plastic. However, there are still certain elements or points in the figure which may be vulnerable to breaking or snapping off.
Accessories
Although having a detailed figure can be great, it’s even better when the figure comes with some accessories, whether it’s an alternate costume, a signature weapon, a projectile, or a vehicle. Accessories can be fun add-ons that help bring play scenes to life. Look for figures that come packaged with extras.
Sets
Figures tend to come stand-alone, but sometimes they come in sets including multiple characters. For example, you may sometimes see members of the Avengers packaged together, such as Falcon and the Winter Soldier. You can combine different characters to have them fight each other, and even film your favorite battles.
How much you can expect to spend on a Marvel figure
Marvel figures range from $10-$300 depending on the level of detail, manufacturer and collectability.
Marvel figures FAQ
Why are some figures more expensive than others?
A. There are numerous factors that affect price, including detail, size, rarity and condition.
Why do some figures look more detailed than others?
A. The level of detail will vary based on the manufacturer, the line, the character and whether or not it is officially licensed.
What’s the best Marvel figure to buy?
Top Marvel figure
Marvel Avengers Action Figures
What you need to know: If you can only buy one set of figures and are primarily shopping for a young child, this one will give you several Avengers.
What you’ll love: Features some of the most popular Avengers, including Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-Man, The Hulk, War Machine, Captain Falcon, and Ant-Man.
What you should consider: The figures aren’t as detailed as other Hasbro figures and have limited points of articulation so you can only move their arms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Marvel figure for the money
Hasbro Marvel Legends Series Venom 6-inch Collectible Action Figure Venom Toy
What you need to know: An amazing, highly-detailed 6-inch rendition of Marvel’s Venom, complete with different hand and face configurations.
What you’ll love: This figure has multiple points of articulation so you can pose him in various ways.
What you should consider: Venom unfortunately doesn’t come with any other accessories or weapons besides different hands and a different facial expression.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Avengers Marvel Studios Titan Hero Series Captain America Action Figure, 12-Inch Toy
What you need to know: One of the bigger figures available is a 12-inch action figure of the newly installed Captain America, previously known as the Falcon.
What you’ll love: Captain America has two wings that can raise, as well as his iconic shield.
What you should consider: The wings on his back are brittle and may snap if dropped.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Leo Herrera-Lim 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/toys-games-br/action-figures-playsets-br/best-marvel-figure/ | 2022-05-22T13:26:49Z |
US government OKs nearly $190M in bids from offshore oil lease sale
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The U.S. government has accepted nearly $190 million in bids from an offshore oil and gas lease sale that was held nearly a year ago but rejected by a federal judge, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said Wednesday.
The action met a 30-day deadline set in the climate bill signed Aug. 16. That law also requires the bureau to reschedule three sales that had been put on hold by a moratorium ordered by President Joe Biden, with the first of them to be held by Dec. 31.
“We are pleased that the Department of the Interior has finally offered the first offshore leases of this administration, but it is disappointing that it took 19 months and an act of Congress to get us to this point,” said Cole Ramsey, vice president of upstream policy for the American Petroleum Institute.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said Wednesday that it had accepted 307 valid high bids totaling just under $189.9 million from the November 2021 sale “in compliance with congressional direction.” Companies bid on about 2% of the tracts offered for sale in the Gulf of Mexico.
“Leases resulting from this sale include stipulations to protect biologically sensitive resources, mitigate potential adverse effects on protected species, and avoid potential ocean user conflicts,” the agency said in a news release.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who got the lease sale provisions into the law, said, “Our federal oil and gas leasing programs are critical to American energy security, and these offshore leases will provide the market signals necessary to help ease the pain Americans are feeling from record inflation and high energy prices.”
Miyoko Sakashita, director of the oceans program at the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental nonprofit, called the congressional order a huge disappointment.
“Congress just gave the greenlight to a lease sale that was found unlawful. That’s a serious blow to our climate and Gulf ecosystems, which have already suffered so much from oil industry pollution,” she said.
The judge’s order in February said the Biden administration had failed to adequately consider the sale’s effect on planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington said Interior could decide whether to scrap the sale, undertake a fresh review or take other steps.
The National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore energy companies, said, “Communities along the Gulf Coast and throughout the country rely upon Gulf of Mexico oil and gas development for good-paying jobs, affordable energy supplies, and important funding for local infrastructure needs, coastal restoration and resiliency, and parks and recreation programs.”
The previous lease sale, in November 2020, had brought $120.9 million in high bids on 93 tracts. Seven of those bids, totaling $9.3 million, were rejected as too low.
In a separate action, the Center for Biological Diversity asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday to forbid companies to discharge fracking waste into the ocean.
It said trade secret protections in current rules for permits governing oil industry discharges into the Gulf of Mexico mean EPA “often does not know what chemicals are used.”
As of 2016, it said, EPA had identified nearly 1,100 chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and more than 500 found in water that comes up with oil and gas. The agency “has little to no information regarding the impacts of many of these chemicals on human and marine environments,” it said.
A proposed new permit for the western Gulf of Mexico “would allow more of the same,” the organization said in public comments about a two-year industry study to assess discharges.
The climate bill’s requirement for offshore lease sales is likely to increase offshore drilling and fracking, the group said.
“With offshore drilling set to surge, the Biden administration needs to stop oil and gas companies from poisoning the Gulf of Mexico with fracking waste,” Kristin Carden, a senior scientist at the Center, said in a news release.
National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito responded, “This is a complete misunderstanding of offshore production processes and does not reflect the actual science and engineering behind how U.S. offshore oil and gas is actually produced. Performance-based limits provide strict controls on the fluids that are discharged and ensure a sound, risk-based approach to protecting the environment.”
___
To follow AP’s coverage of oil and gas, go to https://apnews.com/hub/oil-and-gas-industry.
To follow AP’s environmental coverage, go to https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/14/us-government-oks-nearly-190m-bids-offshore-oil-lease-sale/ | 2022-09-14T19:29:20Z |
- If a project involves digging, then contacting 811 is needed
- Aug. 11 is a day to remember to contact 811
- The 811 service is free, required by law and protects public safety
RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thursday is National 811 Day (8/11), and Dominion Energy is joining utilities across the country to remind the public to contact 811 and have underground utility lines marked before completing summer home improvement projects that involve digging. The 811 service is free, required by law and protects public safety.
According to a recent national study, nearly half of all U.S. homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811. Accidentally striking an underground utility line could cause inconvenient outages, traffic disruptions or public safety issues.
Common home improvement projects such as installing a mailbox or building a deck are examples of projects that could damage underground utility lines. State Law requires the public to contact 811 three business days before starting a project to request underground utilities be marked. Property owners and contractors can dial 811 or submit a request online.
"On 811 Day and throughout the year, we educate homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of damaging an underground utility line," said Jason Holland, Dominion Energy Virginia's Director of Distribution Operations Centers and Emergency Preparedness. "Having lines marked is the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area so that you can avoid them and dig safely."
Following the request, 811 will notify the appropriate utility companies of the project and professional locators will mark the approximate location of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both, to help excavators and property owners dig safely. The utility marking service is funded by utilities, like Dominion Energy.
To learn more about safe digging, visit DominionEnergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig.
About Dominion Energy
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Dominion Energy | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/dominion-energy-urges-public-contact-811-before-beginning-home-improvement-work-ensure-utility-reliability-safety/ | 2022-08-11T17:20:55Z |
Gatlinburg Adventure Theme Park Embarks on a $34 Million Multi-phased Expansion Project
GATLINBURG, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anakeesta announced a multimillion-dollar expansion. This marks their most ambitious and largest development to date. Overlooking Gatlinburg, the mountaintop adventure park is home to some of the most breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The expansion will double the size of the guest experience within the park and solidifies Anakeesta as one of the top adventure theme parks in the country. The unprecedented $34 million investment will happen over the next three years. New additions include: an enchanted night walk with immersive lighting and audio guiding guests through a celestial story within the woods; a second thrilling mountain coaster; a European-themed village with shopping, dining and immersive plaza with an interactive waterfall; and a brand-new whimsical bird house themed play area with enormous adventure elements down the mountain and more.
"As Gatlinburg's iconic destination, we're excited to continue offering Tennessee visitors incomparable adventures that elevate the Smoky Mountain guest experience," said Bob Bentz, Founder and Managing Partner of Anakeesta. "This historic expansion will take our park to new heights with unparalleled moments of magic and extraordinary mountain thrills that only Anakeesta and the Great Smoky Mountains can deliver."
The first phase of the expansion will open this November. In partnership with Moment Factory, an award-winning multimedia entertainment studio headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Anakeesta guests will take a nighttime journey through a Smoky Mountain Forest where they will experience illuminating encounters of lighting, projection, and sound to connect with the mystery of the stars on a magical Astra Lumina Enchanted Night Walk. This will be Moment Factory's 15th Lumina Night Walk experience and the first in the United States. Astra Lumina is a sensory experience like no other.
In the Spring of 2023, the first part of a European-Themed Village will open as Anakeesta further expands its adventure offerings with two new attractions for the young and young-at-heart. The first is BirdVenture: a birdhouse-inspired play zone where guests can imagine life as a bird in the Smokies. Kids of all ages will experience three larger-than-life birdhouses, a dozen adventure zones, and seven giant serpentine slides winding more than 50 feet down the mountain! This unique series of slide paths marks another first of its kind in the United States.
The second attraction is a thrilling new mountain coaster that boasts experiential tunnels, with twists and turns through the forest giving guests an exciting downhill adventure. The new double-rail mountain coaster will be themed to the native Smoky Mountain salamander species, giving it the perfect name of Hellbender. With this new installation, Anakeesta will have both a single-rail and double-rail mountain coaster for the entire family to enjoy.
The first phase of this expansion project also includes a new interactive mountain waterfall and cave system surrounded by walking trails and Anakeesta's iconic lush gardens. Guests will be able to walk behind the falls and explore the caves within this water feature designed to evoke the natural beauty of waterfalls found throughout hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Every element highlights the beauty of the surrounding natural environment for an authentic Smoky Mountain experience.
All the adventure coming in Spring of 2023 means there also needs to be an opportunity to relax and recharge. Within the new village, guests will be able to do just that at Mimi's Bakery. The new French-inspired bakery will serve sweet and savory delights. Along with the bakery, Anakeesta will be opening first phase of the largest themed retail area the park has ever built.
"Anakeesta's continued investment into expanding its park will allow even more visitors the opportunity to experience the authentic wonder and beauty of the Gatlinburg area," said Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner. "These planned developments at Anakeesta will continue to add to the many reasons visitors will have to choose Gatlinburg as their vacation destination."
As Anakeesta looks ahead, the rest of the park's vast expansion will continue as the village opens in phases throughout 2024. Once completed, Anakeesta will transport guests to a unique and iconic mountaintop village that has been designed with nature in mind and adorned with touches of aged copper, stone, and wood. Future elements will include a heavily themed restaurant and brewery, event center, and entertainment stage with indoor and outdoor seating.
"These expansions at Anakeesta provide even more compelling reasons for vacationers to choose a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, our country's most visited national park," said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. "The variety of authentic adventures offered in Tennessee is becoming even more elevated and unique with each of these new tourism mountain experiences."
Guests are invited to follow along on this exceptional construction journey on Anakeesta's social media platforms for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and insider peeks!
To learn more about Anakeesta, please visit www.Anakeesta.com.
Anakeesta is Gatlinburg, Tennessee's award-winning theme park surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains. Anakeesta is a place for adventure and relaxation, exploration and wonder. A place where people of all ages can discover nature and family entertainment. The exploration begins with a scenic chondola ride or Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle to the summit to enjoy all day, unlimited access. Guests can stroll along the nation's longest Treetop Skywalk and climb Anavista Tower for 360⁰ views from downtown Gatlinburg's highest point. Walk meandering pathways in Vista Gardens, a multi-sensory botanical garden featuring whimsical art installations, music, and scenic overlooks. TreeVenture and BearVenture challenge courses will delight all ages. Innovative culinary creations and mixology await throughout the park. Thrill seekers can add to the adventure with the Dueling Zipline Adventure course, soar on the Rail Runner Mountain coaster and find treasure at Anakeesta Gem Mining. Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg. To learn more, visit www.Anakeesta.com.
Contact: Andrea Alava
Andrea@theRumbleBuzz.com
Download visuals HERE.
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SOURCE Anakeesta | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/anakeesta-announces-largest-expansion-since-opening-2017/ | 2022-09-08T18:16:45Z |
MIDDLEBURG, Pa., July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Practice Center ("FPC") announced that it suffered an attempt to shut down its computer operations on October 11, 2021. That attempt failed and FPC was still able to treat patients and provide service to the community. FPC immediately launched an investigation to determine what happened and what information may have been accessed by an unauthorized person during the incident. On May 21, 2022 the investigation revealed that some of the files accessed contained personal information of patients and who those patients may be.
Although FPC has no evidence that any information has been misused, out of an abundance of caution FPC is providing notification to patients whose information may have been involved in the incident. The potentially affected information included names, addresses, medical insurance information, and health and treatment information. Patient medical records were not involved in the incident. For a small group of patients, Social Security numbers were involved. On June 30, 2022, FPC determined current address information for the potentially involved individuals in order to effectuate written notification of the incident.
FPC immediately contacted independent cybersecurity professionals to assist in protecting patients and advise on preventing unauthorized disclosures in the future.
FPC will be notifying potentially impacted individuals of this incident by letter. The letters include information about this incident and what steps those individuals who had their information exposed can take to monitor and protect their information.
FPC has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and related concerns. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time and can be reached at 1-833-909-4308.
FPC are not aware of the misuse of any patient information resulting from this incident.
Family Practice Center operates full service medical facilities headquartered at 7 Dock Hill Road, Middleburg, PA 17842.
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SOURCE Family Practice Center | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/family-practice-reports-data-security-incident/ | 2022-07-08T18:48:57Z |
WIXOM, Mich. , Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMTI), a commercial healthcare company focused on providing life-sustaining products for patients suffering from blood disorders and diseases associated with the kidney, today announced that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 on Monday, August 15, 2022. The Company will issue a press release at 6:00am ET followed by a live conference call and webcast at 8:00am ET.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS
Please call 10 minutes prior to the call to register.
Date: Monday, August 15, 2022
Time: 8:00am ET
Webcast: www.RockwellMed.com/Results
Live Number: (888) 660-6347 // (International) 1 (929) 201-6594
Replay Number: (800) 770-2030 // (International) 1 (647) 362-9199
Access Code: 4944610
Speakers: Mark Strobeck, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer; and Russell Skibsted, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer
Format: Discussion of second quarter 2022 operational and financial results followed by Q&A.
A replay will be available via the replay number and webcast through September 14, 2022.
About Rockwell Medical
Rockwell Medical is a commercial healthcare company focused on providing life-sustaining products for patients suffering from blood disorders and diseases associated with the kidney. Rockwell is the second largest supplier of acid and bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States. The Company is developing and commercializing a next-generation, proprietary parenteral iron technology platform, Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate ("FPC"), which has the potential to transform treatment options for iron deficiency in multiple disease states, reduce healthcare costs and improve patients' lives. Rockwell has two FDA-approved therapies indicated for patients undergoing hemodialysis, which are the first two products developed from the FPC platform. Rockwell is also advancing its FPC platform by developing FPC for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients outside of dialysis, who are receiving medications in the home infusion setting. For more information, visit www.RockwellMed.com.
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SOURCE Rockwell Medical, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/rockwell-medical-release-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-monday-august-15/ | 2022-08-03T11:42:40Z |
Suspect caught on camera setting elderly man ablaze in Chinatown
By Matthew Nuttle
Click here for updates on this story
HONOLULU (KITV) — Police are searching for a suspect caught on camera setting an elderly man ablaze in Chinatown, Tuesday morning.
The incident happened at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza located in the 100 block of N. Beretania Street. Honolulu firefighters and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the scene around 8 a.m.
According to EMS, a 79-year-old man was taken from the scene in serious condition after suffering first and second-degree burns to his neck and back.
A security guard at the plaza told KITV4 that surveillance video showed a man setting the elderly victim on fire. That surveillance video showed the suspect coming up behind the victim and setting his shirt on fire.
The suspect then took off on foot. He has not yet been arrested. Honolulu Police said this case is now being investigated as a first-degree assault.
If you recognize the suspect, please call Honolulu Police immediately.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/04/13/suspect-caught-on-camera-setting-elderly-man-ablaze-in-chinatown/ | 2022-04-13T17:06:47Z |
Hamburg beats Hertha 1-0 in 1st leg of promotion playoff
By CIARÁN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
BERLIN (AP) — Hertha Berlin is tottering on the verge of Bundesliga relegation after a 1-0 defeat to Hamburger SV in the first leg of their playoff. Ludovit Reis’ second-half goal in Berlin’s Olympiastadion has given the visitors the edge ahead of the teams’ return leg in Hamburg on Monday. Reis’ attempted cross dipped over Danish goalkeeper Oliver Christensen and went in off the far post in the 57th minute to give Hamburg its fifth consecutive win. The playoff pits the team that finishes third from last in the Bundesliga against the third-place finisher in the second tier to see which plays in the top division next season. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/19/hamburg-beats-hertha-1-0-in-1st-leg-of-promotion-playoff/ | 2022-05-19T22:10:16Z |
Shia LaBeouf says that he has discovered Catholicism after a dark period in his life.
The actor, who was raised with both Jewish and Christian traditions, sat down with Bishop Robert Barron of the Word on Fire Catholic Ministries to talk about how his faith has helped him.
LaBeouf says he started studying Catholicism as he prepared for his upcoming movie, "Padre Pio," about the saint of the same name.
"It was seeing other people who have sinned beyond anything I could ever conceptualize also being found in Christ that made me feel like, 'Oh, that gives me hope,' " he said. "I started hearing experiences of other depraved people who had found their way — in this — and it made me feel like I had permission."
LaBeouf said at one point he felt suicidal and was experiencing deep shame over events that had unfolded in his life.
"I had a gun on the table. I was outta here," LaBeouf said. "I didn't want to be alive anymore when all this happened. Shame like I had never experienced before — the kind of shame that you forget how to breathe. You don't know where to go. You can't go outside and get like, a taco."
"But I was also in this deep desire to hold on," he added.
At the time, LaBeouf was going through a period of personal and professional tumult.
While preparing for his new role, LaBeouf lived in a monastery with Franciscan Capuchin friars.
"I know now that God was using my ego to draw me to Him. Drawing me away from worldly desires. It was all happening simultaneously. But there would have been no impetus for me to get in my car, drive up [to the monastery] if I didn't think, 'Oh, I'm gonna save my career,'" he said.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/after-a-dark-turn-shia-labeouf-finds-new-faith/article_66c99076-7f9c-5e33-bfdc-aefeef74cb4a.html | 2022-08-26T16:07:08Z |
Teen saves 3 girls, officer from drowning after vehicle sinks in river
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) – A teenager in Mississippi jumped into action to save four people when a vehicle drove off a boat launch into the Pascagoula River.
Authorities said the vehicle, which had three teenage girls inside, was about 20 feet from shore before sinking.
“They drove straight under the water,” 16-year-old Corion Evans told WLOX. “Like, only a little bit of the car was still above the water.”
Evans, who’s been swimming since he was 3 years old, said he tossed his shoes, shirt and phone and jumped in.
“I was behind them trying to keep them above water and swim with them at the same time,” Evans said.
Evans helped bring the three girls to shore, along with Moss Point Police Officer Gary Mercer, who responded to the scene and swam out to help.
“I turned around. I see the police officer. He’s drowning. He’s going underwater, drowning, saying, ‘Help!’” Evans said. “So, I went over there. I went and I grabbed the police officer and I’m like swimming him back.”
Mercer and the three girls were taken to the hospital for treatment and are now recovering.
“The police department and I commend Mr. Evans’s bravery and selflessness he displayed by risking his own safety to help people in danger. If Mr. Evans had not assisted, it could have possibly turned out tragically instead of all occupants rescued safely,” Chief Brandon Ashley said in a statement.
One of the girls took to Facebook to show her appreciation by saying Evans, “saved my life right before my last breath.”
Mercer is expected to be back on duty later this week.
Copyright 2022 WLOX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/05/teen-saves-3-girls-officer-drowning-after-vehicle-sinks-river/ | 2022-07-05T16:06:42Z |
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ATC Healthcare Services, LLC ("ATC" the "Company") is making individuals aware of an incident that may affect the privacy of certain information. Although ATC is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of such information, the Company is providing notice of the event so potentially affected individuals may take steps to better protect their information from misuse, should they feel it appropriate to do so.
What Happened? On December 22, 2021, ATC learned that it was the victim of a criminal cyberattack. ATC promptly took steps to secure its systems and commenced an investigation into the nature and scope of the incident. ATC has been working diligently to investigate this incident and confirm any information that may be affected. Unfortunately, the investigation could not conclusively rule out access to data, ATC provides this notice because it has been unable to determine all of the addresses related to individuals whose information was potentially accessed and/or acquired.
What Information Was Involved? The specific scope of information potentially impacted will vary by individual. However, the email accounts may include one or more of the following types of information at the time of the incident: names, Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, dates of birth, government-issued identification numbers, medical information, health insurance information, employer-assigned identification number, and usernames and passwords.
What is ATC Doing. The confidentiality, privacy, and security of information within ATC's care are among the Company's highest priorities. Upon learning of the event, ATC immediately took steps to secure the systems and to investigate the full scope of the incident. ATC has taken additional steps to further enhance the security of its systems. Although ATC is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of any information, the Company is sending written notification to all potentially impacted individuals for whom ATC could obtain address information and providing information on steps that may be taken to best protect personal information.
What You Can Do. ATC encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing their account statements and explanation of benefits and monitoring their free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors.
For More Information? If individuals have additional questions, please call the dedicated assistance line at 1-855-585-1689, Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding U.S. holidays). You may also write to ATC at 1893 Marcus Ave, Suite E-122, Lake Success, NY 11042.
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SOURCE ATC Healthcare Services, LLC/Mullen Coughlin | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/atc-healthcare-services-llc-provides-notice-data-event/ | 2022-07-01T22:29:49Z |
CAMDEN, N.J., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today reported 42,526 vehicle sales for May 2022, a 24.8 percent decrease compared with May 2021 (56,558). The automaker also reported year-to-date sales of 220,620, a 20.8 percent decrease compared with the same period in 2021. Subaru continues to face inventory challenges as the result of microchip and supply chain issues affecting automakers across the globe.
"Our retailers continue to set the standard for an exemplary customer experience, and we're proud of their efforts to make our customer's ownership experience the best in the industry," said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO of Subaru of America, Inc. "Our vehicles have also shown stellar performance, with eight Subaru models receiving 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)."
In May, Outback was a top performer with 14,724 sales. Ascent sales for May 2022 increased 25.3 percent, while Legacy also saw a 5.2 percent increase compared to May 2021.
"We're continuing to see supply chain challenges across the industry, and we are focused on delivering the top-notch vehicles and standout customer experience that Subaru is renowned for," said Jeff Walters, Senior Vice President of Sales. "The Subaru Outback captured car-buyers' attention in May as they seek out safe, family-friendly vehicles that also boast a sense of fun."
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $270 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 78,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Dominick Infante
Director, Corporate Communications
(856) 488-8615
dinfante@subaru.com
Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com
Jessica Caufield
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-3173
jcaufi@subaru.com
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SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/subaru-america-inc-reports-may-sales-results/ | 2022-06-01T17:27:07Z |
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Dougherty, western
Lee, eastern Calhoun and southeastern Terrell Counties in
southwestern Georgia through 530 PM EDT...
At 427 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Morgan, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Morgan, Leesburg, Albany, Putney, Leary, East Albany, Turner City,
Marine Corps Logistics Base, Walker, Sasser, Stocks, Radium Springs,
Forrester, Lockett Crossing, South Albany, Southwest Ga Regional A/P,
Palmyra, Holt, Clarks Mill and Neyami.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN;
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
Think about what you want to convey to others and what you are trying to achieve this year. Call on people with something to contribute who can change the dynamics of a certain situation. Don’t let anger set in when patience and understanding will bring about forgiveness and clarity. Take precautions to avoid injury, illness and personal loss.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take care of your responsibilities. A disciplined attitude will attract the help you require to get things done on time. Don’t be fooled by someone trying to tempt you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — An open mind will take you to places that exhilarate you. If you speed things up, you’ll discover you can handle more than you anticipated. A change at home will lead to contentment.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Invest in the things that bring you joy and put your mind at ease. Doing the work yourself will make you feel good and save money. A unique idea will change the way you do things. Romance is favored.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Anger won’t improve anything. Analyze your situation and look for a practical way to move forward. Distance yourself from anyone who takes advantage of you or purposely leads you astray.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Pursue your interests. Refuse to let anyone get in your way. Stick to the truth and make changes based on facts and figures. Know your audience and carry out your ideas as planned. Take control.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Start a business or a hobby that excites you. Don’t ignore a loved one because you are too busy working toward your own goal. Share your dream, and you’ll get support instead of a lecture.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don’t share your secrets. Focus on personal change, quality of life and how you can lower your overhead or bring in more cash. Consider forming partnerships, sharing expenses or embarking on something new.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You’ll gain perspective regarding certain relationships if you listen to what others want. Plan to do the work yourself, and you will gain respect and support.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Address disruption or confusion head-on. Hard work will help you make progress. You’ll gain the most leverage if you mix business with pleasure and entertain the people you want to impress.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Wrap your head around what others expect of you, and don’t stop until you feel satisfied with what you achieve. Someone who wants your attention will mislead you to get their way.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Hang on to your cash, even if someone asks for a handout. Offer suggestions, but don’t pay for others’ mistakes. Consider your options and expand your interests. Seek out things you enjoy.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) — Put your emotions aside and concentrate on what’s essential. Be receptive to suggestions, and follow through with plans that show promise. Seek out and promote the truth.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/horo/article_d87f93ec-32d3-11ed-88af-bb45ad4730fb.html | 2022-09-12T20:57:28Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartex, the company behind the leading open source data labeling platform Label Studio, today announced it has successfully completed a SOC2, Type 1 examination for its flagship Label Studio Enterprise platform. The audit conducted by Prescient Assurance found that Heartex's information security practices, policies, procedures, and operations meet the SOC 2 standards for security, availability, and confidentiality as developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
SOC 2 reports are attestation reports that examine controls at a service organization relevant to the security, availability, or processing integrity of a system (security, availability, and/or processing integrity principles) or the confidentiality or privacy of the information processed for the user entities (confidentiality or privacy principles). SOC 2 reports demonstrate a company's ability to not only implement critical security policies but also prove compliance over an extended period of time.
"The Heartex team is committed to continually investing in operational and security best practices that ensure Label Studio Enterprise customer data is safe," said Michael Malyuk, Heartex CEO and Co-Founder. "Achieving the SOC2, Type 1 attestation is an important milestone in our company's ongoing commitment to meet the gold standard for software development processes, operational excellence and technical security controls."
In addition to operational best practices, Label Studio Enterprise offers advanced security capabilities, including:
- Customer data remains private on their systems. Label Studio only stores URLs to the data and fetches sample data for authenticated users in real-time.
- Support for SSO, LDAP & role-based access control. Enterprise customers can integrate Label Studio with their SSO provider of choice, as well as manage roles and access amongst their team.
- Detailed audit logs, analytics and reporting. Label Studio Enterprise customers can also keep track of and report on user activity in the system.
Heartex's SOC 2 report verifies the existence of internal controls which have been designed and implemented to meet the requirements for the security principles set forth in the Trust Services Principles and Criteria for Security. It provides a thorough review of how Heartex's internal controls affect the security, availability, and processing integrity of the systems it uses to process users' data, and the confidentiality and privacy of the information processed by these systems. This independent validation of security controls is crucial for customers in highly regulated industries.
For more information or to request a copy of the report about Heartex, please visit http://www.heartex.com.
About Heartex
Heartex is the company behind Label Studio, the most popular open source data labeling platform for Machine Learning & AI. Founded in 2019 by data scientists and engineers who faced common challenges with model accuracy due to poor quality training data, the team believed the only viable solution was to enable internal teams with domain expertise to annotate and curate training data. They created Label Studio with a focus on usability, flexibility and collaborative workflows that support internal data labeling operations at scale and increase the accuracy of ML/AI models.
Today, Label Studio has been used by more than 100,000 people around the world to label 20M+ pieces of data, including production ML/AI initiatives for enterprises like Bombora, Geberit, Outreach, Trivago, Wyze, Zurich Insurance Group, and more. For more information, visit www.heartex.com.
Media Contact
Kat Eller Murray
ROAM Communications for Heartex
415.684.8528
kat@roamcomms.com
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SOURCE Heartex | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/heartex-successfully-completes-soc-2-type-1-attestation/ | 2022-06-01T15:51:46Z |
The ultra-not-expensive airline launches new service to the Windy city through Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
TORONTO, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Swoop, Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its inaugural flight to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Swoop flight WO746 took off from Toronto this morning at 6:30 a.m. ET and arrived in Chicago at 7:20 a.m. local time.
"As Canada's ultra-not-expensive airline, we are thrilled to continue our network expansion across North America this summer, connecting Toronto and Chicago with affordable fares," said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance, Swoop. "Today's celebration reinforces our commitment to Canadian travellers, unlocking opportunities to explore highly-sought destinations at ultra-affordable prices."
The leading ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) will continue its expansion, connecting southwestern Ontario with top-tier American cities later this summer with new non-stop service between Toronto and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
"Canadians are excited to travel again this summer, and after two years of restrictions, we've seen record demand for getaways across the border," continued van der Stege, "This expansion reinforces the incredible growth trajectory we're experiencing, as ultra-low fares continue to unlock new opportunities for Canadians to explore America's largest cities."
"On behalf of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is excited to welcome Swoop Airlines to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)," said Jamie L Rhee, CDA Commissioner. "This new international service between O'Hare and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will further connect Canada and the 'Windy City' - named Best Big City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler for the fifth year in a row."
"This new opportunity and direct service from Canada is such welcoming news and ideal timing as we head into the summer season," said Lynn Osmond, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. "We look forward to welcoming more visitors from our largest international market for arrivals to Chicago aboard Swoop."
With introductory fares from Toronto to Chicago and New York starting at just $99 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable experiencing top tourist destinations across the US can be this summer.
Book By : June 2, 2022 | Travel Period : September 1, 2022 - October 15, 2022 | Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until June 2, 2022 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while seats last. | Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com. For information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.
About Swoop
Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada's ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop's unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.
Swoop's fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.
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SOURCE Swoop Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/swoop-continues-us-expansion-with-new-non-stop-service-chicago-toronto/ | 2022-05-30T16:29:37Z |
PHILADELPHIA, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FS Investments, a leading alternative investment manager, announced that FS Multi-Strategy Alternatives Fund (the "Fund," I share: FSMSX), a liquid alternative, multi-strategy solution sub-advised by Wilshire Associates, has reached its five-year anniversary. The Fund is built to generate absolute, low-correlated returns over a market cycle by investing across stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies through a unique combination of active hedge fund managers and alternative beta strategies.
"Geopolitical tensions, rising interest rates, high inflation and uncertainty surrounding the ultimate course of the Fed's current tightening cycle are creating significant challenges for investors today," said Mike Kelly, Co-President and Chief Investment Officer at FS Investments. "In this environment of heightened volatility, FS Multi-Strategy Alternatives Fund can serve as a timely multi-asset solution that draws on FS Investment's expertise in constructing and managing alternative beta strategies to build a balanced portfolio that seeks to outperform in challenging market environments and Wilshire's hedge fund manager research."
Over the last five years the Fund has generated returns with low correlation and beta to traditional stocks and bonds. The Fund returned 13.96% in 2021. Year-to-date, the Fund has returned 2.04%, while a 60/40 portfolio1 has lost -10.97%, through May 31, the worst year-to-date performance for a 60/40 portfolio since 2008. As of March 31, 2022, the Fund's 1-year performance was 7.65% and performance since inception (May 16, 2017) was 3.32%.
Disclosure:
Total annual fund operating expenses, Class I: 2.38%. Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reductions, Class I: 1.72%.2 Total annual fund operating expenses after expense reductions, excluding dividend and interest expenses, Class I: 1.50%.2 Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be higher or lower. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Performance for periods less than one year is cumulative. The Fund's other share classes may have different performance characteristics. Please call 877-924- 4766 or visit our website at www.fsinvestments.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.
About FS Investments
FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth, and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency. FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Leawood, KS. Visit www.fsinvestments.com to learn more.
About Wilshire Associates
Wilshire is a global investment advisory company specializing in investment products, consulting services and technology solutions. They are leaders in helping institutions build multi-strategy portfolios that blend active hedge fund managers with passive rules-based strategies. Visit https://www.wilshire.com/ to learn more.
Media Contact
Melanie Hemmert
media@fsinvestments.com
215-309-6843
1. The 60/40 portfolio refers to a 60% allocation to equities (growth) and 40% to traditional bonds (income).
2. FS Fund Advisor, LLC has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to keep total annual fund operating expenses (not including excluded expenses) from exceeding 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class I shares until April 11, 2024.
To determine if the Fund is an appropriate investment for you, carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risk, charges and expenses. This and other information can be found in the Fund (full and summary) prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 877-924-4766 or by visiting www.fsinvestments.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that a shareholder may receive little or no return on their investment or that a shareholder may lose part or all of their investment. The strategies used by the Adviser, Underlying Managers, and Alternative Beta Providers may not be successful on an ongoing basis or could contain errors, omissions, imperfections, or malfunctions. These errors may result in, among other things, execution and allocation failures and failures to properly gather and organize large amounts of data from third parties and other external sources. The Fund may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Fund's gains or losses. The stability and liquidity of many derivative transactions depend in large part on the creditworthiness of the parties to the transactions. If a counterparty to such a transaction defaults, exercising contractual rights may involve delays or costs for the Fund. The Fund may seek to profit from the occurrence of specific corporate or other events. A delay in the timing of these events, or the failure of these events to occur at all, may have a significant negative effect on the Fund's performance. A short sale of a security involves the theoretical risk of unlimited loss because of increases in the market price of the security sold short. The Fund's use of short sales, in certain circumstances, can result in significant losses. If there is a perception that a proposed merger, exchange offer, or cash tender offer transaction will not be consummated or will be delayed, the market price of the security may decline sharply negatively affecting the fund. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international and emerging markets may involve the risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuations in currency values, differences in generally accepted accounting principles, or social, economic, or political instability in other nations. The Fund is subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value as interest rates rise. Investments in commodities are subject to higher volatility than more traditional investments. The Fund may engage in leveraging and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of loss of investment, and accelerate the velocity of potential losses. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company, which means that the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer is not limited by the 1940 Act.
FS Multi-Strategy Alternatives Fund is distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456. SIDCO is not affiliated with FS Investment Solutions, LLC, Wilshire Associates, MidOcean Partners, Chilton Investment Co., or Crabel Capital Mgmt.
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SOURCE FS Investments | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/fs-multi-strategy-alternatives-fund-celebrates-five-year-anniversary/ | 2022-06-13T21:33:57Z |
AUSTIN, Texas, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- People who have moderate to severe restless legs syndrome, or RLS, are four times as likely to suffer from clinically severe depression and suicidal thoughts as the general population, according to a new study by the RLS Foundation. Despite patients' symptom severity, primary care physicians frequently misdiagnose or mistreat the condition, the research also found.
The study, called ODYSSEY II, also notes people with moderate to severe RLS have less than half the health-related quality of life, or HRQoL, of a fully healthy person. This is comparable to the reduced quality of life from conditions such as psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), overactive bladder and inflammatory bowel disease.
"This study underscores the toll that RLS has on mental and physical health," says Charles E. Phelps, PhD, a health economist and senior author of the study. "Depression and suicidal thoughts are major consequences of RLS, in addition to sleep loss. Sleep deprivation caused by RLS can rob people of the ability to live and work normally. Sleep loss also puts people at increased risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer's disease."
RLS is a chronic neurological disease characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs. Many people with RLS endure unrelenting nightly symptoms that severely disrupt sleep. An estimated 7%–8% of adults in the US have RLS, and 2%–3% need ongoing treatment. There are four FDA-approved drugs to treat RLS; however, these medications can lose their effectiveness over time or cause serious side effects in some patients.
In ODYSSEY II, 2,745 people with confirmed RLS completed a survey about RLS diagnosis and severity, associated medical conditions, treatments and medical care.
Among the respondents, 37% had depression that was moderate or worse — a rate four times that of the general US adult population. In addition, 15% had suicidal thoughts — four times the national average. By mapping depression scores to a standard measure for health-related quality of life, the researchers found that ODYSSEY II participants experienced less than half the quality of life of a fully healthy person.
The survey also found extensive delays in diagnosis and treatment. Overall, the average time from when people first began experiencing bothersome RLS symptoms to seeking treatment was 9.8 years, and from there the average time to diagnosis was 2.2 years.
Almost half of confirmed RLS patients (43%) reported that their primary care providers did not take their condition seriously. Those who received treatment at certified RLS Quality Care Centers rated their providers favorably 80% of the time, compared with only 52% of those using non-certified providers. Further, among patients taking opioid medication for RLS, 21% reported difficulty obtaining prescription renewals.
"These findings point to the urgent need for universal screening for RLS in primary care and for provider education," says Phelps. "People are suffering needlessly with RLS for a decade or more before they receive treatment."
Results also show limitations in RLS treatment options. Many respondents had stopped taking medications due to side effects or lack of relief. This emphasizes the need for further basic and clinical research to improve RLS treatment options, and find a cure.
A companion survey was completed by 432 people living with partners who had RLS. Results show RLS impacts partners in areas such as sleep, social lives, travel, mood and happiness. About one-third of partners had moved into separate beds, and almost 1 in 20 said that their partners' RLS was disruptive enough to consider ending the relationship.
Karla Dzienkowski is executive director of the RLS Foundation. "ODYSSEY II highlights the challenges that people with RLS are facing every day," Dzienkowski says. "We need to shorten the diagnostic timeline and improve RLS medical care. And we need research to find more enduring treatments for the millions of people who struggle with this devastating disease."
For more details about the survey and key findings, view the executive summary at www.rls.org/ODYSSEYII.
ODYSSEY II was supported by an educational grant from Azurity Pharmaceuticals.
About the RLS Foundation
The RLS Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of the millions of men, women and children who live with restless legs syndrome, or RLS. Founded in 1989, the Foundation's goals are to increase awareness, improve treatments and, through research, find a cure for RLS. The Foundation serves healthcare providers, researchers, 6,300 members and an estimated 12 million individuals (10 million adults and 1.5 million children) in the US who have RLS. The RLS Foundation has awarded over $1.8 million in grants for medical research on RLS causes and treatments.
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SOURCE Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/rls-takes-high-toll-health-patients-face-major-gaps-treatment-study-shows/ | 2022-06-06T12:58:49Z |
The company aims to bring to market the world's first honeybee vaccine to improve the health and productivity of honeybee colonies.
ATHENS, Ga., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dalan Animal Health, Inc., a biotech company focused on insect health, announced today that it will relocate its headquarters to Athens, Georgia. The company is anticipated to create 20 new jobs over the next five years.
Dalan Animal Health (www.dalan.com) seeks to prevent diseases that affect beneficial insect populations to increase the profitability and yield of pollinated crop farms worldwide. Dalan's first product to market is a honeybee vaccine for American Foulbrood, a highly contagious disease threatening beehives worldwide. The company will expand its product development to other honeybee diseases as well as underserved industries, such as shrimp, mealworms, and grasshoppers used in feed and food production.
Company CEO Dr. Annette Kleiser brings over 20 years of experience in business development, start-up formation, corporate strategy development, and alliance management, both in university technology transfer as well as the biotechnology industry.
"Athens is the ideal location to build an innovative biotechnology company focused on sustainable agriculture," explains Dr. Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health. "We're excited to be a part of this community and take advantage of its many benefits to achieve significant and sustained growth."
Dalan Animal Health has already begun collaborations with UGA faculty, including Dr. Keith Delaplane, Director of the Honeybee Program in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine's Dr. Jörg Mayer. The company also plans to engage with UGA students and alumni as they develop a talent pipeline.
The company's headquarters is located in the University of Georgia's Innovation Hub, within the growing Innovation District in downtown Athens.
"We are proud to welcome Dalan Animal Health to Athens-Clarke County, and there could be no better fit, as our shared focus on innovation, resilience, and long-term quality of life is perfectly in harmony," said Mayor Kelly Girtz. "I am confident that making their home in Athens will offer a host of collaborative opportunities, from world-class University of Georgia research and development units to a number of peers in our private-sector bioscience community."
The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and University of Georgia Economic Development and Innovation Gateway on the company's relocation.
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SOURCE Dalan Animal Health | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/biotech-company-dalan-animal-health-relocates-athens-georgia/ | 2022-06-01T13:59:02Z |
Suncoast Congressman Buchanan speaks out against Mar-a-Lago raid
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - At a news conference at Manatee Memorial Hospital Wednesday, Congressman Vern Buchanan spoke out against the FBI raid at former President Donald Trump’s home at Mar-a-Lago.
The search, according to the Associated Press, was in relation to potential classified documents.
Buchanan today called the FBI raid of former President Trump’s home an “abuse of power” that “resurrected the stench of the Russia collusion hoax.” Buchanan, speaking at a press conference following a hospital tour in Bradenton, said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland should immediately explain to the public why such an unprecedented action against a former president was necessary.
“What was so important in Melania Trump’s wardrobe that required two dozen, gun-toting FBI agents to descend on Trump’s home in Mar-A-Lago,” Buchanan said. “Wouldn’t a simple subpoena have been more appropriate if they wanted some documents for the National Archives?”
Buchanan said, “The raid at Mar-a-Lago was shocking and dangerous for the future of our democracy. Trump is not just a former president, he’s also a likely presidential candidate in 2024 who may run against the current president.”
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/10/suncoast-congressman-buchanan-speaks-out-against-mar-a-lago-raid/ | 2022-08-10T17:41:15Z |
BALTIMORE, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: TROW), today reported preliminary month-end assets under management of $1.40 trillion as of May 31, 2022. Client transfers from mutual funds to other portfolios, including trusts and separate accounts, were negligible for the month of May. Client transfers for the quarter-to-date and year-to-date periods ended May 31, 2022, were $1.7 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively. These client transfers include $0.6 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively, transferred to the target date retirement trusts during the quarter-to-date and the year-to-date periods.
The following table shows the firm's assets under management as of May 31, 2022, and for the prior month-, quarter-, and year-end by investment vehicle, by asset class, and in the firm's target date retirement portfolios.
Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price (troweprice.com) is a global investment management organization that provides a broad array of mutual funds, subadvisory services, and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The organization also offers a variety of sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research.
Supplemental Information
The following table reflects the data with the underlying assets under management of the multi-asset portfolios included within the equity and fixed income lines.
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SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/10/t-rowe-price-group-reports-preliminary-month-end-assets-under-management-may-2022/ | 2022-06-10T13:06:28Z |
Mapp Cloud now integrates with the leading B2C digital commerce platform (VTEX), expands into the "No-code" domain (via Bubble.io), and adds a cross-channel Marketing Calendar along with nine enhancements to other core features.
SAN DIEGO, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mapp, the leading provider of insight-led customer experiences, has updated its marketing platform, Mapp Cloud, with multiple new features. Updates include the new Marketing Calendar, enabling users to see both sent and scheduled campaigns in a single location. This functionality previously only supported email and SMS channels, but now supports all channels.
Steve Warren, CEO of Mapp, comments: "Omni-channel is of critical importance to marketers. We constantly strive to empower our clients to reach their customers through all touchpoints, as part of a seamless customer experience. The physical and digital customer journeys are converging far faster than ever before. It's crucial that our customers have a seamless and efficient way of executing, optimizing and visualizing these cross-channel customer experiences."
In addition to the enhanced marketing calendar, several existing features have been revised and, in some cases, expanded.
In the updated version of Mapp Cloud, it is now possible to schedule system tasks automatically through the whiteboards. This enables data exports, contact imports or similar operational tasks to be scheduled and then run automatically at predetermined schedules. While these capabilities were already available in Mapp Cloud, this significantly improves operational efficiency and allows even the least technically savvy user to take advantage of this functionality.
Mapp has also revised its Best Time To Send (BTS) algorithm. To achieve the optimal opening rate, this algorithm determines the best send time for email or messaging campaigns – including for profiles with hard-to-predict behavior.
Mapp has also added Advanced Statistics for Mobile In-App Messages. As with the statistics already included for push messaging, the update also allows users to make insight-based decisions when it comes to in-app messaging campaigns.
The options for analyzing information have also been enhanced, making it possible to specify multiple metrics for sorting results. This enables Mapp Cloud users to filter with greater levels of granularity to help them with a range of tasks, including visualizing or recognizing trends.
Further details on all the functionalities and improvements of the Spring Update can be found here: https://mapp.com/product-updates-spring-2022/
Marketers and data specialists should be able to focus on what will make a difference for their business, instead of spending all their time taming the technology behind it. With the #1 insight-led customer experience platform, Mapp Cloud, they can focus on what really counts – and the exciting insights that come with it. Thanks to customer intelligence and marketing analytics, companies can easily and effectively gain data-driven customer insights across all channels
in order to trigger highly personalized marketing activities. Customers benefit from AI-supported forecasting models that enable targeted and self-optimizing cross-channel campaigns. Automated messages are sent via the most suitable marketing channel, at the right time, with the optimal contact frequency. Thanks to advanced one-to-one personalization, the highest levels of engagement and long-term customer loyalty are achieved. More info here.
Mapp operates globally with offices in seven countries and helps more than 700 brands including Francesca's, Farrow & Ball, PepsiCo, Ella's Kitchen, Vivienne Westwood, The Entertainer, Quint, Diageo, and LloydsPharmacy.
Press contacts:
PR Agency: The PR Network
Jonathan Lenz
+44 (0)77953 74423
jonathan.lenz@thepr.network
www.thepr.network
Mapp
Camille Deschamps
+34 675 476 061
camille.deschamps@mapp.com
www.mapp.com
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SOURCE Mapp Digital US, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/mapp-cloud-spring-update-2022/ | 2022-06-08T10:36:08Z |
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueGrace Logistics has been conferred with three distinguished awards by the supply chain industry's preeminent publications and media outlets: Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers (Food Logistics), 100 Great Supply Chain Partners (SupplyChainBrain), and Top 100 3PL Providers (Inbound Logistics).
"Our team is elated to receive recognition from several of the industry's most well-read publications. We fully acknowledge that without our customers, diverse carrier network and dedicated team members at BlueGrace, we would not be in this valuable position. We cater to LTL and Truckload supply chain strategies using best in class technology and procurement capabilities, always looking to add value regardless of market conditions," said Bobby Harris, Founder and CEO of BlueGrace Logistics. "It's rewarding to see when everything comes together and we're able to make an impact on a stakeholder's sales growth and opportunities."
Food Logistics' 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers award recognizes leading third-party logistics and cold storage providers in the cold food and beverage industry. "These past 18 months have been so challenging for U.S. supply chains. But, it's the drivers, the fleet, the warehouses and software/technologies that really keep today's supply chains in line," said Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "These 3PLs and cold storage providers have collaborated on all facets of their operations to achieve full visibility, complete forecasting, end-to-end leverage and the ultimate in sustainability."
Recipients of this year's award are profiled in Food Logistics' July/Aug 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com.
SupplyChainBrain has maintained a tradition of celebrating 100 Great Supply Chain Partners for 20 consecutive years. BlueGrace Logistics emerged as a highly valued supplier in a field of very competitive nominations. The select group of winners is made up of companies whose customers recognize them for providing outstanding solutions and services.
Publisher Brad Berger said, "Our six-month online poll of supply chain professionals requires a qualified response, asking them to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance."
He added, "This year's field of nominees was highly competitive and overall excellent – coming from all sectors of supply chain management. Your company should be proud to be named amongst the 100 Great! BlueGrace Logistics will appear in the 2022 August issue of SupplyChainBrain magazine and on SupplyChainBrain.com as an honored member of this year's 100 Great Supply Chain Partners."
Inbound Logistics' Top 100 3PL Provider's list serves as a qualitative assessment of service providers the publication feels are best equipped to meet and surpass its audience's evolving outsourcing needs. Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to our audience's burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges.
IL editors selected this year's class of Top 100 3PLs from a pool of more than 300 companies. The service providers selected are companies that, in the opinion of the editors of Inbound Logistics, offer the most diverse operational capabilities and experience driving efficiency for today's demand-driven enterprises.
"Because BlueGrace empowered logistics and supply chain excellence in 2022 with best-in-class solutions that drive integration across internal and external business processes, and demonstrated excellence in optimizing transportation and logistics operations, Inbound Logistics editors chose it as a 2022 Top 100 3PL Provider. BlueGrace's solutions insulated customers from disruption and drove efficiencies across the entire value chain, meriting this recognition," said Felecia Stratton, Inbound Logistics Editor.
BlueGrace Logistics offers customizable transportation management solutions as a full-service Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider that helps businesses manage their freight spend through industry leading technology with a large network of established carriers to customers across the country. BlueGrace is based in Riverview, FL, where CEO Bobby Harris was named one of Florida's most influential executives in transportation for 2020. With nine offices located strategically in major transportation hubs across the U.S., BlueGrace serves over 10,000 customers annually through its proprietary technology platform, BlueShip®, that has connectivity with more than 250,000 carrier suppliers. BlueGrace is part of the technology portfolio of Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. For more information on BlueGrace, visit www.mybluegrace.com.
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SOURCE BlueGrace Logistics | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/top-supply-chain-publications-recognize-bluegrace-logistics-dominant-provider-2022-rankings/ | 2022-08-24T14:19:09Z |
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 12 at 9:44AM MDT until April 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT…Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches in
the mountains and 1 to 2 inches in the valley. Winds gusting as
high as 35 mph.
* WHERE…Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Jackson Hole.
* WHEN…Until 6 PM MDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult over Teton and
Togwotee mountain passes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Visibility around a tenth of a mile in
heaver snow could result in snowmobilers becoming disoriented
and lost.
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2022/04/12/winter-weather-advisory-issued-april-12-at-944am-mdt-until-april-12-at-600pm-mdt-by-nws-riverton-wy-2/ | 2022-04-12T16:45:17Z |
5WPR's Consumer Culture Report Dives into the Convergence of Gaming and Shopping
NEW YORK, April 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the U.S., has released their Consumer Culture Report revealing over half of men surveyed enjoy seeing their favorite brands on gaming platforms, and close to 30% have made digital purchases to own products from these brands virtually.
Beyond the screen, 43% of men who use any gaming platform have been influenced to make offline purchases by these brand integrations. According to a 2021 survey by Statista, men accounted for 55% of all video gamers in the United States.
"Smart brands will go wherever consumers are spending time, but the key to securing transactions is finding authentic integrations within these games," said 5WPR CEO, Dara A. Busch. "Right now, many of these integrations might entice men more than women gamers because they're being targeted. A brand that traditionally has a larger female consumer base might not be thinking about offering branded products in a game like Fortnite just yet, but that discrepancy is becoming smaller each day, and soon we can expect to see more traditionally feminine brands entering the gaming market."
At the time of the survey, only 14% of female gaming respondents had made purchases from their favorite brands virtually. However, 29% of female gamers had been influenced to make purchases by these brand integrations offline, suggesting females still value physical products more than virtual ones, possibly because they still spend most of their time and money in reality.
"As the boundaries between reality and digital are increasingly blurred, we can expect to see consumers spend more time and money in these virtual worlds, regardless of age and gender. With the introduction of more advanced virtual reality and the Metaverse, soon it won't be enough to own the physical product, you'll be buying it for your virtual avatar too," adds Busch. "My advice to brands who have not yet considered gaming integrations is to begin building your virtual presence – it will only continue to grow as a strong sales and marketing channel."
As a leading consumer PR firm, and an award-winning digital agency, 5WPR is committed to being a trailblazer in the industry, providing clients with the most up-to-date consumer insights. The information gathered from the survey guides strategy, planning and execution of client campaigns.
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,002 respondents aged 16+ across the USA between 11.18.21 and 11.22.21. The survey was conducted from a nationally representative of American adults. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
About 5WPR
5W Public Relations is a full-service PR agency in NYC known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 250 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Marketing (Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, SEO). 5W was awarded 2020 PR Agency of The Year and brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communication.
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SOURCE 5W Public Relations | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/13/new-era-multi-tasking-men-want-shop-game-same-time/ | 2022-04-13T15:34:38Z |
Which Zildjian cymbals are best?
If you’re looking to complete your drum kit, Zildjian cymbals are an obvious choice. With hundreds of years of cymbal-making experience behind them, Zildjian produces cymbals that meet the needs of all styles of drummers.
Still, you may be wondering which Zildjian cymbals are best and how to choose the right ones for you. If you want a full set of basic cymbals, try the Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack with its warm, muted tone.
What to know before you buy a Zildjian cymbal
Types of Zildjian cymbals
Your average drum kit uses three types of cymbals: ride, crash and hi-hats. Zildjian makes these three types of cymbals, along with lesser-used offerings, such as splash and China cymbals.
- Ride cymbals are usually the largest cymbals in a beginner kit. They’re positioned above the floor tom and are usually used to play steady patterns, rather than accents. Crash cymbals are the most commonly-used accent cymbals in drum kits. As the name suggests, they make a loud crashing sound that should cut through the mix.
- Hi-hat cymbals sit on a stand with a pedal that you can use to either open or close the hats. Played closed, they’re great for maintaining a steady rhythm, and while played open, they provide a nice accent.
- Splash cymbals are less common accent cymbals that are smaller than a crash and provide a shorter accent with less sustain. China cymbals are thin and have a loud, trashy sound, which has gained them the nickname “trash crash” cymbals.
You can also buy packs containing all the basic cymbals you’ll need, which is ideal for new drummers. For more information, see the guide to drum cymbal sets at BestReviews.
Dark vs. bright
Zildjian cymbals can be divided into two main tonal qualities: bright or dark. Bright cymbals are the most commonly used option. They’re sound, responsive and punchy with a short decay, so they don’t usually ring out for too long after a hit. Dark cymbals have drier, warmer and more mellow tones. They’re popular in jazz and fusion, though they’re versatile and have a place in most types of music, especially when recording in a studio.
What to look for in a quality Zildjian cymbal
Size
Cymbal size depends on the type of cymbal. Ride cymbals usually measure between 20 and 24 inches, for instance, while crash cymbals are generally 14 to 20 inches in diameter. Typically, a larger cymbal is louder with longer sustain and a lower pitch.
Series
Zildjian makes various series or ranges of cymbals. Popular ranges include the A series, which is versatile with a bright, sweet sound and the K series, which is warm, rich and dark.
Hammering
Today, Zildjian cymbals aren’t hand-hammered. Instead, they’re hammered using a high-tech computer-controlled machine that can accurately recreate hand-hammering.
How much you can expect to spend on a Zildjian cymbal
Basic single Zildjian cymbals start at between $50-$100 but can cost as much as $500-$800, while Zildjian cymbal sets can cost as much as $1,000-$1,500.
Zildjian cymbal FAQ
What are the origins of Zildjian?
A. The very first Zildjian cymbals were made all the way back in 1618 by Avedis Zildjian, who worked for the court of the Sultan of the Ottoman empire. He was eventually given permission by the Sultan to leave the employ of the court and start his own company. That company is still run by the same family today, though it now produces cymbals in Norwell, Massachusetts.
Are Zildjian cymbals the best?
A. There’s no single best cymbal company out there, so this is impossible to answer. You can find higher-end cymbals on the market that are arguably better, but Zildjian is one of the most popular and well-respected cymbal manufacturers in the world. It makes quality cymbals that are in a price range within reach of most drummers. A huge number of famous musicians use or have used Zildjian cymbals over the years, from The Beatles’ Ringo Starr to Blink 182’s Travis Barker.
What’s the best Zildjian cymbal to buy?
Top Zildjian cymbal
Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack
What you need to know: A great set for new drummers and those wanting to replace their existing cymbals.
What you’ll love: The dark tone is warmer and more muted, while still cutting through the mix. These cymbals are extremely versatile and can be used in a range of musical genres.
What you should consider: Because they come in a set, it isn’t possible to customize your sound in the same way you could if you chose your cymbals separately.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Zildjian cymbal for the money
What you need to know: A great crash for new or casual drummers.
What you’ll love: The thin weight of this cymbal provides a washy sound that some drummers love. It’s extremely bright with moderate sustain. The low price makes it easily accessible to drummers with tighter budgets.
What you should consider: It isn’t the most durable choice and won’t stand long to heavy use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Zildjian A Zildjian Sweet Ride
What you need to know: A classic bright ride cymbal that’s one of the most popular in the world.
What you’ll love: This cymbal is extremely versatile, as it can be used as a standard ride or with more of a crash to accent the beat. It works well for many musical genres, but especially rock, pop and punk.
What you should consider: Some drummers find this ride a little too bright, but that’s mostly down to personal preference.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona 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/music-br/percussion-instruments-br/best-zildjian-cymbals/ | 2022-04-11T06:50:58Z |
AKRON, Ohio, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today it will participate in a fireside chat during Deutsche Bank's Global Auto Industry Conference on June 14, 2022, at 10:15 a.m. EDT.
Emmanuel Rosner, lead autos & auto technology analyst at Deutsche Bank, will host Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief financial officer, in a fireside chat. A live webcast of the event will be available on the company's investor relations website: http://investor.goodyear.com. A replay of the webcast will be available following the event.
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate. GT-FN
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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/goodyear-participate-deutsche-banks-global-auto-industry-conference/ | 2022-06-06T21:50:54Z |
House to vote on semi-automatic gun ban
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is preparing to vote Friday to revive a ban on semi-automatic guns, the first vote of its kind in years and a direct response to the firearms often used in the crush of mass shootings ripping through communities nationwide.
Once banned in the U.S., the high-powered firearms are now widely blamed as the weapon of choice among young men responsible for many of the most devastating mass shootings. But Congress allowed the restrictions first put in place in 1994 to expire a decade later, unable to muster the political support to counter the powerful gun lobby and reinstate the weapons ban.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed the vote toward passage in the Democratic-run House, saying the earlier ban “saved lives.”
The House legislation is shunned by Republicans, who dismiss it as an election-year strategy by Democrats. It will likely stall in the 50-50 Senate.
The bill comes at a time of intensifying concerns about gun violence and shootings — the supermarket shooting in Buffalo, N.Y.; massacre of school children in Uvalde, Texas; and the July Fourth shootings of revelers in Highland Park, Ill.
Voters seem to be taking such votes seriously as Congress splits along party lines and lawmakers are forced to go on the record with their views. A recent vote to protect same-sex marriages from potential Supreme Court legal challenges won a surprising amount of bipartisan support.
President Joe Biden, who was instrumental in helping pass the first weapons ban as a senator in 1994, encouraged passage, promising to sign the bill if it reached his desk. In a statement before the vote, his administration said “we know an assault weapons and large-capacity magazine ban will save lives.”
The Biden administration said for 10 years while the ban was in place, mass shootings declined. “When the ban expired in 2004, mass shootings tripled,” the statement said.
Congress passed a modest gun violence prevention package just last month in the aftermath of the tragic shooting of 19 school children and two teachers in Uvalde. That bipartisan bill was the first of its kind after years of failed efforts to confront the gun lobby, including after a similar 2012 mass tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
That law provides for expanded background checks on young adults buying firearms, allowing authorities to access certain juvenile records. It also closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by denying gun purchases for those convicted of domestic abuse outside of marriages.
The new law also frees up federal funding to the states, including for “red flag” laws that enable authorities to remove guns from those who would harm themselves or others.
But even that modest effort at halting gun violence came at time of grave uncertainty in the U.S. over restrictions on firearms as the more conservative Supreme Court is tackling gun rights and other issues.
Biden signed the measure two days after the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down a New York law that restricted people’s ability to carry concealed weapons.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/29/house-vote-semi-automatic-gun-ban/ | 2022-07-29T19:42:25Z |
Democratic donor Ed Buck, who in 2021 was convicted by a federal jury of nine felonies, including giving methamphetamine to two men who died at his West Hollywood apartment after being injected with the drug, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, a spokesperson for the United States Attorney's Office Central District of California said Thursday.
Buck, 67, was sentenced to 360 months, said spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy.
Buck was found guilty in 2021 of two counts of distribution of methamphetamine resulting in death, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises and two counts of enticement to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution.
Gemmel Moore, 26, died of an overdose in July 2017 and Timothy Dean, 55, died in January 2019.
"It was a tremendous honor to be able to vindicate the rights of the victims in the case," Assistant US Attorney Chelsea Norell said at the time of Buck's conviction.
According to a 2019 indictment, Buck "engaged in a pattern of soliciting men to consume drugs that Buck provided and perform sexual acts at Buck's apartment" -- a practice described in the document as "party and play."
The victims were solicited on social media, including a gay dating website, and Buck used a recruiter to scout and proposition men, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said in a news release at the time of his convictions that Buck typically targeted people who were destitute, homeless or struggling with drug addiction.
"He exploited the wealth and power balance between them by offering his victims money to use drugs and to let Buck inject them with narcotics," prosecutors said in the statement.
Buck has donated to a number of Democratic candidates and PACs, according to information from OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in US politics. Recipients rushed to return Buck's money after Dean's death.
Work is continuing on the $11.5 million transit center under construction in downtown Albany. The facility, expected to open in January 2023, will boast boards to alert riders to real-time departure and arrival times of buses, computer and public conference rooms and car charging stations. A… Click for more.
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FDA issues final rule opening the market to over-the-counter devices, broadening choices for millions of Americans who need hearing help
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of American adults with mild to moderate hearing loss will soon have more choices in hearing aids, and the ability to get them without seeing a doctor or hearing care professional first. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) – the leading voice for the growing number of Americans with hearing loss – calls the step a win for millions of adults who have hearing loss and may have been waiting to get the help they need.
The FDA on August 16 issued the final rule for how over-the-counter hearing aids will be sold to consumers, and devices are expected to be available within the coming months. HLAA advocated for consumer protection pieces in the rule, including a clear return policy and labeling on cellphone connectivity.
HLAA is providing free resources available for anyone considering over-the-counter hearing aids at hearingloss.org/OTC.
"We are hopeful that over-the-counter options will inspire some to take a first step to treat their hearing loss sooner. Ultimately this can mean a better quality of life, and avoiding the increased risk of dementia, falls and isolation associated with untreated hearing loss," says HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley.
It's expected that the new over-the-counter class of hearing aids – recommended only for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss – will be significantly less expensive than those currently on the market which can average thousands of dollars a pair.
Forty-eight million Americans have hearing loss, and most never get diagnosed or treated. Cost and stigma are common barriers, even though untreated hearing loss is linked with other serious illnesses, isolation and even poor job performance. Hearing loss is often progressive, and HLAA thinks OTC products could inspire some people to get help earlier in the process, when they notice hearing changes in certain situations.
"This is an exciting step, but it's still important to remember there's no one-size-fits-all approach to hearing loss. For many, a hearing care professional will still be a part of an effective treatment plan. But opening more options is a big step in the right direction, for a growing problem that affects 1 in 7 Americans," says Kelley.
HLAA also urges all Americans to get their hearing checked, and not to wait to get treated, no matter what option you choose. HLAA provides ongoing advocacy, resources, and support to empower people to live full lives with hearing loss.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation's leading organization representing the growing number of people with hearing loss in the U.S. Its mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy.
HLAA was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) more than 30 years ago, and still fights for the rights of people with hearing loss at local and national levels and offers support online and in chapters across the country.
Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds in cities across the country and offer support to families dealing with hearing loss. HLAA also publishes Hearing Life magazine and other news and important resources at hearingloss.org.
Carrie Johnson
cjohnson@hearingloss.org
301.657.2248 ext. 109
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SOURCE Hearing Loss Association of America | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/new-class-hearing-aids-will-soon-be-available-directly-consumers-without-prescription/ | 2022-08-16T17:47:41Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) ("CMGR"), an influencer-based social media firm and digital talent management agency, today announced Whitney Johns, fitness and cover model, has joined the HoneyDrip.com platform. Honeydrip.com is a digital platform designed and owned by Clubhouse Media Group with a focus on the empowerment of creators. The site allows creators to connect with fans and sell exclusive photo and video content.
"I love Whitney's passion and energy" said Danche Prokopov, General Manager of HoneyDrip.com. "HoneyDrip allows our creators to post their most exclusive content and interact directly with their fans. The site empowers the creators to express themselves without the negative stigma associated with some of our competitors, such as OnlyFans."
Whitney Johns is a fitness and print cover model. She has been featured in Forbes, Muscle and Fitness, and Muscle and Fitness Hers magazines. In 2022 alone she graced the covers of Strong Fitness Magazine (June) and Vitality Magazine (May). She is also a two-time winner of "Physique of the Year" by Fitness Gurls magazine. Whitney is not only a model, but an entrepreneur. She's created Whitney Johns Nutrition which is a line of naturally derived, non-GMO, and gluten-free health supplements.
"I'm very excited to join this platform" said Johns. "HoneyDrip.com seems to be doing so much for their creators and subscribers. They are elevating the exclusive content game!"
Follow Whitney on Instagram @whitneyjohns
CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influencers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.
Follow CMGR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClubhouseCMGR
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Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause CMGR's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for CMGR's products and services, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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SOURCE Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/clubhouse-media-group-inc-announces-fitness-model-whitney-johns-joins-honeydripcom/ | 2022-08-04T13:17:25Z |
DALLAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Phoenix Royalties (RPR) announces a natural gas acquisition from undisclosed sellers in the Barnett Shale, Johnson County, Texas. The wellsite operator is Fleur de Lis Energy, LLC (FDL).
"We love the Barnett Shale; it's been great to us over the years. We have been actively aggregating minerals here for over 15 years and see ourselves as an expert in the area. Our sellers felt comfortable with us and we shared our return profile to help them make an educated decision for their family," noted Jace Graham, RPR CEO and Founder.
"Rising Phoenix and my family have assembled one of the larger mineral positions in the core of the Barnett Shale and will continue to strategically add to this position for the foreseeable future," continued Graham. "We have a long history of working with owners to provide a quick, quality closing experience."
FDL, headquartered in Dallas, TX, with field operations in Wyoming and Texas, has an operational footprint in 3 major basins. Its diverse world-class asset portfolio deploys over $2.1 billion in capital.
RPR is known as the industry leading expert in the Barnett Shale. RPR and its affiliated companies are some of Tarrant County's largest mineral owners with 16,000 net royalty acres in Held By Production (HBP) units, the majority operated by Total Energy and XTO Energy (now ExxonMobil). XTO recently announced a sale of all their Barnett Shale assets to BKV Corp., Denver, CO.
"We are excited about the announcement of BKV taking out XTO Energy in the core of the Barnett. Ever since these guys purchased Devon's position in 2020, they have been actively permitting and drilling new wells every month. We can't wait to see a lot of our reserves come to life in the upcoming years. There is still a LOT of untapped natural gas waiting to be developed in our entire position," shared Graham.
Rising Phoenix Royalties offers free royalty interest evaluations. Contact our team today at 214-949-4928 or royalties@rising-phoenix.com.
Rising Phoenix Royalties, Dallas, TX, is a privately held mineral and royalty interest acquisition company built on four generations of oil and gas industry expertise. Since 2009, RPR has successfully identified, evaluated, acquired, and managed income producing properties of over $140 million in mineral and royalty assets in oil and gas basins nationwide. Learn more at www.risingphoenixroyalties.com
Rising Phoenix Royalties
214-949-4928
royalties@rising-phoenix.com
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Contact:
Zach Sodolak
Marketing Manager
Rising Phoenix Royalties
972-997-5350
zach@rising-phoenix.com
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SOURCE Rising Phoenix Royalties | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/rising-phoenix-royalties-continues-add-its-16000-net-royalty-acre-barnett-shale-position/ | 2022-07-21T12:59:50Z |
Threat of a changing market isn't getting these buyers and sellers in the market down.
BOISE, Idaho, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As news headlines boast of rising interest rates and volatile housing markets, the buyers and sellers in the market are giving their view on the industry and shedding some light on a normalizing market.
"We wanted to take advantage of the market, so we listed our home and had 13-14 offers. It was insane," said Annellie Tate, who just went under contract on a new construction home built by CBH Homes. "There were so many what if's with the other resale houses - it wasn't what we wanted. We did a self-guided tour in Locale, and the whole time I kept saying, 'is this where we are going to live? I love this place.' It was a surreal experience. I couldn't be happier. It was so fast, easy and seamless."
COVID-19 pushed the real estate market into a frenzy of growth and rising home prices from 2020-2021. 2020 and 2021 were an anomaly. As the market begins to correct, home prices normalize. "Even now, we're still barely over a month's supply," said Brett Hughes, broker and owner of Boise Premier Real Estate in a recent Idaho Press article. "People keep hearing stats like inventory is up double… It's up from two weeks to a month. That is not very much." Boise Regional Realtors' May Market Report showed the median sales price increased from May 2021 to May 2022 by 16.1% but CBH expects to see these prices level off, creating more opportunities for new buyers.
"We don't have a crystal ball, but we can focus on the facts: rates are historically low, the demand for housing is still there, and Boise is an amazing place to live. With all that in mind, yes, it's still a good time to buy a home," said Corey Barton, President/Owner of CBH Homes.
Dave Ramsey, financial guru, in a recent show said, "the best time to buy a house in the next 5 years is right now… 5 years from today, houses are going to be more expensive. They're as cheap as they're going to be. This is the best price you're going to get to buy that home. If interest rates rise, buy the home then refinance."
Annellie told CBH, "It was so relieving to work with CBH. I said we should go buy a lottery ticket because we feel so lucky." A home is always a good investment and now is better to buy than later. CBH Homes currently has over 200 homes available and a promotion of up to $20,000 in extras towards a rate buydown, landscaping, and more. CBH encourages buyers to take advantage of these prices before they're gone. Click here to learn more.
About CBH Homes: CBH Homes has been building dreams for Idahoans for over 30 years, and for 19 of those, CBH Homes is Idaho's #1 Builder, an Idaho Best Place to Work, now ranked #36 in the nation and proudly working with over 23,000 happy homeowners. Cbhhomes.com RCE-923
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SOURCE CBH Homes | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/is-now-time-buy-this-buyer-says-yes/ | 2022-06-16T23:33:15Z |
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Abstrakt Marketing Group hosted its fifth annual Give Back Day on Aug. 5th, 2022. Abstrakt worked with more than 25 charities around the greater St. Louis area as well as 5 nationwide charities for our remote employees. Hundreds of volunteers put in about 3,000 hours of service to make a positive impact throughout the community.
"Our company has a tradition of providing a day of volunteerism for our team members and partnering with organizations in our local community," Melanie Clark, CMO for Abstrakt Marketing Group, said. "When it comes to being socially responsible, talk is cheap. Action and dedication are what matter. This day is such a blessing because we are able to have an immediate impact on thousands of lives. This is only one of the ways we will be giving back this year, and have major plans to expand our giving efforts as we head into 2023."
The event kicked off with breakfast in the Levee House Courtyard, then volunteers departed Laclede's Landing to begin their day of service. The locations that benefited included:
- Missouri Stream Team
- Gateway Pet Guardians
- Springboard to Learning
- Youth and Family Center
- Urban Sprouts
- Almost Home
- Your Words STL
- St. Louis Dream Center
- Girls Incorporated
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation
- Promise Community Homes
- Northside Youth and Senior Service Center
- Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House
- Brightside STL
- St. Louis Crisis Nursery
- Peter & Paul Community Center
- North Newstead Association
- Humanitri
- Salvation Army
- Care STL
- Laclede's Landing Neighborhood Association
- Humane Society of Missouri – Longmeadow Ranch
- Duo Dogs
- Wild Bird Sanctuary
Some of the group's efforts included cleaning up over 3,000 pounds of trash from the River Des Peres and Missouri River, finishing the construction of a fence at a local animal shelter, preparing a vacated apartment for a new family to move in, repairing ramps at a local nursery, and painting and organizing a classroom at a tutoring center.
"What you all did for the environment and for bettering the surrounding communities cannot be depicted in words," said Brian Waldrop, Missouri Department of Conservation's St. Louis Regional Stream Team Assistant. "Still, I thank you for your ever-loving dedication to the St. Louis Region and the Missouri Stream Team Program. You all make this place a much better place to live and thrive."
Abstrakt prioritizes charitable efforts throughout the year with additional charitable PTO and a donation match for each team member. Give Back Day is a representation of the company's culture and an integral part of its ongoing vision. The leadership team is proud to have partnered with the United Way of St. Louis and the organizations above to achieve significant social and environmental impact for the community.
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SOURCE Abstrakt Marketing Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/local-agency-closes-5th-annual-give-back-day/ | 2022-08-16T00:59:11Z |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Travon Walker “had a good feeling” he might be the top pick in the NFL draft when he visited Jacksonville earlier this month.
He was way ahead of just about everyone else — maybe even the Jaguars.
The Georgia pass rusher rose up draft boards following an impressive combine and ended up being the No. 1 selectionThursday night. It wasn’t a total shocker since he was the betting favorite in Las Vegas, but few saw it coming a month ago.
Placing more emphasis on pro potential than college production, the Jaguars chose Walker to pair with Josh Allen in hopes of turning a mediocre pass rush into one of the best in the league.
“I was hoping it was the Jaguars from the get-go,” said Walker, who grew up about four hours north in Thomaston, Georgia.
Jacksonville took the 6-foot-5, 272-pound “athletic freak” over Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson, who set a school record with 14 sacks in 2021 and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. The team traded its second-round pick (No. 33 overall) plus Nos. 106 and 180 to move back into the first round and draft inside linebacker Devin Lloyd from Utah at No. 27.
Lloyd becomes an immediate replacement for Myles Jack, who was cut earlier this month in a cost-savings move. He will join Walker as plug-and-play starters for a defense that is undergoing a major overhaul.
General manager Trent Baalke had been leaning toward Walker for weeks, maybe even months, and new coach Doug Pederson insisted he was totally in agreement on selecting the former Bulldogs defender at No. 1.
“This thing was never split,” said Pederson, who reportedly wanted North Carolina State left tackle Ickey Ekwonu. “It’s out (there). I just want to go on record and say it was never that way. I don’t know where that came from. One of the things I loved about our process was the communication and us being on the same page.”
Picking Walker wasn’t close to the slam dunk drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence was a year ago. Critics argued that Hutchinson was the more polished product and pointed to Walker’s limited college numbers. He had 9½ sacks in three years in Athens, Georgia, including six during last season’s national championship run.
But Baalke and Pederson see a more versatile player in Walker, who logged snaps at defensive end, defensive tackle and outside linebacker in Georgia’s vaunted defense last fall. His highlights include more than sacks; he stops the run, tackles speedy receivers in the open field and tips passes that lead to interceptions.
“He’s an athletic freak,” Georgia defensive coordinator Will Muschamp told The Associated Press. “I swear to God he could line up at middle linebacker and go be fine. I would take him at No. 1 and not even blink.”
The Jaguars did just that.
Once a two-sport star with NBA dreams at Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Georgia, Walker eventually settled on football and quickly became one of the most sought-after recruits in talent-rich Georgia. He signed with the Bulldogs and played college ball a little more than 100 miles from his hometown.
He bided his time as a backup for two years at Georgia and started to blossom as a junior. He started all 15 games in 2021, finishing with 37 tackles, including 7½ for a loss, and two pass breakups.
“There’s not a single red flag,” Muschamp said. “He’s the real deal now.”
Added Baalke: “He checked all the boxes throughout the process.”
The Jaguars plan to take it slow with Walker, letting him learn the outside linebacker position before shuffling him to other spots along the defensive front.
Jacksonville is the fourth NFL franchise with back-to-back No. 1 picks and is hoping to become the first for both to work out. Tampa Bay (1976-77, 1986-87), Cincinnati (1994-95) and Cleveland (1999-2000, 2017-18) all failed to find success both times.
The Jaguars believe Lawrence is on the verge of becoming a star and just needs more help around him.
Jacksonville signed tight end Evan Engram and receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in free agency to help Lawrence. They also brought in five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff to help revamp an offensive line that allowed Lawrence to be sacked 32 times.
Ekwonu and fellow left tackle Evan Neal were under consideration at No. 1 but improving the team’s pass rush proved to be a more pressing priority. The Jags still expect to use at least two of their now 10 total selections to bolster Lawrence’s protection and potentially his receiving corps.
But for now, they feel like they took a big swing at improving a defense that ranked 20th in the league in yards allowed in 2021 and gave up nearly 27 points a game.
“I’m definitely prepared for it, being the No. 1 pick,” Walker said. “I have to say there’s a lot of expectations behind that, but it’s just the game of football to me.”
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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/jags-take-athletic-freak-walker-with-top-pick-in-nfl-draft/ | 2022-04-29T07:14:59Z |
KYIV — Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has become the latest European leader to visit Ukraine.
Marin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in Kyiv.
Finnish public broadcaster YLE says she also visited the towns of Bucha and Irpin where Russian soldiers are alleged to have killed civilians.
Zelenskyy thanked Marin for Finland’s weapons deliveries and its support for sanctions against Russia.
Jolted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland recently broke with its policy of non-alignment and applied for membership in NATO, together with neighboring Sweden.
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— As Ukraine war grinds on, world pushes for way to get grain out
— Scars of war seem to be everywhere in Ukraine after 3 months
— War Crimes Watch: Hard path to justice in Bucha atrocities
— US aims to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China
— Russia takes steps to bolster army, offer some Ukrainians citizenship
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
MOSCOW — The head of the Russia-backed separatist region in eastern Ukraine says that there may be more Ukrainian fighters hiding at the sprawling Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, even after Moscow officially declared the operation of taking control over it successful and completed.
Denis Pushilin of the Donetsk People’s Republic said of the Ukrainian fighters on Thursday: “They could be hiding….They could be lost somewhere, lagged behind” the ones who surrendered and were captured.
The Russian military declared Azovstal and all of Mariupol “completely liberated” on May 20 and reported that a total of 2,439 fighters had come out of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the besieged city.
Pushilin says any Ukrainians left behind at the plant don’t pose a threat to the Russian forces.
Russian officials have said the vast territory of the steel mill is being demined. Pushilin said it will be possible to say there is no one left there only after that process is completed, the rubble is cleared and the plant is thoroughly inspected,
“Unfortunately, we already have wounded sapper,” he said. “There are a lot of traps, booby traps. Technically, they had everything for this. Therefore, mine clearance is very thorough.”
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PRAGUE — The Czech Republic’s ambassador to Ukraine has returned to Kyiv as his country seeks to reinforce its embassy before it takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union in July.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Thursday that the work should help fulfill the priorities of the Czech presidency, which include supporting Ukraine with financial, humanitarian and political aid.
The Czech Republic is among the European nations that support a plan for Ukraine to quickly receive the status of a candidate for EU membership.
The government in Prague closed its embassy in Kyiv on Feb 24 after Russia invaded Ukraine. The embassy, which reopened in the middle of April, currently has five diplomats.
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Russia has started broadcasting its state television news in the ravaged port city of Mariupol and other locations it controls in eastern Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian officials said Thursday.
Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Situations, or MChS, said it has launched “three mobile complexes for informing and alerting the population” that will be “broadcasting news for two hours in different parts of Mariupol.”
Such mobile units also operate in the city of Volnovakha and the Lyman district of Ukraine’s Donetsk province, broadcasting state news shows, “practical information” and cartoons for children, Russian state news agency Tass reported Thursday.
Petro Adnryushchenko, an advisor to Mariupol’s Ukrainian mayor, posted on his Telegram channel footage of MChS trucks with TV screens broadcasting Russian news shows to crowds of people in the Russian-occupied city.
“Yesterday, the occupiers launched three mobile propaganda cars and additionally installed 12 75-inch TVs in places of mass gathering — humanitarian aid distribution points, paperwork points and water access points,” he wrote. “The practice of ‘nothing to feed, feed lies’ is gaining momentum.”
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MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin says the West will fail in its attempts to isolate Russia and face growing economic problems.
Speaking Thursday via video link to members of the Eurasian Economic Forum, Putin said Russia wasn’t going to shut itself off from international cooperation. The forum includes several ex-Soviet nations.
Putin said that trying to isolate Russia is “impossible, utterly unrealistic in the modern world” and “those who try to do it primarily hurt themselves.”
The Russian leader cited growing economic challenges in the West, including “inflation unseen in 40 years, growing unemployment, rupture of supply chains and the worsening of global crises in such sensitive spheres as food.”
“This is not a joke,” he said. “This is a serious thing that will have an impact on the entire system of economic and political relations.”
He lambasted the West for seizing Russian reserves, saying that “the theft of others’ assets never brought any good.”
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KYIV, Ukraine — A regional governor in eastern Ukraine says shelling of the city of Kharkiv killed at least four civilians.
Kharkiv Gov. Oleg Synyehubov said that another seven residents of Ukraine’s second-largest city were wounded in Thursday’s shelling.
He urged people to stay in shelters, warning that the barrage might continue.
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KYIV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian governor of the eastern Luhansk region says Russian bombardments killed three people in and around the city of Lysychansk, which is a key focus of fighting.
Serhiy Haidai said Thursday that one person was killed in Lysychansk and two in the nearby village of Ustynivka amid a Russian artillery bombardment on Wednesday. He said strikes in the region had hit various targets including private houses and a humanitarian aid center, without specifying how the people died.
Haidai is the Kyiv-backed governor of the Luhansk region, where the Ukrainian government is holding onto a small area around Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk in the face of a focused push by Russian forces.
In the northern Kharkiv region, governor Oleh Synehubov said two men ages 64 and 82 had been killed in shelling of the town of Balakliya and 10 other people were injured, including a 9-year-old girl.
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DAVOS, Switzerland — Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov says that not enough strategic steps have been taken in recent years to prevent Europe’s growing dependence on Russian gas and to counter hybrid attacks.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Petkov said that the war in Ukraine “caused many crises to us because we had allowed ourselves to be dependent on Russia”.
Petkov said that after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Europe criticized Moscow but did nothing to reduce its dependence on it.
“While we linked the price of electricity to that of gas, Russia now can not only reduce gas supplies, but also regulate electricity prices in Europe,” he said.
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DAVOS, Switzerland — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his conviction that Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t win the war in Ukraine.
“He has already failed to achieve all his strategic goals,” Scholz said Thursday in his speech at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The chancellor said that “a capture of all of Ukraine by Russia seems further away today than it did at the beginning of the war. More than ever, Ukraine is emphasizing its European future.”
In addition, Scholz said Thursday, the “brutality of the Russian war” has prompted two states to move closer to NATO.
“With Sweden and Finland, two close friends and partners want to join the North Atlantic alliance. They are most welcome!” the chancellor said.
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MILAN, Italy — The World Food Program has been pushing to get wheat out of Ukrainian ports to help feed the hungry elsewhere in the world and avert growing food insecurity in vulnerable regions, while also making room for the harvest of grain that has recently been planted.
“We are pushing 100% to get the food that is stuck in that port out. It needs to be a continuous flow, it cannot be a few ships full. We need to get what we can out of there, not just for the Ukrainian economy but to get to people who need it in Yemen and Somalia and Afghanistan,’’ said WFP spokesman John Dumont.
Dumont was in Odesa a couple of weeks ago, and says the grain silos are full. “They are planting now. Where are they going to put that wheat when it is harvest time at the end of June and July? There is no place for it to go.”
“It needs to get out in a continuous way. It cannot just be a little one-off humanitarian convoy. The Black Sea needs to open.”
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MOSCOW — The Kremlin says it expects Ukraine to see what is happening in the country and to accept Moscow’s demands
Asked Thursday if Russia expects Ukraine to make territorial concessions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov replied: “Moscow expects the acceptance of its demands and the understanding of the real situation that exists de-facto.”
Russia has previously demanded recognition of its sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. It also is seeking acknowledgement of the independence of Russia-backed separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials said in March that the status of Crimea and the separatist regions could be discussed later. In recent weeks, they have toughened their stand and said that Russian troops should pull back to where they were before Moscow launched a military action in Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Speaking in a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Peskov said: “Kyiv must acknowledge the de-facto situation and just have a sober assessment of it.”
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SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says Russian President Vladimir Putin is “trying to hold the world to ransom” by demanding that some sanctions be lifted before Russia allowed Ukrainian grain shipments to resume.
“He’s essentially weaponized hunger and lack of food among the poorest people around the world,” Truss said during a visit Thursday to the Bosnia. “We simply cannot allow this to happen.”
Truss vows that “will do all, with our allies and partners, to get the grain out of Ukraine and supply the rest of the world. “
But she says that the sanctions must stay in place to cut off funding for the war in Ukraine.
“We need to ensure Putin loses in Ukraine,” Truss says.” What we cannot have is any lifting of sanctions, any appeasement, which will simply make Putin stronger in the longer term.”
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MOSCOW — The Kremlin says that the West needs to lift some of its sanctions against Russia for grain shipments from Ukraine to resume.
Western allies have accused Russia of blocking grain exports from Ukraine in a move that is exacerbating food shortages in Africa and other regions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that “we categorically reject the accusations and accuse Western countries of taking a series of unlawful actions that has led to the blockade.”
Speaking in a conference call with reporters, he added that the West, in particular, “must cancel the unlawful decisions that hamper chartering ships and exporting grain.”
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MOSCOW — The Russian military says it has destroyed a large Ukrainian unit with equipment at a railway station in the east.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Thursday that the Russian warplanes hit the railway station in Pokrovsk when an assault brigade that arrived to reinforce the Ukrainian forces in the region was unloading there.
Konashenkov also said that the Russian military destroyed Ukraine’s electronic intelligence center in Dniprovske in the southern Mykolaiv region, killing 11 Ukrainian soldiers and 15 foreign experts. His claims couldn’t be independently confirmed.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, the Russian artillery hit over 500 Ukrainian targets, including troops concentrations and artillery positions, he said.
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The General Staff of the Ukrainian military said Thursday that the Russian forces have continued attempts to press their offensive in several sections of the frontline in the east and also launched missile and air strikes at infrastructure facilities across the country.
Rodion Miroshnik, a representative of the separatist Luhansk region in Russia, said that about 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers are currently in captivity in the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk regions and their number is growing daily by the “hundreds.”
His claims couldn’t be independently verified.
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LONDON — Britain’s military says Russia has suffered substantial losses among its elite units because of “complacency” among commanders and failure to anticipate strong Ukrainian resistance.
The U.K. Ministry of Defense says the airborne VDV has been involved in “several notable tactical failures” since the Feb. 24 invasion, including the attempt to capture and hold Hostomel Airfield near Kyiv and failed attempts to cross the Siverskyi Donets River in eastern Ukraine.
In its daily intelligence update, the defense ministry said the VDV had been sent on missions “better suited to heavier armoured infantry and has sustained heavy casualties during the campaign. Its mixed performance likely reflects a strategic mismanagement of this capability and Russia’s failure to secure air superiority.”
It said “the failure to anticipate Ukrainian resistance and the subsequent complacency of Russian commanders has led to significant losses across many of Russia’s more elite units.” | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/live-updates-ukraine-says-russia-presses-offensive-in-east/ | 2022-05-26T16:29:42Z |
Colombia’s presidential vote headed for a runoff
CNN’S Stefano Pozzebon and Michelle Velez
Colombia’s presidential election appears destined for a runoff, after preliminary results on Sunday showed no candidate had garnered over 50% of the votes.
With 98% of the votes counted, early results showed left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro with just over 40% of the votes, the populist former mayor of Bucaramanga Rodolfo Hernandez with 28%, and right-wing candidate Federico “Fico” Gutierrez with 23%.
Petro and Hernandez are now expected to face each other during a second round of voting on June 19th.
Polls closed late on Sunday with no major reports of violence or unrest.
“We have one of the oldest democracies in this hemisphere. We have one of the most solid democracies and it becomes solid because every four years we make an orderly transition,” outgoing president Ivan Duque said on Sunday.
The vote took place in one of the most turbulent times in Colombia’s modern history, with the country plagued by the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, social unrest and a deteriorating security situation.
Duque’s own approval rating is currently at a low, with his tenure marred by his administration’s handling of police conduct, inequality, and clashes between organized criminal groups.
Popular discontent has placed the left in sight of the presidency for the first time in the country’s history. Still, the preliminary results represent of a setback for the 62-year-old Petro — a former guerrilla fighter and mayor of Bogota — who had been widely regarded as a leading candidate.
If elected next month, Petro would become Colombia’s first leftist leader; his running mate Francia Marquez would also become the first Afro-Colombian to hold executive powers. Petro has proposed a radical overhaul of the country’s economy to combat one of the highest inequality rates in the world.
Meanwhile Hernandez, 77, has appealed to centrist voters with a unique social-media campaign. The self-proclaimed “King of TikTok” declined to participate in several televised debates and gave few interviews to foreign outlets — although he did appear on CNN, wearing his pajamas, saying that he was a “man of the people.”
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CNN’S Stefano Pozzebon reported from Bogota and Michelle Velez from Atlanta. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/29/colombias-presidential-vote-headed-for-a-runoff/ | 2022-05-30T00:48:50Z |
Man who tortured, killed dogs denied parole; board sent 2K comments opposing release
RENO, Nev. (KOLO/Gray News) - A board of commissioners has denied parole for a man convicted of torturing and killing dogs.
Jason Brown did not get the four of seven commissioner votes needed earlier this week for his parole request, according to the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners.
KOLO reports Brown was arrested in July 2014 at a hotel in Reno. Animal control found dead dogs and parts of the animals throughout the room where Brown was staying.
The Nevada resident received seven consecutive four-year sentences for a total of 28 years. According to the Associated Press, the parole board was sent more than 2,000 comments opposing his release.
Brown had requested in April for an early release after authorities determined he’d been misclassified as a violent offender.
Currently, Brown is not eligible for parole again until April 1, 2025.
Copyright 2022 KOLO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/19/man-who-tortured-killed-dogs-denied-parole-board-sent-2k-comments-opposing-release/ | 2022-05-19T23:01:48Z |
EV innovators focus deep experience to rethink medium-duty vehicle market, delivering an EV solution offering benchmark performance and durability at zero price acquisition premium
-EV industry veterans create new company bringing market-focused medium-duty product to an industry lacking practical innovation
-Harbinger vehicles will offer improvements in safety, driver experience, and productivity tuned to the needs of commercial fleet operators and specialty vehicle customers
-Developed in-house for Class 4 to 7, the company's all-new eAxle, chassis architecture, and battery technologies are built to exceed industry standards
-Harbinger is set to debut its EV platform at the 2022 North American International Auto Show
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Harbinger, a Los Angeles-based automotive manufacturer, announced today its official launch and unveiled a revolutionary new electric vehicle (EV) platform poised to transform the medium-duty industry. Founded with a mission to bring modernization and fresh thinking to a market poorly addressed by electrification, Harbinger's initial product line will include electric stripped chassis and cab chassis designed specifically to address the unique performance, durability, and lifespan expectations required in Class 4 to Class 7 vehicles.
"Medium-duty vehicles serve as the backbone of the commercial transportation industry and are responsible for delivering tens of millions of packages and critical services every day," said John Harris, CEO of Harbinger. "But while this industry has experienced tremendous growth, fleet customers today face acute shortages of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, and any meaningful supply of production-ready EV offerings is still years out. We are solving this problem head on."
Production for Harbinger electric platforms is projected to scale significantly over the next five years, with first vehicles expected in customers' hands in late 2023, followed by the launch of volume production in 2024.
Over the past year, a growing team of EV passenger car veterans have quietly been developing a medium-duty powertrain and chassis to overhaul an industry still running on half-century-old technology. Current EV solutions in the medium-duty space offer only incremental improvements, largely by retrofitting popular internal combustion engine (ICE) products, but Harbinger's suite of in-house developed EV solutions are grounded in road-tested passenger EV technologies and enable a new paradigm in chassis architecture, focused on electrification and improvements in vehicle operation, safety, and driver ergonomics.
Harbinger's EV solutions feature:
- A proprietary eAxle at the heart of the vehicle which combines the motor, inverter, and gearbox into an integrated unit. This approach improves energy efficiency, lowers cost, and brings critical safety improvements by enabling the battery systems to be positioned entirely inside the frame.
- A liquid-cooled battery pack engineered for superior performance, lower cost, and a supplier-agnostic sourcing strategy. The pack design also takes advantage of cutting-edge casting technology to provide improved battery durability, safety, and lifespan.
- A new driver-focused chassis architecture designed to improve safety, driver experience, and productivity through drive-by-wire steering and enhancements to vehicle ergonomics. In addition, a novel front suspension reduces vehicle overhang, improving driver visibility and vehicle maneuverability.
Every element of Harbinger's medium-duty EV has been reimagined and engineered to deliver category-defining attributes, including:
- 800V liquid cooled battery system, with capacity scalable in 35kWh increments
- Best-in-class floor height below 28 inches
- Designed for 20-year, 450,000-mile standard operating life
- Independent front suspension with rack-type steering
- Autonomous-ready with steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire
- Segment-leading safety and driver assistance features
- One-hour DC fast charging capability
- Zero price acquisition premium over today's equivalent gas- and diesel-powered vehicles
"This industry is performing on decades-old technology that makes its daily rigors nearly unbearable for drivers and concentrates emissions of harmful pollutants in highly populated, residential, and business areas where they most acutely affect human health. We can no longer sit idle and watch that happen," said Harris. "The reality is that technologies developed for the passenger or heavy-duty vehicle industries simply cannot be repurposed for the medium-duty segment."
Eliminating barriers to adoption and offering a seamless connection to the way the industry currently operates, Harbinger's scalable stripped chassis has been built to support the predominant medium-duty body types available today, including commercial walk-in vans, RVs, box trucks, and other medium-duty vehicles.
Harbinger was founded on the idea that for cleaner vehicles to become ubiquitous, a competitive EV solution must be offered at a cost comparable to its ICE counterparts. As a result, unlike other commercial EVs available today, Harbinger's electric platform will carry zero price acquisition premium relative to gas- and diesel-powered alternatives.
"Better technology often comes with outrageous price tags, and we're seeing today's medium-duty EVs performing for half the life of today's ICE vehicles at triple the cost," said Harris. "Our technology was developed from scratch in order to control top level chassis cost."
Harbinger has achieved this by leveraging strong existing supplier relationships and concentrating its efforts on in-house development of key vehicle systems, thereby eliminating costly third-party battery and powertrain system premiums. Harbinger's chassis has also been designed to scale, with modular battery pack and wheelbase configurations that meet the needs of both last mile delivery operators – who typically drive fewer than 100 miles per day – as well as RV and other commercial and specialty vehicle customers that demand different performance requirements.
Ultimately, Harbinger customers stand to enjoy more than just the benefits of a price competitive vehicle. As with all EVs, customers can also expect a reduced cost of ownership over the lifetime of the vehicle thanks to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
"The cost effectiveness of the platform is a baseline, not a sacrifice," said Harris. "Our platform will offer an enhanced level of efficiency, durability, safety, and performance over our competition and can be sold at a better price point because of our advantages of in-house component design and vertically integrated approach. This is how EVs should be built."
Led by co-founders John Harris, Phillip Weicker, and Will Eberts, Harbinger's team is composed of EV specialists with decades of experience across the automotive, aerospace, and battery technology industries.
John Harris leads the company as Chief Executive Officer, bringing expertise from Anduril Industries, Boeing, Faraday Future, and Xos Trucks.
Phillip Weicker is the Chief Technology Officer at Harbinger, leading product design and development. Former co-founder and head of powertrain at Canoo, he brings over two decades of experience in battery and drivetrain development with experience at Faraday Future, QuantumScape, Coda Automotive, and EnergyCS.
Will Eberts serves as Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility over supply chain, program management, and project financials. Eberts brings experience from Anduril Industries, Canoo, Faraday Future, and General Atomics ASI.
The founding team is supported by a highly experienced suite of technical and operational leaders, including Alexi Charbonneau, VP of Chassis Engineering; Alex Tylee, VP of Powertrain Engineering; John Sztykiel, VP of Business Development; Deb Bourke, Director of Engineering Programs; Steven Offutt, Director of Manufacturing; and Michael Fielkow, General Counsel and Head of Corporate Development.
See Harbinger's technology on display for the first time at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this month, or visit www.harbingermotors.com for more.
Harbinger is a commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs. Leveraging a foundation of proprietary, in-house developed vehicle technologies designed specifically for commercial vehicles, Harbinger is bringing a first-of-its-kind EV platform to market, priced for zero acquisition premium. Harbinger: familiar form, revolutionary foundation.
To learn more about Harbinger, please visit www.harbingermotors.com
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SOURCE Harbinger | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/new-oem-harbinger-unveils-first-of-its-kind-commercial-medium-duty-platform-set-electrify-revolutionize-industry/ | 2022-09-08T04:53:07Z |
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon and Devon Toews scored 22 seconds apart in a five-goal first period, sending the Colorado Avalanche to a 7-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The five goals tied the team playoff record for a period and chased Nashville’s backup goaltender David Rittich from the game with 4:56 remaining in the first. Rittich was stepping in for 38-game winner Juuse Saros, who’s sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Andrew Cogliano, Cale Makar and Artturi Lehkonen also scored in the first. Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog built the lead to 6-0 when he was credited for a goal in the second period. He was making his return from knee surgery that had sidelined him since mid-March.
MacKinnon scored his second goal of the game in the third period and, coupled with an assist, raised his playoff points per game average to 1.41. It trails only Wayne Gretzky (1.84) and Mario Lemieux (1.61), with a minimum of 40 games.
Matt Duchene scored twice for Nashville. Darcy Kuemper finished with 23 saves.
Game 2 is Thursday, which also happens to be Kuemper’s 32nd birthday.
Since moving to Denver, the Avalanche boast a 17-6 record in best-of-seven playoff series when they win the first game. On the flip side, the Predators are 0-7 when starting a best-of-seven series with a road loss.
Colorado scored virtually every way imaginable: On a power play (MacKinnon), short-handed (Cogliano), opposing player kicking it in (Landeskog got the credit for a puck knocked in by defenseman Mark Borowiecki) and, of course, even strength (Toews, Makar, Lehkonen and MacKinnon again).
The Avalanche outshot the Predators by a 45-25 margin.
Things turned chippy after the horn to end the second period. Philip Tomasino got into it with Lehkonen. Close by, Luke Kunin shoved down Nazem Kadri, who got a shot in before being pulled away.
In the third period, the game got even more chippy with Mathieu Olivier drawing a misconduct penalty.
Cogliano scored his first goal for the Avalanche since being acquired from San Jose on March 21. He took advantage of a Mattias Ekholm turnover with the Predators on the power play and lined it in through a small window.
Cogliano later left the game with an upper-body injury.
The sleek move of the game was turned in by Makar, who zipped around Tanner Jeannot with a nifty move near the blue line, skated down the left side and banked in a shot off the mask of Rittich.
Lehkonen’s score to make it 5-0 with 4:56 left in the first and put an end to Rittich’s night. He was replaced by Connor Ingram, who had appeared in only three NHL games before Tuesday. Ingram had 30 saves.
RECORD START
The goals by MacKinnon and Toews were in the first 2:42, making it the fastest pair of goals to start a playoff game in Colorado/Quebec franchise history. The old mark belonged to Valeri Kamensky and Peter Forsberg, who scored in the opening 2:54 during Game 2 of the 1998 conference quarterfinals, according to NHL Stats.
MAKAR’S MARK
Makar became the third defenseman in team history to record three points in a period during a playoff game. He joined Sandis Ozolinsh (April 13, 2000) and Risto Siltanen (April 14, 1987).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY?
On his 27th birthday, Avs forward Nico Sturm received a hard check in the second period that knocked him down. He had to be helped off the ice, holding his arm, but later returned.
___
More AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/avs-erupt-for-5-goals-in-1st-beat-predators-7-2-in-game-1/ | 2022-05-04T16:56:16Z |
Nadler defeats Maloney in battle of top House Democrats
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, who twice led fights to impeach former President Donald Trump, defeated U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney in a Democratic primary Tuesday after a court forced the two veteran lawmakers into the same New York City congressional district.
Nadler’s victory ends a 30-year run in Congress for Maloney, who battled to get government aid for people sickened by clouds of toxic soot after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The unusual fight between incumbents who have spent decades working together was the result of a redistricting process that lumped Nadler’s home base on the west side of Manhattan together with Maloney’s on the east side, with neither willing to run in another part of the city.
In his victory speech, Nadler said he and Maloney “have spent much of our adult lives working together to better both New York and our nation. I speak for everyone in this room tonight when I thank her for her decades of service to our city.”
Nadler also defeated Suraj Patel, a 38-year-old lawyer and lecturer at New York University who has now failed to advance out of a Democratic congressional primary in three straight tries.
Nadler, 75, was first elected to Congress in 1992. As chair of the House Judiciary Committee, he led both impeachments of Trump. Nadler was buoyed in the last weeks of the campaign by endorsements from The New York Times and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
He pledged he would go back to Congress “with a mandate to fight for the causes so many of us know to be right,” including abortion access and climate change.
Maloney, 76, also first elected in 1992, is the first woman to chair the House Oversight and Reform Committee. She is known for her longtime advocacy for Sept. 11 first responders seeking compensation for diseases they attribute to contamination from the destruction of the World Trade Center. She wore a firefighter’s jacket on Capitol Hill and at the 2019 Met Gala.
Maloney said women in politics still face “misogyny” today, something she said she experienced herself in her campaign this year.
“I’m really saddened that we no longer have a woman representing Manhattan in Congress,” Maloney added. “It has been a great, great honor and a joy and a privilege to work for you.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Maloney “a champion for integrity” in a statement on the race and said “her longtime public service will be profoundly missed in the Congress.”
Pelosi also congratulated Nadler, saying he “has been a commanding force for freedom and justice” and that the country would “greatly benefit from his continued leadership.”
Few policy differences between Nadler, Maloney and Patel emerged during the primary campaign.
All support abortion rights, the Green New Deal and tighter restrictions on gun ownership. Patel argued that Nadler’s and Maloney’s generation failed to achieve Democratic goals like codifying Roe v. Wade and should cede to new blood.
Nadler and Maloney countered that their seniority in Congress brings clout that benefits New Yorkers.
Friends for many years, the two Democrats lamented having to run against each other — something that only happened after a court redrew the boundaries of the state’s congressional districts after concluding the legislature botched the process.
“I didn’t want to run against my good friend, Jerry Nadler,” Maloney said at a recent debate. “We have been friends and allies for years. Unfortunately, we were drawn into the same district.”
Still, on the campaign trail Maloney said that as a woman, she would fight harder to protect abortion rights than Nadler.
Asked at a debate how his record differed from that of Maloney, Nadler cited his votes against the Iraq War and the Patriot Act, and in favor of the Iran nuclear deal. Maloney, also elected to Congress in 1992, voted the other way on all three.
Maloney also came under fire from her opponents for her past positions on vaccines, including in 2006 when she introduced legislation directing the federal government to study the debunked theory that vaccines can cause autism. Maloney insisted that she supports vaccines and regretted having ever questioned vaccine safety.
The primary winner in the overwhelmingly Democratic district will face Republican Michael Zumbluskas in the November general election.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/24/nadler-defeats-maloney-battle-top-house-democrats/ | 2022-08-24T10:42:19Z |
NEW YORK, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Unilever PLC (NYSE: UL).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/unilever-plc-loss-submission-form/?id=29842&from=4
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.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until August 15, 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, Unilever PLC issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose 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.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/ul-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-unilever-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-15-2022/ | 2022-07-15T11:34:55Z |
PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a unique flashlight and imaging solution that would be easy to use in a variety of situations," said an inventor, from Chicago, Ill., "so I invented the FLASH-CAM. My design would offer a next-generation flashlight device with an even greater range of multi-tool capabilities."
The patent-pending invention provides an improved way to see and capture day or night images and videos. In doing so, it offers an alternative to traditional flashlights, digital cameras, etc. As a result, it increases convenience, safety and security and it can be used for various applications. The invention features an effective and durable design that is easy to use so it is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, military and law enforcement, contractors, etc.
The original design was submitted to the Chicago sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-CHK-168, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/inventhelp-inventor-develops-improved-way-see-amp-capture-images-chk-168/ | 2022-05-23T16:56:03Z |
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Yet another mother searching for her disappeared son has been killed in northern Mexico, becoming the third volunteer search activist killed in Mexico since 2021.
Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of the northern state of Sinaloa, identified the dead woman Wednesday as Rosario Rodríguez Barraza.
“I deeply regret the killing of Rosario Rodríguez Barraza, a tireless fighter, like many other women in Sinaloa who are looking for their loved ones,” Rocha Moya wrote in his social media accounts.
Rep. Paloma Sánchez, a congresswoman from Sinaloa, said Rodríguez Barraza was abducted near her home and killed Tuesday, the International Day of the Disappeared, which was marked in Mexico by marches and protests.
The motive in the killings remained unclear, because most searchers say publicly they aren’t looking for evidence to convict killers.
The volunteer search teams, usually made up of mothers of Mexico’s over 100,000 missing people, say they only want to find the bodies of their loved ones, to mourn and properly bury them.
In a video posted by “Hasta Encontrarles,” another search group, Rodríguez Barraza is heard saying the classic phrase, “I’m looking for my son, I’m not looking for the culprits.”
Her son, Fernando Ramírez Rodríguez, hasn’t been seen since he was abducted in the town of La Cruz, Sinaloa, in October 2019. La Cruz is located on the Pacific coast between the port of Mazatlan and the state capital Culiacan.
Sinaloa is home to the drug cartel of the same name.
Rodríguez Barraza said armed men in a white car snatched her son, then 20. Since then — despite conducting her own investigation and offering prosecutors the evidence — she has not heard anything.
“I took them videos, I brought them witnesses, and up to now, they have not done anything for me,” she said of prosecutors.
That is a common tale in Mexico. Faced with official inaction or incompetence, many mothers are forced to do their own investigations, or join search teams which, often acting on tips, cross gullies and fields, sinking iron rods into the ground to detect the tell-tale stench of decomposing bodies.
Most of the victims are thought to have been killed by drug cartels, their bodies dumped into shallow graves, dissolved or burned. Drug and kidnapping gangs often use the same locations over and over again, creating grisly killing fields.
The searchers, and the police who sometimes accompany them, focus on finding graves and identifying remains — not collecting evidence of how they died or who killed them. Search groups sometimes even get anonymous tips about where bodies are buried, knowledge probably available only to the killers or their accomplices.
But the mainly female volunteers often recount getting threats and being watched — presumably by the same people who murdered their sons, brothers and husbands.
In 2021, in the neighboring state of Sonora, searcher Aranza Ramos was found dead a day after her search group found a still-smoking body disposal pit. Earlier that year, volunteer search activist Javier Barajas Piña was gunned down in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico’s most violent.
The cartels may be angered simply by the inconvenience: after searchers turn up bodies, they are forced to find new body disposal sites.
Among the search groups, known as “collectives” in Mexico, human remains aren’t referred to as corpses or bodies. The searchers call them “treasures,” because to grieving families they are precious.
Searchers usually call law enforcement when they think they’ve found a burial, mostly because authorities often refuse to conduct the slow but critical DNA testing unless the remains are professionally exhumed.
A group of search collectives issued a statement Wednesday demanding protection for searching mothers.
“No mother should be killed for searching for her children,” the coalition wrote. “On the contrary, the government is obligated to ensure their safety in continuing their searches, as long as thousands of cases of disappeared people continue to pile up.” | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-3rd-volunteer-grave-search-activist-killed-in-mexico/ | 2022-09-01T03:46:41Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - IDLE LIFESTYLE INC. ("IDLE" or the "Company") (CSE: IDLE) (FSE: 99L.F) (OTC: IDLSF) (formerly Poda Holdings, Inc.) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared the payment of a special dividend, and approved the return of capital, on its Subordinate Voting Shares ("SVS") and Multiple Voting Shares ("MVS") together amounting to a distribution of CDN$0.41 per SVS, and CDN$0.41 per MVS on an as-converted to SVS basis (the "Distribution"). The Distribution is expected to be paid on or about August 10, 2022 (the "Payment Date") to holders of record of SVS and MVS on August 3, 2022 (the "Record Date"). Accordingly, the timetable for the Distribution on Canadian Securities Exchange is expected to be:
* Ex-Dividend Date is the date on which the shares start trading without the subsequent Distribution value, therefore only shares acquired on or before August 1, 2022, will entitle the Shareholder to participate in the Distribution. The Company notes that August 1, 2022, is an optional holiday in Ontario, Canada, and the CSE market will be closed for trading.
The Distribution will be of an aggregate amount of approximately CDN$68.2 million, and comprised of a return of capital of approximately CDN$28 million and dividends of approximately CDN$40.2 million. The Shareholders will receive CAD$0.41 per each SVS held, being $0.215 in connection with the return of capital, and $0.195 in connection with the dividend payment and CAD$410 per each MVS held, being $56.00 in connection with the return of capital, and $354.00 in connection with the dividend payment.
These dividends are designated by the Company as eligible dividends as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada) and similar provincial or territorial legislation. An enhanced dividend tax credit applies to eligible dividends paid to Canadian residents.
The Distribution follows the completion by the Company, together with Ryan Selby and Ryan Karkairan, of the sale of substantially all of the assets and properties used in the Company's former business (the "Purchased Assets") to Altria Client Services LLC ("ALCS"), a subsidiary of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) for a total purchase price of US$100.5 million, subject to certain adjustments and holdbacks on June 24, 2022, pursuant to a definitive agreement dated May 13, 2022 (the "Transaction"). As consideration for the Purchased Assets, ALCS paid US$55,275,000 to the Company, as further described on the Company's news release of June 24, 2022.
As a result of completion of the Transaction, the Company no longer has any material property or assets other than cash-on-hand plus the cash proceeds of the Transaction, which amount to approximately CDN$69.2 million after satisfying the Company's obligations and liabilities. After the Distribution, IDLE expects to retain approximately CDN$1 million in cash to explore new business opportunities for the economic benefit of its Shareholders, subject to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement.
The dividend portion of the Distribution is subject to the non-resident withholding tax at the statutory rate of 25%, unless a non-Canadian resident shareholder has certified that it is a resident of a country with a tax treaty with Canada and that they qualify for a lower rate of withholding tax under such tax treaty. All registered shareholders who are non-residents of Canada and who are entitled to tax treaty benefits should complete a Canadian Tax Form NR301, NR302, NR303 (as applicable), and return it by email to the Company's paying agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation, on or before 5:00 p.m. PST on August 9, 2022. Please send your completed and signed form by email on or before such time to:
Attn: Corporate Actions Department
admin@endeavortrust.com
Failure to do so will result in the Company withholding from your pro-rata share of the dividend portion of the Distribution at the statutory 25% withholding tax rate.
Non-Canadian resident shareholders who hold their shares through a broker do not need to return a form to the Company and should contact their broker directly.
Further details regarding the Distribution are set in the management information circular (the "Circular") sent to Shareholders in connection with the special meeting held on June 22, 2022, which is available under IDLE's profile at www.sedar.com.
On Behalf of the Board,
Ryan Selby
CEO, Director, and Chairman of the Board
Idle Lifestyle Inc.
Toll-free North America: +1-833-879-7632
Outside North America: +1-406-879-7632
investors@idle-lifestyle.com
www.idle-lifestyle.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, information with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking information includes, among other things, information regarding: the anticipated timetable for the payment of the Distribution, the tax consequences of the Distribution, the anticipated amount of the Distribution per SVS and MVS, the anticipated amount of the proceeds to be retained by the Company to explore new business opportunities, and the Company's ability to identify such opportunities. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on assumptions management considers reasonable, there can be no assurance that the Distribution will be completed on the timetable set out in this news release or that events or facts will not arise that reduce the anticipated amount of the Distribution per SVS and MVS.
Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risk factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks include risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, regulatory risks, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation, except as otherwise required by law, to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors change.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Circular, copies of which are filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any information released or received with respect to the Distribution may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
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SOURCE Idle Lifestyle Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/idle-declares-dividends-approves-return-capital/ | 2022-07-26T10:31:27Z |
Disrupting the boxed wine category with superior quality & innovative packaging, Juliet doubles-down on sustainability from the inside out
CENTRAL COAST, Calif., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On a mission to create eco-friendly wines of uncompromising quality and design, Juliet launches its revolutionary brand of luxury boxed wines. Debuting with a 2021 Sauvignon Blanc and 2021 Grenache Rosé, Juliet hails from a Certified California Sustainable Winery in the acclaimed Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA. The wine is housed in a first-to-market cylindrical container deemed the "Eco-Magnum™", which holds two standard bottles of wine (1.5L). Developed by female entrepreneurs with women in mind, Juliet delivers an elevated day-to-day experience for discerning wine drinkers who prioritize sustainability.
Founders Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher are longtime friends who share a passion for good wine and a desire to innovate. When the women discovered that glass bottles and their transport are the two largest contributors to wine's carbon footprint, they set out to reshape the category with an unmatched commitment to sustainability. Combining their diverse experience at iconic brands including Perrier-Joüet, Virgin Galactic, and Vogue, the duo brings their rich backgrounds in sales, marketing, and alcoholic beverage to the table. Together, the two entrepreneurs are trailblazing a new space where quality wine aligns itself with a conscious lifestyle, and the concept of elevated boxed wine is brought to fruition at scale.
"We recognized the unmet need for a sustainable wine that didn't sacrifice on quality, taste, or design. Boxed wine offered an eco-friendly packaging solution but hadn't yet reached its full potential, so we took the opportunity to innovate the category with an elevated aesthetic and truly superior wine," commented Lauren De Niro Pipher, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Juliet.
From winemaking practices to packaging, sustainability is at the core of Juliet's mission that paves the way for mindful consumption. The wines are made in a facility that is certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and packaging is crafted with recycled materials to set the stage for real environmental impact. Juliet is also pioneering the first at-home wine refill system in the U.S. where customers can reuse the paper containers and reorder just the inner wine pouches at a discount.
The Eco-magnum™ is multi-faceted and developed for convenience with superior design. The large format stays fresh for up to 6 weeks after opening and the proprietary, glass-free design with handle is ideal for on-the-go occasions, picnics, the beach, or at home fitting nicely on a refrigerator shelf. The airtight spout provides an "on tap" experience wherever you are, making Juliet a portable and durable choice for day-to-day drinking occasions.
"When we discovered that boxed wine presents an 84% lower carbon footprint compared to wine in conventional glass bottles, we were inspired to act. Juliet is here to reshape consumers' perspectives on boxed wine with a luxury product that not only shifts the culture of wine drinking but sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry," said Allison Luvera, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Juliet.
Juliet's potential has been recognized by key investors, including Jonathan Neman (CEO & Founder of Sweetgreen) and Leora Kadisha Neman, Lauren Bosworth (CEO & Founder of Love Wellness), Dick Costolo (Former CEO of Twitter), Kurt Seidensticker (Founder, Vital Proteins), Brooke Wall (Founder, The Wall Group), and Anderson Family Brands.
The wines are hand-made with quality that begins at the vineyard and carries on from the cellar to the glass. The grapes are first chosen based on terroir and sourced from some of Central Coast California's most renowned AVA vineyards, championing superior quality from the start. The ensuing winemaking style honors the natural excellence of the fruit by utilizing low intervention and zero artificial additives in the process, and the final product contains minimal ingredients which are transparently stated on the label for an entire paradigm shift on conventional bottles. The result is pure expressions of the vineyards, the vintage, and the fruit of the land – better quality that is better for you.
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is an old-world style rendition of the varietal with aromas of Meyer lemon, ripe pear, honeydew melon, a hint of grass, and a crisp mouthfeel. The 2021 Rosé is 100% Grenache made in a dry, Provençal style, with hints of bright strawberry, watermelon, and floral notes followed by a subtly spicy yet delicate palate.
Juliet will be available for purchase online and at high-end retailers in New York, California, and Florida for $45.99. For both the store locator and e-commerce shop, visit www.drinkjuliet.com.
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SOURCE Juliet | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/new-luxury-wine-brand-juliet-launches-with-sustainability-forefront/ | 2022-07-20T18:36:32Z |
Grandmother carjacked, assaulted in church parking lot; 2 arrested
CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - A grandmother in North Carolina is recovering after being the victim of a carjacking Thursday in North Carolina.
WITN reports Evelyn Johnson, 74, said she was forced out of her car by two people when she parked in a church parking lot while trying to call her sister and eat a candy bar.
A man and woman came up to her, and Johnson said they demanded she get out of her car. When she refused, Johnson said the man told the woman that they were going to take her car.
“He came back around and pulled me out of the car and took off,” Johnson said. “I thought the man was going to kill me. I didn’t know what he had.”
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office later identified the suspects as Danny Minor, 27, and Kimberly Woodell, 30. Deputies arrested them Friday morning and found Johnson’s stolen car nearby, they said.
Craven County deputies said Minor and Woodell are facing charges of felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony common law robbery, felony larceny of a motor vehicle and felony assault on a disabled person.
Johnson said she hopes to be released from the hospital soon.
“I’m just grateful to be here because I could have passed out or really gotten hurt. I just hope this doesn’t happen to anybody else,” Johnson said.
Copyright 2022 WITN via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/15/grandmother-carjacked-assaulted-church-parking-lot-2-arrested/ | 2022-04-15T21:22:38Z |
Spence Law Firm LLC: Family of Three-Year-Old Boy Killed by Distracted Driver Awarded $5 Million by Montana Jury
Published: Jul. 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM EDT|Updated: 37 minutes ago
POPLAR, Mont. and JACKSON, Wyo., July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A Poplar, Mont. tribal court jury awarded $5 million to the family of a three-year-old boy killed by a distracted driver, The Spence Law Firm and co-counsel said today.
Three-year-old Dwain Spotted Bird, Jr., of Poplar, Mont., died in June 2018 after he was struck and driven over by a three-quarter-ton pickup truck as he rode his bicycle outside his grandparents' home on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
The family alleged that the truck driver was distracted, driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, and that he never braked, according to the lawsuit. The driver, who worked for the Fort Peck Tribal Community College, struck the boy and then drove another 94 feet before stopping, the lawsuit alleged. The trial included evidence that the driver was friendly with several of the investigating law enforcement officers, and that the driver's cell phone data was deleted weeks after the crash.
The six-member jury in the Fort Peck Tribal Court found that the driver's negligence caused the death of the boy and awarded the family $3.8 million for wrongful death and $1.2 million in survival damages.
The Spotted Bird family was represented by Tyson E. Logan and Sarah A. Kellogg, of The Spence Law Firm; of Jackson, Wyo., and Terryl T. Matt, of Matt Law Offices, PLLC, of Cut Bank, Mont.
Tyson E. Logan, of The Spence Law Firm, said, "The entire community has suffered from Baby Dwain's tragic death. The family's loss was hard enough, but the callous defense of this case tested their courage and patience. The defense blamed the family for the boy's death and they tried to essentially make Baby D invisible – now, he will never be forgotten. We are grateful for the jury's service and their decision. The verdict gives the family a measure of justice and a path forward to rebuild their lives."
The case is Dwain Spotted Bird, Sr. and J'Lanie Moran v. Noel Sansaver, Cause No. 21-6-082 in the Fort Peck Tribal Court, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Fort Peck Indian Reservation, of Poplar, Montana.
Contact: Erin Powers, Powers MediaWorks LLC, for The Spence Law Firm, LLC, 281.703.6000, info@powersmediaworks.com.
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The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/spence-law-firm-llc-family-three-year-old-boy-killed-by-distracted-driver-awarded-5-million-by-montana-jury/ | 2022-07-05T13:37:07Z |
NEW YORK, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of MP Materials Corp. f/k/a Fortress Value Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: MP).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/mp-materials-corp-f-k-a-fortress-value-acquisition-corp-loss-submission-form/?id=25678&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased MP Materials between May 1, 2020 and February 2, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until April 25, 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, MP Materials Corp. f/k/a Fortress Value Acquisition Corp. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Fortress Value Acquisition Corp. ("FVAC") had overstated its due diligence efforts and expertise with respect to identifying target companies to acquire; (ii) FVAC performed inadequate due diligence into Legacy MP Materials prior to the business combination, or else ignored significant red flags regarding, inter alia, Legacy MP Materials' management, compliance policies, and Mountain Pass's profitability; (iii) as a result, the Company's future business and financial prospects post-business combination were overstated; (iv) MP Materials engaged in an abusive transfer price manipulation scheme with a related party in the People's Republic of China to artificially inflate the Company's profits; (v) MP Materials' ore at the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility was not economically viable to harvest for rare earth metals; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading 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.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/mp-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-mp-materials-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-april-25-2022/ | 2022-04-08T11:15:49Z |
- Adjusted EBITDA(1),(2) of $279 million, in line with expectations, a decrease of 13% over the same period in 2021
- Free Cash Flow ("FCF")(1) of $145 million, or $0.54 per share, a decrease of $0.03 on a per-share basis compared to the same period in 2021
- Loss before income taxes of $22 million, a decrease of $94 million from the same period in 2021
- Net loss attributable to common shareholders of $80 million or $0.30 per share, compared to a loss of $0.04 per share for the same period in 2021
- Cash flow used in operating activities of $129 million, an increase of $209 million from same period in 2021
- Announced a 10-year contract extension, receipt of waiver from bondholders and commencement of rehabilitation plan at Kent Hills wind facilities
- Announced the 200 MW Horizon Hill wind project supplying Meta with renewable power under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA")
- Secured capacity commitment extensions for three of the large industrial customers at the Sarnia cogeneration facility (one to 2031 and two to 2032)
- Reached agreement with BHP Nickel West to expand the Mount Keith 132kV transmission system in Western Australia
- Executed a long-term PPA for the remaining 30 MW of capacity at the Garden Plain wind project
- Added 325 MW to our renewable development pipeline in Canada and the United States
- Received an upgraded MSCI ESG Rating of 'A' from 'BBB'
- Announced a US$25 million investment in Energy Impact Partners Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund 1
- Received a decision from the Court of Appeal upholding TransAlta's favourable force majeure arbitration decision
- In the year-to-date returned $18 million of capital to common shareholders through share buybacks of 1.4 million common shares
- Launched our new visual identity and "Energizing the Future" campaign
- Completed the conversion of elected Series C to Series D Preferred Shares which began trading on the TSX on June 30, 2022 under the symbol TA.PR.G
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - TransAlta Corporation ("TransAlta" or the "Company") (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.
"TransAlta delivered solid second quarter results for 2022. Our Alberta Electricity Portfolio performed as anticipated, despite higher natural gas prices and compressed market heat rates, demonstrating the value of our strategically diversified fleet in Alberta and its ability to generate cash flow under dynamic market conditions. Our Alberta Wind and Hydro segments led our results, benefiting from the higher pricing environment and stronger production. Our Alberta Gas segment had limited opportunity to benefit from higher power prices realized in the market as it was highly hedged during the quarter," said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The contributions from our new contracted assets at Windrise and North Carolina Solar and the exceptional results in our Energy Marketing segment further supported our financial results for the quarter as we continue to track towards the midpoint of our 2022 guidance."
Set out below are additional highlights from the quarter on TransAlta's business activities, including the Company's progress on advancing its Clean Electricity Growth Plan as well as details regarding the Company's financial performance and liquidity.
On June 2, 2022, TransAlta Renewables announced its rehabilitation plan for the Kent Hills wind facilities together with the execution of amended and extended contracts with New Brunswick Power Corporation ("NB Power") in respect of each of the Kent Hills 1, 2 and 3 wind facilities providing for an additional 10-year period to December 2045 and an effective 10 per cent reduction to the original contract prices from January 2023 through December 2033. In addition, both parties have agreed to work in good faith to evaluate the installation of a battery energy storage system at Kent Hills and to consider a potential repowering of Kent Hills at the end of life in 2045. The Company also obtained a waiver for the Kent Hills wind non-recourse bonds ("KH Bonds") from the project bond holders and entered into a supplemental indenture with the bond holders that facilitates the rehabilitation of the Kent Hills 1 and 2 wind facilities.
On April 5, 2022, TransAlta executed a long-term renewable energy PPA with a subsidiary of Meta Platforms Inc. ("Meta"), formerly known as Facebook, Inc., for 100 per cent of the generation from its 200 MW Horizon Hill wind project to be located in Logan County, Oklahoma. Under this agreement, Meta will receive both renewable electricity and environmental attributes from the Horizon Hill facility. The facility will consist of a total of 34 Vestas turbines with construction expected to begin in late 2022 and a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2023. TransAlta will construct, operate and own the facility. Total construction capital is estimated between US$290 million and US$310 million and is expected to be financed with a combination of existing liquidity and tax equity financing. Over 90 per cent of project costs are fixed under executed turbine supply agreements and engineering, procurement and construction agreements. The project is expected to generate average annual EBITDA between US$27 million and US$30 million, inclusive of production tax credits.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company executed contract extensions for the supply of electricity and/or steam with the remaining three of its industrial customers at the Sarnia cogeneration facility. These agreements will extend the delivery term for electricity and/or steam from Dec. 31, 2022 to April 30, 2031, in one case, and to Dec. 31, 2032, for the other two, with all agreements being subject to certain conditions, including the Company entering into a new contract with the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (the "IESO"). The current contract with the IESO, in respect of the Sarnia cogeneration facility expires on Dec. 31, 2025. On July 19, 2021, the IESO released its Annual Acquisition Report, which included draft details for medium- and long-term procurement mechanisms for capacity for 2026 and beyond for existing and new generation. The Company has bid into the procurement process developed by the IESO and is seeking to secure a contract extension for the Sarnia cogeneration facility following the end of the current contract term. The Company expects the IESO to announce the successful bids in the third quarter of 2022.
On May 3, 2022, TransAlta Renewables exercised its option to acquire an economic interest in the expansion of the Mount Keith 132kV transmission system in Western Australia, to support the Northern Goldfields-based operations of BHP Nickel West ("BHP"). Total construction capital is estimated at between AU$50 million and AU$53 million. Southern Cross Energy, a subsidiary of the Company, has entered into an engineering, procurement and construction agreement for the expansion. The project is being developed under the existing PPA with BHP, which has a term of 15 years. It is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023 and will generate annual EBITDA in the range of AU$6 million to AU$7 million. The project will facilitate the connection of additional generating capacity to our network to support BHP's operations and increase their competitiveness as a supplier of low-carbon nickel.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company entered into a long-term PPA for the remaining 30 MW of renewable electricity and environmental attributes at the Garden Plain wind project in Alberta with a new investment-grade globally recognized customer. The 130 MW Garden Plain wind project, which was announced in May 2021 with a 100 MW PPA contracted to Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina"), is now fully contracted with a weighted average contract life of approximately 17 years. Construction is underway with a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2022.
During the second quarter of 2022, TransAlta identified Amazon Energy LLC ("Amazon") as the customer for the 300 MW White Rock Wind projects, to be located in Caddo County, Oklahoma. On Dec. 22, 2021, Amazon and TransAlta entered into two long-term PPAs for the supply of 100 per cent of the generation from the projects. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2022 with a target commercial operation date in the second half of 2023.
During the second quarter of 2022, The Company has entered into a commitment to invest US$25 million over the next four years in EIP's Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund 1 (the "Frontier Fund") that will invest in early-stage, innovative technology companies that will accelerate the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. TransAlta's investment in the Frontier Fund provides the Company with the opportunity to identify, pilot, commercialize and bring to market emerging technologies that will support its decarbonization goals.
During the second quarter of 2022, TransAlta's MSCI ESG Rating was upgraded to 'A' from 'BBB'. The upgrade reflects the Company's strong renewable energy growth compared to peers. In 2021, the Company grew its installed renewable energy capacity by 15 per cent through acquisition and construction of solar and wind facilities and secured 600 MW in additional renewable energy projects. In line with its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 75 per cent from 2015 emissions levels by 2026, TransAlta also completed coal-to-gas conversions of its Canadian coal-fired facilities in 2021, nine years ahead of Alberta's coal phase-out plan.
On June 9, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal released a unanimous decision dismissing ENMAX Energy Corporation's and the Balancing Pool's application seeking to set aside an arbitration decision in favour of the Company. The Court of Appeal upheld the Company's claim of force majeure that arose when its Keephills 1 generating unit tripped offline in 2013. As a result of the decision, the Company's claim of force majeure remains valid and the associated costs of the force majeure event will not be reassessed against TransAlta.
On May 24, 2022, the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") accepted the notice filed by the Company to renew its normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") for a portion of its common shares. Pursuant to the NCIB, TransAlta may repurchase up to a maximum of 14,000,000 common shares, representing approximately 7.16 per cent of its public float of common shares as at May 17, 2022. Purchases under the NCIB may be made through open market transactions on the TSX and any alternative Canadian trading platforms on which the common shares are traded, based on the prevailing market price. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled. The period during which TransAlta is authorized to make purchases under the NCIB commenced on May 31, 2022 and ends on May 30, 2023, or such earlier date on which the maximum number of common shares are purchased under the NCIB or the NCIB is terminated at the Company's election.
The NCIB provides the Company with a capital allocation alternative with a view to ensuring long-term shareholder value. TransAlta's Board of Directors and Management believe that, from time to time, the market price of the common shares does not reflect their underlying value and purchases of common shares for cancellation under the NCIB may provide an opportunity to enhance shareholder value.
During the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 1.4 million common shares at an average price of $12.50 per common share, for a total cost of $18 million.
On June 16, 2022, the Company announced that 1,044,299 of its 11,000,000 currently outstanding Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series C ("Series C Shares") were tendered for conversion, on a one-for-one basis, into Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate First Preferred Shares, Series D ("Series D Shares") after having taken into account all election notices following the June 15, 2022 conversion deadline.
On June 20, 2022, the Company announced a new visual identity including logo and tagline "Energizing the Future". The new visual identity encapsulates the TransAlta of today while reinforcing the Company's focus as a leader in creating a carbon-neutral future for our customers.
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position in part due to long-term contracts and hedged positions. At the end of the second quarter, TransAlta had access to $1.9 billion in liquidity, including $0.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents.
On Sept 28, 2021, the Company announced the strategic targets associated with its Clean Electricity Growth Plan.
As of August 4, 2022, the Company has made significant progress in achieving the targets of the Clean Electricity Growth Plan. Refer to Strategy and Capability to Deliver Results in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for further details.
During the second quarter, the Company added 325 MW to its renewable development pipeline across Canada and the United States.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $40 million and $103 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decrease in second quarter financial performance relative to the prior year was driven by changes in market conditions and the positioning of the Company's Alberta Electricity Portfolio. This was partly offset by exceptional performance in the Energy Marketing segment from short-term trading of both physical and financial power and gas products.
Earnings before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2022 decreased $94 million compared to the same period in 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 earnings before income taxes increased by $127 million compared to the same period in 2021.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30 2022 was $80 million compared to a net loss of $12 million in the same period of 2021. Loss before income taxes and net loss attributable to common shareholders in the three months ended June 30, 2022, increased primarily due to lower revenues and higher fuel and purchased power costs, partially offset by lower carbon compliance costs, reversal of asset impairment charges impacted by the increase in discount rates, lower OM&A, recognition of insurance related to the replacement costs for a tower at the Kent Hills facility and liquidated damages recognized related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility. The previous period was impacted by higher gains on sales with the sale of Pioneer Pipeline in the second quarter of 2021.
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2022, increased by $148 million to net earnings of $106 million compared to a net loss of $42 million in the same period in 2021. Earnings before income tax and net earnings attributable to common shareholders in the six month period ended June 30, 2022, increased primarily due to reversal of asset impairment charges impacted by the increase in discount rates, lower carbon compliance costs, lower depreciation, lower OM&A and recognition of insurance related to the replacement costs for a tower at the Kent Hills facility and the liquidated damages recognized related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility partially offset by lower revenue and higher fuel and purchased power costs. The previous period also was impacted by higher gains on sales with the sale of Pioneer Pipeline in the second quarter of 2021.
Cash flow from operating activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $209 million and $15 million respectively compared with the same periods in 2021, primarily due to lower cash flows resulting from lower production and lower revenues within all segments except for the Wind and Solar segment. In addition, for the three months ended June 30, 2022, operating cash flows decreased with an unfavourable change in working capital; whereas, for the six month period ended June 30, 2022, operating cash flow increased as a result of favourable working capital changes. The change in working capital for the three and six months ended, June 30, 2022 is primarily due to movements in our collateral accounts related to high commodity prices and volatility in the markets.
FCF(1) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $10 and $43 million respectively compared with the same periods in 2021, driven primarily by lower adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by higher realized foreign exchange gains and a decrease in sustaining capital spending related to fewer planned maintenance turnarounds.
The spot power price increased to $122/MWh and $106/MWh for the three and six months ending June 30, 2022, respectively, from $105/MWh and $100/MWh compared to the same periods in 2021, mainly as a result of a higher natural gas prices. However, the power price per MWh of production realized by the Company decreased by $9 and $3 per MWh, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2021.
The Alberta Electricity Portfolio generated gross margin of $168 million and $332 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $73 million and $89 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. Gross margin was negatively impacted by lower weather-driven demand and a better supplied market in 2022. Ancillary services revenue from the Hydro segment was lower in both periods as a result of lower ancillary prices driven by increasing competition in the ancillary services market. In addition, the Gas and Energy Transition segment results were impacted by lower production due to unit retirements and higher dispatch optimization in response to lower market heat rates. A significant portion of the portfolio was hedged below spot prices, which was partially offset by our favourable gas hedge positions and lower carbon costs. The decrease in gross margins were partially offset by higher gross margins in the Wind and Solar segment mainly due to higher production and higher realized prices.
Hedged production for the balance of 2022 is 3,063 GWh at an average price of $76 per MWh.
Hydro:
- Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $8 million and $24 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021, primarily due to weaker ancillary service realized prices in the Alberta market driven by increased participants and supply into the ancillary services market as a result of higher gas prices, as well as higher OM&A costs due to increased insurance premiums.
Wind and Solar:
- Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, increased by $33 million and $46 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to higher production, higher realized merchant pricing in Alberta, higher environmental attribute revenues and recognition of liquidated damages related to turbine availability at the Windrise wind facility, partially offset by an increase in transmission rates. The three and six month periods in 2021 included a one-time reimbursement as a result of the AESO transmission line loss ruling.
Gas:
- Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $59 million and $60 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2021. The decreases were primarily due to lower production, higher natural gas prices and increased natural gas consumption, partially offset by lower carbon costs. The three and six months ended June 30, 2021, were additionally impacted by the unplanned short-term steam supply outages at the Sarnia cogeneration facility. Carbon costs in the period were lower as the facilities in the segment no longer operate on coal. The Company utilized 0.7 million tonnes of emission credits to settle the 2021 carbon compliance obligation, reducing our carbon compliance costs by $7 million in the period. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2022, adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by lower realized prices in Alberta resulting from hedging activities. Finally, for the six month period ended June 30, 2022, we realized lower legal fees related to the South Hedland PPA dispute settlement.
Energy Transition:
- Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, decreased by $14 million and $25 million compared to the same periods in 2021. The decrease is primarily due to the retirements of Keephills Unit 1 and Sundance Unit 4 and higher purchased power costs incurred due to higher power prices during the planned outage at Centralia in 2022, partially offset by higher production at Centralia and lower carbon costs in Alberta. Carbon costs were lower as the Alberta facilities in the segment no longer operated on coal and have now been retired. The Company utilized 0.5 million tonnes of emission credits to settle the 2021 carbon compliance obligation, reducing our carbon compliance costs by $5 million in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.
Energy Marketing:
- Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $7 million and decreased by $31 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021. The higher gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2022, was due to short-term trading of both physical and financial power and gas products across all North American markets. The Energy Marketing team was able to capitalize on short-term volatility in the markets in which we trade without materially changing the risk profile of the business unit. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, results exceeded expectations due to favourable trading of both physical and financial power and gas products across all North American markets. The higher revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were due to exceptional short-term volatility in the market.
Corporate:
- Our Corporate overhead costs for the three months ended were in line with expectations and consistent with the prior period. Corporate overhead costs for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $9 million compared to the same period in 2021. The increase was the result of the total return swap on our share-based payment plans partially offset by the receipt of CEWS funding in the first quarter 2021.
TransAlta will hold a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, August 5, 2022, to discuss our second quarter 2022 results. The call will begin with a short address by John Kousinioris, President and CEO, and Todd Stack, EVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question-and-answer period for investment analysts and investors. A question-and-answer period for the media will immediately follow.
Toll-free North American participants call: 1-888-664-6392
A link to the live webcast will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta's website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events. If you are unable to participate in the call, the instant replay is accessible at 1-888-390-0541 (Canada and USA toll free) with TransAlta pass code 715647 followed by the # sign. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta's website once it becomes available.
Notes
We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our audited annual 2021 consolidated financial statements and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of earnings (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.
Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, or as an alternative for, or more meaningful than our IFRS results.
Adjusted EBITDA
In the fourth quarter of 2021, comparable EBITDA was relabeled as adjusted EBITDA to align with industry standard terminology. Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured to adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core business profitability. In the second quarter of 2022, our reported EBITDA composition was adjusted to include the impact of closed positions that are effectively settled by offsetting positions with the same counterparty to reflect the performance of the assets and Energy Marketing segment in the period in which the transactions occur. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatments may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers analysis of trends. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure.
Average Annual EBITDA
Average annual EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure that is forward-looking, used to show the average annual EBITDA that the project currently under construction is expected to generate upon completion.
Funds From Operations ("FFO")
FFO is an important metric as it provides a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is a non-IFRS measure.
Free Cash Flow ("FCF")
FCF is an important metric as it represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal repayments on debt, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares. Changes in working capital are excluded so FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments. FCF is a non-IFRS measure.
Non-IFRS Ratios
FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. See the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Financial Non-IFRS Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.
FFO per share and FCF per share
FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share is a non-IFRS ratio.
Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.
The following tables reflects adjusted EBITDA and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021
Reconciliation of Cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF
The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:
The table below bridges our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021:
TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A"). These documents will be available August 5, 2022 on the Investor Centre of TransAlta's website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada's largest producers of wind power and Alberta's largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its climate change strategy with CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 61 per cent reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.
For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.
This news release contains "forward-looking information", within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements). In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "plans", "expects", "proposed", "will", "anticipates", "develop", "continue", and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, this news release contains, without limitation, statements pertaining to: the Company's growth projects, including the Horizon Hill wind project, the Garden Plain wind project and the White Rock wind projects, including expected commercial operation dates thereof; the benefits of the EIP investment; securing contract extensions with the IESO (defined above) and the satisfaction of conditions to the Sarnia cogeneration facility capacity supply commitments with the large industrial customers; the Mount Keith 132 kV transmission expansion project, including the estimated capital, EBITDA and planned completion date; the Kent Hills wind facilities rehabilitation, the timeline to return the turbines to service and the potential installation for a battery storage system at Kent Hills wind facility; the targets associated with the Clean Electricity Growth Plan. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are based on TransAlta's belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made, including, but not limited to, the current political and regulatory environment, the price of power in Alberta and the condition of the financial markets. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause such differences include: operational risks involving our facilities; inability to satisfy conditions precedent to the capacity supply commitments with the large industrial customers at Sarnia; inability to secure a successful bid with IESO for a contract extension at the Sarnia cogeneration facility; changes in market prices where we operate; unplanned outages at generating facilities and the capital investments required; equipment failure and our ability to carry out repairs in a cost effective and timely manner; the effects of weather, catastrophes and public health crises; global supply chain disruptions impacting major maintenance and growth projects; disruptions in the source of thermal fuels, water, solar or wind required to operate our facilities, including the necessary natural gas supply; energy trading risks; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; inability to satisfy all conditions and requirements associated with announced growth projects; negative impact to our credit ratings; legislative or regulatory developments and their impacts; increasingly stringent environmental requirements and their impacts; increased competition; global capital markets activity (including our ability to access financing at a reasonable cost); changes in prevailing interest rates; currency exchange rates; inflation levels and commodity prices; armed hostilities, including an escalation of the war in Ukraine; general economic conditions in the geographic areas where TransAlta operates; disputes or claims involving TransAlta or TransAlta Renewables; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities from time to time and as also set forth in the Company's MD&A and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect TransAlta's expectations only as of the date of this news release. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained in this news release are to give the reader information about management's current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes and is given as of the date of this news release. TransAlta disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
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SOURCE TransAlta Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/05/transalta-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-05T12:17:04Z |
LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Volta Inc. ("Volta" or the "Company") (NYSE: VLTA).
Class Period: August 2, 2021 – March 28, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 31, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Volta lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/volta-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Volta had improperly accounted for restricted stock units issued in connection with the Business Combination; (2) that, as a result, the Company had understated its net loss for third quarter 2021; (3) that there were material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that resulted in a material error; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company would restate its financial statements; (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Legacy Volta's founders would imminently exit the Company; (6) that, as a result, the Company's financial results would be adversely impacted; and (7) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
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To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/22/vlta-investors-have-opportunity-lead-volta-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-04-22T16:23:28Z |
The test measures a relative concentration of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in patients recovering from COVID-19
PISCATAWAY, N.J., May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GenScript USA Inc., a subsidiary of GenScript Biotech Corporation ("GenScript", Stock Code: 1548.HK), a world-leading biotechnology company, has reached an agreement with EUROIMMUN US Inc., a PerkinElmer Company, for the distribution of the GenScript cPass™ SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody Detection Kit in the United States and Canada.
The test measures a relative concentration of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in patients recovering from COVID-19. It has received U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) as a serology test for neutralizing antibodies to identify an adaptive immune response in individuals with recent and prior SARS-CoV-2 infections. The kit is also CE marked (Europe) and has received HSA provisional approval (Singapore), ANVISA in Brazil, and ANMAT in Argentina.
"We are excited to team up with EUROIMMUN to distribute GenScript's cPass SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody Detection Kit. We believe this collaboration can further enhance the significant contribution cPass has provided to the fight against COVID-19 and will continue to play an important role as we move towards normalcy," said Dr. Michael Lau, senior director of corporate development for GenScript USA.
"With the addition of the cPass SARS CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody Detection Kit to our SARS-CoV-2 portfolio, EUROIMMUN is well-positioned to assist our customers and their patients in assessing their adaptive immune response," said Greg Stock, general manager of EUROIMMUN US. "As diagnostic testing, clinical recommendations, and the virus itself all continue to evolve, we remain 100 percent committed to empowering clinicians and laboratories with high-quality diagnostic tests and automation that aid in the fight against COVID-19."
About EUROIMMUN
As one of the leading manufacturers of medical laboratory diagnostics worldwide, EUROIMMUN stands for innovation. More than 3,400 employees in 17 countries develop, produce and sell test systems to support the diagnosis of diseases, as well as software and automation solutions for the performance and evaluation of these tests. Laboratories in over 140 countries use EUROIMMUN products for the diagnosis of autoimmune and infectious diseases as well as allergies, and to perform genetic analyses. For more information, please visit: euroimmun.us
About GenScript Biotech Corporation
GenScript Biotech Corporation (Stock Code: 1548.HK) is a global biotechnology group. Based on its leading gene synthesis technology, GenScript has developed four major platforms including the global cell therapy platform, the biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) platform, the contract research organization (CRO) platform, and the industrial synthesis product platform. The company's operations span over 100 countries and regions worldwide with legal entities located in the USA, Mainland China, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Ireland. GenScript provides premium, convenient, and reliable products and services for over 100,000 customers. For more information, please visit genscript.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
GenScript USA Inc.
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SOURCE Genscript Biotech Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/26/genscript-usa-enters-distribution-agreement-with-euroimmun-us-cpass-sars-cov-2-neutralizing-antibody-detection-kit/ | 2022-05-26T10:21:11Z |
Sheriff fires deputy who mistakenly released murder suspect
By Gregg Montgomery
Click here for updates on this story
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A deputy was fired Friday after a murder suspect was incorrectly released from jail, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Monday in response to an inquiry from News 8.
Noah Edwards, 23, was let of out jail Thursday after jail staff made an error, the sheriff’s office had said Friday. Police arrested Edwards early Friday morning and took him back to jail. He’d previously been jailed in connection to an April murder in Indianapolis.
Sheriff Kerry Forestal fired Detention Deputy Elwin Emery after an administrative review on Friday, the response says. An internal investigation remained incomplete Monday night.
The sheriff told Emery he completed a process involving a police identification number for an inmate, but “failed to review and verify” the correct inmate was to be released, leading to the wrong inmate being released. Forestal told Emery he violated two instances of “Compliance with Rules and Regulations” and one instance of “Performance of Duty – Efficiency.”
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/05/25/sheriff-fires-deputy-who-mistakenly-released-murder-suspect/ | 2022-05-25T19:56:34Z |
State leaders to welcome new K-State President at inauguration event
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - State Treasurer Lynn Rogers and other state leaders will help welcome and inaugurate new K-State President Richard Linton.
Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers says on Friday, Sept. 2, he will attend the inauguration of Kansas State University’s new president Richard H. Linton.
“Incoming President Linton will do great things for K-State,” Treasurer Rogers said. “I look forward to seeing how he continues to serve in his new role.”
Rogers noted that Linton officially stepped into the role in February. He said he will join other state officials in formally welcoming Linton to his role at the event.
“Having good leadership in our educational institutions builds an education system that provides support to our economy through well-educated graduates,” Rogers said. “Post Secondary Education is vital to providing Kansans with pathways to becoming productive employees and small business owners.”
Rogers also indicated that students who are seeking ways to help finance their attendance at K-State and other institutions in Kansas could benefit from the scholarship search engine Scholarship on the treasurer’s website. The engine is free to use and connects students with scholarships they can apply for as they pursue higher education.
For more information about Scholarshop, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/01/state-leaders-welcome-new-k-state-president-inauguration-event/ | 2022-09-01T19:44:28Z |
Wemade donates KRW 1B worth of WEMIX tokens to Seoul National University
Published: Sep. 5, 2022 at 9:58 PM CDT|Updated: 49 minutes ago
Donated WEMIX on September 5 for educational funds
Will be used for students in business department to educate and support new businesses
SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 5, 2022/PRNewswire/ -- Wemade signed a partnership with Seoul National University (SNU) on September 5 to donate WEMIX for educational funding.
Wemade is donating WEMIX equivalent to 1 billion won to Seoul National University Business School for SNU BIZ Entrepreneurship Fund. The donation will be used to support and educate students and graduates of the business department in starting new businesses.
The partnership took place at Seoul National University on September 5. Wemade CEO, Henry Chang, and the Chancellor and Dean of Seoul National University gathered in one place to sign the partnership.
"SNU alumni, CEO Henry Chang, is developing Wemade into a global company based on the core values of 'growth, responsibility and achievement'. As a respected entrepreneur, he is fulfilling his social responsibility by leading a sharing culture," said Sejung Oh, Chancellor of SNU. "This valuable donation will allow students to be more adventurous when starting new businesses and create innovative business leaders."
"I hope SNU will use this donation to educate students that will become global leaders in the future," said Henry Chang, CEO of Wemade. "We will look for ways to support talents that can be continued for the long-term."
Wemade has been making donations to schools since January this year, including Korea University, Dongseo University and Sogang University. It will keep contributing to the growth of blockchain, metaverse and technology research.
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/wemade-donates-krw-1b-worth-wemix-tokens-seoul-national-university/ | 2022-09-06T03:47:15Z |
‘It’s actually mostly Shiloh that found us’: Police K-9 helps track, find 3 lost boys
MAGNOLIA, N.J. (KYW) - Three boys from New Jersey were found safe after they went missing Monday, thanks to the efforts of a bloodhound who tracked their scent.
“The whole neighborhood was looking for us,” said Leo Evans, one of the boys who was missing. “I mean the whole neighborhood.”
For Leo and his brother Kai Evans, a maker’s workshop is pretty much the only place they can go after they, along with another friend, got lost while riding their bikes through the woods.
It took departments from two counties to find them.
“Thank you. If you guys are watching this, I’m grateful that you guys found us,” Kai said.
While the boys are grateful for all officers who searched for them, they’re grateful for one officer in particular.
“It’s actually mostly Shiloh that found us,” Leo said.
Shiloh is a K-9 with the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department.
When the boys couldn’t be found for hours, she was called in to help.
The sheriff’s office first got bloodhounds in 2013. They’re trained in looking for kids and older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“They’re trained on human scent,” said Alex Molnar, with the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office. “We give them a specific scent article, and they’re trained to track that specific human scent.”
To find the boys, officers collected their bed sheets to provide a scent and Shiloh got to work.
The search party still had a major roadblock: a creek they had to walk through to find the boys.
“Sometimes water was couple inches, other times it was over our thighs, up to the waist,” Molnar said.
After a mile of walking through the creek, they finally found the boys.
“Come around the corner, through the creek and there’s these three kids, standing in the creek like ‘Lord of the Flies,’” Molnar said. “Just hanging out.”
It may be a while before the boys are allowed to explore again.
“I heard they got grounded,” Molnar said.
Their grandmother, Charese Evans, said that they will be spending a lot more time at home
“No, I didn’t tell them they were grounded until they got home,” Evans said. " Actually, in the car ... I was like, just so you know you are confined to the backyard and the house for the rest of the summer.”
The boys were not seriously hurt during the time they went missing. Police said they had looked up YouTube videos on how to survive in the wild while they were lost.
Copyright 2022 KYW via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/05/its-actually-mostly-shiloh-that-found-us-police-k-9-helps-track-find-3-lost-boys/ | 2022-08-05T16:53:11Z |
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