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Community mourns passing of Jardine Middle School student
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The community is mourning the passing of a Jardine Middle School student and the parents have asked those who attend his funeral to wear Chiefs or Superhero-themed attire.
Topeka Public Schools USD 501 Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Jardine Middle School administration say they have informed families this week that a 7th-grade scholar who had attended Jardine since elementary school passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 22, after ongoing health issues.
The district said the DiGennaros thought they were planning for the final week of school but were devasted when their only child, Tony, did not wake up on Sunday.
USD 501 sent a letter to inform families of Tony’s passing this week.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share that our student, Vincent “Tony” DiGennaro passed away on Sunday, May 22nd due to ongoing health issues. Our Jardine administration remained with the family Sunday at their home where Tony passed and the district will continue to serve as a support. Please keep the family and all impacted uplifted in your thoughts at this difficult time,” the letter stated.
The district said Tony is the only child of this Jardine family and everyone in the community was devastated during the final week of school as it hosted a crisis team on Monday and communicated with middle and elementary school staff and students as requested by Tony’s parents on Monday morning.
The DiGennaros asked on Thursday that the district share Tony’s information with families and staff as they uplift his memory this week and as they direct any help to the funeral home to help plan for the funeral next week.
“Tony was a sweet, loving child who had such a kind spirit, his teachers and friends will miss him dearly,” Superintendent Anderson said. “We are uplifting the family and we are sharing the funeral home information for those who want to contribute to services.”
A visitation for Tony has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th St. A memorial service will follow at noon.
In support of Tony, the family has asked attendees to wear Chiefs or Superhero attire in his honor.
TPS said the DiGennaros have asked the district to share that anyone who wants or needs extended support can do so by contacting Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel, 401 SW Harrison St., at 785-234-1707 or through email at office@peacefulrestfuneralchapel.com.
Anyone who wishes to support the family in their efforts through the coming weeks can do so by contacting Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel at 785-234-1707.
TPS said it will continue to keep the family uplifted in thoughts and prayers.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/26/community-mourns-passing-jardine-middle-school-student/ | 2022-05-26T20:20:08Z |
Editor's Summary
- The SpatialLabs lineup of stereoscopic 3D products expands with a pair of new standalone, portable displays for creators and gamers
- The Acer SpatialLabs View bridges the professional gap, bringing stereoscopic 3D to PC games, media content, and even user generated content
- The Acer SpatialLabs View Pro has been designed to support every stage of a commercial funnel: from in-house creation and on-the-road sales to permanent display installments
- SpatialLabs TrueGame is a new application for gamers to venture deeper into the game, rendered in how they are intended to be seen in a 3D landscape.
TAIPEI, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer today announced two additions to its SpatialLabs™ lineup of products: the Acer SpatialLabs View for personal entertainment and Acer SpatialLabs View Pro for commercial audiences. Both are standalone 15.6-inch 4K displays that can be connected to another PC, providing users with portable access to the SpatialLabs suite of experiences. Not just intended for highly-skilled creators, however, this generation of devices brings glasses-free stereoscopic 3D technology to gamers and home-entertainment enthusiasts, too.
Gamers and creators alike will appreciate the series' lightweight design (less than 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs), making it easy to put in a bag and take to a LAN party or product pitch session. Creators in particular can depend on 100% coverage of the Adobe RGB color gamut, but gamers will also appreciate the devices' 400 nits of brightness.
While the Acer SpatialLabs View comes with an all-new stereoscopic 3D gaming platform, the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro comes with both the technology necessary to realize a user's creations and also an intelligent industrial design that simplifies deployment — a combination that leads to more impactful storytelling opportunities.
SpatialLabs TrueGame — One-Click Stereoscopic 3D Gameplay
SpatialLabs TrueGame is a new application that brings stereoscopic 3D to the world of gaming, letting players enjoy their favorite titles in their true glory. This is possible because games are mostly created with three dimensions in mind: developers include information about depth into each scene and object they build. SpatialLabs leverages this already-existing information in order to present the games in stereoscopic 3D. A dedicated pre-configured 3D profile will be available for each game title among the 50+ modern and classic titles on launch in order to offer players a seamless experience with their favorite games, and profiles for additional titles will be added on a continuous basis moving forwards.
While these profiles rely on a ton of information and a significant amount of work goes into optimizing each one, the platform itself is incredibly user-friendly. After launching the TrueGame application, users simply need to navigate to the title they wish to play and then press "Play." The application will do the rest, automatically launching the necessary game files on a user's system and activating the title's associated TrueGame 3D profile in order to boot the game up in Stereoscopic 3D.
This is a totally new way of playing that offers immersion unlike anything players have experienced before. Rooms appear more spacious, objects appear genuinely layered, and adventures become more exciting—all smooth, in real-time, and without the need for special glasses.
When not playing games, it can also be used as a standard 4K monitor.
SpatialLabs Go — Transform 2D Content Into Stereoscopic 3D Content
Acer's proprietary solution SpatialLabs Go features AI technology that makes it possible to generate stereoscopic 3D content from almost anything that can be displayed in full-screen, all at the press of a button. Photographs pop off the screen, simple web games become a bit more exciting, and videos (online or offline) take on another level of immersion in real-time. Perhaps most importantly, you can generate your own content, by taking some photos or videos with your devices, and once the assets are imported onto the system, you are able to use SpatialLabs Go to generate simulated stereo 3D images.
SpatialLabs Model Viewer — A More Intuitive Way to Create in 3D
The Acer SpatialLabs View Pro is about making creators' lives easier. To this end, out-of-the-box support for all major file formats[1], including newly added support for Datasmith, means that creators can use 3D design software such as Revit, Solidworks, and Cinema 4D by installing Datasmith export plugins: when a project is ready for viewing, it can be imported into the SpatialLabs Model Viewer. Sketchfab integration further simplifies the creation process by giving users access to a massive online library of free and premium 3D assets that can be leveraged for their own projects. As color accuracy is critical for design work, the View Pro's 15.6-inch 4K display covers 100% of the Adobe RGB color gamut.
Not just a tool for creating 3D assets, however, the SpatialLabs View Pro empowers developers with a variety of means to share and display their creations:
- Content can be quickly loaded for sharing — whether that's to get feedback from a colleague in the office or to give a customer a true-to-life visualization of the item they're interested in
- Those working in sales or marketing will appreciate the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro's slim and portable design: less than 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) it's easy to take on the go, and a collapsible kickstand makes it possible to set up shop virtually anywhere
- A VESA mount makes it easy to affix the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro to kiosks and point-of-sale displays when the situation calls for a more permanent setup, while Ultraleap hand-gesture recognition allows customers to enjoy an even more interactive experience
As with previous SpatialLabs devices, the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro includes several additional add-ons to improve the workflow of 3D creators. The creation can be taken from the 3D software and launched in SpatialLabs Model Viewer with just one click. In addition, Maya and Blender users can connect and edit on a 2D screen while observing their changes being rendered into stereoscopic 3D on the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro — all simultaneously and in real-time.
More information about these technologies and the list of supported game titles are available here.
Availability
The Acer SpatialLabs View (ASV15-1B) will be available this summer starting at USD 1,099.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.
Visit Acer's press kit for product images and specifications, or visit the next@acer press room to see all announcements.
About Acer
Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer's 7,500 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology.
© 2022 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.
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SOURCE Acer | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/acer-expands-stereoscopic-3d-lineup-with-spatiallabs-view-series-displays/ | 2022-05-18T14:05:28Z |
At Pride events, celebrations amid a darker national environment
NEW YORK (AP) — LGBTQ Pride commemorations that sometimes felt like victory parties for civil rights advances are grappling this year with a darker atmosphere, a national environment of ramped-up legislative and rhetorical battles over sexual orientation and gender identity.
Big crowds are expected Sunday at Pride events in New York City and a range of other places including San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and Toronto, in a return to large, in-person events after two years of pandemic-induced restrictions.
Like every year, the celebrations are expected to be exuberant and festive. But for many, they will also will carry a renewed sense of urgency.
In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law barring teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, which critics decried as an effort to marginalize LGBTQ people and lambasted as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, like DeSantis a Republican, sent a letter to state health agencies in February saying that it would be child abuse under state law for transgender youth to get gender-affirming medical care. A judge has halted full implementation of any parental prosecutions.
“There are so many anti-LGBTQ attacks going on around the country and a lot of them are really about trying to erase our existence and to make us invisible, and to make our young people invisible and our elders invisible,” said Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE, which advocates for LGBTQ elders.
“This year’s Pride is especially important and it is more powerful than ever because it is about people stepping up and stepping out and saying, ‘We refuse to be invisible. We refuse to be erased.’”
Protest has always been an element of New York City’s Pride Parade, which roughly coincides with the anniversary of the beginning of the June 28, 1969, Stonewall uprising — days of angry demonstrations sparked by a police raid on a gay bar in Manhattan.
Marchers in the 1980s protested a lack of government attention to the AIDS epidemic.
In recent years, though, they’ve often been celebrations of major victories for LGBTQ communities to celebrate, like in 2015 when the Supreme Court issued the Obergefell v. Hodges decision recognizing same-sex marriage.
That’s not this year, though.
“This year, we have seen an onslaught of aggressively hostile anti-LGBTQ+ bills in many state legislatures, and more of them have passed than last year,” said Jennifer Pizer, law and policy director for Lambda Legal.
There’s also concern over a potential Supreme Court ruling overturning a nationwide right to abortion — an upending of a long-established legal standard that has people wondering whether same-same sex marriage might be next.
It brings home a reality that in addition to celebration, there’s still a need for activism, said Joe Negrelli, 70, a longtime NYC Pride attendee.
“Could it be overturned? Yes, I do believe that. It is a conceivability,” he said of the court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. It “makes me want to put more energy into engaging in marching.”
Anyone who might have been “lulled into a false sense of security” by previous civil rights victories “has been woken up now,” Adams said. “I think a lot of us who understand the history of the struggle for equality and equity and social justice in this country know that the fight is never over.”
It’s not just legislation. Those who track hate speech say anti-LGBTQ language has increased online, which raises the fear that extremists will take it as a call to engage in action, like the rash of protests and physical interruptions that have taken place at Drag Queen Story Hours, where adults in drag read books to children.
Earlier this month, 31 members of a white supremacist group, carrying riot gear, were arrested over accusations that they were plotting a major disruption at a Pride event in Idaho.
That doesn’t mean the celebration’s over, advocates said.
“There can be celebration and joy, and also purpose in protest,” Pizer said.
Ellen Ensig-Brodsky, 89, has embraced both those roles in her decades of attending Pride as a LGBTQ rights activist.
“The parade is the display, publicly, of my identity and my group that I have been part of for at least 40 or more years,” she said, adding that she will be marching again Sunday. “I certainly would not want to miss it.”
After all this time, the animosity and hostility she’s seeing around the country aren’t unfamiliar to her.
“The intent to increase anti-LGBTQ existence is a return to what I started out with” decades ago, she said. Back then, “we didn’t come out. We hid.”
Not now, she said. “I think we need to show that love can persist and continue and spread.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/24/pride-events-celebrations-amid-darker-national-environment/ | 2022-06-24T11:36:27Z |
Tiger Woods says his leg not ready and he won’t play US Open
(AP) – Tiger Woods withdrew from the U.S. Open on Tuesday, saying that his damaged right leg needs more time to get stronger to contend in the majors.
Woods made a surprise return at the Masters, just 14 months after he broke bones in his right leg and ankle in a February 2021 car crash outside Los Angeles. He made the cut at Augusta National, then played the PGA Championship at Southern Hills.
Even though he made another cut, Woods was limping badly on Saturday and withdrew after the third round, the first time he had withdrawn on the weekend at a major.
Woods posted Tuesday on social media, “My body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf.”
He said he hopes to be ready to play in a charity pro-am event in Ireland ahead of the British Open at St. Andrews, where he won two of his three claret jugs.
This will be the sixth time in the last 12 years Woods does not play the U.S. Open, which he has won three times, most recently at Torrey Pines in 2008 when he had a double stress fracture in his left leg and shredded knee ligaments that required reconstructive surgery when the event was over.
He last played in 2020 at Winged Foot and missed the cut.
Before the previous two majors, Woods sent the internet buzzing, with private plane tracking sites indicating he was at Augusta National and Southern Hills a week or so early for a scouting trip, a clear sign he was thinking about playing.
There was no such flight to Boston this time. Woods last competed at The Country Club at Brookline in 1999, when he won his singles match against Andrew Coltart as part of an amazing American rally to win the Ryder Cup.
“We’re disappointed we won’t see him in Boston,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA. “But personally, I’m happy for him that he’s looking after his health. I’d rather see Tiger long-term than just in the 2022 U.S. Open.”
Woods always had his sights on St. Andrews, even after he played in the Masters. He said after the Masters he wasn’t sure whether he could play in the PGA Championship or the U.S. Open, but he would be at the British Open.
The Old Course is relatively flat, the easiest of the four majors to walk.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/07/tiger-woods-says-his-leg-not-ready-he-wont-play-us-open/ | 2022-06-07T18:57:09Z |
Advocacy group Weed for Warriors billboard campaign underscores plight of veterans struggling to access life-saving medical cannabis
SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "Restricting access to cannabis = increased opioid addiction and suicide." That's the message commuters traveling down Miramar Road in Mira Mesa are seeing this morning, thanks to a billboard placed by veteran advocacy group, Weed for Warriors. The billboard, placed on a popular commute for veterans heading to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, calls out the devastating impact that a lack of local access to medical cannabis in San Diego has on service members in the area.
Another billboard will be unveiled next week in San Marcos, off state highway 78.
"California, and the nation's, veterans are dying at horrific rates from opioid addiction and suicide. A lack of local access to safe, legal medical cannabis in San Diego threatens the livelihood of veterans who depend on this medication," said Sean Kiernan, CEO of Weed for Warriors. "Local control has severely disrupted access to a product that veterans rely on. Despite serving their country overseas, the state's legal cannabis prohibition demonstrates veterans are being left behind."
San Diego County is home to over 240,000 veterans, one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the country. Veterans are often over-prescribed opioids to treat mental health disorders and illnesses such as symptoms related to PTSD, cancer, and chronic pain. This can lead to overdose and addiction – San Diego saw fatal overdoses from fentanyl increase by nearly 400% from 2018 to 2020. Cannabis is a safe alternative to opioids, and can ease symptoms from mental and physical health conditions in veterans that burden many veterans.
Yet, in over 70% of localities throughout California, access to the regulated market is either prohibited or severely restricted. States that permit greater access to cannabis experienced 25% fewer opioid-related deaths than states with more restrictive cannabis laws.
"As a disabled veteran, medical cannabis has been a life-saving alternative treatment to ineffective opioids and the cocktail of medications I was overprescribed to manage my pain," said veteran and San Diego resident Victoria Wilson. "Unfortunately, local bans and licensing caps on legal cannabis in San Diego restricts access for veterans like me. Access barriers mean we are forced to travel long distances to access legal medical cannabis or forgo our medication altogether, costing us our health and lives."
The Weed For Warriors' Project is a social justice lifestyle brand supporting holistic rehabilitation for veterans through community-based projects, proactive care advocacy, cannabis education and compassion. Weed for Warriors urges change for the empowerment of veterans as well as the larger population suffering from symptoms of PTSD and other chronic mental health challenges.
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SOURCE Weed for Warriors | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/03/new-billboard-san-diego-highlights-lack-legal-medical-cannabis-access-veterans-san-diego/ | 2022-05-03T21:09:32Z |
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sitetracker, the leading deployment operations management software for critical infrastructure providers, will be a speaker at the Connect(X) conference in Denver. Brant Carter, director of telecom industry products, will explore the complexities of and solutions to the digital divide in rural areas.
In the session, Can Rural Deployments Make Money and Bridge the Digital Divide?, taking place on Tuesday, May 24 at 3:45 p.m., Carter and industry peers will share industry-leading insights into ways wireless operators are using recent infrastructure budgets to expand broadband in rural and underserved areas. The panel will explore best practices for efficient deployments, including strategies to ensure coordinated, integrated roll-outs.
Sitetracker will share the insights it's derived from being the deployment operations management provider of choice for most of the world's largest wireless, telecom and tower operators.
"Rural broadband continues to vex the industry due to its complexity and significant financial investment, yet if we share clear and real best practices about rural broadband infrastructure deployment, we can make this goal a reality," said Carter. "I'm looking forward to connecting with peers and being part of this panel with my esteemed peers."
Sitetracker recently released its Tower solution which is enabling telecom providers and tower operators to integrate their 5G deployments, among other deployments. Sitetracker will have experts on hand at Connect(X) to discuss its Tower solutions, as well as other deployment infrastructure management solutions for other network and utility operators.
About Sitetracker
Sitetracker powers the rapid deployment of tomorrow's infrastructure. The global leader in deployment operations management software, Sitetracker helps innovative companies like British Telecom, KPN, Segra, and Chargepoint manage millions of sites and assets representing over $150 billion in portfolio holdings. By giving telecommunications, utility, smart cities, and energy teams a cloud-based solution that works easily and effectively, Sitetracker is accelerating the path to digital equity and a more sustainable future. Deploy what's next. For more information, please visit https://www.sitetracker.com/.
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SOURCE Sitetracker | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/sitetracker-explore-solutions-rural-digital-divide-connect-x-conference/ | 2022-05-23T14:04:00Z |
Caught on video: Driver parks vehicle in street, pulls gun on other driver
MIAMI (WSVN) - A terrifying episode of road rage was caught on camera this week.
The frightening encounter with an armed motorist, a road-rage run-in where a man whipped out a pistol, was captured on a driver’s dashcam.
The woman whose dashcam captured the video doesn’t want to show her face but does want to share the encounter that happened Thursday as she was heading home from work near Northwest 90th Street and Northwest 27th Avenue.
She said the man behind the wheel of a blue Mitsubishi kept slamming on his brakes, trying to get the attention of a nearby woman.
That’s when she finally honked her horn and things escalated.
“He went ahead and accelerated again for the third time while still looking at the girl, trying to talk to her again,” the motorist said. “So, I beeped at him again, like ‘Dude, let’s go,’ so then, at this time it’s around 103rd, he actually stopped the car, put in park and he came out and he was shouting.”
On the video, he lifts his shirt and pulls out the gun.
“I was shaken up,” the driver said. “I called my husband, and he was like, ‘Just get home and get out of the area.’ And so, you know, once I got home, I was too nervous to do anything at that time.”
When she finally went to police the next day for help, what she was told took her by surprise.
“We were actually told that since we didn’t call 911 at that time, that it wouldn’t be considered an urgent matter, so that they would assign an officer to the case but it would be a few days, maybe five to 10 days,” the woman said.
Until then, she said she’s counting her blessings he never pulled the trigger and will now take another route home to avoid coming face to face with this driver and his gun.
“For me, for somebody that’s done something like that, I think that’s a dangerous thing because maybe this time he just pulled out the gun, but next time he could actually shoot somebody,” she said.
Miami-Dade Crimestoppers is asking that anyone who recognizes the man with the gun to call them at 305-471-TIPS.
Copyright 2022 WSVN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/27/caught-video-driver-parks-vehicle-pulls-gun-other-driver/ | 2022-06-27T12:20:30Z |
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Maxim Biomedical Inc. (MaximBio), manufacturer of the ClearDetect™ COVID-19 Antigen Home Test (ClearDetect™), revealed changes to their Sales and Marketing organization, as well as the addition of an important new distribution partner: WellTree Molecular Group LLC (WellTree) of Atlanta, GA.
Jonathan Maa, MaximBio's COO, announced that Stephen Sproul has joined MaximBio as Director of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Maa said that, "We are very excited to have Steve on our team. He is a proven leader with extensive experience in sales, sales management, and marketing. His success in launching novel diagnostics and his experience in establishing sales distribution channels in US and international markets makes him a great fit for our organization."
MaximBio also announced that Anthony Morrison will be stepping down from his role as Chief Commercial Officer and will continue working with the company in an advisory role. Michael Topham, who had been serving as Sales and Marketing director will continue to provide marketing support, also in an advisory capacity.
The addition of WellTree Molecular Group as a distribution partner strengthens MaximBio's presence in the diagnostics marketplace. WellTree, a women-owned company, prides themselves as a single source for diagnostic, consumables, and procurement. Steve Sproul, newly minted Director of Sales and Marketing described the value of the partnership, "With two warehouses located in Ontario, CA and Marietta, GA, WellTree will be able to support our efforts to get ClearDetect™ where it's needed." Renee Marchand, Chief Executive Officer at WellTree, agreed, "WellTree's mission is to further, promote and deliver novel rapid diagnostic tests to point-of-care environments and we look forward to adding MaximBio and ClearDetect™ to our offering."
About Maxim Biomedical Inc.
Headquartered in Rockville, MD, Maxim Biomedical is a leading diagnostic healthcare company providing innovative solutions through the development and manufacture of trusted testing solutions. Our mission is to create diagnostic products that are affordable, accessible, and enable actionable testing to improve patient outcomes around the globe.
For more information, visit maximbio.com
About WellTree Molecular Group
WellTree's mission is to further, promote and deliver novel rapid diagnostic tests to point-of-care environments to aid in better patient outcomes while driving time and costs down. WellTree is founded by health care operation professionals with experience and understanding of the complexities of healthcare. Our commitment to excellence and innovation is the guiding philosophy of the team.
For more information, visit welltreedx.com
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SOURCE Maxim Biomedical, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/maximbio-expands-sales-marketing-organization-adds-welltree-molecular-group-new-distribution-partner/ | 2022-05-23T15:30:55Z |
SBA Awards Nearly $3M in Grants to Help Arkansas, Maryland, and South Dakota Entrepreneurs Combat Rise in Cyberattacks and Threats
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America's 33 million small businesses in President Biden's Cabinet, announced nearly $3 million in new funding for three state delegates to help emerging small businesses develop their cybersecurity infrastructure. Arkansas, Maryland, and South Dakota representatives are receiving grants that will help deliver cybersecurity assistance to nascent and startup business owners as part of the SBA's Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program.
"Cybersecurity is increasingly critical for small businesses and startups as they face rising challenges and cyber risks that could disrupt their operations. As we seek to build a stronger and more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, we must innovate and provide resources to meet the growing, evolving needs of our diverse small businesses. With this new funding opportunity, the SBA is leveraging the strengths across our state governments, territories, and tribal governments to provide services to help small businesses get cyber ready and, in the process, fortify our nation's supply chains," said SBA Administrator Guzman.
Awarded States and Institutions are:
Arkansas – Forge Institute – $999,650.66
Maryland – Department of Commerce – $930,155.00
South Dakota – Dakota State University – $999,933.00
"This pilot program catalyzes our efforts to help small businesses combat cybersecurity threats," said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. "These grants empower state governments to innovate, develop new resources, and scale solutions to protect more small businesses from harmful cyberattacks."
About the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program
Cyberattacks are a growing threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes against the small business community reached $2.4 billion in 2021.
Small businesses are attractive targets because they have information that cybercriminals want, and they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses.
According to an SBA survey, 88% of small business owners felt their business was vulnerable to a cyberattack. Yet many businesses can't afford professional IT solutions, have limited time to devote to cybersecurity, or don't know where to begin.
The Federal budget for the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program for 2021-2022 is $3,000,000. SBA awarded three awards, with no single award exceeding $1 million. The period of performance for this award is one-year (12 months).
To learn more about SBA's programs and services related to cybersecurity, visit www.sba.gov/cybersecurity.
To find additional SBA local resources, visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Contact: press_office@sba.gov, www.sba.gov/news
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram
Release Number: 22-66
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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/sba-administrator-guzman-announces-grant-awardees-new-pilot-program-bolster-cybersecurity-infrastructure-emerging-small-businesses/ | 2022-08-23T18:17:43Z |
Which Mizuno baseball glove is best?
You never want to underperform in sports. If you’re a baseball player, you know how frustrating it can be to commit errors. However, you can minimize the chances of underperforming with a high-quality fielding glove.
Mizuno is a top manufacturer of baseball gloves and is known for its quality and durability. For example, the Mizuno 11.75-Inch Pro Select Series Fernando Tatis Jr. Glove 2022 is popular for its high-quality construction, superior comfort and stylish design.
What to know before you buy a Mizuno baseball glove
Construction
A glove has five parts: the palm, lacing, heel pad, web and hinge.
- Palm: You don’t want to catch with this part of the glove, but the palm of a glove must be heavily padded under the leather to reduce impact.
- Web: The web connects the thumb to the rest of the fingers and is the area where most balls are caught since it lets players secure them more easily.
- Lacing: Lacing keeps a glove intact and gives it its shape.
- Heel pad: The heel pad protects the bottom part of your hand.
- Hinge: The hinge lets you open and close your glove to make catching and securing balls easier.
Size
Your glove size depends on your age and hand size. Smaller gloves allow for quick ball transfer and are more lightweight. Larger gloves are great for outfielders, but they can feel clunky for other players. Ultimately, your glove should close effortlessly, feel light and fit comfortably.
Position
Depending on the fielding position you play, you’ll need a specific glove size. Pitchers, infielders and outfielders should use different glove sizes.
- Infielder gloves are the smallest and are usually 11 to 12 inches. They have shallow pockets that let players quickly retrieve the ball to make a throw to a teammate.
- Pitcher gloves are usually slightly larger than other infielder gloves at 11.5 to 12.5 inches and have a closed web to conceal a pitcher’s hand formation.
- Outfielder gloves are the largest and are typically either 12.5 or 12.75 inches. They have the deepest pockets, which are ideal for securing fly balls.
What to look for in a quality Mizuno baseball glove
Material
The best baseball gloves are made with high-quality leather. It is durable and weather-resistant, and it provides excellent protection. Full-grain leather offers elite performance, but it usually takes longer to break in than other leather gloves. On the other hand, synthetic leather is more lightweight and pliable than authentic leather, so it doesn’t require breaking in. However, it’s primarily used for youth or junior baseball gloves.
Web
There are several web shapes, each with its advantages, depending on your fielding position.
- Basket webs are preferred by pitchers since they hide their hand formation from the opposing team.
- Trapeze webs create deep pockets and are excellent for outfielders.
- H-web gloves are popular among both infielders and outfielders, as their open crisscross pattern makes them suitable for catching fly balls and sturdy enough to field line drives effectively and securely.
- Cross webs are highly flexible and offer superior visibility. However, for that exact reason, they aren’t suitable for pitchers.
Lightweight
Your glove should have a durable build but should be lightweight enough to maneuver it effortlessly. Also, it’s a good idea to ensure that there’s plenty of padding to protect your hand should you catch a high-speed line drive in the palm of your glove.
How much you can expect to spend on a Mizuno baseball glove
Mizuno baseball gloves are considered elite quality, so they’re rather expensive. The cheapest gloves cost $180-$250, while expensive models made with premium materials can cost $250-$400.
Mizuno baseball glove FAQ
Can a glove be re-laced if the lacing is damaged or coming loose?
A. It can be a challenging repair yourself, but some sporting goods stores offer re-lacing services.
Is applying oil to a baseball glove necessary?
A. No, but it does help make it more pliable and decrease the time needed to break it in.
What’s the best Mizuno baseball glove to buy?
Top Mizuno baseball glove
Mizuno 11.75-Inch Pro Select Series Fernando Tatis Jr. Glove 2022
What you need to know: This high-end glove is made with top-quality leather and has a cross web, making it suitable for both infielders and outfielders.
What you’ll love: It is made with premium U.S. Steerhide leather and has a Steersoft palm leather lining for a superior feel and extra protection. It uses hand-based patterns to shape your glove to optimize your performance on the field, and it has a thumb slot for extra comfort.
What you should consider: It’s not as lightweight as some other models.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Top Mizuno baseball glove for the money
Mizuno 12.75-Inch Prime Elite Glove 2022
What you need to know: This is the cheapest Mizuno glove you’ll find, but it’s durable and comfortable. Once it’s broken in, it offers elite performance.
What you’ll love: It uses Finger Core technology for improved flexibility, letting players place their ring fingers in the pinky slot. Also, it has a perforation along the thumb for breathability.
What you should consider: Even when using oil, it takes longer than other models to break in.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Worth checking out
Mizuno 11.5-Inch Pro Series Glove
What you need to know: This glove is made with premium leather and is versatile enough to be used by fielders of all positions.
What you’ll love: It has a shallow pocket placed under a modified I web for optimal performance. The elite palm liner makes for a secure and comfortable fit, and the pre-formed pocket shapes to the needs of a player’s fielding position.
What you should consider: Because of the webbing, it’s not ideal for pitchers.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/baseball-softball-br/best-mizuno-baseball-glove/ | 2022-05-06T22:53:37Z |
BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank today announced the appointment of Ishet Dhar in the role of Chief Digital Officer (CDO). This decision reflects M&T's increasing focus on digital and its role creating simple, differentiated experiences for customers and employees.
Dhar has over two decades of global experience, most recently serving as senior vice president, digital consumer delivery at Bank of America. In this enterprise-wide role, Dhar will lead the strategy, integration and transformation of M&T's digital platforms, providing each customer a seamless and personalized digital experience that spans and supports their full relationship across the bank. He will report to Head of Consumer / Business Banking and Marketing Christopher Kay and serve as a key member of the company's leadership.
"Ishet will supercharge our digital transformation at M&T, driving new technology innovation and experiences for our customers and communities," said Kay. "He will be focused on delivering value for our customers, while giving our bankers the tools they need to be a source of support and guidance in the communities where we live and work. I am looking forward to what's ahead under his leadership."
"My goal is to make it easier for customers across our communities to access the services and solutions they need—wherever, whenever they need them—to help them achieve their financial goals and make a difference in their lives," said Dhar.
Dhar received a MBA from Rice University and currently resides in Newtown Square, Pa. He will be based in M&T's regional headquarters in Wilmington, Del.
About M&T
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.
For more information on M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com. People's United customers can visit www.mtb.com/peoples for more information on the conversion to M&T Bank.
Media Contacts:
National Media, Trade Publications and Buffalo, NY Media:
Julia Berchou
(716) 842-5385
jberchou@mtb.com
Upstate New York (excluding Buffalo):
Dave Lanzillo
(716) 842-5139
dlanzillo@mtb.com
Downstate New York (NYC and Long Island), New Jersey and Connecticut:
David Samberg
(201) 368-4515
dsamberg@mtb.com
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, DC:
Scott Graham
(410) 244-4097
sgraham1@mtb.com
© 2022 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.
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SOURCE M&T Bank | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/16/mampt-bank-welcomes-ishet-dhar-chief-digital-officer/ | 2022-08-16T14:10:42Z |
TAMPA, Fla., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's Dental Network, LLC ("TDN"), a leading multi-specialty dental practice network and support organization to dental providers in Florida, has officially formed a partnership with Contemporary Periodontics & Implant Dentistry ("Contemporary Periodontics"), a state-of-the-art facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, led by Michael R. Tesmer, DMD, MS. Contemporary Periodontics is the fifth periodontal practice in the TDN network and the first practice in the St. Petersburg, FL market, marking the company's vision to expand both its specialty practice and geographical reach.
"We believe partnering with top specialty practices serves as a key entry point to expanding TDN's footprint into new geographical markets," says Kevin Krause, DMD, chief executive officer for TDN. "As a premier periodontic practice in the St. Petersburg market, Dr. Tesmer and his team are a great fit with TDN's multi-specialty model. We are delighted to welcome them to our growing network."
Established in 1997, Contemporary Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a state-of-the-art periodontal dental practice providing the latest treatment options available to patients, including advanced dental implant care, periodontal plastic surgery for receding gums, aesthetic crown lengthening and laser periodontal therapy, for over 25 years.
"We've known both Dr. Tesmer and Dr. Langston for quite some time and have admired their commitment to clinical excellence, advanced periodontal therapeutics, and outstanding patient care," says Ryan Taylor, DDS, MS, head of periodontics at TDN. "The addition of Dr. Tesmer, Dr. Langston, and their team not only expands TDN's periodontal offering, but it also further raises the bar with the addition of two top clinicians to our partnership network."
"Our partnership with TDN enables us to elevate our clinical excellence, as well as grow the practice," says Michael R. Tesmer. "We will continue to manage the clinical side of the practice, while Dr. Langston, myself and our team gain access to administrative support. We are also looking forward to the collaboration with Dr. Taylor, Dr. Krause and the other highly skilled doctors and surgeons in the network."
Today's Dental Network is a premier multi-specialty concierge dental practice network and support organization focused on providing complete turnkey practice management outsourcing solutions to a captive network of best-in-class, entrepreneurial, dentist specialists & surgeons across the Southwest Florida region. The company offers a full suite of solutions and services through its centralized business office including IT systems, infrastructure & security, finance and accounting, sales & marketing solutions, human resources, risk management, legal and compliance administration, as well as acquisition and de novo practice expansion support. Today's Dental Network offers a truly integrated community network model with the depth and breadth of services and local geographic coverage to provide a true "infant-to-senior" continuum-of-care service offering through a single patient experience. For more information, please visit www.tdn.care.
HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC is an operating-oriented private equity firm founded in 2005 that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. HealthEdge seeks to achieve superior returns by investing in businesses that benefit from the knowledge, experience, and network of relationships of its partners. HealthEdge's partners have more than 100 years of combined operating experience in healthcare as CEOs and investors. For more information on HealthEdge, please visit www.healthedgepartners.com.
Synergistic Capital Partners is a healthcare-focused private equity firm led by healthcare experts and physicians with over a century of combined healthcare expertise. SCP generally invests solely in the healthcare services sector, where their investment methodology is rooted in patient-centered care and provider-centric values which has led to superior investment performance across their investment portfolio. To learn more about SCP, please visit: www.synergisticcapitalpartners.com.
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SOURCE Today's Dental Network | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/todays-dental-network-adds-contemporary-periodontics-amp-implant-dentistry-partner-network/ | 2022-06-07T12:42:17Z |
VP of Customer Experience Mark Kemp and Head of Design Ola Olusoga Join to Meet Growing Demand for Commission Software
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CaptivateIQ, the commission software leader that keeps sales teams motivated and focused on driving revenue, today announced the appointment of Mark Kemp as vice president of customer experience and Ola Olusoga as head of design. These team additions will advance CaptivateIQ's goal to help enterprises deploy, scale, and adapt sales commission programs to change. CaptivateIQ's leadership team is poised to advance its mission to make the commission process flexible and agile, empowering revenue teams to tailor plans, workflows and outcomes to meet evolving business needs.
"Mark and Ola represent key additions as we continue to improve our best-in-class customer experience and platform design strategies," said Mark Schopmeyer, co-founder and co-CEO of CaptivateIQ. "Mark's experience in sales performance management is critical to empowering high-performing revenue teams with effective incentive strategy. Ola's support in the design and experience organization at WordPress.com will help ensure that our end-to-end experience is designed in a way that is even easier to use and deeply visual."
As vice president of customer experience, Kemp brings 20 years of experience in sales performance management and customer experience, and will lead CaptivateIQ's customer success team by working to always capture the voice of the CaptivateIQ customer. Prior, Kemp managed technical and solutions sales, Go-to-Market strategy and revenue growth for Varicent's APAC region. Previously, Kemp held various roles across multiple business lines at SAP and CallidusCloud.
"I am looking forward to joining CaptivateIQ and helping lead the company through its next phase of growth as we help customers unlock the power of incentives," said Kemp. "To do this, I strongly believe we need to reframe sales commission planning as a digital transformation challenge and help customers overcome it, something I've spent my entire career doing, and something that is absolutely necessary to usher in the future of sales commission planning. CaptivateIQ's flexible, easy-to-use and intuitive platform is the best positioned to achieve this mission, and delight all stakeholders while doing it."
As head of design, Olusoga will manage a diverse team to build a culture of design excellence that will combine beautiful design and functionality, making it even easier for customers to use .CaptivateIQ's platform. Olusoga joins CaptivateIQ from Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, Tumblr, WooCommerce, and Jetpack, where he worked in various roles, most recently as vice president of experience and design of WordPress.com. While at Automattic, Olusoga led product and brand design teams to shape the overall experience and outcomes for the business and its customers. Previously, he co-founded Populum, a direct-to-consumer business.
CaptivateIQ is accelerating its core product innovations while delivering solutions that empower all teams in the commission process. The customer experience and design teams are delivering delightful rep experiences by offering enhanced performance, payout statements and earnings visibility. CaptivateIQ provides enterprise-grade support through its focus on scalability and performance, improved workflow automation, and advanced permissions and controls for added security and compliance.
CaptivateIQ, the new standard in commission management, enables companies to reclaim the power of incentives with a platform built for revenue teams. Leading companies like ClassPass and Gong rely on CaptivateIQ to transform their data, build any commission plan, and simplify their workflows to maximize productivity and achieve revenue goals. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company is backed by tier-one investors including Sequoia, Accel, ICONIQ Growth, Sapphire, Bessemer, Foundation Capital, Workday Ventures and Y Combinator. To learn more, visit www.captivateiq.com and follow @captivateiq.
CaptivateIQ, the CaptivateIQ logo, and any CaptivateIQ product and service names used herein are trademarks of CaptivateIQ, Inc. Other brand names that may be referenced herein are solely for identification purposes and may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any CaptivateIQ customer experiences described herein may not be representative of all customer experiences.
Media Contact
Tom Hannigan
Bateman Agency for CaptivateIQ
captivateiq@batemanagency.com
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SOURCE CaptivateIQ | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/captivateiq-expands-leadership-team-drive-excellent-customer-experiences/ | 2022-08-03T14:42:29Z |
MILWAUKEE, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Turning Point Therapeutics (NASDAQ:TPTX) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with Bristol Myer.
Click here to learn how to join the action: https://www.ademilaw.com/case/turning-point-therapeutics-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you.
Ademi LLP alleges Turning Point Therapeutics' financial outlook and prospects are excellent and yet Turning Point Therapeutics holders will receive only $76.00 per share in an all-cash transaction for a total consideration of $4.1 billion in equity value. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing bids for Turning Point Therapeutics by imposing a significant penalty if Turning Point Therapeutics accepts a superior bid. Turning Point Therapeutics insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements.
We are investigating the conduct of Turning Point Therapeutics' board of directors, and whether they are (i) fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders, and (ii) obtaining a fair and reasonable price for Turning Point Therapeutics.
If you own Turning Point Therapeutics common stock and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at gademi@ademilaw.com or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or https://www.ademilaw.com/case/turning-point-therapeutics-inc.
We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Contact
Ademi LLP
Guri Ademi
Toll Free: (866) 264-3995
Fax: (414) 482-8001
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SOURCE Ademi LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/shareholder-alert-ademi-llp-investigates-whether-turning-point-therapeutics-inc-has-obtained-fair-price-its-transaction-with-bristol-myer/ | 2022-06-03T14:44:33Z |
Native American artist, chief, Oklahoma lawmaker Haney dies
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Enoch Kelly Haney, a Native American artist, Seminole Nation chief and Oklahoma state lawmaker, has died at age 81.
Haney’s death was announced Saturday by Brian Palmer, assistant chief of the Seminole Nation.
Haney, a Democrat, served stints in the Oklahoma House and Senate from 1980-2002, including a stint as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2002 and was elected principal chief of the Seminole Nation in 2005.
His 17-foot sculpture “The Guardian” was placed atop the state Capitol dome in 2002.
In a tweet on Saturday, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said Haney’s “contributions to our state are mighty.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/24/native-american-artist-chief-oklahoma-lawmaker-haney-dies/ | 2022-04-24T16:20:56Z |
ROLLA, Mo., Aug. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Kroll Settlement Administration regarding the PBM Nutritionals Infant Formula Label Settlement.
There is a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit, White v. PBM Nutritionals, LLC, that alleges that certain Well Beginnings, Meijer Baby, Little Journey, Wesley Farms, Burt's Bees Baby, Berkley Jensen, Parent's Choice, Earth's Best Organic, Comforts, Up & Up, Babies "R" Us, Member's Mark, And Bobbie Baby brand formula products were deceptively packaged and labeled as being able to make a specific number of liquid ounce bottles of formula when following the directions for preparation and use. PBM Nutritionals denies these allegations and asserts that its labelling and marketing is truthful but has settled this case to avoid further litigation and distraction of resources from its business.
A complete list of the Products included in the settlement is available at www.PBMlabelSettlement.com or by calling (833) 512-2316 and requesting a copy of the Product list.
Consumers who live in the United States and purchased in the United States from January 1, 2017 through July 21, 2022 (for personal use only) certain Well Beginnings, Meijer Baby, Little Journey, Wesley Farms, Burt's Bees Baby, Berkley Jensen, Parent's Choice, Earth's Best Organic, Comforts, Up & Up, Babies "R" Us, Member's Mark, and Bobbie Baby brand Products (as identified on the list of Products at www.PBMlabelSettlement.com).
The Settlement will provide up to $2,000,000 to pay valid claims as follows:
- Consumers with proof-of-purchase can get $2.00 per unit up to a total of $30.00 per Household.
- Consumer without proof-of-purchase can get $2.00 per unit up to a total of $10.00 per Household.
- Consumers cannot submit claims under both categories.
- Claims must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on November 30, 2022.
In addition, PBM Nutritionals will make changes to the way it labels the Products.
- Do Nothing. Consumers who do nothing will be legally bound by decisions of the Court and will give up any rights to sue for the claims resolved by this Settlement.
- Opt-Out. Consumers who do not want to be bound by the Settlement must exclude themselves by October 18, 2022.
- Object to the Settlement. Consumers may submit an objection and explain why they do not like the settlement. Objections must be submitted by October 18, 2022.
- File a Claim: Consumers can file a claim, with or without proof-of-purchase, by November 30, 2022.
Complete instructions on how to file a claim, opt-out, or objection are found at www.PBMlabelSettlement.com or by calling (833) 512-2316.
The Court will hold a hearing on October 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. at Phelps County Circuit Court, 200 North Main Street Rolla, MO 65401 to hear any objections, determine if the Settlement is fair, and to consider attorney's fees and expenses of up to $600,000 and a Service Award for Class Representatives of up to a combined total of $17,500. Consumers may attend the Hearing, but they aren't required to.
This is only a summary. If you have questions or want more information about this lawsuit, the settlement, and consumers rights in the settlement, visit www.PBMlabelSettlement.com or by calling (833) 512-2316., or write to: White v. PBM Nutritionals, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration, PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391.
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SOURCE Kroll Settlement Administration | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/consumers-who-purchased-certain-well-beginnings-meijer-baby-little-journey-wesley-farms-burts-bees-baby-berkley-jensen-parents-choice-earths-best-organic-comforts-up-amp-up-babies-r-us-members-mark-bobbie-baby-brand-formula-products-between-january-1-2017-july-21-2022-could-be-affected-by-proposed-class-action-settlement/ | 2022-08-19T14:34:53Z |
FinThrive reimagines revenue management technology to break the cycle of inefficiency in healthcare revenue cycles
DENVER, June 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FinThrive, Inc., backed by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with certain affiliates, "Clearlake"), a healthcare revenue management software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider with the industry's most comprehensive end-to-end platform, will introduce its new brand at the HFMA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, June 26-29.
The rebrand ushers in a new era for the company, which recently acquired PELITAS and TransUnion Healthcare. Under one brand, FinThrive is well positioned to pave the way for a healthcare system that ensures every transaction and patient experience is addressed holistically. The company is making breakthroughs in technology—developing award-winning revenue management solutions that adapt with healthcare professionals, freeing providers and payers from complexity, so they can focus on doing their best work. FinThrive is committed to transforming the healthcare economy, driving inefficiencies out of the healthcare revenue cycle and eliminating the friction that has long plagued the healthcare system.
"Our new brand fulfills our expanded vision to empower and advance the healthcare economy," said Hemant Goel, President and CEO of FinThrive. "We look forward to sharing this vision with attendees at HFMA's Annual Conference this week, and to continue our efforts to provide stakeholders across the financial ecosystem with a new approach to effective revenue management."
FinThrive will showcase its new brand positioning and end-to-end revenue management platform in Exhibit #113 at HFMA Annual and will welcome all attendees to join in celebration of the launch. In addition, FinThrive will take the stage for three speaking sessions, including sessions co-hosted by executives from both Banner Health and SCL Health.
To learn more about FinThrive and its end-to-end revenue management platform, visit finthrive.com
About FinThrive
FinThrive is advancing the healthcare economy. Our 1,600-plus colleagues rethink revenue management to pave the way for a healthcare system that ensures every transaction and patient experience is addressed holistically. We're making breakthroughs in technology—developing award-winning revenue management solutions that adapt with healthcare professionals, freeing providers and payers from complexity and inefficiency, so they can focus on doing their best work. Our end-to-end revenue management platform delivers a smarter, smoother revenue experience that increases revenue, reduces costs, expands cash collections, and ensures regulatory compliance. We've delivered over $7.6 billion in net revenue and cash to more than 3,245 customers worldwide. When healthcare finance becomes effortless, the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare expand. For more information on our new vision for healthcare revenue management, visit FinThrive.com.
Media Contact:
For FinThrive:
Audra Murphy, VP, Marketing
(717) 476-4864
amurphy@finthrive.com
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SOURCE FinThrive | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/26/nthrive-rebrands-finthrive/ | 2022-06-26T14:02:17Z |
State lawmakers launched an investigation into the Uvalde massacre Thursday, but the witnesses, testimony and specific goals of the investigation will remain secret for now.
State Rep. Dustin Burrows, who chairs the committee leading the inquiry, said the goal is to provide “answers and solutions” that will prevent future mass shootings. Uvalde law enforcement has come under intense criticism from state officials and law enforcement experts for its response, in which police took more than an hour to enter the classroom where the gunman had opened fire and then holed up with his rifle.
Burrows, a Lubbock Republican and attorney, also couldn’t say how long the investigation will take, but he said the committee “may produce a preliminary report” for the public before the investigation concludes.
On Thursday, after the first day of the investigation, Burrows said the committee received a briefing from the Texas Department of Public Safety and had begun to review the physical evidence. He also addressed the decision to conduct the investigation in private.
“I think every member on this committee obviously feels that there is a need for transparency and would love to begin discussing with what we have learned today, what we will continue to learn, but there is also a respect for the process,” Burrows said.
“In an effort to want to be thorough, and more importantly accurate, we’re going to continue to review this as a committee, individually, [and] make sure that we continue to visit with more individuals who have firsthand accounts before we reveal more information or any conclusions.”
The three-person investigative committee will have subpoena power. El Paso Democrat Joe Moody, a former prosecutor, will serve as vice chair. Former Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, who recently lost a bid to become the Republican nominee for attorney general, will also be a member of the panel.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the creation of the committee on Friday.
“The fact we still do not have an accurate picture of what exactly happened in Uvalde is an outrage,” Phelan said in a statement. “Every day, we receive new information that conflicts with previous reports, making it not only difficult for authorities to figure out next steps, but for the grieving families of the victims to receive closure.”
A federal probe of the law enforcement response to the shooting is also underway, in addition to state investigations by the Texas Rangers.
The gunman remained in the school with a military-style rifle for more than an hour before he was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer. Meanwhile, students who were still trapped inside with the gunman repeatedly called 911 for help.
Experts have said the amount of time officers took to engage the shooter went against modern law enforcement training, which teaches officers to immediately engage with active shooters and not wait for backup, in order to save as many lives as possible. Texas officials have condemned the police response during the shooting as a failure.
The Uvalde shooting also prompted Congress to renew long-standing debates over increased gun restrictions. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is the lead GOP negotiator in the Senate’s efforts to pass bipartisan gun safety legislation.
In Texas, Moody pledged to not let “partisanship” deter the House investigation.
“When the issues are this complex, and the stakes are this high, we need facts first,” he said. “We can’t develop sound policies based on the conflicting reports we’ve had, especially when some of them are agenda-driven narratives.”
He also said the group must work to ensure that mass shootings do not become “normalized,” while noting that the emotions of the 2019 mass shooting in his El Paso district are “still very raw.”
“This isn’t a new normal; it’s an epidemic and an emergency,” he said. “We can’t accept a do-nothing attitude. Failing to tackle these issues because they’re difficult or politically uncomfortable is cowardly and morally wrong.”
This story was first published at www.texastribune.org by The Texas Tribune. This story has been edited for length. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/article_05d75cce-e844-11ec-a266-235658fccca6.html | 2022-06-09T23:02:31Z |
LONDON (AP) — A man accused of stabbing a British lawmaker to death during a regular meeting with his constituents told a court Thursday he targeted the politician because he voted for air strikes on Syria.
Ali Harbi Ali, 26, is accused of murdering veteran Conservative lawmaker David Amess on Oct. 15 during a routine meeting with voters in a church hall in the town of Leigh-on-Sea in eastern England. Ali, who stabbed Amess repeatedly with a carving knife, denies charges of preparing acts of terrorism and murder.
Giving evidence Thursday, Ali said he decided to take action in the U.K. to help Muslims in Syria because he couldn’t join the Islamic State group.
“He voted previously in Parliament, not just him,” he said. “I decided to do it because I felt that if I could kill someone who made decisions to kill Muslims, it could prevent further harm to those Muslims.”
Ali, who is from London, said he “deeply” regretted not being able to join the terrorist group and did not think the attack on Amess was wrong.
“If I thought I did anything wrong, I wouldn’t have done it,” he said.
He added he had expected to be shot and die at the scene, but decided to drop his knife after seeing that the first police to arrive were not armed with guns.
Prosecutors allege Ali had spent years researching a number of high-profile politicians and carrying out reconnaissance on possible targets to attack, including lawmakers’ addresses and the Houses of Parliament in London.
They allege he managed to set up an appoint with Amess, 69, on the day he was killed by convincing the politician’s office that he had newly moved to the area and wanted to discuss local issues. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/suspect-tells-court-he-killed-uk-lawmaker-over-syria-vote/ | 2022-04-07T23:53:48Z |
Flavor Your Vacay sweepstakes in celebration of National Coffee Day
WATERTOWN, Wis., Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc. is helping one lucky coffee lover escape the ordinary and experience all the flavor the world has to offer with a custom vacation (valued at $7,000). Sweepstakes participants can enter online at berresbrothers.com/flavoredcoffeevacay.
The sweepstakes runs during National Coffee Day (September 29) and International Coffee Day (October 1) because a giveaway this sweet deserves some extra celebrating. During the sweepstakes, every online order* at berresbrothers.com automatically receives an entry and participants can additionally enter every week. The sweepstakes closes at 11:59:59 p.m. CST on November 21, 2022. Berres Brothers will randomly select and notify the winner by email.
Berres Brothers batch-roasts coffee beans to create fan-favorite flavors like Highlander Grogg, English Toffee, and French Caramel Cream. These coffees embody international flavors to transport the drinker and elevate their everyday coffee experience.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. For more info, Official Rules and full sweepstakes details, visit berresbrothers.com/vacayofficialrules.
Providing coffee since 1970, Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters has one simple vision: to make great coffees that create a vacation from the ordinary. Veteran- and family-owned, Berres Brothers prides itself on producing astonishingly smooth, consistent coffees that add a little flavor to each drinker's day. Berres Brothers offers over 50 coffees and more than 40 unique flavored varieties that fit each coffee connoisseur's preference. For more information, visit berresbrothers.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
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SOURCE Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/berres-brothers-coffee-roasters-giving-away-dream-vacation/ | 2022-09-16T16:49:39Z |
NEW YORK, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Enservco Corporation (NYSE American: ENSV) between May 13, 2021 and April 18, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 19, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Enservco securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Enservco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6371 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 19, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Enservco had defective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (2) as a result, there were errors in Enservco's financial statements relating to, inter alia, its transactions with Cross River Partners and accounting for Employee Retention Credits ("ERCs"); (3) accordingly, Enservco would need to restate certain of its financial statements and delay the filing of its 2021 annual report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); (4) Enservco downplayed the true scope and severity of its financial reporting issues; (5) accordingly, Enservco could not file its delayed 2021 annual report with the SEC within its initially represented timeline; and (6) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Enservco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6371 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/rosen-leading-law-firm-encourages-enservco-corporation-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-ensv/ | 2022-06-02T02:14:06Z |
Clarity Human Services to serve as the new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for 2-state, five Continuum of Care (CoC) system
CONCORD, N.H., April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitfocus announced it has signed on with New Hampshire and Vermont to replace/expand the data system supporting the efforts of over 331 staff and 100 agencies working to end homelessness.
"This implementation allows us to execute creative configuration solutions, utilizing Clarity Human Services, for data sharing between the two states to make a notable impact in together building an exceptional data system that promotes equitable service delivery and supports housing stability long term," says Robert Herdzik, Founder and CEO at Bitfocus.
Following a comprehensive, community-led evaluation, this 2-state collaborative joins a rapidly growing list of communities relying on Clarity Human Services to coordinate their local homeless response system. Developed by Bitfocus, the new HMIS software is a significant upgrade from these states' legacy data systems. The Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) administers the HMIS and led the implementation - working diligently with Bitfocus to help ensure a smooth vendor transition.
"What we are most looking forward to with Clarity Human Services is the ease of navigation and data entry, which will allow us to use less time for documentation and more time to provide services to Persons Experiencing Homelessness. We are also excited about the geolocation features that will allow us to more efficiently track where PEH are located in our community and allow us to know where we need to focus our outreach services," says Matt Bouchie, Homeless Outreach Coordinator at The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (New Hampshire).
"We are excited about our transition to Clarity Human Services and are looking forward to increased functionality, an easy-to-use interface, and seamlessness in our data entry and reporting," says Will Towne, Director of Housing & Operations, Spectrum Youth and Family Services (Vermont).
About Bitfocus, Inc.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bitfocus is a small (but mighty) team working to help communities use data to tackle their greatest social challenges. For communities interested in considering Clarity Human Services as their HMIS system of choice - a new generation software with unique features that set Clarity Human Services apart from all competitors - reach out today!
Keywa Henderson Thomas
Communications Manager, Bitfocus
keywah@bitfocus.com
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SOURCE Bitfocus | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/bitfocus-partners-with-new-hampshire-vermont-overhaul-cocs-homeless-data-system/ | 2022-04-25T13:34:01Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of LifeStance Health Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFST) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all purchasers of LifeStance common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the documents issued in connection with LifeStance's June 10, 2021 initial public stock offering.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: October 11, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in LFST:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/lifestance-health-loss-submission-form?id=31049&from=4
LifeStance Health Group, Inc. NEWS - LFST NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that LifeStance Health Group, Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the number of virtual visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was decreasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby flatlining LifeStance Health's out-patient/virtual revenue growth; (ii) the percentage of in-person visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was increasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby causing LifeStance Health's operating expenses to increase substantially; (iii) LifeStance Health had lost a large number of physicians due to burn-out and, as a result, its physician retention rate had fallen significantly below the 87% highlighted in the initial public offering's registration statement, and LifeStance Health had been expending additional costs to onboard new physicians who were less productive than the outgoing physicians they were replacing; and (iv) as a result, LifeStance Health's business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as the initial public offering's registration statement represented.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in LifeStance you have until October 11, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased LifeStance securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the LFST lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/lifestance-health-loss-submission-form?id=31049&from=4.
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
59th Floor
New York, NY 10118
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/lfst-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-11-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-lifestance-health-group-inc-shareholders/ | 2022-08-23T10:32:04Z |
MAJURO, Marshall Islands, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gate.io – one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges – announced the appointment of Tom Yang as Executive Vice President (EVP).
Tom Yang has driven global brand operation and management for many years in companies like Google and WeWork. Although the crypto market has been relatively turbulent recently, Gate.io believes that with its capital and technological advantages accumulated over the years, the current market conditions are an ideal time for them to deploy global marketing strategies and employ outstanding talents.
"Gate.io is one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the world." Tom Yang said, "It is an honor to join a company with such great potential. Moving forward, my focus will be enhancing Gate.io's market share in key and emerging markets around the world, increasing its brand presence and strengthening the exchange's relationships with users and partners around the world, and exploring new business growth possibilities."
Lin Han, the Founder and CEO of Gate.io, said: "We have introduced a new brand identity during Gate.io's 9th-anniversary celebrations. Gate.io is a trading platform that insists on long-term vision and operations. We believe that cryptocurrencies are the future of finance. Although the market is currently very volatile, we will continue to innovate and adhere to our globalization strategy."
"We are delighted to welcome Tom Yang, who has extensive global operation experience, to our management team. We believe that his addition will give Gate.io a stable and long-term development path."
With the addition of Tom Yang, Gate.io will gradually carry out its global brand building and market development. As of now, Gate.io has kicked off its local brand sponsorship and strategic cooperation activities in southern Europe, Latin America, and East Asia, including brand partnership negotiations with top-tier sports teams, athletes, etc. More details will be announced later.
About Gate.io
Gate.io is one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offering users access to most of the leading digital assets. The platform has over 10 million users from different parts of the world and boasts a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services. Gate.io exchange offers trading on spot markets and some innovative products in certain markets.
Besides standard crypto trading, Gate.io also offers users the opportunity to trade in NFTs through the company's dedicated Gate NFT platform. The wider Gate.io ecosystem includes its dedicated GateChain ecosystem and access to DeFi products through Hipo DeFi, custodial services through Wallet.io, and investments through Gate Labs and Gate Ventures.
Contact Details:
Summi Di
summidi@mail.gate.io
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SOURCE Gate.io | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/gateio-hires-former-google-executive-evp-accelerate-global-expansion/ | 2022-07-05T13:06:01Z |
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United’s training ground with his agent on Tuesday with the Portugal great’s future at the English club up in the air.
Ronaldo has yet to start preseason training with United — he missed the team’s tour of Thailand and Australia — and is set to hold talks with recently hired manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was pictured in the car driven by Ronaldo entering United’s Carrington training base.
British broadcaster Sky Sports News reported that Alex Ferguson, the former United manager who signed Ronaldo for the player’s first spell at the club from 2003-09, arrived at Carrington earlier Tuesday. Ferguson played an influential role in persuading Ronaldo to return to United last year.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo reportedly wants to play for another team after only one year back at Old Trafford, with United not in the Champions League this season or in shape to compete with the best teams in England. United finished in sixth place in the league last season, 35 points behind first-place Manchester City.
United has said Ronaldo has not returned to training yet because of “personal reasons.” Ten Hag has repeatedly said he is counting on Ronaldo being part of the squad this season.
If United does allow Ronaldo to join another club, it leaves ten Hag short of center forwards in his squad and with little more than a month left in Europe’s summer transfer window to bring in a replacement.
In Ronaldo’s absence, Anthony Martial has been playing up front and impressed on the preseason tour, scoring three goals in four games.
Martial spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla last year, scoring one goal, so it could represent an unlikely second chance for the French striker.
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani was one of the players to leave United during this offseason because his contract expired.
United has been linked with the signing of Ajax forward Antony.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/ronaldo-arrives-at-man-uniteds-training-base-set-for-talks/ | 2022-07-26T18:04:30Z |
LAKEWOOD, N.J., July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First Commerce Bank (the "Bank") (OTC: CMRB) today reported net income of $2.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to $4.4 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Basic earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, were $0.12 and $0.30 respectively, compared to $0.19 and $0.38 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
The changes in net income for the 2022 periods compared to the 2021 periods primarily reflect greater allowance expense related to growth in the loan portfolio and increases in salary and benefits expense reflecting both increases in employee benefit expense and the impact of a new bonus plan designed to attract and retain employees in a very competitive market.
Regarding the performance of the Bank, President & CEO Donald Mindiak stated, "The Bank has engaged in a concerted effort to deploy the excess liquidity that was on our balance sheet at December 31, 2021 into higher yielding interest earning assets in the form of both loans and investment securities. This initiative has proven successful as we have realized growth in the loan and investment portfolios of $78.3 million and $40.4 million, respectively, year-to-date. As a result of the strong loan growth exhibited during this six-month period, an increase in the allowance for loan losses of approximately $512,000 was recorded. The Bank continues to produce competitive operating results, evidenced by our strong net interest margin, return on equity and efficiency ratios, and remains on track to grow our asset and core deposit base consistent with capital levels and as opportunities present themselves".
Financial Highlights
- Net interest margin increased by fifteen basis points to 4.06% for the second quarter of 2022 as compared to 3.91% for the second quarter of 2021 and increased by thirteen basis points to 4.05% year-to-date for 2022 as compared to 3.92% year-to-date for 2021.
- Total yield on interest earning assets increased by four basis points to 4.24% for the second quarter of 2022 as compared to 4.20% for the second quarter of 2021 and decreased by one basis point to 4.24% year-to-date for 2022 as compared to 4.25% year-to-date for 2021.
- The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by nine basis points to 0.32% for the second quarter of 2022 compared to 0.41% for the second quarter of 2021 and decreased by fourteen basis points to 0.31% year-to-date for 2022 as compared to 0.45% year-to-date for 2021.
- The efficiency ratio was 56.37% year-to-date for 2022 as compared to 47.24% year-to-date for 2021.
- Loans receivable, net increased by $78.3 million or 8.6% to $987.4 million at June 30, 2022, as compared to $909.1 million at December 31, 2021.
- The net loans to deposits ratio increased to 101.34% at June 30, 2022, from 96.87% at June 30, 2021.
- Return on equity was 1.23% at June 30, 2022 compared to 1.60% at June 30, 2021.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets increased by $42.3 million or 3.7% to $1.18 billion at June 30, 2022 from $1.13 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in total assets was mainly related to increases in investment securities and loans receivable, net, partially offset by a decrease in total cash and cash equivalents.
Total cash and cash equivalents decreased by $76.2 million or 67.2% to $37.1 million at June 30, 2022 from $113.3 million at December 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to the investment of excess liquidity into investment securities and loans receivable, net, previously discussed.
Loans receivable, net, increased by $78.3 million or 8.6% to $987.4 million at June 30, 2022 from $909.1 million at December 31, 2021. Total loan increases for the six months ended June 30, 2022 occurred primarily as a result of a $79.8 million increase in commercial mortgages and a $22.2 million increase in construction loans, partially offset by a $13.1 million decrease in SBA loans and a $7.2 million decrease in commercial loans. The allowance for loan losses increased by $512,000 to $18.2 million or 1.81% of gross loans at June 30, 2022 as compared to $17.7 million or 1.91% of gross loans at December 31, 2021.
Total investment securities increased by $40.4 million or 87.3% to $86.6 million at June 30, 2022 from $46.2 million at December 31, 2021. The increase in investment securities resulted primarily from investment security purchases totaling $51.1 million, partially offset by $9.2 million in mortgage-backed security amortization and $1.5 million in municipal bond maturities.
Deposit liabilities increased by $32.4 million or 3.4% to $974.3 million at June 30, 2022 from $941.9 million at December 31, 2021. The increase in total deposits occurred primarily as a result of a $12.2 million increase in non-interest-bearing deposits, an $8.8 million increase in money market deposits, a $6.0 million increase in time deposits, a $4.8 million increase savings deposits and a $1.6 million increase in NOW deposits, partially offset by a $983,000 decrease in interest checking deposits.
Stockholders' equity increased by $7.9 million or 4.6% to $180.2 million at June 30, 2022 from $172.3 million at December 31, 2021. The increase in stockholders' equity was primarily attributable to net income of $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and increases of $714,000 and $728,000 in common stock and additional paid in capital, respectively as a result of the exercise of certain stock options, partially offset by a decrease of $706,000 in other comprehensive income.
Three Months of Operations
Net interest income increased by $809,000 or 7.7% to $11.27 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $10.46 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Interest income increased by $634,000 or 5.6% to $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $11.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of loans receivable, net of $62.6 million or 6.9% to $964.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $902.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and an increase in the average balance of investment securities of $23.2 million or 42.5% to $77.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $54.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by a $267,000 or 53.6% decrease in fees from loans to $231,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $498,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in loan fees is primarily related to the reduction in fees received from the Paycheck Protection Program - (PPP) as the bulk of the Bank's PPP loans were forgiven, and fees earned, in 2021.
Interest expense decreased by $175,000 or 18.6% to $768,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $943,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in interest expense occurred primarily as a result of a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of nine basis points to 0.32% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 0.41% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by an increase in average balance of deposit liabilities of $49.9 million or 5.4% to $974.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $924.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities resulted primarily from the persistent lower interest rate environment and the active management of liability pricing.
Net interest margin increased by fifteen basis points to 4.06% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to 3.91% for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in the net interest margin is primarily attributable an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $47.5 million or 4.4% to $1.124 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $1.077 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and an increase of four basis points on the yield of average interest earning assets to 4.24% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from 4.20% for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Non-interest income increased by $225,000 or 224.1% to $326,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $101,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in total non-interest income resulted primarily from BOLI income of $165,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from no such income for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The Bank made a $25.0 million BOLI purchase during the fourth quarter of 2021 which accounts for the lack of BOLI income for the three months ended June 30, 2021. This was partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees of $48,000 or 23.5% to $156,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $204,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Non-interest expense increased by $1.1 million or 20.6% to $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $737,000 or 23.4% to $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in salaries and employee benefits resulted primarily from a 27% year-over-year increase in employee benefits costs as well as increased salary expense. In an effort to both retain and attract qualified personnel, the Bank instituted an industry competitive bonus plan which was not in place in 2021. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $66,000 or 8.8% to $815,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $749,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense occurred primarily as a result of the renewal and increase in several service contracts. Other non-interest expense increased by $294,000 or 20.8% to $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Other non-interest expense consists primarily of marketing, professional fees, data processing, FDIC assessments and other expenses. The increase in other non-interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in other expenses of $347,000 or 55.7% to $970,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $623,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $149,000 or 29.1% to $361,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $510,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in other expenses resulted primarily from an increase in unfunded loan commitments.
The income tax provision decreased by $407,000 or 28.6% to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the income tax provision resulted primarily from a decrease in earnings before income taxes of $1.9 million or 32.2% to $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $5.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Six Months of Operations
Net interest income increased by $1.7 million or 8.2% to $22.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $20.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Interest income increased by $1.1 million or 5.0% to $23.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $22.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in interest income resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of loans receivable of $60.4 million or 6.8% to $947.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $887.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and an increase in the average balance of investment securities of $7.6 million or 13.4% to $64.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $56.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and a $150,000 or 14.2% increase in fees from loans to $1.20 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $1.06 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Interest expense decreased by $554,000 or 27.2% to $1.48 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $2.03 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in interest expense occurred primarily as a result of a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of fourteen basis points to 0.31% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from 0.45% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by an increase in average balance of deposit liabilities of $59.3 million or 6.5% to $965.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $905.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities resulted primarily from the persistent lower interest rate environment and the active management of liability pricing.
Net interest margin increased by thirteen basis points to 4.05% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to 3.92% for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in the net interest margin is primarily attributable an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $55.0 million or 5.2% to $1.11 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $1.06 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2022 partially offset by a decrease of one basis point on the yield of average interest earning assets to 4.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from 4.25% for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Non-interest income increased by $386,000 or 127.2% to $689,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $303,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in total non-interest income resulted primarily from BOLI income of $326,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from no such income for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Bank made a $25.0 million BOLI purchase during the fourth quarter of 2021 which accounts for the lack of BOLI income for the six months ended June 30, 2021. This was partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees of $59,000 or 15.0% to $332,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $391,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Non-interest expense increased by $3.07 million or 31.2% to $12.93 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $9.86 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $2.0 million or 33.3% to $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in salaries and employee benefits resulted primarily from a 27% year-over-year increase in employee benefits costs as well increased salary expense. In an effort to both retain and attract qualified personnel, the Bank instituted an industry competitive bonus plan which was not in place in 2021. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $90,000 or 5.4% to $1.77 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $1.68 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense occurred primarily as a result of the renewal and increase in several service contracts. Other non-interest expense increased by $972,000 or 45.4% to $3.11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $2.14 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Other non-interest expense consists primarily of marketing, professional fees, data processing, FDIC assessments and other expenses. The increase in other non-interest expense occurred primarily as a result of an increase in miscellaneous loan expense of $535,000 related to an increase in unfunded loan commitments due to the growth in the loan portfolio during 2022 from a credit of $146,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. FDIC Assessment increased by $201,000 or 152.7%. Marketing expense increased by $27,000 or 40.3% to $94,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $67,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase in marketing expense occurred primarily as a result of a reconstitution of marketing efforts subsequent to a COVID related marketing hiatus.
The income tax provision decreased by $523,000 or 17.7% to $2.44 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $2.96 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the income tax provision resulted primarily from a decrease in earnings before income taxes of $2.0 million or 17.6% to $9.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 from $11.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Asset Quality
The allowance for loan losses increased by $512,000 or 2.9% and $1.2 million or 7.2% from December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively to $18.2 million at June 30, 2022 from $17.7 million at December 31, 2021 and $17.0 million at June 30, 2021. The increase in the allowance for loan losses is primarily attributable to an increase in loans receivable, net of $78.3 million or 8.6% to $987.4 million at June 30, 2022 from $909.1 million at December 31, 2021 and $102.8 million or 11.6% from $884.6 million at June 30, 2021. The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $13.6 million or 1.35% of gross loans at June 30, 2022 as compared to $8.8 million or 0.94% of gross loans at December 31, 2021 and $8.96 million or 0.99% of gross loans at June 30, 2021.
The allowance for loan losses was $18.2 million or 1.81% of gross loans at June 30, 2022 as compared to $17.7 million or 1.91% of gross loans at December 31, 2021 and $17.7 million or 1.96% of gross loans at June 30, 2021. The allowance for loan losses was 134.2% of non-accrual loans at June 30, 2022, 202.5% of non-accrual loans at December 31, 2021 and 197.1% of non-accrual loans at June 30, 2021.
About First Commerce Bank
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, the Bank has offices in Allentown, Bordentown, Closter, Englewood, Fairfield, Freehold, Lakewood, Montvale, Robbinsville and Teaneck, New Jersey. The Bank provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products and retail and commercial banking services. For more information, please go to www.firstcommercebank.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release, like many written and oral communications presented by First Commerce Bank, and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Bank, are generally identified by use of the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "seek," "strive," "try," or future or conditional verbs such as "could," "may," "should," "will," "would," or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
In addition to the factors previously disclosed in prior Bank communications and those identified elsewhere, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bank, its operations and its customers, changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of the Bank's products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with certain corporate initiatives; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.
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SOURCE FIRST COMMERCE BANK | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/first-commerce-bank-earns-29-million-71-million-three-six-months-ended-june-30-2022/ | 2022-07-29T20:32:30Z |
White supremacist gang members convicted of murder, kidnapping, Justice Dept. reports
WASHINGTON (Gray News) - Five members and associates of a violent white supremacist gang, the 1488s, were convicted on Monday in Alaska.
The Department of Justice reports a federal jury convicted the group of conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping and assault.
Authorities said the trial presented evidence that the 1488s were a violent prison-based gang operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska.
The Justice Department said the 1488s used Nazi-derived symbols to identify themselves and their affiliation with the gang, including a 1488 “patch” tattoo that depicts an Iron Cross superimposed over a swastika. The tattoo can only be worn by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing acts of violence on behalf of the gang.
According to the DOJ, the gang has written rules and a code of conduct, including the creed that “the only currency we recognize is violence and unquestionable loyalty.”
Authorities said evidence showed that Filthy Fuhrer, 45, formerly known as Timothy Lobdell, founded and led the 1488 gang from inside Alaska’s maximum-security prison. He was serving a 19-year sentence for the attempted murder of an Alaska State Trooper. Fuhrer ordered gang members to commit violent kidnappings and assaults in the “free world” outside of prison.
The DOJ reports Fuhrer believed that some members were defying the 1488 code of conduct and diminishing the power and influence of the gang. Fuhrer sent out a trusted lieutenant with a list of directives; these directives culminated in the kidnapping and assault of two low-level gang members in April 2017 and July 2017 and the kidnapping, assault and murder of Michael Staton in August 2017.
Trial evidence showed 1488 members Roy Naughton, 43, Glen Baldwin, 40, and Colter O’Dell, 29, worked with Craig King, 56, who was a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, to kidnap and murder one of the victims, who had previously stolen from the group.
Authorities said King lined a room with plastic, where he and the 1488 defendants beat and tortured the victim. Baldwin and O’Dell then took the victim out to the woods, shot him, and burned his body. O’Dell earned his membership patch into the 1488s by murdering Staton.
“Violent gangs, especially those based upon racial hatred, are a plague to our society. As this case demonstrates, the crimes of organized prison gangs often go beyond the prison walls bringing violence into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska.
The Justice Department reports Fuhrer was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering.
Authorities said Naughton was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, three counts of kidnapping conspiracy, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of assault in aid of racketeering.
Baldwin, O’Dell, and King were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping conspiracy, according to the DOJ.
“The guilty verdicts today strike a significant blow to the highest levels of the 1488 gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners remain committed to combating and dismantling violent white supremacist gangs.”
Authorities said all five defendants face a mandatory life sentence in prison without parole.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/03/white-supremacist-gang-members-convicted-murder-kidnapping-justice-dept-reports/ | 2022-05-04T00:03:06Z |
Debuting globally is the company's full line of charging technologies designed to help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Autel Energy, an advanced energy solution provider, today announces that the company is an official sponsor of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Autel Energy will feature current and future technologies in its 4,500-square-foot booth, where the company will also host a press conference on September 14 at 10:30 a.m. EST.
"Autel Energy's mission is to Power the Planet while living at the intersection of technology and practicality, making this partnership with one of the most prestigious auto shows in the country the ideal fit to launch our global company and showcase our emerging technologies," said Autel North American CEO Chloe Hung. "We are excited to share with auto show attendees our advanced energy solutions, along with a few surprises we have planned."
Autel Energy will present its charging and energy solutions product lines, which combine advanced hardware, software, connectivity, and cloud solutions to digitally enable clean energy charging for electrified modern mobility.
NAIAS opens to media and the industry on September 14, 2022, before opening to the public on September 17, 2022. Visit the Autel Energy booth at Huntington Place at the Detroit Auto Show or learn more at: autelenergy.us.
Autel Energy's vision is to create a seamless customer experience to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and energy management solutions worldwide. Autel Energy makes advanced products accessible and convenient for residential and commercial users, offering hardware, software, apps and cloud-based solutions to cover almost every use case and application. This includes world-class charging hardware for A/C (Level 2) home and commercial, D/C Bi-directional, V2X applications and D/C (Level 3) fast charging from 60kW to 480kW with innovative configurability and modularity.
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SOURCE Autel Energy | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/autel-energy-signs-an-official-sponsor-north-american-international-auto-show/ | 2022-09-02T14:27:03Z |
Court finds suspect in Randall Fife’s death lacks capacity
RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – The investigation of Randall Fife’s death revealed only one potential suspect, and a judge on Thursday determined this person lacks capacity to understand proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense due to severe brain injuries.
Officials say it appears the suspect may never be fit to proceed as required under Idaho Code § 18-210.
Furthermore, the victim’s family has requested no charges be brought based on the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Accordingly, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will not be filing charges in this matter. | https://localnews8.com/news/crime-tracker/2022/04/15/court-finds-suspect-in-randall-fifes-death-lacks-capacity/ | 2022-04-16T01:20:01Z |
SEATTLE, Aug. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today its board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 19 cents per share payable on September 14, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 30, 2022.
At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our digital-first platform enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop – whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it.
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SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/17/nordstrom-board-directors-approves-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-08-17T20:36:16Z |
Full-Service App Development Consultancy with Industry-Leading Flutter Expertise Partnering
with Google, Toyota, Betterment and Others to Optimize App Development
NEW YORK, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Very Good Ventures , the world's leading Flutter app development consultancy, today announced $3 million in Series A funding from Celesta Capital to help drive rapid growth, make key hires, and expand the quality of the Flutter development ecosystem. Founded in 2018, Very Good Ventures is already cash flow positive, growing revenues 235 percent during the past two years.
Flutter is an open source UI toolkit from Google. Flutter enables developers to build apps for multiple platforms all at once from a single codebase – a significant advantage over legacy approaches to native software development for iOS, Android, web, desktop, and embedded devices. Since its first release in 2017, Flutter has grown into the most popular cross-platform mobile framework used by software developers globally, now used by millions of developers with hundreds of thousands of apps launched.
With a founding team that has worked with Flutter longer than anyone, Very Good Ventures provides unique levels of expertise to help major brands transition to Flutter rapidly, productively, and confidently. Very Good Ventures leaders created the first-ever commercial Flutter app for the global musical phenomenon Hamilton, in 2017, in addition to having built the first public Flutter apps for desktop and web. The success of the Hamilton mobile app led to the creation of Very Good Ventures, now partnering with companies including Google, Toyota, Betterment, and others to build scalable, high-performance, multi-platform apps in record time with Flutter.
"Our mission is to help companies improve the quality and scale of their software development by offering the best tools, standards, and teams," said David DeRemer, CEO and founder of Very Good Ventures. "We believe in building software that is efficient, scalable, and long-lasting. Flutter is the best tool on the market today to achieve that goal – and we use our expertise to help any company succeed with Flutter. This capital will help our team continue to grow this expertise and contribute to the Flutter community, as well as to expand VGV into additional practice areas that will provide further value to our clients."
In working with Betterment, Very Good Ventures enabled a seamless partial migration of Betterment's native app and mobile codebase into Flutter. They implemented scalable best practices so the Betterment team could continue to easily and efficiently build and sustain development in Flutter.
"Even with our talented team, converting two large, legacy codebases into a single codebase using a new technology was a challenging proposition," said Sam Moore, VP, Architecture at Betterment. "Working with VGV gave us the tools we needed to evaluate Flutter, migrate our app – through which we now support more than 500,000 Betterment Accounts – and transform our team in the process."
"Celesta is extremely excited to invest in Very Good Ventures," said Michael Marks, Founding Managing Partner at Celesta Capital. "VGV encompasses a rare combination: a differentiated technology, a rapidly growing market, and a highly talented and passionate team. With a team offering the foremost expertise in this space and an already robust client roster, we believe VGV is poised for great success."
About Very Good Ventures
Very Good Ventures is the leading Flutter development consultancy working to empower software excellence for any platform. VGV works with the biggest companies to design, build, and scale successful apps using Flutter, the UI toolkit from Google that enables developers to build apps for any screen from a single codebase. VGV's global team includes a presence in the United States, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and more. For more information, visit: http://verygood.ventures
Press Contact:
Megan Duero
Gale Strategies
megan@galestrategies.com
CONTACT: Chris Gale at Chris@GaleStrategies.com
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SOURCE Very Good Ventures | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/very-good-ventures-raises-3m-series-funding-celesta-capital-further-scale-rapidly-growing-flutter-practice/ | 2022-05-17T11:40:49Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/co-diagnostics-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=31465&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of a class of all persons and entities who purchased the publicly traded securities of Co-Dx during the period of May 12, 2022 through the close of the market on August 11, 2022 (4:00 p.m. ET).
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until October 17, 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, Co-Diagnostics, Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) demand for the Company's Logix Smart™ COVID-19 test had plummeted throughout the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and (ii) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the demand for its Logix Smart™ COVID-19 test lacked a reasonable basis.
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.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/codx-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-co-dx-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-17-2022/ | 2022-09-09T11:29:05Z |
Company's commitment to diversity and inclusion shines in gaming and betting industry index
LONDON, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) ("IGT") announced today that it has been recognized by the All-In Diversity Project (AIDP) as the top-ranking gaming supplier in the 2021 All-Index™ report. The index serves as a global benchmarking tool measuring the progress of diversity, equality and inclusion in the betting and gaming sectors.
Forty companies participated in the most recent AIDP All-Index survey, which covered the extended period of 2020-2021 to account for the pandemic. Continuing its history of high performance in the report, IGT received the third-highest overall score. Since the inaugural All-Index report in 2018, IGT has remained a high-ranking company year-over-year, demonstrating the successful impact of the Company's leadership in sustainability and discipline in implementing policies that promote a diverse and inclusive culture.
"As a leader in sustainability, IGT prioritizes fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cultivating an inclusive and welcoming work environment, as reflected in this year's All-Index survey results," said Dorothy Costa, IGT Senior Vice President of People and Transformation. "We continue to make significant progress in our diversity and inclusion initiatives through employee feedback, surveys, and industry benchmarks that are critical to measuring our success. IGT remains dedicated to driving change by adopting emerging trends and taking actions that help ensure all employees are empowered to thrive and bring their full and authentic selves to work."
In addition to measuring each organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives, this year's All-Index survey evaluated the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace and emerging global trends in the workforce.
"In this, the third year of the All-Index, we would like to congratulate IGT for once again proving that measurement matters," said Kelly Kehn, Co-Founder of the All-In Diversity Project. "As one of our partners from the beginning, IGT continues to show up and lead the industry by sharing their data, internal practices and policies, and advocating for the better. We are grateful for the data and support they provide and their willingness to share their best practices to help improve our industry."
Since IGT created its Office of Diversity & Inclusion in 2018, the Company has executed various programs, policies, and systems that have promoted multiple dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These include facilitating mandatory and elective employee training courses that support the Company's anti-discrimination commitments, implementing more inclusive and equitable hiring processes, and offering competitive benefits for same-sex partners. IGT has also expanded its global roadmap for its employee-led and executive-sponsored Diversity & Inclusion Groups (DIGs), which include the Women's Inclusion Network (WIN), ACE (Employees of African descent), PRIDE (LGBTQ+), Wealth of Wisdom (employees 50+), NEXGEN (millennial and Gen Z employees), and more.
To learn more about IGT, visit IGT.com or follow us on LinkedIn. To learn more about the All-In Diversity Project, visit allindiversityproject.com.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
Contact:
Phil O'Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Francesco Luti, Italian media inquiries, +39 06 5189 9184
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190
© 2022 IGT
The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.
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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/igt-achieves-high-ranking-score-all-in-diversity-project-2021-all-index-report/ | 2022-07-28T21:50:21Z |
Internet service at the Telegram and other downtown Temple businesses was down for several hours Thursday.
breaking
UPDATE: Internet service restored
- STAFF REPORT
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Jerry Prickett
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The teenage gunman in a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school came out of a classroom closet and began firing when US Border Patrol agents entered the room more than an hour after the shooter began his rampage, a source familiar with the situation told CNN on Friday.
The agents were part of a team that fatally shot the gunman, ending an attack that left 19 fourth-graders and two adults dead Tuesday afternoon.
Before the assault on the shooter, a group of 19 law enforcement officers stood in a hallway outside the classroom and took no action as they waited for room keys and tactical equipment, a state official said at a news conference.
"The on-scene commander at that time believed that it had transitioned from an active shooter to a barricaded subject," Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Col. Steven McCraw said.
The gunman was killed more than an hour after he started shooting inside Robb Elementary School. Members of a specialized Border Patrol unit had entered the classroom, with one holding a shield followed by at least two others who engaged the shooter, according to a US Customs and Border Protection official.
The gunman is believed to have waited for the agents to enter the room, then kicked open the closet door and began shooting, the source said.
The agents had used a key to get into the classroom, opening the door while standing off to the side since the gunman had been shooting through the door, the source said.
The Washington Post first reported the detail on the gunman emerging from the classroom closet.
The timeline of events that were part of the law enforcement response became more clear and more disturbing to the victims' families Friday as McCraw explained the school district police chief was the incident commander who made the decision not to breach the classroom door.
Yet as officers stood in the hallway, children inside Robb Elementary School classrooms 111 and 112 in Uvalde repeatedly called 911 and pleaded for help, he said. They were in the middle of the deadliest school shooting since the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.
"From the benefit of hindsight where I'm sitting now, of course it was not the right decision," McCraw said of the supervisor's call not to confront the shooter. "It was the wrong decision. Period. There's no excuse for that."
The official who was the school district police chief, Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, officials said Friday.
Arredondo has nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, according to the school district, and was recently elected to a seat on Uvalde's city council. He previously served as a captain at a school district police department in Laredo, Texas, and in multiple roles at the Uvalde Police Department.
Arredondo has not spoken about the shooting publicly since two very brief press statements on the day of the tragedy. CNN attempted to reach him at his home on Friday, but there was no response.
In all, 80 minutes passed between when officers were first called to the school at 11:30 a.m. to when a tactical team entered locked classrooms and killed the gunman at 12:50 p.m., McCraw said. The tactical team was able to enter using keys from a janitor, he added.
Within that period, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos killed 19 children and two teachers -- marking at least the 30th shooting at a K-12 school in 2022. And while, as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, the massacre could have been worse, the law enforcement response suggests it could have been better.
The delayed response runs contrary to commonly taught active shooter protocol, established after the Columbine school shooting of 1999, to stop the shooter as quickly as possible and even bypass helping the injured. The revelations also help explain why officials have offered contradictory information over the past three days as to what law enforcement did in response.
"The levels of failure are just incredible, beyond belief," said Anthony Barksdale, the former acting Baltimore police commissioner.
Alfred Garza, the father of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza, who was killed in the attack, said he believes someone should be held accountable for the delayed response.
"They should have reacted quicker, faster," he said. "Had they done that? You know, maybe we would have a different result."
Governor livid over misinformation
Gov. Abbott told reporters Friday he was misled by authorities the day after the shooting, and he is livid.
Abbott said he took careful notes from his briefing on Wednesday, calling what he told the public "a recitation of what people in that room told me." He added, "As everybody has learned, the information that I was given turned out, in part, to be inaccurate, and I'm absolutely livid about that."
The governor was in Uvalde for a news conference about the state response for the families of those affected by the shooting, but reporters pressed Abbott on the law enforcement response and the information given to the public about the shooting.
"My expectation is the law enforcement leaders that are leading the investigations ... they get to the bottom of every fact with absolute certainty," he said.
Abbott said the people who deserve accurate answers the most are the families whose "lives have been destroyed."
"It is inexcusable that they may have suffered from any inaccurate information whatsoever," he said.
School back door had been propped open
McCraw also revealed further details about how the gunman was able to enter the school unobstructed.
The suspect, Ramos, first shot his grandmother at her home, took her truck and crashed into a ditch near the school at 11:28 a.m. He exited the vehicle with a long rifle and ammo and shot at two men across the street, missing them, McCraw said.
A schoolteacher who had propped open a locked back door a minute earlier saw the crash and gunman and went to call 911 -- leaving the door propped. That 911 call came at 11:30 a.m.
The gunman then moved toward the school parking lot and began shooting into classroom windows, McCraw said. A school resource officer, who was not on campus at the time, heard the 911 call and rushed to the school but drove past the suspect, who was hunkered down behind a vehicle, McCraw said.
The suspect then entered the school via the propped door at 11:33 a.m. and went to the adjoining classrooms 111 and 112, where he continued shooting, McCraw said.
Two minutes later, seven officers arrived to the school and approached the locked classrooms where the gunman had barricaded himself. Two of the officers were shot by the suspect from behind the door and suffered graze wounds, McCraw said.
The gunman fired 16 more rounds inside the locked classrooms between 11:37 and 11:44 a.m., and more officers continued to arrive to the hallway, McCraw said.
At about the same time, the Robb Elementary School posted on its Facebook that the school was on lockdown due to gunshots in the area. Outside the school, distraught parents soon began to arrive, desperate to know whether their kids were still alive, leading to confrontations with police trying to set up a perimeter.
Inside the school, there were as many as 19 law enforcement officers in the hallway at 12:03 p.m., yet they remained outside and waited for further tactical team and equipment, McGraw said.
That very minute, at 12:03 p.m., police received a 911 call from a girl who identified herself and whispered she's in Room 112, McCraw said. She stayed on the phone for 1 minute, 23 seconds. At 12:10 p.m. she called back and said there were multiple people dead. She called again three minutes later.
Members of the Border Patrol tactical team, known as BORTAC, arrived with shields at 12:15 p.m. There they waited.
The girl called again at 12:16 p.m. and said there were eight to nine students alive, McGraw said. Another student called 911 from Room 111 three minutes later but hung up at the urging of another student. On a 911 call at 12:21 p.m., three shots can be heard, he said.
The gunman had fired over 100 rounds in the first minutes of the shooting, but the gunfire after that was sporadic and aimed at the door, McCraw said.
"The belief was that there may not be anybody living anymore and that the subject has now tried to keep law enforcement at bay or entice them to come in to (die by) suicide," he said.
A female student called 911 at 12:36 p.m. that lasted for 21 seconds, but then called back and was told to stay on the line and remain quiet. At 12:43 p.m. and 12:47 p.m. she asked 911 to please send police now.
Finally, at 12:50 p.m., the tactical team entered the room and shot and killed the suspect.
Surviving children describe what happened inside
Children who survived the shooting described what happened inside the school during the mayhem.
To survive the nightmare, Miah Cerrillo, 11, smeared her friend's blood all over herself and played dead, she told CNN.
Miah and her classmates were watching the movie "Lilo and Stitch" when teachers Eva Mireles and Irma Garcia got word of a shooter in the building. One teacher went to lock the door, but the shooter was right there -- and shot out the door's window, Miah said.
As her teacher backed into the classroom, the gunman followed. He then looked a teacher in the eye, said "Goodnight," and shot her, the girl recalled.
And then he opened fire, shooting the other teacher and many of Miah's friends. Bullets flew by her, Miah said, and fragments hit her shoulders and head. The gunman next went through a door into an adjoining classroom. Miah heard screams and more gunshots. When the firing stopped, the shooter started playing music that was "sad, like you want people to die," the girl said.
Scared he would come back to kill her and her few surviving friends, Miah put her hands into the blood of a slain friend lying next to her and smeared herself with it, she said. The girl and a friend managed to grab a dead teacher's phone and call 911 for help, she said. She told a dispatcher, "Please send help because we're in trouble."
The pair then lay down and played dead.
Another student in a different classroom, 10-year-old Jayden Perez, said when he and his classmates heard gunfire, his teacher locked the door and told them to "hide and be quiet."
Jayden said he was hiding near the storage area for backpacks during the shooting. Others in his class were under a table. The entire time, he wondered what was going to happen to them.
"It was very terrifying because I never thought that was going to happen," he told CNN. "(I'm) still sad about some of my friends that died."
He does not want to go back to school again.
"No, because after what happened. I don't want to. I don't want anything to do with another shooting or me in the school," he said. "And I know it might happen again, probably."
Parents outside school begged for action
Outside the school, chaos and confusion reigned as distraught parents showed up and implored law enforcement to force their way in and kill the gunman. One father even asked officers to give him their gear, he said.
"I told one of the officers myself, if they didn't want to go in there, let me borrow his gun and a vest, and I'll go in there myself to handle it. And they told me no," Victor Luna told CNN. His son survived.
Instead, officers held parents behind yellow police tape, refusing to let them enter as crying and screaming echoed around them, several videos show.
Members of the US Marshals Service can be seen in one video holding back parents who pleaded to enter the school. US Marshals said in a statement they were called to the school at 11:30 a.m. and arrived about 40 minutes later from Del Rio, about 70 miles away.
The first deputy US Marshals to arrive entered the school to assist the Border Patrol tactical team already engaging with the shooter. The deputies also rendered aid to victims. Other deputies were asked to secure the perimeter around the school, but never arrested or placed anyone in handcuffs, the agency said.
"Our deputy marshals maintained order and peace in the midst of the grief-stricken community that was gathering around the school," the agency said.
Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez issued a statement Thursday defending his officers' response to the shooting amid the growing criticism.
"It is important for our community to know that our officers responded within minutes" alongside school resource officers, he said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/gunman-in-texas-school-massacre-emerged-from-closet-as-border-patrol-agents-moved-in-source/article_3554fea1-d12b-575a-9295-6a24db51d941.html | 2022-05-28T02:38:24Z |
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The northern Arizona city of Flagstaff is synonymous with mountains — lush with ponderosa pines, meadows and hiking trails that are a respite from the desert heat.
Now, parts of them are burning yet again this year, fueled by winds that grounded air resources Monday. Fire crews were anticipating more moderate winds Tuesday and throughout the week, which could help them get a better handle on the blaze that has largely spared homes but made a run into a wilderness area and toward a lava dome volcano.
Residents around the city looked toward the mountains as smoke billowed through the air and winds howled, some scared, some nervous — most hoping that moisture in the forecast late this week brings some relief.
“We’re most definitely dry,” Flagstaff resident Colin Challifour said late Monday. “The forests are dry. It’s unfortunate. You don’t like to see it.”
Roughly 2,500 homes have been evacuated because of two wildfires burning on the outskirts of Flagstaff. One home and a secondary structure burned, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said. Hundreds of other people in California and New Mexico have also been forced to flee homes threatened by wildfires.
In northern Arizona, Coconino County declared an emergency because of the wildfire.
Fire incident Cmdr. Aaron Graeser said the Flagstaff-area blaze is one of the top priorities in the country for firefighting resources. It was estimated at 8 square miles (20 square kilometers) late Monday, but fire managers haven’t been able to do aerial mapping.
Two other smaller wildfires northeast of the blaze merged, forcing evacuations in a more remote area Monday.
Wildfires broke out early this spring in multiple states in the Western U.S., where climate change and an enduring drought are fanning the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires. A springtime fire outside Flagstaff destroyed more than two dozen homes. Most of the residents who evacuated then are out of their homes again because of this latest wildfire.
The number of square miles burned so far this year is more than double the 10-year national average, and states like New Mexico have already set records with devastating blazes that destroyed hundreds of homes while causing environmental damage that is expected to affect water supplies.
Nationally, more than 6,200 wildland firefighters are battling nearly three dozen uncontained fires that had charred over 1 million acres (4,408 square kilometers), according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Even in Alaska, forecasters have warned that many fire in the state’s south have grown exceptionally over the last week, which is unusual. Southwest Alaska normally experiences shorter periods of high fire danger because intermittent rain can provide relief, but since mid-May the region has been hot and windy, drying out vegetation.
Favorable weather Monday helped slow the progression of a tundra wildfire just over 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away from an Alaska Native village. Moderate temperatures and a shift in the wind that had been driving the fire toward St. Mary’s will allow firefighters to directly attack the flames and increase protections for the Yup’ik community.
The lightning-sparked fire is estimated at about 193 square miles (500 square kilometers). It’s burning dry grass and shrubs in southwest Alaska’s mostly treeless tundra.
In California, evacuations were ordered for about 300 remote homes near a wildfire that flared up over the weekend in forest land northeast of Los Angeles near the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains. It had scorched about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) of pine trees and dry brush as of Monday and was 27% contained, fire spokesperson Dana Dierkes said.
A second fire in Tehama County in Northern California had destroyed 10 buildings, damaged four others and threatened about 160 structures, fire officials said. It was 20% contained Monday night.
Farther south in San Diego County, five people were rescued after a small wildfire broke out Monday near the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said.
In Northern California, a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of State Route 70 was closed indefinitely on Monday after mud, boulders and dead trees inundated lanes during flash floods along a wildfire burn scar.
The causes of the latest California fires were under investigation.
Authorities don’t yet know what started the northern Arizona fire. A man who was camping near where the fire was reported Sunday was cited a day earlier for lighting toilet paper on fire in violation of a year-round fire ban in the area, but he is not charged with starting the wildfire.
Parts of U.S. Route 89, the main route to reach the Grand Canyon’s East Rim entrance and through the Navajo Nation, remained closed, as did the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort.
___
Associated Press writers Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska; Jim Anderson in Denver; and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/western-wildfires-force-evacuations-in-arizona-california-2/ | 2022-06-14T07:01:16Z |
Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer Mark Touhey Announces Retirement at End of 2022
BOSTON, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Insurance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Long today announced that Damon Hart has been named Secretary, effective January 2023, in addition to his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. As Secretary, Hart will be responsible for overseeing governance for the company's Board of Directors. Hart, who has been part of the company's executive leadership team since 2021 will report to Tim Sweeney, who was appointed CEO of Liberty Mutual beginning in January 2023.
"Damon continues to move our organization forward with his dedicated leadership and passion for growing our business and employees," said Long. "As Secretary, his vast experience across a wide variety of legal disciplines will be a great value to our Board governance, policyholders and partners."
Hart joined Liberty Mutual in 2014 and was promoted to Deputy Chief Legal Officer in 2020 before his current appointment. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for litigation and coverage, overseeing the interests of Liberty Mutual and providing enterprise-wide coverage advice and opinions. He also spent several years as Deputy General Counsel for Employment Legal.
Hart is actively involved in the company's Employee Resource Groups and throughout the community where he coaches youth sports and mentors rising professionals. He is a founding member of The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund – a coalition of Black and Brown executives in Massachusetts working to address and eliminate systemic racism and racial inequity. Hart is also on the Board of Directors of The Home for Little Wanderers, which is supported by the Liberty Mutual Foundation, and the New England Legal Foundation.
The company's current Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief of Staff to the CEO Mark Touhey announced he will retire at the end of 2022. He has worked at Liberty Mutual for 28 years, serving in multiple senior leadership positions across the Global Risk Solutions business unit, and talent and enterprise services and corporate finance departments.
Touhey has served in his current role since 2016, overseeing the company's Board of Directors engagement and corporate governance and community investments, which has become a model of philanthropic excellence and giving under his leadership. He has also led the organization's corporate strategy and research department.
He is actively involved as co-executive chairman of the organization's Employee Resource Group focused on employees of African descent and allies, and is passionate about Liberty Mutual's diversity, equity and inclusion journey. Touhey also serves on the Board of Directors of the Boston-based non-profit More than Words, a job training and youth development program that is supported by the Liberty Mutual Foundation, as well as The Partnership, Inc., an organization that works with client companies to deliver leadership training to diverse and multicultural professionals at all stages of their career.
"Mark has been an instrumental leader at our company and a great counsel to the Board of Directors, executive team and me over many years," said Long. "One of his many legacies is driving the Liberty Mutual Foundation's growth and strategic direction, increasing our thought leadership and recognition in the industry. I'd like to thank Mark for his tremendous contributions to the organization."
"It's been an honor to be part of this outstanding company for nearly 30 years and I'm truly grateful to my colleagues," said Touhey. "I'm extremely proud of the work we've done together to make our organization and communities stronger and am excited to see how it evolves in the years to come."
At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow.
In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the sixth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2021 gross written premium. We also rank 78th on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2021 revenue. As of December 31, 2021, we had $48.2 billion in annual consolidated revenue.
We employ over 47,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property.
For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/liberty-mutual-insurance-appoints-damon-hart-executive-vice-president-chief-legal-officer-secretary/ | 2022-06-13T20:02:46Z |
- IRD will ensure optimal system performance at 68 traffic monitoring sites in the Western part of New York State for the New York State Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT")
- A number of sites will utilize IRD's iTHEIA AI-powered, non-intrusive data collection solution which offers improved safety and cost-effectiveness vs. traditional automated traffic recorders
- The traffic data from IRD's systems will help NYSDOT achieve its mission to ensure that people who live, work and travel in New York State have a safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation system
SASKATOON, SK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - International Road Dynamics Inc. ("IRD"), a Quarterhill Inc. ("Quarterhill") company (TSX: QTRH) (OTCQX: QTRHF), announced today that the New York State Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT") has awarded IRD a two year, $13.8 million contract for installation and maintenance of permanent traffic data collection systems. IRD will be responsible for all parts, equipment, materials, labour and technical expertise to successfully repair, upgrade, install and maintain traffic data collection sites across New York State. All financial information in this press release is reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The scope of the contract includes the provision of repair and maintenance services for the State's existing count, classification and weigh-in-motion sites – ensuring uptime of 95% or better – and the installation of new sites to grow and enhance the NYSDOT data collection program.
NYSDOT collects, summarizes and interprets information about the traffic that uses the State's highway system. The data is used to assess transportation needs and highway infrastructure performance, and to develop highway planning and programming recommendations. Traffic data is critical for route planning, developing safety programs, the designation of evacuation routes and their management and for the design of highway projects. Ultimately, NYSDOT has the objective to ensure safe, efficient, balanced and environmentally sound transportation for users of the State's roads.
To help meet its objectives, NYSDOT will utilize IRD's iTHEIA™ non-intrusive data collection solution. iTHEIA™ delivers new value in a safe and cost-effective manner by eliminating the need for road closures during installation and service. iTHEIA™ provides superior longevity in comparison to intrusive sensing and detection technologies previously deployed by NYSDOT. Unlike in-road sensor-based systems, iTHEIA™ is unaffected by the degradation of pavement, performing well regardless of road surface conditions.
"This exciting project with NYSDOT reinforces our commitment to enhance safety, improve traffic flows and address environmental challenges with our solutions and strengthens our long-term service and maintenance revenues, a key driver of stable and sustainable growth," commented Rish Malhotra, IRD's President & Chief Executive Officer. "This contract combines traffic data collection, construction services and advanced traffic data analytics reporting to meet the unique needs of NYSDOT. We are also pleased to see the broader adoption of iTHEIA™, which has received growing interest since its launch two and a half years ago. As US states become more aware of the benefits of high-quality, continuously collected traffic information, we expect that the demand for this innovative solution will continue to grow."
IRD is a dynamic technology company engaged in developing key components and advanced systems for the next generation of transportation networks. Together with subsidiaries PAT Traffic and IRD Europe (ICOMS Detections, SensorLine and VDS), IRD supplies Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to private corporations, transportation agencies, and highway authorities around the world. IRD's systems make highways safer, greener and more efficient. Known globally as a trusted partner providing sales, service and installation support on major ITS projects for over 40 years, IRD contributes to creating smarter cities by empowering engineering and urban planning professionals to access reliable traffic data. For more information: www.irdinc.com
Quarterhill is a leading provider of tolling and enforcement solutions in the ITS industry as well as, through its Wi-LAN Inc. subsidiary, a leader in Intellectual Property licensing. Our goal is global leadership in ITS, by organic growth of our Electronic Transaction Consultants, LLC and International Road Dynamics Inc. platforms and by continuing an acquisition-oriented investment strategy that capitalizes on attractive growth opportunities within ITS and its adjacent markets. Quarterhill is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol QTRH and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol QTRHF. For more information, please visit www.quarterhill.com
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding IRD, Quarterhill and their businesses. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by IRD and/or Quarterhill in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and the expected effects of new business strategies, as well as other factors that IRD and/or Quarterhill believe are appropriate in the circumstances. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed herein may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting IRD and/or Quarterhill, including: potential risks and uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"); the severity of the disease; the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak; actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to treat its impact; the potential negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and financial markets and any resulting impact on IRD and/or Quarterhill and/or their businesses. Other factors include, without limitation, the risks described in Quarterhill's March 20, 2022 annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "AIF"). Copies of the AIF may be obtained at www.sedar.com. IRD and Quarterhill recommend that readers review and consider all of these risk factors and notes that readers should not place undue reliance on any of IRD's forward-looking statements. IRD has no intention, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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SOURCE Quarterhill Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/ird-awarded-138-million-contract-new-york-state/ | 2022-07-25T11:05:10Z |
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has regained its position as the world's busiest airport, Airports Council International World announced.
ATLANTA -- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has regained its position as the world's busiest airport, Airports Council International World announced.
The Atlanta airport served 75.7 million passengers last year, a 76.4% increase over pandemic-plagued 2020, vaulting it back to the No. 1 spot. Atlanta was surpassed in 2020 by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, ending a 22-year run at the top.
Atlanta also led the world in 2021 in aircraft movements, with 707,661 operations, up 29.1% over the previous year.
“These numbers speak to the resiliency and spirit of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said. “We thank our airport employees and passengers who continued to stand with us as we worked through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.”
“As the aviation industry continues to rebound from the pandemic, we are excited to welcome passengers back to the skies," Balram "B" Bheodari, the airport's general manager, said. "Our efficiency and brand of excellence could not be achieved without our employees, business partners, stakeholders and our community.”
Hartsfield-Jackson is about to launch a multiyear project to replace its aging parking decks, starting with the South Deck. Besides replacing the North and South decks, the airport will add a new West deck.
This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/atlanta-airport-once-again-worlds-busiest/article_5a7424a4-ba60-11ec-9ac4-bb04fe374010.html | 2022-04-12T17:23:19Z |
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 12:54PM MDT until April 12 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 7
inches, except 4 to 11 inches on ridge tops and elevations
above passes.
* WHERE…Wasatch Mtns including Emigration Summit, Grace, Soda
Springs, Henry Bone, Wayan, Swan Valley, Big Holes including
Pine Creek Pass, Victor, Dubois, Monida Pass, and Island Park.
* WHEN…From noon Monday to noon MDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Near white out
conditions with frontal passage in afternoon. The hazardous
conditions will likely impact the evening commute.
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2022/04/10/winter-weather-advisory-issued-april-10-at-1254pm-mdt-until-april-12-at-1200pm-mdt-by-nws-pocatello-id/ | 2022-04-10T19:59:46Z |
83-year-old abortion doctor says he’s focused on patients and his purpose
DENVER (KUSA) – Many eyes are on the Supreme Court after news broke that it could strike down Roe v. Wade, which would overturn the federal constitutional right to an abortion.
Dr. Warren Hern said he’s focused on his patients and his purpose. He worked at Colorado’s first abortion clinic in 1973 and continues to practice nearly 50 years later.
Despite threats made by those opposing abortions, Hern has continued in his profession and has shared many stories about his life calling.
“This is my work. This is what I do,” Hern said, adding he’s had stones thrown at him at the clinic.
He said he remembers threats made towards his clinic in Boulder, Colorado, in the 1980s and the five bullets fired through the front door.
Hern said he kept coming back so he could help his patients.
Before Roe v. Wade, he thought too many women were dying because of unsafe, illegal abortions, which is why he started his practice.
“I started performing abortions the safest way I could,” Hern explained.
He’s worried history will repeat itself and more women will die trying to get illegal abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
“I have always found this is an extremely important service, and there’s never been a time when it’s less important,” Hern said.
His clinic is a refuge for women who are seeking a procedure that may be banned in other states.
At 83 years old, Hern feels called to help more people.
“This is a major component and essential component of women’s healthcare. And it’s being threatened now,” Hern said.
The Supreme Court’s final opinion on Roe v. Wade hasn’t been formally released, and votes, along with language, can change before then.
Copyright 2022 KUSA via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/05/83-year-old-abortion-doctor-says-hes-focused-patients-his-purpose/ | 2022-05-05T16:56:14Z |
Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade published by Politico
By Tierney Sneed, Ariane de Vogue and Joan Biskupic, CNN
In a stunning breach of Supreme Court confidentiality and secrecy, Politico has obtained what it calls a draft of a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
The draft was circulated in early February, according to Politico. The final opinion has not been released and votes and language can change before opinions are formally released. The opinion in this case is not expected to be published until late June.
CNN has not independently confirmed the document’s authenticity. Politico says it has authenticated the draft. A Supreme Court spokesperson declined to comment to CNN.
According to the draft, the court would overturn Roe v. Wade’s holding of a federal constitutional right to an abortion. The opinion would be the most consequential abortion decision in decades and transform the landscape of women’s reproductive health in America.
It appears that five justices would be voting to overturn Roe. Chief Justice John Roberts did not want to completely overturn Roe v. Wade, meaning he would have dissented from Alito’s draft opinion, sources tell CNN, likely with the court’s three liberals.
Roberts is willing, however, to uphold the Mississippi law that would ban abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy, CNN has learned. Under current law, government cannot interfere with a women’s choice to terminate a pregnancy before about 23 weeks, when a fetus could live outside the womb.
Politico’s publishing of the draft is unprecedented by the high court’s standards of secrecy. The inner deliberations among the justices while opinions are being drafted and votes are being settled are among the most closely held details in Washington.
The case in question is Dobbs v. Jackson. It concerns a challenge to Mississippi’s 15-week ban on abortion and oral arguments were heard on December 1. The release of a final opinion in the case is expected later this Spring or early summer.
In the draft opinion, Alito writes that Roe “must be overruled.”
“The Constitution makes no reference to abortion and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision,” Alito wrote. He said that Roe was “egregiously wrong from the start” and that its reasoning was “exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences.”
He added, “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s representatives.”
“That is what the Constitution and the rule of law demand,” he said, according to the draft.
Already nearly half of the states have or will pass laws that ban abortion, while others have enacted strict measures regulating the procedure.
Process of voting
Oral arguments in the case were held on December 1.
Under normal procedure, by the end of that week the justices would have met in their private conference to take a preliminary vote on the issue. They would have gone around the table in order of seniority discussing their take on the case. Roberts would have gone first, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett last.
After that initial tally, if Roberts was in the majority he would assign the majority opinion. Otherwise the most senior justice would have taken that responsibility. After that, draft opinions would go between chambers. In the past, justices have changed their votes and sometimes a majority opinion ultimately becomes a dissent.
A reversal of Roe would leave abortion policy up to individual states and would likely produce a patchwork system where the procedure would remain largely available in Democratic-led states, while Republican-led states would pass extreme limits or outright bans on it.
The Dobbs case was perhaps the most anticipated case of the court’s term, and most court observers expected that the conservative majority was likely to scale back or outright overturn Roe’s holding. At oral arguments, Roberts was the only one of the six Republican appointees who signaled interest in exploring a narrower opinion that would have upheld Mississippi’s law but preserved some protections for abortion rights.
Because it is one of the court’s most high-stakes and contentious decisions, the anticipation was that the opinion would be among the final ones the court released at the end of its term in late June.
Roe is the law of the land until the court formally issues its opinion.
“Let’s be clear: This is a draft opinion. It’s outrageous, it’s unprecedented, but it’s not final. Abortion is your right — and it is STILL LEGAL,” Planned Parenthood said in a tweet following Politico’s reporting.
Overturning Roe would be the culmination of a decades-long project of the conservative legal moment. Former President Donald Trump, when running for the White House in 2016, promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe “automatically.” His nominee Justice Brett Kavanaugh replaced Justice Anthony Kennedy, who sided with the liberal justices in past abortion rights cases. Barrett replaced the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Democratic appointee and abortion rights champion who died weeks before the 2020 election.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/05/02/supreme-court-draft-opinion-that-would-overturn-roe-v-wade-published-by-politico-2/ | 2022-05-03T03:48:02Z |
GLENVIEW, Ill., Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Envoy Solutions announced today that it has acquired Queens, N.Y.-based Knight Marketing Corporation. Knight Marketing is one of the fastest-growing distributors in the Jan-San industry serving a wide range of customers. The company offers high-quality products including janitorial supplies, facilities maintenance, foodservice, hospitality, and more. Knight Marketing is the latest in a series of acquisitions for Envoy Solutions in the New York metropolitan area as part of a growing effort to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in a heavily populated U.S. market. This new partnership enables Envoy Solutions to fill a void in the Jan-San space as a specialized distributor and solution provider serving the U.S. market through a family of the nation's best regional distributors.
"By joining forces with Knight Marketing, we are able to better serve our clients in the New York metropolitan area," said Mark M. Fisher, CEO of Envoy Solutions. "This is a great example of how our differentiated business model identifies gaps in the market and unites leading distribution brands in each region. I'm excited to work with Stan Peters, David Weiner, and the whole Knight Marketing team as we expand our product portfolio and create greater efficiencies through scale while maintaining the highest level of customer intimacy."
Knight Marketing Corporation, founded in 1991, is a solutions-driven distributor with a reputation for reliability and customer service excellence. The company will build on its success with the reach and resources of Envoy Solutions' national platform. Together, Envoy Solutions and Knight Marketing will work toward a common goal of solving problems and delivering products that improve the daily operations, health, wellness, and safety of people, facilities, and businesses across the country.
"This move is the best opportunity for unlimited growth potential that we've had in more than 30 years of business," said Stan Peters, President of Knight Marketing Corporation. "It's an honor to partner with Envoy Solutions, a national leader in specialized distribution."
"With the support of Envoy Solutions, we will greatly strengthen our position in the market by deepening our category knowledge, expanding our product portfolio, and undoubtedly attracting new clients," said David Weiner, Vice President of Sales for Knight Marketing Corporation.
Glenview, Ill.-based Envoy Solutions is a specialized distributor and solution provider serving the U.S. market through a family of the nation's best regional distributors. We specialize in Jan-San, foodservice, packaging, and marketing execution. Envoy Solutions offers a broad catalog of top brands and products, along with deep expertise and advice, to help our client-partners succeed. We are driven to make facilities cleaner and more sustainable, people safer, and operations more productive, every day. For more information, please visit www.envoysolutions.com.
Knight Marketing Corporation, founded in 1991, is one of the fastest-growing distributors in the Jan-San industry. The solutions-driven company provides a range of high-quality building cleaning supplies and sanitary products.
Based in Queens, N.Y., Knight Marketing prides itself on reliability, dependability, and customer service excellence. For more information, please visit www.knightmarketing.net/catalog.
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SOURCE Envoy Solutions | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/envoy-solutions-adds-jan-san-capabilities-ny-metro-area-with-knight-marketing-acquisition/ | 2022-09-02T21:44:34Z |
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 12, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its counsel, the Communications & Technology Law Clinic (CTLC) at Georgetown University Law Center, plan to hold a news conference at CAIR'S Washington, D.C., headquarters to announce the filing of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaint over alleged deceptive and unfair practices used to extract personal data from Muslim app users for potential use in warrantless surveillance.
CAIR and CTLC are requesting that the FTC investigate and enforce "potential violations of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act across the location data industry."
WHAT: CAIR and CTLC News Conference on Deceptive Extraction of Muslim App Users' Data
WHEN: Tuesday, April 12, 11 a.m.
WHERE: CAIR Capitol Hill Headquarters, 453 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, gabbas@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com
LIVESTREAMING: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
"The FTC must take action to protect Muslim consumers from surreptitious collection and unconsented dissemination of their location data," said CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas. "The FTC is the federal agency with sufficient authority to end these troubling practices by the location data industry."
"Actors in the location data industry consistently violate the trust of consumers, increasing the risk that their movements will be tracked for unscrupulous purposes," said Luke Evans, a student in the Georgetown Law clinic representing CAIR on the complaint.
"These unfair and deceptive trade practices violate the FTC Act and infringe on the constitutionally protected freedoms of millions of Americans," said Quinten Stewart, another student in the clinic.
CTLC works on matters at the intersection of law and technology. The clinic advocates on behalf of nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking to advance policies that promote the use of technologies to serve underrepresented groups.
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
To join CAIR's media list, go to: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
CONTACT: CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, gabbas@cair.com; CTLC Director Prof. Laura Moy, 202-662-9547, Laura.Moy@georgetown.edu; CTLC Teaching Fellow Victoria Tang, 202-662-9543, Victoria.Tang@georgetown.edu; CTLC Student Attorney Luke Evans, 614-564-7221, lse14+clinic@georgetown.edu; CTLC Student Attorney Quinten Stewart, 704-247-0030, qas8+clinic@georgetown.edu; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; Georgetown Law Office of Communications, mediarelations@law.georgetown.edu
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SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/cair-georgetown-law-clinic-announce-filing-ftc-complaint-response-deceptive-unfair-extraction-personal-data-muslim-apps-use-warrantless-surveillance/ | 2022-04-11T21:42:53Z |
ARLINGTON, Va. , June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueHalo has been awarded an $80M contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the Directed Energy Modeling, Simulation, Analysis, and Wargaming (DEMSAW) program. For DEMSAW, BlueHalo will deliver Wargaming as a Service Enterprise (WaaSE) as a solution to address developing and operating a credible virtual range and a digital ecosystem for housing Modeling, Simulation, Analysis and Wargaming (MSA&W) tools as well as facilitating the transition of directed energy (DE) concepts and systems to the warfighter community.
Team BlueHalo's WaaSE solution will provide a reliable capability that enables warfighters to envision future warfare scenarios and assess weapons impact on current and future threats. The DEMSAW contract will accelerate and improve the AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate's Wargaming and Simulation Branch (RDMW) Program through a disciplined systems engineering approach to develop a digital ecosystem that supports multi-domain, full-service, and end-to-end credible virtual range.
"It is exciting to build upon our Modeling Simulation Analysis & Wargaming expertise for the success of the DEMSAW program," said James Batt, BlueHalo's Chief Growth Officer. "Our WaaSE approach will provide the Air Force, and the warfighter community, with cost, capability, and operational advantages."
"We are thrilled to offer AFRL RDMW a credible virtual range that seamlessly integrates an end-to-end system for higher fidelity products for the transition of directed energy," said Jimmy Jenkins, BlueHalo Sector President. "BlueHalo's improved digital ecosystem with automated processes, libraries, tools, models, and documentation will enhance productivity and quality."
BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the domains of Space Superiority, Space Technology, Directed Energy/Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (c-UAS), Autonomy, Advanced Radio Frequency (RF), Cyber, and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). BlueHalo focuses on inspired engineering to develop, transition, and field next-generation capabilities to solve the most complex challenges of our customers' critical missions and reestablish our national security posture in the near-peer contested arena. www.bluehalo.com
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SOURCE BlueHalo | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/bluehalo-awarded-80m-afrl-contract-directed-energy-modeling-simulation-analysis-wargaming-demsaw-program/ | 2022-06-21T10:35:23Z |
NEW YORK, April 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) between April 4, 2017 and October 20, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 6, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased IBM securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the IBM class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5104 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 6, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Strategic Imperatives Revenue and growth, CAMSS (the sectors of "Cloud," "Analytics," "Mobile," "Security," and "Social") and CAMSS Components' revenue and growth, and the Company's Segments' revenue and growth were artificially inflated as a result of the wrongful reclassification of revenues from non-strategic to strategic to make those revenues eligible for treatment as Strategic Imperatives Revenue; (2) IBM's present success and positive future growth prospects concerning its Strategic Imperative business strategy were being fueled by the wrongful reclassification of revenues from non-strategic to strategic to make those revenues eligible for treatment as Strategic Imperative Revenue; (3) as a result of the foregoing, defendants misled the market by portraying IBM's Strategic Imperative's financial performance and future prospects more favorable than they actually were as a result of the fraudulent scheme and/or the wrongful reclassification of revenues from non-strategic to strategic to make those revenues eligible for treatment as Strategic Imperatives; and (4) Total Revenue and IBM's Segments' revenue and growth were artificially inflated as a result of the fraudulent scheme and/or the wrongful reclassification of revenues from non-strategic to strategic and/or the wrongful recognition of revenue. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the IBM class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5104 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/23/rosen-skilled-investor-counsel-encourages-international-business-machines-corporation-investors-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-ibm/ | 2022-04-23T18:32:54Z |
Woman pleads not guilty in Texas killing of pro cyclist
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A woman accused of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson as a romantic rival pleaded not guilty to a murder charge on Wednesday, as her lawyers pressed for a quick trial that the judge then scheduled to start in late October.
Wilson, 25, was found shot to death dead May 11. Kaitlin Armstrong, 34, fled the country after her initial interviews with investigators, prompting a 43-day manhunt that ended with her arrest at a beachside hostel in Costa Rica on June 29.
Authorities said she had tried to change her appearance and used several aliases as she moved around Costa Rica while trying to set herself up as a yoga instructor in that country.
A competitive gravel and mountain bike racer and Vermont native known as “Mo,” Wilson had been in Austin for a race she was among the favorites to win. Police have said Wilson had previously dated Armstrong’s boyfriend, cyclist Colin Strickland, who they say has cooperated with investigators and is not a suspect.
According to investigators, Armstrong’s SUV was seen on surveillance video outside the home where Wilson was killed. Armstrong faces up to 99 years in prison if she’s convicted. She is being held on $3.5 million bond.
Prosecutors questioned whether the quick trial setting amounted to a “privilege” for Armstrong, as it would put her case in front of other murder trials that have waited for two years or longer because of pandemic slowdowns. They also noted that investigators are still gathering evidence that prosecutors and defense attorneys have yet to receive.
“If they chose to indict without evidence, that’s the district attorney’s problem,” Armstrong’s attorney, Rick Cofer, told District Judge Brenda Kennedy before she granted the request to set a trial date and scheduled it to begin Oct. 24.
After the brief court hearing, Cofer suggested that Armstrong’s defense will challenge the evidence gathering and conduct by Austin police investigators, and whether they didn’t follow leads that could have led to a different suspect.
“Ms. Armstrong wants her day in court,” Cofer said, without taking questions. “Simply put, there is a lot more to this story that has yet been heard.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/20/woman-pleads-not-guilty-texas-killing-pro-cyclist/ | 2022-07-20T20:56:37Z |
TAMPA, Fla., May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County will be hosting its second annual Day of Preschool fundraising event on
Thursday, May 12, 2022
starting at 11:30 AM at Tampa River Center at Julian B Lane Park
402 W. Laurel St., Tampa, FL 33607.
What we do for our children during their first five years determines how successful they'll be in school, at work, and as members of our community. This playful yet informative event is structured to inform the community of the importance of quality education in the first five years of life and how the ELCHC is working collaboratively to ensure every child is ready for kindergarten. This year's theme, Splash, will include many water-based learning activities with the help of one of our childcare centers, The Florida Aquarium, and Frameworks of Tampa Bay. Guests will be served a child-inspired lunch, and tiny, colorful rainboots will adorn the tables. In attendance will be The Early Learning Coalition's Chief Executive Officer Gordon L. Gillette, along with staff, Board Members, elected officials, and special guest Tony Sadiku with Fox 13 News to emcee the event.
We look forward to sharing with Hillsborough County members the importance of investing in our youngest residents. For any questions regarding the event or donation inquiries, contact Alison Fraga – Chief Development Officer, afraga@elchc.org
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC)
Established by the State Legislature, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a
501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting school and life success for young children and their families through quality school readiness services and supports. The ELCHC administers School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs in Hillsborough County, offers teacher trainings and coaching, and provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) along with other services that daily serve more than 20,000 children and their families.
Contact: Alison Fraga
Phone: 813-205-6205
Email: afraga@elchc.org
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SOURCE Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/10/community-members-will-have-opportunity-experience-day-life-preschool-child-second-annual-day-preschool-event-hosted-by-early-learning-coalition-hillsborough-county/ | 2022-05-10T10:03:06Z |
Workers Join Over 1,000 Teamster Members at Food Conglomerate
LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers at Earth Island in Chatsworth, Calif., a subsidiarity of Danone, have voted to join Teamsters Local 630. The 160 workers are responsible for the manufacturing of vegan food products.
"The Teamsters represent over 1,000 workers at Danone, including over 250 members right here in L.A. County in the City of Industry," said Lou Villalvazo, Local 630 Secretary-Treasurer. "Workers at Earth Island want to form their union with Local 630 because they see the strong representation, wages, benefits and protections that come with a Teamster contract."
"Congratulations to our newest members who stood strong and fought hard for a better workplace," said Peter Finn, Teamsters Food Processing Division Director. "When we grow our union through organizing, we make our union stronger not just for new members, but for Teamsters everywhere."
David Davtyan has been a mechanic at the Earth Island L.A. location for two years.
"I voted for Teamsters Local 630 because I want a quality Teamster medical plan for my family, and a Teamster contract with job guarantees and protections," said Davtyan.
Established in 1937, Teamsters Local 630 represents workers in various industries, from clerical, warehouse, professional drivers, food service, liquor, food processing, dairy and more. For more information, go to http://www.teamsters630.org/.
Contact:
Oscar Ruiz, (213) 590-7119
oscar@teamsters630.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/danone-workers-join-teamsters-local-630/ | 2022-07-18T16:20:52Z |
Authors Guide Leaders of Family Businesses Toward Thoughtful, Tailored Approaches to Preventing and Mitigating Conflict That Can Destroy Business Value
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Family businesses are uniquely at risk because of likely disputes among family members. But that doesn't have to be the case. Conflict can be identified, addressed, and mitigated so it does not disrupt operations or diminish business value, according to a new book from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) being published today.
In Untangling Conflict: An Introspective Guide for Families in Business, authors Janmejaya Sinha, Carol Liao, Ryoji Kimura, and Brittany Montgomery draw on their longtime experience working in corporate strategy and with family business dynamics to provide an invaluable reference manual for all family business leaders who seek better ways to deal with intra-family clashes.
Says Sinha, lead author and chairman of BCG India, "Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.' My coauthors and I want to enable families to discover the answers for themselves by posing questions that get past their deeply held assumptions and provoke the uncomfortable conversations they must have before conflicts arise–or get worse."
The book begins with thoughtful guidance that helps family business leaders reflect deeply on the defining attributes of their family and their relationship with the business. It then untangles the messy threads of conflict within family businesses by examining issues fraught with emotion, those related to the rights, benefits, and restrictions of ownership, and issues of business strategy.
"By exploring those three threads of conflict, our intention is to help families understand, prevent, and respond to disagreements without disrupting the business," says Liao, a senior partner and chair of BCG in Greater China.
The issues addressed in Untangling Conflict are many. There are intergenerational disputes–between "elder statemen" founders and their sons and daughters educated abroad, for instance. In family-run businesses, fights often fester over roles for in-laws and nonfamily members. Among the most serious of all clashes are those over values–for example, between a profit-minded leader and a family member who places a premium on environmental causes.
"It's essential for the long-term health of any family business to identify the most damaging patterns of contention so those conflicts can be addressed openly," says Kimura, senior partner and global leader of BCG's Corporate Finance & Strategy practice.
The book cites data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimating that 80% of businesses globally are family owned. In emerging markets, notes the IFC, family businesses represent the largest source of private sector job creation and the majority of micro-, small-, and medium- sized enterprises. About 300 of the top 500 revenue-generating businesses in India and South Korea belong to families, whereas in the US and the UK, only about 7% of the top 500 businesses are family owned.
The book closes by offering tools to align expectations and reduce friction among families, nonfamily employees, and the partners of family-owned businesses.
Untangling Conflict is published by Penguin Enterprise, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Printed copies can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.in/Untangling-Conflict-Introspective-Families-Business-Hardcover/dp/0670096954.
For more information, go to: https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/corporate-finance-strategy/family-business.
To arrange an interview with one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire
at +1 617 850 3783 or gregoire.eric@bcg.com.
About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.
Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.
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SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/new-book-bcg-helps-family-businesses-work-through-inevitable-conflict/ | 2022-08-09T19:07:29Z |
MONTE CARLO, Monaco, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation App, built on the DigitalBits blockchain, allows benefactors to make donations in DigitalBits cryptocurrency and to purchase NFT tickets to select events, but also to support various FPA2 projects dedicated to ocean conservation, the protection of emblematic species and the promotion of sustainable development. DigitalBits is fast and eco-friendly compared to many other blockchains. The FPA2 application and embedded crypto wallet will also be used during several events which will take place in Monaco and abroad throughout the year. It will allow attendees to register and enable the use of DigitalBits cryptocurrency as donations in support of various FPA2 projects. The mobile application for the foundation was unveiled today at the Monaco Crypto Summit. A press conference was hosted at the Grimaldi Forum in the presence of Olivier Wenden, Vice President of the FPA2.
About DigitalBits Blockchain:
DigitalBits is a layer-one blockchain protocol that prioritizes security, speed, and cost-savings. Any asset can be tokenized on the DigitalBits blockchain, including NFTs created by artists, sports organizations, and other brands. By making micropayments efficient and cost-effective, DigitalBits provides the foundation for real-world mass adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.
About the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation:
Founded in 2006 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Foundation works to preserve the Planet and promote sustainable development at a local and global scale. Its missions address major issues such as the fight against climate change, the protection of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, the preservation of water resources and the fight against desertification. Raising awareness on these environmental challenges is an essential component of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation's action, particularly committed to the safeguard of the Ocean and the Earth.
Related Links
https://www.fpa2.org/
www.digitalbits.io
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1869378/DigitalBits.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1869379/DigitalBits_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE DigitalBits | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/digitalbits-blockchain-launches-prince-albert-ii-monaco-foundation-app-order-support-its-environmental-missions/ | 2022-07-29T20:31:40Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense attorneys for a Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer charged with lying to the FBI during the Trump-Russia probe showed jurors handwritten notes on Wednesday aimed at undercutting allegations that he misled the federal government about his legal work.
Michael Sussmann is on trial in Washington’s federal court, accused of lying to the FBI’s general counsel during a September 2016 meeting in which he presented computer data that purported to show a secret communications backchannel between Donald Trump and Russia. The FBI investigated but quickly determined no link existed between the Trump Organization, the former president’s company, and Russia-based Alfa Bank.
Prosecutors allege he misled the FBI by saying he was not attending the meeting on behalf of a particular client when he was actually representing the interests of the Clinton campaign and another client — a technology executive who had provided him with the data.
The case was brought by special counsel John Durham, a Justice Department prosecutor appointed in 2019 to investigate potential government misconduct in the early days of the inquiry into potential ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign. Sussmann is one of three people charged so far by Durham and his team of prosecutors.
Sussmann’s lawyers deny that he ever lied. They say his legal representation of Democratic interests was already well-known to James Baker, the FBI lawyer to whom he made the alleged false statement, and that he came to the FBI to raise concerns about a potential national security threat.
Prosecutors rested their case on Wednesday. It remains unclear if Sussmann will testify in his defense later this week.
Defense lawyers called as their first witnesses former senior Justice Department officials who attended a March 6, 2017, meeting at which FBI leaders briefed them on the status of investigations into potential coordination during the 2016 presidential election between Trump’s successful campaign and Russia. Among the topics that came up at the meeting were the Alfa Bank claims.
One of those ex-officials, Tashina Gauhar, took notes from the meeting in which she wrote that the Alfa Bank allegations were brought to the FBI by an attorney “on behalf of his client.” She said she didn’t recall who at the meeting said that, but said that if she had written that down, then “that’s what I would have heard at the briefing.”
One of Sussmann’s lawyers, Michael Bosworth, sought to persuade jurors about the credibility of Gauhar’s notes by asking, mostly rhetorically: “When senior leaders of the FBI come to brief senior leaders of the Department of Justice, do they try to get it right? Do they try to present truthful, accurate information to the Department of Justice?”
Another participant at the March 2017 meeting, Mary McCord, at the time the Justice Department’s top national security official, took similar notes about the fact that the Alfa Bank claims came to the FBI from a lawyer.
Earlier Wednesday, prosecutors showed jurors billing records indicating that Sussmann repeatedly billed to the campaign “general political advice” and legal work related to the Alfa Bank server issue. The records were introduced to bolster their claim that Sussmann was acting on behalf of the Clinton campaign when he shared the data with the FBI.
Defense lawyers, however, noted that Sussmann billed the taxi ride to the FBI building for the meeting on Alfa Bank to his law firm at the time, Perkins Coie, rather than to the Clinton campaign.
____
Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter://www.twitter/com/etuckerAP | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/jurors-in-trial-linked-to-russia-probe-shown-billing-records/ | 2022-05-26T01:56:26Z |
The new formula aids in supporting healthy blood and activates cellular detoxification
SAN DIEGO, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cymbiotika, a leading nutritional supplement brand known for creating pure, clinically backed supplements, today announced the launch of its reformulated Super Greens. The revamped Super Greens formula features a bioavailable complex of some of nature's most powerful plant compounds to boost energy levels, support healthy blood and activate cellular detoxification.
"We constantly challenge ourselves to research and innovate, so that we can find effective ways to enhance our formulas and ensure our customers are provided with the best products possible to improve their health," said Chervin Jafarieh, Co-Founder of Cymbiotika. "We have reformulated our Super Greens with a bioavailable complex that includes chlorophyll, broccoli seed and other alkalizing greens that boost energy levels, support healthy blood, and activate cellular detoxification."
In addition to supporting overall cellular detoxification and alkalization, healthy blood and iron levels, Cymbiotika's Super Greens boosts energy production and output and activates the body's immunological response systems. Crafted with completely plant-based ingredients of the highest quality, Super Greens is meant to serve consumers looking to detox, improve gut health and achieve overall healthy aging.
"Our goal is to help our customers improve their immunity, and promote overall well-being by offering the best dietary supplements they will need to lead a healthy life. We know that to improve overall health, it is vital to incorporate the proper amount of nutrients from leafy greens into our diets," said Cymbiotika's CEO and Co-Founder, Shahab Elmi.
Cymbiotika's Super Greens retails for $78 and is available for purchase through the Cymbiotika website. Customers can consume the citrus lime-flavored supplement any time of day by squeezing the entire contents of the pouch directly into their mouth or stir it into a favorite beverage. For enhanced cellular detoxification and protection, mix with Cymbiotika's Liposomal Vitamin C.
Cymbiotika crafts supplements with only the highest quality bioavailable, and wild-crafted ingredients. Super Greens are gluten free, sugar free, keto friendly, soy free, gmp certified, plant-based and made in the USA. For more details, please visit: www.cymbiotika.com.
Cymbiotika is an innovative wellness brand based in San Diego. With the motto, "Your mind and body deserve the best," Cymbiotika is driven by the higher purpose of inspiring everyday people to achieve their optimal health. Founded in 2017, Cymbiotika uses the most advanced bioavailable absorption technology and sources only the highest quality plant-based nutrients to resolve specific nutritional deficiencies and support healthy aging, detoxification, and longevity. Cymbiotika never uses synthetics, GMOs, fillers, chemicals, preservatives, additives, or sugars in its products. For more information, visit www.cymbiotika.com.
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SOURCE Cymbiotika | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/cymbiotika-introduces-reformulated-super-greens-supplement-boost-daily-nutrition/ | 2022-04-26T19:57:35Z |
Delivery mix-up: Stanley Cup trophy almost missed Colorado Avalanche victory parade
Published: Jul. 1, 2022 at 8:21 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
DENVER (CNN) - Thanks to a delivery mix-up, the Stanley Cup trophy almost didn’t make it to Thursday’s Colorado Avalanche victory celebration.
Colorado couple Kit Karbler and Dmitri Rudenko said they weren’t expecting any deliveries when an SUV backed into their driveway the other day.
Rudenko said it looked familiar. So, he joked about it possibly being the Stanley Cup trophy, and the delivery driver told him it was indeed the championship trophy.
The trophy was supposed to go to the Avalanche team captain, but his home address was a digit from the couple’s residence.
The mix-up was quickly sorted out, but the couple said they were able to take a picture with the trophy.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/02/delivery-mix-up-stanley-cup-trophy-almost-missed-colorado-avalanche-victory-parade/ | 2022-07-02T02:33:12Z |
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC), today announced the launch of a $5 million Share Repurchase Program. The Bank's Board of Directors authorized the Share Repurchase Program and received the required approvals from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
This is the first share buyback program in the history of the Bank. In March 2022, the Bank completed a previously announced 2-for-1 stock split.
"Since our founding, we have continuously aligned the Bank's strategic initiatives with increasing shareholder value," stated Chairman William J. Hansen. "The Board's authorization of this Program is based upon the strength of our balance sheet, our financial performance and continued growth. This Program further demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the value for all stockholders investing in Santa Cruz County Bank."
The Board's authorization for the Program permits the repurchase of up to $5 million of Santa Cruz County Bank common shares in open market and privately-negotiated transactions. Additionally, the Bank entered into contract with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, a nationally recognized broker dealer, to facilitate repurchases. The Bank intends that all share repurchases will be made in compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under rules 10b-18 and 10b5-1. The Stock Repurchase Program, which will expire on May 20, 2023, may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time without notice. Shares purchased under the program will reduce the number of shares outstanding and will be returned to authorized but unissued status.
The timing and amount of common stock repurchases made pursuant to the Santa Cruz County Bank Share Repurchase Program are subject to various factors, including the Bank's capital position, liquidity, financial performance, alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, regulatory requirements and general market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Bank to acquire any particular number of shares, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Bank's discretion.
ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK
Santa Cruz County Bank was founded in 2004. Locally-owned and operated, Santa Cruz County Bank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. The bank has branches in Aptos, Capitola, Cupertino, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley and a top USDA lender in the state of California. The bank's many awards include: eight consecutive years in American Banker's Top 200 Community Banks in the Nation: Bauer Financial Superior 5-Star rating for every quarter in 2021: six consecutive years in Financial Management Consulting Group's Top 10 banks in California and ranked 13 out of 127 California banks based upon overall financial performance in 2021. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, asset-based lending, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local not-for-profit organizations.
Santa Cruz County Bank stock is publicly traded on the OTCQX U.S. Premier marketplace under the symbol SCZC. Stock purchase orders may be placed online, through a brokerage firm, or through Market Makers listed in the Investor Relations section of the bank's website. For more information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com.
This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/santa-cruz-county-bank-announces-5-million-share-repurchase-program/ | 2022-07-25T21:55:33Z |
Lawyer: 30 women settle Watson-related claims against Texans
HOUSTON (AP) — Thirty women who had accused the Houston Texans of turning a blind eye to allegations that Deshaun Watson was sexually assaulting and harassing women during massage sessions have settled their legal claims against the team, their attorney said Friday.
The terms of the settlements reached between each of the women and the Texans are confidential, said attorney Tony Buzbee.
While only one of the women had filed a lawsuit against the team, the others had also intended to make legal claims against the Texans before the settlements were reached, Buzbee said.
In separate lawsuits, 24 women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments while he played for the Texans. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Last month, Buzbee announced 20 of those 24 lawsuits have been settled.
Watson, who has since been traded to the Cleveland Browns, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name. Watson is facing possible discipline from the NFL over the allegations.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/15/lawyer-30-women-settle-watson-related-claims-against-texans/ | 2022-07-15T18:06:44Z |
BEIJING, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 36Kr Holdings Inc. ("36Kr" or the "Company" or "We") (NASDAQ: KRKR), a prominent brand and a pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
First Quarter 2022 Highlights
- Number of followers[1] as of March 31, 2022 reached 24.1 million, increased by 25.5% from 19.2 million as of March 31, 2021.
- Total revenues increased by 13.9% to RMB49.6 million (US$7.8 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB43.5 million in the same period of 2021.
- Revenues from online advertising services increased by 13.1% to RMB37.6 million (US$5.9 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB33.2 million in the same period of 2021.
- Revenues from enterprise value-added services increased by 35.4% to RMB9.3 million (US$1.5 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB6.9 million in the same period of 2021.
- Gross profit increased by 10.0% to RMB25.7 million (US$4.1 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB23.4 million in the same period of 2021.
- Net income was RMB32.6 million (US$5.1 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to net loss of RMB40.5 million in the same period of 2021.
Selected Operating Data
Mr. Dagang Feng, co-chairman and CEO of 36Kr, commented, "We kicked off the year with a robust first quarter results despite the headwinds of recurring COVID-19 outbreaks and challenging external environment, delivering a double-digit top-line growth as well as yet another quarter of profitability in the first quarter of 2022. We are also encouraged to see our user engagement metrics continue to improve, demonstrating our enhanced brand influence and elevated value proposition to our consumers. As of the end of the first quarter of 2022, our followers exceeded 24 million, representing an increase of 25% year-over-year. Looking ahead, we will remain focused on our core competencies in delivering high-quality content and service offerings while also creating new programs and products to expand our business boundaries. Riding on China's nationwide digital transformation and upgrade, we believe we are well-positioned to seize the immense opportunities in the New Economy-driven growth prospects and scale new heights as we start the next chapter of our development."
Ms. Lin Wei, chief financial officer of 36Kr, added, "Our strong first quarter results set a positive keynote for the fiscal year 2022, with a 14% year-over-year growth in total revenues and a record high quarterly net income since our IPO of RMB33 million. While our advertising business continued its strong growth trajectory, increasing 13% year-over-year, our enterprise value-added services also recorded a remarkable growth of 35% year-over-year. In addition, our disciplined cost control measures, strengthened efforts in account receivable collection, as well as our strategic refocus on core business and disposal of certain lingering assets all contributed to our significantly improved profitability during the quarter. Moving forward, we will continue to be the torchbearer of the New-Economy, cultivating our ecosystem that serves diverse business communities and user base, while in the meantime also broadening our commercialization approach to empower our partners to achieve more and prosper together."
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total revenues increased by 13.9% to RMB49.6 million (US$7.8 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB43.5 million in the same period of 2021.
- Online advertising services revenues increased by 13.1% to RMB37.6 million (US$5.9 million) in the first quarter of 2022, from RMB33.2 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to more innovative marketing solutions we provided to our customers. The number of advertising customers and the average revenue per advertising customer both increased in the first quarter of 2022.
- Enterprise value-added services revenues increased by 35.4% to RMB9.3 million (US$1.5 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB6.9 million in the same period of 2021.
- Subscription services revenues were RMB2.7 million (US$0.4 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB3.4 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenues from individual subscriptions, as some of our offline training programs were cancelled or delayed due to the resurgence of COVID-19.
Cost of revenues was RMB23.9 million (US$3.8 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB20.2 million in the same period of 2021. This increase was generally in line with the growth of the Company's business. Staff costs were the main contributor to the increase in cost of revenues.
Gross profit increased by 10.0% to RMB25.7 million (US$4.1 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB23.4 million in the same period of 2021. Gross profit margin was 51.8% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to 53.7% in the same period of 2021.
Operating expenses were RMB33.4 million (US$5.3 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB64.8 million in the same period of 2021.
- Sales and marketing expenses were RMB29.7 million (US$4.7 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB35.7 million in the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in payroll-related expenses and marketing expenses.
- General and administrative expenses were RMB(10.0) million (US$(1.6) million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB20.2 million in the same period of 2021. The fluctuation was primarily attributable to the release of the allowance for credit losses of RMB32.9 million, partially offset by the increase in payroll-related expenses. The release of allowance for credit losses was mainly due to collection of RMB36.6 million long-aged accounts receivable during the quarter, as we continuously increase our efforts in accounts receivable collection.
- Research and development expenses were RMB13.8 million (US$2.2 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB9.0 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in payroll-related expenses, as we bolstered our research and development capabilities, especially for 36Kr Enterprise Review Platform.
Share-based compensation expenses recognized in cost of revenues, sales and marketing expenses, research and development expenses, as well as general and administrative expenses totaled RMB4.1 million (US$0.6 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB2.7 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily due to the grant of new share options.
Other income was RMB40.3 million (US$6.4 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB1.0 million in the same period of 2021. In March 2022, the Company, as one of the investors in the round B financing of Hangzhou Jialin Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("Hangzhou Jialin"), acquired its 7.273% equity interests by transferring the 100% equity interests the Company held in Beijing Dianqier Creative Interactive Media Culture Co., Ltd. ("Dianqier") to Hangzhou Jialin, which is a fresh produce supply chain solution provider in China. The subscription price is the same for the Company and other independent investors in this financing round. The fair value of equity interests the Company acquired is RMB 40 million. The Company recognized approximately RMB 38.0 million of gain arising from such investment and disposal in the first quarter of 2022.
Income tax credit was RMB5.0 thousand (US$1.0 thousand) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to RMB6.0 thousand in the same period of 2021.
Net income was RMB32.6 million (US$5.1 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to net loss of RMB40.5 million in the same period of 2021. Non-GAAP adjusted net income[6] was RMB36.7 million (US$5.8 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to net loss of RMB37.8 million in the same period of 2021.
Net income attributable to 36Kr Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders was RMB33.0 million (US$5.2 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to net loss attributable to 36Kr Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders of RMB39.5 million in the same period of 2021.
Basic and diluted net income per ADS were both RMB0.802 (US$0.126) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to basic and diluted net loss per ADS of RMB0.938 in the same period of 2021.
Certain Balance Sheet Items
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of RMB171.1 million (US$27.0 million), compared to RMB216.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The decrease was mainly attributable to payment of year-end employee bonus and benefits, as well as small-sized long-term investments in several New-Economy start-up companies in the first quarter of 2022.
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on, June 1 2022 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on June 1, 2022). Details for the conference call are as follows:
All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process 20 minutes in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in number, Direct Event passcode, and a unique registrant ID, which will be used to join the conference call.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.36kr.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live call until June 8, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
About 36Kr Holdings Inc.
36Kr Holdings Inc. is a prominent brand and a pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants in China with the mission of empowering New Economy participants to achieve more. The Company started its business with high-quality New Economy-focused content offerings, covering a variety of industries in China's New Economy with diverse distribution channels. Leveraging traffic brought by high-quality content, the Company has expanded its offerings to business services, including online advertising services, enterprise value-added services and subscription services to address the evolving needs of New Economy companies and upgrading needs of traditional companies. The Company is supported by comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities. Through diverse service offerings and the significant brand influence, the Company is well-positioned to continuously capture the high growth potentials of China's New Economy.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In evaluating its business, the Company considers and uses two non-GAAP measures, adjusted net income/(loss) and adjusted EBITDA, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these two non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the Company's management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company also believes that the use of these non-GAAP measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Further, these non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.
The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling these non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company performance. The Company encourages investors to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Adjusted net loss represents net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA represents adjusted net income/(loss) before interest income, interest expenses, income tax expense/(credit), depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.
For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this press release.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi are made at a rate of RMB6.3393 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on of March 31, 2022.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goal and strategies; the Company's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; relevant government policies and regulations relating to our business and industry; the Company's expectations regarding the use of proceeds from this offering; the Company's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brand; the Company's ability to provide high-quality content in a timely manner to attract and retain users; the Company's ability to retain and hire quality in-house writers and editors; the Company's ability to maintain cooperation with third-party professional content providers; the Company's ability to maintain relationship with third-party platforms; general economic and business condition in China; possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural or human-induced disasters; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
36Kr Holdings Inc.
Investor Relations
Tel: +86 (10) 5825-4188
E-mail: ir@36kr.com
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677
E-mail: 36Kr@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: 36Kr@tpg-ir.com
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SOURCE 36Kr Holdings Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/36kr-holdings-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-unaudited-financial-results/ | 2022-06-01T09:42:26Z |
ATLANTA, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NewStar Exchange (the "Company") announced today its acquisition of The Residences at Village Park Center, a built-to-rent single family residential community located in The Villages, approximately 55 miles northwest of Orlando, Florida.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, The Villages was the fastest growing U.S. metropolitan area for 2010 – 2019, and it is the largest active adult community in the world, with a total population of more than 130,000 spanning three counties and approximately 33,000 acres. The property is 100% leased and features newly constructed single-story, 3-bedroom / 2-bathroom floor plans totaling 1,544 square feet per home, including two-car attached garages, ceramic tile and LVT flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and screened-in lanais. The property is not subject to an age restriction and homes are attainably priced for family housing with average in-place monthly rents of $1,996, or $1.29 per square foot, and recent leasing at $2,095, or $1.36 per square foot. The Company acquired the property all-cash on behalf of NE1 BTR Villages, DST.
"We are excited to announce the closing of our second investment for NewStar Exchange," said Joe Gibson, Chief Investment Officer for NewStar. "Located in the center of The Villages, The Residences at Village Park Center is a rare, non-age restricted BTR community that caters to the broader local population, including the employees of The Villages' community and their families. Given the ongoing growth of The Villages and limited non-age restricted family housing, we believe the property will continue to experience significant demand."
NE1 BTR Villages, DST seeks to raise $16.3 million in equity from accredited investors and has a minimum investment requirement of $100,000 for 1031 investors and $25,000 for cash investors. The offering is being distributed by Preferred Capital Securities.
About NewStar Exchange: NewStar Exchange is subsidiary of NewStar Asset Management that invests in and manages Class A multifamily and single family built-to-rent residential communities in growing suburban locations across the Sun Belt. The Company invests through Delaware Statutory Trusts which it sponsors. For more information visit https://www.newstar-am.com/retail-capital-strategies.
About Preferred Capital Securities ("PCS"): PCS (Member FINRA/SIPC) is a fully independent, third-party Managing Broker Dealer focused on both back-office solutions and the wholesale distribution of alternative investments to Independent Broker-Dealers (IBDs) and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) across the United States and Puerto Rico. PCS is currently the Managing Broker Dealer of NewStar Exchange, the Preferred Stock offering for Preferred Apartment Communities, "PAC" (NYSE: APTS), the Preferred Stock offering for Prospect Capital Management (NASDAQ: PSEC), The Priority Income Fund, and WhiteHawk Minerals. With a track record that empowers their partners to embark with confidence, PCS is proud to have raised over $3 Billion in retail capital across 8 offerings which have issued approximately $1 Billion in liquidity for its investors since the firm's inception in 2011. To learn more about PCS please visit www.pcsalts.com.
Contact: newstar1031@pcsalts.com
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SOURCE NewStar Asset Management | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/newstar-exchange-announces-acquisition-newly-constructed-built-to-rent-btr-community-villages-florida/ | 2022-06-21T13:58:40Z |
Members Bring Deep, Global Healthcare Experience and Access
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Inteleos, a non-profit global healthcare certification organization, today announced the launch of the Inteleos Foundation with the mission of improving patient safety around the world. The Inteleos Foundation was established to assure patients have access to quality healthcare from providers with validated knowledge, skills, abilities, and certifications wherever they live. Among the initiatives being pursued by the Inteleos Foundation are global healthcare improvements, scholarships to increase access to healthcare education and training, expanding access to critical care for underserved populations, and workplace safety for healthcare professionals.
"With the Inteleos Foundation, we are looking to accelerate the mission-driven work of making ultrasound certification a global focus, especially as the technology becomes more portable, affordable, convenient, accurate, and ubiquitous across many clinical practices," said Dr. Thomas Shipp, chairman, Board of Directors, Inteleos Foundation. "We want to encourage other groups with similar missions, goals and dreams to join us in cultivating a healthier and happier world."
The Inteleos Foundation is supporting the Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge (UPGC), aimed at giving midwives in resource-limited areas access to education, training, and certification in the proficient use of ultrasound. The UPGC's stated goal is to have every user of medical ultrasound around the world be proficient and certified, ensuring patient safety and increasing equity in healthcare by 2030. The program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3: To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
The Inteleos Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization. Members include:
- Thomas Shipp, Chair
- Christine McEntee, Vice Chair
- JoAnn Grainger, Treasurer
- Mary Jo Assi, Director
- Rose Matricciani, Director
- Clarke Porter, Director
- Paul Wagner, Director
- Dale Cyr BA, CAE, Executive Director (and Inteleos CEO)
Providing increased access to education and training is a critical component of increasing equity in healthcare and enhancing patient safety. The Inteleos Foundation has recently provided scholarships to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practitioners from Botswana and Palestine-Gaza to Malawi, Myanmar, and Nigeria to attend the POCUS World Global virtual conference and bring the knowledge learned back to their communities.
About Inteleos
Inteleos™ is a non-profit certification organization that delivers rigorous assessments and cultivates a global community of professionals dedicated to the highest standards in healthcare and patient safety. Inteleos is the overarching governance and management organization for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement™ (APCA™) and the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Certification Academy™ which together represents over 117,000 certified medical professionals throughout the world. The Inteleos Foundation represents the philanthropic efforts for the organization.
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SOURCE Inteleos | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/inteleos-foundation-formed-improve-global-patient-safety/ | 2022-08-08T13:52:18Z |
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – A viral video showing a student and teacher fighting at a Texas middle school has led to an eighth grade student’s arrest.
The video appears to show a student attacking a teacher over a cell phone dispute at Bowie Middle School in Odessa.
A spokesperson for the Ector County Independent School District said the incident happened on Wednesday.
Following the fight, the eighth grader was arrested and charged with a first degree felony: Aggravated Assault of a Public Servant.
“This is shocking and terrible, and will not be tolerated,” said Mike Adkins, spokesperson for the district. “We have been dealing with fights and violence recently, and want our community to know that behavior is unacceptable and we will do all we can to prevent it.”
In addition to the student’s criminal charge, Adkins said the student will “face disciplinary action through the Student Code of Conduct.”
“We have watched violence among children on the rise here, around the state and across the country; we know our children are hurting and need us to address mental health challenges, while we also hold them accountable for their actions. Our district will continue to address these concerns with students and families,” he said.
The district superintendent acknowledged students in the area need more help coping with mental health challenges.
“We do not have enough mental health resources to meet the needs of kids and families in this community,” said Superintendent Scott Muri. “We’ve brought in teletherapy, our kids now have access to therapists remotely. These therapists exist in other parts of our state. That is now an opportunity at ECISD, but even with that addition there still aren’t enough resources for kids and families.” | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/8th-grader-arrested-after-allegedly-fighting-teacher-in-viral-video/ | 2022-09-11T21:27:26Z |
TikTok trend leaves giant holes on beaches
SANIBEL, Fla. (WBBH) - People living in parts of southwest Florida are not happy with a new TikTok trend that is leaving giant holes on beaches.
Making castles and digging holes is what the beach is all about, but leaving colossal craters is not.
“I almost fell in one,” Allison Ward said.
You might fall in one too if you are looking for shells or taking a midnight walk under the stars in Sanibel, Florida.
These holes are not what you would typically expect to see. They are up to five feet deep and four feet wide.
“I’ve seen indentations, but I’ve never seen holes like this before,” Ward said.
She says she spotted holes last week and again on Monday.
“I found four holes, but two of them were especially deep.” Ward said.
It took the power of the Sanibel Public Works team to get them patched up.
“When we’re looking at the depth and size of some of these holes that we’ve found on the beach, this wasn’t just really a sandcastle,” Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith said.
The same holes are being found on Marco Island, Florida.
The police department posted a photo of one on Twitter.
“There was some TikTok challenges saying ‘How deep can you dig?” Smith said.
Ward says she does not care if people want to dig holes as long as they fill them before they leave.
The holes are also a danger for turtles.
“We have moms on the beach at night. We have babies going to the water at night. They face so many threats already. This is one small thing we can all do to help them,” Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan said.
Smith says if you dig a hole, “fill it back in.”
Copyright 2022 WBBH via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/29/tiktok-trend-leaves-giant-holes-beaches/ | 2022-06-29T14:06:45Z |
Caris Assure is the most powerful liquid biopsy assay ever developed, providing whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing (WES/WTS) assessing somatic tumor, somatic CHIP and germline alterations
CHICAGO, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences®(Caris), the leading molecular science and technology company actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare, today introduced its Caris Assure™ liquid biopsy assay at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago (Booth #22081).
"Caris Assure establishes a new standard for liquid biopsy testing," said David D. Halbert, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Caris Life Sciences. "Current liquid biopsy offerings examine smaller panels of genes, which lack the versatility for the identification of novel predictive markers and signatures that are only possible through the whole exome and whole transcriptome approach unique to Caris. With Caris Assure, we have created the most extensive sequencing assay available to ensure we leave no stone unturned in properly guiding treatment selection and ongoing cancer care management."
Caris Assure is a blood-based molecular profiling assay that uses a novel circulating nucleic acids sequencing (cNAS) approach to analyze the Whole Exome (cfDNA) and Whole Transcriptome (cfRNA) of 22,000 genes, including Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH), Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) from a simple blood sample. This unique assay includes characterization of somatic tumor alterations, somatic Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) alterations and identification of incidental germline findings. The assay further enables minimally invasive serial monitoring for detection of tumor heterogeneity and emergence of resistance mutations.
"We have applied the same industry leading, multi-cancer profiling technology used in our tissue assay to blood," said David Spetzler, M.S., Ph.D., MBA, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Caris. "Our broad, 22,000 gene WES and WTS analysis ensures we render the most accurate results and findings for physicians seeking to properly diagnose, treat and monitor cancer patients. We are excited to bring this assay to the market and provide physicians with a new and comprehensive multi-cancer blood assay to add to their cancer diagnoses and treatment strategies."
Caris Assure sequences the largest panel of genes across both cfDNA (Whole Exome) and cfRNA (Whole Transcriptome), which helps overcome many of the shedding problems that plague cfDNA-only assays. By including DNA and RNA coverage across somatic tumor, somatic CHIP and germline alterations, Caris Assure captures more tumor-informed material, leading to improved performance and comprehensive molecular profiling results for the physician and patient. The approach also results in fewer missed mutations due to more tumor derived material inputs and concordance to tissue, as well as fewer false positives due to the analysis of CHIP mutations.
In an initial performance validation study of this first-of-its-kind whole exome, whole transcriptome (22,000 gene) blood assay, Caris Assure demonstrated more than 95 percent sensitivity for variant frequencies greater than 0.5 percent, while maintaining greater than 99.99 percent specificity. Additional validation data will be released in the coming months.
Caris Assure will be commercially available in the second half of calendar year 2022, with limited availability in the third quarter and expanding availability in Q4 and 2023.
Caris Life Sciences® (Caris) is the leading molecular science and technology company actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing) and the application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, Caris has created the large-scale clinico-genomic database and cognitive computing needed to analyze and unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This information provides an unmatched resource and the ideal path forward to conduct the basic, fundamental research to accelerate discovery for detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development to improve the human condition.
With a primary focus on cancer, Caris' suite of market-leading molecular profiling offerings assesses DNA, RNA and proteins to reveal a molecular blueprint that helps patients, physicians and researchers better detect, diagnose and treat patients. Caris' latest advancement is a blood-based, circulating nucleic acids sequencing (cNAS) assay that combines comprehensive molecular analysis (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing from blood) and serial monitoring – making it the most powerful liquid biopsy assay ever developed.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Denver, Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris provides services throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and other international markets. To learn more, please visit CarisLifeSciences.com or follow us on Twitter (@CarisLS).
Caris Life Sciences Media Contact:
Lisa Burgner
lburgner@carisls.com
469.822.9330
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SOURCE Caris Life Sciences | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/caris-life-sciences-introduces-caris-assure-liquid-biopsy-assay-asco-2022/ | 2022-06-03T11:44:13Z |
Best-selling Wine by the Glass Systems Are Up to 40% Off on Amazon July 11-13
BOSTON, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coravin Inc., the premier global wine technology company, is getting a jump start on Amazon Prime Day with a 72-hour deal beginning Monday, July 11 at midnight on its Coravin Timeless Six+, Timeless Eleven and Timeless Three+ models. The products will see deep discounts of up to 40% off retail prices and this marks the first time multiple systems are included in the promotion.
With Coravin's wine by the glass systems, every bottle in your wine fridge is an option, anytime. Coravin's patented preservation technology perfectly preserves remaining wine in the bottle for weeks, months or even years so there's no need to limit your choices to what's already open or wait for a special occasion to enjoy the good stuff.
This is the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to explore the world of wine in a whole new way, by the glass instead of by the bottle.
The Amazon Prime Day deals include:
- The Coravin Timeless Six+ in Piano Black will be 40% off. MSRP: $299, Prime Day price: $179. The Timeless Six+ System brings a new level of elegance to Coravin's Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years. This 14-piece wine by the glass system also includes a Coravin Timeless Aerator, three Coravin Pure™ Argon Capsules, six Screw Caps, a Carry Case, Needle Cleaning Tool and Bottle Sleeve. The high gloss finish, metallic accents and textured grip make it perfect for hosts, connoisseurs, and tastemakers.
- The Coravin Timeless Eleven will be 30% off. MSRP: $449, Prime Day price: $314 The Coravin Timeless Eleven is the first Bluetooth®-enabled and fully automated wine by the glass system. Simply insert the Needle through the cork, tip the bottle, and pour the amount you desire, then save the bottle for months or even years. The Timeless Eleven includes four Coravin Pure™ Capsules, a Timeless Aerator, two Screw Caps, a Carry Case, Needle Clearing tools and a Bottle Sleeve.
- The Coravin Timeless Three+ will be 30% off. MSRP: $199, Prime Day price: $140. The Timeless Three+ System is the perfect introduction to Coravin's Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years. Featuring a molded all-black architecture, two Coravin Pure™ Argon Capsules, two Screw Caps and a Timeless Aerator, the Three+ contains everything you need to enhance your wine experience.
In addition to Amazon Prime Days, Coravin is running a Splash Sale on its own site while a variety of other retailers will be running special promotions through July 13.
- The Coravin Timeless Six+ will be 30% off (all colors)
- The Coravin Pivot will be 30% off (all colors)
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Coravin Pivot+ will be 40% off
- Kohl's: 30% off Timeless Three SL (Wow Days)
- Nordstrom: 30% off everything (Anniversary sale)
- Target: 30% off Timeless Three SL (Deal Days)
- Total Wine & More: 30% off Timeless Three SL (in-store only)
Coravin, Inc. is the first and only global wine technology on a mission to expand the way the world can experience wine. Through its innovations, it empowers wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs and trade professionals alike to re-imagine the way they taste, serve, drink, sell and market wine. Its award-winning Coravin Wine Preservation Systems enable wine lovers to pour any wine, still or sparkling, in any amount, and preserve the life of their bottles for weeks, months or even years.
With a presence in more than 60 countries, consumers can find Coravin products on the shelves and websites of leading retailers, in the finest wine shops, and powering some of the best by-the-glass wine programs in restaurants and social clubs around the world.
Learn more at www.coravin.com.
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SOURCE Coravin | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/coravin-toasts-prime-day-early-with-major-deals/ | 2022-07-11T11:33:19Z |
Mother of 13, grandma of 75, great-grandmother of 120, celebrates milestone birthday
GATESVILLE, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) – Donna Crosby is known to her family as “Grandma” - which is fitting as she’s the mother of 13, grandmother of 75 and great-grandmother of 120.
She and 284 other people, mostly family, gathered in Texas Saturday to celebrate her 90th birthday, according to KWTX.
“I’m so thankful for Grandma and the legacy of faith and family that she lived and that she modeled for us and continues to model for me and my children,” said grandson Andrew Crosby, 39.
The family ate, visited and sang together – something Grandma’s family has been doing together for nearly a century.
Granddaughter Danie Beth Crosby, 35, traveled the farthest from Honolulu, Hawaii, and 4-month-old great-grandson Ezra Timothy Parrish was the youngest in attendance.
“Our mom is strong and resilient,” said son Timothy Crosby, 70. “She did everything necessary to raise us. She took care of our home, all the meals, washed all our clothes and most of what she cooked around our home was from scratch.”
Donna was a woman of humble beginnings. She and her twin sister, Delores Ann, were born on April 28, 1932, to Eldon and Edna Riethmiller, in Mason, Michigan.
At age 8, Donna’s family moved to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where she and her four sisters were raised.
Donna met her future husband, Russ Crosby, on the school bus the first day of seventh grade when Russ was a new student. He later told his mom on that first day, “Oh momma, I’m gonna love this new school.”
Donna and Russ were married on Sept. 5, 1950, and were together, and much in love, until his passing in 2011.
“When we got married, my husband told me he wanted a dozen boys,” Donna laughed. “But I told him one time I thought he was only kidding, but I had five that way, but he loved all the children and wanted them all, too.”
The Crosbys ultimately had nine sons and four daughters.
While raising such a large family came with its hardships, Donna said she never lost her focus.
“I put important stuff first and always was taking care of the children, that was the most important,” Donna said. “That was my priority that they were well taken care of before I did anything else.”
Since 2011, when Russ passed away, Donna has not had a permanent home.
Her family says she lets her “spirit of adventure in travel” help her decide which of her 13 kids to stay with and for how long.
As for her secret to a long life and legacy of love, Donna points to her faith and priorities and says to always remember age really is just a number.
“I don’t feel old at all. I just feel young,” she laughed. “Because of my family, I feel young. They make me feel young. They’re so good.”
She says she’s already planning her next big adventure with family.
“Oh, I’m leaving in June for two weeks to go home to Pennsylvania with Jon and Shirley. Then in September, I’m going to the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama with Sam and Jan,” Donna said. “Then, I’m going to talk somebody into taking me to Alaska, the only state of the USA that I’ve not visited.”
Copyright 2022 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/10/mother-13-grandma-75-great-grandmother-120-celebrates-milestone-birthday/ | 2022-05-10T16:37:34Z |
"Live and Local at RockHouse Live Key West" will be aired on Barefoot Radio Key West 104.9
It will also be carried live on VNUE Radio, StageIt.com, and all RockHouse Live locations
NEW YORK, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VNUE, Inc. (OTC: VNUE) today announced the company is partnering with Key West's Barefoot Radio 104.9 and RockHouse Live Key West, in collaboration on a new music show centered around local artists and those artists who pass through the exotic and beautiful island on tour.
Live and Local at RockHouse Live Key West™ will air every Thursday night, starting September 1, 2022, from 8PM to 10PM, 100% live from RockHouse Live Key West's exclusive Rock Room.
In addition to being carried on terrestrial radio by Barefoot 104.9, the show will also air on VNUE's online and app-based radio station, VNUE Radio, and it will be professionally livestreamed on VNUE's StageIt.com platform, both of which reach a global audience, and the latter with over a million subscribers. And it will also air on select screens at each of the other RockHouse Live locations, in Clearwater Beach, Oxford, MS, and Memphis, TN.
Two musical artists, which will range from solo artists to full bands, will be featured every week, and will each be interviewed on-site in the RockHouse Live Rock Room, in front of a live audience. Each artist will also take the stage, and during their performance, the radio station will play recordings by each of the featured artists, as well as other local artists who have submitted material for consideration.
"This is a concept that I have wanted to pursue for some time," said VNUE CEO Zach Bair, who is also the founder of RockHouse Live. "I'm stoked that Barefoot Radio came on board for our radio partner, and that we will also be leveraging our VNUE tech such as StageIt and VNUE Radio to reach not just our locals in Key West, but a global fan base of music lovers, who will get the opportunity to enjoy the amazing talent that is on the island."
Dave Jackson and Kevin Redding, co-owner/operators of 104.9 Barefoot Radio said, "We're incredibly excited to partner with Zach and the staff at RockHouse Live on Duval Street! Our quirky brand of local Conch music combined with Zach's power in the rock and digital music industry – all on world famous Duvall Street? Buckle up! It's going to be wild ride here in Key West when music in the Conch Republic goes live and worldwide!"
As noted above, Live and Local in Key West will feature a live studio audience – the show is 100% open to the public – and will be broadcast from the Rock Room, which is RockHouse Live Key West's upstairs performance room and venue. There will also be specials offered from the show's sponsors, as well as free SWAG, and other things that will make each show unforgettable.
Fans who are unable to listen locally on Barefoot Radio or attend the show in person may download the VNUE Radio app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or may also go to StageIt.com, to actually see the performances and interviews, which will be professionally livestreamed. There will be no cost in most cases to attend the virtual performances, but fans are encouraged to tip the artists.
Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor should contact Ben Hennington at ben.hennington@vnue.com, or by calling him at 305.304.1232.
Bands and artists who wish to be considered for airplay and/or to be a guest on the show should email an EPK with links to original music to liveandlocalkw@rockhouselive.com. All song submissions must be professionally recorded and broadcast ready.
About VNUE, Inc. (www.vnue.com)
VNUE, Inc., (OTC: VNUE) is a multi-faceted music technology company dedicated to monetizing the live music experience for artists, labels, writers, and publishers, and protecting the rights of artists. For more information, please visit vnue.com.
About RockHouse Live™
RockHouse Live (www.rockhouselive.com) is a first-of-its kind hybrid live & virtual entertainment-themed restaurant, venue and bar concept, offering the culture of rock 'n' roll with live music, entertainment, great food, awesome drinks, and "virtual tech." For more information visit rockhouselive.com.
Investors seeking to learn more can contact the company at investors@rockhouselive.com.
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SOURCE VNUE, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/rockhouse-live-vnue-inc-announce-new-music-show-series-key-west/ | 2022-07-29T16:34:17Z |
PRAGUE (AP) — Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren expressed concern Tuesday about gun violence in the United States in the aftermath of a shooting in Indianapolis over the weekend that left one Dutch soldier dead and two wounded.
“We do many trainings of our servicemen in the United States, and we really don’t expect this to happen. So it’s very, very concerning for us.” Ollongren told The Associated Press at a meeting of European Union defense ministers in Prague.
A 26-year-old member of the Dutch Commando Corps, identified by U.S. authorities as Simmie Poetsema, died of his injuries “surrounded by family and colleagues,” the Dutch Defense Ministry said in a statement Monday.
Poetsema and the two other soldiers were shot after what Indianapolis police believe was a disturbance outside the hotel where they were staying about 3:30 a.m. Saturday near several downtown bars and nightclubs, authorities said. The soldiers were in the U.S. for training exercises at a southern Indiana military base.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Monday that the soldiers had returned to the hotel after a “scuffle” at a bar and were outside when the gunfire came from what he called “a drive-by shooting.”
Indianapolis police declined to confirm Hogsett’s account Tuesday or release more information on the circumstances or the investigation of the shooting. No arrests have been announced.
Ollongren declined to comment on the shooting while investigations continue. She said there is “good contact” between Dutch military police and authorities in Indianapolis.
“We have read things in the media, we have heard what the mayor said but we feel it’s very important to have a real thorough investigation. So we’re waiting for that until we comment on what actually happened,” she said.
Ollongren said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin contacted her Monday “to express his regrets and his condolences.”
Hogsett said he believed the city’s downtown area was safe and that city officials were working to reduce violence.
“Too often, not just in Indianapolis, conflict resolution has become just people pulling out guns and shooting each other,” Hogsett said. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/ap-dutch-defense-minister-concerned-about-us-gun-violence/ | 2022-08-30T20:04:40Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — He’s a Texas actor who has made it big in Hollywood.
You may have him on television for his roles in shows like The Good Doctor, Narcos and Resurrection Boulevard.
Nicholas Gonzalez joined Inside DFW to talk about his storied career, his Texas roots and his personal life. To learn more about Gonzalez, visit his IMDb page. | https://cw33.com/lifestyle/inside-dfw/watch-chatting-with-texas-actor-nicholas-gonzalez-from-narcos-the-good-doctor/ | 2022-05-16T16:08:18Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A year after the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration said Wednesday it will transfer $3.5 billion in frozen Afghan central bank funds to benefit the Afghan people, as hunger grips every province there.
Funds will be dispersed after trustees of the new Afghan Fund meet to determine a timetable. The trustees are two Afghan economists, a U.S. government representative and a Swiss government representative.
Notably, the Taliban government will not have access to the fund, which will be held at the Bank for International Settlements in Switzerland. The bank in a news release said its role is “limited to providing banking services to and executing the instructions of the Board of Trustees of the Fund without involvement in the Fund’s governance or decision making.”
In the interim, Afghanistan’s central bank, which in February had $7 billion in frozen funds, “must demonstrate that it has the expertise, capacity, and independence to responsibly perform the duties of a central bank,” the U.S. Treasury and State departments said in a joint statement. “Robust safeguards have been put in place to prevent the funds from being used for illicit activity.”
International funding to Afghanistan was suspended and billions of dollars of the country’s assets abroad, mostly in the United States, were frozen after the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 following the U.S. military’s withdrawal.
The World Bank says income and economic output in Afghanistan have dropped between 20% and 30%, imports have declined by roughly 40%, and 70% of Afghan households report they are unable to fully meet basic food or non-food needs.
In February, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that called for banks to provide $3.5 billion of the frozen money to a trust fund for distribution through humanitarian groups for Afghan relief and basic needs.
The other $3.5 billion will stay in the U.S. to finance payments from lawsuits by U.S. victims of terrorism that are still working their way through the courts, prompted by claims brought by family members of people killed on Sept 11, 2001.
“The Afghan Fund will help mitigate the economic challenges facing Afghanistan while protecting and preserving $3.5 billion in reserves from Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), Afghanistan’s central bank, for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan,” Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo said.
He said the Taliban’s “repression and economic mismanagement” had exacerbated longstanding economic challenges for Afghanistan that had made the return of the funds untenable.
In a Tuesday letter to Afghanistan’s central bank, Adeyemo said until conditions for the central bank are met, their control of assets “would place them at unacceptable risk and jeopardize them as a source of support for the Afghan people.”
Shah Mehrabi, a Montgomery College economics professor, is one of the trustees of the new fund. He told The Associated Press that the money should be used primarily to maintain price stability in the country, rather than for humanitarian purposes.
“I think the purpose of board, as a member, is to address the liquidity and price stability issues in the country expeditiously, prior to a harsh winter,” he said. “There are ways we can provide relief so that Afghans are able to have food and energy and to perform their basic daily duties.”
Human Rights Watch said in August that Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis cannot be effectively addressed unless the U.S. and other governments ease restrictions on the country’s banking sector to allow economic activity and humanitarian aid.
Nearly half the Afghan population — 18.9 million people — is estimated to be acutely food insecure between June and November 2022, the World Food Programme said. All 34 provinces in the country are facing some level of crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said the people of Afghanistan are facing humanitarian and economic crises born of “decades of conflict, severe drought, COVID-19, and endemic corruption.”
“Today, the United States and its partners take an important, concrete step forward in ensuring that additional resources can be brought to bear to reduce suffering and improve economic stability for the people of Afghanistan while continuing to hold the Taliban accountable,” Sherman said. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-us-sets-up-afghan-relief-fund-with-frozen-central-bank-money/ | 2022-09-14T23:27:19Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of students who attended the for-profit Corinthian Colleges chain will automatically get their federal student loans canceled, the Biden administration says, aiming to bring closure to one of the most notorious cases of fraud in American higher education.
Anyone who attended the now-defunct chain from its founding in 1995 to its collapse in 2015 will get his or her federal student debt wiped clean. The move will erase $5.8 billion in debt for more than 560,000 borrowers, in what the Education Department said was the largest single loan discharge ever.
“As of today, every student deceived, defrauded and driven into debt by Corinthian Colleges can rest assured that the Biden-Harris Administration has their back and will discharge their federal student loans,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said Wednesday. “For far too long, Corinthian engaged in the wholesale financial exploitation of students, misleading them into taking on more and more debt to pay for promises they would never keep.”
Tens of thousands of former Corinthian students were already eligible for debt cancellation, but they had to file paperwork and navigate an application process that advocates say is confusing and not widely known. Now, the relief will be made automatic and extended to additional borrowers.
Those with a remaining balance on their Corinthian debt will also get refunds on payments already made, department officials said. But the action does not apply to loans paid in full.
At its peak, Corinthian was one of the largest for-profit college companies. It had more than 100 campuses and more than 110,000 students at its Everest, WyoTech and Heald schools.
The company shut down in 2015 amid widespread findings of fraud.
The Obama administration — working with now-Vice President Kamala Harris, who was California attorney general at the time — found that scores of campuses were falsifying data on the success of their graduates. In some cases, the schools reported that students had found jobs in their fields of study even though they were working at grocery stores or fast food chains.
Students commonly told investigators they were pressured to enroll with promises of lucrative employment, only to end up with huge sums of debt and few job prospects. Federal officials found that the company falsely told students their course credits could be transferred to other colleges.
The case inspired a federal crackdown on for-profit colleges, and the Obama administration promised to forgive loans for Corinthian students whose programs lied about job placement rates. That administration went on to expand a process known as borrower defense to repayment, which allows any defrauded student to apply for debt cancellation.
But an explosion in applications for debt forgiveness, along with political battles over the process, created a yearslong backlog in the process, leaving many former Corinthian students still awaiting relief.
The Trump administration generated blowback when it started granting only partial loan cancellation to defrauded students, giving lower levels of relief to those with higher incomes. Former Corinthian students sued over the change. A federal judge halted the policy and ordered the Education Department to stop collecting payments on Corinthian debt.
The Biden administration later announced full cancellation for all Corinthian students who had been given only partial forgiveness, but thousands of others were left waiting for the department to process their relief applications.
As of December, the department reported it had more than 109,000 pending applications from students alleging fraud by their colleges, mostly in the for-profit industry. Borrowers and their advocates have urged the government to erase all Corinthian debt, saying evidence of misconduct was so widespread that all the chain’s students were the victims of fraud.
The administration’s announcement on the Corinthian debt cancellation comes as President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure to enact broader student loan forgiveness for millions of people. As a candidate, Biden said he supports forgiving $10,000 in student loans for all borrowers. He later indicated that such action should come through Congress, but the White House has said he is considering whether to pursue it through executive action.
Advocates said the government’s decision on Corinthian brings long-delayed justice.
“This is a tremendous student victory, and it belongs to the tens of thousands of borrowers who were cheated and abused by Corinthian Colleges,” said Eileen Connor, director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending, which has represented Corinthian students in lawsuits. “They never stopped fighting — over three administrations — for the justice they deserve under the law.”
Libby DeBlasio Webster, senior counsel for the advocacy group Student Defense, called it a “fresh start” for former Corinthian students, but she noted that many defrauded students from other for-profit colleges are awaiting help.
She said she hopes the news “is a sign that other decisions are on the horizon for thousands of similarly situated students who are waiting for this kind of relief,” she said.
Former Corinthian student Nathan Hornes said the chain was “absolute joke of a school,” recalling how he was once instructed to play a board game as the final exam for a class at Everest Institute’s Los Angeles campus. Hornes had his debt forgiven in 2017 through the borrower defense process, but his sister Natasha is among the 560,000 former Corinthian students now getting cancellation.
“My sister and all the others who went through the same experience of being cheated by Corinthian finally get to experience the same relief of having the financial burden lifted,” he said in a statement. “They deserve that too, and I’m so glad that today they finally get to feel that freedom.”
A for-profit college trade group said students who are deceived by their colleges deserve relief, but that Corinthian’s actions “do not represent all private career schools.”
“The (Education) Department and others should not conflate the actions of one organization with an entire sector that has provided opportunities for millions of students and contributed to our nation’s workforce,” said Jason Altmire, president and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities.
___
The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/former-corinthian-students-get-federal-student-debt-erased-2/ | 2022-06-02T16:48:44Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Overwhelmed by all the shows and movies being released? Entertainment Weekly is launching "What to Watch on Google TV," a fun, lively three to five-minute monthly guide to help viewers choose from the vast number of entertainment programs streaming on the platform. The series is hosted by four EW entertainment experts curating their picks, which represent a wide range of tastes, genres, and viewing habits.
In the first episode, available here, the hosts – EW general manager and editor in chief Patrick Gomez, executive editor Gerrad Hall, deputy editor Chanelle Johnson, and TikTok producer Jorie McDonald – lay out their recommendations including the discovery+ reality series Trixie Motel, the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, season 3 of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys!, and more. In addition to Google TV, "What to Watch" can be viewed on EW.com and EW's YouTube channel.
The series is an extension of EW's "What to Watch" podcast and video series, which premiered in 2020 offering the top three entertainment picks of the week.
"With more content than ever at our fingertips, EW's 'What to Watch' remains a vital resource for those who rely on us to curate what's worth their time," says Gomez. "We are so excited to further expand the footprint of this beloved franchise through this collaboration with Google TV, providing our pop culture expertise where and when you need it most."
Google TV is a smart TV experience that is built into televisions and streaming devices from top brands. It brings together movies, shows, live TV, and more in one place so viewers can find what to watch without jumping from app to app.
Google TV is the name of this device's software experience and a trademark of Google LLC. Google and YouTube are trademarks of Google LLC.
Dotdash Meredith's Entertainment Weekly (EW) is an all-access pass to Hollywood's most creative minds and most fascinating stars. Launched in 1990, EW is one of America's leading consumer brands in the entertainment category, with a combined audience of almost 28 million loyal, engaged fans. Each day, EW.com publishes a variety of features, news articles, TV episode recaps, original videos, film reviews, and photo galleries. With sharp insight, unparalleled access, and a trusted voice, EW keeps readers plugged into pop culture and the best in entertainment.
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SOURCE Entertainment Weekly | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/entertainment-weekly-helps-viewers-choose-what-watch-by-expanding-its-popular-franchise-google-tv/ | 2022-06-29T18:09:29Z |
The stereotypes of dominant male and docile female creatures have shaped zoology since the time of Charles Darwin. This interpretation all too often still goes unchallenged today in textbooks and nature documentaries.
A new book takes down this sexist, ahem, fallacy and tells a more complete story about the role of female animals in the wild.
It's a story that matters because animals are often drawn upon to illuminate supposed fundamental differences between male and female humans -- and the notion that men are hardwired to assume alpha status and women are passive.
That view has been completely overplayed and doesn't stack up when you look at the diversity of the animal kingdom, said Lucy Cooke, a documentary maker and the author of "Bitch: On the Female of the Species," which publishes in the United States on Tuesday.
Female animals are just as promiscuous, competitive, aggressive and dynamic as their male counterparts and play an equal role in driving evolutionary change, according to Cooke.
To prove her point, Cooke, who has a master's degree in zoology from Oxford University, delights in detailing the lives of a riot of colorful animals: murderous meerkat moms, African spotted hyenas with an 8-inch clitoris, menopausal orca matriarchs and albatrosses that can form lasting lesbian partnerships.
"I found it really gratifying to discover the diversity of the female experience," Cooke told CNN, "and that it isn't governed by these sort of depressing patriarchal rules."
The myth of female monogamy
It's a familiar trope in nature documentaries. Male animals are aggressively promiscuous, but their female counterparts are coy, choosy and chaste.
However, throngs of female animals seek sex with numerous partners. A female lion is known to mate up to 100 times a day with multiple male suitors during heat.
Songbirds are socially monogamous while building nests and feeding fledglings together, but before nesting 90% of female songbirds routinely have sex with multiple partners, according to research. A nest of eggs can have many fathers, even if a single male songbird is raising young alongside its female co-parent. It's a fact revealed by DNA testing of the eggs of the eastern bluebird -- a technique first used by Patricia Gowaty, professor emeritus of evolutionary biology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
"I got a lot of flak from this study," Cooke quotes Gowaty as saying in her book. "It was though I'd discovered something, but it offended so many people that it was unbelievable. They couldn't imagine that females were anything but benign."
It wasn't until the 1990s that the ornithological world accepted that female birds were promiscuous, opening up the floodgates to similar studies on reptiles and amphibians. All told, experts now think that true monogamy is only found in 7% of species, according to Cooke's book.
Promiscuity to protect the young
What role does all this sex play in the animal kingdom? It's not just about maximizing chances of getting pregnant. It's a strategy that for some animals could increase the chances of survival of their young.
Male langur monkeys in India routinely kill unweaned infants when they take over a troop, studies have shown. The same behavior has since been observed among dozens of other species of primates including chimpanzees -- as well as animals such as lions.
Experts think female animals are driven to have sex with male suitors outside and inside their group to confuse paternity, which has the effect of protecting their young and may co-opt male partners into babysitting and caring for their young. Aggressive sexuality is seen among female chimpanzees, which only produce five or six young in a lifetime, but might have sex thousands of times with dozens of male chimps. This aggressive female sexual behavior is also seen in Barbary macaques and savanna baboons.
"The idea that females are as sexually aggressive as males -- it's not something that a lot of people are going to be comfortable with," Cooke said.
But for some animals, promiscuity is about being a caring mom.
Sexual anatomy that's phallic
You might think that genitals are the defining feature distinguishing the sexes, but Cooke found that dozens of female animals sport sexual anatomy that is distinctly phallic.
Take the female African spotted hyena. It has an 8-inch clitoris that's shaped and positioned exactly like the male penis. This female hyena also gets erections and is larger, more aggressive than the male hyenas and lives in matrilineal clans of up to 80 individuals governed by an alpha female matriarch.
The study of the spotted hyena and other "masculinized animals" such as lemurs and mole rats has shed light on how an animal becomes female -- an understudied field.
Traditionally, it was thought that testosterone was the driving force that programmed embryos to be male, with the assumption that "female" was the passive default. But it is now seen as too rigid a way to look at the differences between the sexes.
Female domination
It has been hard for biology to accept the alpha female. Researchers once dismissed hierarchical fighting between female pinyon jays as "the avian equivalent of PMS," according to Cooke's book.
But many animal societies are female dominated, including the aforementioned hyenas, and sometimes they can get nasty.
Clans of meerkats, the cute mongooses that stand up on their back legs to scan the African savanna, are dominated by a single female animal that monopolizes breeding. Her main goal is to prevent her female relatives from having any babies of their own -- instead she co-opts them into caring for her young. Once her rivals reach their reproductive age, the alpha meerkat either kills them, or they are run out of the group.
"It's called cooperative breeding, which always makes me laugh because it's not really so much," Cooke said. "It's a bit despotic."
Unlike their close chimpanzee relatives, bonobos have a female-dominated society. However, they don't fight one another. Instead, female bonobos forge a formidable sisterhood -- all with the use of grooming and mutual masturbation to regulate tension and promote cooperation.
"What's fascinating about the bonobo, because we're equally related to both bonobos and chimpanzees, is that there's a clear demonstration that dominance has nothing to do with sex. It's all about the environment that an animal finds itself in," Cooke said. "There's no norm."
Control in the battle of the sexes
Even in societies in which male animals are more dominant and sex is often coerced, their female counterparts have evolved creative ways to control the battle of the sexes.
Patricia Brennan, an adjunct assistant research professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is building a library of replica animal vaginas -- a vastly understudied body part. Her research on duck and dolphin vaginas has revealed that they are more than simple tubes. They are uniquely shaped with blind pockets and spirals.
She believes that female mallard ducks can control which drake fertilizes their eggs by permitting or blocking the passage of the penis. Brennan has uncovered a similar phenomenon with dolphins.
"In the situations where you have male coercion, which isn't uncommon amongst certain species, the female is not as big a victim as you think she is, because she's in control of who fertilizes her eggs," Cooke said. "And as far as evolution is concerned, that's all that matters."
Cooke is already planning her next book. The topic? How Darwin got male animals wrong.
"The stereotype of the alpha male is as damaging for men as it is for women. It boxes men into this idea that they're meant to be aggressive and competitive," she said. "Darwinian thinking is a license for toxic masculinity."
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/how-zoology-got-female-animals-all-wrong/article_e813ec1d-5fd2-57e5-a935-98285b15ee17.html | 2022-06-12T12:05:19Z |
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Couchbase, Inc. (NASDAQ: BASE), provider of a leading modern database for enterprise applications, today announced financial results for its first quarter ended April 30, 2022.
"We delivered a strong first quarter exceeding the high end of our guidance on all metrics, highlighted by the third straight quarter of accelerating ARR growth," said Matt Cain, President and CEO of Couchbase. "Couchbase Capella is continuing to gain momentum and customer feedback has been positive. We are confident that our expansive and differentiated product portfolio will continue to be at the forefront of our customers' digital transformation initiatives."
- Revenue: Total revenue for the quarter was $34.9 million, an increase of 25% year-over-year. Subscription revenue for the quarter was $32.0 million, an increase of 21% year-over-year.
- Annual recurring revenue (ARR): Total ARR as of April 30, 2022 was $139.7 million, an increase of 27% year-over-year, or 31% on a constant currency basis. See the section titled "Key Business Metrics" below for details.
- Gross margin: Gross margin for the quarter was 86.7%, compared to 87.9% for the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Non-GAAP gross margin for the quarter was 87.3%, compared to 88.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2022. See the section titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the tables titled "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results" below for details.
- Loss from operations: Loss from operations for the quarter was $19.0 million, compared to $14.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Non-GAAP operating loss for the quarter was $13.4 million, compared to $12.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
- Cash flow: Cash flow used in operating activities for the quarter was $8.6 million, compared to $3.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Capital expenditures were $0.8 million during the quarter, leading to negative free cash flow of $9.4 million, compared to negative free cash flow of $3.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
- Remaining performance obligations (RPO): RPO as of April 30, 2022 was $169.0 million, an increase of 68% year-over-year.
- Announced the Couchbase Capella DBaaS offering on Google Cloud. Customers now have more flexibility on where to deploy Capella, improving alignment with applications and supporting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies from a single platform with price performance superior to competitors.
- Announced that Couchbase Capella manages and fully hosts a backend for mobile and IoT applications called Capella App Services. The enhanced offering makes it easier for developers to design and deploy fast and resilient mobile applications that seamlessly sync data between the cloud and connected devices. Now as a fully managed service, development teams can save time, effort and resources by streamlining setup configuration, synchronization and ongoing backend services management.
- Announced version 7.1 of Couchbase Server, which delivers incredible advancements in performance, storage capacity and workload breadth, including expanded operational analytics support with direct Tableau integration – all while dramatically reducing deployment cost. With Couchbase Server 7.1, enterprise architects and development teams significantly reduce the cost of building and running applications while gaining compelling operational efficiency.
- Granted an additional U.S. patent for a novel approach to optimizing document-oriented database queries on arrays. This is Couchbase's second patent recognizing inventions in cost-based optimization for document-oriented databases and highlights the Company's unique engineering innovation.
- Total revenue between $35.8 million and $36.0 million
- Total ARR between $142.5 million and $144.5 million
- Non-GAAP operating loss between $11.9 million and $11.7 million
- Total revenue between $147.2 million and $148.2 million
- Total ARR between $160.5 million and $164.5 million
- Non-GAAP operating loss between $55.2 million and $54.2 million
The guidance provided above is based on several assumptions that are subject to change and many of which are outside our control. If actual results vary from these assumptions, our expectations may change. There can be no assurance that we will achieve these results.
Couchbase is not able, at this time, to provide GAAP targets for operating loss for the second quarter or full year of fiscal 2023 because of the difficulty of estimating certain items excluded from non-GAAP operating loss that cannot be reasonably predicted, such as charges related to stock-based compensation expense. The effect of these excluded items may be significant.
Couchbase today announced it has promoted Huw Owen to Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Owen has served as a leader of Couchbase's international sales business for nearly four years, where he played a significant role in accelerating Couchbase's growth, including increasing international ARR by nearly 200%. Prior to Couchbase, Mr. Owen held various international sales leadership roles at Veritas, Symantec, Lenovo and Good Technology.
"Huw's impressive background combines scaling sales at high-growth companies with operational excellence at leading enterprise technology companies, making him well suited to take Couchbase to the next level of growth," said Mr. Cain. "Huw is an ideal successor to step into the CRO role and I am excited to welcome him to our world class management team. I'd like to thank Denis Murphy for his many contributions to Couchbase and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
Couchbase will host a conference call and webcast at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 to discuss its financial results and business highlights. To access this conference call, dial (888) 660-1027 from the United States and Canada or (409) 231-2719 internationally with conference ID: 9493179. The live webcast and a webcast replay of the conference call can be accessed from the investor relations page of Couchbase's website at investors.couchbase.com.
At Couchbase, we believe data is at the heart of the enterprise. We empower developers and architects to build, deploy and run their most mission-critical applications. Couchbase delivers a high-performance, flexible and scalable modern database that runs across the data center and any cloud. Many of the world's largest enterprises rely on Couchbase to power the core applications their businesses depend on. For more information, visit www.couchbase.com.
Couchbase has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations website and the corporate blog at blog.couchbase.com to disclose material non-public information and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, you should monitor our investor relations website and the corporate blog in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
In addition to our financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, we believe certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance. We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, collectively, to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, may be helpful to investors because they provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance and meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our business, results of operations or outlook. Non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP and may be different from similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures (provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release), and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
Non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating loss, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders and non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders: We define these non-GAAP financial measures as their respective GAAP measures, excluding expenses related to stock-based compensation expense and employer taxes on employee stock transactions. We use these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP measures to assess our performance, including in the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our board of directors concerning our financial performance.
Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we have excluded employer payroll taxes on employee stock transactions, which is a cash expense, from our non-GAAP results. These payroll taxes have been excluded from our non-GAAP results because they are tied to the timing and size of the exercise or vesting of the underlying equity awards, and the price of our common stock at the time of vesting or exercise may vary from period to period independent of the operating performance of our business. Prior period non-GAAP financial measures have not been adjusted to reflect this change, and the effect of this change is not material for any period previously presented.
Free cash flow: We define free cash flow as cash used in operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, which includes capitalized internal-use software costs. We believe free cash flow is a useful indicator of liquidity that provides our management, board of directors and investors with information about our future ability to generate or use cash to enhance the strength of our balance sheet and further invest in our business and pursue potential strategic initiatives.
Please see the reconciliation tables at the end of this press release for the reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results.
We review a number of operating and financial metrics, including ARR, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
We define ARR as of a given date as the annualized recurring revenue that we would contractually receive from our customers in the month ending 12 months following such date. ARR also includes revenue from consumption-based cloud credits of Couchbase Capella products. ARR for Couchbase Capella products is calculated by annualizing the prior 90 days of actual consumption, assuming no increases or reductions in usage.
Based on historical experience with customers, we assume all contracts will be automatically renewed at the same levels unless we receive notification of non-renewal and are no longer in negotiations prior to the measurement date. ARR excludes revenue derived from the use of cloud products only based on on-demand arrangements and services revenue. Although we seek to increase ARR as part of our strategy of targeting large enterprise customers, this metric may fluctuate from period to period based on our ability to acquire new customers and expand within our existing customers. We believe that our ARR is an important indicator of the growth and performance of our business. We updated our definition of ARR beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 to include revenue from consumption-based cloud credits of Couchbase Capella by annualizing the prior 90 days of actual consumption, assuming no increases or reductions in usage. ARR for periods prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2023 has not been adjusted to reflect this change as it is not material to any period previously presented.
We also attempt to represent the changes in the underlying business operations by eliminating fluctuations caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates within the current period. We calculate constant currency growth rates by applying the applicable prior period exchange rates to current period results.
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, quotations of management, the section titled "Financial Outlook" above and statements about Couchbase's market position, strategies and potential market opportunities. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and, in some cases, can be identified by terms such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "continue," "could," "potential," "remain," "may," "might," "will," "would" or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including factors beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: our history of net losses and ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future; our ability to continue to grow on pace with historical rates; our ability to manage our growth effectively; intense competition and our ability to compete effectively; cost-effectively acquiring new customers or obtaining renewals, upgrades or expansions from our existing customers; the market for our products and services being relatively new and evolving, and our future success depending on the growth and expansion of this market; our ability to innovate in response to changing customer needs, new technologies or other market requirements; our limited operating history, which makes it difficult to predict our future results of operations; the significant fluctuation of our future results of operations and ability to meet the expectations of analysts or investors; our significant reliance on revenue from subscriptions, which may decline and, the recognition of a significant portion of revenue from subscriptions over the term of the relevant subscription period, which means downturns or upturns in sales are not immediately reflected in full in our results of operations; and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Further information on risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasted results are included in our filings with the SEC that we may file from time to time, including those more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022. Additional information will be made available in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2022 that will be filed with the SEC, which should be read in conjunction with this press release and the financial results included herein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
The following table presents a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash used in operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands, unaudited):
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SOURCE Couchbase, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/couchbase-announces-first-quarter-fiscal-2023-financial-results/ | 2022-06-08T21:13:11Z |
MEXICO CITY, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vesta Real Estate Corporation, S.A.B. of C.V. ("Vesta") (BMV: VESTA), one of the leading industrial real estate companies in Mexico, announced that it has again been included within the S&P/BMV Total Mexico ESG Index for the third consecutive year as further endorsement of Vesta's commitment to environmental, social and governance.
Lorenzo D. Berho, Vesta´s CEO, commented: "We are honored to have again been recognized by this important distinction, particularly in light of its considerable importance with related strategies throughout our company that are closely linked to the Vesta Level 3 Strategy. We have demonstrated our success in developing green certified buildings through an integrated design process which creates projects that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle and continue to progress towards Vesta's goal of achieving 28% green certified developments within our portfolio by 2030."
Laura Elena Ramírez Barrón, Vesta's ESG Director, added: "It is particularly noteworthy that Vesta is included within this index, which only includes 75% of the best rated companies in each sector. We remain steadfastly focused on our environmental, social and governance commitments, enabling Vesta to ensure continued shareholder value and to maintain our standing among this select group as well as within other key indices."
The S&P/BMV Total Mexico ESG Index is designed to measure the performance of stocks within the S&P/BMV Total Mexico Index that meet sustainability criteria. The index applies exclusions based on business activities and United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) requirements and is weighted by S&P DJI ESG Score. The index was initially comprised of 29 companies and has increased a new sample of 30 companies. S&P/BMV Total Mexico ESG Index rebalancing occurs annually in June.
About Vesta
Vesta is a best-in-class, fully integrated real estate company that owns, manages, acquires, sells, develops and re-develops industrial properties in Mexico. As of March 31, 2022, Vesta owned 190 properties located in modern industrial parks in 15 states of Mexico totaling a GLA of 31.4 million ft2 (2.91 million m2). The Company has multinational clients, which are focused on industries such as e-commerce/retail, aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, logistics, medical devices, and plastics, among others. For additional information visit: www.vesta.com.mx
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SOURCE Corporación Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/vesta-included-within-samppbmv-total-mexico-esg-index-third-consecutive-year/ | 2022-07-12T01:15:50Z |
Ukraine’s Zelensky questions UN Security Council’s mandate in speech on alleged Russian atrocities
By Jennifer Deaton and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian troops of indiscriminately killing civilians “just for their pleasure” in an emotionally-charged address to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, before questioning the very mandate of the Security Council itself.
Zelensky’s speech came a day after he visited the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where shocking images of bodies in the streets emerged over the weekend.
On Tuesday, he related the aftermath of Russia’s retreat from the town in horrifying detail, describing entire families killed, people with their throats slashed, and women raped and killed in front of their children. Zelensky said Russia’s actions were no different from those of a terror group, except that Russia is a permanent member of the UNSC.
The Ukrainian leader then criticized the body, asking representatives point blank: “Where is the security that the Security Council needs to guarantee? It is not there, though there is a Security Council.”
Zelensky added: “It is obvious that the key institution of the world designed to combat aggression and ensure peace cannot work effectively.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to remind you of Article 1, Chapter 1 of the UN Charter. What is the purpose of our organization? Its purpose is to maintain and make sure that peace is adhered to. And now the UN charter is violated literally starting with Article 1. And so what is the point of all other Articles?” he asked.
At least 1,480 civilians have been killed and at least 2,195 have been injured in Ukraine between the start of the Russian invasion on February 24 and April 4, a UN official said at the meeting, citing updated numbers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The latest figures on the number of Ukrainian civilians in the conflict had “more than doubled” since the last briefing to the UNSC on March 17.
In Bucha, bodies strewn across the streets and in basements were found by human rights groups and documented by independent journalists. Satellite images suggest some bodies had been there since at least March 18.
In his damning speech, Zelensky said there was “not a single crime” that the Russians “would not commit,” alleging that Russian troops had “searched for and purposefully killed anyone who served our country.”
“They shot and killed women outside their houses when they just tried to call someone … They killed entire families, adults and children and they tried to burn the bodies,” Zelensky said.
“I am addressing you on behalf of the people who honor the memory of the deceased every single day and in the memory of the civilians who died, who were shot and killed in the back of their head after being tortured,” he told the UNSC.
“Some of them were shot on the streets. Others were thrown into wells, so they died there suffering. They were killed in their apartments, houses, blown up by grenades. Civilians were crushed by tanks while sitting in their cars in the middle of the road, just for their pleasure,” he continued. “Women were raped and killed in front of their children. Their tongues were pulled out only because the aggressor did not hear what they wanted to hear from them.”
Zelensky also warned that the horrors found in Bucha would be replicated in other cities across Ukraine. Demanding accountability, he called for any Russians who have given “criminal orders” and “carried out them by killing our people” to be brought before a tribunal, similar to the Nuremberg trials that occurred after World War II when Nazis were put on trial.
UN: Civilians were targeted
Separately, the United Nations on Tuesday said that the shocking images from Bucha showed “all the signs” that civilians were “directly targeted and directly killed.”
In a virtual press briefing, OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell said the reports emerging from Bucha and other areas were “very disturbing developments.”
She specifically referenced the “disturbing” images of people with their hands tied behind their back and of partially naked women whose bodies have been burnt as further evidence suggesting the direct targeting of individuals.
“We have been talking about war crimes in the context of shelling, bombardment, and artillery attacks. Now they need to be investigated. But you could argue there was a military context, for example, to a building being hit. It’s hard to see what was the military context of an individual lying in the street with a bullet to the head or having their bodies burned,” Throssell continued.
As the OHCHR is trying to currently gain access to Bucha, she didn’t have “exact information” to share regarding the situation on the ground.
Throssell also paid tribute to the “crucial role” that journalists are playing in documenting these scenes, mentioning the “multiple teams” involved in “reporting, analyzing, and sending video footage.”
Russia’s response
Russia has repeatedly denied the alleged atrocities, despite increasing evidence suggesting otherwise. Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations responded to Zelensky’s remarks, calling the accusations against the Russian military “ungrounded.”
“We place on your conscience the ungrounded accusations against the Russian military, which are not confirmed by any eyewitnesses,” Nebenzia said in translated remarks.
The ambassador recalled Zelensky’s election to the Ukrainian presidency in 2019, stating that hopes that Zelensky would end the fighting in the Donbas region of Ukraine “failed to materialize.”
Nebenzia also repeated past claims that “a huge amount of lies about Russian soldiers and military” continue to proliferate.
Addressing Zelensky directly, Nebenzia concluded his remarks by claiming Russia “came to … Ukraine” to bring peace, not to “conquer lands.”
Nebenzia’s words echoed those of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier Tuesday, who called the allegations not only “groundless, but … a well-staged tragic show” and “a forgery in order to try to denigrate the Russian army.”
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Niamh Kennedy, Laura Ly and Anna Chernova contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2022/04/05/ukraines-zelensky-questions-un-security-councils-mandate-in-speech-on-alleged-russian-atrocities/ | 2022-04-06T05:46:31Z |
World leaders head to London for Queen Elizabeth II funeral
LONDON (AP) - Thousands of police, hundreds of troops and an army of officials made final preparations Sunday for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II — a spectacular display of national mourning that will also be the biggest gathering of world leaders for years.
U.S. President Joe Biden and other dignitaries are arriving in London for the funeral, to which around 500 royals, heads of state and heads of government from around the globe have been invited.
Thousands of people continued to line up around the clock to file past the queen’s coffin as it lies in state at Parliament’s Westminster Hall, braving chilly overnight temperatures and waits of up to 17 hours. The queen’s eight grandchildren, led by heir to the throne Prince William, circled the coffin and stood with heads bowed during a silent vigil on Saturday evening.
The miles-long queue is expected to be closed to new arrivals later Sunday so that everyone in line can file past the coffin before Monday morning, when it will be borne on a gun carriage to Westminster Abbey for the queen’s funeral.
People across the U.K. are due to pause Sunday evening for a nationwide minute of silence to remember the queen, who died Sept. 8 at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne. Monday has been declared a public holiday, and the funeral will be broadcast to a huge television audience and screened to crowds in parks and public spaces across the country.
Thousands of police officers from around the country will be on duty as part of the biggest one-day policing operation in London’s history.
Camilla, the new queen consort, paid tribute to the queen in a video message, saying the monarch “carved her own role” as a “solitary woman” on a world stage dominated by men.
“I will always remember her smile. That smile is unforgettable,” said Camilla, who is married to King Charles III.
A tide of people continued to stream into Parliament’s Westminster Hall, where the queen’s coffin is lying in state, draped in her Royal Standard and capped with a diamond-studded crown. The number of mourners has grown steadily since the public was first admitted on Wednesday, with a queue that stretches for at least five miles (eight kilometers) along the River Thames and into Southwark Park in the city’s southeast.
Honoring their patience, Charles and William made an unannounced visit Saturday to greet people in the line, shaking hands and thanking mourners in the queue near Lambeth Bridge.
Later, all the queen’s grandchildren stood by her coffin. William and Prince Harry, Charles’ sons, were joined by Princess Anne’s children, Zara Tindall and Peter Philips; Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie; and the two children of Prince Edward — Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
William stood with his head bowed at the head of the coffin and Harry at the foot. Both princes, who are military veterans, were in uniform. Mourners continued to file past in silence.
“You could see that they were thinking hard about their grandmother, the queen,” said Ian Mockett, a civil engineer from Oxford in southern England. “It was good to see them all together as a set of grandchildren given the things that have happened over the last few years.”
Harry, who served in Afghanistan as a British army officer, wore civilian clothes earlier in the week as the queen’s coffin left Buckingham Palace because he is no longer a working member of the royal family. He and his wife Meghan quit royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020. The king, however, requested that both William and Harry wear their military uniforms at the Westminster Hall vigil.
Before the vigil, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie issued a statement praising their “beloved grannie.”
“We, like many, thought you’d be here forever. And we all miss you terribly. You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever,” the sisters wrote.
The queen’s four children — Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward — held a similar vigil around the coffin on Friday.
The silence in the hall was briefly broken Friday when a man lunged at the coffin. London police said Sunday that a 28-year-old London man, Muhammad Khan, has been charged with behavior intended to “cause alarm, harassment or distress.” He will appear in court on Monday.
The lying-in-state continues until early Monday morning, when the queen’s coffin will be moved to nearby Westminster Abbey for the funeral, the finale of 10 days of national mourning for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
After the service Monday at the abbey, the late queen’s coffin will be transported through the historic heart of London on a horse-drawn gun carriage. It will then be taken in a hearse to Windsor, where the queen will be interred alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
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Follow AP coverage of Queen Elizabeth II at https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/18/world-leaders-head-london-queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral/ | 2022-09-18T10:17:26Z |
Alex Jones faces second trial over Sandy Hook hoax claims
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut jury began hearing arguments Tuesday in a trial to decide how much money conspiracy theorist Alex Jones should pay relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for spreading a lie that the massacre was a hoax.
The trial is being held in Waterbury, less than 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Newtown, where 26 children and teachers were shot to death in 2012.
More than a dozen family members, including parents of some victims, filed into the courtroom to listen to the opening statements and first day of evidence.
It’s the second such trial for Jones, who was ordered by a Texas jury last month to pay nearly $50 million to the parents of one of the slain children.
A jury of three men and three women along with several alternates will decide how much the conspiracy theorist should pay relatives of eight victims and an FBI agent who responded to the school. Judge Barbara Bellis found Jones liable without a trial last year after he failed to turn over documents to the families’ lawyers.
On Tuesday, she sanctioned Jones for failing to turn over analytic data related to his website and the popularity of his show. She told his lawyers that because of that failure, they will not be allowed to argue he didn’t profit from his Sandy Hook remarks.
Jones did not attend the opening of the trial Tuesday. He said on his show Monday that he would be traveling to Connecticut next week.
The trial is expected to last about a month and feature testimony from both Jones and the families.
Bellis instructed the jury that Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, have already been found liable for damages to the plaintiffs for calling the shooting a hoax on multiple media platforms and saying that no one died.
The Sandy Hook families and former FBI agent William Aldenberg say they have been confronted and harassed for years by people who believed Jones’ false claim that the shooting was staged by crisis actors as part of a plot to take away people’s guns.
Some say strangers have videotaped them and their surviving children. They’ve also endured death threats and been subjected to abusive comments on social media. And some families have moved out of Newtown to avoid harassment. They accuse Jones of causing them emotional and psychological harm.
Jones, whose web show and Infowars brand are based in Austin, Texas, has been banned from YouTube, Facebook and Spotify for violating hate-speech policies.
Jones now says he believes the shooting was real. At the Texas trial, he testified that he realizes what he said was irresponsible, did hurt people’s feelings and he apologized.
He continues, however, to insist that his comments were protected free speech. He views the lawsuits as efforts to silence him and put him out of business.
Jones’ lawyers say he intends to appeal the judgment against him in Texas. Jones also will face a third trial back in Texas involving the parents of another slain child.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/09/13/alex-jones-faces-second-trial-over-sandy-hook-hoax-claims/ | 2022-09-13T16:48:48Z |
The Association Retains Child Care Rates for 2023 While Investing to Expand the Benefits to Impact Children, Parents, Educators, and Schools.
TACOMA, Wash., Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties (YMCAPKC) is announcing Child Care program improvements to benefit families and youth within our communities. The association has also kept rates the same for the coming school year. There have been many drivers that led to these changes, including feedback and input from parents and school districts. These improvements consist of a new curriculum, implementation of leading childcare communication software, and a major discount offer for families of Child Care Program participants.
"Parents and schools are looking for a reliable, accessible, affordable, and convenient space for children to receive the best care and education possible. We get it. The Y understands that and has worked diligently to serve those within our programs," said Holly Tedford, Executive Director of the YMCAPKC Child Care. "We took the time to listen and act on what families and school districts truly valued in a caring regional partner. With these changes to our curriculum, communications, and a 50 percent family discount on YMCA memberships, we know families and school districts will benefit. We're dedicated to serving people in our communities and are excited to evolve and be back in schools where the Y is needed."
Child Care is implementing SCALED Learning™ curriculum wherein children participate in hands-on lessons such as STEM, career-centered learning, arts, literacy, educational growth, diversity, and global learning. Each learning area integrates common core state standards and a wide variety of national standards that align to education during the school day.
BrightWheel, a leading childcare management software application, will increase the frequency and quality of communications. Parents will have access to a communication stream that is informative, timely, and relevant.
Starting this 2022-2023 school year, families within the Child Care program will receive a 50 percent discount on their membership thus giving families access to any YMCAPKC community center nationwide. Children in YMCAPKC Child Care already receive a full Y membership, which includes access to youth programs, performing arts and sports. In addition, the discount is available for families with Child Care participants of Before & After School Care, and Early Learning Centers.
"We're excited to offer families an affordable and accessible discount that benefits the entire family. Child Care families are a part of the Y and should benefit from what the Y offers," said Charlie Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCAPKC. "We know that families and our district partners will benefit from these changes and look forward to serving them this coming school year and in the future."
Learn more about the YMCA Child Care programs in Pierce and Kitsap counties at ymcapkc.org/child-care.
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community. Since 1883, the YMCA of Pierce Kitsap Counties has worked to empower everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across our communities.
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SOURCE Young Men's Christian Association of Pierce and Kitsap County | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/ymca-pierce-kitsap-counties-announces-new-benefits-improvements-child-care-programs/ | 2022-08-30T21:48:32Z |
Baby goat found safe after video captured theft from field in Pinole
By Cornell Barnard
Click here for updates on this story
PINOLE, California (KGO) — A newborn goat whose kidnapping was caught on camera in Pinole was found safe by neighbors and returned to its mother, who the owner says was noticeably sad and confused over her baby’s disappearance.
The kidnapping happened where the goats were eating grass for fire protection.
There were 700 goats clearing the weeds in El Sobrante but the littlest one in the herd is missing. Goats R Us owner Terri Oyarzun isn’t the only one heartbroken… its mom is, too.
“The mom is missing it, wondering what happened,” she said.
Terri Oyarzun says the newborn goat was taken from its mom and herd on Friday when it was grazing in a Pinole neighborhood, the alleged theft was captured on Dom Erfe’s home security camera.
A person is seen snatching the baby goat and walks off with it, leaving its mother watching on the hillside, they cross the street getting into a grey sedan, possibly a Ford Focus and driving off seconds later. The goat-napping, a possible holiday prank.
“My thought is someone thought this was a wonderful Easter idea, I’m really sad someone would do that,” said Oyarzun.
A herder and watchdog did not witness the goat being stolen, the newborn kid now in need of its mother’s milk.
“As time ticks on, the separation between the mom and baby gets larger, it’s pathetic.” Oyarzun added. Dom Erfe says taking a baby goat is beyond belief.
“If I saw something escape from fence put it back, it’s not yours,” said Erfe.
Pinole Police are investigating the goat-napping, they say no leads so far.
Terri says these goats are more than weed-eating tools, they’re family and she has a message for whoever grabbed hers.
“My message is do the right thing, give back our goat.”
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/2022/04/19/baby-goat-found-safe-after-video-captured-theft-from-field-in-pinole/ | 2022-04-20T01:54:07Z |
Two CLE-Eligible Sessions Offered at In-Person Events from June 1 to 15; Designed to Deliver Tips and Insights for Ediscovery Success in the New AI World
OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everlaw, the cloud-native investigation and litigation platform, today announced the kickoff of its Connect events, an engaging, in-person symposium for legal professionals hosted jointly with EDRM. The half-day events pack in networking opportunities, CLE-eligible panels, great food and cocktails, sneak peeks of the latest in industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for ediscovery, and a special deep dive on trends in technology assisted review (TAR) with AI and ediscovery expert Dr. Maura R. Grossman.
Register here for Everlaw Connect.
"Today's legal professions who understand and wield the power of machine learning and AI for ediscovery are already reaping a competitive advantage in their cases and careers," said Chuck Kellner, ediscovery pioneer and Everlaw strategy leader. "Fluency in emerging tech is now a must-have for client and professional success. Our Connect events are designed to deliver a quick leg up on the rapidly evolving world of AI discovery with tech demos, tools and advice from both peers and world-leading experts. Bring your growth mindset and curiosity, and you'll be richly rewarded."
The Connect events half-day sessions run from noon to 6:30 pm local times. They are held at:
- Marriott Marquis Chicago (June 1)
- Westin New York at Times Square, New York (June 8)
- SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (June 15)
Everlaw and EDRM designed this symposium for legal professionals who want to return to valuable in-person peer networking and educational opportunities, with great food, drink and company.
Everlaw will host CLE-eligible panels on:
- "Lessons Learned on the Art of Efficiency" – featuring several Everlaw clients to discuss how to do more with less. They'll share lessons learned on the service models they are using in their law firms and their law departments, how they're deploying new technology, and how that affects their workflows. We will close with a sneak preview of some new legaltech that integrates supervised and unsupervised machine learning.
- "Emerging Trends in Predictive Coding" – This CLE in plain English provides updated case law and teaches what you need to get comfortable using supervised learning technology to negotiate an ESI protocol, and to build in your defensibility. We'll also discuss how predictive coding complements unsupervised learning for a great one-two punch.
Special featured speakers included are:
- A Fireside Chat, Everlaw's Chuck Kellner will sit down with Dr. Maura R. Grossman, an Am Law 20 litigator, professor of computer science, technology developer, and ediscovery special master in some of the largest and most contentious litigations in recent years. She'll provide practical advice about how to use AI to your advantage and how to think critically about these powerful tools.
- "How to Successfully Communicate, Connect and Collect in our Hybrid World," a discussion led by the EDRM's Mary Mack.
Day 2: On June 2 in Chicago, June 9 in NYC and June 16 in LA, the Everlaw User Education team welcomes current customers for an additional half-day of interactive training experience. The experience will focus on how users can save time and money by providing guidance on how to incorporate AI into their review process and how to be more efficient throughout the life of a case on Everlaw. Users will have the chance to work together to share insight into how they have tackled common problems and will receive guidance from the experts from Everlaw's User Education team on how to deliver the best results using the Everlaw platform.
Register here for Customer Education
About Everlaw
Everlaw blends cutting-edge technology with modern design to help government entities, law firms and corporations solve the toughest problems in the legal industry. Everlaw is used by Fortune 100 corporate counsels and household brands like Hilton and Dick's Sporting Goods, 91 out of the AM Law 200 and all 50 U.S. state attorneys general. Based in Oakland, California, Everlaw is funded by top-tier investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, CapitalG, H.I.G. Growth Partners, K9 Ventures, Menlo Ventures, and TPG Growth.
Learn more at https://www.everlaw.com.
Media Contact:
Colleen Haikes
press@everlaw.com
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SOURCE Everlaw | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/everlaw-offers-half-day-symposium-ai-driven-ediscovery-chicago-nyc-la/ | 2022-05-20T15:49:36Z |
BOSTON, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Keytos starts BlackHat 2022 with the exciting announcement of the launch of EZSmartCard . EZSmartCard is a security product that helps organizations to meet the strict identity requirements of the US Government Executive Order 14028 by enabling passwordless onboarding and creation of cryptographic smartcards.
Keytos specializes in cryptographic solutions that enable companies to save on IT spend while increasing security by enabling them to go passwordless. EZSmartCard expands the Keytos toolset by solving one of the most challenging and most expensive identity problems: seamless and secure user onboarding. Keytos unique technology removes the need for temporary passwords and improves security by having multi-factor authentication since the first authentication.
"EZSmartCard addresses the missing piece to truly passwordless authentication. I believe that this amazing tool complimenting Microsoft's unphishable credentials will drastically reduce the #1 cause of security breaches: stolen credentials." Igal Flegmann, Co-Founder & CEO, Keytos.
Keytos is a Boston-based cybersecurity startup with the ambitious goal of making the world truly passwordless by creating easy to use cryptography-based tools. Since its beginning Keytos has been hard at work to achieve this goal. Starting with their first tools EZSSH and EZGIT which centralized and addressed the hard problem of decentralized never expiring SSH Keys by seamlessly creating short term SSH certificates. To solving SSL certificate management by creating EZMonitor a monitoring tool that gives organizations full visibility into their SSL health and EZCA a cloud-based certificate authority that allows organizations to easily create and automatically manage SSL certificates. This new tool enables Keytos to get closer to their goal by helping organizations secure their most vulnerable identity: their user identity.
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SOURCE Keytos LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/10/keytos-announces-launch-ezsmartcard-helping-organizations-go-passwordless/ | 2022-08-10T17:56:01Z |
SMArtX Expands both SMA and Model-Delivery Solutions from Industry Leaders
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SMArtX Advisory Solutions ("SMArtX"), a leading innovator in unified managed accounts (UMA) technology and architect of the SMArtX turnkey asset management platform ('TAMP'), announced the addition of 14 new investment strategies to its platform. The SMArtX platform now supports 1,095 model-traded and manager-traded separate account strategies offered from a diverse group of 268 asset managers.
The announcement comes on the heels of SMArtX's nomination of being named a finalist in six industry awards: Four categories for the 2022 Wealth Management "Wealthies" Industry Awards and two categories for ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards.
SMArtX has added three new asset management firms — Liberty One Investment Management, Shelton Capital Management, and St. James Investment Advisors— to give advisors more strategies to build and offer custom portfolios at scale to clients. These new offerings are distributed and traded by SMArtX through its award-winning cloud-based solution across seven custodial platforms.
"SMArtX's rapid growth goes hand-in-hand with the support of industry leaders like these to offer our clients some of the most diverse strategies in the industry," said Evan Rapoport, CEO of SMArtX Advisory Solutions. "The fact that existing firms are adding strategies to the platform indicates SMArtX's progression from a disruptive TAMP solution to a managed accounts technology that is setting a new industry precedent."
Four existing firms have added to the SMArtX platform, providing investors access to more strategies from venerable firms Alliance Bernstein, iSectors, Neuberger Berman, and Putnam Investments. The strategies across all seven firms encompass model delivery exposures to U.S. equities, which are complemented by several separately managed accounts (SMAs) focused municipal and tax-aware strategies.
The complete list of new strategies includes:
- Alliance Bernstein
- iSectors
- Liberty One Investment Management
- Neuberger Berman
- Putnam Investments
- Shelton Capital Management
- St. James Investment Advisors
SMArtX's continued growth is driven by two main applications of its technology: the off-the-shelf TAMP offering, which is built using SMArtX Advisory Solutions' proprietary UMA technology, and the ability to tailor and utilize its UMA technology through cloud-based APIs to meet the mandates of large enterprises, RIA platforms, and hybrid broker-dealers.
Jonathan Pincus, President and COO of SMArtX expanded that "when markets suddenly reverse a long-term upward trend and have to deal with a volatile, recessionary environment, that's when the cracks in your technology solutions start to show. Today's markets require a modern solution."
About SMArtX Advisory Solutions
SMArtX Advisory Solutions is an award-winning managed accounts technology provider and manages SMArtX, a turnkey asset management platform ('TAMP'). SMArtX's API-first, cloud-native technology operates within a modular, micro-services architecture, providing clients a tailored solution catered to their unique specifications. SMArtX is available as an off-the-shelf TAMP for advisors seeking wider selection of investment product and ease of use, while automating the investment processes and simplifying the everyday tasks of managing client accounts. SMArtX also licenses its proprietary technology to enterprise firms looking to create, customize, or upgrade their existing managed accounts technology as a standalone or fully integrated solution. SMArtX is the managed account technology and TAMP platform of choice for multiple RIAs, broker-dealers, and asset managers. Learn more at www.smartxadvisory.com
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SOURCE SMArtX Advisory Solutions | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/smartx-advisory-solutions-turnkey-asset-management-platform-builds-its-ranks-with-14-new-strategies/ | 2022-08-03T11:22:59Z |
Which rug is best for dorm rooms?
Fall is an exciting time for many college students. It’s the start of a new academic term with all of the possibility to make the most of a few short but memorable years. Make sure that your dorm room includes warmth and personality to really make it feel like a home away from home.
Whether you’re in a dorm room or live off-campus, it’s always fun to claim your space in order to gear up for academic success. A dorm rug adds both practicality and style in a way that can also compliment your personality. For more information, look at these area rug recommendations from BestReviews.
What you need to know before buying a dorm room rug
Some dorm rooms can span less than 180 square feet. Make sure to measure your dorm room space before purchasing a rug. Keep this in mind if you have to share the space with a dorm mate. Some schools offer the ability to look at the general dorm room sizes and layouts so that you can get an idea of the space before even physically seeing the room.
Natural fiber rugs
Natural fiber rugs are often a more friendly option for people that struggle with allergies to synthetic materials. Usually, they are made with plant fibers and tend to be highly durable in order to keep up with the usual wear and tear within a high-traffic area. Natural fibers such as sisal also make it easier to clean the rug.
Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection
Made with natural seagrass fibers, this rug is ideal for a contemporary feel with an environmentally friendly twist. This rug is a reasonable weight at around 19 pounds for the 5 x 8-foot size. It’s power-loomed with a cotton border and recommends a professional cleaning.
Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s and Bed Bath & Beyond
nuLOOM Elijah Natural Seagrass Farmhouse Area Rug
This rug has a variety of popular dorm room sizes like 6 x 9 feet and 4 x 6 feet. The 6 x 9 feet rug option weighs about 23 pounds. It’s made with natural fibers in a rectangular shape.
Sold by Amazon
Machine washable rugs
High-traffic areas like a dorm bedroom tend to attract more dirt and grime than other less trafficked areas. Looking into a washable rug can save money and headache down the road. Skip rugs that require professional cleaning and choose ones that you can wash on your own. Keep in mind that size does play a factor in washing, so select a size that works well with the intended washing machine.
Gorilla Grip Premium Faux Fur Area Rug
Gorilla Grip provides a faux fur rug that’s machine washable on the gentle cycle and best left out to dry. It comes in different faux fur colors and sizes in order to accommodate taste and size restrictions. The rubber backing helps to prevent slips and keep the rug in place.
Sold by Amazon
This rug is machine washable and vacuum friendly to encourage a clean and mess-free living environment. It’s also non-slip for safety in hard floor dorm rooms. The shag top of the rug is more than 1-inch thick in order to promote a more comfortable and plush feel.
Sold by Amazon
The rectangular rug comes in different sizes and colors to fit both personal taste and dorm size requirements. This rug can fit under two categories as it’s both environmentally friendly and machine washable. It’s made from recycled synthetic fibers and uses a non-slip back in order to prevent potential rug slides.
Sold by Amazon
Affordable rugs under $150
Rugs can cost a variety of prices and can often run into the three to four digits. Luckily, there are several options that can comfort both your feet and wallet. Keep the price point low and look into options that offer both comfort and style on a more student-friendly budget.
iCustomRug Zara Synthetic Sisal Collection Area Rug
The iCustomRug company offers different colors and sizes, but both the 4 x 6 and the 6 x 8-foot rug fall under budget. It is made from polypropylene, which is a synthetic material that can work well for people that suffer from allergies as it tends to repel dust. This rug also weighs a little over 13 pounds and remains stain resistant, which is ideal for a first-time solo home or a communal dorm room setting.
Sold by Amazon
PAGISOFE Ultra Soft Fluffy Shaggy Area Rugs
This rug comes in a variety of different colors and sizes for the perfect dorm room fit. The plush faux fur design weighs a little over 6 pounds with non-toxic material. It touts hypoallergenic properties in order to remain friendly to people with allergies and sensitive skin. The rug can be cleaned with a gentler handheld vacuum or hand washed and spot treated for stains.
Sold by Amazon
Unique Loom Trellis Frieze Collection Lattice Moroccan Geometric Modern Area Rug
A geometric pattern covers the rug that’s available in different sizes and colors. The pile of the rug is made from polypropylene and the back is partly cotton. This rug can be spot cleaned or vacuumed.
Sold by Amazon
Nourison Grafix Circle Geometric Area Rug
This rug comes in various dorm-friendly sizes like 6 x 9 and 8 x 10 feet. It was created using polypropylene material in a rectangular shape.
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/home-br/decor-br/best-dorm-room-rugs/ | 2022-07-19T16:28:44Z |
URBANA, Ill (StudyFinds.org) – Are avocados really toxic and harmful to dogs? A new study finds this long-time claim appears to be just a myth. A team from the University of Illinois adds using the superfood to make dog chow would actually provide pets with a healthy source of nutrition.
Among people, avocados have become rockstars of the food pyramid in recent years. Several studies have found links between eating more avocado and improving gut health, weight management, and even fighting cancer. With so many people opting for avocado toast for breakfast these days, researchers wondered if they could create avocado biscuits for dogs.
The team says they would do this by using avocado meal, which is the ground, dried, and defatted pulp, seed, and skin left over after avocado oil processing — creating a fiber for dry dog food.
Why do people think avocados are toxic?
A quick Google search will deliver plenty of sources explaining how avocados contain a substance called persin which is harmful to dogs. Even the ASPCA says persin from avocados can cause vomiting and diarrhea if dogs consume it.
Despite these warnings, researcher Maria Cattai de Godoy says the claims are overblown. In fact, the team was not able to find any detectable levels of persin in their avocado meal.
“Being from Brazil, avocados grow in our backyards. They fall on the ground, and if dogs get hold of them, they eat them. Just like they do with mangoes, bananas, or any other fruits that grow natively in our country. I’d never heard of a dog dying from eating an avocado, so I was really curious why they were considered toxic here,” says Cattai de Godoy, associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I, in a university release.
“When you look at the literature for avocado toxicity, all that exists are a few case studies. Dogs reported to have a fondness for avocado showed some signs of toxicity, but the case reports couldn’t prove avocados caused those symptoms. There are a lot of uncontrolled factors in these cases.”
Moreover, researchers couldn’t find a significant amount of direct evidence that persin in avocados was making dogs sick. Those studies also failed to detail where the persin was concentrated in the avocado plants or the fruit itself. Additionally, none of them examined persin levels in avocado meal.
Persin breaks down fast
A deeper analysis of the compound revealed why researchers couldn’t find any persin in their new dog fiber.
“Persin is structurally similar to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, meaning there are a lot of double bonds,” Cattai de Godoy explains. “They’re not very stable; heat and light can make them break down. Processing is very likely breaking down persin, which is probably why we cannot see it in the meal.”
“In fact, the concentration was so small in the avocado meal that it was out of our standard curve linear range, meaning it was below detection level. We observed, however, detectable amounts of persin in the raw fruit, including the peel, pulp, and pit.” the project leader continues.
A new source of nutrients for pups?
After concluding that avocado meal was safe to feed to dogs, the team fed three different fiber sources to a group of beagles: avocado meal, beet pulp, and cellulose. Over a two-week trial, study authors did not record any signs of toxicity or distress among the dogs eating avocado meal.
As for the other two industry standards, cellulose is an insoluble fiber which creates fecal bulk. Beet pulp, on the other hand, is the gold-standard fiber in pet foods, according to Cattai de Godoy. It’s a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber that feeds good gut bacteria while also promoting fecal bulk.
While comparing the three as a healthy fiber source, the team found avocado meal falls right in between cellulose and beet pulp.
“High fiber diets are not always palatable for pets, but that is not what we saw. The dogs consumed enough food to meet or exceed their energy requirements. The high inclusion of avocado meal [about 19%] was acceptable to them,” Cattai de Godoy says.
Could other avocado sources still be toxic?
The researchers note that they only tested persin levels from one source of avocado meal. These levels could vary depending on the cultivars and processing practices companies use — which the avocado industry does not standardize. However, Cattai de Godoy says the findings show avocados may be just as healthy for pets as they are for people.
“If you have a tool nobody has looked at and it’s economical and highly abundant, why not use it? From what we can tell, it seems to be a safe ingredient. We don’t see a signal for persin in avocado meal, and there is not really a robust literature pointing to persin as a true toxin for dogs or cats” she concludes. “I certainly think there’s still work to be done in order to say there are no concerns, especially if we were giving the fresh fruit. But according to our study, I think avocado meal is a safe bet and can be used effectively as a sole source of dietary fiber or in fiber blends.”
The study is published in the Journal of Animal Science. | https://cw33.com/news/avocados-for-dogs-study-debunks-claims-superfood-is-toxic-for-pets/ | 2022-04-04T13:59:42Z |
CUTE: Police use snacks to lure pig off of highway
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Police in Oregon want to know if anyone is missing a pet pig.
The Portland Police Bureau is searching for the owner of a pig that was found in traffic early Tuesday morning, according to KPTV.
Just after midnight, an officer was driving when she saw traffic slowing in front of her and appearing to drive around something in the road. The officer then saw the object was a pig.
Other officers came to help and animal control was called. Police said officers worked to contain the pig and keep him safe from passing vehicles.
There were a few short foot pursuits while officers tried to contain the pig. Officers used snacks, including Goldfish crackers and cookies, to keep him calm and contained. Police said the pig was not a fan of nacho cheese Doritos.
Once staff from the On Call Community Rescue for Animals arrived, police said it took several attempts and seven people to safely coral the pig into a crate.
Police are trying to track down the owner of the pig, who will be known as John Doe. If you are the owner or may know who the owner is, please call the shelter directly.
Copyright 2022 KPTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/27/cute-police-use-snacks-lure-pig-off-highway/ | 2022-04-27T22:20:03Z |
BOZEMAN, Mo., July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Credova, a Bozeman Montana based Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) provider for the outdoor recreation market is attending iCast, the American Sportfishing Association's (ASA) trademark tradeshow July 19th through July 22nd. From the iCastfishing.org website, "ICAST, the world's largest sportfishing trade show, is the premier showcase for the latest innovations in gear, tackle, accessories and apparel. ICAST is the cornerstone of the sportfishing industry, helping to drive recreational fishing product sales year round." Credova will exhibit at booth 742, and will provide Credova's ASA member benefit information and show specials throughout iCast.
Recently, Creodva announced a new endorsement by the ASA as the preferred BNPL provider for the organization. "We are pleased to create payment technology solutions for the outdoor recreation and farm/ranch markets, and look forward providing our technology to ASA members," says Dusty Wunderlich, Credova CEO.
About The American Sportfishing Association (ASA): ASA is a national, non-profit trade association whose member companies and organizations share a stake in promoting sportfishing as part of a diverse, multi-billion-dollar industry that is global in scope. Our industry contributes to the economic strength and stature of our nation with a $129 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for 825,000 people in communities throughout the U.S. Our leadership and financial investments in conservation make all manner of outdoor experiences possible and support a healthy environment for everyone.
Since 1933, when ASA was formed, we've grown from a consortium of tackle manufacturers, to include every sector of the industry - independent dealers and distributers, rep groups, media companies, federal and state agencies and other non-profit organizations. ASA also produces ICAST, the world's largest international sportfishing trade show that encompasses the entire outdoor experience.
About Credova: Credova is a group of like-minded individuals who love the outdoors and the adventures it provides. We hold the special bonding among friends and family created while experiencing the outdoors as one of the greatest joys in life, and have made a business of helping Americans experience this joy. Outdoor adventures such as fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, camping and motorsports (to name a few) require equipment. This equipment is often expensive and Americans sometimes need help spreading the payments for these enablers of joy over time. This is Credova's mission.
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SOURCE Credova | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/credova-bringing-buy-now-pay-later-icast/ | 2022-07-15T21:20:39Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the latest Jan. 6 hearing, already standing out for its notable moments, Rep. Liz Cheney saved the most startling for last.
In her closing remarks, the co-chair of the House investigating committee said the panel had learned that former President Donald Trump had recently tried to contact a witness whom “you have not yet seen in these hearings.”
The witness apparently recognized the caller ID, and did not answer the phone, instead contacting a lawyer, who then told the committee. The committee in turn referred the matter to the Justice Department.
Though much remains uncertain about the call, including its purpose and the intended recipient, the way it was described Tuesday raised the prospect that Trump or someone close to him was hoping to shape witness testimony in the ongoing congressional hearings into the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
While the committee has focused largely on compiling a historical record of the attack and Trump’s role in it, Cheney’s assertions about the former president’s phone call added another layer to the inquiry.
It was not the first time the committee has raised the possibility of witness tampering. Among its disclosures on that subject, last month the panel revealed that one witness had been contacted by someone it did not identify, reminding the person that they were perceived as “loyal” and would “do the right thing” at their deposition the next day.
The Justice Department declined to comment on Cheney’s disclosure, and it was not clear whether prosecutors who are tracking the hearings might follow up on the outreach to witnesses.
Even so, such contact is problematic given how easy it is for prosecutors to read nefarious intent into it, and can be illegal in instances when someone instructs a witness in any official proceeding to lie, to not cooperate or to otherwise hinder an investigation.
“From a legal perspective, I’m advising my client, ‘Don’t make a call, don’t tell someone to make a call, don’t do anything where there’s any appearance where you’re trying to influence a witness,’” said Michael Weinstein, a former Justice Department prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in New Jersey.
Witness tampering prosecutions are relatively rare and when pursued are hardly slam dunks, Weinstein said, with prosecutors and defense lawyers often diverging on the meaning and intent of particular language to a witness.
The federal statute even says that defendants charged with witness tampering can raise as an affirmative defense that their sole intention was to encourage or induce a witness to testify truthfully.
“It’s a very difficult case because unless someone is explicit — i.e. ‘Don’t Testify. If you testify, I’m going to kill you’ — there are a lot of nuances,” Weinstein said.
Instances cited by the Jan. 6 committee would appear to involve nuance. In one, a witness said they were told that “as long as I continue to be a team player, they know I’m on the right team. I’m doing the right thing. I’m protecting who I need to protect, you know, I’ll continue to stay in good graces in Trump World.”
The witness was reminded that Trump does read transcripts.
Another message described by the committee involved a witness who was contacted by a person purporting to pass along a message from someone “who wants me to let you know he’s thinking about you. He knows you’re loyal and you’re going to do the right thing when you go in for your deposition.”
None of the people were identified by the committee, but some media reports identified the person who got such a message as Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows.
The principal statute governing witness tampering applies to federal proceedings, whether congressional, executive or judicial, and prosecutors must generally establish that the offender knowingly sought to influence, delay or prevent a witness’s testimony. A separate statute makes it a crime to intentionally obstruct a pending congressional proceeding.
That witnesses have described being contacted, or that Trump is said to have a keen interest in testimony or cooperation that could be damaging to him, is perhaps not surprising. Special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation documented numerous instances in which Trump or his associates made contact with people they feared could harm them.
Longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone was indicted, then convicted, of witness tampering charges that accused him of urging a witness in a congressional investigation to do a “Frank Pentangeli” — a reference to a character in “The Godfather: Part II” who lies to lawmakers. Trump’s campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, also faced accusations that he sought to tamper with witness testimony.
In addition, Mueller’s report cites an account from Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, that Trump called him a few days after the FBI served search warrants on Cohen and told the attorney to “hang in there” and to “stay strong.” Friends of Trump told Cohen that the president loved him and had his back.
At the time, Trump’s business, the Trump Organization, was paying Cohen’s legal fees, but Cohen has said that stopped after he began discussing with family and friends that he was considering cooperating with Mueller’s investigation.
The Jan. 6 committee is also exploring payments and fees from Trump that have gone to people who have been asked to appear before the panel.
Trump’s sprawling fundraising operation paid at least $4.8 million for “legal expenses” to more than 30 different firms between February 2021 and May of this year, campaign finance disclosures show.
That includes a $50,000 payment to a law firm where one of Steve Bannon’s lawyers is a partner. Bannon, a former White House strategist and Trump ally, is facing trial next week on charges of defying the Jan. 6 committee’s subpoena. His lawyer, M. Evan Corcoran, did not return an email seeking comment.
Separately, the committee has noted that Trump’s political action committee has made a $1 million charitable contribution to a foundation, the Conservative Partnership Institute, where Meadows is a senior partner. That contribution was made in July 2021, months before Meadows had halted his cooperation with the committee. A lawyer for Meadows declined to comment Wednesday.
The money was referenced last month by a committee investigator who alleged that large sums Trump raised from supporters to advance the lie that the election was stolen went to his PAC.
But proving that the payment to Meadows’ foundation was in any way improper or meant to influence his testimony would be a significant challenge, said Steven Lubet, a Northwestern University law professor.
“You’d have to prove it’s a corrupt motive and you’d have to prove that the intention is to hinder, delay, prevent or influence the testimony,” Lubet said. “And transferring the money doesn’t establish any of those requirements, so there’d have to be some additional proof that those things have happened.”
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Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Brian Slodysko in Washington contributed to this report.
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For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/witness-tampering-at-jan-6-hearing-cheney-raises-prospect/ | 2022-07-14T12:14:03Z |
Some Texas schools may describe slavery as ‘involuntary relocation’
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Public schools in Texas would describe slavery to second graders as “involuntary relocation” under new social studies standards proposed to the state’s education board.
A group of nine educators submitted the idea to the State Board of Education as part of Texas’ efforts to develop new social studies curriculum, according to the Texas Tribune. The once-a-decade process updates what children learn in the state’s nearly 8,900 public schools.
The board is considering curriculum changes one year after Texas passed a law to eliminate topics from schools that make students “feel discomfort.”
Board member Aicha Davis, a Democrat who represents Dallas and Fort Worth, raised concerns during a June 15 meeting that the term wasn’t a fair representation of the slave trade. The board sent the draft back for revision, urging the educator group to “carefully examine the language used to describe events.”
“I can’t say what their intention was, but that’s not going to be acceptable,” Davis told The Texas Tribune on Thursday.
Part of the proposed draft standards obtained by The Texas Tribune say students should “compare journeys to America, including voluntary Irish immigration and involuntary relocation of African people during colonial times.”
Texas’ public education system has become heavily politicized in recent years, with lawmakers passing legislation to dictate how race and slavery should be taught in schools and conservative groups pouring large amounts of money into school board races.
Texas drew attention for a similar situation in 2015, when a student noticed wording in a textbook that referred to slaves who were brought to America as “workers.” The book’s publisher apologized and promised to increase the number of textbook reviewers it uses.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/04/some-texas-schools-may-describe-slavery-involuntary-relocation/ | 2022-07-04T04:18:05Z |
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SandRidge Energy, Inc. (the "Company" or "SandRidge") (NYSE: SD) today announced financial and operational results for the three month period ended March 31, 2022.
Recent Highlights
- Generated Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $39.4 million in the first quarter compared to $37.5 million in the prior quarter
- First quarter net income was $34.7 million, or $0.95 per share. Adjusted net income was $34.9 million, or $0.95 per share
- First quarter production of 17.8 MBoed compared to Mid-Continent production of 17.5 MBoed in the same period of 2021, despite no drilling or completion activity over the prior twelve months
- During the first quarter, the Company proactively procured approximately $4.7 million worth of materials related to its 2022 capital program, helping to mitigate the impacts of inflation for goods and services
- As of March 31, 2022, the Company returned 139 wells to production since the beginning of 2021 that were previously curtailed due to the 2020 commodity price downturn
- The Company had no open hedge positions as of March 31, 2022
- First quarter adjusted G&A(1) of $2.2 million, or $1.35 per Boe, compared to $2.5 million, or $1.46 per Boe in the prior quarter
Financial Results & Update
Profitability & Realized Pricing
For the three-months ended March 31, 2022, the Company reported net income of $34.7 million, or $0.95 per share, and net cash provided by operating activities of $32.2 million. After adjusting for certain items, the Company's adjusted net income(1) amounted to $34.9 million, or $0.95 per share, operating cash flow(2) totaled $39.1 million and adjusted EBITDA(1) was $39.4 million for the quarter. The Company defines and reconciles adjusted net income, operating cash flow, adjusted EBITDA, and other non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States ("GAAP") measure in supporting tables at the conclusion of this press release.
First quarter realized oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids prices, before the impact of derivatives,(2) were $92.35, $3.84 and $33.73, respectively, compared to $75.72, $3.94 and $28.39 in the prior quarter. The table below compares the Company's first quarter oil and gas realizations to the daily average spot prices for Henry Hub and West Texas Intermediate ("WTI"). Since the end of the first quarter, commodity prices have continued to rise, further boosting the Company's cash flow generation potential.
Operating Costs
During the first quarter of 2022, lease operating expense ("LOE") was $10.9 million or $6.76 per Boe compared to $9.7 million, or $5.74 per Boe in the prior quarter. The increase is primarily due to a higher number of producing wells, higher workover expense associated with our well reactivation program, and higher service and materials costs due to recent inflation.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, general and administrative expense ("G&A") was $2.5 million, or $1.57 per Boe compared to $2.8 million, or $1.67 per Boe for the three months ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted G&A(1) was $2.2 million, or $1.35 per Boe during the first quarter of 2022 compared to $2.5 million, or $1.46 per Boe during the fourth quarter of 2021.
Operational Results & Update
Production
Production totaled 1,606 MBoe (17.8 MBoed, 13.3% oil, 32.8% NGLs and 53.9% natural gas) for the three-months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 1,574 MBoe (17.5 MBoed, 14.0% oil, 33.1% NGLs, and 52.9% natural gas) of Mid-Continent production in the same period of 2021, representing an increase of approximately two percent despite no new drilling or completion activity over the prior twelve months.
2022 Development Program
During the first quarter, SandRidge proactively procured approximately $4.7 million worth of materials related to its 2022 capital program in order to secure favorable pricing in relationship to the current inflationary environment. Approximately $0.9 million of these costs were recorded as prepaid expenses. All of these expenditures are in line with the annual guidance figures published in conjunction with the announcement of the Company's 2022 capital development program on March 9, 2022.
Well Reactivation & Rod Pump Conversion Program
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company continued returning wells to production that were previously curtailed due to the commodity price downturn in the first half of 2020 and, in many cases, improving their production potential through modest capital improvements. Improved commodity pricing resulting in high rates of return, along with low execution risk, support the Company's belief that these projects represent an efficient use of capital. During the first three months of 2022, the Company brought 10 wells back online, bringing the total since the beginning of 2021 to 139. SandRidge currently expects to return approximately 30 wells to production and complete approximately 35 artificial lift conversions throughout 2022 and continues to evaluate its inventory of such projects.
Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")
SandRidge maintains its Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") commitment, to include no routine flaring of produced natural gas. The Company continues to explore the technical and commercial viability of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration ("CCUS") across its owned and operated assets through its partnership with the University of Oklahoma.
Liquidity and Capital Structure
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $165.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash. The Company has no outstanding term or revolving debt obligations.
Conference Call Information
The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:00 am CT. The conference call can be accessed by registering online at https://conferencingportals.com/event/zyeigzBU at which time registrants will receive dial-in information as well as a conference ID. At the time of the call, participants will dial in using the participant number and conference ID provided upon registration.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available via SandRidge's website, www.sandridgeenergy.com, under Investor Relations/Presentation & Events. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Company's website for 30 days.
SandRidge's current 2022 investor presentation, published on March 9, 2022, can be found on the Company's website at http://investors.sandridgeenergy.com/Investor-Relations/.
Contact Information
Investor Relations
SandRidge Energy, Inc.
1 E. Sheridan Ave. Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
investors@sandridgeenergy.com
About SandRidge Energy, Inc.
SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. Its primary area of operations is the Mid-Continent region in Oklahoma and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com.
-Tables to Follow-
Operational and Financial Statistics
Information regarding the Company's production, pricing, costs and earnings is presented below:
Capital Expenditures
The table below presents actual results of the Company's capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Capitalization
The Company's capital structure as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is presented below:
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP measures are not alternatives to GAAP measures, and you should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Below is additional disclosure regarding each of the non-GAAP measures used in this press release, including reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Operating Cash Flow
The Company defines operating cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities as shown in the following table. Operating cash flow is a supplemental financial measure used by the Company's management and by securities analysts, investors, lenders, rating agencies and others who follow the industry as an indicator of the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service or incur additional debt. The Company also uses this measure because operating cash flow relates to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that the Company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. Further, operating cash flow allows the Company to compare its operating performance and return on capital with those of other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization - other and depreciation and depletion - oil and natural gas. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented herein, is EBITDA excluding items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results such as items whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated or are non-recurring, as shown in the following tables.
Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes it provides useful additional information used by the Company's management and by securities analysts, investors, lenders, ratings agencies and others who follow the industry for analysis of the Company's financial and operating performance on a recurring basis and the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development and to service or incur additional debt. In addition, management believes that adjusted EBITDA is widely used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry. The Company's adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders
The Company defines adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results and are typically excluded from published estimates by the investment community, including items whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated or are non-recurring, as shown in the following tables.
Management uses the supplemental measure of adjusted net income (loss) as an indicator of the Company's operational trends and performance relative to other oil and natural gas companies and believes it is more comparable to earnings estimates provided by securities analysts. Adjusted net income (loss) is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for net income (loss) available to common stockholders.
Reconciliation of G&A to Adjusted G&A
The Company reports and provides guidance on Adjusted G&A per Boe because it believes this measure is commonly used by management, analysts and investors as an indicator of cost management and operating efficiency on a comparable basis from period to period and to compare and make investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry. This non-GAAP measure allows for the analysis of general and administrative spend without regard to stock-based compensation programs and other non-recurring cash items, if any, which can vary significantly between companies. Adjusted G&A per Boe is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for general and administrative expense per Boe. Therefore, the Company's Adjusted G&A per Boe may not be comparable to other companies' similarly titled measures.
The Company defines adjusted G&A as general and administrative expense adjusted for certain non-cash stock-based compensation and other non-recurring items, if any, as shown in the following tables:
Cautionary Note to Investors - This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and reflect SandRidge's current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and operating performance. The forward-looking statements include projections and estimates of the Company's corporate strategies, future operations, development plans and appraisal programs, drilling inventory and locations, estimated oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production, price realizations and differentials, hedging program, projected operating, general and administrative and other costs, projected capital expenditures, tax rates, efficiency and cost reduction initiative outcomes, liquidity and capital structure and the Company's unaudited proved developed PV-10 reserve value of its Mid-Continent assets. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, our success in discovering, estimating, developing and replacing oil and natural gas reserves, actual decline curves and the actual effect of adding compression to natural gas wells, the availability and terms of capital, the ability of counterparties to transactions with us to meet their obligations, our timely execution of hedge transactions, credit conditions of global capital markets, changes in economic conditions, the amount and timing of future development costs, the availability and demand for alternative energy sources, regulatory changes, including those related to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We refer you to the discussion of risk factors in Part I, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in comparable "Risk Factor" sections of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed after such form 10-K. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The actual results or developments anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on our Company or our business or operations. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. Its primary areas of operation are the Mid-Continent in Oklahoma and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com.
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SOURCE SandRidge Energy, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/sandridge-energy-inc-announces-financial-operating-results-three-month-period-ended-march-31-2022/ | 2022-05-04T22:09:40Z |
HARBIN, China, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from Science and Technology Daily: 2022 is a crucial year for the large-scale development of 5G applications and the comprehensive iterative upgrading of the technology.
Held both online and offline on August 9, the theme of the 2022 World 5G Convention Media Forum is "5G empowers international communication capacity".
Experts and professionals from domestic and international media outlets, and 5G tech enterprises jointly discussed the in-depth integration of 5G technology and international communication from the perspective of globalization, explored the direction of international communication with 5G technology in multimedia era, and analyzed how to formulate targeted international communication strategies in accordance with the needs of international audiences on media forum of the 2022 World 5G Convention.
Director of China International Communications Group (CICG), Du Zhanyuan shared four viewpoints on the future development of 5G media and the empowerment of 5G technology, saying, "we need to build the 5G ecology of the international communication."
President of Science and Technology Daily, Zhang Biyong said, "Science and Technology Daily (S&T Daily) has been paying close attention to the dynamic development of the integration between 5G technology and media, guiding global media on multiple levels, dimensions and channels. S&T Daily is always upholding scientific spirit when reporting openness and innovation, digital security, ecological protection and climate change. We are trying to influence international media in an objective manner, clear up misunderstandings, making the whole world have a better knowledge of China's scientific progress and smart solutions and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for humankind."
Director of Science and Technology Department of Heilongjiang Province, Zhang Changbin and President of Heilongjiang Daily Press Group, Zhang Chunjiao attended the forum and gave viewpoints concerning local multimedia industry.
The pivotal role of 5G in communication
Editor-in-chief of S&T Daily, Xu Zhilong said that the construction of 5G ecology has reached a golden opportunity. With the empowerment of 5G technology, the structure and ability of media to collect and spread information have changed accordingly, thus strong international communication strength is needed to make China's voice heard.
Director of China Society of Science and Technology System Reform, Zhang Jingan said, "China's development needs the world, and the world needs China. It is crucial to let the world know about China through the media. It is of great significance to build the friendship circle among Belt and Road Initiative through the media. 5G technology should be used to enable more foreign friends to understand and support China, so as to become an inevitable force for world peace and development."
Deputy editor-in-chief of Guangming Daily, Zhao Jianguo said, "5G has brought new opportunities for change of the mainstream media. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data and other cutting-edge technologies created 'a modern communication network on a whole new level' for production and transmission of news. Ultra HD, 5G livestreaming and VR will lead to greater innovation in transmission, and constantly improve the influence of mainstream media. Empowered by technologies, the news chain will be infinitely expanded with media convergence. These are all enabling tools for international communication."
Deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, Sun Shangwu also shared his opinion, saying, "As a media person, firstly we will focus on mobile communication and enhance immediacy, enabling exchanges between China and the rest of the world to spread faster and further. Secondly, we need to make our exchanges more social and interactive to make them more approachable and accessible. Thirdly, we should focus on visualization and make it more vivid so as to make China-foreign exchanges more active."
New requirements for international communication in 5G era
Dean of Academy of contemporary China and World studies, Yu Yunquan said, "The 5G era has put forward new requirements for international media communication. Firstly is to deepen the thinking of Internet of Things and strengthen the exploration and application of new platforms. Secondly, further improve the "precision" of information services, especially the planning ability. Thirdly, Accelerate the depth of integration with the technology industry, better meet the needs of the audience."
Targeted communication of all-media, cross culture and multiple languages will become the new trend in the information age.
Vasily Pushkov, director of International Cooperation, Sputnik News Agency and Radio, said, "The COVID-19 pandemic showed the crucial role, which new technologies play in international communications and information exchange. Online formats of interaction are developing rapidly; virtual international events bring together thousands of participants from all over the world, and bilateral online meetings with partners have become something common."
Zhao Sha, China Media Development Director of PR Newswire said, "People who work in the media industry are paying closer attention to data from the audience. The increase of the number of views, shares, likes and videos played directly affects the entire industry."
5G empowers the media industry of the future
Emilio Saldaña, head of science and technology for TV channel 22 in Mexico said, "The fast transmission and ultra-low latency of 5G technology will revolutionize the digital media industry, particularly in two aspects: how news is collected and how it is delivered. 5G technology can help our journalists improve their ability to capture breaking news and produce media products in a short period of time. With the popularization of 5G technology, we will continue to optimize the delivery and experience of news in the digital era."
Forum guests from Huawei, Tencent, ZTE and Qualcomm also elaborated on the various channels and ways that technology can help improve the international communication capacity from the perspective of 5G application technology, and described the multi-sensory experience of immersive news.
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SOURCE Science and Technology Daily | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/science-technology-daily-5g-empowers-international-communication-capacity-multimedia-era/ | 2022-08-11T15:19:52Z |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A peek at Golden State’s practice Saturday wouldn’t have suggested that the Warriors are trailing the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Stephen Curry was making most of his shots, as usual. Klay Thompson was bobbing his head in time with the music in between his own shot attempts. Draymond Green was at the other end of the floor with the forwards yelling “Oh, yeah!” at nobody in particular.
The biggest game of their season is Sunday. Say this much for the Warriors: They don’t seem nervous about it.
The Celtics can take a 2-0 lead — and absolute command — of the NBA Finals on Sunday when they visit the Warriors in the second game of the title series. It’s not must-win time for the Warriors, technically, but opening a series with two home losses would mean they’d need to pull off something nearly unprecedented to win a championship.
“It’s really important to turn the page one way or the other,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “If you win and you get happy and you let your guard down, then you’re in trouble. And if you lose and you feel sorry for yourself, then you’re in trouble doing that, too. It’s all about how you respond.”
Boston has a similar approach. Much was made of how the Celtics didn’t have any players with finals experience before the series opener Thursday night; they used a 48-18 run to pull away late and win 120-108. But moments after the final buzzer, there was no celebrating in the winning locker room — just a reminder from Marcus Smart that, like Kerr said, the page needed to turn quickly to Sunday.
“I know it may sound arrogant, but when you play for the Celtics, the expectation is to win a championship,” said Boston’s Al Horford, who led the Celtics 26 points in Game 1 on Thursday night and turned 36 on Friday. “Even when I got here in ’16, that was the expectation even then. That’s what it is in the organization. We don’t have to talk about it. We don’t even talk about it at this point. We’re just taking it a game at a time.”
The Celtics ended Golden State’s 13-game winning streak in Game 1’s at home, and that means the Warriors are trailing 1-0 in these playoffs for the first time.
The Warriors led by 15 points late in the third quarter of Game 1, then trailed by 15 points in the final moments. It was only the second finals game in the last 25 years where both teams held leads of at least 15 points — the other being Game 5 of the 2014 finals between San Antonio and Miami.
“It’s the first time we’ve been down 0-1. It’s the first time for a lot of things with this particular group,” said Curry, who had a game-high 34 points in the opener. “We are here in the finals for a reason, because we figured it out along the way. If we’re going to get back in this series, we’ve got to figure it out again.”
UP 1-0
Winning Game 1 of the NBA Finals almost always leads to a championship for the Celtics.
Thursday’s victory in the series opener was the 15th time Boston has taken a 1-0 lead in the finals. In 13 of the previous 14 instances the Celtics have gone on to claim the title — the exception being 1985, when the Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 1 148-114 but won four of the next five games to clinch the championship.
The Warriors are facing a 1-0 deficit for only the third time in Kerr’s eight seasons as coach. They recovered to win the 2016 Western Conference finals over Oklahoma City, then lost the 2019 NBA Finals to Toronto.
HOME REBOUND
The Warriors are 7-3 in home games that follow a home loss this season, including wins by 15, 21 and 31 points.
TATUM BOUNCEBACK
Game 1 was just the 10th instance of Boston’s All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum taking at least 10 shots in a game and shooting 20% or less. He was 3 for 17 in the series opener — but led everyone with 13 assists.
He tends to bounce back nicely. In those situations, he’s averaged 23.6 points and 8.4 rebounds on 47% shooting in his very next outing.
BOSTON 3 PARTY
The longer this series goes, the better chance there is of the Celtics setting a record for most 3-pointers in a single postseason.
Boston is up to 263 3s so far in these playoffs, tied for sixth-most in a playoff run. The only teams with more were the 2020 Miami Heat and 2019 Warriors (both with 268), this season’s Dallas Mavericks (284), the 2019 Toronto Raptors (286) and the 2016 Warriors (306).
The Warriors have made 235 3s so far in these playoffs, putting them on pace for one of the five highest postseason 3-point totals.
ODDSMAKERS SAY
Golden State is a four-point favorite in Game 2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. But the Celtics are now favored to win the series, with Tatum slightly favored over Curry to win the NBA Finals MVP award.
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/warriors-remain-loose-celtics-stay-focused-entering-game-2/ | 2022-06-05T19:49:55Z |
FRANKFURT, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gunzilla Games, a AAA game studio, announced today that they have raised a total of $46M in their latest investment round. This new round of investment will allow the studio to build out their new platform called GunZ, empowering players by granting them complete ownership over their in-game possessions. GunZ will be the foundation for "Off The Grid" (OTG). One of the OTG's standout mechanics is "in-game item trading", the first game where players will be able to buy new in-game items from other players who collected them in the game or acquired them from each other. Trading will be handled via an internal blockchain based marketplace or any third-party marketplace which supports NFT technology. This investment round is led by Republic Capital. Other major participants include Griffin Gaming Partners, Animoca Brands, Jump Crypto, Raptor Group, CoinFund, Shima Capital, Dominance Ventures, GSR, Kucoin Labs, Spartan Investment Group, AlphaCrypto Capital, Blizzard, Digital Strategies, Morningstar Ventures, Gamegroove Capital, NGG and Huobi Group, who will also assist in maintaining the technical infrastructure of the project. Notable angel investor and advisor include Justin Kan, co-founder of Twitch.
Gunzilla assures gamers that they will never sell NFTs directly to their player community, nor will they hide progression or any game features behind a monetized paywall, the trading is entirely optional. Gunzilla believes that the GunZ platform has the potential to radically change the core gaming experience for players, and those not interested in trading are able to completely skip this feature and simply enjoy the full game for free without any limitations.
Vlad Korolev, CEO and Co-Founder of Gunzilla, explains: "We are striving to provide players with complete freedom in every detail of OTG, and with each step of its gameplay. In OTG additionally to the core gameplay, players will be able to own and trade their in-game items with other players. As well as assure players that their hard-earned items remain theirs to keep, no matter what. In today's free-to-play games, if you pay for something, it isn't yours. You do not, and cannot, own anything. Anyone can read the EULA of any game to verify this. If you're banned, for example, any item can be taken away from you, even if your ban is accidental. When you stop playing any free-to-play game, the money you've put in also disappears. We are re-inventing the system, putting the power back in the hands of gamers, and are using blockchain technology to make this happen. With OTG and GunZ, we are creating a universe that will set a new standard for the industry."
Players will also be able to take their items out of the game. As the universe of OTG continues to evolve, gamers will discover new items each time they play. In-game items that players can trade will include the one-of-a-kind characters that players create themselves, custom weapons, clothing items and accessories.
This investment round follows the recent released teaser-trailer of Gunzilla's new game OTG, a AAA Battle Royale 2.0, third-person shooter, led by the studio's Chief Visionary Officer and Oscar nominee Neill Blomkamp. A free-to-play (F2P) title, OTG, that features a strong narrative focus with unique gameplay mechanics and is due for release across next-generation platforms in 2023.
Brian Johnson, a Senior Director of Republic Capital, said "The Gunzilla team is nothing short of stellar with industry veterans having contributed to games that many of us grew up playing. We believe that free-to-play reigns supreme and that by combining it with an optional Crypto component, Gunzilla will lead by example, marrying the Crypto and gaming worlds. There's no doubt that the future of Crypto gaming needs to involve next-gen consoles, and we believe Gunzilla will allow this to happen with ease."
Further information on OTG will be announced in the coming months. To make sure that you do not miss any updates, and for more information on Gunzilla and OTG, follow the studio (www.twitter.com/gunzillagames), Instagram (www.instagram.com/gunzillagames) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/gunzillagames).
About Gunzilla:
Founded in 2020, Gunzilla Games is a fresh, independent AAA developer working on its next-generation multiplayer shooter IP in three metropolitan locations: Frankfurt, Germany (HQ); Los Angeles, USA; and Kyiv, Ukraine. The company is helmed by serial entrepreneur CEO, Vlad Korolev and CSO Alexander Zoll. Gunzilla is built on the desire to innovate and push the limits of the industry.
Gunzilla's formidable team of talent come from a variety of industry-leading studios and publishers, including Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), THQ and more. Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director and producer Neill Blomkamp joined Gunzilla as Chief Visionary Officer. In addition, the team features industry veterans such as Richard K. Morgan, the author of the Altered Carbon series, which has since been adapted into an award winning Netflix show. Gunzilla's Chief Technology Officer Timur Davidenko led the development of CryEngine as Technical Director, and worked on Far Cry, Warface and Crysis. Art Director Jussi Keteli was involved in the iconic Gears of War series, Star Citizen, and Hunt: Showdown.
GUNZILLA™ is a trademark of GUNZILLA LLC.
"PlayStation," "PS4" and "PS5" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
Heaven Media Limited on behalf of Gunzilla GmbH
gunzilla@heavenmedia.com
Heaven Media Limited
Olena Neskorodiana
PR & Communications Manager
Olena.Neskorodiana@gunzillagames.com
Phone Number : +33781495053
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1516928/Gunzilla_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Gunzilla GmbH | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/gunzilla-games-raises-46m-redefine-battle-royale-genre-by-letting-players-trade-their-in-game-items-off-grid/ | 2022-08-09T09:41:40Z |
Let’s go birding!
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The National Audubon Society Is celebrating Pride month with a “Let’s Go Birding Together” bird walk, along with other LGBTQ inclusive activities.
Let’s Go Birding Together series was founded and organized by Jason St. Sauver, Community Education director at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton, Nebraska.
These walks are for everyone who is passionate about birds and the outdoors. The Audubon organization welcomes anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, allies, families, and anyone else that would like to join.
During the walk, participants will learn how to identify some of the protected bird species on the beach.
This event will be led by Kylie Wilson, shorebird coordinator with Audubon Florida at Lido Key Beach, Fl.
Participants are encouraged to wear pride gear and stickers will be given to all participants for this walk.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/18/lets-go-birding/ | 2022-06-18T15:43:27Z |
Kansas school grades show sharp decline due to COVID-19
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Grades for Kansas schools have seen a sharp decline, and experts say that is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kansas Policy Institute says it has released its annual A-F Grading Report Card of schools statewide. It said the report card released during the week of April 4 uses state assessment results from the Kansas Department of Education to help break down the performance of each school.
KPI said the updated grading report is for the 2021 school year and scores 1,273 public schools and 122 state-accredited private schools in the Sunflower State.
“A-F grading is a helpful one-stop-shop to get a clear picture of what performance looks like across the state,” James Franko, President of Kansas Policy Institute said. “Parents, citizens, and policymakers need to be enabled with accurate information that brings attention to the stagnant performance of too many of our schools and showcases the K-12 schools that demonstrate achievement gains.”
KPI noted grades were lower in 2021 than they had been in 2019. It said both public and private schools showed an increase in the rate of “D” and “F” grades. In the newly released data, its said the most common grade earned is a “C” with just under 50% of both public and private schools earning that grade.
The Institute said, however, that some decline in student achievement had been expected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures.
KPI said private schools in Kansas outperformed public schools, with 40% scoring a “B” or higher, while just over 8% of public schools scored the same. It said around 15% of private schools earned a “D” or “F” while 44.6% of public schools earned the bottom two grades.
“Too much of the education debate treats our kids like dollar signs while both achievement gaps and overall mediocrity are ignored,” Franko noted. “Our hope is that this presentation and analysis of the state-produced data not only makes the data accessible to parents but also offers accountability.”
The Institute said the new report highlights achievement declines as K-12 students advance in their educational careers, which indicates a lack of early mastery means students fall further behind as the years progress.
KPI noted the 2021 data also displays per-pupil spending at the building level which provides evidence that spending and student achievement are not related.
“It’s imperative we work to solve the student achievement crisis while acknowledging that no silver bullet exists,” Franko concluded. “If kids are not finding the opportunities they deserve, they need the chance to find alternatives that help them achieve.”
KPI grades for area schools are as follows:
- Auburn Washburn USD 437 -
- Auburn Elementary - C
- Farley Elementary - C
- Indian Hills Elementary - D
- Jay Shielder Elementary - C
- Pauline Central Primary - C
- Wanamaker Elementary - C
- Pauline South Intermediate - C
- Washburn Rural Middle School - D
- Washburn Rural High School - D
- Topeka USD 501 -
- Avondale Academy - F
- Highland Park Central Elementary - F
- Hope Street Charter Academy - D
- Jardine Elementary - D
- Lowman Hill Elementary - D
- McCarter Elementary - C
- McClure Elementary - C
- McEachron Elementary - C
- Meadows Elementary - D
- Quincy Elementary - D
- Randolph Elementary - C
- Scott Dual Language Magnet - D
- State Street Elementary - D
- Stout Elementary - D
- Whitson Elementary - C
- Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School - D
- Chase Middle School - F
- Eisenhower Middle School - D
- Jardine Middle School - D
- Landon Middle School - D
- Marjorie French Middle School - D
- Robinson Middle School - F
- Capital City High School - F
- Highland Park High School - F
- Topeka High School - F
- Topeka West High School - D
- Seaman USD 345 -
- Elmont Elementary - B
- Logan Elementary - D
- Northern Hills Elementary - C
- North Fairview - C
- West Indianola Elementary - C
- Seaman Middle School - D
- Seaman High School - D
- Geary County USD 475 -
- Eisenhower Elementary - C
- Fort Riley Elementary - C
- Franklin Elementary - C
- Grandview Elementary - C
- Lincoln Elementary - B
- LTG Richard J. Seitz Elementary - C
- Milford Elementary - C
- Morris Hill Elementary - B
- Sheridan Elementary - B
- Spring Valley Elementary - C
- Ware Elementary - C
- Washington Elementary - C
- Westwood Elementary - C
- Fort Riley Middle School - C
- Junction City Middle School - D
- Junction City High School - D
- Manhattan Ogden USD 383 -
- Amanda Arnold Elementary - C
- Bluemont Elementary - C
- Frank V Bergman Elementary - C
- Lee Elementary - C
- Marlatt Elementary - C
- Northview Elementary - C
- Ogden Elementary - C
- Theodore Roosevelt Elementary - C
- Woodrow Wilson Elementary - C
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School - D
- Susan B. Anthony Middle School - C
- Manhattan High School - C
- Wamego USD 320 -
- West Elementary - C
- Wamego Middle School - D
- Wamego High School - D
For more information or to see how other schools were graded, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/08/kansas-school-grades-show-sharp-decline-due-covid-19/ | 2022-04-08T17:42:36Z |
Test shows maturation of operationally relevant weapon concept
TUCSON, Ariz., July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), successfully completed its second flight test of the scramjet-powered Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, or HAWC, for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force.
This flight test applied the data and lessons learned from the first flight to mature the operationally relevant weapon concept design. The test met all primary and secondary objectives, including demonstrating tactical range capabilities.
"The test demonstrated how we've rapidly matured affordable scramjet technology, which is the basis for air-breathing weapons," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology for Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "Our second HAWC flight test success is an important milestone for our nation as we advance hypersonic systems."
During the flight test, after releasing HAWC from an aircraft and accelerating to hypersonic speeds using the scramjet engine, the vehicle flew a trajectory that engineers designed to intentionally stress the weapon concept to explore its limits and further validate digital performance models. These models, grounded in real-world flight data, are being used to accurately predict and increase performance as the system matures.
"The second flight test is a big step toward scramjet technology being mission ready," said Dan Olson, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems for Northrop Grumman. "Nearly twenty years of scramjet propulsion research and development have come to fruition to significantly advance our nation's weapon capabilities."
Scramjet engines use high vehicle speed to forcibly compress incoming air before combustion to enable sustained flight at hypersonic speeds – Mach 5 or greater. The system was designed to use a widely available hydrocarbon fuel, and since it uses air for combustion, it does not have to carry the added weight of an onboard oxidizer. These key attributes allow for a safe, efficient, and tactically sized, long-range hypersonic weapon. By traveling at these speeds, hypersonic weapons like HAWC can reach their targets more quickly than traditional missiles, allowing them to potentially evade defense systems.
Raytheon Missiles and Defense and Northrop Grumman have been working together since 2019 to develop, produce and integrate Northrop Grumman's scramjet engines onto Raytheon's air-breathing hypersonic weapons. Their combined efforts enable both companies to produce air-breathing hypersonic weapons, the next generation of tactical missile systems.
About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a technology company focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers' toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.
Media Contact
Lindsey Drummey
RMDPR@rtx.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Missiles & Defense | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/raytheon-missiles-amp-defense-northrop-grumman-complete-second-hypersonic-weapon-flight-test/ | 2022-07-18T19:24:13Z |
Haart "boasted that her 'mantra' is the phrase, 'fake it till you make it,'" EWG counsel Lanny J. Davis said of the complaint. "A life of 'faking it'— that is, lying and stealing — may have worked for Haart before, but it cannot work for her in court. Her time has run out."
NEW YORK, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elite World Group, LLC (EWG), the world's first talent media company, just filed a complaint in Delaware claiming former CEO Julia Haart stole millions of corporate assets for her own personal indulgences, and then lied to try to cover it up.
The complaint filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware by plaintiffs EWG and its subsidiary E1972, Inc., alleges that defendant Julia Haart repeatedly abused her trusted position for self-enrichment, stealing millions of corporate funds.
Haart used her positions to access millions of dollars in EWG and E1972 assets, including:
- $1 million in a single year on clothes, accessories and makeup for herself.
- More than $500,000 on lavish trips for her and her family.
- $500,000 to pay off her personal American Express credit card.
- Hundreds of thousands of dollars for legal services rendered to her personally, including $50,000 for a divorce attorney.
- Hundreds of thousands of dollars on her children, including tuition for and a donation to her son's school.
- $160,000 for cosmetic surgical procedures.
- Thousands of dollars on amusement park tickets and airport car services for her children.
Haart would charge these expenses to the EWG corporate credit card or ask to be reimbursed by EWG for purchases made on her personal credit card. Haart went so far as to claim purchases were investments in her "personal image" and brand. Such personal expenses were not authorized by either the boards of EWG or E1972.
"While the extent of her unauthorized spending is still being unearthed," the complaint reads, "it is clear that Haart's vanity and disregard for her fiduciary duties caused her to spend millions of dollars of money that was not hers, solely to feed her personal self-aggrandizement… Haart never cared about growing EWG or E1972… Julia Haart's only interest was Julia Haart."
Press Contact:
Emma Novak
enovak@tridentdmg.com
(202) 557-5559
View original content:
SOURCE Lanny Davis | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/elite-world-group-files-new-suit-delaware-alleging-former-ceo-julia-haart-embezzled-millions-during-tenure/ | 2022-06-14T04:03:26Z |
NEW ORLEANS, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 1, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dentsply Sirona, Inc. (NasdaqGS: XRAY), if they purchased the Company's shares between June 9, 2021 and May 9, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
What You May Do
If you purchased shares of Dentsply and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-xray/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by August 1, 2022.
About the Lawsuit
Dentsply and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On April 19, 2022, the Company disclosed the sudden termination of CEO Donald Casey "effective immediately." On this news, shares of Dentsply fell by $6.52 per share, or 13%, from $48.72 per share to $42.20 per share. Then, on May 10, 2022, the Company disclosed an ongoing investigation by the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, outside counsel and a forensic accounting firm into whether "former and current members of senior management" used improper means to achieve executive compensation goals and other matters relating to financial reporting, which resulted in the Company being unable to timely file its Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. On this news, shares of Dentsply fell by $2.87 per share, or 7%, from $39.25 per share to $36.38 per share.
The case is City of Miami General Employees' & Sanitation Employees' Retirement Trust v. Casey, Jr., No. 2:22-cv-02371.
About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients – including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors – in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
Contact:
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200
New Orleans, LA 70163
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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/25/dentsply-shareholder-alert-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-dentsply-sirona-inc-xray/ | 2022-06-25T04:35:33Z |
BELTON — Jay Alan Duvall, 94, of Belton died Saturday, May 14, at his residence.
Services are pending with Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.
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To submit a free obituary, please email tdt@tdtnews.com.
To submit a paid obituary, please email advertiz@tdtnews.com with verbiage, along with an optional photograph. | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_840ddd56-d3f5-11ec-99f8-93f35dd0932c.html | 2022-05-15T03:07:50Z |
Palestinians vow to stay on West Bank land despite defeat in decades-old legal battle
By Abeer Salman, CNN
The leader of a Palestinian village council in the West Bank vowed Friday to continue fighting eviction from land the Israeli military is claiming as a firing range, despite an Israeli Supreme Court decision against the Palestinians in a case that has been in court for more than two decades.
“We will all resist and stay in our lands; we have no other place to go to,” Masafer Yatta council leader Nidal Abu Younis told CNN on Friday.
“Israel is seeking, through these attempts, to separate the villages in the Hebron Mountains from the northern Negev in the occupied lands, and break families’ ties,” Abu Younis said.
Israel’s High Court of Justice Wednesday ruled against the Palestinian villagers, accepting the Israeli state’s claim that residents began squatting in the area after it was declared a firing zone by the military in 1981.
The court move legally clears the way for the eviction of some 1,000 Palestinians from eight villages on the outskirts of the city of Hebron.
The United Nations, European Union and Israeli human rights groups all criticized the court decision on Thursday.
Lynn Hastings, the United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the Palestinian petitioners, having exhausted domestic legal remedies, are now “unprotected and at risk of imminent displacement.”
She called on Israel “to cease demolitions and evictions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in line with its obligations under international law.”
The European Union said evicting the Palestinians would amount to “forcible transfer from their homes and destruction of their communities,” which it said was prohibited under international law.
“As the occupying power, Israel has the obligation to protect the Palestinian population and not displace it,” the European bloc said.
And the Association for Civil Rights in Israel — which represented the Palestinian villagers in court — accused the court of approving a move that would “leave families, children and elderly without a roof over their heads.” It said the ruling was “unusual and would carry severe consequences.”
Tensions are high between Israel and the Palestinians after a series of violent incidents in recent weeks. Dozens have died in attacks in Israel and the West Bank since March 22.
Aerial footage
Evicting the Palestinian residents would separate Hebron from other villages on the southern outskirts of the city.
High Court Justices David Mintz, Ofer Grosskopf and Isaac Amit Wednesday not only rejected claims by the Palestinians that they had been living in the area before 1981 but ordered each of them to pay 20,000 shekels ($5,900) in expenses.
“We never believed that Israeli courts would bring us justice. The decision was not a surprise to any of us,” council leader Abu Younis said.
“We, the families of Masafer, have papers that prove our ownership of our land,” he insisted.
The High Court rejected that assertion.
The Masafer Yatta families presented aerial footage as proof that the villages had existed in the area for 45 years. But Israel argued that Palestinian residents began squatting in the area after it was declared Firing Zone 918, and that until then it was only used as seasonal pasture land for their livestock.
Justice Mintz said in the court verdict that the question of whether the area was a place of permanent residence is “not complicated at all,” since aerial footage from the area prior to 1980 shows no indication of a residential presence there. Mintz also noted that the area was used by the air force to conduct simulated airstrikes in the 1990s.
The court rejected the claim that turning the area into a closed military zone was contrary to international law, and said that when international law contradicts Israeli law, the latter prevails.
The Palestinians argued that they and their families have been living in these villages, whose homes are built within natural caves, since before Israel was established in 1948.
While the Israeli military declared the area to be a firing zone in 1981, residents remained relatively undisturbed until the late 1990s, according to the High Court ruling.
But in 1999, the military and the Civil Administration evicted more than 700 residents.
The military scaled back the size of the proposed firing zone in April 2012, at which point Israel requested that eight villages be demolished, instead of 12.
The High Court then suggested that the Palestinians withdraw their legal action, but two other petitions were submitted in 2013. The court dismissed them.
In its ruling, the High Court accepted the military’s position that the land was necessary for its needs.
Abu Younis said Friday the villagers would continue to resist, despite the legal defeat.
“Soldiers evacuated the residents of the villages by trucks to other areas [in 1999], but the residents returned on the same night against the will of the occupation,” he said, referring to Israel. “The same will happen if this court decision becomes reality.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-europe-mideast-africa/2022/05/06/palestinians-vow-to-stay-on-west-bank-land-despite-defeat-in-decades-old-legal-battle/ | 2022-05-06T19:16:03Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — U.S. Army Special Jason Wheeler and his family have settled into their specially-adapted, smart home in Copper Canyon, free of charge.
Wednesday, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation welcomed Wheeler and his family into their new, mortgage-free residence in Copper Canyon.
North Texas veteran, family to get mortgage-free smart home
Wheeler joined the Navy in 1991 and served as a firefighter on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during the Gulf War. He was honorably discharged in 1993, but re-enlisted after the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. | https://cw33.com/news/local/watch-north-texas-veteran-gets-mortgage-free-home/ | 2022-04-14T18:39:59Z |
MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in providing metabolomics solutions that advance drug development and precision medicine, has appointed Sean Iverson as Vice President of Global Marketing. As part of the leadership team, Iverson will drive marketing strategy and execution for the company's expanding product portfolio.
"Sean's consistent delivery of data-driven results in the life sciences will support Metabolon's pipeline of product solutions and will expand and accelerate our market impact across all applications," said Rohan Hastie, Ph.D., President and CEO, Metabolon. "We are thrilled to welcome him to the organization. His experience includes a solid view of biotechnology and life sciences industries, bringing relevant perspective to our audience and supporting how our clients can maximize our suite of offerings to achieve their research goals."
One of Iverson's priorities is to expand the company's portfolio to include a full suite of visually dynamic and easy-to-understand metabolomics solutions that deliver insight into disease associations and biological themes. Metabolon's proprietary Heliogram™ visualization tool allows users to explore relevant pathways for rapid connectivity to the effects of therapeutic interventions.
"As the market leader in metabolomics, Metabolon has the opportunity to drive innovations supporting the full scope of life sciences," said Iverson. "Clinical research and drug development come with financial risk and uncertainty. Metabolon's groundbreaking solutions enable a complete understanding of disease states and expose amazing insights into human health. I'm excited to be part of the Metabolon team."
Iverson has driven success in his prior roles, emphasizing analytics and data-driven marketing and product efforts with strong commercial results. Most recently, Iverson was Vice President of Global Marketing at Sophia Genetics, leading the company's expansion of commercial and digital marketing, branding, and public relations. He was also actively involved with the company's initial public offering. Iverson also served in leadership roles at Danaher and Cisco Systems.
Iverson earned his MBA in International Marketing from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. He also holds an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in Political Science and Asian Studies from Brigham Young University.
About Metabolon
Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research. With over 20 years, 10,000+ projects, 2,800+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015 and CLIA certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technology, and bioinformatics techniques. Metabolon's Precision Metabolomics™ platform is enabled by the world's largest proprietary metabolomics reference library. Metabolon's industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success. The company offers scalable, customizable metabolomics and lipidomics solutions supporting customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. For more information, please visit metabolon.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Metabolomics
Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only 'omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system. Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond the genetic variation of individuals, capturing the combined impact of genetic as well as external factors such as the effect of drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers enabling a better understanding of a drug's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.
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SOURCE Metabolon, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/metabolon-appoints-new-vice-president-global-marketing-supporting-commercial-product-expansion/ | 2022-05-19T17:13:00Z |
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