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BEIJING (AP) — U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has drawn bipartisan support at home and backing among the world’s democracies.
Meanwhile, China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory with no right to an independent identity, has rallied support among fellow authoritarian states. The divided opinions speak both to China’s growing global influence and the backlash that has prompted among the world’s liberal societies.
President Joe Biden’s administration was not openly supportive of Pelosi’s trip, with the president himself saying the military felt it was “not a good idea right now” amid heightened tensions between the sides.
China has responded to the visit by announcing a series of days-long military exercises surrounding Taiwan and issuing a stream of invective aimed at the U.S. and Taiwan governments, accusing them of colluding to undermine Chinese sovereignty and national security. China in 2016 severed contacts with independence-leaning Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen over her refusal to endorse its insistence that the island and mainland are part of a single Chinese nation.
“This action is a solemn deterrent against the recent major escalation of the negative actions of the United States on the Taiwan issue, and a serious warning to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces seeking ‘independence,’” the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater command said in a statement Tuesday.
Exercises will include air and sea drills and long-range missile targeting, the statement said. Operators are already bracing for disruptions to civil aviation and commercial shipping.
The Chinese response has sparked concerns about a new Taiwan Strait crisis, similar to that of 1995-96, when China held threatening military exercises and bracketed the island with missile strikes in waters north and south of its main ports. Despite their division amid civil war more than 70 years ago, China has maintained its threat to invade and has massively increased its capabilities through investments in missiles, navy ships and its air force.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose country’s ties with China have nosedived in recent years, declined to comment specifically Wednesday on Pelosi’s visit. However, he noted, “We live in an era where the strategic competition and increased tension in our region and where China has taken a more aggressive posture in the region.”
“But our position on Taiwan is clear,” he added. “We don’t want to see any unilateral change to the status quo and we’ll continue to work with partners to promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno also avoided commenting on Pelosi’s Taiwan visit, but raised concern about China’s planned live-fire military exercises in the regional seas that encompass parts of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Matsuno said Japan has conveyed Tokyo’s “concerns” to Beijing about the exercise.
“The peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is important not only for Japan’s national security but also for the international community, and Japan’s position is that we expect peaceful solution of the issues surrounding Taiwan through dialogue,” Matsuno said.
Chinese ally North Korea, meanwhile, used the visit to accuse the U.S. of being “the root cause of harassed peace and security in the region,” and said it supported Beijing in the confrontation surrounding Pelosi’s visit.
“We vehemently denounce any external force’s interference in the issue of Taiwan, and fully support the Chinese government’s just stand to resolutely defend the sovereignty of the country and territorial integrity,” a government spokesperson was quoted as saying. “The U.S. scheme to disturb the growth and development of China and its efforts for accomplishing the cause of reunification is bound to go bankrupt.”
Russia — another Chinese ally and whose invasion of Ukraine has fueled concerns over China’s own threat to annex Taiwan by force — called the visit a “clear provocation, which is in line with the United States’ aggressive policy aimed at comprehensively containing China.”
Beijing “has the right to take measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in relation to the Taiwan issue,” the government said in a statement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further criticized the visit in comments Wednesday during a stop in Myanmar, whose Moscow-backed military government is accused of widespread human rights abuses.
“It’s an aspiration to prove to everyone their impunity and show lawlessness. ‘It’s my way only,’ something like this,” Lavrov said in reference to the U.S. “I see no other reason to create such an annoyance almost out of the blue.”
China and Russia have closely aligned their foreign policies in recent years, with Moscow backing China over Taiwan and Beijing refusing to criticize Russia for invading Ukraine, while accusing the U.S. and NATO of provoking the conflict and leveling punishing economic sanctions against Russia.
China’s official Xinhua News Agency also quoted the Chinese secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as saying the China and Russia-dominated grouping of mainly Central Asia states “firmly opposes interference in the internal affairs of its member states by any external force.”
“Pelosi visited China’s Taiwan region in disregard of China’s strong opposition and serious representations, and the Chinese government has expressed its firm opposition to and stern condemnation of the visit,” Zhang Ming was quoted as saying.
Pelosi has made criticism of China and support for Taiwan a key focus in her more than three decades in Congress, famously unveiling a banner commemorating victims of the Chinese military’s bloody 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during a visit to the site in 1991.
In remarks at a meeting with Tsai on Wednesday, she said, “Today the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy.”
“America’s determination to preserve democracy, here in Taiwan and around the world, remains ironclad,” Pelosi said.
After Taiwan, she will visit South Korea and Japan, both major U.S. security partners in Asia. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/china-us-allies-divided-over-pelosis-taiwan-visit/ | 2022-08-03T21:54:35Z |
Detention officer charged with selling narcotics to inmates, sheriff says
ATLANTA (WGCL/Gray News) – A detention officer in Georgia is facing charges for bringing narcotics into a jail and selling them to inmates, officials said.
According to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office, if convicted, detention officer Steven Michael Crowder could face up to 25 years in prison.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation began last month after allegations surfaced that Crowder was selling narcotics to inmates at the Troup County Jail through a middleman.
Crowder has been a detention officer with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office since January.
“Every person who joins our staff is held to a higher standard, and I personally tell each of them the consequences they will face should they make the choice to bring contraband in the jail or participate in criminal behavior,” Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff said.
Crowder was charged with four counts of violation of oath by a public officer, four counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates, and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The sheriff said the inmates involved will also face charges once the investigation is complete.
Copyright 2022 WGCL via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/03/detention-officer-charged-with-selling-narcotics-inmates-sheriff-says/ | 2022-08-03T17:24:12Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Minerva Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: MVAI) ("Minerva" or "the Company"), an artificial intelligence software company focused on building decision support tools for climate risk, mineral exploration and mining, is pleased to announce the monthly sales results of its AI software DRIVER for the month of May 2022.
DRIVER software is licensed on an annual recurring basis, allowing Minerva to build and maintain customer relationships as well as a reliable revenue stream. Minerva offers three license levels for end-user clients of varying size, as well as an upgradable limited-term Proof-of-Concept license. The table below has been simplified from the last release based on investor feedback.
Minerva CEO Scott Tillman commented "I would like to thank our partnerships and business development team who are bringing in leads from around the world and are progressing deals through our sales pipeline. Our team is actively evolving our sales process to focus on direct to license sales rather than Proof-of-Concept to License. While this resulted in slightly lower sales in May, we expect increased activity for the rest of the year and we look forward to sharing these monthly updates as we continue to sell more Proof of Concepts and Licenses."
DRIVER is Minerva's proprietary AI product developed to service the mineral exploration and mining industry by helping them better evaluate drill data to pinpoint superior drill targets, understand geometallurgical domains, and conduct more thorough, rapid, accurate 3D modeling. DRIVER combines cloud processing capabilities with Minerva's proprietary machine learning technology to automatically evaluate the spatial continuity present in geological numeric data. DRIVER automatically creates 3D models of all aspects of the dataset within a matter of minutes, and automatically identifies and catalogues the important zones of interest. These insights are incredibly valuable for exploration, metallurgy, environmental protection, and mining. Minerva's partnership and business development team is targeting qualified leads at mining, mineral exploration and mineral streaming companies around the world.
Minerva is also pleased to announce that it will be attending the 2022 PDAC conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 13th to 15th. The DRIVER team has booked over 50 demonstrations with interested parties at the conference. The demonstrations will be held at Minerva's booth #601.
More information on DRIVER can be found on Minerva's DRIVER homepage, www.minervaintelligence.com/DRIVER
Minerva Intelligence Inc. is an artificial intelligence software company based in Vancouver, Canada, with a subsidiary office in Darmstadt, Germany. Their software is helping decision makers better understand the earth. Minerva's applications focus on the search for critical metals and for climate risk mitigation; however, its proprietary AI software has application in diverse industries and domains. Minerva's common shares are currently listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol MVAI). For further details, please refer to their website www.minervaintelligence.com or follow Minerva on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Forward Looking Information: This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. All information in this release, other than information of historical facts, including, without limitation, the availability of financing to the Company are forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information include changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, delays in receiving approvals, and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of our business, investors should review our continuous disclosure filings which are available at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
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SOURCE Minerva Intelligence Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/minerva-reports-may-results-driver-software-announces-attendance-pdac/ | 2022-06-13T12:45:55Z |
BERLIN (AP) — German lawmakers voted Friday to end the country’s ban on advertising abortions, which has in the past led to doctors being prosecuted for providing information about the procedure to potential patients.
Government parties and the Left party voted to lift the restriction, while the center-right Christian Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany voted against.
Parliament also voted to annul the convictions of doctors since Oct. 3, 1990, when West Germany’s abortion laws were applied to the whole country upon reunification. Under Germany’s criminal code, doctors risked a fine or prison sentence of up to two years if convicted of advertising abortions.
Under a compromise deal in 2019, former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government left the ban formally in place but allowed doctors and hospitals for the first time to say on their websites that they perform abortions. They were not, however, allowed to give more detailed information.
Families Minister Lisa Paus welcomed the parliamentary decision and said it was now time to discuss ending the ongoing criminalization of abortion.
In general abortions are a crime in Germany, but they are not punished if carried out within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women seeking an abortion must undergo counseling three days before the procedure.
Abortions for health reasons or because the pregnancy resulted from rape are legal. | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/german-lawmakers-vote-to-end-ban-on-advertising-abortions/ | 2022-06-24T21:26:07Z |
HOUSTON, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiom Space's Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) crew and the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft safely splashed down off the coast of Florida at 1:06 p.m. ET, Monday, April 25. The Ax-1 crew's arrival back to Earth officially concludes the first all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), successfully demonstrating Axiom Space's ability to integrate with the ISS and conduct meaningful research.
During their 17-day mission, Ax-1 Commander Michael López-Alegría, Pilot Larry Connor, and Mission Specialists Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy worked aboard the orbiting laboratory for 15 days. They flew approximately 6.3 million miles, about 240 orbits of Earth while on the ISS.
Among the many highlights:
- Ax-1 supported 26 science payloads and technology demonstrations that had been curated with leading academic and research partners around the globe, including the Mayo Clinic, Montreal Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and the Ramon Foundation, as well as research investigations from Axiom's partners such as studying self-assembling technology for future space habitats, devices to purify air on space stations, and more;
- The Axiom astronauts served as research subjects to better understand the impacts of microgravity on the human body, as well as methods for maintaining connectedness to loved ones on Earth during space travel; and
- The Ax-1 crew shared the excitement of expanded access to space with a new generation of space explorers, participating in over 30 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) engagements. Outreach efforts were conducted in English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
In keeping with the mission's emphasis on scientific discovery, within hours of splashdown and recovery, the astronauts will take part in post-flight studies such as providing biomedical and physiological data for researchers at the Translational Research Institute for Space Health to gauge the effects of spaceflight on the human body, including changes in vision, balance, and perception.
"Axiom Space is incredibly proud of this mission and these astronauts, whose training rigor and commitment to a robust research portfolio set the standard for future private spaceflight," said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space. "The Ax-1 mission is a pathfinder, showing the value of this new method of access to orbit and progress toward Axiom Station, a next generation platform in which the benefits and products of life, work and research in space will be available to a greater number of people."
Ax-1 is the first of several planned Axiom missions to the ISS and is an important step for Axiom Station, the first commercial space station that will serve as a global academic and commercial hub. The success of Ax-1 provides valuable insight as Axiom Space works toward Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the details of which Axiom Space is negotiating with NASA.
"The success of this first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station is an important step in opening opportunities for space travelers and achieving NASA's goal of enabling commercial business off the planet in low-Earth orbit," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "This progress has been made possible by NASA's work with private industry – especially the Commercial Crew Program. I'm incredibly proud of the NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom teams for safely completing this landmark mission. Welcome home, Ax-1!"
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launched Dragon and the Ax-1 crew to the ISS on Friday, April 8. Seventeen days later, Dragon and the Ax-1 crew undocked from the space station at 9:10 p.m. ET, Sunday, April 24. The Ax-1 mission, the first all-private mission with a commercial spacecraft, highlights the important role of commercial companies to expand access to low-Earth orbit. Ax-1 represents the first of four private human spaceflights that Axiom Space has contracted with SpaceX to transport the crew to and from the orbiting laboratory.
The crew provided the following statements on their return:
Michael López-Alegría, Ax-1 Commander, vice president of business development at Axiom Space, former NASA astronaut:
"It's remarkable to think what was once a dream of visionaries is now a reality as we have officially opened a new era in human-spaceflight with Ax-1. This mission pushed the boundaries further and beyond and opened the door to a future that allows access to Space for a much broader and more international audience," noted Ax-1 Commander Michael López-Alegría. "The Ax-1 mission would not have been possible without the remarkable team of professionals at Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, training teams, our personal friends and family, and so many others who, through sheer passion, enthusiasm, hard work, and resilience helped us to succeed and navigate this uncharted path. On behalf of myself and the Ax-1 Crew, we thank you all. Going to Space is an amazing adventure, but more than anything else, it offers perspective in the most literal sense. You see the world differently and come home with a new frame of reference- a new way of looking at the world. I am personally grateful to have had this opportunity once again, particularly to have shared this experience with Larry, Eytan, and Mark - Thank you! It's an incredible honor to share this journey with you all. Plvs Vltra."
Larry Connor, Ax-1 Pilot, entrepreneur and non-profit activist investor:
"I feel like our training prepared us for the logistics of space travel and the research for which we were responsible. And I feel like some of my previous endeavors prepared me for some of the unknowns that come with space travel. But I don't think there's anything that can truly prepare humans for the sights and feelings that come with circling the globe every 90 minutes. The ISS is a technical marvel. It is complex and busy. The amount of groundbreaking research happening in this flying orbiting laboratory is really breathtaking. And this isn't just for the United States, this is for all humanity. This was a humbling experience. I hope we've played a role – however small – in allowing future generations to have similar experiences," said Connor.
Eytan Stibbe, Ax-1 Mission Specialist, impact investor and philanthropist:
"I've had the honor of being part of Ax-1, the first private crew mission to the International Space Station, and leading the Rakia Mission. The underlying goal of Rakia is to recognize the prospective benefits of space exploration, through it we all aspired to draw on the curiosity associated with human space travel and unleash its creative potential. It aspires to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Earth's limited resources and fostering commitment to international collaborations and the advancement of space research," says Eytan Stibbe, Impact Investor, Philanthropist, and Ax-1 Mission Specialist. "During the mission days dozens of scientific experiments which were developed by Israeli researchers and scientists were conducted onboard the space station, and students, educators, researchers, intellectuals, and the general public were stimulated by the exposure to it, and to the demonstration of the use of Israeli technology. On the educational level, Rakia enabled live transmission of educational content to hundreds of thousands of Israeli students in Hebrew, for the very first time from the ISS. In addition, Rakia presented a unique opportunity to see Israeli art projects being formed and exhibited in space. Rakia Mission and the people behind it prove that 'no dream is beyond reach.' I am excited to see the impact of the mission continue for years to come and to meet the many partners that created this mission and contributed to its' success upon my return to Israel," said Stibbe.
Mark Pathy, Ax-1 Mission Specialist, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist:
"Joining the Ax-1 mission to the International Space Station has provided me with a unique platform to contribute to science that aims to tackle important issues affecting life on Earth, as well as contribute to the new era of space exploration we have entered," says Mark Pathy, investor, philanthropist and Ax-1 Mission Specialist. "Under the theme 'Caring for People and the Planet', I had the immense honour of collaborating with Canadian institutions and scientists who are paving the way for a better future. On orbit, I was able to take part in a total of 12 science research projects in partnership with six Canadian universities and their investigators, including clinician-researchers at The Montreal Children's Hospital and Child Health Research at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre; as well as technology proof-of-concepts with two technology startups, among them the world's first two-way holoportation demonstration. I also conducted Earth observation activities in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Western University. Last but not least, I experienced the wonders of space travel; of staring into space, literally; and of time spent aboard the ISS in the company of fellow astronauts from various missions, including my Ax-1 crew mates -- this was truly a life-altering experience that delivered well beyond my expectations. I return to Earth a changed person," said Pathy.
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the ISS today while privately developing its successor – a permanent commercial destination in Earth's orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.
More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
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SOURCE Axiom Space | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/axiom-spaces-axiom-mission-1-crew-returns-safely-earth-successfully-completing-first-all-private-astronaut-mission-international-space-station/ | 2022-04-25T22:48:02Z |
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches who allege racist hiring practices should fail.
In the letter released Thursday in advance of an initial hearing before a Manhattan federal judge, the league said it will either ask that the claims of coach Brian Flores and two other coaches be forced into arbitration or be dismissed without a trial because they lack legal merit.
The letter was prepared jointly by lawyers for the coaches and the NFL to notify the judge of each side’s positions in advance of the April 29 hearing.
Flores, who was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins in January, had alleged in his lawsuit that racist hiring practices by the NFL, particularly for coaches and general managers, left the league “rife with racism” even as it publicly condemns it.
The two other coaches— Steve Wilks and Ray Horton — joined Flores in the lawsuit earlier this month.
Flores, who led the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years, was fired after the Dolphins went 9-8 this past year in a second-straight winning season. The team failed to make the playoffs during Flores’ tenure, despite winning 10 games in 2020.
Flores has since been hired as an assistant coach by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL’s lawyers wrote in the letter that the league and its teams deny the lawsuit’s allegations, which include claims that Flores underwent a “sham interview” with the Denver Broncos in which team officials showed up an hour late and was cast as the “angry Black man” by the Dolphins after refusing to violate recruiting rules and tank for a better draft pick.
“Defendants have not discriminated against Plaintiffs (or the Black coaches and general managers they purport to represent) on the basis of their race, nor have Defendants retaliated against Mr. Flores for filing this lawsuit,” the lawyers said.
They claimed “numerous defenses” to the lawsuit’s assertions, including jurisdictional, venue and statute-of-limitations defenses, but said the coaches must arbitrate their claims according to the terms of employment agreements with the NFL and its teams. They noted that the Dolphins have already notified lawyers for Flores that his claims are subject to arbitration.
But even if the lawsuit proceeded, the claims “lack legal merit under the relevant statutes,” the letter said.
It cited several reasons, including that the coaches would have to prove that they would not have experienced the alleged discrimination if they were not Black.
“Mr. Flores himself alleges that he was terminated by the Dolphins for reasons plainly unrelated to his race, including his alleged refusal to intentionally lose games or to violate NFL rules,” the lawyers wrote.
As to the other coaches, the league’s lawyers said they have not identified a particular employment practice that is causing a disparate impact on Black coaches or coaching candidates.
In the same letter, lawyers for Flores and the other coaches said they will oppose the NFL’s plans to force arbitration or to dismiss the case.
They said the NFL has rejected their proposal to use mediation with the inclusion of a neutral third party, including retired federal judges and members of the legal and civil rights community.
The NFL’s lawyers, though, wrote in response that the league and its teams are “engaged in ongoing efforts to improve diversity among coaches and staff, and would welcome the involvement of Plaintiffs and other Black coaches and executives in those efforts.” | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/nfl-offers-defense-against-black-coaches-discrimination-suit/ | 2022-04-21T21:57:47Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Key Republicans are warming up to passing a bill that provides roughly $52 billion in incentives for the semiconductor industry now that Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has quashed the idea of imposing higher taxes on the rich and corporations as part of a separate Democratic-only effort.
Three weeks ago, the computer chips bill looked like it could be in trouble despite having bipartisan support. That’s when Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said there would be no such bill as long as Democrats pursued what he called a “partisan reconciliation bill.” But Manchin’s decision to dramatically narrow the Democratic effort and axe the tax hikes appears to have opened the window for Republican cooperation on semiconductors.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who endorsed McConnell’s approach, said on the Senate floor Monday that Manchin’s announcement on taxes means “we’re in a posture where we can go forward with the chips funding and other related provisions.”
“I hope we will be able to take action on that in the coming days,” Cornyn said.
The Biden administration is pressing Congress to move quickly on the semiconductor legislation before they leave for their month-long August recess. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that chipmakers are making decisions now about where they need to locate plants to keep up with global demand, and that foreign competitors are courting those companies with financial aid.
“It does nothing to protect the United States economy or national security to have another fab or manufacturing facility located somewhere else around the world,” Cornyn said. “We need them here.”
The bill coming before the Senate this week is much narrower than legislation that both chambers had passed this Congress. The stripped-down measure contains the $52 billion in financial incentives and research, plus another $1.5 billion for a fund that would encourage competition to companies like Huawei in building 5G networks. The bill will also institute a 25% investment tax credit for investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
The legislation would also prohibit aid recipients from expanding or building new manufacturing plans for certain advanced semiconductors in China or another foreign country of concern, according to a draft of the legislation obtained by The Associated Press.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told senators Monday that he wants lawmakers from the House and Senate to continue working on a broader bill to boost the semiconductor industry and scientific research in the U.S., but for now, he plans to hold the first procedural vote on the narrower measure Tuesday. He said manufacturers are “not going to wait around forever.”
“Countless of good paying American jobs are on the line. Billions of dollars in economic activity are on the line. And as I said, our very national security is at stake,” Schumer said.
The Biden administration has touted the financial incentives for the computer chip industry as a way to create jobs in the U.S. while also relieving inflation pressures in the long-term on automobiles, computers and other high-tech products that rely on computer chips. | https://cw33.com/technology/ap-technology/republicans-warm-to-52b-computer-chip-bill-adding-momentum/ | 2022-07-19T01:30:12Z |
ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GID, a vertically-integrated real estate company with corporate offices in Atlanta and Boston, has announced the acquisition of two multifamily communities in the Atlanta metro: Stadium Walk in Cumberland, and Overlook at Huntcrest in Suwanee.
Stadium Walk is a 309-unit, mid-rise community that will be rebranded as Stadium Walk by Windsor. Located in the heart of Atlanta's premier entertainment district, Stadium Walk by Windsor offers residents easy access to top shopping, dining, and entertainment. The community also features premium amenities, including a resort-style pool, outdoor lounge deck, outdoor grilling area, resident lounges, a fitness center, a dog park, and electric car charging stations.
Overlook at Huntcrest is a new, 299-unit, garden-style community located in Gwinnett County and will be rebranded as Windsor Sugarloaf. The community is in a highly desirable suburb of Atlanta, offering easy access to a strong school district, various employment centers, impressive retail, and many other lifestyle conveniences. Residents can enjoy property amenities including a saltwater pool with a tanning ledge and a fully equipped fitness center.
GID is a privately-held, vertically-integrated real estate company that owns and operates a portfolio of multifamily and industrial assets, as well as develops mixed-use projects. With corporate offices in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco, GID is an experienced real estate private equity investor and manager supported by an integrated operating platform and has 60+ years of experience across multiple asset classes. GID's existing and under-development properties are valued at over $26.7 billion as of March 31, 2022.
The current portfolio includes over 46,000 residential units, 20 million square feet of industrial space, and 1 million square feet of retail and office space. More information is available at www.gid.com.
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SOURCE GID Real Estate | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/gid-acquires-two-communities-atlanta-metro/ | 2022-08-02T15:27:06Z |
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the ASPCA, 23 million households in America – and 3.7 million in Canada – welcomed a new pet into their pack during the pandemic. People have been using their backyards more in recent years for everything from working and entertaining to vacationing and working out. But for dogs, this backyard business is old hat.
"No one loves the family yard as much as the family dog," notes Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation, an organization that advocates for the care for and use of green spaces, as well as pet rescue. "It's my rescue dog, Mulligan's, favorite place to be, so I do everything I can to make it safe and enjoyable for her, which ultimately makes it better for me, too."
Kiser and Mulligan have advice for creating a dream yard for your pets and the whole family this summer:
Plant Real Grass
Plastic grass is uncomfortable on paws (and bare feet), gets very hot during the summer, is difficult to clean, and is worse for the environment since it requires water for cleaning and usually can't be recycled. The bottom line: real grass is the best option for pets, people and the environment.
Select the Right Plants & Grasses
Choose a type of turf grass that will withstand the "ruff" housing of your pet. Buffalo and Bermuda grasses can be a good choice, depending on your climate zone. For other plants and shrubs, check the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants for advice before planting. You'll want soft, sturdy foliage near walkways. Save delicate, decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots. Pro tip: place plants close together in areas you want to designate as off-limits to your dog to create boundaries.
Consider Pollinators & Other Wildlife
Nature starts in your backyard, which provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and more. Each of these species help pollinate food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration, too, when you're selecting plants for your backyard.
Plan for Fun
Add a splash pool, build a sandbox for digging or even create a canine obstacle course to provide hours of fun. After a day of play, your dog will need a place to relax so think of where you can plant trees or bushes that provide shade for snoozing.
Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com.
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to "save the planet, one yard at a time." TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt is an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt's personal, home habitat is featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.
Media contacts
Ami Neiberger, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com
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SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/create-dream-yard-your-dog-this-summer/ | 2022-07-14T13:24:09Z |
NEW YORK, June 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Digital Turbine, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPS).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/digital-turbine-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=28329&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased Digital Turbine between August 9, 2021 and May 17, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until August 5, 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, Digital Turbine, Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's recent acquisitions, AdColony and Fyber, act as agents in certain of their respective product lines; (2) as a result, revenues for those product lines must be reported net of license fees and revenue share, rather than on a gross basis; (3) the Company's internal control over financial reporting as to revenue recognition was deficient; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's net revenues was overstated throughout fiscal 2022; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/10/apps-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-digital-turbine-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-5-2022/ | 2022-06-10T10:00:25Z |
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 13 at 1:10PM MDT until April 15 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10
inches. Locally higher amounts are possible in the Salt River
Range and on the west side of the Wind River Mountains. Winds
are likely to gust as high as 40 mph at times. South Pass is
likely to experience reduced visibilities with heavy blowing
snow and gusts 40 to 50 mph.
* WHERE…Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, western Wind River
Mountains, and Salt River and Wyoming Ranges.
* WHEN…From 6 AM Thursday to 6 AM MDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be difficult at times. Patchy blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact travel. The cold wind chills as low as
20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little
as 30 minutes.
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1. | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2022/04/13/winter-weather-advisory-issued-april-13-at-110pm-mdt-until-april-15-at-600am-mdt-by-nws-riverton-wy-2/ | 2022-04-13T21:03:29Z |
BEIJING, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China.org.cn.
Beijing subways and buses will implement a new ticketing system that attaches passengers' health codes to their transit cards, said the municipal transport authority on Thursday.
According to the new protocol, passengers' health codes and 48-hour nucleic acid test (NAT) results will be checked automatically when they swipe in.
Since May 28, the municipality has been testing the new ticket system at 115 subway stations and 10 bus routes.
Starting from Friday, the protocol will be expanded to 321 stations on 25 subway lines and 536 bus routes.
Municipal transport officials said that the new process will save passengers' time, and called for commuters to upgrade their transport cards and codes as soon as possible to take advantage.
By May 31, 10.3 million physical transport cards and codes had been upgraded for access to the new service.
Beijing public transport to auto-check health code, NAT results
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SOURCE China.org.cn | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/beijing-public-transport-auto-check-health-code-nat-results/ | 2022-06-02T09:40:06Z |
Mother accused of burning child’s feet as punishment for misbehaving
BOONEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT/Gray News) - A Kentucky mother is accused of punishing her child by burning her child’s feet.
WYMT reports Owsley County deputies responded to the home of 28-year-old Alexis Powell in April to investigate the possible abuse of a 4-year-old child.
Investigators determined the child suffered second- and third-degree burns to both feet as a part of the punishment.
The child was taken to a burn center in Ohio for treatment.
Authorities arrested Powell on Monday and charged her with assault, criminal abuse, endangering the welfare of a minor and wanton endangerment.
Powell was taken to the Three Forks Regional Jail, where she remains in custody, according to jail records.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/10/mother-accused-burning-childs-feet-punishment-misbehaving/ | 2022-05-10T18:09:31Z |
Summer interns close out Topeka tenures with summer bash
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Summer interns celebrated their time in the Capital City Friday night.
Dozens of interns in Topeka gathered for a bash to celebrate the end of their summers, and summer internships.
The young professionals-to-be teed off on the driving range at GreatLIFE North. They say their time the Topeka has expanded their perspective.
“It’s been super nice,” Lauryn Massey, an intern at Advisors Excel, said. “I’ve been able to meet a lot of people I haven’t met before and learn about a lot of companies I didn’t even know were in Topeka.”
“It’s a good experience,” Evergy intern Jalen Nelson said, “just getting to connect with other interns in the area.”
The Greater Topeka Partnership says the TopCity Intern Committee planned the event.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/29/summer-interns-close-out-topeka-tenures-with-summer-bash/ | 2022-07-29T03:55:44Z |
25th Anniversary Edition Published by Pangaeus Press is Available This Month
DALLAS, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-five years ago, Kevin Orlin Johnson's best-selling Why Do Catholics Do That? answered its title question with information about practically everything that people wonder about, from the nature of Purgatory to why Nativity scenes look that way.
The first edition out-sold books by Pope St. John Paul II, and readers sent in a constant stream of questions. "It was time for an expanded edition," Johnson says. "Especially in these hard times, we need to remember what the Church is for, what she can contribute to our lives. And we need answers."
Post-scripts added to each chapter answer many perennial questions to broaden understanding of the Catholic Church in all of her complexity and spirit, her influence on cultural norms and her place in America today. "Most books about the Church focus on feelings," Johnson says. "But it's information ― good, clear information ― that's really empowering. Faith depends on knowledge, and knowledge enables you to make better decisions in life."
The book promises cultural enrichment, too, in its answers to questions about Catholic art, architecture, literature, music, devotional practices and all. "Understanding the meaning and purpose of the Church's intellectual contributions," Johnson says, "lets you connect your life to a meaningful past and get things organized for a positive future." Even apart from matters of doctrine, he says, that's how the Church offers stability and clarity in a world that's increasingly unstable and perplexing.
Johnson also points out lay Catholics' responsibility for correcting abuses. "We are the Church," he says: "the clergy work for us. You don't leave your Church because of some bad priests. You don't abandon Jesus because Judas did. You fix it."
Pope St. John Paul II simplified the Code of Canon Law specifically to help Americans sue wayward clergymen in the Church's courts, Johnson says. "It's like a business letter. Look to Canons 1501 through 1506 for guidance and send your letter to the Congregation for Divine Worship for liturgical irregularities, the Congregation for the Clergy for personal misconduct by priests and the Congregation for Bishops for failure to address these offenses. They're all at the Palazzo delle Congregazioni, Piazza Pio XII 10, 00120 Città del Vaticano."
Why Do Catholics Do That? is available at bookstores nationwide and by direct order at whydocatholicsdothat.org.
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SOURCE Pangaeus Companies | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/03/new-edition-catholic-classic-why-do-catholics-do-that-addresses-persistent-questions-about-church/ | 2022-05-03T06:54:26Z |
ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wholly‐owned subsidiaries of Peabody (NYSE: BTU), PIC AU Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Main Issuer"), and PIC AU Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with the Main Issuer, the "Co‐Issuers"), today announced the expiration and final results of their previously announced offer to purchase (the "Offer") for cash up to $90.0 million (the "Offer Amount") in aggregate principal amount of their 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") at a purchase price equal to 103.91% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest as set forth in the Indenture (as defined below), to, but excluding, the settlement date, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated May 26, 2022 (as amended by the press release issued on June 27, 2022, the "Offer to Purchase").
The Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 21, 2022 (the "Expiration Time"). As of the Expiration Time, $112,704,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Time.
Subject to the Offer Amount as further described below, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Expiration Time and accepted by the Co-Issuers, holders of Notes will receive $1,039.10 in cash (the "Offer Price"), plus accrued and unpaid interest as set forth in the Indenture, to, but excluding, the settlement date.
Because the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered in the Offer exceeded the Offer Amount of $90.0 million, the Co-Issuers will purchase $93,872,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes pursuant to the Offer. Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Co-Issuers accepted an additional $3,872,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes above the Offer Amount ("Additional Accepted Notes"). In accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement (defined below), the Co-Issuers will offer to repurchase an additional aggregate principal amount of terms loans in the amount of the Additional Accepted Notes at a purchase price of 103.91% of par. The accepted Notes will be purchased on a pro rata basis, as described in the Offer, with adjustments so that only Notes in multiples of $1,000 principal amount (and in a minimum principal amount of $2,000) will be purchased. Payment for such accepted Notes will be made on July 25, 2022. After giving effect to the purchase of the tendered and accepted Notes, approximately $99,749,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes will remain outstanding.
The Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of January 29, 2021, by and among the Co-Issuers, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and Peabody (on a limited basis, to the extent of its obligations specifically set forth in the Indenture) (as amended and restated by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2021, and as further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to the date hereof, the "Indenture"). Under the terms of the Indenture, no later than 30 days following any voluntary prepayment, repayment or repurchase of term loans, the Co‐Issuers are obligated to offer to purchase for cash an aggregate principal amount of up to term loans so prepaid, repaid or repurchased. On May 25, 2022, the Co-Issuers repurchased $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of their 10.000% senior secured term loan due 2024 at a weighted average purchase price of 103.91% of par, in accordance with the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, among the Co-Issuers, as co-borrowers, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Wilmington Trust, National Association (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as administrative agent, which governs the term loans (the "Credit Agreement"). As such, the Offer was intended to satisfy the requirements of the Indenture. In connection with the previously-disclosed upsize of the Offer and in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Co-Issuers will offer to repurchase an additional aggregate principal amount of terms loans in the amount by which the total amount purchased in the Offer exceeds $50.0 million at a purchase price of 103.91% of par.
This announcement is not an offer to purchase or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell any securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.
Peabody (NYSE: BTU) is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. Our commitment to sustainability underpins everything we do and shapes our strategy for the future. For further information, visit PeabodyEnergy.com.
Contact:
Alice Tharenos
314.342.7890
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "targets," "would," "will," "should," "goal," "could" or "may" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management's current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect our good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, a variety of economic, competitive and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.
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SOURCE Peabody | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/21/pic-au-holdings-llc-pic-au-holdings-corporation-whollyowned-subsidiaries-peabody-announce-expiration-final-results-offer-purchase-up-900-million-aggregate-principal-amount-their-10000-senior-secured-notes-due-2024/ | 2022-07-21T23:17:47Z |
In a blow to believers in time-restricted eating -- a form of intermittent fasting where people only eat during a restricted window during the day -- researchers in China have found the method has no significant benefits compared with simple calorie restriction in battling obesity.
"Our data suggest that caloric intake restriction explained most of the beneficial effects of a time-restricted eating regimen," according to researchers at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China.
"Bottom line, the determinant of weight loss, as well as reductions in body fat, visceral fat, blood pressure, and glucose and lipid levels, is dependent on reducing calorie intake, regardless of the distribution of food and beverages consumed throughout the day," said Alice Lichtenstein, director and senior scientist at Tufts University's Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, via email. She was not involved in the study.
The study, published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, split 139 overweight to significantly obese adults in Guangzhou into two study groups that were followed for a year.
One group was told to limit their daily food intake to 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day for men, and 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day for women. Men and women in the other group were told to eat the same amount of calories, but to eat only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To track compliance, study participants were asked to keep food diaries and photograph all food they ate.
At the end of the year, both groups lost weight -- about 14 to 18 pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kilograms) -- but eating on a time-restricted schedule didn't produce any significant difference in weight loss between the two groups.
Nor was there any real difference in other markers of weight loss, such as BMI (body mass index, a popular way of measuring weight), waist circumference, body fat or metabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance and blood pressure.
Prior research showed benefits
Prior research had shown advantages to time restriction. A 2020 review of human and animal studies had found benefits to restricting calories to a shortened period of the day, including a reduction in blood pressure, weight loss and improved longevity.
However, a number of those studies were in mice and those in humans were of much shorter duration, mere months.
The results of the year-long clinical trial are not surprising, said Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine and nutrition, who was not involved in the study.
"Restricting time instead of calories does not contribute metabolic magic; rather, it is a form of discipline that helps to control calories," said Katz via email.
"My favorite approach is to focus on the quality of foods and diet, and then let quantity control take care of itself. A diet made up mostly of whole, wholesome plant foods is intrinsically satiating at low calorie levels," he said.
"Decisions on the approach used to restrict calorie intake should be determined by what works best for an individual within the context of their lifestyle," said Lichtenstein, who is also a Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. "The most important factor is identifying an approach that is sustainable in the long term."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/features/health/time-restricted-eating-no-better-than-counting-calories-study-finds/article_3f86b246-5ac4-59fe-9f64-0877d77af95f.html | 2022-04-21T22:08:41Z |
HAVANA (AP) — Alejandro Clemente González was talking with an electrician while preparing for weekend services at Cuba’s most important Baptist church when an enormous explosion shook the building and shattered the 19th century dome towering far above the pews.
Concrete plunged from walls, wood and glass showered down from the windows as an apparent gas explosion next door killed 45 people in and around the devastated Hotel Saratoga in Old Havana on May 6.
“I didn’t know what was happening,” González, the church administrator, said with a trembling voice as he revisited the sanctuary with Associated Press journalists Wednesday. “I called on the Lord, ‘What is this, Lord? Help us!’”
He said the two men heard the cries of a receptionist as debris tumbled down around them, obstructing their path.
“I remembered that there was an exit at the back, and then the brothers who were on the third floor came down, we all met, we counted one another,” and managed to escape. All 18 people who had been inside were physically unharmed, if shaken.
“Since then I have slept badly. I jump at every sound,” González said.
Parts of the upper floors have collapsed at the building that houses not only Calvary Baptist Church but a seminary and the denomination’s headquarters for western Cuba.
Sunlight glows through cracks in the outer walls, windows are shattered, their frames torn from the walls. Halls and rooms of the broken hotel are visible through a gap. A thick layer of gray dust covers the dark wood pews where hundreds meet for worship services.
The elegant building then known as the Teatro Marti was just a few years old when, in 1887, Baptists began holding services across the street on a corner in Old Havana that had once held a circus. Cuba was still a Spanish colony and its Capitol building — modeled on the U.S. Capitol — wouldn’t be built nearby for a few decades yet.
The Baptists bought the property in 1889 and gradually established the church, a printing house, a school, a seminary and the headquarters that now serves about 70,000 Baptists in western Cuba. Overall, the church estimates there about about 200,000 Baptists across the whole island.
“For each believer, each Christian, each Baptist who comes, this is their home,” said the Rev. David González, 31, who has lived for the past two years in an apartment beside the church that is now partially collapsed.
Government authorities had focused emergency efforts on trying to find the living and the dead in and around the devastated hotel — they reported two more bodies recovered Thursday and called a halt to the search. The government declared a period of national mourning for Friday and Saturday.
Authorities had not yet met with church officials about the status of the church.
“They transmitted to us a desire to help as much as passible,” said the Rev. Bárbaro Abel Marrero Castellanos, president of the Baptist Convention of Western Cuba. “It’s clear there aren’t all the resources needed for restoration and they also asked us to collect help, which as we know has been offered by churches in the country itself … and also in the world.”
“We still don’t know exactly the magnitude of the damage,” he said, adding that some specialists have said they might have to evaluate possibly demolishing parts of the structure.
Since the building is registered as part of the country’s historical heritage, repairs would be under the auspices of the Havana Historian’s Office, which has overseen the restoration of much of Old Havana in recent decades.
“We are actively going to involve ourselves in this process and with all the brothers, friends who have offered to help, we hope to make a beautiful project,” Marrero said.
Meanwhile, members of the church are attending other congregations, though the government offered to help find temporary space for those from Calvary.
___
Andrea Rodríguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/cuba-hotel-explosion-badly-damaged-major-baptist-church/ | 2022-05-13T11:43:46Z |
ATLANTA (AP) — Add one more group of contests to the white-hot races for Congress and governor that will dominate this year’s midterm elections: secretaries of state.
Former President Donald Trump’s attempts to reverse the results of the 2020 election and his subsequent endorsements of candidates for state election offices who are sympathetic to his view have elevated those races to top-tier status. At stake, say Democrats and others concerned about fair elections, is nothing less than American democracy.
“If they win the general election, we’ve got real problems on our hands,” said former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican who has pushed back against the false claims made by Trump and his allies about widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. “This is an effort to replace the people who oversee these races — to change the rules to make the results come out the way they want them to.”
The primary season begins in force in the coming week with elections in Ohio and Indiana. Ohio voters will decide which candidate will emerge from the Republican primary for secretary of state, with the winner favored to eventually win the office in the GOP-dominated state.
Primaries for the top election offices will follow over the next few weeks in Nebraska, Idaho, Alabama and the presidential battleground of Georgia. While Indiana also holds a primary Tuesday, nominees for secretary of state and some other offices won’t be decided until party conventions in June.
In all, voters in about two dozen states will be deciding who will be their state’s next chief election official this year. In three politically important states —- Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas — the position will be filled by whoever wins the governor’s race. In New Hampshire, the decision will be made by the state Legislature — currently controlled by Republicans.
States United Action, a nonpartisan advocacy organization co-founded by Whitman, has been tracking secretary of state races and identified nearly two dozen Republican candidates who deny the results of the 2020 presidential election.
That includes John Adams, a former state lawmaker challenging Ohio’s incumbent secretary of state, Frank LaRose, in Tuesday’s GOP primary. Adams has said “there’s no way that Trump lost” and said LaRose wasn’t any different than Stacey Abrams, a Democrat and national voting rights advocate who is running for governor in Georgia.
LaRose hasn’t talked much about the 2020 election in the campaign other than to say it was secure in Ohio and to tout his office’s pursuit of voter fraud cases. This marked a departure following the 2020 vote in which he praised the work of bipartisan election officials in running a smooth election, promoted voter access and presented statistics showing how rare voter fraud is.
Earlier this year, LaRose brushed aside questions about his shifting rhetoric.
“Unfortunately, some people want to make a political issue out of this,” he said. “Of course, it’s right to be concerned about election integrity.”
The pivot was enough to earn him an endorsement from Trump, who is considering another run for president in 2024 and said LaRose was “dedicated to Secure Elections.” LaRose has been touting the endorsement.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said it was important for Republican secretaries of state, in particular, to speak the truth about the 2020 election.
“Those secretaries who are accepting the support of election-deniers or accepting the support of a former president who openly interfered with the results of a free and fair election are abdicating their role and responsibility to stand as nonpartisan guardians and choosing to put their own partisan agendas ahead of democracy,” Benson said in an interview.
This year, the most high-profile races will unfold in four of the six states where Trump disputed his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Michigan. Trump has endorsed secretary of state candidates in all but one, backing those who support his false claims.
There is no proof of widespread fraud or wrongdoing. Judges, including ones appointed by Trump, dismissed dozens of lawsuits filed by the former president and his allies after the 2020 election.
Last year, an Associated Press review of every potential 2020 voter fraud case in the six states disputed by Trump found nowhere near enough cases to change the outcome.
Kristina Karamo, Trump’s pick in Michigan, is the first to advance to the November election after state Republicans nominated her at the party’s April 23 convention. A community college professor, Karamo gained prominence after the 2020 election claiming she had seen irregularities in the processing of mail ballots while serving as an election observer in Detroit.
At a rally with Trump before the convention, she accused the media of trying to demonize her, adding “corruption in our elections systems is a national security threat.” She will face Benson, a former law school dean seeking her second term.
“All one has to imagine is what it would be like or what it would have been like if Brad Raffensperger had said, ‘Yes, I will find you those votes and deliver Georgia for you,’” Benson said. “That’s what could happen if you have an election denier serving as secretary of state.”
Raffensperger is the Republican secretary of state in Georgia who withstood enormous pressure to uphold the results of the presidential race there, won by Biden. At one point after the election, Trump called Raffensperger and asked him to “find” nearly 12,000 votes to overturn Biden’s win.
Of the 25 secretary of state races on the ballot this year, nine Republican and seven Democratic incumbents are running to keep their seats. While only one of the Democratic incumbents has drawn a challenger, seven Republican secretaries will be facing at least one GOP opponent who either denies Biden won or makes unsubstantiated claims that elections are not secure.
This includes Raffensperger, who rebuffed Trump’s demands and has drawn three primary challengers. Among them is one endorsed by Trump, U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, who objected to Georgia’s electoral votes being counted for Biden.
In nine states, incumbents have opted against seeking reelection, are running for higher office or are term-limited, leaving open contests. This includes Arizona and Nevada, which hold primaries in the coming months.
Both races feature Republican candidates — Arizona’s Mark Finchem and Nevada’s Jim Marchant — who have questioned the outcome of the 2020 election.
Another high-profile race is unfolding in Colorado, where a Republican county clerk under indictment for a security breach of voting systems is running to challenge Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat seeking a second term.
Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. She has been a frequent guest on conservative media and appeared at various events with Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO and Trump ally who has sought to prove voting machines were somehow manipulated in 2020.
In an interview earlier this year, Peters said she was committed to finding the truth of what happened in 2020 and hoped “the powers that be — instead of taking time to attack me — would solve violent crime, would look into election irregularities and find the truth.”
Colorado Republicans will be deciding who their nominee will be in late June.
“Americans are going to have a very simple choice — do we want people overseeing elections who believe in upholding the will of the voter regardless of how they voted?” said Griswold. “Or do we want extremist politicians who will do anything it takes to tilt elections in their favor and claim victory regardless of how the American people cast their ballot?”
___
Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/gop-election-deniers-elevate-races-for-secretary-of-state/ | 2022-05-01T00:41:06Z |
ODESA, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a Black Sea port Friday as crews prepared terminals to export grain trapped by Russia’s five-month-old war, work that was inching forward a week after a deal was struck to allow critical food supplies to flow to millions of impoverished people facing hunger worldwide.
“The first vessel, the first ship is being loaded since the beginning of the war,” Zelenskyy, in his signature olive T-shirt, told reporters as he stood next to a Turkish-flagged ship at the Chernomorsk port in the Odesa region.
He said, however, that the departure of wheat and other grain will begin with several ships that were already loaded but could not leave Ukrainian ports after Russia invaded in late February.
Ukraine is a key global exporter of wheat, barley, corn and sunflower oil, and the loss of those supplies has raised global food prices, threatened political instability and helped push more people into poverty and hunger in already vulnerable countries.
Ukraine’s military is committed to the safety of ships, said Zelenskyy, adding that “it is important for us that Ukraine remains the guarantor of global food security.”
His unannounced visit to the port is part of a broader push by Ukraine to show the world that it is nearly ready to export millions of tons of grains after last week’s breakthrough agreements, which were brokered by Turkey and the United Nations and signed separately by Ukraine and Russia.
The sides agreed to facilitate the shipment of wheat and other grains from three Ukrainian ports through safe corridors on the Black Sea, as well as fertilizer and food from Russia.
But a Russian missile strike on Odesa hours after signing the deal has thrown Moscow’s commitment into question and raised new concerns about the safety of shipping crews, who also have to navigate waters strewn with explosive mines.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday emphasized the importance of maintaining a “link between taking grain out of Ukrainian ports and unblocking direct or indirect restrictions on the export of our grain, fertilizers and other goods to global markets.”
The security concerns and complexities of the agreements have set off a slow, cautious start, with no grains having yet left Ukrainian ports. The sides are facing a ticking clock — the deal is only good for 120 days.
The goal over the next four months is to get some 20 million tons of grain out of three Ukrainian sea ports blocked since the Feb. 24 invasion. That provides time for about four to five large bulk carriers per day to transport grain from the ports to millions of people in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, who are already facing food shortages and, in some cases, famine.
Getting the grain out is also critical to farmers in Ukraine, who are running out of storage capacity amid a new harvest.
“We are ready,” Ukraine’s minister of infrastructure, Oleksandr Kubrakov, told reporters at the port of Odesa on Friday.
But he said Ukraine is waiting on the U.N. to confirm the safe corridors that will be used by ships. In the meantime, a ship at the port of Chernomorsk was being loaded with grain, he said.
Martin Griffiths, the U.N. official who mediated the deals, cautioned that work was still being done to finalize the exact coordinates of the safest routes, saying this must be “absolutely nailed down.”
Lloyd’s List, a global publisher of shipping news, noted that while U.N. officials are pushing for the initial voyage this week to show progress in the deal, continued uncertainty on key details will likely prevent an immediate ramping-up of shipments.
“Until those logistical issues and detailed outlines of safeguarding procedures are disseminated, charters will not be agreed and insurers will not be underwriting shipments,” wrote Bridget Diakun and Richard Meade of Lloyd’s List.
They note, however, that U.N. agencies, such as the World Food Program, have already arranged to charter much of the grain for urgent humanitarian needs.
Shipping companies have not rushed in since the deal was signed a week ago because explosive mines are drifting in the waters, ship owners are assessing the risks and many still have questions over how the agreement will unfold.
Ukraine, Turkey and the U.N. are trying to show they’re acting on the deal. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told Al Jazeera on Thursday that “the deal has started in practice” and that the first ship leaving Ukraine with grain is expected to depart “very soon.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed similar optimism in a press briefing, framing the deal as a significant step forward between the warring sides.
“This is not just a step being taken to lift the hurdles in front of the export of food. If implemented successfully, it will be a serious confidence-building measure for both sides,” he said.
The deal stipulates that Russia and Ukraine provide “maximum assurances” for ships that brave the journey to the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny.
Smaller Ukrainian pilot boats will guide the vessels through approved corridors. The entire operation will be overseen by a Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul staffed by officials from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations.
Once ships reach port, they will be loaded with grain before departing back to the Bosphorus Strait, where they will be boarded to inspect them for weapons. There will likely be inspections for ships embarking to Ukraine as well.
___
Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ukrainian-president-observes-1st-grain-exports-leaving/ | 2022-07-29T17:45:26Z |
1 missing, 1 dead and 11 hospitalized after boat capsizes in Colorado
PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) — One person is still missing after a boat capsized in Lake Pueblo Sunday night, killing one and injuring nearly a dozen others.
Eight kids and five adults were on board when the boat was knocked over.
“At 7:37 tonight our wildlife officers received a call that a boat has capsized near the North Shore area here at Lake Pueblo,” said Travis Duncan with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Sunday. “When they responded, they found a large flat-sized boat capsized with 13 folks on board.”
One woman died before help arrived, presumably from drowning, though the county coroner will release the official cause of death. Eleven others were rescued from the water and transported to area hospitals.
“The water here is 60 degrees so it’s very cold, so we’re getting them checked out for hypothermia,” Duncan said. “We did have one child who went on a Flight for Life tonight, so just concerned about that and continuing to check in on that.”
A search is currently underway for the 13th person on board.
“It is 80-90 feet of water and we expect it to be a difficult search,” Duncan said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking boaters to avoid the area Monday while the recovery operation is underway.
The missing person has only been identified as one of the adults from the boat. All of the kids involved in the incident are accounted for.
Exactly what caused the boat to capsize is still under investigation. KKTV reports that 40-50 mph winds crossed over the lake around 7:30 Sunday evening as a front blew in, but it’s unknown if that played any role in the incident.
Copyright 2022 KKTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/30/1-missing-1-dead-11-hospitalized-after-boat-capsizes-colorado/ | 2022-05-30T21:02:16Z |
The eight-stop, 15-day mobile tour brings the airy, cheesy greatness of new Cheez-It® Puff'd™ to select NASCAR races and MLS matches starting June 19
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer just got more entertaining for the whole family with Cheez-It® introducing "Cheez-It® Puff'd™-A-Palooza": an eight-stop, 15-day mobile tour at select National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) races and Major League Soccer (MLS) matches complete with absurdly uplifting experiential activations celebrating the cheesy, puffy and airy greatness of new Cheez-It Puff'd.
Launched earlier this year, Cheez-It Puff'd is a crazy-craveable, puffy and airy snack baked with 100% real cheese inside and out that's perfect for any family snack occasion.
Visitors of the Cheez-It Puff'd-A-Palooza mobile tour stops have the opportunity to taste Cheez-It Puff'd samples, win fun prizes and participate in engaging activities that the whole family can enjoy, including:
- The Cheez-It Puff'd Lighter-Than-Air Guitar Show: The ultimate Air Guitar experience complete with a custom Cheez-It Puff'd inflatable guitar and a special 360-degree camera that captures the rockstar jam sessions. Each participant walks away with their own slow-motion, 360-degree digital keepsake of their Air Guitar performance that can be shared on social media. Come jam out and experience The Cheez-It Puff'd Lighter-Than-Air Guitar Show!
- The Cheez-It Puff'd Run: A 30' long inflatable obstacle course where fans can hop from airy Cheez-It Puff'd obstacles from start to finish. Whether fans make it to the finish line or wipeout on the first Cheez-It Puff'd, there's no doubt families will enjoy the Cheez-It Puff'd Run. Come and cheer fans to the finish line!
- The Cheez-It Puff'd Goal: A 13' tall inflatable soccer goal with an extra challenging twist to the classic game: the soccer balls are swapped with lighter-than-air Cheez-It Puff'd balls. Will fans be able to score a goal with a Cheez-It Puff'd ball? Come find out!
- The Toss A Cheez-It Puff'd Game: An interactive toss game for fans to toss puffy and airy Cheez-It Puff'd inflatables to land in a hole. Hit a spot with your Cheez-It Puff'd inflatable and win a prize!
"After introducing families to new Cheez-It Puff'd earlier this year, we wanted to provide fans a multi-sensory experience inspired by the cheesy, airy, puffy greatness Cheez-It Puff'd offers," said Erin Storm, senior marketing director for Cheez-It. "NASCAR and MLS fans are ready for an exhilarating time when they arrive, and Cheez-It Puff'd-A-Palooza gets them in on the action, while also providing an absurdly uplifting pre-race and pre-match snack."
The Cheez-It Puff'd-A-Palooza mobile tour kicks off on June 19, with activations at select MLS matches and NASCAR races in Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX; Austin, TX; Brooklyn, MI; and Richmond, VA. Follow @CheezIt on your favorite social media platform to keep up with the latest Cheez-It Puff'd-A-Palooza stop details and food news.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2021 were nearly $14.2 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods, and noodles. As part of our Kellogg's Better Days® ESG strategy, we're addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com.
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SOURCE Kellogg Company | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/new-cheez-it-puffd-hits-road-this-summer-with-cheez-it-puffd-a-palooza-mobile-tour-offering-fans-fun-delicious-pit-stop/ | 2022-06-13T13:00:01Z |
MILWAUKEE, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) will release its second quarter 2022 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, July 28, and has scheduled an investor conference call to follow at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).
The call can be heard live on the company's website, www.aosmith.com. An audio replay of the call will be available on the company's website after the live event. To access the archived audio replay, go to the "Investors" page and select the "Second Quarter Conference Call" link.
A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the Company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.
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SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/o-smith-hold-second-quarter-conference-call-july-28-2022/ | 2022-07-01T14:39:07Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Stitch Fix, Inc. ("Stitch Fix" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SFIX) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Stitch Fix investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of purchasers of Stitch Fix Class A common stock between December 8, 2020, and March 8, 2022, inclusive. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
SFIX investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: According to the filed complaint, Stitch Fix made numerous false and misleading statements to investors concerning the synergy between the Company's Fix and Freestyle programs, and repeatedly denied claims that the Freestyle program could cannibalize the Company's legacy Fix business. Specifically, Stitch Fix repeatedly assured investors that the Company's Freestyle business was "an additive experience" and "complementary" to the Fix business, that "the combination of those two things will allow us to address many more types of clients," and that "we see solid growth in both sides of the business." In truth, Stitch Fix concealed that these programs were not complementary or additive. Stitch Fix knew that the Freestyle program would be much preferred to the Company's original Fix model and that the Freestyle program would inevitably cannibalize the Company's legacy Fix business.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Stitch Fix during the relevant time frame, you have until October 25, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/sfix-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-stitch-fix-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-09-08T10:39:48Z |
Flint Hills Volunteer Center celebrates new home office with ribbon cutting
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Connecting volunteers in the Manhattan area with volunteer opportunities for 48 years, the Flint Hills Volunteer Center celebrated moving into their new office space with a ribbon cutting.
The Flint Hills Volunteer Center started as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, helping senior and retired community members find volunteer opportunities.
After receiving numerous requests from younger community members, the program was rebranded to be more age inclusive, with renaming to the Flint Hills Volunteer Center.
More than 1500 volunteers are registered to volunteer with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center.
“I love being back downtown, we’re closer to our volunteers and the capabilities that we have because a lot of what we do is in the downtown area.” Flint Hills Volunteer Center Executive Director Lori Bishop says.
Individuals interesting in volunteering can reach out through FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/27/flint-hills-volunteer-center-celebrates-new-home-office-with-ribbon-cutting/ | 2022-04-27T23:53:58Z |
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Franchise today announced the opening of Crunch Cordova this winter, the second of five new Memphis Crunch Fitness locations set to open amidst Crunch's rapid and aggressive expansion into this area.
Crunch Cordova will be a $5 million, 40,000-square-foot fitness facility, with $1 million dollars' worth of state-of-the-art equipment and will be located in a newly renovated space at 1635 N. Germantown Pkwy, previously occupied by Stein Mart. Crunch Cordova will follow the opening of Crunch White Station this fall, each creating up to 100 new jobs in the community.
Fusing fitness with entertainment to make serious exercise fun, Crunch Cordova will offer top-quality cardio equipment and strength training equipment, circuit training, a functional training area with multiple indoor turf areas, a dedicated group fitness studio, a dedicated ride studio, boxing, Kids Crunch, HydroMassage® beds, and high-end tanning. Members looking for assistance reaching their goals will have access to our staff of highly experienced Personal Trainers.
Crunch Fitness Cordova is owned by Fitness Ventures, LLC, the fastest growing franchisee in the Crunch system with locations throughout the U.S. "Expanding into Memphis is particularly exciting for us, as the market is under served for high value, low price fitness options." We are coming into the market with multiple locations and will be announcing additional locations in the coming months," stated CEO Brian Hibbard. "Crunch is for everyone, from the first-time gym-goer to the seasoned athlete. Add in a high-energy and fun environment, and we have options to meet everyone's goals and budget!"
Crunch is known for its innovative group fitness programming and will offer a wide range of classes every week, including BodyWeb with TRX®, Zumba®, Cardio Tai Box, Yoga Body Sculpt and Fat Burning Pilates. Members looking for additional guidance or motivation can utilize the HIITZone™, a proprietary high-intensity interval group training program.
Prospective members can now visit https://www.crunchcordova.com or call 901.286.2899 to reserve memberships at discounted rates beginning at $9.99 per month.
Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people, with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Today, we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves two million members with over 400 gyms worldwide in 34 states and the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.
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SOURCE Crunch | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/crunch-franchise-announces-second-five-new-locations-memphis-tennessee/ | 2022-09-08T18:15:54Z |
TORONTO, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Gamelancer Gaming Corp. (CSE: GMNG) (OTCQB: WDRGF) (FRA: 64Q) ("Gamelancer" or the "Company"), a mobile-focused entertainment company providing brands access to the global gaming audience through its owned and operated channels, is excited to announce it has generated $181,010 in monthly recurring revenue from its curated, in-house produced online video content. With custom Gamelancer video featuring Robolox, Minecraft, GTA and its branded "Egirl" content, Gamelancer now produces 8 custom video content series featured on various OTT video platforms, with recently acquired JoyBox Media launching 2 OTT video content series in the month of May.
OTT, or "over-the-top" media is a service which provides internet streaming of custom TV shows or movies for subscribers of the platform to view. Gamelancer curates custom short-form video content which is submitted to OTT platforms, which are subsequently featured on the platform for subscribers to view. Gamelancer therein received a 50% revenue split with the OTT platform hosting the content.
"Gamelancer's growing network of over 28,000,000 followers and subscribers on Tiktok, Snapchat, and Instagram, constitute the largest GenZ social media network in gaming. Our audience increasingly views our video content on subscription-based OTT platforms, which charge viewers a fee and generate advertising revenue, providing Gamelancer with a vital monthly recurring revenue stream. Our OTT video revenue continues to demonstrate that Gamelancer is a new media company, focused on short-form video content and direct media sales. Gamelancer will continue to build multiple short-form video series', featuring content derived from our daily videos posted across our 27 channels. Our walled-garden approach to owned and operated channels on platforms such as Tiktok, allows us to host hundreds of daily short-form videos and choose the best material to build into TV-style series." – Jon Dwyer, Chairman & CEO, Gamelancer Gaming Corp.
Acquired by Wondr Gaming, Gamelancer Gaming Corp. is a growing mobile-focused social media network in gaming - generating over 1 billion monthly video views across its 27 owned and operated channels. With over 28,000,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, predominantly located in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, Gamelancer sells direct and programmatic media across its network to the world's largest brands. With advanced user data analytics, we provide our audience curated content relevant to the GenZ & Millennial gaming community, which allows brands unparalleled access to the largest media inventory in gaming across TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Gamelancer also monetizes across its variety of Snapchat Discover channels with monthly recurring revenue in partnership with Snapchat.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward–looking statements and forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward–looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward–looking statements and information relating to the future business of the Company, the potential of the Company's products and services, further business from the Company's clients, industry outlook and potential and other matters. The forward–looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward–looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.
Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward–looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward–looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward–looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward–looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
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SOURCE Gamelancer Gaming Corp. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/gamelancer-records-182010-monthly-recurring-ott-video-revenue-month-april/ | 2022-05-19T11:26:59Z |
Paqui's 2022 #OneChipChallenge returns, featuring two of the hottest peppers in the world – so hot it will shock your tongue blue
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Paqui Tortilla Chips, part of Amplify Snack Brands, announced today the return of the (hot as hell) PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE for its sixth year. The 2022 One Chip Challenge is so shocking that only the bravest will dare to face The Reaper. Made with two of the hottest peppers in the world, Carolina Reaper Pepper and Scorpion Pepper, this high voltage chip was created for the shocking pleasure of intense heat and pain. The only way to prove you've dared to take on this year's #OneChipChallenge is to show off your blue tongue.
"Each year, the team here at Paqui raises the bar and develops an intensely thrilling challenge that pushes the fearless to their limit," said Paqui Senior Brand Manager, Brandon Kieffer. "Fans be warned, this year's chip isn't for the faint of heart and there's no cheating the test. Only the bravest will be able to prove they faced the Reaper when they show off their blue tongue after completing the challenge."
Stay tuned for the PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE Hot Ones special episode that airs Aug. 25 on First We Feast's YouTube channel, featuring a gnarly guest star trying the #OneChipChallenge.
Priced at $8.99 USD, the 2022 PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE is all thriller and no filler, made with seasoning ingredients that create an intense spice combination that will humble even the toughest of participants. Those who dare to handle the heat can go to Paqui.com/onechipchallenge and Amazon to purchase the chip online or can shop at local participating retailers.
Fans who are brave enough to face The Reaper should share this year's experience on social media by showing off their blue tongue and tagging @paquichips with the hashtag #OneChipChallenge on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Fans can spread the heat and dare their friends, enemies, or frenemies to the challenge and see if they too can handle the shock of this year's PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE.
The Paqui everyday lineup of delicious and spicy chips can help train taste buds for the PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE, including Haunted Ghost Pepper®.
Ranked from "Freakin' Hot to Not Hot," Paqui flavors include:
- Haunted Ghost Pepper®: The spiciest and most popular flavor of Paqui's lineup, these chips are freakin' hot and contain a mix of Ghost Pepper, Cayenne Pepper and Chipotle Pepper.
- Fiery Chile Limón: Known to pack a spicy punch from red chile peppers and a kick of lime, this chip is a dynamic mix of spicy and tart.
- Jalapeño Tropicale: The perfect blend of sweet and heat with spicy jalapeños and a touch of pineapple flavors.
- Zesty Salsa Verde: One of the milder flavors, but this chip still has a kick with a combination of tangy tomatillos and smooth sour cream.
- Mucho Nacho Cheese: Made with real cheddar and real spices, Mucho Nacho Cheese is a nacho lover's dream and will satisfy cheesy tortilla chip cravings without artificial flavors and ingredients.
Paqui's everyday chips are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Acquired by The Hershey Company in 2018, Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. is a family of brands, including SkinnyPop®, Paqui®, and Pirate's Booty® dedicated to sharing our simple, tastier idea of what good snacks should be. Together we've proven that when you start with the right premium ingredients, you don't need anything extra to make something truly special. In short, our snacks are made with the fewest, cleanest, and simplest ingredients possible to craft the best tasting products. We don't want to say that we've set the bar in better-for-you snacking, because the truth is, we're still busy raising it. Our company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For additional information, visit amplifysnackbrands.com.
CONTACT: Media Contact
Edible for Paqui
TheReaper@edible-inc.com
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SOURCE Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/paqui-one-chip-challenge-is-back-its-sixth-year-summoning-all-spice-lovers-experience-reaper-like-never-before-with-new-shocking-twist/ | 2022-08-09T14:35:37Z |
HANGZHOU, China, June 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase" or the "Company") and Xbox today announced that NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, an up to 60-player PVP mythical action combat game, will be launched on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and with Game Pass on June 23 and be available for pre-order beginning on June 12. The announcement was officially unveiled at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 earlier today, marking a pivotal milestone for NetEase as it builds its position in the global console market.
Developed and published by NetEase, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT has been appreciated by over 10 million players worldwide since its release in last August, turning it into one of the best-selling PC games in 2021 globally. In this game, players can experience the excitement of melee combat and world exploration with their selected heroes and weapons, competing with other foes to be the last one standing. The launch of its console version represents the debut of NetEase's games on the Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass, as well as the Company's first time participating in the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase.
"We share the same ambition with Microsoft to bring appealing and exciting new gaming experiences to wider communities," said Zhipeng Hu, Vice President of NetEase, Inc. "It's a milestone step for us to bring this melee battle gameplay with Eastern aesthetics and philosophies to a new audience in Western markets, together with Microsoft, one of NetEase's long-standing partners."
"At Xbox, we are dedicated to bringing the joy of gaming to everyone on the planet," said Sarah Bond, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for Gaming Ecosystem Organization at Xbox. "We are excited to help NetEase bring the fast-paced and tactical PVP experience of NARAKA: BLADEPOINT to consoles for the first time and help them reach new players around the world with Game Pass members and Xbox fans alike."
In 2016, NetEase entered into a license agreement with Mojang AB, a subsidiary of Microsoft, to operate Minecraft in China. Launching NARAKA: BLADEPOINT as a console game for the first time paves the way for future opportunities for both companies to reach new players around the world.
About NetEase, Inc.
As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase") provides premium online services centered around innovative and diverse content, community, communication and commerce. NetEase develops and operates some of China's most popular mobile and PC games. In more recent years, NetEase has expanded into international markets including Japan and North America. In addition to its self-developed game content, NetEase partners with other leading game developers, such as Blizzard Entertainment and Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary), to operate globally renowned games in China. NetEase's other innovative service offerings include its majority-controlled subsidiaries Youdao (NYSE: DAO), China's leading technology-focused intelligent learning company, and Cloud Village (HKEX: 9899), also known as NetEase Cloud Music, China's leading online music content community, as well as Yanxuan, NetEase's private label e-commerce platform. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
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," "aim," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "may," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "goal," "targets," "commits" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about business plans and statements about the launch of new games and their popularity among players in different markets, are or contain 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. All information contained in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement and are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable as of this date. You should not rely upon these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The parties do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Contacts for NetEase
Investor Enquiries:
Margaret Shi
NetEase, Inc.
ir@service.netease.com
Tel: (+86) 571-8985-3378
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetEase_Global
Media Enquiries:
Li Ruohan
NetEase, Inc.
globalpr@service.netease.com
Tel: (+86) 571-8985-2668
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetEase_Global
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SOURCE NetEase, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/12/netease-releases-naraka-bladepoint-xbox-series-xs-windows-pc-with-xbox-game-pass-global-audience-june-23/ | 2022-06-12T21:13:17Z |
Russia’s war worsens fertilizer crunch, risking food supplies
KIAMBU COUNTY, Kenya (AP) — Monica Kariuki is about ready to give up on farming. What is driving her off her 10 acres of land outside Nairobi isn’t bad weather, pests or blight — the traditional agricultural curses — but fertilizer: It costs too much.
Despite thousands of miles separating her from the battlefields of Ukraine, Kariuki and her cabbage, corn and spinach farm are indirect victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The war has pushed up the price of natural gas, a key ingredient in fertilizer, and has led to severe sanctions against Russia, a major exporter of fertilizer.
Kariuki used to spend 20,000 Kenyan shillings, or about $175, to fertilize her entire farm. Now, she would need to spend five times as much. Continuing to work the land, she said, would yield nothing but losses.
“I cannot continue with the farming business. I am quitting farming to try something else,’’ she said.
Higher fertilizer prices are making the world’s food supply more expensive and less abundant, as farmers skimp on nutrients for their crops and get lower yields. While the ripples will be felt by grocery shoppers in wealthy countries, the squeeze on food supplies will land hardest on families in poorer countries. It could hardly come at a worse time: The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said last week that its world food-price index in March reached the highest level since it started in 1990.
The fertilizer crunch threatens to further limit worldwide food supplies, already constrained by the disruption of crucial grain shipments from Ukraine and Russia. The loss of those affordable supplies of wheat, barley and other grains raises the prospect of food shortages and political instability in Middle Eastern, African and some Asian countries where millions rely on subsidized bread and cheap noodles.
“Food prices will skyrocket because farmers will have to make profit, so what happens to consumers?’’ said Uche Anyanwu, an agricultural expert at the University of Nigeria.
The aid group Action Aid warns that families in the Horn of Africa are already being driven “to the brink of survival.’’
The U.N. says Russia is the world’s No. 1 exporter of nitrogen fertilizer and No. 2 in phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Its ally Belarus, also contending with Western sanctions, is another major fertilizer producer.
Many developing countries — including Mongolia, Honduras, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Mexico and Guatemala — rely on Russia for at least a fifth of their imports.
The conflict also has driven up the already-exorbitant price of natural gas, used to make nitrogen fertilizer. The result: European energy prices so high that some fertilizer companies “have closed their businesses and stopped operating their plants,’’ said David Laborde, a researcher at the International Food Policy Research Institute.
For corn and cabbage farmer Jackson Koeth, 55, of Eldoret in western Kenya, the conflict in Ukraine was distant and puzzling until he had to decide whether to go ahead with the planting season. Fertilizer prices had doubled from last year.
Koeth said he decided to keep planting but only on half the acreage of years past. Yet he doubts he can make a profit with fertilizer so costly.
Greek farmer Dimitris Filis, who grows olives, oranges and lemons, said “you have to search to find’' ammonia nitrate and that the cost of fertilizing a 10-hectare (25-acre) olive grove has doubled to 560 euros ($310). While selling his wares at an Athens farm market, he said most farmers plan to skip fertilizing their olive and orange groves this year.
“Many people will not use fertilizers at all, and this as a result, lowers the quality of the production and the production itself, and slowly, slowly at one point, they won’t be able to farm their land because there will be no income,’’ Filis said.
In China, the price of potash — potassium-rich salt used as fertilizer — is up 86% from a year earlier. Nitrogen fertilizer prices have climbed 39% and phosphorus fertilizer is up 10%.
In the eastern Chinese city of Tai’an, the manager of a 35-family cooperative that raises wheat and corn said fertilizer prices have jumped 40% since the start of the year.
“We can hardly make any money,” said the manager, who would give only his surname, Zhao.
Terry Farms, which grows produce on 2,100 acres largely in Ventura, California, has seen prices of some fertilizer formulations double; others are up 20%. Shifting fertilizers is risky, vice president William Terry said, because cheaper versions might not give “the crop what it needs as a food source.’’
As the growing season approaches in Maine, potato farmers are grappling with a 70% to 100% increase in fertilizer prices from last year, depending on the blend.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty expensive crop, no matter what you’re putting in the ground, from fertilizer to fuel, labor, electrical and everything else,” said Donald Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board.
In Prudentopolis, a town in Brazil’s Parana state, farmer Edimilson Rickli showed off a warehouse that would normally be packed with fertilizer bags but has only enough to last a few more weeks. He’s worried that, with the war in Ukraine showing no sign of letting up, he’ll have to go without fertilizer when he plants wheat, barley and oats next month.
“The question is: Where Brazil is going to buy more fertilizer from?” he said. “We have to find other markets.’’
Other countries are hoping to help fill the gaps. Nigeria, for example, opened Africa’s largest fertilizer factory last month, and the $2.5 billion plant has already shipped fertilizer to the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico.
India, meanwhile, is seeking more fertilizer imports from Israel, Oman, Canada and Saudi Arabia to make up for lost shipments from Russia and Belarus.
“If the supply shortage gets worse, we will produce less,” said Kishor Rungta of the nonprofit Fertiliser Association of India. “That’s why we need to look for options to get more fertilizers in the country.”
Agricultural firms are providing support for farmers, especially in Africa where poverty often limits access to vital farm inputs. In Kenya, Apollo Agriculture is helping farmers get fertilizer and access to finance.
“Some farmers are skipping the planting season and others are going into some other ventures such as buying goats to cope,” said Benjamin Njenga, co-founder of the firm. “So these support services go a long way for them.”
Governments are helping, too. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month that it was issuing $250 million in grants to support U.S. fertilizer production. The Swiss government has released part of its nitrogen fertilizer reserves.
Still, there’s no easy answer to the double whammy of higher fertilizer prices and limited supplies. The next 12 to 18 months, food researcher LaBorde said, “will be difficult.’’
The market already was “super, super tight” before the war, said Kathy Mathers of the Fertilizer Institute trade group.
“Unfortunately, in many cases, growers are just happy to get fertilizer at all,’’ she said.
___
Asadu reported from Lagos, Nigeria, and Wiseman from Washington. Contributing to this story were: Tatiana Pollastri in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Debora Alvares in Brasilia, Brazil; Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi; Lefteris Pitarakis in Athens; Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Joe McDonald and Yu Bing in Beijing; Lisa Rathke in Marshfield, Vermont; Dave Kolpack in Fargo, North Dakota; Kathia Martínez in Panama City; Christoph Noelting in Frankfurt; Fabiola Sánchez in Mexico City; Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria; Tarik El-Barakah in Rabat, Morocco; Tassanee Vejpongsa and Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok; Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem; Edie Lederer at the United Nations; and Aya Batrawy in Dubai.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/12/russias-war-worsens-fertilizer-crunch-risking-food-supplies/ | 2022-04-12T14:40:22Z |
A unique personalized light-up experience
HONG KONG, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HHOGENE, a new brand with a vision of creating customized light-control earbuds, will launch GPods — the world's first ever TWS(True Wireless Stereo) earbuds offering consumers multiple personalized light modes that can be switched in one click and are unique to their own mood, music preferences, and even style, on global crowdfunding platform Indiegogo at 9 a.m. EST today.
How it works
GPods' main product — The Origin — resembles water droplets on different media and currently features four light modes: Ripple, Wave, Pulse and Breath, as well as 72 basic color options for consumers to choose from and control through the GPods app.
By downloading the GPods app, users can start to personalize the light-up experience based on their preferences. A maximum of six colors can be chosen simultaneously to accompany one of the light modes. The light then reacts and changes along with the beat of the music. In addition, the GPods app includes a photo color recognition function so when people take a picture, the app automatically captures the color(s) that match the scene before uploading to the earbuds. The entire process is easy and user-friendly. Using the same GPods, users can have more than 300,000 color combinations ensuring self-expression and a unique look. Sound quality is not compromised as GPods have ultra-premium sound quality, along with active noise cancellation, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.2, and IPX4 water resistance.
Where the idea originated
The idea first originated from the concept of "light": from natural light to the human ability to create fire; from traditional lighting to conveying information, creating a unique atmosphere and expressing emotions, the human ability to control light is constantly evolving, making light a unique media for self-expression and connection.
GPods is thus an innovative result of the combination of high tech and imagination. By using digital technology to apply a panoramic view of light control to TWS earbuds, HHOGene endeavors to offer consumers a unique "Dare to Shine" experience to express themselves in a myriad of ways based on their mood, what they are wearing, what they are listening to, and where they are.
About HHOGene
HHOGene is a flagship brand under HHO Limited, an innovative tech start-up that is dedicated to digitalizing supply chain and helping quality manufacturers build strong brands in cross-border e-Commerce business.
HHOGene is committed to enhancing the daily experiences of earbuds users through digitalized solutions. Its design team comes from LKK, a leading industrial design group, which has rich experience in product innovation and brand incubation, especially in the field of tech hardware and lifestyle hardware. In the past 17 years, LKK has designed more than 10,000 products, and won 521 domestic and international innovative design awards including Red Dot, IF, IDEA, G-Mark, and Red Star.
SOURCE HHO Limited | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/hhogene-launches-gpods-worlds-first-tws-earbuds-with-light-control/ | 2022-05-17T16:11:53Z |
One killed Thursday morning in crash southwest of Wamego
Two others reported injured in Pottawatomie County crash
WAMEGO, Kan. (WIBW) - One person was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash near Wamego in Pottawatomie County, authorities said.
The crash was reported around 10:45 a.m. Thursday just west of the intersection of Military Road and Bluebird Road, about two miles southwest of Wamego.
The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed to a 13 NEWS reporter on the scene that the crash resulted in one fatality.
Initial reports indicated two other people were injured in the crash.
However, Kansas Highway Patrol officials as of late Thursday morning hadn’t confirmed the number of other occupants who were injured in the crash.
The Kansas Highway Patrol and Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office were among agencies responding to the crash.
Military Trail Road remained closed early Thursday afternoon as crews were on the scene of the crash. There was no immediate word on when the road would reopen to traffic.
Additional details weren’t immediately available.
Check wibw.com for more information as it becomes available.
WIBW’s Becky Goff contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/02/one-reported-killed-thursday-morning-crash-near-wamego/ | 2022-06-02T17:53:59Z |
NEW YORK, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of IonQ, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of IONQ during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: March 30, 2021 to May 2, 2022
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) IonQ had not yet developed a 32-qubit quantum computer; (2) the Company's 11-qubit quantum computer suffered from significant error rates, rendering it useless; (3) IonQ's quantum the computer is not sufficiently reliable, so it is not accessible despite being available through major cloud providers; (4) a significant portion of IonQ's revenue was derived from improper roundtripping transactions with related parties; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were the materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
DEADLINE: August 1, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/ionq-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=29733&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of IONQ during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is August 1, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-ionq-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-1-2022-nyse-ionq/ | 2022-07-13T11:02:36Z |
BEIJING, April 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Deqing, a beautiful county located in Huzhou city in east China coastal province Zhejiang, adheres to its green development concept in building an internationalized modern garden county.
With picturesque landscape seen everywhere, Deqing county, part of the Yangtze River Delta cities cluster, saw local tourism industry, a typical engine for green development, flourishing on abundant natural scenery and cultural resources.
For instance, Mogan Mountain international tourism resort, developed around Mogan Mountain, one of China's four best-known summer resorts and one of the 45 places worthy of visiting recommended by the New York Times in 2012, earned 2.2 billion yuan tourism-related revenues in 2021.
Within the resort, there are not only several hundred of central European-style buildings including the reputed "naked Castle" but also many resort hotels built in accordance with international standards, which brought up development of more than 600 characteristic B&Bs.
Apart from Mogan Mountain and Xiazhu Lake wetland, one of the most beautiful wetlands in China, many other local scenic spots such as Yucun village, geographic information town, and Xinshi ancient town gradually became national 4A-level scenic zones, further enriching its tourism brands team composed of famous mountains, wetland and ancient towns.
In Deqing, smart agriculture also contributes much to its green development in shaping itself into a modern garden county. By now, the county, also the hosting county for the first Beautiful China Pastoral Expo in 2019, has built one smart agricultural cloud platform, 11 smart agriculture demonstration zones, and more than 4,000 agricultural internet of things application demonstration sites. It has also been awarded for three consecutive years the advanced county in county-level digital agriculture and rural development level evaluation.
To foster internationalized development of local industries, Deqing cultivated a batch of outdoor sport culture brands such as the Land Rover experience center and Discovery extreme theme park and attracted nearly 40,000 people to attend the TNF100, bamboo sea Marathon, and Kailas off-road events.
In September, Deqing will hold the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, via which the county will further optimize its smart governance to present the world with a more internationalized modern garden county.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/327401.html
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SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/18/xinhua-silk-road-picturesque-chinese-county-deqing-practices-green-development-concept-building-internationalized-modern-garden-county/ | 2022-04-18T07:33:14Z |
Catalyst Connect ranked 320th fastest growing software small business in United States, reported growth of 244% by Inc. 5000's annual list for 2022
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This month Inc. revealed that Catalyst Connect is No. 2388 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Catalyst Connect specializes in implementing Zoho software to streamline client engagement and operations. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
Our growth is thanks to the many who helped lay a foundation for success. From the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management to Zoho's partner program and our invaluable employees, the realization of our company's vision would not have been possible without you.
- John-Mark Bantock, CEO
Catalyst Connect has grown by nearly 250% since 2019 by helping organizations implement Zoho software, integrate third party systems and deploy customer portals to work efficiently in a new remote based environment. By focusing on end to end solutions, Catalyst Connect's holistic approach has led to the development of novel technologies like ZPortals, a unified client portal builder for Zoho, deepening their pool of product offerings and creating a market for exceptional stand-alone or integrated applications.
Catalyst Connect has developed software solutions for organizations across the gamut of industries, from technology and invention management for Stanford University's Center for BioDesign to bespoke logistic management solutions for Ace Hardware franchises. Some of Catalyst's most notable client successes include workflow optimization for J.D. Power and Associates, online content and project management solutions for the University of Arizona, real estate agent management solutions for Skyline Properties servicing over 1,300 agents, and solutions in the healthcare industry for state-sponsored programs.
Catalyst Connect invites you to join us for a webinar hosted by CEO John-Mark Bantock, "Software's Impact on Business Operations and Employee Turnover in a Remote-Based World" on Tuesday, October 4th at 9am PST.
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SOURCE Catalyst Connect | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/catalyst-connect-recognized-inc-5000-list-fastest-growing-private-companies/ | 2022-08-31T21:20:15Z |
Shark bite survivor goes home after 3 weeks in hospital
SALINAS, Calif. (CNN) – A man who was bitten by a shark in northern California is home from the hospital.
Steve Bruemmer, 62, was swimming at a beach near Monterey Bay on June 22 when he was bitten by a shark in his midsection.
He had significant injuries to his stomach and leg. After three weeks in the hospital at Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, Bruemmer went home Wednesday. As he left the building in a wheelchair, staff members clapped and cheered.
The triathlete is recovering and recounting his ordeal.
“It grabbed me and pulled me up and then dove me down in the water, and then, of course, it spit me out. I’m not a seal. It’s looking for a seal. We’re not their food. It spit me out,” Bruemmer said. “And it was looking at me, right next to me. I thought it could bite me again, so I pushed it with my hand, and I kicked at it with my foot, and it left.”
Luckily, there were two ICU nurses and a doctor on the beach that day who sprung into action. They took their clothing and made tourniquets for Bruemmer to prevent him from bleeding out.
“I had tourniquets on my legs and arms within five minutes to stop the bleeding, otherwise I’d bleed to death,” he said.
Bruemmer underwent weeks of physical therapy, which he will continue. Doctors say his recovery was better than expected.
“I was in a tough spot and they were so caring,” he said. “I’m going home now, but I want to thank Natividad and the good Samaritans, and the good people on the beach, and that lead-footed ambulance driver. Without all of you, I don’t make it. And the blood donors, oh thank you so much.”
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/14/shark-bite-survivor-goes-home-after-3-weeks-hospital/ | 2022-07-14T17:29:43Z |
AUSTIN, Texas, May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move to bring major bicycle production back to the United States from Asia, Guardian Bikes has announced that it is opening a highly-automated bike factory in Seymour, Indiana.
Every year, approximately 11 million kids bikes are purchased in the United States. 10.5 million out of the 11 million (96%) are imported from China. The pandemic exposed to the average consumer what experts already know - a China-dependent supply chain is fragile and unsustainable.
Guardian Bikes is a fast-growing startup backed by investor Mark Cuban. Yet with 6-12 month lead times, the current bicycle supply chain cannot keep up with its rapid growth.
In April 2020, Cuban challenged Guardian CEO Brian Riley to develop a new type of bike factory utilizing robotic automation in the United States.
"Guardian Bikes mission is to make the safest kids bikes, sold direct to customers' door, with an incredible customer experience. We do that through first principles innovation across a variety of areas —from our patented award winning SureStop brake system, to our RideSizer software, to our proprietary packaging and 99% assembled home delivery. Our next step is our biggest innovation yet, a highly automated factory right here in the U.S.A." , founder and CEO Brian Riley has said.
Guardian Bikes has chosen Sam Markel to lead its U.S. facility. "The Midwest has a deep history of automotive manufacturing that we will leverage to bring innovation into our new facility in Indiana. We are creating the sourcing, operations, and manufacturing leaders in the region that will excel Guardian's growth path," Markel says.
In addition to the investment in the local economy, moving to the USA will have a significant impact on its carbon footprint. Each container's journey to the USA emits about as much C02 as an average passenger vehicle emits over a year.
Its first semi-automated USA assembly run bagan May 2022 for their newest product, the 12" Guardian Balance Bike, with all other Guardian Bikes to begin in August.
More details about the factory build out can be found at guardianbikes.com.
About Guardian Bikes
In 2007, Brian Riley's grandfather had a head-over-handlebar accident after grabbing his front brake too hard, resulting in several broken vertebrae. Riley was inspired to develop something for bikes to eliminate the possibility of head-over-handlebar accidents. In 2013, the award-winning invention, SureStop brakes, were brought to market. In 2017, Guardian Bikes with SureStop brakes were introduced to America by landing a deal on Shark Tank with entrepreneur Mark Cuban. In 2022, Guardian Bikes are in homes all across America and its 99% accurate RideSizer tool has been used by hundreds of thousands.
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SOURCE Guardian Bikes | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/25/shark-tank-company-bringing-bike-production-back-usa/ | 2022-05-25T21:12:20Z |
Winning Film Inspired By True Story Of Two Heroic Families: One Risked Their Lives During The Holocaust — The Other Returned The Favor Five Decades Later
NEW YORK, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), announced the winner of the Short Film, Large Subject Emerging Filmmaker Contest. First place goes to Sabina Vajrača, a Bosnian-American filmmaker influenced by her Muslim family's experience in Bosnia during World War II.
Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, said, "The Claims Conference is pleased to provide a new generation of filmmakers the opportunity to bring to life the memory and lessons of the Holocaust. Film is a critical medium when it comes to telling the story of the Shoah, and it is an incredible opportunity to support these directors."
This year's winner, Sabina Vajrača, crafted an exciting narrative inspired by a true story set during two wars in Bosnia. Her film, Sevap / Mitzvah, tells the story of a Muslim family that saves their Jewish friends when the Nazis invade Sarajevo only to have them return the favor fifty years later during the Bosnian war.
The film is inspired by the story of the Hardaga family, who were Muslim, and the Kavilio family, who were Jews. When the Nazis reached Sarajevo during World War II, the Hardaga family took in the Kavilio family. Because of the Hardaga family's heroism and humanity, the Kavilio family survived the Holocaust.
Ms. Vajrača's film and the Hardaga family are featured in the recently launched Claims Conference social media campaign, Don't Be A Bystander. The Hardaga/Kavilio family story alone has garnered over 1.8 million views.
Sabina Vajrača responded to the announcement saying, "I'm deeply humbled and very excited to be the recipient of this year's filmmaking grant from the Claims Conference. What an honor to be selected from what I can only imagine was an incredible group of stories."
Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, said, "We are elated to award Sabina Vajrača the top prize for the Claims Conference's Emerging Filmmaker contest. Her film amplifies a story that inspires all of us to reach beyond social and political norms and lean into our humanity."
More information about the 2021 contest can be found on the Claims Conference website: https://filmcontest.claimscon.org/2021-contest/. Applications are open now through June 6, 2022 for the 2022 Emerging Filmmaker contest. More information and applications can be found at https://filmcontest.claimscon.org/.
For more information about the Claims Conference, please visit: www.claimscon.org.
About the Claims Conference: The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), a nonprofit organization with offices in New York, Israel and Germany, secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world. Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations, the Claims Conference negotiates for and disburses funds to individuals and organizations and seeks the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust. As a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference since 1952, the German government has paid more than $90 billion in indemnification to individuals for suffering and losses resulting from persecution by the Nazis. In 2021, the Claims Conference distributed approximately $820 million in direct compensation to over 210,000 survivors in 83 countries and allocated approximately $650 million in grants to over 300 social service agencies worldwide that provide vital services for Holocaust survivors, such as homecare, food and medicine.
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SOURCE Claims Conference | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/claims-conference-announces-winner-film-contest-emerging-directors-focused-holocaust/ | 2022-05-17T05:23:09Z |
Former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot 12-year-old in back charged with murder, DA says
By Eric Levenson and Melissa Alonso, CNN
A former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in the back in March has been charged with first-degree murder, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Monday.
Edsaul Mendoza, 26, was one of four plainclothes officers inside an unmarked police car on the evening of March 1 when they pulled up to 12-year-old Thomas “TJ” Siderio and a 17-year-old identified as “NK,” Krasner said. A bullet entered the police car’s rear window, “likely” fired by Siderio, Krasner said. Three officers took cover, but Mendoza then engaged in a “tactically unsound” foot chase of the boy and shot at him three times, Krasner said.
During the chase, Siderio tossed aside the gun, Krasner said. Even so, Mendoza fired twice at the boy after the gun was discarded, including a fatal shot when the 12-year-old was lying face down on the ground, Krasner said. Immediately afterward, Mendoza directed another officer to the spot where the boy had thrown the gun, which was found 40 feet away, the DA said.
“Thus when Officer Mendoza fired the third and fatal shot, he knew the 12-year-old, 5-foot tall, 111-pound Thomas Siderio no longer had a gun and no ability to harm him,” Krasner said.
In announcing the charges, Krasner cited a presentment, or formal charging document, by a grand jury that was based on unreleased video of the shooting. Mendoza was charged in the presentment with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and possession of an instrument of crime with intent to use it criminally, said Krasner.
He was taken into custody Monday morning and is being held without bail, Krasner said. A preliminary hearing is set for May 16, according to court records.
The charges come two months after Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw moved to fire Mendoza because the shooting violated the department’s use of force directive, she said.
“Based off of the evidence that I reviewed, it was clear that the use of force policy was violated,” Outlaw said at the time. “I will tell you that all use of force has to be proportionate to the resistance they’re trying to overcome. I will also tell you that our policy clearly states that excessive force will not be tolerated.”
A 9 mm semi-automatic handgun equipped with a laser was recovered from the scene, according to a March police statement. The gun was reported stolen and was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. The 17-year-old boy who was at the scene was not hurt, authorities said. He was questioned and released pending further investigation.
One of the officers was injured in the eye by glass when the car was shot, the police statement said. The bullet went through the passenger side rear window and through the headrest of the front passenger’s seat where another officer sat, the statement said.
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CNN’s Aaron Cooper, Raja Razek and Amy Simonson contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/05/02/former-philadelphia-police-officer-who-fatally-shot-12-year-old-in-back-charged-with-murder-da-says-2/ | 2022-05-02T17:59:09Z |
PITTSBURGH, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I've worked in construction for 15 years and I thought there could be a safer alternative to existing tub spouts," said an inventor, from Slidell, La., "so I invented the DESIGNABLE TUB SPOUT. My design would provide added protection for children and adults while showering or bathing."
The patent-pending invention provides a modified spout for bathtubs. In doing so, it improves safety conditions while bathing or showering. It also could enhance comfort and convenience and it could provide added style. The invention features an attractive and durable design that is easy to install so it is ideal for households. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the New Orleans sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-TNO-110, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-spout-bathtubs-tno-110/ | 2022-05-30T16:14:42Z |
Leading smart dash cam company establishes headquarters in Singapore, expanding presence and offerings to Asia Pacific
SINGAPORE, June 1, 2022 Nexar, a leading AI computer vision company, today announced the opening of a new office for their Asia Pacific headquarters, located in Singapore. With this expansion, the smart dash-cam company is extending its dash cam offerings, fleet management system, and mapping capabilities to one of the world's leading hi-tech cities. The Singapore office will be led by former Shift Technology executive, Jong Tong Foo who will serve as Regional VP, APAC.
As the leading smart dash-cam provider in the US, Nexar enables vision-based applications for safer driving. Nexar's newest dash cam offering, the Nexar One brings the most sophisticated level of car security the dash cam landscape has yet to offer. With a connected LTE device that records as you drive at an Ultra HD 4K resolution, the camera delivers never-before-seen AI capabilities and video streaming.
Drives are automatically recorded to the mobile app, with pivotal moments backed up to the unlimited Nexar Cloud. With the launch of their new fleet management system and Nexar One dash cam, the company now offers security and safety measures for drivers and fleet management systems, all of which will be available on Singapore's roads.
"As Singapore works with MIT to build smarter city transportation, the city's need for digital twins and real-time street mapping is growing exponentially" said Jong Tong Foo, Nexar's Regional VP, APAC. "By expanding Nexar's Asia Pacific offerings, the company's dash cams will better protect the roads, highways, and drivers in the Far East and I'm honored to be a part of that."
Nexar's expansion will extend its offerings of both driver and fleet management into the Asia Pacific region. With live-stream access to Nexar One's AI-based dual-facing dash cam, fleet managers can monitor risky, distracted driving behaviors, while drivers can access a complete view of front-facing road events, used as proof in the event of a collision or near collision. The dash cam provides both fleet managers and drivers with an "eyewitness" in case of a collision. If an accident does occur, fleet managers and drivers can opt into sharing the collision report immediately with the insurer, creating a complete visual reconstruction of the event.
"With a growing interest for dash cams in the Asia Pacific region, we're eager to establish a company office in one of the world's leading hi-tech cities," said Eran Shir, Nexar's CEO. "Expanding our fleet management system into the Asia Pacific market will provide real-time mapping and expansive data sets to help keep the roads and drivers safe."
About Nexar
Nexar turns cars into vision-sensors to understand the world. Its platform powers car vision connected services and apps, at scale, making new vision-based applications for better driving, powered by a crowd-sourced vision feed. Using anonymous, aggregated data captured from this network, Nexar has developed a portfolio of vision-based data services for public and private sector partners to make roadways safer and more efficient. Nexar's platform is already deployed across hundreds of thousands of cars, detecting parking spots, managing city safety and more.
More information at: data.getnexar.com
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SOURCE Nexar | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/nexar-expands-company-presence-asia-pacific-market/ | 2022-06-02T02:00:59Z |
Why India can buy Russian oil, and still be friends with the US
By Rhea Mogul and Simone McCarthy, CNN
What a difference a few weeks make. Just last month India was taking flak from the West for its relationship with Russia.
Not only was the South Asian country refusing to condemn Moscow’s brutal assault on Ukraine, but its purchases of discounted Russian oil — said critics — were flying in the face of sanctions aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s finances.
And the White House was making its displeasure clear, calling New Delhi “somewhat shaky” and speaking of its “disappointment”.
Then all of a sudden, the West’s tune changed. When Biden met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, it was all diplomatic backslapping and soundbites about “a deep connection between our people” and “shared values.” Then on Friday UK leader Boris Johnson flew into Delhi to talk up trade ties and pose for costumed photo ops, all while glossing over “differences” regarding Russia.
Yet India’s stance on Ukraine remains largely the same. It is still buying cheap Russian oil — in fact, it has bought nearly as much in the first months of 2022 as it did in whole of 2021, according to Reuters — and it remains quiet on Moscow’s invasion. As recently as April 7 it abstained from a UN vote suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council.
India, analysts say, just taught the West a masterclass in international diplomacy.
With India vital to US efforts to counter the rise of China — seen by the US as potentially an even bigger threat to world peace than Russia — the West needed to bite its tongue.
Or as Harsh V. Pant, a professor in international relations at King’s College London, put it, the US realized it needed to treat India as a “new partner that needs to be wooed”.
Why is India vital to the US?
Both New Delhi and Washington are becoming increasingly uneasy over China’s growing military might, its aggressive territorial claims on land and at sea, and its growing economic influence over its smaller neighbors.
Under President Xi Jinping, China’s military — the People’s Liberation Army — has grown to field the world’s largest navy, technologically advanced stealth fighter jets and a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons.
Part of Washington’s plan to counter this rests with India’s inclusion — alongside the US, Japan and Australia — in the increasingly active security grouping known as the Quad, said Pant, who is also head of the Strategic Studies Program at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, India has its own concerns with China. The two countries have been engaged in a military standoff along their shared Himalayan border that has claimed dozens of lives in the past couple of years. And, in an irony that won’t have been lost on Washington, India relies heavily on Russian arms to equip its military — including in the Himalayas.
Shared concerns over Chinese aggression were made clear after the Biden-Modi meeting, when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned China was seeking to “refashion the region and the international system” and said the US and India had “identified new opportunities to extend the operational reach of our militaries”.
It was a sign that — whatever their differences over Ukraine — the two countries had a deep “understanding of each other’s positions,” said Manoj Kewalramani, a fellow of China studies at the Takshashila Institution in India.
Vocal on China, silent on India
These concerns help explain why Washington continues to criticize China’s silence on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, even as it turns quiet on India’s.
Superficially, at least, India and China appear to have similar positions on the Ukraine war. Both have positioned themselves as neutral onlookers — rather than vocal opponents — both have called for peace and both have refused to condemn the invasion outright.
And both have strategic relationships with Russia that they are keen not to jeopardize.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin declared in February their relationship had “no limits,” while on some estimates India gets more than 50% of its military equipment from Russia.
But these similarities are only superficial. In fact, there are “vast differences,” according to Kewalramani.
China has decried Western sanctions and repeatedly blamed the US and NATO for the conflict, parroting Russia’s view that NATO precipitated the crisis by expanding eastwards, Kewalramani said. Its state-run media has also amplified Russian talking points and disinformation.
India on the other hand has steered clear of criticizing NATO and appears keen to downplay its differences with the US. There have also been subtle shifts in India’s position as the war has progressed.
Modi had talked to Ukrainian President President Volodymyr Zelensky, while China’s leaders hadn’t, pointed out Li Mingjiang, associate professor in international relations at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. India had also been harsher in its criticism of alleged Russian war crimes, Li said.
This month, India’s ambassador to the United Nations called the killings of civilians in Bucha “deeply disturbing,” condemning them and calling for an open investigation.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun on the other hand said the deaths were “deeply disturbing,” but stopped short of attributing blame and urged “all sides” to “avoid unfounded accusations.”
Significantly, after the Biden-Modi talks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted India’s condemnation of “killing of civilians in Ukraine” and its provision of “humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.”
A complicated relationship
The US may also be recognizing that India’s relationship with Russia has historically followed a very different course to that of the West. Blinken noted that India’s ties with Russia had “developed over decades, at a time when the United States was not able to be a partner to India.”
That appeared to be a reference to the Cold War between the US and the USSR — during which India was officially nonaligned. However, India began to lean towards the USSR in the 1970s when the US began providing military and financial assistance to its neighbor, Pakistan.
This was when Russia started providing arms to India, and India remains heavily reliant on Russia for military equipment to this day.
In 2018 India inked a $5 billion weapons deal with Russia for an air defense missile system, despite the deal potentially putting it in the crosshairs of Washington’s Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a federal law passed in 2017 which imposed new sanctions on Iran, Russia and North Korea.
India’s dependence on Russian arms limits its ability to denounce Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. When Putin visited Delhi last December, Modi even called Putin a “dear friend.”
‘Wooed by all sides’
All this has led to a position in which India is being “wooed by all sides,” Pant said.
Moscow remains onside, and remains keen to sell India discounted oil. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov even met his counterpart in Delhi this month and praised India for not looking at the Ukraine war “in a one-sided way”.
And onside too is the West, ties with which have been growing ever closer since Modi’s election in 2014. Annual India-US trade is more than $110 billion, compared to India’s trade with Russia, which amounts to about $8 billion. In recent years, India has also become a major customer for US military equipment.
Even so, at Biden’s meeting with Modi there remained a hint of unease. The US President urged his Indian counterpart not to step up his country’s use of Russian oil, instead offering to help him acquire oil from elsewhere. India, which imports 80% of its oil needs, gets no more than 3% from Russia.
So it appears India has managed to pull off an impressive balancing act.
“India actually comes out very strong from this crisis,” Pant said. “And that’s quite a feat actually.”
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Manveena Suri and Hannah Ritchie contributed | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/04/22/why-india-can-buy-russian-oil-and-still-be-friends-with-the-us/ | 2022-04-23T01:22:31Z |
6 new chickenpox cases recorded in Riley Co. after virus dormant for 2 years
RILEY CO., Kan. (WIBW) - After two years of dormancy in Riley Co., six new cases of chickenpox have been reported in just two weeks.
The Riley County Health Department says it has received reports of six cases of Chickenpox - Varicella - in the county over the past two weeks. It said the six patients are between the ages of 6 and 14.
RCHD noted that chickenpox had not been seen in the county since 2020 when a single case was found in a 16-year-old who returned from overseas.
The Health Department said chickenpox causes an itchy rash of blisters and fever, is highly contagious, and spreads when a person touches or breathes in the virus particles.
RCHD said those who have not had chickenpox or received the vaccine can get the disease. Some who have been vaccinated can still get the disease. However, it said those who have received a vaccine usually have milder symptoms. It said cases usually last about 4 - 7 days.
The Health Department warned residents to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms including:
- A rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
RCHD said chickenpox is usually mild in children, but the itching can be uncomfortable. It said children with chickenpox will miss about a week of school or child care.
In some cases, RCHD said chickenpox can cause serious problems, such as:
- Skin infections
- Dehydration
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
The Health Department noted that the chickenpox vaccine is required in order to start public school.
“If children are behind in getting their required school immunizations, the summer would be a great time to schedule those appointments and get caught up,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs.
For more information about chickenpox, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/12/6-new-chickenpox-cases-recorded-riley-co-after-virus-dormant-2-years/ | 2022-05-12T19:03:32Z |
HONG KONG, July 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Sources announces the return of its show series from October 11 to 14, 2022 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. The event is designed to meet sourcing demand which rebounds rapidly as global markets are recovering from the pandemic, and to build a professional and reliable B2B international trade platform for buyers and suppliers.
The 2022 show series in Hong Kong will feature 4,000 quality suppliers and over 50,000 innovative products, including A/V equipment, computer products and peripherals, e-sports, outdoor electronics, auto electronics, mobile devices and accessories, wearables, charging products, smart home and appliances, security products, home and kitchen products, Christmas and holiday products, fashion and accessories, sports and leisure products, personal care products and more.
Upgrade in show paradigm: combining digital and physical show to create online and offline trade opportunities
In response to buyers' changing sourcing habits during and after the pandemic, the live streaming service – a highly efficient way of connecting online buyers with onsite exhibitors – will be upgraded, with professional hosts guiding online buyers in visiting the booths of each pavilion using live chat technologies which enable real-time trialogue among buyers, hosts, and exhibitors. Moreover, buyers can scan exhibitors' QR codes shown by the hosts and visit suppliers' homepages to exchange business cards and learn more about the company. Enhanced by the online service, the physical show will create more business opportunities by effectively facilitating communication and cooperation.
In addition, Global Sources will launch a number of high-quality value-added services such as MATCH which helps VIP buyers meet one-on-one with the right suppliers, as well as the Video-on-Demand service which allows buyers to watch video clips of shots on the show floor through social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
One of the most anticipated international sourcing events this October
As one of the high-quality professional sourcing events certified by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Global Sources Hong Kong show will continue to play its role as a trade facilitator by integrating quality resources to build a must-attend sourcing event in Greater China that enables buyers to source with ease and confidence. The 2022 event invitations will be sent to Global Sources' quality buyer community, which includes more than 1.5 million of active buyers on GlobalSources.com, more than 700,000 verified buyers attending previous Global Sources shows, and influential industry associations with extensive buyer connections. With a wide range of marketing campaigns designed to reach volume buyers, the show is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors to the show floor and 100,000 online audience.
About Global Sources
Global Sources is an internationally recognized B2B sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for over 50 years. The Company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through trade shows, digital platforms, and magazines. Global Sources pioneered the world's first cross-border B2B E-commerce web site GlobalSources.com in 1995. The Company has over 10 million registered international buyers and users.
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SOURCE Global Sources | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/04/global-sources-show-series-returns-this-october-with-new-show-paradigm-boost-global-trade/ | 2022-07-04T06:34:49Z |
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I'm an electrician and our construction job site had five different classified fire extinguishers, which seemed confusing and inefficient. I thought there could be a better way," said an inventor, from Manteca, Calif., "so I invented the UNIVERSAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER. My design enables you to extinguish up to five different types of fires with one convenient unit."
The invention provides an effective way to extinguish a fire of any classification. In doing so, it eliminates the need to store and use multiple types of fire extinguishers. As a result, it enhances safety and convenience and it helps to avoid senseless delays and damage. The invention features a versatile design that is easy to use so it is ideal for the construction industry, households, vehicle owners, businesses, etc.
The original design was submitted to the Sacramento sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-SCO-163, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/01/inventhelp-inventor-develops-universal-design-fire-extinguishers-sco-163/ | 2022-08-01T19:23:22Z |
SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, today announced the acceptance of seven key oncology research abstracts authored in collaboration with Illumina at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting taking place June 3 – June 7 in Chicago. In addition, Illumina will host a related event, "Unlocking Precision Medicine: The Transformational Impact of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling," featuring Chief Medical Officer, Phil Febbo, MD; Kevin Keegan, Vice President and General Manager, Oncology; and a panel of leading oncologists from select community and academic programs.
"At Illumina, we are seeing increased adoption of comprehensive genomic profiling in both in-house pathology labs and centralized labs to inform and enhance patient care," said Keegan. "Through our involvement in this year's ASCO, we look forward to learning more about and exploring the comprehensive genomic profiling experiences of leading oncology researchers to help inform this important work moving forward."
Illumina's mission in oncology is to save lives by enabling personalized cancer care through genomics. This includes increasing enablement for pathology labs to perform comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer tumors.
Comprehensive genomic profiling is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach that uses a single test to assess hundreds of genes including relevant cancer biomarkers, as established in medical guidelines and clinical trials, for solid tumor therapy guidance. CGP is being increasingly adopted by pathologists and oncologists to enhance their abilities to identify actionable biomarkers, which can lead to better matches between patients and precision therapies and clinical trials. Studies show that patients who receive a genomic match to biomarker-driven targeted therapies or immunotherapies experience improved clinical outcomes.
"For a physician, the priority is finding the best course of therapy for the patient as quickly as possible," said Dr. Febbo. "With a rapidly growing catalogue of targeted drugs and immunotherapies for many cancer types we are increasingly able to prescribe more and more personalized treatments. In addition, pan cancer markers identify an important group of patients that benefit from targeted therapy regardless of their tumor's tissue of origin."
Collaborations across the oncology field are vital to increasing clinical utility evidence for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). Illumina is proud to present the following results of joint studies at ASCO:
Identification of Clinically Actionable Biomarkers via Routine CGP Across a Large Community Health System, is an abstract summarizing data from a joint study between Illumina and Providence Health System. The results show the improvement in identification of clinically actionable biomarkers via routine CGP versus conventional testing methods (clinical actionability: 45% CGP vs. 19% small panel, p<0.001 and clinical trial eligibility: 49% CGP vs. 23% small panel, p<0.001). This highlights that adoption of CGP over conventional testing across a large community health network enables better patient access to highly effective cancer therapies.
Pathogenic fusion detection in solid malignancies utilizing RNA-DNA based CGP testing is a poster presentation, also a result of the collaboration between Illumina and Providence Health System. The results show that the 523-gene, combined DNA and RNA assay used at Providence Health System identified actionable fusion targets across tumor types in 7% (N=216) of patients. Of the patients with pathogenic fusions, 29% were actionable to a targeted therapy, and 31% eligible for 1 of 3 basket clinical trials. Conventional testing methods, namely FISH and DNA-only targeted panels, have technical limitations that prevent the detection of all relevant fusion partners. This potentially leads to false negatives, which would leave these patients without eligibility to highly effective therapies in absence of a combined DNA- and RNA-based CGP assay.
Blood-based CGP analysis is an emerging area of growth and interest as a complement to tissue-based tumor profiling or other alternatives when tissue is unavailable. In a poster session at ASCO, The National Cancer Institute will present data generated in collaboration with Illumina. The abstract is entitled Blood-based detection of actionable alterations from NCI-MATCH patients with no tissue results. As part of The Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH) study, it evaluated the blood-based detection of actionable alterations from NCI-MATCH patients with no tissue results. Pathologists observed variants in the blood samples consistent with what was reported in tumor tissue samples from the larger NCI-MATCH study cohort. Using liquid biopsy provided valuable mutation information for these patients and could have resulted in up to an additional 75 patients being eligible for treatment selection based on their mutation profile.
In addition to these, the following abstracts, authored in collaboration with Illumina, will be published.
Effective biomarker testing rates in a large U.S. oncology practice - Abstract presents data from real-world clinical utility study of CGP testing with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute.
Assessing homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in ovarian cancer - Optimizing concordance of the regulatory-approved companion diagnostic and a next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay kit - Study data resulting from collaboration with Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Merck, AstraZeneca and Myriad Genetics.
Prototype precision oncology learning ecosystem: Norwegian precision cancer medicine implementation initiative - Data resulting from national CGP trial in Norway - IMPRESS (Improving public cancer care by implementing precision medicine in Norway).
Actionability of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) compared to single-gene and small panels in patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC): A real-world study - Illumina in partnership with Syapse are presenting an abstract from a study assessing advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (aNSCLC) patients.
Illumina continues to expand its broad portfolio of oncology partnerships with industry leaders, aimed at advancing cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. Most recently, in collaboration with Bayer, Illumina launched the first companion diagnostic claim for the TruSightTM Oncology Comprehensive (EU) test enabling targeted therapy with Bayer's VITRAKVI® (larotrectinib) for patients with NTRK fusion cancer. Also recently announced was a collaboration with Allegheny Health Network to evaluate the impact of in-house comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to enhance patient care.
"There is growing engagement and awareness around CGP and we will work with our partners to continue expanding the evidence to help broaden reimbursement and drive awareness across provider communities for this testing," said Dr. Febbo. "We are fully committed to improving outcomes by enabling personalized cancer care through genomics."
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit www.illumina.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
Investors:
Salli Schwartz
858.291.6421
IR@illumina.com
Media:
Adi Raval
US: 202.629.8172
PR@illumina.com
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SOURCE Illumina, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/illumina-showcase-transformational-impact-comprehensive-genomic-profiling-unlocking-precision-medicine-cancer-patients-asco/ | 2022-06-02T18:55:14Z |
Area college: Malone golfer Christina Williams heading to NCAA Division II Championships
Christina Williams hopes to blaze a trail for future Malone University women's golfers.
Williams became the first Malone women's golfer to qualify for the NCAA Division II National Championships this week in Kansas City, Missouri, The graduate student finished tied for sixth in the East Regional at Shoal Creek Golf Course.
As the top remaining individual not on one of the five qualifying teams, Williams advances to next week's national tournament in Gainesville, Ga. She will compete in the stroke play portion as an individual.
Williams shot 73 in the final round of the regional for a 54-hole score of 221. She was just one of two individuals to advance out of the regional.
Smith medalist at OAC championships
A fast start helped lift Ian Smith to the biggest win of his Mount Union career.
Smith shared medalist honors at this year's Ohio Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships in West Lafayette. His four-round total of 290 helped him become the Purple Raiders' first medalist since 2015 and the sixth in program history.
Smith shot rounds of 68, 71, 79, 72. His 72 in the final round was enough to tie John Carroll's John Roder for first place. Roder fired 69 in the final round.
Mount Union shot 1,248 as a team and finished seventh. John Carroll won the tournament with a 1,186.
Rock named G-MAC player of the year
Walsh catcher Jessie Rock is the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Year.
Rock hit .389 with nine home runs overall and .432 with seven homers in conference play. She is the Cavaliers' career home runs leader with 36.
Rock is a first team selection on this year's All-G-MAC team. Walsh first baseman Emma Bobey and Malone second baseman Lauren Bennett are on the third team.
Conference athletes of the week
G-MAC
Ndidiamaka Anaraodo
Walsh, senior
Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
• Won the hammer throw and shot put at the Walsh Tune-Up.
• Throws of 54.44 meters in the hammer and 15.65 meters in the shot are NCAA Division II provisional standards.
• Winning shot throw ranks third in the nation.
OAC
Dwayne Sumier
Mount Union, senior
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
• Struck out a career-high 14 while allowing just one run and two hits over 7.1 innings in a 12-1 win over Capital.
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @mpopovichREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/sports/college/2022/05/06/malone-christina-williams-mount-union-ian-smith-golf-area-college-notebook/9629603002/ | 2022-05-06T10:38:51Z |
NEW YORK, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention Okta, Inc. ("Okta") (NASDAQ: OKTA) shareholders:
The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of investors who purchased between March 5, 2021 and March 22, 2022.
If you suffered a loss on your investment in Okta, contact us about potential recovery by using the link below. There is no cost or obligation to you.
ABOUT THE ACTION: The class action against Okta includes allegations that the Company made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Okta had inadequate cybersecurity controls; (ii) as a result, Okta's systems were vulnerable to data breaches; (iii) Okta ultimately did experience a data breach caused by a hacking group, which potentially affected hundreds of Okta customers; (iv) Okta initially did not disclose and subsequently downplayed the severity of the data breach; (v) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on Okta's business, financial condition, and reputation; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: July 19, 2022
Aggrieved Okta investors only have until July 19, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. You are not required to act as a lead plaintiff in order to share in any recovery.
Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
Vincent Wong, Esq.
39 East Broadway
Suite 304
New York, NY 10002
Tel. 212.425.1140
E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com
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SOURCE The Law Offices of Vincent Wong | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/class-action-alert-law-offices-vincent-wong-remind-okta-investors-lead-plaintiff-deadline-july-19-2022/ | 2022-07-18T10:15:09Z |
Company Extends Support for Current and Former Military Professionals with
Home for a Hero Sweepstakes and CCM Cares Initiatives
CLEVELAND, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of National Military Appreciation Month, CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), one of the nation's largest and fastest growing retail mortgage lenders, is launching a variety of initiatives to honor current and former members of the U.S. military.
"The American dream of homeownership would not be possible without the selfless individuals who help protect our rights and our country," said Laura Soave, chief brand officer, CCM. "We are very proud to celebrate National Military Appreciation Month through several new initiatives, but our dedication to the U.S. Armed Forces is something we are committed to year-round."
In addition to employing nearly 250 veterans and active-duty service members, as well as offering VA loans as part of its lending portfolio, CCM's support of the military includes:
- Home for a Hero
Later this month, CCM will award one lucky Northeast Ohio-based active-duty military member or veteran $10,000 to be used toward their mortgage as part of its Home for a Hero Sweepstakes with FOX 8. Eight additional military members will receive $500. - Reuniting a Military Family
As the official mortgage partner of the Cleveland Browns, CCM and the Cleveland Browns recently partnered to reunite a military mom and her Ohio family with a surprise unveil at the Browns' CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea. - Creating Memorable Experiences
Over the past year, CCM has donated more than 250 game tickets, including tickets to professional football and hockey games, to enable members of the military to enjoy a day with their loved ones. The company also donated 500 tickets to the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in December for use by military members and their families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The company has plans for similar ticket donations during the fall sports season. - Honoring Fallen Heroes
Last fall, CCM made a $100,000 donation to the high school alma mater of fallen hero Maxton W. Soviak, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan. The gift was presented during the Cleveland Browns "Salute to Service" game.
The company looks forward to continuing its commitment to military-minded causes throughout the year.
About CrossCountry Mortgage
CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is one of the nation's largest retail mortgage lenders, with 7,600 employees operating nearly 600 branches across all 50 states. Our company has been recognized eight times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 100 mortgage, refinance and home equity solutions – ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers – and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae. Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win. Visit www.crosscountrymortgage.com.
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SOURCE CrossCountry Mortgage | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/crosscountry-mortgage-celebrates-national-military-appreciation-month/ | 2022-05-17T16:23:21Z |
As a Brand Rooted in the Spirit of Perseverance, "Get Up Tres" Inspires Consumers to Never Give Up and Always Get Up
CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tres Generaciones® Tequila, established to honor the Sauza family's multigenerational commitment to their craft, announced today its newest marketing campaign, "Get Up Tres," as part of the brand's recent relaunch.
"Get Up Tres" encourages a new generation of artists, creators and fans to celebrate the missteps, focus on the journey and always get up despite obstacles along the way. This is a mindset inherent to the brand's DNA as the spirit of perseverance was passed down through three generations of the Sauza family. First launched nearly 50 years ago, Tres Gen is the ultimate tribute to the founding family's passion for developing a super-premium, smooth tequila and celebrating what could be – at times – a rather unsmooth journey to the top.
To launch its new campaign, Tres Gen Tequila is partnering with singer, songwriter, seven-time GRAMMY® nominee and multi-platinum R&B star GIVĒON. As GIVĒON kicked off his highly anticipated 'Give or Take' North American tour on August 16th in Philadelphia, the brand will serve as an official sponsor and travel cross-country with GIVĒON to celebrate with fans in major cities coast-to-coast. His story, which has had both exhilarating and unexpected turns of its own as he continues to discover his voice and refine his craft, is about to unfold in this very exciting next chapter.
"We want to be a brand that encourages people to appreciate every step of the journey; it's not about perfection, it's about progress, and 'Get Up Tres' represents the resilience you need in order to forge your own path," said Andrew Eis, Senior Marketing Director for Tres Generaciones. "We're thrilled to launch our new creative campaign alongside GIVĒON because of his incredible ability to portray real stories and raw emotions through his music. And in doing so, he inspires us to never give up on our dreams, but equally, to celebrate the little wins achieved along the way."
As part of its sponsorship, Tres Gen will host elevated cocktail events in select cities during GIVĒON's 'Give or Take' tour. The brand will also unveil a series of digital videos that are centered around GIVĒON's "Get Up Tres" journey offering fans an intimate look at the acclaimed artist, along with a celebratory event to bring his story to life.
"For me it's all about the process. That's where the hard work shows up, that's where the heart, and heartache, and all the storytelling reside," said GIVĒON. "I'm looking forward to working with Tres Gen Tequila to not only share my story, but to offer a platform through 'Get Up Tres' for others to tell us about their own journey and celebrate their own successes both big and small."
"Get Up Tres" is the biggest integrated marketing effort in the brand's history and will be supported across PR, digital, social, eCommerce, and search media advertising. Following its debut partnership with GIVĒON, the brand will also collaborate with other talent across cultural verticals who embody the spirit of the campaign.
For details on GIVĒON, his 'Give or Take' album and tour, go to www.giveonofficial.com. To learn more about Tres Generaciones Tequila, visit www.tresgeneraciones.com or contact Lainie Thies at Lainie.Thies@BeamSuntory.com. Follow the brand on Instagram @TresGenTequila.
Tres Generaciones, a tequila rooted in the spirit of perseverance, is the culmination of three generations of dedication, wisdom and skill in tequila-making. Created in 1973 to commemorate the Sauza family's commitment to their craft, Tres Generaciones honors the legacy of three trailblazing Dons - Don Cenobio, Don Eladio and Don Francisco Javier - each of whom overcame obstacles and persisted through adversity to leave a mark on the industry and create a celebrated tequila that has stood the test of time. Tres Generaciones offers three refined and distinct super-premium tequilas, each of which are triple distilled for smoothness, enhancing the purest flavors, aromas and nuances of the agave: clean and soft Plata, sweet and spicy Reposado, and rich, complex Añejo. The brand also introduced its Añejo Cristalino in 2022 which competes in the ultra-premium tequila segment, and its ongoing Tres Generaciones Legacy Series in 2021 which includes a set of limited-edition tequilas inspired by the illustrious Sauza family heritage. For more information, please visit www.tresgeneraciones.com.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Drink Responsibly.
Tres Generaciones® Tequila, 40% Alc/Vol. © 2022 Sauza Tequila Import Company, Chicago, IL.
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SOURCE Tres Generaciones® Tequila | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/tres-generaciones-tequila-teams-up-with-global-rampb-sensation-givon-launch-its-new-creative-platform-get-up-tres-celebration-imperfect-journey/ | 2022-08-23T13:50:21Z |
Senate GOP blocks domestic terrorism bill, gun policy debate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats’ first attempt at responding to the back-to-back mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas, failed in the Senate Thursday as Republicans blocked a domestic terrorism bill that would have opened debate on difficult questions surrounding hate crimes and gun safety.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. tried to nudge Republicans into taking up a domestic terrorism bill that had cleared the House quickly last week after mass shootings at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and a church in Southern California targeting people of color. He said it could become the basis for negotiation.
But the vote failed along party lines, raising fresh doubts about the possibility of robust debate, let alone eventual compromise, on gun safety measures. The final vote was 47-47, short of the 60 needed to take up the bill. All Republicans voted against it.
“None of us are under any illusions this will be easy,” Schumer said ahead of the vote.
Rejection of the bill brought into sharp relief the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States, with the Senate in the unusual position of struggling to keep up with the violence — voting on legislation responding to shootings in Buffalo and California that have been overshadowed by yet another massacre, this time at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 children and two teachers.
Schumer said he will give bipartisan negotiations in the Senate about two weeks, while Congress is away for a break, to try to forge a compromise bill that could pass the 50-50 Senate, where 60 votes will be needed to overcome a filibuster.
A small, bipartisan group of senators who have for years sought to negotiate legislation on guns met Thursday following the vote and emerged with areas “of potential agreement.” Those appeared to include providing grants to states to implement red flag laws — designed to keep firearms from people who could harm themselves or others — and updating an effort to expand background checks for commercial gun sales, including at gun shows and on the internet.
“We’ve got about 10 members, equal numbers on both sides,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who is leading the negotiations. “We have a good list of things to work on.” He added that the group plans to follow up with a phone call next week.
Murphy has been working to push gun legislation since the 2012 attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 20 children and six educators.
Another member of the group, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., told reporters early Thursday that a bill he has been working on for the past decade to expand background checks for firearm sales still does not have enough support to advance in the Senate. “I couldn’t count 60 at this point,” he said, “but I hope we’ll get there.”
But none of the lawmakers could say definitively if any of the efforts will have the 10 Republican senators it needs to pass.
In one sign of GOP resistance to shifting the gun policy debate, several GOP senators came to the floor Thursday to discus other topics -- immigration, border security and, in the case of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, the nation’s struggle with inflation.
The domestic terrorism bill that failed Thursday dates back to 2017, when Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., first proposed it after mass shootings in Las Vegas and Southerland Springs, Texas.
The House passed a similar measure by a voice vote in 2020, only to have it languish in the Senate. Since then, Republicans have turned against the legislation, with only one GOP lawmaker supporting passage in the House last week.
“What had broad bipartisan support two years ago, because of the political climate we find ourselves in ... or to be more specific, the political climate Republicans find themselves in, we’re not able to stand up against domestic terrorism,” Schneider, who came into office in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting, told The Associated Press.
Republicans say the bill doesn’t place enough emphasis on combating domestic terrorism committed by groups on the far left. Under the bill, agencies would be required to produce a joint report every six months that assesses and quantifies domestic terrorism threats nationally, including threats posed by white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups.
Proponents say the bill will fill the gaps in intelligence-sharing among the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and the FBI so that officials can better track and respond to the growing threat of white extremist terrorism.
These efforts would focus on the spread of racist ideology online like replacement theory, which investigators say motivated an 18-year-old white gunman to drive three hours to carry out a racist, livestreamed shooting rampage two weeks ago in a crowded supermarket in Buffalo. Or the animus against Taiwanese parishioners at a church in Laguna Woods, California, that led to the shooting death the following day of one man and the wounding of five others.
While Schneider acknowledged that his legislation may not have stopped those attacks, he said it would ensure that those federal agencies work together to better identify, predict and stop threats.
Under current law, the three federal agencies already work to investigate, prevent and prosecute acts of domestic terrorism. But the bill would require each agency to open offices specifically dedicated to those tasks and create an interagency task force to combat the infiltration of white supremacy in the military.
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky slammed that aspect of the bill, calling it an “insult to every police officer in this country,” and an “insult to everyone in our armed services.”
The proposal would stop short of creating new federal statutes needed to prosecute domestic terrorism in the same way the U.S. prosecutes attacks inspired by foreign groups. It would not create new criminal offenses or new lists of designated domestic terrorist groups. And it would also not give law enforcement additional investigative powers.
But supporters say it would be important toward helping the government broadly assess, for the first time, the volume of domestic terrorist attacks and threats in the U.S.
“This alone is not going to do much to actually directly combat the threat of domestic terrorism but to me, this is like step one,” said Mary McCord, who served as a senior Justice Department national security official in the Obama administration and into the early Trump era.
___
Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
___
This story has been corrected to show that Sen. Collins’ vote was incorrectly announced in the Senate chamber as a yes vote. All Republicans voted against the measure.
___
More on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: https://apnews.com/hub/school-shootings
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/26/senate-gop-blocks-domestic-terrorism-bill-gun-policy-debate/ | 2022-05-26T17:57:11Z |
Three-year-old dies after being swept over waterfall
By Grey Hallock
Click here for updates on this story
JACKSON COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office confirms a 3-year-old child, visiting the area with her family, was swept over Whitewater Falls and killed Sunday.
Emergency crews were dispatched Sunday, April 10, at 5:50 p.m. after a report that a 3-year-old had been swept away in the water at the top of the falls and the current had carried the child over the falls.
Emergency responders from Jackson, Transylvania, Haywood, Henderson, and Oconee counties were
dispatched to the falls and rescue operations to locate the child were initiated.
Rescuers were able to locate the body of the child, entrapped in an area of the waterfall.
Recovery operations led to the child being recovered from the waterfall around 1 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022.
The Sheriff’s Office says Nevaeh Jade Newswanger, of Denver, Pennsylvania, was visiting the area with her family who has been staying in Oconee County, South Carolina while working in the area.
Jackson County Sheriff Chip Hall offers his condolences to the family and cautions others about the dangers associated with visits to scenic areas such as Whitewater Falls.
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/2022/04/11/three-year-old-dies-after-being-swept-over-waterfall/ | 2022-04-11T16:05:31Z |
After a yearslong pandemic pause, 43 million Americans will receive a notice in about five weeks to resume their federal student loan payments -- unless President Joe Biden pushes back the expiration date again. However, if the administration acts similarly to the last time it announced a payment pause, borrowers could learn of a new extension sometime this week.
Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. Covid-19
New studies conclude that animals sold at a seafood market in Wuhan, China, are most likely what started the Covid-19 pandemic. In June, the World Health Organization recommended that scientists continue to research all possible origins of the coronavirus outbreak, including a lab leak. In one of the new studies published Tuesday, researchers determined that the earliest Covid-19 cases were centered at the Wuhan market among vendors who sold live animals or people who shopped there. Another study said the first animal-to-human transmission probably happened around November 18, 2019, and that an early version of the virus was found only in people who had a direct connection to the Wuhan market. Meanwhile, authorities in Wuhan today shut down a district of about 1 million people after detecting four asymptomatic Covid cases. All restaurant dining, entertainment venues, places of worship, and public transportation have been suspended for at least three days as "temporary control measures," the government said.
2. Trump
Following eight public hearings held by the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, a new CNN poll shows the hearings haven't changed opinions much. About 79% of respondents believe former President Donald Trump acted unethically in trying to hold on to his office after the 2020 election. All told, the poll finds that 69% of Americans consider the January 6 attack to be a crisis or major problem for American democracy. That's up slightly from 65% earlier this year. This comes as the House Select committee released new testimony on Tuesday from Trump's former acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller. In the video deposition, Miller said Trump never gave him a formal order to have 10,000 troops ready to be deployed to the Capitol to intervene during the violence. Trump had previously said he requested thousands of National Guard troops be ready for January 6 because he felt "that the crowd was going to be very large."
3. Philippines
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook parts of the Philippines today, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake struck in northern Luzon, the country's most populous island, at 8:43 a.m. local time. The impact was felt in the capital city, Manila, more than 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) away, where workers and residents evacuated from buildings and gathered on the street. The quake also triggered landslides, with photos showing damaged buildings and large boulders tumbling onto a road. In a statement, Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate dispatch of rescue and relief teams to the region. Officials also urged residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks.
4. Abortion
The Supreme Court officially transmitted its judgment overturning Roe v. Wade on Tuesday, clearing the way for state restrictions to go into effect. A number of states -- including Idaho, Tennessee and Texas -- were waiting for this official word to come before enacting some of their laws to restrict abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights think tank. More than half of the states in the US have laws that ban or severely restrict abortion rights, and some have so-called trigger laws that were meant to take effect automatically if Roe v. Wade were ever reversed. Since the court struck down Roe, legal fights are underway in several states with supporters of abortion rights seeing some success in temporarily blocking bans in at least five states, including Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan and Utah.
5. Uvalde
The Uvalde City Council has vowed to investigate every city police officer who responded to the massacre at Robb Elementary School in May, which left 19 students and two teachers dead. "We're gonna get a report on everybody," council member Ernest "Chip" King III said on Tuesday, adding, "everybody that's Uvalde PD that was there will be held accountable for their actions." The law enforcement response to the shooting, the second deadliest at a US K-12 school, has been widely criticized due to the 80-minute delay between when the first shots were fired and the gunman was finally killed. In all, almost 400 officers from two dozen Texas agencies responded to school that day. The state's Department of Public Safety is also leading a criminal investigation into the shooting.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Mega Millions jackpot grows to $1.02 billion after no winner Tuesday
Players nationwide are testing their luck -- including the founder of this fast-food chain who bought 50,000 tickets for each of his employees this week.
Debris from a huge Chinese booster rocket could fall to Earth next week
It's a bird... It's a plane... No, it's pieces of metal. Scientists monitoring its trajectory say the rocket is in an uncontrolled descent toward Earth's atmosphere and it's not clear where it will land.
This 13-year-old is headed to medical school
Impressed is an understatement. Learn more about the stellar student here.
Inflation is changing how products are packaged
Shorter flaps, thinner boxes, less color. Have you noticed a difference in the packaging of some of your usual store items?
How much exercise do you need for a longer life?
Here's how much physical activity you should get on a weekly basis to live the longest life.
TODAY'S NUMBER
75%
That's the percentage of Democratic voters who want the party to nominate someone other than President Biden in the 2024 presidential election, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS. The poll comes as Biden's approval ratings remain low and most Americans are discontented with the state of the country and the economy.
TODAY'S QUOTE
"After deep consideration, the time felt right to share these items with the world, which for many are symbols of a historical moment, but for me have always remained personal mementos of a life dedicated to science and exploration."
-- Retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin, on selling his moon landing jacket Tuesday for a record-breaking $2.7 million. Aldrin, 92, became the second person to set foot on the moon in 1969, following crewmate Neil Armstrong. The sale made the garment the most expensive jacket sold at auction, as well as the most valuable American artifact flown in space, according to a statement from Sotheby's auction house.
TODAY'S WEATHER
AND FINALLY
Snowboarder chased by bear
This snowboarder was listening to music on her headphones and didn't realize a massive bear was chasing her! (Click here to view)
The-CNN-Wire
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Recommended for you
Stacker compiled a list of 25 things we’ve learned about the moon since 1969, using data from NASA, the Smithsonian, and other sources to salute over 50 years of historic discoveries. Click for more. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/5-things-to-know-for-july-27-covid-19-trump-philippines-abortion-uvalde/article_888b6261-ac08-5966-bc65-1f168921138a.html | 2022-07-27T11:21:02Z |
NEW YORK, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz Llp announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Teladoc Health, Inc. ("Teladoc" or the "Company") (NYSE: TDOC) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 22-cv-04687, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Teladoc securities between October 28, 2021 and April 27, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.
If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Teladoc securities during the Class Period, you have until August 5, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.
Teladoc provides virtual healthcare services in the U.S. and internationally through Business-to-Business and Direct-to-Consumer ("D2C") distribution channels. The Company offers its customers various virtual products and services addressing, among other medical issues, mental health through its BetterHelp D2C product, and chronic conditions.
Teladoc touts itself as "the first and only company to provide a comprehensive and integrated whole person virtual healthcare solution that both provides and enables care for a full spectrum of clinical conditions[.]" Despite recent market concerns over new entrants to the telehealth field, such Amazon.com, Inc. and Walmart Inc., the Company has continued to assure investors of the Company's dominant market position in the industry.
In fact, as recently as February 2022, Teladoc forecasted full year ("FY") 2022 revenue of $2.55 - $2.65 billion, as well as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") of $330 - $355 million, on anticipated continued growth through its competitive advantages.
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) increased competition, among other factors, was negatively impacting Teladoc's BetterHelp and chronic care businesses; (ii) accordingly, the growth of those businesses was less sustainable than Defendants had led investors to believe; (iii) as a result, Teladoc's revenue and adjusted EBITDA projections for FY 2022 were unrealistic; (iv) as a result of all the foregoing, Teladoc would be forced to recognize a significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
On April 27, 2022, Teladoc announced its first quarter ("Q1") 2022 financial results, including revenue of $565.4 million, which missed consensus estimates by $3.23 million, and "[n]et loss per share of $41.58, primarily driven by [a] non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.6 billion or $41.11 per share[.]" Additionally, the Company revised its FY 2022 revenue guidance to $2.4 - $2.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $240 - $265 million "to reflect dynamics we are currently experiencing in the [D2C] mental health and chronic condition markets." On a conference call with investors and analysts that day to discuss Teladoc's Q1 2022 results, Defendants largely attributed the Company's poor performance, revised FY 2022 guidance, and $6.6 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge to increased competition in its BetterHelp and chronic care businesses.
On this news, Teladoc's stock price fell $22.48 per share, or 40.15%, to close at $33.51 per share on April 28, 2022.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-reminds-shareholders-with-losses-their-investment-teladoc-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline-tdoc/ | 2022-06-28T01:15:46Z |
SINGAPORE, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global derivatives exchange - Bitget, today announced the appointment of Gracy Chen as Managing Director, who will lead Bitget's growth strategies as the platform accelerates its global expansion plan. She will also be elevating Bitget's voice and presence in the broader crypto ecosystem and assisting the brand to further flourish under her leadership.
With presence in over 50 countries around the world, Bitget has been growing at an unprecedented pace. Earlier this year, Bitget announced its derivatives trading volume reached an all-time high of $8.69 billion, representing a 300% growth when compared to the previous year.
Commenting on Chen's appointment, CEO of Bitget, Sandra Lou said, "We are extremely pleased to have a seasoned professional like Gracy to join us, and look forward to leveraging her expertise in the space to further strengthen our growth strategies across international markets."
Having witnessed the tremendous growth at Bitget since its launch in 2018, and most recently ranking top five globally by CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko for derivatives trading by volume, Chen was inspired to rejoin the Fin-tech industry and devote her full attention to the crypto space. Chen joins Bitget having held executive roles at XRSPACE, a VR technology company headquartered in Taipei. Gracy oversaw and led the marketing and business development functions, as well as government and public relations in the region.
"It is an exciting time to join a crypto platform that is leading the growth in global derivatives trading. I have always been an avid investor in crypto and related ventures. I am elated to be joining an organisation full of driven and intelligent individuals, and to guide Bitget to chart even higher growths as the portal that transcends Web2 and Web3, connecting CeFi and DeFi, resulting in an expansive bridge to the vast web of crypto." said, Gracy Chen.
Chen was named a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum in 2015. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, Chen will also be pursuing an MBA degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is currently serving over two million users in more than 50 countries around the world, Bitget accelerated its mission to promote decentralised finance in 2021 with a 500-strong workforce spanning over 20 countries.
For media queries, please contact:
andrea.leung@bitget.com
simran@bitget.com
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SOURCE Bitget | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/bitget-appoints-gracy-chen-managing-director/ | 2022-06-01T09:42:45Z |
Robert Krueger, ex-Texas congressman and diplomat, dies at 86
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (AP) — Robert C. Krueger, who followed two U.S. House terms with a brief interim appointment to the Senate before launching a sometimes-hazardous diplomatic career, has died at age 86, his family said Sunday.
Krueger died Saturday morning in his New Braunfels home with his wife by his side after suffering from congestive heart failure, daughter Sarah Krueger said.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Most of Krueger’s career was as an academic at Duke University, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, Oxford University and Texas State University.
Even while pursuing that career, Krueger, a Democrat, ventured into politics in 1974 with his first election to the U.S. House. After two House terms, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as a U.S. ambassador at large and coordinator for Mexican affairs. He served in that capacity until the end of the Carter administration in 1981.
Krueger returned to elective politics when he won a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission in 1990. He served from January 1991 until Texas Gov. Ann Richards tapped him to complete Lloyd Bentsen’s unexpired U.S. Senate term in January 1993 when Bentsen left to become President Bill Clinton’s Treasury secretary. However, Krueger lost to Republican Kay Baily Hutchison in a June 1993 special election.
Krueger returned to diplomacy when Clinton named him U.S. ambassador to Burundi in 1994. The eastern African country was embroiled in civil strife at the time. Krueger had to be airlifted when his convoy was attacked by unidentified gunmen in June 1995, killing one convoy member and injuring several others, and was recalled from the post for his safety.
Krueger was U.S. ambassador to Botswana in 1996-99 and a special U.S. representative to the 14-nation Southern African Development Community in 1998-2000. He then returned to academia as a visiting fellow at Merton College, Oxford, and continued his academic pursuits until his 2017 retirement from a lectureship position at Texas Tech University.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/01/robert-krueger-ex-texas-congressman-diplomat-dies-86/ | 2022-05-02T05:45:17Z |
GATHERSBURG, Md., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolPass has been awarded a contract with the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) to offer campus safety and school movement solutions like license plate recognition and visitor management to K-12 districts and schools.This partnership gives schools and districts access to the services of SchoolPass through NCPA's cooperative purchasing contracts.
According to Amy Holland, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at SchoolPass, "We are proud to partner with NCPA and excited to offer a state-of-the-art campus safety and school movement platform to K-12 schools throughout the nation." As part of the NCPA contract, SchoolPass provides license plate recognition technology to help schools address traffic and safety issues, and a modern visitor management solution on iPads that eliminates bulky PCs and saves front-office staff time. Schools and districts are eligible to utilize the NCPA contract to partner for solutions from SchoolPass.
About SchoolPass, Inc.
SchoolPass is a K-12 platform helping schools manage attendance, campus movement, and campus wellness, in the cloud. Schools can consolidate and modernize the arrival, screening, and departure of students, staff, parents, and visitors in one place, while enabling schools to more quickly and accurately account for everyone on campus throughout the school day, especially during an emergency. SchoolPass partners with Student Information System (SIS) platforms such as PowerSchool, Blackbaud, Veracross, Senior Systems, and many others to seamlessly sync parent, student, and attendance data. Learn more at www.schoolpass.com and join us on LinkedIn.
About NCPA
NCPA (National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance) is a leading national government purchasing cooperative working to reduce the cost of goods and services by leveraging the purchasing power of public agencies in all 50 states. NCPA utilizes state-of-the-art procurement resources and solutions that result in cooperative purchasing contracts that ensure all public agencies are receiving products and services of the highest quality at the lowest prices. NCPA works with a lead public agency, who competitively solicits master contracts. Contracts are based on quality, performance, and most importantly pricing. Learn more at https://www.ncpa.us/about.
For more information, contact Michael Wilmeth, VP of Marketing at SchoolPass, at mike.wilmeth@schoolpass.com.
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SOURCE School Pass | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/schoolpass-awarded-contract-with-ncpa-license-plate-recognition-visitor-management-solutions-k-12-schools/ | 2022-05-19T18:46:37Z |
As ShapeShift winds down and the DAO ramps up, the foundation sets a model in ensuring a smooth transition to full decentralization
DENVER, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ShapeShift DAO, a decentralized, non-custodial cryptocurrency platform and community, announced today that ShapeShift AG, the centralized corporate brand, has formed the FOX Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with the charter of overseeing the final steps remaining in fully decentralizing the well-known trading platform and its assets. The FOX Foundation's charter will include:
- Hosting and maintaining all of the legacy, centralized infrastructure for ShapeShift until those systems can be migrated to decentralized alternatives and sunsetted
- Handling necessary things that the DAO itself cannot today, such as paying bills in fiat currency and hosting servers
- Supporting the DAO in replacing all centralized dependencies with decentralized alternatives, such as replacing ShapeShift's backend node infrastructure with FOXChain, a decentralized node infrastructure project in development with Coinbase Cloud
The majority of DAOs form from the ground up, as DAOs from the outset. ShapeShift made history as the first company to announce it would fully decentralize all corporate structure and open source all code in July of 2021. Venturing into uncharted waters, the establishment of the FOX Foundation was a solution that offered some degree of neutrality—the Foundation isn't led by either ShapeShift AG or the ShapeShift DAO, and instead has the singular charter of decentralizing assets and infrastructure as efficiently as possible, using decentralized solutions as are currently and soon-to-be available. Once its mission is complete, the foundation will dissolve and distribute all remaining funds to the ShapeShift DAO treasury.
"ShapeShift has made strong progress in decentralizing already, such as launching the DAO, releasing the new open-source platform and implementing solutions such as SafeSnap, which give FOX Token holders autonomous control of the treasury," said Willy Ogorzaly, head of decentralization for the FOX Foundation. "While the necessary tooling and infrastructure are maturing rapidly, it will take time for the DAO to achieve its final, fully autonomous form. The FOX Foundation exists as a stepping stone in this journey, fulfilling the legacy centralized responsibilities while supporting the DAO in implementing sustainable, decentralized alternatives. I'm super excited about the stellar team we have at the foundation to take this over the finish line."
The FOX Foundation team includes:
- Willy Ogorzaly: Head of Decentralization
- Phil Elsasser: Head of Technology
- Adam Samere: Chief Architect
- Will Stiern: Head of Infrastructure
- Michelle Petrescu: Chief of Staff
About ShapeShift
Since 2014, ShapeShift has been pioneering self-custody for digital asset trading. Today's ShapeShift DAO is an engaged community of builders working to advance the state of crypto trading, investing and access to open, decentralized financial systems. Our web and mobile platforms empower users to safely buy, hold, trade, invest and interact with digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Cosmos.
All Chains, All protocols, All Wallets. Share Our Vision at app.shapeshift.com.
Learn more at ShapeShift.com
Media Contact:
Lindsay Smith
Lindsay@foxfoundation.io
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SOURCE ShapeShift DAO | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/shapeshift-ag-forms-fox-foundation-support-decentralization-success-shapeshift-dao/ | 2022-05-18T18:07:09Z |
Traveling Vietnam Wall brings visitors looking to honor service members’ sacrifices
By Betsy Webster
Click here for updates on this story
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) — While some people are celebrating Memorial Day weekend with cookouts, others are taking time to reflect on the holiday’s intended purpose: to honor service members who died in military service to the nation.
It is a fitting time for the traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall to come to Kansas City. It arrived on May 18th and will be on display through the end of Memorial Day.
Vietnam veteran Gerald Caldwell brought his granddaughter. A volunteer helped the Lee’s Summit man find the name of his high school quarterback, Sidney Bryant.
“I was Navy construction battalion, and he was Army,” Caldwell told her.
On the virtual wall website, he was able to find a photo of his friend. Bryant was 20 years old when he died.
“It’s really emotional, because I was kind of tight with him. I was close with him, talked with him every day and everything, and to have him just, I’d say kind of disappear like that,” Caldwell reflected.
The Traveling Vietnam Wall is an 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is 400 feet long and has 140 panels with names of service members killed in the Vietnam War.
“It really brings it home. You hear numbers or read numbers in a book. That’s one thing but when you see the name of people that actually lived and had a family, that had a history, that had a future, but they you know, that was it for them,” said visitor Mike Railsback.
This year the American Veterans Traveling Tribute added separate panels honoring American sacrifices across generations.
There are 29 casualty panels for those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are a group of panels with the names of those killed on 9/11 and single panels for a number of other deaths from 1914-212, including those from the bombing of the USS Cole and the Benghazi attack.
Shane Virgil Stark was in Kansas City from New Mexico visiting family. He is a veteran who did not serve in wartime, but he knows not all casualties of war happen on the battlefield.
“I lost two friends here this last year. There were over in Afghanistan that they got sick from cancer and stuff from something that happened over there,” he remarked.
To that point, a display of American flags outside the National WWI Museum and Memorial represents the 140 veterans that take their own lives each week. The display is called Flags of Forgotten Soldiers. It is not part of the wall and has been up by Liberty Memorial every Memorial Day weekend in recent years.
Caldwell got help from the Veteran’s Administration nearly 20 years ago for PTSD and is still getting treatment.
“That causes my depression to go away and my self-esteem to be lifted,” he said.
He now works with the VFW and Disabled American Veterans. He notes that displays like the Traveling Tribute also help with self-esteem, particularly for Vietnam veterans who felt shamed and were ostracized when they returned home.
“It’s really a beautiful awakening for us because when we came back from Vietnam, we didn’t tell anybody,” Caldwell said.
“I’m just so glad we’re still recognizing this,” said Stark. “This is awesome.”
The tribute arrived in Kansas City on May 18th. It is free to visit and will remain up through Memorial Day with the exception of 7-11 tomorrow night, when it will be closed for the Kansas City Symphony’s Celebration at the Station.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/05/29/traveling-vietnam-wall-brings-visitors-looking-to-honor-service-members-sacrifices/ | 2022-05-29T18:18:02Z |
TORRANCE, Calif., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading kombucha brand Health-Ade announces the launch of its "Get That Good Gut Feeling" campaign in partnership with Emmy-award winning illustrator and animator Mike Perry and full-service agency Zambezi. Through easily digestible education, robust storytelling, and bold animations, the campaign celebrates the improved physical and mental well-being the probiotics in Health-Ade Kombucha promote. "Get That Good Gut Feeling" will incorporate Health-Ade's beloved family of refreshed characters from some of their most popular flavors, feel-good headlines, and quirky designs that visually evoke joy to show how the secret to a happier gut is just one sip away.
Mike Perry brought the force of his imagination to bear in working with Health-Ade and Zambezi, leveraging his unique-to-the-world illustrative style, ability to tell stories through fantastical scenery, and the happiness he imbues in his characters, to bring to life the essence of "Get That Good Gut Feeling". Working with Perry, Health-Ade crafted a unique "gut world" in which once Health-Ade Kombucha is introduced, the gut jumps to life. From enjoying a plate of nachos, to kicking back at a BBQ, to recovering the morning after a party, the illustrations capture just a few ways Health-Ade Kombucha can pair with just about anything – while boosting happiness along the way.
"We think education and awareness are key in promoting good gut health, but it is important for Health-Ade to stay true to itself and make those messages fun, uplifting and easily digestible (pun intended!),'' says Charlotte Mostaed, VP of Marketing at Health-Ade. "People reach for kombucha for the health benefits, but they stay for that deliciously refreshing bubbly taste and the feel-good energy they get when they drink kombucha every day. For us, this campaign is a way to show the power of the probiotic goodness of kombucha on gut health, as well as invite consumers to drink Health-Ade Kombucha as the perfect pairing with a favorite meal, that amazingly refreshing treat during a barbeque, or as the answer to a long night of overindulgence."
More than just a beloved bubbly beverage, Health-Ade Kombucha can make people feel great on the inside, and this campaign illustrates just how much "magical goodness" kombucha provides. Full of probiotics, healthy acids, and antioxidants that people need to be their best "gut" selves, Health-Ade Kombucha promotes healthy gut microbiomes, which can help boost overall mood, support digestion and immunity, as well as promote skin and hair health. With delicious flavors to choose from like Passion Fruit Tangerine, Pomegranate, and Pink Lady Apple, Health-Ade is inspiring kombucha lovers and doubters alike to revive and replenish from the inside out.
"Looking to amplify the goodness of kombucha, Health-Ade was seeking a contemporary way to expand their reach and grow their audience," says Gavin Lester, Chief Creative Officer of Zambezi. "We partnered with Mike Perry (animator of Broad City) to create a bright and bubbly visual campaign that both educates and entices."
"Get That Good Gut Feeling" will launch with a 360 national omni-channel campaign, including digital video, streaming commercial ads on major platforms, national Out-of-Home advertising, and more. This campaign comes as Health-Ade is seeing increased consumer interest in gut health and its connection to overall wellness, and expanding its ever-growing footprint nationwide with continued momentum in the marketplace. A decade after revolutionizing the beverage section of your local grocery store, Health-Ade continues to grow the kombucha category.
For more information, visit www.health-ade.com. Follow along on Instagram @healthade, Facebook /HealthAde, and Twitter @DrinkHealthAde.
About Health-Ade Kombucha
Health-Ade creates feel-good, bubbly beverages with belly benefits so you can follow your gut and show the world what you're made of. The brand's beverages include a low sugar, refreshing kombucha made with fermented tea, and a re-defined soda made with cold-pressed juice, prebiotics, and more. Health-Ade beverages are delicious sources for hydration, prebiotics, probiotics, healthy acids, and antioxidants that make you feel good from the inside out. Health-Ade's popular kombucha includes a line-up of full-flavored, approachable offerings crafted with the highest quality ingredients, like cold-pressed juice from organic produce. Brewed with care in sunny Los Angeles, the brand gained an instant cult following when they started selling their kombucha at the Brentwood Farmers' Market in 2012. Since then, Health-Ade has expanded to over 50,000 stores in North America, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Safeway / Albertsons, Kroger, Publix, Target, Walmart, Costco, as well as Amazon.com and Health-Ade.com. Their kombucha is offered in 16oz bottles (MSRP: $3.99), 48 oz multiserve bottles (MSRP: $8.99), as well as variety packs of 12 and 6 bottles at select Costco locations and online. Health-Ade's growing roster of 16 flavors are certified organic, Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free.
Contact:
health-ade@laruepr.com
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SOURCE Health-Ade Kombucha | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/health-ades-get-that-good-gut-feeling-campaign-offers-whimsical-portrayal-kombuchas-positive-effects/ | 2022-06-07T14:08:21Z |
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Activate your digital account | https://www.cantonrep.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cantonrep.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2F2022%2F04%2F19%2Fcanton-repository-all-stark-county-basketball-wrestling-swimming-bowling-gymnastics-winter-sports%2F7329279001%2F | 2022-04-19T14:01:42Z |
Accuser’s mom: R Kelly’s threats made her fear for her life
CHICAGO (AP) — A mother whose daughter prosecutors say R. Kelly sexually abused starting when she was 14, told jurors Monday at the singer’s federal trial that she lied to a state grand jury 20 years ago, in part because she and her husband felt threatened by Kelly and feared for their lives if they told the truth.
The mom, who used the pseudonym, “Susan,” in court at the trial in Chicago, described how she, her husband and Kelly were crying when the parents confronted the Grammy-winner at a hotel in the early 2000s about whether he was abusing their daughter. She testified they were startled when Kelly told them, “You are with us or against us.”
She said she took those words to mean “that they were going to harm us if we didn’t do what they wanted us to do.” Among the directives from Kelly and an associate was that they had to lie that their daughter was not in a child pornography video and that they had to leave the country immediately for several weeks, she testified.
“We were very, very frightened,” she told jurors.
She added later that she lied to the grand jury “because we feared for our lives and we were intimidated.” She said she also feared for the well-being of her daughter, who warned her parents at the time that she might commit suicide if they refused to do what Kelly asked them to do.
Kelly, 55, is on trial in his hometown on charges that include production of child pornography, enticing minor girls for sex and obstruction justice by successfully rigging his 2008 child pornography trial in state court, at which he was acquitted.
Kelly is already staring at a 30-year prison sentence imposed by a federal judge in New York in June for his 2021 convictions on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Susan’s daughter, who went by the pseudonym “Jane,” was among the prosecution’s first witnesses as the trial began last week. Jane told jurors that she also lied to the same grand jury prior to 2008 trial when she said she was not the 14-year-old girl in a video with Kelly. Jane, now 37, told jurors last week that, in fact, she had been sexually abused hundreds of times by Kelly before she had turned at 18.
On Monday, in an often contentious cross-examination, Kelly attorney Jennifer Bonjean repeatedly questioned Susan about whether she truly felt her life was in any danger from Kelly or his associates.
“No one actually threatened you, did they?” Bonjean asked.
“Yes, they did,” Susan answered.
Bonjean also asked why, if Susan felt so threatened by Kelly, she and her family continued to mix with Kelly socially for the next 20 years. She answered that Kelly was their sole income for a period, paying her musician husband to work on Kelly recordings. She also said she worried about Jane’s welfare if they cut ties with Kelly.
The husband, Jane’s father, died last year, she told jurors.
During her cross, Bonjean highlighted Susan’s testimony that she lied to the Illinois grand jury, asking if she was “telling the truth now.” Susan said she was.
Prosecutors from the Cook County state’s attorney’s office chose in the mid-2000s to push ahead with charges and to take the case to trial in 2008 despite what they knew was a major hurdle: their inability to call the girl in the video to testify.
After acquitting Kelly in the 2008 trial, some jurors told reporters that that they had no choice but to find Kelly not guilty because the girl — who by then was in her 20s — did not take the witness stand to confirm it was, in fact, her in the video.
Federal prosecutors at the current trial played excerpts of that and other videos they say show Kelly when he was around 30 sexually abusing a 14-year-old Jane.
Kelly has been trailed for decades by allegations about his sexual behavior. The scrutiny intensified during the #MeToo era and following the 2019 release of the Lifetime television docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly.”
___
Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mtarm and find AP’s full coverage of the R. Kelly trial at https://apnews.com/hub/r-kelly.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/22/accusers-mom-r-kellys-threats-made-her-fear-her-life/ | 2022-08-22T23:45:12Z |
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Not many people charged with felony crimes go seven years without ever standing trial. One of them is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The twists and turns of how the Republican, who is on the cusp of winning the GOP nomination for a third term Tuesday, has yet to have his day in court after being indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015 has little comparison in American politics. And along the way, it has upended what it means to be a compromised officeholder in Texas.
Four different judges have overseen his case at some point. Where a trial would happen — if it ever does — has ping-ponged from Dallas to Houston to Dallas again. All the while, other clouds have gathered over Paxton: the FBI is investigating him over separate accusations of corruption, and the State Bar of Texas is weighing possible reprimands over his attempts to baselessly overturn the 2020 election.
Once, nearly a year passed with no movement in the case at all.
No single reason explains the delays. But altogether, Paxton has become an example of how powerful allies and acts of God can drag out career-threatening criminal charges, and allow a politician to rise above being written off as a political goner.
“I mean, this one is crazy,” said Andrew Wheat, a leader of the watchdog Texans For Public Justice. His group in 2014 filed a complaint with prosecutors over Paxton’s failure to register as a securities adviser, one of the criminal charges the Republican is battling.
Wheat is dubious that a trial will ever happen. “And by the time it does, if it ever does, will it have any significance left to it?” he said.
Paxton, who faces five to 99 years in prison if convicted, has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys point out that Paxton invoked his right to a speedy trial and blame the holdup on special prosecutors, who have spent years in a protracted battle over how much they’re getting paid and where the case should be tried.
How much the case matters is a question Texas Republicans have, arguably, already answered.
Paxton was reelected in 2018 when the felony charges were still making front pages. He is now in reach of winning the nomination again Tuesday in a runoff against Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who finished second in a four-way primary in March, but still 20 percentage points behind Paxton.
Bush, the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and the last of his famous family still in office, has staked a comeback on TV ads that splash the indictments across the screen and call Paxton unfit for office. Paxton has mostly ignored the attacks while flaunting former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Most top Texas Republicans have been restrained in voicing any concerns, but a rare exception came just days ahead of the runoff, when U.S. Sen. John Cornyn called the unresolved case an “embarrassment.”
“Obviously the voters will have access to that information,” Cornyn said last week. “They’ll make their own decision and I can’t predict what the outcome will be.”
The indictments accuse Paxton of defrauding investors in a Dallas-area tech startup by not disclosing he was being paid by the company, called Servergy, to recruit them. The indictments were handed up just months after Paxton was sworn in as Texas’ top law enforcement officer.
Not long after, allies of Paxton spearheaded attacks on special prosecutors’ $300 hourly rate, calling it an abuse of taxpayer money. Local leaders in Paxton’s hometown of Collin County, which is controlled by Republicans, agreed and voted to slash the pay.
Since then, the criminal case has inched along. A court system brought to a standstill by a 2017 hurricane and then the coronavirus pandemic slowed the pace even more. As it stands now, special prosecutors are waiting on Texas’ top criminal court to rule on an appeal to address payment issues and keep Paxton’s case in Houston.
“The trial’s extended delay was in no way attributable to improper influence of Mr. Paxton,” said Philip Hilder, one of Paxton’s attorneys, pointing the finger instead at prosecutors for challenging their pay and other pretrial rulings.
“In fact, Mr. Paxton invoked his right to speedy trial. Mr. Paxton is innocent of these charges and sought to have his day in a proper court long ago,” he said in a statement.
In the intervening years, Paxton has drawn new scrutiny after eight of this top deputies accused him in 2020 of allegedly abusing his office to help a wealthy donor, Nate Paul, resist an earlier FBI investigation of the developer.
Both federal probes continue, with investigators in recent months collecting Paul’s business records and asking how the developer might have been paying Paxton, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Paul, whose lawyers did not respond to requests for comment, has denied bribing Paxton. The attorney general has broadly denied wrongdoing and his lawyers declined to comment on the FBI investigation.
In New Jersey, a two-year corruption indictment against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat, ended with a hung jury in 2017. In Texas, attorneys and legal experts struggled to recall a case that has stretched as long as Paxton’s without a resolution.
State Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat and attorney who spent three years as a prosecutor in Houston, described the delays as unheard of, saying even high-level cases in Texas’ largest county go to trial in two or three years.
“There is a legitimate criminal violation and justice is not being served because the people being charged have money and they have power,” Wu said.
There is no time limit in which the charges against Paxton would expire. “But as a practical matter, the courts are going to get concerned. People’s memories fade and the like,” said David Kwok, co-director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston Law Center.
The case hasn’t outlasted Wheat’s watchdog group but they’ve scaled back: He says financial support for their nonprofit, which also filed the complaint that led to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s indictment in 2014, has been challenging in recent years.
After being forced into a runoff, Paxton’s campaign raised more than $2 million in about three months.
___
Bleiberg reported from Dallas. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/seven-years-later-still-no-trial-for-texas-ag-ken-paxton/ | 2022-05-23T13:28:32Z |
The Newly Constructed Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad Melds Contemporary Design and Legendary Service with Sky-High Culinary Offerings by Chef José Andrés
BETHESDA, Md, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy®'s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, debuting a new oasis of modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Soaring 50 stories above the dynamic North of Madison Square Park neighborhood, the newly constructed hotel and residences developed by New York-based Flag Luxury Group brings the brand's unparalleled service and refined elegance to one of the city's most vibrant and emerging districts.
"The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad represents a milestone moment in the evolution of The Ritz-Carlton brand," said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. "With an exquisite design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad delivers an experience tailored to today's luxury guest. I know that travelers and locals alike will enjoy settling into Nubeluz, our rooftop bar, for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline."
Rising 500 feet above New York's streets, the hotel takes its place within the city skyline as one of the tallest buildings in NoMad, the birthplace of American popular music at Tin Pan Alley and today a nexus of art, entertainment, fashion, and technology. World-renowned design teams, including Rafael Viñoly Architects, Rockwell Group, Lazaro Rosa-Violan Studio, Martin Brudnizki, and SUSSURUS International, deliver a bold, contemporary design that pays homage to the hotel's location in the city's vibrant Flower District. An impressive art collection by art curator, Culture Corps and Founding Partner Yvonne Force Villareal includes local artists Pat Steir, Ross Bleckner, and Donald Baechler. Seasonal floral installations throughout the hotel create a unique welcome experience for guests visiting the blossoming neighborhood.
"For our fifth hotel under The Ritz-Carlton brand, we were inspired by the brand's rich history and legacy of unwavering commitment to excellence. We married the genuine refined service that The Ritz-Carlton is known for with the kitchen of humanitarian and Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés for the next generation of a hotel luxury experience," said Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President of Flag Luxury Group.
The hotel's 250 guestrooms include 19 suites, with an additional 16 one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences. The guestrooms and public spaces all showcase elegant floral expressions such as natural elements and textures, that reflect the soft curvature of petals alongside sleek accents and lines, which echo New York City's verticality and city grid. Inspired by residential-style living, guestrooms feature bespoke furnishings and a neutral color palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning city views to take center stage. The 2,100-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the hotel's 37th floor, features breathtaking views of Manhattan, a private wellness room complete with a Peloton® bike, separate living and dining areas, media room and 194-square-foot walk-in closet, and service entrance. All guestrooms include bathroom amenities by Diptyque, featuring the scent Philosykos – an ode to the fig tree.
The hotel's food and beverage partnership is truly unique, with all culinary venues and in-room dining helmed by Michelin-starred chef and global citizen José Andrés. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Zaytinya, a play on the Turkish word for olive oil, offers an innovative mezze menu and creative cocktails inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 140-seat restaurant is saturated with a palette of bronze metals and white oak wood, with distinctive pops of blue and soft curves to channel the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.
An exciting addition to New York's nightlife scene, Nubeluz is located on the hotel's rooftop. It offers sweeping 270 degree views across Manhattan, complemented by an expansive menu of classic and signature cocktails, light bites, and an array of Tablas, where guests can build boards of jamon, queso, and embutidos hailing from Andrés' native Spain. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space acts as a glittering jewel box, with interiors that are a modern age reinterpretation of New York's glamorous past, including a combination of reflective surfaces, indulgent textiles, and modern materiality.
Located on the first floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, The Lobby Lounge and Bar is an oasis where guests can enjoy a morning pastry and coffee, an afternoon glass of champagne, or nightcap in the evening.
The Bazaar by José Andrés will make its New York debut in late 2022. This high-end avant-garde dining destination is a wild sensory adventure born of Andrés' Spanish roots where sophisticated cuisine, artful service, and playful theatrics come together. Each location has its own vision and promises both an inspiring both its culinary experience and dynamic aesthetic. The Bazaar, designed by Barcelona-based studio Lázaro Rosa-Viola, uses painted and natural wood, texturized glass, ceramic tiling, and drapery to create an atmosphere that is warm and distinct.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers a wide range of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to complement a highly personalized guest experience. Guests staying on the Club Level can enjoy access to the signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, where they can relax or work while experiencing dedicated concierge service and a variety of culinary offerings throughout the day. The hotel also features a 6,800-square-foot signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center, including eight treatment rooms as well as separate sauna and steam rooms. Luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader is bringing its signature facial, The Method, to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a bespoke interpretation with the use of exclusive scents and oils inspired by the New York Flower District. For intimate gatherings, celebrations, or corporate functions, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad also features 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a vast, private outdoor terrace, with all banquet and catering culinary offerings also overseen by Andrés.
"I am honored to be leading a talented team of Ladies & Gentlemen as we open our doors to guests and locals alike in this everchanging and dynamic community," said Bastian Germer, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. "We are excited to bring Manhattan a quintessential, yet freshly re-imagined, New York experience."
For further information and bookings, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/nomad
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits, including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/ritz-carlton-debuts-an-oasis-modern-luxury-heart-manhattan/ | 2022-07-26T15:10:49Z |
US customs officers find rare destructive beetle in fruit boxes at US-Mexico border
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 2:21 PM CDT|Updated: 43 minutes ago
(CNN) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers spotted a rare insect trying to hitch a ride across the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this month.
According to the agency, the insect was spotted on May 2 at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas.
CBP agriculture specialists report they discovered the Cochabamba beetle inside a shipment of fruit. Officials said the beetle is a rare pest usually found in Central and South America and never seen before at a U.S. port of entry.
U.S. customs said the beetles are destructive and cause agricultural and economic damage. The fruit shipment was returned to Mexico.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/11/us-customs-officers-find-rare-destructive-beetle-fruit-boxes-us-mexico-border/ | 2022-05-11T20:04:36Z |
- Ponce Therapeutic's ("Ponce") lead product, ReBeaut™, is a microneedle patch containing nanoparticles carrying its proprietary ApoptiCIDe™ cell elimination gene therapy technology targeting senescent keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin
- Speratum Biopharma ("Speratum") will receive an upfront payment, pre-clinical and clinical milestone payments, and a royalty on worldwide net sales of Licensed Products incorporating their technology
- Ponce's exclusive license allows it to utilize the licensed technology to extend its gene therapy clinical portfolio to include any skin disorders, benign or malignant and all anti-aging applications, whether delivered locally or systemically
MIAMI, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ponce Therapeutics, Inc., a company leveraging the growing scientific knowledge surrounding the aging process to develop anti-aging technologies, announced today that it had executed a worldwide, exclusive license to Speratum's proprietary Nano-in™ and No-Pass Mimic™ technologies to advance its lead product, ReBeaut™, a state-of-the-art biotechnology platform to restore the youthful balance of aged or "senescent" and young, vital cells in the skin, targeting the senescent cells for elimination, providing a "reboot" of the skin's composition back to its youthful exuberance. Speratum's Nano-in™ is a proprietary, biocompatible polymer, LGA-PEI, that can condense with nucleic acids to form nanoparticles for drug delivery that can be used in vivo with a favorable pre-clinical toxicity profile. Nano-in™ will be used to deliver Ponce's ApoptiCIDe™ cell elimination technology into the skin via a proprietary dissolvable microneedle delivery platform. Ponce's exclusive license allows it to utilize the licensed technology to extend its gene therapy clinical portfolio to include any disorder of the skin, benign and malignant, including all dermatologic and cosmetic applications, skin-mediated gene therapy and skin-mediated delivery of small peptides, peptide-like molecules and other small molecules, and all anti-aging indications, whether delivered locally or systemically.
PONCE Therapeutics, Inc. (https://poncetherapeutics.com), a biotech company leveraging the growing scientific knowledge surrounding the process of aging to develop products to arrest or reverse the aging process, was founded by Kevin Slawin, MD, Chairman and CEO and David Spencer, PhD., Chief Technology Officer, reuniting the team that founded Bellicum Pharmaceuticals and took it public in 2014 with a $55 million crossover Series C and a $161 million IPO. The team is retooling their original cell control technology with state-of-the-art advances ("ApoptiCIDe™") towards their new goal of creating anti-aging products with a solid underlying scientific basis. Ponce Therapeutics began operations in January 2021 and operates in laboratory space in K2 Biolabs (https://k2-biolabs.com) in Houston, TX. Dr. Slawin is a founding Board Member of K2 Bio and both Drs. Slawin and Spencer are investors. Drs. Slawin and Spencer are also joined by Damian Young, Ph.D., CSO, and Kayvon Namvar, CFO, as the founders of DELIVER Therapeutics, Inc. (https://deliverthera.com) a company that plans to apply novel, high-throughput screening technologies combined with chemical innovation to DELIVER therapeutics, including novel anti-aging therapeutics, that address the most difficult problems in clinical medicine and that is also situated at K2 Bio.
Ponce's founding lead investor, Rapha Capital, is an investment management firm focused on making strategic investments in early stage, non-public biotechnology companies, through special purpose, joint venture entities which it manages. Rapha Capital was founded by its President, Kevin Slawin, M.D., a successful and experienced oncologic and robotic surgeon. In addition to founding Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Bellicum"), a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ, he also plays a guiding role in several of the investments managed by Rapha Capital in certain companies, serving as Board Chairman of Imagin Medical, Inc. (https://imaginmedical.com), a publicly traded company (OTC: IMEXF), and FIZE Medical, Inc. (https://fizemedical.com), and a board member at 3DBio Therapeutics, Inc. (https://3dbiocorp.com/), and Demeetra AgBio, Inc. (http://demeetra.com). Together with Dr. Mitch Steiner, CEO of Veru, Inc., he is the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Miami MediCo.s (https://miamimedicos.com), a network of physicians, founders, executives and investors working to expand the entrepreneurial healthcare ecosystem in Miami.
"The science of aging has continued to mature and can now provide a scientific basis for technologies to reverse the aging process in humans. Proof of concept data in animal models demonstrates that removal of senescent cells from organs improves their function and imbues them with a more youthful profile," said Dr. Slawin. "I'm excited to be taking another important step towards the clinic in the anti-aging space, which I believe will quickly rival oncology in both value and interest" he added. "With this license, we are building the necessary technology platform to deliver our first product, beginning with the skin, allowing us to leverage an increasingly detailed, mechanistic understanding of aging to arrest or even reverse it," added Dr. Spencer.
"We are gratified to begin this collaboration with the team at Ponce that utilizes our novel technologies as part of their therapeutic platform," said Dr. Christian Marin-Mueller, the founder and CEO of Speratum and the inventor of Nano-in™ and No-Pass Mimic™ technologies. Dr. Thilo Bayrhoffer, Speratum Biopharma lead investor, treasurer, and member of the board added "Our patented technologies, combining synthetic biology with nanotechnology, are needed to develop modifiable and adaptable therapeutic platforms for targeted nucleic acid delivery. Following a research collaboration with Roche in 2021, this is the first commercial license for our technologies, and it reinforces our commitment to further Speratum' s therapeutic programs, including MiR198 targeting pancreatic cancer, which is expected to be in the clinic by 2024."
Ponce Therapeutics – "Anti-aging Technologies Based on Real Science and Developed by Real Scientists" – Ponce Therapeutics is leveraging the growing scientific knowledge surrounding the process of aging to develop its first state-of-the-art biotechnology platform to restore the youthful balance of aged or "senescent" and young cells in the skin, targeting senescent cells for elimination. This provides a "reboot" of one's genetic program to turn the clock on one's skin back to its youthful exuberance. While initially focused on skin, Ponce is planning to develop a wide-ranging portfolio of anti-aging products based on the best science in the nascent anti-aging field. Ponce is headquartered in Miami, Florida with research facilities located in Houston, TX.
For more information about PONCE Therapeutics, email info@poncethera.com or visit https://poncetherapeutics.com
Speratum Biopharma, Inc. ("Speratum") is an innovative biotechnology company focused on research and development of targeted oligonucleotide delivery systems and nucleic acid therapeutics, including No-Pass Mimic™ microRNA ("miRNA) for the treatment of cancer. The company was founded in 2014 with technologies licensed from Baylor College of Medicine ("Baylor"). Since then, Speratum has combined these with best-in class, proprietary nanotechnologies to generate a ground-breaking oligonucleotide and cell therapy platform. Speratum is currently in final pre-clinical stages of development for its first therapeutic, a small RNA tumor suppressor against pancreatic, ovarian, and other cancers that includes a proprietary RNA interference ("RNAi")-inducing mimic of miR-198, a naturally occurring microRNA involved in the pathogenesis of a number of solid cancers. Speratum's Nano-in™ and No-Pass Mimic™ technologies are also being studied in other oligonucleotide research areas and therapeutic modalities such as circular RNA ("circRNAs").
For more information about Speratum Biopharma, please visit https://speratum.com or e-mail info@speratum.com
About Rapha Capital Management, LLC and Rapha Capital BioVentures Fund I, LP – Rapha Capital Management, LLC is an investment management firm located in Miami, Florida, focusing on strategic investments in early stage, non-public biotechnology companies. Rapha Capital was founded by its President, Kevin Slawin, MD, a successful and experienced oncologic and robotic surgeon, biotech consultant, investor, and founder focusing on technologies in oncology, T cells and immunotherapy, as well as other breakthrough healthcare technologies. Rapha Capital Management manages thirteen legacy SPIVs, Rapha Capital Investment I – XIII. Rapha Capital Management offers alternative asset management services to the RCBV Fund, which has more recently been the vehicle for both new and follow-on investments managed by Rapha Capital Management.
For more information about Rapha Capital Management, email info@raphacapital.com or visit https://www.raphacap.com
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SOURCE Ponce Therapeutics, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/ponce-therapeutics-executes-worldwide-exclusive-license-speratum-biopharmas-nano-in-no-pass-mimic-nanoparticle-technologies-anti-aging-other-products-initially-skin/ | 2022-07-25T12:43:46Z |
GUELPH, ON, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar", "the Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Canadian Solar Projects K.K. together with its owned special purpose vehicles (SPVs), topped the ranking of cumulative capacity of solar projects awarded under Japan's feed-in tariff (FIT) auction program since its launch in 2017, according to a latest research published by Clean Tech Lab, Nikkei BP Intelligence Group. Canadian Solar's cumulative successful bids of 180 MWac under the FIT auction program is nearly twice of that of the second ranked.
Canadian Solar entered the Japanese market more than a decade ago in both solar project development and solar module sales. The Company has executed on around 350 MWp solar projects in Japan since 2011 and has a backlog of 345 MWp, including 174 MWp under construction as of January 31, 2022. As one of the most well-known brands in Japan, Canadian Solar has delivered over 5.5 GW of high-quality modules to residential, commercial, and utility-scale customers since 2009.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar commented, "Our number one position in cumulative market share in Japan's FIT auction program demonstrates our competitiveness in that market. I would like to thank our team for their efforts and solid execution. We remain committed to the Japanese solar market, where we foresee a strong PPA demand. We will leverage our expertise and leadership in both project development and solar modules sales to provide more clean and safe renewable energy in Japan."
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. Over the past 20 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered over 67 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Likewise, since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built and connected over 6.3 GWp in over 20 countries across the world. Currently, the Company has around 445 MWp of solar projects in operation, nearly 6 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage), and an additional 18.6 GWp of projects in pipeline (mid- to early- stage). Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins and project sales, and CSI Solar's forecast operating income and net profit, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business and economic conditions and the state of the solar industry; volatility, uncertainty, delays and disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future available supplies of high-purity silicon; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as Japan, the U.S., China and Brazil; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; delays in the completion of project sales; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features that customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 28, 2022. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contacts
Isabel Zhang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
investor@canadiansolar.com
David Pasquale
Global IR Partners
Tel: +1-914-337-8801
csiq@globalirpartners.com
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SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/canadian-solar-ranks-no1-cumulative-capacity-solar-projects-awarded-japans-solar-auction-program/ | 2022-05-17T12:03:46Z |
Financing will support new plant at Antheia headquarters to accelerate scale up for company's pipeline of plant-based compounds; plant expected to be operational by 2023
MENLO PARK, Calif., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Antheia, a synthetic biology company enabling next-generation plant-inspired medicines, today announced $40 million in venture debt financing from Oxford Finance LLC and Silicon Valley Bank, alongside plans to construct a new pilot scale biomanufacturing facility. The financing will support Antheia's expansion with a 14,700 square-foot pilot plant located next to Antheia's headquarters in Menlo Park, CA. The new pilot plant will enable the company to significantly improve efficiency and support the scale up of its growing portfolio of products.
"Pilot plants are an essential component of scaling with biomanufacturing, and high-quality pilot plant capacity is increasingly scarce in the U.S.," said Zack McGahey, Chief Operating Officer at Antheia. "As we advance our entire pipeline of pharmaceutical candidates, investing in our own on-site facility will be critical for optimizing strain performance and improving efficiency as we move to industrial scale production."
The planned facility will provide Antheia with 500L of additional fermentation capacity to support the scale up of various active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) candidates. By utilizing this facility, the company anticipates two to four months of time savings per run, improved customer engagement through accelerated sampling and validation timelines, and increased utilization rates. Antheia will begin construction in 2023 with the goal to be operational by the end of 2023.
"Antheia is utilizing synthetic biology to create both existing and new medicines in more controlled and economical ways," said Christopher A. Herr, Senior Managing Director at Oxford Finance. "We are pleased to partner with Silicon Valley Bank to support Antheia's facility expansion and its growing pipeline of products."
"We're thrilled to support Antheia and their mission to disrupt the traditional agricultural-based supply chain and accelerate the discovery of new medicines," said Peter Sletteland, Director of Life Science and Healthcare at Silicon Valley Bank. "As lenders with a focus on the longer-term growth trajectory, we are excited about the company's future."
Antheia aims to transform the supply chain for plant-based APIs that are critical to the development of many essential medicines, yet reliant on fragile, unpredictable, inefficient, and costly agriculture-based sources. Using synthetic biology, Antheia is developing several classes of plant-based APIs that can't be manufactured through synthetic chemistry, including analgesics, neurotransmitter inhibitors, sedatives, chemotherapeutics, and antiinfectives. This financing enables Antheia's strategic investment in a pilot plant, which will be instrumental in optimizing the scale-up process for the company's pipeline of plant-based compounds, which is aligned with the FDA and WHO lists of essential medicines.
In addition to the announcement of its new pilot plant, Antheia has also joined the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM). The AAM was founded to improve access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines to all and is well aligned with Antheia's mission to transform pharmaceutical supply chains to ensure equitable access to critical medicines.
About Antheia
Antheia is unlocking the medicinal power of nature with synthetic biology. Through a novel whole-cell engineering approach to reconstruct complex molecules in yeast, Antheia's platform enables the discovery and manufacturing of plant-inspired drugs of unprecedented complexity and diversity. Antheia's team of scientists and technologists is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. For more information, visit www.antheia.bio.
About Oxford Finance LLC
Oxford Finance is a specialty finance firm providing senior secured loans to public and private life sciences and healthcare services companies worldwide. For over 20 years, Oxford has delivered flexible financing solutions to its clients, enabling these companies to maximize their equity by leveraging their assets. Since 2002, Oxford has funded over $9 billion in loans. Oxford is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with additional offices in California (San Diego, Palo Alto, and Los Angeles), and the greater Boston and New York City metropolitan areas. For more information, visit www.oxfordfinance.com.
About Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank, the bank of the world's most innovative companies and investors, provides commercial banking services, expertise and insights to the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, venture capital and premium wine industries. Silicon Valley Bank operates in centers of innovation around the world and is one of SVB's core businesses with SVB Capital, SVB Private and SVB Securities. With global commercial banking services, Silicon Valley Bank helps address the unique needs of its dynamic, fast-growing, innovative clients. Learn more at svb.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Antheia
Mission North for Antheia
antheia@missionnorth.com
Oxford Finance
Selma Bašić
media@oxfordfinance.com
Silicon Valley Bank
Eileen Nolan
enolan@svb.com
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SOURCE Antheia | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/antheia-announces-new-financing-plans-construct-pilot-plant-facility-biomanufacturing/ | 2022-06-22T12:21:20Z |
Americans view NATO leadership as the most important issue for the next Prime Minister to address with the US President.
BOSTON, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Emerson College poll commissioned by the Association of Marshall Scholars finds that eighty percent of US residents view American and British leadership in NATO as "very" or "somewhat important" to global security. Respondents identified NATO leadership (25%), climate change (21%), and international trade (20%) as the top joint priority areas for the next British Prime Minister, ahead of the Conservative Party selection on Monday, September 5th. Eighty-seven percent of Democrats and eighty-six percent of Republicans consider the US and British leadership "very" or "somewhat important" on global security.
The plurality (37%) of respondents say shared democratic norms and values have the most significant influence on a strong alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, with 32% naming political leadership and governments.
"Americans understand how critically important US-UK leadership is to global security," said Dr. Nell Breyer, Executive Director of the Association of Marshall Scholars. "The strong response to the war in Ukraine reflects our shared foundational values and mutual commitment to democratic norms. The American public hopes the next British Prime Minister will continue prioritizing NATO leadership with the current US administration."
82% of Americans view a free trade agreement between the US and the UK as "very" or "somewhat important." "It's rare that there is overwhelming bipartisan support on a global policy issue such as this agreement: 88% of Democrats and 87% of Republicans view the free trade agreement as very or somewhat important," said Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling.
The importance of the US "Special Relationship" with the UK remains reinforced through public opinion, with forty-one percent of respondents across all age groups and geographic regions identifying it as America's most valuable ally and strategic partner. Respondent ranked Canada as the next strongest ally at 23%. Fifty-eight percent of respondents named the UK as the US' most attractive business partner.
Full Data and Table Tabulations available at marshallscholars.org/news-and-updates/2022poll
All respondents in this study were part of a fully representative sample of n=1,000. Data were weighted by US population parameters. The margin of error for the sample is +/- 3% in 19 of 20 cases. The survey was administered by contacting landline telephones via IVR, cell phones via text message, and online panel. Data was collected between August 12-17, 2022.
Emerson College Polling has been ranked as one of the most accurate collegiate pollsters by Nate Silvers' FiveThirtyEight and Bloomberg News. Emerson College Polling is a Charter Member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Transparency Initiative.
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SOURCE Association of Marshall Scholars | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/new-prime-minister-is-selected-poll-finds-80-americans-believe-us-uk-leadership-nato-is-important-global-security/ | 2022-09-01T15:41:34Z |
Olentangy Berlin High School Named America's Most Spirited High School
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Brands, the market leader in sport, spirit and achievement, announced that its signature school pride event, the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, presented by BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones, has named the winners for the 2022 program on June 15th, 2022, at the virtual awards show. The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards honor the standouts of America's high schools by recognizing exemplary schools, organizations and individuals that go above and beyond to build school pride, student engagement and community spirit.
Varsity Brands released a study revealing the powerful link between school spirit, involvement, achievement, and self-confidence. It was found that students with higher levels of spirit perform better academically, are more involved, and feel happier and more connected to their schools and communities. Inspired by these findings, the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards were created.
"Varsity Brands is thrilled to honor the 2022 Varsity Brands School Spirit Award winners for their dedication to prioritizing spirit on their campuses once again," said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. "The demonstration of leadership, innovation and commitment displayed by this group of winners is inspirational and evident of the positive impact it can have on schools and student performance. We are honored to celebrate the individuals, groups and schools who have transformed school culture nationwide."
A total of $60,000 was awarded across 12 categories, including a $25,000 Grand Prize for America's Most Spirited High School. America's Most Spirited High School was determined by an online voting process at varsitybrands.com. Olentangy Berlin High School from Delaware, OH was the school that received the most votes for their 90-second school spirit video and will receive $25,000 in awards from Varsity Brands.
America's Most Spirited High School
Olentangy Berlin High School | Delaware, OH
Athlete
Ronald Christian – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
Athletic Director
John Taylor – Irvington High School | Irvington, NJ
Coach
Dawn Thall – Strongsville High School | Strongsville, OH
Game Day Experience
Dover High School | Dover, OH
Graduation
Carolina High School | Greenville, SC
Performing Arts
Northwest High School | Jackson, MI
Principal
Jason St Pierre – Walker High School | Walker, LA
Spirit of St. Jude
Woodstock High School | Woodstock, GA
Most Spirited Student
Paige Reed – Erskine Academy | South China, ME
Most Spirited Teacher
Karen Denton – Gaffney High School | Gaffney, SC
Most Spirited Yearbook
Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN
To learn more about Varsity Brands, watch the full awards show and view category descriptions, please visit varsitybrands.com.
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these entities promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Albert
Varsity Spirit
ezemlachenko@varsity.com
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SOURCE Varsity Brands, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/varsity-brands-school-spirit-awards-honor-schools-school-organizations-individuals-promoting-outstanding-school-spirit-community-pride/ | 2022-06-17T01:04:12Z |
VIDEO: Hundreds of homes demolished after destructive tornado sweeps through city
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 4:43 PM CDT|Updated: 4 hours ago
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - A destructive tornado was caught on camera last week in Kansas.
The City of Andover shared the tornado video from April 29 as the cyclone formed in southern Sedgwick County and then moved into the city.
KWCH reports the twister destroyed hundreds of homes in Sedgwick County and the City of Andover. Officials said less than ten people were injured, but one woman remained hospitalized with a back injury.
Luckily, officials reported no immediate deaths in the area.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/04/video-hundreds-homes-demolished-after-destructive-tornado-sweeps-through-city/ | 2022-05-05T01:56:09Z |
HONG KONG, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharing Economy International Inc. ("SEII") (OTCQB: SEII), announced today that the company has signed an memorandum of understanding with Quantron AG ("Quantron"), planning to form a joint venture company to develop and market for new zero emission vehicles running with electric and hydrogen power.
The European Union has proposed to stop the selling of new fossil-fuel cars by 2035, and the demand for environmental new zero emission vehicles expect to increase.
Under the joint venture plan, Quantron will asupply the products, while SEII shall act as the leasing distributor.
Quantron AG was created in 2019 as a high-tech spin-off of the well-known Haller GmbH & Co. KG with the vision of paving the way for e-mobility in inner-city and regional passenger and cargo transportation.
About Sharing Economy International Inc.
Sharing Economy International Inc., through its affiliated companies, are focused on targeting the technology and global sharing economy markets, by developing online platforms and rental business partnerships that will drive the global development of sharing through economical rental business models. Moreover, the Company will actively pursue blockchain technology in its existing and to-be-acquired business, enabling the general public to realize the beauty of resource sharing. For more information visit www.seii.com
Cautionary Warning Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about our market opportunity, our strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as we pursue our business plan, and the adequacy of our available cash resources. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Actual results may, and probably will, differ materially from the predictions discussed in these forward-looking statements. Changes in the circumstances upon which we base our predictions and/or forward-looking statements could materially affect our actual results. Additional factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements and/or predictions include, among other things: (1) our ability to raise additional capital to continue our operations; (2) our ability to pay down existing debt; (3) our ability to attract and retain key executive officers and the professional advisors; (4) the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on our operations; (5) potential litigation with our shareholders, creditors and/or former or current investors; (6) the effect of political instability on our operations; and (7) other factors over which we have little or no control. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Sharing Economy International does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Information on Sharing Economy International's website does not constitute a part of this release.
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SOURCE Sharing Economy International Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/sharing-economy-entered-into-mou-with-quantron-ag-plan-joint-venture-development-new-zero-emission-vehicles/ | 2022-06-28T10:25:56Z |
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Avantis Investors®, a $12.5 billion* investment offering from global asset manager American Century Investments®, announces the further expansion of its investment capabilities with the launch of Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value Fund. The fund, which will be available in multiple share classes, relies on a proprietary systematic investment approach that combines the latest in financial science with common sense investment principles.
The fund has a similar investment strategy and pricing as its ETF counterpart, Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV), which launched in Sept. 2021.
"From day one, our goal was offering a choice of vehicles for clients. While we have seen many more investors embrace ETFs, mutual funds are still widely used in retirement plans. It's always a privilege to have clients ask you to create a product, so we are happy to launch this mutual fund," said Philip McInnis, Chief Investment Strategist at Avantis.
The fund will be co-managed by Chief Investment Officer Eduardo Repetto and Senior Portfolio Managers Ted Randall, Mitchell Firestein and Daniel Ong, CFA.
Following is information on the new fund:
Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value fund joins Avantis Investors' lineup of eight other ETFs with corresponding mutual funds: Avantis Core Fixed Income; Avantis Core Municipal Fixed Income; Avantis Emerging Markets Equity; Avantis International Equity; Avantis International Small Cap Value; Avantis Short-Term Fixed Income; Avantis U.S. Equity and Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value.
Avantis Investors, established to help clients achieve their investment goals through a persistent focus on providing well-diversified investment solutions that fit seamlessly into asset allocations and combine the potential for added value with the reliability of indexing, is led by Repetto and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Keating, CFA, CPA.
American Century Investments is a leading global asset manager focused on delivering investment results and building long-term client relationships while supporting breakthrough medical research. Founded in 1958, American Century Investments' 1,400 employees serve financial professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors from offices in New York; London; Frankfurt; Hong Kong; Sydney; Mountain View, Calif.; and Kansas City, Mo. Jonathan S. Thomas is president and chief executive officer, and Victor Zhang serves as chief investment officer. Delivering investment results to clients enables American Century Investments to distribute over 40 percent of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, non-profit basic biomedical research organization. The Institute owns more than 40 percent of American Century Investments and has received dividend payments of $1.8 billion since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com.
*Assets under supervision as of 6/7/22.
You should consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The fund's prospectus or summary prospectus, which can be obtained by visiting www.AvantisInvestors.com or calling 1-833-9AVANTIS, contains this and other information about the fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Investments are subject to market risk.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) are bought and sold through exchange trading at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.
These funds are actively managed ETFs that do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. To determine whether to buy or sell a security, the portfolio managers consider, among other things, various fund requirements and standards, along with economic conditions, alternative investments, interest rates and various credit metrics. If the portfolio manager considerations are inaccurate or misapplied, the fund's performance may suffer.
Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for more detailed information or for advice regarding your individual situation.
- IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: American Century Companies, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, in connection with the promotion, marketing or recommendation by anyone unaffiliated with American Century Companies, Inc. of any of the matters addressed herein or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Distributor, not affiliated with American Century Investment Services, Inc.
Mutual Funds: American Century Investments Services, Inc., Distributor
©2022 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact: Laura Kouri, (816) 516-7729
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SOURCE American Century Investments | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/avantis-investors-launches-us-large-cap-value-fund/ | 2022-06-21T18:10:41Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Tuya Inc. ("Tuya" or the "Company") (NYSE: TUYA) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Tuya investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Tuya American Depositary Shares in or traceable to the Company's March 2021 initial public offering. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
TUYA investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (a) a material portion of Tuya's China-based customers were engaged in the widespread and systematic manipulation of reviews and product offerings in violation of Amazon.com's terms of use; (b) prior to the initial public offering, a consumer investigation and data breach had exposed an illicit fake review scheme being perpetrated by many of Tuya's clients, among others, which included, inter alia, the exposure of 13 million records of organized fake review scams linked to over 200,000 Amazon account profiles; (c) as a result of (a) and (b) above, there was a substantial risk that a material portion of Tuya's significant customers would be barred from using Amazon.com's platform, negatively impacting Tuya's business, revenue, earnings, and prospects; and (d) as a result of (a)-(c) above, the registration statement's representations regarding Tuya's historical financial and operational metrics and purported market opportunities and expected growth did not accurately reflect the actual business, operations, financial results, and trajectory of the Company at the time of the initial public offering, and such statements were materially false and misleading and lacked a reasonable factual basis.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Tuya during the relevant time frame, you have until October 11, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/tuya-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-tuya-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-09-01T12:12:38Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Thursday announced more steps to make the antiviral treatment Paxlovid more accessible across the U.S. as it projects COVID-19 infections will continue to spread over the summer travel season.
The nation’s first federally backed test-to-treat site is opening Thursday in Rhode Island, providing patients with immediate access to the drug once they test positive. More federally supported sites are set to open in the coming weeks in Massachusetts and New York City, both hit by a marked rise in infections.
Next week, the U.S. will send authorized federal prescribers to several Minnesota-run testing sites, turning them into test-to-treat locations. Federal regulators have also sent clearer guidance to physicians to help them determine how to manage Paxlovid’s interactions with other drugs, with an eye toward helping prescribers find ways to get the life-saving medication to more patients.
Despite a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, deaths from the virus have remained largely stable over the past eight weeks, as vaccine booster shots and widely accessible treatments have helped to delink infections and mortality.
Confirmed infections in the U.S. have quadrupled since late March, from about 25,000 a day to more than 105,000 daily now. But deaths, which have tended to lag infections by three to four weeks over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, have declined steadily and are now plateaued at fewer than 300 per day.
It’s the first time in the course of the pandemic that the two have not trended together, said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. He called it an important development in helping Americans get back to normal life.
“What has been remarkable in the latest increase in infections we’re seeing is how steady serious illness and particularly deaths are eight weeks into this,” he said. “COVID is no longer the killer that it was even a year ago.”
Jha said that given the wider use of at-home rapid tests, whose results often go unreported to public health officials, the true number of daily infections is likely 200,000 or more — double the reported rate — which he said only makes the death rate plateau more significant.
He credited vaccines but also a more than four-fold increase in prescriptions over the last six weeks for the highly effective treatment Paxlovid.
Jha said about 25,000 to 30,000 courses of Paxlovid are being prescribed each day. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, the drug has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.
Due to a change in the way Paxlovid is allocated to states, the number of pharmacies where it is available has doubled in the last month to almost 40,000.
“We are now at a point where I believe fundamentally most COVID deaths are preventable, that the deaths that are happening out there are mostly unnecessary, and there are a lot of tools we have now to make sure people do not die of this disease,” Jha told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
As the summer months approach, Jha said the “number one” thing people need to do is to “go and get boosted” — and if they have a breakthrough infection, they should consult with their doctor about getting Paxlovid. He said gatherings of all sizes can take place more safely because of the tools available — if people make use of them.
“In places in the country where boosting rates are much lower, where the infection is starting to spread more, I am absolutely concerned that we’re going to see, unfortunately, we may see more serious illness,” he said.
“Being vaccinated and boosted is a huge part of making sure that those kinds of activities are substantially safer,” he added. “And then, of course, we want to make Paxlovid as widely available across the entire country, so that if you do end up getting a breakthrough infection, you’re still protected against serious illness.”
The U.S. has ordered 20 million courses of Paxlovid from the drugmaker Pfizer, and the country risks running out this winter if the drug continues to be used widely. The White House has been pressing Congress for additional funds for months to support purchasing more Paxlovid and other treatments, as well as additional boosters.
While the administration has started planning for the potential need to ration the federal supply of vaccines if Congress doesn’t act, Jha said right now his message to prescribers is that they shouldn’t worry about the supply.
“I believe that we should be using as much as it’s necessary to protect Americans now,” Jha said. | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/us-moves-to-make-antiviral-drug-more-available-against-covid/ | 2022-05-26T16:31:16Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the U.S., is pleased to announce their work for client CarParts.com, an e-commerce platform that offers an end-to-end solution for drivers looking for a stress-free vehicle repair and maintenance, has been announced as a finalist in the 2022 PRNews Platinum Awards in the Ecommerce Campaign of the Year category.
The nominated campaign, executed by the Consumer and Emerging Technology team, reinforced the brand's position to establish their executive leadership as visionary innovators within the industry. 5WPR launched an all-encompassing strategy focused on amplifying the company's CEO and CFO as thought leaders, while simultaneously building brand awareness among business media and retail investors.
"This recognition is a testament to the incredible client-partner relationship we have built with CarParts.com," said 5WPR CEO, Matthew Caiola. "They have allowed our team the opportunity to implement game-changing strategies that demand to be recognized in the competitive e-commerce space. We look forward to continuing our partnership, supporting their corporate communications initiatives."
For over two decades, the Platinum PR Awards have been hailed as the most coveted and competitive award in the communications space. The winners of this world-renowned recognition represent the best of the best—those that have reached the pinnacle of both innovation and industry knowledge. Winners will be unveiled at the PRNews Platinum PR Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 12, in New York City.
About 5WPR
5W Public Relations is a full-service PR agency in NYC known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 275 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Marketing (Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, SEO). Founded by Ronn Torossian nearly 20 years ago, 5W was named to Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2022 list, awarded 2020 PR Agency of The Year, and brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communication.
Media Contact
Matthew Caiola
mcaiola@5wpr.com / 212.999.5585
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SOURCE 5W Public Relations | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/5wpr-named-finalist-ecommerce-campaign-year-2022-prnews-platinum-awards/ | 2022-09-08T20:07:51Z |
Chronic diseases are more likely to develop in these groups of people with anxiety and depression
By Megan Marples, CNN
Women of all ages and younger men with certain mood disorders are more likely to develop certain chronic illnesses, according to new research.
Researchers of a retrospective study published in the journal JAMA Network Open analyzed health data of 40,360 adults from Olmsted County in Minnesota, from the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage system. This database collects ongoing medical information from people living in Olmsted County.
The research team split the adults into three age groups by sex: 20, 40 and 60 years old. Each participant was sorted based on whether they celebrated those milestone birthdays between 2005 and 2014. The study also included a follow-up on December 31, 2017.
The participants were further divided into four groups: those with anxiety; depression; anxiety and depression; or neither anxiety nor depression.
Women in all three age groups and men in their 20s who had either depression or anxiety and depression were at a significantly higher risk of developing a chronic condition, compared with participants without anxiety or depression.
Some of the 15 chronic conditions observed in the study included hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and most cancers.
“We tend to think of young people as vital, fit and healthy. We also tend to think that chronic medical conditions only affect older people. Sadly, for people who experience mental illness, the reality can look quite different,” said Jasmin Wertz, a lecturer of psychology at the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences at The University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, who was not involved in the study.
Of all the women in the study, women in their 20s were most likely to develop chronic illnesses if they had both anxiety and depression, with an over 61% increase in risk compared with participants without either mental disorder. Women in their 60s were least likely if they had anxiety alone, with an over 5% increase in risk compared with participants with neither anxiety nor depression.
Of the men in the study, those with anxiety and depression in the age 20 group were most likely to develop a chronic condition, with a nearly 72% risk increase compared with the control group, and men with anxiety in the age 60 group were least likely with an over 8% decrease in risk.
Possible explanations for the disparities
Researchers were not able to determine why women were more likely to be affected than men, but there are some possible hypotheses, said study author Dr. William Bobo, professor of psychiatry, and chair and consultant of the department of psychiatry and psychology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
“There are sex differences in the frequency of diagnosed anxiety and depressive disorders and that may have played a role,” he said.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder than men and more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hormonal, biological and psychological factors may also play a role, Bobo added.
Participants with anxiety and depression were also affected by multiple chronic conditions, not just one or two, Wertz said.
More people could be affected
The study did not include chronic illnesses people already had when they entered the study, and rather analyzed the data gathered at each milestone, said Kyle Bourassa, an advanced fellow in the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center at the Durham VA Health Care System in North Carolina. He was not involved in the study.
Someone who is in the 60-year-old age group may have had anxiety and/or depression for most of their life and already developed chronic diseases by age 60 because of it, he explained.
“This was a good decision to make to be conservative with the estimates in the study but may also result in underestimating the effect among the older adults studied here,” Bourassa said.
Over 86% of the participants were White, which is another limiting factor, according to Wertz.
There are large racial and ethnic disparities in mental and physical health because people who come from those minority backgrounds often lack access to quality health care, she said.
This means people with racial and ethnic minority backgrounds may have a greater association between anxiety and depression, which could translate to a higher risk of developing chronic conditions than reported, Wertz explained.
How to lower your risk
There are behavioral and pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression, which have been shown to improve a patient’s well-being, Bourassa said.
The discoveries made from this study suggest that those treatments could also then improve physical health, especially when people are younger, he said.
Including enough physical activity, mindful meditation and sleep in your daily routine has also been shown to decrease anxiety and depression, according to Bourassa.
In addition to those activities, avoiding smoking and heavy drinking can help lower the risk of developing a chronic condition, he said.
If you feel you may have anxiety or depression, you should speak with your physician or therapist to create a treatment plan, Wertz said. The National Alliance on Mental Health has a helpline as well, she added.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/health/2022/05/04/chronic-diseases-are-more-likely-to-develop-in-these-groups-of-people-with-anxiety-and-depression/ | 2022-05-04T18:02:02Z |
FireKing Workers Call on Company's Corporate Parent to Bargain Fair Contract
BOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, members of Teamsters Local 25 and Teamsters Local 856 protested outside the Boston and San Francisco offices of Champlain Capital to pressure the private equity firm to bargain a fair contract for its workers at FireKing. Champlain Capital owns the manufacturer of fireproof safes and cabinets based in New Albany, Indiana, where 83 Teamsters have been on strike since May 9.
"The entire Teamsters Union has the backs of our FireKing brothers and sisters in Indiana, who are standing up to yet another corporate bully who is refusing to bargain in good faith," said Sean M. O'Brien, Teamsters General President. "These private equity firms are vultures that abuse workers and think they can get away with it. Teamsters are fighting back and we're not going to stand for it. Our local unions in Boston and San Francisco are proving that solidarity today by taking to the streets."
Teamsters at FireKing have patiently worked in good faith to negotiate a new agreement. But after the company's abusive behavior, which led to the filing of several unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, members were left with no choice but to go on strike.
"Many of these workers have been at FireKing for 15, 20 years — some even 30 years. They deserve the same loyalty and respect from FireKing that they give the company every day," said Avral Thompson, President of Local 89 in Louisville, Ky.
Teamsters delivered a letter addressed to Champlain Capital's managing partners, demanding FireKing stop violating the law and bargain a fair contract.
FireKing's workers have been trying to negotiate a new contract with the company for months. But the employer wants to maintain a high-deductible health insurance plan that could leave families with up to $13,000 in out-of-pocket costs per year.
After the strike began, FireKing management cut off workers' health care, retroactive to May 4. FireKing has also stated it won't workers to return to their jobs when the strike ends.
"When we went on strike, management cut off our insurance even though we'd already paid the premium for that month," said Veronica Tillery, a Teamster who started working at FireKing in August of last year. "I had a surgery scheduled that I had to cancel because of what they're doing to us. It's heartbreaking and frustrating to see how little they care about the employees who work hard for them."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit http://www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter at @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Ted Gotsch, (202) 508-6437
tgotsch@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/teamsters-protest-champlain-capital-support-striking-fireking-workers/ | 2022-07-08T17:54:59Z |
What is the best milk thistle supplement?
The liver is one of the body’s most critical organs. It protects us from toxins that are around us — heavy metals, chemicals, preservatives and contaminants found in our food, water, air and household products. Over time these toxins, as well as alcohol, medications and protein powders, can damage and overburden your liver.
Milk thistle has been used for naturopathic healing properties for the liver and other parts of the digestive system. There is a wide variety of milk thistle supplements available in different forms and quantities. For its high potency and absorption, the best milk thistle supplement is OmniBiotics Milk Thistle Capsules.
What to know before you buy a milk thistle supplement
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a flowering herb native to Mediterranean countries and related to the ragweed and daisy plant family. Silymarin, an active ingredient in milk thistle, is extracted from the plant seeds for its antioxidant properties.
What is milk thistle used for?
Milk thistle has been used historically to naturally treat symptoms of the digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder. Modern naturopathic applications include cirrhosis, gallbladder conditions, hepatitis and jaundice.
It also has been used in combination with diabetes medication to improve cholesterol in Type 2 diabetics. A National Institutes of Health study indicates that milk thistle improves insulin resistance and decreases blood sugar levels.
Before using milk thistle for any of these purposes, consult your health care provider to ensure there are no interactions with other medications or underlying conditions.
Is milk thistle good for cardiovascular health?
The ability of milk thistle to lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol finds a modern use in combining the supplement with statins. Your health care provider should determine if milk thistle is an appropriate supplemental treatment.
What to look for in a milk thistle supplement
Silymarin concentration
Many supplements are manufactured as milk thistle seed extract, but the key to the supplement’s effectiveness is the percentage of silymarin in each dose. Silymarin is the active ingredient in milk thistle that provides health benefits. Check the manufacturer’s label for the amount of bioavailable silymarin in each tablet or liquid dose.
Form
Milk thistle supplements are sold in three forms. Soft-gel capsules and tablets are the most common, but liquid extracts are available for people who struggle with swallowing or prefer faster absorption. All supplements should be stored in a cool, dry space.
Dose
The range of recommended doses varies widely, from 175 to 2,000 milligrams. Most dosages for liver, gallbladder and digestive disorders range from 210 to 600 milligrams of milk thistle.
Allergen-free
Most milk thistle supplements are made without soy, gluten, eggs, nuts, dairy and other known allergies. Check the label for ingredients used in manufacturing.
How much you can expect to spend on a milk thistle supplement
Milk thistle supplement prices are based on their form and quantity. Tablets and capsules, which cost 8-38 cents per dose, are less expensive than liquid extracts, which run 33-40 cents per dose. Supplements with additional herbal ingredients cost more than milk thistle-only products.
Milk thistle supplement FAQ
Are there side effects from milk thistle supplements?
A. Since the milk thistle plant is part of the ragweed and daisy family, anyone with allergies to these plants and marigolds and chrysanthemums should be aware of potential allergic reactions. People with artichoke and kiwi allergies also should take caution.
Anyone taking antibiotics, blood thinners or cholesterol medication should consult their health care provider about potential interactions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle can cause digestive upset, itchiness and headache. It also raises estrogen levels and should be avoided by people with breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
What are the signs of a damaged liver?
A. Most damage to the liver isn’t experienced until liver disease has started. Early-stage liver disease can lead to fatigue, easy bruising, itching and right-side abdominal pain. Advanced disease symptoms are jaundiced eyes and skin, leg swelling, dark urine, pale-colored stools and abdominal pain and distention.
What is the best milk thistle supplement to buy?
Top milk thistle supplement
OmniBiotics Milk Thistle Capsules
What you need to know: These all-natural capsules contain additional silymarin extract to aid in absorption and provide maximum potency.
What you’ll love: Each capsule contains 1,500 milligrams of bioavailable milk thistle extract, intended to support the liver and gallbladder health. Certified organic, the supplement is non-GMO and free of gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, sugar and fillers.
What you should consider: A small number of consumers reported the bottles broke easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top milk thistle supplement for the money
Now Foods Extra-Strength Silymarin
What you need to know: This combination supplement of milk thistle, artichoke and dandelion supports liver and gallbladder health.
What you’ll love: With 450 milligrams of silymarin per capsule, this vegetarian formula is powerful and safe. A family-owned manufacturer makes the supplement without soy, nuts, gluten or dairy. It is kosher and non-GMO.
What you should consider: The capsules contain additional filler ingredients.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and iHerb
Worth checking out
Nature’s Answer Milk Thistle Seed Extract
What you need to know: This is a powerful liquid supplement with a super-concentrated 2,000 milligrams of milk thistle seed extract per serving.
What you’ll love: To maximize liver support, the company promises that all botanicals are analyzed for purity and quality to ensure the highest-quality ingredients are used. The extract is non-GMO and free of alcohol and gluten.
What you should consider: A small number of reviewers reported an unpleasant taste.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and iHerb
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Steve Ganger writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/supplements-br/best-milk-thistle-supplement/ | 2022-09-07T01:30:54Z |
NEW YORK, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Dentsply Sirona Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/dentsply-sirona-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=29834&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased Dentsply's common stock between June 9, 2021, and May 9, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until August 1, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to the filed complaint, defendants orchestrated a scheme to inflate Dentsply's revenue and earnings by manipulating the Company's accounting for a distributor rebate program so that senior executives would be eligible for significant cash and stock-based incentive compensation. In order to facilitate this scheme, Dentsply and its executives made numerous false and misleading statements to investors during the class period. As a result of defendants' misrepresentations, Dentsply's common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the class period.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/xray-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-dentsply-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-august-1-2022/ | 2022-07-15T11:35:28Z |
BERLIN (AP) — Dieter Wedel, one of Germany’s best-known TV directors and scriptwriters, has died, a court that was considering a case in which he was accused of sexual assault said Wednesday. He was 82.
The Munich state court said that Wedel died in Hamburg on July 13, German news agency dpa reported. The court had been expected to announce Wednesday whether a case in which he was charged with raping an aspiring actress at a Munich hotel in 1996 would go to trial.
Wedel was best known for a string of successful TV series in the 1990s and early 2000s. He later led an open-air theater festival in Bad Hersfeld, in central Germany.
He was the first prominent figure in the country named when the #MeToo movement targeting alleged sexual abusers in the media and the arts gathered pace in Germany four years ago.
He denied claims by several women that he pressured them for sex, and rejected the rape charges that were filed in March 2021. That case is being closed following his death.
His lawyers said that Wedel died after a long illness, and criticized the media’s reporting on the case, dpa reported. | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/prominent-german-tv-director-who-faced-rape-claim-dies-at-82/ | 2022-07-20T23:19:40Z |
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is pleased to recognize the exceptional contributions of outgoing Chief Justice of California Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, who is concluding her 12-year term on January 2, 2023, after 32 years of service at every level of the state court system.
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye who was the first person of color and the second woman to serve as the state's chief justice, will receive the Inaugural Judicial Excellence Award on September 17, 2022. She concludes her 12-year term as chief justice and chair of the Judicial Council on January 2, 2023, after 32 years of public service at every level of the state court system.
The Judicial Excellence Award was established to recognize a member of the California Judicial Branch who exemplifies the mission of CLA and is dedicated to promoting excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. The recipient of the Judicial Excellence Award is also committed to the improvement of the administration of justice and preserving the rule of law.
The award may be presented to any individual or organization who has made a positive local or statewide impact on the justice system and preservation of the rule of law. The Honorable Rupert A. Byrdsong, Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles and President of CJF, will present Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye with the award.
"California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye is a brilliant legal mind and wonderful person," CLA President Jeremy M. Evans said. "The court, judicial system, and legal community will miss her steadfastness, humility, and care for others. We are also excited for her future and future of the court with Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero at the helm."
In addition to the Judicial Excellence Award, a new series of awards to recognize outstanding legal practitioners, leaders, and organizations will also be presented during the first-ever black-tie Gala sponsored by CLA and the California Judges Association (CJA) to support the work of the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) and the California Judges Foundation (CJF).
Somita Basu, CLA Solo and Small Firm Section Executive Committee Chair and Founder and Partner of Norton Basu LLP, will receive the California Lawyers Association Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is presented to a CLA volunteer who demonstrates a commitment to the association's mission and represents outstanding leadership in the practice of law.
CLA's Privacy Law Section will receive the California Lawyers Association Section Innovation Award. This award is presented to a Section that demonstrates a commitment to promoting excellence in the Section's field of practice.
San Diego County Bar Association will receive the California Lawyers Association Exceptional Organization of the Year Award. This award is presented to an organization that exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a collaborative spirit that mirrors CLA's mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the California legal profession, as well as a commitment to seeking a fair administration of justice and rule of law.
"It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize great people who consistently work to improve and strengthen the legal profession," said Oyango A. Snell, CLA CEO and Executive Director. "The valuable contributions that these public servants, leaders, volunteers, and partners have made to the legal profession is invaluable and worthy of a celebration."
ABOUT CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 2018, California Lawyers association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA's mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. Visit us at www.calawyers.org to learn more about CLA or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
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SOURCE California Lawyers Association | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/california-lawyers-association-honor-outgoing-chief-justice-with-judicial-excellence-award-recognize-distinguished-bar-leaders/ | 2022-08-30T02:03:24Z |
During the 2016 election cycle, many were vocal that they would cast their vote solely on Supreme Court nominations to ensure that the Justices upheld our Constitutional foundation. It is also important to note that Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life or until they choose to retire. There is no doubt that this insight has come full circle as we have watched history play out with some of the most controversial issues our nation has faced.
While the Supreme Court does not hold official “trials,” it is tasked with interpreting the meaning of a law and its relevance to a particular set of facts or to rule on how a law should be applied. This group of justices has deferred many decisions back to the states and further highlights how critical it is to have strong state leadership that represents the voice and values of our citizens. Below are thoughts on Supreme Court rulings over the first six months of a very interesting 2022:
Roe v Wade: June marked a historic month as the Supreme Court made the landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in a 5-4 ruling that ends the constitutional right to abortion through the first two trimesters. This does not mean that abortion has been made illegal. It does mean that individual states now have the power to set their own laws regarding this controversial practice.
Shortly after the high court’s ruling, a Georgia federal appeals court rejected a challenge from abortion providers, in a unanimous decision that the state had a “rational basis” for the law, given its interest in “providing full legal recognition to an unborn child,” meaning our Heartbeat Bill, passed in 2019 would immediately take effect.
Soon after, many states passed legislation for the allowance of “Due Date Abortions,” we passed the Heartbeat Bill to ban abortions as soon as a heartbeat is detected in the fetus. The bill does make exceptions for rape, incest and medical emergencies as follows:
♦ Removal of an ectopic pregnancy;
♦ Prevention of death or permanent physical impairment of the mother;
♦ The pregnancy is the result of rape or incest (permitted prior to 20 weeks);
♦ The unborn child has a terminal birth defect;
♦ Requires physician performing an abortion to report to the state the circumstances of abortions provided consistent with the law;
♦ The father of an unborn child can be required to pay child support, up to the direct medical and pregnancy related expenses faced by the mother;
♦ Amends the state definition of “natural person” to include an unborn child;
♦ Women are not subject to criminal culpability for getting an abortion under longstanding statutory and judicial interpretation in Georgia, and HB 481 did not change those provisions.
♦ A woman upon whom an illegal abortion was performed has a civil cause of action against the person who performed the abortion.
School Prayer: In Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the high court ruled that a football coach at a public high school had a constitutional right to pray at the 50-yard line after his team’s games.
Separation of Church and State: In Carson v. Makin, the court ruled that a Maine program that excludes religious schools from a state tuition program is a violation of the free exercise of religion.
First Amendment and Public Forums: Shurtleff v. Boston ruled that the city of Boston had violated the First Amendment when it refused to let a private group raise a Christian flag in front of its City Hall, although it had allowed many other organizations to use the flagpole to celebrate various causes.
Censures: In Houston Community College System v. Wilson, the court ruled that elected bodies do not violate the First Amendment when they censure their members.
Religion and the Death Penalty: In Ramirez v. Collier, the court ruled that Texas would violate a federal law protecting religious freedom if it executed a death row inmate without allowing his pastor to touch him and pray aloud in the execution chamber.
Right to Bear Arms: In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the court ruled that states with strict limits on carrying guns in public violate the Second Amendment.
COVID in the Workplace: In National Federation of Independent Business v. Department of Labor, the court found that the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-testing mandate for large employers was not lawful.
COVID in Health Care Facilities: Biden v. Missouri finds that the Biden administration’s mandate to require health care workers at facilities receiving federal money to be vaccinated was lawful.
Immigration: The ruling in Biden v. Texas cleared the way for the Biden administration to end a Trump-era immigration program that requires asylum seekers arriving at the southwestern border to await approval in Mexico.
Climate Control: The court’s ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, curtailed the EPA’s ability to regulate the energy sector, limiting it to measures like emissions controls at individual power plants. The implications of the ruling could extend well beyond environmental policy.
As we make our way toward our November gubernatorial election, keep in mind that elections impact our everyday lives much more than many realize. State leaders have the authority to hire and appoint those in charge of overseeing our regulatory agencies and governing boards. As illustrated above, the appointments are important and can drastically change the landscape of our nation and state. Whether you agree or disagree with a candidate, we ask that you look at the bigger picture.
As a conservative, I am grateful for those in 2016 who were wise enough to cast their vote in favor of the “bigger picture,” ensuring our Constitution and the rights within, are most certainly upheld, even amid these uncertain times.
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According to the July jobs report, employment is back to pre-pandemic levels. Read more about the report here!
This poll is not scientific - results reflect the opinions of respondents. | https://www.albanyherald.com/opinion/bill-yearta-vote-in-2016-had-huge-impact-on-recent-supreme-court-rulings/article_cf0a239e-1727-11ed-a2f6-47abbdf4e6df.html | 2022-08-08T22:44:01Z |
LONDON (AP) — During a long weekend of royal pageantry devoted to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne, the British people will take center stage in at least one event.
More than 10,000 performers, including schoolchildren, community groups and military bands, are expecting to troop to Buckingham Palace on June 5 to cap four days of celebrations marking the queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The event on the Mall, the tree-lined road that leads to the palace, will feature pop star Ed Sheeran, dancers, acrobats, vintage cars and depictions of the queen’s favorite corgis and horses in performances highlighting the changes in British society during Elizabeth’s long reign.
“It will be all about how, through the recollections and stories and experiences we share, we can see how we are all connected through time to each other, and to the queen,” the show’s director, David Zolkwer, said Tuesday.
Elizabeth, the longest-ruling monarch in British history, assumed the throne when she was 25 years old. In the next seven decades, the U.K. navigated the end of its empire, the Cold War, the economic tensions of the 1980s and the challenges of an increasingly multicultural society.
Now 96, the queen who was a constant presence through it all remains a symbol of stability.
The jubilee pageant seeks to celebrate that legacy with a spectacle that will begin with the ringing of Westminster Abbey’s bells, just like on Elizabeth’s coronation day.
The first of four “acts” will be a parade featuring military bands and service personnel from the U.K. and Commonwealth nations including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, Ghana, Belize, Jamaica and Sri Lanka.
Some 2,500 volunteers are expected to take part in the second act, which will be devoted to creativity, dance, fashion and music during the queen’s reign.
This part of the program will also feature 150 “national treasures’’ who have shaped British culture over the past 70 years, including singer Cliff Richard, chef Heston Blumenthal and figure skating gold medalists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
The third section will celebrate the queen’s reign and personal interests with quirky British humor. The acts include a 20-foot-tall puppet of a young woman, surrounded by a pack of mischievous corgi puppets.
The event will end in front of Buckingham Palace, where Sheeran will perform and the public will be asked to join in singing “God Save the Queen.’’
Organizers declined to comment on whether or not the monarch might be persuaded to appear on the palace balcony.
The U.K. is marking the queen’s jubilee June 2-June 5. | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/corgis-and-cars-queens-pageant-to-be-parade-of-the-people/ | 2022-04-27T13:35:22Z |
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The al-Shabab extremist group has exploited Ethiopia’s internal turmoil to cross the border from neighboring Somalia in unprecedented attacks in recent weeks that a top U.S. military commander has warned could continue.
The deadly incursions into Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country and long seen as an anchor of security in the Horn of Africa, are the latest sign of how deeply the recent war in the northern Tigray region and other ethnic fighting have made the country more vulnerable.
Ethiopia has long resisted such cross-border attacks by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, in part by deploying troops inside Somalia, where the extremist group controls large rural parts of the country’s southern and central regions. But the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and its security forces have struggled with unrest at home especially since the Tigray conflict began in late 2020.
Experts say al-Shabab, also emboldened by instability under Somalia’s previous administration, is seizing the chance to expand its footprint and claim the killing of scores of Ethiopian security forces. But the group is also feeling the pressure of a renewed push by Somalia’s new government and the return of U.S. forces to the country after their withdrawal by former President Donald Trump.
The turn to Ethiopia is a significant strategic shift by al-Shabab, Matt Bryden, a security analyst with the Sahan Foundation think tank, told The Associated Press. The extremist group had never been able to conduct major operations inside Ethiopia.
“The reports of clashes along the Ethiopia-Somalia border are just a fraction of the overall picture,” Bryden said. “We understand that planning for this offensive began more than one year ago, when the Ethiopian government appeared to be on the verge of collapse” as rival Tigray forces pushed toward the capital, Addis Ababa. Those forces later retreated, and both sides are edging toward peace talks.
Al-Shabab has trained several thousand fighters for its Ethiopian “command,” mainly ethnic Somalis and Oromos inside Ethiopia, Bryden asserted. Ethiopia’s federal government has said it fears al-Shabab will link up with the Oromo Liberation Army, which it has designated a terror organization, though other security experts have called that unlikely.
Hundreds of al-Shabab fighters were able to slip into Ethiopia last week alone and their presence has been detected near multiple communities such as El Kari, Jaraati, and Imey, Bryden said. The incursions began in late July.
“There are also credible reports of al-Shabab units deploying in the direction of Moyale,” the main border post between Ethiopia and Kenya, he said.
Somalia’s previous president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, avoided any major confrontation with al-Shabab. But new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said his government will take the offensive against the group’s thousands of fighters, with the backing of returning U.S. forces.
“Al-Shabab therefore faces a much greater military challenge in Somalia than before and has therefore embarked on this Ethiopian campaign in order to preserve some of its forces and establish strategic depth,” Bryden said.
He warned that if al-Shabab establishes a stronghold in southeastern Ethiopia, “the consequences for peace and security in the region could be very serious indeed.” The fighters would be well-positioned to strike deeper into Ethiopia, into Kenya and even as far as Uganda to the west. Al-Shabab has carried out several high-profile deadly attacks inside Kenya over the years.
The outgoing head of the U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Stephen Townsend, last month warned that al-Shabab’s activities inside Ethiopia were not a “one-off” and said the fighters made it as far as 150 kilometers into the country.
Al-Shabab has long regarded Ethiopia an enemy for its long military presence inside Somalia countering the fighters. Via its Radio Andalus media arm, the extremist group has claimed killing at least 187 Ethiopian regional forces and seizing military equipment in its attacks.
Ethiopian officials have expressed alarm. On Tuesday, the country’s Somali regional president, Mustefa Omer, told a regional assembly that more than 600 al-Shabab fighters have been killed.
The region is in a lengthy war with the extremists, not just a one-time clash, he said, and “the Ethiopian federal army is currently involved in the fight against the terrorists … and we will also work with Somalia.”
He said the goal is to create a security buffer inside Somalia to guard against further incursions. “We should not wait for the enemy to invade,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, the Somali region announced that Ethiopian military officials had arrived in Somalia’s town of Beledweyne to discuss strategies to counter al-Shabab’s incursion. The statement said Ethiopia’s soldiers in the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia will be deployed against the extremists.
Residents of the Somali town of Yeed near the Ethiopian border told the AP they witnessed losses suffered by al-Shabab fighters in an Ethiopian attack last week. They spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution.
And a resident of Somalia’s Bakool region, Isak Yarow, said Ethiopian military planes have carried out airstrikes in Garasweyne village in an area where Ethiopian and al-Shabab fighters have clashed.
Ethiopia’s military has claimed the killing of three prominent al-Shabab figures including its propaganda chief, but the extremist group has denied it.
While Al-Shabab’s ultimate aims inside Ethiopia are yet to be determined, its new actions signal its “growing ambition, regional capabilities, and opportunism to exploit regional geopolitics, especially as the Abiy Ahmed government struggles to contain the various insurgencies inside Ethiopia,” security analysts Caleb Weiss and Ryan O’Farrell wrote late last month.
Security analyst Ismail Osman, a former deputy of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, told the AP that “President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s immediate priority is to eradicate al-Shabab” and warned that regional tensions could worsen amid this new instability.
___
An Associated Press writer reported from Nairobi, Kenya. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/in-a-first-somalia-based-al-shabab-is-attacking-in-ethiopia/ | 2022-08-05T20:24:02Z |
Feds: R. Kelly remains on suicide watch ‘for his own safety’
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal authorities are pushing back on R. Kelly’s claims that he was placed on suicide watch as a form of punishment last week after a judge sentenced him to 30 years behind bars for using his fame to sexually abuse young girls.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn filed court papers late Saturday saying the disgraced R&B superstar remains on suicide watch “for his own safety” following a psychological assessment.
Kelly’s “current life circumstances undoubtedly bring emotional distress,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Speight wrote in a court filing.
“He is a convicted sex offender who has been sentenced to spend the next three decades in prison,” she added. “In the immediate future, he faces another federal criminal trial in Chicago for charges related to child pornography.”
Kelly’s attorney filed a lawsuit Friday alleging prison officials placed him on suicide watch at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center “solely for punitive purposes and because of his status as a high-profile inmate,” adding that Kelly has had no thoughts of harming himself.
“Nothing occurred during sentencing that came as a surprise to Mr. Kelly,” attorney Jennifer Bonjean wrote in the lawsuit. “While the conditions of suicide watch may be appropriate for individuals who are truly at risk of hurting themselves, they are cruel and unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment for individuals who are not suicidal.”
Kelly, 55, didn’t give a statement and showed no reaction upon hearing his sentence, which also included a $100,000 fine.
The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling songwriter was found guilty last year of racketeering and sex trafficking. He has denied wrongdoing, and he plans to appeal his conviction.
The U.S. Bureau of Prisons has been under heightened scrutiny since financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself behind bars in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges he sexually abused girls as young as 14 and young women in New York and Florida in the early 2000s.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/03/feds-r-kelly-remains-suicide-watch-his-own-safety/ | 2022-07-03T19:39:24Z |
Annual Golf Event Helps Stroke Survivors Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Balance
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Champion the Challenges, a nonprofit foundation committed to reimagining stroke rehabilitation, hosted more than 180 local attendees at the annual Golf 4 Life Event today at Los Lagos Golf Course in San Jose.
Golf 4 Life is a free event dedicated to balancing life after stroke by providing survivors, caregivers, and families with an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a pleasant day outdoors. Stroke survivors at the event participated in a putting challenge, 3-hole game of golf and one-on-one lessons. Many attendees were excited to test out a new swing-less golf club made by PowerGolf. This innovative club uses an internal mechanical piston to hit shots 200 yards, and in this way, survivors who cannot lift their arms are still able to hit their own shots.
Therapists from bay area hospitals volunteered providing onsite balance assessments, and nurses conducted blood pressure screenings. In addition, exhibitors displayed a range of new stroke recovery technologies including neuro-acupuncture, healthcare virtual reality, and adaptive equipment such as prostheses, braces and supports to aid a stroke survivor's mobility. One important part of rehabilitation is home care, and we are pleased to have AHA Auxilio-HomeAide, who provides in-home medical aide, and personal concierge services in the Bay Area.
Participants took golf lessons from PGA teaching Pro's, and everyone enjoyed the addition of a special team of coffee baristas, so attendees could enjoy a latte or cappuccino while taking a break. A free BBQ lunch was provided, followed by an inspiring stroke story by Chris Wilder and his wife, Kate Emmett-Wilder. Chris Wilder is the former Executive Director of the Valley Medical Center Foundation who suffered a severe stroke in March 2021. As an avid golfer, Chris urged attendees to keep trying new ways to participate in the activities they enjoyed before their stroke. Kate gently reminded spouses and caregivers to make sure they focus on their own well-being, while supporting their loved ones.
Deb Shaw, Co-Founder and President of Champion the Challenges, survived three strokes from September 2016 to May 2019, during which time she spent many days in the ICU. Based on Deb's experiences, and aggressive rehabilitation, she and her husband Bob co-founded the stroke nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation as a way of giving back to the stroke community.
"Champion the Challenges is very proud to welcome so many local stroke survivors and their families to participate in Golf 4 Life this year," Deb Shaw said. "We are inspired by the strength and commitment of the whole Bay Area stroke community to come together in a spirit of celebration at this wonderful event."
Regional partners and sponsors for Golf 4 Life included Good Samaritan Hospital, Regional Medical Center, El Camino Health, Valley Medical Center, Stanford Health Care, O'Connor Hospital, San Jose Parks- Recreation & Neighborhood Services, and Los Lagos Golf Course.
Champion the Challenges is a nonprofit foundation with a mission to help stroke survivors, therapists, family, and friends to reimagine stroke rehabilitation. This is a journey everyone needs to be a part of to achieve the best results. Founded in 2021, Champion the Challenges provides inspiring ideas and helpful resources for everyone to use and share.
For more information, please visit:
For Media Inquiries:
Lumina Communications for Champion the Challenges
champion@luminapr.com
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SOURCE Champion the Challenges | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/champion-challenges-hosts-golf-4-life-free-event-stroke-survivors-san-jose/ | 2022-09-14T22:32:00Z |
TORONTO, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Firstlight Media today announced that it has received the 2021 Google Cloud Industry Solution Partner of the Year Award for Media & Entertainment.
Firstlight Media was recognized for its achievements in the Google Cloud ecosystem, including: driving joint customer success in new markets and business models; spurring the adoption of cloud-based workflows and platforms; and laying the groundwork for innovations that advance the technical and product capabilities of OTT and Google Cloud.
Firstlight Media teamed with Google Cloud to help India's aha transform from a regional, Telugu-language service to a "glocal" powerhouse that delivers distinctive storefronts in local languages and using regional currency, without the time and cost investment of starting from scratch. Within 10 months of the initial agreement, aha 2.0 migrated its Telugu service to the new, enhanced Firstlight Media platform running on Google Cloud, and launched an entirely new Tamil service – both using the same backend.
"We're proud to recognize Firstlight Media as our Industry Partner of the Year for Media & Entertainment, based on their deep knowledge and evident experience in helping customers across the media and entertainment industry succeed," said Bronwyn Hastings, VP of Global ISV Partnerships and Channels, Google Cloud. "Firstlight Media has demonstrated strong technical and service capabilities over this past year, and we look forward to expanding our work together to help media and entertainment organizations digitally transform their businesses."
"Google Cloud's robust, feature-rich ecosystem and its eagerness to push the boundaries of cloud-native OTT are directly aligned with Firstlight Media's objectives," said Paul Pastor, Chief Business Officer and co-founder of Firstlight Media. "We're honored to be a Google Cloud Partner of the Year and look forward to continuing to work closely with Google Cloud to take transformative new OTT capabilities from vision to reality."
Firstlight Media's platform is designed to build and run scalable applications in the cloud using cloud-native technologies, including containers, microservices, a service mesh, APIs, and immutable infrastructure. The OTT technology stack provides significantly better performance, a modular approach for feature expansion, continuous delivery for rapid iteration, and built-in scalability, observability, and security. Forward-looking OTT providers are using the Firstlight Media platform to deliver services with the flexibility and the agility of the cloud, while equaling or exceeding the reliability and high performance of broadcast.
Firstlight Media is leading cloud transformations of OTT and in-home experiences for pay-TV, telcos, and MVPDs. The company's cloud-native platform leverages a transformative Gen5 architecture for unparalleled performance in delivering premium video, handling complex use cases, and scaling to millions of viewers. Founded by a team that has built and operated dozens of Tier 1 OTT services worldwide, Firstlight Media is powering immersive sports, live experiences and personalized entertainment on any screen. The company is headquartered in Toronto and has additional locations in Los Angeles, San Diego and Chennai, India. For more information, visit firstlight.ai.
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SOURCE Firstlight Media | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/firstlight-media-wins-google-cloud-industry-solution-partner-year-award-media-amp-entertainment/ | 2022-06-14T18:06:02Z |
MELBOURNE, Australia, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Clinician, a digital health innovator, has partnered with Northern Health to develop a patient registration and intake platform as part of the Statewide expansion of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). Through this service, patients can access non-critical emergency care on their own devices, in the comfort of their own homes. The Clinician's digital health platform (ZEDOC) has been configured to provide the VVED with a streamlined digital patient intake solution and clinical tracking dashboard for timely access to virtual emergency care.
The Clinician has been working with Northern Health to replace the VVED's original intake technology with an improved digital front door solution. Launched in April 2022, individuals seeking non-urgent medical care can now register their details and complete a digital health screening assessment on their own devices. Through ZEDOC's tracking dashboard, VVED staff can access intake results immediately for triage and follow up patients via video call.
Taking less than 8 weeks from ideation to implementation, The Clinician team worked with Northern Health to include important features such as a registration form available in 22 different languages as well as SMS verification, automated clinical tracking, and a streamlined integration with HealthDirect's telehealth service. Currently, the new solution is being used by more than 200 clinical and clerical staff, who can access it onsite or remotely. The VVED has quadrupled its capacity from 50-60 patients per day since the expansion commenced, to over 250 patients per day. The Clinician's ZEDOC solution is helping to manage this increase.
Loren Sher, Clinical Director of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, said:
"Working with The Clinician has been absolutely fantastic. They have taken the time to understand the problem and have produced a bespoke product that has exceeded our expectations in both quality and timely delivery. Their team are extremely professional and have been very easy to work with. I look forward to potential future collaborations."
The expansion of the VVED across the entire state of Victoria comes off the back of strong results from the program since its initial launch in 2020. That includes:
- Average wait times of 30 minutes to see a triage nurse via telehealth
- 80% discharge rate from the virtual ED with 40% directed to other services and 40% discharged outright
Tamaryn Hankinson, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of The Clinician, said:
"Everyone can relate to the challenges of busy, in-person emergency departments, so our team is proud to be supporting Northern Health's VVED and enabling patients to access high quality care from home. We see this as a great example of how our platform can be flexibly configured to the unique digital health needs of hospitals and healthcare services and look forward to extending our digital transformation work with Northern Health into other exciting areas."
As part of The Clinician's ongoing collaboration with Northern Health, a patient-reported experience measure (PREM) has recently been added, and integrations with existing health information systems are being planned. Northern Health also plans to leverage The Clinician's solution to support Ambulatory and other Healthcare Professional services across the hospital.
About The Clinician
The Clinician is a global digital health innovator that is redefining how healthcare is measured and delivered. Our cloud-based health platform, ZEDOC, enables care teams to digitally monitor, inform and empower patients along their entire healthcare journey, from the comfort of their own homes. By supporting timely exchange of health outcomes, experiences and educational content between clinical visits, The Clinician provides both care teams and patients with real-time, actionable information to improve health outcomes while reducing costs and inefficiencies. To learn more, visit www.theclinician.com or follow us on LinkedIn
For Media Enquiries:
About Northern Health
Northern Health is the key provider of public health care in Melbourne's northern region, one of the fastest growing communities in Australia. We care for our community by providing a wide range of health services across our four campuses, Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre. Northern Hospital Epping has the busiest emergency department in Victoria.
For Media Enquiries:
corporatecommunications@nh.org.au
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SOURCE The Clinician | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/30/northern-health-using-clinicians-digital-health-platform-expand-their-victorian-virtual-emergency-department-statewide/ | 2022-05-30T05:48:38Z |
GRAPHIC: Man arrested after beheading woman in street, report says
SAN CARLOS, Calif. (KGO) - Authorities in California say a gruesome murder remains under investigation where a mother was killed in the middle of the street earlier this week.
Residents in a San Carlos neighborhood said they are trying to understand what could’ve led to Thursday’s grisly killing.
According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, a woman in her 20s with two young kids was murdered in the street by a man she knew with witnesses close by.
A 911 emergency call recording shared that a 25-year-old female reportedly had her head cut off by a sword.
Authorities described the weapon used as a stabbing instrument which was not located as of Thursday evening.
Neighbor Chapel Thorborne shared that the disturbing crime scene was only steps away from his front door.
“The head was underneath the car, and she was in the back of the car, just severed. And they covered her up,” Thorborne said.
The sheriff’s office said the woman and the suspect were in an ongoing relationship. However, sources said the victim had a restraining order against the suspect since April.
Officials didn’t immediately release details about the suspect’s relationship with the woman’s children.
According to reports, child protective services took custody of a 7-year-old and 1-year-old child, who were inside the woman’s home.
Residents said their concern now is for the kids as so many questions remain about how someone could commit such a crime.
“After he cut her head off, he came walking up, him and his two friends. They walked right by me, and they arrested him,” Thorborne said.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the suspect was known to law enforcement but did not release any further immediate details.
Copyright 2022 KGO via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/10/graphic-man-arrested-after-beheading-woman-street-report-says/ | 2022-09-10T03:48:10Z |
U.N. monitors head to troubled Ukraine nuclear plant
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A team of international nuclear inspectors was heading Wednesday to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant caught in the middle of the fighting in southern Ukraine amid international concern of a potential accident or radiation leak.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said he hoped to establish a permanent mission in Ukraine to monitor Europe’s largest nuclear plant.
“These operations are very complex operations. We are going to a war zone. We are going to occupied territory. And this requires explicit guarantees from not only from the Russians, but also from the Republic of Ukraine,” Grossi said in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv before the monitoring the mission’s departure.
“We have been able to secure that. ... So now we are moving.”
The power plant has been occupied by Russian forces and operated by Ukrainian workers since the early days of the 6-month-old war.
It was recently cut off temporarily from the electrical grid because of fire damage, causing a blackout in the region and heightening fears of a catastrophe in a country haunted by the Chernobyl disaster.
GRAPHIC WARNING: The following video may contain disturbing content.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said Kyiv is seeking international assistance to try and demilitarize the area.
“We think that the mission should be a very important step to return (the plant) to Ukrainian government control by the end of the year,” Galushchenko told The Associated Press.
“We have information that they are now trying to hide their military presence, so they should check all of this.”
Zaporizhzhia is a vital source of energy for Ukraine and remains connected to its power grid. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling the wider region around the nuclear power plant and the risks are so severe that officials have begun distributing anti-radiation iodine tablets to nearby residents. Grossi met Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the mission that is expected to last several days. The inspectors from the IAEA, a United Nations body, were due to reach the Zaporizhzhia region, 450 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of the Ukrainian capital, later Wednesday.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/31/un-monitors-head-troubled-ukraine-nuclear-plant/ | 2022-08-31T06:43:07Z |
SAN JOSE, Calif., and GUADALAJARA, Jalisco, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Flex (NASDAQ: FLEX) announced it is expanding its automotive industry operations in Jalisco, Mexico. The company is building a new 145,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the strategic in-region automotive manufacturing hub dedicated to producing advanced electronic components that will accelerate the era of electric and autonomous vehicles.
"Innovative and reliable electronic technologies are essential ingredients for ushering in the next generation of mobility. Our Guadalajara site provides advanced manufacturing capabilities, a robust supply chain with global reach, and the technical domain expertise needed to deliver the highest value to our automotive customers as they pursue their goals toward an autonomous and electrified future" said Rodrigo DallOglio, Head of Operations for LatAm.
This expansion reaffirms Flex's commitment to the region and to continue to be the leading employer and largest exporter in Jalisco.
About Flex
Flex (Reg. No. 199002645H) is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products that improve the world. Through the collective strength of a global workforce across 30 countries and responsible, sustainable operations, Flex delivers technology innovation, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions to diverse industries and end markets.
Media & Press
Joel Aguilar
Sr. Manager, Marketing and Communications LatAm
+(52) 333-200-4420
Joel.Aguilar@flex.com
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SOURCE Flex | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/flex-expands-regional-strategic-automotive-manufacturing-hub-jalisco-mexico-enable-next-generation-mobility/ | 2022-06-14T20:53:55Z |
Fred Hampton childhood home gets historical landmark status
MAYWOOD, Ill. (AP) — The suburban Chicago home where slain Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton grew up has been designated a historical landmark by the village of Maywood.
The vote follows a yearlong campaign that was tied to the Academy Award-winning film about Hampton and his 1969 death during a police raid in Chicago called “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
It’s also part of a broader effort to further recognize the Black Panther Party’s role in the civil rights movement.
Hampton was killed during a raid of his Chicago apartment.
Later, many of those involved in the raid faced criminal charges. They were acquitted but the families of Hampton and others were awarded a nearly $2 million settlement by a federal judge.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/20/fred-hampton-childhood-home-gets-historical-landmark-status/ | 2022-04-21T08:27:52Z |
New Mexico wildfire grows; California fire destroys mansions
(AP) - The largest wildfire in the U.S. was spreading toward mountain resort towns in northern New Mexico, prompting officials to issue another set of warnings for more people to evacuate.
Meanwhile, a wildfire that erupted Wednesday afternoon in coastal Southern California raced through coastal bluffs of multimillion-dollar mansions, burning at least 20 homes, fire officials said. The flames were fanned by gusty ocean winds, but they were dying down Wednesday night. No injuries were reported, but several streets were ordered evacuated.
The fire, which occurred in Laguna Niguel, was relatively small at about 200 acres (81 hectares), but the wind drove embers into palm trees, attics and dense, dry brush on slopes and steep canyons that hadn’t burned for decades, Brian Fennessy, chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, said at an evening news conference.
Fennessy said climate change has made even small fires that once would have been easily contained into extreme threats to life and property throughout the West.
As night fell, fire officials in New Mexico said the fastest-moving flames along the eastern front of the Sangre de Cristo range on the southern end of the Rockies were headed farther northeast — away from the area’s biggest population center in Taos, a well-known tourist enclave 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of the Colorado line.
“Currently no issues in the Taos area,” fire operations chief Todd Abel said. “The fire is kind of wanting to move to the north and east a little bit. But we’re still going to pay close attention.”
Some aircraft were able to fly to drop retardant on the blaze despite winds gusting in some areas in excess of 45 mph (72 kph). And some evacuation orders were relaxed along the southern flank of the fire near Las Vegas, New Mexico — more than 50 miles (80 km) south of the flames on the northern perimeter.
Additional crews were on order to join the more than 1,800 personnel fighting the fire, and forecasters said conditions should be more favorable by the weekend if crews can hold their ground through another red-flag warning stretch into Thursday evening.
On Wednesday, the most active part of the wind-fueled fire northeast of Mora was tossing hot embers farther into unburned territory giving the fire an even bigger foothold on the tinder-dry landscape.
“Another hot, dry, windy day. No surprises there,” fire incident meteorologist Makoto Moore said at Wednesday night’s briefing in Las Vegas.
After growing more than 50 square miles (130 square kilometers) the day before, the fire had charred more than 370 square miles (958 square kilometers) by Wednesday morning. Evacuations were ordered for villages south of the resort town of Angel Fire east of Taos, where residents were told to also be packed and ready to go.
The towering plume of smoke created by the raging wildfire could be seen hundreds of miles away Wednesday afternoon, but it was more unnerving for residents of Taos.
“I think everyone is a little on edge,” Karina Armijo, a town spokeswoman, said Wednesday, adding that she’s been busy fielding calls from people who are wondering whether it’s still safe to visit. “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen a week from now versus three weeks from now — or even tomorrow.”
In winter, the challenging ski slopes just north of town draw people from around the world. Just last month, the Taos ski valley hosted the World Pro Ski Tour’s championship races. Art galleries, adobe churches and a rich history of Hispanic and Native American culture are the attractions in warmer months along with the aspen-covered biking and hiking trails that traverse the region.
The fire already has burned through a forested landscape held sacred by its rural residents, many losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Some residents allowed to return Tuesday and Wednesday found only charred rubble. Others were more fortunate as the flames skirted their homes.
Firefighters were working to protect buildings around the towns of Mora and Holman and in smaller villages to the north, while authorities closed many roads in the area due to firefighting activity, smoke and fire danger.
“This is tough firefighting business right here,” fire Incident Commander Dave Bales said in a briefing. “This is not easy, especially in the fuel types we’re in, in the Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, even down into the grass. When we can’t fly aircraft, when we can’t get people on the direct edge of the fire, when it’s spotting over us, that’s a huge concern for us.”
A federal disaster already has been declared because of the blaze, which is partly the result of a preventative fire that escaped containment on April 6 after it was set to clear brush and small trees so they could not serve as wildfire fuel. That fire merged with another wildfire several weeks later.
Crews also were battling a smaller fire near Los Alamos National Laboratory, a key government facility for nuclear research that has been tapped to ramp up production of plutonium components for the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Most employees began working remotely this week as the lab and adjacent town prepared for possible evacuations as a precaution.
Crews working that blaze have been using heavy machinery to clear out vegetation and build more fire lines in hopes of keeping the flames from moving closer to the community.
___
Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque. Associated Press writer Scott Sonner contributed to this report from Reno, Nevada.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/12/new-mexico-wildfire-grows-california-fire-destroys-mansions/ | 2022-05-12T11:18:48Z |
First dormant black hole found outside the galaxy, astronomers say
(CNN) – European astronomers have found a mysterious type of black hole outside the Milky Way for the first time.
It’s called a dormant stellar-mass black hole, and it was discovered in a neighboring galaxy.
The black hole is actually the small spot seen in the image. The big blue mass is a star with about 25 times the sun’s mass the black hole is orbiting.
One of the things that makes these black holes different from the traditional type is that they don’t emit high levels of X-ray radiation, which makes them difficult to detect.
Scientists had to make a series of calculations from observations made by the European Southern Observatory’s very large telescope to find it.
This black hole has at least nine times the mass of our sun.
Dormant stellar-mass black holes like it are thought to be fairly common.
News of the discovery was published in the scientific journal Nature Astronomy on Monday.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/19/first-dormant-black-hole-found-outside-galaxy-astronomers-say/ | 2022-07-19T18:11:52Z |
V is for vaccine.
Elmo got a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, according to Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street.”
In a public service announcement posted to YouTube, the beloved 3-and-a-half-year-old “Sesame Street” star talked with his dad about what it was like to get the shot.
“There was a little pinch, but it was OK,” Elmo said in the video.
Elmo’s dad said he had a lot of questions for the pediatrician, who assured him that vaccinations are safe and effective for children.
“Was it safe? Was it the right decision?′ I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice,” Louie said in the PSA. “I learned that Elmo getting vaccinated is the best way to keep himself, our friends, neighbors and everyone else healthy and enjoying the things they love.”
COVID-19 vaccinations for the youngest Americans started last week. That means U.S. kids under 5 — roughly 18 million youngsters — are eligible for the shots.
U.S. regulators authorized shots from Moderna and Pfizer. The Moderna vaccine is two doses and the Pfizer shot is three.
Last November, Big Bird got vaccinated — sparking criticism from some conservative politicians. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, called it “government propaganda.”
The CDC advises vaccination even for those who already had COVID-19 to protect against reinfection, and says it is OK to get other vaccines at the same time. | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/elmo-3-joins-youngest-americans-in-getting-vaccinated/ | 2022-06-30T17:36:52Z |
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KBO Bike has launched Ranger cargo electric bike, which keeps up the demands of hauling heavy cargoes. The Ranger Cargo ebike is perfectly designed for delivery workers, parents seeking to take their children on weekend rides, and explorers of nature.
The Ranger cargo electrical bike provides a pleased ride and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds with powerful sustained brush-less geared hub motor and an extra-large adaptable rear rack. Ranger is equipped with a in-frame and removable 48V 17.5Ah lithium-ion battery with an 840Wh battery capacity, making the riders ride up to 60 miles on a single charge. Considering the soaring prices of the gasoline, e-bike is clearly a better option. The company priced this powerful electrical bike at $1,699 and accepted Klarna payment.
"KBO Ranger cargo ebike is easy to assemble, fun to ride and a great bike for the price", said a new client of KBO. "Awesome cargo bike! I love the outdoors, and old injuries prevented me from going on long trips. Now I can go for miles with my Ranger! This bike really broadened my horizons. I can't be happier. Not to mention I'm almost 6.3, and the bike is comfortable for long rides several hours long".
Range- 35-60 miles
Total Payload Capacity- 400 lbs
Recommended Rider Heights- 4'11" - 6'3"
Charger- 48V 3 Amp Quick & Smart Charger
Controller- 48V /22A
Display- LCD backlight display
Weight- 77 lbs
Pedal Assist- 0-5 level
Battery- In Frame and Removable 48V 17.5Ah Lithium-ion Battery with Samsung/LG Cells
Motor- Powerful Sustained 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
Headlight- 48V LED Headlight
Brakelight- Integrated Brake Rear Light
Brakes- Mechanical Disc Brakes
Tires- 20"*3.0" CST Tires
Others- The Shimano 7-speed Shifter, Extra-large, Adaptable Rear Rack, Ergonomic Half Twist Throttle, Adjustable Saddle, Intelligent Installation Points, Full Fenders, Center Stand
KBO Bike has been on a mission to enhance the lives of environmentally conscious commuters since 2018. KBO always values customer health and satisfaction as this is their only indication of a service well rendered. In the coming future, the company will spare no effort to optimize its product details and provide better riding experiences. Learn more about KBO Bike at www. kbobike.com.
KBO Bike
Marketing@kbobike.com
www.kbobike.com
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SOURCE KBO Bike | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/kbo-bike-launches-ranger-ebike-perfect-hauling-cargo/ | 2022-07-29T03:46:36Z |
LM Funding America, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Published: May. 16, 2022 at 4:15 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
TAMPA, Fla., May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LM Funding America, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA) ("LM Funding" or the "Company"), a technology-based specialty finance company offering unique funding solutions to community associations that has expanded into the cryptocurrency mining business, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
We are excited to receive our first shipments of mining machines from Bitmain and look forward to generating our first Bitcoin anticipated in the third quarter of 2022
Financial Highlights for the Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2022:·
- Paid an additional $7.1 million in first quarter to Bitmain for the 5,046 machines on order, of which 841 have been delivered, and anticipate shipments of 841 machines per month from June 2022 through October 2022.
- Cash position of $24.5 million as of March 31, 2022.
- The Company had $23.9 million in deposits on mining machines.
- Net equity per share on March 31, 2022 was $4.48 (calculated as stockholders' equity divided by 13,091,955 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2022).
- Revenues increased to $191,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 as compared with $177,000 for the comparable quarter in 2021.
- Net cash used by operating activities was approximately $528,000 for the first quarter 2022.
- Net loss attributable to LM Funding for the first quarter of 2022 was $5.7 million, which includes $3.6 million of stock option/compensation expense and a realized loss on securities of $0.4 million, versus net income of $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2021, which included a $5.7 million realized gain on securities.
"We are excited to receive our first shipments of mining machines from Bitmain and look forward to generating our first Bitcoin anticipated in the third quarter of 2022," stated Mr. Bruce Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of LM Funding. "We expect the recent downturn in Bitcoin pricing may provide us with pricing discounts on machines we currently have under contract as well as opportunities to purchase additional machines at lower prices."
On April 21, 2022, LMF Acquisition Opportunities, Inc. ("LMAO") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with LMF Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of LMAO, and SeaStar Medical, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
About LM Funding America:
LM Funding America, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is a technology-based specialty finance company that provides funding to nonprofit community associations (Associations) primarily located in the state of Florida, as well as in the states of Washington, Colorado and Illinois. The company offers funding to Associations by purchasing a certain portion of the associations' rights to delinquent accounts that are selected by the Associations arising from unpaid Association assessments. The company is also involved in the business of purchasing delinquent accounts on various terms tailored to suit each Association's financial needs, including under the company's New Neighbor Guaranty™ program. The company is also entering the cryptocurrency mining business through a new subsidiary, US Digital Mining and Hosting Co., LLC.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," and "project" and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Important factors which could materially affect our results and our future performance include, without limitation, our ability to implement our plan to develop and grow a cryptocurrency mining business specializing in Bitcoin,our ability to purchase defaulted consumer receivables at appropriate prices, competition to acquire such receivables, our dependence upon third party law firms to service our accounts, our ability to obtain funds to purchase receivables, ability to manage growth or declines in the business, changes in government regulations that affect our ability to collect sufficient amounts on our defaulted consumer receivables, the impact of class action suits and other litigation, our ability to keep our software systems updated to operate our business, our ability to employ and retain qualified employees, our ability to establish and maintain internal accounting controls, changes in the credit or capital markets, changes in interest rates, deterioration in economic conditions, and negative press regarding the debt collection industry which may have a negative impact on a debtor's willingness to pay the debt we acquire, as well as other factors set forth under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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SOURCE LM Funding America
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/lm-funding-america-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-05-16T22:23:23Z |
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi-Key Electronics, which offers the world's largest selection of electronic components in stock for immediate shipment, announced that it has hired Mike Slater as its new vice president of global business development. In his new role, Slater will oversee the company's worldwide customer and supplier development strategy.
Slater comes to Digi-Key with more than 25 years of sales, management and business experience. Prior to joining Digi-Key, he served as the president of E-Switch Inc., where he was responsible for the company's global sales across North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Slater also previously served as a general manager at Arrow Electronics, where he built, managed and developed effective sales teams.
"We are excited to have Mike join Digi-Key's collaborative team culture and share his leadership and expertise in the electronic components market," said Dave Doherty, president of Digi-Key. "Mike's deep background in sales strategy and management aligns with our strategic growth initiatives as we continue to expand our markets around the globe and redefine what it means to be a high service distributor."
For more information, or to learn more about careers at Digi-Key, please visit Digi-Key's career page.
About Digi-Key Electronics
Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is recognized as both the leader and continuous innovator in the high service distribution of electronic components and automation products worldwide. As the original pioneer in this space, Digi-Key provides more than 13.4 million components from over 2,300 quality name-brand manufacturers with an industry-leading breadth and depth of product in stock and available for immediate shipment. Beyond the products that drive technology innovation, Digi-Key also supports design engineers and procurement professionals with a wealth of digital solutions and tools to make their jobs more efficient. Additional information can be found at digikey.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Editorial Contact
Megan Derkey
Bellmont Partners
+1 612-255-1115
digikey@bellmontpartners.com
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SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/digi-key-appoints-mike-slater-vice-president-global-business-development/ | 2022-06-09T15:13:42Z |
NEW YORK, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of CareDx, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of CDNA during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased CareDx common stock between February 24, 2021, and May 5, 2022.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants had engaged in a variety of improper and illegal schemes to inflate testing services revenue and demand, including pushing a surveillance protocol through inaccurate marketing materials, offering extravagant inducements or kickbacks to physicians and other providers, and improperly bundling expensive testing services with other blood tests as part of the Company's RemoTraC service for remote, home-based, blood-drawing; (2) these practices, and others, subjected CareDx to an undisclosed risk of regulatory scrutiny; (3) these practices rendered the Company's testing services revenue reported throughout the class period artificially inflated; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: July 22, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/caredx-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=28545&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of CDNA during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is July 22, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-caredx-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-july-22-2022-nasdaq-cdna/ | 2022-06-15T10:47:05Z |
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