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AG had intervened claiming gender-affirming treatments constitute child abuse
DALLAS, June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A judge in Dallas County today removed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from a lawsuit involving Dallas' Children's Medical Center and physicians there providing gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Judge Melissa Bellan in Dallas County Court at Law No. 2 ruled that Mr. Paxton and his office do not have the authority to act in the case and that no state law was implicated.
"The attorney general has no business being in this case and tried to push his way into it to satisfy a political interest, not a legal one," says Charla Aldous, who along with law partner Brent Walker and attorney Stephen Malouf represent the plaintiff, Dr. Ximena Lopez.
Attorney General Paxton intervened in the case claiming gender-affirming care constitutes child abuse. During a two-hour hearing in front of Judge Bellan, attorneys for the AG questioned whether Dr. Lopez was following the proper standard of care, but the court rejected those arguments.
"The attorney general intervened in this lawsuit with no purpose but intimidation only," Mr. Walker told the court.
Dr. Lopez filed suit in April against Children's Medical Center in Dallas in order to continue providing gender-affirming care – including hormone treatments and puberty blockers – for transgender youth after such care was suspended last fall. She and others believe that action happened after the attorney general and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pressured Children's and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to stop providing such treatment at the GENECIS clinic.
During the hearing in front of Judge Bellan, Mr. Malouf pointed out that use of puberty blockers for gender dysphoria is on an approved list of treatments written by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Through the lawsuit, and a temporary injunction that is now in place, Dr. Lopez and other physicians at Children's are once again allowed to provide gender-affirming care.
The case is Ximena Lopez, M.D., v. Children's Medical Center at Dallas, Cause No. CC-22-02427-B in the County Court at Law No. 2 in Dallas County, Texas.
The Aldous\Walker LLP law firm represents clients in civil litigation and specializes in high-profile, high-stakes cases. Learn more about the firm at http://www.aldouslaw.com.
Contact:
Mark Annick
800-559-4534
mark@androvett.com
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SOURCE Aldous\Walker LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/dallas-judge-removes-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-case-involving-transgender-youth/ | 2022-06-17T23:43:15Z |
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Verrica" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: VRCA).
Class Period: May 28, 2021 – May 24, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 5, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Verrica lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/verrica-pharmaceuticals-inc-1/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that there were manufacturing deficiencies at the facility where Verrica's contract manufacturer produced bulk solution for VP-102; (2) that these deficiencies were not remediated when Verrica resubmitted its NDA for VP-102 for molluscum; (3) that the foregoing presented significant risks to Verrica obtaining regulatory approval of VP-102 for molluscum; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/vrca-investors-have-opportunity-lead-verrica-pharmaceuticals-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-07-28T16:06:59Z |
The Fed’s favorite inflation measure hit a fresh 40-year high
By Anneken Tappe, CNN Business
Americans had to reach deeper into their pockets in March, as yet another key inflation index showed prices hit a fresh 40-year high last month.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index increased by 6.6% over the year ended in March, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
Stripping out food and energy costs, the inflation measure rose 5.2%.
This is a developing story. It will be updated
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/29/the-feds-favorite-inflation-measure-hit-a-fresh-40-year-high/ | 2022-04-29T13:32:26Z |
BOCA RATON, Fla., May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Atlantic University received an estate pledge of $28 million from John and Ann Wood to support scholarships for students enrolled in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. This is the largest scholarship gift in FAU's history and the largest known scholarship gift to a Florida public university's medical school.
This transformative gift in memory of their son, Robert A. Wood, will create the opportunity for a debt-free tuition for aspiring physicians. It also is the hope of John and Ann Wood that it will inspire others to join in and increase scholarship support to cover the tuition of every FAU medical school student. The current cost of in-state tuition and fees per medical student for one year is $35,000, which amounts to $140,000 for four years. Students from outside of Florida also may participate and will receive a scholarship for the in-state tuition rate.
"The FairfaxWood Scholarship Foundation was inspired by the social and educational work of our eldest son, Bruce Fairfax Wood, a New Jersey-born Princeton graduate and chief engineer of Pres-T-Con Limited, a large, family-owned prestressed concrete business. His efforts on the island of Trinidad were centered on the reeducation of teens that had left school at age 11 and in improving the lives of the poorer village folk," said philanthropist John Wood. "Once we relocated to Boca, we began giving scholarships for undergraduates in need of assistance. After the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas disaster, 10, four-year scholarships were given to graduates of that school each year, with 53 scholars currently being assisted. After reading of the massive debt medical students incurred, we decided to include the FAU College of Medicine into our scholarship program, with an ultimate aim of 80 students. Realizing there are many others in the community who could assist, we are anticipating this gift will inspire them to join in and make FAU's College of Medicine tuition-free. The world has 'Doctors without Borders' - we need 'Doctors without Debt.'"
This marks the third gift to FAU's College of Medicine from the Wood family. Their previous gift in 2021 established the Robert A. Wood FAU Medical Scholars Fund and was created to support 10 medical students through all four years of medical school. In 2022, they increased their impact, providing scholarship support to 20 additional students for a total of 30 medical students. Today's gift continues to expand on that initial commitment.
"More than 60 years ago, Florida Atlantic was founded on the principle that higher education should be available to all who sought it," said FAU President John Kelly. "This extraordinary gift from Ann and John Wood will enhance the University's ability to attract and retain outstanding medical students from an array of backgrounds, and support them on their journey to become knowledgeable and caring physicians."
John and Ann Wood relocated to Boca Raton in 1983 having spent 18 years in the prestressed concrete business, building bridges, piers and cruise ship terminals throughout the Caribbean. They continued to operate the firm from Boca Raton until its sale in 2005. John is a U.S. Navy veteran and an engineering graduate of NYU, while Ann was a British citizen, raised in Trinidad and medically trained in London, England.
"This gift starts our initiative toward debt-free tuition, which is only available in a handful of medical schools across the country. I am hopeful that this transformational gift will inspire others to follow in the path forged by Ann and John Wood, to support doctors of our community, for our community," said Julie G. Pilitsis, M.D., Ph.D., dean and vice president of medical affairs of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. "Their generosity will help FAU College of Medicine make great strides in improving the delivery of and access to healthcare in South Florida by attracting the best and the brightest."
FAU's College of Medicine has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum. The college's humanistic, high-touch, high-tech curriculum, coupled with its partnership with three independent health systems in Palm Beach County, offers students and patients a unique experience. The College of Medicine's programs are designed to bring the highest quality care to the surrounding community, including underserved populations. As such, the college was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report No. 61 for "Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas;" and No. 85 for "Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas."
"FAU is grateful for the phenomenal generosity displayed by Ann and John Wood in honor of their son," said Chris Delisio, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation, Inc. "This historic gift means that the Wood name will forever be synonymous with breaking down the financial barriers that impede bright minds and compassionate hearts from pursuing their dream of becoming a doctor. We remain grateful to the Schmidt Family Foundation for their vision and initial gift to the College, building the foundation and creating the framework for what is now a thriving medical school."
- FAU -
About the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine:
FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is one of approximately 155 accredited medical schools in the U.S. The college was launched in 2010, when the Florida Board of Governors made a landmark decision authorizing FAU to award the M.D. degree. After receiving approval from the Florida legislature and the governor, it became the 134th allopathic medical school in North America. With more than 70 full and part-time faculty and more than 1,300 affiliate faculty, the college matriculates 64 medical students each year and has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum. To further FAU's commitment to increase much needed medical residency positions in Palm Beach County and to ensure that the region will continue to have an adequate and well-trained physician workforce, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Consortium for Graduate Medical Education (GME) was formed in fall 2011 with five leading hospitals in Palm Beach County. The Consortium currently has five Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residencies including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. The college's vibrant research focus areas include healthy aging; neuroscience; chronic pain management, precision medicine and machine learning. With community at the forefront, the college offers the local population a variety of evidence-based, clinical services that treat the whole person. Jointly, FAU Medicine's Primary Care practice and the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health have been designed to provide complete health and wellness under one roof.
About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.
Media Contacts: Kristine Gobbo
Executive Director of Advancement Communications
Email: kgobbo@fau.edu
Phone: 561-297-0924
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SOURCE Florida Atlantic University | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/fau-receives-28-million-scholarship-gift-support-medical-education/ | 2022-05-16T14:48:44Z |
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Lewis Hamilton dipped into the Roe v. Wade debate shortly after arriving in the United States. He protested a ban on wearing jewelry while racing by sporting three watches, eight rings and multiple necklaces in Miami.
And as the seven-time world champion prepared for Formula One’s debut in South Florida, Hamilton hosted former first lady Michelle Obama in his pit for practice and qualifying.
Hamilton remains as much a change agent 16 years into his career as when he became the first Black winner in F1 in 2008. The British racer is now 37 years old, is the winningest driver in series history and is tied with Michael Schumacher with a record seven titles. Hamilton remains the only Black driver at the most elite level of motorsports.
He uses his platform to speak on issues of social justice and race, human rights and protection of the LBGTQ community. Hamilton speaks while racing in countries with questionable human rights records, or when an issue arises in which he feels his voice can lend support.
While in New York earlier this week, Hamilton took to Instagram to speak on the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and end the nationwide right to legal abortion.
“I love being in the States, but I can’t ignore what’s going on right now and what some in the government are trying to do to the women who live here,” Hamilton posted on his Instagram story to his almost 28 million followers.
“Everyone should have the right to choose what they do with their bodies. We can’t let that choice be taken away.”
The next post included names of organizations and resources that support abortion rights.
Two days later, he arrived in the paddock at Hard Rock Stadium wearing every piece of jewelry he could find. He was protesting a decision by the FIA, the governing body of F1, to clamp down on drivers wearing jewelry while competing. The FIA claims jewelry is a potential safety hazard; Hamilton says he’s been wearing his piercings for 16 seasons in F1 and it’s his right to express himself as he chooses.
But as the glitz and glamour of F1 invaded Miami Gardens — a suburban family neighborhood that is nearly 70% Black or African American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau —Hamilton was the lone face of diversity. It’s not enough, said his boss, Mercedes head Toto Wolff.
“What (F1) needs is role models, not only the top driver, who is the biggest role model the sport has, but we need … to change that room, there needs to be a more diverse group of people talking about Formula One,” Wolff said. “We just need to take one step at a time. We would love to have a very diverse group of fans and audiences and whatever we can do we are prepared to do.”
Zak Brown, the California native who now runs McLaren Racing, said exposing F1 to a new audience is key. He cited the growth of the North American fan base through Netflix’s docuseries “Drive to Survive” to “a new, more diverse youthful fan base.”
“If you look at the fan base that they brought in, they brought in a lot of female fans, a lot of youth,” Brown said. “Coming to new markets like Miami and then looking for not just great race broadcasts but side and shoulder programming. It’s about making incremental gains in all of these areas.
“We just need to continue to expose our great sport to people that are new to the sport and then let the sport work its magic on everyone like it has us for many years.”
___
More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/hamilton-visited-by-michelle-obama-speaks-on-roe-v-wade/ | 2022-05-09T07:24:29Z |
Meets strong demand for chicken products amidst supply chain challenges
CHICAGO, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's foremost American pioneer in premium, Halal hand-cut meat and poultry products, Crescent Foods, announced a strategic partnership with Midwest-based retailer, Meijer. Offering a robust line of chicken products in more than 258 stores throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin, products are now available in-store. Crescent Foods is well-poised to meet demand for all conscientious consumers—in addition to those seeking premium Halal hand-cut products, for which demand continues to grow. Premium attributes of Crescent Foods' fresh chicken products include no antibiotics ever, vegetable- and grain-based diet (no animal byproducts), adherence to strict animal welfare standards, all natural, and no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
"Today, the lingering effects of the pandemic are still felt as labor and other challenges impact availability for specific chicken items. This has created a perfect storm as high demand grilling season gets underway for America's favorite protein," said Huthyfah Abed, executive national sales director for Crescent Foods. "We are pleased to offer popular products for the grill, and for all Americans who seek chicken raised and processed with care, including those seeking Halal hand-cut standards," added Abed.
Crescent Foods' popular chicken selections found at Meijer include boneless skinless chicken breasts, thin-sliced chicken breasts, tenders, boneless skinless thighs, and drumsticks. All items feature a more sustainable, recyclable plastic tray, which emphasizes Crescent Foods' continued commitment to environmental stewardship.
Along with a store locator tool, the company supports retail sales with robust consumer resources such as a vast recipe library for chicken and other animal proteins such as turkey, beef, and lamb, frequent promotions and engagement through numerous social platforms, and the ability to opt-in to receive Crescent Foods' exclusive newsletter.
About Crescent Foods: American Pioneers in Halal Meat for the Last 25 Years. And for the next.
Crescent Foods was founded in 1995 to bring healthy, humanely processed Halal chicken to America's dinner tables. Today, Crescent Foods is the largest provider of premium quality Certified Hand-Cut Halal poultry and meat products across the United States. It prides itself on its ability to offer choice through a variety of meat and poultry cuts, products, and packaging options to retail stores, restaurants, and institutions. Crescent Foods' commitment to the highest Hand-Cut Halal standards, state-of-the-art production processes, use of technology, distribution, product development and service helps the company remain at the industry's forefront in North America and globally.
About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 258 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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SOURCE Crescent Foods | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/crescent-foods-announces-new-partnership-with-meijer-stores/ | 2022-05-04T16:45:00Z |
PHOENIX, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Affiliates of Harbor Group International, LLC ("HGI"), a privately owned international real estate investment and management firm, today announced the acquisition of the Colter Park Apartments, a 384-unit multifamily property located in Phoenix, Ariz., for $80.75 million. Steven Vegh of Westwood Realty Associates brokered the off market transaction. Northmarq arranged a Freddie Mac senior loan on behalf of HGI led by Bryan Mummaw.
Located in the Uptown Phoenix submarket, the property is supported by strong market fundamentals, with the area featuring some of the city's most popular bars, restaurants and retail locations. The property sits within Camelback Corridor, a prominent shopping, hospitality and employment district.
"The acquisition of the Colter Park Apartments further represents HGI's ability to identify unique value-add opportunities within fundamentally strong markets and continue to grow the firm's active investment portfolio within the Sunbelt region," said Greg Heller, Managing Director of Acquisitions at HGI. "This transaction provides significant opportunity for operational upside as we expect to see high occupancy rates and steady rent growth over the next five years in the greater Phoenix region."
The apartment community is centrally located and easily connects residents to major employment and lifestyle nodes within the Phoenix region. The property is within a 10-minute drive of Midtown and provides direct access to the Valley Light Rail system, which will present residents additional modes of access to employment and entertainment centers including Midtown, Downtown and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The submarket is also proximate to a range of employers such as Banner Health, the City of Phoenix, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Uber and WeWork.
HGI plans to invest $5 million to renovate the remaining vintage units within the complex, as well as common area improvements and deferred maintenance, enhancing the community's curb appeal. As such, the renovations will provide significant value-add and mark to market opportunity for the firm.
HGI continues to be an active investor in the Phoenix market. Colter Park marks the firm's sixth acquisition and fifteenth overall investment in Phoenix.
About Harbor Group International
Harbor Group International, LLC, and its affiliates control an investment portfolio of $19 billion including 5.0 million square feet of commercial space throughout the United States and the United Kingdom and 61,000 apartment units in the United States. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, HGI maintains offices in New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv.
Media Contacts:
Morgan McGinnis
mmcginnis@prosek.com
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SOURCE Harbor Group International, LLC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/harbor-group-international-acquires-multifamily-property-phoenix/ | 2022-09-15T21:25:33Z |
Biden to help unveil Obama White House portrait
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s been more than a decade since President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, welcomed back George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, for the unveiling of their White House portraits, part of a beloved Washington tradition that for decades managed to transcend partisan politics.
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, are set to revive that ritual — after an awkward and anomalous gap in the Trump years — when they host the Obamas on Wednesday for the big reveal of their portraits in front of scores of friends, family and staff.
The Obama paintings will not look like any in the White House portrait collection to which they will be added. They were America’s first Black president and first lady.
The ceremony will also mark Michelle Obama’s first visit to the White House since Obama’s presidency ended in January 2017, and only the second visit for Barack Obama. He was at the White House in April to mark the 12th anniversary of the health care law he signed in 2010.
Portrait ceremonies often give past presidents an opportunity to showcase their comedic timing.
“I am pleased that my portrait brings an interesting symmetry to the White House collection. It now starts and ends with a George W,” Bush quipped at his ceremony in 2012.
Bill Clinton joked in 2004 that “most of the time, till you get your picture hung like this, the only artists that draw you are cartoonists.”
Recent tradition, no matter the party affiliation, has had the current president genially hosting his immediate predecessor for the unveiling — as Clinton did for George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush did for Clinton and Obama did for the younger Bush.
Then there was an unexplained pause when Donald Trump did not host Obama.
Two spokespeople for Trump did not respond to emailed requests for comment on the lack of a ceremony for Obama, and whether artists are working on portraits of Trump and former first lady Melania Trump.
The White House portrait collection starts with George Washington, America’s first president. Congress bought his portrait.
Other portraits of early presidents and first ladies often came to the White House as gifts. Since the middle of the last century, the White House Historical Association has paid for the paintings.
The first portraits financed by the association were of Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, and John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, said Stewart McLaurin, president of the private, nonprofit organization established by first lady Kennedy.
Before presidents and first ladies leave office, the association explains the portrait process. The former president and first lady choose the artist or artists, and offer guidance on how they want to be portrayed.
“It really involves how that president and first lady see themselves,” McLaurin said in an interview with The Associated Press.
The collection includes an iconic, full-length portrait of Washington that adorns the East Room. It is the only item still in the White House that was in the executive mansion in November 1800 when John Adams and Abigail Adams became the first president and first lady to live in the White House.
Years later, first lady Dolley Madison saved Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of Washington from almost certain ruin. She had White House staff take it out of the city before advancing British forces burned the mansion in 1814. The painting was held in storage until the White House was rebuilt.
President and first lady portraits are seen by millions of White House visitors, though not all are on display. Some are undergoing conservation or are in storage.
Those that are on display line hallways and rooms in public areas of the mansion, such as the Ground Floor and its Vermeil and China Rooms, and the State Floor one level above, which has the famous Green, Blue and Red Rooms, the East Room and State Dining Room.
Portraits of Mamie Eisenhower, Pat Nixon, Lady Bird Johnson and Lou Henry Hoover grace the Vermeil Room, along with a full-length image of Jacqueline Kennedy. Michelle Obama’s portrait likely will join Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush along the Ground Floor hallway.
The State Floor hallway one floor above features recent presidents: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Gerald Ford’s portrait and the likeness of Richard Nixon — the only president to resign from office — are on view on the Grand Staircase leading to the private living quarters on the second floor.
Past presidents’ images move around the White House, depending on their standing with the current occupants. Ronald Reagan, for example, moved Thomas Jefferson and Harry S. Truman out of the Cabinet Room and swapped in Dwight Eisenhower and Calvin Coolidge.
In the Clinton era, portraits of Richard Nixon and Reagan, idols of the Republican Party, lost their showcase spot in the Grand Foyer and were replaced with pictures of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Truman, heroes of the Democrats. Nancy Reagan temporarily moved Eleanor Roosevelt to a place of prominence in the East Room in 1984 to mark the centennial of her birth.
One of the most prominent spots for a portrait is above the mantle in the State Dining Room and it has been occupied for decades by a painting of a seated Abraham Lincoln, hand supporting his chin. It was placed there by Franklin Roosevelt.
Bill Clinton’s and George W. Bush’s portraits hang on opposing walls in the Grand Foyer.
Clinton’s would be relocated to make room for Barack Obama’s if the White House sticks to tradition and keeps the two most recent Oval Office occupants there, McLaurin said.
“That’s up to the White House, to the curators,” he said.
The association, which is funded through private donations and the sale of books and an annual White House Christmas ornament, keeps the portrait price well below market value because of the “extraordinary honor” an artist derives from having “their work of art hanging perpetually in the White House,” McLaurin said.
Details about the Obamas’ portraits will stay under wraps until Wednesday.
Biden will be the rare president to host a former boss for the unveiling; he was Obama’s vice president. George H.W. Bush, who held Ronald Reagan’s ceremony, was Reagan’s No. 2.
Betty Monkman, a former White House curator, said during a 2017 podcast for the White House Historical Association that the ceremony is a “statement of generosity” by the president and first lady. “It’s a very warm, lovely moment.”
The White House portraits are one of two sets of portraits of presidents and first ladies. The National Portrait Gallery, a Smithsonian museum, maintains its own collection and those portraits are unveiled before the White House pair. The Obamas’ unveiled their museum portraits in February 2018.
Linda St. Thomas, chief spokesperson for the Smithsonian Institution, said in an email that a $650,000 donation in July from Save America, Trump’s political action committee, was earmarked for the couple’s museum portraits. Two artists have been commissioned, one for each painting, and work has begun, St. Thomas said.
___
Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/02/biden-help-unveil-obama-white-house-portrait/ | 2022-09-02T05:50:46Z |
WATERLOO, ON, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today provided its long-term financial targets in connection with its annual analyst summit event.
The company released the following guidance:
- Revenue Targets:
The Company is targeting:
- An average 100+ basis points increase in non-GAAP gross margin per year to FY27.
- Non-GAAP operating margin of approximately 20% by FY27.
- Investing approximately 30% of revenue on Research & Development in FY23.
- To be modestly non-GAAP EPS and cashflow negative in FY23 due to investment plans.
- To be approaching breakeven non-GAAP EPS and cashflow in FY24.
- To generate positive non-GAAP EPS and cashflow beginning in FY25.
IoT:
- IoT Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) is expected to grow at approximately 8-12% per year from FY23 to FY26.
- Revenue growth for the IoT business unit is expected to exceed the market growth rate resulting in an increase in market share above the current level of 26% in core automotive domains.
- Revenue from production-based royalties is expected to grow faster than revenue from the pre-production design phase, increasing the portion of total revenue from royalties.
- The SAM for BlackBerry IVY is expected to be approximately $800 million in FY25.
- BlackBerry is targeting its first IVY design wins in FY23.
Cybersecurity:
- The SAMs for endpoint security and managed cybersecurity services are expected to grow at 15% and 14%, respectively, per year to FY27.
- Revenue for the Cybersecurity business unit, excluding UEM, is expected to grow with a 5-year CAGR of approximately 16% to FY27.
- Churn in the UEM customer base is expected to negatively impact revenue and Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in FY23, but the impact is expected to become less significant from FY24 onwards.
- Approximately 20% of the UEM customer base is in non-core verticals, and those customers, representing annual revenue in the region of $40 million, are exhibiting higher than average churn.
- Approximately 64% of the Cylance customer base currently buys 1 Cylance module, and approximately 27% buy 2 modules. Management is targeting selling additional modules to these customers.
The presentation used during the financial session of the analyst summit, held at 4pm ET today, can be found on the BlackBerry.com/Investors website here.
A replay of the financial session will also be available on the BlackBerry.com/Investors website at approximately 8pm ET today.
This press release refers to certain non-GAAP measures. The company believes that these non-GAAP measures, which may be defined differently by other companies, explain the company's results of operations in a manner that allows for a more complete understanding of the underlying trends in the company's business. However, these measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation between the non-GAAP measures used in this presentation and measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and an explanation of why the company uses them, please see the company's annual report on Form 10-K, which is available on the EDGAR, SEDAR and BlackBerry.com websites.
For more information, follow @BlackBerry on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn and view the company's corporate video which highlights how BlackBerry addresses today's enterprise security challenges.
BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 195M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust.
BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere.
For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.
Investor Contact:
BlackBerry Investor Relations
+1 (519) 888-7465
investorrelations@blackberry.com
Media Contact:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@blackberry.com
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding BlackBerry's plans, strategies and objectives including its expectations with respect to increasing and enhancing its product and service offerings.
The words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "could", "intend", "believe", "target", "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by BlackBerry in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including but not limited to, BlackBerry's expectations regarding its business, strategy, opportunities and prospects, the launch of new products and services, general economic conditions, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia Ukraine conflict, competition, and BlackBerry's expectations regarding its financial performance. Many factors could cause BlackBerry's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks related to the following factors: BlackBerry's ability to enhance, develop, introduce or monetize products and services for the enterprise market in a timely manner with competitive pricing, features and performance; BlackBerry's ability to maintain or expand its customer base for its software and services offerings to grow revenue or achieve sustained profitability; the intense competition faced by BlackBerry; the occurrence or perception of a breach of BlackBerry's network cybersecurity measures, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential or personal information; the failure or perceived failure of BlackBerry's solutions to detect or prevent security vulnerabilities; BlackBerry's continuing ability to attract new personnel, retain existing key personnel and manage its staffing effectively; litigation against BlackBerry; BlackBerry's dependence on its relationships with resellers and channel partners; acquisitions, divestitures and other business initiatives; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; network disruptions or other business interruptions; BlackBerry's ability to foster an ecosystem of third-party application developers; BlackBerry's products and services being dependent upon interoperability with rapidly changing systems provided by third parties; BlackBerry's ability to obtain rights to use third-party software and its use of open source software; failure to protect BlackBerry's intellectual property and to earn expected revenues from intellectual property rights; BlackBerry being found to have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others; the substantial asset risk faced by BlackBerry, including the potential for charges related to its long-lived assets and goodwill; BlackBerry's indebtedness; tax provision changes, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities; the use and management of user data and personal information; government regulations applicable to BlackBerry's products and services, including products containing encryption capabilities; environmental, social and governance expectations and standards; the failure of BlackBerry's suppliers, subcontractors, channel partners and representatives to use acceptable ethical business practices or comply with applicable laws; regulations regarding health and safety, hazardous materials usage and conflict minerals; foreign operations, including fluctuations in foreign currencies; adverse economic, geopolitical and environmental conditions; the fluctuation of BlackBerry's quarterly revenue and operating results; the volatility of the market price of BlackBerry's common shares; and rising inflation.
These risk factors and others relating to BlackBerry are discussed in greater detail in BlackBerry's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section of BlackBerry's MD&A (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). All of these factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry's forward-looking statements. Any statements that are forward-looking statements are intended to enable BlackBerry's shareholders to view the anticipated performance and prospects of BlackBerry from management's perspective at the time such statements are made, and they are subject to the risks that are inherent in all forward-looking statements, as described above, as well as difficulties in forecasting BlackBerry's financial results and performance for future periods, particularly over longer periods, given changes in technology and BlackBerry's business strategy, evolving industry standards, intense competition and short product life cycles that characterize the industries in which BlackBerry operates. Any forward-looking statements are made only as of today and the company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, except as required by law.
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SOURCE BlackBerry Limited | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/blackberry-provides-long-term-financial-targets/ | 2022-05-18T20:15:42Z |
DALLAS, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ARMM Inc.(OTCQB: ARMM) (the "Company" or "ARMM") a firearms lifestyle platform focused on Self-Reliance, announced today the appointment of Original Shark Tank Investor, Kevin Harrington, as a Brand Ambassador and Advisory Board Member, effective immediately.
Mark Lawson, Founder and CEO of ARMM, said, "We are pleased to have Kevin join us as a Brand Ambassador and Advisory Board Member. He has a distinct track record of partnering with entrepreneurs and his prior experience with technology platforms gives him a deep understanding of significant growth opportunities in the space. We look forward to having Kevin as a part of the team to execute a long-term strategy and build awareness for our secure, private apolitical platform and app that empowers responsible gun ownership."
Kevin Harrington has the experience and credentials to make an impact in his newly appointed role with ARMM. He is an original "shark" from the hit TV show Shark Tank, the creator of the infomercial, pioneer of the As Seen on TV brand, and co-founding board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization. His legendary work behind the scenes of business ventures has produced more than $5 billion in global sales and the launch of more than 500 products.
"I believe strongly in the ARMM business, its people, and its potential to change the narrative within the firearms industry. I look forward to working with Mark and his leadership team to help ARMM market a first-of-its-kind firearms lifestyle platform, promoting a safer, more responsible gun culture. I am confident in ARMM's ability to be a disruptor in the space through growth, innovation and strong product development," Kevin said.
The firearms industry has seen exponential growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), from August 2020 to August 2021, close to 10 million Americans purchased a firearm for the first time, and approximately 40% of those purchases were women. With a majority of firearm related processes still paper based, ARMM feels the industry is ripe for technological disruption. The ARMM platform, including an app is available to download for no cost from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For more information about ARMM, please visit www.armmlife.com. To learn more about Kevin Harrington, please visit kevinharrington.tv.
ARMM is a firearms lifestyle platform focused on SELF RELIANCE and is disrupting the $51 Billion consumer firearms and rugged outdoor recreational market. The platform includes an app in which users can take safety & training course via the ARMM Academy, access firearms insurance products, firearms related apparel and accessories, and engage with like minded outdoor enthusiasts while gaining exposure to your favorite brands.
As an original "shark" on the hit TV show Shark Tank, the creator of the infomercial, pioneer of the As Seen on TV brand, and co-founding board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization, Kevin Harrington has pushed past all the questions and excuses to repeatedly enjoy 100X success. His legendary work behind the scenes of business ventures has produced more than $5 billion in global sales, the launch of more than 500 products, and the making of dozens of millionaires. He's launched massively successful products like The Food Saver, Ginsu Knives, The Great Wok of China, The Flying Lure, and many more. He has worked with amazing celebrities turned entrepreneurs including, Billie Mays, Tony Little, Jack LaLanne, and George Foreman to name a few. Kevin's been called the Entrepreneur's Entrepreneur and the Entrepreneur Answer Man, because he knows the challenges unique to start-ups and he has a special passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed.
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SOURCE ARMM | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/armm-welcomes-original-shark-tank-investor-kevin-harrington-brand-ambassador-advisory-board-member/ | 2022-04-11T13:12:16Z |
Religious backers of abortion rights say God’s on their side
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — It was lunch hour at the abortion clinic, so the nurse in the recovery room got her Bible out of her bag in the closet and began to read.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” her favorite proverb says, and she returns to it again and again. “He will make your paths straight.”
She believes God led her here, to a job at the West Alabama Women’s Center, tending to patients who’ve just had abortions. “I trust in God,” said Ramona, who asked that her last name not be used because of the volatility America’s abortion debate.
Out in the parking lot, protesters bellowed at patients arriving for appointments, doing battle against what they regard as a grave sin.
The loudest voices in the abortion debate are often characterized along a starkly religious divide, the faithful versus not. But the reality is much more nuanced, both at this abortion clinic and in the nation that surrounds it. The clinic’s staff of 11 — most of them Black, deeply faithful Christian women — have no trouble at all reconciling their work with their religion.
And as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to dismantle the constitutional right to an abortion, they draw on their faith that they will somehow continue.
God is on our side, they tell each other. God will keep this clinic open.
Robin Marty, who moved from Minneapolis to Tuscaloosa a couple years ago to help run this clinic, was surprised to hear nurses pray for guidance as the future of abortion grows uncertain.
“That is one of the things that has caused a whiplash for me — I had this stereotype in my head of a Southern religious person,” said Marty. “I just assumed that there was no compatibility between people who are religious and people who support the ability to get an abortion.”
Marty realized she was wrong — most people are.
“We need to have a real conversation about what we describe as Christianity,” said Kendra Cotton, a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collective, a network of Black women organizers, many of them from faith-based groups.
The white evangelical worldview that abortion is murder has consumed the conversation, flattening the understanding of how religion and views on abortion truly intersect, she said.
Before Roe v. Wade, faith leaders in many places led efforts to help pregnant women access underground abortions, because they considered it a calling to show compassion and mercy to the most vulnerable.
Now, Black Protestants have some of the most liberal views on access to abortion: Nearly 70% believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, according to the Public Religion Research Institute. White evangelicals are the other extreme, with only 24% believing abortion should be allowed in most or all cases.
For faithful women of color, there’s often a very different balancing act of values when confronting the question of whether women should be able to end unwanted pregnancies, Cotton said.
“We know that Christianity supports freedom, and inherent in freedom is bodily autonomy. Inherent in Christianity is free will. When people talk about the body being a temple of God, you have purview over your body, there is nothing more sacred,” Cotton said.
The idea of the state restricting what a person can do with their own body is in direct conflict with that, she said, and it is reminiscent of being under someone else’s control -- of slavery.
“You don’t get to tell me what to do,” Cotton said
In Tuscaloosa, the West Alabama Women’s Center sits on the edge of a nondescript medical plaza, a half-mile from the University of Alabama campus. Though many of the center’s clientele are college students, others come from all over the state and some surrounding ones -- it is the only abortion clinic for two hours in every direction. Many of their clients are Black, many already have children and more than 75% survive below the poverty line.
Every patient comes into Ramona’s recovery room after their abortion. She keeps the lights low. Working here, to her, feels like a righteous calling. She believes the Christian way is to love people where they are, and that means walking kindly with them as they make the best decision for themselves.
Sometimes they cry, and tell her they didn’t want to be there. She’s heard stories of rape and domestic violence, but most talk about fear of having more mouths they can’t afford to feed. She always says, “I understand.”
“I mean that, I do understand, I’ve gone through that myself,” she said.
Ramona, 39, is a single mother of four children, and had her first child at 16. She sometimes imagines what her life might have been had she started her family later. She had to drop out of college. There were times, when her children were young, when she couldn’t pay the gas bill, and she boiled water so they could have warm baths.
“Women go through so much, it’s hard,” she said. “So you should have that choice, whether or not you’re ready to be a mother. No one else should choose for you.”
Her daughter used to say “Mom, I want to be just like you,” and she would stop her. “No ma’am,” she’d say to her. “I want you to be better.” Her daughter is now 22 and studying to be a doctor.
She clawed herself out of poverty and built a life she loves. Her co-worker at the front desk calls her Miss Wonderful -- she’s at peace with God, she said, so every day is a great one.
For a time, she tried to be friendly with one of the regulars who protested outside, trying to convince patients that abortion is murder and they shouldn’t go in. She’d visit on her breaks or as she was leaving for the day. They discussed Scripture, forgiveness, sin.
She’d say, “I can see where you’re coming from. Can you see where I’m coming from? I’m not going to love you any less because of what you believe in or what you think.”
Then one day she was walking by and he shouted at her: When you die, you know where you’ll be going, and it isn’t heaven. She doesn’t talk to him anymore.
Alesia Horton, the clinic’s director, eyed the protesters from the window.
“I don’t know what Bible they’re reading, ‘cause it’s not the one that I read,” she said. She and Ramona have been friends since childhood and share a Christian faith.
If people heard the stories she had inside this clinic, she can’t imagine trying to mandate that people be forced into motherhood. She had a patient once who had cancer, wanted the child but couldn’t continue chemotherapy while she was pregnant. She had to choose between her own life and the child she wanted.
Just two weeks before, Horton wept when she met a 13-year-old who’d been raped, and she can’t shake the look on the child’s face, staring blankly in the exam room.
“It’s going to be OK. Don’t think you did anything wrong because you didn’t,” Horton told her.
She often hears patients cry that they’re going to go to hell.
“I’ve had patients against abortion until it happened to their child, or it happened to them,” she said. “The first thing they say, ‘I don’t believe in this.’ And I say, ‘Let’s get past that. Now that you’re pregnant, what are you doing to do? Are you still not going to believe in this? Now you’re on the other side. Where you were judging, now it’s you.’”
They pray that the Supreme Court won’t overturn Roe v. Wade, because they know their poorest patients will bear the burden of abortion bans. Wealthy women will always find a way. They can travel to states where abortion is legal and all the headaches that entails: time off work, babysitters, a tank full of gas, hotel rooms.
If Roe falls, abortion would be barred in Alabama in almost every instance. A 2019 state law, put on hold by the courts for now, outlaws the procedure in all but emergency cases. This clinic is going to try to stay open for those left behind. It is expanding into a full-service gynecological office that people can turn to if they self-administer an abortion and require medical attention, without fear that someone will report them to the police.
In the meantime, the ideological gulf between the believers inside and outside remains wide.
Some of the protesters outside stand quietly, holding signs and hoping their silent presence rattles patients enough to head back to their cars and go home. Some shout at patients as they walk through the parking lot into the clinic, trying to hand them leaflets or direct them to the anti-abortion crisis pregnancy center next door. Some say they want abortion barred completely, with no exceptions even for rape or life-threatening complications, because they believe abortion is murder no matter the circumstances. Most would not give their names; the pregnancy center declined an interview.
The protesters are sometimes aggressive: They have screamed into the clinic’s back doors, recorded biohazard bins being carted away, called police if a patient lashes out when they tell them they’re going to hell.
The clinic locks the doors for security reasons during the lunch hour between morning and afternoon appointments. On a recent day, as Ramona read her Bible in the back room, a 23-year-old woman arrived and couldn’t get inside.
A group of protesters beckoned the woman, who did not want to be named. She was confused — perhaps these people worked for the clinic. “We can help you,” they told her.
“I just walked over there and had a million things thrown in my face,” the woman said. “I’m a baby killer, I’m a murderer.”
She ran away weeping. The clinic staff heard and sought her out.
“I’m so sorry,” Horton said.
She glared at the protesters from the window.
“God isn’t theirs,” she said, “God is all of ours.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/20/religious-backers-abortion-rights-say-gods-their-side/ | 2022-05-20T11:13:49Z |
MCLEAN, Va., July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ViTel Net, the pioneer in telehealth innovation and enterprise virtual care, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted Patent #11380434 to ViTel Net and its experts Allen Izadpanah, Jon Louthian, Donald Buck, Julian Werfel, and Robert Graves.
This patent covers ViTel Net's industry leading software system that designs, configures, deploys, and runs sophisticated custom applications across a variety of hardware platforms, without writing any code. A longstanding differentiator of the vCareCommand™ cloud platform, health systems enjoy having technology that is optimized to their own workflows and health IT. Further streamlining environments for simple virtual care experiences that are highly efficient and immediately familiar to clinicians and patients. Supporting the entire care continuum and integrating with any electronic health records and imaging systems, vCareCommand is deployed by health systems for scalable virtual care across the enterprise.
"One of the key lessons learned from over 30 years of delivering virtual care technology solutions is that what works for one health system, works for one health system," said Mark Noble, ViTel Net COO. "Our patented technology enables us to configure solutions that match each health system partner's exact needs without the time and expense associated with custom development."
ViTel Net's "zero code" approach to configured web and mobile applications delivers on all the benefits of customized application development, but at a fraction of the time and cost associated with such projects. Since software maintenance is included with the cloud subscription, the applications continue to evolve with the health system's virtual care programs as they mature and needs change.
ViTel Net has been leading telehealth innovation for over 30 years with industry leading technology. Its robust cloud platform streamlines clinical and operational workflows while providing clinicians access to all patient data with a single sign-on. ViTel Net's "no code" configurable user experience enables the flexibility needed to provide care, quickly and cost effectively. The results – informed decisions that power greater efficiency, for better patient experiences and outcomes across the care continuum. For more information, visit www.vitelnet.com
CONTACT:
Paula Cardona
pcardona@vitelnet.com
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SOURCE ViTel Net | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/vitel-net-is-granted-patent-configurable-virtual-care-platform/ | 2022-07-05T21:07:50Z |
In a sea of thousands decked out in rainbow and pink, Dawn Lim, a full-time officer doing mandatory military service in the Singapore army, was not as flamboyantly dressed as many of her fellow attendees at the city state's Pink Dot pride parade -- but she was just as happy and proud as everyone else to be there.
Lim, 21, was born male and now identifies as trans feminine. This year's rally was her first, and she attended it by herself.
"Transitioning in the army is as you can imagine," she said. "I can't publicly embrace this side of myself and only have friends in the online community."
"But today I decided to show up for myself and had no idea what to expect. I brought along a skirt and changed into it when I arrived at the park and was so warmly welcomed. I'm enjoying everyone's presence."
After two years of virtual rallies due to the pandemic, Singapore's biggest queer pride event returned on Saturday to Hong Lim Park, where it first started on May 16, 2009.
Crowds of thousands showed up on the hot and humid afternoon, carrying pink signboards and waving rainbow flags in support of the city state's queer rights movement.
Among the crowd were the members of parliament Henry Kwek, from the ruling People's Action Party, and Jamus Lim from the opposition Workers' Party.
Gay sex in Singapore remains illegal even if it is consensual, between adults, and takes place in private. But societal attitudes, while still largely conservative, are changing, activists say and the government is now "considering the best way forward" on whether to change the law, which has been in place since Singapore was a British colony more than 60 years ago.
"Policies need to evolve to keep abreast of such changes in views. And legislation needs to evolve to support updated policies," said Singaporean law and home affairs minister K Shanmugam in a recent parliament session.
"And if and when we decide to move, we will do so in a way that continues to balance between these different viewpoints, and avoids causing a sudden, destabilising change in social norms and public expectations."
Last week, the Disney Pixar film Lightyear was given an NC16 rating in Singapore, prohibiting children under the age of 16 from watching the movie in cinemas because of a controversial scene depicting a same-sex relationship.
Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority said that the animated film was inappropriate for young viewers due to "overt homosexual depictions".
"We don't have respect and equality, no matter what our pledge and the government says -- and that's why it's important to stage Pink Dot every year," said Nizam Razak, a 36-year-old gay man at Pink Dot. "Why can't our children see a lesbian kiss? Already as it as, we are being erased in society here in so many aspects and this isn't okay."
"When will things really get better for us in the gay community? It's hard to say."
Organizers said the turnout was larger than previous years and they hoped to keep the momentum going for next year.
"The planning was a little rushed but at the end of the day, we made it. We brought thousands together in support of our cause for queer rights and pride in Singapore and that was the goal," a representative said.
For first time attendees like Dawn Lim, the Pink Dot experience "didn't feel like being in Singapore". "This park, this sea of pink -- it really was a safe space and I'm glad I got to experience what it's like," Lim said.
"For one day a year, I get to feel human and free to be myself without fear or judgment from people and when I leave Hong Lim Park tonight, I'll just go home, and go back to my hidden life."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/proud-to-be-back-singapores-pink-dot-rally-makes-colorful-return/article_ffd4c83e-035b-51f2-b213-b9474ed90d5f.html | 2022-06-19T09:12:26Z |
PITTSBURGH, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted people to be safer in the water," said an inventor from Murrieta, Calif. "so I invented FLOTATION FASHION, which promotes water safety with fun and fashion."
The invention enhances safety among swimmers, boaters, and other water sports enthusiasts by reducing, if not eliminating, the risk of drowning and thus could potentially save lives. FLOTATION FASHION allows individuals to engage in water activities with increased confidence and provides additional peace of mind to parents of young swimmers. It is less bulky to traditional life vests allowing for more maneuverability as well as stylish, fashionable with an unobtrusive design.
The original design was submitted to the San Diego sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-SDB-1638, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-flotation-device-sdb-1638/ | 2022-06-24T16:55:13Z |
BEIJING, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WeTrade Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WETG), an emerging growth company engaged in the business of providing software-as-a-services (SAAS) and cloud intelligent systems for micro-businesses, completed an in-depth discussion of the strategic partnership with Jiqing Biomedical Technology Co. Ltd recently. The companies will sign the official contract soon and Wetrade will take the exclusive sale channel for Jiqing's monkeypox virus test kits globally.
Jiqing, a medical company that has been at the top of the medical industry in China, has changed its development strategy to overseas markets. From the COVID-19 antigen test kits to monkeypox test kits, Jiqing has consolidated the overseas market step by step. Jiqing expects to benefit from the advanced technology and international market channels through partnering with Wetrade.
As a global-oriented development enterprise, Wetrade has been working on discovering overseas business for domestic companies. Wetrade believes that building its own private domain traffic would help Chinese companies carry out business operations in overseas markets easier. In the meantime, it would empower those companies to increase product awareness rapidly, find targeted audiences accurately and accumulate customers efficiently.
The cooperation with Jiqing is a great opportunity to enter the medical industry, as another breakthrough. However, relying on its technology and operation ability accumulated in domestic and international markets, Wetrade has the capability to expand western market for Jiqing and utilize the private domain to reach terminal consumers by social fission, to save distribution costs for Jiqing and help maximize the company's profit.
Mr. Pijun Liu, Chief Executive Officer of Wetrade, said: " Working with Jiqing is not only for the profit, but it is a prominent occasion for customer base expansion. We are looking forward to attracting more customers from different industry to use our channel and private domain marketing promotion, to help them avoid the domestic competitiveness and develop overseas markets with differentiated thinking."
About WeTrade Group Inc.
WeTrade Group Inc. is a technical service provider of SAAS and Cloud Intelligent System for micro-businesses, and a pioneering internationalized system in the global micro-business cloud intelligence field and the leader, innovator and promoter of the world's cloud intelligent system for micro-businesses. WeTrade Group independently developed the cloud intelligent system for micro-businesses (Abbreviation: YCloud). YCloud strengthens users' marketing relationship and CPS commission profit management through leading technology and big data analysis. It also helps increase the payment scenario to increase customers' revenue by multi-channel data statistics, AI fission and management as well as improved supply chain system. As of today, YCloud's business has successfully landed in mainland China and Hong Kong, covering the micro business industry, tourism industry, hospitality industry, livestreaming and short video industry, aesthetic medical industry and traditional retail industry. For more information, please visit https://ir.wetg.group.
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SOURCE WeTrade Group INC | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/08/wetrade-group-intends-enter-exclusive-strategic-partnership-with-jiqing-bio-regarding-exclusive-monkeypox-test-kits-sales-channel-globally/ | 2022-08-08T13:56:24Z |
GUANGZHOU, China, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Onion Global Limited ("Onion Global", the "Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: OG), a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets, and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable, and future brands to young people in China and across Asia, today announced that it generated over RMB100 million in GMV within the first three days of its 2022 High Five Shopping Festival. As O'Mall's first large-scale promotion event in 2022, the festival ran under the theme of "New Life, High Five" and specifically caters to the lifestyle and consumption trends of Generation Z consumers, allowing them to reward themselves with the newest and latest lifestyle products. During the promotion, massive discounts were on offer for a wide range of popular categories under distinct consumption scenarios, including camping trips, 520 Valentine's Day, and healthy living. The eight-day shopping festival started on May 13, 2022 and will go on until May 20, 2022.
Highlights for the first three days during the 2022 High Five Shopping Festival
- The total GMV during the first three days was over RMB100 million, and the total number of orders was over 230 thousand;
- More than 13,000 Standard Product Units (SPUs) offered by over 1,000 brands participated in the High Five Shopping Festival this year;
- More than 300 brands joined the festival for the first time;
- O'Mall platform sourced the products from 32 countries/regions, of which Australia was the top original country/region in terms of GMV during the first three days of the festival this year.
Mr. Cong (Kenny) Li, Founder, and CEO of Onion Global commented, "The success of the High Five Shopping Festival strongly reflects our insightful prediction of new consumption trends in the modern era. With growing spending power, Generation Z has become the driving force of consumption growth, and their expectations of brands are constantly changing. The younger generations are gradually shaping their own networks and developing their preferred lifestyles and consumption choices, bringing high growth potential to new consumption brands. Onion Global will closely follow and monitor new consumption trends developing from the ongoing pandemic, dive deeper into the characteristics of younger generation consumers, and incubate and provide the most attractive and cost-effective products to consumers. The selection of camping, gifting and health products for promotion during this shopping festival was specifically curated based on our in-depth market and consumer data analysis. Only by constantly staying ahead of consumers' changing needs and expectations can we further solidify our position as a leading brand management platform in the field of new consumption."
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, the Company's forecasts, general observation of the industry, and business outlook, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "target," "aim," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "potential," "estimates" "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Onion Global's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Onion Global does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
About Onion Global Limited
Onion Global Limited (NYSE: OG) is a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets, and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable, and future brands, which we refer to as "3F brands," to young people in China and across Asia. The Company's mission is to be the dream factory of lifestyle brands for young people. The Company's platform offers an integrated solution to develop, market, and distribute new and inspiring branded products, thereby reshaping the lifestyle shopping and consumer culture in China. Onion Global Limited has been listed on New York Stock Exchange since May 2021.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.msyc.com/.
Investor Relations Contact
In China:
Onion Global Ltd.
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@msyc.cc
Christensen
Mr. Eric Yuan
E-mail: eyuan@christensenir.com
Tel: +86-10-5900-1548
In the United States:
Christensen
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
E-mail: lbergkamp@christensenir.com
Tel: +1-480-614-3004
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SOURCE Onion Global Limited | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/onion-global-surpasses-rmb100-million-gmv-first-three-days-during-2022-high-five-shopping-festival/ | 2022-05-19T09:31:04Z |
FORT WORTH (KDAF) — During the last week of April, the City of Fort Worth became the first-ever city government in the nation to mine for Bitcoin.
This new form of currency has many people scratching their heads and wondering how it all works. We’re here to help.
Bitcoin is a digital currency that aims to solve the problem of double-spending without a central authority like the government or banks.
The flow of currency is on a transparent (but anonymous) and trackable ledger without a central authority. The trust that gives the currency value is determined by everyone as opposed to a centralized figure.
But, what is Bitcoin mining?
Bitcoin mining is the way new Bitcoins are entered into circulation. Mining involves using computers to solve complex math problems. Once the solution is solved, the person who solves the problem receives a block of bitcoins.
According to the City of Fort Worth, the city will evaluate this program of Bitcoin Mining after six months.
“Texas is increasingly being recognized as the global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain, and Fort Worth will have a seat at that table,” Fort Worth Director of Economic Development Robert Sturns, said in a statement on the city’s website. “The pioneering spirit is alive and well in Fort Worth, and with this program, we will attract dynamic companies that share in this vision for the future.” | https://cw33.com/news/texas/fort-worth-now-mines-bitcoin-but-what-does-that-mean/ | 2022-04-27T19:01:01Z |
If approved, Dupixent would be the first medicine available in the U.S. indicated to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
There are approximately 160,000 patients in the U.S. living with eosinophilic esophagitis who are currently treated, of whom approximately 48,000 have failed multiple treatments
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and PARIS, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for Priority Review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent® (dupilumab) 300 mg weekly to treat adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic and progressive type 2 inflammatory disease that damages the esophagus and impairs the ability to swallow. The target action date for the FDA decision on this investigational use is August 3, 2022.
The sBLA is supported by data from two Phase 3 trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Dupixent 300 mg weekly in patients aged 12 years and older with EoE (Part A and Part B), and data from an active long-term extension trial. Dupixent 300 mg weekly significantly improved the signs and symptoms of EoE at 24 weeks compared to placebo, including the ability to swallow and reduction in eosinophil count in the esophagus. The safety results of these trials were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent in its approved indications. The most common adverse event observed with Dupixent, in Part A and Part B, was injection site reactions.
In September 2020, the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Dupixent for the treatment of patients aged 12 years and older with EoE. Dupixent was also granted Orphan Drug designation for the potential treatment of EoE in 2017. Priority review is granted to therapies that have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of serious conditions. Regulatory filings around the world are also planned in 2022. The potential use of Dupixent in EoE is currently under clinical development, and the safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.
About Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
EoE is a chronic, progressive type 2 inflammatory disease that damages the esophagus and prevents it from working properly. For people with EoE, swallowing the smallest amount of food can be a painful and worrisome choking experience. Those with EoE live with anxiety and frustration from having a constantly evolving list of foods to avoid. This disease can also cause narrowing of the esophagus and dilation (physical expansion) of the esophagus may be needed, which is often painful. In severe cases, a feeding tube is the only option to ensure proper caloric intake and adequate nutrition. People with EoE may have poor quality of life and are more likely to experience depression than people without EoE. There are approximately 160,000 patients in the U.S. living with EoE who are currently treated, of whom approximately 48,000 have failed multiple treatments.
About Dupixent
Dupixent, which was invented using Regeneron's proprietary VelocImmune® technology, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) pathways and is not an immunosuppressant. By demonstrating significant clinical benefit together with a decrease in type 2 inflammation following IL-4 and IL-13 blockade with Dupixent, the Dupixent Phase 3 clinical program has established that IL-4 and IL-13 are key drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in multiple related and often co-morbid diseases for which Dupixent is approved including atopic dermatitis, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), as well as investigational diseases such as EoE and prurigo nodularis, which have been studied in Phase 3 trials.
In the U.S., Dupixent is approved in patients aged 6 years and older with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis; as an add-on maintenance treatment of patients aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma; and for use with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in adults whose disease is not controlled.
Dupixent is also approved in Europe, Japan and other countries around the world for use in specific patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and certain patients with asthma or CRSwNP in different age populations. Dupixent is approved in one or more of these indications in more than 60 countries around the world, and more than 400,000 patients have been treated globally.
About Regeneron's VelocImmune Technology
Regeneron's VelocImmune technology utilizes a proprietary genetically engineered mouse platform endowed with a genetically humanized immune system to produce optimized fully human antibodies. When Regeneron's President and Chief Scientific Officer George D. Yancopoulos was a graduate student with his mentor Frederick W. Alt in 1985, they were the first to envision making such a genetically humanized mouse, and Regeneron has spent decades inventing and developing VelocImmune and related VelociSuite® technologies. Dr. Yancopoulos and his team have used VelocImmune technology to create approximately a quarter of all original, FDA-approved or authorized fully human monoclonal antibodies currently available. This includes Dupixent, REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab), Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), Praluent® (alirocumab), Kevzara® (sarilumab), Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb) and Inmazeb™ (atoltivimab, maftivimab, and odesivimab-ebgn).
Dupilumab Development Program
Dupilumab is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. To date, dupilumab has been studied across more than 60 clinical trials involving more than 10,000 patients with various chronic diseases driven in part by type 2 inflammation.
In addition to the currently approved indications, Regeneron and Sanofi are studying dupilumab in a broad range of diseases driven by type 2 inflammation or other allergic processes, including eosinophilic esophagitis (Phase 3), pediatric atopic dermatitis (6 months to 5 years of age, Phase 3), chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (Phase 3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with evidence of type 2 inflammation (Phase 3), prurigo nodularis (Phase 3), chronic spontaneous urticaria (Phase 3), bullous pemphigoid (Phase 3), chronic inducible urticaria-cold (Phase 3), allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (Phase 3), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (Phase 3) and peanut allergy (Phase 2). These potential uses of dupilumab are currently under clinical investigation, and the safety and efficacy in these conditions have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.
U.S. Indications
DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used:
- to treat adults and children 6 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 6 years of age.
- with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid dependent asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. DUPIXENT is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with asthma under 6 years of age.
- with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in adults whose disease is not controlled. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis under 18 years of age.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR U.S. PATIENTS
Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®.
Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
- have eye problems
- have a parasitic (helminth) infection
- are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a "live vaccine" right before and during treatment with DUPIXENT.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines; have asthma and use an asthma medicine; or have atopic dermatitis or CRSwNP, and also have asthma. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back.
DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fast pulse, fever, hives, joint pain, general ill feeling, itching, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, or cramps in your stomach-area.
- Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurred vision. Your healthcare provider may send you to an ophthalmologist for an exam if needed.
- Inflammation of your blood vessels. Rarely, this can happen in people with asthma who receive DUPIXENT. This may happen in people who also take a steroid medicine by mouth that is being stopped or the dose is being lowered. It is not known whether this is caused by DUPIXENT. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have: rash, chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of your arms or legs, or persistent fever.
- Joint aches and pain. Some people who use DUPIXENT have had trouble walking or moving due to their joint symptoms, and in some cases needed to be hospitalized. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening joint symptoms. Your healthcare provider may stop DUPIXENT if you develop joint symptoms.
The most common side effects include:
- Atopic dermatitis: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips.
- Asthma: injection site reactions, pain in the throat (oropharyngeal pain), high count of a certain white blood cell (eosinophilia), and parasitic (helminth) infections.
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, high count of a certain white blood cell (eosinophilia), trouble sleeping (insomnia), toothache, gastritis, and joint pain (arthralgia).
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It's an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it's recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children under 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.
About Regeneron
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for nearly 35 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to nine FDA-approved treatments and numerous product candidates in development, almost all of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, pain, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases.
Regeneron is accelerating and improving the traditional drug development process through our proprietary VelociSuite technologies, such as VelocImmune, which uses unique genetically humanized mice to produce optimized fully human antibodies and bispecific antibodies, and through ambitious research initiatives such as the Regeneron Genetics Center, which is conducting one of the largest genetics sequencing efforts in the world.
For additional information about the company, please visit www.regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY.
Regeneron Forward-Looking Statements and Use of Digital Media
This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Regeneron" or the "Company"), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements concern, and these risks and uncertainties include, among others, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regeneron's business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron relies, Regeneron's and its collaborators' ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs, Regeneron's ability to manage its supply chain, net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, "Regeneron's Products"), and the global economy; the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regeneron's Products and product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, "Regeneron's Product Candidates") and research and clinical programs now underway or planned, including without limitation Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regeneron's Product Candidates and new indications for Regeneron's Products, such as Dupixent for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (including potential approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on the supplemental Biologics License Application discussed in this press release), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with evidence of type 2 inflammation, pediatric atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, prurigo nodularis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic inducible urticaria-cold, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, peanut allergy, and other potential indications; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regeneron's Products (such as Dupixent) and Regeneron's Product Candidates and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron or others and whether mandated or voluntary), including the studies discussed or referenced in this press release, on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regeneron's Products (such as Dupixent) and Regeneron's Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron's collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron to manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regeneron's Products (such as Dupixent) and Regeneron's Product Candidates in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regeneron's ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates, including without limitation Dupixent; ongoing regulatory obligations and oversight impacting Regeneron's Products, research and clinical programs, and business, including those relating to patient privacy; the availability and extent of reimbursement of Regeneron's Products from third-party payers, including private payer healthcare and insurance programs, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; coverage and reimbursement determinations by such payers and new policies and procedures adopted by such payers; competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regeneron's Products and Regeneron's Product Candidates; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; unanticipated expenses; the costs of developing, producing, and selling products; the ability of Regeneron to meet any of its financial projections or guidance and changes to the assumptions underlying those projections or guidance; the potential for any license, collaboration, or supply agreement, including Regeneron's agreements with Sanofi, Bayer, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (or their respective affiliated companies, as applicable) to be cancelled or terminated; and risks associated with intellectual property of other parties and pending or future litigation relating thereto (including without limitation the patent litigation and other related proceedings relating to EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection, Dupixent, Praluent® (alirocumab), and REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab)), other litigation and other proceedings and government investigations relating to the Company and/or its operations, the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings and investigations, and the impact any of the foregoing may have on Regeneron's business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regeneron's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Any forward-looking statements are made based on management's current beliefs and judgment, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron. Regeneron does not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Regeneron uses its media and investor relations website and social media outlets to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Regeneron is routinely posted and is accessible on Regeneron's media and investor relations website (http://newsroom.regeneron.com) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/regeneron).
Sanofi Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates regarding the marketing and other potential of the product, or regarding potential future revenues from the product. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans" and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, or government regulation generally, that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the product, the fact that product may not be commercially successful, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis of existing clinical data relating to the product, including post marketing, unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, competition in general, risks associated with intellectual property and any related future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such litigation, and volatile economic and market conditions, and the impact that COVID-19 will have on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and the financial condition of any one of them, as well as on our employees and on the global economy as a whole. Any material effect of COVID-19 on any of the foregoing could also adversely impact us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts may arise of which we are not currently aware and may exacerbate other previously identified risks. The risks and uncertainties also include the uncertainties discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
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SOURCE Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/04/fda-accepts-dupixent-dupilumab-priority-review-patients-aged-12-years-older-with-eosinophilic-esophagitis/ | 2022-04-04T09:25:15Z |
~ Precision Autoimmune Therapeutics (PAT) Announced the completion of first-round financing of the equivalent of approximately US $21 million ~
~ CASI holds 15% equity stake in PAT ~
~ PAT will pay CASI US $5 million equivalent as the first installment of upfront payment of the CID-103 sub-license agreement ~
ROCKVILLE, Md. and BEIJING, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASI), a U.S. biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics and pharmaceutical products, today announced that Precision Autoimmune Therapeutics Co., Ltd., (PAT), previously known as Beijing Tianshi Tongda Pharmaceuticals Technology Co., Ltd (TIANSHI), has completed the first-round financing which raised RMB140 million (approximately $21 million). After completion of the first-round financing, CASI holds a 15% stake in PAT.
On May 25, 2022, CASI and PAT entered into a worldwide sub-license agreement for the investigational anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, CID-103, for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, conditions, and disorders in humans. Under the terms of the agreement, CASI maintains exclusive US commercialization and co-marketing rights of CID-103 in autoimmune indications in the United States. CASI also has the co-commercial rights in the autoimmune-derived hematology indications for CID-103 in China, but is not obligated to co-commercialize those programs. Upon the completion of PAT's first-round of financing, PAT will pay CASI US $5 million equivalent as the first part of two-installments upfront payment under the license agreement.
Wei-Wu He, Ph.D., CASI's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said "The successful completion of PAT's first-round financing allows PAT to move forward with the CID-103 autoimmune development program. By partnering with PAT, the development of CID-103 in the autoimmune indications will proceed external to CASI's budget during a period of challenging biotech funding. Partnership with PAT will accelerate the development and potential commercialization of CID-103 in autoimmune disease, autoimmune-derived hematology indications, both are mutually beneficial to the PAT and CASI shareholders."
Precision Autoimmune Therapeutics Co., Ltd., (PAT), known as Beijing Tianshi Tongda Pharmaceuticals Technology Co., Ltd., is a clinical stage innovative drug development company focused on the precision therapeutics for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Through the High Dimension Precision Medicine HDPM platform, PAT significantly improves the success rate of innovative drug development. PAT aims to provide safer and more effective drugs for patients worldwide suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
CID-103 is a fully human IgG1 anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody that recognizes a unique epitope on CD38. It was engineered to have strong activity against CD38 malignant cells and to reduce certain safety issues observed with existing treatments. Preclinical data of CID-103 demonstrates enhanced activity against a broad array of malignancies which express CD38 and demonstrates a better preclinical safety profile when compared to other CD38 mAbs. These attributes offer the potential for accelerated development and regulatory review, including rapid advancement into earlier lines of therapy.
CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a U.S. biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics and pharmaceutical products in China, the United States, and throughout the world. The Company is focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing products that augment its hematology oncology therapeutic focus as well as other areas of unmet medical need. The Company intends to execute its plan to become a leader by launching medicines in the Greater China market, leveraging the Company's China-based regulatory and commercial competencies and its global drug development expertise. The Company's operations in China are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CASI Pharmaceuticals (China) Co., Ltd., located in Beijing, China. The Company has built a commercial team of more than 100 hematology and oncology sales and marketing specialists based in China. More information on CASI is available at www.casipharmaceuticals.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to the outlook for expectations for future financial or business performance, revenue growth, strategies, expectations and goals. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no duty to update forward-looking statements. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factors will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors.
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SOURCE CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/casi-pharmaceuticals-announces-its-partner-precision-autoimmune-therapeutics-co-ltd-has-completed-first-round-financing-21-million/ | 2022-07-08T11:10:59Z |
Loan to fund the construction of 18-story building with 88 residential condominiums
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. , April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ACRES Capital Corp. (together with its subsidiaries, "ACRES"), a leading commercial real estate middle-market lender, has originated a $73.375 million loan to fund the development of Reflection Condominiums (the "Property") in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Located on a .70-acre site in downtown St. Petersburg along Pinellas County's southeast coast, the proposed development will be an 18-story condominium building, housing 88 residential units and an additional 2,763 square feet of retail space available for rent. The property will also provide 27,691 square feet of common area and a 237-car parking garage.
St. Petersburg has evolved from a popular retirement destination into a younger city, drawing people of all ages who have relocated in recent years to take advantage of the favorable weather and a lower cost of living. The centrally-located Reflection Condominiums will be surrounded by abundant dining options, shopping, and cultural attractions.
"St. Petersburg is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida and has been called the 'megamarket of the South,'" said ACRES Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Fogel. "We expect the city's tremendous growth to continue long-term, boding well for high-end residential projects like this."
The loan was provided to Mirror Lake Place, LLC and was arranged by Alex Anderson of Eyzenberg & Company. Drew Miller of ACRES' Uniondale, NY office originated the loan.
About ACRES
ACRES is a nationwide direct lender and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides construction, bridge and permanent debt capital solutions for the commercial real estate industry. ACRES partners on targeted opportunities in the $10 million to $100 million range, including multifamily, student housing, retail, office, hospitality, and industrial. Contact us at www.acrescap.com or at (516) 535-0015.
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SOURCE ACRES Capital, LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/acres-originates-73375-million-loan-reflection-condominiums-st-petersburg-fla/ | 2022-04-11T16:15:00Z |
MONTREAL, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) ("Lion" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, today announced at its annual shareholder meeting, that it released its first annual Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") report, a document that provides an overview of the Company's priorities, as it advances the management of its ESG risks and opportunities.
"At Lion, we believe in a healthier, more resilient future for all, and we have a long history of creating reliable, climate-friendly electric vehicles for the well-being of our citizens and the communities in which we live. We are proud to be a change agent, bringing solutions to our customers in their journey to GHG emissions reductions," said Marc Bedard, Lion Electric's CEO-Founder. "As we look to achieve long-term sustainable growth, having this inaugural report formalizes and enables us to share these deep-rooted beliefs with our stakeholders. This is an important first step in formulating our approach to a sustainable business, especially through an ESG lens. We invite you to review our report to learn about our plans to pave the way for transportation decarbonization and a sustainable future," he added.
During the year, significant progress was made across ESG topics, as we, among other things:
- Established formal oversight of ESG practices and published our first ESG Policy
- Calculated our scope 1 and 2, 2020 and 2021 GHG emissions
- Helped our customers avoid 10,862 tCO2eof GHG emissions
- Studied potential long-term plans for the lifecycle of our batteries
- Conducted an employee experience and an employment equity survey
- Unveiled our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
- Committed to at least 30% female representation on the Board by Lion's next annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2023
- Committed to at least one director who is a minority by our next annual meeting of shareholders in 2023
- Launched a Whistleblower line
To read the full report: Click here
This report contains disclosures recommended in the Industrial Machinery & Goods and Automobiles standards developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") and the recommendations by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD").
Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit and mass transit segments. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles' components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.
Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life. Lion shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LEV.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Lion's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such.
Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "may," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "could," "plan," "project," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "target" or other similar expressions and any other statements that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company's order book and the Company's ability to convert it into actual sales, the Company's long-term strategy and future growth, the Company's battery plant and innovation center project in Quebec and its U.S. manufacturing facility, and the expected launch of new models of electric vehicles. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that Lion believes are reasonable when made, including that Lion will be able to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, that Lion will continue to operate its business in the normal course, that Lion will be able to implement its growth strategy, that Lion will be able to successfully and timely complete the construction of its U.S. manufacturing facility and its Quebec battery plant and innovation center, that Lion will not suffer any further supply chain challenges or any material disruption in the supply of raw materials on competitive terms, that Lion will be able to maintain its competitive position, that Lion will continue to improve its operational, financial and other internal controls and systems to manage its growth and size, that its results of operations and financial condition will not be adversely affected, that Lion will be able to benefit, either directly or indirectly (including through its clients), from government subsidies and economic incentives in the future and that Lion will be able to secure additional funding through equity or debt financing on terms acceptable to Lion when required in the future. Such estimates and assumptions are made by Lion in light of the experience of management and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Lion believes that these risks and uncertainties include the following: any adverse changes in U.S. or Canadian general economic, business, market, financial, political or legal conditions, including as consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of COVID-19 variants, as well as varying vaccination rates amongst different countries; any adverse effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, which is increasingly affecting economic and global financial markets and exacerbating ongoing economic challenges, including issues such as rising inflation and global supply-chain disruption; any inability to successfully and economically manufacture and distribute its vehicles at scale and meet its customers' business needs; any inability to ramp-up the production of Lion's products and meet project construction and other project timelines; any inability to reduce total cost of ownership of electric vehicles sold by Lion over time; the reliance on key management and any inability to attract and/or retain key personnel; any inability to execute the Company's growth strategy; any unfavorable fluctuations and volatility in the price and availability of raw materials included in key components used to manufacture Lion's products; the reliance on key suppliers and any inability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of raw materials; labor shortages which may in the form of employee turnover, departures, and demands for higher wages which result in the Company having to operate at reduced capacity, lower production and deliveries, delayed growth plans, and could pose additional challenges related to employee compensation; any inability by Lion to meet user expectations related to, or other difficulties in providing, charging solutions to its customers; any inability to maintain the Company's competitive position; any inability to reduce its costs of supply over time; any inability to maintain and enhance the Company's reputation and brand; any significant product repair and/or replacement due to product warranty claims or product recalls; any failure of information technology systems or any cybersecurity and data privacy breaches or incidents; any event or circumstance resulting in the Company's inability to convert its order book into actual sales, including the reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives or the reduced need for such subsidies; any inability to secure adequate insurance coverage or a potential increase in insurance costs; natural disasters, epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, boycotts and geo-political events such as civil unrest and acts of terrorism, the current military conflict between Russia and Ukraine or similar disruptions; and the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company from time to time.
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SOURCE Lion Electric | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/lion-electric-releases-first-annual-esg-report/ | 2022-05-06T17:01:20Z |
California governor rejects parole for Manson family member
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday blocked parole for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, reversing a panel’s recommendation that she be freed after spending a half-century in prison.
Van Houten, 72, “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time,” Newsom said in his parole review. It was the fifth time that a California governor has rejected her release.
Her attorney, Rich Pfeiffer, disputed that view and said the decision will be appealed in court. He accused Newsom of rejecting parole because he is worried about “his political future” and noted that Van Houten has a spotless prison disciplinary record.
“We’re not fighting (over) Leslie being a good person. She’s proven that through her actions for half a century,” he said.
Van Houten is serving a life sentence for helping Manson and others kill Los Angeles grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, in August 1969. Van Houten was 19 when she and other cult members fatally stabbed the LaBiancas and smeared the couple’s blood on the walls.
The day before, other Manson followers, not including Van Houten, killed pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others.
In his rejection letter, Newsom noted that Van Housen had undergone therapy, earned educational degrees and taken self-help classes in prison and had shown “increased maturity and rehabilitation.”
But Van Houten also has “gaps in insight” that continue to make her a danger to society, Newsom said.
Van Houten has had 21 parole hearings since 1982. Most parole boards denied her bid for freedom. But five panels have recommended her release since 2016, saying she had expressed remorse and was no longer a threat to public safety.
Newsom rejected a recommendation made last November.
He previously reversed parole recommendations in 2019 and 2020. In February, the California Supreme Court refused to hear Van Houten’s appeal of the 2020 rejection.
Previous Gov. Jerry Brown rejected Van Houten’s parole in 2016 and 2018.
Manson died in 2017 of natural causes at a California hospital while serving a life sentence.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/03/30/california-governor-rejects-parole-manson-family-member/ | 2022-04-01T02:25:25Z |
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday as the war in Ukraine and the millions of refugees it has created cast a shadow over two leaders who have long sought closer ties with Russia.
The 45-minute meeting was the second between Francis and Orban in less than a year, but couldn’t have been more different in tone. The pope made a brief stop in Budapest to close out a church congress, and the awkwardness of that September encounterwas evident given his and nationalist Orban’s starkly different views of mass migration to Europe.
But on Thursday, a smiling and jovial Francis showed his appreciation for the welcome Hungary had provided to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. He gave Orban a medallion of St. Martin and said he chose it specifically to honor Hungary’s reception of refugees.
Hungary has emerged as a major transit country for the war’s refugees. More than 476,000 people have entered the country’s territory from Ukraine since the conflict began eight weeks ago, according to the U.N. refugee agency.
Francis and Obran laughed frequently during Thursday’s encounter. When it was time for them to part, the pope told the prime minister in English: “May God bless you, your family and Hungary.” Orban replied “Your Holiness, we are waiting for you,” an apparent reference to Francis’ plans to return to Hungary for a pastoral visit sometime in the future.
While Orban’s government adopted anti-immigration policies in the past, it said it would welcome all those fleeing Ukraine and provide them with food, accommodation and the opportunity to work. That contrasts with Europe’s last wave of refugees.
When over 1 million people, mostly from Iraq and Syria, arrived in the European Union in 2015, Orban ordered the construction of a razor-wire fence along Hungary’s southern border and put up legal roadblocks to asylum-seekers.
Orban’s visit to the Vatican was his first foreign trip since he and his right-wing Fidesz party won Hungary’s April 3 national election, and the destination represented a departure from what has become his tradition following past elections.
Soon to begin his fourth consecutive term, Orban – the longest-serving leader in the EU – traveled to Poland’s capital, Warsaw, to visit allies after the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Hungarian elections.
Poland is Hungary’s strongest EU ally, and the government’s of the two countries have supported each other in their respective battles with the bloc over allegations that their populist governments have eroded judicial independence, media freedom and the rule of law.
But the war in Ukraine has put the warm relations between Budapest and Warsaw to the test, revealing fault lines caused by differing approaches to Moscow.
Poland, which has traditionally seen Russia as a major security threat, has been among Europe’s most active players in pushing for sanctions against Moscow and providing military aid to Ukraine.
Orban has long pursued close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and in recent weeks refused to supply Ukraine with weapons or allow their transfer across the Hungary-Ukraine border. The Hungarian government also has lobbied heavily against expanding EU sanctions to include a ban on Russian energy imports, on which Hungary is dependent.
Francis, for his part, has long sought to improve relations with the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2016, he became the first pope in a millennium to meet with the church’s leader, Russian Patriarch Kirill.
Francis initially offered restrained criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, maintaining the Vatican’s diplomatic tradition. But he has increasingly expressed outrage over what he called a “sacrilegious” war and the creation of millions of Ukrainian refugees, while still refraining from calling out Russia or Putin by name.
Francis is still seeking to keep open a path of dialogue with Kirill, however. They spoke by video call last month, and there have been reports they might meet face-to-face in Jerusalem in June.
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Spike reported from Budapest, Hungary.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/hungarys-orban-meets-pope-with-ukraine-war-as-backdrop/ | 2022-04-21T21:50:56Z |
Officials say more areas of US may see mask recommendations
WASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States – and could get even worse over the coming months, federal health officials warned Wednesday in urging areas hardest hit to consider reissuing calls for indoor masking.
Increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are putting more of the country under guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that call for masking and other infection precautions.
Right now, the increases are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest. “(But) prior increases of infections, in different waves of infection, have demonstrated that this travels across the country,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said at a White House briefing with reporters.
For an increasing number of areas, “we urge local leaders to encourage use of prevention strategies like masks in public indoor settings and increasing access to testing and treatment,” she said.
However, officials were cautious about making concrete predictions, saying how much worse the pandemic gets will depend on several factors, including to what degree previous infections will protect against new variants.
Last week, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha warned in an interview with The Associated Press the U.S. will be increasingly vulnerable to the coronavirus this fall and winter if Congress doesn’t swiftly approve new funding for more vaccines and treatments.
Jha warned that without additional funding from Congress for the virus would cause “unnecessary loss of life” in the fall and winter, when the U.S. runs out of treatments.
He added the U.S. was already falling behind other nations in securing supplies of the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines and said that the domestic manufacturing base of at-home tests is already drying up as demand drops off.
Jha said domestic test manufactures have started shuttering lines and laying off workers, and in the coming weeks will begin to sell off equipment and prepare to exit the business of producing tests entirely unless the U.S. government has money to purchase more tests, like the hundreds of millions it has sent out for free to requesting households this year.
That would leave the U.S. reliant on other countries for testing supplies, risking shortages during a surge, Jha warned. About 8.5 million households placed orders for the latest tranche of 8 free tests since ordering opened on Monday, Jha added.
The pandemic is now 2 1/2 years old. And the U.S. has seen — depending how you count them — five waves of COVID-19 during that time, with the later surges driven by mutated versions of the coronavirus. A fifth wave occurred mainly in December and January, caused by the omicron variant.
The omicron variant spread much more easily than earlier versions.
Some experts are worried the country now is seeing signs of a sixth wave, driven by an omicron subvariant. On Wednesday, Walensky noted a steady increase in COVID-19 cases in the past five weeks, including a 26% increase nationally in the last week.
Hospitalizations also are rising, up 19% in the past week, though they remain much lower than during the omicron wave, she said.
In late February, as that wave was ebbing, the CDC released a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 was easing its grip, with less of a focus on positive test results and more on what’s happening at hospitals.
Walensky said more than 32% of the country currently live in an area with medium or high COVID-19 community levels, including more than 9% in the highest level, where CDC recommends that masks and other mitigation efforts be used.
In the last week, an additional 8% of Americans were living in a county in medium or high COVID-19 community levels.
Officials said they are concerned that waning immunity and relaxed mitigation measures across the country may contribute to a continued rise in infections and illnesses across the country. They encouraged people — particularly older adults — to get boosters.
Some health experts say the government should be taking clearer and bolder steps.
The CDC community level guidelines are confusing to the public, and don’t give a clear picture of how much virus transmission is occurring in a community, said Dr. Lakshmi Ganapathi, an infectious diseases specialist at Harvard University.
When the government officials make recommendations but do not set rules, “it ultimately rests on every single individual picking and choosing the public health that works for them. But that’s not what is effective. If you’re talking about stemming hospitalizations and even deaths, all of these interventions work better when people do it collectively,” she said.
___
Stobbe reported from New York.
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/18/officials-say-more-areas-us-may-see-mask-recommendations/ | 2022-05-18T17:46:37Z |
PARIS (AP) — Fisticuffs in the cockpit, leaving a leaky engine running while cruising over Africa — Air France pilots are under scrutiny after recent incidents that have prompted French investigators to call for tougher safety protocols.
Two Air France pilots were suspended after physically fighting in the cockpit on a Geneva-Paris flight in June, an Air France official said Sunday. The flight continued and landed safely, and the dispute didn’t affect the rest of the flight, the official said, stressing the airline’s commitment to safety.
Switzerland’s La Tribune reported that the pilot and co-pilot had a dispute shortly after takeoff, and grabbed each other by their collars after one apparently hit the other. Cabin crew intervened and one crew member spent the flight in the cockpit with the pilots, the report said.
News of the fight emerged after France’s air investigation agency, BEA, issued a report Wednesday saying that some Air France pilots lack rigor in respecting procedures during safety incidents.
It focused on a fuel leak on an Air France flight from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo to Paris in December 2020, when pilots rerouted the plane but didn’t cut power to the engine or land as soon as possible, as leak procedure requires. The plane landed safely in Chad, but the BEA report warned that the engine could have caught fire.
It mentioned three similar cases between 2017 and 2022, and said some pilots are acting based on their own analysis of the situation instead of safety protocols.
Air France said it is carrying out a safety audit in response. It pledged to follow the BEA’s recommendations, which include allowing pilots to study their flights afterward and making training manuals stricter about sticking to procedure.
The airline noted that it flies thousands of flights daily and the report mentions only four such safety incidents.
Air France pilots unions have insisted that security is paramount to all pilots and defended pilot actions during emergency situations.
The BEA also investigated an incident in April involving an Air France flight from New York’s JFK airport that suffered flight control problems on approach to its landing in Paris. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ap-2-air-france-pilots-suspended-after-fighting-in-cockpit/ | 2022-08-29T09:38:51Z |
The award-winning pop star wore an oversized T-shirt with her black hair in pigtails. Throughout the set, she addressed her fans to emphasize the importance of being comfortable and confident. "You're not allowed to judge anybody out here," she said.
"I want us all to feel loose and good and comfortable in our skin, and like, free, and happy," she later added. "I want you to just imagine that there's no bad in the world and there's only good."
Eilish, who already has seven Grammys under her belt, was joined on stage by several guest stars, including Khalid, Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn and Posdnuos of De La Soul. Finneas, her brother and longtime collaborator, also joined her for several songs.
At the end of her 90-minute performance, Eilish took another moment to thank her fans.
"Thank you, Coachella. I'm sorry I'm not Beyoncé," she said. "I love you, good night."
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More Than 1,500 Teamsters Keep Health Care Benefits, Win Higher Wages
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With 93 percent voting yes, Teamsters at the American Red Cross (ARC) voted to ratify a strong new contract protecting more than 1,500 health care workers. The agreement affects Teamsters working in a variety of health care roles and remains in effect until 2024.
"We exceeded turnout from the last national agreement from four years ago by 16 percent, which I think is a reflection of the fact that enthusiasm for our union is growing at the Red Cross," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "We now have united contract expiration dates to give local unions greater bargaining power and we retained our neutrality language to organize more locations. This agreement is a blueprint for the future."
"The pandemic has shown all of us just how invaluable health care workers are, and this now-ratified agreement honors their service," said Jason Lopes, Teamsters Health Care Director. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to bargain on behalf of members who are literal lifesavers."
The agreement was the first negotiated bilaterally and the first with rank-and-file members who served on the negotiating committee. Most notably, the members kept their current health care plan after the threat of a strike. Some improvements in the contract include increased wages and paid days off, better family leave and scheduling policies, and higher safety and health standards.
Marya Woodget has worked as a Collections Tech at ARC since 2015 and is a member of Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta.
"I think it's important to unionize every Red Cross location because we could stand for more things that workers want and need as a whole, throughout the entire country," said Woodget. "If we're all part of a union, it will be a bigger, more intact unit on the things that we fight for."
A few local unions remain in negotiations, but seek to ratify supplemental agreements within the next 90 days. The national agreement will become binding once all local supplements are ratified.
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 www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877
mmcquaid@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/teamsters-ratify-red-cross-national-agreement/ | 2022-07-15T21:22:56Z |
NEW YORK, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for ALLO, NEXI, EVTL, SONM, and DBRG.
To see how InvestorsObserver's proprietary scoring system rates these stocks, view the InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alert by selecting the corresponding link.
- ALLO: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=ALLO&prnumber=071520222
- NEXI: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=NEXI&prnumber=071520222
- EVTL: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=EVTL&prnumber=071520222
- SONM: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=SONM&prnumber=071520222
- DBRG: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=DBRG&prnumber=071520222
(Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alerts are based on our proprietary scoring methodology. Each stock is evaluated based on short-term technical, long-term technical and fundamental factors. Each of those scores is then combined into an overall score that determines a stock's overall suitability for investment.
InvestorsObserver provides patented technology to some of the biggest names on Wall Street and creates world-class investing tools for the self-directed investor on Main Street. We have a wide range of tools to help investors make smarter decisions when investing in stocks or options.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/thinking-about-buying-stock-allogene-therapeutics-neximmune-vertical-aerospace-sonim-technologies-or-digitalbridge/ | 2022-07-15T15:18:18Z |
Ukraine gets $1.7B in fresh aid to pay health care workers
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine is getting an additional $1.7 billion in assistance from the U.S. government and the World Bank to pay the salaries of its beleaguered health care workers and provide other essential services.
The money coming Tuesday from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Treasury Department and the World Bank is meant to alleviate the acute budget deficit caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutal war of aggression,” USAID said in a statement.
While many medical staffers have left Ukraine, some hospitals have shut down and other hospitals have been bombed. The health workers who remain in Ukraine do their jobs under dire circumstances.
Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s minister of health, said paying health workers’ salaries is becoming more difficult each month “due to the overwhelming burden of war.”
“$1.7 billion is not just yet another financial support; it is an investment that makes us a step closer to victory,” Liashko said in a statement.
To date, USAID has given $4 billion in budgetary support to the Ukrainian government. These funds have been used for keeping gas and electricity flowing to hospitals and schools, getting humanitarian supplies to citizens and paying the salaries of civil servants and teachers, the organization said.
USAID Administrator Samantha Power said that as Putin’s “assault on Ukraine’s public services continues, the United States is rushing in with financial support to help the government keep the lights on, provide essential services to innocent citizens and pay the health care workers who are providing lifesaving support on the frontlines.”
Last week, the Biden administration said it will send another $400 million in military equipment to Ukraine, the 15th package of military weapons and equipment transferred to Ukraine from Defense Department stocks since last August.
This new set of funds will be used for humanitarian purposes.
“This aid will help Ukraine’s democratic government provide essential services for the people of Ukraine,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a written statement.
Yellen said the money would “reach those who need it most at the front lines of Putin’s brutal and illegal war.”
Overall, the U.S. has sent about $7.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began in late February.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/12/ukraine-gets-17b-fresh-aid-pay-health-care-workers/ | 2022-07-12T13:48:25Z |
-- Replaces Lewis T. "Rusty" Williams, M.D., on Board of Directors --
FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcellx, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLX), a biotechnology company reimagining cell therapy through the development of innovative immunotherapies for patients with cancer and other incurable diseases, today announced the appointment of Olivia Ware to its Board of Directors. Ms. Ware, a successful executive, brings a wealth of knowledge from her more than 20 years of experience in biotech and pharmaceutical drug development, commercialization, and healthcare management.
"On behalf of our entire Board, I'd like to thank Rusty for his many contributions to Arcellx as both a private and publicly traded biotech company. I've personally appreciated Rusty's leadership and guidance and wish him all the best as he focuses on building his new company," said Rami Elghandour, Arcellx's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Olivia's deep industry and commercialization expertise will be an invaluable addition to the existing depth of experience on our Board. Olivia was an instrumental player for the launch of several of the world's largest revenue producing oncology drugs, including Rituxan®, Herceptin®, and Avastin®. This experience will allow her to provide strategic guidance as we plan to initiate a Phase 2 pivotal study for our CART-ddBCMA program for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and focus on delivering our novel cell therapy to patients as quickly as possible. We are excited to welcome someone of Olivia's caliber to our Board and look forward to her contributions as we advance our novel platform through the clinic and maximize the value of our D-Domain technology."
"This is an exciting time to join the Arcellx Board. Arcellx's lead product candidate, CART-ddBCMA, has the potential to be a meaningful treatment option for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable disease," said Olivia Ware. "My passion and track record launching and building blockbuster drug franchises comes from my dedication to serving the needs of patients, their families, and the physicians who treat them. I look forward to serving on the Board and providing my drug development and commercialization expertise as the company continues to progress its lead product candidate and development pipeline in support of its mission of reimagining cell therapy."
Most recently, Ms. Ware served as Senior Vice President, BTK Franchise at Principia Biopharma which was acquired by Sanofi in 2020. Prior to that, she was the Senior Vice President for commercial activities at Proteus Digital Health, Inc., a marketing and strategy consultant, and Chief Commercial Officer at CytRx Corporation. Ms. Ware served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at Genentech in sales and marketing, managed care, and leading global cross-functional teams. She currently serves on the public boards of Revance Therapeutics, Inc. and Ambrx, Inc. Ms. Ware holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and an A.B. from Davidson College.
Ms. Ware replaces Lewis T. "Rusty" Williams, M.D., co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Walking Fish Therapeutics, who has served on Arcellx's Board of Directors since 2019.
"It has been an amazing opportunity to be part of Arcellx's growth as it transitioned from a preclinical, private company to a late-stage publicly traded company," said Dr. Williams. "I look forward to following Arcellx's progress as they continue their path toward helping patients."
About Arcellx, Inc.
Arcellx, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company reimagining cell therapy by engineering innovative immunotherapies for patients with cancer and other incurable diseases. Arcellx believes that cell therapies are one of the forward pillars of medicine and Arcellx's mission is to advance humanity by developing cell therapies that are safer, more effective, and more broadly accessible. Arcellx's lead product candidate, CART-ddBCMA, is being developed for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM) in an ongoing Phase 1 study. CART-ddBCMA has been granted Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Arcellx is also advancing its dosable and controllable CAR-T therapy, ARC-SparX, through two programs: a Phase 1 study of ACLX-001 for r/r MM, initiated in the second quarter of 2022; and ACLX-002 in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, expected to enter the clinic in the second half of 2022.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including Arcellx's expectations regarding the timing of clinical trials for its product candidates and the potential of its product candidates. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon Arcellx's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Arcellx's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other reports, that Arcellx may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Arcellx assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Investor Contact:
Myesha Lacy
Arcellx, Inc.
ir@arcellx.com
510-418-2412
Media Contact
Andrea Cohen
Sam Brown Inc.
andreacohen@sambrown.com
917-209-7163
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SOURCE Arcellx, Inc | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/arcellx-appoints-olivia-ware-board-directors/ | 2022-05-16T20:12:10Z |
HAVANA (AP) — A deadly fire that consumed at least half of a large oil storage facility in western Cuba and threatened to bring more power failures to the island’s already fragile electricity system was largely controlled Wednesday after nearly five days, authorities said.
Flames that recently consumed the fourth tank in the eight-tank facility in Matanzas were almost quelled, although the third tank remained on fire and surrounded by smoke, officials said.
Col. Daniel Chávez, second in command at Cuba’s firefighting department, said the fire could keep burning for the next couple of days, but he did not expect it to spread further. He said the next step is to cool the area.
The blaze killed at least one person and injured 128 others, with 14 firefighters still reported missing and 20 people hospitalized. The fire also forced officials to evacuate more than 4,900 people and shut down a key thermoelectric plant after it ran out of water, raising concerns about a new round of blackouts in addition to the ones the government announced last week for Havana.
Arturo López-Levy, a politics and international relations professor at Holy Names University in California, said the fire will complicate an already difficult scenario in Cuba.
“I think any realistic forecast would point to more blackouts and more difficulty in carrying out the minimum economic activity in the country,” he said.
López-Levy also warned that it would be difficult “to lift up this country after this triple tragedy,” referring to the U.S. sanctions, the pandemic and now the fire.
Some Cubans worry the blaze could lead to more planned power outages as the government grapples with a fuel shortage.
“That gives way to more justification of blackouts that are going to occur,” said Pedro Pozo, a state worker.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised the work by local firefighters and special teams sent byt Mexico and Venezuela that employed boats, planes and helicopters to fight the blaze whose billowing, toxic smoke could be seen from the capital of Havana.
“(Tuesday) was a victory day, but we cannot be overconfident,” the president tweeted Wednesday as he warned about a possible switch in the wind direction. “Danger is lurking.”
The fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base began Friday when lightning struck the key infrastructure, which operates an oil pipeline that receives Cuban crude oil that powers thermoelectric plants. It also serves as the unloading and transshipment center for imported crude oil, fuel oil and diesel.
The government has not provided an estimate of damages or said how much it has lost overall in key fuel supplies. The first tank was at 50% capacity and contained nearly 883,000 cubic feet (25,000 cubic meters) of fuel. The second tank was full.
___
Andrea Rodríguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/firefighters-subdue-deadly-blaze-at-key-oil-facility-in-cuba/ | 2022-08-11T08:32:10Z |
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today its Mississippi subsidiary, Magnolia Health Plan (Magnolia), has been awarded the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) contract. Under the new contract, Magnolia will continue serving the state's Coordinated Care Organization Program, which will consist of the Mississippi Coordinated Access Network (MSCAN) and the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The new contract term is four (4) years and includes the option for two, 1-year renewals.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue serving our state partners to help build a healthier Mississippi," said Brent Layton, Centene's President and Chief Operating Officer. "We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnerships with our network of local providers and community partners, to deliver member-focused care and improve health outcomes while strengthening communities throughout Mississippi."
Nearly 1 in 4 Mississippians' healthcare is covered through the state's Medicaid managed care program, which provides access to physical health, behavioral health, pharmacy, hospital, and other services. Today, Magnolia serves more than 150,000 Medicaid enrollees and partners with 30,850 healthcare providers statewide.
"For more than a decade, Magnolia has been committed to increasing access to high-quality healthcare for Mississippians," said Aaron Sisk, Magnolia President and CEO. "We believe our focus on the wellness of the whole person, along with our local presence in Mississippi, allows Magnolia to uniquely address the health needs of our communities."
Magnolia has served the Medicaid population in partnership with DOM since 2011. The organization also focuses on under-insured and uninsured individuals through its federal insurance marketplace plan, Ambetter. Additionally, Magnolia provides insurance for the Medicare population through its Medicare Advantage plan, WellCare.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams – to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.
Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements, other than statements of current or historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "seek," "target," "goal," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "can," "continue" and other similar words or expressions (and the negative thereof). Centene (the Company, our, or we) intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with these safe-harbor provisions. In particular, these statements include, without limitation, statements about our future operating or financial performance, market opportunity, value creation strategy, competition, expected activities in connection with completed and future acquisitions and dispositions, including statements about the impact of our recently completed acquisition of Magellan Health, Inc. (the Magellan Acquisition), other recent and future acquisitions and dispositions, our investments and the adequacy of our available cash resources. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments and other factors we believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are subject to change because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, including economic, regulatory, competitive and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. Except as may be otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date hereof. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from projections, estimates, or other forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, variables and events including, but not limited to: our ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health benefits and other operating expenses and reserves, including fluctuations in medical utilization rates due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19; the risk that the election of new directors, changes in senior management, and any inability to retain key personnel may create uncertainty or negatively impact our ability to execute quickly and effectively; uncertainty as to the expected financial performance of the combined company following the recent completion of the Magellan Acquisition; the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from the Magellan Acquisition or the acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (the WellCare Acquisition) or other acquired businesses will not be realized, or will not be realized within the respective expected time periods; disruption from the integration of the Magellan Acquisition or the WellCare Acquisition, unexpected costs, or similar risks from other acquisitions or dispositions we may announce or complete from time to time, including potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or regulators, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the risk that the closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals, for the pending dispositions of Magellan Rx and our Spanish and Central European businesses, may be delayed or not obtained; impairments to real estate, investments, goodwill and intangible assets; a downgrade of the credit rating of our indebtedness; competition; membership and revenue declines or unexpected trends; changes in healthcare practices, new technologies, and advances in medicine; increased healthcare costs; changes in economic, political or market conditions; changes in federal or state laws or regulations, including changes with respect to income tax reform or government healthcare programs as well as changes with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (collectively referred to as the ACA) and any regulations enacted thereunder that may result from changing political conditions, the new administration or judicial actions; rate cuts or other payment reductions or delays by governmental payors and other risks and uncertainties affecting our government businesses; our ability to adequately price products; tax matters; disasters or major epidemics; changes in expected contract start dates; provider, state, federal, foreign and other contract changes and timing of regulatory approval of contracts; the expiration, suspension, or termination of our contracts with federal or state governments (including, but not limited to, Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE or other customers); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings or matters, including, but not limited to, our ability to resolve claims and/or allegations made by states with regard to past practices, including at Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, Inc. (Envolve), as our pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) subsidiary, within the reserve estimate we recorded in 2021 and on other acceptable terms, or at all, or whether additional claims, reviews or investigations relating to our PBM business will be brought by states, the federal government or shareholder litigants, or government investigations; the timing and extent of benefits from strategic value creation initiatives, including the possibility that these initiatives will not be successful, or will not be realized within the expected time periods; challenges to our contract awards; cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents; the exertion of management's time and our resources, and other expenses incurred and business changes required in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals for acquisitions or dispositions; any changes in expected closing dates, estimated purchase price and accretion for acquisitions or dispositions; restrictions and limitations in connection with our indebtedness; our ability to maintain or achieve improvement in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star ratings and maintain or achieve improvement in other quality scores in each case that can impact revenue and future growth; the availability of debt and equity financing on terms that are favorable to us; inflation; foreign currency fluctuations; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Due to these important factors and risks, we cannot give assurances with respect to our future performance, including without limitation our ability to maintain adequate premium levels or our ability to control our future medical and selling, general and administrative costs.
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SOURCE Centene Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/10/centene-subsidiary-selected-continue-serving-mississippis-medicaid-managed-care-members/ | 2022-08-10T19:25:21Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: AWF), a registered closed‑end investment company, today announced earnings for the first quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Total net assets of the Fund on June 30, 2022 were $903,758,607 as compared with $1,036,685,870 on March 31, 2022 and $1,128,170,999 on June 30, 2021. On June 30, 2022, the net asset value per share was $10.48 based on 86,229,677 shares of common stock outstanding.
For the period April 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022, total net investment income was $14,144,937 or $0.16 per share. The total net realized and unrealized loss was $(130,128,069) or $(1.51) per share for the same period.
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. is managed by AllianceBernstein L.P.
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SOURCE AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/alliancebernstein-global-high-income-fund-inc-reports-first-quarter-earnings/ | 2022-08-26T20:55:14Z |
SHENZHEN, China, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Meten Holding Group Ltd. ("Meten Holding Group" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: METX), an omnichannel training company headquartered in China providing language and workplace training services and actively developing metaverse, blockchain and cryptocurrency mining businesses, today provided updates on the Company's digital currency business.
To date, the Company has put 1,482 mining machines into operation with an aggregate computing power of 150PH/s. Moreover, as previously disclosed in February 2022, the Company purchased 600 XP mining machines from Bitmain Technologies Ltd. with an aggregate computing power of approximately 100PH/s. These mining machines are expected to be delivered and put into operation in the second half of 2022. In addition, the Company is actively seeking opportunities to acquire mining machines that are currently in operation as the Company's goal is to achieve an aggregate computing power of 600PH/s to 800PH/s by the end of this year.
As of May 31, 2022, the Company mined a total of 30.63709267 bitcoins. With the improvement of the Company's computing power and operating efficiency, the Company expects to achieve higher mining outputs in the future. Aiming to hold its digital currency assets in the long term, the Company will continue to grow the scale of its digital currency business.
Mr. Jason Zhao, Chairman of Meten Holding Group, commented, "As the Company is in the middle of the transition to becoming a technology company focusing on metaverse, the digital currency business is an indispensable aspect for us to achieve the transformation. We are committed to investing in mining machines to increase our computing power and improve our operating efficiency. Our goal is to hold and operate these mining machines for the long term and grow the size of our fleet of mining machines steadily. We believe t this approach will help us strengthen our financials and generate more value for our shareholders."
About Meten Holding Group Ltd.
Meten Holding Group Ltd., formerly known as Meten EdtechX Education Group Ltd., is an omnichannel training company headquartered in China providing language and workplace training services. In addition to its training services, Meten Holding Group actively develops metaverse, blockchain and cryptocurrency mining businesses to align with its future business development strategy. Meten Holding Group is committed to developing blockchain related businesses in North America, including cryptocurrency mining, mining farm construction, and mining pool and data center operation. Meten Holding Group actively explores metaverse business, such as Metaverse vocational education courses, with its competitive advantages and technology.
For more information, please visit: https://investor.metenedu-edtechx.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the future development of and the Company's ability to succeed in its new line of digital currency business; the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new variants; our ability to attract students without a significant decrease in course fees; our ability to continue to hire, train and retain qualified teachers; our ability to maintain and enhance our brands; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our school network and successfully execute our growth strategy; the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration, including those relating to copyright and other intellectual property rights; competition in the English language training sector in China; changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of our revenues; the expected growth of the Chinese English language training and private education market; Chinese governmental policies relating to private educational services and providers of such services; health epidemics and other outbreaks in China; and general economic conditions in China. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
+1 917-609-0333
tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com
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SOURCE Meten Holding Group Ltd. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/meten-holding-group-ltd-provides-updates-its-digital-currency-business/ | 2022-06-06T13:42:51Z |
Amazon stock plunges as company reports nearly $4 billion loss
By Rishi Iyengar, CNN Business
Amazon reported a significant loss in the first three months of the year, sending the company’s stock plunging.
The tech giant on Thursday said it had a net loss of $3.8 billion in the quarter ended March 31, a sharp drop in income from the same period last year, when it made an $8.1 billion profit. It was also a big miss from the $4.4 billion profit that analysts surveyed by Refinitiv had forecast.
The company attributed the loss largely to a $7.6 billion loss from its investment in electric automaker Rivian Automotive. Rivian, into which Amazon led a $700 million investment in 2019, has seen its stock plummet more than 75% since its blockbuster November 2021 IPO.
Amazon shares sank around 10% in after-hours trading following the results.
“The pandemic and subsequent war in Ukraine have brought unusual growth and challenges,” Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a statement.
Amazon’s overall revenue grew 7% from the same period last year to $116.4 billion, slightly beating analyst forecasts but slower than the 9% growth in the final months of last year. The company forecast that revenue growth would slow further next quarter, anticipating a growth rate of between 3% and 7%.
Jassy referenced Amazon’s breakneck growth in its consumer business during the pandemic, and the “doubling” of the company’s fulfillment network in the last two years.
“Today, as we’re no longer chasing physical or staffing capacity, our teams are squarely focused on improving productivity and cost efficiencies throughout our fulfillment network,” he added. “This may take some time, particularly as we work through ongoing inflationary and supply chain pressures, but we see encouraging progress on a number of customer experience dimensions.”
The company also announced that Prime Day, its annual sales bonanza, will take place this July in more than 20 countries.
Amazon’s earnings hit comes as the company continues to face pressure from its warehouse employees over issues such as pay and working conditions. Workers at a Staten Island, New York, warehouse voted to form the e-commerce giant’s first-ever US labor union earlier this month. Amazon has since filed an appeal, calling for a do-over of the entire vote.
A separate Amazon union election in Bessemer, Alabama, also concluded recently with the results too close to call.
Both union efforts grew from worker frustrations with Amazon’s treatment of workers amid the pandemic and were also motivated in part by increased national attention to racial justice issues and labor rights.
Amazon subsequently announced it would conduct a racial equity audit led by former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/money/cnn-social-media-technology/2022/04/28/amazon-stock-plunges-as-company-reports-nearly-4-billion-loss/ | 2022-04-28T22:14:14Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Quickpass Cybersecurity, a leading provider of Privileged Access Management and Helpdesk Security Automation for MSPs (Managed Service Providers), announced a new $3 million round of financing in partnership with Arthur Ventures. This completes their Series A round of financing, totaling $7 million.
This round of funding will enable Quickpass to accelerate the company's efforts to better secure MSPs and their customers with Privileged Access Management and Helpdesk Security Automation.
"We owe our success to the MSP community, especially our Partners," said Mateo Barraza, CEO and Co-Founder of Quickpass. "Over the past decade, cybersecurity threats have continually expanded downmarket and into the SMB space. Unlike the Enterprise market, the SMB space and the MSPs that serve them have been caught without a well-rounded and mature set of tools to protect themselves. We intend to change this by providing the MSP community with best-in-class cybersecurity tools in the Privileged Access Management and Helpdesk Security Automation areas," Barraza continued.
"We are excited to partner with Mateo, Jim and the rest of the Quickpass team in support of their mission to deliver the best Privileged Access Management software purpose-built for the MSP market," said Ryan Kruizenga, Partner at Arthur Ventures. "Quickpass is a perfect fit in our portfolio alongside other fast-growing security companies being built outside Silicon Valley such as Threatlocker, DNSFilter, and Nucleus Security. We look forward to supporting them through this period of hyper growth."
Quickpass doubled its annual recurring revenue in the past six months and currently has over 400 MSP partners. Their recent success comes after adding multiple key team members for their next stage of growth, including Hossein Rajabi as Director of Customer Experience, Luis Lejter as Director of Engineering, Geoff Bellefontaine as Director of Sales, Robby Singh as Lead Product Owner and Jimmy Hatzell as Director of Marketing.
Quickpass Cybersecurity is a leading provider of Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Help Desk Security Automation for MSPs (Managed Service Providers). The Quickpass PAM platform equips MSPs with a way to rotate all their privileged account passwords across AD and Azure AD, inject technician credentials into the most popular RMMs and enforce a zero standing privileges policy across all customers. The Help Desk solution automates the resolution of password reset tickets and uses biometrics to identify who is calling into the help desk.
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SOURCE Quickpass Cybersecurity | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/quickpass-cybersecurity-raises-7-million-secure-msps-automate-helpdesk-security/ | 2022-06-14T15:10:37Z |
The addition of Elite Fire Safety establishes a Sciens presence in the greater Detroit area, boosting its overall national footprint.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sciens Building Solutions ("Sciens") today announced it has welcomed Novi, Michigan-based Elite Fire Safety ("Elite") to its continuously growing portfolio of companies in the United States.
This latest acquisition by Sciens displays its commitment to becoming the largest independent fire-life safety and security integrator in the U.S. by adding the state of Michigan to its already broad U.S. presence. This partnership will provide Elite and its customers with even more comprehensive resources and expertise, as they tap into Sciens' knowledge and capabilities, while contributing significant expertise themselves.
"By joining the Sciens positive growth trajectory across the country, the Elite team will certainly benefit from the company's robust technical expertise and comprehensive building solutions, combined with our existing capabilities, empowering us to develop even broader offerings for the important Metropolitan Detroit Area market," said David Sizemore, president of Elite Fire Safety. "We are excited to grow together under the well-respected Sciens platform and contribute to an expanding footprint in Michigan and beyond."
Elite Fire Safety was established in 2007 in Lake Orion, MI, where it quickly became known as an expert company in the field of fire and life safety services and established a solid foundation in the Metropolitan Detroit Area that has grown to service clients throughout the State of Michigan and northern Ohio. Its team of nearly 80 professionals are the market leaders in providing fire and life safety services in the complex healthcare and high-rise/commercial market spaces.
"It's a very exciting time at Sciens and we are delighted to expand into a new state with a market-leading company such as Elite," said Terry Heath, Sciens' CEO. "Their team is full of industry experts, and we are looking forward to expanding our presence in this region, while welcoming other great companies to our fun Sciens journey."
About Sciens Building Solutions
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, and backed by The Carlyle Group, Sciens Building Solutions is a holding company focused on the fire detection and security services sector. This includes the design, installation, and provision of maintenance services for fire detection and clean agent fire suppression systems in a variety of commercial, institutional, and government facilities. For more information, please visit: www.sciensbuildingsolutions.com.
About Elite Fire Safety
Elite Fire Safety was founded in 2007 in Lake Orion, Michigan, where it has become one of the premier fire alarm and protection service companies in the greater Detroit area. They specialize in design, engineering, installation, testing & inspection, maintenance, and monitoring for fire detection, as well as fire protection inspections and fire extinguisher services. For more information, please visit: https://elitefire.com/.
Contact:
Jil Shingledecker
jshingledecker@sciensbuildingsolutions.com
407-221-6785
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SOURCE Sciens Building Solutions | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/sciens-building-solutions-announces-first-acquisition-michigan/ | 2022-06-23T14:57:09Z |
NEW YORK, May 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/pegasystems-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=27769&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased PEGA common stock between May 29, 2020 and May 9, 2022, inclusive.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until July 18, 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, Pegasystems Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) PEGA had engaged in corporate espionage and misappropriation of trade secrets to better compete against Appian, a principal competitor; (2) defendants' product development and associated success was, in significant part, not the result of its own research and product testing but rather the result of such corporate espionage and trade secret theft; (3) defendants had engaged in a scheme to steal Appian trade secrets, which was not only known to, but carried out through, the personal involvement of the Company's CEO; (4) the Company's CEO and other officers and employees did not comply with the Company's written Code of Conduct, including its express prohibition on "stealing" confidential information from a competitor and "misrepresenting your identity in hopes of obtaining confidential information"; (5) the Company was "unable to reasonably estimate damages" in the lawsuit filed by Appian as a result of the foregoing misconduct (the "Appian Litigation"); and (6) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' statements about PEGA's business, operations, prospects, legal compliance, and potential damages exposure in the Appian Litigation were materially false and/or misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis when made.
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/2022/05/27/pega-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-pega-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-july-18-2022/ | 2022-05-27T10:41:31Z |
Vice President Harris said in an interview broadcast on Sunday that she would again run on President Biden’s ticket in 2024 if he decides to seek reelection.
“The president has been very clear that he intends to run again,” Harris told host Chuck Todd on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“And if he does, I will be running with him proudly,” Harris added.
Biden and his aides have insisted the president plans to run for reelection if his health allows.
But some Democrats have dodged questions about whether they would support another White House bid by Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, who also faces low approval ratings.
His approval rating, however, has made gains in recent days following a string of recent legislative victories for Democrats and easing inflation, although it still remains underwater.
Harris also told Todd she was “very proud” to serve as Biden’s vice president.
“We talk about family a lot,” she said. “We talk about our hopes, we talk about our dreams, we talk about the things that concern us, that worry us, the things that keep us excited about everything we are doing.”
“It’s a real friendship. We have a real friendship, and I cherish that,” Harris added.
If Biden decides to run for a second term, his candidacy could lead to a rematch of the 2020 contest against former President Trump.
The former president has remained active in Republican politics since departing the White House, in particular focusing on endorsing candidates in the midterm elections who support his unfounded claims of mass election fraud.
Trump has said he already made a decision on whether he would mount a third White House bid, but he has not yet made a formal announcement.
A Yahoo-News-YouGov poll released last week found that Biden had a 6-point lead in a hypothetical rematch between the two presidents.
Forty-eight percent of registered voters said they’d vote for Biden, compared to 42 percent who said they’d vote for Trump.
The poll also found that an increasing percentage of Democrats want Biden to run in 2024, now outpacing those who say he shouldn’t run. The pollster last month found a plurality of Democrats did not want Biden to seek reelection.
A separate USA Today-Ipsos poll last month found that more than half of Democratic voters — 56 percent — indicated they did not want Biden to run for a second term. | https://cw33.com/hill-politics/harris-says-she-would-proudly-run-with-biden-if-he-seeks-reelection/ | 2022-09-12T23:49:11Z |
WHEELING, W.Va., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, announced today that industry veteran Richard Hunt has been named Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial & Industrial Banking. In his new role, Mr. Hunt will lead and execute the strategic direction of the Commercial & Industrial Banking division for WesBanco.
"Rich is a proven leader and highly respected professional in the financial services industry," said Jayson M. Zatta, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at WesBanco. "His deep understanding of commercial & industrial banking fundamentals coupled with his solid track record in strategic leadership will be an enormous contribution to WesBanco's long-term growth opportunities."
With extensive experience in commercial lending combined with a deep understanding of the Mid-Atlantic market, Richard Hunt will be responsible for the strategic enhancement and growth of WesBanco's Commercial & Industrial Banking business, including improving core capabilities, developing specialty lending and revenue products, and building a strong team through both internal development and talent acquisition.
Mr. Hunt brings more than 30 years of experience in both commercial and retail banking to the role. Most recently, he was the Maryland Market President for Atlantic Union Bank, where he led its middle market, asset-based lending, and community banking teams. Previously, he served as the Regional President for Maryland at Northwest Bank, as well as the Director of Business and Community Banking for Maryland/Washington D.C. and Virginia at Provident Bank of Maryland. Rich is heavily involved in his community, and is currently Board Chair for Ascension/St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore and a member of the Executive Board of Jr. Achievement Chesapeake Region.
About WesBanco, Inc.
Founded in 1870, WesBanco, Inc. (www.wesbanco.com) is a diversified and balanced financial services company that delivers large bank capabilities with a community bank feel. Our distinct long-term growth strategies are built upon unique sustainable advantages permitting us to span six states with meaningful market share. Built upon our 'Better Banking Pledge', our customer-centric service culture is focused on growing long-term relationships by pledging to serve all personal and business customer needs efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, our strong financial performance and employee focus has earned us recognition by Forbes as both one of America's Best Banks and Best Midsize Employers – the only midsize bank making the top ten of both rankings. In addition to a full range of online and mobile banking options and a full-suite of commercial products and services, WesBanco provides trust, wealth management, securities brokerage, and private banking services through our century-old Trust and Investment Services department, with approximately $5.4 billion of assets under management (as of March 31, 2022). WesBanco's banking subsidiary, WesBanco Bank, Inc., operates 205 financial centers in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Additionally, WesBanco operates an insurance agency, WesBanco Insurance Services, Inc., and a full service broker/dealer, WesBanco Securities, Inc.
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SOURCE WesBanco, Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/wesbanco-appoints-richard-hunt-executive-vice-president-director-commercial-amp-industrial-banking/ | 2022-06-09T13:51:30Z |
Only 17% of Consumers Report It's a 'Good Time to Buy' a Home
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) remained relatively flat in May, decreasing by only 0.3 points but inching nearer its 10-year- and pandemic-low of 63.0 from April 2020. Surveyed consumers continue to express concerns about housing affordability, with the "Good Time to Buy" indicator reaching a new survey low, as 79% of respondents reported that it's a bad time to buy a home. Additionally, 70% of respondents expect mortgage rates to continue their recent ascent over the next 12 months. A greater share of consumers also expressed concern that they may lose their job in the next 12 months, but that component remains firmly positive generally, with only 16% of consumers expressing pessimism. Year over year, the full index is down 11.8 points.
"Consumers' expectations that their personal financial situations will worsen over the next year reached an all-time high in the May survey, and they expressed greater concern about job security," said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. "Further, respondents' pessimism regarding homebuying conditions carried forward into May, with the percentage of respondents reporting it's a bad time to buy a home hitting a new survey high. The share reporting that it's 'easy to get a mortgage' also decreased across almost all segments."
Duncan continued: "These results suggest to us that increased mortgage rates, high home prices, and inflation will likely continue to squeeze would-be homebuyers – as well as those potential sellers with lower, locked-in mortgage rates – out of the market, supporting our forecast that home sales will slow meaningfully through the rest of this year and into next."
Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) decreased in May by 0.3 points to 68.2. The HPSI is down 11.8 points compared to the same time last year. Read the full research report for additional information.
- Good/Bad Time to Buy: The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to buy a home decreased from 19% to 17%, while the percentage who say it is a bad time to buy increased from 76% to 79%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to buy decreased 5 percentage points month over month.
- Good/Bad Time to Sell: The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home increased from 72% to 76%, while the percentage who say it's a bad time to sell decreased from 21% to 19%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to sell increased 6 percentage points month over month.
- Home Price Expectations: The percentage of respondents who say home prices will go up in the next 12 months increased from 44% to 47%, while the percentage who say home prices will go down decreased from 25% to 23%. The share who think home prices will stay the same decreased from 26% to 25%. As a result, the net share of Americans who say home prices will go up increased 5 percentage points month over month.
- Mortgage Rate Expectations: The percentage of respondents who say mortgage rates will go down in the next 12 months decreased from 5% to 4%, while the percentage who expect mortgage rates to go up decreased from 73% to 70%. The share who think mortgage rates will stay the same increased from 18% to 20%. As a result, the net share of Americans who say mortgage rates will go down over the next 12 months increased 2 percentage points month over month.
- Job Loss Concern: The percentage of respondents who say they are not concerned about losing their job in the next 12 months decreased from 84% to 81%, while the percentage who say they are concerned increased from 11% to 16%. As a result, the net share of Americans who say they are not concerned about losing their job decreased 8 percentage points month over month.
- Household Income: The percentage of respondents who say their household income is significantly higher than it was 12 months ago remained unchanged at 26%, while the percentage who say their household income is significantly lower increased from 14% to 16%. The percentage who say their household income is about the same decreased from 56% to 54%. As a result, the net share of those who say their household income is significantly higher than it was 12 months ago decreased 2 percentage points month over month.
The Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) distills information about consumers' home purchase sentiment from Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey® (NHS) into a single number. The HPSI reflects consumers' current views and forward-looking expectations of housing market conditions and complements existing data sources to inform housing-related analysis and decision making. The HPSI is constructed from answers to six NHS questions that solicit consumers' evaluations of housing market conditions and address topics that are related to their home purchase decisions. The questions ask consumers whether they think that it is a good or bad time to buy or to sell a house, what direction they expect home prices and mortgage interest rates to move, how concerned they are about losing their jobs, and whether their incomes are higher than they were a year earlier.
The most detailed consumer attitudinal survey of its kind, Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey (NHS) polled approximately 1,000 respondents via live telephone interview to assess their attitudes toward owning and renting a home, home and rental price changes, homeownership distress, the economy, household finances, and overall consumer confidence. Homeowners and renters are asked more than 100 questions used to track attitudinal shifts, six of which are used to construct the HPSI (findings are compared with the same survey conducted monthly beginning June 2010). For more information, please see the Technical Notes. Fannie Mae conducts this survey and shares monthly and quarterly results so that we may help industry partners and market participants target our collective efforts to support the housing market. The May 2022 National Housing Survey was conducted between May 1, 2022 and May 23, 2022. Most of the data collection occurred during the first two weeks of this period. Interviews were conducted by PSB, in coordination with Fannie Mae.
For detailed findings from the Home Purchase Sentiment Index and National Housing Survey, as well as a brief HPSI overview and detailed white paper, technical notes on the NHS methodology, and questions asked of respondents associated with each monthly indicator, please visit the Surveys page on fanniemae.com. Also available on the site are in-depth special topic studies, which provide a detailed assessment of combined data results from three monthly studies of NHS results.
To receive e-mail updates with other housing market research from Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research Group, please click here.
Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit:
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Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group or survey respondents included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group or survey respondents as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.
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SOURCE Fannie Mae | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/would-be-homebuyers-feeling-squeeze-higher-home-prices-mortgage-rates/ | 2022-06-07T13:22:38Z |
WESTMINSTER, Colo., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Inovonics, an industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for life-safety applications, announces the release of its new-generation specialty sensor products: The EN1263 motion detector with pet immunity, EN1266 360° ceiling mount motion detector, EN1248 glassbreak detector, and EN1342-60 activity monitoring detector. These devices were designed with the latest sensor technology and blend well in any commercial environment without being obtrusive while providing application-specific solutions.
In the words of Michael Um, Senior Product Manager: "These products allow Inovonics to continue to provide commercially approved wireless security solutions in areas that are challenging to solve with traditional methods of wiring."
For more information, please contact Nikki Williams by email at nwilliams@inovonics.com or by phone at 303-209-7219.
About Inovonics Inovonics is the industry leader in reliable wireless technology for life-safety applications. Inovonics provides flexible, cost-effective solutions to the senior living and commercial security markets by leveraging an extensible cloud platform, purpose-built software, APIs, dependable hardware components and unparalleled network infrastructure. Inovonics technology can be integrated into any cloud or premise-based application. For more information, visit www.inovonics.com.
Contact: Nikki Williams
Sr. Marketing Communication Manager
nwilliams@inovonics.com
303-209-7219
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SOURCE Inovonics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/inovonics-introduces-new-gen-specialty-sensor-products/ | 2022-06-30T17:17:54Z |
With much fanfare, ship after ship loaded with grain has sailed from Ukraine after being stuck in the country’s Black Sea ports for nearly six months. More quietly, a parallel wartime deal met Moscow’s demands to clear the way for its wheat to get to the world, too, boosting an industry vital to Russia’s economy that had been ensnared in wider sanctions.
While the U.S. and its European allies work to crush Russia’s finances with a web of penalties for invading Ukraine, they have avoided directly sanctioning grains and other goods that feed people worldwide.
Russian and Ukrainian wheat, barley, corn and sunflower oil are important to countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where millions rely on subsidized bread for survival. As the war spiked food and energy prices, millions of people have been pushed into poverty or closer to the brink of starvation.
Two deals that the U.N. and Turkey brokered last month to unblock food supplies depend on each other: one protects ships exporting Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea and the other assures Russia that its food and fertilizer won’t face sanctions, safeguarding one of the pillars of its economy and helping ease concerns from insurers and banks.
The agreement allowed a Western shipper to move two vessels of grain out of Russia in a matter of weeks. It used to take months because Western banks refused to transfer payments to Russia. Although U.S. and European Union sanctions don’t directly target Russian agriculture, Western banks have been wary of running afoul, hindering buyers’ and shippers’ access to Russian grain.
“You have to invest time with the banks to make them understand this whole thing because the authority says, ‘Go ahead there’s no sanction,’ but the banks self-sanction,” said Gaurav Srivastava, whose company Harvest Commodities buys, ships and sells grains from the Black Sea region.
He called the process with banks a “labor intensive exercise.”
What’s changed in recent weeks, Srivastava said, is “the appearance … of this being sort of a truce between all parties.”
The deal mattered to Russia because it’s the world’s biggest exporter of wheat, accounting for almost a fifth of global shipments, and the country is expected to have one of its best-ever crop seasons this year. Agriculture accounts for around 4% of Russia’s gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
“What is more important is employment,” said Russian economist Sergey Aleksashenko, referring to jobs created by agriculture. “It’s like 7 to 8% of employment.”
Farming provides 5-6 million Russian jobs, with some regions almost entirely dependent on it for their livelihood, he said.
Srivastava, whose company operates from Los Angeles and Geneva, hopes to be able to ship out 10-15 million tons of Russian grain over the coming year.
He also has been able to move out two chartered ships that were stuck at Ukrainian ports since the start of the war on Feb. 24. He said the company is aiming to pick up 1 million tons of grain from Ukraine under the four-month-long U.N. deal.
“We are a commercial business, but we are trying to help the plight of farmers in both Russia and Ukraine,” Srivastava said. “I’m very optimistic, especially in the last couple of weeks.”
Russia’s demands for the deal included public statements from the U.S. and EU that sanctions don’t target Russian food and fertilizer. It also raised issues around financial transactions to the Russian Agricultural Bank, access for Russian-flagged vessels at ports and ammonia exports needed for fertilizer production.
A week before Russia signed the agreement, the U.S. Treasury Department issued statements with such assurances. It made clear that Washington hadn’t imposed sanctions on the sale or transport of agricultural commodities or medicine from Russia.
Treasury also issued a broad license to authorize certain transactions related to agricultural commodities, saying the U.S. “strongly supports efforts by the United Nations to bring both Ukrainian and Russian grain to world markets and to reduce the impact of Russia’s unprovoked war on Ukraine on global food supplies and prices.”
The EU also reiterated that Russian agriculture hadn’t been sanctioned and blamed the global spike in food prices on the war and the Kremlin’s agricultural export caps meant to protect its domestic market. The 27-nation bloc said its sanctions provide exceptions, such as allowing EU countries to authorize access to ports for Russian-flagged vessels for trade in agricultural or food products.
Russia says it’s still facing challenges.
The country’s agriculture ministry says difficulty with the supply of imported farming equipment, which isn’t directly sanctioned, also threatens the grain harvest. It said domestic needs would be met, but that exports might be affected.
Even after the deal was signed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov chided Western assurances that agriculture was exempt from sanctions. During a diplomatic tour of Africa focused on food exports, he said a “half-truth is worse than a lie” while pointing to the chilling effect of sanctions.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres “committed himself to press the Western countries to lift those restrictions,” Lavrov said. “We’ll see whether he can succeed.”
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian grains are ever more critical to averting hunger in developing countries. S&P Global Commodity Insights said in a June report that 41 million tons of Russian wheat could be available for export this year.
But overall, the world is expected to produce 12.2 million tons less wheat and 19 million tons less corn for the 2022-2023 harvest compared with the previous year, International Grains Council Executive Director Arnaud Petit said. This is in part due to the war in Ukraine and drought in Europe, he said.
While a strong U.S. dollar and inflation may force some countries to ration food imports, Petit noted that some countries are imposing export controls that could impact the availability of grains in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
___
Raf Casert contributed to this report from Brussels.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/ukraines-black-sea-deal-also-helps-russian-farmers-economy/ | 2022-08-16T16:04:57Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles City Planning, the largest urban planning department in the United States, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the City's Cultural Heritage Ordinance—one of the earliest pieces of historic preservation legislation adopted in a major urban center.
The Cultural Heritage Ordinance established the creation of a five-member Cultural Heritage Commission Board (now called the Cultural Heritage Commission), granting the Board the responsibility to designate as Historic-Cultural Monuments (HCMs) any building, structure, or site that is of importance to the development and preservation of the history of Los Angeles. The 1962 ordinance, among the first of its kind in any large American city, initiated historic preservation efforts that continue to the present day.
There are now 1,264 HCMs marking places that represent important events in the rich history of the city, significant architectural achievements that have shaped Los Angeles, and sites associated with people who have contributed to the City's civic and cultural life. This list of monuments showcases the breadth of resources which celebrate the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles's communities.
"With influences from immigrant, migrant, and indigenous communities, Los Angeles is an incredibly culturally rich city,'' said Director of Planning Vince Bertoni. "Future Angelenos will be able to appreciate the efforts of previous generations as a result of our steadfast commitment to understanding the passion and enthusiasm upon which this great City was built."
The City's first HCM, the Leonis Adobe, was designated on August 6, 1962. The criteria for designation allow the City to admit a wide variety of monument types. While buildings make up the great majority of HCMs, structures such as bridges and public stairways, as well as trees, can also be designated. Open spaces such as Griffith Park, Echo Park, and Banning Park are also recognized as HCMs, along with natural features that qualify as culturally significant.
HCM designation grants properties a level of protection against demolition. Owners also become eligible to use preservation incentives, such as the Mills Act Historical Property Contract Program, which can provide property tax relief to support the substantial rehabilitation of significant historic resources across the city. Preservation fosters more sustainable development patterns that promote the repurposing of existing buildings across the City while also combating climate change by recycling materials to reduce carbon emissions.
planning.media@lacity.org
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SOURCE LA City Planning | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/city-plannings-cultural-heritage-commission-marks-60-years-preserving-las-unique-cultural-identity/ | 2022-08-04T18:42:00Z |
All firm partners recognized in 2023 edition; national recognition comes as firm celebrates major milestone
HOUSTON , Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston-based premier litigation firm Hicks Thomas LLP announced today that 13 of its attorneys have been named to the 2023 list of The Best Lawyers in America, one of the most respected peer-review attorney guides in the nation.
Firm Partners John B. Thomas, Robin Harrison, Paul Mitchell, Stephen Loftin, Jay Old and Allen Rustay were recognized for their expertise in Commercial Litigation. Mr. Thomas earned additional honors for Intellectual Property Litigation, and Mr. Harrison was also recognized for Oil & Gas Law.
Additionally, Firm Partner Courtney Ervin earned honors for her work in Energy Law; J. Stephen Barrick was recognized for his Appellate Law practice; John Deis earned honors for Construction Litigation; and Eric Grant was recognized for Environmental Law. Stewart Hoffer was honored in two practice areas: Labor Law Management and Labor and Employment Litigation, and Gregg Laswell was honored for Oil and Gas Law.
Best Lawyers also named Hicks Thomas attorney Colin Watterson to its list of "Ones to Watch," which recognizes professional excellence in attorneys earlier in their careers. Mr. Watterson was honored for Commercial Litigation.
The 2023 edition marks the largest field of Hicks Thomas partners to be recognized and comes as the firm celebrates its 25th anniversary.
"When we founded this firm in 1997, it was always about doing what is best for our clients. It was that way on day one and continues to be that way today," said Hicks Thomas Partner John B. Thomas. "To have 100 percent of our partners honored in this way is really something special and confirmation that we have been and continue to be on the right path."
The Best Lawyers in America is based on confidential client and peer evaluations, as well as extensive editorial research. To read more about Hicks Thomas' Best Lawyers visit: https://www.bestlawyers.com/firms/hicks-thomas-llp/62934/US
Founded in 1997, Texas-based Hicks Thomas LLP is a premier litigation firm representing plaintiffs and defendants across the nation. With offices in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, Amarillo, and Sacramento, California, the firm provides in-depth experience in cases involving oil and gas, environmental, complex commercial, toxic tort, construction, products liability, corporate governance, securities, banking, insurance coverage, transportation, trade secrets and business litigation. Visit the firm at http://www.hicks-thomas.com.
Media Contact:
April Arias
800-559-4534
april@androvett.com
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SOURCE Hicks Thomas LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/13-hicks-thomas-attorneys-named-among-best-lawyers-america/ | 2022-08-18T12:34:29Z |
DENVER (AP) — Among the nine NFL teams changing quarterbacks in 2022 are three franchises that had been the models of stability at the position for a decade or more: the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Seahawks and Falcons traded away their longtime starters and the Steelers lost Ben Roethlisberger to retirement.
Russell Wilson led the Seahawks to the playoffs eight times in his decade in Seattle before his relationship with coach Pete Carroll soured and he was dealt to Denver in a blockbuster trade this spring.
Wilson becomes the sixth different starting quarterback in six years for the Broncos, who have churned through a dozen so-so QBs since Peyton Manning retired.
The Broncos gave up four high draft picks and three veterans for Wilson, including QB Drew Lock, who seesawed with Geno Smith in an underwhelming camp competition that had Seahawks fans dreaming of next year’s deep class of QBs featuring Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young and Kentucky’s Will Levis.
The Falcons are heading into the season without Matt Ryan under center for the first time since 2007. What spelled the end of Ryan’s long stay in Atlanta was the Falcons’ dalliance with Deshaun Watson, who eventually agreed to a trade to Cleveland after the Browns guaranteed every penny of his new $230 million contract.
The Falcons traded Ryan, who started 232 of 235 games for Atlanta, including Super Bowl 51, to the Indianapolis Colts — who parted with Carson Wentz after just one year — for a third-round pick.
Atlanta replaced Ryan with Marcus Mariota, who will be a starter for the first time in four years. Wentz ended up in Washington, the third NFL stop in three seasons for the second overall pick the Eagles in 2016.
Another ripple of the Watson trade, which netted the Texans five draft picks, including three first-rounders, was the departure of Baker Mayfield after a divisive four-year run in Cleveland that included the Browns’ first playoff win since 2002. Mayfield was traded to Carolina, where he beat out Sam Darnold.
Watson won’t be eligible to suit up for the Browns until Week 13 following an 11-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after he was accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen women while with the Texans.
“My whole life I just have been able to move forward and that’s the plan,” said Watson, who can return for the Browns’ game in Houston on Dec. 4.
Wilson and Mayfield won’t have to wait that long for their reunions.
Wilson returns to Seattle on Sept. 12 to cap an opening weekend that also features a revenge game with the Browns, behind stand-in Jacoby Brissett, at Carolina.
The last time the Steelers entered a season without “Big Ben” at quarterback was 2003, although Roethlisberger’s 2019 season ended after two weeks because of an elbow injury that required surgery.
Pittsburgh, loaded with premier pass-catchers, signed free agent Mitch Trubisky, who spent four turbulent years in Chicago before serving as Josh Allen’s backup in Buffalo last year, and drafted Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh.
Finally, the 49ers turned things over to Trey Lance this summer after he spent his rookie year on the bench behind Jimmy Garoppolo, who led San Francisco to the Super Bowl following the 2019 season.
Wilson insists he’s not anticipating an emotional homecoming at Lumen Field.
“It has to be non-emotional,” Wilson said, just like every other game he played while compiling a 113-60-1 record for the Seahawks, including a 43-8 demolition of Denver in Super Bowl 48.
Wilson will be the first quarterback to start for a team he beat in the Super Bowl, but he said he’s not concerned in the least whether he’ll be greeted with cheers or jeers.
Mayfield, on the other hand, acknowledges there will be some extra incentive in going against the Browns in the Panthers’ opener.
“Obviously there is a lot of attachment there and I’m not going to sit here and be a robot and say that it doesn’t mean anything,” Mayfield said. “It will.”
___
More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-almost-a-third-of-nfl-teams-have-changed-quarterbacks-in-22/ | 2022-08-26T11:10:50Z |
Man’s 63-month prison term matches longest for Capitol riot
(AP) - A man who attacked police officers with poles during the riot at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Tuesday to more than five years in prison, matching the longest term of imprisonment so far among hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions.
Mark Ponder, a 56-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., said he “got caught up” in the chaos that erupted on Jan. 6, 2021, and “didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”
“I wasn’t thinking that day,” Ponder told U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, asking her for mercy before she sentenced him to five years and three months in prison.
That was three months longer than the prison sentence requested by prosecutors. And it’s the same sentence that Chutkan gave Robert Palmer, a Florida man who also pleaded guilty to assaulting police at the Capitol.
More than 200 other Capitol riot defendants have been sentenced so far. None received a longer prison sentence than Ponder or Palmer.
Chutkan said Ponder was “leading the charge” against police officers trying to hold off the mob that disrupted Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
“This is not ‘caught up,’ Mr. Ponder,” she said. “He was intent on attacking and injuring police officers. This was not a protest.”
Chutkan has consistently taken a hard line in punishing Capitol rioters. She has handed down terms of imprisonment to all 13 riot defendants who have come before her, matching or exceeding the Justice Department’s sentencing recommendation in every case, according to an Associated Press review of court records.
Prosecutors had recommended a five-year prison sentence for Ponder, who has been jailed since his arrest in March 2021.
In April, Ponder pleaded guilty to an assault charge punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines called for a prison term ranging from nearly five years to just under six years, but Chutkan wasn’t bound by those recommendations.
More than 100 police officers were injured during the riot.
Defense attorney Joseph Conte said Ponder was “caught up in the madness that was January 6.” Conte asked for a sentence below the guidelines range.
Ponder swung a pole at a Capitol police officer on the Capitol’s West Plaza, breaking it against the officer’s shield. After retreating into the crowd, Ponder grabbed a sturdier pole colored in red, white, and blue stripes. He used it to assault two other officers, hitting one of them in the left shoulder, before police detained and handcuffed him.
Outnumbered officers released Ponder because they couldn’t get a police vehicle to transport him. They told him to leave the Capitol, but Ponder stayed and joined a mob of rioters clashing with police at a tunnel.
After his arrest, Ponder told FBI agents that he typically supports police but viewed the officers as “part of the problem” that day.
“At some point in time, the way this country is going, you gonna have to pick a side,” he said, according to prosecutors.
Ponder attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6 to hear then-President Donald Trump’s speech and to “peacefully protest the results of the election and the lack of attention to alleged voting irregularities,” Conte wrote in a court filing.
“He did so with no intent to do anything but add his voice to the vocal protests over the injustice he perceived had happened in the election,” the attorney added. “Unfortunately, he got caught up in the riotous atmosphere of the crowd and erroneously perceived the police as standing in the way of the crowd’s desire to protest the election results.”
Ponder has a substantial criminal record spanning three decades, including a 2008 conviction for bank robbery, according to prosecutors.
More than 840 people have been charged with federal crimes for their conduct at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Over 350 riot defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted by a jury or a judge after trials.
More than 220 of them have been sentenced, including approximately 100 who received a term of imprisonment. Ponder is the 15th to be sentenced to a prison term exceeding one year.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/26/mans-63-month-prison-term-matches-longest-capitol-riot/ | 2022-07-26T18:08:20Z |
Okera extends the power of Snowflake's Data Cloud, enabling modern data-driven organizations to manage and utilize sensitive data safely and securely
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SNOWFLAKE SUMMIT, BOOTH 1209C -- Okera, the Universal Data Authorization company, today announced the immediate availability of Okera on Snowflake, a new software as a service (SaaS) offering for the Snowflake Data Cloud. Leveraging the new SaaS solution, non-technical data stakeholders in business, security, and compliance can collaborate with a significantly smaller data engineering team to define data access control policies, validate that data policies are implemented as intended, and self-serve their own data privacy compliance reports and real-time analytics.
"Data governance remains a top priority for modern data-driven organizations who rely on their information assets to gain a competitive advantage," said Saqib Mustafa, Global Head of Partner Marketing at Snowflake. "Our partnership with Okera enables data-driven organizations to leverage Snowflake's native Data Access Governance capabilities, and do so in a collaborative platform that makes it easy for all data stakeholders to participate in the definition, validation, and updates to centralized and distributed data access policies."
Most security-minded organizations are well-equipped to secure data at-rest and data in-transit. Okera secures data in use, so the large investments in big data analytics and data science yield faster, recurring business value. Now delivered as a SaaS offering, Okera and Snowflake allow organizations to focus their efforts on delivering data-driven applications and insights, rather than managing on-premises infrastructure or highly technical policy grants.
Using Okera, universal data authorization policies are automatically materialized as Snowflake data access governance controls for native enforcement. Okera-authored policies are automatically and seamlessly implemented, allowing direct access with Snowsight or SnowSQL CLI, or via indirect access through a BI dashboard or reporting tool.
At Snowflake Summit 2022, live in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 13-16, organizations can see the solution in action. Click here to take advantage of a complimentary trial.
"Organizations need a new, more nimble way to keep pace with evolving business needs while ensuring data is secured and compliant with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, LGPD, CCPA/CCRA, and more. Delivered as a SaaS solution, Okera's offering for Snowflake makes it even easier to maximize the value of the Snowflake Data Cloud with fine-grained access control policies that are easy to understand, implement, and modify to meet the needs of all data stakeholders," said Sanjeev Mohan, Principal, SanjMo & Former Gartner Research VP, Big Data and Advanced Analytics.
"As a Snowflake Data Governance Accelerated partner, Okera is committed to helping data teams deliver business value faster and more confidently, while permitting data security and privacy teams to validate the appropriate security mandates and that data privacy regulations are implemented as intended," said Nong Li, CEO and co-founder of Okera. "As organizations continue to embark on their digital journeys, proper data governance becomes paramount. The Okera offering for Snowflake was designed to empower data-driven organizations while safeguarding against inappropriate data usage."
Join the Conversation on Social Media: #DataSecurity and #DataGovernance leader @Okerainc announces the general availability of Okera on Snowflake, enabling #DataPrivacy and #DataCompliance for users of @SnowflakeDB See it in action at #SnowflakeSummit
Okera, the Universal Data Authorization company, helps modern, data-driven enterprises accelerate innovation, minimize data security risks, and demonstrate regulatory compliance. The Okera Dynamic Access Platform automatically enforces universal fine-grained access control policies. This allows employees, customers, and partners to use data responsibly, while protecting them from inappropriately accessing data that is confidential, personally identifiable, or regulated. Okera's robust audit capabilities and data usage intelligence deliver the real-time and historical information that data security, compliance, and data delivery teams need to respond quickly to incidents, optimize processes, and analyze the performance of enterprise data initiatives. Okera began development in 2016 and now dynamically authorizes access to hundreds of petabytes of sensitive data for the world's most demanding F100 companies and regulatory agencies. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, ClearSky Security, and Felicis Ventures. For more information, visit www.okera.com or contact info@okera.com, or connect with the team on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
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SOURCE Okera Inc | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/okera-announces-general-availability-okera-snowflake-new-saas-solution-helps-data-driven-organizations-simplify-data-access-governance-compliance/ | 2022-06-14T19:35:40Z |
More than 300 funds have raised over $29 billion in capital through Anduin; Former Blackstone CTO to help guide Anduin through its next phase of growth
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anduin, the private market transaction innovator, announced the appointment of Bill Murphy, Managing Partner at Cresting Wave and former CTO of Blackstone, as a strategic advisor. Murphy joins current Anduin advisors Lauren Iaslovits, co-founder of Investran, and Jeff Gelfand, retired CFO of Centerbridge and Silverpoint. In his role, Murphy will provide guidance on Anduin's product and market strategy as the company aims to become the singular platform for fund managers and their LPs to interface with one another.
"Tapping into the expertise of a veteran financial technology leader who understands how Anduin can unlock growth in the private markets will be invaluable as we continue to expand," said Eliot Hodges, CEO of Anduin. "With decades of strategy and technology leadership, Bill is the perfect addition as we rapidly scale the company and fulfill our mission of delivering an enhanced onboarding experience for fund managers and investors."
With over 25 years in technology and beyond, Murphy has been the CTO at Blackstone and founding CTO of Capital IQ. Combining his entrepreneurial experience, knowledge of technology leadership from product design, development, infrastructure, and support, along with his deep industry knowledge, Murphy brings a unique perspective that he'll use to advise Anduin and help move the private markets forward.
"Anduin has the key elements of a market leader: visionary leadership, world-class team, and best-in-class technology," said Murphy. "Anduin is bringing digital transformation to the workflow of the private markets, improving efficiency and transparency for investors. I am excited to help Anduin revolutionize the way fund managers and investors transact."
By 2026, the private market is estimated to reach a combined value of $23 trillion. Anduin is increasing access to this space by digitizing the outdated, manual funding processes and instead providing investors with a seamless onboarding experience they want to repeat. Anduin's customers are already benefiting as our platform has connected over 15,000 investors with more than 300 funds, helping raise over $29 billion in capital globally.
About Anduin
Anduin is revolutionizing the investor onboarding experience in the alternative and private markets. Whether engaging your LPs with our marketing-focused data rooms or providing a secure and collaborative environment to navigate the complex subscription process, connecting LPs and GPs efficiently is our obsession.
Our ecosystem has connected over 15,000 investors with over 300 funds, helping raise over $29 billion in capital globally. To learn more, visit www.anduintransact.com.
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SOURCE Anduin | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/anduin-appoints-technologist-bill-murphy-strategic-advisor/ | 2022-08-11T13:42:39Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — We talk a lot about rodeo here in Texas, but do you know about the women’s side of things, specifically?
The Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) is the largest annual purse for a women’s rodeo event and was held in the metroplex earlier this year.
WRWC is a culmination of a year-long race of women’s rodeo events worldwide. Athletes qualify for the WRWC by earning points and leaderboard positions using the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ). Each champion won $60,000.
Linsay Sumpter, WRWC commissioner, joined us to talk more about the role women play in professional rodeos. She also taught us how to rope! | https://cw33.com/news/inside-dfw/linsay-sumpter-talks-womens-rodeo-shows-inside-dfw-crew-how-to-rope/ | 2022-06-29T17:38:39Z |
Police officers surprise shoppers with cash in California
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KFMB) – If you’re interacting with a police officer, usually it’s because you’ve been in an accident, are a victim of a crime, or you’re getting a ticket.
But in one California city, officers are changing that by giving away thousands of dollars.
Officers T.J. Dunn and Charles Dabney surprised shoppers Wednesday at a Walmart store located in the area where they regularly patrol.
“So, how much money do you think you’re going to spend today?” Dunn asked Sandy Hughes as she was shopping.
“More than I want to!” Hughes said.
Hughes is in the middle of moving because her rent just went up again, but her quick trip to the grocery store ended up making her smile.
“I’m going to give you $100 in cash,” Dunn told her before handing her the money. “It’s called an act of kindness.”
Technically, it’s called the Random Acts of Kindness Project, which was made possible by an Oceanside resident who donated $20,000 to the Oceanside Police Department to randomly give out to residents throughout the year to help make ends meet.
The project is giving officers the opportunity to meet people in a more relaxed and friendly environment than usual.
“Most of the time when people call the police, it’s not under the greatest circumstances,” said Jennifer Atenza, the department’s public information officer. “It’s when something bad has happened, there’s an emergency, there’s trauma involved. So, this affords us the opportunity to make connections under positive circumstances.”
Last month, Oceanside officers visited gas stations along their regular beat to help people with spiking gas prices.
Officers said soon they will randomly stop by other grocery stores across the city to give away cash.
Copyright 2022 KFMB via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/21/police-officers-surprise-shoppers-with-cash-california/ | 2022-04-21T21:31:22Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSCW) ("Color Star" or the "Company"), an entertainment technology company with a global network that focuses on the application of technology and artificial intelligence ("AI") in the entertainment industry, celebrates the 2nd anniversary of the launch of its software ColorWorld Metaverse ("Color World"). In order to thank users worldwide for their support, 10 registered users will be randomly selected between 09/13/2022 and 09/30/2022 to receive gifts from a star soccer team.
Color World was officially launched on the 10th of September, 2020. It began as an app that offered celebrity-led courses, online performances and other related products. In January 2022, the app successfully transformed into the current version, a metaverse with "artificial intelligence + celebrity entertainment" as its core features. During these two years of growth and development, the app has managed to amass more than one million users worldwide. The continued support from these users has given the Color Star team confidence to continue updating the software and developing new products and features. Since transforming into a metaverse platform featuring AI technology, virtual cities, virtual communities, virtual characters, virtual headquarters, etc, Color World has been inviting many global superstar celebrities to join the platform to expand on the celebrity content by creating more celebrity masterclasses, online virtual performances, celebrity merchandise, games, and so on. This will help provide a boost to the quality of user experience.
Since launching two years ago, the support from users has been crucial and uplifting. Color Star has taken this opportunity of the second anniversary to prepare a number of celebrity goodies. From now until September 30, users can participate in the 2nd anniversary event by downloading Color World from their mobile app store (search "ColorWorld Metaverse"). The company will select 10 lucky individuals who will be notified of their selection via email.
Next, Color World will also be adding more virtual locations as well as digital products to the metaverse. Users will be able to enjoy regular fresh updates to the app, and these updates will eventually bring users a more life-like experience in the metaverse comparable to reality. Moreover, Color World hopes to attract more companies around the world to partner up and join the platform so that they can develop and grow together.
About Color Star Technology Co., Ltd.
Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSCW) is an entertainment and education company that provides online entertainment performances and online music education services. Its business operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Color China Entertainment Ltd. and CACM Group NY, Inc. The Company's online education is provided through its Color World music and entertainment education platform. More information about the Company can be found at www.colorstarinternational.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, including the development of the metaverse project; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of the educational and training services market internationally where CSCW conducts its business; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof unless required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.
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SOURCE Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/color-world-celebrates-its-2nd-anniversary-with-star-rewards-awaiting-users/ | 2022-09-13T13:03:02Z |
Louisiana prosecutor gets green light from feds to pursue charges in death of Ronald Greene, says he’ll move ‘swiftly’
By Nick Valencia and Jade Gordon, CNN
The local Louisiana district attorney with jurisdiction over the town where Ronald Greene died following an interaction with state troopers told state lawmakers Thursday that he plans to convene a special grand jury and pursue criminal charges against the troopers involved in the Black motorist’s death.
Testifying before a special committee of the Louisiana State Legislature that is investigating Greene’s 2019 death, District Attorney John Belton said a “criminal act” occurred and plans to “move swiftly” to convene a grand jury.
Speaking with CNN after the committee hearing adjourned, Belton reiterated his position, saying, “I have already stated that crimes have been committed.”
Belton was asked by the US Attorney’s Office not to proceed with charges while the Department of Justice was investigating Greene’s death for civil rights violations, he said. That changed last week when Belton said he received a call from the US attorney now handling the case, Brandon Brown, telling him that he could move forward with a local investigation that will take place concurrently with the federal probe.
The Department of Justice declined to comment.
Belton did not give a timeline on when he would begin a local investigation, but told lawmakers that he expects to “move swiftly.”
Greene died on May 10, 2019, while in the custody of the Louisiana State Police after a police chase.
Body camera footage of the incident shows state troopers repeatedly tasing, beating and violently dragging Greene. The family has filed a lawsuit, accusing the agency of trying to cover up how Greene died. Greene’s family said they were initially told that he died in a car crash, but forensics examiners later eliminated the car crash as being a reason for his cause of death.
The troopers involved have maintained that Greene’s death “was caused by crash-related blunt force chest trauma that resulted in a fractured sternum and ruptured aorta,” and have maintained they had to use force to restrain him “for their own personal safety and for the safety of the public,” according to court documents.
When asked by CNN whether anyone from Louisiana State Police attempted to discourage him from pursuing charges, the prosecutor simply said, “No.” When asked to characterize what he saw in the body cam footage of Greene’s encounter with police, Belton called the video “disturbing.”
During an exchange with lawmakers, Belton said his office is “looking at everything” as part of his probe, including potential obstruction of justice charges.
Representatives on the committee, including state Reps. Edmond Jordan and C. Denise Marcelle, told CNN that the goal of the committee was to find out what happened. The committee has been meeting weekly since early March and plans on continuing to hear testimony through the legislative session, which concludes the first week of June.
What we know about the case
According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Greene’s family, the family was initially told Greene died on impact during the crash. A report from Glenwood Medical Center listed the principal cause of death as cardiac arrest and described an “unspecified injury” to Greene’s head. Postmortem photos published on the NAACP Baton Rouge Facebook page showed large abrasions to Greene’s skull and bruising on his cheeks.
A report from the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division’s investigation into Greene’s in-custody death cited a “struggle” with state troopers.
“A short time later Greene became unresponsive and was transported to Glenwood Medical Center by Pafford Medical Service,” the report said.
Greene died on the way to the medical center, according to the LSP report.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Steve Almasy contributed to this report. | https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-national/2022/04/07/louisiana-prosecutor-gets-green-light-from-feds-to-pursue-charges-in-death-of-ronald-greene-says-hell-move-swiftly/ | 2022-04-08T02:40:20Z |
PITTSBURGH, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FlexScreen is pleased to announce the opening of its newest manufacturing plant in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Nashua location is the seventh FlexScreen facility, with five more across the US and one in Canada.
Along with this plant comes an expanded partnership with Harvey Building Products, which has several production facilities located in New England and surrounding areas
Regarding the new partnership, FlexScreen Inventor & CEO Joe Altieri said, "Harvey Building Products is one of the most respected window manufacturers in the country, and it's an honor to align FlexScreen with their premium products. New England is one of the only areas in the country without a screen vendor, so we're excited that our new Nashua, NH plant will finally be filling that void."
Justin St. Hilaire, President of Harvey Building Products, said, "Harvey Building Products is proud to have FlexScreen as a partner and supplier for our business. We are excited about the proximity of their new facility to our own manufacturing plants and look forward to increasing our business with them."
The new FlexScreen facility is set to start shipping orders on June 1, 2022.
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SOURCE FlexScreen | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/flexscreen-opening-new-plant-procures-sizeable-commitment-with-harvey-building-products/ | 2022-04-08T16:18:28Z |
ChenMed Healthcare Allies Respecting Individuality and Sexuality for Members and Associates (CHARISMA) Employee Resource Group Encourages Employees to Recognize Equality Observances
MIAMI, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ChenMed, one of the largest providers of primary care for Medicare eligible seniors, is celebrating "Equality for All" month during June, acknowledging two marginalized groups in U.S. history – Black Americans and LGBTQ+ members.
In honor of Juneteenth, ChenMed Employee Resource Group AWARE2 (All Working Together to Achieve Racial Equity and Equality) encouraged team members to wear representative apparel and colors and invited them to share their perspectives and feelings about the significance of this day. They were provided with Juneteenth branded index cards on which they could write what Juneteenth means to them, which were then posted next to a special Juneteenth banner in ChenMed medical centers and Home Office. Leaders of the medical centers were encouraged to provide team members with a meal sourced from Black-owned businesses. In addition, managers were supplied with a montage video featuring ChenMed family of company employees singing the Black National Anthem ("Lift Every Voice and Sing") and asked to play it at a team meeting. AWARE2 advocates for racial equality and social justice in the workplace and the communities ChenMed serves through education and outreach.
"We believe in creating an inclusive culture at ChenMed and celebrating Juneteenth and honoring LGBTQ+ pride month are some of the ways we do that," said Stephanie Chen, chief legal and culture officer at ChenMed. "If we act with respect, kindness and love – for everyone – we believe it can move us forward as a company and as a nation."
To acknowledge the Stonewall Riots, ChenMed is partnering with its employee resource group CHARISMA (ChenMed Healthcare Allies Respecting Individuality and Sexuality for Members and Associates). This employee resource group supports ChenMed LGBTQ+ team members as they strive for inclusion, serve our patients, and support our communities. CHARISMA, in collaboration with the Culture Team, is encouraging ChenMed employees to wear attire that commemorates equality and recognizes the role the Stonewall Riots played in the development of the Gay Rights Movement.
ChenMed, headquartered in Miami, is a privately owned medical, management and technology company that delivers the high-touch and personalized primary care Medicare-eligible seniors need to enjoy better health. The company operates nearly 100 senior medical centers in 12 states. Named a Fortune 2020 "Change the World" company, a "Most Loved Workplace" by Newsweek Magazine, and a certified Best Place to Work® by the Best Place to Work Institute, ChenMed brings concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center, Dedicated Senior Medical Center and JenCare Senior Medical Center. Thanks to its nimble and growing software entity, Curity, ChenMed also was recently named "A Best Place to Work in IT" by IDG's Insider Pro and ComputerWorld.
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SOURCE ChenMed | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/chenmed-celebrates-equality-all-month-june/ | 2022-06-24T14:59:46Z |
New integration delivers future proof protection without key distribution, using a one-time pad proxy tunnel
SAN FRANCISCO, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Qrypt today announces at RSA a new integration of its Secure Proxy solution with Vaultree's fully encrypted data processing technology. This partnership incorporates Qrypt's unique key generation with a one-time pad proxy tunnel, to deliver everlasting key and data security in Vaultree's SDK. The partnership makes fast, future secure data processing in a cloud-first world possible.
The Qrypt solution generates identical symmetric keys at multiple endpoints… without any distribution of the keys themselves over an insecure channel. Combined with one-time pads and a secure proxy tunnel, the Qrypt and Vaultree integration makes this OTP-protected data everlasting secure - mathematically proven safe against all known attacks, including future quantum computers.
According to Chris Schnabel, Qrypt Vice President of Product, "We are very pleased to partner with Vaultree's leading data protection solution to secure client data. The threat against data today is real. Adversaries are attacking key distribution and data transmission, harvesting keys and encrypted data. With Quantum Computing on the near horizon, critical business data is at risk. The Qrypt Key Generation solution, leveraging patented algorithms and peer-reviewed encryption techniques, permits identical keys to be securely generated at multiple endpoints eliminating the need for key distribution."
Tilo Weigandt, Vaultree Co-Founder and COO, said, "Vaultree provides fully encrypted data processing without compromising performance. Enabling processing of atomic portions of data, Vaultree integrates into any common technical enterprise stack with the highest use case variety. Our new partnership with Qrypt is another example of our commitment to remain at the very forefront of data protection for our clients."
Qrypt is available at RSA, contact Brian Glicklich at 818-867-9096 or Brian@Digitalstrategyltd.com for more information.
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SOURCE Qrypt | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/qrypt-announces-vaultree-partnership-fully-encrypted-data-processing-using-quantum-secure-encryption/ | 2022-06-07T20:14:30Z |
Unites highly complementary hospitality businesses, adding nine brands and 67,000 rooms in attractive, higher revenue destinations
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the franchise business, operations and intellectual property of Radisson Hotels Americas for approximately $675 million from Radisson Hotel Group, inclusive of the real estate value of three owned hotels.
With the close of this transaction, Choice Hotels International has added approximately 67,000 rooms, expanding its presence in the higher revenue upper upscale and upscale full-service segments, and bolstering its core upper-midscale hospitality segment, particularly in the West Coast and Midwest of the United States.
Radisson Hotels Americas comprises the Radisson franchise agreements, operations and intellectual property in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. The transaction adds nine brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Radisson RED, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites and Radisson Collection. Choice Hotels will independently own and control the brands in the Americas and looks forward to working with Radisson Hotel Group to drive the growth, continuity and success of these global brands. The close of this transaction is not anticipated to change Choice Hotels' current capital allocation strategy related to dividend payment policy and planned share repurchases.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC served as financial advisor to Choice Hotels International on the transaction, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal advisor. Baker McKenzie served as legal advisor to Radisson Hotel Group.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. On August 11, 2022, Choice acquired Radisson Hotels Americas, adding nine brands and approximately 67,000 rooms in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean to its portfolio. With 22 brands, Choice Hotels has more than 7,500 hotels, and nearly 650,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories as of August 11, 2022. The Choice® family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a broad range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upper upscale, upper mid-scale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members a faster way to rewards, with personalized benefits starting on day one. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain, but not necessarily all, of such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "should," "will," "forecast," "plan," "project," "assume," or similar words of futurity. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events, which, in turn, are based on information currently available to management. Such statements may relate to expectations regarding the future performance of the acquired business and brands, payment of dividends, repurchases of common stock and other financial and operational measures. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Several factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, our ability to integrate and realize the expected benefits of the acquisition, the timing and amount of future dividends and share repurchases. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/choice-hotels-international-completes-acquisition-radisson-hotels-americas/ | 2022-08-11T15:15:03Z |
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerPlant Partners, an emerging growth equity firm investing in disruptive consumer and enablement companies that are better for humanity and the climate, today announced a partnership with SYSTM Brands, a consumer products brand platform, to create SYSTM Foods, a new premium, impact-focused food and beverage (F&B) brand platform. Operated by the SYSTM Brands team, with PowerPlant Partners as the lead investor, SYSTM Foods will seek to acquire and grow leading F&B brands that aim to bring innovative formulations to market in a sustainable, socially conscious manner.
PowerPlant Partners believes that COVID and the global supply chain challenges have created opportunities to acquire strong brands with good long-term potential at rational valuations. To execute such a strategy, PowerPlant partnered with SYSTM Brands, a strong group of operators with deep expertise in buyouts and operations.
SYSTM Brands, founded in 2021, is led by a team of proven executives, experienced operators, and passionate founders who are dedicated to growing brands that deliver truly impactful and innovative products. The group utilizes its collective experience, expertise, and network to create, partner with, and acquire brands with a results-driven approach to product development, and seeks to expand and scale its brands thoughtfully and profitably.
"With this partnership, we will offer impact-driven brands operational excellence to help them grow profitably," said Julianne Hummelberg, Vice President, PowerPlant Partners. "We know the SYSTM Brands team can help elevate these brands to the next level of sustainability while expanding distribution, revenue, and profits."
"The new capital partnership with PowerPlant Partners is a validation of our founding vision, to deliver truly impactive and transformative products while growing brands focused on the next generation," said Julian Cheng, CIO & Founding Partner, SYSTM Brands.
Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, PowerPlant Partners added, "These are challenging times, and battled-hardened, experienced operators are more helpful than ever to emerging brands. The SYSTM team brings decades of experience across a variety of industries which we believe will help our current and future portfolio companies successfully navigate these complicated waters."
PowerPlant Partners is a global leader investing in companies that are better for humanity and the climate. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and operating expertise to visionary companies including Beyond Meat, Thrive Market, Ripple, Veggie Grill, Apeel Sciences, Liquid Death, Miyoko's Creamery, Vive Organic, and Partake Brewing.
PowerPlant's leadership team comprises innovators behind leading food brands such as Veggie Grill, the largest plant-centric restaurant company in the U.S.; ZICO Beverages, an early pioneer of today's $8 billion coconut water category acquired by The Coca Cola Company in 2013; and Health Warrior, a superfood company purchased by PepsiCo in 2018.
PowerPlant Partners is located in Los Angeles, CA, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information about the fund visit www.PowerPlantPartners.co.
SYSTM Brands is a privately held investment platform managed by a proven group of Consumer Product Industry executives and professionals that bring private equity discipline to venture stage opportunities. The SYSTM team has developed a brand platform to fully leverage their vast experience and expertise in creating, investing, acquiring, and growing leading consumer product brands. They utilize their consumer-focused investment expertise, access to subject matter experts, long-standing relationships with suppliers/manufacturers/service providers, and first-hand experience in multi-brand operations to help emerging businesses scale into successful and resilient consumer brands.
Comprised of multiple subsidiaries, including SYSTM Foods, SYSTM Brands has offices in Newport Beach and San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit www.systm.com.
Media Contact:
SYSTM Brands
Kelly Cunningham
kelly@systm.com
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SOURCE SYSTM Brands | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/powerplant-partners-systm-brands-announce-partnership-systm-foods-an-impact-focused-food-amp-beverage-brand-platform/ | 2022-06-08T18:13:29Z |
GUANGZHOU, China, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Onion Global Limited ("Onion Global", the "Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: OG), a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets, and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable, and future brands to young people in China and across Asia, today announced that, it has received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") dated July 1, 2022, notifying the Company that it is below compliance criteria in connection with the performance of trading price of Onion Global's American depositary shares (the "ADSs").
Pursuant to applicable NYSE continued listing standards, a company is considered "below criteria" by the NYSE if average closing price of its security is less than $1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. A review of the current financial condition of the Company by the NYSE shows that as of June 30, 2022, the 30 trading-day average closing share price of the security was $0.93. Accordingly, the Company is now subject to the procedures as outlined in Sections 801 and 802 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Since this is the only criteria that the Company has triggered, the procedures outlined in Paras. 802.02 and 802.03 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual do not apply. The Company must bring its share price and average share price back above $1.00 by six months following receipt of the notification.
The price condition will be deemed cured if the price promptly exceeds $1.00 per share, and the price remains above the level for at least the following 30 trading days. In the event that at the expiration of the six–month cure period, both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over the preceding 30 trading days are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures.
The Company intends to monitor the market conditions of its listed securities and will consider various measures to resolve the non-compliance and avoid any potential delisting. These measures include but are not limited to improving business performance, expanding source of revenue, controlling expenditure, developing user base and focusing on growth strategies to boost investor sentiment.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, the Company's forecasts, general observation of the industry, and business outlook, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "target," "aim," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "potential," "estimates" "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Onion Global's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Onion Global does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
About Onion Global Limited
Onion Global Limited (NYSE: OG) is a next-generation lifestyle brand platform that incubates, markets, and distributes the world's fresh, fashionable, and future brands, which we refer to as "3F brands," to young people in China and across Asia. The Company's mission is to be the dream factory of lifestyle brands for young people. The Company's platform offers an integrated solution to develop, market, and distribute new and inspiring branded products, thereby reshaping the lifestyle shopping and consumer culture in China. Onion Global Limited has been listed on New York Stock Exchange since May 2021.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.msyc.com/.
Investor Relations Contact
In China:
Onion Global Ltd.
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@msyc.cc
Christensen
Mr. Eric Yuan
E-mail: eyuan@christensenir.com
Tel: +86-10-5900-1548
In the United States:
Christensen
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
E-mail: lbergkamp@christensenir.com
Tel: +1-480-614-3004
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SOURCE Onion Global Limited | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/onion-global-announces-receipt-nyse-non-compliance-letter-regarding-ads-trading-price/ | 2022-07-18T20:53:59Z |
SAN DIEGO (KSWB) – After the holiday weekend, homes across the country are filled with more plastic Easter eggs – and candy – than normal.
While many believe that the right way to dispose of the colorful holiday staples is to throw them into the recycling bin, experts say you may want to think again.
According to Lincoln California Recycling and Garbage, plastic Easter eggs are not recyclable and some have even been found to contain BPA and lead paint. Experts recommend holding onto your eggs so that you don’t have to buy new ones each year.
No need for eggs next Easter? You could also donate your items to an organization or club that will use them in the future, a tip that the City of Encinitas, California, suggests.
“Understandably, not everyone has room to store extra eggs. If you find yourself in a spot where the trash bin is looking like the most appealing option, consider reaching out to your local Boys and Girls Club, church, or other community organization that could use these eggs for an event or craft,” the City of Encinitas said in a Facebook post.
Now, if you are someone who doesn’t fancy themself as much of an arts and crafts person, no sweat! Once again, the internet saves the day with a few suggestions.
Taste of Home offers a list of creative ways to reuse your Easter eggs, such as creating a strand of Easter holiday lights, mini garden displays, or wobbly toys for children.
If you’re looking to become more environmentally friendly for future Easter celebrations and don’t want to buy any more plastic eggs, Encinitas Climate Dashboard recommends using wooden and cardboard eggs to cut down on unnecessary waste. | https://cw33.com/news/heres-what-to-do-with-your-plastic-eggs-now-that-easter-is-over/ | 2022-04-19T16:17:52Z |
BEIJING, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weibo Corporation ("Weibo" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WB and HKEX: 9898), a leading social media in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
"We delivered a solid start to 2022," said Gaofei Wang, CEO of Weibo. "In the first quarter, our user base and traffic continued to grow nicely with disciplined marketing spending, which demonstrated our core value in public conversation and enriched content ecosystem. On monetization, Weibo has delivered a relatively resilient performance of advertising business in the first quarter, despite disruptions from COVID-19 resurgence in China."
First Quarter 2022 Highlights
- Net revenues were $484.6 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year or an increase of 3% year-over-year on a constant currency basis[1].
- Advertising and marketing revenues were $427.1 million, an increase of 10% year-over-year.
- Value-added service ("VAS") revenues were $57.5 million, a decrease of 17% year-over-year.
- Income from operations was $102.8 million, representing an operating margin of 21%.
- Net loss attributable to Weibo was $67.5 million and diluted net loss per share was $0.29.
- Non-GAAP income from operations was $141.7 million, representing a non-GAAP operating margin of 29%.
- Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo was $132.9 million and non-GAAP diluted net income per share was $0.56.
- Monthly active users ("MAUs") were 582 million in March 2022, a net addition of approximately 51 million users on a year-over-year basis. Mobile MAUs represented 95% of MAUs.
- Average daily active users ("DAUs") were 252 million in March 2022, a net addition of approximately 22 million users on a year-over-year basis.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
For the first quarter of 2022, Weibo's total net revenues were $484.6 million, an increase of 6% compared to $458.9 million for the same period last year.
Advertising and marketing revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were $427.1 million, an increase of 10% compared to $390.0 million for the same period last year. Advertising and marketing revenues excluding ad revenues from Alibaba were $401.2 million, an increase of 12% compared to $356.7 million for the same period last year, which represented a relatively resilient performance of our advertising business this quarter, despite macro uncertainties, and disruption from COVID-19 resurgence and subsequent restrictions and lockdowns in major areas of China since mid-March.
VAS revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were $57.5 million, a decrease of 17% year-over-year compared to $68.9 million for the same period last year. The decrease of VAS revenues was mainly due to less revenue contribution from membership service and decrease of live streaming revenues.
Costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2022 totaled $381.8 million, an increase of 9% compared to $350.3 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) higher personnel related costs; (ii) increases in content costs primarily associated with the Winter Olympic Games; and (iii) recognition of cultural business construction fee with the lapse of exemption policy in 2022. The increase was primarily offset by a decrease of sales and marketing expenses, with disciplined channel investments and reduced offline events.
Income from operations for the first quarter of 2022 was $102.8 million, compared to $108.6 million for the same period last year. Operating margin was 21%, compared to 24% last year. Non-GAAP income from operations was $141.7 million, compared to $137.5 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP operating margin was 29%, compared to 30% last year.
Non-operating loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $163.5 million, compared to a loss of $44.7 million for the same period last year. Non-operating loss for the first quarter of 2022 mainly included (i) a $163.7 million net loss from fair value change of investments, primarily resulted from net loss from fair value change of investments in Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and INMYSHOW Digital Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. (SHH: 600556), which was excluded under non-GAAP measures; (ii) a $14.2 million investment related impairment, which was excluded under non-GAAP measures; and (iii) a $14.4 million net interest and other income.
Income tax expense were $11.7 million, compared to $14.9 million for the same period last year.
Net loss attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $67.5 million, compared to an income of $49.8 million for the same period last year. Diluted net loss per share attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $0.29, compared to a diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo of $0.22 for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $132.9 million, compared to $130.7 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $0.56, compared to $0.57 for the same period last year.
As of March 31, 2022, Weibo's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $3.3 billion. For the first quarter of 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $248.6 million, capital expenditures totaled $8.5 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to $15.0 million.
Conference Call
Weibo's management team will host a conference call from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM Eastern Time on June 1, 2022 (or 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Beijing Time on June 1, 2022) to present an overview of the Company's financial performance and business operations.
Please register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with dial-in numbers, passcode and unique registrant ID by email. To join the conference, please use the conference access information provided in the email received at the point of registering.
PRE-REGISTER LINK: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3399110
Additionally, a live webcast of the call will be available through the Company's corporate website at http://ir.weibo.com.
A telephone replay will be available from 22:00 China Standard Time on June 1, 2022 to 21:59 China Standard Time on June 9, 2022. To access the recording, please use the following dial-in information listed below:
United States: +1 855 452 5696
Hong Kong: 800 963 117
Mainland China: 400 820 9035
International: +61 2 8199 0299
Replay PIN: 3399110
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo's shareholders, non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo's shareholders and adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of the Company's financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company's non-GAAP financial measures exclude stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, non-cash compensation cost to non-controlling interest shareholders, net results of impairment on, gain/loss on sale of and fair value change of investments, non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items for the income/loss attributable to non-controlling interests, income tax expense related to the amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and fair value change of investments (other non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no tax effect), and amortization of convertible debt and senior notes issuance cost. Adjusted EBITDA excludes interest income, net, income tax expenses, and depreciation expenses.
The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their financial and operating decision-making, because management believes these measures reflect the Company's ongoing operating performance in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in the following ways: (i) in comparing the Company's current financial results with the Company's past financial results in a consistent manner, and (ii) in understanding and evaluating the Company's current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gains (losses) and other items (i) that are not expected to result in future cash payments or (ii) that are non-recurring in nature or may not be indicative of the Company's core operating results and business outlook.
Use of non-GAAP financial measures has limitations. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures do not include all income and expense items that affect the Company's operations. They may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how the Company defines its non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures are set forth in the section below titled "Unaudited Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Results."
About Weibo
Weibo is a leading social media for people to create, share and discover content online. Weibo combines the means of public self-expression in real time with a powerful platform for social interaction, content aggregation and content distribution. Any user can create and post a feed and attach multi-media and long-form content. User relationships on Weibo may be asymmetric; any user can follow any other user and add comments to a feed while reposting. This simple, asymmetric and distributed nature of Weibo allows an original feed to become a live viral conversation stream.
Weibo enables its advertising and marketing customers to promote their brands, products and services to users. Weibo offers a wide range of advertising and marketing solutions to companies of all sizes. The Company generates a substantial majority of its revenues from the sale of advertising and marketing services, including the sale of social display advertisement and promoted marketing offerings. Designed with a "mobile first" philosophy, Weibo displays content in a simple information feed format and offers native advertisement that conform to the information feed on our platform. To support the mobile format, we have developed and continuously refining our social interest graph recommendation engine, which enables our customers to perform people marketing and target audiences based on user demographics, social relationships, interests and behaviors, to achieve greater relevance, engagement and marketing effectiveness.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to, among other things, Weibo's expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans (as described, without limitation, in the "Business Outlook" section and in quotations from management in this press release. Weibo may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Weibo's limited operating history in certain new businesses; failure to grow active user base and the level of user engagement; the uncertain regulatory landscape in China; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; the Company's reliance on advertising and marketing sales for a majority of its revenues; failure to successfully develop, introduce, drive adoption of or monetize new features and products; failure to compete effectively for advertising and marketing spending; failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses; risks associated with the Company's investments, including equity pick-up and impairment; failure to compete successfully against new entrants and established industry competitors; changes in the macro-economic environment, including the depreciation of the Renminbi; and adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government and its impact on the Chinese economy. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Weibo's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and Weibo assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Contact:
Investor Relations
Weibo Corporation
Phone: +86 10 5898-3336
Email: ir@staff.weibo.com
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SOURCE Weibo Corporation | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/weibo-reports-first-quarter-2022-unaudited-financial-results/ | 2022-06-01T10:59:53Z |
LONDON, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith+Nephew (LSE: SN) (NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces a robust line-up featuring several of its advanced joint repair solutions and a wide array of educational activities during the 2022 American Orthopaedic Society for Sport Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting being held in Colorado Springs July 13-17. These include:
With the potential to address approximately 17 million people with rotator cuff disease in the US1, the REGENETEN implant provides a patient centric treatment that supports the body's natural healing response required to facilitate healing of rotator cuff tears.2-6 With 20+ publications7 to its name, among the most in its category, the REGENETEN implant has been shown in early studies to disrupt disease progression3-5,8, expedite return to normal activity8 and potentially reduce re-tears.9,10 The REGENETEN implant is part of Smith+Nephew's comprehensive Advanced Healing Solutions portfolio - redefining biological healing in rotator cuff repair along with expanded applications for Gluteus Medius and Achilles tears.*
Smith+Nephew recently introduced the Reimagine Reconstruction portfolio of solutions to address the full spectrum of ligament pathologies and frequently occurring knee injuries. The portfolio aligns high-quality products with innovative techniques developed in collaboration with leading global experts and builds upon Smith+Nephew's trusted legacy of data-driven technologies.
The CAP-FIX Suture Passer expands on Smith+Nephew's capsular management portfolio. CAP-FIX passes suture through the hip capsule and is optimized to make the capsular closure procedure more streamlined compared to suture shuttling.11 The CAP-FIX Suture Passer joins an innovative portfolio of flagship hip preservation products that encourage surgeons to "Go Beyond the Repair" for hip repair solutions.
Live Surgery Demo/Mobile Lab: Massive Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Biologic Implant
Expert sports medicine surgeons will demonstrate the use of Smith+Nephew's HEALICOIL◊ KNOTLESS Suture Anchors with the REGENETEN Bioinductive implant in the repair of a massive rotator cuff tear.
WHEN: Friday, July 15th (12:00 - 1:00pm) in the OLC Mobile Lab, housed on the AOSSM Exhibit floor.
Virtual Reality Experience: HCT Repair Using the NOVOSTITCH◊ PRO Meniscal Repair System
Smith+Nephew will host a first-ever Virtual Reality Experience designed to aid procedure learning featuring NOVOSTITCH PRO for horizontal cleavage tear repair.
WHEN: Thursday, July 14th (10:00 - 10:45am) in the Smith+Nephew Booth, #201
- Meniscal Ramp and Root Tears and The Torn Ligaments They Hide Behind
A case-based discussion by expert faculty explore the often missed tears and how they affect ligament reconstruction outcomes.
WHEN: Thursday, July 14th (11:55 -12:25pm) in Exhibit Hall Mountainside - How Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis (LET) Techniques Can Improve ACL Reconstruction Outcomes
An examination of various approaches and pearls of LET and a discussion on evidence based outcomes in ACL-R.
WHEN: Thursday, July 14th (12:40 –1:10pm) in Exhibit Hall Mountainside - Innovation in Gluteus Medius Repair with Advanced Healing Solutions
Expert faculty panel discussion on the use of REGENETEN◊, a bioinductive implant, in gluteus medius repair.
WHEN: Saturday, July 16th (10:10 –10:40am) in Exhibit Hall Mountainside
- Yamaguchi K, Konstantino D, Middleton W et al. The Demographic and Morphological Features of Rotator Cuff Disease: A Comparison of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Shoulders. J Bone & Joint Surgery. 2006 Aug; 88(8): 1699-1704
- Van Kampen C, Arnoczky, S, Parks, P, et al. Tissue-engineered augmentation of a rotator cuff tendon using a reconstituted collagen scaffold: A histological evaluation in sheep. MLTJ. 2013;3(3):229235
- Bokor DJ, Sonnabend D, Deady L, et al. Evidence of healing of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears following arthroscopic augmentation with a collagen implant: a 2-year MRI follow-up. Muscles, Ligaments Tendons J 2016;6(1):16-25.
- Schlegel TF, Abrams JS, Bushnell BD, Brock JL, Ho CP. Radiologic and clinical evaluation of a bioabsorbable collagen implant to treat partial-thickness tears: a prospective multicenter study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018 27(2):242-251
- Bokor DJ, Sonnabend DH, Deady L, et al. Healing of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears following arthroscopic augmentation with a highly porous collagen implant: a 5-year clinical and MRI follow-up. Muscles, Ligaments Tendons J 2019;9(3):338-347.
- McElvany MD, McGoldrick E, Gee AO, Neradilek MB, Matsen FA, 3rd. Rotator cuff repair: published evidence on factors associated with repair integrity and clinical outcome. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(2):491-500.
- Smith + Nephew internal data on file. June 2022.
- McIntyre L, Bishai SK, Brown PB, Bushnell BD, Trenhaile SW. Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Use of a Bioabsorbable Collagen Implant to Treat Partial and Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears. Arthroscopy. 2019 35(8):2262-2271
- Bokor DJ, Sonnabend D, Deady L et al. Preliminary investigation of a biological augmentation of rotator cuff repairs using a collagen implant: a 2-year MRI follow-up. MLTJ. 2015;5(3):144-150
- Smith + Nephew 2019. An overview of the outcomes associated with the standard of care for the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears. Internal Report EO/SPM/REGENETEN/005/v1.
- Smith+Nephew 2021. CAP-FIX Suture Passer Claims Testing Part 2 (Design Validation). Internal Report. 15011184 Rev A.
Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose 'Life Unlimited'. Our 18,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients' lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global franchises of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.
Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in more than 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $5.2 billion in 2021. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms 'Group' and 'Smith+Nephew' are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: risks related to the impact of COVID-19, such as the depth and longevity of its impact, government actions and other restrictive measures taken in response, material delays and cancellations of elective procedures, reduced procedure capacity at medical facilities, restricted access for sales representatives to medical facilities, or our ability to execute business continuity plans as a result of COVID-19; economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting health care providers, payers and customers (including, without limitation, as a result of COVID-19); price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers (including, without limitation, as a result of COVID-19); competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations.
◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered US Patent and Trademark Office.
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SOURCE Smith & Nephew plc | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/smithnephew-showcase-latest-innovations-sports-medicine-joint-repair-2022-aossm-annual-meeting/ | 2022-07-13T13:08:57Z |
Instagram is testing new ways to verify the age of people using its service, including a face-scanning artificial intelligence tool, having mutual friends verify their age or uploading an ID.
But the tools won’t be used, at least not yet, to block children from the popular photo and video-sharing app. The current test only involves verifying that a user is 18 or older.
The use of face-scanning AI, especially on teenagers, raised some alarm bells Thursday, given the checkered history of Instagram parent Meta when it comes to protecting users’ privacy. Meta stressed that the technology used to verify people’s age cannot recognize one’s identity — only age. Once the age verification is complete, Meta said it and Yoti, the AI contractor it partnered with to conduct the scans, will delete the video.
Meta, which owns Facebook as well as Instagram, said that beginning on Thursday, if someone tries to edit their date of birth on Instagram from under the age of 18 to 18 or over, they will be required to verify their age using one of these methods.
Meta continues to face questions about the negative effects of its products, especially Instagram, on some teens.
Kids technically have to be at least 13 to use Instagram, similar to other social media platforms. But some circumvent this either by lying about their age or by having a parent do so. Teens aged 13 to 17, meanwhile, have additional restrictions on their accounts — for instance, adults they are not connected to can’t send them messages — until they turn 18.
The use of uploaded IDs is not new, but the other two options are. “We are giving people a variety of options to verify their age and seeing what works best,” said Erica Finkle, Meta’s director of data governance and public policy.
To use the face-scanning option, a user has to upload a video selfie. That video is then sent to Yoti, a London-based startup that uses people’s facial features to estimate their age. Finkle said Meta isn’t yet trying to pinpoint under-13s using the technology because it doesn’t keep data on that age group — which would be needed to properly train the AI system. But if Yoti does predict a user is too young for Instagram, they’ll be asked to prove their age or have their account removed, she said.
“It doesn’t ever recognize, uniquely, anyone,” said Julie Dawson, Yoti’s chief policy and regulatory officer. “And the image is instantly deleted once we’ve done it.”
Yoti is one of several biometric companies capitalizing on a push in the United Kingdom and Europe for stronger age verification technology to stop kids from accessing pornography, dating apps and other internet content meant for adults — not to mention bottles of alcohol and other off-limits items at physical stores.
Yoti has been working with several big U.K. supermarkets on face-scanning cameras at self-check-out counters. It has also started verifying the age of users of the youth-oriented French video chatroom app Yubo.
While Instagram is likely to follow through with its promise to delete an applicant’s facial imagery and not try to use it to recognize individual faces, the normalization of face-scanning presents other societal concerns, said Daragh Murray, a senior lecturer at the University of Essex’s law school.
“It’s problematic because there are a lot of known biases with trying to identify by things like age or gender,” Murray said. “You’re essentially looking at a stereotype and people just differ so much.”
A 2019 study by a U.S. agency found that facial recognition technology often performs unevenly based on a person’s race, gender or age. The National Institute of Standards and Technology found higher error rates for the youngest and oldest people. There’s not yet such a benchmark for age-estimating facial analysis, but Yoti’s own published analysis of its results reveals a similar trend, with slightly higher error rates for women and people with darker skin tones.
Meta’s face-scanning move is a departure from what some of its tech competitors are doing. Microsoft on Tuesday said it would stop providing its customers with facial analysis tools that “purport to infer” emotional states and identity attributes such as age or gender, citing concerns about “stereotyping, discrimination, or unfair denial of services.”
Meta itself announced last year that it was shutting down Facebook’s face-recognition system and deleting the faceprints of more than 1 billion people after years of scrutiny from courts and regulators. But it signaled at the time that it wouldn’t give up entirely on analyzing faces, moving away from the broad-based tagging of social media photos that helped popularize commercial use of facial recognition toward “narrower forms of personal authentication.” | https://cw33.com/technology/ap-technology/instagram-tests-using-ai-other-tools-for-age-verification/ | 2022-06-24T15:12:42Z |
Stark Bites: Stark Flavor to host cigar and whiskey festival; Royal Docks to host 5K
Tickets are on sale for Stark Flavor’s Downtown Canton Cigar and Whiskey Festival. The first-time event is from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 at Centennial Plaza, at 330 Court Ave. NW in downtown Canton.
Stark Flavor is partnering with Cigar 30 and Cleveland Whiskey for this event to offer festival-goers an experience to enjoy fine cigars and a sampling of Cleveland Whiskey’s spirits. With each ticket, guests will receive two premium cigars and a tasting of three of Cleveland Whiskey’s selections. Additional cigars and tickets for Cleveland Whiskey can be purchased at the event.
Live music will be provided all evening on the plaza, and the Cheezylicious food truck will be available for guests to purchase food. Bourbon smoking and artwork by CK Helen Studio will be available to see, try and purchase.
Tickets, which are $50 for general admission, can be purchased at eventbrite.com. VIP tickets, which were $75, are sold out. This event is to raise money for the Be A Better Me Foundation and Cigars for Warriors.
Guests must be 21 and older, and IDs will be checked upon entry. The event is rain or shine with no refunds available. Tickets are not transferrable.
Canton restaurant opening:Stark Bites: H2 Huth & Harris launches lunch; still waiting on Taste for the Space winner
Peggy J’s now open in East Canton
Peggy J’s opened at 7916 Lincoln St. SE in East Canton last week. Formerly Patty’s Place, Peggy J’s is now under new ownership.
The restaurant has undergone renovations, including “new electrical, sewage and plumbing systems. Our kitchens have been scrubbed spotless and our walls freshly painted. Updated flooring and tables can be found inside,” notes a post on the Peggy J’s Facebook page at the end of June.
The menu offers home-cooked, country diner food, as well as barbecue in the evenings.
“Peggy J's will proudly serve home cooked food made with farm fresh ingredients. All meat and produce is coming from local butcher shops and farms,” another Facebook post stated.
The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Royal Docks Brewing Co. to host 5K run/walk at Oakwood Square
Royal Docks Brewing Co. is hosting the Backyard Crusher, a 5K run/walk, on Aug. 26 at its Foeder House + Kitchen location at Oakwood Square in Plain Township. The race will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The 3.1-mile looped race will start in the Oakwood Square parking lot and take runners along Middlebranch Ave., Chaucer Drive NE, Saxon Street NE, Wiclif Road NE, Englewood Drive NE and back.
Runners are urged to enjoy a post-race pint of Backyard Crusher, one of Royal Docks’ beers. There also will be music and contests.
Runners can register at runtoyouracing.com/crusher. Registration is $35 for adults 21 and older and $25 for those younger than 21. Registration includes a custom event shirt, post-race pint for those 21 and older, and entertainment in Oakwood Square following the race.
Awards will be given to the top three men and women overall, the top Master, the top Grand Master, and the top three finishers in each age group.
The Kempthorn stage will be set up Friday and Saturday in the parking lot. DJ Nikolina from Q92 will be there on Friday before, during and after the race. Saturday evening, there will be a Boston Pops-style show kicking off at 6 p.m. followed by a Grateful Dead tribute band called Dirty Psychic. The concerts are free. Be sure to bring a chair.
Restaurant review:Delicious sandwiches and calzones, affordable prices at Michael D's
Stark County takeout:'I can't get enough of it.' Tasty wraps, delicious chips and dip at Thatsa Wrapp Shack
14th annual Romanian Festival set for Aug. 28
The St. George Romanian Byzantine Catholic Cathedral is sponsoring its 14th annual Romanian Festival on Sunday, Aug. 28. The festival will be from noon to 7 p.m. at St. George Romanian Byzantine Catholic Cathedral just off Market Avenue North at 1123 44th St. NE in Canton.
There will be traditional Romanian food, pastries and beverages available for purchase for dine-in or to go. There also will be tours, a cash prize raffle and entertainment, including dancers and music by Vişinată and Tants Muziky. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/lifestyle/food/2022/08/17/stark-flavor-to-host-cigar-whiskey-festival-royal-docks-to-host-5k/65399124007/ | 2022-08-17T10:06:30Z |
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from AARP Pennsylvania shows candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate should pay close attention to the concerns of Black Pennsylvanians age 50 and over, with issues such as inflation and rising prices, gun control/gun rights, and voting rights are of greatest concern to voters.
The survey shows 50-plus Black voters are headed into the 2022 general election supporting Democratic candidates for Governor and Senate, and are worried about key pocketbook issues. Among Black voters 50+, Attorney General Josh Shapiro leads State Senator Doug Mastriano, 78% to 17%. In the race for the U.S. Senate, John Fetterman leads Mehmet Oz, 76% to 16%.
"Black voters consistently show up to the polls, so it's important that candidates pay attention to their concerns, as election season heats up," said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. "But, their vote is not guaranteed for one party or another. With the price of necessities like groceries, gas and prescription drugs skyrocketing, Black voters in Pennsylvania are worried about these issues and want to see elected officials provide solutions."
Among all voters, Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) narrowly leads State Senator Doug Mastriano (R), 49% to 46%. John Fetterman (D), the lieutenant governor, leads Mehmet Oz (R), 50% to 44% in the open race for U.S. Senate. Both Democratic candidates hold their narrow leads thanks in part to support from the older Black voters.
The survey also found that the top of mind issues for 50+ Black voters in the state include:
- gun control/gun rights (23%), voting rights (12%), and inflation and rising costs (11%); of rising costs, 88% say that gas, food, and housing are most concerning;
- 90% say Social Security is either "Extremely important" or "Very Important" to them when deciding their vote this November;
- 92% are more likely to vote for a senate candidate who supports allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices; and
- 91% are more likely to vote for a gubernatorial candidate who supports protecting low-income older Pennsylvanians from property tax increases.
AARP commissioned Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research to conduct this survey. The firms interviewed 1,382 likely Pennsylvania voters, which includes a statewide representative sample of 500 likely voters, with an oversample of up to 550 likely voters age 50 and older, and an oversample of up to 332 African-American/Black likely voters age 50 and older. The survey was conducted between June 12-19 via landline, cellphone, and SMS-to-web. The margin of error for the 500 statewide sample is ±4.4%; for the 855 total sample of voters 50+ it is ±3.3%. View the full survey results.
For more information on how, when and where to vote in Pennsylvania, visit aarp.org/PAvotes.
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol @AARPadvocates and @AliadosAdelante on social media.
CONTACT: TJ Thiessen, (202) 374-8033, tthiessen@aarp.org
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SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/new-aarp-pennsylvania-poll-black-voters-say-inflation-is-most-important-them-race-governor/ | 2022-06-29T21:17:03Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — If you’re looking for a way to take your workout routine to a new level, taking a boxing class is a great option. CW33’s Landon Wexler visited Title Boxing Club in Uptown Dallas to learn some fundamentals and more about their classes.
“It’s a very nice hybrid, mended together version of resistance training and cardio all in one,” Co-owner of Title Boxing Club Uptown Brian Casad said.
As opposed to what one might expect, the involved strength training hits more than just upper body.
“Punching is your body pushing through using your legs and core,” Your body is channeling energy and channeling through your fist. So it’s an arm workout – but not a lot of arms.”
Sign up for a free class at Title Boxing Club Uptown and learn more about their memberships here. | https://cw33.com/news/inside-dfw/looking-to-step-up-your-workout-rocky-balboa-try-a-boxing-class-at-title-boxing-club/ | 2022-07-20T00:06:04Z |
Most Loved Workplaces employees are happiest and most satisfied at work
DELAWARE, Ohio, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced that it has been certified as a Most Loved Workplace®, backed by Best Practice Institute (BPI) research and analysis. Most Loved Workplace® validation provides the most comprehensive look at workplace sentiment for organizations today.
"We are honored to be certified as a Most Loved Workplace for 2022," said Ole Rosgaard, Greif's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Greif's company culture is rooted in a strong people focus, caring for others, being honorable and respectful, and always doing the right thing. We promote and teach our leaders Servant Leadership and are here to set challenging targets, to empower, to coach, to help our people perform and be successful. We take pride in operating with integrity and placing care for our colleagues at the center of our business model."
Most Loved Workplaces® certify companies where employees are the happiest and most satisfied at work. Greif became certified as a Most Loved Workplace based on its scores on the Love of Workplace Index™, which surveyed employees on various elements around employee satisfaction and sentiment, including the level of respect, collaboration, support, and sense of belonging they feel inside the Company.
"The collective commitment of our One World, One Greif, One Team makes Greif one of the safest, most engaging and inclusive workplaces in the world," said Bala V. Sathyanarayanan, Greif's Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. "Our engaged colleagues are an essential part of achieving our Build to Last Strategy and furthering our mission of Creating Thriving Communities."
Greif's company certification page is available online.
About Greif, Inc.
Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: be the best performing customer service company in the world. The Company produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides filling, packaging and other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, Greif manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company is strategically positioned in over 35 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com.
Contact:
Matt Leahy
740-549-6158
matthew.leahy@greif.com
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SOURCE Greif, Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/greif-certified-most-loved-workplace-2022/ | 2022-06-21T20:59:12Z |
NYSE American: UEC
TSX: UEX
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas and SASKATOON, SK, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE American: UEC) (the "Company" or "UEC") and UEX Corporation (TSX: UEX) ("UEX") are pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Canada Business Corporations Act, pursuant to which UEC acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of UEX that it did not already own. The Arrangement was approved at a special meeting of UEX securityholders held on August 15, 2022 and was subsequently approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on August 18, 2022. Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement, UEX shareholders received 0.090 common shares of UEC for each UEX common share held.
UEC intends to submit applications to the Toronto Stock Exchange and to the applicable securities regulators to delist UEX's existing common shares and for UEX to cease to be a reporting issuer, respectively.
Amir Adnani, President and CEO stated: "We are pleased to have completed our acquisition of UEX. This marks UEC's second successful highly accretive M&A transaction in the last year, creating the largest diversified North American focused uranium company. We welcome UEX shareholders to UEC and appreciate the vote of confidence in supporting our transaction. The competing interest for UEX from other industry participants further validates the significant upside and strategic rationale we identified in UEX's portfolio of high-grade projects in the world-class Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. We look forward to working with our new stakeholders and the joint venture partners, including Cameco, Orano and Denison."
Mr. Adnani continued: "The Company's acquisitions of Uranium One Americas ("U1A") and UEX have created substantial shareholder value, with meaningful expansion of our production capabilities and resource pipeline. The U1A transaction doubled UEC's processing capacity, In-Situ Recovery ("ISR") resources and permitted projects in the United States, while the UEX transaction doubles the size of our measured and indicated uranium resources. With no debt and over $180 million of cash and liquid assets, including physical uranium, UEC has an unparalleled industry position to capitalize on nuclear power's growing role as a climate change solution, contributing towards the mega trends of decarbonization, electrification and energy transition."
Mr. Adnani concluded: "There is an emerging trend by Western utilities to secure supplies from uranium projects in politically stable and proven jurisdictions, this is a strong fit with UEC's permitted, and production-ready U.S. ISR projects and extensive growth pipeline in Canada. UEC's sector leading strategy as the fastest growing, pure play, 100% unhedged uranium company with assets only in the Western Hemisphere is a key differentiator in this emerging uranium bull market."
Uranium Energy Corp is America's leading, fastest growing, uranium mining company listed on the NYSE American. UEC is a pure play uranium company and is advancing the next generation of low-cost, environmentally friendly In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining uranium projects. The Company has two production ready ISR hub and spoke platforms in South Texas and Wyoming, anchored by fully licensed and operational processing capacity at the Hobson and Irigaray plants. UEC also has seven U.S. ISR uranium projects with all of their major permits in place. Additionally, the Company has other diversified holdings of uranium assets, including: (1) one of the largest physical uranium portfolios of U.S. warehoused U3O8; (2) a major equity stake in the only royalty company in the sector, Uranium Royalty Corp.; and (3) a pipeline of resource-stage uranium projects in Arizona, New Mexico and Paraguay. The Company's operations are managed by professionals with a recognized profile for excellence in their industry, a profile based on many decades of hands-on experience in the key facets of uranium exploration, development and mining.
UEX is a Canadian uranium and cobalt exploration and development company involved in an exceptional portfolio of uranium projects. UEX's directly-owned portfolio of projects is located in the eastern, western and northern perimeters of the Athabasca Basin, the world's richest uranium region which in 2020 accounted for approximately 8.1% of the global primary uranium production. In addition to advancing its uranium development projects through its ownership interest in JCU, UEX is currently advancing several other uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin which include the Paul Bay, Ken Pen and Ōrora deposits at the Christie Lake Project , the Kianna, Anne, Colette and 58B deposits at its currently 49.1%-owned Shea Creek Project, the Horseshoe and Raven deposits located on its 100%-owned Horseshoe-Raven Project and the West Bear Uranium Deposit located at its 100%-owned West Bear Project.
Full details of the Arrangement are set out in the arrangement agreement and subsequent amendments thereto, copies of which are filed by UEC and UEX under their respective profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and under UEC's profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. In addition, further information regarding the Arrangement is contained in a management information circular dated July 8, 2022 prepared in connection with the meeting of UEX securityholders, a copy of which is filed on UEX's profile on www.sedar.com.
Twitter: @UraniumEnergy
Stock Exchange Information:
NYSE American: UEC
Frankfurt Stock Exchange Symbol: U6Z
WKN: AØJDRR
ISN: US916896103
Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, market and other conditions, the actual results of exploration activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation or realization of mineral resources, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements reflect the parties' respective current views with respect to future events and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, the synergies expected from the Arrangement not being realized; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macro economic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets and the market price of UEC Shares; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of uranium or certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards and industrial accidents); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the parties do business; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities; title to properties; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in UEC's Form 10K and under the caption "Risk Factors" in UEX's Annual Information Form. Although UEC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The parties do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.]
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SOURCE Uranium Energy Corp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/uranium-energy-corp-completes-acquisition-uex-corporation-create-largest-diversified-north-american-focused-uranium-company/ | 2022-08-22T12:53:40Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against IonQ, Inc. ("IonQ" or the "Company") (NYSE: IONQ).
Class Period: March 30, 2021 – May 2, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 1, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the IonQ lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/ionq-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that IonQ had not yet developed a 32-qubit quantum computer; (2) that the Company's 11-qubit quantum computer suffered from significant error rates, rendering it useless; (3) that IonQ's quantum computer is not sufficiently reliable, so it is not accessible despite being available through major cloud providers; (4) that a significant portion of IonQ's revenue was derived from improper round-tripping transactions with related parties; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/17/ionq-investors-have-opportunity-lead-ionq-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-06-17T16:04:59Z |
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CropX Technologies, a global leader in digital farm management solutions, announced today an integration with the John Deere Operations Center™. This integration allows CropX farm management system users with an Operations Center account to share data bi-directionally between the systems. This enhanced functionality enables users to view data and analytics from the CropX platform, including near real-time soil sensor monitoring, from within Operations Center. It also allows users to import field data from the Operations Center to simplify field set-up in the CropX platform.
"The integration with the John Deere Operation Center™ supports our mission to bring powerful, easy-to-use digital solutions to all farms," says Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. "It makes it easier for farmers to capture and share data between these two useful technologies and unlock agronomic insights from the CropX farm management system."
CropX Technologies is launching several capabilities to round out its farm management system with tools that optimize agronomic activities: fertilization, disease management, and effluent management now join the already existing world-class irrigation management solution.
"With integration into the John Deere Operations Center™, CropX is easier and more convenient for growers to use," says Paul Cooper with Greenway Equipment, a John Deere dealer using the CropX system. "They can analyze planting, application, yield data, and also analyze moisture across the farm to be more efficient with irrigation practices."
This latest integration adds to the list of agtech and data companies that connect with the CropX farm management system and enables users to import fields, farms, and data from third party sources including Reinke Irrigation, WeatherLink, and Climate FieldView.
About CropX
CropX is one of the fastest growing providers of agribusiness farm management solutions in the world, deployed in over 50 countries and across all the arable continents. The CropX platform synthesizes data from the earth and sky to offer advanced soil and crop intelligence and a suite of digital decision and planning tools, all on an easy-to-use app capable of tracking multiple farms and fields. CropX is backed by the world's leading agribusinesses and VCs, who recognize that CropX's precision-ag technologies set new standards of best practices for environmental sustainability and greater farm productivity. Learn more at https://cropx.com
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Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1871064/CropX_1.jpg
Media Contact:Hanna Day-Woodruff
Communications Specialist
hanna.dw@cropx.com
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SOURCE CropX | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/cropx-farm-management-system-connects-with-john-deere-operations-center/ | 2022-08-03T11:37:30Z |
Data-Driven Solution Anticipates and Solves Employee Payroll, Time, HR and Benefits Challenges, Reducing Time-Intensive Case Management
ROSELAND, N.J., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized for the eighth consecutive year as an innovative provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions, ADP will be honored with a "Top HR Product" award at the 2022 HR Technology Conference for its new Intelligent Self-Service. The award-winning, data-driven Intelligent Self-Service solution uses predictive analytics and machine learning to proactively address common employee HR challenges before the need to contact their HR departments arises.
ADP Intelligent Self-Service draws on data from across the vast ADP ecosystem, solving an estimated one-third of the case volume for HR practitioners. Time-consuming pain points, such as common employee HR tasks, payroll, benefits, missed punches and time challenges are all addressed proactively in the flow of work. This new solution takes real-time data and turns it into action items, alleviating practitioners' workloads and giving managers more time to focus on elevating the employee experience.
Each year, Human Resource Executive recognizes groundbreaking new solutions based on product innovation, the value added to the HR function, intuitiveness for users and the product's ability to deliver as promised.
"The use of ADP's deep data across our product experiences allows us to focus on the most common pain points for managers, HR practitioners and employees," said Don Weinstein, corporate vice president of Global Product and Technology, ADP. "Intelligent Self-Service is designed to answer questions and quickly resolve issues within seconds vs. days or weeks. It eliminates the unnecessary back and forth nature of interactions with their HR support teams and a source of unnecessary frustration. The result is a better work experience, and HR practitioners can spend more time on higher value initiatives like talent planning and development."
Four key foundational elements comprise the complete Intelligent Self-Service offering:
Action Cards: Bite-size proactive nudges for employees that appear in the flow of work, at the time they need to be addressed. This helps eliminate the risk of an issue occurring, such as an inaccurate or incomplete timecard or new employee document completion reminders.
ADP Virtual Assistant (A.V.A.): Conversational, transactional, and predictive assistance to guide employees as needed with issue resolution.
Policy Personalization: Allows for tailoring of action cards, virtual assistant and case management experiences based on a company's policies and local regulations.
Case Management: For the few remaining complex problems that require HR assistance, Intelligent Self-Service gives employees a streamlined way to create, manage, and track interactions with their HR experts. Providing transparency into status and streamlining communications, the solution routes interactions to the right practitioner based on the employee's specific need.
"Intelligent Self-Service delivers on what we look for in groundbreaking HR tech. By creating a pre-emptive approach to HR case management, ADP has delivered a solution that frees HR practitioners to focus on higher value requirements of their function," said Steve Boese, co-chair of the HR Technology Conference. "With eight consecutive "Top HR Product" awards, ADP continues to prove its unique understanding of what employees and HR practitioners need to improve the work experience."
For more information visit the ADP booth at the HR Technology Conference to demo Intelligent Self-Service and ADP's extensive suite of innovative solutions and products or visit: https://adp.com/intelligent
About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for people. Learn more at ADP.com
ADP, the ADP logo, and Always Designing for People, are trademarks of ADP, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2022 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE ADP, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/adps-intelligent-self-service-reimagines-hr-service-landscape-earns-2022-top-hr-product-honor-human-resource-executive/ | 2022-08-23T12:09:31Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Grammy® Award winner Ariana Grande has officially taken her top-selling fragrance portfolio into a new product category with the launch of the God is a Woman Body Line, as a global exclusive with Ulta Beauty. The line debuts today on Ulta.com and will be available in Ulta Beauty stores nation-wide starting August 28th. As Grande continues to expand her presence in beauty and fragrance it was a natural step to expand the globally successful God is a Woman clean fragrance line into a self-care line of body products.
"Creating fragrances and developing products that I love and can share with my fans is such a rewarding creative process," says Ariana Grande. "My favorite part of my personal routine includes exfoliating with the body scrub and finishing with our hydrating lotion or body oil. I am obsessed with this line and particularly with the scrub since it's all about nourishing and caring for your skin. I am so excited for everyone to try this collection!"
As an extension of the brands commitment to continuing to develop clean beauty products, the God is a Woman Body Line upholds the standards of Ulta Beauty's Conscious Beauty Program, meaning the products are made with Clean Ingredients, are Cruelty Free and Vegan.
"For years Ulta Beauty guests have loved Ariana Grande fragrances, and we know they'll embrace the God Is A Woman body collection with the same passion and enthusiasm," says Penny Coy, Vice President Merchandising at Ulta Beauty. "As the proud retail partner, we're delighted to exclusively offer this extension to an already beloved brand that will provide guests even more possibilities to discover self-care essentials that smell great and feel even better."
The new God is a Woman Body Line includes a skin-softening Body Scrub Soufflé, a rich and soothing Luxurious Body Oil, a multi-purpose Hand and Body Cream and a Deluxe Travel Spray.
Body Scrub Soufflé:
Ariana's favorite product in this collection; the Body Scrub Soufflé. Formulated with organic ingredients including Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, this salt-based scrub gently exfoliates skin leaving it silky smooth and ready for the Luxurious Body oil to make your skin glow.
Luxurious Body Oil:
The Luxurious Body Oil is beautifully scented with the addicting God Is a Woman fragrance. Formulated with essential acids to help nourish skin and lock in moisture, this skin-softening must-have will leave skin with an alluring, healthy glow. Apply the body oil after a shower to maximize moisture.
Hand and Body Cream:
Made with hydrating Argan Oil, this quick-absorbing, lightweight, nourishing multi-purpose cream is suitable for the hands and body. The Argan Oil deeply hydrates, moisturizes, and soothes your skin.
Deluxe Travel Spray:
Bring the addicting scent of the God is a Woman fragrance with you wherever you go! The sleek and modern case is perfect for travel and includes 2 x 0.25 oz. Eau de Parfum refills.
Top:
Ambrette & Juicy Pear
Heart:
Orris & Turkish Rose Petals
Dry down:
Madagascar Vanilla & Creamy Cedarwood
PRICING
Luxurious Body Oil 2 fl oz $35.00
Body Scrub Soufflé 6.3 oz $30.00
Hand and Body Cream 1.7 fl oz $12.00
EDP fragrance refillable travel spray (Includes 2 7.5ml sprays) $38.00
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices in US dollars.
Grammy winning, multi-platinum recording artist and international superstar, Ariana Grande, is the first artist to hold the top three Billboard Hot 100 spots since The Beatles in 1964 with "7 Rings," "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored," and "Thank U, Next." In 2020, she became the first and only artist to have 5 singles debut at #1 in the charts history. In 2021, Grande made history as the first artist to simultaneously hold three top 10 spots on Billboard Pop Airplay and Mediabase Top 40 Charts with "positions," "34+34" and "pov." At only 29, she has released six albums which have all gone platinum and has surpassed 98 billion streams globally – she's Spotify's most streamed female artist of the past decade – while rapidly becoming one of the biggest pop stars of our generation with her powerhouse vocals and unmatched presence both on stage and with her fans. In 2022, Grande became the first artist to have four albums with over 4 billion streams each on Spotify. In 2019, Grande embarked on the Sweetener World Tour and performed over 100 shows throughout the year, including headliner sets at Lollapalooza and Coachella - where she was the youngest headliner in the festival's history. In 2021, Grande joined NBC's THE VOICE as a coach and was also featured in the Academy Award nominated film DON'T LOOK UP opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, for Netflix. She will next begin production Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of WICKED, starring as Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba.
LUXE Brands, Inc. is a global, prestige beauty company dedicated to developing world-class beauty brands that inspire consumers around the world. The company's innovative approach to design, marketing, and building-brands with a digital first ethos has earned numerous awards around the world. LUXE Brands was awarded Fragrance of the Year in 2019 on behalf of Cloud by Ariana Grande. The full portfolio includes Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Eau de Juice by Cosmopolitan and a licensing partnership with General Motors on the Hummer brand.
Ariana Grande Fragrance Press Contacts:
The Lede Company
Devi Kinkhabwala
Devi.Kinkhabwala@LedeCompany.com
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SOURCE LUXE Brands | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/grammy-award-winning-multi-platinum-artist-ariana-grande-enters-body-care-category-with-new-god-is-woman-clean-body-line/ | 2022-08-22T11:08:42Z |
Pennsylvania cannot keep a cache of weapons seized from the parents of a gunman who killed one state trooper and permanently disabled another eight years ago, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
The parents of Eric Frein sued after authorities refused to return 25 rifles, 19 pistols and two shotguns that were taken from their home in September 2014, days after Frein ambushed the troopers outside a state police barracks in the Pocono Mountains.
Eugene Michael Frein and Deborah Frein were not charged in their son’s crime — for which he was convicted and sentenced to death — and none of their weapons were used in his deadly late-night assault.
The Pike County district attorney, who was named as a defendant in the parents’ suit, had argued that authorities had the right to hold the seized weapons, saying they might be needed as evidence during Eric Frein’s state and federal appeals.
The Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, saying in its ruling Tuesday that state authorities never used Michael and Deborah’s guns as evidence at their son’s trial and violated the parents’ constitutional rights by holding onto them indefinitely.
Curt Parkins, the Freins’ attorney, called the seizure a “terrible case of government overreach.”
“It’s really the government being vindictive,” Parkins said in a telephone interview. The Freins, he said, were “punished for being the parents of Eric Frein.”
State police declined to comment on the ruling, which overturned a lower court decision to dismiss the parents’ lawsuit. A message was sent to the district attorney seeking comment.
The state seized the Freins’ property without compensation in violation of the Fifth Amendment, and hindered their ability to keep firearms in violation of the Second Amendment, the appeals court said.
“The police understandably seized the parents’ guns in 2014 while a killer was still at large. But he has long since been captured and convicted, and his conviction has been affirmed,” the panel wrote in its decision. “The judicial warrant does not authorize keeping the guns past this point.”
The state would have to get another warrant to justify keeping the parents’ property, which the district attorney’s office conceded was unlikely because of a lack of probable cause, the court said.
Prosecutors have said Eric Frein was hoping to start an uprising against the government when he opened fire with a rifle on the Blooming Grove barracks. Cpl. Bryon Dickson II, a Marine veteran and married father of two, was killed in the late-night ambush, and Trooper Alex Douglass was left with devastating injuries.
Frein was captured after a 48-day manhunt. He was convicted and sentenced to death, though Pennsylvania has a moratorium on executions. | https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/ap-court-pennsylvania-cant-keep-guns-in-trooper-ambush-case/ | 2022-08-31T20:04:20Z |
Which Bluetooth headphones are the best for calls?
It’s relatively easy to find an acceptable pair of headphones for listening to music. Making phone calls, though, relies a little more on specific aspects of Bluetooth connectivity and microphone capabilities. There are some Bluetooth headphones that are decidedly poor at making voice and video calls, but luckily, there are plenty of great choices if you need dependable voice capabilities compatible with your phone or PC. Many of those great models are even available at reasonable prices.
What to know about Bluetooth headphones and phone calls
There are two types of noise cancellation
The most well-known form of active noise cancellation (ANC) helps to eliminate noise that you hear around you. Headphones with ANC will let you turn the feature on and off, and generally offer significantly different sound quality and battery life depending on whether ANC is activated or not. This type of ANC isn’t incredibly important to making phone calls, although it can help if you frequently call from busy locations.
The more important type of noise cancellation in terms of making calls, though, has everything to do with your primary microphone. Specifically referred to as Clear Voice Capture (CVC) noise cancellation, it uses algorithms to isolate your voice and remove echo and background noise that might otherwise distract the person you’re calling. This type of noise isolation goes so far as to reduce the sound of keyboard keystrokes and mouse button clicks (when it’s implemented well, at least). In contrast to ANC, CVC noise canceling is especially important when choosing wireless headphones for making calls.
Over-ear headphones vs. earbuds for making calls
Over-ear headphones almost universally sound better when listening to music and true wireless earbuds are practically infinitely more convenient. Both of those items hold true in terms of calls, and there are even more definite considerations. It’s harder to find earbuds (whether true wireless or tethered) that offer pristine call quality, simply because earbuds have smaller and fewer microphones that are essentially located in the ear canal, nowhere near your mouth.
For that reason, you’ll notice that over-ear headphones get the majority of recommendations for voice and video calls. Nonetheless, there are some earbuds that are great at picking up your voice, and we’ve gone to great lengths researching which models are best.
What Bluetooth version do you need for phone calls?
Headphones’ call quality isn’t directly tied to their Bluetooth version, but look for headphones with version 4.2 or later. Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.2 is ideal because it ensures a robust connection and advanced connectivity options like multipoint pairing (which lets you connect to two devices at once and switch between them at will). However, you’ll notice that some models from big-name manufacturers like Sony and Bose still use Bluetooth 4.2, and ultimately it doesn’t cause any significant drawbacks when making calls.
Best Bluetooth headphones for voice and video calls
These are some of the best headphones on the market in nearly every facet, including sound quality, Bluetooth codec support, active noise cancellation and microphone isolation and effectiveness. They also have a great battery life and charge quickly via USB-C.
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Don’t be fooled by their low price; these high-quality headphones punch well above their class and deliver surprisingly good audio quality. In particular, they’re better at making phone calls than such cheap headphones have any right being.
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Bose has made industry-leading wireless headphones for years, and the 700s are no exception. They’re exceedingly simple to use and offer great background noise removal, although they’re not ideal for Android phones due to subpar Bluetooth codec support.
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While true wireless earbuds can be hit or miss when it comes to microphone capabilities, these are an excellent option for both listening to music and talking on the phone. Since they’re also waterproof and have secure ear hooks, they’re great for everyday use like during workouts at the gym.
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The evolution of Bose’s famous QC35 II headphones, the QuietComfort 45 offer arguably the most effective active noise cancellation on the market with advanced features such as transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings when needed.
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Since they’re marketed as a gaming headset, these headphones are specially designed with a flexible boom and a microphone engineered for peak clarity, even in crowded environments. In case you do plan on gaming with them, they use a low-latency proprietary wireless connection in addition to Bluetooth 5.0 and wired support.
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If you need professional-grade performance, consider this headset from corporate audio giant Jabra. Their flip-up boom mic ensures you’ll be heard clearly and their on-ear design helps to ventilate and cool your ears during a long workday.
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If you want unobtrusive headphones that are made specifically for phone calls on your iPhone, these are the best on the market. They even work well with some Android phones, but unfortunately not all of them.
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These are some of the most affordable true wireless earbuds available, but in spite of their affordable cost, they sound great with most genres of music and enable clear communication over the telephone as well as Zoom and other PC-based voice and video calling.
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Most people buy these because they’re especially stylish and deliver pristine audio when listening to music. Their lesser-known feature is that they pick up and reproduce voices on phone calls as good as or better then almost anything else.
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If you need headphones for both work and play, it’s hard to beat this pair from a leader in telecommunications. Their active equalizer and noise cancellation algorithm go into effect only when needed, ensuring the best possible audio quality at all times.
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A four-microphone array allows the Voyager 8200 to reduce background noise for you and your call’s recipient better than most of the competition. They even include a USB-A Bluetooth adapter in case there isn’t one built into your PC.
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Chris Thomas 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/electronics-br/headphones-br/best-bluetooth-headphones-for-calls/ | 2022-04-13T14:35:16Z |
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pathalys Pharma, Inc., a private, late-stage biopharma company committed to the development and commercialization of a range of best-in-class therapies for patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), today announced that the company will participate in the 21st Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference, taking place April 11-14, 2022.
Presentation Details:
Conference - 21st Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference
Date / Time - Tuesday, April 12th, 10:15 – 11:00 AM ET
Presenter - Neal Fowler, Chief Executive Officer at Pathalys Pharma
Format: - Virtual presentation
Pathalys will also be participating in one-on-one investor meetings throughout the conference. Investors interested in scheduling a meeting with the Pathalys management team should contact their Needham representative.
About Pathalys Pharma, Inc.
Pathalys Pharma, Inc. is a private, late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company committed to the development of multiple advanced therapeutics that address unmet needs in the management of ESKD. Pathalys' initial asset is upacicalcet, a novel calcimimetic with the potential to improve the treatment of SHPT in hemodialysis patients. Beyond upacicalcet, Pathalys continues to identify other high priority needs and potential solutions for patients with ESKD. Pathalys is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
For more information about Pathalys, please visit www.pathalys.com.
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SOURCE Pathalys Pharma | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/08/pathalys-pharma-present-21st-annual-needham-virtual-healthcare-conference/ | 2022-04-08T11:48:46Z |
NASSAU, Bahamas, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring break season is underway, and travelers seeking warmer days need look no further than The Islands of The Bahamas. With exciting resort offerings, tourism investments and new businesses opening their doors, the islands are brimming with vacation opportunities that appeal to everyone, from large families and friends to newlyweds.
NEWS
Angel Fish Creek Bridge Opens in Abaco — The communities of Great Abaco and Little Abaco are reunited following the completion of the restored and renamed Angel Fish Creek Bridge, the longest single-span bridge ever built in The Bahamas, which was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The Bahamas Distillery Company Begins Production in Freeport — Spirits are high in Grand Bahama Island, courtesy of the newly established Bahamas Distilling Company, located in Freeport, that has started production on two offerings, Floating Pig Spiced Rum and Hammered Coconut Rum.
Iggy Azalea Headlines at Resorts World Bimini — Resorts World Bimini welcomes fans for a weekend-long party, from 15 – 17 April, to see GRAMMY® nominated rapper Iggy Azalea perform live. Packages begin at $598 per person, including round-trip transportation from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a two-night resort stay and a complimentary concert admission.
Carnival Cruise Line Marks 50 Years Visiting The Bahamas — Carnival Cruise Line celebrated 50 years of visiting The Bahamas on 10 March 2022. To honour the long-standing partnership, festivities at Pompey Square, Nassau, featured remarks from the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and live performances by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band.
The Bahamas Revered as a Top Travel Destination — The Bahamas lands global recognition as a "Best Family Spring Break Destination" by U.S. News & World Report for its relaxing atmosphere and thriving ecosystem. The Bahamas has also been nominated for several World Travel Awards, from "Caribbean's Leading Beach Destination" to "Caribbean's Most Romantic Destination." Online voting for the World Travel Awards closes 3 May.
PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS
For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.
Stay a Little Longer at Baha Mar — Resort guests at Baha Mar receive the fourth night free when booking a stay at either Grand Hyatt or SLS, or the fifth night free at Rosewood, plus a $100 resort credit, unlimited access to Baha Bay Water Park and a complimentary "Return Home" Rapid Antigen Test.
Travel Worry-Free with Viva Wyndham Resorts — Guests now enjoy enhanced travel benefits when booking a stay at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, including flexible travel solutions, superior safety protocols and onsite COVID-19 testing.
$150 Fee Credit for Out Island Vacationers — Private pilots receive a $150 fee credit for a pre-booked two-night hotel stay at any participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel before 30 June 2022, to be used for travel until 31 October 2022.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com
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SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/whats-new-bahamas-april/ | 2022-04-01T12:11:39Z |
STOCKHOLM, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medivir AB (NASDAQ Stockholm: MVIR) today announces that the company will present at the Erik Penser Bank Company Day on August 24, 2022. CEO Jens Lindberg will present the company and its plan for the ongoing clinical study with fostroxacitabine bralpamide (fostrox).
The presentation will be available after the meeting on Medivirs website; www.medivir.com.
For additional information, please contact
Magnus Christensen, CFO, Medivir AB
Telephone: +46 8 5468 3100
E-mail: magnus.christensen@medivir.com
Medivir in brief
Medivir develops innovative drugs with a focus on cancer where the unmet medical needs are high. The drug candidates are directed toward indication areas where available therapies are limited or missing and there are great opportunities to offer significant improvements to patients. Medivir is focusing on the development of fostroxacitabine bralpamide (MIV-818), a pro-drug designed to selectively treat liver cancer cells and to minimize side effects. Collaborations and partnerships are important parts of Medivir's business model, and the drug development is conducted either by Medivir or in partnership. Birinapant, a SMAC mimetic, is exclusively outlicensed to IGM Biosciences (Nasdaq: IGMS) to be developed in combination with IGM-antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors. Medivir's share (ticker: MVIR) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm's Small Cap list. www.medivir.com.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE Medivir | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/medivir-present-erik-penser-bank-company-day/ | 2022-08-23T06:57:35Z |
ATHENS -- The University of Georgia’s class of 2026 is its biggest and one of its most academically qualified yet. More than 6,200 new first-year students start classes at UGA Wednesday, selected from a record number of nearly 40,000 applications.
The students have impressive academic achievements, high school GPAs and test scores. They also excel outside the classroom, with extracurricular participation and service to their communities.
The rigor of students’ high school coursework relative to what is available at their school remains a key factor in admissions decisions at UGA. The first-year students arrive with an average of nine Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or dual-enrollment courses. The class has an average high school GPA of 4.12, the sixth consecutive year that the average weighted high school GPA of the entering students exceeds 4.0. The class of 2026 also posts an average ACT score of 32, tying last year’s record, and an average SAT score of 1,384.
“The University of Georgia is thrilled to welcome such an extraordinary class,” President Jere W. Morehead said. “As UGA continues to set new standards in undergraduate education, we are attracting the very best students who want to engage with our academic community and begin making a difference from their first semester on campus.”
Although final demographic data won’t be available until after the semester begins, preliminary data show that 31% of incoming students self-identify as a member of a minority group. Thirteen percent of first-year students are the first in their families to attend college, up from 8% last year. The incoming class includes students from 452 Georgia high schools, 148 Georgia counties, 41 states and 18 countries.
Approximately 75% of the first-year students are Georgia residents. Overall, 87% of UGA’s undergraduate student body is made up of Georgia residents, a percentage of in-state students that is far above many other state flagship institutions in the Southeast.
“It is amazing to see a class that is so intelligent, creative, resilient and tremendously diverse,” Barkley Barton II, director of undergraduate admissions, said. “The entire class of 2026 is poised to become leaders and entrepreneurs and to have a positive impact on the UGA community and the global society.”
Around 1,700 transfer students also are beginning their studies at UGA this week, supported by resources such as the Transfer Student Experience Success Pathway. About one-third of UGA’s graduates enter the university as transfer students.
At the graduate level, approximately 2,500 students representing 45 states and 72 countries are beginning their studies at UGA. They are joined by nearly 500 incoming professional students in law, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. In addition, the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership recently welcomed 60 first-year medical students.
UGA has launched a presidential hiring initiative that aims to hire 50 faculty members in data science, AI and related fields through 2023. The university also is recruiting 20 additional faculty members in fields experiencing rapid student growth and eight additional academic advisors to support students in high-demand areas.
“We want this incoming class to succeed in the classroom,” Vice President for Instruction Marisa Pagnattaro said. “Every member of this incoming class will engage in experiential learning activities such as internships, research and service-learning prior to graduation. We’re working to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students and to provide scholarships to students who need them. We’re confident that the very bright class of 2026 will do great things, and we’re here to support them on their journey.”
UGA students are well-prepared for success after graduation. Of the students who graduated in the class of 2021, 92% were employed, attending graduate school or engaged in post-grad internships within six months of graduation, according to career outcomes data released by the UGA Career Center.
“By connecting promising students with world-class faculty members who are the best and brightest scholars in their fields, the University of Georgia is contributing to the vitality of our state and world by educating the next generation of leaders,” S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, said. “We are excited about the upcoming academic year and the new opportunities in teaching, research and service it brings.”
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Custodian, cafeteria worker save elementary student from choking
By Danae Bucci
Click here for updates on this story
NATICK, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A custodian and cafeteria worker who work for Natick Public Schools are being hailed as heroes after they saved an elementary student who was choking on his lunch, according to school officials in the Massachusetts town.
Superintendent Anna Nolin said the incident happened Tuesday afternoon at Memorial Elementary School.
Mark Plant, the school’s head custodian, and Emily DeOliveira, a cafeteria worker, quickly jumped into action when they saw the boy choking. They took turns performing the Heimlich maneuver and were able to dislodge the food that was stuck in the student’s throat.
“I just acted,” Plant said. “I just remember telling him to breathe and spit it up, and try to encourage him to get whatever was lodged in out.”
“It’s something that’s in the backs of our mind, especially walking around, making sure that every student is eating and safe,” DeOliveira said. “That’s our No. 1 priority.”
Memorial Elementary Principal Robin Welch said the quick thinking and actions of Plant and DeOliveira made it possible for the student to return home Tuesday evening.
“They saved a life,” Welch said. “Granted, we don’t know if the child would have passed, but we know that he didn’t because of their actions.”
“I’m just glad he’s OK,” Plant said. “It couldn’t have worked out any better. She started it, I finished it, and the result is exactly what we hoped for.”
Welch said he spoke with the student’s parents, who told the principal that their son was doing fine and that he is excited to return to school on Wednesday.
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/2022/05/18/custodian-cafeteria-worker-save-elementary-student-from-choking/ | 2022-05-18T21:20:35Z |
- GAAP net loss margin of (7.3)% and GAAP loss per diluted share of $(6.62) impacted by non-recurring charges of $747 million, largely driven by loss from sale of Russia business and EMEA asset impairment
- Delivered ongoing (non-GAAP) EBIT margin(2) of 9.0% and ongoing (non-GAAP) earnings per diluted share(1) of $5.97, despite elevated cost inflation and demand slowdown
- North America region delivered strong results with EBIT(3) margin of 14.1% led by previously executed cost-based price increases offset by lower volumes and elevated cost inflation
- Returned ~$400 million in repurchases and dividends in the quarter, on track with commitment to return over $1.5 billion to shareholders in the year
- Progressed EMEA strategic review and global portfolio transformation with the agreement to sell the Whirlpool Russia business
- Revised full-year 2022 guidance to $9.50 to $11.50 earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis and $22.00 to $24.00 on an ongoing basis(2), cash provided by operating activities of $1.85 billion and free cash flow(4) of $1.25 billion
BENTON HARBOR, Mich., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home, today reported second quarter 2022 financial results.
KEY RESULTS
CASH FLOW
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
- Net sales decline of (4.3)%, or (2.3)% excluding currency, impacted by supply chain disruptions and demand slowdown, partially offset by favorable product price/mix
- Go-to-market actions delivered 675 basis points of price/mix with previously announced cost-based pricing actions fully in place across the globe
REGIONAL REVIEW
- Industry volumes down 6 percent year over year, largely offset by execution of cost-based pricing actions
- EBIT margin(3) of 14.1 percent, compared to 18.3 percent in the same prior-year period, despite cost inflation increases peaking
- Demand negatively impacted by war in Ukraine; revenue decline, excluding currency, of 10.3 percent
- EBIT margin(3) of 0.2 percent, compared to 2.5 percent in the same prior-year period, impacted by lower volumes and cost inflation, partially offset by cost-based pricing actions
- Revenue growth driven by cost-based price increases, fully offsetting industry decline
- EBIT margin(3) of 7.2 percent, compared to 9.7 percent in the same prior-year period, impacted by cost inflation partially offset by cost-based pricing actions
- Revenue increase driven by strong volume growth compared to prior year's Covid-related shutdowns in India
- EBIT margin(3) of 6.8 percent, compared to 1.7 percent in the same prior-year period, driven by top-line growth and cost-based pricing actions, fully offsetting inflation
FULL-YEAR 2022 OUTLOOK
- Expect full-year 2022 revenues of approximately $20.7 billion (down approximately 6 percent)
- Reduced earnings per diluted share from $24.00 to $26.00 to $9.50 to $11.50 on a GAAP basis and $22.00 to $24.00 on an ongoing basis(2)
- Reduced cash provided by operating activities to $1.85 billion from $1.95 billion; free cash flow(4) of $1.25 billion remains unchanged
- Updated GAAP and adjusted tax rate (non-GAAP) from 24 to 26 percent to a GAAP tax rate of 34 to 36 percent and an adjusted tax rate (non-GAAP) of 21 to 23 percent
ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and Yummly. In 2021, the company reported approximately $22 billion in annual sales, 69,000 employees and 54 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
WEBSITE DISCLOSURE
We routinely post important information for investors on our website, WhirlpoolCorp.com, in the "Investors" section. We also intend to update the "Hot Topics Q&A" portion of this webpage as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the "Investors" section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our webpage is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
WHIRLPOOL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This document contains forward-looking statements about Whirlpool Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Whirlpool") that speak only as of this date. Whirlpool disclaims any obligation to update these statements. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future financial results, long-term value creation goals, portfolio transformation, restructuring and repurchase expectations, productivity, direct-to-consumer sales growth, raw material prices and the impact of COVID-19 and the Russia/Ukraine conflict on our operations. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "possible," "plan," "predict," "forecast," "potential," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "may impact," "on track," and similar words or expressions. Many risks, contingencies and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from Whirlpool's forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and related conflict and sanctions; (2) COVID-19 pandemic-related business disruptions and economic uncertainty; (3) intense competition in the home appliance industry reflecting the impact of both new and established global competitors, including Asian and European manufacturers, and the impact of the changing retail environment, including direct-to-consumer sales; (4) Whirlpool's ability to maintain or increase sales to significant trade customers and the ability of these trade customers to maintain or increase market share; (5) Whirlpool's ability to maintain its reputation and brand image; (6) the ability of Whirlpool to achieve its business objectives and leverage its global operating platform, and accelerate the rate of innovation; (7) Whirlpool's ability to understand consumer preferences and successfully develop new products; (8) Whirlpool's ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights; (9) acquisition, divestiture and investment-related risks, including risks associated with our past acquisitions; (10) Whirlpool's ability to navigate risks associated with our presence in emerging markets; (11) risks related to our international operations, including changes in foreign regulations; (12) Whirlpool's ability to respond to unanticipated social, political and/or economic events; (13) information technology system failures, data security breaches, data privacy compliance, network disruptions, and cybersecurity attacks; (14) product liability and product recall costs; (15) the ability of suppliers of critical parts, components and manufacturing equipment to deliver sufficient quantities to Whirlpool in a timely and cost-effective manner; (16) our ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; (17) the impact of labor relations; (18) fluctuations in the cost of key materials (including steel, resins, copper and aluminum) and components and the ability of Whirlpool to offset cost increases; (19) Whirlpool's ability to manage foreign currency fluctuations; (20) impacts from goodwill impairment and related charges; (21) triggering events or circumstances impacting the carrying value of our long-lived assets; (22) inventory and other asset risk; (23) health care cost trends, regulatory changes and variations between results and estimates that could increase future funding obligations for pension and postretirement benefit plans; (24) litigation, tax, and legal compliance risk and costs, especially if materially different from the amount we expect to incur or have accrued for, and any disruptions caused by the same; (25) the effects and costs of governmental investigations or related actions by third parties; (26) changes in the legal and regulatory environment including environmental, health and safety regulations, and taxes and tariffs; (27) Whirlpool's ability to respond to the impact of climate change and climate change regulation; and (28) the uncertain global economy and changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in Whirlpool's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. Price increases and/or actions referred to throughout the document reflect previously announced cost-based price increases.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Millions of dollars except per share data)
(Unaudited)
We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial measures, some of which we refer to as "ongoing" measures, including earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), EBIT margin, ongoing EBIT, ongoing EBIT margin, ongoing earnings per diluted share, adjusted effective tax rate, sales excluding currency and free cash flow. Ongoing measures exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, results from our ongoing operations and provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses. Sales excluding foreign currency is calculated by translating the current period net sales, in functional currency, to U.S. dollars using the prior-year period's exchange rate compared to the prior-year period net sales. Management believes that sales excluding foreign currency provides stockholders with a clearer basis to assess our results over time, excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. Management believes that adjusted tax rate provides investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of the Company's effective tax rate, excluding the pre-tax income and tax effect of certain unique items. Management believes that free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow provides investors and stockholders with a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing the company's ability to fund its activities and obligations. The Company provides free cash flow related metrics, such as adjusted free cash flow as a percentage of net sales, as long-term management goals, not an element of its annual financial guidance, and as such does not provide a reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow to cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for these long-term goal metrics. Whirlpool does not provide a non-GAAP reconciliation for its forward-looking long-term value creation goals, such as organic net sales, EBIT, free cash flow conversion, ROIC and gross debt/EBITDA, as these long-term management goals are not annual guidance, and the reconciliation of these long-term measures would rely on market factors and certain other conditions and assumptions that are outside of the company's control. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist investors and stockholders in understanding our financial results and assessing our prospects for future performance, and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of our business. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These ongoing financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported net earnings available to Whirlpool per diluted share, net earnings, net earnings available to Whirlpool, net earnings margin, net sales, effective tax rate and cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We also disclose segment EBIT an important financial metric used by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker to evaluate performance and allocate resources in accordance with ASC 280 - Segment Reporting. GAAP net earnings available to Whirlpool per diluted share and ongoing earnings per diluted share are presented net of tax, while individual adjustments in each reconciliation are presented on a pre-tax basis; the income tax impact line item aggregates the tax impact for these adjustments. The tax impact of individual line item adjustments may not foot precisely to the aggregate income tax impact amount, as each line item adjustment may include non-taxable components. Historical quarterly earnings per share amounts are presented based on a normalized tax rate adjustment to reconcile quarterly tax rates to full-year tax rate expectations. We strongly encourage investors and stockholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.
SECOND-QUARTER 2022 ONGOING EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES AND ONGOING EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
The reconciliation provided below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures ongoing earnings before interest and taxes and ongoing earnings per diluted share, with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool and net earnings (loss) per diluted share available to Whirlpool, for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Net earnings (loss) margin is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) available to Whirlpool by net sales. Ongoing EBIT margin is calculated by dividing ongoing EBIT by net sales. EBIT margin is calculated by dividing EBIT by net sales. The earnings per diluted share GAAP measure and ongoing measure are presented net of tax, while each adjustment is presented on a pre-tax basis. Our second-quarter GAAP tax rate was (11.1)%. The aggregate income tax impact of the taxable components of each adjustment is presented in the income tax impact line item at our second-quarter adjusted tax rate (non-GAAP) of 18.8%.
*As a result of our current period GAAP earnings loss, the impact of antidilutive shares was excluded from the loss per share calculation on a GAAP basis. The share count adjustment used in the calculation of the second-quarter ongoing earnings per diluted share includes basic shares outstanding of 56.0 million plus the impact of antidilutive shares of 0.3 million which were excluded on a GAAP basis.
SECOND-QUARTER 2021 ONGOING EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES AND ONGOING EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
The reconciliation provided below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures ongoing earnings before interest and taxes and ongoing earnings per diluted share, with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, net earnings available to Whirlpool and net earnings per diluted share available to Whirlpool, for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Net earnings margin is calculated by dividing net earnings available to Whirlpool by net sales. Ongoing EBIT margin is calculated by dividing ongoing EBIT by net sales. EBIT margin is calculated by dividing EBIT by net sales. The earnings per diluted share GAAP measure and ongoing measure are presented net of tax, while each adjustment is presented on a pre-tax basis. Our second-quarter GAAP tax rate was 13.9%. The aggregate income tax impact of the taxable components of each adjustment is presented in the income tax impact line item at our second-quarter adjusted tax rate (non-GAAP) of 25.0%.
FULL-YEAR 2022 OUTLOOK FOR ONGOING EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES AND ONGOING EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
The reconciliation provided below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures ongoing earnings before interest and taxes and ongoing earnings per diluted share, with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, net earnings available to Whirlpool and net earnings per diluted share available to Whirlpool, for the twelve months ending December 31, 2022. Ongoing EBIT margin is calculated by dividing ongoing EBIT by net sales. EBIT margin is calculated by dividing EBIT by net sales. The earnings per diluted share GAAP measure and ongoing measure are presented net of tax, while each adjustment is presented on a pre-tax basis. Our anticipated full-year GAAP tax rate is 34.0% to 36.0%. The aggregate income tax impact of the taxable components of each adjustment is presented in the income tax impact line item at our anticipated full-year adjusted tax (non-GAAP) rate between 21.0% and 23.0%.
*Earnings Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) is a non-GAAP measure. The Company does not provide a forward-looking quantitative reconciliation of EBIT to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net earnings available to Whirlpool, because the net earnings available to noncontrolling interests item of such reconciliation -- which has historically represented a relatively insignificant amount of the Company's overall net earnings -- implicates the Company's projections regarding the earnings of the Company's non wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures that cannot be quantified precisely or without unreasonable efforts.
FREE CASH FLOW
Free cash flow is cash provided by (used in) operating activities after capital expenditures. The reconciliation provided below reconciles six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 and 2022 full-year free cash flow with cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Free cash flow as a percentage of net sales is calculated by dividing free cash flow by net sales.
Throughout 2021 and comparable periods, the Company defined adjusted free cash flow as cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures and including proceeds from the sale of assets/businesses, and changes in restricted cash. Starting in 2022, the Company presents free cash flow which is cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Adjusted free cash flow of $769 million for the second quarter of 2021 has been restated to $462 million free cash flow measure to conform with current year presentation.
*Financial guidance on a GAAP basis for cash provided by (used in) financing activities and cash provided by (used in) investing activities has not been provided because in order to prepare any such estimate or projection, the Company would need to rely on market factors and certain other conditions and assumptions that are outside of its control.
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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/whirlpool-reports-q2-results-delivers-challenging-environment/ | 2022-07-25T20:49:36Z |
New Gateway to the Future Initiative Aims to Make Culture More Accessible and Engaging in the Era of the Metaverse
BERLIN, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global technology brand HONOR today announced Gateway to the Future, an initiative designed to enrich cultural heritage through the power of technology. Launched during its IFA 2022 keynote, HONOR challenged two popular artists to creatively reimagine the Wasserschloss, an iconic landmark located in Hamburg's Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site using augmented reality (AR). Set against the backdrop of surging interest in the metaverse and the growth of hybrid tourism, the project aims to inspire global creative talent to leverage innovations such as AI, AR and Spatial Audio to connect communities with culture in more immersive ways and support the global tourism rebound, as the world embraces the connected future.
"As a global technology company, HONOR is committed to developing smart device technology which enables people to celebrate and experience cultural treasures from the past while also discovering the possibilities of the future," said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co, Ltd. "We predict the rise of AR and AI technologies being used to create even more phy-gital experiences for smartphone users around the world, contributing to the hybrid tourism boom. Beyond tourism, this technology has the potential to benefit a number of other industries and communities. It really is the Gateway to the Future."
Celebrating Cultural Heritage in the Metaverse
Renowned for being Germany 's "Gateway to the World," Hamburg evolved from a port city to a thriving metropolis by embracing a longstanding culture of community, collaboration and innovation. Inspired by the city's history of transformation, HONOR chose Hamburg as the pilot location for the project, with the aim of contributing to the digital cultural boom and inspiring people from all around the world to reimagine cultural treasures in the metaverse.
To bring the project to life, HONOR partnered with ARLOOPA, an AR and VR development company, and celebrated artists Yunuene and Timo Helgert, who creatively transformed the famous Wasserschloss building in AR.
Yunuene's contribution to Gateway to the Future, entitled "Sailing Through Time" pays tribute to the evolution of the city's port, showing how innovation in marine logistics transformed over time with her signature visual aesthetic. Timo Helgert's experience "Blooming Future" takes a more futuristic approach, playing on Hamburg's status as one of the greenest cities of the world and creatively imagining what the Wasserschloss would look like in a green future where beautiful plants and endangered species can thrive, taking this historic landmark into an otherworldly realm.
Unlocking Immersive Experiences through the Power of AI and AR
Through the experience, HONOR also contributes to hybrid tourism, an emerging trend following the global tourism rebound, whereby travelers are expecting digital advances made during the pandemic to benefit and augment physical travel experiences. The AR experiences at the Wasserschloss bring the digital and physical worlds together, allowing travelers to experience culture a totally new way. HONOR has been consistently investing in technologies including AI Space Identification, Spatial Audio and AR to enable enhanced immersive experiences fit for the digital revolution.
"The Warehouse District was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 with the aim of protecting and preserving the history and culture of one of the world's largest trading ports. Through the advent of emerging technologies including augmented reality, it is now possible to educate and engage future generations about cultural heritage in new and exciting ways. We were therefore proud to be able to help HONOR's Gateway to the Future initiative, which not only offers a celebration of the district's significance to Germany, but also its exciting future as a global metropolis," said Bernd Paulowitz, Head of UNESCO World Heritage Hamburg.
"With tourism soaring to new heights following years of global lockdowns, it's great to see brands like HONOR bringing new and enriched experiences to people as they start to explore the world again. This summer, our city saw again the same level in visitors as in summer 2019, which in part has been due to new interactive cultural attractions enabled by technology. Inspired by Hamburg's status as the Gateway to the World, we're thrilled to partner with the Gateway to the Future initiative, which we are confident will allow visitors and residents of Hamburg alike to connect with the UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt in more immersive ways. We are witnessing a huge demand for hybrid experiences, with travelers increasingly expecting a virtual layer to their interactions with cultural landmarks. This is the right time to harness the power of technology in tourism to create magical experiences for tourists around the world," said, Guido Neumann, Head of PR of Hamburg Tourism Board.
Reimagine Your Community with HONOR Talents
Launched as part of the HONOR Talents Global Design Awards, Gateway to the Future also aims to inspire creative talent from all around the world to harness technology and reimagine their own communities in the era of the metaverse. For the first time, HONOR Talents is introducing a dedicated AR Interactive Artwork Design category, and is now accepting applications for digital art that transforms local neighborhoods, including digital overlays for buildings, walls, parks, and other public spaces. Artists interested in the contest can find more information here: https://www.hihonor.com/honor-talents/en In addition to Gateway to the Future AR experience, HONOR has partnered with the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in China to create a new AR artwork titled "INFINITY". The art is available at HONOR's IFA booth through the ARLOOPA app.
AR Experiences are Now Live
Available from today until the end of the year, the Gateway to the Future AR experiences can be accessed through the dedicated HONOR page on the free to download ARLOOPA app. Users have the option to experience the AR artworks on site in Hamburg, or anywhere in the world. The on-site experience is anchored to the Wasserschloss building, and can be viewed from the Poggenmühlen-Brücke, the bridge opposite the landmark. Users who are not in Hamburg can select "experience on any surface" on the app and follow the on-screen instructions to virtually check out the AR experience on a flat surface nearby[1].
About HONOR
HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR's portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.
For more information, please visit HONOR online at www.hihonor.com or email newsroom@hihonor.com
[1] For the best experience, users are recommended to use an ARCore- or ARKit-compatible smartphone.
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SOURCE HONOR | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/honor-transforms-iconic-cultural-landmark-through-power-technology/ | 2022-09-02T17:10:32Z |
Applications open for Kansas’ next Poet Laureate
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The search is on for the Sunflower State’s next Poet Laureate.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says on Thursday, Aug. 4, the applications have opened for the next Poet Laureate of Kansas. She said the position is honorary and mean to promote reading and writing poetry throughout the Sunflower State.
Gov. Kelly noted that the Kanas Poet Laureate is sponsored by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. She said the current title holder is Huascar Medina, a poet, writer and performer based in Topeka.
“By preserving the legacy of the generations that came before us, inspiring artists of the future, and driving community and economic development, the Kansas Poet Laureate program is a shining example of the value of supporting local and statewide arts,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage poets across the state to apply to be the eighth Poet Laureate of Kansas.”
Kelly indicated that the Kansas Poet Laureate will serve a 4-year term starting Jan. 1, 2023, and will contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry through presentations of their own work and the work of others at public events, and readings, workshops and lectures throughout the Sunflower State.
“The arts help bring our communities together with stories and experiences that highlight our uniqueness, talents and gifts,” said Lieutenant Governor David Toland. “It has been great to see the return of the Poet Laureate program through the talents of current Poet Laureate Huascar Medina and I’m excited to see this program continue to grow.”
Kelly said medina has been busy presenting his program, May Our Voices Ring True, across Kansas since the program returned to KCAIC in 2021. He now works as a freelance copywriter and as the Literary Editor for seveneightfive magazine publishing stories that spotlight literary and artistic events in Northeast Kansas.
In the fall of 2021, Kelly said Medina was confirmed as a member of the National Council on the Arts.
“It has been an honor to serve as the seventh Poet Laureate of Kansas,” Medina said. “With each new laureate, the Poet Laureate of Kansas program grows in purpose, status and function. We have a strong legacy of words in Kansas, and that tradition will continue with the eighth Poet Laureate. To the next Kansas Poet Laureate, I say: May you find the words and may your words find others.”
Beyond sharing poetry across the state, the Governor noted that the Poet Laureate participates in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students and helps strengthen and expand the literary arts ecosystem in the Sunflower State. Using the Poet Laureate programming is free to all non-profit organizations in Kansas.
To be considered, Kelly indicated that applicants are required to submit a complete application by Tuesday, Sept. 6. The selection committee will then review the applications and select semi-finalists who will then be required to give a public presentation. The new Poet Laureate will be announced in October.
For more information about the Poet Laureate program, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/04/applications-open-kansas-next-poet-laureate/ | 2022-08-04T18:46:58Z |
ORLANDO, Fla. , June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lug, the popular lifestyle brand of travel bags, handbags, and accessories is pleased to announce its feature on Fresh Money, an online CNN series that tells stories of innovators who are reinventing how we live. "The Lug company has created such a devoted online community around their accessories that women snap up new products as soon as they appear on the company's live app or QVC," said a blurb on CNN.com.
The piece interviews Jason and Ami Richter, founders of Lug. On a car drive from Dallas, Texas, to Toronto, Canada, Jason and Ami came up with the idea, name, and concept for Lug, which launched in August 2005. In addition to their origin story, the couple also talks about getting a call from Oprah's people for her famous "O List" and venturing into the world of QVC. "Our very first airing with QVC was on July 24, 2015," said Ami in the CNN interview. "When we went on air, the product sold out in two minutes," added Jason.
Today, Lug has 50+ employees spread across the U.S. and Canada and millions of products sold. "Now that we're a 15-year-old company, we've grown this to a size we probably didn't think was possible in the beginning," said Jason Richter. Despite the company's exponential growth, Lug has a very intentional people-driven culture that feels like family, which is depicted well in the Fresh Money piece.
Since the start, Lug has always pushed the envelope to get to the next level. "You don't just wait for things to come to you. You seek them," said Ami Richter. "So, we thought, what better way than to build our own social selling channel?" For Jason and Ami, launching LugLive has felt like going "back to startup mode" as they step into new territory and help define the future of retail. "Customers appreciate being able to be heard, and in this community, they have a say," said Jason. "I definitely think the future of retail is going to lead itself into more live commerce. The reactions that we get from our customers, the personalities they get to interact with, it all creates the opportunity where everyone can thrive together."
Watch the full video at cnn.com/freshmoney.
About Lug
Founded in 2005 by Ami and Jason Richter, Lug's unique silhouettes and thoughtful designs keep you organized throughout your day. Featuring fashionable bags and accessories in brilliant colors and novelty patterns, Lug provides solutions to everyday life with both function and fashion in mind.
The following year, Lug's Puddle Jumper bag caught Oprah's attention, and it was featured on the "O List" in O Magazine, popularizing the brand among female travelers.
In 2015, Lug launched on QVC to great success, where its products are featured in broadcasts that reach over 100 million American households. Lug received the QVC Star Award for Customer Experience in 2016 and the QVC Star Award for Customer Experience in 2017.
Lug was chosen as the official bag of the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards and the 2018, 2019, and 2020 SAG Awards Gala Gift Bags.
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SOURCE The Lug Companies | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/lug-talks-growth-brand-community-future-retail-cnns-fresh-money-series/ | 2022-06-14T21:07:14Z |
Funding Led by SYN Ventures - Additional Participating Investors Include Rally Ventures and Cyber Mentor Fund
CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SynSaber, an early-stage ICS/OT cybersecurity and asset monitoring company, announced today that the company has raised $13 million in Series A funding. SYN Ventures led the round with participation from additional investors, including Rally Ventures and Cyber Mentor Fund.
SynSaber, founded by industry veterans Ron Fabela and Jori VanAntwerp in 2021, released the 1.0 version of their OT visibility and detection solution in February 2022. The vendor-agnostic software allows critical infrastructure asset owners and operators to send OT edge data to empower their SIEM, SOAR, or MSSP. The company has gained significant traction and was recently selected as an SC Awards finalist for Best SCADA Security Solution.
"We're honored and deeply grateful for the continued support from our investors and their dedication to accelerating SynSaber's innovation capabilities," said Jori VanAntwerp, Co-Founder/CEO of SynSaber. "As the cybersecurity threat landscape increasingly targets industrial assets, we are enabling operators to more effectively see, know, and take action to defend industrial systems and protect critical infrastructure."
This latest round brings the company's total investment to $15.5 million. The funds will be used to continue advancing the innovation of SynSaber's industrial asset and network monitoring solution, expand the company's global footprint, grow sales, marketing, and development, and further build on customer momentum and industry research.
"We're pleased to continue investing in the exceptional SynSaber team. This financing round will extend SynSaber's capacity to amplify their industrial cybersecurity and asset monitoring solution alongside expanding the company's customer base," said Jay Leek, Managing Partner at SYN Ventures. "We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the co-founders and their company."
SynSaber is the simple, flexible, and scalable industrial asset and network monitoring solution that provides continuous insight into the status, vulnerabilities, and threats across every point in the industrial ecosystem, empowering operators to observe, detect and defend OT/IT systems and protect critical infrastructure. SynSaber is privately held with funding from SYN Ventures, Rally Ventures, and Cyber Mentor Fund. Learn more at SynSaber.com.
Media Contact:
Danielle Ostrovsky
Hi-Touch PR
410-302-9459
Ostrovsky@Hi-TouchPR.com
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SOURCE SynSaber | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/synsaber-announces-13-million-series-funding-further-empower-industrial-asset-network-monitoring-protect-critical-infrastructure/ | 2022-08-18T11:51:53Z |
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company has announced that effective July 13, the Company has purchased Neenah Enterprises, Incorporated, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin. Neenah operates three plants which manufacture construction and industrial castings. The Neenah plant locations are Medley, Florida, Neenah, Wisconsin and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Neenah has been a leader in the construction castings industry for 150 years. Hooper Hardison, President and CEO of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, stated "This acquisition in an adjacent sector builds on our core competency in the manufacturing of grey iron castings. We believe that Charlotte Pipe's financial strength and manufacturing expertise will strengthen Neenah's portfolio."
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company was established in 1901 and is a privately held corporation operating seven plants across the United States producing plastic pipe and fittings and cast iron soil pipe and fittings used primarily for drain, waste, and vent purposes as well as commercial castings. The Company is currently constructing a new greenfield foundry operation east of Charlotte which will come on-line in the third quarter of 2023.
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SOURCE Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/charlotte-pipe-foundry-acquires-neenah-enterprises-inc/ | 2022-07-13T18:38:57Z |
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling more than 484,000 large SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem that can cause the third-row seat belts to malfunction.
The recall covers Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes, Cadillac Escalades and GMC Yukons from the 2021 and 2022 model years.
The automaker says in documents posted Tuesday by U.S. safety regulators that rivets that hold the buckle to the mounting bracket on the left- and right side third-row seats may have been formed improperly.
The belts may not properly restrain a passenger in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The company says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.
Dealers will inspect the rivet heads and replace buckle assemblies if needed. Owners will be notified starting Sept. 26. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/gm-recalls-484k-suvs-over-a-problem-with-seat-belts/ | 2022-08-17T03:26:44Z |
HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM) — Carol Hover, from Hornell, New York, received multiple pieces of mail that were written decades ago.
“They shouldn’t have gotten to me,” said Hover.
In early April, Hover received a postcard in the mail. While this is not unusual, the fact that it was dated August 30, 1960, was peculiar.
“The first thing I noticed was my mother’s handwriting,” said Hover. “She passed away back in 2014. I found that it was postmarked from Canada in August of 1960. So, they would have been on their honeymoon.”
Maybe it was just a strange accident? That is what Carol thought at first. However, that was not the only mail she received.
“So, the next day, I took it over to the post office just to have a laugh,” said Hover. “They said, ‘Oh you had a substitute delivery person. We are sorry. Do you know Jim and Peg, the people that sent it?’ I’m like those were my parents. She goes, “Oh my gosh! We have two more in the back.”
And more letters kept coming. Her cousin, Karen Kohnke, also received a letter at her former family home in Minnesota.
“Nobody seems to know, including the post office, how they are getting to us and why,” said Hover.
Regardless of the reason, Hover is enjoying the mystery mail. She especially enjoys the notes written by her family.
“It was just really nice to see my mother’s handwriting on a recent piece of mail, or my father’s [handwriting],” said Hover. “That was nice. So whether it gets explained or not, I am okay with that.” | https://cw33.com/news/national/nexstar-media-wire/mysterious-mail-woman-receives-mail-written-decades-ago/ | 2022-05-13T17:41:15Z |
SCP+R plans to cut schedule for amenities with start of school
Published: Aug. 4, 2022 at 7:27 AM CDT|Updated: 12 minutes ago
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - With the start of fall classes, Shawnee Co. Parks + Recreation plans to cut the amenities schedule to weekends only.
Shawnee County Parks + Recreation says with the first week of school set to begin, its seasonal amenities will switch to weekends only starting on Aug. 6.
SCP+R said amenities include:
- The Gage Park mini-train and carousel will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Oct. 30.
- The Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for paddle boat, water trike, canoe and kayak rentals through Sept. 11.
- Dornwood and Jackson Spray Parks will remain open daily through Sept. 15.
For more information about Shawnee Co. Parks and Recreation or any of its amenities, click HERE.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/04/scpr-plans-cut-schedule-amenities-with-start-school/ | 2022-08-04T12:40:12Z |
Faster access to affordable capital for Small Businesses
CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NEWITY, a small business marketplace dedicated to creating equitable access to small business loans and trusted business service providers, today announced the expansion of its loan solutions to include SBA 7(a) loans up to $250,000. This new offering increases access to affordable capital for small business owners that have historically struggled to obtain funds to grow their businesses.
NEWITY streamlined the 7(a) application to enable small business owners to apply for a business loan in less than 30 minutes. Further, NEWITY offers phone and virtual assistance from seasoned SBA professionals through all stages of the loan process. Northeast Bank, a licensed SBA lender, is collaborating with NEWITY to support small businesses by funding the SBA loans made available through Newt's portal.
Established to better service Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, NEWITY found it could do more to support American businesses and undeserved communities following the end of the Program. "Now that PP has ended, there is an even greater need to support American entrepreneurs," said Luke Flashier, NEWITY Co-Founder and Co-CEO. "After servicing more than $11.4B PP loans and helping 115,000 small businesses, we are reinforcing our commitment to empower entrepreneurs by expanding the size of our small business loan offering and continuing to work with the SBA."
"We're thrilled to keep leveling the playing field for small business owners," said David Cody, NEWITY Co-Founder and Co-CEO. "This broader loan offering is a testament to our continued effort to be a champion for American entrepreneurs who are otherwise disadvantaged when pursuing traditional means of financing."
NEWITY is America's Small Business Marketplace, focused on empowering entrepreneurs with access to trusted service providers and affordable loan solutions – all in one place. NEWITY uses leading technology to help small businesses access services to make their companies more efficient and profitable. Today, that includes simplified online bookkeeping with Endow to help entrepreneurs apply for 7(a) loans with ease; customized, competitive insurance with Nylon to aid businesses in meeting specific loan requirements; and access to a marketing agency marketplace with Reef to enable businesses to use their 7(a) funds more efficiently. To join Newt's growing small business community, visit Euromarket.Com.
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SOURCE Newity | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/newity-now-offering-sba-7a-loans-up-250000/ | 2022-09-13T14:38:55Z |
Schools are going online in disasters, worsening disruption
(AP) - When a water crisis forced schools back online in Jackson, Mississippi, fifth-grade teacher Ryan Johnson saw reminders everywhere of pandemic times.
Two and a half years after schools switched to remote learning for COVID-19, he once again logged into online learning to see kids lying in bed at home while tuning in for his classes.
This time, Johnson also had to assist his young daughter, who was stuck at home trying to keep up with second grade. She asked repeatedly when she could go back to school.
The stint in remote learning was short-lived for the 20,000-student school system in Jackson. But it highlighted an alarming reality: Schools are relying on online classes when communities face their most trying times — disasters like wildfires, storms or a lack of water. And experts say it’s not a sustainable solution.
When Jackson’s troubled water system left the city with dry taps and unflushable toilets for several days, school went online for a week. Enough water pressure was restored last week for children to go back in person, but the city remains under its seventh week of a boil-water advisory.
Still, online learning compounded the disruption for children and teachers. Families waited in lines for hours to get water to drink or wash. Back at home, children slogged through internet classes, often with the whole family in the house once again.
Johnson said he did his best to juggle it all and keep his students engaged, drawing on his extended experience from the pandemic, but it was far from perfect.
“You try to look at the glass half full as much as possible,” he said.
There was a time, early in the pandemic, when hopes were high for remote learning. It made snow days obsolete, and some schools experimented with online learning in place of substitute teachers. The potential seemed endless.
But remote learning’s shortcomings have become more clear. The shift to remote learning for COVID-19 left many students behind where they should be academically and added to strains on their mental health.
At the same time, it led to increased access to technology and skills that make remote instruction doable on a large scale — an impossibility just four years ago.
In 2018, two hurricanes — Florence and Michael — struck the same regions in North Carolina, causing schools to close. Some students were out of school for weeks. There were attempts at remote learning, but many lacked access to laptops and other technology. Most schools tried to redistribute students to other in-person facilities, said Gary Henry, dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development, who has been part of a long-term research effort studying the impact.
Now, Henry thinks districts will reach first for remote learning. In the short term — a few weeks, perhaps — he thinks it could be a way to keep students on track, but the pandemic showed it’s not a sustainable model.
“I think it will be an automatic response in most places to short-term disruptions in schooling,” he said. “It’s going to be the first reaction, whereas, back during the hurricanes, it was: Where can we get these students in another physical location where they can resume their school experience? Now I think it’s going to be: How can we get organized to provide remote learning?”
Schools in Mora, New Mexico, switched to remote learning last April when the town was evacuated due to a wildfire.
It was a rocky start, Superintendent Marvin MacAuley said. Some of the displaced students and teachers were in evacuation centers, without access to their technology. As time went on, people were able to access computers or tablets and the internet.
In mid-August, students went back to school, in person, for the first time since the fire. The year started with an emphasis on social-emotional learning, to address the difficulties students have faced. Even with social workers reaching out, MacAuley said it was difficult gauging how students were doing during remote learning.
“When there’s a lot of stuff that has happened, it’s better to have the kids in person so you can see how they are, take note of their behaviors and provide the support to them,” he said.
In Cresskill, New Jersey, after Hurricane Ida hit in 2021, the building housing the high school and middle school was left underwater. The school system had no choice but to start the school year virtually.
“That’s rough,” Superintendent Michael Burke said. “That’s rough for kids for mental health issues. It’s rough for kids for socialization. And it’s hard for parents who have to arrange for someone to be home. You know, and that’s the most frustrating part, is that it came on the heels of COVID. And people were at a breaking point.”
Eventually, Cresskill offered hybrid learning, working with a local church, utilizing its 14 classrooms. Later, in February, the school moved into a neighboring town’s church building, which allowed students to go back every day.
Sarah Barrs’ daughter, who is now a seventh grader, was scheduled to go to orientation the week the storm decimated the school. She said some considered remote learning an adequate solution because they had done it before out of necessity.
“It’s not school,” she said. “It’s a last resort and it shouldn’t be a crutch that we rely on for school.”
In Jackson, Johnson used his experience from the pandemic to help new teachers at his school when the district moved online during the water crisis. For one, he tried to ensure students had their laptop cameras on, in hopes of keeping them focused. Teachers worked hard last year to help students catch up, he said, and he worried about the potential effects of another extended closure.
As the water pressure came back, the school system bused some students and teachers to alternate sites to bring them back to in-person instruction as quickly as possible.
“It’s certainly not our first option,” said Sherwin Johnson, a spokesman for Jackson Public Schools. “Having them not learning at all, which would be the other option, is unacceptable.”
___
Associated Press writer Jeff Amy contributed to this report from Atlanta.
___
Brooke Schultz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/15/schools-are-going-online-disasters-worsening-disruption/ | 2022-09-15T11:28:45Z |
The new wealth management firm spearheaded by Chris McMahon utilizes innovative artificial intelligence to provide Catholic investors with transparency about their portfolios
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠, a wealth management firm specializing in Catholic faith-based investing, is proud to launch with cutting-edge technology heralding a new age of investment insights.
Aquinas utilizes an innovative hybrid robo-advisor program providing clients with details about how publicly traded companies use their funds. This service is provided free of charge at aquinaswealth.com and does not require any long-term commitment from users. Website visitors are invited to submit sample information about their holdings and portfolio for an analysis by the site's program. Following a quick review, the artificial intelligence provides an outline of causes and organizations being supported by companies within an investor's portfolio. The result, referred to as the Faith & Finance Score, then assigns a letter grade based on a portfolio's adherence to Catholic principles and values. Users are then invited to be advised on how they can adjust their holdings to better reflect their values through a consultation with one of Aquinas' advisors to discuss their specific situation. Investors are also able to choose to use the information on their own.
"Across my career, clients have continually asked how they can best align their investments with their values, particularly among my Catholic clients," said Chris McMahon, President and CEO of Aquinas. "Now, Aquinas' state-of-the-art technology has made it easier than ever for investors to unify their deepest-held beliefs with their finances. This program empowers individuals to have a greater degree of understanding and control over where they place their money."
Prior to founding Aquinas, McMahon established MFA Wealth, a personal wealth management firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to possessing three decades of experience advising clients in matters of comprehensive financial planning, asset allocation, retirement planning, and estate tax management techniques, McMahon has also been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and honored with awards including the 2022 Catholic Finance Professional of The Year Award by the Catholic Finance Association.
Aquinas' commitment to transparency allows investors to feel the security of working with a fiduciary as well as confidence from possessing a complete picture as to how their money is being used. The firm also has tentative plans to expand on its technology for use beyond a Catholic framework.
For additional information about Aquinas and the Faith & Finance Score technology, please visit: aquinaswealth.com.
Inspired by the legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠ is a faith and values-based wealth management firm. The firm's mission is to use in-house innovations and morally-sound financial planning to make people aware of any potentially troubling details about their current investments. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, the firm is working to expose objectionable business practices of companies across industries and help individuals make investment choices aligned with their values.
Advisory services are offered by Moralis Technologies, LLC d/b/a Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠ ("Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠"), a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠ may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for a corresponding exemption from such requirements. For information about the Aquinas Wealth Advisors℠ registration status and business operations, please consult the firm's Form ADV disclosure documents, the most recent versions of which are available on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The information provided is for illustration purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, investment, tax or legal advice, any recommendation or opinion regarding the appropriateness or suitability of any investment or strategy, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any interest in any security.
All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful and no guarantee of positive results.
Christopher S. McMahon was awarded the 2022 Catholic Finance Professional of the Year Award on July 1, 2022 by the Catholic Finance Association. Criteria considered by the Catholic Finance Associate in considering finalists includes: (1) Fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church and public expression of the Faith as an example for others to follow, (2) high professional achievement, and (3) charity to other and giving back to the profession. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly in connection with obtaining or using this award.
Contact Information
Kayla Breitkopf
kbreitkopf@jconnelly.com
862 505 6152
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SOURCE Aquinas Wealth Advisors | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/aquinas-wealth-advisors-launches-technology-better-align-investors-with-their-values/ | 2022-08-03T15:56:12Z |
Judge rejects Trump lawsuit challenging ban from Twitter
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A San Francisco judge tossed out former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit challenging his permanent ban from Twitter.
U.S. District Judge James Donato said Friday that Trump failed to show Twitter violated his First Amendment right to free speech. Free speech rights don’t apply to private companies and Trump failed to show Twitter was working as a state actor on behalf of Democrats, the judge wrote.
“The amended complaint merely offers a grab-bag of allegations to the effect that some Democratic members of Congress wanted Mr. Trump, and ‘the views he espoused,’ to be banned from Twitter because such ‘content and views’ were ‘contrary to those legislators’ preferred points of view,’” Donato wrote. “But the comments of a handful of elected officials are a far cry from a ‘rule of decision for which the State is responsible.’ Legislators are perfectly free to express opinions without being deemed the official voice of ‘the State.’”
Trump sued Twitter, Facebook and Google’s YouTube in July 2021, claiming they illegally censored him.
The platforms suspended Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, in which his followers violently stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s presidential win. The companies cited concerns he would incite further violence.
The ruling comes as Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, is in the process of purchasing Twitter for $44 billion. The deal has raised questions about whether, Musk, a self-described free speech absolutist would reinstate the former president.
Trump, who has continued to repeat lies about his 2020 election defeat in speeches, has started his own social network, Truth Social. He said last week that he wouldn’t rejoin Twitter if given the chance.
The suit had sought to reinstate Trump’s account, which had roughly 89 million followers, and those of five others who claimed they were also censored by Twitter. The group had sought unspecified damages and class action status on behalf of others removed from the platform.
Legal experts had predicted the lawsuit would fail but suggested Trump would milk it for political purposes. Trump’s political action committee immediately began raising money after the lawsuit was announced last year.
The lawsuit had also sought a declaration that Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act was unconstitutional.
The act says providers such as Twitter can moderate services by removing obscene posts that violate their standards and cannot be held responsible for content posted by others.
Trump had only shown a “vague and speculative allegation” that he believed he would not have been banned if Twitter wasn’t granted immunity by Section 230, Donato said.
Donato gave Trump another opportunity to amend his complaint. Trump’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/07/judge-rejects-trump-lawsuit-challenging-ban-twitter/ | 2022-05-07T21:42:46Z |
LONDON (AP) — A strike by London Underground workers brought the British capital’s transit network to a grinding halt on Friday, a day after a nationwide walkout by railway staff. Another rail strike is scheduled for Saturday as the U.K. endures a summer of action by workers demanding pay increases to offset soaring food and energy price hikes.
No subway trains were running on most of London’s Tube lines because of the strike over jobs, pay and pensions by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, operator Transport for London said.
“It is going to be a difficult day,” said Nick Dent, TFL’s director of customer operations. “We’re advising customers not to travel on the Tube at all.”
There was also continuing disruption above ground as trains started to run again following Thursday’s strike by thousands of railway cleaners, signalers, maintenance workers and other staff. Only about a fifth of trains ran during the 24-hour walkout, the latest in a series of strikes on Britain’s railways.
Rail unions accuse Britain’s Conservative government of preventing train companies — which are privately owned but heavily regulated — from making a better offer. The government denies meddling, but says rail companies need to cut costs and staffing after two years in which emergency government funding kept them afloat.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Times Radio that “it’s a kick in the teeth” to the public for unions “to turn round after we provided 16 billion pounds of support for the railways and go ‘Right, well, the next thing we’re going to do is go on strike.’”
More public- and private-sector unions are planning strikes as Britain faces its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Postal workers, lawyers, British Telecom staff and port workers have all announced walkouts for later this month.
Garbage collectors and recycling workers in Edinburgh, Scotland, began an 11-day strike on Thursday, warning that trash will pile up in the streets as tourists flock to the city for the Edinburgh Fringe and other arts festivals.
U.K. inflation hit a new 40-year high of 10.1% in July, and the Bank of England says it could rise to 13% amid a recession later this year. The average U.K. household fuel bill has risen more than 50% so far in 2022 as Russia’s war in Ukraine squeezes global oil and natural gas supplies. Another increase is due in October, when the average bill is forecast to hit 3,500 pounds ($4,300) a year. | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/no-tube-london-subway-hit-by-strike-day-after-rail-walkout/ | 2022-08-19T22:21:12Z |
Kendall Jenner's award-winning brand adds ultra-premium product to portfolio
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 818 Tequila, the award-winning Tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner, announced today the launch of Eight Reserve by 818 – an ultra-premium Añejo Reserve that will be available for purchase in September.
The debut of Eight Reserve by 818 marks an expansion for the brand to new consumers. This comes on the heels of the company's first year successes including becoming the best-selling new spirit brand of 2021 in the United States (Source: Nielsen & IRI Total US, Multi Outlet + Convenience). The brand has also won 25 blind tasting awards at eight international spirits competitions.
Developed in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, the new Eight Reserve liquid is a blend of one-year-old Añejo and extra Añejos as old as eight years which creates a level of complexity, softness and depth rarely experienced in Tequila. The result is an elegant expression that is smooth and rich, made to be enjoyed neat while celebrating life's special moments.
"The launch of Eight Reserve is a milestone moment for the 818 Tequila brand," said Kendall Jenner, Founder of 818 Tequila. "We are constantly looking to innovate and with this new liquid we are building on what makes 818 Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo so beautiful and complex and taking it to the next level. It's been incredible to work alongside our team in Mexico to develop Eight Reserve."
The Eight Reserve bottle is just as special as its liquid. The handmade ceramic decanter is produced by artisans in Pachuca, Mexico, and the eight shape symbolizes this moment in 818's history – an unforgettable shape made for passing hands and infinite tequila enjoyment.
Retailing for $200 SRP and coming in 750mL, Eight Reserve will be rolling out for purchase on September 19 starting in New York, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Illinois and California, with more states launching through the end of the year. Eight Reserve will also be available to order online through alcohol marketplaces including ReserveBar. The bottle is available for pre-order starting today by visiting eightreserve.com.
"Our Eight Reserve Tequila Añejo is a blend that is as harmonious as it is unique," said David Yan González, Director of Tequila Operations at 818 Tequila. "Aged in French and American barrels, the Tequila is a masterful Añejo blend that is wonderfully rich and layered. We're proud to introduce this delicious product."
The launch of Eight Reserve will expand 818 Tequila's consumer base, coming to shelves at a time when Americans are spending more on premium Tequila and Mezcal. According to new data from the IWSR, US Tequila consumption jumped 27% in 2021 and is expected to surpass vodka sales by 2023, making it the US's most-purchased spirit category.
Guests attending the brand's annual 8.18 celebration, hosted at Soho House's Little Beach House Malibu, were among the first to taste the new liquid, joined by Kendall Jenner and her 818 Tequila team.
From its 1% for the Planet giveback to partnering with S.A.C.R.E.D. – a nonprofit that supports Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made – and working with local, family-owned businesses in Jalisco, Mexico and sustainable suppliers, 818 Tequila embodies an emerging consumer ethos. For more information, visit www.drink818.com.
Founded by Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila is an award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand. Produced using traditional methods in Jalisco, Mexico at a family-owned-and-operated distillery, the brand has won 25 blind tasting awards across eight major industry competitions, including Best Reposado Tequila from the World Tequila Awards, Platinum Award from the SIP Awards, Chairman's Trophy from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Triple Gold from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards, Top 100 Spirits from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and Innovation Award from the SIP Awards. Sustainably produced from one hundred percent Weber Blue agaves, 818 Tequila features three variations – a Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. For more information, follow @drink818 on Instagram or visit www.drink818.com.
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SOURCE 818 Tequila | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/818-tequila-announces-launch-eight-reserve-by-818/ | 2022-08-18T23:59:33Z |
Weeklong event benefits 22 community nonprofits
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OneAmerica® continues a nine-year tradition of dedicating a full week of volunteer service to its local communities. Nearly 700 associates will assist nonprofits during the annual Week of Caring.
From Maine to southern California, associates of OneAmerica will provide more than 2,000 hours through 24 combined in-person and virtual volunteer activities in five states.
"What started as a local community event has grown into a national tradition, celebrating our culture of caring," said Jen Pittman, vice president of Community Affairs at OneAmerica. "We invest in our communities in many ways throughout the year. During Week of Caring, we contribute our time and energy to make a meaningful difference for nonprofit organizations across the country."
Most of the volunteer opportunities are in communities in which OneAmerica associates work, although associates also volunteer for virtual activities benefitting national organizations. Twelve volunteer sites are in Indianapolis. Other cities that will benefit from the community investment include: Appleton, Wisconsin; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Portland, Maine; and San Diego, California.
Week of Caring is conducted in collaboration with many nonprofit organizations, such as Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. This year, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Damar Services are new volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis, and the San Diego Rescue Mission has collaborated with OneAmerica as an additional site in Southern California. Associates will make and donate blankets for the Little Red Door. In conjunction with the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, 4,000 children's books were donated to the United Way readUP program, a literacy initiative. The books will be distributed in Indianapolis during the Week of Caring. Virtual volunteer opportunities are also available through the Red Cross and the Alzheimer's Association.
Week of Caring is part of a broader associate-driven philanthropy effort that also includes the company's annual giving campaign. The OneAmerica Cares Giving Campaign starts in September and runs through mid-October. Last year, the campaign raised $823,000 to invest back into communities.
In 2014, OneAmerica became the first organization in central Indiana to devote an entire week to volunteer service. Each year provides associates the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues in an immersive, community-focused effort that benefits others. The public can follow associates in action at the activities by following #OneAmericaCares on social media channels.
About OneAmerica®
A national provider of insurance and financial services for more than 140 years, the companies of OneAmerica help customers build and protect their financial futures. OneAmerica offers a variety of products and services to serve the financial needs of their policyholders and customers. These products include retirement plan products and recordkeeping services, individual life insurance, annuities, asset-based long-term care solutions and employee benefit plan products. Products are issued and underwritten by the companies of OneAmerica and distributed through a nationwide network of employees, agents, brokers and other sources who are committed to providing value to our customers. To learn more about our products, services and the companies of OneAmerica, visit OneAmerica.com/companies.
OneAmerica® is the marketing name for the companies of OneAmerica.
Contact:
Jonathan D. Neal
Public Relations Manager
OneAmerica
765-524-1901
Jonathan.Neal@oneamerica.com
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SOURCE OneAmerica | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/oneamerica-associates-give-2000-service-hours-nationally/ | 2022-08-23T16:46:58Z |
WPD: 1-year-old dies, father, girlfriend arrested for murder
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Wichita police arrested a man and a woman accused in the death of a one-year-old boy.
Around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to a child abuse report at an area hospital. They arrived and were told a family member and guardian of Lasiah brought him to the hospital unresponsive. The boy died at the hospital.
Through their investigation, police learned Lasisah was with his father, Kentrell Willingham, and his father’s girlfriend Xjohnna Hannah, for a few days. A family member of Lasiah met Kentrell, on Thursday in the 1600 hundred block of South Oliver to exchange custody. The family member left with Lasiah and a short time later realized the boy was unresponsive. The family member and Lasiah’s legal guardian immediately drove the boy to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police arrested 25-year-old Kentrell Willingham and 25-year-old Xjohnna Hannah, both of Wichita, for first-degree murder and aggravated endangerment of a child. The investigation is still ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.
Copyright 2022 KWCH. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/29/wpd-1-year-old-dies-father-girlfriend-arrested-murder/ | 2022-07-29T20:50:34Z |
Country Fest: 'It's like America, friends and country music'
CANTON – Tailgaters in the commuter parking lot at Country Fest were having a party on a sunny, cool Saturday afternoon before the concerts even started.
Fans sat in the back of pickup trucks or gathered around in chairs, listening to country music while sipping beer and other alcoholic beverages.
Hot dogs were grilled. Revelers played a drinking game called thump involving a hammer, nail and tree stump. Cornhole games also were happening.
"It's a constant party," Sierra Barr, 23, said of the jubilant, carefree vibe. "Country (music) people are all family.
"I took a week off work for this," the Pennsylvania resident said.
Barr's friend, Kylee McCarty, 22, of the Pittsburgh area, welcomed a passerby into their tailgate area with a smile and friendly conversation.
"I would take this over a beach vacation any day," said the elementary school teacher and college student.
"Country music is my favorite," she said. "There's a a story behind every song."
The atmosphere at Country Fest at Clay's Resort Jellystone Park was good vibes only. Earlier in the week, when campers and commuters poured into the grounds, traffic had backed up on Route 93, taking some visitors hours to get into the event. But traffic was flowing smoothly at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
More:Country Fest grows from humble beginnings to 25,000 fans and major headliner Morgan Wallen
More:Review: Morgan Wallen packs PNC for fun, beer-soaked show. As for that controversy...
Saturday was the fourth and final day of Country Fest. Closing out the event were Ernest, Larry Fleet, HARDY and Morgan Wallen. Earlier in the week, country music stars had included Jason Aldean and Brantley Gilbert.
A few special events also were planned Saturday night, including a flyover conducted by Castle Aviation, based at the Akron-Canton Airport.
A record crowd of around 25,000 people was expected for Wallen's show, according to Country Fest organizers. Fans had shown up in bigger numbers earlier in the day than past years.
Wallen is considered the hottest touring act in all of music at the moment, Country Fest co-founder Aaron Green had said recently.
Fans on Saturday frequently cited Wallen as the reason for attending Country Fest.
Event attracts genuine country music fans
Country Fest also drew fans from as far away as Alaska, Ireland and Australia.
Mike Perrault, 44, of Connecticut, said he made the trip at the insistence of his daughter, Allison Perrault, who enjoyed Country Fest last summer.
"Country music in Connecticut is a whole different environment," the daughter said while standing atop a hill overlooking thousands of fans. "This is amazing.
"You'll never look at country music in Connecticut the same after you've been here."
Added Chase Eby, a member of the Perraults' group: "They are genuine and passionate about their country music (at Country Fest)."
West Virginia teen calls event 'overwhelming'
Many fans were returning to the country music extravaganza for another year. Newbies were also on hand, including Addison Newsome, 16, and Karli Smith, 17, both of West Virginia.
"It's probably going to be one of the most exciting moments of my life," Newsome said while standing near a runway connected to the main stage more than an hour before Ernest was to perform.
Smith said she wanted to attend Country Fest after reading so many positive online comments about it from fans.
Wednesday's Aldean concert was fantastic, she said.
"It was overwhelming," Smith said, wearing a black cowboy hat. "I didn't expect (the crowd) to be as big as it was."
'You get away from everything and just break away.'
Rodney Isom, 57, traveled from just a few miles away for his summertime ritual.
Cooking hot dogs, the North Lawrence resident offered one to a stranger.
"This is our eighth," Isom said of Country Fest. "It's such a good time – good music, good food, good camaraderie, good friends.
"You get away from everything and just break away," the machinist said. "For three days in a row, it's definitely a good getaway. We bought the whole (ticket) package for Morgan Wallen."
Wallen's chart-topping "Dangerous: The Double Album" is loaded with hit songs and catchy melodies, said Isom, who was joined by his wife, Colleen Isom and a relative, Renee O'Connor of Virginia Beach.
"I just think the lyrics hit home for a lot of people, and he's young and up and coming," Rodney Isom said of Wallen. "He went through a little bit of a trial there, and he fought back, and he puts his family and and love for his wife and kids first."
Morgan Wallen, beer and friends make for a great time
Not far from Isom's group was Jessica Petkac, 33, of Cleveland, who sipped a drink while relaxing in a chair. This was her fifth Country Fest.
"It's like America, friends and country music," she said of the massive event. "Everybody just having a good time. This festival is the biggest I've ever been to."
Asked what makes Wallen such a premium attraction, Petkac's friend, Tiffany Browning, 34, said: "It's like country, but it's also a little rappish."
Added Petkac: "He's very versatile; you don't have to be a country fan to listen to Morgan Wallen."
Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com. On Twitter: @ebalintREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/entertainment/2022/06/18/country-fest-has-record-crowd-final-day-hardy-morgan-wallen/7653346001/ | 2022-06-19T06:10:57Z |
Global Affiliate Brand New Galaxy joins the challenger marketing group to accelerate connected commerce and digital transformation for global brands; will operate as part of Stagwell Media Network
NEW YORK and WARSAW, Poland, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- (NASDAQ: STGW) – Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing, today announced the acquisition of Brand New Galaxy (BNG), a leading provider of scaled commerce and marketplace solutions for 150+ global brands and 500+ e-retailers worldwide. With 600 experts across Europe, MENA, and the United States, BNG adds deep, digital-first specialization in connected commerce solutions, scaling Stagwell's broad e-commerce capabilities to service more complex global clients. BNG has served as a partner of Stagwell via its Global Affiliate Program since 2021 and is the first acquisition Stagwell has made of one of its affiliates.
"We are pleased to welcome Brand New Galaxy to the Stagwell platform, expanding the reach of our global e-commerce offerings. Their state-of-the-art e-commerce and digital transformation technology is another reason clients are choosing Stagwell over traditional holding companies," said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell.
BNG will join the Stagwell Media Network, a global community of leading omnichannel agencies that collaborate to deliver future-facing solutions driven by digital, data, technology, and media expertise. In addition to complementing Stagwell's data-led digital transformation capabilities, BNG offers a range of tailored solutions for accelerating end-to-end multimarket commerce, based on international insights that translate into local market opportunities.
"It is incredibly exciting to welcome Brand New Galaxy and their leadership teams to Stagwell Media Network," said James Townsend, Global Chief Executive Officer of Stagwell Media Network and its global media agency, Assembly. "Their deep and extensive expertise in all things connected commerce sits in perfect complement to our growing portfolio of omnichannel media agencies. The addition of BNG is the natural and front-footed next step for our network to further empower the modern marketeer with more cohesive and integrated solutions across the marketing services spectrum."
As part of Stagwell Media Network, Brand New Galaxy will continue to go to market under the BNG brand as well as collaborate with other members of the Stagwell Media Network.
Piotr Morkowski, CEO of Brand New Galaxy Holding said, "BNG was born as an ecommerce-native business and over the last five years of incredible growth, we have built a set of unique, world-class capabilities to support our global clients across the entire path to purchase. Building a global business of 600 experts in less than five years is no small achievement, but we are hungry to do much more. Joining forces with Stagwell Media Network at this stage in our journey as part of an integrated go-to-market approach is the best way for us to grow even faster and deliver on our ambitions."
Stagwell Media Network is now home to more than 3,500 experts distributed globally across more than 20 countries and 40 offices, managing close to $5 billion in media. The Network offers omnichannel media, led by data and digital expertise that challenges the antiquated media models of legacy advertising giants. The BNG acquisition follows the January 2022 acquisition of Goodstuff Communications, one of the United Kingdom's leading independent media agencies, supporting Stagwell's scale and global footprint with local activation.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About Stagwell Inc.
Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.
About Stagwell Media Network
Stagwell's Media Network is a group of leading omnichannel agencies home to more than 3,500 experts with an expansive global footprint across 40+ offices in 20 countries, managing close to $5 billion in media. Agencies include Assembly, Brand New Galaxy, MMI Agency, Goodstuff and Grason, creative consultancy GALE, B2B specialist Multiview, multi-lingual content agency Locaria, and travel and media experts Ink. The network offers marketers a more dynamic partner for global B2B and B2C solutions spanning data, technology, media, and creativity aimed at accelerating business growth for brands worldwide.
About Brand New Galaxy
Brand New Galaxy is a fast-growing leading provider of marketing and technology solutions built to drive commerce and digital transformation for brands. Founded in Warsaw, Poland, in 2017, BNG has grown to 600+ employees with offices in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. BNG has been named "Debut of the Year 2018", "Success of the Year 2019 & 2020," and "Growth of the Year 2021" by PRESS magazine's prestigious agency ranking, proving its position as a dynamic global agency. BNG's data-driven approach makes brands better connected with consumers in complex marketing and technology ecosystems. This gives more than 150 brands and Fortune 500 clients a true strategic partner, both on a global and local level.
Contact:
Beth Sidhu
beth.sidhu@stagwellglobal.com
+1. 202.423.4414
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SOURCE Stagwell Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/stagwell-stgw-acquires-brand-new-galaxy-transform-connected-commerce-solutions-global-clients/ | 2022-04-21T12:53:44Z |
Pharmactive targets Asia Pacific Market with new collaboration
MADRID, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U., announces a new strategic partnership with Singapore-based Nutraconnect Pte, Ltd. to bring innovative, scientifically backed nutraceutical ingredients to the Asia-Pacific marketplace (not including Australia and New Zealand).
The partnership will combine the strengths of both companies into a greater whole. Pharmactive will provide its well-supported, clean-label botanical extract ingredients, while Nutraconnect will function as a growth engine for the region, connecting Pharmactive with local and regional nutraceutical players seeking high-quality, pure ingredients. Nutraconnect Pte., Ltd. is a start-up led by Rohit Noronha, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, and Nikhil Prabhakar Sawant, co-founder and CEO. Both are highly experienced leaders in the nutraceutical industry.
"We are very fortunate to partner with Nutraconnect, as their team possesses a great deal of market and customer information and strategic insight, allowing for quick responses to potential customers in their local time-zone," confides Jean-Marie Raymond, CEO and Founder of Pharmactive. "Asia is a tremendous growth-hub for Pharmactive. We already have had successes in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia with Affron® pure saffron extract and Aged Black Garlic [ABG+®]. Many Asian industry players, formulators, and brand owners approach us about new compounding formats or innovative product concepts to cross the nutraceutical/functional food and beverage divide. Asia is clearly the frontrunner in terms of new ingredient concepts."
"When it comes to nutraceuticals, Asia-Pacific is a fast-moving region, with multiple players constantly on the lookout for the latest ingredients," adds Sawant. "They expect great service and rapid response, even with difficult custom-made formulations,
questions about the regulatory framework in certain countries, etc., and this is exactly where our core strength lies. We look forward to helping Pharmactive meet challenges and grow its business in the APAC market."
About Pharmactive
Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U., is a Madrid-based pioneering biotechnology company that develops and manufactures differentiated natural ingredients supported by science, such as pure saffron extract and aged black garlic. The company's mission is to make a daily positive and significant impact on people's health and well-being through premium botanical ingredients backed by scientific studies and approved by ethics committees. Pharmactive grows, cultivates, and produces farm-to-fork botanical ingredients with a minimal ecological footprint.
About Nutraconnect
Founded in 2022, Nutraconnect Pte., Ltd., is a nutraceutical business growth acceleration service headquartered in Singapore. The company provides end-to-end solutions for global nutraceutical ingredient manufacturers that are looking to establish a foundation for sustainable growth in the fragmented, but booming APAC market. Visit www.nutraconnect.com.sg to learn more about the company and its services.
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SOURCE Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/pharmactive-enters-strategic-partnership-with-nutraconnect-apac/ | 2022-06-07T02:23:17Z |
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio doctor accused of ordering excessive amounts of painkillersthat led to multiple patient deaths at a Columbus-area hospital was acquitted of 14 counts of murder Wednesday following a weekslong trial.
Dr. William Husel, 46, was accusedof ordering the drugs for patients in the Mount Carmel Health System. He was indicted in cases that involved at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl.
Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for a nonsurgical situation indicated an intent to end lives. Husel’s attorneys argued he was providing comfort care for dying patients, not trying to kill them.
Franklin County Judge Michael Holbrook told jurors before the start of deliberations that they could also consider lesser charges of attempted murder. They deliberated for six days.
Husel would have faced a sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility in 15 years had he been found guilty of just one count of murder.
Prosecutors presented their case beginning Feb. 22 and put on 53 prosecution witnesses before restingon March 29. Those witnesses included medical experts who testified that Husel ordered up to 20 times as much fentanyl as was necessary to control pain.
Husel gave enough fentanyl to some patients to “kill an elephant,” testified Dr. Wes Ely, a physician and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University.
Other prosecution witnesses included medical experts, Mount Carmel employees, investigators, and family members of all 14 patients.
By contrast, defense lawyers called a single witness — a Georgia anesthesiologist — to testify that Husel’s patients died from their medical conditions and not Husel’s actions. The defense rested on March 31 after one day.
The age of the patients who died ranged from 37 to 82. The first patient death was in May 2015. The last three died in November 2018.
During closing arguments April 11, David Zeyen, an assistant Franklin County prosecutor, told jurors that regardless of how close a patient is to death, it’s illegal to speed up the process.
Husel’s attorney Jose Baez during a remote news conference after the verdict repeated his assertion that prosecutors didn’t produce “a shred of evidence” to back up their claims. He called Husel an “incredible doctor” who with his family are “incredibly relieved the nightmare is over.”
“I’m deeply saddened William had to go through this,” Baez said.
The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office released a brief statement that concluded: “We accept the jury verdict.”
Husel was fired by the Mount Carmel Health System. It concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years. He was initially charged with 25 murder counts, but the judge agreed to dismiss 11 of those counts in January.
Husel’s colleagues who administered the medications weren’t criminally charged, but the hospital system said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for possible disciplinary action.
Mount Carmel has reached settlements totaling more than $16.7 million over the deaths of at least 17 patients, with more lawsuits pending.
One patient, 82-year-old Melissa Penix, was given 2,000 micrograms of fentanyl and died a few minutes later. Dr. John Schweig of Tampa Bay General Hospital testified for the prosecution that Penix “definitely was not terminal, nor was continuing medical care futile.”
“She was a fighter,” said Penix’s daughter, Bev Leonhard, of Grove City, according to The Columbus Dispatch. “She didn’t deserve to die the way she did.” | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ohio-doctor-found-not-guilty-in-14-hospital-patient-deaths/ | 2022-04-21T04:16:48Z |
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