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A Conversation-Centric Podcast For Leaders Seeking To Be Better Every Day
DALLAS, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Business owners and executives at DMA Solutions, a marketing agency serving the food and floral industries, officially announce the launch of the Self Smarter podcast. This conversation-centric podcast equips listeners with resources and tools to be more effective leaders inside or outside of the office.
The podcast, which airs new episodes each Monday, is co-hosted by the company's Founder & CEO, Dan'l Mackey Almy, and President, Megan Zweig. While the two hosts are well-known in the food and floral industries for their marketing counsel over the past 18 years, this podcast focuses instead on their journey of personal and professional growth as leaders.
"We believe everyone has the opportunity to be a leader but that it's a choice to do so," said Mackey Almy. "Whether you choose to be a leader in the workplace, at home, or in your community, we know the most effective leaders are equipped to not only be self-starters but self smarter. Each week we'll be sharing what we've studied and applied throughout our leadership journey to help others navigate theirs."
With 12 episodes published, Almy and Zweig have covered topics from team culture and trust to resources like the Enneagram and The Ideal Team Player. Published episodes include:
- #1: Why Self Smarter
- #2: The Culture Conundrum
- #3: Remodeling Our Culture
- #4: Let's Talk About Trust
- #5: Why You Need to Read Atlas of the Heart Now
In upcoming episodes, listeners will continue to hear leadership lessons and solutions as well as benefit from guest episodes featuring fellow leaders, speakers, and authors.
The Self Smarter podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Stitcher, and RSS. For more information and to stay up to date on current episodes, visit selfsmarterpodcast.com, or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About DMA Solutions
DMA Solutions is a marketing agency serving the fresh produce, better-for-you foods, restaurant, and floral industries. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, DMA provides a full spectrum of marketing services with quantifiable results to fit each of their client's individual needs. To learn more about DMA Solutions, the company's work, and its team of marketers, visit dma-solutions.com and The Core Blog, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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SOURCE DMA SOLUTIONS | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/business-executives-launch-self-smarter-podcast/ | 2022-04-25T10:25:48Z |
Which YSL lipstick is best?
For more than 50 years, Yves Saint Laurent has been one of the most respected and coveted names in beauty. The brand’s daring colors and high scientific standards make YSL lipsticks a must-have for beauty fans.
If you’re looking for a long-wearing lipstick that’s still hydrating and comfortable, YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick is a great choice.
What to know before you buy a YSL lipstick
Lipstick formulation
Yves Saint Laurent makes more than a dozen lip products, including classic bullet formulations, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses and lip stains. For a classic lipstick experience, it’s hard to beat a bullet format. However, if you prefer a longer-wearing option, a better bet may be a YSL liquid lipstick or stain.
Bold color choices
Yves Saint Laurent founded his own fashion house in 1961 after working as head designer at Dior for 3 years. He drew inspiration from the Algerian culture he grew up in as well as the bounty of the Mediterranean, and this is reflected in the bold color palettes YSL offers.
Often regarded as one of the most subversive and avant-garde of the French fashion houses, the brand’s lipsticks capture modernity and boldness in shades that are highly pigmented or texturally unique. Along with iconic bright reds, YSL lipsticks come in rich burgundies, bright oranges and corals, vivid pinks and more. If you prefer makeup that stands out, YSL lipstick deserves a place on your vanity.
True French beauty
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty manufactures all of its products in France with internationally sourced ingredients. Some of their ingredients, such as the pomegranates in the Rouge Volupte Shine lipstick, are sourced from a proprietary garden co-op in Morocco.
What to look for in a quality YSL lipstick
Customizable pigmentation
Do you want full, matte coverage from your lipstick, or something more sheer and balmy? Yves Saint Laurent offers lipsticks with varying coverage levels and finishes. Check the product description carefully while you’re shopping, because some YSL lipsticks can look more pigmented in the tube than they do on your lips.
Bold vs. nude lipsticks
Yves Saint Laurent may be famous for its classic red shades, but if you don’t feel like going bold, there are plenty of nude options in YSL’s lineup that still let you stand out.
For fair or light skin skin tones, consider YSL Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Sedition or Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick in Rosy Nude.
For medium or deep skin tones, try Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in Burnt Zellige or Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick in Nude Antonym.
Luxe packaging
If you’re going to splurge on a luxury lipstick, it should look and feel luxurious on every level — and YSL delivers. The brand’s lipsticks come in beautiful metallic cases with the distinctive YSL logo highly visible on the side. Some formulations also feature thoughtfully engineered bullet shapes or applicator wands customized to how the formula behaves to make application smoother and simpler.
European cosmetics regulations
As a French brand, YSL adheres to the regulations that control European cosmetics, which are some of the strictest in the world. This means that YSL lipsticks have unsurpassed standards for ingredient quality, and they’re formulated without ingredients like parabens or phthalates.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty has also been recognized by Positive Luxury, a company that rewards luxury brands for taking steps toward better sustainability and business ethics.
How much you can expect to spend on a YSL lipstick
Almost all YSL lipsticks cost $39. However, some lipsticks, especially the liquid formulations, contain more product per dollar than others.
YSL lipstick FAQ
Do YSL lipsticks have fragrance?
A. Yes, YSL lipsticks contain different fragrances. The flagship Rouge Pur Couture lipstick line has a floral fragrance reminiscent of a classic perfume scent, while other YSL lipsticks have fruity scents like melon or mango thanks to added botanical oils.
Is YSL lipstick vegan?
A. Some Yves Saint Laurent Beauty products contain animal-derived ingredients, and while YSL Beauty does not test its products on animals, they’re sold in countries that require animal testing.
What’s the best YSL lipstick to buy?
Top YSL lipstick
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick
What you need to know: These highly pigmented lipsticks are so long-wearing, you may never need to reapply.
What you’ll love: The slim, square-shaped bullet makes precise application a breeze, especially for defining your cupid’s bow. It’s available in 19 shades that dry down to a matte finish and leave a lasting tint.
What you should consider: The bullet contains less product than other YSL lipsticks. Not everyone is a fan of the square shape.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Macy’s
Top YSL lipstick for the money
Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain
What you need to know: This long-wearing, non-drying liquid lipstick can last comfortably for up to 8 hours.
What you’ll love: The lightweight, ultra-thin formula resists smudging or flaking for a true and lasting stain. Its unique flat-paddle applicator can also act as a lip liner. It’s available in 18 shades, ranging from everyday nudes to bright corals and pinks.
What you should consider: Application can be uneven. Some users disliked the lipstick’s fragrance.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Macy’s
Worth checking out
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm
What you need to know: A lightweight, moisturizing lipstick, this formula is infused with botanical oils for glossy, comfortable color.
What you’ll love: It comes in 35 shades that apply sheer and can be built up for full, glowy color coverage. Users love its luxe packaging, which includes a colored ring that matches the lipstick shade, and the formula’s creamy, hydrating feel.
What you should consider: The soft, oil-rich formula can be prone to quickly smudging and fading. The formula’s botanical scent received mixed reviews.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Macy’s.
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Laura Duerr 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/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-ysl-lipstick/ | 2022-04-13T14:35:03Z |
K-State Library featured in prestigious magazine for unique, impressive designs
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - K-State’s Hale Library has been featured in a national publication for its unique and impressive designs.
Kansas State University says its own Hale Library has been featured in the American Libraries Magazine for the 2022 Library Design Showcase. It said the showcase is a yearly celebration of the most impressive, new and renovated libraries that address user needs in inventive and interesting ways.
K-State noted that the 2022 honorees featured building projects completed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so honored to have Hale Library included in this year’s showcase,” said Joe Mocnik, dean of K-State Libraries. “It’s been an enormous effort by the architects, staff and students to make Hale Library a welcoming and innovative space.”
The university indicated that Hale Library’s renovation and expansion were featured for the school’s efforts to completely reimagine the library and adapt it to meet students’ needs. In particular, the new main entrance, learning commons, Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab and Historic Farrell Library - the original 1927 section of the building - were all featured.
“A world-class library facility like Hale Library ensures that current and future students have a welcoming, well-designed place to learn, collaborate and create,” said Chuck Taber, provost. “The library’s inclusion in this showcase demonstrates how much K-State values spaces that support student success to the fullest.”
K-State noted that American Libraries is a publication of the American Library Association and covers the latest trends and news within the library community in the U.S.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/14/k-state-library-featured-prestigious-magazine-unique-impressive-designs/ | 2022-09-14T15:47:29Z |
ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani court on Thursday extended former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s protection from arrest until September 12, his lawyer said, more than a week after police filed terrorism charges against the country’s popular opposition leader.
The latest development is another reprieve for Khan. The court order effectively shields him from arrest over accusations that he threatened police and a female judge during his speech at a rally last month.
In Pakistan, terrorism charges can be levied against anyone accused of threatening a government official or Pakistan’s military and security institutions.
According to a police report, Khan in his speech had criticized the inspector-general of Islamabad police and another judge, saying “You also get ready for it, we will also take action against you.”
The government responded by filing terrorism charges against Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in the parliament. Khan was replaced by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who wants Khan to be tried under the 1997 anti-terrorism law, which granted police wider powers.
Khan faces two other cases against him and has been granted bail in both. | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-former-pakistani-pm-gets-extension-of-protection-from-arrest/ | 2022-09-01T19:14:05Z |
Combined solution integrates supply chain risk event monitoring and automated due diligence with advanced item-level visibility and multi-tier supply chain mapping to reduce cost, mitigate risk, and enhance compliance for sourcing, acquisition, and procurement professionals across public and private sectors
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON and CINCINNATI, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Exiger, the leading SaaS supply chain risk management, third-party risk management and compliance company, announced today that it has acquired Supply Dynamics, the industry's most sophisticated supply chain collaboration platform for tracking, tracing and choreographing the purchase and supply of subcontracted products, parts, raw materials and ingredients. Integration of Supply Dynamics' SDX, PAC, and ExplorerRX products with Exiger's Insight3PM, DDIQ, and Supply Chain Explorer will enable end-to-end supply chain visibility and holistic risk management via a single, secure, cloud-based enterprise platform. The acquisition positions Exiger at the forefront of the SaaS Supply Chain Management market, which is expected to grow to $19.8 billion by 2025.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Supply Dynamics has gained significant traction with Fortune 500 manufacturers and the U.S. Federal Government, helping them address the absence of item-level visibility and providing a means to address critical supply chain vulnerabilities and bottlenecks. Serving heavily regulated, global manufacturing companies with complex direct material supply chains who depend heavily on outsourcing, the Loveland, Ohio-based company specializes in real-time visibility with part and raw material-level granularity. The combinations of these powerful capabilities enable Exiger to ensure operational resilience, reduce disruption, and minimize adversarial and criminal exploitation of supply chains across markets and around the globe. This helps organizations move from a reactive to a predictive posture for supply chain management. Supply Dynamics' integration into Exiger allows it to realize the full potential of its technology with the benefit of Exiger's deep risk management expertise and high security infrastructure. Customers will be able to access a secure, scalable, and intuitive platform that cuts through the billions of data points in a supply chain to deliver accurate risk insights with precision.
"The impact of supply chain risk and disruption is ubiquitous across private industries, the U.S. Federal Government, and global public sector organizations," said Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels. "Exiger's acquisition of Supply Dynamics and its SDX product is an investment into the kind of future-proof solutions that the rapidly growing supply chain management market will continue to demand. The integration of SDX into Exiger's industry leading SCRM platform will now allow customers to have a true competitive advantage, by not only pulling the full digital thread across their global supply chain, but by also analyzing that entire risk impact in one fell swoop. This will enable macroeconomic, microeconomic, reputational, and geopolitical risk assessment with ease, simplicity, and confidence like never before possible."
Exiger's risk scoring, when combined with Supply Dynamics' item-level supply chain visibility and propriety data analysis, offers a uniquely simplified, comprehensive system that promises to disrupt both the supply chain and third-party software markets. The combined solution increases business resilience by eliminating the need for manual, time-intensive processes. Backed by AI-driven tools, Supply Dynamics' targeted multi-tier data can now be automatically enriched with Exiger's actionable risk insights to help supply chain, sourcing, procurement, and compliance managers make critical decisions fast.
"I've seen the supply chain crisis from the driver's seat; supply chain resilience is table stakes for long-term business profitability and regulatory compliance, and yet, until now, no single provider has successfully delivered the digitalization and efficiency necessary for the public and private sectors to holistically assess and manage supplier and supply chain risk," said Trevor Stansbury, Supply Dynamics Founder and CEO. "The combination of Exiger and Supply Dynamics is a force multiplier, not only because we believe they are the preeminent player in this market, but because we are equally committed to investing in the capabilities necessary to set a new industry standard that allows for informed, high-level decision-making within a matter of minutes."
Exiger has already begun bringing this unprecedented capability to the public sector, having introduced Supply Dynamics' SDX, PAC, and ExplorerRX into its $74.5 million U.S. General Services Administration contract. The integrated offering is available for immediate use through the first-of-its-kind government-wide supply chain and third-party risk management contract. Exiger's acquisition of Supply Dynamics will allow Exiger to extend the same efficiencies and capabilities to the corporate market, while also serving as a foundation for the next phase of operational and commercial growth.
Supply Dynamics provides Fortune 500 manufacturers with real-time visibility and control over the material requirements of their extended supply chain. Its innovative supply chain analytics solutions enable customers to reduce the cost of raw materials and component parts that go into their products, characterize and quantify risks, anticipate disruptions before they happen, enhance collaboration with supply chain stakeholders, and ensure that the timely purchase and supply of material-inputs is NEVER the reason parts are late to an end-use customer or in-field requirement. Supply Dynamics currently serves heavily regulated, global manufacturing companies in the oil and gas, automotive, aerospace and defense, power generation, chemical, plastics, and electronics industries. It also works with DOD Program Offices and a variety of US Government agencies, including the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency.
Supply Dynamics' product, SDX, is a highly secure, multi-tier supply chain collaboration platform, designed for complex, distributed manufacturing supply chains. It's award winning (web-based) multi-enterprise platform, SDX, provides commercial and DOD customers with real-time visibility and control over the "material-input" requirements (metals, fasteners, plastics, electronics, etc.) that go into their products, equipment, or weapons systems – facilitating real-time monitoring and control of Tier 1-Tier N suppliers and item level bills of material. To learn more, visit supplydynamics.com.
Exiger is revolutionizing the way corporations, government agencies and banks manage risk and compliance through its combination of technology-enabled and SaaS solutions. In recognition of the growing volume and complexity of data and regulation, Exiger is committed to creating a more sustainable risk and compliance environment through its holistic and innovative approach to problem solving. Exiger's mission to make the world a safer place to do business drives its award-winning AI technology platform built to anticipate the market's most pressing needs related to evolving ESG, cyber, financial crime, third-party and supply chain risk. Exiger has won 30+ AI, RegTech and Supply Chain partner awards. Learn more at Exiger.com and follow Exiger on LinkedIn.
Exiger's Supply Chain Risk Management software and services are now available to all Federal Agencies through GSA Contract #: GS-35F-0292U / Order #: 47QFHA22F0027. For more information, contact the Exiger team at SCRMenterprise@exiger.com; or register for the Exiger Webinar Series. Download fact sheet here.
Kody Gurfein
Global Head of Marketing for Exiger
1.914.393.0398
kgurfein@exiger.com
Articulate Communications for Exiger
exiger@articulatecomms.com
1.212.255.1198
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SOURCE Exiger | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/exiger-acquires-supply-dynamics-create-first-end-to-end-supply-chain-visibility-supplier-risk-management-solution/ | 2022-08-30T12:52:02Z |
NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TGTX) between January 15, 2020 and May 31, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 16, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased TG Therapeutics securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the TG Therapeutics class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=7662 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 16, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) clinical trials revealed significant concerns related to the benefit-risk ratio and overall survival data of Ublituximab (an investigational glycoengineered monoclonal antibody for the treatment of B-cell non-hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia ("CLL"), and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis) and Umbralisib (or UKONIQ, an oral inhibitor of PI3K-delta and CK1-epsilon for the treatment of CLL, marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma); (2) accordingly, it was unlikely that TG Therapeutics would be able to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approval of the marginal zone lymphoma ("MZL") and follicular lymphoma ("FL") (the "Umbralisib MZL/FL NDA"), the rolling submission of a Biologics License Application ("BLA") to the FDA for Ublituximab in combination with Umbralisib (together, "U2"), as a treatment for patients with CLL (the "U2 BLA"), the supplemental New Drug Application ("sNDA") for Umbralisib to add an indication for CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma ("SLL") in combination with Ublituximab (the "U2 sNDA"), or the Ublituximab as a treatment for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis ("RMS") (the "Ublituximab RMS BLA") in their current forms; (3) as a result, TG Therapeutics had significantly overstated Ublituximab and Umbralisib's clinical and/or commercial prospects; and (4) therefore, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the TG Therapeutics class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=7662 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/rosen-recognized-investor-counsel-encourages-tg-therapeutics-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-september-16-deadline-securities-class-action-tgtx/ | 2022-09-01T22:53:35Z |
Fast-growing financial technology company named to the annual list of America's fastest-growing, privately-owned companies.
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, Inc. revealed that Beyond made its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent businesses.
"Beyond is on a mission to transform the payments technology industry—and this accomplishment is a testament to where we are headed, and the hard work our team has put in. Beyond continues to bring our clients the innovative products they need, with the transparent, honest business practices they expect and deserve," remarked Mike Peters, President and CEO, on what has helped the company achieve such rapid growth.
The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. In the past year, Beyond has launched new, proprietary products, grown its salesforce, and welcomed new leadership.
"The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc.
In an industry with a legacy of deception and questionable practices, Beyond was founded with integrity and transparency at the core of its business model. Thanks to the Beyond Promises, business owners can have confidence that they will never be subjected to indiscriminate rate increases or locked into long-term contracts. The ten legally binding Beyond Promises were written to support clients and earn their business every day. This commitment to doing the right thing has led Beyond to achieve significant growth in its first five years in business.
Companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2021.
One of the country's fastest-growing financial technology companies, Beyond offers SMB payment and business solutions. Guided by the Beyond Promises, the company provides transparent statements, fixed pricing, and local Business Advocates in communities across the country. Learn more about the unprecedented commitments Beyond makes to its clients.
Media Contact
debbie.mackintosh@getbeyond.com
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SOURCE Get Beyond | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/beyond-named-2022-inc-5000-annual-list/ | 2022-08-24T12:33:33Z |
A founding member and original bass player of the band Bon Jovi, Alec John Such, has died, according to a tweet from the group Sunday afternoon.
"We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band," the message said.
Such was vital to bringing the iconic rock group together, the statement said.
"To be honest, we found our way to each other thru him -- He was a childhood friend of Tico and brought Richie to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. We'll miss him dearly," the message said.
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 and has had hits with songs including "Livin' On a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
CNN has reached out to Jon Bon Jovi's publicist for additional information on Such.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/alec-john-such-founding-bon-jovi-member-and-bassist-has-died/article_f60a052d-2253-5186-a3b6-3da121ebf109.html | 2022-06-06T02:20:03Z |
BARNARD, Vt., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MIB Agents, a leading pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit, will award six Outsmarting Osteosarcoma grants totaling $450,000, a 350-percent increase from previous gifts, during its annual FACTOR event, June 23-25 in San Diego, CA.
The research dollars will support the improvement of treatment options and outcomes for this rare cancer by investing in the researchers who are paving the way for a cure. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant, primary bone cancer affecting 800-900 people in the U.S. each year and is the most common bone cancer affecting children and young adults.
"This tremendous increase in support comes directly from the MIB Agents Family Funds, who make all our grants possible," said Ann Graham, Founder and Executive Director of MIB Agents. "It is an incredible representation of our community's commitment to partner with the scientific community, accelerate research efforts, and find a cure for this devastating disease."
The Outsmarting Osteosarcoma Award, $100,000 each, funding research investigating immunotherapy approaches to osteosarcoma will be awarded to:
- Michael Leibowitz, MD, PhD | University of Colorado/ Children's Hospital Colorado
- Dan Regan, DVM, PhD | Colorado State University
- Jason Yustein, MD, PhD | Emory University
The Young Investigator Research Awards, worth $50,000 each and sponsored by Family Funds honoring their children who passed from osteosarcoma, will be awarded to:
- John Ligon, MD | University of Florida - granted Because Of Dylan
- Eunice Lopez-Fuentes, PhD | University of California, San Francisco - granted Because Of Charlotte
- Kristen VanHeyst, DO | University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital - granted Because Of Charlotte
The FACTOR conference is a unique gathering of leading osteosarcoma researchers and clinicians, survivors, patient and bereaved families to work together toward our goal of improving outcomes for kids affected by Osteosarcoma. Part of FACTOR includes a "Headquarters" camplike experience for survivors, patients and family members. This includes a luncheon where young adults affected by osteosarcoma who are pursuing a career in healthcare are partnered with physicians for one-on-one experiences. From this session MIB Agents has seen six survivors go on to work closely with the physicians they met and pursue careers medical field.
Founded in 2012, MIB Agents is a leading pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit dedicated to making it better for our community of patients, caregivers, doctors, and researchers through programs, education, and research.
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SOURCE MIB Agents | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/16/leading-pediatric-osteosarcoma-nonprofit-awards-350-percent-increase-research-grants-conference/ | 2022-06-16T18:58:47Z |
SAN DIEGO (KSWB) — Californians do a lot of things differently from other Americans, so why not sobriety?
The concept of “California sober” — or “Cali sober” if you want to make that a thing — takes a swing at that idea. Its adherents generally abstain from alcohol and “hard” drugs but still smoke cannabis. Some proponents, like the author of a 2019 Vice article that’s often cited as popularizing the term online, also take certain psychedelics.
Proponents say that by choosing some drugs over others, they’ve been able to relax and expand their mind without suffering the pitfalls of addiction and other problems associated with substance abuse.
Popstar Demi Lovato was perhaps the most high-profile advocate — they even wrote a song about it — but later said that “sober sober” was the only lifestyle that worked for their long-term recovery.
So in weed-friendly California, is this kind of selective sobriety a path forward for folks who want to change some, but not all, of their habits?
Dr. Brian Couey, the director of outpatient services at the Betty Ford Center, discussed the concept with Nexstar’s KSWB in a phone interview this week. Couey emphasized multiple times that every individual, their relationship with drugs and their recovery process is unique. His advice is also more targeted toward people who struggle with substance abuse than occasional recreational users.
In 15 years of work in the fields of mental health and addiction treatment, the clinical psychologist has seen many people try half-measures at sobriety only to find entirely swearing off drugs was the best path forward for their health.
“For people who truly have addiction, complete abstinence tends to work the best,” Couey said. “‘California sober’ or using in moderation may not produce the results that a person is looking for.”
Couey said different drugs and other compulsive behaviors play on the same parts of our brains, and we often rely on them for the same reasons, like dealing with stress or numbing ourselves to sadness and anxiety.
“Addiction does not have as much to do with which substances people use as it does with the person’s biology, their psychology and genetics,” he said. “It’s more about how a person’s brain reacts to chemicals … than it is about a specific chemical that they ingest.”
In short: “Addiction is really about people, it’s not about any particular drug.”
Research shows that “non-chemical,” or behavioral, addictions (think gambling, food, pornography or video games) involve the same brain structures as those that play into drug use, Couey said. While each person is different, those that struggle with one addiction are statistically more likely to struggle with another.
You’re also not entirely allowing your brain to heal if you continue to use one drug while abstaining from another that you’re trying to quit, Couey said.
“If you have actual addiction — a substance-use disorder — and you continue to alter your brain chemistry through chemical misuse, the addictive neural pathways in your brain are not going to be allowed to heal and recover,” he said. “If you continuously raise your dopamine levels artificially through chemical misuse, whatever the chemical is, you’re likely to fall into problematic behaviors.”
Again: It’s about more than the drug itself.
“Addiction is also about habits and rituals that reinforce behavior. When much of your life is about drinking or using to feel normal, whatever substance you’re using, you may struggle to facilitate the growth and recovery that comes with adaptively coping with things using your own internal abilities.”
A final consideration from Couey: The marijuana you buy at legal dispensaries today and the ways you get high from it have changed from 30 years ago, but our attitudes about how “serious” of a drug it can be have not.
Couey said the average THC content found in available cannabis products has significantly increased, especially with vapes and “dabbing” rigs for wax and other hash oil concentrates. That can increase its potential for misuse and for some of the psychological issues associated with substance abuse, including anxiety and depression.
“There’s no hard-and-fast rule,” Couey said, again emphasizing that each case he encounters is different.
But generally, the psychologist has a litany of suggestions for those looking to address their addiction to alcohol or another drug — and they don’t revolve around replacing it with cannabis.
“Decades of research support evidence-based practices, FDA-approved medications, feedback-informed treatment, 12-step programs, cognitive therapy,” he said, ticking down the list.
You can learn more about treatment options on the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s website. | https://cw33.com/news/what-does-it-mean-to-be-california-sober-and-does-it-actually-work/ | 2022-07-05T22:38:20Z |
‘This is my year’: 75-year-old woman earns college degree after 57-year gap
RALEIGH, N.C. (WRAL) - It’s never too late to follow your dreams. And a 75-year-old grandmother in North Carolina has a degree to prove it.
At Shaw University, Rebecca Inge is completing something she said she first started back in 1965.
That’s when Inge hopped on a train, leaving her home in Sanford, Florida, to pursue a college degree in Raleigh.
“I always dreamed of going to med school because I was sick a lot as a child. I dreamed of being a surgeon,” Inge said.
However, job opportunities, marriage, and then in 1968, the birth of her daughter put college on the back burner.
“Basically, she put her life on hold so that I could finish my 21 years, all of my education,” said Inge’s daughter Marisa Ratliff Dunston.
When Inge’s husband passed away in 2015, she decided to return to the Shaw campus to finish what she started by re-enrolling.
Inge said the administration department told her that they might not have her records from 1965, and she told them to find them as she was returning.
Inge’s journey took her around the world but brought her back to Wake County with her daughter’s family.
“You got to live until you die. So, why not be happy doing something that makes you happy and get involved?” Inge said.
The university indeed found her records, and this year Inge’s graduation ceremony is set for May 8.
Copyright 2022 WRAL via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/24/this-is-my-year-75-year-old-woman-earns-college-degree-after-57-year-gap/ | 2022-04-24T19:18:41Z |
DUBLIN, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2022, affirmed 2022 financial guidance1 and provided business updates.
"We've had a highly productive second quarter across commercial, R&D and corporate development that has resulted in meaningful progress towards Vision 2025. We have also achieved an important milestone and for the first time there are now more patients taking Xywav® than Xyrem®," said Bruce Cozadd, chairman and CEO of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Execution remains our primary focus as we aim to maximize the value of Xywav in idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and narcolepsy, grow Epidiolex® in the U.S. and expand the launch of Epidyolex® globally, build on the successful launch of Rylaze® and progress the development program for Zepzelca®. We are also advancing a number of mid- and late-stage programs in our pipeline with multiple Investigational New Drug (IND) applications expected through 2023, and are pleased our pan-RAF inhibitor, JZP815, was cleared by the FDA to enter clinical development."
"We have achieved our net leverage2 ratio target ahead of our stated timeline and therefore our focus will be to continue to manage the balance sheet through disciplined capital allocation, providing us with further flexibility to pursue corporate development opportunities," said Renée Galá, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Our strong second quarter financial results and top- and bottom-line growth put us well on track to achieve our 2022 financial guidance. Operational excellence will also remain a key area of focus for us as we build the foundation for future growth and progress toward achieving Vision 2025."
Key Highlights
Business and Execution
- Continued robust launch momentum of Xywav for IH.
- Achieved a significant milestone in 2Q22, with more active oxybate patients taking Xywav than Xyrem.
- Completed Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) submission for JZP458 (approved as Rylaze in the U.S.) to European Medicines Agency (EMA) in May 2022, with potential for approval in 2023.
- Announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the IND application that will allow JZP815 to enter clinical development.
- Strengthened leadership in sleep medicine with addition of a potent, highly selective oral orexin-2 receptor agonist, JZP441 (DSP-0187).
- Expanded oncology pipeline with JZP898 (WTX-613), a differentiated, conditionally activated IFNα INDUKINE™ molecule.
- Strategically divested Sunosi®, allowing for increased investment and sharpened focus on highest strategic priorities.
Financial
- Growing and durable commercial franchises drove 2Q22 total revenues of $932.9 million; 24% increase compared to the same period in 2021.
- 2022 total revenue guidance affirmed at $3.5 to $3.7 billion.
- Achieved net leverage ratio target six months ahead of our stated timeline. Net leverage ratio of 3.2x2 as of June 30, 2022, demonstrates rapid deleveraging following the close of the GW Pharmaceuticals (GW) acquisition.
_______________________
Business Updates
Key Commercial Products
Oxybate (Xywav and Xyrem):
- Net product sales for the combined oxybate business increased 10% to $504.4 million in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021.
- Average active oxybate patients on therapy was approximately 17,100 in 2Q22, an increase of approximately 8% compared to the same period in 2021.
- The Company achieved a significant milestone in 2Q22, with more active oxybate patients taking Xywav than Xyrem.
Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution:
- Xywav net product sales increased 89% to $235.0 million in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021.
- There were approximately 8,700 active Xywav patients exiting 2Q22.
- Xywav has broad patent protection to 2033.
Xywav for Narcolepsy:
- There were approximately 7,550 narcolepsy patients taking Xywav exiting 2Q22.
- The benefits of lowering sodium intake continue to resonate with patients and prescribers. In June 2021, FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity (ODE), through July 2027, for Xywav and published its summary of clinical superiority findings stating that "Xywav is clinically superior to Xyrem by means of greater safety because Xywav provides a greatly reduced chronic sodium burden compared to Xyrem." Further, FDA stated that "the differences in the sodium content of the two products at the recommended doses will be clinically meaningful in reducing cardiovascular morbidity in a substantial proportion of patients for whom the drug is indicated."
Xywav for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH):
- Continued robust launch momentum with approximately 1,150 IH patients taking Xywav exiting 2Q22.
- The Company has achieved its goal of obtaining similar payer coverage to narcolepsy with coverage now at approximately 90% of commercial lives for IH.
- The Company launched Xywav for IH in November 2021, with initial launch efforts focused on the approximately 37,000 currently diagnosed patients in the U.S. who are actively seeking healthcare. Healthcare providers are excited to have a treatment option with positive and compelling clinical trial results that addresses IH and not just its symptoms.
- FDA recognized ODE for IH in January 2022, extending regulatory exclusivity to August 2028.
Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution:
- Xyrem net product sales decreased 19% to $269.4 million in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021, reflecting the continued adoption of Xywav by patients with narcolepsy.
Epidiolex/Epidyolex (cannabidiol):
- Epidiolex/Epidyolex net product sales increased 12% to $175.3 million in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021, on a proforma basis.
- Epidyolex is now commercially available and fully reimbursed in four of the five key European markets: United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain, with an anticipated launch in France this year. The Company anticipates a total of 10 new market and indication launches across 2022, continuing to drive growth of Epidyolex ex-U.S.
- The Company expects to initiate a Phase 3 pivotal trial of Epidiolex for Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures (EMAS), the fourth target indication for Epidiolex, shortly.
- The Company expects to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial for Epidiolex in Japan for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and Dravet Syndrome (DS) this year.
Zepzelca (lurbinectedin):
- Zepzelca net product sales increased 22% to $68.3 million in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021.
- The Company is pleased to have established Zepzelca as the treatment of choice in the second-line small cell lung cancer (SCLC) setting after only eighteen months on the market.
- Zepzelca development program highlights:
Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn):
- Rylaze net product sales were $73.0 million in 2Q22.
- The continued strong launch of Rylaze reflects the significant unmet patient need for a high-quality, reliable supply of Erwinia asparaginase for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- In May 2022, the Company completed the MAA submission to EMA for a M/W/F dosing schedule and IM and IV administration for JZP458 (approved as Rylaze in the U.S.) with potential for approval in 2023. The Company is also advancing the program for potential submission, approval and launch in Japan.
- In January 2022, the Company completed the submission of a supplemental Biologics Licensing Application (sBLA) to FDA seeking approval for a M/W/F IM dosing schedule for Rylaze. In April 2022, the Company completed the submission of an sBLA to FDA seeking approval for IV administration of Rylaze. Both submissions are being reviewed under the Real-time Oncology Review Program (RTOR).
Corporate Development
JZP441 (DSP-0187) Agreement:
- On May 4, 2022, the Company and Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (Sumitomo) announced an exclusive license agreement for JZP441, a potent, highly selective oral orexin-2 receptor agonist designed to activate orexin signaling.
JZP898 (WTX-613) Agreement:
- On April 7, 2022, the Company and Werewolf Therapeutics (Werewolf) announced a licensing agreement under which the Company acquired exclusive global development and commercialization rights to Werewolf's investigational molecule, WTX-613, now called JZP898, a differentiated, conditionally activated IFNα INDUKINE™ molecule.
Sunosi (solriamfetol) Strategic Divestiture:
- On May 9, 2022, the Company completed the U.S. divestiture of Sunosi to Axsome Therapeutics (Axsome).
- The Company and Axsome are committed to ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted access to Sunosi throughout the transition.
Key Pipeline Highlights
Nabiximols:
- On June 28, 2022, the Company announced the Phase 3 RELEASE MSS1 trial (NCT04657666) did not meet the primary endpoint of change in Lower Limb Muscle Tone-6 (LLMT-6) between baseline and Day 21, as measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
- The Company continues to assess the RELEASE MSS1 trial results, which will be presented at a future medical meeting.
Suvecaltamide (JZP385):
- Suvecaltamide, a highly selective modulator of T-type calcium channels, is in clinical development for the treatment of essential tremor.
- Patient enrollment is ongoing and top-line data read-out is anticipated in 1H24.
JZP150:
- JZP150, a selective fatty acid amide hydrolase, or FAAH, inhibitor, is in clinical development for the potential treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Patient enrollment is ongoing and top-line data read-out is anticipated in late 2023.
- The Company received Fast Track Designation for JZP150 development in PTSD from FDA in 4Q21, underscoring the significant unmet medical needs of patients.
JZP815:
- In 2Q22, the Company announced that FDA cleared the IND application, which will allow JZP815 to enter clinical development.
- The pan-RAF inhibitor program is part of a novel class of next-generation precision oncology therapies that has the potential to benefit cancer patients with high unmet needs in multiple different solid tumors.
- The Company, together with its preclinical collaboration partner, Redx Pharma, presented its first preclinical data in a poster at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in April 2022.
- JZP815 inhibited tumor growth in several RAS- and BRAF-mutated solid tumor models, and demonstrated enhanced activity when combined with other MAPK pathway inhibitors.
GAAP net income (loss) in 2Q22 was $34.7 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $(363.3) million, or $(6.11) per diluted share, for 2Q21. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in 2Q22 was $305.5 million, or $4.30 per diluted share, compared to $240.6 million, or $3.90 per diluted share, for 2Q21. Reconciliations of applicable GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information are included at the end of this press release.
Total revenues increased 24% in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021.
- Neuroscience net product sales in 2Q22 increased 20% to $696.8 million compared to the same period in 2021 primarily driven by Epidiolex/Epidyolex net product sales of $175.3 million, following the acquisition of GW. In 2Q22, oxybate net product sales increased 10% to $504.4 million.
- Oncology net product sales in 2Q22 increased 40% to $229.8 million compared to the same period in 2021 primarily driven by Rylaze net product sales in 2Q22 of $73.0 million following product launch in July 2021, partially offset by Erwinaze/Erwinase net product sales in 2Q21 of $28.3 million.
Operating expenses increased in 2Q22 over the prior year period primarily due to the following:
- Cost of product sales increased in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021, on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis, due to increased net product sales. In addition, GAAP cost of product sales was impacted by a higher acquisition accounting inventory fair value step-up expense in 2Q22.
- Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021, on a GAAP basis, primarily due to lower GW acquisition related transaction and integration expenses, offset by the loss on disposal of Sunosi. SG&A expenses, on a GAAP and non-GAAP adjusted basis, included increased compensation-related expenses driven by the inclusion of GW related headcount costs for the full quarter offset by lower Sunosi U.S. marketing costs in 2Q22.
- Research and development (R&D) expenses increased in 2Q22 compared to the same period in 2021, on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis, primarily due to the inclusion of a full quarter of GW employee costs and clinical program spend for Epidiolex and nabiximols in 2Q22, offset by a reduction in costs related to JZP458 (Rylaze) and JZP385.
- Acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) expense in 2Q22 on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis primarily related to upfront payments of $50.0 million and $15.0 million to Sumitomo and Werewolf, respectively, in connection with our licensing agreements.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $771.3 million, and the outstanding principal balance of the Company's long-term debt was $6.1 billion compared to $6.4 billion as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company had undrawn borrowing capacity under a revolving credit facility of $500.0 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company generated $512.0 million of cash from operations. In 1Q22 the Company repaid in full the $251.0 million remaining aggregate principal amount of the Euro Term Loan B.
2022 Financial Guidance
The Company has updated its GAAP guidance primarily to reflect the impact of foreign currency exchange movements on non-USD denominated amortization and inventory step up expense. The Company is affirming its non-GAAP adjusted guidance.
Conference Call Details
Jazz Pharmaceuticals will host an investor conference call and live audio webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. IST) to provide a business and financial update and discuss its 2022 second quarter results.
Interested parties may register for the call in advance here or via the Investors section of the Jazz Pharmaceuticals website at www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com. Please connect to the website prior to the start of the call to ensure adequate time for any software downloads that may be necessary.
A replay of the webcast will be available via the Investors section of the Jazz Pharmaceuticals website at www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com.
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases - often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. Within these therapeutic areas, we are identifying new options for patients by actively exploring small molecules and biologics, and through innovative delivery technologies and cannabinoid science. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries. For more information, please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com and follow @JazzPharma on Twitter.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement Jazz Pharmaceuticals' financial results and guidance presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company uses certain non-GAAP (also referred to as adjusted or non-GAAP adjusted) financial measures in this press release and the accompanying tables. In particular, the Company presents non-GAAP adjusted net income (and the related per share measure) and its line item components, as well as certain non-GAAP adjusted financial measures derived therefrom, including non-GAAP adjusted gross margin percentage and non-GAAP adjusted effective tax rate. Non-GAAP adjusted net income (and the related per share measure) and its line item components exclude from GAAP reported net income (loss) (and the related per share measure) and its line item components certain items, as detailed in the reconciliation tables that follow, and in the case of non-GAAP adjusted net income (and the related per share measure), adjust for the income tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments and the impact of the change in the statutory tax rate in the U.K. In this regard, the components of non-GAAP adjusted net income, including non-GAAP adjusted cost of product sales, SG&A expenses and R&D expenses, are income statement line items prepared on the same basis as, and therefore components of, the overall non-GAAP adjusted net income measure. The Company also uses a pro forma non-GAAP net leverage ratio calculated as net debt (defined as total GAAP debt, net of cash, cash equivalents and investments) divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent period of four consecutive completed fiscal quarters. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted to exclude certain other charges and adjustments as detailed in the pro forma non-GAAP net leverage ratio reconciliation table that follows, and is calculated in accordance with the definition of Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA as set out in the Company's credit agreement entered into in May 2021 (the Credit Agreement).
The Company believes that each of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplementary information to, and facilitates additional analysis by, investors and analysts and that each of these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the Company's financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, can enhance investors' and analysts' ability to meaningfully compare the Company's results from period to period and to its forward-looking guidance, to identify operating trends in the Company's business and to understand the Company's ability to delever. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are regularly used by investors and analysts to model and track the Company's financial performance. Jazz Pharmaceuticals' management also regularly uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate the Company's business and to make operating decisions, and compensation of executives is based in part on certain of these non-GAAP financial measures. Because these non-GAAP financial measures are important internal measurements for Jazz Pharmaceuticals' management, the Company also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and analysts since these measures allow for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics the Company uses in assessing its own operating performance and making operating decisions. These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures; should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP; have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles in the reconciliation tables that follow. In addition, from time to time in the future there may be other items that the Company may exclude for purposes of its non-GAAP financial measures; and the Company has ceased, and may in the future cease, to exclude items that it has historically excluded for purposes of its non-GAAP financial measures. Likewise, the Company may determine to modify the nature of its adjustments to arrive at its non-GAAP financial measures. Because of the non-standardized definitions of non-GAAP financial measures, the non-GAAP financial measures as used by Jazz Pharmaceuticals in this press release and the accompanying tables have limits in their usefulness to investors and may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to: the Company's growth prospects and future financial and operating results, including the Company's 2022 financial guidance and the Company's expectations related thereto; Vision 2025 and the Company's progress related thereto; the Company's strategy to maximize the value of Xywav in IH and narcolepsy, grow Epidiolex in the U.S., expand the launch of Epidyolex globally and progress the development program for Zepzelca; the Company's advancement of pipeline programs and the timing of planned regulatory activities and submissions related thereto; the Company's capital allocation and corporate development strategy; the expected divestiture of ex-U.S. Sunosi to Axsome and the anticipated benefits of the Sunosi divestiture; the potential successful future development, manufacturing, regulatory and commercialization activities; the Company's expectation of sustainable growth and enhanced value as part of its Vision 2025; growing and diversifying the Company's revenue, investing in its pipeline of novel therapies, and delivering innovative therapies for patients; the Company's ability to realize the commercial potential of its products; the Company's views and expectations relating to its patent portfolio, including with respect to expected patent protection; planned or anticipated clinical trial events, including with respect to initiations, enrollment and data read-outs, and the anticipated timing thereof; the Company's clinical trials confirming clinical benefit or enabling regulatory submissions; planned or anticipated regulatory submissions and filings, including for nabiximols and Rylaze, and the anticipated timing thereof; potential regulatory approvals, including for Rylaze; the anticipated launch of Epidyolex in France in 2022; the anticipated launch of Epidyolex in new markets and indications; and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties.
Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: Jazz's and Axsome's ability to complete the proposed divestiture of ex-U.S. Sunosi on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all; maintaining or increasing sales of and revenue from the Company's oxybate products, Zepzelca and other key marketed products; effectively launching and commercializing the Company's other products and product candidates; obtaining and maintaining adequate coverage and reimbursement for the Company's products; the time-consuming and uncertain regulatory approval process, including the risk that the Company's current and/or planned regulatory submissions may not be submitted, accepted or approved by applicable regulatory authorities in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the Company's sBLA seeking approval for a revised dosing label for Rylaze may not be approved by FDA in a timely manner or at all; the costly and time-consuming pharmaceutical product development and the uncertainty of clinical success, including risks related to failure or delays in successfully initiating or completing clinical trials and assessing patients such as those being experienced, and expected to continue to be experienced, by the Company as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company's failure to realize the expected benefits of its acquisition of GW Pharmaceuticals, including the failure to realize the blockbuster potential of Epidiolex and the risk that the legacy GW Pharmaceuticals business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the ultimate duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global economic, financial, and healthcare system disruptions and the current and potential future negative impacts to the Company's business operations and financial results; geopolitical events, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions; macroeconomic conditions, including global financial markets and inflation; regulatory initiatives and changes in tax laws; market volatility; protecting and enhancing the Company's intellectual property rights and the Company's commercial success being dependent upon the Company obtaining, maintaining and defending intellectual property protection for its products and product candidates; delays or problems in the supply or manufacture of the Company's products and product candidates; complying with applicable U.S. and non-U.S. regulatory requirements, including those governing the research, development, manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances; government investigations, legal proceedings and other actions; identifying and acquiring, in-licensing or developing additional products or product candidates, financing these transactions and successfully integrating acquired product candidates, products and businesses; the Company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of its collaborations and license agreements with third parties; the sufficiency of the Company's cash flows and capital resources to fund its debt service obligations, de-lever and meet its stated leverage targets; the Company's ability to achieve expected future financial performance and results and the uncertainty of future tax, accounting and other provisions and estimates; the possibility that, if the Company does not achieve the perceived benefits of the acquisition of GW Pharmaceuticals as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial analysts or investors, the market price of the Company's ordinary shares could decline; the Company's ability to achieve expected future financial performance and results and the uncertainty of future tax and other provisions and estimates; the Company's ability to meet its projected long-term goals and objectives, including as part of Vision 2025, in the time periods that the Company anticipates, or at all, and the inherent uncertainty and significant judgments and assumptions underlying the Company's long-term goals and objectives; and other risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and future filings and reports by the Company including the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Other risks and uncertainties of which the Company is not currently aware may also affect the Company's forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated.
Contacts:
Investors:
Andrea N. Flynn, Ph.D.
Vice President, Head, Investor Relations
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
InvestorInfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland +353 1 634 3211
U.S. +1 650 496 2717
Media:
Kristin Bhavnani
Head of Global Corporate Communications
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
CorporateAffairsMediaInfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland +353 1 637 2141
U.S. +1 215 867 4948
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SOURCE Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/jazz-pharmaceuticals-announces-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-affirms-2022-financial-guidance/ | 2022-08-03T20:35:08Z |
Biden launches Indo-Pacific trade deal, warns over inflation
TOKYO (AP) - President Joe Biden on Monday launched a new trade deal with 12 Indo-Pacific nations aimed at strengthening their economies as he warned Americans worried about high inflation that it was “going to be a haul” before they feel relief. The president said he does not believe an economic recession is inevitable in the U.S.
Biden, speaking at a news conference after holding talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, acknowledged the U.S. economy has “problems” but said they were “less consequential than the rest of the world has.”
He added: “This is going to be a haul. This is going to take some time,” even as he rejected the idea a recession in the U.S. was inevitable.
The comments came just before Biden’s launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a new trade deal his administration designed to signal U.S. dedication to the contested economic sphere and to address the need for stability in commerce after disruptions caused by the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nations joining the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework are Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Along with the United States, they represent 40% of world GDP.
The countries said in a joint statement that the pact will help them collectively “prepare our economies for the future” following disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Meeting with Kishida, Biden said the new framework would also increase U.S. cooperation with other nations in the region.
The White House said the framework will help the United States and Asian economies work more closely on issues including supply chains, digital trade, clean energy, worker protections and anticorruption efforts. The details still need to be negotiated among the member countries, making it difficult for the administration to say how this agreement would fulfill the promise of helping U.S. workers and businesses while also meeting global needs.
Critics say the framework has gaping shortcomings. It doesn’t offer incentives to prospective partners by lowering tariffs or provide signatories with greater access to U.S. markets. Those limitations may not make the U.S. framework an attractive alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which still moved forward after the U.S. bailed out. China, the largest trading partner for many in the region, is also seeking to join TPP.
“I think a lot of partners are going to look at that list and say: ‘That’s a good list of issues. I’m happy to be involved,’” said Matthew Goodman, a former director for international economics on the National Security Council during President Barack Obama’s administration. But he said they also may ask, “Are we going to get any tangible benefits out of participating in this framework?”
Kishida hosted a formal state welcome for Biden at Akasaka Palace, including a white-clad military honor guard and band in the front plaza. Reviewing the assembled troops, Biden placed his hand over his heart as he passed the American flag and bowed slightly as he passed the Japanese standard.
Kishida said at their meeting that he was “absolutely delighted” to welcome Biden to Tokyo on the first Asia trip of his presidency. Along with Biden, he drove a tough line against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, saying it “undermines the foundation of global order.”
Biden, who is in the midst of a five-day visit to South Korea and Japan, called the U.S.-Japanese alliance a “cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific” and thanked Japan for its “strong leadership” in standing up to Russia.
The White House announced plans to build the economic framework in October as a replacement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which the U.S. dropped out of in 2017 under then-President Donald Trump.
Kishida, while welcoming the new Biden trade pact, said he hoped Biden would reconsider the United States’ position on TPP.
“Our position remains unchanged,” Kishida said. “We think it’s desirable for the United States to return to the TPP.”
The new pact comes at a moment when the administration believes it has the edge in its competition with Beijing. Bloomberg Economics published a report last week projecting U.S. GDP growth at about 2.8% in 2022 compared to 2% for China, which has been trying to contain the coronavirus through strict lockdowns while also dealing with a property bust. The slowdown has undermined assumptions that China would automatically supplant the U.S. as the world’s leading economy.
“The fact that the United States will grow faster than China this year, for the first time since 1976, is a quite striking example of how countries in this region should be looking at the question of trends and trajectories,” said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
The two leaders were also set to meet with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago. The Japanese premier took office last fall and is looking to strengthen ties with the U.S. and build a personal relationship with Biden. He’ll host the president at a restaurant for dinner.
The launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, also known as IPEF, has been billed by the White House as one of the bigger moments of Biden’s Asia trip and of his ongoing effort to bolster ties with Pacific allies. Through it all, administration officials have kept a close eye on China’s growing economic and military might in the region.
In September the U.S. announced a new partnership with Australia and Britain called AUKUS that is aimed and deepening security, diplomatic and defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Through that AUKUS partnership, Australia will purchase nuclear-powered submarines, and the U.S. is to increase rotational force deployments to Australia.
The U.S. president has also devoted great attention to the informal alliance known as the Quad, formed during the response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed some 230,000 people. Biden and fellow leaders from the alliance, which also includes Australia, India and Japan, are set to gather in Tokyo for their second in-person meeting in less than a year. The leaders have also held two video calls since Biden took office.
And earlier this month, Biden gathered representatives from nine of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Washington for a summit, the first ever by the organization in the U.S. capital. Biden announced at the summit the U.S. would invest some $150 million in clean energy and infrastructure initiatives in ASEAN nations.
Taiwan — which had sought membership in the IPEF framework— isn’t among the governments that will be included. Participation of the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own, would have irked Beijing.
Sullivan said the U.S. wants to deepen its economic partnership with Taiwan, including on high technology issues and semiconductor supply on a one-to-one basis.
Biden also issued a stern warning to China over Taiwan, saying the U.S. would respond militarily if China were to invade the self-ruled island. “That’s the commitment we made,” Biden said.
The U.S. recognizes Beijing as the one government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, it maintains unofficial contacts with Taiwan, including a de facto embassy in Taipei, the capital, and supplies military equipment to the island for its defense.
Biden’s comments were likely to draw a sharp response from China, which has claimed Taiwan to be a rogue province.
A White House official said Biden’s comments did not reflect a policy shift.
—-
Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/23/biden-says-recession-not-inevitable-he-readies-trade-pact/ | 2022-05-23T08:03:26Z |
BERLIN, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fraugster, a payment intelligence company which is the first player to offer compliance, chargeback protection, risk management solutions and credit scoring via one AI platform and one integration, today announced the publication of its first Payment Intelligence Report 2022. This provides insight into key Compliance, Fraud Risk and Revenue Uplift trends in the market. Information from 60B data points and 80M individual transactions in 2021 were analyzed by the Fraugster team. Findings highlight the latest fraud tactics being deployed against Payment Service Providers (PSPs), Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) suppliers and Merchants in Travel, Physical and Digital Goods, challenges and opportunities for BNPL players, chargeback trends, popular fraud types, PSD2 impacts, and future trends for 2022 and beyond.
Research highlights:
Fraud attack findings
- 109% Increase in Identity fraud
- 70% rise in Gift Card fraud
- 52% Increase in Account Takeover (ATO ) attacks
Checkout/Basket facts
- Average Order Value by Vertical: BNPL €146, Travel €580, Physical Goods: €147, Digital Goods €20
- Preferred shopping times based on the number of orders
Sanction information
- Top sanctioned countries: Russia, Iran, Syria and North Korea
- Total AML fines in 2021 amounted to € 2.5B, with over 80 institutions being fined.
Chargeback data
- 46% of the total chargebacks were filed within a span of 60 days
- 15% (pre-pandemic) to over 50% (pandemic peak) increase in angry chargebacks
- Average chargeback by value by vertical: Travel € 710, Gaming: €25, Fashion: €220
- Total cost of chargeback to the merchant is 2.9x the value of chargebacks
BNPL snapshot
- Bad debts as a percentage of total outstanding debt for Credit Cards stood only at 5.30% compared to an estimated 9.55% for Buy Now Pay Later providers.
- 62% growth of new user group adopting BNPL (18-24 age bracket)
3DS data
- 20-50% of a merchant's transaction flow is redirected to frictionless 3DS
- Decrease in Issuer declines post 3DS, compensates for customer drop-offs, therefore, balancing overall acceptance rate.
Vertical quick dives
- Airlines lost over €6.5B to fraud in 2021, which is equivalent to the global average cost of 24,000 flight tickets with fraud losses amounting to 1.5% of total global airline revenue.
- Total direct fraud losses for digital goods (consisting of gaming, gambling and gift cards) amounted to €3.58B in 2021, with over €13.72B worth of genuine transactions lost due to false positives.
- Fashion had the highest percentage contribution to revenue i.e., 28%, followed by home and living (22%), electronics (19%), food and personal care (18%) and furniture (13%). Nearly €69.65 B from the total revenue for physical goods was lost to fraud in 2021.
Christian Mangold, Fraugster CEO says "We are excited to publish the first edition of our Payment Intelligence Report 2022. By researching our own data we gleaned information about Compliance, Fraud Risk and Revenue Uplift that will enable us to make adjustments where required to ensure that our merchants can minimize fraud and maximize revenues."
To view the complete Payment Intelligence Report 2022, please click here.
About Fraugster
Fraugster is a Berlin based payments intelligence company that helps the e-commerce ecosystem to minimize fraud and maximize revenue by making smarter real-time business decisions. We help our customers solve multiple use cases by giving them access to various, interoperable products via one integration.
Fraugster has developed one of the most accurate AI fraud prevention solutions on the market and is backed by some of Europe's most reputable deeptech investors from Earlybird to Speedinvest, CommerzVentures and Munich Re Ventures. Further information can be found at https://www.fraugster.com/
For further information please contact: Caroline Delvenne, pr@fraugster.com, +49(0)30 555794810
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SOURCE Fraugster | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/80-billion-euros-lost-online-fraud-across-physical-digital-goods-e-ticketing-2021-reveals-fraugsters-new-payment-intelligence-report/ | 2022-07-20T06:22:43Z |
Laurie Bertram Roberts walks 3 miles down a nearby hill to the store to fill up her 5-gallon jug with filtered water. The mother of seven makes the trip every week to make sure she has 1 gallon for each family member.
She stopped counting the boil water notices since they can happen at least three times a month. The longtime resident of Jackson, Mississippi, has been drinking filtered and bottled water for years due to scarce or dirty water. She doesn't use the town's water for drinking, bathing or cooking.
A year ago, a winter storm shut down Jackson's entire water system, leaving tens of thousands of residents without water for a month in the middle of a pandemic. That only made matters worse for Betram Roberts, who had to buy baby wipes, extra underwear, disposable plates and microwaveable food -- necessities she resorts to when she knows her family will be without clean water.
When she knew she was going to be without water for a while, Betram Roberts became concerned for her twins, who have autism and eczema head to toe. She was scared that the little dirty water she had access to would get into a skin crack or open sore on their skin. She then decided to take the 27-year-old twins almost three hours away to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a couple of weeks.
"I think the fact that our water has become something that we joke about a lot, tells you a lot about where we are at," she told CNN. "It's become this running commentary that is just so ubiquitous, and you don't really think about how messed up that is. Water is a human right."
Betram Roberts has been making the trip to fill her jug for several years now because of her hesitancy to use the city's water. It has become so normal to her that it's now part of a weekly routine and has become a necessity. It's a matter of survival for her and her family even though she says it has become a joke to others.
Residents like Betram Roberts paint a picture of how this city of more than 151,000 people has been forced to deal with a water crisis as well as a pandemic. After the storm last year, leaders of the majority Black community begged the state for $47 million for water and sewer repairs, but the legislature gave them only $3 million. The Environmental Protection Agency also recently announced $74.9 million in federal water and sewer infrastructure funds for Mississippi. However, the mayor says it would take $2 billion to fully repair and replace the dated system that has too much lead in its water.
Town administrations have dealt with this issue since the 1900s. The town's first African American mayor, Harvey Johnson, held office for two terms and faced the challenges of poverty, a loss of population and a lack of federal and state resources. Even with his efforts to mitigate these circumstances, Jackson's water system was still a concern at the end of his term in 2005 and still is four mayors later. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba took office in 2017.
Although Lumumba says he is aware of the ongoing challenges, residents continue to report low to no water pressure and raw sewage flowing in city streets and neighborhoods. Jackson residents say they have been boiling their water to make it safe and traveling to cities like Braxton, 30 minutes away, to buy bottled water. This has highlighted Jackson's outdated and neglected water infrastructure, which community leaders and experts say is connected to environmental racism. The city is about 82% Black and 17% White.
Lumumba told CNN a lack of political will and years of neglect on a national level has prevented Jackson from getting the help it needs to fix its water and sewer crisis.
"We're going to take every bit of money that we can get to contribute to the problem," Lumumba said. "There's a lack of understanding of the challenges that happen in Jackson. We're going to keep beating the drum and making it clear that this is going to require a more substantial investment."
Catherine Coleman Flowers, founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice, advocates for rural communities of color who are facing environmental challenges and believes environmental racism is at play in Jackson.
"It really changes the way we operate," Flowers said. "It also means that those people that can't afford bottled water are put in a position where they can't wash their hands on a regular basis like they should. And now with diseases like Covid, it is very important that you have access to water because water is a part of sanitation. It really makes people far more vulnerable."
Flowers told CNN the impact of not having access to clean water is especially detrimental to lower-income communities that don't have the money or resources to ensure they have clean water. About 25% of Jackson residents are in poverty compared to the national poverty rate of about 11%, and people are already disadvantaged. It's often difficult for them to find transportation or money to obtain clean water.
Flowers said cities like Jackson are an example of "benign neglect" from those in power.
"I am concerned that it's just another symbol of what I call one of the relatives of the Confederacy where communities that need help are not given the help, especially if they're marginalized or communities of color," she told CNN.
Many residents are left to face the long-term effects of an aging water system that lacks a supportive and strong foundation.
On rainy days, James Hopkins sets a bucket outside to collect water. When it doesn't rain, the Jackson resident spends about $80 per week on bottled water to drink, bathe, brush his teeth and cook. On top of this, he still pays his water bill but hardly turns on his faucet.
When he showers with the water from the city, he says he is sometimes left with an itchy feeling on his skin, so he mainly resorts to bathing with fresh spring water from the supermarket. Hopkins has never trusted Jackson's water.
"This water issue needs to be tackled constantly," Hopkins said. "We can't wait until the next storm or flood to say we have water issues."
The marginalization and disinvestment of Black communities are intentional and therefore come as no surprise, according to Yvette Carnell, president and CEO of the American Descendants of Slavery Advocacy Foundation. She believes a water system with a fragile foundation is bigger than Jackson and is often common for Black rural communities.
"We have an infrastructure crisis in this country and, given the history of this country, it should come as no surprise that Black communities are the most starved for resources," she told CNN. "Our needs are never prioritized when it's time to fund new pipelines and thus, our communities fall into disrepair."
Jackson is also facing fiscal constraints because of a population decline of more than 3,000 people and the city currently generates less tax revenue and overall economic activity. Its population has been declining since 2011.
An ongoing decline in tax revenue gives the town less financial resources to maintain and improve a public water system that was built for a larger population, according to John Green, director of the Southern Rural Development Center.
Green told CNN that a one-time allocation of funds will not be enough to improve Jackson's infrastructure, but it will take a large investment, strategic planning, sufficient staffing and innovation.
Jackson's plight is an echo of the Flint, Michigan water crisis, another majority Black community that has struggled with its water since 2014. With a Black population of about 54%, Flint has grappled with aging pipes, lead contamination in its water, and a Legionnaires' disease outbreak.
Since 2014, Flint has seen progress including low lead levels in the city's water, funding from the EPA and a compensation fund that will provide direct payments to Flint residents.
"Flint has rebuilt their water plan and improved their lead levels, and they're moving forward from the past, whereas we kind of don't see exactly where our situation is going to remedy," Sheryl Bacon, research associate and analyst at the Mississippi Urban Research Center at Jackson State University said.
Mayor Lumumba recognizes a pattern of neglect toward Jackson and says the lack of investment is intentional, as the state and federal governments are aware of Jackson's challenges but don't act to fully address the crisis. He said Jackson must attain an equitable water distribution system to see any kind of progress that Flint has, but state leaders refuse to help and have left Jackson to deal with the crisis by itself.
Recent report recommends ways to address crisis
A recent report from the Mississippi Urban Research Center examined the Jackson water crisis from past and present perspectives to make research-based recommendations on efforts for the future.
The report -- "Implications of the 2021 Jackson Water Crisis: Past, Present, and Future" -- focuses on trends and changes in residential population, property tax revenues in the city of Jackson over the years and the effect that privatizing a public water system would have on the town. The authors recommend policy options including improved efforts to collect water bills and a push to create a new agency for enhanced interlocal government collaboration.
Dr. Isiah Marshall, an editor of the report and associate dean of Jackson State University's School of Social Work, told CNN that environmental racism is at play in Jackson and is based on economic, social and historical factors.
"One of the things that this particular journal taught us is how we have to now mobilize people and communities to take some court of responsibility or knowing what to do to ensure that the most vulnerable are not suffering to these types of issues," he said.
The report revealed that town officials must not only secure money to repair infrastructure, but they also must prepare cities to ensure that crises like Jackson's won't have such a negative impact.
"We need to be progressive in our thinking, and forward and focus as we approach environmental responsibility and sustainability," Sheryl Bacon, an author of the report and research associate and analyst at the Mississippi Urban Research Center at Jackson State University told CNN.
The report also revealed that Jackson's high concentration of low-wage jobs, renters and impoverished families affect access to water infrastructure. Bacon said it's important to note that much of the Jackson community has struggled with financial barriers, not only to water, but to internet access and several other qualities of life factors.
What comes next?
Mayor Lumumba's short-term goal for the city is to identify a means to stabilize Jackson's water treatment facilities and pinpoint solutions to repair them. His administration will review the current investments and demand more.
Looking to the future, he said his long-term goal is to create a fully dependable and sustainable water system so that Jackson residents can use the town's water to cook, clean, wash their clothes and drink.
"Our biggest strength as a city is the resilience of our people," Lumumba said. "As an administration, we're going to struggle without ceasing until we bring them the resources that they so justly deserve. We're going to call out those that play a role in this."
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/water-is-a-human-right-city-of-jackson-still-in-dire-need-of-infrastructure-help/article_5ad93b72-ab96-5c5b-b3db-5d0a7f231de9.html | 2022-04-19T19:44:54Z |
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In July 2022, the IRS published a report on its Strategic Plan for the years 2022 through 2026. The report features many lofty goals, including increasing service capabilities, consolidating enforcement efforts, recruiting a more advanced workforce, and modernizing existing infrastructure.
All these proposed efforts are based upon 80 billion of investment into the IRS from the federal government via the Biden administration and the Inflation Reduction Act, which comes with strings attached. To be clear, the IRS would not benefit from budget enhancements if the government did not believe they could make back that money and more through civil and criminal tax enforcement actions and other aggressive adjustments to strategy including the planned hiring of 87,000 IRS agents and huge investments into technology.
Therefore, many taxpayers are rightly concerned about the increased chance that they could soon face an audit or criminal tax investigation.
The IRS' five-year strategy was announced through Publication 3744, which can be found in its entirety on the agency website. The plan was developed by the strategic planning team within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. According to the document, the report included input from IRS leaders and employees, advisory groups, and other key stakeholders, including the Department of the Treasury.
The strategy centers around four key "goals," as the report describes them: service, enforcement, people, and transformation.
The IRS suggests that the first goal of their five-year plan is to provide quality and accessible services to enhance the taxpayer experience. As the tax code becomes increasingly more complicated, so too does compliance. This affects those taxpayers in underserved community populations at a substantially higher rate. Not only are these taxpayers more likely to struggle with remaining compliant with the tax code, but they are also much less likely to actually obtain the benefits that are baked into the tax code for their own interests.
A critical aspect of the service goal is growing the IRS' digital service capabilities. More and more taxpayers and tax preparation professionals are growing to expect the government to shift to online services that represent a more accessible channel of communication and disclosure for taxpayers across the country.
According to a Comprehensive Taxpayer Attitude Survey Report from 2020, four of the top five IRS services that are most important to taxpayers are digital services. In their strategic plan, the IRS makes it clear that they intend to expand their outreach and service areas to account for the underserved by making use of developing technologies.
Though the current administration has poured funding into the IRS, the agency remains overburdened with a workload that is difficult to meet while using past strategies. All the while, the technological sophistication of tax evaders grows.
Among the IRS' responses contained in their five-year strategy is the plan to proactively identify current and emerging fraud schemes using real-time intelligence and analytics. This will involve the consolidation of fraud-related compliance efforts to streamline operations and better allocate resources.
The IRS' Office of Fraud Enforcement has also been investing in top-tier blockchain tracing and virtual currency analytics tools for compliance agents, such as the tracing software that the government began licensing from Coinbase last year. The new Virtual Currency Learning Academy provides all IRS personnel with unlimited access to various levels in training on cryptocurrency, blockchain tracing, and anti-money laundering compliance, as well as several other topics.
One of the less discussed issues plaguing the IRS today is the rising rate of attrition and retirement. More than 60% of the current agency workforce will be eligible for retirement within the next six years. According to data in the report collected by the Partnership for Public Service, the IRS' attrition rate is 7.3%, much higher than the average attrition rate across federal agencies of 5.8%.
To counter this, the IRS is implementing recruitment and succession planning strategies and lobbying for additional funding from congress to support federal hiring initiatives.
Simply keeping the workforce at an even level will not be enough to achieve the IRS' goals, however. The report emphasizes the IRS' continued reliance on cooperation with the tax community and international partners.
As its final goal for the next five years, the report stresses the importance of adapting the federal agency to facing new threats and challenges. These include developments in technology, a growing taxpayer base, and accounting for cyber threats.
Within the transformation goal, the report breaks the steps down into four key focuses: redesigning systems to maximize existing efficiencies, modernizing infrastructure, increasing digitalization, and improving data-driven decision making.
This is all centered upon the IRS' ability to keep its collection of personal and financial information secure against complex cyberattacks. The report projects that technological and security investments will help to ensure that the IRS has the capability to handle an increase on the roughly 1.4 billion cyberattacks that it mitigates every year.
Across the various goals that the report lays out, the common thread among them all is an increase in directed and strategic funding. When the federal government makes such a substantial financial commitment, it does not do so without expecting something in return. The government is relying on the increased capabilities of the IRS to close the tax gap through improved services and effective enforcement practices. This is the only way that the government will get back more money than what they will spend on obtaining these goals.
Therefore, it would be logical to assume that the IRS will do everything in its power to find tax debt to collect and act on it. Taxpayers should expect a significant uptick in IRS activity over the next five years that will affect many who have never dealt with such issues before.
If you are concerned about the possibility of an IRS audit or criminal tax investigation into you or your business and past filings, it is important to assess all possible options to avoid such a situation.
The federal government's voluntary disclosure programs provide an avenue for taxpayers who are aware of noncompliance in their filing history to come forward with additional information without being coerced into doing so through audit or criminal tax investigation. By using the voluntary disclosure option, many taxpayers avoid can avoid or reduce the penalties and fines that they might otherwise face if the government had to seek out the violations themselves.
However, voluntary disclosure may not be right in every situation. Firstly, if a criminal investigation is already underway, your decision to voluntary disclose will likely have no effect on the consequences and may even end up doing more harm than good. It is always important to discuss your situation with a seasoned Dual Licensed Criminal Tax Defense Lawyer and CPA, even if you made a genuine and honest mistake.
If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years or have taken a position on a tax return that could not be supported upon an IRS or state tax authority audit, eggshell audit, reverse eggshell audit, or criminal tax investigation, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine your best route back into federal or state tax compliance without facing criminal prosecution.
Note: As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income tax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure before the IRS has started an audit or criminal tax investigation / prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply.
It is imperative that you hire an experienced and reputable criminal tax defense attorney to take you through the voluntary disclosure process. Only an Attorney has the Attorney Client Privilege and Work Product Privileges that will prevent the very professional that you hire from being potentially being forced to become a witness against you, especially where they prepared the returns that need to be amended, in a subsequent criminal tax audit, investigation or prosecution.
Moreover, only an Attorney can enter you into a voluntary disclosure without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (a crime in itself). Only an Attorney trained in Criminal Tax Defense fully understands the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure.
As uniquely qualified and extensively experienced Criminal Tax Defense Tax Attorneys, Kovel CPAs and EAs, our firm provides a one stop shop to efficiently achieve the optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. See our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us!
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Public Contact: Dave Klasing Esq. M.S.-Tax CPA, dave@taxesqcpa.net
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SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/tax-law-offices-david-w-klasing-what-can-be-gleamed-irss-recent-release-five-year-strategy-civil-criminal-tax-enforcement-practices/ | 2022-08-18T11:52:00Z |
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. pet industry--long famous for recession-resistant growth and often (though not recently) a darling of Wall Street – posted its most significant growth ever in 2021.
Moreover, as reported in Packaged Facts' just-released U.S. Pet Market Focus: Pet Stores & Pet Specialty Retailing, sales of pet specialty retailers and e-tailers topped $31 billion, with a 18% growth rate surpassing that of the pet and vet industry overall.
It's not all smooth sailing, of course. Inflation remains a primary concern across consumer goods markets, with a range of factors combining into the perfect storm of economic pressures. "Manufacturers across the pet market have slowly increased their prices," according to report analyst Shannon Brown, "spurred by challenges in acquiring ingredients, packaging materials, and a host of other items that go into making and selling pet products."
Fueling inflation are supply chain issues that began with the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns, though have since been compounded by surging consumer spending, additional shipping delays, overcrowded warehouses, and shortages of both shipping containers and long-haul truck drivers.
Pet product marketers must contend with demand for ingredients that are increasingly difficult to acquire. At times, store shelves remain unfilled and force pet owners to pay more for or to purchase different products or brands than they typically would, a challenge that can disproportionately affect key pet product growth areas such as "fresh" (refrigerated/frozen) pet food.
U.S. pet owners and pet product shoppers are well aware of the shifting landscape, as comparing Packaged Facts' 2021 Survey of Pet Owners with this year's iteration shows. For example, 59% report spending more on pet products than they used to, up from 45% in 2021, and 45% are spending more on pet products and attributing it directly to COVID-19, up from 34% in 2021.
Even so, pet specialty retailers and e-tailers maintain a strong hand. The pet specialty market saw a flurry of activity between 2020 and 2022, with Chewy approaching $10 billion in annual sales, PetSmart's $2.4 billion bond deal, and Petco's IPO. And there are several high-performing franchises among brick-and-mortar pet specialty retailers, including the recently acquired Pet Supplies Plus and Woof Gang Bakery chains.
In-store services have become critical to pet specialty retailers' success in competing with Amazon and mass-market brick-and-mortar stores (though Walmart is also flying the pet services flag). Grooming and boarding services feature prominently among pet specialty retailer marketing messages, as do veterinary care and the new dog training particularly important to Millennials.
Moreover, store brand products have long been a strength of the pet store channel, with the key pet specialty retailers expanding their private label offerings in the past few years. As recessionary conditions put pricing pressure on all pet categories, store-brand products are well-positioned to leverage their status as premium and on-trend yet affordable options, especially in the kingpin pet food category.
Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer market topics, including consumer demographics and shopper insights, consumer financial products and services, consumer goods and retailing, and pet products and services. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased at our company website and are also available through MarketResearch.com.
For more essential insights from Packaged Facts be sure to follow us on Twitter (@packaged_facts), LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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SOURCE Packaged Facts | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/despite-pressures-robust-sales-growth-pet-specialty-channel/ | 2022-08-30T19:24:53Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — We hope everyone had a safe and relaxing Labor Day Weekend across North Texas and beyond! Tuesday will see some rain chances around the region; scattered storms are possible with some becoming strong to somewhat severe.
The rain is set to make its way into the region during the afternoon and early evening hours.
“Additional showers and storms will be possible this afternoon mainly across Central and East Texas. A few strong to marginally severe storms cannot be ruled out, with hail and strong downburst winds possible. Afternoon highs will top out in the 90s throughout the region,” the weather center said.
As Wednesday rolls around it’ll prove to be a partly/mostly sunny and humid day with some isolated-scattered showers and storms around East and Central Texas. A few strong storms with some very gusty winds and frequent lightning is possible.
NWS Fort Worth said, “One last day of lingering rain and thunderstorm chances across the East, with best chances from East Texas into the Lower Brazos Valley. A few could be strong with gusty downburst winds and locally heavy rainfall. Dry elsewhere. Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph and occasionally gusty across North Texas and western Central Texas. Highs will reach to between 90 and 95 degrees, with higher humidity across the southeast half of the region. Rain chances continues through midweek with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible both Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon generally east of I-35. Severe storms are not expected. However, a strong storm or two with gusty winds and localized flooding will be possible.”
The North Texas region will, for the most part, be rain-free Thursday through Saturday. “By later this week, North and Central Texas will get a break from the rain chances as northerly flow aloft brings slightly drier air into the region. High in the upper 80s to mid 90s are expected, with morning lows in the upper 60s to low 70s,” NWS Fort Worth said.
Here’s a quick look at next weekend’s weather, “Next weekend is expect to be dry with humid conditions continuing into Saturday. Highs remain in the lower to middle 90s, before a cold front ushers in drier air and slightly cooler air for more pleasant outdoor weather. Sunday’s highs will be from the mid 80s to lower 90s with breezy northeast winds 10 to 20 mph behind the cold front.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/scattered-storms-possible-tuesday-low-rain-chances-wednesday-in-north-texas/ | 2022-09-06T19:36:31Z |
Former MLB pitcher-turned-police officer Anthony Varvaro dies in car crash
(AP) – Anthony Varvaro, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who retired in 2016 to become a police officer in the New York City area, was killed in a car accident Sunday morning on his way to work at the Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in Manhattan, according to police officials and his former teams.
Varvaro, 37, was an officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He played baseball at St. John’s University in New York City before a six-year career in the majors as a relief pitcher with the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox.
“We are deeply saddened on the passing of former Braves pitcher Anthony Varvaro,” the Braves said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.”
St. John’s head baseball coach Mike Hampton said he was “at a loss for words” over Varvaro’s death.
“Not only was he everything you could want out of a ball player, he was everything you could want in a person,” said Hampton, who was an assistant coach at St. John’s during all three of Varvaro’s seasons there. “My heart goes out to his family, friends, teammates and fellow officers.”
Port Authority officials issued a statement to the media.
“On this solemn occasion as the Port Authority mourns the loss of 84 employees in the attacks on the World Trade Center — including 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department — our grief only deepens today with the passing of Officer Varvaro,” the statement said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/11/former-mlb-pitcher-turned-police-officer-anthony-varvaro-dies-car-crash/ | 2022-09-11T22:07:15Z |
[Breaking news update, published at 8:45 p.m. ET]
The Uvalde City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to deny Councilman Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, who is also the school district police chief. a leave of absence from future meetings. During the meeting, several Uvalde residents, including family members of victims, called for Arredondo to be removed from the council rather than be given leave.
Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said following the shooting at Robb Elementary on May 24 he was assured he would receive daily briefings from the Texas Department of Public Safety and other agencies but has gotten none. "We are just in the dark just like you are," he told residents.
[Previous story, published at 6:24 p.m. ET]
The director of the Texas Department of Public Safety on Tuesday slammed the law enforcement response to last month's mass shooting in Uvalde as an "abject failure" and harshly criticized the decisions of Uvalde school district police chief Pedro "Pete" Arredondo.
"There is compelling evidence that the law enforcement response to the attack at Robb Elementary was an abject failure and antithetical to everything we've learned over the last two decades since the Columbine massacre," Col. Steven McCraw told the Texas Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans.
"Three minutes after the subject entered the West building, there was a sufficient number of armed officers wearing body armor to isolate, distract and neutralize the subject," he continued. "The only thing stopping the hallway of dedicated officers from entering rooms 111 and 112 was the on-scene commander, who decided to place the lives of officers baefore the lives of children."
The stunning criticisms come more than a month after a gunman with an AR-15-style rifle entered two adjacent classrooms at at 11:33 a.m. and killed 19 children and two teachers. The gunman remained inside the classrooms -- even as children inside called 911 and pleaded for help -- until law enforcement finally breached the rooms and killed him at 12:50 p.m., according to a timeline from the public safety department.
What happened within those 77 minutes has remained unclear as Texas officials offered conflicting narratives of the response.
McCraw's comments Tuesday represent the first time an official has provided substantive information on the shooting in weeks. He said that the decisions to wait contradicted the established active-shooter protocol -- to stop the suspect as quickly as possible.
"The officers had weapons, the children had none. The officers had body armor, the children had none," McCraw said. "The post-Columbine doctrine is clear and compelling and unambiguous: stop the killing, stop the dying."
The public safety department's timeline indicated that 11 officers arrived at the school, several with rifles, within three minutes of the gunman entering the classrooms. The suspect then shot and injured several officers who approached the classrooms, and they retreated to a hallway outside the rooms. The group of officers then remained in the hallway and did not approach the door for another 73 minutes.
"While they waited, the on-scene commander waited for a radio and rifles," McCraw said, referring to Arredondo. "Then he waited for shields. Then he waited for SWAT. Lastly, he waited for a key that was never needed."
Arredondo had previously told the Texas Tribune he did not consider himself the incident commander that day. However, at least one of the officers is noted at 11:50 a.m. expressing the belief that Arredondo was leading law enforcement response inside the school, telling others, "The chief is in charge," according to the public safety department's timeline.
Despite the criticisms, McCraw expressed discomfort in calling out Arredondo individually. "I don't like singling out a person and shifting and saying he's solely responsible, but at the end of the day, if you assume incident command, you are responsible," McCraw said.
Officers did not try to breach doors for over an hour
Late Monday, reporting from CNN, the Texas Tribune and the Austin American-Statesman previewed some of the DPS timeline and revealed further flaws in the police response.
In the initial days after the shooting, authorities said the suspect had barricaded himself behind locked doors, preventing outgunned responding officers from stopping him sooner.
Arredondo, who has been identified by other officials as the incident commander on the scene, had previously told the Texas Tribune that officers had found the classroom doors were locked and reinforced with a steel jamb, hindering any potential response or rescue. Efforts were made to locate a key to unlock the door, he said.
However, McCraw said video evidence showed no one ever put their hand on the door handle to check whether it was locked. Further, the doors at Robb Elementary were not able to be locked from the inside, McCraw said, calling it "ridiculous" from a security perspective.
In addition, Arredondo initially said that the responding officers needed more firepower and equipment to breach the doors. For example, at 11:40 a.m., Arredondo called the Uvalde Police Department's dispatch by phone shortly after the gunman fired at officers and requested further assistance and a radio, according to a DPS transcript.
"We don't have enough firepower right now, it's all pistol and he has an AR-15," Arredondo said, according to a DPS transcript.
However, two of the first officers to arrive to the scene had rifles, according to McCraw.
In the first minutes of their response, an officer also said a Halligan, a firefighting tool that is used for forcible entry, was on scene, according to the timeline. However, the tool wasn't brought into the school until an hour after officers arrived and was never used, the timeline said.
One security footage image obtained by the Austin American-Statesman shows at least three officers in the hallway -- two of whom have rifles and one who appears to have a tactical shield -- at 11:52 a.m., 19 minutes after the gunman entered the school.
In all, officers had access to four ballistic shields inside the school, the fourth of which arrived 30 minutes before officers stormed the classrooms, according to the timeline.
Why responding officers followed Arredondo's lead
One unidentified officer who arrived at 11:56 a.m. said that they needed to act.
"If there's kids in there, we need to go in there," the officer said. Another officer responded, "Whoever is in charge will determine that."
Inside the classrooms was carnage. Starting at around 11:33 a.m., the gunman fired over 100 rounds in a couple of minutes, and then fired sporadically over the next hour, including at 11:40, 11:44, and 12:21 p.m.
Arredondo, however, treated the situation like a barricaded subject, McCraw said, and attempted to speak with the gunman in English and Spanish.
At the Senate committee hearing, members questioned McCraw on why Arredondo remained in charge of the scene despite the lack of action to stop the shooter.
McCraw said the person in charge is typically the "ranking official of the agency that has jurisdiction," which in this case meant Arredondo, who was also on scene throughout the entire incident.
"The sheriff and the chief of the police of the Uvalde Police Department also deferred and said yes, he is the on-scene commander," McCraw said. "So by actions and deeds, he issued commands and had information and provided information and controlled the scene.
"DPS, the Border Patrol, FBI, everybody that came in afterwards, US Marshals that came in afterwards, it is not the practice or policy to take over anything," he said.
'They let our kids down,' father says
The reporting -- in three different news outlets and citing unnamed sources -- highlights Texas officials' lack of transparency to the public in such a critical incident. Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat, told CNN on Monday that the reporting underscored his questions about why police did not try to breach the doors sooner.
"We see that there (are) officers with adequate munitions, adequate equipment to be able to breach that room," he said. "I just don't understand why that didn't happen, why they didn't breach the room.
"Those answers need to be had. They shouldn't be dribbling through the media in this way. We should have law enforcement agencies tell us exactly what went wrong. And the fact that we're not getting that information is just a travesty in and of itself."
CNN has reached out to both Arredondo's attorney, George Hyde, and the Uvalde Police Department regarding the reports.
Arredondo, who has not spoken in a public capacity since the incident, testified Tuesday behind closed doors to a Texas House committee investigating the shooting.
The new reporting further angered mourning families whose questions have still not been answered.
"I feel anger," said Jose Flores Sr., whose 10-year-old son, Jose Flores Jr., was among the children killed. "They let our kids down, left them in there scared and, who knows, crying. They abandoned them," Flores told CNN's "New Day" when asked about the latest revelations.
"They're supposed to be trained professionals," Flores said of the police. "I don't understand the reason why they stood back that long for them to go back in ... Standing back a whole hour, leaving them inside with that gunman, is not right. It's cowardly, cowardly, cowardly stuff."
The city has been criticized for not releasing some records related to the investigation into the shooting. Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said the district attorney for Uvalde County made the request to not release those records.
"There is no coverup. Anyone who suggests the City of Uvalde is withholding information without legitimate and legal reasons is wrong and is spreading misinformation," McLaughlin said. "There are specific legal reasons the City cannot release information at this time."
The statement comes after McCraw, the DPS director, testified his agency planned to eventually release footage from body cameras and the inside of Robb Elementary.
"Whenever the district attorney approves it, we are going to release all the body camera coverage, we're going to release all the school video and the funeral video," McCraw said during Tuesday's committee testimony.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/uvalde-city-council-denies-request-by-school-district-police-chief-to-take-leave-of-absence/article_392ed272-571e-5052-8f0b-b8bef99e8ec2.html | 2022-06-22T01:10:50Z |
The company's fourth New York City location to offer 11,000 square feet of golf, entertainment, food, drinks, events, and more to Uptowners
NEW YORK, April 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Iron Golf, the nation's leading indoor golf and entertainment experience, has signed a lease at 1681 Third Ave, on the Upper East Side of New York City. Encompassing approximately 11,000 square feet in the lower level of The Kent, a newly constructed, luxury residential tower, Five Iron Golf UES joins three existing Manhattan locations in Flatiron, Financial District, and Herald Square, as well as an additional site currently under development in Long Island City, Queens.
"We were drawn to the Upper East Side because we closely identify with the sense of community so strongly represented there", said Five Iron Golf's Co-Founder and CEO, Jared Solomon. "Many Five Iron members and frequenters call the Upper East Side home, and we look forward to continuing our mission of making golf accessible and delivering dynamic, entertaining, and inclusive experiences in another vibrant New York City neighborhood."
The new uptown spot will host 9 custom-built golf simulators, featuring multiple high-speed cameras to capture every angle of the golf swing, and, in addition, will offer complimentary top-of-the-line equipment, custom club fitting at The Fitting Lab — a Golf Digest Top 100 Clubfitter — widescreen TVs, leisure games, a full-service restaurant and bar serving creatively curated and seasonal fare, league play, private lessons, clinics and social events.
Five Iron Golf UES is projected to open late 2022.
For more information, visit Five Iron's website or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Five Iron Golf is an urban indoor golf experience that combines a unique mixture of golf and entertainment with a community-focused vision of making the game more inclusive and accessible. Founded in 2017, Five Iron Golf has since expanded from New York to 12 total locations across eight cities from coast to coast, bringing a reputation for turning traditional golf on its head, celebrating the unconventional, and energizing communities through accessible and enjoyable golf experiences.
The Fitting Lab, brought to you by Five Iron Golf, is a custom club-fitting company with locations
in eight cities nationwide. The Fitting Lab's mission is to help players of all skill levels understand how their equipment choices affect their game and how new equipment can impact their performance. Services include custom fittings, repair services, and personalization. More information on The Fitting Lab is available on The Fitting Lab's website.
Five Iron Golf Media Contact
Danielle Kindelmann
Director of Marketing & PR
P: 631-252-1208
E: danielle.kindelmann@fiveirongolf.com
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SOURCE Five Iron Golf | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/22/five-iron-golf-takes-upper-east-side/ | 2022-04-22T17:53:43Z |
Which T-fal set should is best?
Anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen will likely be familiar with the French cookware company, T-fal. As one of the top brands in culinary products, a quality T-fal cookware set will last any chef a long time and help them produce delicious meals.
While they are great options for experienced home chefs, T-fal cookware sets are perfect for amateurs and those new to cooking. The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set is an ideal nonstick option that features many pots and pans, beneficial for various recipes.
What to know before you buy a T-fal cookware set
Cookware material
Some common cookware materials include stainless steel, aluminum, copper and clad. Each has its pros and cons.
Stainless steel is the most common cookware material. Affordable, versatile and practical, stainless steel is an all-around reliable choice. While it doesn’t conduct heat and some other metals, it won’t cause any reactions when used with specific foods.
Aluminum is another affordable metal, and it conducts heat better than stainless steel. Choosing hard-anodized aluminum is an intelligent choice, as it produces a strong, durable pan.
Copper is valuable for its conductive properties and impressive appearance. While it is a beautiful and efficient material for cookware, it is more expensive and needs more regular maintenance.
Clad cookware essentially combines the three previous types of metals to produce cookware that offers their desired individual properties without significant downsides.
Pot and pan types
Frying pans are a chef’s best friend. You can find sets with both standard and nonstick frying pans, and most will feature at least two or three pans of varying sizes.
Saucepans also come in various sizes, making them great for boiling pasta, making soups or crafting a delicious sauce.
Griddles feature a thin flat surface. Nonstick versions are ideal for breakfast foods, such as pancakes, bacon, eggs and more.
Dutch ovens are the largest pots included in a T-fal cookware set. Often featuring a lid, these pieces are great for braising and frying. Some models feature side handles to grip and carry the pot easily.
Utensils: Not all T-fal cookware sets include utensils, but some feature spatulas, serving spoons, slotted spoons, ladles and more.
Number of set pieces
All T-fal cookware sets will contain many pieces, with most featuring anywhere from 10-20 individual pots, pans and utensils. Choose a set that contains all the necessary equipment you think you’ll need, based on what and how often you cook.
What to look for in a quality T-fal cookware set
Nonstick
By choosing a nonstick cookware set, you’ll save yourself time and energy on cleanup. Food and residue won’t become stuck to the slick surface, so you don’t have to spend time scrubbing and soaking. Plus, the nonstick coating used by T-fal is non-toxic and free from PFOA and other harmful chemicals, making it a safe option.
Weight
Different cookware materials will have different weights. You’ll want to have a balance between weight and durability, as materials like aluminum are lighter than stainless steel, though stainless steel tends to be stronger.
Easy-to-clean
Before purchasing a T-fal cookware set, check to see if the items are dishwasher safe. If not, choosing a nonstick option will be easier when washing by hand.
Handle material
Having a rubberized handle will help prevent the handle from becoming too hot to hold. This will also make it more ergonomic and comfortable to grip. If you plan on hanging your pots and pans from a rack or hooks, double-check that the handles feature a convenient storage hole.
Included lid
Most T-fal cookware sets include lids for at least a few of their pots or pans. Lids make cooking and steaming easier, and glass lids are incredibly convenient for keeping tabs on your food throughout the cooking process.
How much you can expect to spend on a T-fal cookware set
Quality T-fal cookware sets start around $60 and can go up to $200.
T-fal cookware FAQ
Will T-fal cookware work with an induction stove?
A. This depends mainly on the specific type of cookware set. Some non-stick sets are not compatible with induction stovetops, while others that feature a magnetic metal base will likely work with all stove types. Be sure to check the set’s label before purchasing.
Are T-fal nonstick pans safe to use?
A. The simple answer is yes. T-fal no longer uses PFOA in the production or coating of their nonstick pans, making them nontoxic and safe for everyday use. However, care should still be taken not to regularly overheat nonstick pans, as they can sometimes release fumes that can be hazardous to certain pets, such as birds.
What’s the best T-fal cookware set to buy?
Top T-fal cookware set
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Cookware Set
What you need to know: This set features several durable pots and pans and is designed for people who cook a variety of meals.
What you’ll love: The PFOA-free non-stick cookware is constructed from long-lasting aluminum, providing you with years of quality cooking.
What you should consider: This is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Top T-fal cookware set for the money
T-fal Signature Nonstick Expert Cookware Set
What you need to know: This non-stick cookware set offers premium value at a reasonable cost.
What you’ll love: Not only do you receive durable and dishwasher-safe pots and pans, but you also get utensils designed especially for non-stick surfaces.
What you should consider: The pans’ surfaces are prone to scratches if used with improper utensils, like metal spatulas or spoons.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
T-fal Performa Stainless Steel Cookware Set
What you need to know: The stainless steel design is a high-quality alternative to non-stick options.
What you’ll love: With a classic design and induction-compatible base, you can use this set in any type of kitchen.
What you should consider: Though it is dishwasher-safe, food tends to stick more to the pans’ surface.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
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Matthew Young 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/kitchen-br/cookware-cooking-sets-br/best-t-fal-cookware-set/ | 2022-07-01T15:11:05Z |
Ski resort to retire ‘insensitive’ name
SOUTH POMFRET, Vt. (CNN) – A small ski resort in Vermont is retiring its controversial name this summer.
It’s called “Suicide Six.”
With growing complaints about the insensitive nature of its nearly 90-year-old name, the owners are working on new branding.
On the resort’s website, it said it “embraces the increasing awareness surrounding mental health and shares the growing concerns about the insensitive nature of the historical name.”
The website says the name originally came after the man who built one of the runs joked that skiing the steep trail would be suicide.
The ski area near Woodstock is best known for being the home of the Fisk Trophy Race, a rite of passage for competitive skiers.
A new name should be announced later this summer, well before the next winter ski season.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/06/30/ski-resort-retire-insensitive-name/ | 2022-06-30T18:28:39Z |
Yellowstone Park gateway towns fret about tourism future
RED LODGE, Mont. (AP) — A gnawing uncertainty hung over the Yellowstone National Park gateway town of Gardiner this week following unprecedented flooding that shut down one of America’s most beloved natural attractions and swept away roads, bridges and homes.
Gardiner itself escaped the flooding but briefly became home to hundreds of park visitors stranded when the road leading into it was closed along the surging Yellowstone River. When the road reopened, the tourists vanished.
“Town is eerie right now,” said Katie Gale, who does booking for a company that offers rafting and other outdoor trips. “We had all those folks trapped in here, and then as soon as they opened the road … it was just like someone just pulled the plug in a bathtub.”
That draining of visitors has become a major concern for businesses in towns such as Gardiner and Red Lodge that lead to Yellowstone’s northern entrances and rely on tourists passing through.
Officials have said the park’s southern part, which features Old Faithful, could reopen as soon as next week. But the north end, which includes Tower Fall and the bears and wolves of Lamar Valley, could stay closed for months after sections of major roads inside Yellowstone were washed away or buried in rockfall. Roads leading to the park also have widespread damage that could take months to repair.
Red Lodge is facing a double disaster: It will have to clean up the damage done by the deluge to parts of town and also figure out how to survive without the summer business that normally sustains it for the rest of the year.
“Winters are hard in Red Lodge,” Chris Prindiville said as he hosed mud from the sidewalk outside his shuttered cafe, which had no fresh water or gas for his stoves. “You have to make your money in the summer so you can make it when the bills keep coming and the visitors have stopped.”
At least 88 people were rescued by the Montana National Guard over the past few days from campsites and small towns, and hundreds of homes, including nearly 150 in Red Lodge, were damaged by muddy waters. One large house that was home to six park employees in the town of Gardiner was ripped from its foundation and floated 5 miles (8 kilometers) downstream before sinking. Four to five homes could still topple into the Stillwater River, which already washed several cabins away, according to a spokeswoman for Stillwater County.
No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
Red Lodge was under a boil-water advisory, and trucks supplied drinking water to half of the town that was without it. Portable toilets were strategically placed for those who couldn’t flush at home.
The Yodeler Motel, once home to Finnish coal miners, faced its first shutdown since it began operating as a lodge in 1964. Owner Mac Dean said he is going to have to gut the lower level, where 13 rooms flooded in chest-high waters.
“Rock Creek seemed to take in its own course,” he said. “It just jumped the bank and it came right down Main Street and it hit us.”
Dean had been counting on a busy summer tied to the park’s 150th anniversary. The Yodeler had the most bookings in the 13 years Dean and his wife have owned the business. Now he’s hoping to get some help, possibly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“The damage is catastrophic,” he said. “We’re between a rock and a hard place. And if we don’t get some assistance, we’re not gonna make it.”
Yellowstone is one of the crown jewels of the park system, a popular summer playground that appeals to adventurous backpackers camping in grizzly country, casual hikers walking past steaming geothermal features, nature lovers gazing at elk, bison, bears and wolves from the safety of their cars, and amateur photographers and artists trying to capture the pink and golden hues of the cliffs of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and its thundering waterfall.
All 4 million visitors a year have to pass through the small towns that border the park’s five entrances.
The flooding — triggered by a combination of torrential rain and rapid snowmelt — hit just as hotels around Yellowstone were filling up with summer tourists. June is typically one of Yellowstone’s busiest months.
President Joe Biden declared a disaster in Montana, ordering federal assistance be made available.
The tourism season had started well for Cara McGary, who guides groups through the Lamar Valley to see wolves, bison, elk and bears. She had seen more than 20 grizzlies some days this year.
Now, with the road from Gardiner into northern Yellowstone washed out, the wildlife is still there, but it’s out of reach to McGary. Her guide business, In Our Nature, is suddenly in trouble.
“The summer that we prepared for is not at all similar to the summer that we’re going to have,” she said. “This is an 80% to 100% loss of business during the high season.”
Officials and business leaders are hoping Gardiner, Red Lodge and other small communities can draw visitors even without access to the park.
Sarah Ondrus, owner of Paradise Adventure Company, that rents out cabins and offers rafting, kayaking and horseback riding trips, was frustrated she was getting so many cancellations.
“Montana and Wyoming still exist. I don’t know how I can convince these people,” Ondrus said. “Once our water quality is good and our law enforcement thinks it’s OK, we’re good to go again. It’s still a destination. You can still horseback ride, go to cowboy cookouts, hike in the national forest.”
That could be a tall order for anyone coming from the south or east sides of the park who had hoped to exit in the north. After the southern portion of the park reopens, it would take an almost 200-mile (320 kilometers) detour through West Yellowstone and Bozeman to reach Gardiner. It would require a nearly 300-mile (480 kilometers) drive from Cody, Wyoming.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, has faced criticism from Democrats and members of the public for being out of the country during the disaster.
Spokesperson Brooke Stroyke said the governor had left last week on a long-scheduled personal trip with his wife and was due back Thursday. She would not say where he was, citing security reasons.
In his absence, Montana’s Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras signed an emergency disaster declaration Tuesday.
___
Melley reported from in Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Brittany Peterson in Red Lodge, Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/17/yellowstone-park-gateway-towns-fret-about-tourism-future/ | 2022-06-17T07:57:14Z |
Community clinics offer novice drivers important tips to ensure a safe ride as they head back to school
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As novice teenage drivers head back to school this year to begin an exciting new chapter in their academic and social lives, particularly with a newly minted independence of a driver's license, AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN), America's most admired automotive retailer, will host complimentary one-hour Teen Driver Safety Clinics at AutoNation USA stores coast to coast, to help promote a safe ride.
"The top risks for new teen drivers range from distractions from their phone to inexperience, speeding, and nighttime driving," said Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer for AutoNation. "Education is key to helping young new drivers stay safe on the road, which is why we are partnering with local organizations to host clinics around the country that will teach teens safety skills, along with some essential car care tips. We are proud to offer this complimentary community service for the first time this year."
AutoNation's Back to School Teen Driver Safety Clinics are one hour and taught by a community expert on the topic. Driver safety curriculum includes a range of topics such as distracted and impaired driving, proper driving positioning, and seatbelt usage, as well as instruction on what to do when pulled over for a traffic violation or when faced with a field sobriety test.
A local AutoNation Service Associate will also be present at each location to share hands-on car care tips such as jumpstarting a battery, proper tire inflation, changing a flat tire, checking vehicle fluids and safety items to store in a car in case of an emergency. Students and parents who participate will have opportunities to ask questions and will receive a mini car care kit with essential items to support their safety and car care journey.
Parents and or guardians are encouraged to participate with their teen(s). Registration is required to attend. To find the nearest AutoNation USA store and register a teen for a complimentary session, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/autonation/events/ .
About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, a provider of personalized transportation services, is driven by innovation and transformation. As one of America's most admired companies, AutoNation delivers a peerless Customer experience recognized by data-driven consumer insight leaders, Reputation and J.D. Power. Through its bold leadership and brand affinity, the AutoNation Brand is synonymous with "DRVPNK" and "What Drives You, Drives Us." AutoNation has a singular focus on personalized transportation services that are easy, transparent, and Customer-centric.
Please visit www.autonation.com, www.investors.autonation.com, and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. Please also visit www.autonationdrive.com, AutoNation's automotive blog, for information regarding the AutoNation community, the automotive industry, and current automotive news and trends.
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SOURCE AutoNation, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/autonation-usa-stores-host-back-school-teen-driver-safety-clinics-coast-coast/ | 2022-07-28T20:34:48Z |
CAUGHT ON CAM: Horse rescued from drowning in deep pond
SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. (WSVN) – A horse in Florida is back on solid ground after falling into a pond.
It was a scary sight for Ricardo Alonzo when he arrived at his Southwest Ranches property Wednesday morning and found his mare, Daisy, stuck in a pond.
She was unable to get out on her own, so Alonzo and a group of first responders with Davie Fire Rescue got to work.
“The pond that’s here, probably 10 to 15 feet deep,” Battalion Chief Aneel Mehra said. “It had a very deep shoreline, so the horse was unable to get out.”
It took several hours and several attempts as Daisy tried to get her footing along the steep ledge.
“We tried to throw ropes to get her and we managed to get her to a corner,” Alonzo said. “It took a couple hours to get her out.”
Mehra said Daisy was eventually able to gather herself with enough energy to get out of the pond. She had only minor injuries from the ordeal.
Daisy was checked out and treated by a vet and was eventually reunited with her young offspring.
Officials say the horse is in good shape, much to the relief of her owner.
Copyright 2022 WSVN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/26/caught-cam-horse-rescued-drowning-deep-pond/ | 2022-05-26T19:26:06Z |
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish health officials said Monday that 1.1 million excess COVID-19 vaccines will be discarded in the coming weeks because their expiration date is near, and efforts to donate them to developing countries have failed.
Statens Serum Institut, a government agency that maps the spread of COVID-19 in Denmark, said the epidemic in the Scandinavian country “is currently under control, and the vaccine coverage in the Danish population is high.”
Around 81% of Denmark’s population of 5.8 million has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62% have received a booster shot.
The agency said that Denmark, like most countries across the world, has a surplus of vaccines.
“Now there are global challenges with the donation of COVID-19 vaccines, (among others) because for the first time during the pandemic, a situation has arisen where the supply of vaccines exceeds the demand,” the agency, known in Denmark as SSI, said in a statement. “This also applies to Denmark.”
SSI added that Denmark has donated 9 million doses of vaccines and has been collaborating with other European Union countries to find countries that will receive surplus vaccines.
“However, in light of declining demand and lack of roll-out capacity and willingness to be vaccinated in developing countries, it has been difficult for Denmark and other EU countries to find recipient countries for the excess doses,” it said.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/denmark-to-destroy-excess-soon-to-expire-covid-19-vaccines/ | 2022-05-03T11:06:22Z |
NEW YORK, July 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues its investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Cavco Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVCO) resulting from allegations that Cavco may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Cavco securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=7555 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On November 8, 2018, Cavco revealed in an SEC filing that it had "received a subpoena from the SEC's Division of Enforcement requesting certain documents relating to, among other items, trading in the stock of another public company." On this news, Cavco share price fell $49.48 per share, or over 23%, to close at $165.20 per share on November 9, 2018.
On February 4, 2019, Cavco revealed that it had received requests for additional documents. Cavco further disclosed that it spent, and expected to spend, millions of dollars on legal and insurance expenses in relation to the SEC's subpoenas and Cavco's independent investigation into the matter. On this news, Cavco's share price fell $26.92 per share, or about 16.7%, to close at $134.37 per share on February 5, 2019.
On September 2, 2021, the SEC filed a complaint against Cavco, former CEO Joseph Stegmayer, and former CFO and Chief Compliance Officer Daniel Urness. The SEC complaint alleged that Stegmayer and Urness caused Cavco to purchase shares of publicly traded companies on material non-public information. On this news, Cavco's share price fell $6.59 per share, or about 2.5%, to close at $252.48 per share on September 3, 2021.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/23/rosen-leading-law-firm-encourages-cavco-industries-inc-investors-with-losses-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation-cvco/ | 2022-07-23T02:57:33Z |
- Personal vaccine made at point-of-care generated enhanced T-cell responses in 96.8% of evaluable subjects within 28 days
- Immediate and short-term toxicity is less than any other currently available COVID-19 vaccine
- Ships and stores at +4oC, enabling inexpensive and widespread distribution
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AIVITA Biomedical, Inc., a biotech company specializing in innovative cell applications, today announced the publication of safety and efficacy results from Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials investigating its anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate AV-COVID-19 that is made at point-of-care by third-party personnel. The results were published in the article "A Personal COVID-19 Dendritic Cell Vaccine Made at Point-of-Care: Feasibility, Safety, and Antigen-Specific Cellular Immune Responses" in the journal Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. Across both studies, AV-COVID-19 was well-tolerated with very few and low-grade adverse events. Single injections induced desirable antigen-specific T-cell responses in 94% of participants at 14 days and 97% of participants at 28 days.
"Our vaccine uniquely induces direct cell-mediated immune memory," explained Gabriel Nistor, M.D., chief science officer at AIVITA. "This is an important distinction from currently available COVID-19 vaccines which all induce a transitory antibody-mediated immune response."
"The superior safety profile is likely due to our vaccine containing only the subject's primed immune cells and none of the viral antigen, virus, mRNA, DNA, animal components or immune adjuvants found in other vaccines," said Robert O. Dillman, M.D., chief medical officer at AIVITA. "This may alleviate vaccine hesitancy, providing an option for those who are dubious of current vaccine modalities or have strict prohibitions regarding the use of animal components."
The objectives of these studies were to provide safety and immune response data for single injections of different formulations of the AV-COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and to also establish the feasibility of preparing personal dendritic cell vaccines at point-of-care.
In the double-blind, randomized Phase 1 trial, 31 subjects ages 20-62 years received one of nine formulations of autologous dendritic cells and lymphocytes (DCL) incubated with 0.10, 0.33, or 1.0 μg of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and then admixed with saline or 250 or 500 μg of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Subjects were assessed for safety and humoral response. All formulations were well-tolerated with no acute allergic events, serious adverse events (SAE), or grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AE). Immune response was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used to measure antigen-specific immunoglobulin levels specific for the S-protein recombinant binding domain (RBD). Comparisons were made between results at day-0 and day-28. Investigators found that 21/30 (70%) subjects had an increase in anti-RBD antibody levels on day-28.
In the double-blind, randomized Phase 2 trial, 145 subjects ages 19.5-82.5 years received one of three formulations of the personalized dendritic cell-lymphocyte product, then were assessed for safety and cellular response. All three formulations of the vaccine were well-tolerated with no high-grade or serious adverse events reported. The percentage of patients reporting any adverse events was 52.9%. The percentage of patients with grade 1 adverse events was 47.1% and the percentage of patients with grade 2 adverse events was 5.8%. Immune response was determined using an enzyme-linked assay (ELISPOT) which assessed T-lymphocyte responses against the spike protein. Subjects who had a SARS-CoV-2 response prior to vaccination were omitted from efficacy calculations, as this would infer prior infection or vaccination. Of the 126 evaluable subjects, 119 (94.4%) had increased ELISPOTS by day 14 and 122 (96.8%) by day 28.
The successful manufacturing of vaccines for 176/176 subjects across two study sites supports the feasibility of point-of-care vaccine production in minimally equipped facilities by minimally trained third-party technicians using AIVITA's Vaccine-Enabling Kit.
"As COVID-19 rates continue to spike globally with new variants, many regions are still without access to COVID-19 vaccines due to their lack of ultra-cold chain distribution required by mRNA vaccines, the lack of supply, or the high cost," said Hans S. Keirstead, Ph.D., chief executive officer at AIVITA. "Our Vaccine-Enabling Kit can be shipped anywhere in the world, enabling distributed scaled manufacturing, and can be modified within days to accommodate new variants or entirely new pathogens."
About AIVITA's Vaccine-Enabling Kit
AIVITA's Vaccine-Enabling Kit enables a subject-specific personal vaccine that consists of autologous dendritic cells and lymphocytes incubated with a quantity of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Creation of the vaccine requires basic laboratory techniques and AIVITA's ready-made kit of materials. Treatment starts with a blood draw from which the subject's own immune cells are isolated and monocytes matured into antigen-presenting dendritic cells. The patient's dendritic cells and lymphocytes are incubated with spike protein and delivered as a single dose of preventative vaccine via a single subcutaneous injection.
About AIVITA Biomedical
Founded in 2016 by pioneers in the cell therapy industry, AIVITA Biomedical, Inc. utilizes its expertise in cell growth and directed, high-purity differentiation to enable safe, efficient and economical manufacturing systems which support its therapeutic pipeline. Our cancer immunotherapy targets the seed of all cancers, tumor-initiating cells, with a unique pan-antigenic approach that targets all neoantigens specific to the patient's cancer. Our patient-specific cancer treatments have shown tremendous promise in eradicating tumors, without harmful side effects, in melanoma and glioblastoma clinical studies. Our COVID-19 Vaccine Enabling Kit is targeted to emerging nations enabling point-of-care vaccine production in minimally equipped facilities by minimally trained third-party technicians.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as applicable. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our plans, beliefs, expectations and assumptions, as well as other statements that are not necessarily historical facts. You are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date as of which it is made, and we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements. This communication also contains market data related to our business and industry which includes projections that are based on a number of assumptions we believe are reasonable and most significant to the projections as of the date of this communication. If any of our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may significantly differ from our projections based on these assumptions. This communication is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein.
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SOURCE AIVITA Biomedical, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/29/aivita-biomedical-announces-publication-phase-1-phase-2-trial-results-its-covid-19-vaccine-candidate/ | 2022-08-29T12:55:33Z |
(The Hill) – Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday responded to abortion rights activists protesting at the homes of Supreme Court justices in light of the leaked draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, saying he does not have a problem with it if the protests remain peaceful.
“Are you comfortable with the protests that we saw outside the homes of Supreme Court justices over the weekend?” a reporter asked Schumer at a press conference.
“If protests are peaceful, yes. My house — there’s protests three, four times a week outside my house. The American way to peacefully protest is OK,” Schumer said before checking his ringing phone, noting his wife was calling him.
“Maybe there’s a protest outside,” the New York senator joked. He then reemphasized his earlier point that as long as the protesters remain peaceful, it’s all right that they demonstrate outside the justices’ homes.
Schumer’s comments come after protesters in recent days gathered outside the homes of Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts and the leaked draft opinion’s author, Samuel Alito. The protests have sparked mixed reactions, with some feeling that they are an inappropriate escalation in political demonstrations and others feeling that they are a fair response to the potential loss of a constitutional right.
ShutDownDC, an organization that is planning another demonstration in Alito’s neighborhood this week, defended the move in a previous statement to The Hill, saying that “it’s clear that the Justices don’t want to hear public opinion.”
“If they won’t listen to us at the building that symbolizes the power they have over us, then they’ll have to listen enough to us at a building that symbolizes just how personal this is—their homes,” a ShutDownDC communications team member said.
The news comes as the Senate on Monday passed a bill Monday by unanimous consent that would extend security protections to the immediate family members of Supreme Court justices.
Last week, Politico published a draft majority opinion that indicated the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that established a federal right to abortion, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. If the draft is reflected in the court’s final ruling, it would effectively end abortion protections at the federal level. | https://cw33.com/news/schumer-says-he-sees-no-issue-with-protests-at-houses-of-supreme-court-justices/ | 2022-05-11T21:16:04Z |
Cannabis pioneer and metaverse entrepreneur joins Cannaversetech™ to provide vital industry vision and experience
NASSAU, Bahamas, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannaverse Technologies ("Cannaversetech™") today announced the appointment of Matthew Morgan as the company's cannabis industry advisor for its Cannaland project, the leading cannabis Metaverse platform. Matthew's deep knowledge and track record of success in the cannabis industry will provide guidance to ensure the company's short and long-term success.
As a seasoned entrepreneur and successful businessman, Matthew is the co-founder of several cannabis companies including Bloom Dispensaries, Tryke companies, Reef Dispensaries, Ignite Cannabis Co and Green Axis Capital. He is highly regarded in the cannabis industry as an innovator and thought leader. He has an in-depth knowledge of the industry and has a demonstrated history of bringing businesses to scale quickly and profitably.
Matthew Morgan stated, "I'm always looking for what's next and who's at the cutting edge of exciting opportunities. When Mark explained his vision for Cannaland, to bring cannabis into the Metaverse, I immediately recognized the potential of this venture. From the outset, I was attracted to the company's strong vision as an innovator in the fast-growing "Metaverse-as-a-service" market. The market opportunity is massive, and this is only the beginning. I'm thrilled to join the strong Cannaversetech organization."
Mark Bonner, CEO at Cannaverse Technologies added, "We are excited to have Matthew join Cannaversetech™. Matthew adds depth to our talented team, planning the future intersection of the metaverse and cannabis industries. It's a unique opportunity for us to partner with a pioneer of the cannabis industry who with his many successes shares our vision for the future of cannabis in Web 3."
Cannaversetech™ has created Cannaland™ a complete cannabis-themed community and meta marketplace where all aspects of socially responsible cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, distribution, retail sale, and consumption of cannabis and hemp products can be enjoyed by residents of the community. Cannaland's Metaverse has an innovative approach to community building, revenue generation, and product marketing, manufacturing, and merchandising for cannabis brands looking to distinguish themselves in an increasingly crowded physical marketplace opening the landscape for the globalization of current and future cannabis brands.
For more information about Cannaversetech™ and Cannaland™, please visit them at www.cannaversetech.io.
About Cannaverse Technologies
Cannaverse Technologies, the creator of Cannaland™, the world's first cannabis Metaverse and pioneer in cannabis product marketing, manufacturing, and merchandising with an innovative blockchain payment system, is empowering cultivators, growers, testing labs, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, medical dispensaries, and consumption lounges with the ability to scale and monetize their brands while directly addressing the existing gaps in the cannabis industry. Cannaversetech™'s meta marketplace on the blockchain revolutionizes the global cannabis industry by connecting every facet of the cannabis and hemp communities in a Metaverse environment.
For more information please contact: Mark Bonner, CEO mark@cannaversetech.io
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SOURCE Cannaverse Technologies | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/cannaverse-technologies-announces-matthew-morgan-cannabis-industry-advisor/ | 2022-05-17T17:37:42Z |
NEW YORK, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ORMP) (TASE: ORMP) (www.oramed.com), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral drug delivery platforms, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the Company a patent titled "Methods and Compositions for Treating Diabetes." The patent addresses methods and compositions for treating diabetes mellitus through oral pharmaceutical compositions comprising insulin in combination with Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1).
About Oramed Pharmaceuticals
Oramed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq/TASE: ORMP) is a platform technology pioneer in the field of oral delivery solutions for drugs currently delivered via injection. Established in 2006, with offices in the United States and Israel, Oramed has developed a novel Protein Oral Delivery (POD™) technology. Oramed is seeking to transform the treatment of diabetes through its proprietary lead candidate, ORMD-0801, which is being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 studies and has the potential to be the first commercial oral insulin capsule for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, Oramed is developing an oral GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) analog capsule (ORMD-0901).
For more information, please visit www.oramed.com.
Forward-looking statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the potential of ORMD-0801 to be the first commercial oral insulin capsule for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, historic results of scientific research and clinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials will suggest identical or even similar conclusions. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Oramed only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for our product candidates; competition from other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings; our patents may not be sufficient; and finally that products may harm recipients, all of which could cause the actual results or performance of Oramed to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Oramed undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Oramed, reference is made to Oramed' s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Company Contacts:
Zach Herschfus
+1-844-9-ORAMED
zach@oramed.com
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SOURCE Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/oramed-granted-us-combination-therapy-patent-oral-glp-1-amp-insulin-treatment-diabetes/ | 2022-05-24T12:52:32Z |
Blue Jays-Guardians game postponed by rain
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays’ game at the Cleveland Guardians has been postponed because of rain. The Guardians have had four home games called off by inclement weather this season. The matchup with the Blue Jays will be made up with a doubleheader Saturday. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/05/06/blue-jays-guardians-game-postponed-by-rain/ | 2022-05-06T23:23:08Z |
MSD Partners to Make Strategic Investments in Both Safehold and Caret
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) and iStar Inc. (NYSE: STAR) jointly announced today that the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement for a tax-free, strategic combination that will accelerate Safehold's market leadership in the ground lease industry and make Safehold the only internally-managed, pure-play ground lease company in the public markets.
Transaction Overview
- Internalization of manager: Under the terms of the transaction Safehold will internalize iStar's management team / intellectual property, replacing Safehold's external management structure. As part of the combination, Safehold will effectively assume iStar's $100 million in L+150 trust preferred securities due 2035 and Safehold will effectively issue 1.2 million new SAFE shares to iStar. The combined company ("New Safehold") will not be taking on other indebtedness or preferred equity from iStar.
- Ownership of New Safehold: Ownership of New Safehold will remain largely proportionate to the ownership of Safehold immediately prior to consummating this transaction and New Safehold will continue to operate under the name Safehold Inc. Safehold shareholders (other than iStar) are expected to own approximately 34% of New Safehold. iStar shareholders are expected to own approximately 37% of New Safehold directly and 14% indirectly as a result of the spin-off transaction discussed below. In conjunction with the transaction, iStar has agreed to sell SAFE shares representing 9% of SAFE shares outstanding to MSD Partners, L.P. and, separately, to settle its long-term management incentive plan obligations using its SAFE shares representing 6% of SAFE shares outstanding.
- Spin-off transaction: Prior to the merger, iStar will spin off to iStar shareholders a new publicly traded entity ("SpinCo") that will own all of its remaining non-ground lease assets and $400 million of its SAFE shares, enabling iStar shareholders to participate in the orderly monetization of these assets over time. SpinCo will be managed by New Safehold in exchange for a management fee.
Strategic Benefits for Go-Forward Ground Lease Business
The transaction will enhance Safehold's ability to grow the modern ground lease industry and unlock significant value creation for all stakeholders.
Specifically, Safehold will be strengthened by:
- Better Structure: Enables Safehold to internalize with the same management team who built the modern ground lease industry over the past five years. It also enhances governance, widely distributes voting power, and expands the number of independent directors on the Board.
- Better Cost & Economics: Reduces Safehold go-forward operating costs by an estimated $25 million annually by 2026 versus projected increasing management fees and reimbursable costs in an externally managed structure. It also enables Safehold to acquire iStar's interest in the Ground Lease Plus and Leasehold Loan funds and provides for transitional management fee revenue from SpinCo.
- Better Debt & Equity Profile: Expands SAFE's universe of potential equity investors, given its new internalized management structure and enhanced free float and liquidity profile. It further enhances credit ratings momentum by directly addressing key rating agency concerns related to governance.
"This transaction is an important step forward in our strategy to significantly expand the use of modern ground leases in commercial real estate and further extend Safehold's position as the pre-eminent ground lease company," said Jay Sugarman, Chairman and CEO of iStar and Safehold. "By unifying all parts of our ground lease business, we will create an even stronger company, providing building owners and developers with additional modern ground lease options to meet their capital needs, generating sizable cost savings over time, expanding our shareholder base to a much wider audience, and enabling shareholders of both Safehold and iStar to participate in the future growth of the modern ground lease sector they have created."
"Since IPO, we have grown Safehold almost twenty-fold in size and now have the opportunity to make the company even stronger and expand our reach with customers, investors and credit providers," said Stefan Selig, member of Safehold's Special Committee.
"iStar has been instrumental in supporting the growth of Safehold and the modern ground lease business since Safehold's IPO and we believe this strategic transaction is the best way for iStar shareholders to capture the growing value of the business as it scales in the future," stated Barry Ridings, member of iStar's Special Committee. "iStar shareholders will continue to be the beneficiaries of Safehold's future success."
Strategic Investment
Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, MSD Partners will make strategic investments in both Safehold and Caret, establishing it as one of the largest shareholders of Safehold and the largest third-party investor in Caret:
- iStar will sell 5.4 million shares of its SAFE holdings to MSD Partners for $200 million, representing a price of $37 per share, and will use the proceeds to repay debt.
- Safehold will sell 100,000 units of Caret to MSD Partners for $20 million, or $200 per unit, implying a total Caret valuation of $2 billion. The Caret units have no redemption options.
"We are delighted to support Safehold in executing this strategic transaction and are very pleased to become major shareholders of Safehold and Caret," said Coburn Packard, Partner at MSD Partners. "This investment is perfectly aligned with MSD's strategy of backing innovative, founder-led businesses in building long-term value. We have deep respect for what the Safehold management team has built and are excited about the potential to continue growing the platform and unlocking its full value."
"Adding MSD Partners, a large, sophisticated and well-respected investor, in both Safehold and Caret further demonstrates the attractiveness of Safehold's business and the unique value proposition of Safehold and Caret to Safehold shareholders," added Marcos Alvarado, President and CIO of iStar and Safehold.
SpinCo
iStar will contribute its remaining non-ground lease related legacy assets, the largest of which are Asbury Park and Magnolia Green, and approximately $400 million of its SAFE stock to SpinCo. By retaining certain assets and pursuing their orderly monetization, SpinCo will enable iStar shareholders to capture their potential upside value.
Additionally, SpinCo will be seeded with $50 million of cash and capitalized with a $100 million 8.0%, four-year term loan from New Safehold and up to $140 million of bank debt from Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. which will be secured by $400 million shares of SAFE. iStar will distribute the equity interests in SpinCo to iStar shareholders on a one-for-one basis.
New Safehold will enter into a management agreement with SpinCo, under which it will continue to operate and pursue the orderly monetization of SpinCo's assets. SpinCo will pay to New Safehold an annual management fee of $25 million in year one, $15 million in year two, $10 million in year three and $5 million in year four. This agreement will provide New Safehold time to transition its overhead and infrastructure costs.
Additional Information Related to the Transaction
Prior to the closing of the transaction, iStar will undergo a reverse stock split to reduce the number of iStar shares outstanding to be equal to the number of SAFE shares owned by iStar immediately prior to the merger. At closing, the shares of SAFE owned by iStar will be retired and each share of SAFE not owned by iStar will be exchanged for one share of common stock of New Safehold.
In connection with the transaction, iStar intends to retire its senior unsecured notes and cash out its preferred equity in the combination transaction using cash on hand and proceeds from asset sales and loan repayments. iStar will settle iPIP, its long-term incentive plan, using a portion of its shares of SAFE. In addition, Safehold will acquire iStar's interest in the Ground Lease Plus and Leasehold Loan funds in cash for $79 million plus any future fundings prior to closing.
Based on recent stock prices, book values and estimates on the pace of asset monetizations, each share of STAR would receive a combined implied value of approximately $18.39, comprised of interests in SpinCo with a book value of $6.48 per share and an estimated 0.27 shares of SAFE, which had a closing price of $43.45 on August 10, 2022.
The transaction is expected to close in late Q4 2022 or in Q1 2023, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including the approval of both iStar and Safehold shareholders and completion of the spin-off.
The transaction was unanimously approved by the independent directors of iStar and Safehold based on the unanimous recommendations of special committees of the respective boards comprised solely of independent directors.
Advisors
Lazard is serving as lead financial advisor and Clifford Chance US LLP is serving as legal advisor to iStar Inc. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is also serving as a financial advisor to iStar Inc.
J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to the Safehold special committee.
Presentation and Conference Calls
Each company has published a presentation that provides additional details of the transaction on the Investor sections of their respective websites, www.safeholdinc.com and www.istar.com.
The Companies will each host separate conference calls this morning, August 11, 2022, to discuss the transaction.
Safehold will host its call beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET. This conference call will be broadcast live and can be accessed by all interested parties in the Investor section of its website, or by dialing (844) 867-6163 with the access code of 1619818. The replay will be archived on the website or can be accessed by dialing (866) 207-1041 with the access code of 3609137.
iStar will host its call beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. This conference call will be broadcast live and can be accessed by all interested parties in the Investor section of its website, or by dialing (844) 867-6163 with the access code of 4335538. The replay will be archived on the website or can be accessed by dialing (866) 207-1041 with the access code of 7964771.
About Safehold
Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) and is managed by its largest shareholder, iStar Inc., seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.
About iStar
iStar Inc. (NYSE: STAR) is focused on reinventing the ground lease sector, unlocking value for real estate owners throughout the country by providing modern, more efficient ground leases on institutional quality properties. As the founder, investment manager and largest shareholder of Safehold Inc., the creator of the modern ground lease industry, iStar is using its national investment platform and its historic strengths in finance and net lease to expand the use of modern ground leases within the $7 trillion institutional commercial real estate market. Recognized as a consistent innovator in the real estate markets, iStar specializes in identifying and scaling newly discovered opportunities and has completed more than $40 billion of transactions over the past two decades. Additional information on iStar is available on its website at www.istar.com.
About MSD Partners
MSD Partners, L.P. is a leading investment firm focused on maximizing long-term capital appreciation across its core areas of investing expertise – Credit, Growth, Private Capital and Real Estate. The Firm deploys capital on behalf of Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell and his family, as well as other like-minded, long-term-oriented investors. In its real estate investments, MSD Partners maintains a fundamental, value-oriented approach, seeking high-quality assets and businesses with significant barriers to entry and strong long-term growth characteristics. The Firm operates from offices in New York, Santa Monica and West Palm Beach. For further information about MSD Partners, please see www.msdpartners.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this document may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these statements by using words like "future," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "project," "forecast," "could," "would," "should," "will," "may," and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of (1) the ability to consummate the announced transactions on the expected terms and within the anticipated time periods, or at all, which is dependent on the parties' ability to satisfy certain closing conditions, including the approval of SAFE's and STAR's stockholders, completion of the Spin-Off, sales of assets and other factors; (2) any delay or inability of New Safehold and/or SpinCo to realize the expected benefits of the transactions; (3) changes in tax laws, regulations, rates, policies or interpretations; (4) the value of New Safehold shares to be issued in the transaction; (5) the value of SpinCo's shares and liquidity in SpinCo's shares; (6) the risk of unexpected significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities; (7) potential litigation relating to the proposed transactions; (8) the impact of actions taken by significant stockholders; (9) the potential disruption to STAR's or SAFE's respective businesses of diverted management attention, and the unanticipated loss of key members of senior management or other employees, in each case as a result of the announced transactions; and (10) general economic and business conditions that could affect New Safehold and SpinCo following the transactions. Risks that could cause actual risks to differ from those anticipated as of the date hereof include those discussed herein, those set forth in the securities filings of STAR, including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, and those set forth in the securities filings of SAFE, including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Each of STAR and SAFE also cautions the reader that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Neither STAR nor SAFE undertakes any duty or responsibility to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect actual outcomes.
Additional Information and Where You Can Find It
In connection with the proposed transactions, STAR will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of STAR and SAFE and that also will constitute a prospectus for the shares of STAR Common Stock being issued to SAFE's stockholders in the proposed Merger. In addition, SpinCo will file with the SEC a Form 10 registration statement that will register its common shares. STAR, SAFE and SpinCo also may file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transactions. This document is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or Form 10 registration statement or any other document which STAR, SAFE and SpinCo may file with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF STAR AND SAFE, AS APPLICABLE, ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE FORM 10 REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the Form 10 registration statement (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by STAR, SAFE and SpinCo through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor relations departments of STAR or SAFE at the following:
This document is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This document is not a substitute for the prospectus or any other document that STAR, SAFE or SpinCo may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Participants in the Solicitation
STAR, SAFE and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transactions. Information regarding STAR's directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in STAR's definitive proxy statement for its 2022 annual meeting, which is on file with the SEC. Information regarding SAFE's directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in SAFE's definitive proxy statement for its 2022 annual meeting, which is filed with the SEC. A more complete description will be included in the registration statement on Form S-4, the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the Form 10 registration statement.
Company Contact:
Jason Fooks
Senior Vice President
Investor Relations & Marketing
T 212.930.9400
E investors@safeholdinc.com or investors@istar.com
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SOURCE Safehold; iStar Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/11/safehold-istar-announce-business-combination/ | 2022-08-11T12:15:38Z |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Karen Bass and billionaire developer Rick Caruso breezed past a large field of rivals looking to be the next mayor of Los Angeles and advanced Tuesday to a runoff election in November.
An early tally of mail-in ballots showed Caruso with 41% and Bass with 38%. A candidate needed to top 50% to avoid a runoff.
A dozen names were on the ballot, though several candidates dropped out.
Bass, a favorite of the party’s progressive wing, and the Republican-turned-Democrat Caruso easily distanced themselves from the rest of the field. City Councilman Kevin de Leon, a former state Senate leader, was a distant third with 7%.
Bass, who was on then President-elect Joe Biden’s short list for vice president, would be the first woman mayor of Los Angeles and the second Black person to hold the office.
The race largely focused on homelessness and crime. More than 40,000 people live in trash-strewn homeless encampments and rusty RVs, and widely publicized smash-and-grab robberies and home invasions have unsettled residents.
Each candidate used their victory speeches to promise a better tomorrow while also taking shots at their opponent.
“Together we will make a city where you want to live because you feel safe, because the air you breathe is clean, and because people are no longer dying on our streets,” Bass said. “Not with empty promises from the past, but through a bold path forward.”
Caruso quoted Bass as saying that under her leadership homelessness would not be solved in her first term and that the most residents could count on would be “light at the end of the tunnel” after four years.
“Whoa. Whoa,” Caruso said. “Let me respond by saying this: The light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright tonight.”
Caruso, 63, who sits on the board of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and was endorsed by the police union, has positioned himself as a centrist outsider running against City Hall’s progressive establishment. He blames Bass, 68, and other longtime incumbents for sprawling homeless encampments that have spread into virtually every neighborhood and concerns about unsafe streets.
“This is a great night because so many people have gone to the voting booth, and they’ve sent a message: We are not helpless in the face of our problems,” Caruso said. “We will not allow this city to decline. We will no longer accept excuses.”
His strong performance is an unwelcome sign for Democrats defending their fragile majorities in Congress and in other races around the country.
The last time City Hall veered to the political right was in 1993, when voters turned to Republican businessman Richard Riordan to lead the city in the aftermath of the deadly 1992 riots that erupted after four white police officers were acquitted of assault in the beating of Black motorist Rodney King.
Los Angeles, however, is much changed since Riordan’s days. It’s more Latino, less white and more solidly Democratic. Only 13% of registered voters are Republicans.
Caruso’s estimated $4.3 billion fortune allowed him to run a seemingly nonstop display of TV and online ads. His campaign’s spending — over $40 million as of early this week, most of it his money — topped all other candidates combined.
“It’s hard to defeat a people-powered campaign … no matter how much money is spent, and it’s hard to defeat folks who are committed to a cause, not just a candidate,” Bass said. “All of us stood strong against an onslaught, a $45 million onslaught to be exact, spent by a billionaire.”
By comparison, Bass’ spending hit about $3.3 million, though both campaigns were also supported by ads from outside groups.
There was competition over celebrity endorsements, as is typical in Los Angeles. Earvin “Magic” Johnson backed Bass, while Caruso had Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow behind him.
The race took a nasty turn recently.
Ads run by Bass and her allies depict Caruso as a West coast version of former President Donald Trump, who is dodging taxes, blowing a “right wing dog whistle” and lying about Bass’ record.
In advertising from Caruso and his supporters, Bass emerges as an ethically compromised charlatan who missed key votes in Congress and counts an indicted city councilman in her circle of friends.
___
Associated Press writer Robert Jablon contributed to this report. | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/congresswoman-billionaire-to-faceoff-in-la-mayors-race/ | 2022-06-08T23:39:21Z |
Achieving the industry's gold standard for data security means the highest rigor in managing risk and keeping compliant with shifting regulations around health data security.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Springbuk, a health data analytics software company whose mission is to "prevent disease with data™," announced today the Springbuk Health Intelligence™ platform has once again earned Certified status for information security by HITRUST, having achieved this level since 2019. Springbuk's platform is market-leading technology that goes beyond data warehousing and analytics to help companies unlock key insights around employee benefits and corporate health investments.
Risk-based, 2-year (r2) Certified status demonstrates that the Springbuk platform has met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and is appropriately managing risk. This achievement places Springbuk in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. By including federal and state regulations, standards, and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST Assurance Program helps organizations address security and data protection challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls.
Given the delicate nature of healthcare data, the prestigious certification demonstrates Springbuk's deep, ongoing commitment to protecting corporate and individual data.
"Business and corporate leaders want to unlock more from their employee health data to deliver better employee experiences, cost-effective benefits, and the right mix of programs to employees without concern over data security," said Chris Morrison, Manager of Security and IT for Springbuk. "This re-certification once again demonstrates to our customers and buyers that we have implemented rigorous controls to protect their confidential information, and we continue to invest resources to maintain this highest level of security controls," added Steve Kukulka, Springbuk Chief Technology and Product Officer.
HITRUST tests for security controls, risk mitigation, and compliance issues to ensure that certified companies meet the highest regulation standards and industry-defined requirements.
"In today's ever-changing threat landscape, HITRUST is continually innovating to find new and creative approaches to address challenges," said Jeremy Huval, Chief Innovation Officer, HITRUST. "Springbuk's HITRUST Risk-based, 2-year Certification is evidence that they are at the forefront of industry best practices for information risk management and compliance."
Companies turn to Springbuk's Health Intelligence platform and the company's data scientists, clinicians, and population health experts to better plan, select, and evaluate employee health benefits. Springbuk's technology analyzes myriad health data provided by employers, healthcare providers, and other public data sources to generate insights about employee populations related to health benefits, prescription drugs, and well-being initiatives.
For more details about the HITRUST CSF Certification, visit Springbuk here.
About Springbuk
Imagine a world where every healthcare decision is backed and guided by data. Springbuk is the health data analytics solution that equips you with the insights and expertise you need to sharpen your benefits strategy, advance employee health, and contain costs. Unlike legacy data warehouses, we simplify data-driven decision-making with an intuitive user experience, predictive modeling, and curated action steps. Springbuk — a world of actionable health intelligence insight, at your fingertips. Visit springbuk.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Springbuk | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/springbuk-earns-prestigious-hitrust-risk-based-2-year-certification-giving-clients-peace-mind-handling-sensitive-health-data/ | 2022-05-17T11:53:07Z |
DUBLIN, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV) a global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener and more connected, today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.375 per share on its 5.50% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares, payable on September 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2022.
About Aptiv
Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling a more sustainable future of mobility. Visit aptiv.com.
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SOURCE Aptiv PLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/aptiv-declares-quarterly-preferred-share-dividend/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:40Z |
More than 2,000 migrants are heading to US in caravan, official says
(CNN) - A group of about 2,300 people left the southern Mexican city of Tapachula on Monday, heading north, according to an official with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The official told CNN the group comprises mainly Venezuelans and includes migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, El Salvador, and Honduras.
In a bulletin, a regional immigration group, Colectivo de Observación y Monitoreo de Derechos Humanos en el SE Mexicano, said that the group included principally families and children “who demand access to migration procedures and dignified treatment by the authorities.”
Tapachula, located just across the border from Guatemala, is a popular way station for migrants traveling from Central America.
Under Mexican immigration laws, migrants and asylum-seekers are often made to wait in the area for several months with limited work opportunities.
This caravan gathered partially in protest of immigration policies, and it would be weeks before they arrived at the U.S. southern border, assuming they all did. Caravans often dwindle in size as they move north.
Caravans of migrants have left Tapachula regularly in the past year, although this current group appears to be one of the largest.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/08/official-2k-migrants-are-heading-us-caravan-through-mexico/ | 2022-06-08T02:56:28Z |
The all-volunteer Albany Chorale, led by director Travis Kern in his third season and accompanied by Maribeth Hillard, will begin “A Glorious Season” with its first rehearsal on Monday.
Singers ages 16 and up interested in joining the Albany Chorale can come to rehearsals on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albany.
The all-volunteer Albany Chorale, led by director Travis Kern in his third season and accompanied by Maribeth Hillard, will begin “A Glorious Season” with its first rehearsal on Monday.
Special Photo
Singers ages 16 and up interested in joining the Albany Chorale can come to rehearsals on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albany.
ALBANY -- For more than 90 years, the Albany Chorale has been entertaining the Albany area with its collective and glorious voices.
The all-volunteer singing group, led by director Travis Kern in his third season and accompanied by Maribeth Hillard, will begin “A Glorious Season” with its first rehearsal on Monday.
Kern has titled the 2022-23 season “A Glorious Season” because each concert will highlight a “Gloria” from choral masters John Rutter, Vivaldi and Brahms, as well as glorious gospel pieces. The chorale performs four concerts a season, which includes fall, winter and spring.
The Albany Chorale welcomes new singing members from all over the Albany area.
“You don’t have to be musically educated to join us; you just have to love to sing,” current chorale President Angela Warren, said in a news release. “In fact, our members come from all backgrounds, I myself am a teacher.”
Singers ages 16 and up interested in joining can come to the rehearsals on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2126 E. Edgewood Drive, in Albany. Modest dues are collected to cover the cost of the rented music.
More information on the Albany Chorale, its concert schedule, music and locations can be found on the www.albanychorale.org website.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/albany-chorale-kicks-off-season-with-monday-rehearsals/article_eb40966e-125f-11ed-acdb-176d348046b8.html | 2022-08-02T14:23:55Z |
NEW ORLEANS, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Berkeley Lights, Inc. (NasdaqGS: BLI).
On September 15, 2021, Scorpion Capital reported a wide range of criticisms against the Company purportedly based on extensive research and interviews of former employees and end-users, including that its machines were onerous, unusable, a waste of money, and had an error rate 50% higher than standard lab equipment, and that a negligible addressable market and negative customer experiences had further hindered the Company's growth potential, among other things.
Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period in violation of federal securities laws, which remains ongoing.
KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Berkeley Lights' officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.
If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Berkeley Lights' shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-bli/ to learn more.
About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients – including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors – in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
Contact:
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200
New Orleans, LA 70163
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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/02/berkeley-lights-investigation-initiated-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-investigates-officers-directors-berkeley-lights-inc-bli/ | 2022-04-02T13:57:45Z |
ATLANTA, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Connect, a leading provider of managed security and collaboration services, was recently named the winner of a 2022 Bronze Stevie® Award in the Customer Service Team of the Year category in the 20th Annual American Business Awards®.
More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. Over 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners.
Fusion Connect enables a connected, secure, and frictionless work environment safeguarding networks, people, and data without impacting reliability or productivity. While the technology and methods have evolved, the goal has remained the same -- to empower clients to create a value added and secure experience for their customers, partners, and employees.
"Today's clients expect more than they ever have," said Rod Brownridge, SVP of Customer Experience at Fusion Connect. "They want their customer service experience to be exceptional. They want their problems to be solved quickly and effectively. And they want their experience to be hassle-free. At Fusion Connect, clients are at the heart of everything that we do as individuals, as a team, and as a company. This award shows that we're on the right path, and we're excited to keep raising the bar."
Fusion Connect's Client Service Team award is validation of the company's new approach to client service initiated in 2021, which focuses on a five-point client service guarantee. Teams across the company have rallied around ensuring that everything from the initial interaction with a prospective clients through the design and installation of services is seamless and frictionless. The client experience is further enhanced by a dedicated client experience team that manages the ongoing lifecycle of a client's technology and their relationship with Fusion Connect. They focus on proactively addressing client needs, with the objective of making sure the client's technology environment and services are resilient, reliable, and secure to help accelerate their growth.
"Fusion Connect has reinvented itself in recent years to better align with
evolving client requirements. It continues to enhance its portfolio and go-to-market strategies to provide greater value to businesses amid disruptive economic and socio-demographic market trends," said Elka Popova, VP of Connected Work Research, ICT at Frost & Sullivan. "It backs up its compelling communications, connectivity and security solutions with robust customer and support services so businesses can maximize the return on their technology investments."
Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning "crowned," the awards are presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York today, June 13.
Fusion Connect manages, orchestrates, and secures the critical technology infrastructure that enables the connected enterprise. We tailor our highly available and secure cloud communication, collaboration, security, and network management platforms to meet the unique needs of our mid-market and enterprise customers. Our AI-based management systems, along with our highly skilled technicians, dynamically ensure world-class application performance under any conditions. For more information, go to www.fusionconnect.com or call us at +1-866-829-4318.
Press Contact:
Ruzanna Tantushyan
Director of Corporate Communications
Fusion Connect
PR@fusionconnect.com
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.
The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, large and small.
Sponsors of The 2022 American Business Awards include HCL America, John Hancock Financial Services, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro.
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SOURCE Fusion Connect | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/fusion-connects-frictionless-customer-service-experience-earns-stevie-award/ | 2022-06-13T13:58:35Z |
Civil Grand Jury releases "Buried Problems and a Buried Process: The Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in a Time of Climate Change"
SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021-2022 San Francisco Civil Grand Jury today released a troubling report about the unaddressed risk of rising groundwater at Hunters Point, and what it means for the cleanup and development of the heavily polluted former Naval Shipyard.
The Shipyard is a Superfund site where the Navy, overseen by EPA and state regulators, has been cleaning up extensive radiological and chemical contamination for over thirty years. As each stage of the cleanup is approved, the Navy has agreed to transfer property to the City. A developer, working with the San Francisco Office of Community Infrastructure and Investment, plans to build thousands of homes at the Shipyard, along with office towers, parks, a school and millions of feet of commercial space.
"Hunters Point is part of the biggest development in San Francisco since the 1906 earthquake," said Michael Hofman, Jury Foreperson. "Yet neither the Navy nor the City is paying attention to what's going to happen there when sea level rise pushes the groundwater closer to the surface."
The Jury's research found that when sea level rises, shallow groundwater near the shore rises with it, and can damage infrastructure, cause flooding from below, and mobilize contaminants in the soil. In the low-lying Shipyard, where the Navy intends to leave hazardous toxins buried, experts told the Jury that rising groundwater poses special risks to health and safety, and to future development.
"There's so much at stake in the Hunters Point Shipyard," Hofman said. "But inside the City, only a tiny program in the Department of Public Health is engaged with the cleanup. The City isn't prepared to respond when things go wrong. And the City isn't devoting the right resources to anticipate problems like groundwater rise at the Shipyard, while there's still time to do something."
To find the full report, please visit https://civilgrandjury.sfgov.org/report.html
About the Jury: Every year, the Superior Court selects 19 San Franciscans to serve year-long terms on the Civil Grand Jury. The purpose of the Jury is to investigate the operations of the government of the City and County of San Francisco. Civil Grand Jury reports and information are available online.
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
2021-22 CIVIL GRAND JURY
400 McAllister Street, Room 008, San Francisco, CA 94102 • civilgrandjury.sfgov.org
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SOURCE San Francisco Civil Grand Jury | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/san-francisco-unprepared-handle-new-risks-hunters-point-superfund-site/ | 2022-06-01T18:35:05Z |
6 months in, Biden’s infrastructure plan has 4,300 projects
WASHINGTON (AP) — Six months after the signing of President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure package, the government said Monday there are 4,300 projects underway with more than $110 billion in funding announced — milestones the administration is publicly heralding as midterm politics intensify.
White House senior adviser Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans, said the roads, bridges and other projects are laying “a foundation for tremendous growth into the future.” Landrieu said Biden and members of his administration have made more than 125 trips to highlight the bipartisan investments in infrastructure. He declined to predict how much the storytelling will resonate with voters as construction starts.
“I think that if Americans step back, we will all have to admit that for the last 50 years we’ve had the need to do this and we haven’t found the will or the way to get it done,” Landrieu told reporters. He added that this is a “wonderful down payment” on infrastructure needs in the country that total roughly $7 trillion.
The administration made a strategic calculation that delivering results would help Democrats retain control of the House and the Senate in this year’s elections. Infrastructure was a rare source of bipartisan unity as Biden struck a deal that attracted several Republican senators. The law contains money to expand internet access and replace lead water pipes and for rail and public transit projects and investments to address climate change.
When Biden signed the law on Nov. 15, he pledged to voters that “America is moving again and your life is going to change for the better.”
Six months later, the stock market is down, inflation is near a 40-year peak, Russia’s war in Ukraine is pushing up energy costs and many Americans feel pessimistic about the economy’s health. There is an open question whether voters will reward infrastructure projects in which the benefits are years away as part of what Biden has portrayed as an “infrastructure decade.”
“All we can do is tell the story about what we do, and the impact that it has on the midterms will be whatever it’s going to be,” Landrieu said.
Of the $110 billion announced so far, $52.5 billion is for federal highway funding this fiscal year and $20.5 billion for public transit. There is another $27 billion over five years for bridges, as well as money for safety, rural highways, airports, ports, drought resilience and other programs.
The infrastructure spending is also one area where political leaders will have to share credit with each other. Governors and mayors are responsible for 90% of the expenditures in the law, while the federal government accounts for 10% of the spending. The administration has actively tried to help state and local governments compete for the money, with Landrieu noting that even Republican critics are generally eager to receive the funding.
“Some really smart person said, you know, even those people that voted no want the dough,” he said. “This is as close to consensus in my political life that I have seen.”
The Commerce Department last week called on states to begin the process of submitting their plans for universal access to high-speed internet. Biden has also taken steps to maximize the likelihood that construction materials are made domestically, as the money has started to go out.
Landrieu said the two biggest challenges of coordinating the spending have involved offering technical assistance to smaller governments and enabling workforce development to fill the jobs being created. There are 7.6 million construction jobs in the U.S., with employers advertising about 400,000 openings in the sector.
Landrieu said that those challenges are also “an unbelievable opportunity to get right something that we actually haven’t been collectively very good at in the country.”
If the government succeeds with coordination and future administrations follow suit, Landrieu said, “America is going to grow exponentially faster and winning the 21st century is not going to be a challenge for us.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/16/6-months-bidens-infrastructure-plan-has-4300-projects/ | 2022-05-16T13:06:39Z |
Temple Music Club
The Temple Music Club is once again meeting and is looking for new members.
The group will hold meetings and performances at 6 p.m. on Sundays at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. in Temple.
The group’s next meeting will be on Sept. 11. The meeting will include a “Glee Club Night” performance honoring the heroes of 9/11. It will feature men’s women’s and children’s choruses under the direction of Larry Guess, Sara Harris Baker and Debra Johnson.
The group is a member of the CAC. Club dues are $75 per person or $50 for individuals who are already a member of the CAC. Dues may be paid to Beverly Kermode, 5312 Wildflower Lane, Temple, TX 76502. Or members may pay dues at the meeting on Sept. 11.
For information contact the club secretary, Laura Miller, at millbbydoc@earthlink.net.
Support groups at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home
Grief Share, a support group for people dealing with loss or grief, meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays at Young’s Daughters Funeral Home, 4235 E. Business 190 in Temple.
A support group for dementia/Alzheimer’s caregivers meets at 6 p.m. on Fridays at the funeral home. Caregivers will have the opportunity to learn tips and tricks for dealing with daily life.
Temple Belton Ladies Lions Club
The Temple Belton Ladies Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at VFW Post 4008, 2311 S. Pearl St. in Belton.
Meetings are open to the public and newcomers are welcome.
Temple Breakfast Lions Club
The Temple Breakfast Lions Club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month in the Ava room at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1749 Scott Boulevard in Temple. The group gathers at 7 a.m. to order breakfast and the meeting starts at 7:30 a.m.
Meetings also are broadcast by the Zoom online meeting platform. For information email Lmeeker53@ gmail.com. Meetings are open to the public and the club is open to anyone with a heart for service.
Newcomers Club
The Newcomers Club, Inc. is looking for new members and extends a warm welcome to ladies that are new (within the past three years) to Bell County and surrounding counties. The group also welcomes ladies that have just retired, are recent empty nesters, or have experienced another life change within the past three years and would like to connect with other ladies. Join the fun and check out the Newcomers Club Inc. at www.bellcountynewcomers.com. For information about joining, contact Jan Fisher at 2txgrl@gmail.com or 951-751-4002.
Upcoming activities for September are: 9/12 Bookworms, 9/13 and 9/27 Singing Bluebonnets, 9/15 Meet & Greet, 9/16 Trail Blazers, 9/22 Heritage Seekers, 9/24 Sassy Singles, 9/26 Well-Read Women, Monday Canasta and Crochet &Knit, and 9/28 Fun Lunch.
Rotary Club of Belton
The Rotary Club of Belton meets at noon Tuesdays at The Gin at Nolan Creek, 219 S. East St. in Belton.
The group’s next guest speaker will be Matt Gunter with Raymond James Financial Services and his topic will be about the remodeling project for the Belton Depot.
The meeting is open to all Rotarians and guests.
National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees
The National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees will meet on Thursday at Sam’s Southern Eatery, 221 SW HK Dodgen Loop in Temple.
Group members will eat lunch at noon and the meeting will start at 1 p.m. For information contact Buddy Stewart at 254-657-2773 or email robmed@embarqmail.com.
Tanglefoot Club
The Tanglefoot Club of TEEA will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 2807 Oakdale Drive in Temple.
Group members will wrap of end of the year business, discuss fall garage sale and craft sale, and discuss new officers for the next two years.
The hostesses will be Beverly Mock and Gina Krause. Those who attend are asked to bring $3 to help pay for the pizza luncheon following the meeting. Meetings are open to anyone interested in working with 4-H.
Central Texas Republican Women
The Central Texas Republican Women group will meet Monday, Sept. 19, at The Gin at Nolan Creek, 219 S. East St. in Belton. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the meeting will be called to order at 11:30 a.m.
Congressman August Pfluger will give a congressional update. Pfluger is a strong advocate for national security, promoting farmers and ranchers, energy prosperity and securing the border. He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security. He also is a co-leader of the Texas Ag Task Force and member of the Republican Whip Team.
Cost is $20 and RSVP is required by Thursday, Sept. 15. Attendees may register and pay on eventbrite.com. | https://www.tdtnews.com/life/article_1a45e968-3043-11ed-8257-0bf40d1dcbf1.html | 2022-09-11T08:47:47Z |
Dollar Tree manager loses job after controversial ‘help wanted’ sign goes viral
BREMEN, Ind. (WNDU/Gray News) - A Dollar Tree store in Indiana has come under fire after its manager at the time posted a “help wanted” sign that some were calling controversial and discriminatory.
WNDU reports a store manager recently put up a hiring sign after two young employees had quit.
The handwritten sign read:
“I apologize for us closing AGAIN. My 2 new cashiers quit because I said their boyfriends couldn’t stand here for their entire shift. Don’t hire Gen Z’s. They don’t know what work actually means. NOW HIRING! *Baby Boomers ONLY, thanks!”
The Pew Research Center defines Generation Z as any person born between 1997 and 2012 and the baby-boomer generation includes any person born between 1946 and 1964.
The sign has since been removed, but it was there long enough for potential customers to share photos and gain attention on social media.
“You’re going to get people from every group who are lazy and work hard. I’m sure when baby boomers were young, they were probably also called lazy, and it just keeps going on from generation to generation,” said frequent Dollar Tree customer Lindsay Berger.
Dollar Tree was informed of the manager’s sign and released the following statement:
“We are aware that an unauthorized sign was posted at our store for a brief period of time. The handwritten message was absolutely not approved by or condoned by our company.”
Additionally, Dollar Tree representatives said the manager was no longer employed by the company.
Federal law prevents employment discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, color and veteran status.
Copyright 2022 WNDU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/23/dollar-tree-manager-loses-job-after-controversial-help-wanted-sign-goes-viral/ | 2022-04-23T23:46:02Z |
Drug sting nets 54 arrests in Punta Gorda
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - More than 50 people have been arrested in a six-month drug sting operation in Punta Gorda, authorities said.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office’s narcotics unit conducted “Operation Poisonous Fruit,” resulting in the arrest of 54 people suspected of selling and delivering fentanyl or methamphetamine.
An additional 27 cases involved drug trafficking, the sheriff’s office said.
Approximately 1,000 grams of methamphetamine and 78.7 grams of fentanyl were taken off the streets, enough to kill 79,000 people, the sheriff’s office said.
Eleven other suspects are still at large and are actively being sought out by law enforcement. A large percentage of the arrests stemmed from the area of the “fruit streets” located in South Punta Gorda.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/30/drug-sting-nets-54-arrests-punta-gorda/ | 2022-06-30T20:26:56Z |
Paul Drew Elmore
Paul Drew Elmore, 82, of Palacios, Texas, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 17, 2022. He was born in Waldo, Arkansas on January 4, 1940 to the late Alonzo Byron Elmore, Jr. and Marie Aurelia Gill.
Paul graduated from Ferriday High School then enlisted in the US Army, where he served 20 years. He earned an Associates Degree before going to flight school to become a Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot. After retiring from the Army he began a second career as an automobile agent for 24 years in Copperas Cove, TX. Throughout his life his hobbies included Scuba Diving and Sky Diving and rose to become an instructor in both fields.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Grandparents, Dr. Alonzo Byron Elmore, Sr and Anna Drew Elmore, brothers, Duard and Larry, sisters, Mary Callicutt, and Pat Watson. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ola Mae Chandler Elmore; Paul and Ola have 3 children, Curtis Paul Elmore and wife Christina; Karen Elmore Lindeman and husband Billy, Carl Douglas Elmore and wife Lynn. He is survived by 7 grandchildren, Julia Leigh Shipley and her husband Nick, Dana Morris and her husband Duriel, Kimberly Aurelia Cloer and her husband Dale, Cooper Warren Carlton and his wife Kasey, Natalia Christina Martinez and her husband Miguel, Cecilia Tomes Cleveland and her husband Cody and David Elmore. 9 Greatgrand children; Avery, Brooke, Sterling, Kenlie, Cammie Mae, Colt, David, Krista, and Major. One Great-Great Grandchild, Olivia.
Private memorial services will be held with military honors at a later date. An oak tree will be planted with his cremains on the family ranch.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios (361) 972-2012
Paid Obituary | https://www.tdtnews.com/obituaries/article_9c416de4-091e-11ed-9876-2fac7b834dc3.html | 2022-07-22T10:55:06Z |
TORONTO, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (TSX: XLY) (OTCQX: CBWTF) ("Auxly" or the "Company") announced today that it will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. EST at the offices of McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Suite 5300, TD Bank Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1E6.
The venue has limited seating, as such, shareholders who wish to attend in person will be required to pre-register with the Company by emailing IR@auxly.com at least 48 hours in advance of the Meeting. Early registration is encouraged. In addition, certain COVID-19 protocols remain in force, whereby proof of vaccination will be required at the venue, and any shareholder who does not provide notice and receive approval from the Company to attend will not be admitted to the Meeting.
To allow shareholders to follow the conduct of the Meeting, the Company is providing an audio teleconference that can be used by participants to listen to the Meeting in real time.
Date: Thursday June 30, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST. Please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.
North American Toll Free: 1-888-664-6383
Audio Webcast URL:
https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1550036&tp_key=2d74d99faa
Please note that shareholders will not be entitled to vote at, or otherwise participate in, the Meeting by way of teleconference or other electronic means, and so we encourage shareholders to vote in advance of the Meeting in accordance with the instructions provided in the materials for the Meeting, including the Management Information Circular, which is available on SEDAR as well as the Company's website.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Hugo Alves" CEO
Auxly is a leading Canadian consumer packaged goods company in the cannabis products market, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The Company's focus is on developing, manufacturing and distributing branded cannabis products that delight wellness and recreational consumers and deliver on its consumer promise of quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more at www.auxly.com and stay up to date at Twitter: @AuxlyGroup; Instagram: @auxlygroup; Facebook: @auxlygroup; LinkedIn: company/auxlygroup/.
Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/auxly-announces-annual-general-meeting-shareholders/ | 2022-06-06T12:40:33Z |
NEW YORK, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Apyx Medical Corporation ("Apyx" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: APYX) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Apyx investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 12, 2021 and March 11, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
APYX investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (1) a significant number of Apyx's Advanced Energy products were used for off-label indications; (2) such off-label uses led to an increase in the number of medical device reports filed by Apyx reporting serious adverse events; (3) as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to incur regulatory scrutiny; (4) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's financial results would be adversely impacted; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Apyx during the relevant time frame, you have until August 5, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/23/apyx-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-apyx-medical-corporation-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-06-23T10:02:34Z |
Woman dies after impaled by beach umbrella
Published: Aug. 11, 2022 at 11:10 AM EDT|Updated: 40 minutes ago
GARDEN CITY, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) - A woman was impaled Wednesday in Garden City by a beach umbrella in what appeared to be a freak accident.
According to the Horry County Coroner, Tammy Perreault, 63, of Horry County, was struck and impaled by a beach umbrella that was carried by the wind around 12:40 p.m.
Suffering from chest trauma, she was taken to Waccamaw ER where she succumbed to her injuries at 1:33 p.m., WMBF reported.
It’s not unheard of for beach umbrellas to cause serious injuries or death.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there were roughly 2,800 unconfirmed beach umbrella-related injuries between 2010 and 2018.
Copyright 2022 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/11/woman-dies-after-impaled-by-beach-umbrella/ | 2022-08-11T15:51:20Z |
Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup
Published: Jun. 27, 2022 at 12:31 AM EDT|Updated: 43 minutes ago
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Stanley Cup finals have concluded with a loss for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Game 6 marked the final match of the Stanley Cup finals between the Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche. After a hard-fought match, the Avalanche pulled through with their fourth win over the Lightning in the championship. The final score was 2-1, giving the Avalanche the fourth win that they needed to take home the cup.
This victory for the Avalanche signals their third win of the Stanley Cup, and their first win since 2001. The loss for the Lightning cost them their chance to win the Cup for the third year in a row after their two subsequent victories.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/27/colorado-avalanche-win-stanley-cup/ | 2022-06-27T05:14:54Z |
STOCKHOLM, July 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On behalf of the charity Mercy Ships, Stena RoRo has been responsible for the construction of the Global Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship. The ship has now been ceremoniously inaugurated in Dakar, Senegal. While the celebrations were still underway, the crew had already begun with the ship's first mission in strengthening African healthcare.
Stena RoRo specializes in designing ships for special needs. Project management for the construction of the Global Mercy has been underway since 2013 and has involved several European, American and Asian subcontractors. Construction was carried out at the Tianjin Xingang shipyard in northern China where Stena RoRo had an international team on site for monitoring the construction process.
Per Westling, managing director for Stena RoRo, was present at the inauguration of the vessel in Dakar.
"For us, this marks the end of our extensive involvement in a major, multi-year project. For Mercy Ships, the inauguration marks the beginning of something new. With the Global Mercy in full operation, the organization's ability to help the less fortunate in need of care more than doubles. They are doing a fantastic job and we are very proud and happy to have been a part of it."
Very special requirements
Building a ship with capabilities for both sea voyages and hospital care in port is very demanding. Stena RoRo based the design on its concept for RoPax ships – combined passenger and cargo ships for international travel – and modified it into a pure passenger ship with hospital capabilities. Both the hull form and interior layout are specially designed, and the ship features a custom ventilation system. Particular care has been taken to minimizing vibrations and noise.
"We removed car decks and built operating theatres and hospital wards instead," Per Westling explains. "The ship has space for 200 hospital patients. In port, 950 people can be accommodated and the ship is equipped with everything needed for both in-patients and those working on board, including schools and kindergartens for the volunteers' children."
Training for local healthcare professionals
The Global Mercy also has very modern training facilities, and they are already in use. In addition to providing surgical and other care, Mercy Ships trains healthcare professionals and strengthens the health infrastructure in the African countries in which it operates. The inauguration ceremonies for the Global Mercy were not even completed when the crew began the ship's first mission on the African continent: training more than 260 Senegalese healthcare workers in surgical and anesthesia skills, for example.
The Global Mercy is the first of Mercy Ship's vessels to have been designed and built specifically for their needs. The new ship will operate alongside the Africa Mercy, which has been in service since 2007. With both ships, Mercy Ships expects to be able to conduct more than 5,000 operations each year, treat over 28,000 dental patients and train more than 2,800 local healthcare employees.
A global project under Swedish management
The project started back in 2013. Swedish Stena RoRo has been responsible for the design, contracting and execution of this unique and global project. French Barry Rogliano Salles, BRS, has served as the broker; detailed design was by Finnish Deltamarin; and construction has been carried out at the Tianjin Xingang shipyard in China. The Global Mercy, classified by Lloyd's Register in the United Kingdom, will sail under the Maltese flag and operate along the coast of Africa.
A selection of suppliers involved in the project:
ABB Azipod® – Propulsion systems and generators
Alfa Laval – Coolers
Berg Propulsion – Bow propeller
Consilium – Safety systems, fire alarm system
Evac – Waste management
MacGregor – Hull doors and gang planks
Scan Marine– Monitoring and inspection of interior
Selectope – Antifouling painting
Wärtsilä – Generator motors
About the Global Mercy
Global Mercy is 174 meters long, 28.6 meters wide and can accommodate 200 patients. It has six operating theatres, a laboratory, general outpatient clinics, a dental clinic and an eye clinic. The hospital section amounts to 7,000 square meters. The vessel is also equipped with very modern training facilities. In full operation docked in port, the Global Mercy will be able to accommodate up to 950 people, including crew members and volunteers from around the world.
Length: 174 meters
Beam: 28.6 meters
Draught: 6.15 meters
Gross tonnage: 37,000 tonnes
Deadweight: 5,448 tonnes
Total area, interior: 30,000 square meters
For more information, please contact
Per Westling, Managing Director, Stena RoRo AB
Tel: +46 31 855154; +46 704 85 51 54
Email: per.westling@stena.com
Since 1977, Stena RoRo has led the development of new marine RoRo, cargo and passenger concepts. We provide custom-built vessels, as well as standardized RoRo and RoPax vessels. The company leases about fifteen vessels to operators worldwide, both other Stena companies and third parties. Stena RoRo specializes above all in applying its technical expertise to the design and production of new vessels and the conversion of existing vessels for providing tailored transport solutions to its customers. We call this "Stenability". Since 2013, we have had responsibility for the design and completion of Mercy Ships' new hospital vessel the Global Mercy – the world's largest civilian hospital ship. The ship was delivered in 2021.
www.stenaroro.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE Stena RoRo | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/04/worlds-largest-civilian-hospital-ship-port-senegal/ | 2022-07-04T14:06:14Z |
‘Tiger King’ star ‘Doc’ Antle accused of laundering over $500K
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, who is best known nationally for his appearances on the Netflix documentary “Tiger King,” faces federal money laundering charges.
A federal criminal complaint about 62-year-old Bhagavan “Doc” Antle was unsealed on Monday, WMBF reported.
Antle was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Friday.
According to the complaint, he is charged with laundering of monetary instruments and money laundering conspiracy.
An employee and business associate of Antle, 52-year-old Andrew Sawyer, is also charged in the case.
The complaint alleges that over the last four months, Antle and Sawyer laundered $505,000 in cash they believed were the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States.
Antle and Sawyer would launder the cash by providing checks from businesses that were controlled by the two, according to the criminal complaint.
The documents report those checks falsely claimed they were used for construction work being done at the Myrtle Beach Safari. Instead, they were a means to give the recipients the appearance of having a legitimate income.
In exchange, Antle and Sawyer received a 15% fee of any amount laundered, according to the criminal complaint.
Court documents show that Antle’s plan to conceal the cash was to inflate tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari. He also discussed that in the past he used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks, according to the criminal complaint.
Antle and Sawyer each face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the charges if they are convicted.
Antle has a preliminary hearing and bond hearing set for Thursday.
Copyright 2022 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/07/tiger-king-star-doc-antle-accused-laundering-over-500k/ | 2022-06-07T20:11:17Z |
Thriller Film, "ISSAC" Directed by Webber Films to Be First Joint Venture Release
ATLANTA, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- World One TV, has signed a First Look Deal with WeVidIt Media to provide projects hosted by the WeVidit App to present to the pitch platform to secure financing, it was announced today.
WeVidIt Media, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary WeVidIt, Inc., together "WeVidIt" is using an investment marketplace and pitch platform to address funding issues in the film and television industry. WeVidIt connects professional filmmakers to consumer movie lovers and enables those consumers to invest in films.
"I am extremely excited to announce our partnership with World One TV. Both brands are well-aligned in our mission for greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the entertainment industry. WeVidIt Media is committed to helping World One TV's filmmakers and producers in their development and productions," stated Matt Sherwood, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, WeVidIt Media, Inc.
"The WeVidIt App democratizes the investment opportunity in the film and TV industry by allowing anyone to invest in movies and series' stock offerings. Investors can gain a 100% tax deduction (Section 181 of the U.S. tax code) and profit from the films' success. World One TV's First Look Deal with WeVidIt Media will enable economic inclusion for the average person who has not had access to invest in these shows, and also give World One TV's sourced producers a clear path to success," says Sean Reid, President, World One TV.
World One TV, based in Fayetteville, GA, is a black-owned global streaming platform headed by a team with over 70 years of experience. The company is dedicated to showcasing a wide collection of inclusive and curated film and television centered on black and international cinema.
ISSAC is psychological thriller that treads the lines of reality and fiction. Issac, a young reclusive mortician who inherited his stepfather's mortuary business meets a friendly waitress, Cassi. The two create an instant connection and after a night of terror, they pursue a revenge murder together. The film, starring Dove Cameron, mixes reality with surreal imagery, showing how one may operate while in isolation, due to the circumstances he has been given. Issac inevitably makes a choice and never questions the morality of his decisions. "I am excited for the opportunity to work with WeVidit & World One TV on releasing ISSAC to the world," said Director, Screenwriter and Producer, Josh Webber
World One TV is currently streaming on Roku, Google Play (Android) Samsung Galaxy Store and Amazon Fire Stick. Plans are also underway to develop a World One TV Apple app, scheduled to be launched the fourth quarter of 2022.
For additional information log onto:
www.worldonetv.com
www.wevidit.com
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SOURCE World One TV | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/world-one-tv-signs-first-look-deal-with-wevidit-media/ | 2022-09-12T12:48:45Z |
Which sunset lamp is best?
The latest social media darling, the sunset lamp, is a small but effective device that can change your home’s ambience with the flip of a switch. The light it projects on your wall replicates a sunset, and the best ones also include a remote that lets you change their brightness, shade and illumination pattern.
A top pick is the YouOKLight Sunset Lamp, which projects a variety of colors or 16 colors.
What to know before you buy a sunset lamp
What sunset lamps do
Sunset lamps mimic a sunset by casting a circle of golden and amber hues onto a wall or ceiling. The simulated sunset is calming and can be used to highlight your decor. It can also give your selfies a boost of drama.
Many confuse sunset lamps with light therapy lamps, but they are not the same. Light therapy lamps mimic daylight during fall and winter to help decrease depression in those with seasonal affective disorder.
The sunset lamp is also commonly confused with the sun lamp, which serves a different purpose. Sun lamps are widely used in tanning salons and emit harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunset lamps emit a minimal amount of UV, if any.
How to assemble one
While sunset lamps arrive in several pieces, assembly should be quick and easy. Just screw the base into the LED lamp head, plug it in, locate the remote control and begin using it.
Some lamps include a USB cable instead of a standard plug. In that case, you will likely need to use your own USB adapter to power your device.
Lifespan
Sunset lamps typically use LED lightbulbs, which is ideal because they can last years. However, once they die, they are not replaceable. While some manufacturers are willing to offer an estimated life cycle, the bulb’s longevity largely depends on how you use it.
Factors that could decrease your LED bulb’s life include:
- Intense heat
-
Using it on a higher current than necessary
-
Frequent use
If you would like your sunset lamp to last, use it responsibly and try to find one that comes with a warranty or a manufacturer’s guarantee.
What to look for in a quality sunset lamp
Adjustability
It’s convenient to have a lamp that adjusts to its environment. That means you should be able to adjust its height, and rotate the bulb from side to side 360 degrees and up and down 180 degrees.
Material
Some sunset lamps are made from plastic, which makes them less durable. The best ones boast an aluminum or iron stand and frame with a glass dome covering the lightbulb.
A connected app
While most remotes for these lamps let you pick from 16 colors and even give you the power to mix them to your liking, a connected app allows you to tailor your projection hues with more precision. With one, you can sync your light to your music and microphone. And they typically include mood-setting effects such as a strobe, flash, fade and smooth transition.
How much you can expect to spend on a sunset lamp
These lamps are very affordable. Overall, they cost $16-$30, and most feature-rich models are around $20.
Sunset lamp FAQ
Are sunset lamps safe?
A. Absolutely. As long as you purchase yours from a reputable source and it is in good condition, it should be perfectly safe to use as often as you like.
Can a sunset lamp affect your sleep cycle?
A. No. While the light replicates a sunset design, it should not affect your circadian rhythm under normal circumstances.
Are sunset lamps good for your health?
A. Despite widespread misinformation, sunset lamps do not boast any clinically proven health benefits. They are not a source of vitamin D, and a doctor would not typically prescribe one to treat mood or sleep disorders.
What’s the best sunset lamp to buy?
Top sunset lamp
What you need to know: It might be a mere 10.63 inches tall, but it packs a powerful sunset projection.
What you’ll love: This lamp has an app and remote to customize your projection using its 16 color options. It can pulse with your music or microphone and features a timer. Its projection options include strobe, flash, transition and fade. The stand and light are adjustable.
What you should consider: You might be able to get similar features from an even more affordable sunset lamp.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top sunset lamp for the money
What you need to know: It boasts a durable aluminum stand and frame with a glass light cover.
What you’ll love: This lamp has a remote control and a connected app identical to more expensive models. It lets you change the projection’s brightness and color blend, which can sync to your music. Its flexible tripod design allows you to secure it on uneven surfaces.
What you should consider: You can rotate its head, but the manufacturer warns that you cannot turn it a full 360 degrees, as that might damage its cord.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This fully adjustable light includes a charging adapter and a power switch on the cable for added convenience.
What you’ll love: It features a versatile tripod design for easy positioning. You can rotate its head 360 degrees to the left and right and tilt it 180 degrees up and down. It is app-connected with a wide range of color-blend options and includes a remote control.
What you should consider: The remote control is not as feature-rich as the app, so you need to use the app to get the most out of this lamp.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cw33.com/reviews/best-sunset-lamp/ | 2022-05-14T17:41:14Z |
Eilish, who was diagnosed at the age of 11 with the neurological disorder, which can cause uncontrollable and unwanted vocalization and/or repetitive movements, said people sometimes misunderstand what is happening.
"The most common way that people react is they laugh because they think I'm trying to be funny," she said. "And I'm always left incredibly offended by that."
The 20-year-old Grammy winner said other artists have shared with her that they also have Tourette's, but said she was "not gonna out them because they don't wanna talk about it."
She said that while some of her tics have subsided, she still has some subtle ones.
"These are things you would never notice if you're just having a conversation with me," Eilish said. "But for me they're very exhausting."
Eilish said she's happy to talk about it as it's all "interesting" to her. She also said she doesn't experience tics while she's performing.
"When I'm moving around I'm not even ticking at all," she said.
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Planned divestiture of Canadian cannabis business to cut costs and realign focus on increasing value of consumer products business
LAVAL, QC, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. ("Neptune" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: NEPT) (TSX: NEPT), a diversified and fully integrated health and wellness company focused on plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands, today announced the launch of a new Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) focused strategic plan to reduce costs, improve the Company's path to profitability and enhance current shareholder value.
This plan builds on the Company's initial strategic review that took place in fall of 2021 and focuses on two primary actions: (1) planned accelerated divestiture of the Canadian cannabis business and (2) a realignment of focus and operational resources toward increasing the value of Neptune's consumer products business, which the Company believes is showing greater potential. These actions are also intended to preserve resources towards meeting its funding requirements in the near-term while driving long-term profitability and growth.
The intended divestiture of the cannabis business would include the sale of the Mood Ring™ and PanHash™ brands, along with the Company's Sherbrooke, Quebec facility, in one or more transactions. The value of the facility was recently appraised at $21 million CAD by a third-party appraisal company. Neptune has retained Stifel GMP to support the divestiture efforts, with a focus on maximizing the value to Neptune shareholders.
In order to accelerate its cost savings, the Company will focus on winding up its cannabis operations pending a transaction.
This planned action is intended to provide significant cost savings and help maximize operational efficiencies, resulting in a 50% reduction in workforce, over 30% reduction of total payroll costs and an estimated annual cost savings of $5.8 million CAD. In addition, the Company expects to see additional cost savings from corresponding reductions in corporate overhead costs and professional fees.
Finally, the exit of the Canadian cannabis business may impact the amount and structure of financing the company is currently seeking. It is expected to reduce the amount of financing the Company seeks, given a lower anticipated expense structure, along with anticipated cash inflows from the planned divestiture. Additionally, the divestiture is expected to facilitate working with a broader set of financing sources – including traditional banks and financial institutions that have policies restricting dealing with businesses exposed to regulated cannabis operations.
"This is the final stage of our transition to a pure play, purpose driven consumer packaged goods Company. This strategic divestiture greatly simplifies our overall structure, enabling us to hyper-focus on those areas of the business we believe are best positioned for profitability and growth," said Michael Cammarata, President and CEO of Neptune. "Of course, the most difficult part of the Company and Board making this decision is the impact on our workforce. We are committed to working with those employees to ensure they are supported throughout this transition. I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every person impacted by this decision and thank them for their hard work and dedication to Neptune throughout their tenure."
"Today's decision, while difficult, is a step that is necessary to best position Neptune for long term success," said Julie Phillips, Neptune's Chair of the Board. "Together with management, the Board has worked carefully to explore all possible avenues and we are confident that the decision to exit the Canadian cannabis sector and realign focus on our consumer goods brands is the best next move for both the Company and its shareholders."
With the planned divestiture of its cannabis business, Neptune is renewing its focus on the core brands – Sprout Organics and Biodroga Solutions – that align closely with future consumer trends and show a greater potential for future growth and profitability.
Sprout Organics, the fast-growing organic baby and toddler food brand, has made major distribution gains over the past year, expanding into Walmart and Target. The recent launch of licensed, co-branded product with CoComelon – the number one kids entertainment show globally – has far surpassed initial sales goals in Walmart stores. Neptune sees significant opportunity to continue to improve Sprout's margins and accelerate its path to profitability.
Biodroga Solutions, Neptune's B2B nutraceuticals business, has a strong foundation and a robust pipeline for continued growth. The Company's supply chain capabilities and product development expertise can also be applied to future Neptune brand and product innovations. Cedrick Billequey, Biodroga's business leader, also oversees Forest Remedies, a vegan Omega supplement brand, providing synergies between the B2B business and consumer brands.
The success of these businesses and their anticipated growth form the foundation for the future of Neptune as a CPG business built to serve the next generation of consumers.
As part of the Company's renewed focus on its CPG brands and Sprout Organics in particular, Neptune is delighted to announce that Sarah Tynan, current Sprout Chief Customer Officer, is promoted to CEO of Sprout, effective immediately. Ms. Tynan has been instrumental in garnering big distribution gains for Sprout, including Walmart and Target, and leading the highly successful CoComelon partnership. She brings deep sales experience and business acumen, including previous roles at Newell Brands and Unilever, and will continue to drive the Sprout business forward.
"Our goal with this strategic plan is to strengthen our cash position and enhance financial flexibility, centering focus on our higher potential CPG businesses," said Cammarata. "With Sarah Tynan as the new CEO of Sprout and Cedrick Billequey leading Biodroga Solutions and the personal care & beauty segments of our business, I'm confident we have not only the right plan, but the right team in place to take Neptune into its next stage of growth and profitability."
Neptune Wellness will provide further detail on the execution of this new plan over the coming months.
Headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Neptune is a diversified health and wellness company with a mission to redefine health and wellness. Neptune is focused on building a portfolio of high quality, affordable consumer products in response to long-term secular trends and market demand for natural, plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands. The Company utilizes a highly flexible, cost-efficient manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure that can be scaled to quickly adapt to consumer demand and bring new products to market through its mass retail partners and e-commerce channels. For additional information, please visit: https://neptunewellness.com/.
Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance and achievements of Neptune to be materially different from historical results or from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms "believes", "belief", "cost savings", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "projects", "anticipates", "will", "should" or "plans" to be uncertain and forward-looking. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the review of strategic and financial alternatives, the anticipated cost savings and operational efficiencies related to the Company's divestiture of its Canadian cannabis business, management's assessment of the potential for growth and profitability of its Sprout Organics and Biodroga Solutions brands, restructuring initiatives and anticipated costs, the expected objectives and financial targets underlying Neptune's CPG-Focused Strategic Plan as well as the anticipated benefits of such transactions and their expected impact on the Company's outlook, operations, opportunities, financial condition, business plan and overall strategy.
Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company's current objectives, strategic priorities, expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company's business and anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" sections contained in Neptune's latest Annual Information Form, which also forms part of Neptune's latest annual report on Form 40-F, and which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. With respect to the pursuit of an accelerated divestiture of the Canadian cannabis business and a realignment of focus and operational resources toward increasing the value of the Company's consumer products business discussed herein specifically, certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements include, but are not limited to: the failure to satisfy the conditions to the completion of these transactions or delay in completing, and uncertainty regarding the length of time required to complete, such transactions, and all or part of the intended benefits therefrom not being realized and the anticipated proceeds therefrom not being available to the Company within the anticipated timeframe, or at all; and alternate sources of funding that would be used to replace the anticipated proceeds from such transactions may not be available when needed, or on desirable terms.
Neptune does not undertake to update any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither NASDAQ nor the Toronto Stock Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/neptune-wellness-launches-new-cpg-focused-strategic-plan-improve-path-profitability/ | 2022-06-08T12:11:13Z |
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A prehistoric human skeleton has been found in a cave system that was flooded at the end of the last ice age 8,000 years ago, according to a cave-diving archaeologist on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Archaeologist Octavio del Rio said he and fellow diver Peter Broger saw the shattered skull and skeleton partly covered by sediment in a cave near where the Mexican government plans to build a high-speed tourist train through the jungle.
Given the distance from the cave entrance, the skeleton couldn’t have gotten there without modern diving equipment, so it must be over 8,000 years old, Del Rio said, referring to the era when rising sea levels flooded the caves.
“There it is. We don’t know if the body was deposited there or if that was where this person died,” said Del Rio. He said that the skeleton was located about 8 meters (26 feet) underwater, about a half-kilometer (one third of a mile) into the cave system.
Some of the oldest human remains in North America have been discovered in the sinkhole caves known as “cenotes” on the country’s Caribbean coast, and experts say some of those caves are threatened by the Mexican government’s Maya Train tourism project.
Del Rio, who has worked with the National Institute of Anthropology and History on projects in the past, said he had notified the institute of the discovery. The institute did not immediately respond to questions about whether it intended to explore the site.
But Del Rio said Tuesday that institute archaeologist Carmen Rojas told him that the site was registered and would be investigated by the institute’s Quintana Roo state branch Holocene Archaeology Project.
He stressed that the cave — whose location he did not reveal because of a fear the site could be looted or disturbed — was near where the government has cut down a swath of jungle to lay train tracks, and could be collapsed, contaminated or closed off by the building project and subsequent development.
“There is a lot more study that has to be done in order to correctly interpret” the find, Del Rio said, noting that “dating, some kind of photographic studies and some collection” would be needed to determine exactly how old the skeleton is.
Del Rio has been exploring the region for three decades, and in 2002, he participated in the discovery and cataloguing of remains known as The Woman of Naharon, who died around the same time, or perhaps earlier, than Naia — the nearly complete skeleton of a young woman who died around 13,000 years ago. It was discovered in a nearby cave system in 2007.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is racing to finish his Maya Train project in the remaining two years of his term over the objections of environmentalists, cave divers and archaeologists. They say his haste will allow little time to study the ancient remains.
Activists say the heavy, high-speed rail project will fragment the coastal jungle and will run often above the fragile limestone caves, which — because they’re flooded, twisty and often incredibly narrow — can take decades to explore.
Caves along part of the coast already have been damaged by construction above them, with cement pilings used to support the weight above.
The 950-mile (1,500-kilometer) Maya Train line is meant to run in a rough loop around the Yucatan Peninsula, connecting beach resorts and archaeological sites.
The most controversial stretch cuts a more than 68-mile (110-kilometer) swath through the jungle between the resorts of Cancun and Tulum.
Del Rio said the route through the jungle should be abandoned and the train should be built over the already-impacted coastal highway between Cancun and Tulum, as was originally planned.
López Obrador abandoned the highway route after hotel owners voiced objections, and cost and traffic interruptions became a concern.
“What we want is for them to change to route at this spot, because of the archaeological finds that have been made there, and their importance,” said Del Rio. “They should take the train away from there and put it where they said they were going to build before, on the highway … an area that has already been affected, devastated.” | https://cw33.com/news/science-technology/ap-science/ap-ancient-skeleton-found-in-mexico-cave-threatened-by-train/ | 2022-09-14T15:30:58Z |
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Premier Medical Laboratory Services (PMLS), one of the largest medical diagnostic laboratories in the nation, and Palmetto Infusion, the leading provider for infusion and injection treatments for chronic and acute illnesses, have joined forces to provide unmatched quality and convenience in medical diagnostics and infusion services.
Both companies are headquartered in the Carolinas with locations throughout the southeast and beyond and deliver individualized service to physicians and patients they serve.
With the Premier and Palmetto Infusion partnership, physicians can offer:
- Customized patient services
- Advanced medical diagnostics through PMLS
- Infusion therapies through Palmetto Infusion
- A convenient patient portal for real-time results
Patient-friendly billing
Providing ambulatory and home-based infusion treatments to thousands of patients, Palmetto Infusion delivers cost-effective and seamless care, ensuring that patients experience comfortability, support, and quality treatments that allow them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Each of their 30+ clinics offer comfortable recliners, warm blankets, complimentary WiFi, snacks, and TVs, All Palmetto Infusion patients are provided exemplary clinical care, emotional consoling with Palmetto Infusion's Patient Advocate, insurance coordination, financial assistance, treatment education, and 24/7 clinical support.
"For more than 20 years, Palmetto has been forward-thinking in determining how we can best serve the providers and patients we work with," said Palmetto Infusion CEO, David Goodall. "Partnering with Premier is just one more way we can make things easier for both those providing care and those receiving care. We've combined chronic and acute therapies to be a central source for infusion services. With this partnership, we're able to expand that convenience for providers to access medical diagnostics from one source as well."
Premier Medical Laboratory Services (PMLS) offers a menu of over 2,000 medical diagnostic tests all under one roof and provides an easy-to-use results portal for real-time access to patient results. With a capacity to process up to 100,000 tests per day, 98% of results are delivered in under 24 hours with patient-friendly billing policies.
Providing a wide array of tests from pharmacogenomics and toxicology to general routine chemistries, advanced diabetes testing, advanced cardiovascular testing, and more, PMLS gives doctors the cutting-edge diagnostics needed to get the root of their patient's condition so they can develop the most effective treatment plans possible.
"At Premier, our mission is to improve patients' lives," said Kevin Murdock, CEO of PMLS. "Palmetto is driven by that same goal, and I believe that's what makes our partnership so successful. We're making treatments and diagnostics more convenient, timely, and effective for providers and their patients. I am thrilled to work with the exceptional team at Palmetto Infusion."
The Palmetto Infusion and Premier Medical Laboratory Services partnership is currently serving more than 300 physician offices and continues to expand.
For more information about PMLS, please visit www.PreMedInc.com. For more information about Palmetto Infusion, visit www.palmettoinfusion.com.
ABOUT PREMIER MEDICAL LABORATORY SERVICES
Premier Medical Laboratory Services is fully certified by all major accrediting organizations including Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and COLA. Utilizing the latest equipment, including liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS), molecular, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other technology, we provide high analytical standards and accurate interpretations along with unsurpassed turnaround times for clinics and physicians. As an industry leader in molecular diagnostics, our in-house team of PhD scientists, laboratory staff, and customer care team deliver accuracy and reliability that is unmatched. We are innovators and thought leaders, moving the medical industry forward with the latest in science and technology. Learn more: www.PreMedInc.com.
ABOUT PALMETTO INFUSION
Since its founding in 1999, Palmetto Infusion has established a reputation for providing excellent care and services to both home infusion and ambulatory clinic patients, providing safe, convenient, and affordable treatment options for patients living with chronic and acute diseases. With a well-established home infusion business and more than 30 AIC clinics across the southeast, Palmetto Infusion is the trusted provider for infusion services. Learn more: www.palmettoinfusion.com/
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SOURCE Premier Medical Laboratory Services | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/premier-medical-laboratory-services-palmetto-infusion-announce-partnership-streamlining-medical-diagnostics-infusion-services-southeast/ | 2022-05-24T20:19:53Z |
They were at places that seemed safe -- but few spaces in America are guaranteed safe anymore.
More than a dozen people were killed and more than 70 injured in at least 13 mass shootings this weekend in the United States.
Some were at graduation parties, a nightclub, a popular entertainment district or a strip mall.
The bloodshed comes as the nation grieves a spate of killings this past month, including a massacre at an elementary school in Texas; a deadly assault at a medical facility in Oklahoma; a racist rampage at a supermarket in New York; and an attack on a Taiwanese church service in California.
The US has suffered at least 246 mass shootings in 2022 -- far more than there have been days so far in the year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. That's the same number of mass shootings in 2021 through June 5.
In 2020, there were 161 mass shootings through June 5; in 2019, that number was 154. The non-profit and CNN both define a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter.
Here's where mass shootings took place across the country over the weekend:
-- In Socorro, Texas, five people were wounded after a shooter fired into a crowd gathered for a high school graduation party, Police Chief David Burton said. All five wounded are teenagers, including two who were in critical condition, he said.
-- In Summerton, South Carolina, one person was killed and at least seven others were wounded at a graduation party.
-- In Philadelphia, at least two people were killed and 11 others hit by gunfire at a bustling entertainment district. A third person who died might have been one of the shooters, police said.
-- In Chattanooga, Tennessee, two people were killed and 14 were wounded at or near a nightclub.
-- In Phoenix, one person was killed and eight others wounded at a strip mall. The slain victim was a 14-year-old girl, police said.
-- In Mesa, Arizona, two people were killed and two others were wounded.
-- In Omaha, Nebraska, one person was killed and three others were wounded
-- In Chesterfield, Virginia, one person was killed and five others were wounded.
-- In Macon, Georgia, one person was killed and three others were wounded.
-- In Saginaw, Michigan, three people were killed and two people were wounded.
-- In Grand Rapids, Michigan, one person was killed and three people were wounded.
-- In Ecorse, Michigan, five people were wounded.
-- In Hempstead, New York, one person was killed and three were wounded.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/from-graduation-parties-to-a-mall-13-mass-shootings-over-the-weekend-leave-more-than/article_743529c3-d686-548f-9a8c-9a1ea6c67d72.html | 2022-06-06T22:08:02Z |
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has told the head of the United Nations that Turkey is directly challenging its sovereignty over islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, and pursuing a hostile and “revisionist” policy that is destabilizing the region.
The four-page letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, dated May 25 and signed by Greece’s permanent U.N. representative, Maria Theofili, was seen by The Associated Press on Thursday.
“Greece solemnly calls upon Turkey to stop questioning Greece’s sovereignty over its Aegean islands, in particular through legally baseless and historically false assertions (and) to abstain from threatening Greece with war,” the letter reads.
Greece and Turkey have been at odds for decades over sea boundaries, but the disagreement flared in 2020 as oil and gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean intensified.
Turkey is demanding that Greece demilitarize its eastern islands, maintaining the action is required under 20th century treaties that ceded sovereignty of the islands to Greece. The Greek government calls the demand a deliberate misinterpretation and has accused Turkey, a fellow NATO member, of stepping up hostile actions in the area.
“Highly threatening acts by Turkey (include) repeated overflights of Greek territory by fighter jets in contravention to international law,” the letter said.
The Greek-Turkish dispute largely centers around oil-and-gas drilling rights in the eastern Mediterranean, specifically around Greek islands near Turkey’s coastline.
A Turkish survey mission two years ago triggered a tense naval stand-off that Western allies had warned ran the risk of escalating into a military conflict.
In response to the energy crisis worsened by the war in Ukraine, Greece has pledged to temporarily reverse a coal phase-out and step up hydrocarbon exploration along its western coastline. ___
Follow Gatopoulos on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dgatopoulos | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/greece-tells-un-that-turkey-is-challenging-its-sovereignty/ | 2022-05-27T16:33:51Z |
NEW YORK, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Kt by Knix, little sister brand to Global intimates and apparel brand Knix, is championing their community's self-expression, creativity, and encouraging them to bleed with confidence.
Since its inception in 2017, Kt has been at the forefront of fighting stigmas associated with gender norms and periods while educating youth in the process. At the heart of their mission, Kt aims to give teens their own safe space in the world of periods with the freedom and confidence they deserve. Kt's mission is supported by their ongoing campaigns and initiatives to open up conversations around people who bleed because gender isn't a determining factor when it comes to periods.
While talking about your period can be challenging, it's even more important to normalize talking about periods with everyone and not solely about what that experience is for cis women. According to a Kt blog post, normalizing periods for all, provides better access to period education and period health, while making period products accessible to everyone that experiences periods. Participating in open dialogues around periods will squash period taboos and empower every person, no matter their gender, to share their relationship with their period - because girls are not the only ones who menstruate.
This June to support the launch of their Free To Be collection, Kt held a photoshoot with an all identifying LGBTQIA2+ cast where they shared how they embrace their identity with confidence. Cast member August shared, "I used to try and conform to different gender ideals but I found that I'm happier doing whatever I want." They/he continued to mention, "there are so many different ways to be creative, I don't know why we would limit ourselves to a binary that we didn't even set up. I try to follow what makes me feel good."
Earlier this year, Kt launched Period 101: A Crash Course in Menstruation for Teens - a free guide to provide accessible period education, and fight period stigma among teens and their peers. With up to 65% of teens using the internet to learn about menstruation, Kt proactively put this guide together to answer all questions around menstruation. But Kt's work doesn't stop there. At the beginning of May in partnership with PERIOD., Kt launched their #periodovershare charitable social campaign to fight period poverty and eliminate stigma. Until May 2023, when users tag @ktbyknix and @periodmovement with the inclusion of #periodovershare on social media, Kt will donate 1 of their reusable pads or 1 pair of leakproof underwear to PERIOD. to distribute among BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities.
The Free To Be Collection launches on June 8th, 2022 and is available while quantities last.
To learn more about Kt by Knix please visit: www.knixteen.com
Little sister to global intimates brand Knix, Kt By Knix founded in 2017, is a brand built to guide menstruators through a pivotal moment - periods. With a wealth of experience in the intimates and period space, Joanna Griffiths, CEO & Founder of Knix and Kt by Knix, aims to educate and transform the way teens approach periods by harnessing young creatives to implement positive change and impact in the period space and beyond. This includes fighting period poverty and stigma through radical openness while giving back to communities in need.
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SOURCE Knix | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/free-be-kt-wants-remind-you-girls-arent-only-ones-who-bleed/ | 2022-06-08T15:09:13Z |
3 Sikh men attacked in the same New York neighborhood in just over a week
By Harmeet Kaur and Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN
Two Sikh men were attacked in the New York borough of Queens on Tuesday, less than two weeks after another Sikh man was assaulted in the same neighborhood, authorities said.
A 76-year-old and a 64-year-old were approached Tuesday morning by two men who allegedly assaulted them with their fists and a stick, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department told CNN. The victims, who have not been publicly identified, were taken to the hospital in stable condition, police said.
One suspect has been taken into custody, while the other was still at large as of Tuesday night, according to the NYPD. Police said the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The attack took place in Richmond Hill, a neighborhood also known as Little Punjab for its sizable population of Sikh and Indian immigrants. It comes nine days after Nirmal Singh, a 70-year-old Sikh man who had been visiting New York from Punjab, India, was punched in the face while walking in the neighborhood.
“Sikhs have repeatedly faced this kind of violence — now multiple times in this same place in this month alone,” Nikki Singh, senior policy and advocacy manager for the Sikh Coalition, said in a statement. “As an organization that works to combat and prevent hate, we continue to stand with the Sikh community in Queens as well as all impacted New York City communities who routinely experience these hate crimes.”
Nirmal Singh has since returned to India to be with his family, his son said. Last week, the NYPD released surveillance video of the suspect believed to have attacked Singh, offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information. It is unclear whether the suspect in Nirmal Singh’s case was involved in the attacks on Tuesday.
“Our family is overwhelmed and grateful for the amount of support my father received after this horrible assault. He has now arrived back in India, where he can receive the additional care and support he needs in this difficult time from our family,” Manjit Singh, one of Nirmal Singh’s sons, said in a statement provided to CNN by the Sikh Coalition.
“We are hopeful that a suspect will be arrested, because we see this as an attack on all who wear turbans and other articles of faith — and even though my father has left New York, we will do everything we can to continue helping the investigation.”
Sikhs have long faced violence and discrimination
Sikhs make up the world’s fifth-largest religious community. While a majority live in the Indian state of Punjab, the diaspora spans across the globe, and more than 500,000 Sikhs are estimated to be living in the US.
Many Sikhs keep their hair uncut and neatly wrapped in a turban as a public commitment to their faith, and their distinctive appearance has made them targets of violence and discrimination.
The first Sikhs to arrive in North America came as laborers in the late 19th century, and experienced racist mob violence as part of the 1907 Bellingham riots. More recently, Sikhs were scapegoated in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and targeted in the 2012 shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Four of the eight victims killed in a mass shooting last year at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis were also Sikh, although authorities have said it did not appear that the shooter was “motivated by bias or a desire to advance an ideology.”
The recent attacks in Queens also come as New York has recently reported a spike in hate crimes, particularly against Asian Americans. The NYPD recorded 524 hate crime incidents in 2021, nearly double the 2020 count, according to a report from the department. That number was the highest reported in five years, according to police archives.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/12/3-sikh-men-attacked-in-the-same-new-york-neighborhood-in-just-over-a-week/ | 2022-04-13T05:02:57Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The first African American four-star general in Marine Corps history, Gen. Michael E. Langley, credited his father with telling him to “aim high” and predicted that his promotion on Saturday would have an impact on younger people.
Langley was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and grew up at military bases as his father served in the Air Force. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1985.
“My daddy told me to aim high, so I aimed as high as I could and found the few and the proud,” Langley said during a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks Washington attended by his father and other family members.
The Marine Corps, which traces its roots to 1775, rejected accepting Black men in its ranks until 1942, a turnabout that followed the attack on the American air base at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the U.S. entry into World War II.
The American military services were not desegregated until after President Harry Truman’s order in 1948. Three decades later, the first African American Marine was promoted to one-star general, in 1979.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in June that President Joe Biden had nominated Langley for appointment to the grade of general. The promotion came with the assignment of commander of U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany. The Senate confirmed his appointment on Monday.
“The milestone and what it means to the Corps is quite essential,” Langley said during Saturday’s ceremony, according to a Marine Corps report. “Not because the mark in history, but what it will affect going forward, especially for those younger across society that want to aspire and look at the Marine Corps as an opportunity.” | https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/a-first-african-american-marine-promoted-to-4-star-general/ | 2022-08-07T11:40:02Z |
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — More than 50 million people across the East African region are expected to face acute food insecurity this year, a regional bloc said Friday, warning that some 300,000 in Somalia and South Sudan are projected to be under full-blown famine conditions.
The assessment by Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, is one of the most dire yet as United Nations agencies, humanitarian groups and others continue to raise alarm over the region’s food crisis that many say has been largely neglected as the international community focuses on the war in Ukraine.
That assessment applies to seven member states of IGAD, from Djibouti to Uganda.
Samantha Power, the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, is traveling in East Africa to spotlight the hunger crisis in the region.
In Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Friday, Power announced at least $255 million in drought-related humanitarian and development support to Kenya. She is expected to visit Ethiopia and Somalia, where some communities have suffered four consecutive failed rainy seasons.
Power earlier in the week spoke of the need to prevent the global food crisis from becoming a catastrophe, announcing $1.2 billion in funding that includes immediate food assistance for people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.
In addition to immediate humanitarian aid, the international community must sustain investment in global agriculture and undertake concerted diplomacy “so that we mobilize more resources from donors, avoid export restrictions that can exacerbate the crisis, and lessen the burden on poor countries,” Power said in a speech Monday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
Aid groups and other watchdogs have been calling for more funds to be devoted to East Africa after the war in Ukraine grabbed the world’s attention and money.
Three million people face “emergency and catastrophic levels of hunger, risking death,” the International Rescue Committee said in a statement Tuesday, noting that “people have already started dying from starvation and the window to prevent mass deaths is rapidly closing.”
Even if the new U.S. funding is fulfilled, “the humanitarian response plan for the region would be funded at 40% of the assessed need,” the group warned. “After just over three months, the $1.9 billion appeal for the humanitarian response in Ukraine was 85% funded — a demonstration of the capacity for resource mobilization when the political will exists.”
Power has criticized China for allegedly contributing just $3 million to the U.N. World Food Program this year, while the U.S. has given $3.9 billion this financial year. China and other nations “must go above and beyond as we work to prevent famine,” she said on Twitter.
Somalia, a country that continues to grapple with armed conflict wrought by an Islamic extremist insurgency, is seen as particularly vulnerable. A weak humanitarian response to the 2010-12 drought was in part to blame as a quarter-million people died during famine conditions. Half of them were children.
Somalis walk for days through parched landscapes to places like Mogadishu, the capital, in search of aid but find that there is little or nothing.
The number of people going hungry in Somalia due to drought has nearly doubled since the start of the year, according to the IRC, which saw a 265% increase in admissions for children under 5 with severe malnutrition at just one clinic in Mogadishu between April and May.
There is a risk of famine in eight areas of Somalia through September “in the event of widespread crop and livestock production failures, spiraling food costs, and in the absence of scaled-up humanitarian assistance,” the assessment by IGAD said.
___
Tiro reported from Nairobi, Kenya | https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/east-africa-bloc-says-50-million-face-acute-food-insecurity/ | 2022-07-22T21:19:51Z |
Concerned Jackson Co. residents crowd commission meeting for possible energy project
HOLTON, Kan. (WIBW) - The country’s largest wind and solar operator is looking to Jackson County for a possible project, but residents at the county’s commission meeting this afternoon said they are not interested.
“Why on Earth would you choose here in Kansas, USA. About a third of the days are sunny.”
“How do you know technology isn’t going to make this thing obsolete in 10?”
“I’m supposed to have property rights in Kansas, and a Florida company is going to take that away from me?”
A crowd of concerned residents attended the Jackson County Commission’s meet and greet Tuesday afternoon with energy operator NextEra Energy. NextEra hopes to gauge interest are in the possible construction of a new solar farm in the area. They’re looking for about 2,000 acres of land between 110th and 158th west of E Road.
Those in attendance had plenty of questions about possible noise and hazards, property rights, and where the energy would go. NextEra assured the crowd the energy would remain in the Southwest Power Pool, which extends from northern Texas to North Dakota.
“We put it on the grid, and when we get to the point of having a project proposal, we’ll have a customer identified and power purchase agreement. It could be outside of Kansas.”
The company also promised that any project wouldn’t involve hazardous materials, customers would be contracted to continue buying energy for the life of the project, and NextEra would perform any studies requested by the county. Regardless, the county’s residents say they didn’t sign up for this kind of project.
“You moved into an area with an understanding of the zoning, and it’s kind of the whole purpose of zoning,” one resident said. “I bought that hundred acres because I understand the guy next to me is going to be farming, he’s not going to be setting up an Amazon distribution center. Because if I had known that I wouldn’t have bought that hundred acres.”
“We moved out into agricultural for a reason,” said another. “We didn’t want this garbage. I did not move into a city next to an industrial zone.”
Commissioners and NextEra’s reps emphasized the process is nowhere close to any kind of approval or agreement. Some residents say they’ll make sure it stays that way.
“If it goes through, there’s enough people in there that were mad enough, that we will get a class-action suit against any leaser that has solar panels put on their property,” Tom Hoffman said. “Because they don’t want to live on a solar wasteland.”
Any project would take upwards of five years to get off the ground. The resulting solar farm would be expected to run at least 30 years.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/09/07/concerned-jackson-co-residents-crowd-commission-meeting-possible-energy-project/ | 2022-09-07T02:30:03Z |
TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Limited (TSX: H), announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders of $0.2796 per share to be paid on June 30, 2022 to shareholders of record on June 8, 2022.
Unless indicated otherwise, all common share dividends paid by Hydro One Limited to shareholders are designated as "eligible" dividends for the purpose of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial legislation. Such quarterly dividends, unless and until changed, are only payable as and when declared by Hydro One Limited's Board of Directors and there is no entitlement to any dividend prior thereto.
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $30.4 billion in assets as at December 31, 2021, and annual revenues in 2021 of approximately $7.2 billion.
Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2021, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.7 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian Electricity Association.
Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.HydroOne.com where you can find additional information including links to securities filings, historical financial reports, and information about the Company's governance practices, corporate social responsibility, customer solutions, and further information about its business.
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SOURCE Hydro One Limited | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/hydro-one-limited-declares-quarterly-common-share-dividend/ | 2022-05-05T12:09:39Z |
STOCKHOLM, May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The mobility tech company EasyPark and the car brand Renault are launching a new collaboration that lets drivers experience the future of parking. Together, the two companies are releasing the EasyPark app features directly integrated in the infotainment system of Renault's new car Megane E-Tech Electric.
The new collaboration between EasyPark and Renault seamlessly integrates the EasyPark app into Renault's new car model Megane E-Tech Electric. Drivers can upload the app directly into the car's infotainment system and experience several new features and possibilities to further improve the driving experience. One of the features is "Autostop", which automatically ends the parking session when the car leaves a parking spot.
– The innovative solutions we create together with Renault are the future of a fully digital parking experience. By integrating our award-winning app into cars' infotainment systems, we get a new range of possibilities, making parking and mobility even easier. When the app is integrated into the car itself, the vision of a car that can start and stop parking sessions by itself seems closer than ever, says Cameron Clayton, CEO of EasyPark Group.
Renault's infotainment system "OpenR Link" is based on Android's operating system Android Automotive. By downloading the app in the car, the driver can manage parking via the car's display without any physical machine or a smartphone. Additionally, the integrated app opens further innovations to look forward to in the future.
EasyPark already has similar partnerships with the car brands Volvo, Polestar and Mercedes Benz. From today, the app is also available for download via Google Play Store in Megane E-Tech Electric and all OpenR Link supported vehicles going forward.
CONTACT:
Louise Ekman, Head of Group Communications & PR
louise.ekman@easypark.net / +46 70 5222 117
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE Easypark | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/18/easypark-renault-new-partnership-automated-parking-features/ | 2022-05-18T09:26:46Z |
NEW YORK, May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/aurinia-pharmaceuticals-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=27460&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. between May 7, 2021 and February 25, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until June 14, 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, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Aurinia was experiencing declining revenues; (ii) Aurinia's 2022 sales outlook for the Company's only product which it offers for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis, LUPKYNIS, would fall well short of expectations; (iii) accordingly, the Company had significantly overstated LUPKYNIS's commercial prospects; (iv) as a result, the Company had overstated its financial position and/or prospects for 2022; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/20/auph-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-aurinia-pharmaceuticals-inc-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-14-2022/ | 2022-05-20T11:26:33Z |
SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A missing Florida teenager was found in a rural Virginia county, having traveled up the coast via tractor-trailer rides after her family reported her missing several days earlier, according to Virginia State Police.
Virginia State Police (VSP) said the 17-year-old girl ran away from her Florida home on Thursday, Aug. 25. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida called VSP three days later, on Sunday, Aug. 28, to let them know the girl’s social media was being used to track her location, and she was believed to be traveling in a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 northbound in North Carolina, about to enter Virginia.
State police were able to issue a “be on the lookout,” and the tractor-trailer the girl was suspected to be traveling in was identified on I-95 at the Emporia City exit before 11 p.m.
According to VSP, state police and the Emporia Police Department were able to work together to conduct a felony traffic stop on I-95 in Sussex County, where the driver was told to exit the vehicle and was detained without incident. When troopers began walking up to the truck, a juvenile girl got out of the back of the cab and was positively identified as the missing 17-year-old.
The girl told officers that she had left her Florida home, and traveled up the East Coast by catching rides from several tractor-trailer drivers, with the intended final destination of Tennessee. VSP said she also told officers she had lied to the driver she was found with about her name and age.
After a police investigation and questioning of the girl and the tractor-trailer driver, the driver was let go and was not charged.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and told that the girl would be placed into child protective services until her parent/guardian was able to travel to Virginia and take custody of her. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/missing-florida-teen-travels-up-east-coast-in-tractor-trailers-is-found-in-rural-virginia/ | 2022-08-31T18:47:37Z |
RESTON, Va., July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) will webcast its second-quarter 2022 financial results conference call on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, beginning at 9 a.m. EDT.
The live webcast of the conference call will be available at www.gd.com. A replay will be available shortly after the live presentation.
More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com.
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SOURCE General Dynamics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/general-dynamics-webcast-2022-second-quarter-financial-results-conference-call/ | 2022-07-08T17:17:02Z |
The families of the 19 children and two teachers gunned down at a school in Uvalde, Texas, have had enough.
More than a month after the massacre at Robb Elementary School, their anger and frustration at the lack of answers about the apparently bungled law enforcement response boiled over Thursday at an emotional City Council meeting.
"We're sitting just here listening to empty words," said Velma Lisa Duran, whose sister, teacher Irma Garcia, was killed trying to shield her students from the bullets.
"These kids were obliterated. My sister was obliterated. It was a closed casket. I couldn't hug her. I couldn't touch her. I couldn't say my last goodbye," Duran said, fighting back tears.
Since May 24, authorities have changed their account multiple times of key facts about what happened inside the classrooms and what police did during the time the 18-year-old gunman wreaked his carnage.
"The fact that you're sitting there doing s--- is really infuriating," Duran told local officials, noting that families of the victims have had to "hold onto each other" for support.
For weeks, families of the victims and Uvalde residents have asked for explanations about why police took so long to enter the school, and why authorities didn't act on concerns about the gunman's behavior.
Indeed, questions over the police response have compounded the pain of grieving families, especially when they specifically learned the gunman remained inside classrooms from 11:33 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. -- when, officials said, officers finally breached a door and killed him.
A key question has been whether some children could still be alive if police had followed mass shooter procedures recommended since the Columbine school massacre in 1999 to take down the assailant as soon as possible.
One official who could answer questions about the law enforcement response, Uvalde school district police chief Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, was not at Thursday's meeting.
Arredondo, who was sworn in as a city council member weeks after the massacre, led the flawed law enforcement response to the school shooting but has largely remained out of the public eye.
The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District placed him on leave last month. Arredondo testified behind closed doors in Austin recently before a Texas House committee looking into the massacre.
Arredondo could be voted out, per the city charter, if he misses the next council meeting, his third consecutive absence.
"I don't think there's anybody up here that will tell you that we won't take the action that we need to take," McLaughlin said.
CNN has contacted Arrendondo's attorney for comment.
On Thursday, the people the residents of Uvalde elected to represent them had no answers for their constituents.
"The one thing I can tell you is, we don't know anymore," Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said at the meeting, adding that he, too, was frustrated at the lack of transparency from investigators.
"We're not trying to hide anything from you," the mayor insisted.
Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell Busbee has said it "will take time" to complete investigative reports of the shooting and response, and she doesn't expect that information for a while.
Relatives of the victims say they're tired of excuses.
"We need something to happen now," said Duran, who drove an hour and half from San Antonio to Uvalde for the meeting. "We need change. Enough is enough."
The children of Uvalde are afraid to return to their classrooms, Duran and others said.
"These kids are not going to go back to school and it's going to be on your hands," Duran said. "This blood is on your hands because you failed to do anything."
Angel Garza, whose daughter Amerie Jo Garza was killed in the shooting, on Thursday asked the mayor and other city leaders if they had children. He implored them to act as if their own children had been gunned down at Robb Elementary.
"We want y'all to look at this -- not as a mayor, not as a city council member," he said. "Look at it as a dad, as a parent. Don't do what you can do as a mayor. Go beyond that ... What if it was your kid?"
McLaughlin has repeatedly expressed frustration with his inability to get answers about what happened from state public safety officials investigating the shooting.
"Ma'am, let me tell you something. I feel your pain. We all do," the mayor told Duran at one point during the meeting.
Duran looked at McLaughlin. "No you don't."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/these-kids-were-obliterated-outrage-of-families-boils-over-lack-of-answers-in-uvalde-investigation/article_7284d435-5d8b-5a30-bd9a-26e99c793ed7.html | 2022-07-01T17:44:25Z |
Did you lose money on investments in DENTSPLY SIRONA? If so, please visit DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.
NEW YORK, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Dentsply Sirona, Inc. ("Dentsply" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: XRAY) between June 9, 2021 and May 9, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Dentsply produces a wide array of dental supplies, ranging from anesthetics, plaque and gum disease prevention, tooth polishers, and artificial teeth. The Company sells approximately two-thirds of its dental consumable and technology and equipment products through third-party distributors.
As (former) executives of Dentsply, Defendants Donald M. Casey, Jr. ("Casey") and Jorge Gomez ("Gomez") were eligible for significant cash- and stock-based incentive compensation. Indeed, up to 89% of their annual compensation was awarded based on the Company's ability to meet certain milestones linked to Dentsply's financial performance.
Given the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dentsply bifurcated its Annual Incentive plans for executives into two six-month periods. The 2021 First Half Annual Incentive Plan and the 2021 Second Half Annual Incentive Plan each provided for potential incentive payments based on achievement of performance criteria during the first two and the last two quarters of 2021, respectively. The funding levels for each plan were wholly dependent on the Company's financial performance for the applicable half of 2021.
For the first half of the year, Dentsply met the applicable financial performance targets, entitling top executives, including Casey and Gomez, to the maximum compensation under the 2021 First Half Annual Incentive Plan. However, to ensure that they received at least some of their awards under the 2021 Second Half Annual Incentive Plan, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants appear to have orchestrated a scheme to inflate the Company's revenue and earnings by manipulating the way in which Dentsply recognized revenue tied to certain distributor rebate and incentive programs.
Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Dentsply touted its "go-to-market strategy" and "more sophisticated and strategic incentive plans" as drivers of the Company's success. Dentsply also assured investors that it complied with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and maintained adequate internal controls over financial reporting, yet the Company announced revenues and earnings that were inflated by the improper recognition of revenue.
On April 11, 2022, Dentsply announced that Defendant Gomez had "resigned" as Chief Financial Officer, but assured investors that his departure was "not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Company, the Company's management or the Board of Directors of the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices."
The truth began to emerge on April 19, 2022, when Dentsply suddenly announced that its Board of Directors had terminated Defendant Casey, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately and with no succession plan in place. As a result of this disclosure, Dentsply shares declined by $6.52 per share, or 13%, from $48.72 per share to $42.20 per share.
Then, on May 10, 2022, Dentsply announced that, following reports from several internal whistleblowers, the Audit and Finance Committee of its Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") had commenced an investigation regarding certain financial reporting matters. Specifically, Dentsply disclosed that the Audit Committee was investigating "the Company's use of incentives to sell products to distributors in the third and fourth quarters of 2021" and "whether those incentives were appropriately accounted for" in the Company's periodic reports with the SEC. The Company also disclosed that the Audit Committee is investigating allegations that "certain former and current members of senior management directed the Company's use of these incentives and other actions to achieve executive compensation targets in 2021." On this news, the Company's stock declined over 7% to close at $36.38 per share on May 10, 2022.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 1, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
If you purchased XRAY common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com.
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2022 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Contact Information:
Peter Allocco
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
https://www.bernlieb.com
(212) 951-2030
pallocco@bernlieb.com
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SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/09/dentsply-sirona-inc-nasdaq-xray-shareholder-class-action-alert-bernstein-liebhard-llp-reminds-investors-deadline-file-lead-plaintiff-motion-securities-class-action-lawsuit-against-dentsply-sirona-inc-nasdaq-xray/ | 2022-07-09T10:53:34Z |
Foreclosure of Med-Legal Complete
ROCKLIN, Calif., June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemini Legal Support, Inc., a privately-owned, technology-focused, legal products and services company, today announced that it has completed the purchase of intellectual property from the foreclosure of industry competitor Med-Legal Services, LLC. Gemini Legal will use the intellectual property to increase market share and extend its product roadmap and services.
"The successful acquisition of intellectual property from the former Med-Legal is significant for Gemini, our clients, and our industry," said Tony Daugherty, president at Gemini Legal. "Gemini is committed to developing and advancing technology, and we will honor the legacy of Med-Legal—an industry technology pioneer—as we integrate key components and functionality across our suite of products and services."
Upon the foreclosure of Med-Legal earlier this year, Gemini Legal initiated negotiations to purchase intellectual property. Negotiations proceeded for five months, during which time other organizations and entities also interested in acquiring the intellectual property were ultimately eliminated from consideration.
Intellectual property, associated trademarks and copyrights purchased by Gemini Legal include:
Ratings calculator software suite—a collection of products and public ratings guides used to calculate disability, present value, and death benefits related to workers' compensation;
Evedent—an attorney workflow system, including calendaring, communication and document management;
Quick reference book—copyrighted material containing 15 years of case data for workers' compensation attorneys; and
Zing—houses clients' requested records and history.
ABOUT GEMINI LEGAL
Gemini Legal Support, Inc., founded in 2004, develops and provides legal products and services, and applies experience and integrity to enhance justice for law firms. Gemini's electronic court filing and document management system have become the industry standard. The company is headquartered in Rocklin, Calif., with sales teams operating throughout the state. For more information visit gemini.legal or call 877.739.7481.
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SOURCE Gemini Legal | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/02/gemini-purchases-intellectual-property/ | 2022-06-02T19:28:47Z |
- The acquisition is expected to strengthen Bristow's leading global Government Services offering
- BIH will integrate into Bristow's U.K. operations and adopt the Bristow name and brand
LONDON, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL) ("Bristow"), the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of British International Helicopter Services Limited ("BIH") effective August 2, 2022, further enhancing its leading global Government Services offering.
Bristow will integrate BIH into its U.K. operations, where BIH will adopt the Bristow name and brand throughout its operations.
"This acquisition further enhances our government services business, and we welcome our new, highly capable and experienced team members into the Bristow family," said Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group. "We will now build off BIH's longstanding history and strong relationships with the U.K. Ministry of Defence and will continue providing safe and reliable service to both military and civilian markets."
"The acquisition of BIH will further enhance Bristow's leading global government services business by strengthening existing relationships and developing new partnerships throughout government sectors for safe and reliable vertical lift solutions," said Alan Corbett, Senior Vice President of Bristow EAMEA and Search and Rescue. "Through this acquisition, Bristow is well-positioned to further expand our services throughout the U.K. and beyond."
BIH's more than 110 employees currently deliver combined search and rescue (SAR) and support helicopter services for the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) with operations in the Falkland Islands and deliver Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST) helicopter support for the Royal Navy in the U.K. BIH currently operates a fleet of two AW189 SAR-configured helicopters, three S61 helicopters, and one AS365 helicopter, performing various passenger and freight transport as well as hoist operations.
Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national, and independent offshore energy companies. Bristow provides commercial search and rescue (SAR) services in several countries and public sector SAR services in the United Kingdom on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Additionally, the Company offers ad hoc helicopter and fixed wing transportation services.
Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, Falkland Islands, Guyana, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and the U.S. To learn more, visit our website at www.bristowgroup.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding plans and expectations with respect to the acquisition of BIH (the "BIH Acquisition") and the anticipated impact of the BIH Acquisition on Bristow's results of operations, financial position, growth opportunities and competitive position, including anticipated or expected revenues or other benefits. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements reflect Bristow's current views with respect to future events, financial performance and operational performance based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate, including information provided by BIH. As such, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the BIH Acquisition; difficulties related to the integration of BIH into Bristow's business and our inability to realize the benefits of the BIH Acquisition; disruption from and/or the diversion of management's time and attention in connection with the BIH Acquisition and its integration into Bristow's business, making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; currently unknown risks and liabilities relating to the newly acquired business and its operations; and other risks more fully discussed in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each of which are available on our website (www.bristowgroup.com) or the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This press release reflects the views of Bristow's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Bristow undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
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SOURCE Bristow Group | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/03/bristow-completes-acquisition-british-international-helicopter-services-limited/ | 2022-08-03T09:45:52Z |
VIDEO: Truck loses porta-potties on highway; several cars damaged
MILWAUKEE (WISN) - A flatbed truck lost several portable toilets while traveling in Wisconsin, leaving drivers trying to dodge them on a highway.
“I see a porta-potty flying back at me, and I tried my best to swerve out of the way, but it hit my driver’s side, causing me to pull over,” said driver Alex Hilario.
Another driver, Vern Hicks, said the items on the highway seemed to appear out of nowhere.
“I didn’t know what it was at first until I hit it and thought, ‘I just hit a porta-john in the middle of I-94,’” Hicks said.
According to Hicks, his car had serious damage and might have to be totaled.
Authorities responded to the incident, shutting down a portion of the highway to clear the portable toilets.
According to officials, four damaged cars had to be towed from the scene, but no injuries were reported in the incident.
Copyright 2022 WISN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/08/11/video-truck-loses-porta-potties-highway-several-cars-damaged/ | 2022-08-11T22:36:03Z |
COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Lending Group, a national mortgage lender, ranks for the 10th year in a row on 2022 Inc. 5000 list.
Inc. released their 2022 Inc. 5000 list and once again, Sovereign Lending Group is amongst America's fastest-growing private companies. Alongside 5000 of the most successful, dynamic and resilient companies in America, Sovereign Lending Group places 2,277 with 257% 3-year growth. This marks the 10th year that Sovereign Lending Group has been added to this incredible list.
"We have accomplished something that other mortgage companies haven't done; being ranked by Inc 5000 10 years in a row. This incredible achievement couldn't have been possible without the Sovereign Lending Group's team members and our clients who trust us to serve them. In the past year, to compliment our consumer direct teams we added our retail division. Our plans to grow throughout the United States haven't slowed down. We're celebrating over 8000 reviews and are incredibly thankful for this achievement." – Dan Holtz, Co-Founder of Sovereign Lending Group.
"Being able to help Americans on their home lending needs over the last 17 years has been a great honor" Joe Pirro, Co-Founder of Sovereign Lending Group "We appreciate the recognition from Inc 5000 and being amongst the list of America's most successful companies."
Sovereign Lending Group helps originate, process and fund home loans for hard working Americas in 46 states. Sovereign Lending Group pride stems from an irreplaceable company culture and unrelenting commitment to serving those who have served others – veterans, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants. These individuals have given their all to secure the dreams of others, and they deserve the attention needed to guarantee their own.
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SOURCE Sovereign Lending Group Incorporated | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/10th-year-row-sovereign-lending-group-has-made-inc-5000-2022-list/ | 2022-09-02T20:12:04Z |
Analysis shows participants who stayed in the program at least 6 months reduced their diabetes drug costs by 18%
In 2 oral and 3 poster presentations, Quest researchers also provided insights into the association of HDL particles with cardiovascular risk in diabetes and benefits of digital health coaching with food delivery to improve diabetes management in food insecure adults
SECAUCUS, N.J. , June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that it presented results of six studies at the 82nd American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, June 3-7, 2022 in New Orleans, LA. These studies by researchers from Quest Diagnostics (Booth #1005) include one late breaker and two oral presentations. They provide novel insights into the use of advanced diagnostic technologies, population health management strategies and digital health coaching to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with diabetes.
Employer Population Health Interventions
Individuals with type 2 diabetes who stayed in a virtual, employer-sponsored diabetes reversal program for at least six months lowered their monthly prescription spending by 18%, to $449 from $547 on average, compared to the 12 months prior to the program, according to late breaker presentation titled "Outcomes of an Employer-Sponsored Virtual Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Program in Working-Age Adults (59-LB)." In addition, the number of prescriptions decreased for 39.5% and increased for 2.5% of the 119 participants. Participants also experienced improvements in health risk scores, including fasting glucose, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. After one year, the majority of participants (67%) were still in the program.
"For many people, employers are a valuable point of access to health services for chronic diseases such as diabetes," said Jay G. Wohlgemuth, Chief Medical Officer, Quest Diagnostics. "This study demonstrates that a population management strategy that combines screening with targeted intervention can meaningfully improve health risk markers for individuals with type 2 diabetes as well as lower medical costs for employers and their employees."
People with diagnosed diabetes incur average medical expenditures of $16,752 per year, of which about $9,601 is attributed to diabetes, specifically. Employers often incur these costs, too, through higher costs for health insurance and prescription medications.i Quest Diagnostics offers employee population health services designed to improve care and lower medical costs for its 50,000 employees as well as for other Fortune 500 companies. Prior diabetes research by Quest Diagnostics, including studies from the 2018 ADA Scientific Sessions and 2020 Endocrine Society Annual Meeting, show that diabetes prevention programs can reduce key markers of risk, including weight, insulin resistance scores and hemoglobin A1c in a workforce population.
Social Determinants of Health
In a study from researchers at Pack Health, food insecure individuals with type 2 diabetes lowered their hemoglobin A1c levels and scores for diabetes distress and food insecurity within 3 months of entering a health-plan sponsored program that combined digital health coaching with bi-weekly food delivery. The study is titled "Outcomes of a Digital Health Coaching Program Integrating Food Delivery for a Population of Adults with T2DM at Risk of Food Insecurity (170-OR)." Earlier this year, Quest acquired Pack Health, a patient engagement company specializing in comprehensively addressing chronic conditions and comorbidities influenced by lifestyle behaviors, access to care, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Pack Health provides the only fully digital diabetes self-management solution recommended by the ADA's diabetes support directory.
This study was selected as an American Diabetes Association Health Disparities Committee Top 10 Recommended Abstract for its focus on health care disparities and inequities in diabetes outcomes.
Advanced Diagnostic Innovation
Levels of four high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (ApoA-I, ApoC-I, ApoM, and PON3) were lower in blood specimens of patients with type 2 diabetes compared to those without the disease in a study by researchers from Quest Diagnostics and its Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence at Cleveland HeartLab. These data provide compelling evidence that changes in HDL help explain why some patients with diabetes who adequately manage blood sugar and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol experience elevated risk of cardiovascular events. The study involving 213 patients employed several advanced technologies, including lipoprotein subfractions analysis by ion mobility, a novel proteomic test, and tandem mass spectrometry. These data were presented in an oral presentation titled "Presence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Affects HDL Particle Proteomic Composition Independently of Obesity or Fatty Liver (210-OR)."
"In the past, cholesterol testing may have missed people with diabetes who were at risk for cardiovascular events – even if they managed their blood sugar and LDL optimally" said co-author Michael McPhaul, MD, Senior Medical Director, Endocrine, Quest Diagnostics. "Our analysis suggests that the composition of HDL particles may identify cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes, providing a new avenue for evaluating patients with diabetes."
Full List of Quest Diagnostics Studies:
Abstracts can be accessed on the America Diabetes Association website.
A complete list of the Quest Diagnostics research presented at this year's Scientific Sessions:
Late Breaker Presentations:
- Outcomes of an Employer-Sponsored Virtual Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Program in Working-Age Adults (59-LB)
Oral Presentations:
- Outcomes of a Digital Health Coaching Program Integrating Food Delivery for a Population of Adults with T2DM at Risk of Food Insecurity (170-OR)
- Presence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Affects HDL Particle Proteomic Composition Independently of Obesity or Fatty Liver (210-OR)
Poster Presentations:
- Predictors of Lack of Improvement in Glycemic Control in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes (945-P)
- Factors Associated with Poor Glycemic Control in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes and Employer-Based Health Care Coverage (965-P)
- Interlaboratory Standardization of C-Peptide Assays Using Certified Reference Materials Corrected for Peptide Modifications (1134-P)
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, Quest's diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors, and improve health care management. Quest Diagnostics annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com
For further information: Shawn Bevec (Investors): 973-520-2900, Kim Gorode (Media): mediacontact@questdiagnostics.com
i https://www.diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/cost-diabetes
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/quest-diagnostics-presents-late-breaker-study-demonstrating-diabetes-prescription-cost-reductions-achieved-participants-an-employer-sponsored-health-program-82nd-american-diabetes-association-scientific-sessions/ | 2022-06-06T12:58:23Z |
Producer prices surge 11.2% in March on higher energy costs
By PAUL WISEMAN
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The surging cost of energy pushed wholesale prices up a record 11.2% last month from a year earlier — another sign that inflationary pressure is widespread in the U.S. economy. The Labor Department said Wednesday that its producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — climbed at the fastest year-over-year pace in records going back to 2010 and rose 1.4% from February. Energy prices, which soared after Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, were up 36.7% from March 2021. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/13/producer-prices-surge-11-2-in-march-on-higher-energy-costs/ | 2022-04-13T15:03:13Z |
Scams to avoid during the baby formula shortage
KANSAS CITY METRO (KCTV) - As the baby formula shortage continues throughout the U.S., desperate parents are turning wherever they can to help feed their children. That desperation, though, is also attracting scammers. The Better Business Bureau says there are some specific red flags parents should be on the lookout for.
While you may not have much luck at stores right now, going online for formula is probably your next thought. If you do that, beware of products with only positive reviews. A product without any negative or critical reviews is probably not being honestly reviewed. Another red flag---misspellings and grammatical errors.
Also be on the lookout for a lack of communication. If you’re buying from someone on social media and they stop responding after you pay, it could be a scam.
“Not everyone is completely honest when they’re online, or they’re advertising that they have that product online,” said Sandra Guile with the Better Business Bureau. “Maybe ask other moms or other friends, saying, ‘Hey, I’m part of this group. Have you ordered formula from them? Have you gotten your order? Did you, by any chance, have any issues or concerns?’”
- Do your research
Searching for a company name can help you find out if it’s a scam.
- Be cautious before clicking on ads and email links.
Also be careful of posts in social media groups.
- Use a credit card
The BBB says you’ll have more protection against fraud compared with other payment methods.
- Ask questions before you buy
If someone is unable or unwilling to answer basic questions about the formula, where it came from and how it will be shipped to you, it could be a scam.
Copyright 2022 KCTV. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/17/scams-avoid-during-baby-formula-shortage/ | 2022-05-17T14:13:03Z |
PITTSBURGH, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "My son was disappointed when he couldn't blow out his candles on his birthday cake due to the current pandemic. I thought there could be a more sanitary way," said an inventor, from Massillon, Ohio, "so I invented the ELECTRONIC WISHING BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT CANDLES WITH REMOTE. My design would offer a safer alternative to blowing or breathing onto the cake to extinguish lit candles."
The patent-pending invention provides a safer and more sanitary method of extinguishing birthday candles. In doing so, it prevents spittle and spit droplets from being sprayed onto the cake. As a result, it reduces the spread of germs and viruses and it provides added peace of mind during the current pandemic. The invention features a novel design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Columbus sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-DKC-199, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-birthday-candle-set-dkc-199/ | 2022-05-24T15:51:40Z |
Griner sends letter to President Biden pleading for his help
(AP) - Brittney Griner has made an appeal to President Joe Biden in a letter passed to the White House through her representatives saying she feared she might never return home and asking that he not “forget about me and the other American Detainees.”
Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas said the letter was delivered on Monday. Most of the letter’s contents to President Biden remain private, though Griner’s representatives shared a few lines from the hand-written note.
″…As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the Phoenix Mercury center added. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is in the midst of a trial in Russia that began last week after she was arrested on Feb. 17 on charges of possessing cannabis oil while returning to play for her Russian team. The trial will resume Thursday.
Fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in U.S. courts, acquittals can be overturned.
Griner pleaded with Biden in the letter to use his powers to ensure her return.
“Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore,” Griner said “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Griner has been able to have sporadic communications with family, friends and WNBA players through an email account her agent set up. The emails are printed out and delivered in bunches to Griner by her lawyer after they are vetted by Russian officials. Once the lawyers get back to their office, they’ll scan any responses from Griner and pass them back to the U.S. to send along.
She was supposed to have a phone call with her wife on their anniversary but it failed because of an “unfortunate mistake,” Biden administration officials.
Griner’s supporters have encouraged a prisoner swap like the one in April that brought home Marine veteran Trevor Reed in exchange for a Russian pilot convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The State Department in May designated her as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.
Griner isn’t the only American being wrongfully detained in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director is serving a 16-year sentence on an espionage conviction.
___
To see more stories on Griner: https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/04/griner-sends-letter-president-biden-pleading-his-help/ | 2022-07-04T21:57:45Z |
A 15-year-old boy died and three other people were wounded, including a police officer, after shooting broke out near an unpermitted concert in Washington, DC, Sunday evening, police say.
The shooting was preceded by two earlier incidents that caused panic and trampling at the concert, which had several hundred people gathering to hear music played from a truck on a street sidewalk, DC Police Chief Robert Contee told reporters at a news conference.
Officers responded and were able to contain the area, ultimately shutting down the concert after a "secondary incident," said Contee, who did not provide details of the incident but said "people started to scatter at that point."
Several people sustained injuries to their legs and ankles as the crowd dispersed, and police, fire and medical first responders were on scene, the police chief said. Emergency personnel recovered an illegal firearm from one individual as they tended to the injured, he said.
Gunfire subsequently broke out near 14th and U Streets Northwest, close to the concert site, where the teen was killed and others were wounded.
Several firearms were discovered on the scene, including a handgun on one of the two adults who was shot and transported to a local hospital, Contee said. The officer and the two civilians were hospitalized and are in a stable condition, he said.
The weapon used to shoot the officer has not yet been found and no police discharged their firearms, he said.
Mayor Muriel Bowser stressed the importance of safety and securing permits for events in the city.
"We have a child who was killed today at an event that did not have any proper planning for the number of people who were here and with guns involved," Bowser told the press conference. "The chief and I will continue to make sure we have the resources we need on these corridors and all of our corridors but we need some accountability here."
Officials will "look at what legal action should be taken as a result of an unpermitted event in our city," Contee said.
"Unfortunately things like this can happen when you have the wrong mix of people, or people who introduce firearms into a situation," he said. "When you have large gatherings in a dense area, all it takes is one person introducing a gun to the situation that makes it deadly. In this case, unfortunately, a 15-year-old lost his life."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting local police with the investigation, according to the agency's Washington Field Division.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/shooting-near-washington-dc-concert-leaves-15-year-old-dead-wounds-officer-and-2-adults/article_2f47ea98-14df-51a3-b921-1e223c4c34bf.html | 2022-06-20T06:31:51Z |
Boat ends up on Manasota Key after weekend storms
Published: May. 9, 2022 at 12:57 PM EDT|Updated: 14 minutes ago
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - A boat was blown ashore on Manasota Key during thunderstorms over the weekend.
Photographer Tony Witzl caught these photos. The boat washed ashore near a lifeguard stand on Manasota Key. The boat, a 25-30 foot power boat, appeared to have been anchored off shore and blew in with strong rains.
The boat has since been removed.
Copyright 2022 WWSB. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/09/boat-ends-up-manasota-key-after-weekend-storms/ | 2022-05-09T17:13:47Z |
Grand jury indicts Hawaiian couple accused of stealing dead babies’ identities, spying for Russia
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow/Gray News) - Fascinated by espionage.
That how’s federal prosecutors are describing a Hawaiian couple accused of secretly working for Russia.
A federal grand jury has indicted Walter Glenn Primrose and his wife, Gwynn Morrison, on multiple charges, including conspiracy against the United States, identity theft and false statements in applying for a passport.
The two were taken into custody last week following a raid on their home and a judge has ordered Primrose to be held without bond, even though he doesn’t have a criminal record.
A detention hearing for Morrison is set for Tuesday.
In federal court Thursday, prosecutors said investigators found coded messages, sets of invisible ink and maps of military facilities in the home. Recordings of the couple talking to each other, after their arrest, were also consistent with espionage, authorities allege.
“No one can underestimate the amount of pressure that a defendant will feel in the FBI building with a handcuff to the wall,” retired FBI agent Tom Simon said. “And so we use that opportunity to see if people slip and forget their training.”
Hawaii News Now cameras caught Special Agent Dennis Thomas, of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, heading into the grand jury room to testify ahead of the indictment.
Thomas is the agent on the case, according to the criminal complaint.
The bombshell case broke Tuesday after federal court records were unsealed.
At Primrose’s detention hearing in federal court Thursday, the government said the couple met in high school and had stolen the identities of babies, who had died in Texas in the 1980s.
They then allegedly used those identities to get Social Security cards, passports and driver’s licenses.
The government’s evidence includes photos of the couple in KGB uniforms. Morrison has claimed through her attorney that the uniform belonged to a friend and that they tried it on for fun.
“She wants the world to know that she is not a spy,” court-appointed attorney Megan Kau said.
But prosecutors say their subject matter expert determined the Polaroid pictures were taken in the 1980s and that the jacket appeared to be an authentic KGB uniform.
In a criminal complaint, the government alleges Primrose fraudulently enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1994. After retiring from the Coast Guard in 2016, he was working as a Department of Defense contractor until his arrest.
“Anybody can get a map to Pearl Harbor that shows major roads,” Kevin O’Grady said, a former military prosecutor.
But someone with secret clearance can actually get onto those roads and “go to places the public is not able to go to,” O’Grady said, adding that intelligence can provide enemies with bits of important information.
Simon said the government had likely been tracking the couple for some time and he expects additional evidence will be revealed as the case moves forward.
“The use of invisible ink seems archaic considering the technology today and encryption but who knows? These people have been doing this a long time,” Simon said, owner of Simon Investigations.
“Obviously, it’s nothing that adds to the idea that these people are just innocent citizens who like to play dress up as KGB officers at family parties,” Simon said.
“The FBI counter-intelligence agents are very smart and very thorough they’re not going to make a case with this impact based on someone playing dress-up at a party.”
Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/29/grand-jury-indicts-hawaiian-couple-accused-stealing-dead-babies-identities-spying-russia/ | 2022-07-29T05:34:48Z |
ATLANTA — Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment of former Pickens County School Superintendent Carlton Wilson and his wife, Cindy Wilson, on charges of racketeering, one count of theft by taking, and two counts of theft by conversion.
“Our office is committed to rooting out fraud and deception wherever it may occur,” Carr said in a news release. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who steal from the pockets of hard-working Georgians for their own personal gain. We take these allegations very seriously, and we look forward to presenting our case in court.”
Carlton Wilson was separately indicted on six counts of theft by taking by a fiduciary and one count of theft by deception. Cindy Wilson also was separately indicted on one count of tampering with evidence.
The Attorney General’s Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit presented evidence to a Pickens County grand jury, resulting in the Wilsons’ indictment on June 7. Specifically, the indictment charges the defendants with the following which, if convicted, can carry the respective penalties:
— Racketeering in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4: 5-20 years in custody and a fine of up to $25,000 or three times the pecuniary value gained by the accused;
— Theft by taking in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 2-20 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000;
— Theft by conversion in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 12 months in custody and/or a fine of up to $1,000 where the value of the theft is less than $1,500;
— Theft by conversion in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-10 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000 where the value of the theft is greater than $5,000 and less than $24,999.
Carlton Wilson, separately:
— Theft by taking by a fiduciary in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-15 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000;
— Theft by deception in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: 1-10 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000 where the value of the theft is greater than $5,000 and less than $24,999.
Cindy Wilson, separately:
— Tampering with evidence in violation of O.C.G.A. §16-10-94: 1-3 years in custody and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
No further information about the investigation or about the Wilsons’ alleged crimes other than that stated in the indictment may be released at this time.
Members of the public should keep in mind, Carr noted, that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government’s burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment. | https://www.albanyherald.com/news/former-pickens-county-school-superintendent-wife-indicted/article_ffb5c7c6-f8de-11ec-a8ae-430ca71ad3f8.html | 2022-07-03T14:44:56Z |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It can’t be summertime without some hot dogs being grilled up poolside or by the lake/beach!
It’s a good thing Wednesday, July 20 is National Hot Dog Day, all that you’ll need is some weiners, buns, condiments and a hungry stomach. However, if you don’t have a grill or simply don’t feel like battling the Texas sun to get your grill on, we’ve got just the thing for you.
But first, NationalToday says, “A summer day at the amusement park or at a baseball stadium pairs nicely with a hot dog (or tofu dog, for those of you who prefer a meatless version). Hot dogs don’t have to be made with meat, and anyone can enjoy the age old American favorite food any time of year.”
Eater Dallas did the hard work for us and came up with the 10 best Dallas hot dogs to eat this summer and to properly celebrate this glorious day:
- Del’s Charcoal Burgers – Richardson
- Dog Haus Biergarten – Richardson
- Kuby’s Sausage House – Dallas
- Strokers Ice House – Dallas
- Haystack Burgers and Barley – Dallas
- Rye – Dallas
- Lakewood Landing – Dallas
- Harvey B’s – Dallas
- Cold Beer Company – Dallas
- Angry Dog – Dallas
Eater has a ton more about eating around Dallas, Texas and all over the U.S.; click here for more. | https://cw33.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/its-weiner-time-north-texas-national-hot-dog-day-is-here-check-out-the-best-dallas-dogs-to-eat-this-summer-according-to-eater/ | 2022-07-20T16:54:36Z |
NEW YORK (AP) — More than 100,000 monkeypox vaccine doses are being sent to states in the next few days, and several million more are on order in the months ahead, U.S. health officials said Friday.
They also acknowledged the vaccine supply hasn’t kept up with the demand seen in New York, California and other places.
Officials predicted cases will keep rising for at least a few more weeks as the government tries to keep up with a surprising international outbreak accounting for hundreds of newly reported cases every day.
Some public health experts have begun to wonder if the outbreak is becoming widespread enough that monkeypox will become an entrenched sexually transmitted disease.
“All of our work right now is to prevent that from happening,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Africa, where people have been infected through bites from rodents or small animals. It does not usually spread easily among people.
But this year more than 12,000 cases have been reported in countries that historically don’t see the disease. The infections emerged in men who had sex with men at gatherings in Europe, though health officials have stressed that anyone can catch the virus.
As of Friday, more than 1,800 U.S. cases had been reported, with hundreds of cases being added to the tally each day. Nearly all are men and the vast majority had same-sex encounters, according to the CDC.
Experts believe the case numbers are undercounts.
Walensky said she expected cases to rise at least into August, in part because it can take three weeks from the time someone is infected until they develop symptoms and are diagnosed.
The virus mainly spreads through skin-on-skin contact, but it can also transmit through touching linens used by someone with monkeypox.
People with monkeypox may experience fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. Many in the outbreak have developed zit-like bumps on many parts of the body.
No one has died, and the illness has been relatively mild in many men. But for some, the lesions can be “exquisitely painful” and there is a risk of scarring, said Dr. Mary Foote, medical director of the New York City health department’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
When the outbreak was first identified in May, U.S. officials had only about 2,000 doses of a new, two-dose monkeypox vaccine available.
Officials have recommended the shots be given to people who know or suspect they were exposed to monkeypox in the previous two weeks, and vaccination clinics in some cities have been overwhelmed by demand. The government distributed 156,000 doses nationally as of Thursday, including 100,000 this week. And it expects to start delivering 131,000 more doses by Monday, said Dawn O’Connell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
There also are about 800,000 doses in Denmark that will come to the U.S. soon. And the government this month announced orders of 5 million more doses, though most of those are not expected to arrive until next year.
The vaccine, Jynneos, has never been widely used in response to an outbreak like this, and the government will track how well it’s working, Walensky said.
___
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. | https://cw33.com/health/ap-health/u-s-officials-states-getting-more-monkeypox-vaccine-soon/ | 2022-07-16T09:00:45Z |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. and WILMINGTON, Mass., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GEODIS, a leading global transport and logistics provider, and Locus Robotics, the leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfillment warehouses, today announced a new expansion agreement to deploy a total of 1,000 LocusBots at GEODIS' worldwide warehouse locations over the next 24 months. This represents one of the industry's largest AMR deals to date.
"As we continue to navigate industry-wide challenges such as skyrocketing e-commerce demand and labor constraints, it is crucial we remain committed to implementing the most innovative and effective robotics automation solutions available into our warehouses to allow us to best serve our customers," said Eric Douglas, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. "Locus' collaborative multi-bot approach has proven its effectiveness and reliability at each of our sites, giving us the ability to easily scale performance while providing a safe, smart working environment for our teammates. This new expansion agreement reinforces our clear and ongoing commitment to cutting-edge technology to meet our exploding customer volumes globally."
GEODIS has currently deployed Locus AMRs at 14 sites around the world, serving a wide range of retail and consumer brands, including warehouses in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement will expand that footprint significantly as new sites are deployed.
"Locus' built-in flexibility, scalability and fast ROI are helping GEODIS to consistently meet and exceed their global customers' expectations," said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. "This strategic expansion enables GEODIS to meet the needs of today's high-growth warehouses and we look forward to continuing to work together to drive operational efficiencies and growth."
GEODIS and Locus Robotics first began partnering together in 2018 at an Indiana site, allowing the global third-party logistics company to implement Locus' innovative technology into its operations to support its workforce with the complex picking process. Since then, the Locus Solution has provided improvements in productivity, flexibility and agility while enhancing the workplace environment for teammates by reducing tedious, repetitive tasks to increase retention across sites, ultimately allowing GEODIS to enhance its operations and best meet evolving customer needs.
With the explosion of e-commerce and the ongoing labor shortage, adding robotics automation has become a critical, strategic need to meet customer demands. LocusBots help GEODIS e-commerce warehouses efficiently manage order picking and inventory replenishment, significantly increasing throughput to speed delivery processes. LocusBots significantly reduce unproductive walking time, eliminate maneuvering heavy manual carts through warehouses, lower the physical demands on employees, and improve workplace ergonomics and quality.
To learn more about Locus Robotics, visit www.locusrobotics.com. To learn more about GEODIS, visit www.geodis.com.
Locus Robotics' revolutionary, multi-bot solution incorporates powerful and intelligent autonomous mobile robots that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve piece-handling productivity 2 – 3x, with less labor compared to traditional piece handling systems. This award-winning solution helps retailers, 3PLs, and specialty warehouses efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of fulfillment environments, easily integrating into existing warehouse infrastructures without disrupting workflows, instantly transforming productivity without transforming the warehouse. In 2021 Locus Robotics ranked 428 on the Inc. 500 and was named as Forrester's AMR Company of the Year. For more information, visit www.locusrobotics.com.
GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS' growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company's truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. GEODIS employs over 44,000 people globally and generated €10.9 billion in revenue in 2021. Learn more at www.geodis.com.
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SOURCE Locus Robotics | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/geodis-signs-expanded-agreement-with-locus-robotics-deploy-1000-locusbots-global-warehouse-sites/ | 2022-08-25T08:34:26Z |
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA is seeking proposals for sustainable lunar lander development and demonstration as the agency works toward a regular cadence of Moon landings. Through Artemis missions, NASA is preparing to return humans to the Moon, including the first woman and first person of color, for long-term scientific discovery and exploration.
Under the solicitation, Human Landing System Sustaining Lunar Development, NASA has provided requirements for companies interested in developing and demonstrating astronaut Moon landers. These efforts will pave the way for multiple companies to provide recurring Moon landing services beyond the Artemis III mission, which is planned for no earlier than 2025.
Companies selected under this contract will be required to perform one uncrewed and one crewed lunar landing demonstration. NASA will certify any lander system to meet its requirements prior to the crewed demonstration mission(s).
"Work done under this solicitation, in addition to current lander development and studies taking place, will help build the foundation for long-term deep space exploration," said Lisa Watson-Morgan, program manager for the Human Landing System Program at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "Partnering with American companies to do that work now allows us to leverage NASA's knowledge and expertise to encourage technological innovations for a sustained presence at the Moon."
The final call for proposals comes after NASA incorporated industry feedback on the draft solicitation, released March 31, encouraging companies to send comments to help shape a key component of the agency's human exploration Artemis architecture. NASA also hosted a virtual industry day in April to present an overview of the solicitation and to provide companies an opportunity to ask clarifying questions and provide comments.
NASA's existing contract with SpaceX includes both an uncrewed and a crewed lunar landing demonstration that is part of the Artemis III mission, marking humanity's first return to the Moon in more than 50 years. The agency plans to exercise an option under this contract, known as Option B, asking the company to evolve its current Artemis III Starship Human Landing System design to meet an extended set of requirements for sustaining missions at the Moon and conduct another crewed demonstration landing.
These concurrent sustaining lander development efforts will meet NASA's needs for recurring, long-term access to the lunar surface, such as the ability to dock with Gateway for crew transfer, accommodate an increased crew size, and deliver more mass to the surface.
NASA's Artemis efforts include sending a suite of new science instruments and technology demonstrations to study the Moon, landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, and more. The agency will leverage its Artemis experiences and technologies to prepare for the next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars.
Proposals for the sustainable lunar lander development and demonstration are due Nov. 15.
For more information about this procurement, visit:
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SOURCE NASA | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/nasa-pursues-astronaut-lunar-landers-future-artemis-moon-missions/ | 2022-09-16T23:16:35Z |
Second Quarter ended July 2, 2022
BLUE BELL, Pa., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- QualTek Services Inc. ("QualTek" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: QTEK), a leading turnkey provider of infrastructure services to the North American 5G wireless, telecom, power grid modernization, and renewable energy sectors, announced today that the Company will release its Second Quarter financial results on Monday, August 8, 2022, after the financial markets close.
The Company will host a conference call the next day, August 9, 2022, to discuss its results and business outlook at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be accessible by telephone at 1 (888) 330 – 2454 or 1 (240) 789 - 2714 using passcode 2965812, and the webcast can be accessed here. Additionally, the call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed and replayed through the investor relations section of the Company's website at qualtekservices.com.
About QualTek
Founded in 2012, QualTek is a leading technology-driven provider of infrastructure services to the 5G wireless, telecom, power grid modernization, and renewable energy sectors across North America. QualTek has a national footprint with more than 80 operation centers across the U.S. and a workforce of over 5,000 people. QualTek has established a nationwide operating network to enable quick responses to customer demands as well as proprietary technology infrastructure for advanced reporting and invoicing. The Company reports within two operating segments: Telecommunications and Renewables and Recovery. For more information, please visit qualtekservices.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the financial condition, results of operations, earnings outlook and prospects of QualTek. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "continue," "could," "may," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict," "should," "would" and other similar words and expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of QualTek and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed and identified in public filings made with the SEC by QualTek.
Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions made by the management of QualTek prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the matters addressed in this communication and attributable to QualTek or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this communication. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, QualTek undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this communication to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Media Contact:
QualTek IR/Communications
Gianna Lucchesi
PR@qualtekservices.com
(484) 804 - 4585
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SOURCE QualTek Services Inc. | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/qualtek-services-inc-report-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-august-8-2022/ | 2022-07-25T22:15:12Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Employers posted a record 11.5 million job openings in March, meaning the United States now has an unprecedented two job openings for every person who is unemployed.
The latest data released Tuesday by the the Bureau of Labor Statistics further reveals an extraordinarily tight labor market that has emboldened millions of Americans to seek better paying jobs, while also contributing to the biggest inflation surge in four decades.
A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March — a sign that they are confident they can find better pay or improved working conditions elsewhere.
Layoffs, which has been running around 1.8 million a month before the pandemic hit the economy in early 2020, ticked up to 1.4 million in March from 1.35 million in February.
The U.S. job market is on a hot streak. Employers have added an average of more than 540,000 jobs a month for the past year. The Labor Department is expected to report Friday that the economy generated another 400,000 new jobs in April, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet. That would mark an unprecedented 12th straight month that hiring has come in at 400,000 or more.
The U.S. economy and job market roared back with unexpected strength from 2020’s brief but devastating coronavirus recession, fueled by massive government spending and super-low interested rates engineered by the Federal Reserve.
Caught off guard by the sudden rebound in consumer demand, companies scrambled to hire workers and stock their shelves. They were forced to raise wages, and factories, ports and freight yards were overwhelmed with traffic. The result has been shipping delays and higher prices.
In March, consumer prices rose 8.5% from a year earlier — the hottest inflation since 1981.
Where things go from here is uncertain. The Fed is raising short-term interest rates to combat inflation. The COVID-19 stimulus from the federal government is gone. And the war in Ukraine has clouded the economic outlook.
Despite strong hiring, the United States is still 1.6 million short of the jobs it had in February 2020, just before the coronavirus hit the economy; and that shortfall does not take into account the additional jobs that should have been added by a growing population.
For now anyway, the job market looks strong.
“Employees have strong job security and confidence in their ability to find new work,” said Nick Bunker, director of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “The labor market is still very much a job seeker’s market. Something dramatic will have to happen for this to change anytime soon.” | https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/employers-post-record-11-5-million-job-openings-in-march/ | 2022-05-03T16:46:08Z |
(NewsNation) — The black Jeep registered to a woman accused of killing a popular cyclist amid an alleged love triangle has been found, U.S. Marshals said Thursday.
Kaitlin Armstrong, 34, is accused of murdering Moriah Wilson, 25, a rising star in the cycling world. Wilson had been visiting Austin before a race in Hico, Texas, last month, NewsNation affiliate KXAN reported. She was found unconscious with a gunshot wound at an Austin residence on May 11 and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Armstrong was brought in for questioning and released. She has been on the run ever since.
Investigators earlier this month said Armstrong was dropped off at an airport in Newark, New Jersey, on May 18. Surveillance footage also places her at a Texas airport three days after the alleged crime.
This week, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force also confirmed that Armstrong sold her Jeep on May 13 to a CarMax dealership in South Austin for $12,200. She received a check from the dealership one day after being questioned by Austin Police.
A police affidavit related to the case shows Wilson met with Armstrong’s boyfriend, fellow pro cyclist Colin Strickland, on May 11 — the same night as her death.
Strickland, who said he dated Wilson last fall, told police the two went swimming and then to dinner on May 11 before he dropped Wilson off at the home where her body was later found.
Security footage shows an SUV similar to Armstrong’s pulling up outside Wilson’s home one minute after she was dropped off. Shell casings found at the scene of the killing were analyzed against a gun belonging to Armstrong, with police writing in an affidavit that there was “significant” potential that the same firearm was involved in Wilson’s death.
One anonymous tipster, who police regard as credible, said Armstrong became “furious” and wanted to “kill” Wilson after discovering Strickland was romantically involved with her.
However, Strickland has called the police’s affidavit into the murder investigation “misleading,” KXAN reported, insisting in an interview with The Sun that he and Wilson had a “completely platonic relationship and friendship” throughout 2022.
“It’s unfortunate how that has been skewed out to be a salacious aspect to this story when it really wasn’t the case,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Austin Police Department told KXAN that the department has “been in discussions with Moriah’s family, and we are respecting their privacy in this matter.”
Strickland is not a person of interest in the case. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/police-find-jeep-belonging-to-suspect-in-texas-killing-of-cyclist-moriah-wilson/ | 2022-06-24T18:23:34Z |
IPS Ecosystem unifies parking resource planning, management, and data-driven decision-making for any size operation.
SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IPS Group ("IPS"), the leader in innovative Smart Parking solutions, will showcase its Fully Integrated Smart Parking Ecosystem at the IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo in New Orleans, LA July 24 – 27, 2022.
IPS provides Smart Cities and Higher Education Institutions a powerful, robust, and scalable Smart Parking technical ecosystem that can be deployed with IPS as the sole provider, as well as a system aggregator and integrator of multiple third-party solutions. Many IPS customers already subscribe to the complete, fully integrated IPS Ecosystem for their core operations for ease of agency-wide parking data integration and access to all parking applications in one secure platform.
"As innovation and sources of data continue to explode across the parking industry, seamless system integration has become the number one requirement of our customers today," says Chad Randall, IPS Group Chief Operating Officer. "Understanding that every City and University has a diverse set of needs, we provide a truly unified and flexible solution that can eliminate data and operational silos. This allows our customers to extract greater value and prioritize their time on data-supported policy decisions such as streamlining maintenance and enforcement, managing parking demand and the customer journey, and seizing more opportunities to increase revenue and improve the customer experience."
Live demonstrations of all IPS Smart Parking solutions will take place at booth 237. All IPS applications are seamlessly connected to the secure, cloud-based Data Management System that integrates all application data into custom dashboards, meaningful analytics and insights, and business intelligence reports.
The IPS Fully Integrated Smart Parking Ecosystem includes:
- Data Management System with Advanced Analytics
- M5™ Single-Space Parking Meters
- MS1™ and MS3™ Multi-Space Pay Stations
- Pay Station Upgrade Kits
- Enforcement Management Solution
- Permit Management Solution
- PARK SMARTER™ Mobile Payment Application
- Vehicle Detection Smart Sensors
About IPS Group
IPS Group, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., with offices across North America and Europe, is a designer, engineer and manufacturer of low-power wireless telecommunications, payment processing systems, intelligent data management and cloud-based technologies. IPS provides Smarter Parking for Smart Communities™ of any size through its Fully Integrated Smart Parking Ecosystem of connected applications.
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SOURCE IPS Group, Inc. | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/25/ips-group-showcases-fully-integrated-smart-parking-ecosystem-ipmi-parking-amp-mobility-conference-amp-expo/ | 2022-07-25T16:06:50Z |
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global leading transport and logistics provider GEODIS today announced it has been named as a 2022 Top Supply Chain Project recipient by Supply & Demand Chain Executive for its Green Team and Green Site Certification programs. The annual Supply & Demand Chain Executive award spotlights successful and innovative transformation projects that deliver bottom-line value to small, medium and large enterprises across a range of supply chain functions.
GEODIS was recognized for its Green Team program, which is currently implemented across 145 facilities in the United States and features volunteers who together champion sustainability and environmental initiatives locally at each site. GEODIS Green Teams meet monthly to discuss their facility's environmental opportunities as well as conduct semi-annual waste and recycling assessments, identify and implement initiatives to prevent waste from entering landfills, and host community outreach events to better the planet. Additionally, GEODIS was honored for this year's award for its Green Site Certification program. Offered in tandem with the Green Team efforts, the Green Site Certification program recognizes facilities that commit to sustainable strategies, policies and practices.
"The recognition from Supply & Demand Chain Executive as a Top Supply Chain Project recipient further validates the important work we are doing each day to ensure sustainability is embedded into our operations to work toward a better tomorrow," said Drew Cravens, Senior Director, Head of Business Excellence at GEODIS in Americas.
In 2021, GEODIS Green Teams contributed to identifying waste that was diverted from landfills across its U.S. facilities to lead to a 40% total waste reduction for the year. As part of the GEODIS Green Team program, teammates identity and implement more sustainable practices into its facilities including recycling materials such as cardboard, plastic wrap, pallets, metal, toner and paper, reducing electricity consumption through smart energy management and sensors that optimize consumption, and adopting the use of "green" products like recycled paper, office products and cleaning supplies. Outside of GEODIS facilities, Green Teams regularly organize community outreach initiatives such as Earth Day, electronic waste and community clean-up events to give back and protect their local neighborhoods.
"At GEODIS, we believe that a company can only be fully successful if it operates sustainably," said June Brown, Senior Manager, Environment and Sustainability at GEODIS in Americas. "Our Green Team and Green Site Certification programs are powerful examples of the positive impact we can make to minimize our environmental footprint."
All GEODIS facilities in the United States operate in accordance with the Green Site Certification program standards to ensure teammates are educated on how to use resources efficiently. Facilities are awarded with certificates in a tiered system based on the site's individual sustainable strategies, policies and practices and are proudly displayed on-site.
To learn more about GEODIS, visit www.geodis.com. A full list of all Supply & Demand Chain Executive's Top Supply Chain Projects for 2022 can be found at www.sdcexec.com.
GEODIS – www.geodis.com
GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS' growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company's truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. GEODIS employs over 44,000 people globally and generated €10.9 billion in revenue in 2021.
PRESS CONTACT
Lauren McKirgan
FINN Partners
615 512 8621
lauren.mckirgan@finnpartners.com
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SOURCE GEODIS | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/geodis-honored-2022-top-supply-chain-project-winner-by-supply-amp-demand-chain-executive/ | 2022-06-24T14:51:12Z |
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Looming Medicare cuts set to take effect in less than four months will jeopardize seniors' access to critical treatments and procedures, according to the Surgical Care Coalition (SCC). Advocating for patients, SCC leaders will meet with members of Congress and their staff on Thursday, September 15 to continue to build support to stop these cuts.
"The current Medicare payment system is unstable, unsustainable, and out of touch with the surgical needs of millions of Americans. The need for reform has never been more evident," said John H. Calhoon, MD, President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. "The Surgical Care Coalition is ready to stand against CMS's proposed policies and urges Congress to stand by the hundreds of thousands of surgeons protecting patient access to care."
The SCC Leadership Day is intended to educate Congressional leaders and their staff on the consequences of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed 4.5% cut to the Medicare conversion factor – a critical element for calculating Medicare payments. If Congress fails to stop this cut and also allows the additional 4% Medicare payment reduction due to statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) requirements to take effect, surgical care faces a staggering cut of almost 8.5% in 2023. This cut would come on top of the immense challenges that surgical practices across the nation are already facing, including significant medical inflation along with staffing and supply chain shortages.
These cuts are on top of the 2% sequestration cut that was fully reinstated in July demonstrating a year-after-year disinvestment in surgical care and threatening care access for millions of seniors nationwide. This disinvestment coupled with a growing senior population puts our health care system on an even more unsustainable trajectory. By 2040, Americans aged 65 and older are expected to represent 21.6% of the total population—5 percent more than today, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SCC says this demonstrates why it is more important than ever to have a durable Medicare payment system that protects access to care for the individuals most in need.
"The current Medicare fee schedule continues to disincentivize collaboration between physicians as they are forced to fight against each other for critical resources," said Randall M. Clark, MD, FASA, President of American Society of Anesthesiologists. "Physicians provide essential care for patients, yet the current system requires us to divide our attention between providing that care and ensuring our practices have the resources to operate."
"Without swift Congressional action, millions of patients will be at risk of losing timely access to critical surgical procedures," said Charles Mabry, MD, FACS, Member of American College of Surgeons. "Leaders from the Surgical Care Coalition welcome the opportunity to share with Members of Congress the immediate threat these cuts pose to our patients and the critical need to create a sustainable Medicare payment system for the long-term."
"These compounding cuts reflect a Medicare payment system that promotes neither quality care nor investment in high-quality patient outcomes," said Jason M. Schwalb, MD, FAANS, Member of American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons. "Congress needs to protect America's seniors now by stopping the cuts to surgical care while advancing the reforms needed to create a more reliable payment system moving forward."
"The Surgical Care Coalition is ready to work with Members of Congress to show that the temporary fixes to the Medicare payment system are band-aids to structural problems," said Margaret C. Tracci, MD, JD, FACS, Member of Society of Vascular Surgeons. "Stopping this year's cuts while introducing long-term, stabilizing solutions is a necessary step Congress must take to build a better foundation for future patient care."
"It is vital that Congress work to update the physician payment schedule to reflect the increased cost of health care for both patients and providers," said David Glasser, MD, Member of American Academy of Ophthalmology. "As medical inflation nears an all-time high, the combined 10.5% cut will introduce yet another challenge into an already difficult operating environment for surgical practices."
Media interested in attending a press briefing with the SCC leaders on Wednesday, September 14, should contact media@surgicalcare.org.
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SOURCE Surgical Care Coalition | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/surgical-care-coalition-host-leadership-day-capitol-hill/ | 2022-09-09T14:34:50Z |
LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Entertainment law firm Ramo Law PC announced that the 2022 edition of Southern California Super Lawyers names Senior Associates Geoff Lee, Sean Pope, Zev Raben, Mary Trier, and Alexa Whiteside as Rising Stars for their exemplary legal talent.
To be featured in this selective list, which includes no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state, individuals are identified as the top, up-and-coming attorneys in each market who are either 40 years of age or under or who have been practicing law for ten or fewer years.
Lee is general counsel for unscripted and premium docu-series production companies such as Scout Productions ("Legendary"), Boardwalk Pictures ("Chef's Table"), and Campfire Studios ("Rudy! A Documusical", premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this week) and negotiates lucrative network deals for his clients' large scale productions. Drawing on his background as a creative producer, Lee focuses his legal practice on facilitating his clients' vision, providing them with the legal tools to actualize their ideas for mediums of all types including closing strategic partnerships and branding opportunities between the fashion and television industries as well as structuring non-traditional financing of entertainment projects through sales of NFTs on the blockchain. As production counsel, Lee specializes in high profile, talent driven productions such as "The Big Brunch" starring Dan Levy, "Rennervations" with Jeremy Renner, and "Welcome to Wrexham" following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElnenny's purchase of a Welsh football team.
Pope works alongside producers and production companies focusing on all aspects of production legal services from development to distribution, with a particular emphasis towards documentaries and docu-series, including recent projects, "Cheer," "Last Chance U: Basketball," and "The Long Game," as well as Sundance Film Festival 2022 selections, "The Exiles," "Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power," "Descendant," and "TikTok, Boom." In addition, Pope serves as outside counsel for unscripted fare at Boardwalk Pictures and Campfire Studios, as well as production legal counsel for Image Nation ("The Ambush," "Watcher") and The Solution Entertainment Group ("Year 2," "Blacklight," "Honest Thief," "Line of Duty"). Pope enjoys being a part of teams that help elevate unconventional stories, as well as assisting young producers to navigate the complex issues involved in creating as well as exploring diverse and novel avenues for the exploitation of their content at the start of their careers.
Providing guidance and advice to financiers and distribution companies, Raben brings his depth of legal experience to bear for his clients in all aspects of their varied businesses. While his practice is primarily focused on representing financiers, Raben also assists distribution companies and producers in all areas of their creative pursuits. Raben has assisted financiers and producers to close financing most recently for "Ambush" starring Aaron Eckhart, and the Sean Penn helmed "Black Flies."
Trier works primarily with production companies and creators on film and television projects, directing clients through varied development stages, whether it be through industry norms or complex chain of title issues. She oversees business and legal affairs at Imagine Entertainment alongside Elsa Ramo, offering legal guidance on projects like Netflix's "tick, tick… BOOM!" and "Hillbilly Elegy," and also advises Imagine Kids & Family, Imagine Documentaries, Hello Sunshine, Boardwalk Pictures, Balboa Productions and Funny or Die. Trier recently provided general counsel for the Laugh Out Loud/Sundance Women Write Now Fellowship in 2021, is on the board of the 501(c)3 legal organization Professional Entertainment Female Attorneys (PEFA), and has worked on titles such as Skydance's "Grace and Frankie" and the film "Arkansas" starring Vince Vaughn and Liam Hemsworth.
Through the firm, Whiteside serves as general counsel for several entertainment and media companies, including Kevin Hart's Hartbeat (including its Laugh Out Loud! Network and subsidiaries) and Hybrid, LLC (who most recently announced their production "The Gabby Petito Story" airing on Lifetime this coming fall 2022). Some of her other work for the firm includes serving as production counsel on such films as upcoming feature films as Hello Sunshine's "Something from Tiffany's" and Tom Hanks' "A Man Called Otto." Licensed in both California and North Carolina, she was also recognized for her pro-bono efforts in 2021 and enters 2022 as Vice-Chair of the Sports and Entertainment Section of the NCBA, council member of the NCBF Pro-Bono Awards Sub-Committee, and Secretary of the 501(c)3 legal organization Professional Entertainment Female Attorneys (PEFA).
Selections are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, an affiliate of Thomson Reuters. The multi-phase selection process includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, and a peer review. For more information, visit superlawyers.com.
With offices in Los Angeles and New York City, Ramo Law PC provides comprehensive legal services to its clients in the entertainment industry with a specialized focus in representing financiers, producers, and production entities in film, television and digital content. The firm provides experienced legal services to optimize its clients' financial, legal and business position in the financing, production and exploitation of their content. For more information, visit RamoLawPC.com.
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SOURCE Ramo Law PC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/five-ramo-law-pc-attorneys-named-2022-super-lawyers-rising-stars-list/ | 2022-06-21T19:22:34Z |
ST PETERS, Mo., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ScholarPath, an education platform designed to help high school students pursue a future true to their talents and passions is pleased to welcome Scott Morris as a leadership consultant for the company. ScholarPath's co-founder, Doug Mitchell, will remain at the company and serve as both the chief executive officer and chief revenue officer. In his new role, Morris will be responsible for developing and strengthening the business processes and managing the day-to-day operations.
Morris has over 30 years of experience dedicated to helping employers develop and implement scaling strategies that have led to significant growth rates. He has significant background in strategy, business development, mergers and acquisitions and division president roles. Morris has served in various B2B and B2C industries including manufactured products or components, software, and technology, worked for four private equity-owned businesses, assisted in the sale of three employers, and was part of two IPOs. Most recently, Scott led global Corporate Development & Strategy, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, at Xplor Technologies.
"Scott brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge, expertise and talent to the team that will reinforce and strengthen ScholarPath's mission to help students find their next steps," said Mitchell. "We are excited to welcome Scott to the organization and look forward to continuing to serve and support our partners."
ScholarPath is a transformational tool that helps students find their ideal career pathway and plan for life after high school. The platform connects students directly with colleges, employers and recruiters to identify their best next steps and find real opportunities.
"The assistance offered by ScholarPath is becoming increasingly essential in today's society where career, school and candidate options are abundant and potentially overwhelming," said Morris. "I am proud to join an organization that not only supports an important mission but has cultivated a team of employees that are each just as passionate about the mission and services provided."
MyScholar's ScholarPath is a workforce development social network tool for high school students. By building an ecosystem for students, colleges, employers and the military, ScholarPath is changing how high school students plan their future and how high school talent is recruited. The organization helps high school students find their right path, whether that be college, the workforce, or the military. Founded by an experienced team of educators and technologists, ScholarPath launched in multiple St. Louis high schools during the 2020/2021 school year, in conjunction with area chambers of commerce, employers, unions and the military. To learn more about ScholarPath's mission, visit www.scholarpath.com.
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SOURCE ScholarPath | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/scholarpath-brings-scott-morris-leadership-consultant/ | 2022-06-01T17:04:20Z |
Auction for 2023/2024 Delivery Year Attracts a Diverse and Reliable Resource Mix at Lower Cost for Consumers
VALLEY FORGE, Pa., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PJM Interconnection announced today the successful procurement of resources in its annual capacity auction to meet electricity needs and ensure reliable service for the 2023/2024 Delivery Year.
The auction results reflect a reliable and lower-carbon resource mix achieved at a low cost to consumers.
Prices for the 2023/2024 Delivery Year were lower than in the previous auction for the 2022/2023 Delivery Year. As a result, sufficient resources plus robust reserve levels were procured at a cost of $2.2 billion, compared with approximately $4 billion for the current 2022/2023 Delivery Year.
Those resources clearing the auction include more than 5,300 additional megawatts of nuclear generation than cleared in the prior auction.
"PJM's capacity market continues to support the reliability of the electric grid in a competitive manner," said President and CEO Manu Asthana. "In combination with our other markets, the capacity market remains a central component in attracting a diverse, reliable and competitive resource mix to meet forecasted system demand."
The PJM capacity auction, called the Base Residual Auction, procures power supply resources in advance of the delivery year to meet electricity needs in the PJM service area, which includes all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Auctions are usually held three years in advance of the delivery year. The 2023/2024 auction was originally scheduled to be held in May 2020, but auctions had been suspended while FERC considered approval of new capacity market rules.
"PJM's capacity market is designed to reflect where supply and demand meet, and these auction results show that," said Stu Bresler, Senior Vice President – Market Services. "We look forward to working with our stakeholders and the states we serve to continue refining our markets to meet the needs of an evolving grid and ensure the reliable flow of power well into the future."
This year's auction procured 144,871 MW of resources for the period of June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. The total Fixed Resource Requirement (FRR) obligation is an additional 31,346 MW.
The auction produced a price of $34.13/MW-day for much of the PJM footprint, compared to $50/MW-day for the 2022/2023 auction in June 2021. Prices are higher in some regions due to constraints on the transmission system.
Potential factors contributing to the clearing price results include:
- The first application of the less restrictive Minimum Offer Price Rule, applied to only seven resources representing 76 MW
- A revised, lower unit-specific Market Seller Offer Cap
- Less lead time to the delivery year (one year instead of three)
- The use of a historical rather than a forward-looking Energy and Ancillary Services Revenue Offset
- The first application of the Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) method for determining the capacity value of wind, solar and storage resources
Carbon-Free Resources Increase
PJM's auction saw a growth of more than 5,000 cleared megawatts of carbon-free resources, led by an increase of 5,315 MW from existing nuclear units that did not clear in the previous auction. Solar resources increased 25%, from 1,512 MW to 1,868 MW, while the number of wind resources clearing was down 434 MW to 1,294 MW. The decrease in wind resources clearing the auction reflected a decrease of wind resources offering into the auction.
Natural gas resources clearing the auction increased by 1,685 MW, with more efficient combined-cycle units clearing 3,627 more megawatts than the last auction and combustion-turbine units down 1,012 MW. Combined-cycle units cleared a total of 48,030 MW in the auction and combustion-turbine units 19,080 MW.
Cleared capacity of steam units (primarily coal) was down 7,186 MW to 27,682 MW, tracking with a decrease of 7,813 MW offered into the auction as a result of coal retirements.
A 660 MW increase in Energy Efficiency resources, to 5,471 MW, was offset by a 716 MW decrease in Demand Response to 8,096 MW.
Hydro decreased slightly, from 4,157 MW to 3,677 MW.
The total procured capacity in the auction represents a 20.3% reserve margin, compared to a 14.8% required reserve for the 2023/2024 Delivery Year. This accounts for load and resource commitments under FRR.
In three areas, prices were higher than the overall PJM price:
- In the MAAC region, the price was $49.49/MW-day. MAAC consists of Atlantic City Electric, BGE, Delmarva Power, Jersey Central Power & Light, Met-Ed, PECO, Penelec, Pepco, PPL, PSE&G, PPL and Rockland Electric.
- Two transmission zones within MAAC broke out with higher prices than the rest of the MAAC area.
PJM has compressed its auction calendar to return to a three-year-forward basis. The next annual Base Residual Auction, for the 2024/2025 Delivery Year, will be held in December.
A detailed report of the results is available on PJM's capacity market web page.
2023/2024 Capacity Prices
PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes over 85,103 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $3.2 billion to $4 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.
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SOURCE PJM Interconnection | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/pjm-capacity-auction-secures-electricity-supplies-competitive-prices/ | 2022-06-21T23:01:29Z |
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Top House Republicans are demanding answers from the Department of Justice for its decision to investigate former President Donald Trump and say investigating the DOJ will be a top priority if they take control of the House this midterm election.
Republicans like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., are vowing to get to the bottom of the FBI search of Trump’s estate.
“It is unprecedented,” he said. “I haven’t heard any justification that is even plausible.”
Hawley says he supports House hearings to question top Justice Department officials including the attorney general.
“I think Merrick Garland should resign over this. I think he should be removed from office,” he said.
House Republican Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Calif., is promising an investigation that will leave “no stone unturned” if Republicans seize control after the midterm election.
Until then, the former president and the Justice Department remain locked in a legal battle. Both sides have until midnight on Friday to submit their suggestions for which independent third party should review the documents removed from Trump’s home.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, who is a former CIA agent, says the investigation is definitely warranted.
“We’re asked to believe that a former president who took some boxes with him that that’s somehow a massive crime…No one believes that,” Slotkin said. “The cover sheets on those classified documents indicate some significant classification//top secret classification//that should be concerning for everybody.”
She says Republican threats to retaliate are dangerous.
“I don’t think that’s good for the country,” she said. “In my republican leaning district, people just want their government to function.” | https://cw33.com/news/washington-dc-bureau/republicans-demand-answers-from-doj-for-trump-investigation/ | 2022-09-09T22:08:15Z |
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