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Augusta County woman chosen to serve on Virginia’s Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced members of the Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism and an Augusta County woman is among those serving on it.
Jennifer L. Goss taught for 19 years including nine of those years at Staunton High School. She’s spent much of her life learning and teaching others about the Holocaust and Jewish culture.
“In the process of all of that, I began to meet Holocaust survivors and recognize that they weren’t going to be with us forever, and we needed to be able to tell their stories and to equip the younger generations to tell their stories,” Goss said.
Now, she works as a Program Manager for Echoes & Reflections, where she is in charge of outreach and develops contents. Echoes & Reflections is a partnership between the Anti-Defamation League, the U.S. Shoah Foundation, and Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.
In her career, she’s taught courses on these topics. She’s served as a U.S. Holocaust Museum teacher fellow, a consultant for the Holocaust Education Foundation of Central Virginia, and she continues to work with teachers locally and nationally.
Now, through the commission, she’ll use her knowledge in a new way.
“We are still seeing individuals in our communities that are being impacted in both small and large ways by this hatred. I think it’s critically important that this commission was formed because we need to be able to create a safe climate for all Virginians,” Goss said.
The commission plans to identify ways to reverse increasing anti-Semitic incidents, which are at an all-time high.
“Last week we released a report that the anti-Semitic incidents reached an all-time high in the U.S. in 2021. There were over 2,700 incidents of assault and harassment and vandalism that were reported to the Anti-Defamation League,” Goss said.
In the last seven years, anti-Semitic attacks have been on the rise, Goss said, and Jewish people aren’t the only ones affected.
“Sometimes the hate that is experienced and directed towards Jewish people is just part of a set of hatreds that impacts others as well,” Goss said.
To learn more about the Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism, visit the governor’s website.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/augusta-county-woman-chosen-serve-virginias-commission-combat-anti-semitism/ | 2022-05-07T02:16:50Z |
‘Everybody knew her’: School district identifies 18-year-old student reportedly killed by father
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A high school in South Carolina is helping to remember one of their students who was reportedly killed in a domestic situation involving her father.
WIS reports officials with the Richland County School District One said that Sha’Neal Brown, 18, died Thursday evening.
Sha’Neal Brown was a student at Eau Clarie High School, and principal Neshunda Walters said that her heart was broken when it came to losing such a well-liked person and student.
Authorities said Sha’Neal Brown’s father, Rafael Brown, is facing murder charges stemming from the deadly Thursday incident.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department reports it was called regarding a domestic situation involving a weapon that evening at a home. Deputies found two bodies inside the house, later identified as Sha’neal Brown and her grandmother Jessie Brown, 83.
Officials said Rafael Brown was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Principal Walters released the following statement after Sha’neal Brown was identified:
“Everybody knew her. She was a well-known student who was well-liked and involved in several service and extracurricular activities. She assisted in the school counseling office and in the library, and she was a special assistant and mentee to our school social worker. She was also a member of our marching band’s dance team and a member of the Shamrockettes girls mentoring group. Our hearts are truly broken.”
Copyright 2022 WIS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/everybody-knew-her-school-district-identifies-18-year-old-student-reportedly-killed-by-father/ | 2022-05-07T02:16:56Z |
Police: Father killed on highway while trying to find child’s toy thrown from car
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Gray News) - A Tennessee man was killed on a highway when he was trying to find his child’s toy that was thrown out of their car.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reports that 32-year-old Joshua Thomas Taylor was traveling on Thursday with his family on Interstate 65 when his child threw one of their favorite toys out of the window.
Police said Taylor returned later that evening to the area to look for the toy. He parked his car near a ramp and walked along the highway.
Tennessee Department of Transportation HELP truck drivers told police that they found Taylor and tried to talk with him, but he ran across the interstate and jumped over the barrier to the other side.
The truck drivers said they began traveling to the opposite side of the highway when they heard a collision.
Nashville police said the 32-year-old was struck by a GMC Yukon and pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Yukon did not display any indications of impairment and officials said speed did not appear to be a factor.
Nashville police reminded everyone that walking on the interstate is illegal and very dangerous.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/police-father-killed-highway-while-trying-find-childs-toy-thrown-car/ | 2022-05-07T02:17:05Z |
November 10 is a day Kim Ford remembers too well. It was the day last year when her 9-year-old son, Jack, was scheduled to get his Covid-19 vaccine at the school clinic. They were excited that he'd finally have some protection, but on November 9, he had the sniffles.
"When he woke up [November 10] and he was feeling even worse, I said, 'You know what, let's test you before you go in, because I don't want you to get the Covid vaccine if you actually have Covid,' " the Michigan mom said.
Jack tested positive for Covid-19 that day and he's lived with the symptoms ever since.
It has kept him from staying at school all day. He has to limit how much he plays baseball with the other neighborhood kids. Even playing Fortnite for too long can leave him feeling sick the next day.
He's one of potentially millions of kids with long Covid.
"My stomach hurts. It's kind of hard to breathe. You have a stuffy nose. It's just an absurd amount of things that you can feel," Jack Ford said. "It's really annoying at times. It's not like a cold, you know, it feels like Covid.
"People may think you're feeling faking it, but you're not faking it. You feel like you have Covid," he added.
'An undiagnosed issue'
It's not clear how many children go on to develop long Covid, because there's not enough research on it in this age group, some experts say.
Almost 13 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Studies suggest that between 2% and 10% of those children will develop long Covid, but the number may be larger. Many parents may not know their child has long Covid, or the child's pediatrician hasn't recognized it as such.
In adults, some research puts the number around 30% of cases.
"I personally believe that this is a very much an undiagnosed issue," said Dr. Sara Kristen Sexson Tejtel, who helps lead a long Covid pediatric clinic at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.
Many doctors treating children at long Covid clinics across the country say they have long waits for appointments. Some are booked through September.
An unusual range of symptoms
There are no specific tests for long Covid. It's not clear which children will have it, as it can happen even when a child has a mild case of Covid-19.
"It's startling how many of these children present and have a range of symptoms that we haven't fully appreciated. Some are coming in with heart failure after asymptomatic Covid infections," said Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "What's striking to me is that it usually occurs about four weeks after infection, and infection can be really asymptomatic, which is really startling."
Even when kids with long Covid are tested for ailments that might cause these symptoms, it's possible nothing will show up.
"The tested me, and it looked like nothing was wrong with me, but they tried their best to find something," Jack Ford said.
His pulmonary function test and EKG came back normal. "The Covid clinic said this is very common in kids with long Covid. Sometimes, all the tests come back normal," Kim Ford said.
Dr. Amy Edwards, who runs the pediatric long Covid clinic at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland, agreed that it happens a lot.
"We also scoped them, and their GI tracts are normal. I do a big immune workup, and their immune system appears normal. Everything 'looks normal,' but the kids aren't functioning like normal," Edwards said. "I tell the families, 'you have to remember, there are limits to what medical science understands and can test for.' Sometimes, we're just not smart enough to know where to look for it."
Adults' problems tend to be more obvious, Edwards said, because they are more likely to have organ dysfunction that shows up on tests.
Doctors are still trying to understand why long Covid happens this way in children. They are also figuring out what symptoms define long Covid in children. Some studies in adults show a range of 200 symptoms, but there is no universal clinical case definition.
At Sexson Tejte's clinic in Texas, children tend to fall into a few categories. Some have fatigue, brain fog and severe headaches, "to the point where the some kids aren't able to go to school, grades are failing, those types of issues," she said.
Another group has cardiac issues like heart palpitations, chest pains and dizziness, especially when they go back to their regular activities.
Another group has stomach problems. A lot of these kids also have a change in their sense of taste and smell.
Sexson Tejte said it isn't totally different from the symptoms adults have, "but it's not the mixed bag of different organ system involvement with adults."
'Once that bucket is empty, that's it'
One of Jack Ford's symptoms affects the amount of energy he has for typical activities.
"Long Covid patients have post-exertional malaise, which is Jack's biggest issue," Kim Ford said. "So if he overdoes it -- and it doesn't even have to be physically overdoing it. It could be he was really upset about something the day before, or he could be really mentally engaged with something like watching TV or playing video games sitting in his chair -- will knock him out."
Energy has become such a problem that Jack can't go to school for a full day. His parents started him back with one to two hours a day and have gradually increased it to about 5½ hours a day.
"We've been trying to bump him up to six, but it hasn't worked so far," Kim Ford said. "He's woken up pretty miserable the next day."
Edwards, who runs the long Covid clinic in Cleveland, says she has to talk to parents about carefully balancing how much energy their children expend. Most healthy people can push through if they're tired, but those with long Covid can't. "It's like they have one bucket of energy, and it has to be used carefully for school, for play, to watch TV. Every single thing they do takes energy, and once that bucket is empty, that's it," Edwards said.
Some of her teen patients are exhausted just dealing with typical drama at school.
"Long-haulers have to think about every single aspect of their day and when they can expend that energy. They have to have that balance. Otherwise, they run out."
Many also have anxiety. Some of that may stem from the ailment itself or from the doubt they've heard from doctors or adults when they say they don't feel well.
Experts across the country say they've heard from patients whose complaints are ignored, even after a stark change in their health. They've been told that they are being dramatic or seeking attention, or that the symptoms are all in their head.
"I don't want to be too critical, but there are some doctors out there who just dismiss it outright," said Dr. Alexandra Yonts, director of the post-Covid clinic at Children's National in Washington. "The kids then just struggle. They get passed around from place to place."
Yonts thinks there needs to be better acknowledgment among doctors that long Covid can be a real problem.
"I've got two kids in wheelchairs after having had Covid who were never in wheelchairs before. There's one kid on crutches. I've got a kid who lost the use of her hands," Edward said. "These kids should be believed."
Help is available, but not all have access
There's no specific treatment for long Covid, but most of these clinics are multidisciplinary.
At Edwards' clinic, which opened last year, experts can address pulmonary issues, digestive problems, physical rehabilitation, sleep issues, mental health problems and others. There's a nutritionist on staff, as well as an acupuncturist and a pediatrician who is licensed in Chinese herbal medicine.
In addition to working up a child's schedule so they can determine where to spend their energy and when to take breaks, Edwards' clinic teaches kids to meditate. They do massage therapy and mind-body exercises.
"Children need multiple elements of help. They get significantly better, really they do, if we're aggressive and they get intensive wraparound support and therapy," Edwards said.
But not all children are able to get into a clinic.
"I've talked to so many people working with pediatric Covid recovery, and they all say the same thing: 'We are worried about the kids who aren't getting the help, who don't have the parents who can advocate for them or navigate the medical system.' It keeps me up at night," Edwards said.
A lot of what her clinic does is to encourage kids to get enough sleep and to eat healthy food, but not all families can afford healthy food.
"It terrifies me for those families in particular, because they're already starting behind. And now they have kids with Covid long-haul," Edwards said. "You just have to hope more people will become aware of the problem and try to help."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/children-get-long-covid-too-and-it-can-show-up-in-unexpected-ways/article_41f280f3-af8e-5688-afaa-25dad4d7a47b.html | 2022-05-07T02:21:07Z |
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...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
The Honolulu Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be working on the H1 Freeway Airport Viaduct, the Waimalu Viaduct, and the King Street offramp (Fort Shafter) this weekend, from May 6-7.
HDOT advises motorists of possible delays and lane closures, and to use Google Maps or traffic apps before getting on the road.
The lane closures are as follows:
Airport Viaduct
Up to 3 lanes closed on the eastbound H-1 Freeway between the Joint Base PHH offramp (Exit 15) and Aolele Street/Airport onramp, for deck sealer and surface treatment work.
Saturday night, May 7 – 2 lanes closed from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., 3 lanes closed from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Sunday night, May 8 – Up to 3 lanes closed from 4 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Waimalu Viaduct
Three center lanes closed on the westbound H-1 Freeway between the Kaonohi Street overpass and the Kaahumanu Street overpass on Saturday, May 7, from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., for emergency pothole patching.
Fort Shafter
Full closure of the King Street offramp in the eastbound direction between the H-201 Moanalua Freeway onramp and Middle Street on Saturday, May 7, from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., for barrier work. Motorists are advised to use Puuloa Road as an alternate route. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/roadwork-scheduled-for-may-6-7-on-h1-freeway-waimalu-viaduct-king-street-fort-shafter/article_57014472-cd9e-11ec-aa1b-cf256aa1e154.html | 2022-05-07T02:21:19Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) – The state of Hawaii reached a huge milestone. 100% of our kūpuna in the city and county of Honolulu are now fully vaccinated. According to the State Department of Health, all residents 65 and older on Oahu received their initial vaccines.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi largely pays this success to the Kūpuna Vaccination Outreach also known as KVOG, a coalition of over 50 organizations dedicated to vaccine access for our kūpuna .
He held a ceremony at Honolulu Hale and declared May 6,2022 to be "KVOG" Day.
KVOG's efforts included coordinating with local clinics to provide more than 10,000 vaccines to low income senior centers and adult day cares across Oahu. The organization also helped create a Kūpuna Call Center to create COVID vaccine registration for those kūpuna without internet access.
"There were many challenges, even verbal challenges, however there was one common language when it came to our kupuna, fear and uncertainty. We know that our kupuna was the most vulnerable and KVOG did an amazing job to make sure they were being served the way the deserved,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com | https://www.kitv.com/news/100-of-kupuna-in-honolulu-are-fully-vaccinated/article_07d002b8-cdb1-11ec-962d-b35293ddb9dc.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:27Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Some sobering statistics. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) arrested 18 people overnight for driving under the influence.
Police were on the lookout for drunk drivers, especially since Thursday was Cinco de Mayo, a night when people typically attend parties with alcohol.
According to HPD's arrest log, the DUI arrests happened all over the island -- from the Ala Moana and Ward areas, to Downtown Honolulu, Kaimuki, Kaneohe, Nanakuli, and three drivers were arrested at the intersection of Kualakai Parkway and Keahumoa Parkway near U.H. West Oahu.
"So you know, each one of those arrests that's that's a tragedy averted, a potential life saved. It's definitely dangerous. So, you know, I'm real pleased to see that our officers you know, saved some lives. But the sad part is, is that we still had 18 people out there, driving impaired and sadly there were probably even more," said HPD Acting Maj. James Slayter.
"MADD is very happy to see the enforcement efforts not only of the Honolulu Police Department but of all the law enforcement agencies across Hawaii," said Kurt Kendro of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "And the flip side of that is that we're kind of disappointed to see 18 people getting arrested for OVUII or driving under the influence of an intoxicant. In this day and age we have to all accept that it's unacceptable to drink and drive. Make plans ahead of time if you're going to drink and you're going to be out, just don't drive."
According to statistics HPD provided to KITV4, police arrested 2,539 people for impaired driving last year, and 658 people this year through the end of April.
According to Hawaii's law, those convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant face up to five days in jail plus a fine. Their driver's license will be revoked for a year, except for driving to work. Plus they have to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, and attend substance abuse classes. The penalties increase for repeat offenders.
HPD is warning drivers that officers will be setting up DUI checkpoints through the summer.
Marisa Yamane joined KITV4 in January 2022 as an anchor and executive producer. She is an award-winning veteran journalist, who’s spent most of her career in Hawaii. She’s a proud graduate of Iolani School and UCLA. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/hpd-arrested-18-people-for-drunk-driving-overnight/article_8bc01e9c-cdb5-11ec-bc98-77b95b93eb71.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:33Z |
Lacey Quintero's family members became severely ill the first day they moved to Ford Island in November.
Six months later, they're still experiencing long-term symptoms. Quintero has unexplained stomach aches and her young daughters both have developed thyroid issues.
"The longer it goes on, the more scared I am," she said. "We do not know the full effects of what we're dealing with, and the longer we go, the less hope I have."
When the family received orders to move to Hawaii, at first they were excited to relocate to a "tropical paradise." But that quickly changed.
"Yeah, it's been a nightmare. It really has," Quintero said. "I'm laughing because it's like, where do you even start? Where do I even begin to describe like just hell that we've been through."
She's one of more than 100 people now filing claims against the Navy for contaminating the water for tens of thousands of residents. The Quinteros have since moved off base to Kunia, but fear their daughters may have lifelong autoimmune disorders.
"I hear the word autoimmune and I just start crying because that means she's going to deal with this for the rest of her life," she said. "I don't want that for her so you know we are just taking it one blood draw at a time."
Many families with long-term conditions still don't know what they were actually exposed to. Some have now moved away from military reservations or off island altogether.
"They're not telling us how contaminated it actually was, they're not even telling us what components were in the water," said Kristina Baehr, an attorney with Just Well Law based in Texas. "They didn't tell these families to stop drinking the water after they injected jet fuel directly into their water source."
Previously more than a dozen people filed claims under the "Federal Tort Claims Act" seeking damages and medical monitoring for the rest of their lives. The group says it's offering the military a chance to resolve the issues before filing a federal lawsuit.
"Hundreds more to come," Baehr added. "I cannot overstate the breadth and extent of this problem. And our clients keep getting sicker and sicker over time. And it's very clear that this contamination has caused lasting injuries and lasting harm."
In a statement, Rear Adm. Charlie Brown told KITV the Navy "will not discuss any potential future legal actions."
The Navy and health officials have deemed the water now safe in affected neighborhoods after a series of flushing and remediation. But the group says the danger is very much still there -- in the air and in homes. | https://www.kitv.com/news/dozens-file-claims-against-u-s-navy-as-symptoms-persist-from-red-hill-water-crisis/article_857755f2-cdb8-11ec-ac4e-6f852426201b.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:39Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Thomas Lockhart, 61, of Salinas, Calif. was last seen Sunday morning, May 1, at a Kipahulu Valley farm.
MAUI COUNTY, Hawaii (KITV4) -- Family members of a missing man on Maui say they're holding out hope as search efforts continue.
Thomas Lockhart, 61, of Salinas, Calif. was last seen Sunday morning, May 1, at a Kipahulu Valley farm. His family reported him missing after he didn't come back from a jog in the Pipiwai Trails area.
Lockhart's sister, Carole Bass, says Lockhart was on Maui visiting his oldest daughter Madeline who works at a coffee farm.
"I heard from him about a week, or half a week, the Sunday before his trip. Just that he was excited about getting to see Madeline, realistic about a week's trip and what he can do in a week, and certainly happy to see Hawaii," Bass said.
Bass describes her brother as adventurous and said he is a former marathon runner who often goes on 10-mile runs and bike rides.
Some members of Lockhart's family including his other daughter have flown in to help in the search -- joining volunteers with "Maui Search and Rescue" and the "Search Tech Advisory Team".
Lockhart is described as being 6’1” tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds with grey hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Maui police.
Mika is the co-anchor for KITV4 Island News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m.
Since joining KITV4 in 2016, Mika has also served as a multimedia journalist, weather, and traffic anchor. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/family-holding-out-hope-for-california-man-missing-on-maui/article_89d0c2d8-cdb2-11ec-9770-53cb0db3d353.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:45Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Jon Tokuhara's body was discovered inside the Tokuhara Acupuncture clinic -- located in the 94-300 block of Waipahu Depot St. – just after 8 a.m. on Thursday.
WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KITV4) -- An Oahu district judge ordered 34-year-old Eric Thompson into house arrest on Friday while he awaits trial for murder.
Thompson was charged for allegedly shooting his wife's lover, 47-year-old Jon Tokuhara, to death in January.
During a hearing Friday morning, Honolulu Police Detective Ka'imina'auao Mead took the witness stand to explain how surveillance footage of the area around Tokuhara's Waipahu acupuncture clinic ties defendant Eric Thompson to the scene.
Video presented during the hearing showed a suspect wearing a white bucket hat, which fell to the ground. Police swabbed the hat and found DNA that matched Thompson's.
The prosecution also displayed video of a white Chevy Silverado in the area around the time of the murder.
Investigators checked all vehicles of the same make, model and year on the island, concluding the truck captured on camera likely belongs to Thompson.
Police added Thompson learned of the reported affair between his wife and Tokuhara via Instagram messages and videos.
The prosecution argued the evidence indicates Thompson plotted the crime and poses a threat to his wife and her family.
"Means to disguise himself, means to disguise his truck, knew his exact route, planned this, and committed this offense with a cold and calculated, and nearly flawless execution," Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Rose said.
The prosecution also argued Thompson is a flight risk. David Hayakawa, Thompson's attorney, refuted the claims -- pointing out Thompson has been cooperative with the investigation and court proceedings, has no criminal history, and has not tried to flee, even surrendering his passport.
"Every single possible mode of cooperation in the process has been done perfectly," Hayakawa added.
Thompson posted $1,000,000 bail after he was arrested last month.
Attorney Doug Chin weighed in on the case and explained if Thompson is found guilty, the defense could argue the killing was somehow justified, or committed under extreme mental and emotional disturbance.
"When someone is found to have committed murder under extreme mental and emotional disturbance, that knocks the charge down to manslaughter, which carries a lesser amount of time in prison than a murder charge would," Chin added.
If convicted of murder, Thompson could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
'A'ali'i is a reporter with KITV. He was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/man-accused-of-shooting-his-wifes-lover-to-death-ordered-into-house-arrest/article_e825f2aa-cda2-11ec-bd8d-87fd678bb263.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:51Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Some Hawaii Prison Inmates Will Not Be Able To spend Mother's Day With Family This Weekend
Some Hawaii prison inmates will not be able to spend Mother's Day with their loved ones this weekend -That is due to an uptick in covid cases among staff and inmates --The "Department of Public Safety" has announced ALL inmate visits -- to both the Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu -- and the Hawaii Community Correctional Center on the Big Island -- have been cancelled this weekend. KITV-4 spoke to some community members who are concerned about prisoner rights and their health.
A prison rights advocate says visitation is crucial in helping inmates to reintegrate into society following incarceration.Since Covid 19, in August, 2020 visits to the correctional facilities has been largely stop and go. The Halawa correctional facilties are not allowing visitors due to the number of active covid 19 cases. And some are not happy about it. Kat Brady is a Prison Rights Advocate, "It's really important that moms can bring babies to visit daddy. That’s really crucial and on the big island it’s important that moms who are incarcerated get to see their kids on mother’s day. We need to honor mother’s and lift up families Will Espero is a retired HI. State Senator “You have to be concerned about the health and welfare of the employees and if they don’t have enough employees to man the stations there could be a security issue. Also you have to look at it from the perspective of the inmates and the need for the family visitation and that connection to the outside world. “ A Statement from the Public Safety Department reads we “would like to emphasize that the action to cancel visitation was based on an abundance of caution for the safety of those in our care and custody, our staff, and to prevent any potential spread to the community, including family and friends." Doctor Scott Miscovich from the Premier Medical Group says, “A prison as we have seen in the state of Hawaii has been the worst outbreak and the highest rate of death because it has been every island we’ve had prison outbreaks. Kat Brady says, research shows prisoners who have visits have much lower recidivism than inmates who have no visitors.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to CYip@kitv.com
Cynthia is an award-winning journalist who returned to Hawaii as an Anchor/Reporter/MMJ from Houston. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with a B.A. and M.B.A. DM her on IG @CynthiaYipTV to share stories. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/some-hawaii-prison-inmates-will-not-be-able-to-spend-mothers-day-with-family-this/article_00fa0236-cdbb-11ec-ac11-a3a5c522a3f2.html | 2022-05-07T04:41:57Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
FILE - The Hawaii team takes the field before an NCAA college football game against Nevada in Reno, Nev., Oct. 16, 2021. The Hawaii Bowl was canceled Thursday, Dec. 23, on the eve of the game after Hawaii withdrew because of COVID-19, season-ending injuries and transfers. “We are disappointed our season has to end this way,” Hawaii coach Todd Graham said in a statement. “As competitive as we are and as much as we want to play the game, we cannot put the health and safety of our student-athletes at risk.” (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes, File)
The XFL will host a series of player showcases across the United States in June and July, including a stop in Hawaii.
The Honolulu XFL Showcase will take place at McKinley High School on Saturday, June 25. This event is invite-only, but other stops that are open to the public in the U.S. include Washington, DC, Bradenton, FL, Tempe, AZ, and Arlington, TX.
In partnership with American National Combines (“ANC”), these showcases will give prospective football players a chance to exhibit their skills in front of XFL coaches and personnel directors.
Players will be evaluated for the XFL Draft player pool for the upcoming 2023 season.
“We are excited to kick off this showcase series and begin opening more doors for aspiring football players across the entire country,” said Dany Garcia, Chairwoman and Owner.
“Our intentional showcase locations, such as Jackson State, one of the largest HBCUs in the country, and our Hawai’i Showcase in Honolulu, are direct reflections of our XFL core values of diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. As an organization and league we will continue to push the boundaries and unlock new opportunities to advance the game of football.”
Registration is now open for the XFL showcases here.
For questions about the events and player eligibility, visit the FAQ page.
“These showcases are an incredible opportunity for passionate players to show up and ball out for a chance to join the XFL,” said Dwayne Johnson, Owner. “The XFL is all about being at the intersection of dreams and opportunity. It is our goal to make football more accessible to more players, and our highly experienced team of coaches and personnel directors are ready to help make these professional football dreams come true.
"The door is open for elite talent across the country to join the XFL – including my home state of Hawai’i. I’m looking forward to seeing these players bringing their best and leaving it all out on the field.”
Russ Brandon, President, added, “We are ready to discover and evaluate seasoned athletes looking to compete in a dynamic, fast-paced game and grow professionally with the XFL. Our football operations team continues to gain momentum and our head coaches are eager to seek fresh talent for our 2023 season. This will be an exciting summer ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing the turnout at all of our events.”
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/xfl-to-host-football-player-showcase-series-in-six-us-cities-including-honolulu/article_386f3b32-cdac-11ec-88ee-57e9885f6a17.html | 2022-05-07T04:42:03Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
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An explosion rocked Havana, Cuba, Friday and destroyed the Hotel Saratoga.
Police and fire rescuers are combing through rubble for survivors after an explosion late Friday morning destroyed a hotel in Havana, Cuba, killing at least 22 people and injuring at least 64.
A gas leak is thought to be the cause of the explosion at Hotel Saratoga, according to the Cuban Presidential Office, who said that more details would follow.
"Everything indicates that the explosion was caused by an accident," the Cuban Presidential Office said in a tweet.
According to preliminary data, a child and a pregnant woman were among those who died, it said.
The presidency also said 64 people have been hospitalized for injuries, including 14 minors.
Cuban state TV said there are potential survivors trapped in the basement of the destroyed hotel.
Witnesses described a "massive blast," which appeared to destroy buses and cars outside the hotel in the center of the city.
Images from the scene showed the blown-out facade of at least three floors of the ornate green-and-white stuccoed building. Plumes of dust and smoke could be seen rising around debris on the ground.
A CNN team on the ground saw a bloodied woman being carried away at the scene of the explosion. Fireman were using their bare hands to move chunks of broken granite and stone in order to pull people out of the rubble. Pieces of metal awnings, balconies and large chunks of stone were scattered about 300 feet away from the hotel.
Cuban President President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited the site of the explosion on Friday and Hermanos Ameijeras hospital, where a number of victims were sent to, according to images shared by the Presidential Office on Twitter.
He said the explosion was "not a bomb nor an attack, it's a regrettable accident," after returning to the site of the blast.
Hospitals continue to treat all the wounded and rescue activities are still underway, he added.
Mexico's foreign minister tweeted his solidarity with explosion's victims. "Our solidarity to the victims and those affected as well as the people of that dear fraternal nation," Marcelo Ebrard said in a tweet.
The hotel was built at the end of the 19th century and, by the 1930s, it was one of the most important hotels in the city. It has 96 rooms since reopening in 2005 after refurbishment, according to its website. Personalities such as the writer Rafael Alberti have passed through its doors. | https://www.kitv.com/news/national/at-least-22-dead-after-a-massive-explosion-destroyed-a-hotel-in-havana-cuba/article_4bb5c199-b749-5bc1-96f5-c9c0aff847b0.html | 2022-05-07T04:42:10Z |
Abortion adds to Biden’s all-but-impossible to-do list
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s list of impossible tasks keeps getting longer.
Despite lofty promises he’s made, from the campaign trail through his first year in office, he has limited power to safeguard voting rights or expand the fight against climate change on his own.
And now it’s become clear that Biden has no good options for preserving abortion access as the Supreme Court appears poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.
It’s a disorienting and discouraging state of affairs for Democrats, who control both Congress and the White House for the first time in more than a decade.
But the reality is the party holds only the narrowest of majorities in the Senate, and there simply aren’t enough votes to guarantee abortion rights, especially with the filibuster in place.
Biden’s pledge to codify Roe v. Wade into law seems destined for the same rocky shoals where other parts of his agenda, like tax credits for clean energy or legislation that would preempt state voting restrictions, have already run aground.
Perhaps the most succinct explanation came from Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., earlier this week.
“We’re stuck,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled a vote on abortion for next Wednesday, but it’s almost certain to fail. Republicans are united in opposition, and a handful of Democrats may not support it either.
The impasse is forcing the White House to reopen its backup playbook — scrounging for ways to make a difference through executive action or regulatory steps while criticizing Republicans for the lack of broader action.
“The White House is under enormous pressure to be more forceful and vocal,” said Lawrence Gostin, who runs the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health at Georgetown Law.
But Gostin, who is advising administration officials on next steps, said, “Biden needs to stick with winnable battles” by focusing on “low hanging fruit.”
One of those ideas involves making abortion medication more accessible by mail. The Food and Drug Administration has already eliminated the requirement to pick up the pills in person, and Gostin said the practice will need an aggressive defense as it faces conservative attacks.
The Justice Department has already gone to court over abortion access, suing Texas last year in an effort to stop a law that would ban most abortions.
Another concept, Gostin said, would be allowing Medicaid to pay for travel if a woman can’t get an abortion in her own state. Such a plan might run afoul of the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding for abortions, so it would require careful wording.
For example, the policy could say Medicaid would pay for travel for authorized medical treatment if it’s not legal where the patient lives — making no mention of abortion.
None of these proposals are foolproof, and they will likely face Republican challenges in the courts or through legislation.
“It’s like whack-a-mole,” Gostin said. “Anytime a woman tries to overcome state restrictions, they make them tighter.”
These kinds of administrative steps are similar to what Biden has done when other initiatives have stalled on Capitol Hill.
On voting, for example, he signed an executive order intended to make it easier to register, and the Justice Department is ramping up its efforts to protect ballot access.
In addition, Biden included some climate policies in the infrastructure legislation that passed last year, and regulators are strengthening rules on vehicle emissions.
“The president is incredibly proud of what he’s already accomplished in 15 months of his presidency,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
Asked about Biden’s struggles on Capitol Hill, Psaki pointed to his long experience as a senator.
“He knows and understands it sometimes takes more time than he would like to get your agenda forward,” she said.
However, abortion stirs even greater passions than other issues across the political spectrum, and frustration about inaction is bubbling up.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who wants his state to become a refuge for people seeking abortions, said this week that Democrats are falling short.
“Where the hell is my party?” he said. Abortion opponents are winning, Newsom added. “We need to stand up. Where’s the counteroffensive?”
Cecilia Muñoz, a senior adviser at New America, a left-leaning think tank based in Washington, said in an interview earlier this year “there’s an assumption that the president has a magic wand that he doesn’t always have.”
She saw that firsthand as director of President Barack Obama’s Domestic Policy Council, when the White House increasingly relied on executive actions to make progress toward its goals despite Republican opposition.
“I think the advocacy community has gotten used to the idea that there are shortcuts,” she said. “But there are no good shortcuts.”
Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the expected end of Roe v. Wade will require activists to use different tactics.
“The American people are used to relying on the courts to protect their fundamental freedoms,” she said. “And now we really have to get folks used to shifting their attention to legislators, members of Congress, legislative bodies. And that’s going to be a little bit of a culture shock and a little bit of a shift in the way we think.”
Democrats seem likely to lose control of Congress in the November elections, especially with Biden’s sagging approval ratings. However, some hope that the Supreme Court decision will fire up their voters.
“What you’re looking for in politics is an opportunity,” said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster. “There’s an opportunity that wasn’t there before this came out.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, rejected the idea that voters are frustrated by Biden’s ability to deliver on some of his priorities.
“If we show the fight we need to show ... our voters will come out in large numbers,” he said before Biden toured a metal company in his state Friday. He added, “They know if we had a few more members of the Senate, a lot of those things they care about would have been enacted.”
Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian, compared Biden’s situation to President Harry Truman, who was floundering as he ran for reelection in 1948. He turned his campaign into an indictment of a “do-nothing Congress,” which was controlled by Republicans at the time, and he managed to pull off a narrow victory.
The goal, Beschloss said, is to “take a bad hand and play it perfectly.”
Biden is trying a similar tack ahead of the midterms, escalating his criticism of other Republican proposals.
He repeatedly points to a blueprint from the National Republican Senatorial Committee that would increase taxes on people at the lower end of the income scale and force federal programs like Social Security to be reauthorized every five years.
“I’ve offered a different plan — a plan rooted in American values of fairness and decency,” Biden said Wednesday.
And he warns that Republicans won’t stop at abortion and could target other rights that were earned through the Supreme Court, such as access to birth control or same sex marriage.
“This MAGA crowd” — a reference to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan — “is really the most extreme political organization that’s existed in recent American history,” Biden said.
__
Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/abortion-adds-bidens-all-but-impossible-to-do-list/ | 2022-05-07T04:45:36Z |
Coronavirus forces cancellations in Jazz Fest’s 2nd weekend
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Willie Nelson is cancelling an upcoming performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival and postponing other shows after a positive case of the coronavirus in his band.
The 89-year-old musician posted on his band’s website on Friday that “due to a positive Covid case in the Willie Nelson Family Band” two upcoming shows scheduled to happen May 6 and May 7 would be postponed and that Nelson’s Sunday performance at Jazz Fest would be cancelled.
Nelson was slated to close the Gentilly Stage — the same stage where his son Lukas Nelson is performing earlier in the day with his band the Promise of the Real. No replacement for the elder Nelson has yet been announced.
The news comes after Melissa Etheridge announced Thursday that she would not be able to perform Saturday at Jazz Fest due to “COVID hitting my crew.” Mavis Staples will perform during that time period instead.
“Oh my heart hurts not to be there. Mavis will be amazing, I know. I am hoping I can be asked back again. Dave and crew are healing. Thank you for all the well wishes. COVID heartbreak,” tweeted Etheridge after news that Staples would appear on Saturday was announced.
Also on Friday, legendary New Orleans bass player George Porter Jr. said on Instagram that he had the coronavirus and was out for the rest of the festival. The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate reported that Porter played multiple shows during Jazz Fest’s first weekend and had a number of performances scheduled outside the festival during the second weekend.
The seven-day festival started on Friday, April 29, and ends Sunday, May 8.
The event draws tens of thousands to the city’s Fair Grounds Race Course, where as many as 80 musical acts perform daily on more than a dozen stages, complemented by art and craft exhibits and an array of booths featuring foods from Louisiana and beyond. While it attracts national and international talent such as Nelson and Etheridge, the festival is also known for showcasing the wide gamut of musical talent and genres found in Louisiana such as zydeco, gospel, blues and of course, jazz.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/coronavirus-forces-cancellations-jazz-fests-2nd-weekend/ | 2022-05-07T04:45:40Z |
Evacuation efforts go on at sprawling Ukrainian steel mill
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — Efforts to evacuate more civilians from the tunnels beneath a sprawling steel mill were to go on Saturday as Ukrainian fighters make their last stand in Mariupol to prevent Moscow’s complete takeover of the strategically important port city.
Dozens of people were evacuated Friday from the Azovstal plant and handed over to representatives of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Russian and Ukrainian officials said. The Russian military said the group of 50 included 11 children.
Russian officials and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said the evacuation efforts would continue into the weekend. The latest evacuees followed roughly 500 other civilians who got out of the plant and city in recent days.
GRAPHIC: Some video used may contain disturbing content.
The fight for the last Ukrainian stronghold in a city reduced to ruins by the Russian onslaught appeared increasingly desperate. And there was growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to finish the battle for Mariupol so he can present a triumph to the Russian people in time for Monday’s Victory Day, the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar.
As the holiday commemorating the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany approached, cities across Ukraine prepared for an expected increase in Russian attacks, and officials urged residents to heed air raid warnings.
“These symbolic dates are to the Russian aggressor like red to a bull,” said Ukraine’s first deputy interior minister, Yevhen Yenin. “While the entire civilized world remembers the victims of terrible wars on these days, the Russian Federation wants parades and is preparing to dance over bones in Mariupol.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reminded people not to go into forests that were recently under Russian occupation because of the many land mines and trip wires that remain.
By Russia’s most recent estimate, roughly 2,000 Ukrainian fighters are holed up in the vast maze of tunnels and bunkers under the Azovstal steelworks. They have repeatedly refused to surrender. Ukrainian officials said before Friday’s evacuations that a few hundred civilians were also trapped there, and fears for their safety have increased as the battle has grown fiercer in recent days.
Kateryna Prokopenko, whose husband, Denys Prokopenko, commands the Azov Regiment troops inside the plant, issued a desperate plea to also spare the fighters. She said they would be willing to go to a third country to wait out the war but would never surrender to Russia because that would mean “filtration camps, prison, torture and death.”
If nothing is done to save her husband and his men, they will “stand to the end without surrender,” she told The Associated Press on Friday.
Zelenskyy said “influential states” are involved in efforts to rescue the soldiers, although he did not mention any by name.
“We are also working on diplomatic options to save our troops who are still at Azovstal,” he said in his nightly video address.
U.N. officials have been tight-lipped about the civilian evacuation efforts, but it seemed likely that the latest evacuees would be taken to Zaporizhzhia, a Ukrainian-controlled city about 140 miles (230 kilometers) northwest of Mariupol where others who escaped the port city were brought.
Some of the plant’s previous evacuees spoke to the AP about the horrors of being surrounded by death in the moldy, underground bunker with little food and water, poor medical care and diminishing hope. Some said they felt guilty for leaving others behind.
“People literally rot like our jackets did,” said 31-year-old Serhii Kuzmenko, who fled with his wife, 8-year-old daughter and four others from their bunker, where 30 others were left behind. “They need our help badly. We need to get them out.”
Fighters defending the plant said Friday on the Telegram messaging app that Russian troops had fired on an evacuation vehicle on the plant’s grounds. They said the car was moving toward civilians when it was hit by shelling, and that one soldier was killed and six were wounded.
Moscow did not immediately acknowledge renewed fighting there Friday.
Russia took control of the rest of Mariupol after bombarding it for two months. Ahead of Victory Day, municipal workers and volunteers cleaned up what remains of the city, which had a prewar population of more than 400,000. Perhaps 100,000 civilians remain there despite severe shortages of food, water, electricity and heat. Bulldozers scooped up debris, and people swept streets against a backdrop of hollowed-out buildings. Russian flags were hoisted.
The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port. It would also allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free some Russian troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. The city’s capture also holds symbolic value since it has been the scene of some of the worst suffering of the war and a surprisingly fierce resistance.
While they pounded away at the plant, Russian forces struggled to make significant gains elsewhere, 10 weeks into a devastating war that has killed thousands of people, forced millions to flee the country and flattened large swaths of cities.
Ukrainian officials said the risk of massive shelling increased ahead of Victory Day. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said authorities would reinforce street patrols in the capital. Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, which was the target of two missile attacks Friday, was to adopt a curfew.
The Ukrainian military’s general staff said that its forces repelled 11 attacks in the Donbas region and destroyed tanks and armored vehicles, further frustrating Putin’s ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Russia made no acknowledgement of the losses.
The Ukrainian army also said it made progress in the northeastern Kharkiv region, recapturing five villages and part of a sixth. Meanwhile, one person was reported dead and three more were wounded Friday as a result of Russian shelling in Lyman, a city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
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Gambrell reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Trisha Thomas in Rome, Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/evacuation-efforts-go-sprawling-ukrainian-steel-mill/ | 2022-05-07T04:45:47Z |
Ex-deputy accused of posing as wedding guest to steal gifts
CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) - A retired sheriff’s deputy posed as a guest at two Phoenix-area weddings to steal boxes of cards containing thousands of dollars and is under investigation in a series of similar crimes, authorities said Friday.
Landon Earl Rankin, 54, was arrested Wednesday in the thefts at private venues in April and was being held without bond, according to Chandler police and court and jail records.
According to police, the two stolen boxes of wedding cards each contained between $3,000 and $6,000.
Rankin was a deputy with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, joining the agency in 1994. He retired in 2015 but remained a reserve officer until 2017, office spokesperson Lauren Reimer said.
Rankin was jailed on suspicion of two counts of burglary. He also was booked on several drug possession and drug paraphernalia offenses because he had amphetamine and fentanyl on him when he was arrested, police said.
Court records didn’t list an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Surveillance video from one of the Chandler wedding venues showed Rankin grabbing the gift box, placing it in a bag, walking out the venue’s rear door, running to his vehicle and driving away, police said in a probable-cause statement.
When interviewed by police, Rankin said he attended the weddings to hear the wedding vows “because he was going through a divorce,” the statement said.
During their investigation of the two Chandler thefts, police learned of at least seven similar crimes in other Phoenix-area jurisdictions, said Sgt. Jason McClimans, a Chandler police spokesman.
Rankin is now under investigation in those cases, and Chandler police have heard from “four or five” additional newlywed couples regarding possible additional thefts, McClimans said.
Police urged victims of such crimes to contact appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/ex-deputy-accused-posing-wedding-guest-steal-gifts/ | 2022-05-07T04:45:53Z |
Package of bills to create public child abuse registry signed into law Thursday
A package of bills that would create a public child abuse registry was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Thursday.
Rep. Pamela Hornberger, R-Chesterfield, sponsored one of the bills, advocating for the package of laws dubbed "Wyatt's Law" in honor of a child that was physically abused by his father's girlfriend.
"It's pretty prevalent that kids are abused by a boyfriend, a friend of the family," Hornberger said. "...So this will definitely, hopefully save some lives and save a lot of families from a lot of heartache,"
Sherry Archibald, executive director for the St. Clair County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, said it appears the public registry will display only those that have been criminally convicted of child abuse. However, the language in the law is up for interpretation and it remains to be seen how the list will be rolled out.
The public registry will include an individual's name, birthday, and city and county of residence, Archibald said. Registrants will be classified by the severity of their conviction.
Archibald and Hornberger said the public registry will help parents check who they're entrusting with the safety of their children and who their children are interacting with.
"Any time we can do anything to arm parents with more information that can further help them protect their child, that's a very good thing," Archibald said. "And that's what this will do."
The law also provides a mechanism to appeal a person's placement on the registry. A person who has been confirmed on the registry will receive notice of the placement within 30 days and be given an opportunity to appear if they feel they've been unfairly added.
According to an analysis of the law, individuals who were listed on the central registry — which was available only to agencies who license child care providers, foster parents, or child-placing agencies — prior to the new law's effective date will be allowed to submit to the Department of Health and Human Services for expungement of their name from the statewide electronic case management system.
"Within this new law, it will tighten up who gets on the registry which I think is great for the public," Hornberger said. "You can't just have someone accuse you of something and then you're put on a registry for no reason. There has to be a conviction."
Archibald said even if a person isn't on the list, parents need to remain diligent. If they have a gut instinct that something isn't right, they need to follow through and ensure they do what's necessary to keep their child safe.
"It's a wonderful thing to have this list, to have this law passed," she said. "But I think we need to remind parents that they still need to remain diligent. It is their child. Just because an individual isn't on the list simply means they haven't been convicted. Child abuse offenders go unconvicted sometimes their whole life, which is unfortunate, and parents still need to do what they need to do to keep their child safe."
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com. | https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/05/06/package-bills-create-child-abuse-registry-signed-into-law/9674758002/ | 2022-05-07T05:11:41Z |
Now moving as one, Marysville girls soccer is heading in the right direction
MARYSVILLE — With 24 players, the Marysville girls soccer team boasts an unusually large roster. Skill and experience differ greatly among teammates.
It's taken some struggles to synchronize as one unit, but now that process is nearing completion. And the Vikings like what they see.
"We've been building this — game after game — this momentum the second half of the season," Marysville coach Scott Parker said. "We talk about, 'Are we going to improve, or are we going going to stay the same or decline?' We're improving and you can really see it time after time."
After an 0-3 start to the season, Marysville has won five of its last six games and stands at 5-4. All five wins have come in league play against MAC Gold opponents.
"Building (along) with our trust is definitely our team bonding," center back Evenlynn Fletcher said. "Our bonding that we have within practice is what keeps us together and builds that chemistry within each other."
That belief in one another came up big in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Warren Woods-Tower.
Mackenzie Fournier, the team's most-skilled player, was dribbling the ball and evading defenders with 17 minutes remaining. The midfielder didn't hesitate when she noticed Sophia Lukitsch break free from the Titans' defense.
"I was going down (the field) and in my head I was like, 'Oh, I might have to shoot this,' " Fournier said. "But then I saw Sophie and she was wide open making a perfect run. So I passed it off to her. I was like, 'She has a good shot. She'll get a goal out of it.' I trust her."
Lukitsch was just behind the penalty arc when the ball arrived to her. The striker kicked it towards the net in stride.
"It was so perfectly timed that I just set up for it and the contact was perfect," Lukitsch said. "It went right over the goalie's head."
The ball grazed the bottom of the crossbar mere inches above the goaltender's hands. It proved to be the game-winner as the evening's only score.
Lukitsch, Fournier and Fletcher are three of Marysville's seven seniors. But their backgrounds in soccer aren't the same.
Fournier plays the sport year round. Lukitsch and Fletcher participate in other activities during the offseason but have worked hard to elevate their game. Intensity at team practices continues to rise.
"I think we're starting to see the benefits of that," Parker said. "And then just confidence within each other and within the team. They're starting to believe in each other, letting other teammates make the plays and we're starting to click a little better."
"There has been a lot of participation from the senior class especially," Fournier said. "(Fletcher, Lukitsch and I) have been playing together for four years now. So that time to really build on that has strengthened our bond."
Parker has been impressed with the way his veteran players have embraced the first-year members.
"We had some young talent coming up," Parker said. "It makes me proud to see the seniors that represent Marysville and our team give kudos to some of our underclassmen."
One freshman in particular, Elizabeth Whitsitt, received high praise.
"At the start of the season she was so incredibly quiet," Lukitsch said. "It was hard to get a single word out of her. But eventually, when we were doing that team bonding at practices, we got her to somewhat push out of her shell.
"Now she's actually communicating on the backline. It just makes our chemistry so much better. I'm really proud of her."
"She's kept us in some big games," Fournier said.
And the games will only get bigger from here on out. District tournaments are less than three weeks away. The Vikings may be moving as one now. But they know they must continue to adapt.
"We're still tweaking the starting lineup a little bit," Parker said. "The next step for this team is some set plays, free kicks and corner kicks. I think once we start implementing those things moving forward that'll help us."
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper. | https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/05/06/marysville-girls-soccer-heading-right-direction/9660694002/ | 2022-05-07T05:11:47Z |
Week in Review, May 2-6: GiveNOLA Day Sets a Record
NEW ORLEANS — Here are the week’s top business stories:
The Greater New Orleans Foundation announced that the 2022 GiveNOLA Day (Monday, May 2) hosted by Baptist Community Ministries and supported by Entergy generated nearly $8 million in donations for a record-breaking 947 nonprofits. More details about the annual online philanthropic “marathon” are available at www.GiveNOLA.org. “I am so grateful to the generous people of our region for yet another incredible GiveNOLA Day,” said Andy Kopplin, GNOF president and CEO, in a press release. “With both a pandemic and active hurricane season, there is no doubt that our region experienced more than its fair share of challenges over the past year. This year’s GiveNOLA Day served as yet another reminder that no matter what we face, the strength of our nonprofit sector and the generosity of the people of our region never falters.”
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Children’s Hospital New Orleans announced that they have entered into a non-binding agreement to explore structures within which the two organizations might work together. A letter of intent that was signed recently states that the two systems will explore collaborating in the delivery of pediatric health services, with a uniform, elevated standard of care for the communities that the systems currently serve. “This collaboration would enable us to do more together for Louisiana’s children,” says Kevin Cook, COO, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, which operates Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “With recent, significant investments in pediatric healthcare made by both organizations, we believe that we can align respective expertise that will continue to transform the health of our children.”
The Vue Orleans observatory and cultural exhibit is now open at the top of the recently renovated Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in the former World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street. The $30 million attraction, co-developed by Woodward Design+Build CEO Paul Flower, offers 360-degree views of the New Orleans cityscape as well as high-tech exhibits created by and featuring local culture bearers. The first phase of the roughly $500 million renovation of the circa 1968 structure was complete in August. Four Seasons partnered with developers Carpenter & Company Inc. and Woodward Interests on the project. At Vue Orleans, visitors will learn about contemporary local musicians — Irma Thomas and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, for instance — as well as 300 years of New Orleans history.
The 65-room Pelham Hotel at 444 Common Street has announced the completion of an extensive interior renovation, including a redesign of the lobby, guest rooms and bathrooms, guest corridor and more. The renovation comes as a result of new ownership by AMS Hospitality, the hospitality division of southeast-focused real estate development firm Allen Morris Company and Black Salmon, the Miami-based national real estate investment and development firm. The hotel is managed by HRI Lodging with design led by Suomi Design Works. “This renovation will provide guests with an elevated yet distinctly New Orleans experience,” said Allison Barnette, the hotel’s general manager, in a press release. “Inspired by the property’s origins, we sought to preserve the hotel’s unique character while transforming spaces with the modern-day traveler in mind. From the moment they arrive, guests will be immersed in the rich history of the city while receiving the world-class hospitality that The Pelham is known for.”
Louisiana Children’s Museum Chief Executive Officer Julia Bland has announced her retirement effective June 4. The organization’s chief operating officer, Lauren Clay, will be appointed interim CEO. “Our board of directors and the entire museum community are deeply grateful for Julia’s vision, energy and leadership over so many years,” said Colleen Levy, museum board president, in a prepared release. “During her tenure, and in concert with the board and staff, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has seen unprecedented growth, progress and stability. Julia has made a lasting mark on the museum and has helped position this flagship learning and cultural center to be an even greater contributor to the public good for many years to come.” The board said it will conduct a national and local search for Bland’s replacement.
Hibernia Bank employees gathered with local officials and community members on May 3 to celebrate the debut of a new full-service bank branch at 5620 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Hibernia has served the greater New Orleans area since 1886. It was initially founded as Union Homestead to provide residential mortgage loans to homeowners. Over the years, it has grown to become a full-service bank offering a range of financial services. It has five branches in the New Orleans.
A $250,000 Affordable Housing Program subsidy awarded to the Leona Tate Foundation for Change from Home Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas in 2019 has helped convert a historic school building in the Lower 9th Ward into 25 affordable apartments for very low-income seniors and a center for anti-racism training. Representatives from the organizations gathered for a May 4 ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration to celebrate the newly renovated building, which was previously McDonogh 19 Elementary School, the first New Orleans school integrated by court order of a U.S. District Court judge. “This historic building will play a critical role in helping our organization live our mission to promote civil rights and anti-racism education, while also providing affordable housing opportunities,” said Leona Tate, executive director of the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, in a press release. “We are grateful to have received the funds from Home Bank and FHLB Dallas and to complete this project for our residents.” | https://www.bizneworleans.com/week-in-review-may-2-6-givenola-day-sets-a-record/ | 2022-05-07T05:26:31Z |
Brittney Griner detained in Russia as Mercury opens season
PHOENIX (AP) — The purple-and-orange throng snaked its way through the maze of barricades that fill downtown Phoenix these days, excitement growing with each step toward the Footprint Center.
Their voices, no longer drowned out by traffic and tractors, created the type of palpable buzz inside the arena that only a season opener can generate.
Underneath flowed a current of fear and sorrow for the one person missing.
Brittney Griner, a seven-time All-Star and key cog in two trips to the WNBA Finals, was not with the Phoenix Mercury for their opener against the Las Vegas Aces Friday night. As the Mercury and the rest of the WNBA moved forward into the season, Griner nears the three-month mark of her detention in Russia, with no timetable for her release.
“It’s horrible what happened to her, knowing as well as some of us fans have gotten to know her,” said MJ Hill, a Mercury season-ticket holder since the WNBA’s first season in 1997 who wore a “Free BG” t-shirt. “She’s a kind and gentle person, and it’s horrible to think about where she is and what she’s going through.”
Griner was detained Feb. 17 after authorities at the Moscow airport said they found vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis in her luggage, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The Biden administration determined Griner is being wrongfully detained. A hearing in a Russian court is set for May 19.
The WNBA and and U.S. officials have worked toward Griner’s release, but have yet to make any headway with the Russian government.
“There is not a day that goes by that I’m not working on this in some way, talking with a variety of folks at the U.S. government, her agent, family, others who are experts in this area who can help us navigate a very complex and quite frankly, like I said at our draft, unimaginable situation,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in Seattle.
The WNBA and Mercury were at first reticent to say anything in fear of exacerbating Griner’s situation, but have become more vocal as her detention has spanned longer. Several players have spoken out about Griner’s detention, including Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart, who has tweeted daily about her.
“BG is on my mind every day,” Stewart said before the Storm’s game against the Minnesota Lynx Friday night. “You have these moments where you just can’t believe that she’s still in Russia wrongfully detained. Hoping we get her home. The WNBA isn’t the WNBA without BG.”
The WNBA is acknowledging Griner this season with a floor decal with “BG” and her No. 42 in all 12 arenas across the league as she continues to be detained.
Washington placed its decal on the blue sideline between the benches at the Mystics’ arena in the nation’s capital, placed next to a “Black Lives Matter” decal. Some Indiana Fever substitutes would sit on the ground near the “BG42″ while waiting for a break in the action so they could enter the game.
“We all have concern for the situation, something that normally would be handled a lot quicker,” Washington coach Mike Thibault said. “(It) certainly hasn’t been and I think everybody sees what’s happening. She’s in everybody’s thoughts.”
Mercury players wore black t-shirts with “We Are BG” in white letters during warmups and introductions. Guard Sophie Cunningham addressed the crowd before the game against Las Vegas.
“We’re still hopeful she’ll be back with us soon, but until then we’ll be kicking butt and winning games,” she said.
Griner’s absence seemed to take a toll on the Mercury once the game started, both emotionally and on the floor. Phoenix, which was missing two other key players to injuries, fell into a big early hole and lost 106-88.
“In the first half, we didn’t give a lot of resistance,” Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith said. “We know we’ve got to get better. That’s the first time all of us out there. They were more physical, they got to their spots, shared the basketball and we were lacking on both sides of the floor”
Chicago Sky season-ticket holder Montie Apostolos wore a white hoodie Friday night with “Free Britney Griner Now!” in front and “WOMENHOOPTOO MOVEMENT” in back. She also had a sign with “Free BG#42″ with a ball going through the net.
“I’m concerned about her emotional well being,” said Apostolos, whose niece, Jewell Loyd, plays for the Seattle Storm. “I want her to know that we love her and that we’re pushing everyday as far as we can to make sure — keeping it out there, keeping it in front, that they still know — and hopefully, she’ll get the word. And hopefully, she’s gonna be freed.”
A 6-foot-9 center, Griner and WNBA career scoring leader Diana Taurasi have been the key players for a Mercury franchise that won the 2014 WNBA title and reached the final last season, losing to the Chicago Sky.
Griner is a six-time All-Star, won consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014-15 and is the most prolific dunker in WNBA history. A two-time gold medalist, she had one of the best seasons of her nine-year WNBA career in 2021, leading the WNBA in blocked shots while finishing second in scoring and sixth in rebounding.
Griner again was expected to play a key role for the Mercury this season after the team bolstered its roster with the additions of Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields.
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AP sports writers Howard Fendrich in Washington, D.C., Tim Booth in Seattle and Andrew Seligman in Chicago contributed to this report.
___
More AP women’s basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/brittney-griner-detained-russia-mercury-opens-season/ | 2022-05-07T06:29:58Z |
Rescuers look for victims at Cuba hotel after blast kills 22
HAVANA (AP) — Rescuers in Cuba’s capital were searching rubble through the night to find more victims of an explosion that killed at least 22 people and injured dozens at a luxury hotel that once hosted dignitaries and celebrities, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z
A natural gas leak was the apparent cause of Friday’s blast at Havana’s 96-room Hotel Saratoga. The 19th-century structure in the city’s Old Havana neighborhood did not have any guests at the time because it was undergoing renovations ahead of a planned Tuesday reopening.
Relatives of missing people remained at the site late Friday night as rescuers sifted through rubble. Others gathered at hospitals where the injured were being treated.
“I don’t want to move from here,” Cristina Avellar told The Associated Press near the hotel, whose outer walls were blown away by the explosion, leaving the interiors of many rooms exposed.
Avellar was waiting for news of Odalys Barrera, a 57-year-old cashier who has worked at the hotel for five years. She is the godmother of Barrera’s daughters and considers her like a sister.
Although no tourists were reported injured, the explosion is the latest blow to the country’s crucial tourism industry.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic kept tourists away from Cuba, the country was already struggling with the sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and kept in place the Biden administration. The sanctions limited visits by U.S. tourists to the islands and restricted remittances from Cubans in the U.S. to their families in Cuba.
Tourism had started to revive somewhat early this year, but the war in Ukraine crimped a boom of Russian visitors, who accounted for almost a third of the tourists arriving in Cuba last year.
The hotel’s first floors appeared to have suffered most of the damage from Friday’s blast. The missing walls made it possible to distinguish mattresses, pieces of furniture, hanging glass, tattered curtains and cushions covered in dust.
Dr. Julio Guerra Izquierdo, chief of hospital services at the Ministry of Health, said at least 74 people had been injured. Among them were 14 children, according to a tweet from the office of President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Cuba’s national health minister, José Ángel Portal, told The Associated Press the number of injured could rise as the search continues. Fire Department Lt. Col. Noel Silva said rescue workers were still looking for a large group of people who may be under the rubble.
The search was to continue through the night. The shattered hotel remained cordoned off as workers operated heavy machinery to lift huge pieces of wall and masonry and trucks left the site loaded with rubble. Firefighters and rescue workers toiled inside the wreckage.
Authorities refused to release the names of the dead, even to their relatives. Authorities placed emergency lights at the site and brought in trained dogs to help in the search.
Rescuers declined to answer questions because the authorities had ordered them not to to avoid confusion.
A 300-student school next to the hotel was evacuated. Havana Gov. Reinaldo García Zapata said five of the students suffered minor injuries.
The emblematic hotel is about 110 yards (100 meters) from Cuba’s Capitol building, which had broken glass and damaged masonry after the explosion.
The hotel was first renovated in 2005 as part of the Cuban government’s revival of Old Havana and is owned by the Cuban military’s tourism business arm, Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA. The company said it was investigating the cause of the blast and did not respond to an email from the AP seeking more details about the hotel and the renovation it was undergoing.
In the past, the Hotel Saratoga has been used by visiting VIPs and political figures, including high-ranking U.S. government delegations. Beyoncé and Jay-Z stayed there in 2013.
García Zapata said structures adjacent to the hotel were being evaluated, including two badly damaged apartment buildings. Díaz-Canel said families in affected buildings had been transferred to safer locations.
Photographer Michel Figueroa said he was walking past the hotel when “the explosion threw me to the ground, and my head still hurts.... Everything was very fast.”
Worried relatives of people who had been working at the hotel showed up at a hospital to look for loved ones. Among them was Beatriz Céspedes Cobas, who was tearfully searching for her sister.
“She had to work today. She is a housekeeper,” she said. “I work two blocks away. I felt the noise, and at first, I didn’t even associate” the explosion with the hotel.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is scheduled to arrive in Havana for a visit late Saturday and Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said the visit would still take place.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/rescuers-look-victims-cuba-hotel-after-blast-kills-22/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:04Z |
South Korea says North Korea fired projectile toward sea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired at least one unidentified projectile toward its eastern sea on Saturday, South Korea’s military said, in its second launch this week, apparently continuing a provocative streak in weapons demonstrations that may culminate with a nuclear test in the coming weeks or months.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff didn’t immediately say whether the projectile was ballistic or how far it flew. The launch came three days after South Korea and Japan’s militaries detected the North firing a suspected ballistic missile from near its capital, Pyongyang, on Wednesday, and three days before the inauguration of South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol, who has vowed to take a tougher approach over the North’s nuclear ambitions.
The latest launch was likely North Korea’s 15th round of missile firings this year, an unusually fast pace that experts say underscores a brinkmanship aimed at forcing the United States to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and remove crippling sanctions.
There are also signs that the North is restoring tunnels at a nuclear testing ground that was last active in 2017 in possible preparations for a nuclear explosive test.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/07/south-koreas-military-says-north-korea-has-fired-projectile-toward-sea/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:10Z |
BEIJING, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 36Kr Holdings Inc. ("36Kr" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: KRKR), a prominent brand and pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants in China, today announced that the Company is aware that it was identified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on its provisional list under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act ("HFCAA") on May 4, 2022.
This identification indicates that the SEC has determined the Company used an auditor, whose working paper cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States ("PCAOB"), to issue the audit opinion for the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Under the HFCAA, the trading of a company's securities on a U.S. stock exchange will be prohibited only if the company has been identified by the SEC for three consecutive years due to PCAOB's inability to inspect auditor's working paper. Despite such identification by the SEC, 36Kr's active listing and trading status on the NASDAQ currently remains unchanged.
36Kr has been actively exploring possible solutions to protect our shareholders amid an evolving regulatory environment and mitigate the potential risks associated with the HFCAA. The Company will continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations in both China and the U.S., and strive to maintain its listing status on the NASDAQ. The Board and management team remain highly committed to protecting shareholder interests and driving value creation for the benefit of all shareholders.
About 36Kr Holdings Inc.
36Kr Holdings Inc. is a prominent brand and pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants in China with the mission of empowering New Economy participants to achieve more. The Company started its business with high-quality New Economy-focused content offerings, covering a variety of industries in China's New Economy with diverse distribution channels. Leveraging traffic brought by high-quality content, the Company has expanded its offerings to business services, including online advertising services, enterprise value-added services and subscription services to address the evolving needs of New Economy companies and upgrading needs of traditional companies. The Company is supported by comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities. Through diverse service offerings and the significant brand influence, the Company is well-positioned to continuously capture the high growth potentials of China's New Economy.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets," "guidance" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goal and strategies; the Company's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; relevant government policies and regulations relating to our business and industry; the Company's expectations regarding the use of proceeds from this offering; the Company's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brand; the Company's ability to provide high-quality content in a timely manner to attract and retain users; the Company's ability to retain and hire quality in-house writers and editors; the Company's ability to maintain cooperation with third-party professional content providers; the Company's ability to maintain relationship with third-party platforms; general economic and business conditions globally and in China; possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural or human-induced disasters; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
36Kr Holdings Inc.
Investor Relations
Tel: +86 (10) 5825-4188
E-mail: ir@36kr.com
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677
E-mail: 36Kr@tpg-ir.com
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1(212) 481-2050
E-mail: 36Kr@tpg-ir.com
View original content:
SOURCE 36Kr Holdings Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/36kr-holdings-provides-update-its-status-under-holding-foreign-companies-accountable-act/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:17Z |
SHANGHAI, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 51job, Inc. (Nasdaq: JOBS) ("51job" or the "Company"), a leading provider of integrated human resource services in China, announced today the completion of the merger (the "Merger") with Garnet Faith Limited, an exempted Company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands ("Merger Sub"), pursuant to the previously announced agreement and plan of merger, dated as of June 21, 2021, as amended by amendment No. 1 to agreement and plan of merger, dated as of March 1, 2022 (the "Merger Agreement"), between the Company and Merger Sub, and the plan of merger required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands (the "Plan of Merger"). In the Merger, Merger Sub merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving company. As a result of the Merger, the Company has become a privately held company and its ADSs will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (the "NASDAQ").
In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger, which were approved by the Company's shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held on April 27, 2022, each common share, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the Company (each, a "Share") issued, outstanding and not represented by American depositary shares of the Company (each, an "ADS," representing one Share) immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), other than the Excluded Shares, the Continuing Shares and the Dissenting Shares (each as defined in the Merger Agreement), has been cancelled and ceased to exist, in exchange for the right to receive US$61.00 in cash per Share without interest, and each outstanding ADS, other than ADSs representing Excluded Shares and Continuing Shares, together with each Share represented by such ADSs, has been cancelled in exchange for the right to receive US$61.00 in cash per ADS without interest (the "Merger Consideration").
Registered shareholders immediately prior to the Effective Time who are entitled to the Merger Consideration will receive a letter of transmittal and instructions on how to surrender their Shares in exchange for the Merger Consideration and should wait to receive the letter of transmittal before surrendering their Shares. Payment of the Merger Consideration (less an ADS cancellation fee of US$0.05 per ADS), without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes, will be made to holders of ADSs as soon as practicable after JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the ADS depositary, receives the aggregate Merger Consideration payable to holders of ADSs from the paying agent.
The Company also announced today that it requested that trading of its ADSs on the NASDAQ be suspended as of May 6, 2022. The Company requested that the NASDAQ file a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") notifying the SEC of the delisting of its ADSs on the NASDAQ and the section 12(b) deregistration of the Company's registered securities. The deregistration will become effective 90 days after the filing of the Form 25 or such shorter period as may be determined by the SEC. The Company intends to suspend its reporting obligations and terminate registration under 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by filing a Form 15 with the SEC as promptly as practicable. The Company's obligation to file with the SEC certain reports and forms, including Form 20-F and Form 6-K, will be suspended immediately as of the filing date of the Form 15 and will cease once the deregistration becomes effective.
In connection with the Merger, Kroll, LLC, operating through its Duff & Phelps Opinions Practice, is serving as financial advisor to the committee of independent and disinterested directors established by the board of directors of the Company (the "Special Committee"); Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Special Committee; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Company; Jun He Law Offices is serving as PRC legal counsel to the Company; and, Maples and Calder LLP is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Company.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP are serving as international co-counsels to the investor consortium (the "Consortium"); Fangda Partners is serving as PRC legal counsel to the Consortium; and, Ogier and Harney Westwood & Riegels are serving as Cayman Islands legal counsels to the Consortium.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., the Company's largest shareholder ("Recruit"); Conyers Dill & Pearman LLP is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to Recruit; Haiwen & Partners is serving as PRC legal counsel to Recruit; and, JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd. is serving as financial advisor to Recruit.
About 51job
Founded in 1998, 51job is a leading provider of integrated human resource services in China. With a comprehensive suite of HR solutions, 51job meets the needs of enterprises and job seekers through the entire talent management cycle, from initial recruitment to employee retention and career development. The Company's main online recruitment platforms (http://www.51job.com, http://www.yingjiesheng.com, http://www.51jingying.com, http://www.lagou.com, and http://www.51mdd.com), as well as mobile applications, connect millions of people with employment opportunities every day. 51job also provides a number of other value-added HR services, including business process outsourcing, training, professional assessment, campus recruitment, executive search and compensation analysis. 51job has a call center in Wuhan and a nationwide network of sales and service locations spanning more than 30 cities across China.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "confident" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51job's beliefs and expectations, as well as 51job's strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. 51job may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. All forward-looking statements are based upon management's expectations at the time of the statements and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: execution of 51job's strategies and business plans; growth and trends of the human resource services industry in China; market acceptance of 51job's products and services; competition in the industry; 51job's ability to control costs and expenses; 51job's ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51job's industry, corporate structure and business operations; seasonality in the business; fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies; risks related to acquisitions or investments 51job has made or will make in the future; accounting adjustments that may occur during the quarterly or annual close or auditing process; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally, including the impact of the coronavirus or other pandemic. Further information regarding these and other risks are included in 51job's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of the press release and based on assumptions that 51job believes to be reasonable as of this date, and 51job undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
Contact
Investor Relations, 51job, Inc.
Tel: +86-21-6879-6250
Email: ir@51job.com
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SOURCE 51job | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/51job-inc-announces-completion-merger/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:23Z |
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by historic mortgage origination activity and substantial increase in home values, the American Land Title Association reported title insurance premium volume increased 35.9% during 2021 when compared with 2020. The title insurance industry generated $26.2 billion in title insurance premiums during 2021 compared with $19.2 billion during 2020, according to ALTA's Market Share Analysis.
Overall, total operating income for the industry was up 33.4%, operating expenses increased 32% and loss and loss adjustment expenses were up 2.3 percent. In 2021, the industry paid more than $474.4 million in claims.
While the overall expense to purchase a home has increased significantly the past few years, the cost of title insurance coverage has decreased 7% since 2004. This means for each dollar of premium a consumer purchases, they get an extra $26 in coverage compared with 2004.
"Incredibly low mortgage rates lead to an unprecedented increase in real estate transactions and substantially higher home values," said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb. "Those factors—caused in part by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic—contributed to the record title insurance premium volume, which the title industry won't see again soon. The majority of title professionals were busier in 2021 than they ever have been, but even important than volume is that—no matter how busy they are—ALTA members continue to prioritize accuracy, security and efficiency to ensure homebuyers are protected before they even step over their new threshold."
Top 10 Underwriters
- First American Title Insurance Co., 20.5%
- Old Republic National Title Insurance Co., 14.8%
- Chicago Title Insurance Co., 14%
- Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., 13.5%
- Stewart Title Guaranty Co., 8.9%
- Westcor Land Title Insurance Co., 5.9%
- Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co., 4.1%
- WFG National Title Insurance Co., 2.8%
- Title Resources Guaranty Co., 2.4%
- Doma Title Insurance Co., 1.9 %
Top 5 States
- Texas, $3.52 billion (+39.5%)
- Florida, $2.89 billlion (+52.1%)
- California, $2.82 billion (+24.6%)
- New York, $1.45 billion (+42.8%)
- Pennsylvania, $1.18 billion (+42.4%)
Click here for more market share data. ALTA expects to release Q1 2022 market share data around June 1.
About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, is a national trade association representing more than 6,000 title insurance companies, title and settlement agents, independent abstracters, title searchers and real estate attorneys. ALTA members conduct title searches, examinations, closings and issue title insurance that protects real property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles.
Contact: Megan Hernandez
Office: 202-261-0315
Email: mhernandez@alta.org
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SOURCE American Land Title Association | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/alta-reports-full-year-q4-2021-title-premium-volume/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:30Z |
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) will present at the 2022 Bank of America Healthcare Conference at 12:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. David M. Reese, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development and Peter H. Griffith, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Amgen will present at the conference. The webcast will be broadcast over the internet simultaneously and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public.
The webcast, as with other selected presentations regarding developments in Amgen's business given by management at certain investor and medical conferences, can be found on Amgen's website, www.amgen.com, under Investors. Information regarding presentation times, webcast availability and webcast links are noted on Amgen's Investor Relations Events Calendar. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2021, Amgen was named one of the 25 World's Best Workplaces™ by Fortune and Great Place to Work™ and one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world by Barron's.
For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.
CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Megan Fox, 805-447-1423 (media)
Jessica Akopyan, 805-447-0974 (media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)
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SOURCE Amgen | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/amgen-announces-webcast-2022-bank-america-healthcare-conference/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:38Z |
MCLEAN, Va., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arlington Asset Investment Corp. (NYSE: AAIC) (the "Company") announced today that the Company will release results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 after the market closes on Thursday, May 12, 2022 and will hold a conference call for investors at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, May 13, 2022 to discuss the results.
Investors wishing to listen to the earnings call at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, May 13, 2022, may do so via the Internet at: http://www.arlingtonasset.com/index.php?s=19
Replays of the earnings call will be available for 60 days via webcast at the Internet address provided above, beginning two hours after the call ends.
About the Company
The Company currently invests primarily in mortgage-related and other assets and has elected to be taxed as a REIT. The Company is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For more information, please visit www.arlingtonasset.com.
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SOURCE Arlington Asset Investment Corp. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/arlington-asset-investment-corp-report-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:45Z |
Mr. Bertoldo brings world-class operations and integration experience to Array.
TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Array Marketing ("Array"), the market leader in end-to-end in-store merchandising solutions, today announced that it has appointed Alex Bertoldo as Chief Operating Officer, effective May 9, 2022.
Alex most recently held the position of Vice President of Operations for SPX Corporation, a $1B+ global supplier of highly engineered products and technologies. In that global role, Alex had oversight of 10 manufacturing facilities and worked across teams to drive operational efficiencies, while also engaging with client teams to enable customer satisfaction and growth.
Prior to that, Alex was with IDEX Corporation, a manufacturer of fluidics systems and specialty engineered products, where he held multiple global positions and was instrumental in transformations, integrations and in re-positioning a business unit's go-to-market strategy.
At Danaher Corporation, Alex held a variety of senior leadership global roles over his 11-year career in both operations and product innovation.
"I'm ecstatic to join the team at Array, as we continue to build on our innovative product solutions and services for our customers", states Alex. "I'm really looking forward to partnering with our teams in fulfilling our vision of increasing the value we deliver for our customers, as we execute our exciting growth strategy".
"I'm thrilled to be welcoming Alex to Array", said Steve Kremser, CEO of Array. "Alex brings to Array a wealth of global leadership experience across all facets of operations and supply chain, while also having a strong customer and commercial mindset. Alex has extensive experience leading multi-site plants and delivering operational efficiencies and higher customer satisfaction. Alex's successful track record of transformation, integration and execution excellence will benefit Array and our customers greatly. I'm looking forward to his partnership in his global mandate."
Array is the global leader in in-store merchandising services, solutions and experiences for many of the world's most iconic retailers and brands. For over 40 years, clients of Array have enjoyed an unparalleled experience with Array's creative solutions, global reach, sustainability leadership and exceptional client services. In short, Array creates amazing retail experiences. Array is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and employs more than 1,800 employees with operations in Canada, USA, Mexico, China, Singapore, Poland, UK, France and Germany.
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SOURCE Array Marketing | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/array-appoints-alex-bertoldo-chief-operating-officer/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:52Z |
AUSTIN, Texas, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviat Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNW), the leading expert in wireless transport solutions, today announced that Pete Smith, President and CEO, and David Gray, CFO, will be participating in the 7th Annual Oppenheimer Emerging Growth Conference on May 10, 2022.
Aviat management is scheduled to participate in virtual 1-on-1 meetings throughout the day. Investors interested in scheduling a meeting with management should contact their Oppenheimer representative.
About Aviat Networks, Inc.
Aviat Networks, Inc. is the leading expert in wireless transport solutions and works to provide dependable products, services and support to its customers. With more than one million systems sold into 170 countries worldwide, communications service providers and private network operators including state/local government, utility, federal government and defense organizations trust Aviat with their critical applications. Coupled with a long history of microwave innovations, Aviat provides a comprehensive suite of localized professional and support services enabling customers to drastically simplify both their networks and their lives. For more than 70 years, the experts at Aviat have delivered high-performance products, simplified operations, and the best overall customer experience. Aviat Networks is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.aviatnetworks.com or connect with Aviat Networks on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Investor Contact
Andrew Fredrickson
Director, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
(408) 501-6214
andrew.fredrickson@aviatnet.com
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SOURCE Aviat Networks, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/aviat-networks-participate-7th-annual-oppenheimer-emerging-growth-conference/ | 2022-05-07T06:30:58Z |
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bella Thorne, who is represented by Thirty Three Management, is set to star alongside Vito Schnabel in the upcoming dark comedy, The Trainer, directed by Tony Kaye (American History X).
The film has taken nearly a decade to develop and is currently in production. It is based on an original script by Schnabel and takes place in Los Angeles over the course of eight days. Not many details of the film have been released, however it is described as sleep deprived chaos as it follows fitness expert Jack (Schnabel) down a deranged road for the American dream.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.
Details of Throne's character have not yet been disclosed.
"I'm so excited Vito is bringing this story to life with Tony Kaye, Thorne said. I think the entire team is going to be an amazing collaboration. I'm thrilled to be working with everyone, especially Taylour Paige – I'm a big fan of Zola."
Thorne also added: "Working with Julia Fox has been a lot of fun. She's a kind of don't screw with me chick and I love those kind of women! We have some really outrageous stuff together."
Throne is an actor, singer, writer and entrepreneur. Her book, The Life of a Wannabe Mogul: Mental Disarray became an instant best seller in 2019. Some of Throne's filmography includes Netflix's The Babysitter and The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Midnight Sun, Assassination Nation, Infamous, Chick Fight and Girl. She is also known for Freeform's hit series Famous in Love. Last year, Throne starred in Amazon Prime's Paradise City, and also appeared in Lionsgate's Habit and romance Time Is Up. She recently wrapped production for thriller Rumble Through the Dark, co-starring Aaron Eckhart, and Time Is Up 2. Forbes listed Throne as a pioneer in Hollywood and Entertainment in their 30 Under 30 Class of 2022.
Thorne is represented by CAA and Thirty Three Management.
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SOURCE Thirty Three Management | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/bella-thorne-set-star-dark-comedy-trainer-directed-by-tony-kaye/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:05Z |
Biggest Crypto Payment Provider Will Make BIG3 NFT Purchases For Ownership-Like Benefits Easy For All
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the BIG3 announced they are partnering with MoonPay, the leading global crypto payments infrastructure provider, to facilitate the purchase of the league's NFTs. The NFT's will be released Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 am EST for select Discord members These NFTs offer ownership-like benefits via two-tier options comprising 12,000 editions – 1,000 for each of the league's twelve teams that include 25 Fire priced at $25,000 each and 975 Gold priced at $5,000 each. MoonPay is facilitating all payments for NFT purchases, lowering the barriers for first-time NFT buyers to participate in the drop. Following the discord member sale, the drop will be open to the public at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 8.
"We are excited to partner with MoonPay on our trailblazing ownership stake opportunity for fans to join," said BIG3 co-founder, Jeff Kwatinetz. "MoonPay makes buying NFT's easier for everyone and they will be a tremendous resource for our NFT Drop this weekend. I hope this excites all fans to get in on the action."
MoonPay's suite of payments infrastructure products provides a seamless way for people to buy and sell cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Its design brings the easy-to-use experience consumers have come to expect from tech, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets and NFTs via credit and debit cards; Apple, Google or Samsung Pay; or bank accounts. This announcement follows the landmark purchase of three BIG3 Team Fire-Tier allotments by renowned entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders of NFT communities DeGods, DogeCoin/MyDoge, and Krause House.
"Web3 is radically changing the way we approach the business of sports and BIG3 is helping to lead the way," said Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and Co-founder of MoonPay. "This is the beginning of a creator economy renaissance. We're honored to work with BIG3 to help onboard the world to Web3."
Join the BIG3 discord click here and stay updated with the latest news on this NFT drop. BIG3 is returning for its fifth season on June 18 with coverage live across CBS and Paramount+ and the full schedule along with venues will be announced in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the BIG3 and to sign up for more information about participating in the ownership sale this weekend, go to BIG3.com and follow @thebig3 on Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT MOONPAY:
MoonPay is the world's leading global crypto payments infrastructure provider. Leading marketplaces worldwide are providing their users with a simpler way to buy and sell NFTs using MoonPay's industry-first NFT Checkout solution, which allows the purchase of NFTs instantly with a credit or debit card. The company is active in more than 160 countries and is trusted by 250+ leading wallets, websites, and applications.
For more information, visit: https://www.moonpay.com
ABOUT BIG3:
BIG3 (BIG3.com) is who we are, FIREBALL3 is what we play. It's not your grandfather's 3-on-3. The premier global BIG3 league features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled professional athletes of all time. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast game experiences and incredible fan experiences.
CONTACT:
Jeremy Watkins
jwatkins@hstrategies.com
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SOURCE BIG3 | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/big3-partners-with-moonpay-groundbreaking-ownership-nft-drop-this-weekend/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:12Z |
SAN ANTONIO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BH.A; BH) announces its results for the first quarter of 2022.
Biglari Holdings Inc.'s earnings for the first quarter 2022 and 2021 are summarized below. To become fully apprised of our results, shareholders should carefully study our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.biglariholdings.com.
Investments affect our reported quarterly earnings based on their carrying value. We do not regard the quarterly or annual fluctuations in our investments to be meaningful. Therefore, our operating businesses are best analyzed before the impact of investment gains. As a consequence, in the preceding table we separate earnings of our operating businesses from our investment gains.
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. The Company's largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants.
This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Biglari Holdings defines pretax operating earnings outside of the investment gains/losses of the Company.
This news release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ markedly from those projected or discussed here. Biglari Holdings cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, for actual results may differ materially from expectations. Biglari Holdings does not update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Further information on the types of factors that could affect Biglari Holdings and its business can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC.
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SOURCE Biglari Holdings Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/biglari-holdings-inc-news-release/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:18Z |
Natural digestive aid for cattle is made from a red seaweed proven in trials to reduce enteric methane emissions by more than 80%
SAN DIEGO and KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Ocean Barns announced today that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has authorized commercial use of the company's seaweed-based supplement as a digestive aid for cattle.
The decision followed a highly successful trial at Straus Organic Dairy Farm in Marin County, the largest and longest yet conducted with seaweed and dairy cows. CDFA's Safe Animal Feed Education Program provided technical assistance, feed sampling, and analysis during the trial.
Brominata is a variety of red seaweed proven in published scientific trials to promote higher energy yield from the digestion of hay and grasses and to reduce cows' methane emissions by 80% or more. The livestock industry has long needed a feed additive to reduce the wasted energy that cattle naturally burp into the atmosphere. Over the past four years, multiple studies by major universities have shown that the supplement is safe for cows and doesn't change the chemistry or taste of milk or meat.
Following the Straus trial, Blue Ocean Barns' independent conclusion that the product is Generally
Recognized as Safe (GRAS) was reviewed by California's Commercial Feed Regulatory Program and Livestock Drug Program. Those two programs have regulatory oversight and authority over all commercial livestock feeds and livestock drugs/remedies sold within or into the state. CDFA issued a "No Objections Letter" and granted provisional certificates of registration for both the certified organic and nonorganic formulations of Brominata, approving both labels under the state's Livestock Drug Program.
Animal scientists for decades have tested a number of feed additives — garlic, lemongrass, as well as synthetic ingredients — aimed at reducing methane outputs from cow burps. Those emissions account for about 4% of all greenhouse gas produced globally each year. But none of those other supplements reduced nearly the amount of greenhouse gas as the red seaweed called Asparagopsis taxiformis; still, that seaweed has never been cultivated at scale despite the need to feed the supplement to nearly 100 million cows in the U.S. and about 1.5 billion worldwide. Blue Ocean Barns solved the problem of growing at scale and began ramping up production on a commercial level beginning in 2020 to serve Straus Family Creamery and other farm families throughout the state.
For more information, see www.blueoceanbarns.com
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SOURCE Blue Ocean Barns | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/blue-ocean-barns-brominata-approved-sale-california/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:25Z |
With the mission of making postnatal care essential in the US, Boram Postnatal Retreat's model of care is built on evidence-based practices and modern research
NEW YORK, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The first dedicated postnatal care center in the US, entitled Boram Postnatal Retreat, is open just in time for Mother's Day Weekend in the esteemed 5* hotel The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue. Boram Postnatal Retreat was founded by wife and husband Boram Nam and Suk Park, who realized the absence of essential after birth care services for new parents in the US, following Nam's challenging recovery after giving birth to their second child.
Nam compared the care that her friends were getting back home in South Korea with the country's extensive network of postnatal retreats to the absence of any kind of system or prescribed after labor care in the US. This experience convinced her of the necessity to bring this service that is now commonplace in her home country to the US and open a postnatal retreat stateside to ease the transition between hospital and home for new mothers.
During pregnancy, there is an abundance of information and focus on the mother's health; but after the baby arrives, the mother is put on the backburner. Offering a first-of-its-kind retreat-style experience focused on caring for mother and baby, Boram Postnatal Retreat aims to shift this paradigm, literally and figuratively filling in for the 'village' that's difficult to find in today's world. To describe the ethos of this new postpartum offering, Nam and Park landed on naming their company after the wife Boram, which aptly means in Korean "fruits of one's labor."
Boram Postnatal Retreat provides 24/7 baby care supervised by certified IBCLC nurses with staffing from nursing assistants and postpartum doulas. The staff assists with baby monitoring/recording vitals, feeding, diapering, bathing and sleeping, rounded out by offering a plan for moms, with postnatal massages, lactation assistance, sitz baths and foot baths. Providing a holistic postnatal recovery experience, with a preferred network of pelvic floor physical therapists and mental health practitioners, the center has also partnered with the signature, Every Mother program. Every Mother is the only clinically-proven, on-demand exercise therapy program addressing the most common core and pelvic floor issues mothers face. Boram also has a preferred network of pelvic floor physical therapists and mental health practitioners to connect mothers with the proper health care provider. Services are accompanied by top-of-the-line products for mom and baby including launch partner and modern baby care brand Coterie's highest performing, hypoallergenic, soft-as-cashmere diapers and 100% plant-based wipes, Novum hospital grade bassinets placed in each room, Soko Glam sheet masks, Then I Met You skincare products and more, to ensure a comfortable, elevated stay.
Boram's postpartum care plan also includes a balanced menu for guests that is delivered direct to their rooms, emphasizing nourishing and healing meals that are specially crafted for recovery, including blood replenishment, tissue repair, hydration & energy. The meticulously designed menu features ingredients that are easily digested, nutritious, low in sodium and high in fiber. Snack partners include nourishing, chef-crafted foods from Daily Harvest and tasty healing fare from Agni.
As Boram Nam, Co-Founder of Boram Postnatal Retreat said: "New York is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Yet after I had my second child, I realized there were no postnatal services for mothers immediately after giving birth like in South Korea, where my friends were checking into postnatal hotels to rest, recuperate, and go back to work in significantly healthier condition than their American counterparts. In the US, mothers are often dismissed from hospital 24 hours after birth and are supposed to figure everything out themselves. Extensive research has shown that nurturing women's health in this 6-week postnatal period with proactive post delivery care is critical to their health and their children. With this in mind, we decided to open Boram Postnatal Retreat, and make it our mission to make postnatal care essential in the US".
Nestled on the 9th floor of The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, Boram Postnatal Retreat features 16 luxe rooms for families to stay in for periods of three, five or seven night stays beginning at $1500 per night. Key services in this postpartum care package include a baby room for when parents need rest sans their newest addition, a mother's lounge to build community among guests, along with a postnatal food and beverage space featuring broth, traditional Korean seaweed soup and a wide variety of healing tea.
Boram Postnatal Retreat also marks an innovation in the travel/retreat industry through its partnership with The Langham, which Richard Bussiere, Managing Director, adds: "We are well versed in providing post-surgical and post-treatment care to guests at The Langham, New York, given how many of our guests come to the city to visit its world-class hospitals. Through this affiliation with Boram, a forward-thinking start-up in the postnatal space, we are able to provide luxury hospitality to a group, until now, not addressed in the US and one that we feel we are uniquely capable of servicing at the highest level. We are very excited to launch this offering and showcase our renowned level of care in an innovative new fashion."
To ensure postnatal care becomes widespread, Boram Postnatal Retreat plans to expand to other US cities in the future and is also dedicating resources to make postnatal care an essential healthcare benefit offered by companies as part of maternity leave packages.
Reservations are now open for bookings online HERE.
Link to hi res imagery HERE
For press inquiries:
Nike Communications
boram@nikecomm.com
Notes to editors:
About Boram Nam
Boram Nam is an entrepreneur with proven experience building innovative start-ups. Prior to co-founding Boram in 2022, Boram was an integral part of the founding team of DramaFever, a leading video on demand streaming service that became the largest destination for premium international movies and TV shows in just 5 years (acquired by telco giant Softbank), where she oversaw content acquisition and licensing operations. Boram also holds vast hospitality and travel experience, having worked in sales and operations at some of the top hotels in the world: The Four Seasons, The Plaza and the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Boram has a Ph.D. in behavioral marketing, an MBA from Yonsei University and a BS from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Boram has two children with her husband and business partner Suk Park and lives in New York City.
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SOURCE Boram | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/boram-postnatal-retreat-opens-mothers-day-weekend-first-center-us-mothers-recover-birth-with-their-baby-amp-partner/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:31Z |
NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --L, May 6, 2022. Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. (NYSE American: CVR) today announced results for the first quarter of 2022 as summarized below:
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SOURCE Chicago Rivet & Machine Co.
NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --L, May 6, 2022. Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. (NYSE American: CVR) today announced results for the first quarter of 2022 as summarized below:
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SOURCE Chicago Rivet & Machine Co.
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/chicago-rivet-amp-machine-co-announces-first-quarter-results-operations/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:38Z |
- African American women are three times more likely to die from complications due to pregnancy.
- Black women are disproportionately burdened by chronic conditions, such as anemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and obesity.
- Evidence exists that racial differences in socioeconomic (education and employment) and housing outcomes results in systematic unequal treatment of Black women.
HOUSTON, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- These are just a few of the reasons Houston's Leading Black Information Source is hosting the 2nd State of Black Women Health Forum at HISD's Young Women's College Preparatory Academy, 1906 Cleburne St., in Houston. The event scheduled on Wednesday, May 18 is two-fold with student assemblies in the morning and an adult program beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and a program at 6:30 p.m.
While the student portion of the event will focus on physical and mental health, the adult session will add a discussion on sexual health as a component. Health questions from the audience will be answered by black medical professionals who commonly address the health care needs unique to Black women. Admission is free with registration. Click on the link at Eventbrite.
"This forum brings Black girls and Black women together with women medical professionals to help provide a roadmap for their lifelong health journey," said Sonny Messiah-Jiles, CEO of the Defender Network. "We are grateful for our sponsors who recognize the importance of empowering Black women with health information to improve the quality of their lives."
Sponsors for the 2nd State of Black Women Health Forum are H-E-B., Texas Children's Hospital, J.P. Morgan Chase, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the City of Houston, HillDay Public Relations and The Steve Fund, an organization dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
"At H-E-B, our mission is to do our part to take care of Texans, and we're proud to support wellness initiatives that work to educate and improve the health of women and communities of color," said Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. "H-E-B believes food plays an important role in a person's wellbeing, and we're committed to providing families throughout Texas quality, nutritional food to help them live happier and healthier lives.
"Black women, especially younger women, are more likely to have more aggressive breast cancers at an earlier age and die more often from the disease, making breast cancer screening, early detection and clinical trial enrollment especially important for our community," said Lorna McNeill, Ph.D., chair of Health Disparities Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. McNeill will speak on clinical trials and health disparities at the event.
"Texas Children's Hospital is incredibly proud to be a sponsor of this year's State of Black Women Health Forum," said Michelle Riley Brown, Executive Vice President of Texas Children's Hospital. "All Black women and girls should have access not only to quality medical care that specifically addresses their needs, but also to vital information essential for their long-term physical and emotional health. Thank you so much to all the participating speakers and panelists and to Sonny Messiah-Jiles for spearheading this critical conversation."
Black women organizations from across the city will encourage members to participate in the forum with the goal of winning the special attendance prizes: First prize $1,000, Second prize $500 or Third prize $250. The event includes swag bags for the first one hundred attendees, door prizes and lots of fun and information.
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SOURCE Defender Network | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/closing-health-disparity-gap-black-women/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:45Z |
CARMEL, Ind., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a $0.01 per share increase in its quarterly dividend, its tenth consecutive annual increase. The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on the company's common shares. The dividend will be payable June 24, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 10, 2022.
About CNO Financial Group
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the future of middle-income America. CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits solutions through our family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn and Washington National. Our customers work hard to save for the future, and we help protect their health, income and retirement needs with 3.2 million policies and $35 billion in total assets. Our 3,400 associates, 4,400 exclusive agents and 4,700 independent partner agents guide individuals, families and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. For more information, visit CNOinc.com.
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SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/cno-financial-group-declares-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:51Z |
AVENTURA, Fla. and NATICK, Mass., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cytovia Therapeutics, LLC ("Cytovia Therapeutics"), a global biotechnology company focused on harnessing the power of natural killer (NK) cells to fight cancer through multispecific antibodies and stem cell engineering, announced today that it will be presenting at the AACR Special Conference on Advances in the Pathogenesis and Molecular Therapies of Liver Cancer, to be held from May 5-8, 2022, at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts. The conference is an in-person event and will not live-stream content, but Cytovia Therapeutics's short poster video will be available for on-demand viewing by conference registrants after the conference and Cytovia Therapeutics's poster will be available on its website under the "Resources" section.
Details of Cytovia's poster presentation:
Abstract title: Preclinical activity of glypican-3 (GPC3) and NKp46 directed FLEX-NK™ engager antibody (CYT-303) in combination with iPSC derived natural killer cells (iNKs) or peripheral blood (PB) NK cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Session: Poster Session/Reception
Session Date and Start Time: Friday, May 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Conclusions from the poster:
- The FLEX-NKTM multifunctional engager antibody CYT-303 directed against NKp46 and GPC3 demonstrated potent single agent anti-tumor activity:
- iNK cells expressed a favorable combination of multiple activation and few inhibitory receptors that facilitated potent cytolytic activity against HCC tumors
- The combination of the FLEX-NKTM and iNK cells demonstrated greater in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in HCC tumor models than iNK cells alone
- The preclinical proof of concept studies with CYT-303 alone or in combination with iNK cells in HCC warrant clinical development
About Cytovia Therapeutics
Cytovia Therapeutics is developing novel cell therapies and immunotherapies aimed at addressing solid and hematological tumors with significant unmet medical needs. Cytovia Therapeutics focuses on harnessing the innate immune system by developing complementary and disruptive NK-cell and NK-engager antibody platforms. The company is developing three types of iPSC-derived (or iNK) cells: unedited iNK cells, TALEN® gene-edited iNK cells with improved function and persistence, and TALEN® gene-edited iNK cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-iNKs) to improve tumor-specific targeting. The second complementary cornerstone technology is a quadrivalent multifunctional antibody platform designed to engage natural killer cells by targeting NKp46 using Cytovia Therapeutics's proprietary Flex-NK™ technology.
These two technology platforms are being used to develop treatments for patients with solid tumors such as HCC and glioblastoma as well as hematological malignancies such as refractory multiple myeloma.
Headquartered in Aventura, FL, Cytovia Therapeutics has research and development laboratories in Natick, MA, and a cell manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico. The company's own R&D work is augmented through scientific partnerships with Cellectis, CytoImmune, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, INSERM, the New York Stem Cell Foundation and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).
Cytovia Therapeutics has a strategic partnership with CytoLynx Therapeutics, which is focused on research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities in Greater China and beyond.
Find out more at www.cytoviatx.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
About GPC3
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan it is highly expressed in HCC and other pediatric and adult solid tumors. GPC3 promotes Wnt-dependent cell proliferation, and it has been strongly suggested that it is related to the malignant transformation of HCC, making it a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Isleworth Healthcare Acquisition Corp. ("Isleworth") (NASDAQ: ISLE) intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which will include a proxy statement/prospectus, that will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of Isleworth's common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by Isleworth's stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination pursuant to an Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization entered into on April 26, 2022, by and between Isleworth, Cytovia Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Cytovia Therapeutics ("Cytovia"), IHAC First Merger Sub Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Isleworth, IHAC Second Merger Sub LLC, direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Isleworth, and Isleworth Healthcare Sponsor I, LLC (the "Business Combination") and other matters as may be described in the registration statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer and sale of the securities to be issued in the business combination. After the registration statement is declared effective, Isleworth will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its stockholders. This communication does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the Business Combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. Isleworth's stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus included in the registration statement and the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the Business Combination, as these materials will contain important information about Cytovia, Cytovia Therapeutics, Isleworth and the Business Combination. When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the Business Combination will be mailed to stockholders of Isleworth as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Isleworth's secretary at 360 Central Avenue, First Central Tower, Suite #800, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
Participants in the Solicitation
Isleworth, Cytovia and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Isleworth stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of Isleworth directors and executive officers in Isleworth's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 29, 2022. To the extent that holdings of Isleworth securities have changed since the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Isleworth stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/information statement/prospectus for the proposed transaction when available. Information concerning the interests of Isleworth participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Isleworth Healthcare Acquisition Corp.'s equity holders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/information statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will" and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential of Cytovia's FLEX-NK multifunctional engager antibody and iNK cells. Cytovia may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including whether the outcome of preclinical studies will be predictive of clinical trial results. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Cytovia expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether because of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy, any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Business Combination or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer or securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.
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SOURCE Cytovia Therapeutics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/cytovia-therapeutics-present-aacr-special-conference-advances-pathogenesis-molecular-therapies-liver-cancer/ | 2022-05-07T06:31:58Z |
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Dover (NYSE: DOV) today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 (fifty cents) per share, payable on June 15, 2022, to shareholders of record as of May 31, 2022.
About Dover:
Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of approximately $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.
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SOURCE Dover | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/dover-declares-regular-quarterly-cash-dividend/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:04Z |
DALLAS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This past month, from April 25th to April 29th, local Dallas nonprofit, Educational First Steps (EFS) hosted its annual Early Childhood Conference themed: Changing Times, New Beginnings. Sessions featured topics ranging from Multicultural Diversity in ECE to Five Marketing Strategies to Set You Apart from the Competition, culminating in a keynote presentation from CEO and Creative Director of Role Model Professional Development, Shawn Brown. The conference was offered at no cost to the over 1,750 teachers, directors, and home-based providers from EFS' network of 150 childcare centers and providers throughout North Texas.
Reflecting on the success of the week, EFS President & CEO, Vickie Allen, shared, "The conference was a culmination of learning, reconnecting, and envisioning what's possible in the early childhood education sector. We are appreciative of those who attended, grateful to those who sponsored, and honored by those who presented. Most importantly, we are thankful to the center directors and teachers for their participation and hope that this strengthened their learning and development journey. They have been and will continue to be our focus, and we hope that they walked away from this experience with a sense of encouragement and inspiration."
The early childhood education (ECE) industry has endured immense challenges over the past two years. Providers have experienced shortages in staffing, changes in mental health awareness, classroom environment, family dynamics, and state and government guidelines. In short, they have been forced to do more with less.
This is where Educational First Steps has stepped in. EFS creates and supports high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. With excellence at their core, they strive to achieve their mission by partnering with local childcare facilities and supporting small business owners as they work to earn national accreditation – the gold standard for early childhood education.
If you are interested in learning more about Educational First Steps and supporting their mission, you can find their website at www.educationalfirststeps.org.
ABOUT EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS
Based in North Texas, Educational First Steps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. EFS delivers professional development, training, classroom resources, and business support to educators to help existing childcare centers achieve and maintain national accreditation. By investing in early childhood education, Educational First Steps helps close achievement gaps for early learners, break cycles of generational poverty for families, and create a brighter and more socially equitable tomorrow.
Contact: Savannah Espiritu
Phone: 214-824-7940 x 252
Email: sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org
Website: www.educationalfirststeps.org
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SOURCE Educational First Steps | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/educational-first-steps-impacts-over-1750-north-texas-educators-through-its-annual-early-childhood-conference/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:11Z |
HENRICO, Va., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elephant Insurance, and its subsidiary Apparent Insurance (together, "Elephant Insurance"), values and respects the privacy of information which is why it is providing notice about a recent incident that may involve certain consumer information. This information either relates to current or previous Elephant Insurance customers or is information Elephant Insurance received as part of providing a quote for auto or other insurance coverage. Elephant Insurance is providing information about the incident, its response, and resources available to individuals.
What Happened? In April 2022, Elephant Insurance identified unusual activity on its network. Elephant Insurance promptly undertook a comprehensive investigation working with third-party specialists, to secure its systems and to confirm the nature and scope of the incident, as well as any impact to information on its network. The investigation determined that certain consumer information may have been viewed on or copied from Elephant Insurance's network between March 26, 2022 and April 1, 2022. Elephant Insurance undertook a comprehensive review to determine what information was impacted and to whom it related. On April 25, 2022, the review identified the individuals whose information was in the affected data.
What Information Was Involved? The investigation determined that the affected information includes name, driver's license number, and date of birth.
What We Are Doing. Upon identifying unusual system activity, Elephant Insurance took prompt measures to secure its systems, investigate this incident, and determine what information may be affected. Elephant Insurance reported the incident to federal law enforcement and is notifying appropriate state regulatory agencies. As part of its ongoing commitment to information security, Elephant Insurance is also reviewing and enhancing existing safeguards and procedures. Elephant Insurance is also taking steps to notify individuals and provide them with information and resources, including access to credit monitoring services, that they may use to help protect information.
What You Can Do. Elephant Insurance encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. Individuals should promptly report any activity indicative of identity theft or fraud immediately to law enforcement. Elephant Insurance also encourages individuals to review the information it is providing regarding Steps Individuals May Take to Protect Information. These details may be found on Elephant Insurance's website at https://www.elephant.com/.
For More Information. Elephant Insurance understands that individuals may have questions that are not addressed in this notice and has established a dedicated assistance line to answer questions. Individuals may contact the dedicated assistance line at (855) 788-2603, which is available from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM EST Monday through Friday (excluding major U.S. holidays).
Steps Individuals May Take to Protect Information
Monitor Your Accounts
Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of your credit report.
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a "credit freeze" on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer's express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. To request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if you are a victim of identity theft.
Should you wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
Additional Information
You may further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps you can take to protect your personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.
For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-727-3400; and oag@dc.gov.
For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023; and www.oag.state.md.us. Elephant Insurance is located at 9950 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23233.
For New Mexico residents, you have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in your credit file has been used against you, the right to know what is in your credit file, the right to ask for your credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to your file is limited; you must give your consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; you may limit "prescreened" offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report; and you may seek damages from violator. You may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage you to review your rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov/.
For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.
For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; www.riag.ri.gov; and 1-401-274-4400. Under Rhode Island law, you have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this incident. The number of Rhode Island residents impacted by this incident is not yet known.
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SOURCE Elephant Insurance | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/elephant-insurance-provides-notice-data-event/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:17Z |
SHANGHAI, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FinVolution Group ("FinVolution" or the "Company") (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech platform, today provides an update on its status under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA"). The Company is aware that it has been identified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the HFCAA as a Commission-Identified Issuer on May 4, 2022, New York time, following the Company's filing of its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
FinVolution understands that the SEC made such identification pursuant to the HFCAA and its implementation rules issued thereunder, and this indicates that the SEC determines that the Company used an auditor whose working paper cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") to issue the audit opinion for its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
In accordance with the HFCAA, a company will be delisted from a U.S. stock exchange if such company has been identified by the SEC for three consecutive years due to PCAOB's inability to inspect auditor's working paper.
FinVolution has been actively exploring possible solutions. The Company will continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations in both China and the United States.
About FinVolution Group
FinVolution Group is a leading fintech platform in China connecting underserved individual borrowers with financial institutions. Established in 2007, the Company is a pioneer in China's online consumer finance industry and has developed innovative technologies and has accumulated in-depth experience in the core areas of credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data and artificial intelligence. The Company's platform, empowered by proprietary cutting-edge technologies, features a highly automated loan transaction process, which enables a superior user experience. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had over 140.3 million cumulative registered users.
For more information, please visit https://ir.finvgroup.com
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
FinVolution Group
Head of Investor Relations
Jimmy Tan
Tel: +86 (21) 8030-3200 Ext. 8601
E-mail: ir@xinye.com
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677
E-mail: finv@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: finv@tpg-ir.com
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SOURCE FinVolution Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/finvolution-provides-update-its-status-under-holding-foreign-companies-accountable-act/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:24Z |
SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of Homology Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIXX) securities between June 10, 2019 and February 18, 2022, inclusive ("Class Period") have until May 24, 2022 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in Pizzuto v. Homology Medicines, Inc., No. 22-cv-01968 (C.D. Cal.).
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Homology class action, please provide your information by clicking here.
CASE ALLEGATIONS: Homology's lead product candidate is HMI-102, a gene therapy for the treatment of phenylketonuria ("PKU") in adults that is in Phase I/II pheNIX clinical trial ("HMI-102 Trial").
The Homology class action alleges, among other things, that defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Homology had overstated HMI-102's efficacy and risk mitigation; and (ii) accordingly, it was unlikely that Homology would be able to commercialize HMI-102 in its present form.
On July 21, 2020, Mariner Research published a report concluding that Homology concealed data showing HMI-102's lack of efficacy and indicating that the program was unlikely to proceed to commercialization. On this news, Homology's stock price fell by more than 10%.
Then, on February 18, 2022, Homology disclosed that "the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the company that its pheNIX gene therapy trial of HMI-102 in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) has been placed on clinical hold due to the need to modify risk mitigation measures" and that Homology "expects to receive an official clinical hold letter within 30 days." On this news, Homology's stock price fell by more than 32%.
THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Homology securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the case who is also typical and adequate of the putative class.
ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller is ranked #1 on the 2021 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report for recovering nearly $2 billion for investors last year alone – more than triple the amount recovered by any other plaintiffs' firm.
Attorney advertising.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.
Contact:
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
655 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900
jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com
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SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/fixx-investor-deadline-robbins-geller-rudman-amp-dowd-llp-announces-that-homology-medicines-inc-investors-with-substantial-losses-have-opportunity-lead-case/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:33Z |
-GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist to Perform at Norwegian's Giving Joy™ Award Ceremony in Galveston, Texas-
-Company to Award 100 Teachers with a Cruise Aboard Its Newest Groundbreaking Ship Norwegian Prima and Three Grand Prize Winners with $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 for Their School-
-Norwegian's Giving Joy™ Contest is Now Open and Accepting Nominations at nclgivingjoy.com through June 3, 2022-
MIAMI, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GRAMMY Award-winning artist and superstar Kelly Clarkson today announced that she would join Norwegian Cruise Line in celebrating and rewarding educators as part of the "Norwegian's Giving Joy™," annual recognition program hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8998055-kelly-clarkson-ncl-celebrate-teachers-with-free-cruises-concert-on-norwegian-prima/
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – 6, 2022), the songstress and TV host and producer concluded a week-long on-air celebration recognizing educators on her critically acclaimed program, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," by announcing that she would be joining this year's Norwegian's Giving Joy winners aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's record-breaking new ship, Norwegian Prima. Clarkson will perform during the award ceremony honoring these top 100 teachers across the U.S. and Canada, when the ship debuts in her home state of Texas on Oct. 27, 2022.
"Not only has Kelly been a wonderful friend of our Cruise Line since joining our NCL family as godmother to Norwegian Encore, but she has also been a steadfast supporter of educators through the years," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We all have a teacher who holds a special place in our hearts, and Norwegian's Giving Joy program provides a platform for us to publicly recognize and provide them with an experience of a lifetime. Kelly shares our strong appreciation for this community of unsung heroes, making her the perfect partner to help us bring this special program to life once again."
The annual program which recognizes the connection between travel and education and celebrates teachers for their unwavering dedication to inspiring students every day, has awarded 130 teachers with free cruises and over $185,000 to schools since 2019. This year, 100 teachers across the U.S. and Canada will win an exclusive sailing aboard the Cruise Line's newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Prima, during the inaugural five-day sailing from Galveston, Texas from October 27 – 31, 2022. In addition, the top three grand prize winners will receive an additional seven-day voyage for two from the U.S. or Canada, as well as a $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 donation respectively for their school.
"Teachers deserve every recognition for their relentless commitment to inspiring students every day," said Kelly Clarkson. "As the Godmother of Norwegian Encore, I'm so proud to partner with NCL on Norwegian's Giving Joy program. This community does incredible work, and through this annual program, I get to play a small role in showing our gratitude to these educators with an opportunity of a lifetime. I can't wait to celebrate the 100 deserving winners this October, as I welcome them to my home state of Texas before they set sail."
Norwegian Cruise Line is encouraging nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada now through June 3, 2022. To nominate a beloved teacher, to vote and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit www.nclgivingjoy.com.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com or call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or contact a travel professional. For Norwegian Prima's press kit and assets, click here.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
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SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/kelly-clarkson-norwegian-cruise-line-celebrate-teachers-with-free-cruises-exclusive-concert-aboard-newest-ship-norwegian-prima/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:39Z |
ITASCA, Ill., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - (NYSE: KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") today announced its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
John T. Fitzgerald, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We had a good start to the year with results largely exceeding our initial expectations. Despite the fact that the 2022 first quarter results include some accounting impacts, we are happy with the underlying economics and trends in our businesses. Operating cash flow improved to $3.8 million for the Quarter and we were able to use those cash flows, in part, to continue to retire debt incurred as acquisition financing for PWI. We are also pleased that Ravix, included in KSX, is off to a great start under the Kingsway umbrella." Mr. Fitzgerald concluded, "we continue to focus on our core businesses, while also working to monetize our non-core investments so that we can redeploy that capital to the benefit of our shareholders."
Financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 include:
- Cash provided by operating activities improved by $5.7 million to $3.8 million, from cash used in operating activities of ($1.9) million in the same period a year ago;
- Net loss was ($2.5) million for the 2022 period, compared to net income of $0.9 million for the 2021 period;
- Non-GAAP adjusted income was $1.5 million for the 2022 period, compared to non-GAAP adjusted income of $1.8 million for the 2021 period;
- Extended Warranty segment operating income was $1.7 million in the 2022 period, compared to $5.3 million for the 2021 period;
- Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the Warranty Segment was $1.9 million in the 2022 period, compared to $3.2 million for the 2021 period; and
- In the first quarter 2022 the Company paid down an additional $1.7 million in debt related to borrowings secured by certain warranty companies; combined with the principal payment made in early April 2022, the Company has paid down $2.6 million of this debt since December 31, 2021.
In addition to the items included in our reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP metrics (see attached schedules), the three months ended March 31, 2022 include a net charge of $0.9 million relating to a change in estimate in accounting for deferred revenue and deferred contract costs associated with vehicle service contract fees, which adversely impacted the financial highlights above and remains included in the non-GAAP metrics.
The Company today also filed its first quarter 2022 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
About the Company
Kingsway is a holding company that owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty, business services, asset management and real estate industries. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "KFS."
Non U.S. GAAP Financial Measure
The Company believes that non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide useful information about the Company's operating results and enhances the overall ability to assess the Company's financial performance. The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, together with other measures of performance under GAAP, to compare the relative performance of operations in planning, budgeting and reviewing the performance of its business. Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA allow investors to make a more meaningful comparison between the Company's core business operating results over different periods of time. The Company believes that non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with the Company's results under GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provide useful information about the Company's business without regard to potential distortions. By eliminating potential differences in results of operations between periods caused by the factors listed in the attached schedules, the Company believes that non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA can provide useful additional basis for comparing the current performance of the underlying operations being evaluated. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, financial reporting measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP to understand the Company's performance taking into account all relevant factors.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and/or Shareholder Letter may include "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 that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks" and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, the absence of any such words does not mean that a statement is a not a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management's current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Additional Information
Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its Annual Reports can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com.
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net (Loss) Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Reconciliation of Extended Warranty Segment Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
and Pro Forma Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
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SOURCE Kingsway Financial Services Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/kingsway-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:46Z |
The annual award from Ernst & Young celebrates pioneers tackling their biggest challenges
BINGHAM FARMS, Mich., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LUDWIG+, a fast-growing, woman-owned brand actualization and business acceleration company, today announced that LUDWIG+ CEO Barbara Yolles of was named by Ernst & Young (EY) as a finalist for its esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award.
Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who understand the value of thinking big to succeed. Yolles was selected by a panel of independent judges who assessed candidates on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – among other core contributions and attributes.
"I am incredibly grateful to Ernst & Young for this recognition," said Yolles. "It is so gratifying to be nominated alongside so many other talented and hard working individuals. My success is a testament to the high level of output, passion and creativity displayed by everyone in the LUDWIG+ family. This is truly a team effort and I'm so proud of what we've been able to accomplish as a company in less than three years."
Yolles is a heavy-hitting brand architect with an expansive career in marketing and advertising, working with industry giants including McDonald's, Campbell Ewald, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and TJ Maxx Corporation, among others. In 2013 Yolles left the advertising world to become CMO at an $8 billion mortgage company. When the company had an acquisiton, Yolles and her all-star marketing department set off on their own, and officially became LUDWIG+ in 2019.
Since its launch less than three years ago, LUDWIG+ has experienced significant growth. Today, the Michigan-based company has more than 50 full-time employees and serves a diverse list of clients in the areas of financial services, healthcare, technology, and a variety of other categories. In May 2022, LUDWIG+ was named Agency of the Year at the 2022 American Business Awards®.
The regional finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the Michigan and Northwest Ohio awards celebration on June 23, 2022 at One Campus Martius in Detroit. The regional winners will then be considered by the National independent judging panel for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2023.
For over 35 years, EY US has celebrated the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 10,000 US executives since its inception in 1986. Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners have exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of fellow alumni and other members of the entrepreneurial community in over 60 countries — all supported by vast EY resources.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are presented by PNC Bank. In Michigan and Northwest Ohio, sponsors also include Donnelley Financial Solutions, Trion Solutions Inc., Foley & Lardner LLP, and Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind.
It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National overall winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ title. ey.com/us/eoy
About EY Private
As Advisors to the ambitious™, EY Private professionals possess the experience and passion to support private businesses and their owners in unlocking the full potential of their ambitions. EY Private teams offer distinct insights born from the long EY history of working with business owners and entrepreneurs. These teams support the full spectrum of private enterprises including private capital managers and investors and the portfolio businesses they fund, business owners, family businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs. Visit ey.com/us/private
About EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited operating in the US.
About LUDWIG+
LUDWIG+ does not just create mind-blowing, category-disruptive marketing and advertising, it permeates organizations to unearth ways to fuel business growth, drive the brand-defining idea to every corner of an organization, and elevate people and business. The agency specializes in everything from beautifully produced and high-impact videos, to advocacy initiatives, technology experiences, training modules, sales pitches, call-center call scripts and more. LUDWIG+ brings a collaborative, inter-disciplinary approach to everything it touches - brand positioning, brand architecture, brand image, strategy, creative, technology product and development, media planning and buying, digital, social, production, video/editing/animation, public relations, print, email, SEO, CRM, and B2B. For more information, visit www.ludwigplus.com.
Contact: Craig Dietel
Company: JConnelly
Tel: 973 590 4498
Email: cdietel@jconnelly.com
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SOURCE LUDWIG+ | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/ludwig-ceo-barbara-yolles-named-by-ey-regional-finalist-2022-entrepreneur-year-award/ | 2022-05-07T06:32:53Z |
MILWAUKEE, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) has declared a semi-annual dividend of $1.36 per share, a 7.9 percent increase from the most recent semi-annual dividend of $1.26 per share.
The dividend is payable on June 15, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 1, 2022.
Additional financial information about ManpowerGroup, including stock history and annual shareholder reports, can be found at http://investor.manpowergroup.com.
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2022 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent. For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com.
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SOURCE ManpowerGroup | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/manpowergroup-increases-dividend-79-percent/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:00Z |
RESTON, Va., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, has been awarded two internationally competed contracts by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to enhance the Alliance's ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. The two single-award, firm fixed price contracts have a total estimated value of $90M and each contract has a four-year base period of performance with up to four optional maintenance years.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue our support to the NATO BMD Program," said Mike Rickels, Leidos Senior Vice President of C4ISR Solutions. "Our international team brings over 20 years of expertise in partnering with NATO, and we look forward to contributing to the enhancement of the Alliance's BMD capability."
Under the contracts, Leidos will lead an international team to define the NATO BMD Architecture, develop requirements for the NATO Command and Control (C2) systems, integrate and test the C2 systems, and operate, maintain and upgrade the NATO BMD Integration Test Bed (ITB).
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the NCI Agency delivers advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) technology in support of Alliance decision-makers and missions, including addressing new threats and challenges.
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil and health markets. Leidos' 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $13.7 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.
Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 1, 2021, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
Contact:
Melissa Dueñas
(571) 526-6850
Melissa.L.Duenas@leidos.com
Thomas Doheny
(571) 474-4735
Dohenyt@leidos.com
Jalen Drummond
(571) 992-5046
Jalen.Drummond@leidos.com
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SOURCE Leidos Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/nato-awards-leidos-ballistic-missile-defense-contracts/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:06Z |
In 1992, Joey Buttafuoco's teenage mistress Amy Fisher shot Joey's wife in the head and was sent to prison. Daughter Jessie was 9 years-old at the time. Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown (sister of Nicole Brown Simpson) explore what happened that day and Jessie's long road to recovery.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 30 years ago, on May 19, 1992, Mary Jo Buttafuoco was confronted at home and shot in the head by 17-year-old Amy Fisher aka "The Long Island Lolita." Daughter Jessie was at school preparing to audition for the lead in the school play. This real-life drama and infamous love triangle crushed the world of this young child. Jessie's story will have you laughing, crying, and taking notes on her bold approach to healing.
Post-Traumatic Thriving is a podcast that addresses the toughest issues around trauma and healing. Unresolved trauma is the #1 problem facing humanity, with 66% to 85% of all college-age people having experienced at least 1 traumatic event.
Unresolved trauma fuels self-medication, depression, and violent crime. Unprocessed, trauma can lead to suicide, the leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This podcast directly takes on these issues and delivers life-saving life skills:
- Featuring real events about real experiences
- Guests not only survived trauma but are now thriving
- Inspiring conversations about how to reclaim one's life
- Listeners learn practical tips to move forward
- Podcast builds a community of survivors and thrivers
Dr. Bell is a sociologist and economist who specializes in disaster recovery projects. "Trauma recovery is not a solo exercise," says Dr. Randall Bell, author of the bestselling book, Post-Traumatic Thriving.
Ms. Tanya Brown, MA is the author of Finding Peace Amid the Chaos. The 1994 death of Tanya's sister Nicole Brown Simpson generated a media frenzy around O.J. Simpson. Today, she is a celebrity author, and a motivational speaker and life coach. When facing trauma Tanya said, "You need to ask for help."
Core IQ https://www.coreiq.com/ is a non-profit organization that produces the podcast.
Available on every major podcast platform.
Links:
https://www.tiktok.com/@coreiq
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ZeUuGqzsYdJmhr2JHD2ag
https://www.instagram.com/coreiq/
https://www.facebook.com/coreiqskills
https://www.linkedin.com/company/coreiqinc/about/?viewAsMember=true
https://twitter.com/coreiq
Mel Levy mel@coreiq.com 949-497-7600 ext. 14
Reviews, photos, and interview requests available upon request.
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SOURCE Landmark Research Group LLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/new-podcast-post-traumatic-thriving-hosts-childhood-trauma-survivor-jessie-buttafuoco/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:13Z |
A world-famous author, a decorated film director, a Guatemalan-American producer, and a global ed-tech software leader are betting that Chicago will be the next big film production town—and that their technology can power the next generation of filmmaking.
CHICAGO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A stealth-mode startup called SHOWRUNNER (https://showrunner.tech) announced that venture capitalists from coast to coast have invested $4 million to fund its film production technology that promises to make billion-dollar waves in the entertainment industry.
The software company, which recently moved its headquarters from New York City to Chicago, was significantly oversubscribed with investors wanting to join the funding round. The round was led by Lightbank, with Craft Ventures, Gaingels, Allen Gannett (author of The Creative Curve), and several other angel investors participating.
SHOWRUNNER's funding comes at a time when the streaming video industry is spending more on content than ever.
The company's software tools aim to help both industry giants and independent creators to produce film content more efficiently—and to fulfill the company's founding mission of getting Hollywood to treat their crews better.
"Film is an industry that everyone wants to work in because the end product is magic," says SHOWRUNNER CEO Shane Snow. "We think it's time to stop taking advantage of crews' love of film and actually start making the job easier—so they can focus on being creative and get home in time for dinner. And we think technology is the key to that."
SHOWRUNNER's goal of bringing efficiency to Hollywood may sound challenging, but in an industry ballooning with costs and notoriously overworked crews, it's a promise that has investors excited.
"Film and TV production is incredibly inefficient," says Arra Malekzadeh, partner at Craft Ventures. "SHOWRUNNER is tackling that inefficiency with software, connected devices, and data so crew members can focus on their art."
Though its tech was born in NYC, SHOWRUNNER's team performed an exhaustive analysis of film and streaming trends around North America to determine the ideal place to build its home base, including a high-tech showroom.
"We looked closely at Mexico City, Salt Lake, and other regions where we think the film industry is about to see outsized growth," says Snow. "And after all that research, we're all-in on Chicago. This city is going to be the next big production hotspot."
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SOURCE SHOWRUNNER | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/new-york-film-tech-upstart-showrunner-raises-4m-top-vcs-moves-hq-chicago/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:19Z |
FLOYD, Va. and INDEPENDENCE, Va., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Parkway Acquisition Corp. ("Parkway" or the "Company") (OTC QX: PKKW) – the holding company for Skyline National Bank ("Skyline" or the "Bank") – announced its results of operations for the first quarter 2022.
Parkway recorded net income of $2.4 million, or $0.43 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 compared to net income of $1.8 million, or $0.31 per share, for the same period in 2021. First quarter 2022 earnings represented an annualized return on average assets ("ROAA") of 0.98% and an annualized return on average equity ("ROAE") of 11.75%, compared to 0.86% and 8.79%, respectively, for the same period last year.
President and CEO Blake Edwards stated, "We are pleased with our results for the first quarter 2022 and are proud to report that we have reached the milestone of crossing the $1.0 billion mark in total assets. During the first quarter of 2022 we grew our core loans (excluding SBA-PPP balances) at an annualized rate of over 16%. We are also pleased to report that these strong earnings, combined with a reduction in shares outstanding due to our successful repurchase program, resulted in an increase in earnings per share of 38.71% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year. We expect continued pressure on our net interest margin as the SBA-PPP program forgiveness winds down, however, increases in the federal funds rate, could have a positive impact on margins as the year progresses."
Edwards concluded, "Deposit growth was strong as well with an increase of $22.9 million, or 2.55% during the first quarter 2022, as the Skyline brand continues to be well received throughout our market area. In February 2022, we opened our second branch in Hickory, NC, bringing our total number of branches to 25. I believe we are well positioned for continued growth and success in the future and know that our employees will continue to deliver on our brand promise of being "Always our Best" for our customers each and every day."
Highlights
- Net income was $2.4 million, or $0.43 per share, for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $1.8 million, or $0.31 per share, for the first quarter of 2021.
- Net interest margin ("NIM") was 3.53% for the first quarter of 2022, compared to 3.70% in the first quarter of 2021.
- Total assets increased $11.6 million, or 1.16%, to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2022 from $995.8 million at December 31, 2021, and increased by $100.6 million, or 11.09%, from $906.8 million a year earlier.
- Net loans were $691.8 million at March 31, 2022, an increase of $13.9 million, or 2.06%, when compared to $677.9 million at December 31, 2021 and decreased $845 thousand when compared to $692.6 million at March 31, 2021.
- Total deposits were $921.1 million at March 31, 2022, an increase of $22.9 million, or 2.55%, from $898.2 million at December 31, 2021, and an increase of $113.8 million from $807.3 million at March 31, 2021.
- Annualized return on average assets increased to 0.98% for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, from 0.86% for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Annualized return on average equity increased to 11.75% for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, from 8.79% for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
- The Bank participated in the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program ("SBA-PPP") during 2020 and 2021. Gross SBA-PPP loans totaling $13.5 million with net deferred fees of $805 thousand remain on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2022.
First Quarter 2022 Income Statement Review
Net interest income after provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2021 was $7.8 million compared to $7.2 million in the first quarter of 2021, primarily reflecting increased interest income, and a reduction in interest expense and provision for loan losses. Total interest income was $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $8.1 million for the same period last year. Interest income on loans increased in the quarterly comparison primarily due to strong organic loan growth from the year ago period, as well as SBA-PPP related interest and fees. Management also anticipates that higher rates in the current year will have a positive impact on both earning assets and loan yields. Interest income on securities increased by $306 thousand in the quarterly comparison, as a result of the $70.1 million increase in the securities portfolio, excluding market value changes, from the year ago period. The Company successfully reduced interest expense on deposits by $242 thousand, or 35.12%, in the quarterly comparison, reflecting rate reductions in deposit offerings as well as a reduction of $6.7 million in time deposit balances.
First quarter 2022 noninterest income was $1.6 million compared with $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2021. Income from service charges and fees increased by $217 thousand, offsetting a $143 thousand decrease in mortgage origination fees as mortgage origination volume declined compared to the year ago period. Nonrecurring income from life insurance contracts of $217 thousand was included in the first quarter of 2022, as was a $58 thousand gain on the sale of asset holdings in the 2021 period.
Noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2022 was $6.5 million compared with $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $250 thousand, or 4.00%. There was a minimal increase in salary and benefit costs of $24 thousand, while occupancy and equipment expenses increased $91 thousand in the quarterly comparisons primarily due to branch expansion cost. FDIC assessments increased by $37 thousand to adjust for continued deposit growth, offsetting a decrease in core deposit intangible amortization of $30 thousand in the quarterly comparison. Other expenses in the first quarter of 2022 included an $8 thousand prepayment fee incurred on the paydown of $5.0 million in FHLB advances.
Net income before taxes increased by $641 thousand in the quarterly comparison causing an increase in income tax expense of $82 thousand.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets increased in the first quarter of 2022 by $11.6 million, or 1.16%, to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2022 from $995.8 million at December 31, 2021, and increased by $100.6 million, or 11.09%, from $906.8 million at March 31, 2021. The growth in assets during the first quarter of 2022 primarily reflects an increase in gross loans and investment securities resulting from an increase in deposits of $22.9 million. Total loans increased during the first quarter by $14.1 million, or 2.06%, to $697.6 million at March 31, 2022 from $683.5 million at December 31, 2021, and remained comparable to the $697.7 million at March 31, 2021. SBA-PPP loans decreased by $11.8 million during the first quarter 2022; however, this decrease was offset by higher yielding organic loan growth of $26.0 million during the quarter. Gross loans at March 31, 2022 included $13.5 million in SBA-PPP loans with net deferred fees of $805 thousand.
Asset quality has remained strong, with a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.23% at March 31, 2022 compared to 0.19% at December 31, 2021. The allowance for loan losses was approximately 0.83% of total loans as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The allowance ratio excluding $12.7 million of SBA-PPP loans, net of deferred fees, would have been 0.85% at March 31, 2022. Management's estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the acquired Cardinal Bankshares Corporation and Great State Bank loan portfolios was reflected as a purchase discount which will continue to be accreted into income over the remaining life of the acquired loans. As of March 31, 2022, the remaining unaccreted discount on the acquired loan portfolios totaled $886 thousand.
Investment securities increased by $19.7 million during the first quarter to $149.4 million at March 31, 2022 from $129.7 million at December 31, 2021, and increased by $59.8 million from $89.6 million at March 31, 2021. The increase in the first quarter of 2022 was the result of $33.0 million in purchases, offset by paydowns, calls, and maturities of $3.9 million, and an increase in unrealized losses of $9.4 million as a result of the increase in interest rates during the quarter.
The cash value of life insurance increased by $3.3 million, or 17.86%, during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of $3.5 million in purchases of life insurance contracts, offset by a $278 thousand redemption of contracts.
Total deposits increased in the first quarter of 2022 by $22.9 million, or 2.55%, to $921.1 million at March 31, 2022 from $898.2 million at December 31, 2021, and increased $113.8 million, or 14.11%, compared to $807.3 million at March 31, 2021. Deposit growth continues to reflect increased balances held by customers, organic growth in our markets and new customer deposits. Lower-cost core deposits (demand deposits, savings, and money market accounts) increased by $27.1 million during the quarter while time deposit balances decreased by $4.2 million.
Total stockholders' equity was $79.4 million and book value per share was $14.12 at March 31, 2022 compared with $85.2 million and book value per share of $15.20 at December 31, 2021. The change during the quarter reflects dividend payments of $843 thousand, and an unrealized decrease in the value of the securities portfolio as a result of increased interest rates during the quarter. As interest rates rise, we anticipate continued negative pressure on the market value of our investment portfolio which is recognized on our balance sheet as a reduction in stockholders' equity. However, management does not anticipate the need to sell any investment securities prior to their scheduled maturity, therefore we do not expect market value changes to impact future earnings.
Forward-looking statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 as amended. These include statements as to expectations regarding future financial performance and any other statements regarding future results or expectations. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," or "project" or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results, or the actual effect of future plans or strategies, is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the combined company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to: changes in interest rates, general economic conditions; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Company's credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions; the effect of changes in banking, tax and other laws and regulations and interpretations or guidance thereunder; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality and composition of the loan and securities portfolios; demand for loan products; deposit flows; competition; demand for financial services in the combined company's market area; the implementation of new technologies; the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; accounting principles, policies, and guidelines; and other factors identified in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We undertake no obligation to update or clarify these forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(See Attached Financial Statements for quarter ending March 31, 2022)
For more information contact:
Blake Edwards, President & CEO – 276-773-2811
Lori Vaught, EVP & CFO – 276-773-2811
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SOURCE Parkway Acquisition Corp. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/parkway-acquisition-corp-announces-first-quarter-2022-results-crosses-1-billion-threshold/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:26Z |
DEFIANCE, Ohio, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SB Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBFG) ("SB Financial" or the "Company"), a diversified financial services company providing full-service community banking, mortgage banking, wealth management, private client and title insurance services, today announced it has been named to the 2022 Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. "Bank Honor Roll" of superior performers. This is the second straight year SB Financial Group, Inc. has earned the distinction.
KBW, a full–service, boutique investment bank and broker–dealer that specializes in the financial services sector, found that 17 banking institutions, just 5% of all banks screened, qualified for inclusion on its Bank Honor Roll in 2022. Of note, Honor Roll winners are publicly traded banking institutions with more than $500 million in total assets that consistently reported increases in earnings per share over the last decade.
"We continue to deliver on our vision of remaining a high-performing community bank, and this recognition shines a light on the performance we have delivered to our stakeholders over the last decade," said Mark Klein, Chairman, President and CEO of SB Financial. "The center-post of this success, however, is our passionate and caring staff who serve each of our clients as if they were our only one. When we combine this level of care with a focus on the unique balance of the needs of our stakeholders, including our owners, clients, staff and communities, breakthrough results surface; we are grateful for the support we receive from each."
"The U.S. economy rebounded in 2021, as COVID-19 vaccinations became widely accessible and proved highly effective," said Thomas B. Michaud, KBW President and CEO. "Banks benefitted from the rebounding economy and the overhang of credit risk was removed, supporting both earnings growth and bank stock outperformance. The KBW Bank Honor Roll showcases those best-in-class banking institutions that deliver consistent growth for their investors. These banks are also rewarded by the market and receive premium valuation multiples."
About SB Financial Group
Headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, SB Financial is a diversified financial services holding company for the State Bank & Trust Company (State Bank) and SBFG Title, LLC dba Peak Title (Peak Title). State Bank provides a full range of financial services for consumers and small businesses, including wealth management, private client services, mortgage banking and commercial and agricultural lending, operating through a total of 23 offices; 22 in nine Ohio counties and one in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 24 full-service ATMs. State Bank has five loan production offices located throughout the Tri-State region of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.Peak Title provides title insurance and opinions throughout the Tri-State region.SB Financial's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "SBFG".
In April 2022, SB Financial was named to the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. "Bank Honor Roll" of superior performers that consistently reported increased in earnings per share over the last decade. The honor roll review determined that just 17 banks in the U.S., including SB Financial, or 5 percent of all banks screened, qualified for inclusion.
About KBW
KBW (Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., operating in the U.S., and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, also trading as Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Europe, operating in Europe) is a Stifel company. Over the years, KBW has established itself as a leading independent authority in the banking, insurance, brokerage, asset management, mortgage banking and specialty finance sectors. Founded in 1962, the firm maintains industry‐leading positions in the areas of research, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions as well as sales and trading in equities securities of financial services companies.
Investor contact Information:
Mark A. Klein
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Mark.Klein@YourStateBank.com
Anthony V. Cosentino
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Tony.Cosentino@YourStateBank.com
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SOURCE SB Financial Group, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/sb-financial-group-inc-named-kbw-2022-annual-bank-honor-roll-second-consecutive-year/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:33Z |
NEW YORK, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
If you own shares in any of the companies listed above and
would like to discuss our investigations or have any questions concerning
this notice or your rights or interests, please contact:
Joshua Rubin, Esq.
Weiss Law
305 Broadway, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 682-3025
(888) 593-4771
stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
SailPoint Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SAIL)
Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of SailPoint Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SAIL), in connection with the proposed acquisition of SAIL by Thoma Bravo. Under the terms of the merger agreement, SAIL shareholders will receive $65.25 in cash for each share of SAIL common stock owned. If you own SAIL shares and wish to discuss this investigation or your rights, please call us at one of the numbers listed above or visit our website: https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/sail
Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: SAVE)
Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: SAVE), in connection with the proposed merger of SAVE with Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. ("Frontier"). Under the terms of the merger agreement, SAVE's shareholders will receive 1.9126 shares of Frontier plus $2.13 in cash for each share of SAVE common stock owned, representing implied per-share merger consideration of approximately $21.60 based upon Frontier's May 5, 2022 closing price of $10.18. If you own SAVE shares and wish to discuss this investigation or your rights, please call us at one of the numbers listed above or visit our website: https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/save
Exterran Corporation (NYSE: EXTN)
Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Exterran Corporation (NYSE: EXTN) in connection with the proposed merger of EXTN with Enerflex Ltd. ("Enerflex"). Under the terms of the merger agreement, EXTN shareholders will receive 1.021 shares of Enerflex common stock for each share of EXTN common stock owned. If you own EXTN shares and wish to discuss this investigation or your rights, please call us at one of the numbers listed above or visit our website: https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/extn
Antares Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRS)
Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Antares Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRS), in connection with the proposed acquisition of ATRS by Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. via a tender offer. Under the terms of the merger agreement, ATRS shareholders will receive $5.60 in cash for each share of ATRS common stock owned. If you own ATRS shares and wish to discuss this investigation or your rights, please call us at one of the numbers listed above or visit our website: https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/atrs
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SOURCE Weiss Law | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/shareholder-alert-weiss-law-reminds-sail-save-extn-atrs-shareholders-about-its-ongoing-investigations/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:40Z |
SAINT CLOUD, Minn., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On or about April 9, 2022, Simonson Lumber became aware of an unauthorized access into the Company's IT environment which triggered its security protocols. Upon discovery, the company immediately implemented its response plan by securing its network and launching an investigation with the help of third-party IT security and forensic experts. The investigation confirmed that an unknown third party gained unauthorized access to certain company systems, and certain company files had been stolen in an attempt to extort the company.
Although Simonson's investigation efforts remain ongoing, it is possible that the information pertaining to some of the company's employees and consumers may have been affected. The data that was subject to unauthorized access was different in individual cases, but may have contained names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license number, health information, and/or credit card/financial account numbers. At present, Simonson has no evidence that any personal information belonging to any individual has been misused.
Simonson takes the security of sensitive information very seriously. Immediate actions were taken to secure the company's systems and ensure that any further suspicious activity was prevented. This included resetting passwords on all accounts system-wide as well as an activation of enhanced monitoring of IT systems. The company hired a qualified third-party IT forensic expert to conduct an exhaustive investigation of this matter. The problem has been remediated and IT systems are operating securely. As part of its ongoing commitment to the security of sensitive information, Simonson is working to implement additional safeguards and security measures to enhance the privacy and security of information in company systems. In addition, the company is working with law enforcement and sharing information for their investigation.
Simonson is also posting a notice of this incident on its website and informing state regulators as required. Simonson also provided two (2) years of complimentary identity theft protection to affected individuals. Anyone with questions about this incident is encouraged to visit the Simonson website for more information.
Simonson encourages affected individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud and to seek to protect against possible identity theft or other financial loss by regularly reviewing their financial account statements, credit reports, and explanations of benefits for suspicious activity.
Contact: Simonson Lumber, 320-497-7650
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SOURCE Simonson Lumber | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/simonson-lumber-provides-notice-data-security-incident/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:46Z |
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the BIG3 announced that Snoop Dogg – the legendary entertainer and member of Mt. Westmore – and Ken Howery – co-founder of PayPal and successful venture capitalist – have teamed up to purchase 25 Fire-Tier editions of Bivouac, receiving ownership-like value and utility in the team. This purchase follows the recent announcement that NFT communities DeGods, Gary Vaynerchuk and VeeFriends, Bill Lee and MyDoge/DogeCoin, and Krause House have each purchased all 25 Fire-Tiers of the Killer 3's, Trilogy, Aliens and Ball Hogs, respectively.
These NFT deals are part of the BIG3's new model of ownership announced last month which leverages blockchain technology to sell NFTs offering ownership-like benefits via two-tier options comprising 12,000 editions – 1,000 for each of the league's twelve teams that include 25 Fire priced at $25,000 each and 975 Gold priced at $5,000 each. The remaining editions drop this weekend at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 7, for select Discord members and opens to the public at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 8.
"The BIG3 is on the leading edge of enabling blockchain technology as utility," said PayPal co-founder Ken Howery. "The league's embrace of NFTs as ownership rights is both visionary and practical; key features of every smart investment."
BIG3 is the official creator of the new global sport, FIREBALL3, the league is returning for its fifth season on June 18 with coverage live across CBS and Paramount+. Known as a groundbreaking league that focuses on innovation, the BIG3's 2021 season saw notable new changes and experiences, including the addition of the "Bring the Fire'' rule allowing teams one challenge per half determined by an in-game one-on-one.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have Snoop, Ken, and their communities on board with the BIG3," said BIG3 co-founder, Ice Cube. "Having someone with Ken's knowledge and experience wanting to be a part of our league demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction. Snoop is an undisputed legend who has jumped headfirst into the Web3 space and clearly understands the importance and the value of what we are trying to create. Together, I know they will take Bivouac to new heights and we can't wait to get started."
To stay updated with the latest news on this NFT drop, join the Discord here. To learn more about the BIG3 and to sign up for more information about participating in the ownership sale, go to BIG3.com and follow @thebig3 on twitter and instagram.
ABOUT KEN HOWERY:
Ken co-founded and is a former Partner at Founders Fund, a San Francisco venture capital firm with over $10 B under management. He has more than 20 years experience starting and investing in technology companies. He was an early investor in SpaceX, AirBnB, Palantir Technologies, Facebook, Neuralink, Quantcast, Compass, Cedar, Citizen, and Stripe, as well as numerous blockchain and crypto companies and projects. Ken is also a co-founder of PayPal.
ABOUT BIG3:
BIG3 (BIG3.com) is who we are, FIREBALL3 is what we play. It's not your grandfather's 3-on-3. The premier global BIG3 league features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled professional athletes of all time. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast game experiences and incredible fan experiences.
CONTACT:
Jeremy Watkins
jwatkins@hstrategies.com
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SOURCE BIG3 | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/snoop-dogg-paypal-co-founder-ken-howery-purchase-all-25-fire-tier-nfts-bivouac-big3-team/ | 2022-05-07T06:33:55Z |
A mélange of local food, music, dance, rooted in decades of cultural tradition reignite the islands with anticipation on upcoming St. John and St. Croix Celebrations
SAINT THOMAS, Virgin Islands, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 70th annual celebration of St. Thomas Carnival was an eclectic celebration of culture and tradition. This year's theme "A New Cultural Roogadoo for Carnival 2022" included daily free events for children, adults, and families of all ages produced by the Department of Tourism's Division of Festivals.
Following two years of virtual events, Carnival returned in person to St. Thomas for an abbreviated five days of food, music, and culture. A juxtaposition of long-standing traditions such as calypso music, J'ouvert, Parade, with a refreshed modern lineup of artists and events.
"St. Thomas Carnival was a labor of love and a step in the right direction to returning to pre pandemic levels", says Ian Turnbull, Division of Festivals Director. "We wanted to be bold and integrate some of the more traditional cultural elements like live bands and calypso for our older generations, but also cater to the younger generation with some newer, modern, local artists. The community's response and support were incredible to witness, and it was clear there was a longing for Carnival to return in person."
Locals and visitors alike joined together in celebration for the highly anticipated program that included the sounds of Caribbean music such as calypso, soca, and reggae bands, daily fetes and shows for the music lovers. For five consecutive village nights, local and world renown artists hit the stage such as Kes the Band, Beres Hammond, Spectrum, Rock City, and Adam O, to name a few.
Food lovers flocked to the annual Food Fair, traditionally held at Emancipation Garden, but this year took place at Crown Bay where locals were met by visitors docked on tour ships. Local high school students of Shamang Straun's architectural class at Charlotte Amalie High School took on the task of designing the fairgrounds layout to allow a more free flowing and organized tasting experience of local and cultural dishes. Additional local Caribbean delicacies could be found at the village grounds daily.
The experience of Carnival is not complete without the parades where locals and visitors of all ages band together in colorful costumes while marching and dancing through the streets alongside live bands, steel drums and the alluring mocko jumbies, the stilted dancer's representative of the spirit guides in the islands. This year, Ms. Carmen Sibilly was honored and recrowned as Carnival Queen of 1952.
"The positive impact Carnival has on tourism in our territory is evident. It's a treasured and beloved event for all, and our airlift and hotel capacity over the past week proves this, says Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte. "In between events, visitors can enjoy our beautiful pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, marine life, sister islands of St. Croix and St. John and so much more. We look forward to continuing this longstanding tradition and welcoming visitors to enjoy our culture for many centuries to come."
There is more to come for Carnival. Unique to the USVI, there are three Carnival celebrations annually. Following the success of St. Thomas, all eyes are on the upcoming St. John Festival slated for late June through July and St. Croix Christmas Festival slated for December.
For images, contact Laura Cyrille at laura.cyrille@aboutdci.com
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an official U.S. territory in the Caribbean that consist of three individual islands – St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands are rich with culture, history, surrounded by breathtaking beaches. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens can enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel as no passport is required for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the United States. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).
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SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/st-thomas-carnival-returned-person-historic-celebration/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:01Z |
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the easiest, most efficient and transparent online destination for buying and selling new and used vehicles, announced its inclusion in a list of Top 100 Most Customer-Centric Companies of 2022 by a notable Forbes contributing writer.
The rating is based on five categories including COVID response, having a customer experience mindset, approach to community and environmental responsibility, employee experience and innovation.
"These companies have a customer focus in everything they do, from how they treat employees to how they innovate and serve their local communities," said Blake Morgan, author of the listing. "The companies I've recognized are not just known for great customer experience, they excel at being a great place to work, have high customer satisfaction, achieve culture awards and receive innovation recognition," Morgan added.
This honor complements recognition TrueCar received earlier this year from DrivingSales, receiving two "Top-Rated" awards in the 11th annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards. TrueCar received a top dealer satisfaction ranking in the New Car Leads and Used Car Leads categories, as determined by the thousands of auto dealers who are part of the DrivingSales.com community.
"Being recognized for both our consumer and dealer experience is meaningful for everyone at TrueCar, as we continue to advance a modern day, two-sided marketplace in automotive," said Mike Darrow, TrueCar CEO and President. "We continually work to make the shopping experience, from initial research to purchase through our dealer network, easier and more efficient for dealers and consumers," Darrow said.
TrueCar recently introduced TrueCar+, its online car buying platform, which will enable consumers to explore, confirm and complete their car purchase with a dealer, and arrange financing and delivery from the convenience of home. Consumers will also have the option of completing any portion of the transaction at a TrueCar Certified Dealer, based on their shopping preference. This provides consumers more flexibility with the car buying experience and simplifies the transaction by moving more of the purchase process online.
About TrueCar
TrueCar is a leading automotive digital marketplace that enables auto buyers to connect to our nationwide network of Certified Dealers. We are building the industry's most personalized and efficient auto buying experience as we seek to bring more of the purchasing process online. Consumers who visit our marketplace will find a suite of vehicle discovery tools, price ratings and market context on new and used cars – all with a clear view of what's a great deal. When they are ready, TrueCar will enable them to connect with a local Certified Dealer who shares in our belief that truth, transparency and fairness are the foundation of a great auto buying experience. As part of our marketplace, TrueCar powers auto-buying programs for over 250 leading brands, including AARP, Sam's Club, Navy Federal Credit Union and American Express. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with an office in Austin, Texas.
For more information, please visit www.truecar.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
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SOURCE TrueCar.com | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/truecar-named-top-100-most-consumer-centric-companies-2022/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:08Z |
CHICAGO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Venzee Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VENZ) (OTCQB: VENZF) ("Venzee'' or the "Company"), the artificial intelligence ("AI") platform for product data, announced it has closed a non-brokered private placement, previously announced on March 30, 2022 at $405,200 CAD issuing 5,065,000 units. The Company now intends to complete a new non-brokered private placement of units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, for anticipated gross proceeds of $1.0M CAD ("the revised Offering").
John Abrams, CEO of Venzee, said, "Although we have continued demonstrable shareholder support, in all fairness we believe we had to reprice our offering to reflect current worldwide market conditions."
With respect to the revised Offering, each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant, with each warrant being exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share at any time up to 36 months following the closing date of the private placement. The warrants are also subject to acceleration in the event the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) is equal to or greater than $0.25 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. In such case, the Company may, but shall have no obligation to, accelerate the expiry time of the warrants to a date that is 30 days following the date of issuance of a press release by Venzee announcing its intention to accelerate the expiry time.
In connection with the revised Offering, the Company intends to pay finders' fees to certain registered brokerage firms, comprising of cash payment equal to 8% of the gross proceeds raised by purchasers introduced by such brokers, and the issuance of non-transferable compensation warrants equal to 8% of the number of Units purchased by purchasers introduced by such brokers. Such compensation warrants will be issued on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Warrants, with an exercise price of $0.10.
The net proceeds received by the Company from the Offering are expected to be used for general working capital purposes, further advancing the Company's channel partnership business model and completing revenue generating connection requests from its channel partners and brands.
Subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSXV, the first tranche of the Offering is expected to close on or before May 31, 2022. However, there is no assurance that the Company will complete the Offering upon the terms set out above, or at all.
Venzee (TSXV: VENZ) (OTCQB: VENZF) is the leading artificial intelligence platform for product data used by global brands to speed time to market and create competitive supply chain advantages. Venzee's intelligent platform automates inefficient last-mile retail processes with a frictionless, machine-driven solution for sending and receiving product data.
Venzee believes intelligent supply chain functionality is inevitable and will significantly benefit growers, makers, brands, sellers, regulators, and consumers. Venzee is building the foundation for a future where seamless, accurate, automated data flow simplifies processes, removes friction, and creates value for all those that rely on the myriad of data and information surrounding any product, anywhere.
Venzee unlocks shareholder value by carrying out its mission to create intelligent technology that removes friction from the global supply chain. Its Mesh Connector™ product disrupts and displaces inefficient manual processes in favor of integrated, machine-driven solutions.
To learn more about the Venzee platform, visit venzee.com
Twitter: @usevenzee
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/venzee-inc/
Podcast: https://www.rethinkingsupplychain.com/
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the terms of the Offering, the completion of the Offering and the expected use of the net proceeds received by the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; and regulatory risks. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the quarter ended August 29, 2019, which are available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE Venzee Technologies Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/venzee-technologies-announces-revised-private-placement/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:15Z |
$3.8 Billion All-Cash Transaction Provides Liquidity for Watermark Lodging Trust Stockholders
CHICAGO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Watermark Lodging Trust, Inc. ("Watermark," "WLT" or the "Company") announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with private real estate funds managed by Brookfield ("Brookfield"), under which Brookfield will acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Watermark for $6.768 per Class A share and $6.699 per Class T share in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.8 billion, including the assumption of debt and preferred equity. The purchase price represents a premium of over 7.5% from the most recently published Net Asset Values per share as of December 31, 2021, of $6.29 per Class A share and $6.22 per Class T share.
The Watermark portfolio, built over a decade of investing and intensive asset management, is comprised of high-quality lodging assets consisting of 25 properties totaling over 8,100 rooms. These luxury and upper upscale assets are located in drive-to leisure destinations and gateway urban cities across 14 states with a high concentration in the Sun Belt region.
"We are very pleased to reach this agreement with Brookfield, as it achieves our longer-term objective of a liquidity event, while providing our stockholders with an immediate and certain cash value," said Michael Medzigian, Chairman and CEO of Watermark. "The transaction's premium to our most recently published Net Asset Values per share represents the strong execution of our entire team who have demonstrated the ability to find innovative solutions to address the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank the members of our Watermark team, across all functions, for their dedication and hard work over the past several years."
"Hotels and resorts of this scale and quality are difficult to replicate," said Lowell Baron, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer in Brookfield's Real Estate Group. "This portfolio is well positioned given its concentration in high barrier to entry coastal destinations, gateway cities and the sunbelt."
Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of Watermark's stockholders. The proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the Watermark Board of Directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Advisors
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to the Company, Hodges Ward Elliott is serving as real estate advisor to the Company and Clifford Chance US LLP and Paul Hastings LLP are acting as legal counsel. Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP is acting as legal counsel to Brookfield, and Citigroup, Bank of America, JP Morgan, and Wells Fargo are acting as financial advisors and providing financing for the transaction.
Watermark Lodging Trust
Watermark Lodging Trust, Inc. is a publicly registered, self-managed, non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in, manages and seeks to enhance the value of interests in lodging and lodging-related properties. Over the past decade, Watermark and its predecessor companies (Carey Watermark Investors Inc., Carey Watermark Investors 2 Inc. and Watermark Capital Partners, LLC) have been among the largest and most active investors in the lodging industry creating a portfolio of high-quality assets in high barrier to entry and growth markets. www.watermarklodging.com
Brookfield Asset Management
Brookfield is a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $700 billion of assets under management across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power and transition, private equity, and credit. Brookfield owns and operates long-life assets and businesses, many of which form the backbone of the global economy. Utilizing its global reach, access to large-scale capital and operational expertise, Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world—including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. Brookfield is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the symbol BAM and BAM.A respectively.
www.brookfield.com
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication relates to the proposed merger transaction involving the Company. In connection with the proposed merger, the Company will file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the "Proxy Statement"). This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or for any other document that the Company may file with the SEC and send to the Company's stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by the Company with the SEC will be available free of charge on the Company's website at www.watermarklodging.com or by contacting the Company's Investor Relations Department at (855) WLT REIT (958-7348).
Participants in the Solicitation
The Company and its directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2022 and subsequent documents filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will also be included in the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Investors should read the Proxy Statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.
Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements contained in this communication, including statements regarding the proposed merger transaction and the timing and benefits of such transaction, are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," or other similar expressions. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from future results, performance or achievements projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) risks associated with the Company's ability to obtain the stockholder approval required to consummate the merger and the timing of the closing of the merger, including the risks that a condition to closing would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all or that the closing of the merger will not occur, (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties and others related to the merger agreement, (iii) unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the transaction, the response of business partners and competitors to the announcement of the transaction, and/or potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the announcement and pendency of the transaction, (iv) the possible failure of the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT, and (v) those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the SEC by the Company from time to time, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Watermark Lodging Trust | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/watermark-lodging-trust-be-acquired-by-brookfield-real-estate-funds/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:21Z |
LAKELAND, Fla., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WellDyneRx, LLC ("WellDyne") is providing notice of an incident that could affect the privacy of information of certain individuals for whom it provided pharmacy benefit related services. While WellDyne is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of individually-identifiable information, WellDyne takes this incident very seriously and is providing information about the incident, our response to it, and resources available to individuals to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.
What Happened? On December 2, 2021, WellDyne became aware of suspicious activity related to a WellDyne email account. In response, we began an investigation of the activity with the assistance of third-party forensic investigators to determine the nature and scope of the incident. We determined that there was unauthorized access to the account between October 30, 2021, and November 11, 2021. Although there is no evidence that individually-identifiable information contained within the email account was accessed or taken by an unauthorized party, WellDyne cannot rule out this possibility. In response, WellDyne undertook a comprehensive and time-consuming programmatic and manual review of the contents of the email account to determine the type of information stored therein, and to whom the information pertained. On March 11, 2022, we completed this extensive review process, and identified the scope of the information at risk and the population who may be affected. We have worked diligently since this time to confirm the contact information for the individuals who may be impacted and the types of information at issue for each individual, in order to provide an accurate notification.
What Information Was Involved? We conducted a thorough review of the relevant WellDyne email account to identify the types of information stored therein and to whom it related. Although there is no evidence that individually-identifiable information contained within the email account was accessed or taken by an unauthorized party, we cannot rule out this possibility. While the specific data elements vary for each potentially affected individual, the scope of information potentially involved includes: name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, treatment information, health insurance information, contact information, prescription information, and other medical/health information.
How Will Individuals Know If They Are Affected By This Incident? WellDyne will be mailing notice letters to the individuals identified as impacted. If an individual does not receive a letter but would like to know if they are affected, they may call WellDyne's dedicated assistance line, detailed below.
What WellDyne is Doing. The confidentiality, privacy, and security of personal information within our care is among our highest priorities. Upon learning of the event, we secured the compromised account and investigated to identify any individuals that were affected. We have taken additional steps to improve security and better protect against similar incidents in the future. We are also notifying applicable regulators, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
Whom Should Individuals Contact For More Information? If individuals have questions or would like additional information, they may call WellDyne's dedicated assistance line at (877) 389-2455 between the hours of 9am-9pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
What You Can Do. WellDyne encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements, explanation of benefits forms, and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors over the next 12 to 24 months. Under U.S. law individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Individuals may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of their credit report, place a fraud alert, or a security freeze. Contact information for the credit bureaus is below:
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a "credit freeze" on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer's express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. To request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if you are a victim of identity theft.
Should you wish to place a credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
Additional Information
You may further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps you can take to protect your personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.
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SOURCE WellDyneRx, LLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/welldynerx-llc-provides-notice-data-privacy-event/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:28Z |
DURHAM, N.C. and BEIJING, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brii Biosciences Limited ("Brii Bio" or the "Company," stock code: 2137.HK), a multi-national company developing innovative therapies for diseases with significant unmet medical needs and large public health burdens, today announced that it has published its first progress report on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments as part of the Company's 2021 Annual Report.
Available on the Company's website, the progress report details Brii Bio's strategic ESG initiatives to develop a long-term, sustainable and environmentally friendly business, reviews achievements made during the 2021 fiscal year.
"As a multi-national biotechnology company, Brii Bio is driven by a patient-first and society need philosophy, dedicated to finding solutions for the world's largest public health challenges," said Zhi Hong, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Brii Bio. "I am so proud of our employees, investors and partners who live through our mission during the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 knowing that we can't do it alone but we must play our part to lead by example. Brii Bio is committed to promoting public-private partnership, sustaining corporate growth and social responsibility as the company continues to grow."
Key highlights from the 2021 ESG report include:
- Public Health Contributions: In the true spirit of its mission to tackle the biggest public health challenges, and in response to COVID-19, Brii Bio has allocated significant resources to help address the ongoing global pandemic. Throughout 2021, the Company continued to fund and progress the development of its COVID-19 neutralizing antibody therapy, the amubarvimab/romlusevimab combination, including advancing global regulatory filings and commercial readiness, ensuring that upon potential approvals, the Company would be prepared to quickly meet the demand of patients in need. In addition, Brii Bio worked closely with government agencies and hospitals to donate nearly 3,000 doses of its amubarvimab/romlusevimab combination for the emergency treatment of COVID-19 and played an important role in the rapid control of the Delta virus outbreaks throughout cities and provinces in China.
The amubarvimab/romlusevimab combination is the first and only therapy discovered in China that was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China based on the best-in-class clinical outcomes demonstrated in a global Phase 3 study conducted by the world's most experienced investigators. - Commitment to Open Collaboration with Key Public Institutions:
- Patient Advocacy Initiatives: In 2021, Brii Bio hired Coy Stout to serve as Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Market Access and Patient Advocacy and lead its strategic patient advocacy program. Mr. Stout has more than 25 years of experience in social work, public health and the biopharmaceutical industry, establishing strategic commercial planning and infrastructure to help advance U.S. patient access to important medications across a variety of disease areas, especially infectious diseases. 2021 laid a strong foundation to engage and foster key advocacy relationships with patients, their caregivers and disease-specific non-profit groups that support them. The Company's advocacy initiative also intends to ensure that patient voices are heard and understood by R&D through commercialization and access to care.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Brii Bio has worked hard to establish a diverse Board that brings various sets of strategic expertise to the company to ensure it is building an innovative and enduring business and therapeutics portfolio that will meet the needs of patients around the world for years to come as it continues its work to tackle the biggest public health challenges of our time. 50% of Brii Bio's board is made up of independent non-executive directors, ensuring a diverse set of opinions and feedback are built into the Company's governance.
- Employee Engagement and Care: Brii Bio recently hired Karen Neuendorff as its Chief People Officer as part of its commitment to fostering employee satisfaction and ensuring each individual feels supported and valued. The Company is committed to providing an open, safe and healthy workplace with highly competitive compensation and benefits in recognition, engagement and the overall well-being of its employees. Brii Bio regularly seeks employee feedback, conducting town hall meetings, Brii Talks and "Ask the CEO" sessions to engage employees and hear their voices. This helps reinforce Brii Bio's core company values and provides platforms for both leadership and employees to better understand key issues.
- Open and Green Workplace: Brii Bio has created an inspiring workplace that is open, ergonomic and green. Every employee has the same access to our shared office space and equitable health benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company provided flexible working schedule and supported remote working for all employees who faced significant challenges at home or work. Brii Bio has also developed "Office Rules" to promote environmentally conscious behaviors amongst its employees and implemented energy-saving measures to enhance energy efficiency and minimize its environmental impact. In 2022, the Company aims to further reduce its carbon emissions, waste, energy and water consumption.
About Brii Bio
Brii Biosciences Limited ("Brii Bio," stock code: 2137.HK) is a biotechnology company based in China and the United States committed to advancing therapies for significant infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, COVID-19, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, multi-drug resistant (MDR) or extensive drug resistant (XDR) gram-negative infections, and other illnesses, such as the central nervous system (CNS) diseases, which have significant public health burdens in China and worldwide. For more information, visit www.briibio.com.
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SOURCE Brii Biosciences Limited | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/brii-bio-reports-progress-esg-commitments-its-inaugural-esg-report/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:35Z |
GUANGZHOU, China, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair, which came to a successful conclusion on 24 April, attracted 536,000 overseas buyers from 228 countries and regions to register for the exhibition, boosting trade cooperation between Chinese and foreign companies.
Since its establishment in 1957, the Canton Fair has never been interrupted despite various challenges. Year after year, the Canton Fair has opened its arms to friends old and new from around the world. To preserve the cherished memories in all previous sessions, China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), the organizer of the Canton Fair, is calling for photos and videos themed "Canton Fair in My Eye" and welcomes everyone around the world to take part in the contest from 20 April to 15 July, 2022.
1. Entry Requirements
Anyone worldwide can enter the activity in the name of an individual or an organization. Contributions can be in either photo or video format, with a description of no more than 150 words. What you submit can be but not limited to historical, documentary or creative images and videos, and all artworks related to or showcasing the Canton Fair, especially with the following four topics: architectures, event scenes, booths and exhibits, and participants.
2. Submission
Method 1: Log into https://500px.com.cn/contest/cantonfair to register and submit;
Method 2: Email your contributions to press@cantonfair.org.cn, making sure the email is subjected "Call for Entries: Canton Fair in My Eye" and with a description of no more than 150 words. Please also include your name, organization, title and contact number in the email.
3. Awards
(1) For photo entries
(2) For video entries
Apart from the winners, the remaining contributions would possibly be used in the publicity materials of the Canton Fair and be paid for the authorization of the works.
The final interpretation right of this contest belongs to China Foreign Trade Centre within the limits prescribed by law.
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SOURCE Canton Fair | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/calls-entries-canton-fair-my-eye/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:41Z |
SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer S.A. (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) (the "Company") refers to the material facts disclosed on June 10th, 2021, and December 21st, 2021, about the business combination (the "Business Combination") between EVE UAM, LLC ("Eve"), an entity controlled by the Company, and Zanite Acquisition Corp. ("Zanite"). The Company became aware that the Business Combination has been approved by Zanite stockholders today.
Such approval is an important step towards the closing of the Business Combination. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions that can only be satisfied or waived on the closing date, the Company expects that the closing of the Business Combination will occur on May 9, 2022.
The Business Combination is in line with the Company's innovation and growth strategy, and its consummation reinforces the Company's commitment to achieve this strategy.
São José dos Campos, May 6, 2022.
Antonio Carlos Garcia
Executive Vice-President and CFO
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SOURCE Embraer S.A. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/embraer-sa-material-fact-approval-business-combination-between-eve-zanite/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:48Z |
NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 16, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Grab Holdings Limited (NasdaqGS: GRAB, GRABW), if they purchased the Company's securities between August 2, 2021 and March 3, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Get Help
Grab investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-grab/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Grab and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 3, 2022, the Company announced its 4Q2021 results, disclosing "a 44% decline YoY" in revenue and a $1.1 billion loss for the quarter due to "invest[ing] heavily" in driver incentives and that it would take one or two quarters "to get that equilibrium between drivers and riders, between supply and demand."
On this news, shares of Grab fell $2.04, or 37.3%, to close at $3.28 per share on March 3, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.
The case is Peccarino v. Grab Holdings Limited, et al., No. 22-cv-2189.
About ClaimsFiler
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/grab-holdings-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-grab-holdings-limited-grab-grabw/ | 2022-05-07T06:34:55Z |
NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until June 24, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR, IIPR-PA), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 7, 2020 and April 13, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Get Help
Innovative Industrial investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-iipr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Innovative Industrial and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company's focus is to be a cannabis company lender rather than a real estate investment trust (REIT); (ii) the true values of the Company's properties are significantly lower than represented; (iii) the Company's top customers experienced significant issues; (iv) as a result, its top customers may not be able to continue making payments to the Company and it would face significant issues replacing these customers; and (v) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's financial statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
When the true details entered the market, the price of the Company's shares fell, damaging investors.
The case is Mallozzi v. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc., et al., No. 22-cv- 2359.
About ClaimsFiler
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/innovative-industrial-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-innovative-industrial-properties-inc-iipr-iipr-pa/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:01Z |
Grand opening highlights free weekly food pantry in collaboration with God's Pantry for El Monte community
EL MONTE, Calif., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan today are celebrating the grand opening of their Community Resource Center in El Monte at 3570 Santa Anita Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A host of other free services are available to members and the general public at the Center, including fitness classes such as Zumba and yoga, mental health and stigma workshops, healthy cooking sessions and health education classes, as well as resources that address social determinants of health such as housing, food security, income security, and more. Its weekly food pantry, where anyone from the community can pick up free groceries on a first come, first served basis, is open every Wednesday between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The 12,000-square-foot Center provides L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise members with personalized services, including help with care management, free Wi-Fi and private rooms to support virtual medical visits, member services, and benefit navigation.
"We are committed to offering local health and social services that can positively impact the health and well-being of our members and the community," said Kristen Cerf, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. "That includes addressing food insecurity, which has been exacerbated during the pandemic in many communities, making hunger a persistent problem with health repercussions. We're helping to address that issue directly by offering a free weekly food pantry at this Center."
The new location is the latest addition in the $146 million commitment the two health plans made to open 14 jointly operated Community Resource Centers. The goal is to help improve the lives of members and the communities where they live all across Los Angeles County.
"At L.A. Care, we understand that health care should be more than just an ID card in your wallet. That's why we're thrilled to have our one-stop community hub serve the diverse communities of the San Gabriel Valley to keep them active, healthy and informed," said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. "This Center's offerings are designed to empower people with free classes and practical, on-the-spot resources that aim to improve total quality of life."
While the Center has been available to local residents since September 2021, the grand opening celebration took place today due to previous COVID-19 restrictions. Local leaders and representatives, who attended the grand opening included Sandra Armenta representing California State Senator Susan Rubio, Cameron Griffin representing California State Assembly member Blanca Rubio's office, and Anthony Cespedes representing Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis' office. The festivities included a ribbon-cutting, tours of the Center and performances by a mariachi band and Chinese lion dancers, honoring the music and dance traditions of various El Monte residents.
The L.A. Care/Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in El Monte is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the Community Resource Centers, please visit activehealthyinformed.org or click here for specific information about the El Monte location.
About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect. It is led by healthcare professionals with a "members-first" philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for more than 400,000 members. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit www.news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
About L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan serves more than 2.3 million members in Los Angeles County, making it the largest publicly operated health plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Cal MediConnect and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care's mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County's vulnerable and low-income communities, and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access and inclusion, elevating health care for all of L.A. County. For more information, visit lacare.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Blue Shield Promise Health Plan
Olga Gallardo - (323) 537-6364
olga.gallardo@blueshieldca.com
L.A. Care Health Plan
Hector Andrade - (213) 703-5743
handrade@lacare.org
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SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/la-care-health-plan-blue-shield-california-promise-health-plan-hold-grand-opening-community-resource-center-el-monte/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:08Z |
NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until June 17, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. (NasdaqGS: LILM, LILMW, QELL, QELLU, QELLW), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 30, 2021 and March 14, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Get Help
Lilium investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-lilm/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Lilium and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 14, 2022, market analyst Iceberg Research issued a report on the Company's electric vertical take-off and landing production aircraft, Lilium Jet, highlighting numerous significant problems in design, capability and testing performance as well as other supply and company-wide issues.
On this news, shares of Lilium fell $1.25 per share, or 34%, to close at $2.44 per share on March 14, 2022, on unusually heavy trading volume.
The case is Gnanaraj v. Lilium N.V., et al., No. 22-cv-2564.
About ClaimsFiler
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/lilium-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-lilium-nv-lilm-lilmw/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:14Z |
National Fentanyl Advisory Board Advisory Council members, partners, and affected family members offer unique expertise, perspectives, and stories for journalists
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To assist with educating the public about the dangers of deadly illicit fentanyl in fake prescription pills and street drugs, experts in drug policy, public health, harm reduction, internet safety and neuroscience are offering to speak with journalists covering National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Their breadth of expertise is indicative of the urgency that stakeholders share about the need to alert the public to the unprecedented increase in drug related deaths driven by fentanyl, and to initiate a national conversation about solutions.
This availability is immediate and continues through May 10th, and beyond.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day Partners and Advisory Council members available to media:
- James Carroll, Former Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
- Dan Schneider, "The Pharmacist," Founder, Tunnel of Hope Foundation
- Ryan Hampton, Author, Advocate, Person in Recovery and Founder of The Voices Project
- General Barrye L. Price, CEO, CADCA
- Christopher Landau, Former US Ambassador to Mexico
- Uttam Dhillon, Former Acting Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration
- Timothy Mackey, PhD, Professor, Global Health Program, UCSD and CEO of S-3 Research
- Scott Hadland, MD, Chief of Adolescent Medicine, Mass General for Children/Harvard School
- Hina Talib, MD, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Atria Institute
- Ryan Marino, MD, Medical Toxicologist
- Michael Beckerman, Vice President and Head of Americas Public Policy, TikTok
- Eric Gremminger, ICADC, SAP, CEO, ERP Health
- Avra Siegel, Head of US Policy Programs, Meta
- Jennifer Stout, VP of Global Public Policy at Snap, Inc.
Affected family members are available to speak with media upon request.
UPDATE: Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduce Bipartisan Senate Resolution to recognize May 10, 2022 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
On Friday, Senators Diane Feinstein of California and Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced a bipartisan resolution that would recognize May 10, 2022 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. With twenty Democrat and Republican co-sponsors, this resolution is expected to pass the Senate in advance of National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
A broad coalition of nonprofit organizations, major corporations, government agencies and schools – including Google, Snap, DEA, Meta, the Ad Council, Shatterproof and CADCA – have come together to launch the first ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 10, 2022. The activation is designed to raise awareness about illicit fentanyl in fake pills and street drugs. Illegally made fentanyl is the primary driver of the recent increase in overdose deaths, and fentanyl involved deaths are fastest growing among 14- to 23-year-olds.
For more information on National Fentanyl Awareness Day and the urgent issue of illicit fentanyl in fake pills and street drugs, please see this April 19th release.
To arrange an interview with an expert or affected family member, please contact Garrett Murch at media@fentanylawarenessday.org.
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SOURCE National Fentanyl Awareness Day | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/media-availability-may-10th-national-fentanyl-awareness-day/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:21Z |
NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until June 27, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Natera, Inc. (NasdaqGS: NTRA), if they purchased the Company's shares between February 26, 2020 and April 19, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Get Help
Natera investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaq-ntra-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Natera and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 14, 2022, a jury found that the Company intentionally and willfully misled the public through its false advertisements to market Prospera, a screening test for kidney transplant failure, in violation of the federal Lanham Act, the Delaware Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and Delaware common law, including that the Company's marketing falsely claimed that Prospera was more accurate than the competing kidney transplant testing offered by CareDx, Inc. Ultimately, the jury awarded CareDx $44.9 million in monetary damages. On this news, shares of Natera fell $8.81, or 22.5% to close at $30.32 per share on March 15, 2022.
Then, on April 19, 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") issued a safety communication "to educate patients and health care providers and to help reduce the inappropriate use of [NIPTs]," a non-invasive prenatal test like the Company's product, Panorama, and cautioned that statements about NIPTs' reliability and accuracy "may not be supported with sound scientific evidence." On this news, shares of Natera fell as much as $1.53 per share, or approximately 3.9%, to close at $38.10 per share on April 20, 2022.
The case is John Harvey Schneider v. Natera, Inc., et al., No. 1:22-cv-00398.
About ClaimsFiler
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/natera-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-natera-inc-ntra/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:27Z |
TIBURON, Calif. and KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), the world's only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America, and ViciNFT Corporation, a leading provider of non-fungible token ("NFT") creation and management, smart contracts, blockchain technology development, and cryptocurrency-based auction management services, today announced an alliance to launch a collection of NFTs in honor of Jackie Robinson's year in the Negro Leagues.
Robinson played one season in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945 before he was brought into the Major Leagues by Branch Rickey on April 15, 1947. With today's announcement of this launch, NLBM and ViciNFT are building a community of fans through a collection of NFTs as virtual season tickets for the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs.
"We're thrilled to partner with ViciNFT on this historic effort that celebrates one of America's greatest heroes by shining a technological light on the fact that Jackie Robinson's trailblazing professional baseball roots began in the Negro Leagues. We believe this project will provide a relevant connection that will help fans understand the importance of the Negro Leagues both on-and-off the field," said Bob Kendrick, NLBM president.
Each NFT season ticket holder will have access to a virtual stadium commemorating Ruppert Stadium, then known as Blues Stadium, that served as the home of the Kansas City Monarchs during the 1945 season. Robinson took the field for his first game with the Monarchs on May 6, 1945, against the Chicago American Giants. NFT season ticket holders are able to select seats alongside renowned athletes, artists, and other NLBM supporters. NFT season tickets may be purchased at: https://nlbmfans.com/
"We are proud to take part in this launch that honors Jackie Robinson and commemorates an important movement in America's history," said Jon B. Fisher, ViciNFT's co-founder and CEO. "Applying NFT technologies to this historical movement underlines the immutability of Jackie Robinson's contribution to American society."
ViciNFT Corporation is a blockchain software company that designs, builds, and manages digital assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for enterprises and creators. The company's works are carbon neutral, and include a mandatory charity component equal to 25% of auction proceeds, making "NFTs for the common good." With NFT initiatives for Michelle Phillips, Aquarium of the Bay, and a number of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize nominees, the company acts as an advisor and concierge for facilitating auctions and digital wallet management. The company is led by Partner and Co-Founder, Bill Gladstone.
For more information about ViciNFT, please visit: https://www.vicinft.com/
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is the world's only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. The privately funded, 501 c3, not-for-profit organization was established in 1990 and is in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri's Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The NLBM operates two blocks from the Paseo YMCA where Andrew "Rube" Foster established the Negro National League in 1920.
For more information about NLBM, please visit: https://www.nlbm.com/
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SOURCE ViciNFT | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/negro-leagues-baseball-museum-vicinft-launch-nfts-kansas-city-monarchs-season-ticket-holders/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:35Z |
Innovative cybersecurity and threat intelligence company recognized for rapid growth, innovative solutions and leading the market
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a Los Angeles -based cybersecurity and intelligence company, has received platinum recognition in the cybersecurity company and organization category from the TITAN Business Awards. The TITAN Business Awards acknowledge the achievements of both entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide, providing recognition for fast-growing, innovative organizations worldwide.
Resecurity was recognized as a leading cybersecurity organization based on the strength of its nomination, company growth, global expansion, and investments in R&D. The award comes at a time of exponential growth of the global cybersecurity industry, with the market valued at USD 181.12 billion in 2021 and predicted to reach $307.70 billion in 2026 (a CAGR of 11.2%).[1] Rising spending on cybersecurity solutions attributed to the increasing threat of cyberattacks and government regulations is projected to propel the cybersecurity market's revenues during the forecast period.
"Today, organizations face the challenge of increasing cyber threats while also rebuilding after the global pandemic, making cybersecurity and threat intelligence essential. The Resecurity team has worked diligently the past year to meet the ever-changing needs and threatscape of modern enterprises. This recognition from TITAN Business Awards is a testament to our team's hard work and the value our solutions bring to our clients and partners," said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, Inc.
Resecurity's cyber threat intelligence solutions provide proactive alerts and comprehensive visibility of digital risks targeting an organization's ecosystem. The innovative platform allows administrators to reduce potential blind spots and security gaps by quickly seeing in-depth analysis and specific artifacts obtained through the dark web, botnets activity, network intelligence and high-quality threat intelligence data.
Since 2017, the company has grown revenue by 1,446%, garnering credit as one of the fastest-growing companies from Inc. Magazine and the Financial Times. In the past year alone, the company has expanded globally, announced a dedicated cyber research center, exhibited, and presented at key industry conferences and scaled its cybersecurity services and solutions.
Visit https://resecurity.com/ to learn more about Resecurity's cyber intelligence solutions and upcoming events.
About Resecurity
Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An official member of AFCEA, NDIA, SIA and Infragard. To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com.
[1] Accessed on 2/22/2022: https://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/information-technology/cyber-security-north-american-markets.html
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SOURCE Resecurity | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/resecurity-claims-platinum-cybersecurity-award-2022-titan-business-awards/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:41Z |
LA-based cybersecurity and risk management platform recognized for sustaining triple-digit growth since 2018 by leading B2B review platform
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a Los Angeles-based cybersecurity and intelligence company, has been named one of Clutch's Top 100 B2B Service Providers for Sustained Growth. The Clutch Top 100 aggregates revenue from the top companies on the platform to rank the highest-growing B2B providers based on their growth over the years.
Resecurity was one of two cybersecurity companies to make the exclusive list, reporting an impressive 233.77% absolute revenue growth. Resecurity has fueled this growth with strategic investments into R&D, expanding its international and channel sales presence and scaling its industry partnerships. In addition to their recognition from Clutch, Resecurity has been named one of the fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine and the Financial Times (FT).
"With organizations facing hundreds of threats each day, there has never been a greater need for cybersecurity and threat intelligence. We are proud to be recognized for sustaining our rapid growth alongside fellow innovators. It validates our business development strategy and R&D investments into SaaS-delivered solutions and the critical role cybersecurity will continue to play in today's global market," said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, Inc.
Resecurity's SaaS solution combines XDR/endpoint protection, cyber threat intelligence and digital risk management, enabling customers ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to governments to protect their ecosystem. The innovative platform allows administrators to reduce potential blind spots and security gaps by quickly seeing in-depth analysis and specific artifacts obtained through the dark web, botnets activity, network intelligence and high-quality threat intelligence data.
"The Clutch 100 growth lists are meant to highlight the top service providers based on their growth during a challenging period," said Clutch Customer Success Manager Aaron Morales. "The leaders are recognized because of their ability to work through adversity, willingness to participate, and commitment to their clients."
Clutch is a leading ratings and reviews platform for IT, marketing, and business service providers, serving over half a million buyers and sellers of services using the Clutch platform each month. The top 100 sustained-growth companies' rank is based on their absolute revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. The service providers on this list are headquartered in the United States, Canada, Ukraine, the UK, Singapore, and other countries across the globe.
Visit https://resecurity.com/ to learn more about Resecurity's cyber intelligence solutions and upcoming events.
About Resecurity
Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine and The Financial Times. An official member of AFCEA, NDIA, SIA and Infragard. To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com.
About Clutch
Clutch is the leading ratings and reviews platform for IT, marketing, and business service providers. Each month, over half a million buyers and sellers of services use the Clutch platform, and the user base is growing over 50% a year. Clutch has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. and has been listed as a top 50 startup by LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Resecurity | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/resecurity-named-clutchs-top-100-b2b-service-provider-sustaining-triple-digit-growth/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:48Z |
LOMPOC, Calif., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation on Friday slammed the Bureau of Land Management's plan to zero-out three wild horse Herd Management Areas in southwest Wyoming and slash the herd population on a fourth.
"The BLM is putting an agreement with ranchers in front of its responsibilities under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act," said Neda DeMayo, president of Return to Freedom (RTF), a national nonprofit advocacy organization. "Federally protected wild horse and burro populations on our public lands must not be allowed to be removed due to private landowner pressure or, soon, whole herds will vanish not just from Wyoming but across the West."
Under the plan, the BLM would:
- remove 1.95 million acres from wild horse use by converting the Salt Wells and Great Divide Herd Management Areas to inactive Herd Areas not managed for horses;
- manage the herd on the 393,000-acre White Mountain Herd Management Area as non-reproducing, effectively zeroing it out, too, with the agency considering population management tools that are dangerous, inhumane, unproven, costly (surgical sterilization of mares), ineffective (sex-ratio skewing) or that do not have a fully understood effect on wild herds (gelding stallions);
- slash its population target for the 478,000-acre Adobe Town Herd Management Area from a range of 610-800 wild horses to just 225-450.
The BLM has already set the stage for the changes. Starting last October, the agency spent more than $1.1 million to capture and remove 3,502 wild horses from their southwest Wyoming home ranges during a three-month-long helicopter roundup in which 37 horses died.
The BLM says that it is amending a Resource Management Plan to comply with a 2013 consent decree that the agency entered into with the Rock Springs Grazing Association.
The ranching group sued for the removal of all of the wild horses from the 2-million-acre Checkerboard region, an unfenced area of alternating, one-mile-square blocks of public and private land set up in the 1860s as part of negotiations with the Union Pacific railroad.
BLM's lone reason for its planned changes: creating a barrier between public and private lands is difficult.
"That's not good enough for the agency charged with conserving wild horses on our public lands on behalf of all Americans," DeMayo said. "Government agencies don't get to throw up their hands just because Congress handed them a challenge."
BLM's plan demonstrates explicit bias. It considered only reallocating forage from wild horses to other wildlife or livestock without making an equivalent amount of forage available to wild horses elsewhere.
The BLM already allows up to 191,791 Animal Unit Months of private livestock grazing on allotments overlapping the Herd Management Areas to as few as 18,600 AUM for wild horses (one AUM is the amount of forage needed to sustain one cow-calf pair, one horse or five sheep for one month).
The BLM apparently did not consider land swaps or other possible solutions, like scaling up a program of safe, proven and humane fertility control, an effort that would help lead to stabilization and a decrease, where necessary, of wild horse populations, with fewer horses ending up in already overcrowded off-range holding facilities at great taxpayer expense.
The BLM's plan would set a precedent that a special-interest association could demand the removal of wild horses from not just private but public lands. The courts have already ruled on this, however.
In 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit sided with RTF and other wild horse advocates, ruling that conducting a 2014 wild horse roundup on the Checkerboard without going through a full planning process violated both the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act and Federal Land Policy Management Act. The court ruled that the BLM lacked the authority to treat the entire Checkerboard as private land from which wild horses must be removed.
The BLM must treat wild horses and burros fairly, DeMayo said.
"Wild horses and burros continue to be given the smallest allocation of land and forage while being disproportionally blamed for range degradation," she said. "It isn't so much the number of wild horses or livestock that is the problem, it is how they are managed on these sensitive habitats.
"All grazing mammals tend to overgraze certain areas and under-graze others. In a balanced ecosystem, predators would keep grazers moving and this works best for the land. Climatic change doesn't prefer one species over the other. To truly create sustainable and healthy rangelands, a new model of holistic land management must be implemented across the West."
Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation (RTF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to wild horse preservation through sanctuary, education, conservation, and advocacy since 1998. It also operates the American Wild Horse Sanctuary at three California locations, caring for more than 450 wild horses and burros. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates about wild horses and burros on the range and at our sanctuary.
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SOURCE Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/return-freedom-blms-plan-wipe-out-wyomings-wild-horses/ | 2022-05-07T06:35:54Z |
NEW ORLEANS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 1, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Riskified Ltd. (the "Company") (NYSE: RSKD), if they purchased or acquired the Company's Class A common stock in or traceable to the Company's July 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Get Help
Riskified investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-rskd/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.
About the Lawsuit
Riskified and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement, violating federal securities laws.
The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) as the Company expanded its user base, the quality of the Company's machine learning platform had deteriorated (rather than improved as represented in the Registration Statement); (ii) the Company had expanded its customer base into industries with relatively high rates of fraud – including partnerships with cryptocurrency and remittance business – in which the Company had limited experience, and that this expansion had negatively impacted the effectiveness of the Company's machine learning platform; (iii) the Company suffered from materially higher chargebacks and cost of revenue and depressed gross profits and gross profit margins during its third fiscal quarter of 2021; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's representations in its Registration Statement were materially false and misleading, and lacked a factual basis.
The case is Thomas v. Riskified Ltd., et al., No. 22-cv-03545.
About ClaimsFiler
ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.
To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
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SOURCE ClaimsFiler | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/riskified-shareholder-alert-claimsfiler-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-riskified-ltd-rskd/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:02Z |
NEW YORK, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Arqit Quantum Inc. f/k/a Centricus Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ARQQ, ARQQW, CENH, CENHU, CENHW): (i) between September 7, 2021 and April 18, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (ii) all holders of Centricus securities as of the record date for the special meeting of shareholders held on August 31, 2021 to consider approval of the merger between Arqit and Centricus (the "Merger") and entitled to vote on the Merger. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 5, 2022.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Arqit 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 Arqit class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5481 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 5, 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. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period and in the Proxy Statement issued in connection to the Merger made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) Arqit's proposed encryption technology would require widespread adoption of new protocols and standards of for telecommunications; (2) British cybersecurity officials questioned the viability of Arqit's proposed encryption technology in a meeting in 2020; (3) the British government was not an Arqit customer but, rather, providing grants to Arqit; (4) Arqit had little more than an early-stage prototype of its encryption system at the time of the Merger; and (5) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Arqit class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5481 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.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-arqit-quantum-inc-fka-centricus-acquisition-corp-investors-with-losses-excess-100k-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-first-filed-by-firm-arqq-arqqw-cenh-cenhu-cenhw/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:08Z |
Names Karen S. Haller President and Chief Executive Officer; John P. Hester Retires
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") today announced that the Southwest Gas Board of Directors has appointed Karen S. Haller, Executive Vice President, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Haller succeeds John P. Hester, who has retired as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Hester has also resigned from the Board, effective immediately. Ms. Haller will be appointed to the Board of Directors immediately following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
"Now is the time for new leadership at the Company," said Chairman of the Board, Michael J. Melarkey. "Karen has been a significant contributor to the Southwest Gas team and has strong relationships with our key stakeholders, including employees, regulators, customers and stockholders. We are confident that she is the right leader for Southwest Gas moving forward. We remain focused on delivering stockholder value as our Strategic Transactions Committee continues to complete its process to maximize value for all Southwest Gas stockholders."
Ms. Haller said, "It is a privilege to serve as President and CEO of Southwest Gas at such an important time for the Company. Our business will play a critical role in the energy transition across our service territories, while prioritizing safety, reliability and excellent customer service. Moving forward, I look forward to deepening the Company's relationships with our stockholders. I also want to thank our employees for the hard work they put in each and every day and our customers for their continued support of Southwest Gas."
Mr. Melarkey continued, "On behalf of the Board, we thank John for his many contributions during his years of service to the Company and the communities in which we operate. We wish him well for the future."
Mr. Hester said, "It has been an honor to be a part of Southwest Gas for more than 30 years and serving as CEO over the last eight years. I am proud of what we accomplished and strongly believe in the Southwest Gas team and the value of the business."
In a separate release issued today, Southwest Gas announced a settlement agreement with Carl Icahn.
About Karen S. Haller
Ms. Haller joined Southwest Gas in March 1997 and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of the Company since May 2018. She previously served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company from 2017 – 2018. She holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Wyoming and received her J.D. from Cornell Law School.
About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas, and providing comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. Southwest Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, safely and reliably delivers natural gas to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. The Company's MountainWest subsidiary provides natural gas storage and interstate pipeline services within the Rocky Mountain region. Centuri Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a strategic infrastructure services company that partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain the energy network that powers millions of homes and businesses across the United States and Canada.
How to Find Further Information
This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval in connection with the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") (the "Annual Meeting"). In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company has filed a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which the Company has furnished to its stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. The Company may furnish additional materials in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, WE URGE STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN SUCH INFORMATION IS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ANNUAL MEETING. The proposals for the Annual Meeting are being made solely through the definitive proxy statement. In addition, a copy of the definitive proxy statement may be obtained free of charge from www.swgasholdings.com/proxymaterials. Security holders also may obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and any other documents filed by Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com.
Important Information for Investors and Stockholders: This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. In response to the tender offer for the shares of the Company commenced by IEP Utility Holdings LLC and Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., the Company has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS ARE URGED TO READ THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com. In addition, copies of these materials may be requested from the Company's information agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at (877) 825-8621.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") and the Company's expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words such as "will", "predict", "continue", "forecast", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "outlook", "could", "target", "project", "intend", "plan", "seek", "estimate", "should", "may" and "assume", as well as variations of such words and similar expressions referring to the future, and include (without limitation) statements regarding expectations with respect to a separation of Centuri, the future performance of Centuri, Southwest Gas's dividend ratios and Southwest Gas's future performance. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, whether we will separate Centuri within the anticipated timeframe and the impact to our results of operations and financial position from the separation, the potential for, and the impact of, a credit rating downgrade, the costs to integrate MountainWest, future earnings trends, inflation, sufficiency of labor markets and similar resources, seasonal patterns, the cost and management attention of ongoing litigation that the Company is currently engaged in, the effects of the pending tender offer and proxy contest brought by Carl Icahn and his affiliates, and the impacts of stock market volatility. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions about future operating margin, operating income, COLI earnings, interest expense, and capital expenditures of the natural gas distribution segment will occur. Likewise, the Company can provide no assurance that discussions regarding utility infrastructure services segment revenues, EBITDA as a percentage of revenue, and interest expense will transpire, nor assurance regarding acquisitions or their impacts, including management's plans or expectations related thereto, including with regard to Riggs Distler or MountainWest. Factors that could cause actual results to differ also include (without limitation) those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's and Southwest Gas Corporation's current and periodic reports, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed from time to time with the SEC. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its Web site or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
Participants in the Solicitation: The directors and officers of the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is available in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is included in other relevant materials filed with the SEC.
Contacts
For investor information, contact: Boyd Nelson, (702) 876-7237, boyd.nelson@swgas.com; or Innisfree M&A Incorporated, Scott Winter/Jennifer Shotwell/Jon Salzberger, (212) 750-5833.
For media information, contact: Sean Corbett, (702) 876-7219, sean.corbett@swgas.com; or Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, Dan Katcher / Tim Lynch, (212) 355-4449.
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SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/southwest-gas-announces-ceo-transition/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:16Z |
Up to Four New Directors to Join Board: Andrew W. Evans, H. Russell Frisby, Jr., Henry P. Linginfelter and Andrew J. Teno
Expands Strategic Transactions Committee
Company Continuing Expeditious Strategic Alternatives Process to Maximize Stockholder Value
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement (the "Agreement") with Carl Icahn ("Mr. Icahn") and his affiliated entities. Pursuant to the Agreement, at least three, and up to four, new directors will join the Southwest Gas Board of Directors (the "Board"). Following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), the Board will continue the previously announced review of a full range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value including a sale of the Company, a separate sale of one or more of its business units and/or the spin-off of Centuri, which is expected to be tax-free to stockholders. Under the terms of the Agreement, the composition of the Board will be amended as follows:
- Mr. Icahn has the right to appoint at least three directors effective immediately following the Annual Meeting: Andrew W. Evans, H. Russell Frisby, Jr., and Henry P. Linginfelter.
- A fourth director (Andrew J. Teno, unless he is otherwise already appointed to the Board, in which case one of Mr. Evans, Mr. Frisby, Jr. or Mr. Linginfelter will be appointed instead) will join the Board in the event that the Company determines to not spin-off Centuri. The decision whether to spin-off Centuri will be made within 90 days after the date of the Agreement.
- Mr. Icahn may elect to have Mr. Teno replace one of the three new directors within 90 days after the date of the Agreement.
- Current Board members, Robert L. Boughner and Thomas A. Thomas, have resigned effective immediately following the Annual Meeting.
- Current Board member, José A. Cárdenas, will resign from the Board if and when a fourth new director joins the Board.
- Current Board member, E. Renae Conley, will be appointed as Chair of the Board following the Annual Meeting.
In a separate release issued today, the Company announced that the Southwest Gas Board has appointed Karen S. Haller, Executive Vice President, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Haller succeeds John P. Hester, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hester has also resigned from the Board, effective immediately. Ms. Haller will be appointed to the Board, immediately following the Annual Meeting.
Following the changes in the composition of the Board, the Board will comprise 11 directors, 10 of whom will be independent.
"Acting as an independent Board, we heard the valuable feedback from our stockholders and determined our best course of action was to eliminate the uncertainty of a proxy contest so as to concentrate our focus on the strategic process," said incoming Chair of the Board Ms. Conley. "We intend to work with the new directors to maximize value for all stockholders. We commit to continued valuable engagement with our investors as we execute on our strategic plan."
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Board's Strategic Transactions Committee (the "Committee") will be expanded following the Annual Meeting to comprise six members: three current directors and Committee members, Anne Mariucci, Carlos Ruisanchez and Jane Lewis-Raymond, and three new directors, Mr. Evans, Mr. Frisby, and Mr. Linginfelter. If Mr. Teno joins the Board, he may replace one of the new Committee members at Mr. Icahn's discretion. Ms. Mariucci will continue to serve as Chair of the Committee.
Under the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Icahn will withdraw his slate of director nominees with respect to the Annual Meeting and vote in favor of the Company's nominees. The Company will amend the terms of its stockholder rights plan to increase the triggering percentage from 10% to 24.9%. In addition, Mr. Icahn will amend his $82.50 tender offer to acquire the outstanding shares of Southwest Gas to extend the expiration date to the date that is 10 business days following the date of the amendment, and will purchase shares validly tendered and not withdrawn as of that date, subject to a cap on his aggregate ownership of 24.9%. Mr. Icahn will not further extend or amend the tender offer.
The Agreement includes customary standstill and voting commitments that will extend until 30 days prior to the end of the advance notice period for the submission of director nominees in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In the event there is a definitive agreement for the sale of the entire Company or its natural gas utility, Southwest Gas Corporation, prior to that date, the standstill will extend until 30 days prior to the end of the advance notice period for the submission of director nominees in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
While the standstill is in effect, Mr. Icahn has agreed to vote all of his shares in favor of any Board-approved sale of the entire Company or its natural gas utility, Southwest Gas Corporation.
Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Icahn has withdrawn his litigation against the Company.
The Agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor to the Committee and also advised on the settlement agreement. Lazard is serving as financial advisor to Southwest Gas and Morrison & Foerster LLP and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP are serving as legal advisors.
New Director Biographies:
About Andrew W. Evans
Mr. Evans is a retired Chief Financial Officer of Southern Company, having served in the position from 2018 to 2021. He previously served as the CEO of AGL Resources, Inc., before which he held a variety of other positions at the company from 2003 to 2018. Prior to AGL, Mr. Evans spent 9 years with Mirant Corp, a global energy provider and commodity trading company. Mr. Evans began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Mr. Evans holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Emory University.
About H. Russell Frisby, Jr.
Mr. Frisby served as a Partner at the Stinson LLP law firm from September 2009 until December 2021 where he led the Telecommunications Group and was co-leader of the firm's State Utilities Practice Group. Mr. Frisby previously served on the board of Pepco Holdings, Inc., an S&P 500 energy utility, from September 2012 until March 2016 (when it was acquired by Exelon Corporation), where he was a member of the Finance and Compensation/Human Resources Committees. Prior to its acquisition by Windstream, Mr. Frisby served on the board of PAETEC Holdings, a national Fortune 1000 competitive telecommunications company (CLEC), from February 2007 until November 2011, where he was a member of the Compensation Committee. He received the Energy Bar Association's 2019 State Regulatory Practitioner Award for his innovation and superior advocacy. Mr. Frisby is a graduate of Yale Law School and Swarthmore College.
About Henry P. Linginfelter
Mr. Linginfelter is a recently retired executive with Southern Company Gas, a large gas utility with gas distribution and gas pipeline businesses. Mr. Linginfelter has diverse utilities experience, including regulatory engagement across multiple jurisdictions. He holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech University and an MBA from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
About Andrew J. Teno
Mr. Teno has been a portfolio manager at Icahn Capital, the entity through which Mr. Icahn manages investment funds, since October 2020. Mr. Teno previously worked at Fir Tree Partners, a New York based private investment firm that invests worldwide in public and private companies, real estate and sovereign debt, from 2011 to April 2020. Prior to that, he worked at Crestview Partners from 2009 to 2011 as an associate in their private equity business, and at Gleacher Partners, a boutique mergers and acquisitions firm, from 2007 to 2009. Mr. Teno has been a director of: FirstEnergy Corp., an electric utility, since March 2021; Herc Holdings Inc., an equipment rental company, since February 2021; and Cheniere Energy, Inc., a liquefied natural gas company, since February 2021. Mr. Teno previously served as a director of Eco-Stim Energy Solutions from March 2017 to December 2018. Mr. Teno received an undergraduate business degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 2007.
About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas, and providing comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. Southwest Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, safely and reliably delivers natural gas to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. The Company's MountainWest subsidiary provides natural gas storage and interstate pipeline services within the Rocky Mountain region. Centuri Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a strategic infrastructure services company that partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain the energy network that powers millions of homes and businesses across the United States and Canada.
How to Find Further Information
This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval in connection with the Annual Meeting. In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company has filed a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which the Company has furnished to its stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. The Company may furnish additional materials in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, WE URGE STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN SUCH INFORMATION IS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ANNUAL MEETING. The proposals for the Annual Meeting are being made solely through the definitive proxy statement. In addition, a copy of the definitive proxy statement may be obtained free of charge from www.swgasholdings.com/proxymaterials. Security holders also may obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and any other documents filed by Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com.
Important Information for Investors and Stockholders: This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. In response to the tender offer for the shares of the Company commenced by IEP Utility Holdings LLC and Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., the Company has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS ARE URGED TO READ THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com. In addition, copies of these materials may be requested from the Company's information agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at (877) 825-8621.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") and the Company's expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words such as "will", "predict", "continue", "forecast", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "outlook", "could", "target", "project", "intend", "plan", "seek", "estimate", "should", "may" and "assume", as well as variations of such words and similar expressions referring to the future, and include (without limitation) statements regarding expectations with respect to a separation of Centuri, the future performance of Centuri, Southwest Gas's dividend ratios and Southwest Gas's future performance. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, whether we will separate Centuri within the anticipated timeframe and the impact to our results of operations and financial position from the separation, the potential for, and the impact of, a credit rating downgrade, the costs to integrate MountainWest, future earnings trends, inflation, sufficiency of labor markets and similar resources, seasonal patterns, the cost and management attention of ongoing litigation that the Company is currently engaged in, the effects of the pending tender offer and proxy contest brought by Carl Icahn and his affiliates, and the impacts of stock market volatility. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions about future operating margin, operating income, COLI earnings, interest expense, and capital expenditures of the natural gas distribution segment will occur. Likewise, the Company can provide no assurance that discussions regarding utility infrastructure services segment revenues, EBITDA as a percentage of revenue, and interest expense will transpire, nor assurance regarding acquisitions or their impacts, including management's plans or expectations related thereto, including with regard to Riggs Distler or MountainWest. Factors that could cause actual results to differ also include (without limitation) those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's and Southwest Gas Corporation's current and periodic reports, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed from time to time with the SEC. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its Web site or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
Participants in the Solicitation: The directors and officers of the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is available in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is included in other relevant materials filed with the SEC.
Contacts
For investor information, contact: Boyd Nelson, (702) 876-7237, boyd.nelson@swgas.com; or Innisfree M&A Incorporated, Scott Winter/Jennifer Shotwell/Jon Salzberger, (212) 750-5833.
For media information, contact: Sean Corbett, (702) 876-7219, sean.corbett@swgas.com; or Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, Dan Katcher / Tim Lynch, (212) 355-4449.
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SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/southwest-gas-announces-settlement-with-carl-icahn/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:22Z |
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") today announced that it will report first quarter 2022 financial results following market close on Monday, May 9, 2022. The Company will host an earnings conference call at 6:00 PM ET to discuss the results.
The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com.
Date: Monday, May 9, 2022
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Telephone number: (866) 342-8588
International telephone number: (203) 518-9865
Conference ID: 44121
If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will also be archived on the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com. Alternatively, a digital replay of the call can be accessed by dialing (800) 938-1603, beginning one hour after the end of the earnings call. The digital replay of the call will be available until 6:00 PM ET on Monday, May 16, 2022.
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SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/southwest-gas-holdings-inc-announce-first-quarter-2022-earnings-may-9-2022/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:29Z |
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") today announced that it is rescheduling its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), which was originally scheduled to be held virtually on May 12, 2022, to Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The rescheduled meeting will be held virtually at the same website as previously announced: www.cesonlineservices.com/swx22_vm.
The Annual Meeting has been rescheduled to provide Southwest Gas stockholders adequate time to review the terms of the Company's announced settlement agreement with Carl Icahn and his affiliated entities.
The Company notes that the record date is unchanged. As previously announced, stockholders of record as of March 21, 2022 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders who have already voted on the Company's WHITE proxy card and do not wish to change their vote need not vote again. Stockholders who previously voted on the GOLD proxy card are urged to vote again on the WHITE proxy card to ensure their shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders wishing to attend the virtual 2022 Annual Meeting must pre-register no later than 11:00 a.m., EDT on May 18, 2022 by following the instructions shown in the "How do I attend the Annual Meeting" section on page 2 of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting, dated March 24, 2022. Stockholders who have already pre-registered for the virtual Annual Meeting do not need to pre-register again.
About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas, and providing comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. Southwest Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, safely and reliably delivers natural gas to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. The Company's MountainWest subsidiary provides natural gas storage and interstate pipeline services within the Rocky Mountain region. Centuri Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a strategic infrastructure services company that partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain the energy network that powers millions of homes and businesses across the United States and Canada.
How to Find Further Information
This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval in connection with the Annual Meeting. In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company has filed a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which the Company has furnished to its stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. The Company may furnish additional materials in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, WE URGE STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN SUCH INFORMATION IS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ANNUAL MEETING. The proposals for the Annual Meeting are being made solely through the definitive proxy statement. In addition, a copy of the definitive proxy statement may be obtained free of charge from www.swgasholdings.com/proxymaterials. Security holders also may obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and any other documents filed by Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com.
Important Information for Investors and Stockholders: This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. In response to the tender offer for the shares of the Company commenced by IEP Utility Holdings LLC and Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., the Company has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS ARE URGED TO READ THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com. In addition, copies of these materials may be requested from the Company's information agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at (877) 825-8621.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") and the Company's expectations or intentions regarding the future. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words such as "will", "predict", "continue", "forecast", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "outlook", "could", "target", "project", "intend", "plan", "seek", "estimate", "should", "may" and "assume", as well as variations of such words and similar expressions referring to the future, and include (without limitation) statements regarding expectations with respect to a separation of Centuri, the future performance of Centuri, Southwest Gas's dividend ratios and Southwest Gas's future performance. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, whether we will separate Centuri within the anticipated timeframe and the impact to our results of operations and financial position from the separation, the potential for, and the impact of, a credit rating downgrade, the costs to integrate MountainWest, future earnings trends, inflation, sufficiency of labor markets and similar resources, seasonal patterns, the cost and management attention of ongoing litigation that the Company is currently engaged in, the effects of the pending tender offer and proxy contest brought by Carl Icahn and his affiliates, and the impacts of stock market volatility. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions about future operating margin, operating income, COLI earnings, interest expense, and capital expenditures of the natural gas distribution segment will occur. Likewise, the Company can provide no assurance that discussions regarding utility infrastructure services segment revenues, EBITDA as a percentage of revenue, and interest expense will transpire, nor assurance regarding acquisitions or their impacts, including management's plans or expectations related thereto, including with regard to Riggs Distler or MountainWest. Factors that could cause actual results to differ also include (without limitation) those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's and Southwest Gas Corporation's current and periodic reports, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed from time to time with the SEC. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its Web site or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
Participants in the Solicitation: The directors and officers of the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is available in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is included in other relevant materials filed with the SEC.
Contacts
For investor information, contact: Boyd Nelson, (702) 876-7237, boyd.nelson@swgas.com; or Innisfree M&A Incorporated, Scott Winter/Jennifer Shotwell/Jon Salzberger, (212) 750-5833.
For media information, contact: Sean Corbett, (702) 876-7219, sean.corbett@swgas.com; or Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, Dan Katcher / Tim Lynch, (212) 355-4449.
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SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/southwest-gas-reschedules-annual-meeting-may-19-2022/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:36Z |
TORONTO, May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Emmy Award-winning screenwriter of Netflix series "Love, Death + Robots" Phil Gelatt has joined the development of the first animated series produced by Spice DAO, a collective of 800+ pop culture enthusiasts that crowdfunded $12M to win the auction of the Dune Bible at Christie's Paris in November 2021 for $3M.
Spice DAO is a Web3 production studio publishing sci-fi animation and NFTs from established writers and artists. Operating as a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) on the Ethereum blockchain, members develop proposals and create consensus by voting on projects with the governance token $SPICE.
In January Spice DAO held a Writing Competition open to any contributor to create a series bible for our animated series. Members voted for the Top 3 entries in February. Phil Gelatt will adapt the underlying material to create the official series bible for an as-yet-untitled science-fiction story to be produced as an animated series of six episodes each twenty-two minutes in length. Spice DAO will executive produce the series.
"We are thrilled to partner with Phil who brings a bold vision and industry experience to our group of dreamers. We are excited to pioneer decentralized storytelling as a new form of collaborative media that is directed, steered and owned by the community itself," said Kortelin, a member of the core team.
Philip Gelatt is an American film screenwriter, director, and producer. In 2021, he received an Emmy Award for his work on an episode of the second season of the Netflix series "Love Death + Robots." Also in 2021, his adult animated dark fantasy film "The Spine of Night" premiered at South by Southwest to rave reviews. It was released theatrically by RLJE and made its streaming premiere on Shudder. In 2016 he won a Writers Guild of America's Outstanding Achievement in Video Game Writing for his contributions to Square Enix's "Rise Of The Tomb Raider." He is represented by WME.
Spice DAO is a Web3 production studio publishing sci-fi animation and NFTs from established writers and artists. The DAO was founded by 800+ pop culture enthusiasts that crowdfunded $12M to win the auction of the Dune Bible at Christie's Paris in November 2021 for $3M.
We are currently producing an original animated limited series to be distributed by a streaming service and are opening an NFT studio that provides white glove service to high profile creators to develop strategy and concepts; design and build technology products; and advise on marketing campaigns to onboard the next million users to Web3.
The DAO has been featured in The Guardian, The New Yorker, Financial Times, Business Insider, Wired Magazine and more mainstream news outlets. We have a combined following of 10K+ on social media.
Media Contact
Twitter: @TheSpiceDAO
Website: spicedao.xyz
Email: team@spicedao.xyz
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SOURCE Spice DAO Animation Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/spice-dao-working-with-emmy-award-winning-screenwriter-phil-gelatt-animated-series/ | 2022-05-07T06:36:42Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV)- The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's Board of Directors approved a new recovery plan for the city's troubled rail project. The plan is a step toward getting millions in federal funding for the project that the Federal Transit Administration is holding.
The last time HART had to do a recovery plan was 2018. They agency has revised its estimates and made cuts. There's $744 million in federal funding hanging in the balance. The recovery plan has to be in the FTA's hands by June 30th, or the city wont get the final $744 million from Washington.
The recovery plan calls for the rail system to end at the Civic Center Station in Kakaako, rather than the Ala Moana Center. It also puts off construction of the Pearl Highlands Parking Garage. The changes would shorten the railway from 20 miles to 18.75 and there would be 19 stations instead of 21. Construction of the parking garage and the segment to Ala Moana would be put into some future phase of the project, with funding for that phase still to be determined.
Some concerns were brought up during the meeting. "What good does it do to bring the guideways up 6 feet when the power stations are on ground level. The rail system is going to shut down during a flood event like everything else," said HART Board Member Mark Howland. "There's enough acreage on the guideway to put enough panels to power the entire system," said HART Board Member Anthony Aalto.
Additional bus routes would be added at the Civic Center station, that would help out students, visitors and people who work in Waikiki. "A 6 minute light service that would go to University of Hawaii and another light service that would go to Waikiki," said HART Board Member Roger Morton. "One of the city council members from Pearl City area suggested to me that we look at the Pearl Highlands Shopping Center and Leeward Community College. The parking lot material is there already. The structure's already there. Those are great ideas, find a better way," said Hart Executive Director Lori Kahikina.
The City's also found a new funding source for rail. A portion of the county Transient Accommodations Tax, is projected to cut down on the amount of bonds needed for the project. | https://www.kitv.com/news/business/hart-board-sending-approved-recovery-plan-to-city-council/article_1d7423ba-cdc5-11ec-b14f-3f8dd4884421.html | 2022-05-07T06:55:06Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Hawaii's Department of Health is asking for those who are ill to stay pro-active with contact tracing
The Hawaii Department of Health's state laboratory in Pearl City conducts important testing, especially amid the COVID pandemic and the Red Hill crisis.
And while many might picture a pristine facility, recent pictures sent by a whistleblower paint a different picture.
"A lab with a hole in the roof, with water pans collecting the water in pans inside the lab itself, mold in the tiles, the integrity of that lab is zero," says Carroll Cox with EnviroWatch.
Some photos even show sensitive equipment like gas chromatographs covered with plastics. DOH insists no samples were impacted by the water damage. But the damage is prompting lawmakers to step in.
"It is very alarming and I'm not sure what the situation was but as soon as we heard about it in the state legislature especially in the finance committee.. that the resources were there necessary," says State Rep. Patrick Branco (D-Kailua).
Tom anchors Good Morning Hawaii weekends and reports for KITV4. He comes to Hawaii after reporting in Nevada, Oklahoma and Georgia. Tom is a proud Terp, graduating from the University of Maryland in 2012. | https://www.kitv.com/news/lawmakers-approve-funds-for-state-lab-amid-damage-at-facility/article_9682db68-cdb9-11ec-871d-d7b9b1a0d020.html | 2022-05-07T06:55:12Z |
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Lingering clouds Saturday with sunshine returning for Mother’s Day Sunday. Tonight, some passing trade wind showers tonight. Cloudy Skies. Lows in the lower 70s.
HONOLULU (KITV4) – Lingering clouds Saturday with sunshine returning for Mother’s Day Sunday.
Tonight, some passing trade wind showers tonight. Cloudy Skies. Lows in the lower 70s.
Saturday, variable cloudiness with passing trade wind showers in the morning hours. The highest rain chances will be for windward and mauka spots with a few showers for leeward spots. Expect generally cloudy skies with some peaks of sun in the afternoon.
Highs 79 to 86. Breezy winds out of the northeast.
Sun returning for Mother’s Day Sunday with just a few passing trade wind showers in the morning hours. Highs in the middle 80s.
Surf:
North: 2-4 ft
West: 2-4 ft
South: 3-5 ft
East: 5-7 ft
Small Craft Advisory for Boaters
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Chief Meteorologist Pete Caggiano forecasts for KITV4 Island News during the 5,6 and 10 p.m. newscasts Monday – Friday. He has the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association Seal of Approval. | https://www.kitv.com/weather/friday-evening-weather-forecast-may-6-2022/article_8077ac98-cdc5-11ec-a053-ebca0f405063.html | 2022-05-07T06:55:18Z |
4 daycare workers charged after giving children melatonin, officials say
Published: May. 5, 2022 at 5:05 PM EDT
INDIAN MOUND, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – Four daycare workers in Tennessee are facing charges after police say they gave young children melatonin without their parents’ consent.
The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received reports March 25 of children receiving melatonin at Mimi’s Daycare in Indian Mound, about 70 miles northwest of Nashville.
On Thursday, the sheriff’s office arrested the following four people:
- 45-year-old Jamie Clark, charged with child abuse/neglect, contributing to delinquency of a minor, tampering with evidence, and criminal violations
- 21-year-old Kristin Clark, charged with child abuse/neglect, contributing to delinquency of a minor, and criminal violations
- 22-year-old Jordan Darnell, charged with child abuse/neglect, contributing to delinquency of a minor, tampering with evidence, and criminal violations
- 21-year-old Ethan Pulley, charged with tampering with evidence
The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the incident and said Mimi’s Daycare has been investigated for other complaints as well, but they did not elaborate.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/4-daycare-workers-charged-after-giving-children-melatonin-officials-say/ | 2022-05-07T07:16:14Z |
82-year-old tradition returns to Beckley
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - It’s that time of year again! The Gambill Amusements traveling carnival has returned to Beckley.
This year’s event will feature all the quintessential carnival rides- like the ferris wheel, a zero gravity machine, a merry-go-round- and a few new ones. And, of course, no fair is complete without the food.
WVVA spoke with a fifth gerneration member of the Gambill Amusements family, who says anyone can enjoy the carnival.
“Our whole basis is family fun,” shared Brooke Turner. “All we want to see is all the families come out together and get a funnel cake, ride the ferris wheel and have a good time. I enjoy looking out at all the families. even when you walk through Kid Land, all the little kids are having a good time, and the parents are standing there with their phones out having a great time.”
The Beckley Spring Carnival will kick off tonight at 6 p.m. It will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Tickets can be purchased online, which offers a discount, or in person. Ulimited ride wristbands are $25.
For even more infomration on Gambill Amusements, visit gambillamusements.com.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/82-year-old-tradition-returns-beckley/ | 2022-05-07T07:16:25Z |
83-year-old abortion doctor says he’s focused on patients and his purpose
DENVER (KUSA) – Many eyes are on the Supreme Court after news broke that it could strike down Roe v. Wade, which would overturn the federal constitutional right to an abortion.
Dr. Warren Hern said he’s focused on his patients and his purpose. He worked at Colorado’s first abortion clinic in 1973 and continues to practice nearly 50 years later.
Despite threats made by those opposing abortions, Hern has continued in his profession and has shared many stories about his life calling.
“This is my work. This is what I do,” Hern said, adding he’s had stones thrown at him at the clinic.
He said he remembers threats made towards his clinic in Boulder, Colorado, in the 1980s and the five bullets fired through the front door.
Hern said he kept coming back so he could help his patients.
Before Roe v. Wade, he thought too many women were dying because of unsafe, illegal abortions, which is why he started his practice.
“I started performing abortions the safest way I could,” Hern explained.
He’s worried history will repeat itself and more women will die trying to get illegal abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
“I have always found this is an extremely important service, and there’s never been a time when it’s less important,” Hern said.
His clinic is a refuge for women who are seeking a procedure that may be banned in other states.
At 83 years old, Hern feels called to help more people.
“This is a major component and essential component of women’s healthcare. And it’s being threatened now,” Hern said.
The Supreme Court’s final opinion on Roe v. Wade hasn’t been formally released, and votes, along with language, can change before then.
Copyright 2022 KUSA via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/83-year-old-abortion-doctor-says-hes-focused-patients-his-purpose/ | 2022-05-07T07:16:34Z |
Georgia high school student arrested after lockdown at school
ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia high school student was arrested Thursday after the school was placed on lockdown and people at nearby Emory University were told to shelter in place because of reports of a possible armed suspect.
DeKalb County School District police Chief Bradley Gober said at a news conference that the student, who is a minor, was arrested just before 4 p.m. and will be charged with aggravated assault and carrying a gun in a school safety zone, news outlets reported.
Other students went to the principal’s office at Druid Hills High School to report that they thought the student had a gun. Officers searched the high school’s campus but didn’t find the student, leading them to believe the student had left campus.
Emory police found the student on the university campus after searching for hours, news outlets reported.
DeKalb County school system spokesman Donald Porter said in an email that the school was placed on lockdown around 10:40 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution due to a report of an unsafe situation.” He added that the lockdown “did not result from an active situation.”
School system and county police were onsite throughout the lockdown, which was lifted at around 12:10 p.m., Porter said.
Maia Higgins, 16, said that when the school went into lockdown she and other students had to stay in their classrooms. Principal Mark Joyner announced over the public address system that it was a “level 2″ lockdown, which Higgins took to mean there was some type of threat but no active shooter.
Higgins said a photo of a student with a handgun had circulated on social media. It was not known whether the photo was connected to the lockdown.
According to the local news website Decaturish, Joyner also sent a notification to parents about the situation.
“We are currently under a Level 2 lockdown due to a report that an unauthorized individual was seen on campus,” Joyner wrote. “DeKalb Schools Public Safety Department is assisting to ensure that all individuals on campus are authorized to be here. All students and staff are safe at this time.”
In a tweet at about 11:40 a.m., Emory said an active shooter had been reported on the campus and that police were responding. The university later deleted that tweet and sent out another shortly after noon saying that police were on the scene at nearby Druid Hills High School. The tweet said there was a “possible armed subject” but no active shooter on the Emory campus.
Throughout the early afternoon, the university periodically put out tweets advising people on campus to continue to shelter in place. The all-clear notification was finally issued around 2:20 p.m.
The incident comes just ahead of graduation weekend at the private university, which consistently ranks among the top schools of higher education in the Southeast. The main commencement ceremony, including a speech by entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, is Monday.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/active-shooter-reported-emory-university/ | 2022-05-07T07:16:44Z |
Airbnb to crack down on parties following deaths of 2 teens
(CNN) - Airbnb is cracking down on parties.
The company announced Wednesday that it is putting strict new rules in place to limit unauthorized parties at rental properties over summer holidays, including Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekends.
Airbnb said users without a history of positive reviews will not be allowed to book a property for one night only.
Users will also have to confirm they understand Airbnb can take legal action against them if they break the rules.
The new rules come after two teenagers were killed in a shooting at a large party held last month at an Airbnb property in Pittsburgh. Eight others were injured. Police said more than 200 people were at the party – many of them minors – which violated Airbnb’s policy of limiting gatherings to 16 people.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/airbnb-crack-down-parties-following-deaths-2-teens/ | 2022-05-07T07:16:51Z |
Audio: McCarthy slams Trump after Jan. 6, expresses concern about transition
(CNN) - House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy railed against former President Donald Trump in a phone call two days after the Jan. 6 insurrection, calling Trump’s role “atrocious.”
In newly released details of that call, McCarthy is heard opposing using the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office because it would take too long.
The audio reveals McCarthy wanted to reach out to then President-elect Joe Biden in the days after Jan. 6, in hopes of creating a smooth transition into the White House.
“What the president did is atrocious and totally wrong. I do think the impeachment divides the nation further,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said. “It continues to fight is greater, um, that’s why I want to reach out to Biden. I wanted the president to meet with Biden. If that’s not going to happen, I want to see about us meeting with Biden, sitting down, make a smooth transition to show that and continue to keep those statements going. Um, so hopefully I know he’s got to talk to Pelosi that he is going to. Hopefully he calls me today.”
During that call, McCarthy also appeared so concerned about Trump’s role in the Capitol attack that he wanted a faster way to get the former president out of office than invoking the 25th Amendment.
Invoking the 25th Amendment would have required then-Vice President Mike Pence and a majority of the cabinet to vote to remove Trump from office due to his inability to “discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
CNN has reached out to McCarthy office to request comment on the newly revealed audio.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/audio-mccarthy-slams-trump-after-jan-6-expresses-concern-about-transition/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:01Z |
Bird flu takes unheard-of toll on bald eagles, other birds
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Bird flu is killing an alarming number of bald eagles and other wild birds, with many sick birds arriving at rehabilitation centers unsteady on their talons and unable to fly.
“It’s quite a sight to see an eagle with a six-foot wingspan having uncontrollable seizures because of highly pathogenic avian influenza,” said Victoria Hall, executive director of the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center. “At that point, they’re so far into the disease there’s no treatment options left.”
The latest outbreak of the highly contagious virus has led to the culling of about 37 million chickens and turkeys in U.S. farms since February, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed 956 cases of bird flu in wild birds, including at least 54 bald eagles. But the actual number is likely significantly higher because not every wild bird that dies is tested and the federal tally doesn’t include cases recorded by wildlife rehabilitation centers.
The latest reported toll is nearly 10 times higher than the 99 confirmed cases in wild birds during the last bird flu outbreak in 2015. This time, the virus has been detected in birds in 34 states, indicating it is far more widespread than seven years ago.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center also collects data from wildlife officials on suspected and confirmed bird flu deaths. It lists 8,536 recent wild bird deaths from avian influenza.
“This is definitely an unprecedented event,” said researcher Rebecca Poulson, who has been studying avian influenza for 15 years at the University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study. “The number of birds and species and states already in which it has been detected is pretty alarming.”
Water fowl including ducks and geese, which typically carry the virus, and the raptors and scavengers that feed on them are the most commonly sickened birds, but cases have been confirmed in more than three dozen species. Ducks and geese are usually able to live with the virus without getting sick, but the latest variant is proving more contagious and more deadly.
“We are seeing a tremendous impact from this virus,” said Hall, whose Raptor Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, treats roughly 1,000 birds a year. “We are seeing birds coming in suffering from this virus every single day.”
Nearly 61% of the 188 birds the rehabilitation center has tested since late March have had bird flu and all but one of those died. Hall said the center had to set up an area where workers wearing protective gear test sick and injured birds for avian influenza and quarantine them before bringing them into the center, to avoid infecting other birds.
None of the 114 positive cases the center has recorded, including 28 bald eagles, are included in the USDA count, Hall said. She said a great horned owl recovered from the virus, giving her hope that some wild birds may be able to fight it off.
USDA officials haven’t responded to questions about why they are excluding the data from rehabilitation centers.
Scientists estimated in a study published three years ago that the number of wild birds in North America had fallen by nearly 3 billion since 1970 as humans continue to encroach on their habitat. But it’s too soon to know what impact the bird flu will have on bird populations because the outbreak is ongoing and there hasn’t been enough time to study it, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service veterinarian Samantha Gibbs, and other experts.
“We’re quite concerned. I think that we’re going to be watching very carefully what the mortality rates are throughout the spring and summer,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs and Poulson said they fear the virus could survive the summer, when it usually dies off, leading to fall infections when migratory birds return south. That happened in Europe, where the virus is circulating first.
Bald eagles — the U.S. national symbol since the 1700s — are among America’s most celebrated conservation success stories. With an estimated 300,000 bald eagles in the country today — a population that quadrupled between 2009 and 2021 — the bird was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007. Given that, experts believe the species should weather the impact of this virus.
State and federal officials will track the success of nesting eagles this spring and summer to gauge the impact of the virus.
In Georgia, where three bald eagles that died tested positive for bird flu, the state Department of Natural Resources has documented a sharp drop in bald eagle reproduction this year in six coastal counties where many migratory birds spend the winter. Fewer than half of the 73 nests found there produced offspring, while nests elsewhere in the state had a success rate close to the average of 78% recorded in recent years.
Some experts, including Hall, suggest that residential bird feeders should be removed to avoid further spread of the virus, but the USDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service haven’t recommended that because bird flu isn’t common among the songbirds that frequent backyards. Still, they say it’s important to regularly clean bird feeders to help limit the spread of other diseases.
“Wild birds could use all the help they can get right now,” Hall said.
When the virus is found on poultry farms, officials slaughter entire flocks to curb the spread, even when most birds have no symptoms. So far, 37.36 million birds have been killed in 32 states.
USDA officials stress that bird flu doesn’t jeopardize food safety because infected birds aren’t allowed to enter the food supply, and properly cooking poultry and eggs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses or bacteria.
Health officials also say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant health risk to people, even though one human case of the disease was confirmed in Colorado last month. Officials say people are unlikely to catch the virus unless they have prolonged direct exposure to infected birds.
___
Associated Press writers Carrie Antlfinger in Milwaukee and Doug Glass in Minneapolis contributed to this story.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/bird-flu-takes-unheard-of-toll-bald-eagles-other-birds/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:10Z |
Car hangs by bumpers after parking deck collapses onto underground garage
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – The top level of an apartment complex parking deck in Cleveland collapsed onto the underground level of the garage just before midnight Tuesday, according to investigators.
A large portion of the parking deck could be seen resting on top of a car in a video shared by the Parma Fire Department.
According to WOIO, conditions made it difficult for firefighters to search for victims as busted water lines sprayed throughout the underground garage.
Authorities said no one was hurt during the collapse, and all residents and firefighters were accounted for.
“We were very fortunate that this incident did not result in any loss of life or injury,” Parma Fire Chief Michael Lasky said. “One of the residents whose vehicle was impacted had only recently returned to his residence where seconds later the parking deck collapsed.”
Nicholas Shultz was getting ready for bed when he heard noises outside that he could not place. Just as he went outside to investigate, the ground gave way.
“It was just shock and awe,” Schultz said.
His car was parked right where the ground gave out and was hanging, precariously, by its bumpers over the garage below.
Multiple callers to 911 worried that there were people in the garage or that the ground was unstable and that there was the potential for a further collapse or that the high rise was structurally damaged.
Firefighters said, however, the apartment complex itself was in no danger of collapsing, and engineers are working to ensure any additional collapse does not occur at the garage.
Copyright 2022 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/car-hangs-by-bumpers-after-parking-deck-collapses-onto-underground-garage/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:18Z |
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Trooper uses car as barrier to stop suspected drunken driver
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) - Newly released police video shows a North Carolina trooper using his car as a barrier to stop a suspected drunken driver.
“Once I saw the vehicle, I just decided to stop the chase right there,” North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Cody Thao said.
Thao prevented the driver from doing any more damage as they drove the wrong way on the interstate in the early morning hours of April 9.
He said he didn’t think about how he could be seriously injured until afterward.
“I realize after the fact yes, but this is what we signed up to do, this is what we agreed to do,” Thao said.
After the video was released, Thao’s heroic actions are earning him praise even though he deflected.
“All the credit goes out to the other troopers who inspire me on a daily basis especially here in Wake county.”
Thao was working on April 8 when deputies in Johnston County chasing a car reported to nearby authorities what was happening.
Thao heard the whole thing on the radio and knew where they were going.
When he saw the blue lights after he got off the exit, he knew he only had a second to think about what to do.
“It could’ve turned into exactly the same type of collision that happened a little further east,” Thao said, referring to a similar crash that ended in three deaths.
That crash was also caused by a suspected drunken driver who had entered the highway going the wrong way, according to troopers.
Thao praised his training as the reason for his quick actions.
He hasn’t even been on the job for a year
“Before that, I actually worked at a Tractor Supply,” he said. “I don’t have any prior experience with law enforcement. I’ve always had a servant’s heart and I’ve always wanted to help people.”
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Joshua Ray Bibey, is now facing DWI charges.
Copyright 2022 WTVD via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/caught-camera-trooper-uses-car-barrier-stop-suspected-drunken-driver/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:26Z |
Child critically injured after shooting himself in head with gun, police say
Published: May. 5, 2022 at 4:25 PM EDT
ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - Police in St. Louis are investigating a critical shooting that involved a child Wednesday afternoon.
KMOV reports a 3-year-old found a gun from a mattress and shot himself in the head while at a residence north of downtown, according to authorities.
Police said the child was taken to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition.
A 22-year-old man was later arrested in connection with the incident, and police said the child abuse unit was also investigating.
Copyright 2022 KMOV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/child-critically-injured-after-shooting-himself-head-with-gun-police-say/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:33Z |
COVID coverage for all dries up even as hospital costs rise
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, the U.S. came close to providing health care for all during the coronavirus pandemic — but for just one condition, COVID-19.
Now, things are reverting to the way they were as federal money for COVID care of the uninsured dries up, creating a potential barrier to timely access.
But the virus is not contained, even if it’s better controlled. And safety-net hospitals and clinics are seeing sharply higher costs for salaries and other basic operating expenses. They fear they won’t be prepared if there’s another surge and no backstop.
“We haven’t turned anybody away yet,” said Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of family and community medicine at Cook County Health in Chicago. “But I think it’s just a matter of time ... People don’t get cancer treatment or blood pressure treatment every day in America because they can’t afford it.”
A $20 billion government COVID program covered testing, treatment and vaccine costs for uninsured people. But that’s been shut down. Special Medicaid COVID coverage for the uninsured in more than a dozen states also likely faces its last months.
At Parkland Health, the frontline hospital system for Dallas, Dr. Fred Cerise questions the logic of dialing back federal dollars at a time when health officials have rolled out a new “test-to-treat” strategy. People with COVID-19 can now get antiviral pills to take at home, hopefully avoiding hospitalization. Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently tested positive but is back working at the White House, is an example.
“Test-to-treat will be very difficult for uninsured individuals,” predicted Cerise, president and CEO of the system. “If it’s a change in strategy on the large scale, and it’s coming without funding. People are going to be reluctant to adopt that.”
Officials at the federal Department of Health and Human Services say the new antiviral drugs like Paxlovid have been paid for by taxpayers, and are supposed to be free of charge to patients, even uninsured ones.
But they acknowledge that some uninsured people can’t afford the medical consultation needed to get a prescription. “We hear from state and local partners that the lack of funding for the Uninsured Program is creating challenges for individuals to access medications,” said Dr. Meg Sullivan, chief medical officer for the HHS preparedness and response division.
The nation has not pinched pennies on the pandemic before.
“We’re well short of universal health coverage in the U.S., but for a time, we had universal coverage for COVID,” said Larry Levitt, a health policy expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “It was extraordinary.”
Recently an urgent White House request for $22.5 billion for COVID priorities failed to advance in Congress. Even a pared-back version is stuck. Part of the Biden administration’s request involves $1.5 billion to replenish the Uninsured Program, which paid for testing, treatment and vaccine-related bills for uninsured patients. The program has now stopped accepting claims due to lack of money.
That program, along with a less known Medicaid option for states, allowed thousands of uninsured people to get care without worrying about costs. Bipartisan support has given way as congressional Republicans raise questions about pandemic spending.
The Uninsured Program was run by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an HHS agency. Medical providers seeing uninsured people could submit their bills for reimbursement. Over the last two years, more than 50,000 hospitals, clinics, and medical practices received payments. Officials say they can turn the program back on if Congress releases more money.
The Medicaid coverage option began under the Trump administration as a way to help states pay for testing uninsured people. President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief bill expanded it to treatment and vaccine costs as well. It’s like a limited insurance policy for COVID. The coverage can’t be used for other services, like a knee replacement. The federal government pays 100% of the cost.
Fifteen states, from deep blue California to bright red South Carolina, have taken advantage of the option, along with three U.S. territories. It will end once the federal coronavirus public health emergency is over, currently forecast for later this year.
New Hampshire Medicaid Director Henry Lipman said the coverage option allowed his state to sign up about 9,500 people for COVID care that includes the new antiviral drugs that can be taken at home.
“It’s really the safety net for people who don’t have any access to insurance,” said Lipman. “It’s a limited situation, but in the pandemic it’s a good back-up to have. It makes a lot of sense with such a communicable disease.”
With COVID cases now at relatively low levels, demand for testing, treatment and vaccination is down. But the urgency felt by hospitals and other medical service providers is driven by their own bottom lines.
In Missouri, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare CEO Craig Thompson is worried to see federal funding evaporate just as operating costs are soaring. Staff have gotten raises, drug costs have risen by 20% and supply costs by 12%.
“We’ve now exited this pandemic ... into probably the highest inflationary environment that I’ve seen in my career,” Thompson said. The health system serves a largely rural area between Kansas City and Springfield.
In Kentucky, Family Health Centers of Louisville closed a testing service for uninsured people once federal funds dried up. The private company they were working with planned to charge $65 a test.
Things are manageable now because there’s little demand, said spokeswoman Melissa Mather, “but if we get hit with another omicron, it’s going to be very difficult.”
Floridian Debra McCoskey-Reisert is uninsured and lost her older brother to COVID-19 in the first wave two years ago. In one of their last conversations, he made her promise she wouldn’t catch the virus.
McCoskey-Reisert, who lives north of Tampa, has managed to avoid getting sick so far. But she’s overshadowed by fear of what could happen if she or her husband get infected.
“If either one of us get sick with COVID, we don’t have a way to pay for it,” she said. “It would likely bankrupt us if we can’t find some other help.”
Retrenchment on the uninsured mirrors some of the bigger problems of the U.S. health care system, said Chicago hospital physician Loafman.
“Quite frankly, we as a society take care of the uninsured for COVID because it’s affecting us,” he said. “You know, a gated community doesn’t keep a virus out ... that’s sort of the ugly truth of this, is that our altruism around this was really self-motivated.”
___
Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/covid-coverage-all-dries-up-even-hospital-costs-rise/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:39Z |
Deputy on beach patrol runs over woman lying in sand, sheriff’s office says
Published: May. 5, 2022 at 12:12 PM EDT
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (Gray News) – A deputy on beach patrol ran over a woman who was lying out on a Florida beach Wednesday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s department.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Todd Brien, who has been with the department for eight years, struck a 23-year-old beachgoer with his patrol vehicle in St. Pete Beach while she was lying on her back in the sand.
According to investigators, the front driver-side tire of Brien’s Chevy Tahoe drove over the victim’s right side and mid-to-upper back area.
The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No one else was injured, and officials are continuing to investigate.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/deputy-beach-patrol-runs-over-woman-lying-sand-sheriffs-office-says/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:46Z |
Gorgeous Cinco de Mayo in store for us
Partly cloudy skies with highs in the 70s and low 80s is expected today
A gorgeous day is in store for this Cinco de Mayo with a mix of sun and clouds and highs in the 70s and even the low 80s for some. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather today because we will be growing unsettled for the rest of the week.
Overnight, most should stay dry with partly cloudy skies, however, a few showers are possible late. Temperatures will stay mild with lows only getting down into the mid-50s to low-60s.
Some scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm will move into the region tomorrow morning. More widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon hours which will keep temperatures in the 60s and low 70s throughout the day.
Some storms could turn strong to severe Friday afternoon and evening. Damaging winds and small hail are the greatest threats, however, we cannot rule out an isolated tornado.
Some more rain will continue to fall on Saturday before we dry up just in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday. Temperatures will be cooler this weekend with highs in the 60s.
We look to stay dry for quite some time next week and temperatures will be heating up once again. Make sure to stay tuned and catch the latest on WVVA.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/gorgeous-cinco-de-mayo-store-us/ | 2022-05-07T07:17:54Z |
Heard takes stand, accuses Depp of violent sexual assault
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Actor Amber Heard tearfully told jurors Thursday that Johnny Depp sexually assaulted her with a liquor bottle in an alcohol-fueled rage.
The March 2015 incident in Australia, where Depp was filming the fifth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, is sharply disputed and has been a focal point of the four-week civil trial in Fairfax, Virginia.
The night ended with the tip of Depp’s middle finger cut off, and him writing vulgar messages in blood on the walls of the house. Depp denies assaulting her in any way and says his finger was severed when Heard threw a vodka bottle at him; Heard said she’d taken sleeping pills after she was attacked and was not awake when the finger was severed.
The graphic description of the sexual assault left Heard fighting for her composure as she described it to jurors. She said Depp had been angry as soon as she arrived in Australia, roughly a month after the couple had married in February 2015.
He was accusing her of sleeping with co-stars in her movies, including Billy Bob Thornton and Eddie Redmayne, with whom she’d just shot the film “The Danish Girl” — accusations she denied.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Videos in this story may include graphic content.
The fight escalated to the point where he threw her into a ping-pong table, breaking it, Heard testified. He ripped off her nightgown, and Heard said she was naked and exposed as she was assaulted.
“I couldn’t get up. I thought he was punching me,” she said. “I could just feel this pressure on my pubic bone.”
She thought he was assaulting her with her fist, but later figured out that she was being assaulted with a bottle, and realized that there had been numerous bottles broken in the fight.
“I looked around and saw so much broken glass. I just remember thinking, ‘Please God, please don’t be broken,’” she said.
Heard described bizarre details in the aftermath of the attack, including seeing her shredded burgundy nightgown used to wrap a raw steak that had been left out. She said that when Depp’s security team finally arrived to tend to his severed finger, Depp was still trying to leave vulgar messages for her, but was trying to write them by urinating on the wall.
Much of the trial testimony has been repetitive of a civil suit Depp filed against a British newspaper. A judge there ruled against Depp in 2020, finding that Heard had in fact been assaulted multiple times by Depp. But the sexual assault allegations described by Heard on Thursday were not publicly aired in the U.K trial.
Depp is suing Heard in Virginia for libel over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers say he was defamed by the 2018 article even though it never mentioned his name.
Earlier in her testimony Thursday, Heard testified that Depp surrounded himself with an entourage of enablers to shield him from the consequences of his drug and alcohol use.
She described an incident that has already come up at trial, a May 2014 plane ride from Boston to Los Angeles. According to Heard, Depp was jealous and irate that she was making a movie with actor James Franco that included a kissing scene.
“He hated, hated James Franco,” she said.
As soon as Depp stepped into the private plane, he began berating her, she said. She got up and walked away, but Depp followed her. At one point, he slapped her, Heard testified. Later, she said, he kicked her, and not one person on board intervened on her behalf.
“I felt this boot in my back,” she said. “I fell to the floor. And no one said anything. No one did anything. You could have heard a pin drop. I just remember feeling so embarrassed.”
Depp, who testified earlier in the trial, described the incident differently. He denied that he’d drank excessively before getting on the plane, and said Heard initiated an argument and pursued him until he felt compelled to hide in a bathroom.
But jurors heard a recording Heard made toward the end of the incident, in which it sounds like Depp is howling and babbling incoherently. And the jury has seen a text message Depp sent his friend Paul Bettany shortly after the flight, in which he says he’s going to “properly stop the booze thing” because the flight got “ugly.” He also texted Bettany saying, “I’m admittedly too f——- in the head to spray my rage at the one I love for little reason as well.”
Heard has testified that she was physically and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by Depp, typically when he was drunk or high on drugs. Depp has denied ever hitting her, but Heard’s lawyers have said his denials lack credibility in part because he can’t remember what he’s done when he blacks out.
Depp has said Heard greatly exaggerates his drinking, and that he tolerates his liquor well. Friends, family and employees of Depp have taken the stand and backed up his contention.
But Heard said that’s part of the problem: She said Depp has a team around him that cleans him up when he gets sick, and enables him to go about his business without acknowledging the consequences of his drinking.
___
This story has been corrected. Heard testified that Depp kicked her, not that she kicked him.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/heard-depp-team-enablers-shielded-his-drug-alcohol-use/ | 2022-05-07T07:18:00Z |
Lawyer charged with manslaughter for shooting man in the head outside practice, police say
LITCHFIELD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – A Connecticut lawyer under investigation for a deadly shooting outside of his law practice last year is now facing a manslaughter charge.
According to Connecticut State Police, Robert Lownds Fisher, 75, turned himself in on Wednesday. An active warrant had been issued for Fisher’s arrest.
Fisher is accused of shooting Matthew Bromley, 39, in the head in the parking lot of the Cramer & Anderson Law Firm in Litchfield on June 7, 2021.
According to the warrant, Fisher called 911 after the shooting and reported that Bromley, whom he claimed he did not know, had assaulted him.
Fisher said that Bromley followed him to the parking lot, opened his car door, and punched him in the face. He said Bromley also threatened to kill the lawyer for “ruining his life.”
Fisher said he took out a gun and told Bromley to back off, but Bromley charged at him. That’s when Fisher said he fired.
Witnesses, however, said that Bromley actually appeared to back off at that point and did not charge at Fisher.
Fisher told the dispatcher that he was bleeding a little and had some bruising, but he was otherwise fine. He told the dispatcher the victim was lying on his back on the pavement.
According to the warrant, an employee of the law firm said Bromley was not a client. However, Bromley did once call the law firm to inquire about a foreclosure on his mother’s home and spoke to Fisher. Fisher told Bromley that he didn’t handle foreclosures. The back-and-forth was a bit elevated, the employee said.
However, the employee said that appeared to be the extent of the conversation and there was no other contact since.
Fisher is a certified pistol instructor with no criminal record.
He was charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm. He was released on a $50,000 bond.
Copyright 2022 WFSB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/05/lawyer-charged-with-manslaughter-shooting-man-head-outside-practice-police-say/ | 2022-05-07T07:18:07Z |
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