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Judge: Trump must pay $110K, meet conditions to end contempt
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge said Wednesday he’s close to releasing Donald Trump from a contempt finding, but only if the former president meets certain conditions, including paying $110,000 in fines accrued for failing to turn over documents in a state civil investigation.
Judge Arthur Engoron said he will conditionally lift Trump’s contempt finding if, by May 20, Trump submits additional affidavits detailing efforts to search for records and explaining his and his company’s document retention policies, a company he hired to aid the search completes its work and he pays the fines.
Engoron ruled Trump in contempt on April 25 and fined him $10,000 per day for not complying with a subpoena for documents in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation, which is probing whether Trump may have misstated the value of assets like skyscrapers and golf courses on financial statements for over a decade.
The total Engoron ordered Trump to pay is the fine accrued through May 6, when Trump’s lawyers submitted 66 pages of court documents detailing efforts to locate the subpoenaed records. Engoron could reinstate the fine if the conditions he set forth on Wednesday are not met.
A message seeking comment was left with Trump’s lawyer.
James, a Democrat, asked Engoron to hold Trump in contempt after he failed to produce any documents to satisfy a March 31 deadline to meet the terms of the subpoena.
Trump attorney Alina Habba said in the May 6 filing that the responses to the subpoena were complete and correct and that no relevant documents or information were withheld.
Habba conducted searches of Trump’s offices and private quarters at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, according to the filing, but didn’t find any relevant documents that hadn’t already been produced. The filing also detailed searches of other locations including file cabinets and storage areas at the Trump Organization’s offices in New York.
In a separate sworn affidavit included with the filing, Trump stated there aren’t any relevant documents that haven’t already been produced.
He added that he owns two cellphones: an iPhone for personal use that he submitted in March to be searched as part of the subpoena, then submitted again in May; plus a second phone he was recently given that’s only used to post on Truth Social, the social media network he started after his ban from Twitter, Facebook and other platforms.
Also Wednesday, a state appellate court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Trump’s appeal in another subpoena matter: Engoron’s Feb. 17 ruling requiring him to answer questions under oath in James’ investigation.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/judge-trump-must-pay-110k-meet-conditions-end-contempt/ | 2022-05-11T17:58:27Z |
Peace Officers Flag Ceremony to take place at Bridgewater College
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 12:35 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Harrisonburg Police Department invites the community to attend this year’s Peace Officers Flag Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, May 16, at 10 a.m.
The annual gathering honors law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
While this traditionally takes place at the Public Safety Building in Harrisonburg, this year’s Flag Ceremony will take place at the Kline Campus Center at Bridgewater College.
Parking is limited and attendees are asked to carpool, if possible.
2022 Flag Ceremony BridgewaterCollege by WHSV Analytics on Scribd
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/peace-officers-flag-ceremony-take-place-bridgewater-college/ | 2022-05-11T17:58:34Z |
Quick Senate OK ahead for House-passed $40B aid for Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — Final congressional approval of a $40 billion Ukraine aid bill seems certain within days as top Senate Republicans said Wednesday they expect strong GOP backing for the House-passed measure, signaling a bipartisan, heightened U.S. commitment to helping thwart the bloody Russian invasion.
“I think there’ll be substantial support,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told The Associated Press about the legislation, which cleared the House late Tuesday by an emphatic 368-57 margin. “We’re going to try to process it as soon as possible.”
No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota predicted “a big vote over here” for the bill, which he and others suggested might come Thursday but could spill into next week. Thune said some Republicans would vote against it and procedural tactics by opponents to slow it were possible, but added, “I think because there’s so much forward momentum behind doing this and doing it in a timely way that it I don’t think we’ll have anybody who will hold it up.”
It’s taken just two weeks for lawmakers to receive President Joe Biden’s smaller, $33 billion package, enlarge it and move it to the brink of passage — lightning speed for Congress. That reflects a bipartisan consensus that Ukraine’s outnumbered forces need additional Western help as soon as possible, with added political pressure fueled by near-daily tales of atrocities against civilians inflicted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s armies.
“Act quickly we must,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “I will make sure this is a priority for the Senate. We have a moral obligation to stand with our friends in Ukraine.”
The new legislation would bring American support for the effort to nearly $54 billion, including the $13.6 billion Congress enacted in March. That’s about $6 billion more than the U.S. spent on all its foreign and military aid in 2019, according to a January report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which studies issues for lawmakers.
Washington has become increasingly assertive about its goals and its willingness to help Ukraine with more sophisticated weapons. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said recently the U.S. wants a “weakened” Russia that can’t quickly restore its capability to attack other countries, and reports have emerged about U.S. intelligence helping Ukrainians kill Russian generals and sink the Russian missile cruiser Moskva.
A senior Russian official said in Moscow Wednesday that the assistance package was part of Washington’s proxy war against Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and former president, said on a messaging app that the aid was driven by a desire to “inflict a heavy defeat on our country, restrict its economic development and political influence in the world.”
The measure sailed to House passage backed by every voting Democrat, while around 1-in-4 Republicans opposed it. It would provide $7 billion more than Biden’s request from April, dividing the increase evenly between defense and humanitarian programs.
The bill would give Ukraine military and economic assistance, help regional allies, replenish weapons the Pentagon has shipped overseas and provide $5 billion to address global food shortages caused by the war’s crippling of Ukraine’s normally robust production of many crops.
“As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Some Republicans used the election-season debate to accuse Biden of being unclear about his goals.
“Honestly, do we not deserve a plan?” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas. He said he agrees that Western countries must help Ukraine stand up to Russia but added, “Does the administration not need to come to us with where we are going with this?”
Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., attended Tuesday’s separate Democratic and Republican Senate lunches and expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Markarova told them her country has depleted its stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and said continued NATO support is vital.
Coons said the Ukrainian’s message was: “Thank you, do more. We have a hard fight ahead. With your support, we can win.”
The new measure includes $6 billion to arm and train Ukrainian forces, $8.7 billion to restore American stores of weapons shipped to Ukraine and $3.9 billion for U.S. forces deployed to the area.
There’s also $8.8 billion in economic support for Ukraine, $4 billion to help Ukraine and allies finance arms and equipment purchases and $900 million for housing, education and other help for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.
To enhance the measure’s chances in Congress, the House bill dropped Biden’s proposal to ease the pathway to legal permanent residency for qualifying Afghans who fled to the U.S. after last summer’s American withdrawal from that country. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the adequacy of security screenings for applicants.
In their biggest concession, Biden and Democrats abandoned plans Monday to include additional billions of dollars to build up U.S. supplies of medicines, vaccines and tests for COVID-19. Republican support for more pandemic spending is waning and including that money would have slowed the Ukraine measure in the 50-50 Senate, where at least 10 GOP votes will be needed for passage.
Democrats hope to produce a separate COVID-19 package soon, though its fate is unclear.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/quick-senate-ok-ahead-house-passed-40b-aid-ukraine/ | 2022-05-11T17:58:43Z |
Teen dies from injuries after jumping from moving vehicle
SOUTHGATE, Mich. (WTVG/Gray News) – Angelina Jones, 14, died three days after jumping from a moving vehicle in Michigan on April 17, WTVG reports.
Southgate Police said Jones and her mother got into an argument before the teen jumped out of the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.
Jones was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died from her injuries three days later.
“I don’t even know how to describe it, how hard it is to realize that she’s gone,” said Dawn Pease, Angeline Jones’ great-aunt.
Jones’ mother had recently picked her up from her father’s house when the two got into an argument, according to Pease.
“For whatever reason, she jumped out the car,” Pease said.
Pease said Jones’ mother stopped immediately and went to her daughter in the middle of the road.
“She was afraid [her daughter] was going to get hit by a car,” Pease said. “Thankfully, nobody hit her.”
During the investigation, police arrested Jones’ mother for suspicion of operating under the influence. She was released pending toxicology results.
“This is just a horrible thing, and nobody intended this,” Pease said. “My niece loved her daughter more than life itself. She would have jumped out of the car if she could have.”
Investigators with Southgate Police said they are still waiting on results from the toxicology report and no charges have been filed.
Copyright 2022 WTVG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/teen-dies-injuries-after-jumping-moving-vehicle/ | 2022-05-11T17:58:52Z |
U.S. hopes WWII policy revival can assist Ukraine
“Lend-Lease” protocol was first used as Nazi Germany targeted Europe
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Joe Biden signed the Lend-Lease Act of 2022 into effect Monday, marking the first time the U.S. utilized the policy since fighting Nazi Germany.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) co-sponsored the legislation with a group of bipartisan senators. He said U.S. leaders are trying to respond to Ukraine’s requests for more expedited aid.
“We will provide, weapons, airplanes, ships, whatever our friends and allies need to defend themselves, and cut through the red tape to get it there faster,” Cornyn said.
The Lend-Lease protocol allows the U.S. to provide more military equipment faster to allies by clearing bureaucratic hurdles. Lend-Lease was design by the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help fight Nazi Germany’s aggression, but without sending American troops to Europe.
“Roosevelt, I think, and many of his aides and supporters, hope that if we would give enough aid to Britain and later the Soviet Union, we can avoid entering the war itself,” Florida State WWII Professor Kurt Piehler said. “We don’t necessarily have to fight.”
Piehler said the program worked during WWII for distributing weapons, and he thinks it can work again in Ukraine. But Piehler said the policy did not actually keep the U.S. out of war, which could be an issue again.
“A remarkably efficient program for getting aid to Britain and the Soviet Union,” Piehler said. “One of the things it also meant, it did inch us closer to the war because you had to get the supplies to Britain.”
The Biden administration maintains it will continue to supply Ukraine with equipment – but does not want troops fighting in the war. The administration is pushing for more financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/us-hopes-wwii-policy-revival-can-assist-ukraine/ | 2022-05-11T17:58:58Z |
VIDEO: Officers help save choking baby in Massachusetts
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A scary situation unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday when a 3-month-old baby was choking in her car seat while her mother was driving.
Two Springfield police officers were in the right place at the right time and jumped into action to save the baby’s life, Western Mass News reported.
Their heroic actions were caught on body camera footage.
Officers Christopher Charles and Luis Rodriguez were working a detail when a car pulled over and a woman jumped out crying for help.
“A woman got out of the vehicle and began screaming that her baby was not breathing,” Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood said. “Officers immediately ran to the vehicle, and they found a 3-month-old infant girl to be pale, choking, gasping for air.”
The officers took immediate action.
Rodrigues requested an ambulance as Charles worked to save the baby, removing her from her car seat and placing her face down on his forearm, according to officials. He began patting her on the back to clear her airway until she began to respond by crying.
Both officers are members of the most recent graduating class of the Springfield Police Academy and credited the department for their skills that prepared them for a situation like this.
“I just relied on my training. When someone is in distress, you are trained to react. We go through a lot of training in the academy, and I also have kids,” Charles said.
Both Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Clapprood praised the two officers for giving this terrifying situation a positive outcome.
“This baby is alive because of Officer Charles and Officer Rodriguez’s efforts,” Sarno said.
The baby was able to be released from the hospital later that day, and although the mom wishes to remain anonymous, she said she is thankful for the two officers’ lifesaving measures.
Copyright 2022 WGGB/WSHM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/video-officers-help-save-choking-baby-massachusetts/ | 2022-05-11T17:59:05Z |
WATCH: Engagement ring found in car fire leads to impromptu proposal
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A young man is breathing a little easier after nearly losing an engagement ring to a vehicle fire Monday in Tennessee.
According to a Facebook post from Williamson County Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched to a car fire off I-840. They arrived to find the vehicle ablaze and quickly moved to stop the flames, WSMV reported.
Brooklynn Stevens and her high school sweetheart, Myers Hart, were driving a rental car when they heard a loud pop. Hart pulled off to the side of the road to check the car. He realized the car was on fire.
“There was a loud bang. I think the coolant reservoir blew and it shot the hood up and spewed fluid everywhere and then it went up in flames,” Hart said.
The couple, and Stevens’ best friend, got out of the car safely. Then it dawned on Hart that he was hiding the engagement ring in the car.
“Her friend knew about it and we looked at each other and said, ‘The ring is in there and we couldn’t get it out,’” Hart said. “By that point all they could do was pray the ring would make it through the fire.”
“After our car fire happened, a butterfly landed on our car and my best friend was like, ‘Oh, that means good luck.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, we have such good luck. The car caught on fire. Amazing luck,’” Stevens said.
It turns out, Stevens’ best friend was right. After Williamson firefighters put out the flames, she quietly asked them to look for the ring.
“And we started sifting through all the ashes and everything, and it was melted against the seat and actually it was perfectly encased in the ring box. And I opened it up and it looked brand new, so it was really a miracle,” Fire Engineer Steve Hopkins said.
“We were talking about it and they were saying how this was a really good time to do it. Like, this was a sign I have to do it now. And I had one of them film and we walked up there,” Hart said.
“And he gets on one knee and I’m like, ‘Here?’ and I started crying. I said, ‘Here? Right now? Like, the car just caught on fire, are you serious? I mean, yes! Yes of course I want to. But like the car.’ And he was like ‘I know,’” Stevens said.
Stevens said the ring still felt warm from the fire when Hart slipped it on her finger.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/watch-engagement-ring-found-car-fire-leads-impromptu-proposal/ | 2022-05-11T17:59:11Z |
WASHINGTON — The federal government has picked 46 water projects in 11 states to fund with a total of about $240 million for infrastructure repairs this fiscal year. The work includes one project in Wyoming.
On Monday, the Department of the Interior announced this batch of money and that it is coming from the infrastructure law. The program, via the Bureau of Reclamation, "includes significant repairs on canal linings, dam spillways and water pipeline replacements," said a news release.
Locally, according to the Interior Department, the North Platte project is getting approximately $6 million.
A related listing from the agency describes a project as the "Gering-Fort Laramie Canal Repair." It was described as "major repairs on the" Fort Laramie Canal. It said that "funding is provided for a planning study."
Another listing from the agency contains similar information for something that is labeled the Goshen Irrigation Fort Laramie Canal Repair.
Speaking of the 46 projects generally, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said that “as western communities face growing challenges accessing water in the wake of record drought, these investments in our aging water infrastructure will safeguard community water supplies and revitalize water delivery systems.”
The overall infrastructure law "makes one of the largest investments in drought resilience in American history, including $8.3 billion for water infrastructure programs and $1.4 billion for ecosystem restoration and resilience," the department said. "The projects selected for funding today are found in all the major river basins and regions where Reclamation operates."
They include "large projects to conduct canal repairs in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming, dam spillway repairs in Nebraska, pipeline repairs in Utah and investments in a pumping plant in Montana," the agency said. "Projects in Colorado, Oregon and Washington are also being funded."
A second application period involving the Bureau of Reclamationis described as being "for extraordinary maintenance funding." It is planned for October. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/federal-water-projects-including-in-wyo-get-240m-investment/article_f13cc57f-4267-5751-bd0c-a05bfa1d517e.html | 2022-05-11T18:28:50Z |
...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...West to southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to
60 mph, possible.
* WHERE...Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, Natrona County
Lower Elevations, Rock Springs and Green River and East
Sweetwater County.
* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Elevated blowover risk,
especially for light and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A brief period of blowing snow will be
possible across Sweetwater County during the morning hours.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.
&&
ROCK SPRINGS – The preliminary budget for the general fund for the 2022-2023 fiscal year was approved by the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board at the meeting on Monday, May 9.
Th grand total listed for the preliminary budget is $89,221,987. That number has decreased by $78,355 compared to the amount listed in the 2021-2022 approved budget, which was $89,300,342.
Chief financial officer Scot Duncan stated that the main reason for the decrease is due to the loss of ADMs (Average Daily Memberships).
“The district receives a large portion of state funding based on student enrollment. So, when student enrollment is down, state revenues are usually down as well.”
Three of the items on the expenditure budget are listed as having contingencies.
The “tuition-disables students” portion that is listed under programs has been allocated $1,760,000 of the preliminary budget. It has decreased $428,415 compared to its amount of 42,188,415 that was in the 2021-2022 approved budget.
The “tuition-disabled students” portion of the preliminary budget is listed as having a contingency of $350,000.
“It means that we’ve taken $350,000 of the money that was budgeted in this current year and put it down in the cash reserve contingency,” Duncan said.
The “psychological programs” portion of the budget has been allocated $968,558. It has decreased by $313,600 compared to the amount of $1,282,158 that was in the 2021-2022 approved budget.
It is listed as having a contingency of $200,000.
“It’s the same for this one. $200,000 was moved out of that line item so that expenditure budget was decreased by that amount.”
“Fiscal services” has been allocated $1,415,667 in the preliminary budget. It has decreased by $220,904 compared to the amount of $1,636,571 that was in the 2021-2022 approved budget.
It is listed as having a contingency of $450,000.
Additionally, it was approved to advertise for a public hearing on June 27, 2022. It will be held in order to amend the 2021-2022 budget. The general fund, special revenue funds, capital project funds and other district funds “in the event transfers or overruns occur in specific areas” will be amended during the public hearing. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/preliminary-budget-for-the-2022-2023-fiscal-year-approved-by-sweetwater-county-school-district-no/article_d9a1c657-106b-5dfe-bede-d9680ca1a16f.html | 2022-05-11T18:28:57Z |
...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...West to southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to
60 mph, possible.
* WHERE...Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, Natrona County
Lower Elevations, Rock Springs and Green River and East
Sweetwater County.
* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Elevated blowover risk,
especially for light and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A brief period of blowing snow will be
possible across Sweetwater County during the morning hours.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.
&&
SWEETWATER COUNTY -- The dedicated men and women of Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office are encouraging county residents to show their support for local law enforcement throughout the month of May by placing a blue light bulb in their front porch light.
Thanks to a generous donation made possible by the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, Menards of Casper and the Bryan Gross Memorial Foundation, the sheriff’s office is pleased to now be offering a limited number of blue light bulbs at no cost for those who would like to participate.
Every day, law enforcement officers show up to work and put their lives on the line for us, but not all of them always get home. A total of 458 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers from across the country died in the line of duty in 2021, a 55% increase from those killed during the previous year. Ninety-two line-of-duty deaths have already been reported this year.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. This year, Police Week will be observed starting today, Wednesday, May 11, through Tuesday, May 17.
Every year, the names of those killed are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. This Friday, May 13, the names of 619 law enforcement officers who were recently added to the Memorial will be read aloud during the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil, a special ceremony held during Police Week each year at the National Mall in Washington.
If one would like to claim a free blue light bulb and join us in honoring law enforcement, please stop by our public lobby at 50140B U.S. Highway 191 South in Rock Springs anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free blue light bulbs will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Feel free to call ahead to confirm availability at 307-922-5296. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/sheriffs-office-announces-blue-lights-campaign-to-support-local-law-enforcement/article_043106a3-b4b1-5f42-a69d-3c3b8fbef67a.html | 2022-05-11T18:29:03Z |
Wyoming Public Service Commission Chief Counsel John Burbridge testifies in Casper to a joint state legislative committee on April 25, 2022. Next to him is Dave Bush from Black Hills Energy. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, speaks in Casper at a joint state legislative committee discussion of his bill on limited power deregulation on Monday, April 25, 2022. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Sen. Bo Biteman. R-Ranchester, speaks during a discussion about Senate File 103 as part of a Senate Education Committee hearing on Feb. 18, 2022, in the Capitol. Michael Smith/For the Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Wyoming Public Service Commission Chief Counsel John Burbridge testifies in Casper to a joint state legislative committee on April 25, 2022. Next to him is Dave Bush from Black Hills Energy. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Rep. Danny Eyre, R-Lyman, in Casper at a joint state legislative committee on April 25, 2022. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper, speaks to a joint state legislative committee on April 25, 2022. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, speaks in Casper at a joint state legislative committee discussion of his bill on limited power deregulation on Monday, April 25, 2022. Jonathan Make/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Sen. Bo Biteman. R-Ranchester, speaks during a discussion about Senate File 103 as part of a Senate Education Committee hearing on Feb. 18, 2022, in the Capitol. Michael Smith/For the Wyoming Tribune Eagle
CHEYENNE – The state’s utility and telecommunications regulator has formally confirmed that it will play host to a meeting of stakeholders searching for a way forward on cryptocurrency energy issues.
In an email on Tuesday, the Public Service Commission announced that this gathering begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at the agency’s headquarters here in Cheyenne. The meeting is being called a technical conference.
The purpose of the event is to “discuss Deregulated Industrial Power Zones as considered in” Senate File 71 during the 2022 legislative session, the PSC said. And a goal is “to identify other innovations to encourage economic development involving energy intensive activities” in Wyoming, the notice added.
In interviews last week, legislators had said that state legislative consideration was moving ahead for a renewed attempt to help ensure there is sufficient electricity and at low rates for virtual currency miners. SF 71 was an unsuccessful bill that would have allowed for such deregulated industrial power zones, for crypto companies to strike deals with non-incumbent energy providers.
Also last week, members of a legislative working group looking at possible solutions to this issue, who may be involved with the May 23 meeting, were disclosed in interviews with the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Those participating are Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper; Rep. Danny Eyre, R-Lyman; Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie; and Sen. Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester.
PSC General Counsel John Burbridge, who had been helping to arrange details of the upcoming technical event, is listed as the staff contact: 307-777-7427 or john.burbridge@wyo.gov.
The gathering will be in the agency’s hearing room in the Hansen Building, 2515 Warren Ave., Suite 300.
You can attend by “video conference and actively participate” at us02web.zoom.us/j/81691648448. You can also call 346-248-7799, meeting No. 816 9164 8448. For an “audiostream without actively participating,” go to 159.238.23.19:8000/live
Jonathan Make is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s assistant managing editor and editor of the Wyoming Business Report. He can be reached at jmake@wyomingnews.com{span} or 307-633-3129{/span}. Follow him on Twitter @makejdm. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/banking_and_finance/way-forward-on-crypto-power-to-be-discussed-may-23-at-public-service-commission/article_5d822efc-d153-11ec-9960-53feccc9f690.html | 2022-05-11T18:29:09Z |
CHEYENNE – After only having one retail liquor license available to give to one of nine applicants last month, local officials are asking for changes from state legislators.
Members of the City Council passed a resolution Monday night declaring that the current state statutes regarding the designation of liquor licenses issued by municipalities are stifling economic growth. The council requested the Wyoming Legislature and its committees review, consider and adopt law modifications regarding licenses.
“The municipalities of Laramie County recognize the need for improvement for quality of life throughout Laramie County through existing residents as well as prospective new residents,” read the resolution, which will be considered by the town councils in Burns and Pine Bluffs. “This would include, but (is) not limited to, our workforce development strategy to encourage the residents who reside in Laramie County to stay here for quality of life and not seeking entertainment in other locales.”
While smaller municipalities in the area will consider taking on the resolution, Laramie County Commissioner Chairman Troy Thompson said it is not on the commission’s agenda currently. He said there are enough liquor licenses available in the county, and they are not planning to fight for modifications in state law.
The resolution passed was developed by City Council Vice President Richard Johnson. He said in an op-ed recently published by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that he wanted to give smaller municipalities a voice on the issue. He considers the state liquor laws especially impactful in areas where new economic development is needed.
“I was personally shocked when I was told by the mayor of Lingle that two prospective businesses wanted to relocate, but requested a full retail liquor license before moving there,” he wrote. “Lingle has 403 people. Can you imagine what two new businesses would bring to their town?”
He told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle this struggle was an important influence, but so was the need for diversity. At the start of the application process for the retail liquor license in March, there were 11 applicants ready to build a business. He said all 11 of them should have been able to make their creative ideas come to life.
Besides reasons for supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship, his resolution lays out how liquor laws impact tourism, revitalizing communities. It asks the Wyoming Association of Municipalities to draft a similar resolution on this topic, as well as on licenses regarding grocery stores, entertainment venues, gaming facilities and the removal of census requirements.
Johnson told fellow council members at the meeting he wanted to ensure the document was flexible enough for lawmakers to head in the direction they saw fit.
Although the state Legislature’s Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee has already agreed to take up liquor laws as a 2022 interim session topic, this is another step in asking for support from state lawmakers. Committee members plan on evaluating whether it is necessary to establish a process to set fees at a fair-market value for retail liquor licenses within municipalities, as well as other liquor license issues.
While this resolution was passed and the sole retail liquor license was awarded recently, the governing body continued to address local alcohol licensing on Monday:
A public hearing was held for Billy Jack’s Pizza Pub and its application for a bar and grill license, which it is applying for in tandem with the Cheyenne Regional Airport retail liquor license.
A public hearing was held for a microbrewery license application for Blue Raven Brewery, which plans to take over Danielmark’s Brewery and Taproom.
Two public hearings on May 23 were announced for Westby Edge LLC’s bar and grill liquor license application, and a microbrewery liquor license. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/city-council-passes-resolution-supporting-liquor-law-changes/article_47afb68a-d153-11ec-a9e2-578aec4b48f4.html | 2022-05-11T18:29:15Z |
SWEETWATER COUNTY – Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism (SWCTT) recently celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week May 1-7, 2022, by expressing appreciation for the local hospitality industry employees and the customer service they provide. SWCTT staff delivered heart shaped donuts to local hotels, stating that the hospitality employees are truly the heartbeat of the industry.
Tourism is big business in Sweetwater County. In 2021 alone, 526,320 overnight visitors stayed at Sweetwater County hotels, motels, and campgrounds, with an average stay of 2.2 days. During their time here, the average visitor spent $122 per day. The economic impact to the Sweetwater County economy from visitor spending was $160.6 million in 2021, and the industry supported over 1,300 local jobs. Dean Runyan Report, 2021.
“The local lodging tax board works hard to market Sweetwater County as a visitor destination, as part of the overall road trip around the great state of Wyoming,” said Jenissa Meredith, chief executive officer for Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism. “Those efforts would be for not, if when visitors arrived, they had a bad experience on the front line. Our local hospitality employees are truly the heartbeat of the industry.'
For more information on local tourism please visit www.ExploreWY.com | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/hospitality_and_tourism/organization-celebrates-national-travel-and-tourism-week/article_70aefdc0-d153-11ec-bfd0-9b1951f9ba04.html | 2022-05-11T18:29:22Z |
The University of Wyoming track and field teams will begin competition today at the Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which will run through Saturday in Fresno, California.
The Cowboys and Cowgirls will get started with the heptathlon and decathlon this afternoon. The first day of the decathlon, scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., will see athletes compete in the 100-meter dash, the long jump, shot put and high jump, before finishing the day with the 400m. The event will conclude on Day Two of the championships with the 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500m.
Day Two of the championships will feature the women’s and men’s 10,000m, starting at 9:30 a.m. and 10:10 a.m., respectively.
Friday will be the first full slate, with finals taking place in the hammer throw, long jump, high jump, pole vault and shot put. Those field events begin at 2 p.m. and conclude with the women’s shot put, which is set to start at 7 p.m. Things will get started on the track at 5 p.m. with qualifying, with the steeplechase being the only final run on Friday.
Saturday will feature finals in all other track events, as well as the discus, javelin, triple jump, and women’s high jump. The final day of competition will start at 2 p.m., with a full schedule of events at GoWyo.com.
Shayla Howell and Kareem Mersal are the favorites to finish on top of the long jump after a season that saw Mersal claim the top all-time mark at UW, while Howell competed at the Indoor NCAA Championships and moved up to No. 2 all-time. Both Howell and Mersal come into the week at Fresno with the No. 1 jumps in the conference, with Howell ranking 7th on the NCAA West Outdoor qualifying list, and Mersal sitting at 8th. Hunter Brown ranks No. 2 in the conference on the men’s side with a best jump of 24-3 this season.
Nathan Reid has a chance to podium on the men’s side of the discus, with his best throw of 181-11 this season ranking No. 10 on UW’s all-time list. Tarique George ranks fifth in the conference at 175-5, while Mikey DeRock is No. 7 in the shot put. On the women’s side, Addison Henry ranks 5th in the MW in the shot put, while Mary Carbee is sixth in the hammer throw and Cosette Stellern is eighth in the discus.
Katelyn Mitchem leads the distance runners heading into the meet with a No. 4 mark in the conference in the 3000m steeplechase. Mitchem has continued to set personal bests as the season has gone on, and comes in with a time of 10:21.03. Leah Christians set the No. 2 all-time mark at Wyoming this season in the 10000m, and is No. 7 in the MW at 34:14.69. Albert Steiner leads the men in the same event with the No. 5 time in the conference, followed by Seth Bruxvoort at No. 8.
Other top-eight marks in the conference include: Jefferson Danso in the triple jump (No. 4); Joseph Rodgers in the 800m (No. 8); Samuel Schneider in the high jump (No. 6); Jaheim Ferguson in the 400m hurdles (No. 6); Wyatt Moore in the 100m (No. 6) and Aumni Ashby in the triple jump (No. 8).
Wyoming is looking to follow up a solid all-around performance at last year’s MW championships, during which it placed fourth — the program’s best team finish since 2000. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/university_of_wyoming/other_sports/uw-set-to-compete-at-mw-championships/article_1f15b1fe-9290-584a-9765-68f5aa5ad7e2.html | 2022-05-11T18:29:28Z |
(CNN) -- Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was fatally shot while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday.
The Palestinian health ministry said she was shot in the head by a live bullet, and confirmed her death shortly afterwards. Abu Akleh's producer, Ali Al-Samudi, was also shot and is in stable condition, the ministry said.
Al Jazeera has accused Israeli security forces of deliberately targeting and killing Abu Akleh, 51 -- one of the Arab world's most prominent journalists -- and called on the international community to condemn the killing and hold Israel accountable.
The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear. Three eyewitnesses told CNN that the journalists were shot by Israeli troops and that there were no Palestinian militants next to the journalists at the time.
"The Israeli army shot us," said Samudi, the producer who was shot and injured. "There was no Palestinian gunman in the place."
The Israel Defense Forces said its security forces had been operating in the area "to arrest suspects in terrorist activities," and both Palestinian suspects and Israeli forces were firing at the time.
"As part of the activity in the Jenin refugee camp, suspects fired heavily at the force and threw explosives. The force responded by firing. Hits were detected," the IDF said. "The possibility that journalists were hit, possibly by Palestinian gunfire, is being investigated. The event is being examined."
In a subsequent statement, IDF Chief of Staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi seemed to soften that stance, saying: "Palestinians fired extensively at our forces, firing wildly and indiscriminately in every direction. Unlike the Palestinians, IDF soldiers carry out professional and selective firing ... at this stage it is not possible to determine from which shot she was hit."
Kochavi added that a special team would be investigating the incident.
The Israeli military has stepped up its operations in the West Bank after a series of attacks targeting Israelis has left 18 people dead. Several of the attackers were from the Jenin area.
Before Kochavi's statement about it being "not possible" to determine who shot Abu Akleh Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appeared to point the finger at Palestinian crossfire.
"According to the information we've gathered, it appears likely that armed Palestinians -- who were indiscriminately firing at the time -- were responsible for the unfortunate death of the journalist," the prime minister said in a statement Wednesday.
Israeli officials, including the IDF and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a video showing a man firing down an alley and people running in the Jenin Refugee Camp, shouting about a soldier being hit.
"No IDF soldier was injured, which increases the possibility that Palestinian terrorists were the ones who shot the journalist," Bennett said.
CNN has geolocated and verified multiple videos from the scene of the shooting. They reveal Israeli military firing in the streets nearby and armed Palestinians. While the videos are clearly filmed in the morning, CNN cannot be certain what date they were filmed, and whether they were filmed before or after the shooting of Abu Akleh.
Video directly after Abu Akleh's shooting show she was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest with "press" written on it when she was shot.
Another journalist who was covering Wednesday in Jenin told CNN that Abu Akleh and other journalists made themselves known to Israeli forces in the area before she and Samudi were shot.
"I saw Shireen on the ground," said journalist Mujahed al-Saadi. "We tried to rescue Shireen and we couldn't.
"The occupation targeted Shireen while wearing a helmet, the injury was under the ear," he added. "Shireen fell while she was wearing press (gear) and even with that the people who tried to save her were shot at, the targeting was clear against Shireen and against us as journalistic teams."
The US ambassador to Israel called for an investigation.
"Very sad to learn of the death of American and Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh of @AJArabic @AJEnglish," said Ambassador Tom Nides. "I encourage a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death and the injury of at least one other journalist today in Jenin."
Nides is married to CNN executive Virginia Moseley, who is senior vice president of US newsgathering.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price called for an "immediate and thorough" investigation into the killing saying that "those responsible must be held accountable."
"We are heartbroken by and strongly condemn the killing of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the West Bank," Price tweeted Wednesday.
"Her death is an affront to media freedom everywhere," he added.
In response to the shooting, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Twitter that his government had offered to conduct a joint Israeli-Palestinian investigation, adding: "Journalists must be protected in conflict zones and we all have a responsibility to get to the truth."
Tributes started pouring in for Abu Akleh as news of her death spread.
Her colleague, Nida Ibrahim, said she was a "very well respected journalist."
"As you can imagine, this is a shock to the journalists who have been working with her," Ibrahim said, in tears.
Qatar, where Al Jazeera is based, condemned Abu Akleh's killing, accusing Israel of "assassinating" her in a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry.
"The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli occupation forces...and the injury of Al Jazeera producer Ali Samoudi," a statement said.
"Qatar considers [this] a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant infringement on freedom of media...and the right of people to obtain information," the statement added.
Al Jazeera is funded in part by the Qatari government and its main offices are in the capital Doha.
Abu Akleh had reported about the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation for over two and a half decades. She was born and raised in Jerusalem and belonged to a Christian family, according to Bir Zeit University, where she was a teacher.
She joined Al Jazeera when it was established in 1997, at the age of 26, and became the face of Palestinian coverage for millions of Arab households.
"Every house ... inside Palestine or outside of Palestine, is mourning Shireen because she is our voice to the world," said Terry Bullata, a friend and former schoolmate of Abu Akleh. "She is the voice of our suffering under the occupation. She is the voice of our aspiration for freedom."
In a video posted on Al Jazeera YouTube earlier this year to celebrate the channel's 25th anniversary, Abu Akleh said, "In difficult times, I overcame fear. It may be difficult to change reality, but at least I managed to bring that voice to the world."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/al-jazeera-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh-shot-dead-while-covering-israeli-military-operation-in-west/article_b30b2efa-d14e-11ec-99e3-3b1a70d76450.html | 2022-05-11T18:36:11Z |
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Man denies killing mother at sea to inherit family’s estate
RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) — A 28-year-old man who was rescued from a raft off the coast of New England in 2016 after his boat sank pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he killed his mother at sea to inherit the family’s estate.
Nathan Carman was arraigned in federal court in Rutland on multiple fraud charges and a first-degree murder charge in the death of Linda Carman. He shouted “not guilty” in the direction of reporters who had asked him on his way into the courthouse whether he killed his mother.
Authorities allege in the indictment unsealed Tuesday that Carman also killed his grandfather, John Chakalos, at his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013 as part of a scheme to obtain money and property from his grandfather’s estate, but he was not charged with that killing.
“As a central part of the scheme, Nathan Carman murdered John Chakalos and Linda Carman,” the indictment reads.
Carman was found in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina to go fishing with his mother, who was never found. Prosecutors allege Carman altered the boat to make it more likely to sink that day. He has denied doing anything to intentionally make the boat unseaworthy.
Carman, who was arrested Tuesday, faces life in prison if convicted of killing Linda Carman, his mother. His attorney did not comment after the arraignment.
Federal prosecutors said in a court document filed Wednesday he should remain detained because he poses a flight risk and is a danger to the community. They wrote that Carman was treated for mental health issues from when he was a small child until he was 17 years old and has avoided any treatment since then.
“For an individual who would kill his own family members, nothing is off the table,” prosecutors wrote. A hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Prosecutors allege the inheritance scheme that has spanned nearly a decade began with Carman buying a rifle in New Hampshire that he used to shoot Chakalos on Dec. 20, 2013, while he slept. He then discarded his computer hard drive and the GPS unit that had been in his truck, prosecutors said.
Police have said Carman was the last person to see his grandfather alive and owned a semi-automatic rifle similar to the one used to kill Chakalos — but the firearm disappeared.
After Chakalos’ death, Carman received $550,000 from two bank accounts that his grandfather had set up and that he was the beneficiary of when Chakalos died. He moved from an apartment in Bloomfield, Connecticut, to Vernon, Vermont, in 2014. He was unemployed much of the time and by the fall of 2016, was low on funds, prosecutors said.
In September 2016, Carman arranged to go on a fishing trip with his mother on his boat named the “Chicken Pox.”
“Nathan Carman planned to kill his mother on the trip,” the indictment reads. “He also planned how he would report the sinking of the ‘Chicken Pox’ and his mother’s disappearance at sea as accidents.”
Before the trip, Carman altered the boat by removing two forward bulkheads and trim tabs from the transom of the hull, the indictment states.
“After leaving the marina, Nathan Carman killed his mother, Linda Carman, and eventually sank the Chicken Pox,” it states.
In 2019, a federal judge in Rhode Island decided that Carman contributed to the sinking of the boat. U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued a written decision in favor of an insurance company that had refused to pay an $85,000 claim to Carman for the loss of his 31-foot fishing boat.
Carmen denied the allegations, telling the Coast Guard that when the boat filled quickly with water, he swam to the life raft and called for his mother but never saw her again.
He was found floating in the raft off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, a Massachusetts island, by the crew of a freighter eight days after the boat was reported missing.
Chakalos, who was a real estate developer, left behind an estate that was worth nearly $29 million, which was to be divided among his four daughters. Carman is in line to get about $7 million of the estate, as his mother’s only heir.
Chakalos’ three surviving daughters sued Carman in New Hampshire probate court, seeking to bar him from receiving any money from Chakalos’ estate. A judge dismissed the case in 2019, saying Chakalos was not a New Hampshire resident. The probate case was refiled in Connecticut, where it remains pending.
William Michael, an attorney for Carman’s mother’s sisters, said Tuesday the family had no immediate comment.
___
AP reporters Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Lisa Rathke in Montpelier, Vermont, and Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/man-denies-killing-mother-sea-inherit-familys-estate/ | 2022-05-11T19:29:22Z |
US customs officers find rare destructive beetle in fruit boxes at US-Mexico border
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 3:21 PM EDT|Updated: 7 minutes ago
(CNN) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers spotted a rare insect trying to hitch a ride across the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this month.
According to the agency, the insect was spotted on May 2 at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas.
CBP agriculture specialists report they discovered the Cochabamba beetle inside a shipment of fruit. Officials said the beetle is a rare pest usually found in Central and South America and never seen before at a U.S. port of entry.
U.S. customs said the beetles are destructive and cause agricultural and economic damage. The fruit shipment was returned to Mexico.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/us-customs-officers-find-rare-destructive-beetle-fruit-boxes-us-mexico-border/ | 2022-05-11T19:29:29Z |
VDOT celebrates 20 years of 511 service to Virginia travelers
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 3:17 PM EDT|Updated: 11 minutes ago
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) celebrates “511 Day” Wednesday, May 11, as Virginia 511 marks 20 years of service to Virginia residents and travelers this year. The 511 telephone service officially launched in 2002 as Virginia’s traveler information phone number.
The free service provides real-time travel information 24/7 including incidents, construction, road conditions and livestream traffic cameras. VDOT also provides a 511 website, and a mobile app, VDOT 511 Virginia Traffic.
In honor of “511 Day,” here is a look at the service VDOT 511 has provided since 2002:
- 25 million phone calls to Virginia 511
- 33 million 511virginia.org website sessions
- 18 million VDOT 511 Virginia Traffic mobile app sessions
- 800,000 VDOT 511 Virginia Traffic mobile app downloads
- 84 million Virginia 511 alerts via email, text, and app
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/vdot-celebrates-20-years-511-service-virginia-travelers/ | 2022-05-11T19:29:35Z |
Sponsored - The following content is created on behalf of Western State Hospital and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. To learn more about Western State Hospital, visit wsh.dbhds.virginia.gov.
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States. For 2022′s May designation, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is amplifying the message of “Together for Mental Health.”
We at Western State Hospital are working together with you to treat mental health conditions and bring more awareness about mental illnesses. Hospitals play an important role in providing behavioral health care and helping patients find resources available in their community.
At Western State Hospital, we see just how prevalent mental health conditions are. According to CDC and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), even if you aren’t struggling with a mental health condition, you likely know someone who has, or had, a mental illness.
Research shows 1 in 5 people have a mental health condition. It’s estimated that 31% of Americans experience anxiety at some point in their lives and that 19 million people are living with depression. And those are just two mental health conditions out of dozens.
But, even if you aren’t experiencing a mental health condition, you can help someone who might be. The American Hospital Association (AHA) and its partners have shared how you can help someone who is struggling with mental illness just by using your words, through its People Matter, Words Matter campaign.
There are also many things you can do on your own to improve your mental health. Mindful meditation, for example, can improve your mood, your energy and your sleep. Spending time doing things you love can also help. Also, fresh air and exercise can produce feel good hormones.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month, and to learn more about mental health conditions and treatment options, check out these resources: | https://www.whsv.com/sponsored/western-state-hospital/fostering-an-environment-mental-wellness/ | 2022-05-11T19:29:41Z |
17 hurt in school bus crash in North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – Crews have responded to a crash involving a school bus in south Charlotte Wednesday morning.
There were three vehicles involved in the crash and 17 patients, officials said. Two vehicles hit the bus.
Kenny Phillips, Medic operations supervisor, said the crash, which involved the bus, a small dump truck and another car, happened around 6:30 a.m. The students had low-priority injuries and were taken from the scene by the mass casualty bus, he added.
Fifteen students were on the bus; of those 15, 14 were taken to the hospital. Paramedics said that 15th student refused to be taken to the hospital.
School district officials earlier had said that 40 students were on the bus.
One person had life-threatening injuries, one other person had serious injuries and 15 children had minor injuries.
According to Phillips, the crash caused the driver of the bus and the driver of the dump truck to be pinned in their vehicles.
Charlotte Fire Department Capt. Michael Gerin said first responders encountered problems because of the amount of damage to the cars, and it took 40 minutes to free the bus driver and about an hour to free the dump truck driver.
He added that the jaws of life were used and that both drivers were conscious and stable.
Officials said it is too early in the investigation to know if anyone will face charges in connection to the crash. There are currently no details on what led up to the collision.
Copyright 2022 WBTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/17-hurt-school-bus-crash-south-carolina/ | 2022-05-11T20:08:41Z |
Apple to discontinue iPods after 20-plus years
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 9:15 AM EDT|Updated: 6 hours ago
(CNN) - The device that helped Apple change the entire music industry will soon be just a memory.
Tuesday the tech giant announced it was discontinuing the iPod.
The digital music player was first introduced back on Oct. 23, 2001. It was the first portable MP3 player that could hold up to a thousand songs.
The device redefined how people bought, enjoyed and shared music.
The iPod eventually underwent several upgrades and variations.
It started to lose popularity as smartphones took over as the main source for listening to music on the go.
Now Apple says its newest iPod touch will be the final iteration of the device.
You can buy them online and at stores for $199 while supplies last.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/apple-discontinue-ipods-after-20-plus-years/ | 2022-05-11T20:08:48Z |
Balenciaga’s new ‘destroyed’ sneakers cost $1,850
(CNN) - Luxury fashion brand Balenciaga launched its new Paris sneaker this week, and images of the shoes have people talking.
The high-top sneakers look old, tattered and dirty – and they cost nearly $2,000.
Balenciaga said just 100 pairs of the “extra destroyed” limited-edition sneakers will be available, with a price tag of $1,850.
The non-limited edition Paris sneakers, a slightly less-destroyed version, are available on the Balenciaga website and cost between $500 and $700, depending on the specific style.
In a press release, Balenciaga said the photos “suggest that Paris sneakers are meant to be worn for a lifetime.”
Social media is having a field day over the sneakers, with one Twitter user writing, “Balenciaga is really charging people $1850 for the pair of torn up converse that my ma begged me to throw out when I was in high school.”
Another wrote, “If you bought the $1,850 Balenciaga sneaker that looks like it was run over by a lawnmower please seek help but also please reach out to me because I would like to understand where your mind was at in that moment.”
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/balenciagas-new-destroyed-sneakers-cost-1850/ | 2022-05-11T20:08:54Z |
Dog found with note, tied to fire hydrant ready for adoption soon
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Gray News) – A dog found tied to a fire hydrant in a Green Bay neighborhood earlier this month is expected to be ready for adoption by the end of the week, according to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
The 6-year-old mixed breed named Baby Girl was left tied to a fire hydrant with a backpack full of her favorite toys and a heartbreaking note from her owner, citing struggles with medical complications and being unable to care for the dog.
The veterinary team at the humane society said Baby Girl has canine diabetes, which causes elevated blood sugar.
They said in a post on social media that her future adopter will need to work closely with a veterinarian on a dietary plan that will include at-home insulin injections, adding that her medical needs can be expensive.
Baby Girl is described as an affectionate and energetic pup who would do best in a home without cats or small animals.
The Wisconsin Humane Society said it will allow adopters from out of state, though it is not equipped to transport animals.
Check the Wisconsin Humane Society’s website daily if you are in a position to adopt Baby Girl as it has a first-come, first-serve process.
The humane society showed compassion to the dog’s previous owner, saying it was evident how much she was loved.
“She expressed her gratitude and happiness knowing Baby Girl would be finding her next loving home soon,” the Wisconsin Humane Society said of the dog’s prior owner.
While giving up a pet can be traumatic, the humane society wants people to know they can bring an animal to the shelter directly if they need to say goodbye and find them a new forever home.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/dog-found-with-note-tied-fire-hydrant-ready-adoption-soon/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:02Z |
Man with cane shot, killed while being harassed by teenagers, police say
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 11:01 AM EDT|Updated: 5 hours ago
HOUSTON (KTRK) – Police in Houston are investigating after they say a group of teenagers shot and killed a man behind a Walmart on Monday night.
A witness told police that four girls and two boys were harassing a man, who swung his cane at the teens to defend himself.
The group began to leave, but police say one of the boys turned around and shot the man in the chest.
He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
None of the suspects have been caught. Police don’t know their motive, as the man was not robbed.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Copyright 2022 KTRK via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/elderly-man-with-cane-shot-killed-while-being-harassed-by-teenagers-police-say/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:08Z |
Escaped inmate Casey White back in Alabama after being captured in Indiana
LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) - Escaped inmate Casey White is back behind bars in Alabama after 11 days on the run.
Vicky White, the former corrections officer assisting him in the escape, died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a coroner confirmed. Her cause of death was ruled a suicide.
In a press conference with Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton, he said Casey White and Vicky White were captured in Evansville, Indiana, after a police chase ended in a rollover crash.
The U.S. Marshals Service said when Casey White came out of the car, he said, “Please help my wife. She just shot herself in the head, and I didn’t do it.”
The Evansville Police Department released body camera and dash-camera footage from the police chase and crash involving Casey White and Vicky White.
Video shows Casey White being detained moments after the Cadillac crashed. Video also shows law enforcement pulling Vicky White out of the car.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Videos in this story contain content that may be disturbing.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding said in a news conference that Casey White told investigators their plan was to open fire on law enforcement. They were carrying four handguns and an AR-15 rifle, along with $29,000 in cash, officials said.
Wedding said he was thankful the chase ended the way it did.
“Sometimes people may call that an unnecessary action, but that action may have saved many of my deputies and fellow law enforcement officers’ lives,” he said. “That’s why I represent the sheriff’s office. I want to bring my people home, and I don’t care about the fugitives’ lives if it protects my people’s lives.
According to Wedding, Casey White and Vicky White were staying in a motel less than a mile away from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say they paid a man to book their stay. He will not be charged.
Casey White was arraigned at the Lauderdale County Courthouse Tuesday night. He was then transferred immediately to the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama.
Singleton says they have got a “dangerous man off of the street.”
“Casey White will not see the light of day again,” Singleton said.
He adds that there is no evidence at this time that anyone else was involved.
On April 29, the inmate and the former Assistant Director of Corrections were reported missing.
Vicky White and Casey White left the Lauderdale County Detention Center at 9:30 a.m. allegedly heading to the courthouse. Vicky White said she was taking Casey White to a mental health evaluation and then to seek medical care because she was not feeling well. Singleton later confirmed there was not a scheduled mental health evaluation.
Inmates told authorities that the two had a “special relationship” where Casey White received extra privileges, all from Vicky White. They first met in 2020 when Casey White was in Lauderdale County Jail. When he was moved to prison, they remained in contact. He returned to Lauderdale County Jail earlier this year.
Casey White was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other charges at the time of his escape. He was awaiting trial in the stabbing of a 58-year-old woman during a burglary in 2015. He could face the dealth penalty if convicted.
A warrant for Vicky White was issued May 2, charging her with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree.
Authorities discovered Vicky White had bought a 2007 Ford Edge days before the pair ran off. She was also seen days before shopping for men’s clothing at Kohl’s and sold her house for below market value.
“This escape was obviously well planned and calculated. They had plenty of resources, cash, vehicles. They had everything they needed to pull this off,” Singleton said.
One week later, the 2007 Ford Edge was found in Bethesda, Tennessee, after it had apparently broken down.
A Ford F-150 was left abandoned at a car wash last week in Evansville, Indiana. The manager looked at the surveillance video and believed he saw Casey White. The video also showed Vicky White pick Casey White up from the car wash in a Cadillac. The U.S. Marshals were called in.
From there, the U.S. Marshals started narrowing their focus on Vicky White and Casey White being in Evansville, Indiana, where they were found on Monday.
Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly wants justice to be served.
“His capital murder case is set for June. Plan A would be to try him for June, but there are a lot of moving parts between then and now,” Connolly said.
Copyright 2022 WAFF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/escaped-inmate-casey-white-back-alabama-after-being-captured-indiana/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:16Z |
Film producers defend safety in Alec Baldwin shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A film production company is contesting sanctions by New Mexico officials for alleged workplace safety violations on the set of “Rust,” where actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer in October, according to filings posted Wednesday by state regulators.
Rust Movie Productions is challenging the basis of a $137,000 fine against the company by state occupational safety regulators who say production managers on the set of the Western film failed to follow standard industry protocols for firearms safety.
At a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021, Baldwin was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins inside a small church during setup for the filming of a scene when it went off, killing Hutchins and wounding the director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin said in a December interview with ABC News that he was pointing the gun at Hutchins at her instruction when it went off without his finger pulling the trigger.
“The law properly permits producers to delegate such critical functions as firearm safety to experts in that field and does not place such responsibility on producers whose expertise is in arranging financing and contracting for the logistics of filming,” Rust Movie Productions said in its filing. The company “did not ‘willfully’ violate any safety protocol, and in fact enforced all applicable safety protocols.”
In April, New Mexico’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau imposed the maximum fine against Rust Movie Productions and distributed a scathing narrative of safety failures, including testimony that production managers took limited or no action to address two misfires of blank ammunition on set prior to the fatal shooting.
The bureau also documented gun safety complaints from crew members that went unheeded and said weapons specialists were not allowed to make decisions about additional safety training.
Rust Movie Productions responded in its filing by saying that misfires prior to the fatal shooting of Hutchins did not violate safety protocols and that “appropriate corrective actions were taken, including briefings of cast and crew.”
“In fact, a safety meeting was held the morning of the incident,” the company said, apparently referring to the shooting of Hutchins. The filing does not elaborate further.
Rust Movie Productions also is challenging allegations that film set armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was overburdened, asserting that she had sufficient time to properly inspect and safeguard all firearms and ammunition on set. The production company cites comments by a costume designer who said Reed had “plenty of time” to do her job properly.
State investigators say that Gutierrez Reed was limited to eight paid days as an armorer to oversee weapons and training, and was assigned otherwise to lighter duties as a props assistant. As her time as an armorer ran out, Gutierrez Reed warned a manager and was rebuffed.
The sheriff investigating the fatal film-set shooting has described disorganization and neglected safety measures in the making of the low-budget movie. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has said he is waiting on a forensic analysis of the weapon, projectile, fingerprints and more from the FBI and state medical examiners before turning the case over to prosecutors to decide whether criminal charges will be filed.
State findings and sanctions against Rust Movie Productions hold implications for at least five lawsuits that have been filed over the shooting, including a wrongful death suit brought by Hutchins’ family against Baldwin and the movie’s other producers.
The lawsuit on behalf of widower Matt Hutchins and his 9-year-old son alleges a “callous” disregard in the face of safety complaints on the set.
The state fines would apply to a film with a budget of about $7 million. Baldwin was assigned a salary of $250,000 as an actor and producer and may have put some of that money back into the production.
Rust Movie Productions says in its filing that all personnel on set were instructed that they had authority to cease activities at any time until safety concerns were resolved, with film union stewards on site to ensure compliance with labor-union safety protocols.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/film-producers-defend-safety-alec-baldwin-shooting/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:26Z |
Gang members used Facebook Marketplace to plan robberies, detectives say
STRATFORD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - Police are telling people to use caution when buying or selling items posted privately online.
A Connecticut teenager was arrested for a robbery that started over Facebook Marketplace, and investigators believe he is connected to other similar incidents.
According to Stratford police, 18-year-old Shahiem Donald responded to the victim’s advertisement, WFSB reported. The victim was selling an iPhone.
Donald met the victim April 23 in Stratford where he attacked and stole the iPhone, police said.
The victim reported seeing a handgun during the robbery.
Detectives with Stratford police identified Donald as the suspect.
It was later determined Donald and co-conspirators had been contacting various victims throughout the area online to arrange to either buy or sell iPhones and other items. Once the suspects met with the victims, Donald and his gang would use force to steal phones and other valuables, police said.
On May 4, Stratford detectives and Bridgeport police found and arrested Donald on charges of first-degree robbery, third-degree assault and fifth-degree larceny. He was held on a $150,000 bond.
Anyone with additional information about the crimes was asked to contact detectives at 203-381-2098.
Copyright 2022 WFSB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/gang-members-used-facebook-marketplace-plan-robberies-detectives-say/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:32Z |
Gauley Bridge man arrested for attempted murder in Fayette County
FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WVVA) - A Gauley Bridge man is facing felony charges in Fayette County.
Deputies responded to a shots fired complaint late Tuesday evening, after witnesses could hear someone yelling for help.
Deputies were flagged down at the Alloy General Ambulance station while responding to the scene, where the found the victim with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim was transported to Montgomery General Hospital where more gunshot wounds on his body were discovered.
Barton DePaul, 57, of Gauley Bridge, is charged with the felony offenses of malicious wounding and attempted murder. DePaul is being held at the Southern Regional Jail to await court proceeding.
The incident remains under investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective’s Bureau.
If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department at 304-574-3590, or through their Facebook page “Fayette County Sheriff’s Department,” or you can contact Crime Stoppers of West Virginia at 304-255-STOP.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/gauley-bridge-man-arrested-attempted-murder-fayette-county/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:39Z |
High inflation leaves food banks struggling to meet needs
(AP) – Kendall Nunamaker and her family of five in Kennewick, Washington, faced impossible math this month: How to pay for gas, groceries and the mortgage with inflation driving up prices?
Like many other working families, the Nunamakers are grappling with the 8.3% inflation in the consumer price index in April announced Wednesday — slowing slightly from the March figure which was the largest year-over-year increase since 1981, according to the Labor Department. The national average gas price reached a record high Wednesday of $4.40 a gallon. And global food prices are climbing after shortages caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and other supply chain problems.
Food banks across America say those economic conditions are intensifying demand for their support at a time when their labor and distribution costs are climbing and donations are slowing. The problem has grown to the point where last week President Joe Biden called for a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September, the first since 1969.
For many families like the Nunamakers, food insecurity became a painful surprise.
“There’s no reason us as a couple and a family should be struggling so hard,” Nunamaker said. “We make decent money.”
She works three days a week at a home décor store for $15.25 an hour; her husband, Nick, works a full-time union job as a paratransit driver at $27 an hour. Though they receive some money from a state nutrition program for young children that their two youngest qualify for, they still spent $360 on groceries last week.
Because of inflated prices, those groceries didn’t go far enough to feed everyone. And the family still lacked money to pay other household bills, leaving Nunamaker wondering how she would stretch their next paychecks to cover those bills and their mortgage this month.
In the past, to bridge the gap, the family sold off possessions like VR headsets and firearms.
“At some point,” Nunamaker said, “we’re not going to have anything because we would have sold everything.”
So Nunamaker and her husband visited two local food banks for the first time last week.
The pandemic forced roughly 60 million Americans to seek help for food insecurity, according to Feeding America. At the end of 2021, as hiring boomed, demand for food banks returned to regular levels. But the relief was short-lived.
“In the last few months, with this increase in inflationary pressures, we’re seeing 95% of our 200 member food banks saying that they have seen either leveling or an increase in need,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America.
In the area along the Columbia River where Nunamaker lives, the number of clients seeking food aid at a church pantry jumped 40% between December and March, according to Eric Williams, director of community partnerships at Second Harvest, an organization that works to supply local pantries with food.
He said his organization must make more happen with less because its suppliers are subject to the same cost increases. The price that Second Harvest pays for obtaining donated produce has risen from about 6 cents a pound a year ago to about 10 or 11 cents a pound now, Williams said.
Some of Feeding America’s food pantry partners have closed because of dwindling donations and higher costs for receiving and delivering food. Others have less food on their shelves even though they have higher demand.
“Our network emphasizes access and equity,” Babineaux-Fontenot said. “So we are working extra hard to reach people who have the deepest food insecurity rates. Well, how far out can we go when gas prices are high? We have data that shows that race and place are significant indicators of whether or not you will be food insecure and how deeply you will be food insecure.”
Because of inflation and a reduction in aid, a food bank that serves three counties in Ohio — also called Second Harvest — is facing a drop in the amount of food it’s able to provide.
“Compared to last year at this time, we’re about 50% down in what we have received in the past in federal food donations and then about 20% down from food drives in our collection of food at the grocery stores,” Executive Director Tyra Jackson said. “All of that combined is truly having an impact on our budget because we’re needing to purchase more food outright.”
The struggles of families are heightened by the fact that government benefits that were increased during the pandemic like food stamps or unemployment insurance have stopped or will end shortly.
“Our work is always important,” Babineaux-Fontenot said. “It’s increasingly important when we have all of these headwinds.”
Williams, of Spokane, extended gratitude to the donors and volunteers that keep his organization running, some of whom worked more than 100 shifts last year. He said it can be difficult to witness first hand the scale of the food insecurity in his community when helping with distributions at a mobile food bank.
“You see the need and you just go, ‘Oh God, oh my God,’ " Williams said. “But then as you hand somebody a box of food and they drive off: ‘Yeah, we were able to help,’ which is heart-wrenching on one hand and heartwarming on the other.”
Because it upsets her so much, Nunamaker said, she hasn’t discussed her family’s struggles with her three children, age 2, 4 and 7, or her network of friends and relatives. She said the food banks helped her family last week.
“People should know that just because you have to go to a food bank or you have to seek assistance, that doesn’t make you any less of a parent or a person,” she said. “Because everybody needs help sometimes.”
___
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/high-inflation-leaves-food-banks-struggling-meet-needs/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:46Z |
Hyundai recalls 215K Sonatas; faulty hoses can leak fuel
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 10:31 AM EDT|Updated: 5 hours ago
DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 215,000 midsize cars in the U.S. - most for a second time - because fuel hoses can leak in the engine compartment and cause fires.
The recall covers certain 2013 and 2014 Sonata sedans, many of which were recalled for the same problem in 2020.
The Korean automaker says in documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators that a low-pressure fuel hose can crack over time due to heat from the engine.
That can cause fuel leaks and increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the hoses. Owners will be notified starting July 5.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/hyundai-recalls-215k-sonatas-faulty-hoses-can-leak-fuel/ | 2022-05-11T20:09:55Z |
Infant dies in crash as mom fled officers for stealing baby items from Walmart, police say
MONROE, La. (KNOE/Gray News) – A 5-week-old infant is dead after her mother crashed while speeding away from officers with the baby in the car, police said.
The mom, identified as Candace Gill, 38, was running from police in Louisiana because she shoplifted baby items from Walmart, according to the Monroe Police Department.
Another man who was a passenger in the vehicle, identified as Edward Williams, also died in the crash.
According to court records, the series of events started when officers were called to Walmart on Monday evening for a shoplifting complaint.
When officers arrived, the suspects – Gill and Williams – had already fled the scene with their infant. Store employees told officers that the pair had stolen baby care items and ran when workers confronted them.
Officers spotted the suspects’ vehicle a short time later, but the vehicle turned onto the highway and accelerated. The court filing said the “officer pursued and activated his lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop.”
Police said the car then crashed at a high rate of speed, but Gill, who was driving, managed to flee the scene on foot while officers tended to the passengers. Williams was pronounced dead on the scene, and the infant was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The baby girl later died at the hospital.
The Monroe Police Department said they believe the baby was not properly restrained in the vehicle prior to the crash.
Two other people who were in a separate vehicle that Gill crashed into suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
With the help of a tip, police arrested Gill on Tuesday night at an apartment complex. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center.
Gill is charged with two counts of manslaughter, aggravated obstruction of a highway, four counts of negligent injury, theft, and several traffic violations. She also had other active warrants out for her arrest, including for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, and traffic charges.
Copyright 2022 KNOE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/infant-dies-crash-mom-fled-officers-stealing-baby-items-walmart-police-say/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:02Z |
Internet troll faces trial after Capitol riot plea fizzles
(AP) - A federal judge scheduled a trial next year for a far-right internet troll after the man, known to his social media followers as “Baked Alaska,” balked at pleading guilty on Wednesday to a criminal charge stemming from the U.S. Capitol riot.
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan refused to accept a guilty plea by Anthime Gionet after he professed his innocence at the start of what was scheduled to be a plea agreement hearing. Instead, the judge set a March 2023 trial date for Gionet, who is charged with a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing inside a Capitol building.
“If he wants a trial, he’ll get a fair trial,” Sullivan said.
After privately conferring with Gionet’s lawyers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi said prosecutors would leave the plea offer open for 60 days. The judge scheduled a July 22 status hearing for the case.
Gionet would have faced a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment if he had pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor.
During the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Gionet streamed live video that showed himself inside the Capitol and repeatedly encouraging other rioters to stay there. He joined others in chanting, “Patriots are in control” and “Whose house? Our house!” Before leaving, he profanely called a police officer an “oathbreaker,” the FBI said.
Gionet told the judge that he wanted a trial but claimed prosecutors had threatened to “hit” him with an additional felony charge.
“So I think this is probably the better route,” he added.
“Are you pleading guilty because you’re guilty?” Sullivan asked.
“I believe I’m innocent, your honor,” Gionet replied.
“I can’t take your plea of guilty if you tell me you’re innocent,” the judge said.
Aloi said prosecutors never threatened to charge Gionet with a felony if he didn’t take the plea deal.
“We did say that the case would continue to be investigated and where the facts led is where the charges would ultimately lead,” she said.
“I accept that representation,” the judge said. “Your office has proceeded in a very honorable manner.”
Gionet’s lawyer has claimed he only went to Washington, D.C., to document what happened that day. Prosecutors disputed Gionet’s contention that he is a member of the news media.
Other riot defendants have argued that they merely went to the Capitol as journalists to document what happened on Jan. 6. Infowars host Jonathan Owen Shroyer has asked a judge to throw out his riot charges, accusing prosecutors of trampling on his First Amendment rights to “protest, speak freely and report the news.”
Federal authorities have used Gionet’s video to prosecute other rioters, including three men from New York City. Antonio Ferrigno, Francis Connor and Anton Lunyk pleaded guilty on April 28 to riot-related charges. Gionet’s livestream showed them in Sen. Jeff Merkley’s office, according to court filings accompanying their plea agreements.
Gionet was arrested in Houston less than two weeks after the riot. He has moved from Arizona to Florida since his arrest.
Gionet, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, used social media to build a following in far-right political circles. He became known for posting videos in which he attempts to troll or pull pranks on his targets He was scheduled to speak at the white nationalist “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, before it erupted in violence and bloodshed in 2017.
BuzzFeed, where Gionet once worked, reported that Twitter permanently banned him from its platform after the Charlottesville rally.
In January, Gionet was sentenced to 30 days in jail for misdemeanor convictions stemming from a December 2020 encounter in which authorities say he shot pepper spray at an employee at a bar in Scottsdale, Arizona.
More than 790 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Over 280 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, and over 170 have been sentenced. Approximately 100 others have trial dates.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/internet-troll-faces-trial-after-capitol-riot-plea-fizzles/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:09Z |
Judge announces he’ll block DeSantis’ redistricting plan
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A congressional map approved by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and drawn by his staff is unconstitutional because it breaks up a district where Black voters can choose their representatives, a state judge said Wednesday.
Leon County Circuit Judge Layne Smith said he would issue a formal order Thursday or Friday to keep the maps from taking effect in November’s election. He made it clear he would rule in favor of voting rights groups challenging the maps.
Smith said the order will likely replace the DeSantis map with one of two that the Legislature included in a bill and sent to DeSantis in March. The governor vetoed the bill and later called the Legislature back into special session. The Republican-dominated House and Senate chose not to draw a new map, and instead passed the DeSantis map.
The challenge focuses on a north Florida district now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson. The district runs from Jacksonville west more than 200 miles (322 kilometers) to Gadsden County and nearly half of its population is Black.
“The judge recognizes that this map is unlawful and diminishes African Americans’ ability to elect representatives of their choice,” Lawson said in a statement emailed to news outlets. “DeSantis is wrong for enacting this Republican-leaning map that is in clear violation of the U.S. and state constitutions.”
DeSantis’ proposal prompted a protest by Black House members as the chamber was preparing to vote on the maps.
Smith said he will issue his order as soon as he can so the state can immediately appeal it. It may be the conservative state Supreme Court that ultimately resolves the dispute.
DeSantis’ office confirmed it will appeal.
“As Judge Smith implied, these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level,” DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said in an email. “We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida legislature and signed into law passes legal muster.”
Smith said that while the DeSantis map is more compact, the issue of allowing Black voters to choose their representatives is more important.
“The district that has since been enacted and signed into law by the governor does disperse 367,000 African American votes between four different districts,” Smith said in a video call with both sides. “The African American population is nowhere near a plurality or a majority.”
Equal Ground, one of several voting rights groups that challenged the maps, praised Smith’s decision.
“No Floridian – including Governor DeSantis – is above the law,” Equal Ground founder Jasmine Burney-Clark said in a statement emailed to news outlets. “This is one step forward in the fight to protect Black voters, and we will keep doing everything in our power to ensure our voices are heard.”
The governor’s office drew up a map it described as neutral on race and party affiliation, and which it said abided by both the state and federal constitutions.
Smith said his ruling will be based on the state constitution, not the U.S. Constitution.
Qualifying for federal office will run from June 13-17.
___
This story has been edited to correct a word in the judge’s quote to “nowhere,” not “no way.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/judge-announces-hell-block-desantis-redistricting-plan/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:16Z |
Judge: Trump must pay $110K, meet conditions to end contempt
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge said Wednesday he will lift his contempt of court order issued against Donald Trump if the former president meets certain conditions, including paying $110,000 in fines racked up for being slow to respond to a subpoena issued by the state’s attorney general.
Judge Arthur Engoron said he will conditionally lift Trump’s contempt finding if, by May 20, Trump submits additional paperwork detailing efforts to search for the subpoenaed records and explaining his and his company’s document retention policies. The judge also requires that a company Trump hired to aid in the search complete its work.
Engoron found Trump in contempt on April 25 and fined him $10,000 per day for not complying with a subpoena for documents issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James, a Democrat, says her investigators have uncovered evidence that Trump’s company misstated the value of assets like skyscrapers and golf courses on financial statements for over a decade.
Trump has denied the allegations, calling James investigation “racist” and a “witch hunt.” James is Black.
The total Engoron ordered Trump to pay is the amount of fines accrued through last Friday, when Trump’s lawyers submitted 66 pages of court documents detailing the efforts by him and his lawyers to locate the subpoenaed records. Engoron could reinstate the fine if the conditions he set forth on Wednesday are not met.
Also Wednesday, a state appellate court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Trump’s appeal in another subpoena matter: Engoron’s Feb. 17 ruling requiring him to answer questions under oath in James’ investigation.
A message seeking comment was left with Trump’s lawyer.
James asked Engoron to hold Trump in contempt of court after he failed to produce any documents to satisfy a March 31 deadline to meet the terms of the subpoena.
James’ office sought numerous documents, including paperwork and communications pertaining to Trump’s financial statements, financing and debt for a Chicago hotel project and development plans for his Seven Springs Estate north of New York City, and even communications with Forbes magazine, where he sought to burnish his image as a wealthy businessman.
Trump attorney Alina Habba said in the May 6 filing that the responses to the subpoena were complete and correct and that no relevant documents or information were withheld.
Habba conducted searches of Trump’s offices and private quarters at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, according to the filing, but didn’t find any relevant documents that hadn’t already been produced. The filing also detailed searches of other locations including file cabinets and storage areas at the Trump Organization’s offices in New York.
In a separate sworn affidavit included with the filing, Trump stated there aren’t any relevant documents that haven’t already been produced.
He added that he owns two cellphones: an iPhone for personal use that he submitted in March to be searched as part of the subpoena, then submitted again in May; plus a second phone he was recently given that’s only used to post on Truth Social, the social media network he started after his ban from Twitter, Facebook and other platforms.
Engoron’s criteria for lifting the contempt finding were largely in line with conditions James’ office outlined in its response Monday to the lengthy filing last week in which Trump and his legal team said they had exhausted efforts to find the subpoenaed records.
Those conditions sought by James’ office were: Trump submitting another affidavit detailing his and his company’s retention and destruction policies for his documents and electronic devices; and allowing the outside firm Trump hired, HaystackID, to finish going through 17 boxes kept at an off-site storage facility, and for that company to issue a report on its findings and turn over any relevant documents.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/judge-trump-must-pay-110k-meet-conditions-end-contempt/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:23Z |
Man denies killing mother at sea to inherit family’s estate
RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) — A 28-year-old man who was rescued from a raft off the coast of New England in 2016 after his boat sank pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he killed his mother at sea to inherit the family’s estate.
Nathan Carman was arraigned in federal court in Rutland on multiple fraud charges and a first-degree murder charge in the death of Linda Carman. He shouted “not guilty” in the direction of reporters who had asked him on his way into the courthouse whether he killed his mother.
Authorities allege in the indictment unsealed Tuesday that Carman also killed his grandfather, John Chakalos, at his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013 as part of a scheme to obtain money and property from his grandfather’s estate, but he was not charged with that killing.
“As a central part of the scheme, Nathan Carman murdered John Chakalos and Linda Carman,” the indictment reads.
Carman was found in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina to go fishing with his mother, who was never found. Prosecutors allege Carman altered the boat to make it more likely to sink that day. He has denied doing anything to intentionally make the boat unseaworthy.
Carman, who was arrested Tuesday, faces life in prison if convicted of killing Linda Carman, his mother. His attorney did not comment after the arraignment.
Federal prosecutors said in a court document filed Wednesday he should remain detained because he poses a flight risk and is a danger to the community. They wrote that Carman was treated for mental health issues from when he was a small child until he was 17 years old and has avoided any treatment since then.
“For an individual who would kill his own family members, nothing is off the table,” prosecutors wrote. A hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Prosecutors allege the inheritance scheme that has spanned nearly a decade began with Carman buying a rifle in New Hampshire that he used to shoot Chakalos on Dec. 20, 2013, while he slept. He then discarded his computer hard drive and the GPS unit that had been in his truck, prosecutors said.
Police have said Carman was the last person to see his grandfather alive and owned a semi-automatic rifle similar to the one used to kill Chakalos — but the firearm disappeared.
After Chakalos’ death, Carman received $550,000 from two bank accounts that his grandfather had set up and that he was the beneficiary of when Chakalos died. He moved from an apartment in Bloomfield, Connecticut, to Vernon, Vermont, in 2014. He was unemployed much of the time and by the fall of 2016, was low on funds, prosecutors said.
In September 2016, Carman arranged to go on a fishing trip with his mother on his boat named the “Chicken Pox.”
“Nathan Carman planned to kill his mother on the trip,” the indictment reads. “He also planned how he would report the sinking of the ‘Chicken Pox’ and his mother’s disappearance at sea as accidents.”
Before the trip, Carman altered the boat by removing two forward bulkheads and trim tabs from the transom of the hull, the indictment states.
“After leaving the marina, Nathan Carman killed his mother, Linda Carman, and eventually sank the Chicken Pox,” it states.
In 2019, a federal judge in Rhode Island decided that Carman contributed to the sinking of the boat. U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued a written decision in favor of an insurance company that had refused to pay an $85,000 claim to Carman for the loss of his 31-foot fishing boat.
Carmen denied the allegations, telling the Coast Guard that when the boat filled quickly with water, he swam to the life raft and called for his mother but never saw her again.
He was found floating in the raft off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, a Massachusetts island, by the crew of a freighter eight days after the boat was reported missing.
Chakalos, who was a real estate developer, left behind an estate that was worth nearly $29 million, which was to be divided among his four daughters. Carman is in line to get about $7 million of the estate, as his mother’s only heir.
Chakalos’ three surviving daughters sued Carman in New Hampshire probate court, seeking to bar him from receiving any money from Chakalos’ estate. A judge dismissed the case in 2019, saying Chakalos was not a New Hampshire resident. The probate case was refiled in Connecticut, where it remains pending.
William Michael, an attorney for Carman’s mother’s sisters, said Tuesday the family had no immediate comment.
___
AP reporters Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Lisa Rathke in Montpelier, Vermont, and Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/man-denies-killing-mother-sea-inherit-familys-estate/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:30Z |
Missing 13-year-old girl found dead under ‘suspicious’ circumstances, police say
BEAVERTON, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) – A missing 13-year-old girl was found dead under “suspicious” circumstances, the Beaverton Police said late Tuesday.
Beaverton police officers responded to the scene around 3 p.m. Tuesday. The body of Milana Li, 13, a sixth-grader, was found near the Westside Trail in Westside Linear Park, KPTV reported.
Police said Milana was last seen at her apartment around 4 p.m. Sunday evening. Milana’s mother reported her missing around 1:10 p.m. Monday, according to officers.
Aadil Mohamed saw police on scene early in the investigation
“I saw like a bevy of cops in a circle, seems like they were doing a search,” Mohamed said. “I was very surprised to see all the police here. I had to connect the dots. They were being very quiet about it all, but it was very surprising.”
Beaverton police detectives said they are investigating this case.
Copyright 2022 KPTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/missing-13-year-old-girl-found-dead-under-suspicious-circumstances-police-say/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:36Z |
Massive New Mexico blaze races closer to rural resort towns
(AP) - The largest wildfire burning in the United States was heading toward mountain resort towns in northern New Mexico on Wednesday, prompting officials to issue another set of warnings for more people to prepare to evacuate as the fast-moving fire picked up momentum.
Fire officials said the blaze was racing up slopes and along exposed ridge lines while tossing embers into the air that were carried ahead of the fire by gusts. After growing more than 50 square miles (130 square kilometers) in a single day, the fire has now charred more than 370 square miles (958 square kilometers) of tinder-dry forest since it started last month.
The towering plume of smoke created by the raging wildfire could be seen hundreds of miles away, but for the well-known tourist enclave of Taos, it was more unnerving.
“I think everyone is a little on edge,” Karina Armijo, a town spokeswoman, said Wednesday, adding that she’s been busy fielding calls from people who are wondering whether it’s still safe to visit. “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen a week from now versus three weeks from now — or even tomorrow.”
In winter, the challenging ski slopes just north of town draw people from around the world. Just last month, the Taos ski valley hosted the World Pro Ski Tour’s championship races. Art galleries, adobe churches and a rich history of Hispanic and Native American culture are the attractions in warmer months along with the aspen-covered biking and hiking trails that traverse the region.
Authorities stressed there was no immediate threat to communities near Taos, but new alerts for evacuations were issued for some locations as officials said Wednesday that modeling indicated flames would continue marching north and east amid two more days of windy and dangerously bone-dry conditions.
The fire already has burned through a forested landscape held sacred by its rural residents, many losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Some residents allowed to return Tuesday found only charred rubble. Others were more fortunate as the flames skirted their homes.
Firefighters were working to protect buildings around the towns of Mora and Holman and in smaller villages to the north, while authorities closed many roads in the area due to firefighting activity, smoke and fire danger.
“This is tough firefighting business right here,” fire Incident Commander Dave Bales said in a briefing. “This is not easy, especially in the fuel types we’re in, in the Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, even down into the grass. When we can’t fly aircraft, when we can’t get people on the direct edge of the fire, when it’s spotting over us, that’s a huge concern for us.”
Crews have been trying to direct flames around homes on the northern and southern ends of the fire — bulldozing firebreaks, putting up sprinklers, clearing trees and raking pine needles. More than 1,800 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the blaze.
A federal disaster already has been declared because of the blaze, which is partly the result of a preventative fire that escaped containment after it was set in early April to clear brush and small trees so they could not serve as wildfire fuel. That fire merged with another wildfire several weeks later.
Crews also were battling smaller fires elsewhere in New Mexico and Arizona.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/new-mexico-wildfire-advances-rocky-mountains-foothills/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:46Z |
Quick Senate OK ahead for House-passed $40B aid for Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — Final congressional approval of a $40 billion Ukraine aid bill seems certain within days as top Senate Republicans said Wednesday they expect strong GOP backing for the House-passed measure, signaling a bipartisan, heightened U.S. commitment to helping thwart the bloody Russian invasion.
“I think there’ll be substantial support,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told The Associated Press about the legislation, which cleared the House late Tuesday by an emphatic 368-57 margin. “We’re going to try to process it as soon as possible.”
No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota predicted “a big vote over here” for the bill, which he and others suggested might come Thursday but could spill into next week. Thune said some Republicans would vote against it and procedural tactics by opponents to slow it were possible, but added, “I think because there’s so much forward momentum behind doing this and doing it in a timely way that it I don’t think we’ll have anybody who will hold it up.”
It’s taken just two weeks for lawmakers to receive President Joe Biden’s smaller, $33 billion package, enlarge it and move it to the brink of passage — lightning speed for Congress. That reflects a bipartisan consensus that Ukraine’s outnumbered forces need additional Western help as soon as possible, with added political pressure fueled by near-daily tales of atrocities against civilians inflicted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s armies.
“Act quickly we must,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “I will make sure this is a priority for the Senate. We have a moral obligation to stand with our friends in Ukraine.”
The new legislation would bring American support for the effort to nearly $54 billion, including the $13.6 billion Congress enacted in March. That’s about $6 billion more than the U.S. spent on all its foreign and military aid in 2019, according to a January report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which studies issues for lawmakers.
Washington has become increasingly assertive about its goals and its willingness to help Ukraine with more sophisticated weapons. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said recently the U.S. wants a “weakened” Russia that can’t quickly restore its capability to attack other countries, and reports have emerged about U.S. intelligence helping Ukrainians kill Russian generals and sink the Russian missile cruiser Moskva.
A senior Russian official said in Moscow Wednesday that the assistance package was part of Washington’s proxy war against Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and former president, said on a messaging app that the aid was driven by a desire to “inflict a heavy defeat on our country, restrict its economic development and political influence in the world.”
The measure sailed to House passage backed by every voting Democrat, while around 1-in-4 Republicans opposed it. It would provide $7 billion more than Biden’s request from April, dividing the increase evenly between defense and humanitarian programs.
The bill would give Ukraine military and economic assistance, help regional allies, replenish weapons the Pentagon has shipped overseas and provide $5 billion to address global food shortages caused by the war’s crippling of Ukraine’s normally robust production of many crops.
“As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Some Republicans used the election-season debate to accuse Biden of being unclear about his goals.
“Honestly, do we not deserve a plan?” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas. He said he agrees that Western countries must help Ukraine stand up to Russia but added, “Does the administration not need to come to us with where we are going with this?”
Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., attended Tuesday’s separate Democratic and Republican Senate lunches and expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Markarova told them her country has depleted its stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and said continued NATO support is vital.
Coons said the Ukrainian’s message was: “Thank you, do more. We have a hard fight ahead. With your support, we can win.”
The new measure includes $6 billion to arm and train Ukrainian forces, $8.7 billion to restore American stores of weapons shipped to Ukraine and $3.9 billion for U.S. forces deployed to the area.
There’s also $8.8 billion in economic support for Ukraine, $4 billion to help Ukraine and allies finance arms and equipment purchases and $900 million for housing, education and other help for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.
To enhance the measure’s chances in Congress, the House bill dropped Biden’s proposal to ease the pathway to legal permanent residency for qualifying Afghans who fled to the U.S. after last summer’s American withdrawal from that country. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the adequacy of security screenings for applicants.
In their biggest concession, Biden and Democrats abandoned plans Monday to include additional billions of dollars to build up U.S. supplies of medicines, vaccines and tests for COVID-19. Republican support for more pandemic spending is waning and including that money would have slowed the Ukraine measure in the 50-50 Senate, where at least 10 GOP votes will be needed for passage.
Democrats hope to produce a separate COVID-19 package soon, though its fate is unclear.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/quick-senate-ok-ahead-house-passed-40b-aid-ukraine/ | 2022-05-11T20:10:54Z |
Teen dies from injuries after jumping from moving vehicle
SOUTHGATE, Mich. (WTVG/Gray News) – Angelina Jones, 14, died three days after jumping from a moving vehicle in Michigan on April 17, WTVG reports.
Southgate Police said Jones and her mother got into an argument before the teen jumped out of the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.
Jones was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died from her injuries three days later.
“I don’t even know how to describe it, how hard it is to realize that she’s gone,” said Dawn Pease, Angeline Jones’ great-aunt.
Jones’ mother had recently picked her up from her father’s house when the two got into an argument, according to Pease.
“For whatever reason, she jumped out the car,” Pease said.
Pease said Jones’ mother stopped immediately and went to her daughter in the middle of the road.
“She was afraid [her daughter] was going to get hit by a car,” Pease said. “Thankfully, nobody hit her.”
During the investigation, police arrested Jones’ mother for suspicion of operating under the influence. She was released pending toxicology results.
“This is just a horrible thing, and nobody intended this,” Pease said. “My niece loved her daughter more than life itself. She would have jumped out of the car if she could have.”
Investigators with Southgate Police said they are still waiting on results from the toxicology report and no charges have been filed.
Copyright 2022 WTVG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/teen-dies-injuries-after-jumping-moving-vehicle/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:01Z |
The tiniest babies: Shifting the boundary of life earlier
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Michelle Butler was just over halfway through her pregnancy when her water broke and contractions wracked her body. She couldn’t escape a terrifying truth: Her twins were coming much too soon.
Dr. Brian Sims entered the delivery room and gently explained that babies born so early likely won’t live. He told Butler he could keep them comfortable as they died.
But she pleaded through tears: “Give my twins a chance to survive.”
And he did.
Until recently, trying to save babies born this early would have been futile. Butler was in the fifth month of her pregnancy, one day past 21 weeks gestation. That’s seven weeks earlier than what doctors once considered “the lower limit of viability,” the earliest an infant could possibly survive outside the womb. But over the last half century, medical science has slowly shifted that boundary downward.
And that’s made viability — a word many associate with the abortion debate — key to decisions about desperately wanted babies at the very edge of life.
Growing numbers of extremely premature infants are getting lifesaving treatment and surviving. A pivotal study in the Journal of the American Medical Association this year, which looked at nearly 11,000 such births in a neonatal research network that is part of the National Institutes of Health, found that 30% of babies born at 22 weeks, 56% born at 23 weeks and 71% born at 24 weeks lived at least until they were healthy enough to be sent home home if doctors tried to save them.
Those gains happened gradually and quietly as the notion of viability got a lot more attention in the abortion arena. Viability is mentioned 36 times in the initial draft of the leaked majority opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court in a Mississippi case that would strike down Roe v. Wade. The decades-old abortion ruling says the Constitution protects a woman’s right to an abortion before viability, a standard Mississippi argues is arbitrary.
But viability has nothing to do with the vast majority of abortions; more than 99% of abortions occur at or before 21 weeks, according to federal statistics. So although viability is central to abortion law, the crux of the argument around the procedure comes down to disagreement about whether and in which cases someone should have the choice to terminate a pregnancy.
Meanwhile, viability is a growing real concern for those who care for premature babies as science keeps moving the line lower and lower.
And in this realm, too, it’s ethically fraught.
Beyond the risk of death, babies at “borderline viability” are highly susceptible to disabilities such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, blindness and severe lung problems. Often, parents and doctors face a heartbreaking question they must answer together: How do they decide what to do?
“There’s a lot of things we can do, a lot of interventions,” said Dr. Barbara Warner, a newborn medicine expert at Washington University medical school in St. Louis. “Should we do them?”
In the case of Butler’s twins, the answer was yes. Curtis and C’Asya Means came into the world on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama hospital in Birmingham, each weighing less than a pound and small enough to fit in an adult’s hand.
Their divergent paths reflected both sides of extreme prematurity.
C’Asya lived just one day. Butler keeps her ashes in a tiny pink-and-silver urn.
Curtis is the earliest surviving “micropreemie” in the world and is now teething, trying solid foods and tooling around the house in his walker.
‘A SLOW EVOLUTION’
Each year in the U.S, about 380,000 babies are born prematurely, or earlier than 37 weeks of a typical 40-week pregnancy. About 19,000 arrive before the third trimester.
Babies born so soon faced bleak prospects until the latter half of the 20th century. That’s when incubator technology evolved, neonatology became a specialty and two medications began to be widely used: steroids during pregnancy to speed up fetal lung development, and synthetic “surfactant” given to babies to keep their airways open.
“I don’t think I could point to a single new technology or new medication or approach that has been the driver of keeping infants alive at these really low limits of gestation,” said Dr. Elizabeth Foglia, a neonatologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “It’s just a slow evolution” that cascaded into “a sea change.”
For many years, the “edge of viability” remained around 24 weeks, she said. During her pediatric residency from 2006-2009, “those were the patients that were sort of the earliest we would intervene and the patients we were most worried about.”
Nicholas Hall’s twins, Graham and Reece, were born at 25 weeks in 2006. Graham spent his 45-day life connected to a breathing tube, getting nutrients through an IV. “He could never rest,” said the Bloomington, Indiana, dad, who with his now ex-wife started a nonprofit to support parents called Graham’s Foundation.
Reece survived. But she spent 119 days in the NICU, needed emergency surgery for a buildup of fluid in her brain, and came home on oxygen. She still has a hearing problem called auditory processing disorder.
Complications remain common even as three decades of research show a progressive increase in survival rates for babies born at 22 to 25 weeks. Care for these babies also remains intense.
Even today, up to a year in the hospital isn’t unusual for micropreemies, and costs can run into the millions of dollars. Most of these infants spend time on ventilators, are warmed in isolettes and get fluids and nutrition through tubes. Their skin, as delicate as a burn victim’s, needs meticulous care.
Hospitals have differing practices on when to provide this sort of care to the very youngest micropreemies, which leads to varying survival rates. One survey found that about 6 in 10 U.S. hospitals actively treated 22-week babies in 2019, up from 26% in 2007. The data doesn’t include the few surviving babies born during the 21st week of pregnancy.
“If you’re an institution that’s fully committed to resuscitation at 22 weeks, then studies show pretty clearly that just by virtue of offering the full spectrum of intensive care, you are going to be more likely to have babies who survive,” Foglia said.
TINY FIGHTER
Sims, who treated Butler’s twins, said it would have been “perfectly reasonable” not to try to save them. In such cases, whether to resuscitate or continue lifesaving care is a shared decision between parents and the medical team.
“But even when we don’t try anything, a baby that’s trying to live will show you that. You’ll see that the baby’s trying to take a breath,” Sims said. “We support the babies that give us those signs.”
As soon as Curtis and C’Asya arrived, Sims gave each a little bit of oxygen. Curtis’ heart rate quickly rose. His smaller sister didn’t respond as well. Other medical measures for the twins, such as ventilators and surfactant, couldn’t compensate for her immature lungs.
“They told me it was up to me to make the call” about withdrawing treatment, Butler said. “I actually was praying silently to myself. God came to me and told me, ‘If you give me C’Asya, I’ll give you Curtis.’”
Butler cradled her daughter for hours after she died. It was the first time she held her.
Curtis stayed in the NICU for nine more months. Butler made the 90-minute trek from her home in rural Eutaw to Birmingham several times a week. She read books to Curtis and often held him inside her shirt so his skin touched hers.
Curtis went home tethered to oxygen. Butler, a single mom with two older kids, made sure the levels didn’t drop, gave him medicines five times a day and regularly set his feeding pump to dispense the right amount of food into a tube in his stomach.
More than a year later, Curtis is down to one medication for high blood pressure and two inhalers. He can be unhooked from oxygen for an hour a day. At 22 months old and around 20 pounds, he’s an active toddler who crawls, pulls himself up and plays with his older sister and brother.
When Butler woke him one morning, he fussed and fumbled with the feeding tube that still provides much of his nutrition.
But soon he was scooting his walker around the kitchen and curiously opening cabinets as Butler scrambled eggs, one of a growing number of soft and pureed foods he can now ingest.
“Wanna eat-eat?” she coaxed, offering a tiny bit of egg.
He eagerly popped it in his mouth, then smiled and grabbed a much bigger helping from her plate.
BITTERSWEET PROGRESS
In the future, doctors expect more micropreemies like Curtis to survive.
One reason? Saving them will become more accepted and common. Last year, the influential American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists updated its recommendations to say steroids before birth may be considered if resuscitation is planned at 22 weeks. Previously, the measure was not recommended for babies that young.
And down the road, scientists are working on lifesaving equipment tailored to smaller bodies and an artificial womb they hope could someday grow a fetus outside of a person.
Such advances are sure to deepen ethical dilemmas.
“There always will be a limit of viability. Where that limit is may change over time as technology evolves and our ability to care for less and less mature babies evolves,” Foglia said. But wherever that limit is, “survival may be possible but not guaranteed. And survival without disability is certainly not guaranteed.”
Hall said doctors shouldn’t keep trying to move the viability line down until they can truly reduce the long-term medical problems associated with extremely premature babies born today.
Cori Laemmle of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who gave birth to twin boys in 2020 at 22 weeks, said decisions about whether to treat such infants should consider the individual circumstances and be guided by a question: “Are the interventions going to do more harm than good?”
Washington University’s Warner said everyone needs to think about how the babies might suffer.
This was why Laemmle and her husband decided to let one of her twins go — he was crashing with a collapsed lung. The other twin responded well to treatment. He’s now getting speech and physical therapy and hitting the usual milestones in all areas but speech.
Doctors are hopeful that Curtis Means – he has his father’s last name – will also continue to thrive. Dr. Brett Turner, his pulmonologist, now sees him every two or three months to manage his ongoing lung disease.
“As he grows … those visits will slowly all be able to be spaced out,” Turner said. “Hopefully, he’ll require fewer and fewer doctors to care for him.”
At home, his 35-year-old mother spends less time tending to Curtis’ medical needs and more time just hanging out with him.
One afternoon, she pulled Curtis out of his walker and into her arms. He grabbed at her face. She kissed his hand. She pulled down his Winnie-the-Pooh shirt, and they touched palms in a high five.
Butler, who is studying to be a cosmetologist, envisions Curtis going to school in a few years and becoming a doctor someday.
But as he grows, she always wants him to remember the twin who will never see such a future.
“Anytime he has a party, it’s going to be about her too,” with both names on the cakes, Butler said. “I mention her name every day for him, to let him know he was a twin and ‘your twin is your angel.’ And when he gets bigger, I’m going to get him a necklace where he can keep her ashes with him.”
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/tiniest-babies-shifting-boundary-life-earlier/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:07Z |
US customs officers find rare destructive beetle in fruit boxes at US-Mexico border
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 3:21 PM EDT|Updated: 49 minutes ago
(CNN) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers spotted a rare insect trying to hitch a ride across the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this month.
According to the agency, the insect was spotted on May 2 at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas.
CBP agriculture specialists report they discovered the Cochabamba beetle inside a shipment of fruit. Officials said the beetle is a rare pest usually found in Central and South America and never seen before at a U.S. port of entry.
U.S. customs said the beetles are destructive and cause agricultural and economic damage. The fruit shipment was returned to Mexico.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/us-customs-officers-find-rare-destructive-beetle-fruit-boxes-us-mexico-border/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:15Z |
U.S. hopes WWII policy revival can assist Ukraine
“Lend-Lease” protocol was first used as Nazi Germany targeted Europe
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Joe Biden signed the Lend-Lease Act of 2022 into effect Monday, marking the first time the U.S. utilized the policy since fighting Nazi Germany.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) co-sponsored the legislation with a group of bipartisan senators. He said U.S. leaders are trying to respond to Ukraine’s requests for more expedited aid.
“We will provide, weapons, airplanes, ships, whatever our friends and allies need to defend themselves, and cut through the red tape to get it there faster,” Cornyn said.
The Lend-Lease protocol allows the U.S. to provide more military equipment faster to allies by clearing bureaucratic hurdles. Lend-Lease was design by the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help fight Nazi Germany’s aggression, but without sending American troops to Europe.
“Roosevelt, I think, and many of his aides and supporters, hope that if we would give enough aid to Britain and later the Soviet Union, we can avoid entering the war itself,” Florida State WWII Professor Kurt Piehler said. “We don’t necessarily have to fight.”
Piehler said the program worked during WWII for distributing weapons, and he thinks it can work again in Ukraine. But Piehler said the policy did not actually keep the U.S. out of war, which could be an issue again.
“A remarkably efficient program for getting aid to Britain and the Soviet Union,” Piehler said. “One of the things it also meant, it did inch us closer to the war because you had to get the supplies to Britain.”
The Biden administration maintains it will continue to supply Ukraine with equipment – but does not want troops fighting in the war. The administration is pushing for more financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/us-hopes-wwii-policy-revival-can-assist-ukraine/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:21Z |
US overdose deaths hit record 107,000 last year, CDC says
NEW YORK (AP) — More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, setting another tragic record in the nation’s escalating overdose epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Wednesday.
The provisional 2021 total translates to roughly one U.S. overdose death every 5 minutes. It marked a 15% increase from the previous record, set the year before. The CDC reviews death certificates and then makes an estimate to account for delayed and incomplete reporting.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the latest numbers “truly staggering.”
The White House issued a statement calling the accelerating pace of overdose deaths “unacceptable” and promoting its recently announced national drug control strategy. It calls for measures like connecting more people to treatment, disrupting drug trafficking and expanding access to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.
U.S. overdose deaths have risen most years for more than two decades. The increase began in the 1990s with overdoses involving opioid painkillers, followed by waves of deaths led by other opioids like heroin and — most recently — illicit fentanyl.
Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids surpassed 71,000, up 23% from the year before. There also was a 23% increase in deaths involving cocaine and a 34% increase in deaths involving meth and other stimulants.
Overdose deaths are often attributed to more than one drug. Some people take multiple drugs and inexpensive fentanyl has been increasingly cut into other drugs, often without the buyers’ knowledge, officials say.
“The net effect is that we have many more people, including those who use drugs occasionally and even adolescents, exposed to these potent substances that can cause someone to overdose even with a relatively small exposure,” Volkow said in a statement.
Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem as lockdowns and other restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get.
Overdose death trends are geographically uneven. Alaska saw a 75% increase in 2021 — the largest jump of any state. In Hawaii, overdose deaths fell by 2%.
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/us-overdose-deaths-hit-record-107000-last-year-cdc-says/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:28Z |
VIDEO: Officers help save choking baby in Massachusetts
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A scary situation unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday when a 3-month-old baby was choking in her car seat while her mother was driving.
Two Springfield police officers were in the right place at the right time and jumped into action to save the baby’s life, Western Mass News reported.
Their heroic actions were caught on body camera footage.
Officers Christopher Charles and Luis Rodriguez were working a detail when a car pulled over and a woman jumped out crying for help.
“A woman got out of the vehicle and began screaming that her baby was not breathing,” Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood said. “Officers immediately ran to the vehicle, and they found a 3-month-old infant girl to be pale, choking, gasping for air.”
The officers took immediate action.
Rodrigues requested an ambulance as Charles worked to save the baby, removing her from her car seat and placing her face down on his forearm, according to officials. He began patting her on the back to clear her airway until she began to respond by crying.
Both officers are members of the most recent graduating class of the Springfield Police Academy and credited the department for their skills that prepared them for a situation like this.
“I just relied on my training. When someone is in distress, you are trained to react. We go through a lot of training in the academy, and I also have kids,” Charles said.
Both Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Clapprood praised the two officers for giving this terrifying situation a positive outcome.
“This baby is alive because of Officer Charles and Officer Rodriguez’s efforts,” Sarno said.
The baby was able to be released from the hospital later that day, and although the mom wishes to remain anonymous, she said she is thankful for the two officers’ lifesaving measures.
Copyright 2022 WGGB/WSHM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/video-officers-help-save-choking-baby-massachusetts/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:38Z |
WATCH: Engagement ring found in car fire leads to impromptu proposal
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A young man is breathing a little easier after nearly losing an engagement ring to a vehicle fire Monday in Tennessee.
According to a Facebook post from Williamson County Fire Rescue, crews were dispatched to a car fire off I-840. They arrived to find the vehicle ablaze and quickly moved to stop the flames, WSMV reported.
Brooklynn Stevens and her high school sweetheart, Myers Hart, were driving a rental car when they heard a loud pop. Hart pulled off to the side of the road to check the car. He realized the car was on fire.
“There was a loud bang. I think the coolant reservoir blew and it shot the hood up and spewed fluid everywhere and then it went up in flames,” Hart said.
The couple, and Stevens’ best friend, got out of the car safely. Then it dawned on Hart that he was hiding the engagement ring in the car.
“Her friend knew about it and we looked at each other and said, ‘The ring is in there and we couldn’t get it out,’” Hart said. “By that point all they could do was pray the ring would make it through the fire.”
“After our car fire happened, a butterfly landed on our car and my best friend was like, ‘Oh, that means good luck.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, we have such good luck. The car caught on fire. Amazing luck,’” Stevens said.
It turns out, Stevens’ best friend was right. After Williamson firefighters put out the flames, she quietly asked them to look for the ring.
“And we started sifting through all the ashes and everything, and it was melted against the seat and actually it was perfectly encased in the ring box. And I opened it up and it looked brand new, so it was really a miracle,” Fire Engineer Steve Hopkins said.
“We were talking about it and they were saying how this was a really good time to do it. Like, this was a sign I have to do it now. And I had one of them film and we walked up there,” Hart said.
“And he gets on one knee and I’m like, ‘Here?’ and I started crying. I said, ‘Here? Right now? Like, the car just caught on fire, are you serious? I mean, yes! Yes of course I want to. But like the car.’ And he was like ‘I know,’” Stevens said.
Stevens said the ring still felt warm from the fire when Hart slipped it on her finger.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/11/watch-engagement-ring-found-car-fire-leads-impromptu-proposal/ | 2022-05-11T20:11:45Z |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law led by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; and Ben Cardin, D-Md., to rename a federal building in Cheyenne as the “Louisa Swain Federal Office Building.”
“Louisa Swain was a true pioneer. Her historic first vote in Wyoming set the course for women’s suffrage across the nation," Lummis said in a news release. "I am grateful to Sens. Van Hollen, Barrasso and Cardin for helping me honor Louisa Swain, who called both Wyoming and Maryland home. I am thrilled to have my first bill to become law be one that honors her legacy, and I look forward to seeing that legacy enshrined in my hometown of Cheyenne.”
“Louisa Swain was a pioneer in the fight for women’s suffrage, and her work to broaden our democracy must not be forgotten. Maryland is proud that after her historic vote, Ms. Swain went on to call our state home and was laid to rest at the Friends Burial Ground in Baltimore," Van Hollen said in the release. "I was honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Lummis, and I’m glad that this fitting tribute to mark Ms. Swain’s contributions to our nation has now been signed into law.”
Laramie resident Louisa Swain was 70 years old when she cast her vote in Wyoming’s general election of 1870, making her the first woman to legally vote in the United States.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on March 30, with 412 votes in the affirmative. It passed the U.S. Senate unanimously through a voice vote on Oct. 7, 2021. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/lummis-barrasso-celebrate-signing-of-bill-honoring-womens-rights-pioneer/article_07678815-739c-5daf-9984-79c28e953bf7.html | 2022-05-11T20:30:44Z |
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CHEYENNE – Rooted in Cheyenne will conduct their 10th neighborhood tree planting event on Saturday, May 14. During this event, they will be surpassing a milestone of 1,000 trees planted.
Members of the community are encouraged to sign up to volunteer at www.rootedincheyenne.com. Volunteers can choose to plant trees in the morning or afternoon. Breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt will be provided, as well as a coupon for a free drink at Freedom’s Edge Brewing Company on planting day. Volunteers will be paired up with local green industry professionals who will lead crews in planting more than 100 trees along Cheyenne’s streets. Motorists are asked to slow down and be cautious of crews planting trees in the right of way.
Rooted in Cheyenne is supported through generous sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. This year’s platinum sponsors are Wyoming State Forestry Division, HF Sinclair and the Laramie County Conservation District. The program provides homeowners with low-cost trees to be planted in, or adjacent to, the public right of way.
Trees cost $50, and homeowners are allowed two trees per planting season. More information and applications for next fall’s planting are available on Rooted in Cheyenne’s website. Further information and questions may be directed to the Cheyenne Urban Forestry Division at 307-637-6428. Follow the tree planting event at Rooted in Cheyenne’s Facebook page. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/rooted-in-cheyenne-to-conduct-city-wide-tree-planting-event-saturday/article_48d5b125-6a07-55f0-a121-9c7c25826343.html | 2022-05-11T20:30:56Z |
GREEN RIVER – While the pandemic may have changed a few routines in their academic careers, the Class of 2022 at Expedition Academy High School never gave up on obtaining their diplomas.
Principal Ralph Obray said that “this class is strong-willed and determined.”
“I wouldn’t say a stubborn class,” said Obray. “They will stand strong on their beliefs and they don't back down from any challenge.
“They have persevered through almost three years of Covid-19 and won!” he added. “They have been sick, been quarantined, been quarantined again and still continue to show up and do what needs to be done.
“All while still dealing with high school, with social media and with life in general. This is a tough class!”
He noted that he will always remember how have faced so many obstacles during their high school careers.
“And not just pass, but be able to succeed and grow,” he said.
According to Obray, students overall test scores grew for Wyoming's Test of Proficiency and Progress. Their ACT scores grew by one point.
“That is statistically very impressive!” he cheered. “We have seniors who are moving on to college, joining the workforce, electrical internships, enlisting in the armed services and fifth-year seniors who, against all odds, came back, stayed the course and graduated. We also have seniors who are mothers raising beautiful little ones while they completed their graduation requirements.”
Obray’s favorite memory is of each class creating the senior video for graduation.
“I get to see the gleam in their eyes from their baby pictures and the young adults they have become with a culmination of shaking their hands and giving them each a diploma for a job well done.”
Obray hopes the students will always remember what they were taught at Expedition Academy High School.
“I hope they learned to be nice to one another, be early (not on time) and to do their best no matter what,” he shared. “I hope they learned that failure is ok, it’s how we learn and grow, just don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over. That even if you disagree with someone you can still be friends.
“I hope that they know they are part of a family that will always be here for them, The Expedition family.”
He added, “I hope they learned to never give up and that no matter what, they can accomplish anything that they put their hearts and minds to.
Obray and his staff are “always thrilled to see them graduate.”
“But we are sad to see them go,” he expressed. “They each leave a mark on our hearts and we wish the class of 2022 all the best! Congratulations!”
The Expedition Academy High School graduation takes place at Lincoln Middle School auditorium, 350 Monroe Avenue in Green River 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/expedition-academy-high-school-graduates-conquer-2022/article_64b59827-2b57-5fe4-94f1-18151c78d796.html | 2022-05-11T20:31:03Z |
Registered Nurse Orlyn Grace (L) administers a COVID-19 booster vaccination to Jeanie Merriman (R) at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 06 in San Rafael, California.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) reported six new deaths related to COVID-19 and 5,768 new infections over the last seven days in Hawaii. The total number of deaths stands at 1,434.
The statewide test positivity rate is 14.3%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 15.5%; on the Big Island it's 11.8%; in Maui County it's 15.0%; and on Kauai it is 20.3%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 258,422 total infections to date.
The new infections on each island stands as follows:
Oahu: 3,851
Hawaii Island: 718
Maui: 616
Kauai: 391
Molokai: 40
Lanai: 33
There were 119 new cases reported from Hawaii residents who were diagnosed out-of-state.
There have been 9,188 COVID cases reported in the last 14 days and 8,726 cumulative hospitalizations. There are 51 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 – 77.4% of the population is fully vaccinated and 84.6% of state residents have had at least one dose.
More than 563,000 residents have also received their first COVID-19 booster shot – 39.6% of the eligible population. Another 4.6% of the population has gotten their second booster shot.
The percentage of completed their primary series of vaccinations, per county, stands as follows: | https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/6-new-covid-related-deaths-5-768-new-infections-recorded-in-hawaii-doh-reports/article_3cdb1a06-d167-11ec-b454-2f613040c1e4.html | 2022-05-11T20:51:32Z |
(CNN) -- Recaptured inmate Casey White was transferred to an Alabama state prison early Wednesday, more than a day after his arrest in Indiana that ended 11 days on the run with an Alabama county jail official who authorities say helped him escape.
Vicky White, the jail official accused of freeing him in late April, died Monday after a shooting that authorities believe was self-inflicted. That gunfire happened at the end of a car chase and wreck, authorities say, that led to Casey White's capture.
Casey White was escorted Tuesday from Indiana back to Alabama, where he attended a late-night court arraignment in Lauderdale County -- the county from which authorities say he escaped a jail with Vicky White's assistance.
At the arraignment, Judge Ben Graves told White he will be charged with escape in the first degree, in addition to capital murder charges he was already facing related to the 2015 stabbing death of Alabama resident Connie Ridgeway.
During the hearing, White, in handcuffs and with shackles around his ankles, listened intently with his eyes locked on Graves as the judge explained the charges. White appeared tired and sniffled more than once throughout the 10-minute hearing.
On the back of White's head were four small gashes within a shaved circumference of hair the size of a quarter. Dry blood was visible on the back of his bright yellow jumpsuit.
Immediately after the hearing, White exited the courthouse and glanced at the news cameras and the crowd of bystanders who had gathered, but didn't say anything. He was transferred to a state prison -- William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama, a little more 100 miles south of Lauderdale County.
Casey White, 38, and Vicky White, 56, were captured in Evansville, Indiana, Monday after a chase that ended when authorities forced the car Casey White was driving to wreck in a ditch, the US Marshals Service has said.
Plenty of questions remain about the actions of both Casey White and Vicky White, the then-Lauderdale County assistant director of corrections who authorities say drove the inmate out of the county detention center in a patrol car April 29 under the pretense of taking him to a courthouse.
The pair used a series of other vehicles over the next week and a half, at least one of which was purchased on the run in Tennessee, and likely were aided by cash from the recent sale of Vicky White's home, authorities have said.
The two were not related but may have built a clandestine, romantic relationship while Casey White -- normally housed in state prison after being convicted of a string of crimes in 2015 -- intermittently stayed at Lauderdale County's detention center while attending pretrial hearings relating to Ridgeway's death, authorities have said. Vicky White was set to retire on the day authorities say she freed the inmate.
Monday's car chase and crash in Evansville ended a frantic 11-day manhunt that spanned multiple states and elicited hundreds of tips, including one that ultimately led authorities to their capture.
911 call: Vicky White mentioned getting out and running
Authorities zeroed in on the pair in Evansville after US marshals learned Sunday that a truck -- which investigators say the two used -- was abandoned at an Evansville car wash. Surveillance footage there showed Casey White with the truck, and investigators learned that the pair left the car wash in a Cadillac, authorities said.
An Evansville police officer noticed the Cadillac in the motel's parking lot on Monday. Officers then watched the motel, and gave pursuit when they saw the pair drive away, authorities said.
Pursuing officers rammed the Cadillac into a ditch, and the vehicle rolled over. Authorities preliminarily believe that Vicky White shot herself "once the vehicle crashed," said Dave Wedding, sheriff of Indiana's Vanderburgh County. She died at a hospital later Monday.
The city of Evansville on Wednesday released what it said was a 911 call that Vicky White made during the chase. In that call, no one appears to address the dispatcher, who says "911" and "hello" seemingly without being answered.
Instead, a woman's voice -- apparently Vicky White's -- is heard saying things including, "wait, stop ... airbags going to go off and kill us."
Soon, a loud noise is heard -- the first of at least four loud noises to happen in about 15 seconds. It's unclear in each instance what the noises represent, and it's unclear from the audio when the car was rammed, when it rolled over, and when a gun was fired.
"God," the woman says after the first noise. "Airbags are going off. Let's get out and run." She mentions a hotel.
The second noise is heard, and the woman shrieks. At least two more noises come, followed by another shriek.
Starting just more than a minute later, someone says repeatedly "got a gun in her hand," and "she is breathing."
The line stays open as officers try to get the pair out of the vehicle.
On Tuesday, Wedding told CNN that Vicky White had indicated in a call with police dispatchers that she had a gun. Also, in dispatch audio from Evansville police, a dispatcher transmitted that "we could hear her on the line saying she had her finger on the trigger."
The 911 recording released Wednesday does not appear to reveal Vicky White mentioning a gun or her finger on a trigger. However, officers in the recording can be heard saying her finger was on the trigger when they found her.
Officers were able to remove Casey White from the car, but Vicky White was pinned inside and had a gunshot wound to her head, US Marshal Marty Keely told CNN Monday.
Casey White reportedly told authorities to help "his wife" who had shot herself in the head and he told them he didn't do it, Keely said Monday. Keely noted that Casey White and Vicky White were not, to investigators' knowledge, married.
Though investigators believe Vicky White shot herself, a coroner will confirm whether they are correct, Wedding said.
Police dashboard and body camera video, meanwhile, show Casey White being arrested and officers trying to pull Vicky White from the car.
In the video, several officers surround Casey White, who is pinned to the ground next to the car. The fugitive is then taken into custody and led away from the wrecked car.
Authorities were not immediately able to pull Vicky White from the car because she appeared to have the gun in her hand, according to officers seen in the body camera video. After an officer reached in to take the gun, they worked to pull her through the car's sunroof opening, the video shows.
The officer and inmate were traveling with cash and weapons
Investigators found wigs, $29,000 in cash and several weapons in the Cadillac, including four handguns, an AR-15 rifle and three magazines, Wedding said.
Casey White intended to have a shootout with law enforcement, and would have done so if pursuing officers had not forced him to wreck, Wedding told reporters Tuesday, citing White's interviews with investigators after the capture.
Forcing the Cadillac into the ditch "may have saved many of my deputies' (and other officers') lives," Wedding said.
Inmate's arrest is a 'huge relief'
Prior to his escape, Casey White had been temporarily transferred from state prison to Lauderdale County's detention center in February to attend court hearings related to his pending murder trial in Ridgeway's death, authorities said.
Ridgeway's son Austin Williams sat in the first row of the courtroom during Tuesday night's court appearance, within 10 feet of White. Williams told CNN earlier Tuesday that White's capture was a "huge relief," and "it felt like a miracle."
White allegedly confessed to killing Ridgeway in 2020, but later pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
He was already being held in a state prison on a 75-year sentence for a series of other crimes in 2015, including home invasion, carjacking and a police chase, the Marshals Service said.
Authorities believe Casey White and Vicky White met at the county jail as early as 2020, when he was arraigned in the Ridgeway case, Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said.
White's murder trial is currently set for June. During Tuesday's court appearance, White's attorney, Jamy Poss, said he would be filing a change of venue motion, which the judge said he would consider.
The journey to Indiana
Vicky White checked the inmate out of jail on April 29, saying she was taking him to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation, authorities said.
The pair instead drove to a nearby shopping center parking lot, ditched the officer's patrol vehicle and took off in a 2007 Ford Edge SUV that Vicky White had bought under an alias and parked in the lot the night before, Singleton said last week.
The SUV was found in a tow lot in Williamson County, Tennessee, about a two hours' drive north of the jail in Florence, Alabama, US Marshals have said. Singleton says the pair likely abandoned it just hours after they left Florence, possibly due to mechanical issues.
Authorities believe they purchased a Ford F-150 truck -- the vehicle eventually found at the Evansville car wash -- while in Tennessee.
They are believed to have been in Evansville since at least May 2, when a city police officer proactively checked the license plate of the truck, Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin said Tuesday. At the time, the check did not flag any connection between the truck and the fugitives, he said.
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/recaptured-fugitive-casey-white-transferred-to-alabama-prison-after-being-on-the-run-from-authorities/article_4b7817a0-d160-11ec-90d8-036ae77ada57.html | 2022-05-11T20:51:38Z |
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Egg-sized diamond fetches over $21M with fees at Geneva sale
GENEVA (AP) — Christie’s says “The Rock,” an egg-sized white diamond billed as the largest of its kind to go up for auction, sold Wednesday for more than 21.6 million Swiss francs ($21.75 million), including fees — though at the low end of the expected range.
The 228-carat pear-shaped G-Color stone, with its platinum pendant mounting, has a gross weight of 61.3 grams (2.2 ounces) and dimensions of 5.4 centimeters by 3.1 centimeters (2.1 inches by 1.2 inches) — making it about the size of a medium hen’s egg.
G-Color is not the highest grade, but fourth on the letter rung below the top-grade D-Color diamonds.
An unspecified private buyer acquired The Rock, for which the pre-auction estimate was between 19 million and 30 million francs.
Max Fawcett, head of jewelry at Christie’s Geneva, hailed a successful sale in “uncharted territory” for a stone of its kind.
Also going under the hammer Wednesday was the “Red Cross” diamond, a 205.1-carat fancy yellow stone, which fetched nearly 14.2 million francs, double the pre-sale estimate. The diamond was cut from a rough stone unearthed from South Africa’s Griqualand mines in the early 20th century, and went up for auction for the first time in 1918.
Fawcett testified to a “huge amount of interest” in the Red Cross diamond, saying that an unspecified “7-figure sum” from the proceeds of the sale to an unspecified private buyer would be donated to the international Red Cross Movement, the Geneva-based humanitarian aid group.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/egg-sized-diamond-fetches-over-21m-with-fees-geneva-sale/ | 2022-05-11T21:00:23Z |
Film producers defend safety in Alec Baldwin shooting
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A film production company is contesting sanctions by New Mexico officials for alleged workplace safety violations on the set of “Rust,” where actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer in October, according to filings posted Wednesday by state regulators.
Rust Movie Productions is challenging the basis of a $137,000 fine against the company by state occupational safety regulators who say production managers on the set of the Western film failed to follow standard industry protocols for firearms safety.
At a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021, Baldwin was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins inside a small church during setup for the filming of a scene when it went off, killing Hutchins and wounding the director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin said in a December interview with ABC News that he was pointing the gun at Hutchins at her instruction when it went off without his finger pulling the trigger.
“The law properly permits producers to delegate such critical functions as firearm safety to experts in that field and does not place such responsibility on producers whose expertise is in arranging financing and contracting for the logistics of filming,” Rust Movie Productions said in its filing. The company “did not ‘willfully’ violate any safety protocol, and in fact enforced all applicable safety protocols.”
In April, New Mexico’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau imposed the maximum fine against Rust Movie Productions and distributed a scathing narrative of safety failures, including testimony that production managers took limited or no action to address two misfires of blank ammunition on set prior to the fatal shooting.
The bureau also documented gun safety complaints from crew members that went unheeded and said weapons specialists were not allowed to make decisions about additional safety training.
Rust Movie Productions responded in its filing by saying that misfires prior to the fatal shooting of Hutchins did not violate safety protocols and that “appropriate corrective actions were taken, including briefings of cast and crew.”
“In fact, a safety meeting was held the morning of the incident,” the company said, apparently referring to the shooting of Hutchins. The filing does not elaborate further.
Rust Movie Productions also is challenging allegations that film set armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was overburdened, asserting that she had sufficient time to properly inspect and safeguard all firearms and ammunition on set. The production company cites comments by a costume designer who said Reed had “plenty of time” to do her job properly.
State investigators say that Gutierrez Reed was limited to eight paid days as an armorer to oversee weapons and training, and was assigned otherwise to lighter duties as a props assistant. As her time as an armorer ran out, Gutierrez Reed warned a manager and was rebuffed.
The sheriff investigating the fatal film-set shooting has described disorganization and neglected safety measures in the making of the low-budget movie. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has said he is waiting on a forensic analysis of the weapon, projectile, fingerprints and more from the FBI and state medical examiners before turning the case over to prosecutors to decide whether criminal charges will be filed.
State findings and sanctions against Rust Movie Productions hold implications for at least five lawsuits that have been filed over the shooting, including a wrongful death suit brought by Hutchins’ family against Baldwin and the movie’s other producers.
The lawsuit on behalf of widower Matt Hutchins and his 9-year-old son alleges a “callous” disregard in the face of safety complaints on the set.
The state fines would apply to a film with a budget of about $7 million. Baldwin was assigned a salary of $250,000 as an actor and producer and may have put some of that money back into the production.
Rust Movie Productions says in its filing that all personnel on set were instructed that they had authority to cease activities at any time until safety concerns were resolved, with film union stewards on site to ensure compliance with labor-union safety protocols.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/film-producers-defend-safety-alec-baldwin-shooting/ | 2022-05-11T21:00:34Z |
Gang members used Facebook Marketplace to plan robberies, detectives say
STRATFORD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - Police are telling people to use caution when buying or selling items posted privately online.
A Connecticut teenager was arrested for a robbery that started over Facebook Marketplace, and investigators believe he is connected to other similar incidents.
According to Stratford police, 18-year-old Shahiem Donald responded to the victim’s advertisement, WFSB reported. The victim was selling an iPhone.
Donald met the victim April 23 in Stratford where he attacked and stole the iPhone, police said.
The victim reported seeing a handgun during the robbery.
Detectives with Stratford police identified Donald as the suspect.
It was later determined Donald and co-conspirators had been contacting various victims throughout the area online to arrange to either buy or sell iPhones and other items. Once the suspects met with the victims, Donald and his gang would use force to steal phones and other valuables, police said.
On May 4, Stratford detectives and Bridgeport police found and arrested Donald on charges of first-degree robbery, third-degree assault and fifth-degree larceny. He was held on a $150,000 bond.
Anyone with additional information about the crimes was asked to contact detectives at 203-381-2098.
Copyright 2022 WFSB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/gang-members-used-facebook-marketplace-plan-robberies-detectives-say/ | 2022-05-11T21:00:44Z |
Infant dies in crash as mom fled officers for stealing baby items from Walmart, police say
MONROE, La. (KNOE/Gray News) – A 5-week-old infant is dead after her mother crashed while speeding away from officers with the baby in the car, police said.
The mom, identified as Candace Gill, 38, was running from police in Louisiana because she shoplifted baby items from Walmart, according to the Monroe Police Department.
Another man who was a passenger in the vehicle, identified as Edward Williams, also died in the crash.
According to court records, the series of events started when officers were called to Walmart on Monday evening for a shoplifting complaint.
When officers arrived, the suspects – Gill and Williams – had already fled the scene with their infant. Store employees told officers that the pair had stolen baby care items and ran when workers confronted them.
Officers spotted the suspects’ vehicle a short time later, but the vehicle turned onto the highway and accelerated. The court filing said the “officer pursued and activated his lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop.”
Police said the car then crashed at a high rate of speed, but Gill, who was driving, managed to flee the scene on foot while officers tended to the passengers. Williams was pronounced dead on the scene, and the infant was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The baby girl later died at the hospital.
The Monroe Police Department said they believe the baby was not properly restrained in the vehicle prior to the crash.
Two other people who were in a separate vehicle that Gill crashed into suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
With the help of a tip, police arrested Gill on Tuesday night at an apartment complex. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center.
Gill is charged with two counts of manslaughter, aggravated obstruction of a highway, four counts of negligent injury, theft, and several traffic violations. She also had other active warrants out for her arrest, including for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, and traffic charges.
Copyright 2022 KNOE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/infant-dies-crash-mom-fled-officers-stealing-baby-items-walmart-police-say/ | 2022-05-11T21:00:50Z |
Internet troll faces trial after Capitol riot plea fizzles
(AP) - A federal judge scheduled a trial next year for a far-right internet troll after the man, known to his social media followers as “Baked Alaska,” balked at pleading guilty on Wednesday to a criminal charge stemming from the U.S. Capitol riot.
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan refused to accept a guilty plea by Anthime Gionet after he professed his innocence at the start of what was scheduled to be a plea agreement hearing. Instead, the judge set a March 2023 trial date for Gionet, who is charged with a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing inside a Capitol building.
“If he wants a trial, he’ll get a fair trial,” Sullivan said.
After privately conferring with Gionet’s lawyers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi said prosecutors would leave the plea offer open for 60 days. The judge scheduled a July 22 status hearing for the case.
Gionet would have faced a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment if he had pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor.
During the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Gionet streamed live video that showed himself inside the Capitol and repeatedly encouraging other rioters to stay there. He joined others in chanting, “Patriots are in control” and “Whose house? Our house!” Before leaving, he profanely called a police officer an “oathbreaker,” the FBI said.
Gionet told the judge that he wanted a trial but claimed prosecutors had threatened to “hit” him with an additional felony charge.
“So I think this is probably the better route,” he added.
“Are you pleading guilty because you’re guilty?” Sullivan asked.
“I believe I’m innocent, your honor,” Gionet replied.
“I can’t take your plea of guilty if you tell me you’re innocent,” the judge said.
Aloi said prosecutors never threatened to charge Gionet with a felony if he didn’t take the plea deal.
“We did say that the case would continue to be investigated and where the facts led is where the charges would ultimately lead,” she said.
“I accept that representation,” the judge said. “Your office has proceeded in a very honorable manner.”
Gionet’s lawyer has claimed he only went to Washington, D.C., to document what happened that day. Prosecutors disputed Gionet’s contention that he is a member of the news media.
Other riot defendants have argued that they merely went to the Capitol as journalists to document what happened on Jan. 6. Infowars host Jonathan Owen Shroyer has asked a judge to throw out his riot charges, accusing prosecutors of trampling on his First Amendment rights to “protest, speak freely and report the news.”
Federal authorities have used Gionet’s video to prosecute other rioters, including three men from New York City. Antonio Ferrigno, Francis Connor and Anton Lunyk pleaded guilty on April 28 to riot-related charges. Gionet’s livestream showed them in Sen. Jeff Merkley’s office, according to court filings accompanying their plea agreements.
Gionet was arrested in Houston less than two weeks after the riot. He has moved from Arizona to Florida since his arrest.
Gionet, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, used social media to build a following in far-right political circles. He became known for posting videos in which he attempts to troll or pull pranks on his targets He was scheduled to speak at the white nationalist “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, before it erupted in violence and bloodshed in 2017.
BuzzFeed, where Gionet once worked, reported that Twitter permanently banned him from its platform after the Charlottesville rally.
In January, Gionet was sentenced to 30 days in jail for misdemeanor convictions stemming from a December 2020 encounter in which authorities say he shot pepper spray at an employee at a bar in Scottsdale, Arizona.
More than 790 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Over 280 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, and over 170 have been sentenced. Approximately 100 others have trial dates.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/internet-troll-faces-trial-after-capitol-riot-plea-fizzles/ | 2022-05-11T21:00:56Z |
Local hotels prepare for JMU graduation
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - With JMU graduation happening this weekend, local hotels are gearing up for the influx of overnight guests from all over the country coming to Harrisonburg.
While it may seem like a sudden rush of people, Hyatt Place Harrisonburg says hotels and hotel guests have been planning this weekend for a while.
“Between graduation and also parents weekend, those are the two busiest weekends that we see, and they book 13 months in advance,” said Shannon Sikes, general manager of Hyatt Place Harrisonburg. “We ramp up our staffing to make sure we have plenty of staffing on board.”
Sikes says although they have very few rooms available, they want to make sure their guests have the best experience possible during their stay.
“We’re really trying to make an experience for everyone coming into town,” said Sikes.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/local-hotels-prepare-jmu-graduation/ | 2022-05-11T21:01:06Z |
New law requires daily recess for all elementary students in Georgia
(Gray News) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill into law Monday afternoon that will make daily recess mandatory for all public elementary schools across the state.
The law will go into effect starting next school year and applies to all students, kindergarten through fifth grade. Previously, Georgia only required schools to offer recess once a week.
Under the new law, school employees will not be allowed to withhold recess from students for disciplinary or academic reasons. However, the law states recess will not be required on school days in which a student has gym class.
The bill, known as the Quality Basic Education Act, was authored by Rep. Demetrius Douglas, a democrat.
“It is time for our students to get moving and learn how to play with each other again,” Douglas said in a press release. “Before HB 1283 was signed into law, our state only required schools to offer recess once a week; however, many elementary school students spend the majority of their school day in one classroom, which limits their ability to make new friends and build social skills. Recess is a crucial part of a child’s learning experience, and this legislation ensures that elementary school students can have a chance to enjoy recess.”
Douglas said he is passionate about getting kids active because he was a defensive linebacker at the University of Georgia. According to his website, he then played football for the New York Jets, Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders), and the Calgary Stampeders.
According to the press release, Douglas has worked on this issue for several years.
“WE DID IT!!!” Douglas wrote in a Facebook post, following Kemp’s signing of the bill into law.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/new-law-requires-daily-recess-all-elementary-students-georgia/ | 2022-05-11T21:01:12Z |
Redistricting requires new voter notification to be mailed to voters
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 3:23 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Every Rockingham County voter will be mailed an updated voter notification letter based on the recent redistricting.
This is a requirement even if there is no change of address for the voter, according to Director of Elections Lisa Gooden. This voter notification letter replaces previous voter ‘cards’ and this may be used as identification when voting.
Many voters will notice that the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates district numbers have also changed.
Some voters will also notice that their polling location may have changed.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/redistricting-requires-new-voter-notification-be-mailed-voters/ | 2022-05-11T21:01:19Z |
Sponsored - The following content is created on behalf of Western State Hospital and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. To learn more about Western State Hospital, visit wsh.dbhds.virginia.gov.
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States. For 2022′s May designation, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is amplifying the message of “Together for Mental Health.”
We at Western State Hospital are working together with you to treat mental health conditions and bring more awareness about mental illnesses. Hospitals play an important role in providing behavioral health care and helping patients find resources available in their community.
At Western State Hospital, we see just how prevalent mental health conditions are. According to CDC and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), even if you aren’t struggling with a mental health condition, you likely know someone who has, or had, a mental illness. Research shows 1 in 5 people have a mental health condition. It’s estimated that 31% of Americans experience anxiety at some point in their lives and that 19 million people are living with depression. And those are just two mental health conditions out of dozens.
But, even if you aren’t experiencing a mental health condition, you can help someone who might be. The American Hospital Association (AHA) and its partners have shared how you can help someone who is struggling with mental illness just by using your words, through its People Matter, Words Matter campaign.
In talking about the campaign, the AHA says, “Words can transmit stigma. Studies have shown that people with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders often feel judged, outside and inside the health care system. This can lead them to avoid, delay or stop seeking treatment. The way we talk about people with a behavioral disorder can change lives – in either a positive or negative manner...People matter and the words we use to describe them or the disorders they have matter.”
So, before you say something, think about your words, because they matter.
If you are struggling with a mental health disorder, there are also many things you can do on your own to improve your mental health. Mindful meditation, for example, can improve your mood, your energy and your sleep. It can also help clear your mind of negative thoughts about yourself or your situation. Spending time doing things you love, like creating art or working on your car, can also help. Fresh air and exercise can produce feel good hormones, to keep your mind healthy each day.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month, and to learn more about mental health conditions and treatment options, check out these resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
- Finding Mental Health services in Virginia (Virginia DBHDS)
- NAMI Mental Health Awareness Month page
- People Matter, Words Matter resources and posters from the AHA
- National Institute of Mental Health website
- CDC Mental Health webpage | https://www.whsv.com/sponsored/western-state-hospital/working-together-foster-an-environment-mental-wellness/ | 2022-05-11T21:01:25Z |
Augusta County crash causing delays
Published: May. 11, 2022 at 5:11 PM EDT|Updated: 13 minutes ago
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - On I-81 at mile marker 225 in Augusta County, motorists can expect delays due to a tractor trailer crash.
The north left shoulder, left lane, and right shoulder are closed. Traffic backups are approximately 2.0 miles.
This is a developing story. Stay with WHSV for the latest information.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/augusta-county-crash-causing-delays/ | 2022-05-11T21:26:09Z |
Augusta County set to vote on budget; hear from engineers for courthouse
VERONA, Va. (WHSV) - The Augusta County Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the budget Wednesday night, and they will discuss potential architects and engineers for their courthouse.
Body cameras have been a big topic of discussion for locals throughout the budgeting process, but cameras didn’t make it onto the FY 2023 budget.
The $114.7 million budget emphasizes employee pay, education and keeping taxes level. Finance Director Misty Cook said not raising taxes was especially important this year, as the cost of living increases.
“Fuel’s up, the cost of doing business in general is up. We’re paying more for contracted services. We’re seeing fuel surcharges due to the cost of fuel, so just being able to work those into the budget,” she said.
As for education, Augusta County Schools will get a funding increase of 3% from last year.
“This year it will be about $56 million. That includes their operating, their debt service, and an allowance we give them for bus replacement,” said Cook.
The county has also included a pay and reclassification study to look into compensation.
“Obviously everyone is having issues with their workplace recruitment and retention, so one of our priorities in addition to education was to recruit and retain employees across the board for the county,” Cook said.
The board will also consider a contract for architects and engineers to produce an Augusta County Courthouse layout for both Verona and Staunton. Candy Hensley with the county said they have to hear from experts in the field to move forward with the referendum.
Wednesday’s meeting is at 7 p.m. in the Government Center in Verona, and it will be streamed live on Facebook.
If you’d like to learn more about the budget, you can follow this link.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/augusta-county-set-vote-budget-hear-engineers-courthouse/ | 2022-05-11T21:26:15Z |
‘No reason for him to shoot my son’: Navy sailor killed on Mother’s Day; police search for gunman
MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) - Police in Wisconsin are searching for the person who shot and killed a 19-year-old Navy sailor who was visiting his girlfriend on Mother’s Day.
Phoenix Castanon was in Wisconsin from Arizona over the holiday weekend.
Castanon’s mother, Tiata Nez-Dunklin, said he enlisted in the Navy last year. Nez-Dunklin is a Navy veteran herself.
“To know that he wanted to follow in my footsteps. His dad was also in the Army,” she said.
West Allis police said the Mother’s Day incident occurred just before 3 a.m. Castanon approached a man in a car who was bothering a woman. During the argument, that man pulled a gun and shot the 19-year-old.
“There was no reason for him to shoot my son. To me, that’s just so cowardly. To use a weapon to take a child, my child’s life,” Nez-Dunklin said.
Castanon’s mother said her son was known for his big heart, always sticking up for others, protecting her, his 15-year-old sister and 9-year-old brother. He was their hero.
“They’re hurting. They’re trying their very best to stay strong, but they’re just as lost as we are, along with his dad,” Nez-Dunklin said.
In their last phone conversation, Castanon’s mother said they said they loved each other, as they always did, and he sent a text message just hours before the shooting.
“He was asking me what I wanted for Mother’s Day. He told me that he loved me,” Nez-Dunklin said.
Now, she’s pleading for help from strangers in a city she’s never been to in helping to find the man who killed her son.
“Anybody can help; just bring justice for my son,” Nez-Dunklin said.
West Allis police urge anyone with more information to contact them at 414-302-8000.
Copyright 2022 WTMJ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/no-reason-him-shoot-my-son-navy-sailor-killed-mothers-day-police-search-gunman/ | 2022-05-11T21:26:21Z |
WATCH: Good Samaritans rush in to help woman suffering medical episode in car
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (Gray News) – A group of good Samaritans were caught on camera springing into action to help a woman who was having a medical episode while driving through an intersection.
The woman was stopped at an intersection in Boynton Beach, Florida, waiting for the light to turn green when suddenly her car can be seen on the video slowly drifting into the intersection.
According to Boynton Beach police, the woman’s coworker, who was in another car, saw her slumped over the steering wheel, so she raced across the street, waving her arms to get the attention of the other people.
Seeing what was happening, several people got out of their cars and worked together to stop the woman’s moving car. One woman grabbed a dumbbell from her car, and a man used it to smash the rear passenger side window.
Another man then climbed through the window to unlock the passenger side door.
The good Samaritans then put the car in neutral and pushed it to a nearby 7-Eleven parking lot.
A nurse who was on the phone with 911 provided medical attention until the fire department arrived.
The police department said it was sharing the video to learn the identities of the strangers who came together to save the woman’s life. The department said it wants to recognize them all and meet the woman they saved.
If you know any of the people involved, the police department asks you to contact Public Information Officer Stephanie Slater at slaters@bbfl.us.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/11/watch-good-samaritans-rush-help-woman-car-suffering-medical-episode/ | 2022-05-11T21:26:30Z |
GREENFIELD, Wis., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc., (NASDAQ: BCOW) (the "Company"), the holding company for PyraMax Bank, today announced unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Financial Summary
Net Income. The Company recorded a net loss of $55,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, a decrease of $576,000 from net income of $521,000 recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in non-interest income, which was partially offset by a $279,000 increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses, a $221,000 decrease in income tax expense and a $143,000 decrease in non-interest expense.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $384,000, or 12.2%, to $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This increase was due to a $269,000 increase in interest income and a $115,000 decrease in interest expense. Our net interest rate spread increased 18 basis points to 2.71% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from 2.53% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Our net interest margin also increased 18 basis points to 2.85% from 2.67% over the same period.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income increased $269,000, or 7.4%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was due primarily to an increase in interest earned on taxable securities, which increased $281,000, or 105.2% from $267,000 in the first quarter of 2021 to $548,000 in the first quarter of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the Company's strategy to deploy excess liquidity into securities, which resulted in the average outstanding balance of securities increasing $73.7 million, or 122.2%, from $60.3 million for the first quarter of 2021 to $134.0 million for the first quarter of 2022.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $115,000, or 25.2%, to $341,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $456,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in the cost of our interest-bearing deposits, which decreased 13 basis points from 0.37% for the first quarter of 2021 to 0.24% for the first quarter of 2022. This decline was primarily due to the continued low interest rate environment.
Provision for Loan Losses. Provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $105,000 compared to zero for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $1.2 million, or 75.7%, to $391,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of a $489,000 decrease in net gain on sale of loans, a $397,000 decrease in loan servicing fees and a $341,000 decline in the market value of marketable equity securities. The decrease in the net gain on sale of loans was primarily due to the decrease in the sale of mortgage loans held for sale, which decreased $33.6 million, from $40.4 million in the first quarter of 2021 to $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2022. The reduction in loan servicing fees was primarily the result of a $369,000 decrease in the valuation allowance for our mortgage servicing rights during the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in the market value of marketable equity securities was due to a decrease in the market value of mutual funds held in our deferred compensation plan.
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $143,000, or 3.5%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 from $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to a $170,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits. The decrease in salaries and benefits was due primarily to a $341,000 decrease in the market value of mutual funds held in our deferred compensation plan, offset by $197,000 increase in the accrual for discretionary bonus expense.
Total Assets. Total assets increased $6.7 million, or 1.2%, to $546.3 million at March 31, 2022 from $539.6 million at December 31, 2021. This increase was primarily due to a $20.3 million increase in available-for-sale securities and a $3.0 million increase in other assets, offset by a $16.2 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $16.2 million, or 24.3%, to $50.6 million at March 31, 2022 from $66.8 million at December 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to the purchase of $31.2 million in available-for-sale securities, $7.0 million in principal payments on FHLB advances and $6.5 million in originations of mortgage loans held for sale, partially offset by $10.0 million from the issuance of an FHLB advance, $6.8 million from the sale of mortgage loans held for sale, a $6.5 increase in deposits and $3.7 million from maturities, prepayments and calls of available-for-sale securities.
Available-for-Sale Securities. Available for sale securities increased $20.3 million, or 18.0%, to $132.7 million at March 31, 2022, from $112.4 million at December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to purchases of securities totaling $31.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022, partially offset by maturities, prepayments and calls of securities totaling $3.7 million and a reduction in the unrealized gain held within the portfolio of $7.1 million. The purchases consisted primarily of government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities, which increased $12.4 million and U.S. Treasury notes, which increased $8.5 million.
Net Loans. Net loans decreased $103,000, to $323.7 million at March 31, 2022, from $323.8 million at December 31, 2021.
Deposits. Deposits increased $6.5 million, or 1.7%, to $391.0 million at March 31, 2022, from $384.5 million at December 31, 2021.
Borrowings. Borrowings, consisting entirely of FHLB advances, increased $3.0 million, or 5.4%, to $58.4 million at March 31, 2022, from $55.4 million at December 31, 2021. The increase was due to an advance of $10.0 million borrowed during the quarter ended March 31, 2022, offset by maturities and principal repayments on existing advances of $7.0 million.
Total Stockholders' Equity. Total stockholders' equity decreased $5.7 million to $85.2 million at March 31, 2022, from $90.9 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a $7.1 million increase in the gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, which net of taxes, resulted in a $5.2 million decrease in stockholders' equity.
About 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc.
1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for PyraMax Bank. The Company's stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "BCOW". PyraMax Bank was established in 1895 as South Milwaukee Savings and Loan Association and has operated in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market since that time. PyraMax Bank is a full-service stock savings bank with its corporate office in Greenfield, Wisconsin, servicing customers in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Ozaukee counties through our six banking offices.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" that represent 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc.'s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "assume," "plan," "seek," "expect," "will," "may," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "target" and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, as described in the "Risk Factors" disclosures included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, initially filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 3, 2021, as supplemented in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports that we file with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available free of charge at www.sec.gov. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this news release or made elsewhere from time to time by 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. or on its behalf. 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
Contact: Richard B. Hurd
Telephone: (414) 235-5207
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a leader in the global specialty chemicals industry, announced today that Kent Masters, chief executive officer, and Scott Tozier, chief financial officer, will present at the 2022 Jefferies Renewable Energy Conference in London on May 24, 2022, at 11:00 am ET.
The presentation materials and a webcast will be accessible at the time of the event through the Events and Presentations page on Albemarle's website at http://investors.albemarle.com. A webcast replay will be posted to the company's website immediately following the conclusion of the event.
About Albemarle
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global specialty chemicals company with leading positions in lithium, bromine and catalysts. We think beyond business as usual to power the potential of companies in many of the world's largest and most critical industries, such as energy, electronics, and transportation. We actively pursue a sustainable approach to managing our diverse global footprint of world-class resources. In conjunction with our highly experienced and talented global teams, our deep-seated values, and our collaborative customer relationships, we create value-added and performance-based solutions that enable a safer and more sustainable future.
We regularly post information to www.albemarle.com, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses, and the markets it serves.
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RENO, Nev., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AMERCO (Nasdaq: UHAL), the parent company of U-Haul International, Inc., Oxford Life Insurance Company, Repwest Insurance Company and Amerco Real Estate Company, plans to report its fourth quarter fiscal 2022 financial results after the close of market trading on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The Company is scheduled to conduct its fourth quarter investor conference call and webcast at 8 a.m. Arizona Time (11 a.m. ET) on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Listen via the internet: https://app.webinar.net/56NVYov9ByE
The conference call and webcast may include forward-looking statements. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived for one year at www.amerco.com.
About AMERCO
AMERCO is the parent company of U-Haul International, Inc., Oxford Life Insurance Company, Repwest Insurance Company and Amerco Real Estate Company. U-Haul is in the shared use business and was founded on the fundamental philosophy that the division of use and specialization of ownership is good for both U-Haul customers and the environment.
About U-Haul
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 126,000 trailers and 46,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers over 855,000 rentable storage units and 73.6 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S., and continues to be the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as a leading "Best for Vets" employer and was recently named one of the 15 Healthiest Workplaces in America.
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SOURCE AMERCO | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/amerco-schedules-fourth-quarter-fiscal-year-end-2022-financial-results-release-investor-webcast/ | 2022-05-11T21:26:50Z |
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthony, part of Dover Food Retail and Dover (NYSE: DOV), today announced the addition of the Kodiak® Super Duty Pass-Thru Door to its growing Walk-In Door portfolio. The Kodiak doors are available in several configurations to fit a wide range of installations and are designed to handle the most challenging environments, such as Beer Caves within convenience stores and large retailers.
"The Kodiak Door represents Anthony's commitment to building incredibly reliable and energy-efficient doors that are long-lasting," said Uri Rainisch, Senior Product Manager at Anthony. "Our customers rely on our doors for their sturdiness and ability to withstand the vigorous handling that occurs in high traffic areas of convenience and large retail stores."
Anthony's Kodiak Super Duty Pass-Thru Doors are constructed to last, with standard features including a two-pane, non-heated low-E glass with Argon gas, an industrial-grade cylinder lock with internal thumb lock, a self-closing hydraulic door hinge and an integrated push bar. In addition, the Kodiak Door is DOE 2017 Compliant. Optional features include a French Door configuration with top and bottom flush bolt locks and a 10" Aluminum Diamond pattern Kickplate.
About Anthony:
Anthony branded products deliver innovative design and manufacturing of merchandising solutions in glass doors, lighting systems, and display equipment for use in commercial -refrigeration display systems. For more information, visit www.anthonyintl.com, or call 800-772-0900.
About Dover Food Retail:
Dover Food Retail, part of Dover Corporation with headquarters in Conyers, Georgia, is the partner to customers seeking to create unique food experiences. Employing the capabilities of our industry-leading brands, Anthony and Hillphoenix, we are able to provide insight and a comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions that enables our customers to sell more food, more profitably. Our ability to evolve with the ever-changing market demands is driven by our passion for understanding our customers' business and providing them with the best quality products and services they need to succeed both today and in the future. Our focused, forward-thinking approach, combined with the strength of our brands, sets the stage for streamlined product development, a broader product portfolio, and cutting-edge technology resulting in redefining what is possible for customers in the food retail value chain.
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.
Dover Food Retail Contact:
Kim Camp
(678) 646-1063
kcamp@doverfoodretail.com
Dover Media Contact:
Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications
(630) 743-5039
asakowicz@dovercorp.com
Dover Investor Contact:
Jack Dickens, Senior Director, Investor Relations
(630) 743-2566
jdickens@dovercorp.com
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VANCOUVER, BC, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Gold Corporation (Aris Gold or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (OTCQX: ALLXF) reports financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2022. All amounts are in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Aris Gold CEO Neil Woodyer stated: "During Q1 we began to see positive results from our performance optimization initiatives at the Marmato Upper Mine, where free cash flows were allocated toward Lower Mine construction activities in the quarter. Our EPCM contractor is nearing completion of the front-end loading (FEL3) design work for the Lower Mine, and following this, we expect to release a new mineral reserve estimate.
"In April, our senior management team stepped into the operator role of the Soto Norte joint venture, and we are leading the work to successfully obtain a mining license extension from ANM, the Colombian National Mining Agency, as well as the drafting and advancing of a new environmental and social impact assessment for the Soto Norte gold project. We continue to be impressed by the quality of the Soto Norte project, and the social development opportunities it offers."
- Q1 2022 operating results, with quarterly gold sales of 7,698 ounces at AISC of $1,466 per ounce, compare favourably to average quarterly gold sales of 6,731 ounces at AISC of $1,656 per ounce in Q1 2021 and demonstrate some of the early benefits of the optimization activities. In Q1 2022, the Upper Mine generated $3.4 million free cash flow.
- The Company remains on track to meet full-year production guidance of 40,000 to 45,000 ounces, with gold production from the Upper Mine expected to increase in the second half of 2022 as the mine sequences into higher grade areas and processing rates increase.
- Construction of the Marmato Lower Mine progressed in Q1 2022, including:
In Q1 2022, Aris Gold recorded earnings from mining operations of $3.2 million and net earnings of $3.1 million (Q1 2021: net loss $7.3 million). A key driver of the improved financial performance was the cost reduction program as demonstrated by AISC per ounce of $1,437, which was 17% lower than Q1 2021.
Financial and operating highlights
Aris Gold's Q1 2022 financial statements and related MD&A are available on SEDAR and in the Investors section of Aris Gold's website here.
Aris Gold is a Canadian mining company listed on the TSX under the symbol ARIS and on the OTCQX under the symbol ALLXF. The Company is led by an executive team with a demonstrated track record of creating value through building globally relevant gold mining companies. In Colombia, Aris Gold operates the 100%-owned Marmato mine, where a modernization and expansion program is under way, and as of April 12, 2022, operates the Soto Norte joint venture, where environmental licensing is advancing to develop a new gold mine. Aris Gold also owns the Juby project, an advanced exploration stage gold project in the Abitibi greenstone belt of Ontario, Canada. Aris Gold plans to pursue acquisition and other growth opportunities to unlock value creation from scale and diversification.
Additional information on Aris Gold can be found at www.arisgold.com and www.sedar.com.
This news release contains "forward-looking information" or forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements relating to construction activities and expected first gold production, expected gold production rates and free cash flow from the Upper Mine and statements made under the heading "Outlook" are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward looking statements 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", "will continue" 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". Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered. The material factors or assumptions used to develop forward looking information or statements are disclosed throughout this presentation.
Forward looking information and forward looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Aris Gold to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward looking statements, including but not limited to: the ability of the Aris Gold management team to successfully integrate with the current operations, risks related to international operations, risks related to general economic conditions, uncertainties relating to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, actual results of current exploration activities, availability of quality assets that will add scale, diversification and complement Aris Gold's growth trajectory; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; the ability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increases in market prices of mining consumables, risks associated with holding derivative instruments (such as credit risks, market liquidity risk and mark-to-market risk), possible variations in mineral reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada or Colombia, accidents and operations, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals including obtaining required environmental and other licenses, or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in countries in which the Company operates, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Aris Gold's most recent AIF available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Although Aris Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. The Company has and continues to disclose in its Management's Discussion and Analysis and other publicly filed documents, changes to material factors or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements and to the validity of the information, in the period the changes occur. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and Aris Gold disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.
This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may any securities referred to herein be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder. The securities referred to herein have not been registered pursuant to the Securities Act and there is no intention to register any of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.
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Published: May. 11, 2022 at 4:15 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
Adjusted EBITDA(1) growth of 16.5% to $277.1 million driven by highly differentiated business model
LONDON, UK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Atlas ("Atlas" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATCO) announced today its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Financial Highlights:
First quarter 2022 financial performance compared to first quarter 2021:
Robust balance sheet with liquidity of $951.3 million, total borrowings(1) to total assets of 53.2%
Comments from Management: Bing Chen, President and CEO of Atlas, commented: "Following a strong 2021 performance, Atlas continued its solid financial results in the first quarter of 2022. Seaspan strengthened its customer partnership with a global liner by forward fixing charters for 18 vessels, leveraging our creative customer solutions and differentiated business model. Despite the pandemic and European conflict, Seaspan continued diligently executing its newbuild program with one newbuild delivery in April ahead of schedule. Our entire newbuild program remains on track thanks to our experienced teams and integrated platform that have now delivered 114 newbuilds."
"APR Energy also delivered solid performance as we continue to leverage Atlas' five key competencies to pivot the business to longer-term, predictable cash flow opportunities. APR secured three new deployments, which includes the renewal of APR's IID contract in California for 74 MW, a new market contract in Brazil for 226 MW, and the dry leasing of five turbines for 120 MW. Focusing on operational excellence and creative partnership, APR successfully extended its Brazil contract from 12 months to 44 months, furthering its growth strategy of providing longer-term energy capacity solutions."
"With our customers' trusted partnerships, our dedicated team and differentiated business model, we are well positioned to drive future quality growth and continue delivering increasing shareholder value."
Graham Talbot, CFO of Atlas, commented, "I am very proud of our entire team's consistent high-performance during a period of considerable global uncertainty. These results demonstrate the resilience of our fully integrated platform which provides consistent delivery in all market conditions. Our continued focus on optimizing our capital structure, coupled with a gross contracted cash flow balance of $18.1 billion and liquidity balance of $951.3 million as of quarter end, positions Atlas to continue executing on our track-record of disciplined capital allocation and quality growth."
"We are pleased to see a strong vote of confidence from our strategic shareholder, Fairfax Financial, who exercised warrants to purchase 25 million common shares of Atlas in April. This resulted in proceeds of over $200.0 million dollars to Atlas which will be used to repay outstanding debt and for other general corporate purposes. This is yet another demonstration of our shareholders' continued confidence in our highly differentiated, risk-adjusted, capital allocation business model."
Significant Developments in the First Quarter of 2022 & Subsequent Events
Containership Sale Developments
In February 2022, Seaspan completed the sale of one vessel for gross proceeds of $32.8 million. Seaspan continues to manage the ship operations of this vessel pursuant to a management agreement entered into in connection with the sale. As of March 31, 2022, Seaspan had also entered into agreements for five more vessel sales, one of which closed in April 2022. The remaining four vessel sales are expected to complete in the second quarter of 2022, subject to closing conditions.
In April 2022, Seaspan entered into agreements for the sale of an additional four 4,250 TEU vessels. The sales are expected to be completed in the second and third quarters of 2022, subject to closing conditions.
The table below summarizes our Containership Leasing fleet:
Containership Leasing and Newbuild Developments
Seaspan entered into proactive lease extensions for 18 operating vessels in the first quarter of 2022.
In April 2022, Seaspan accepted delivery of its fourth 12,200 TEU vessel which commenced an 18-year bareboat charter upon delivery.
Mobile Power Generation Developments
APR Energy entered into contracts to provide a customer with up to 226 MW of gas power generation capacity in Itaguaí, Rio De Janeiro, for a minimum of 12 consecutive months commencing in May 2022. In March 2022, APR Energy extended this 12-month gas generation capacity contract in Brazil to a 44-month contract. Additionally, APR Energy entered into a contract with a US counterparty to provide a dry rental of five turbines representing 120 MW for a minimum of 12 consecutive months which commenced in February 2022. APR Energy also entered into a contract with Imperial Irrigation District ("IID") for three turbines to provide grid stabilization solutions to Southern California. The contract with IID represents its first renewal with APR Energy.
Financing Development
On February 16, 2022, Seaspan closed its new $250.0 million 3-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the "New Seaspan RCF"), which replaces a $150.0 million 2-year unsecured revolving credit facility. The New Seaspan RCF includes several new lenders and improvements driven by Seaspan's improving credit quality, including greater liquidity, tenor and pricing.
Exercise of Fairfax Warrants
On April 7, 2022, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax") exercised warrants to purchase 25.0 million common shares of Atlas. The warrants, which were originally issued on July 16, 2018, had an exercise price of $8.05 per common share for an aggregate exercise price of $201.3 million. Immediately following this exercise, Fairfax and its affiliates held in aggregate 124,805,753 common shares, representing 45.1% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of Atlas. Fairfax continues to hold 6.0 million warrants.
Distribution
On April 7, 2022, the Board of Directors of Atlas declared a quarterly distribution in the amount of $0.125 per common share. Regular quarterly dividends on the Series D, Series H, Series I and Series J preferred shares were also declared. All dividends were paid on May 2, 2022.
Common Shares Outstanding
As of May 1, 2022, there were 276.9 million common shares outstanding.
Consolidated Results:
The following table summarizes Atlas' consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and March 31, 2021.
Financial Results Summary:
Revenue growth of 9.5% to $408.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, 16.0% of revenue growth was attributable to the Containership Leasing segment, of which 67% was attributable to the existing asset base, and 33% was attributable to assets added during the year. For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, there was a 42.7% decrease attributable to the Mobile Power Generation segment. The lower revenue is primarily due to an injunction at one of our project sites which commenced in March 2021. We are indemnified for the lost revenue and have recognized a corresponding recovery under the acquisition agreement for this indemnity.
Adjusted EBITDA growth of 16.5% to $277.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. The growth was primarily driven by the increase in revenue.
FFO Per Share growth of 21.7% to $0.73 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. The growth was primarily driven by the increase in revenue.
Diluted EPS was $0.56 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $0.31 for the same period in 2021. The increase in diluted EPS was primarily driven by the increase in revenue and non-cash gain on derivative instruments related to the increase in the forward LIBOR curve.
Adjusted Diluted EPS growth of 56.0% to $0.39 for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $0.25 for the same period in 2021. The increase in adjusted diluted EPS is primarily related to the increase in revenue.
Liquidity As of March 31, 2022, Atlas had total liquidity of $951.3 million, consisting of $251.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $700.0 million of availability under undrawn committed credit facilities. As of March 31, 2022, we also had $6.0 billion of undrawn committed financing related to our newbuild vessels and an unencumbered asset base including 38 vessels with a book value of $1.4 billion.
Segmented Financial Results: The following table summarizes selected segmented financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Conference Call and Webcast:
Atlas will host a conference call and webcast presentation for investors, analysts and interested parties to discuss its first quarter on May 12, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Participants should call, 1-877-246-9875, International Dial-In, 1-707-287-9353, Listen Only Toll-Free Dial-In Number, 1-888-556-5741, and Listen Only International Dial-In Number, 1-857-270-6226 and request the Atlas call (conference ID: 9398541). The live webcast and slide presentation are available under "Events & Presentations" at www.atlascorporation.com. A webcast replay will be available until February 17, 2023.
The replay telephone numbers are: US/Canada 1-855-859-2056 or 1-800-585-8367 and International 1-404-537-3406, and the replay passcode is: 9398541. The phone replay will be available until May 11, 2023.
About Atlas
Atlas is a leading global asset management company, differentiated by its position as a best-in-class owner and operator with a focus on disciplined capital deployment to create sustainable shareholder value. We target long-term, risk-adjusted returns across high-quality infrastructure assets in the maritime sector, energy sector and other infrastructure verticals. For more information visit atlascorporation.com.
About Seaspan
Seaspan is the largest global containership lessor, primarily focused on long-term, fixed-rate leases with the world's largest container shipping liners. As at March 31, 2022, Seaspan's operating fleet consisted of 132 vessels with a total capacity of 1,147,980 TEU, and an additional 67 vessels under construction, increasing total fleet capacity to 1,959,380 TEU, on a fully delivered basis. For more information, visit seaspancorp.com.
About APR
APR provides rapidly deployable, large-scale power and fast-track mobile power to underserved markets and industries. APR's mobile, turnkey power plants help run industries, cities and countries globally in both developed and developing markets. For more information, visit aprenergy.com.
ATLAS CORP. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN MILLIONS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
ATLAS CORP. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN MILLIONS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARES IN THOUSANDS AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
ATLAS CORP. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN MILLIONS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS NET EARNINGS TO FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS NET EARNINGS TO FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EPS
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS OPERATING NET DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
ATLAS CORP. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS OPERATING NET DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
This release includes various financial measures that are non-GAAP financial measures as defined under the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These non-GAAP financial measures, which include FFO, FFO Per Share, Diluted ("FFO Per Share"), Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Diluted ("Adjusted EPS"), Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, Operating Net Debt and Total Borrowings, are intended to provide additional information and are not prepared in accordance with, and should not be considered substitutes for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of the non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool.
FFO and FFO PerShare represent net earnings adjusted for depreciation and amortization, gains/losses on sale, unrealized change in fair value of derivative instruments, loss on foreign currency repatriation, change in contingent consideration asset, preferred share dividends accumulated, impairment, loss on debt extinguishment and certain other items that management believes are not representative of its operating performance. FFO and FFO Per Share are useful performance measures because they exclude those items that management believes are not representative of its performance.
FFO and FFO Per Share are not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, earnings per share or any other indicator of the Company's performance required to be reported by GAAP. In addition, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS represent net earnings adjusted for preferred share dividends accumulated, impairment, loss on debt extinguishment, unrealized change in fair value on derivative instruments and certain other items that management believes are not representative of its ongoing performance.
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EPS are not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, net earnings per share or any other indicator of the Company's performance required to be reported by GAAP. In addition, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and the closest measure is net earnings. Management believes that these metrics are helpful in providing investors with information to assess the ongoing operations of the business.
Adjusted EBITDA represents net earnings before interest expense and income, tax expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment, write-down and gains/losses on sale, gains/losses on derivative instruments, loss on foreign currency repatriation, change in contingent consideration asset, loss on debt extinguishment, other expenses and certain other items that management believes are not representative of its operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing the Company's results from operations. Management believes that this measure is useful in assessing performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. Management also believes that this performance measure can be useful in comparing its results with those of other companies, even though other companies may not calculate this measure in the same way. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net earnings. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, or any other indicator of the Company's performance required to be reported by GAAP.
Total Borrowings represents long-term debt and other financing arrangements, excluding deferred financing fees. Operating borrowings represents Total Borrowings less amounts related to vessels under construction.
Net Debt represents Total Borrowings before debt discount and fair value adjustments, net of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. Operating Net Debt represents Net Debt less amounts related to vessels under construction.
Net Debt and Total Borrowings provide useful information to investors in assessing the Company's leverage. Management believes these measures are useful in assessing the Company's ability to settle contracted debt payments. Management also believes that these leverage measurements can be useful in comparing the Company's position with those of other companies, even though other companies may not calculate these measures in the same way. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Net Debt and Total Borrowings is the total of long-term debt and other financing arrangements. Net Debt and Total Borrowings are not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to long-term debt and other financing arrangements, or any other indicator of the Company's financial position required to be reported by GAAP.
This release contains forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act). Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "will," "may," "potential," "should" and similar expressions are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent Atlas' estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this release and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this release. Although these statements are based upon assumptions Atlas believes to be reasonable based upon available information, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
Atlas' future operating and financial results;
Atlas' future growth prospects;
Atlas' business strategy and capital allocation plans, and other plans and objectives for future operations;
Atlas' primary sources of funds for short, medium and long-term liquidity needs;
potential acquisitions, financing arrangements and other investments, and the expected benefits from such transactions;
Atlas' financial condition and liquidity, including its ability to realize the benefits of recent financing activities, borrow and repay funds under its credit facilities, its ability to obtain waivers or secure acceptable replacement charters under the credit facilities, its ability to refinance existing facilities and notes, and to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities;
conditions in the public equity market and the price of Atlas' shares;
changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, and the effect of governmental regulations on Atlas' business;
the financial condition of Seaspan's and APR's customers, lenders and other counterparties and their ability to perform their obligations under their agreements with Seaspan and APR, respectively;
the continued ability to meet specified restrictive covenants in Atlas' and its subsidiaries' financing and lease arrangements, notes and preferred shares;
any economic downturn in the global financial markets and potential negative effects of any recurrence of such disruptions on the demand for the services of Seaspan's containerships or APR's mobile power solutions or on our customers' ability to charter our vessels, lease our power generation assets and pay for our services;
the length and severity of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including as a result of new variants of the virus, and its impact on Atlas' business;
a major customer experiencing financial distress, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bankruptcy or otherwise;
global economic and market conditions and shipping industry trends, including charter rates and other factors affecting supply and demand for our containerships and power generation solutions;
disruptions in global credit and financial markets as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise;
Atlas' expectations as to impairments of its vessels and power generation assets, including the timing and amount of potential impairments;
the future valuation of Atlas' vessels, power generation assets and goodwill;
future time charters and vessel deliveries, including future long-term charters for certain existing vessels;
estimated future capital expenditures needed to preserve the operating capacity of Seaspan's containership fleet and comply with regulatory standards, as well as Atlas' expectations regarding future dry-docking and operating expenses, including ship operating expense and expenses related to performance under our contracts for the supply of power generation capacity, and general and administrative expenses;
availability of crew, number of off-hire days and dry-docking requirements;
Seaspan's continued ability to maintain, enter into or renew primarily long-term, fixed-rate time charters for its vessels and leases of our power generation assets;
the potential for early termination of long-term time charters and Seaspan's potential inability to enter into, renew or replace long-term time charters;
Seaspan's ability to leverage to its advantage its relationships and reputation in the containership industry;
changes in technology, prices, industry standards, environmental regulation and other factors which could affect Atlas' competitive position, revenues and asset values;
disruptions and security threats to our technology systems;
taxation of Atlas and of distributions to its shareholders;
Atlas' exemption from tax on U.S. source international transportation income;
the continued availability of services, equipment and software from subcontractors or third-party suppliers required to provide APR's power generation solutions;
APR's ability to protect its intellectual property and defend against possible third-party infringement claims relating to its power generation solutions;
Atlas' ability to achieve or realize expected benefits from ESG initiatives;
potential liability from future litigation;
other factors detailed from time to time in Atlas' periodic reports; and
other risks that are not currently material or known to us.
Forward-looking statements in this release are estimates and assumptions reflecting the judgment of senior management and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Atlas' control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors listed above and including, but not limited to, those set forth in "Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors" in Atlas' Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2021 on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 24, 2022.
Atlas does not intend to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any change in its expectations or events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Atlas expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in Atlas' views or expectations, or otherwise. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures included in Atlas' Annual Report and in Atlas' other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect Atlas' businesses, prospects and results of operations.
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/2022/05/11/atlas-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:09Z |
Q1 2022 Net Revenue of $85.1 million
Cash and Cash Equivalents of $143.8 million at Quarter-End
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. ("AWH" or the "Company") (CSE: AAWH.U) (OTCQX:AAWH), a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator focused on bettering lives through cannabis, today reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 ("Q1 2022"). Financial results are reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and all currency is in U.S. dollars.
- Gross Revenue: Total revenue of $101.2 million decreased 0.8% quarter-over-quarter and increased 33.4% year-over-year.
- Net Revenue: Net revenue, which excludes intercompany sale of wholesale products, decreased 3.8% quarter-over-quarter, but increased 28.7% year-over-year, to $85.1 million.
- Net Loss: Net loss of $27.8 million during the quarter, compared to net loss of $16.5 million in Q4 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA1: Adjusted EBITDA1 of $16.4 million, representing a 19.2% margin.
- Balance Sheet: As of March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents were $143.8 million, and net debt2 was $89.9 million.
- During Q1 2022, the Company focused on bringing online new canopy in Barry, Illinois and Athol, Massachusetts and preparing for the imminent start of adult-use sales at the Rochelle Park dispensary in New Jersey. The Company completed its first harvest at the Barry greenhouse on March 29th, and began planting an additional 37,000 square feet of canopy in Athol subsequent to the end of the quarter. The Company also launched its value segment brand, Simply Herb, which is now sold in all current markets which the Company operates. The Company ended the quarter with 20 operating dispensaries and 213,000 square feet of canopy across five states.
- Subsequent to Q1 2022, the Company completed an equity transaction to roll up all of the other existing members of Story of PA CR, LLC. The Company will use the remainder of the year to build a cultivation facility and six dispensaries, with plans to commence operations in Pennsylvania in 2023.
- Also after the quarter, the Company was one of the first in the state of New Jersey to launch adult-use sales at its dispensary in Rochelle Park, marking the start to the highly anticipated adult-use market in the state. On the first day of recreational sales, the Company had approximately 1,500 customers and average basket sizes of $135, further substantiating the promising market.
- Lastly, subsequent to the quarter, AWH, MedMen NY, Inc. and MM Enterprises USA, LLC (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) ("MedMen") signed a term sheet agreeing to settle their lawsuit in the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in New York County. To settle the dispute, AWH will increase the transaction consideration by $15 million, $4 million of which is contingent on the start of adult-use sales at a MedMen NY dispensary. The revised total consideration of $88 million remains significantly below recent precedent transactions. The parties have also amended certain terms in their previously announced transaction agreement, which they expect to close in the coming month. Upon closing, AWH will enter its seventh state.
"Q1 2022 was a transitionary quarter for Ascend as we made investments to launch the next phase of our growth story," said Abner Kurtin CEO and Co-Founder. "While preparing for adult-use sales in New Jersey, we significantly increased our total canopy capacity and recently entered into the Pennsylvania market. The early days of adult-use sales in New Jersey indicate that the state will be a key growth driver for the remainder of 2022."
Net revenue, which excludes intercompany sale of wholesale products, was $85.1 million, representing a 28.7% year-over year increase, primarily driven by new retail stores and higher wholesale volumes sold. Net revenue decreased 3.8% quarter-over-quarter, primarily driven by wholesale pricing pressure in Illinois and Massachusetts and lower average retail basket sizes in each of the states we operate in, except for Ohio.
Total retail revenue was $63.3 million for the first quarter of 2022, representing a 2.4% decline as compared to the prior quarter.
Gross wholesale revenue increased to $37.9 million, a 2.1% sequential increase, driven by growth in intercompany wholesale sales. Net wholesale revenue decreased 7.8% sequentially to $21.8 million, primarily driven by pricing pressure in Illinois and Massachusetts.
Q1 2022 gross profit was $23.4 million, or 27.6% of revenue, as compared to $30.8 million, or 34.8% of revenue, for the prior quarter. The decline was primarily driven by start-up costs incurred before the commencement of certain significant operations, which are expected to commence later this year.
Q1 2022 Adjusted Gross Profit1 was $36.5 million, or 42.9% of revenue, as compared to $37.5 million, or 42.4% of revenue, for the prior quarter. Adjusted Gross Profit1 excludes depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold, equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold, and non-cash inventory adjustments. Adjusted Gross Profit1 dollars decreased 2.7% quarter-over-quarter due to lower realized pricing in Illinois and Massachusetts. Retail Gross Profit and Wholesale Gross Profit both decreased sequentially, primarily driven by smaller basket sizes in the retail business and pressured wholesale pricing in Illinois and Massachusetts. Adjusted Gross Profit1 margin on a consolidated basis increased 50 basis points quarter-over-quarter to 42.9%. This was primarily driven by higher intercompany sales as a percentage of wholesale sales in the quarter.
Total general and administrative expenses (excluding litigation settlement) for Q1 2022 were $33.2 million, or 39.0% of revenue, as compared to $31.6 million, or 35.7% of revenue, for the prior quarter. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were elevated during the quarter, as the Company increased staff to support cultivation expansions ahead of realizing the related revenue contributions.
Net loss attributable to AWH for the first quarter of 2022 was $27.8 million, or a loss of $0.16 per basic and diluted common share. This was primarily driven by operating costs and a one-time settlement charge related to the settlement of a stockholder dispute regarding one of the Company's convertible note purchase agreements.
Adjusted EBITDA1, which adjusts for tax, interest, depreciation, amortization, equity-based compensation, and other items deemed one-time in nature, was $16.4 million in Q1 2022. This represents a 17.1% decrease quarter-over-quarter. Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 of 19.2% represented a 309 basis point decrease compared to the prior quarter.
This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are included in the financial schedules attached to this press release. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for, or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
AWH will host a conference call on May 11, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (888) 390-0605 with conference ID 72077468. A live audio webcast of the call will also be available on the Investor Relations section of AWH's website at https://awholdings.com/investors/ and will be archived for replay.
AWH is a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with licenses and assets in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award-winning strains and producing a curated selection of products for retail and wholesale customers. AWH produces and distributes its in-house Simply Herb, Ozone, and Ozone Reserve branded products. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com.
Additional information relating to the Company's first quarter 2022 results is available on the Investor Relations section of AWH's website at https://awholdings.com/investors/, the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and Canada's System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com.
This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, the plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and statements. Without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, all statements in this press release relating to estimated and projected revenue, expectations regarding production capacity, anticipated capital expenditures, proceeds from sale leasebacks, expansion, profit, product demand, margins, costs, cash flows, sources of capital, growth rates and future financial and operating results are forward-looking information and statements. We caution investors that any such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of the experience of the Company and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate.
Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in the Company's other reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators on its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.
ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.
SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.
SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
We define "Adjusted Gross Profit" as gross profit excluding non-cash inventory costs, which include depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold, equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold, and other non-cash inventory adjustments. We define "Adjusted Gross Margin" as Adjusted Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue. Our "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-GAAP measure used by management that is not defined by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We define "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. Management calculates Adjusted EBITDA as the reported net loss, adjusted to exclude: income tax expense; other (income) expense; interest expense, depreciation and amortization; depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold; non-cash inventory adjustments; equity-based compensation; equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold; start-up costs; start-up costs included in cost of goods sold; transaction-related and other non-recurring expenses; litigation settlement; and loss on sale of assets. Accordingly, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides meaningful and useful financial information, as this measure demonstrates the operating performance of the business. Non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to the results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP results.
The following table presents Adjusted Gross Profit for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
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SOURCE Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/awh-announces-q1-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:16Z |
Midstream Report 2022 by Former White House Spokesman Bob Weiner and Team
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Former White House spokesman Robert Weiner and his team have produced several recent op-eds that they would like to share broadly. The first is by Weiner and policy analyst Adjanni Ramos, published in the Salt Lake Tribune, on how the International Olympic Committee must answer questions including why the Olympics didn't allow parents to attend and support their children's events in Beijing, given the Olympics are for the "education of youth" and teen mental health often requires parents' support as Simone Biles and Shaun White both said. The article also questions why the Games did not ban Russian athletes with the evidence of state-sponsored doping even before the Ukraine invasion, and allowed drugged skater Kamila Valieva to compete. The second, by Weiner and senior policy analyst Ben Lasky in OpEdNews (ranked H1 as the #1 op-ed in the nation) is about how the Jan. 6 Committee and Georgia prosecutor must go bold, public, soon and includes the authors' question and answer with Speaker Pelosi agreeing and asserting the country must get "the truth." Their third, in the Miami Herald, the country's leading aging population center paper, is about how the House should reinstate the House Aging Committee. Last, they wrote a piece featured in OpEdNews about how it's time for a Berlin-like food and medicine airlift and supply route in Ukraine. All 2022 op-eds and radio-TV interviews—in particular London Times Radio and Main Street Radio Network-- are below as well.
Op-eds
***April 25, 2022-- Questions Facing Future Olympics; Beijing Issues Remain by Robert Weiner and Adjanni Ramos in the Salt Lake Tribune https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2022/04/25/robert-weiner-adjanni/
(If link does not work go to http://weinerpublic.com/20220425.pdf )
***April 13, 2022 -- "Go Bold but Go to Public Hearings Now by Jan 6 Committee And GA Prosecutor" -- by Robert Weiner and Ben Lasky in OpEdNews as H1 (1st lead op-ed nationwide)
***March 21, 2022 -- "Florida's Claude Pepper was a giant in Congress. It should restore his committee on aging by Robert Weiner and Ben Lasky in the Miami Herald
***March 19, 2022 -- "Time for Berlin-Like Airlift of Food and Medicine to Major Ukraine Cities, Especially Kyiv" -- by Robert Weiner and Ben Lasky in OpEdNews
***January 21, 2022—"Get It Done! Go for Individual Victories on Child Credit, Drugs, Climate, Home Care, Pre-K, College..."—by Robert Weiner and August Clarke, ranked H1 by OpEdNews (1st lead op-ed nationwide)
***January 14, 2022—"GA Trump Prosecutor Plea Deal: No Jail for not Running for Office?" by Robert Weiner, Ben Lasky and Madison DeFrancesco in OpEdNews as H2 (2nd lead op-ed nationwide)
Media
***March 28, 2022 -- Interviewed live on London Times Radio (and livestream TV via zoom), with host Carole Walker, producer Rufus Gray, concerning Biden-Ukraine statement, national politics, and midterm elections | Audio on SoundCloud
***March 3, 2022 -- Interviewed live on Main Street Radio Network Alan Nathan Show, 200 stations via Salem Radio, guest host Joseph Patterson.
***January 6, 2022, at 6:30 PM -- "Capitol Discussion," host Steve Merrill on London Times Radio -- panel discussion about Trump and January 6 implications -- We suggested prosecutor plea deal of Trump not running again in exchange for no prison time | Audio on SoundCloud | Original
Full list of published opeds: www.weinerpublic.com/opeds
Contact: Bob Weiner and Ben Lasky
weinerpublic@comcast.net
202-306-1200
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SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/bob-weiner-team-articles-olympic-questions-jan-6-comm-amp-ga-prosecutor-re-up-house-aging-committee-ukraine-food-airlift/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:24Z |
Direct Positive, a short film featuring the women of TEMPO, to show at the San Francisco Documentary Festival
MILWAUKEE, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Full-service advertising agency Bader Rutter's short film Direct Positive has been accepted for screening at this year's San Francisco Documentary Festival. Direct Positive, which premiered at the Milwaukee Film Festival in late April, is the result of a partnership between Milwaukee-based agency Bader Rutter and TEMPO, a membership organization dedicated to furthering the impact of women leaders in the Milwaukee area.
"Now, more than ever, it's so important that a diverse group of women have a seat at the table wherever important decisions are being made," said Sarah Kmet-Hunt, executive creative director, Bader Rutter, and co-director of Direct Positive. "So it's thrilling and gratifying to see these stories being shared to a broader audience with our inclusion in the San Francisco Documentary Festival."
The project began with TEMPO members sitting for portraits with Milwaukee-based tintype photographer Margaret Muza. But what the 120-year-old camera revealed was far deeper than anyone expected.
Over two days of portraits and intense interviews, the women of TEMPO shared their challenges, inspirations, stumbles and victories. Muza's images show the beauty and power of each woman without filters, Photoshop or assumptions. At the same time, the women reveal the beauty and power of their own unfiltered stories.
A team of women from Bader Rutter wove those stories together to create Direct Positive. The result is an honest and raw look at how female leadership has changed the workplace and the world for the better — and how much progress still needs to be made.
"At TEMPO, we like to say that 'the world moves when women rise.' Direct Positive features a chorus of strong women's voices sharing how they've risen above all obstacles to move the world toward a better future for all," said Jen Dirks, president and CEO, TEMPO. "We're thrilled that both the Milwaukee Film Festival and San Francisco Documentary Festival gave this film, and these women, a larger platform from which to share their stories."
The first woman to open a bank in Wisconsin. A Black woman changing the face of Milwaukee marketing. A trailblazing lawyer who stepped away from Big Law. These women and others reveal what it takes to lead in their careers and in our communities — and why it's so important for more women to lead today.
"My hope is that viewers take these stories to heart. Let's all embrace the fact that our world still has work to do to support women and to empower the women to stop trying to fit other's molds and to own their truths," Kmet-Hunt said. "That, to me, is the kind of world all women deserve and the kind of world we should create for the women after us."
You can learn more about these powerful stories and arrange a screening of Direct Positive here: https://baderrutter.com/tempo-direct-positive.
Media: Click here for downloadable video and images.
About Bader Rutter
Bader Rutter is a full-service advertising and marketing agency with offices in Milwaukee and Chicago. It is both the largest agricultural marketing agency and the leading B2B marcom agency in the country. With close to 245 full-time employees in 13 states, Bader Rutter offers a full array of advertising, digital and social media, public relations, business consulting, and branding and design capabilities. The employee-owned agency's expertise includes core work in agriculture, the food production system, pet care and animal health, manufacturing, insurance and financial services.
About TEMPO
TEMPO is the largest professional women's group in Wisconsin, composed of nearly 800 members representing diverse industries, functions and companies from throughout the Milwaukee area and Southeastern Wisconsin. TEMPO serves its membership of executive, senior, C-level and Emerging Women Leaders through educational programming and professional development, networking opportunities, relationship building and mentoring, with the goal of empowering women to achieve and sustain leadership roles. Learn more at https://www.tempomilwaukee.org/.
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SOURCE Bader Rutter & Associates | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/bringing-unfiltered-stories-milwaukee-women-leaders-screens-nationwide/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:31Z |
OAKLAND, Calif., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 21st, Alameda Health System Foundation (AHSF) will host the first annual Soul of Spring experience at The Bridge Yard Oakland.
Join us to celebrate those who make such a difference in our lives throughout Alameda County – first responders, businesses that donated to frontline workers, staff that went above and beyond the call of duty, and partners that help advance health equity in our community.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/AHSFSoulofSpring
Kick off the evening with a delightful variety of cocktails and beverages and enjoy delicious culinary dishes and desserts while mingling with friends, colleagues, and guests. A live concert featuring Grammy Award-Winning Motown Legend Thelma Houston, Emcee Miranda Wilson, and DJ J Espinosa will be followed by an After-Party with local Bay Area musical collective Jazz Mafia, hosted by AHSF's Associate Board with Chuy Gomez. A special VIP Reception takes place before the main event by invitation.
In consideration of State and Alameda County COVID protocols, proof of vaccination including booster will be verified and masking is required. Photography and video will be included at this event as well. By purchasing a ticket, you have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event.
About Alameda Health System
Alameda Health System (AHS) is a leading public health care provider and medical training institution recognized for its world-class patient and family-centered system of care. AHS's mission—Caring, Healing, Teaching, Serving All—reflects its commitment to promoting wellness, eliminating disparities, and optimizing the health of all residents of Alameda County. For more information, visit AlamedaHealthSystem.org.
About Alameda Health System Foundation
Alameda Health System Foundation (AHSF) is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Federal Tax ID 94-3103136) that serves Alameda Health System (AHS), Alameda County's patient and family-centered safety net health care system. The mission of AHSF focuses on advancing health equity. Key priorities include increasing access to quality care, addressing unmet social needs, and building a community-centered workforce. For more information, visit FoundationAHS.org.
Contact
Brad Murdock
Director, Annual Giving & Events
(510) 271-2505
bmurdock@alamedahealthsystem.org
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EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) has announced that its Indiana-based electric utility business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, is opening a new all-source request for proposals (RFP) to seek a combination of resources including renewables (wind, solar and battery storage), thermal and demand-side resources, and short-term capacity to meet the future needs of its 150,000 electric customers in southwestern Indiana.
- Renewables, both wind and solar along with battery storage in paired and standalone applications;
- Thermal, including coal and natural gas-fired generation, hydrogen, nuclear and other resources;
- Demand side and load-modifying resources, whether standalone or aggregated, capable of providing accredited capacity; and
- Short-term capacity, especially in years 2023-2025.
CenterPoint Energy Indiana South has retained 1898 & Co., a division of Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., to act as its agent in managing the RFP process. The RFP documents, schedule and other RFP information can be found at http://CenterPoint2022ASRFP.rfpmanager.biz/. Please direct all questions to the 'Submit Questions' tab on the website and all other communication to CenterPointRFP@1898andco.com.
Forward Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "potential," "predict," "projection," "should," "target," "will" or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the success of the RFP to identify additional generation technologies, including the amount and the timing thereof, and the timing and transition to renewable generation, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, CenterPoint Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of March 31, 2022, the company owned approximately $35 billion in assets. With approximately 8,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
For more information, contact
Media Relations
Media.Relations@CenterPointEnergy.com
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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/centerpoint-energy-issues-all-source-rfp-targeting-renewables-thermal-demand-side-resources-short-term-capacity/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:43Z |
CHICAGO, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CME Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy will appear at a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday, May 12 to review an FTX proposal to launch an altered clearing model that could inject significant systemic risk into the U.S. financial system.
"FTX's proposal is glaringly deficient and poses significant risk to market stability and market participants," Duffy said. "FTX proposes to implement a 'risk management light' clearing regime that would significantly increase market risks by potentially removing up to $170 billion of loss-absorbing capital from the cleared derivatives market, eliminating standard credit checks, and destroying risk management incentives by limiting capital requirements and mutualized risk. Under false claims of 'innovation,' FTX's proposal is nothing more than cost-cutting measures that would come at the expense of risk management best practices, market integrity, customer safety and, ultimately, financial stability."
The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and will take place in a hybrid format on Zoom and in Room 1300 of the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Duffy's written testimony also will be available on www.cmegroup.com at that time.
About CME Group
As the world's leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group (www.cmegroup.com) enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex® platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates one of the world's leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing.
CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex, and, E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT and Chicago Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. BrokerTec and EBS are trademarks of BrokerTec Europe LTD and EBS Group LTD, respectively. Dow Jones, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and S&P are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and S&P/Dow Jones Indices LLC, as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CME-G
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SOURCE CME Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/cme-group-chairman-chief-executive-officer-terry-duffy-appear-before-us-house-representatives-agriculture-committee/ | 2022-05-11T21:27:54Z |
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP), a leading technology-enabled residential real estate brokerage, today announced that management will present at the 17th Annual Needham Technology & Media Conference on Monday May 16, 2022. The virtual Fireside Chat is scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. ET.
Both live and replay versions of the presentation will be available under the Events & Presentations section on the Compass Investor Relations website, https://investors.compass.com.
About Compass
Founded in 2012, Compass is the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States.1 The technology-enabled brokerage provides an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time and manage their business more effectively. For more information on how Compass empowers real estate agents, one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, please visit www.Compass.com.
1 T. Velt, "RealTrends 500: The Rise of Compass," RealTrends, Online, HW Media, 3/25/2022, https://www.realtrends.com/realtrends-500-the-rise-of-compass/.
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SOURCE Compass | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/compass-present-17th-annual-needham-technology-amp-media-conference/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:00Z |
EAST HANOVER, N.J., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FGI Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: FGI) ("FGI" or the "Company"), a leading global supplier of kitchen and bath products, today announced results for the first quarter of 2022.
FIRST QUARTER 2022 HIGHLIGHTS
(As compared to the First Quarter of 2021)
- Total Revenues of $43.6 million, +19.8% y/y
- Operating Income of $0.7 million, (63.3%) y/y
- Net Income of $0.5 million, (82.1%) y/y
- Adjusted Operating Income of $0.9 million, (53.8%) y/y
- Adjusted Net Income of $0.7 million, (57.1%) y/y
- Reaffirmed full-year 2022 financial guidance
Total revenue increased by 20% on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter of 2022, driven primarily by growth in the Sanitaryware and Other product categories, partially offset by declines in Bath Furniture. Revenues were strong across the United States and Canada, while Europe declined modestly.
The Company reported operating income of $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2022, a decline of $1.2 million versus the prior-year period, primarily driven by supply chain disruptions, marketing investments, and public company costs, partially offset by strong organic revenue growth. Excluding non-recurring IPO-related compensation and stock-based compensation expense of $0.2 million, adjusted operating income was $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $2.0 million for the prior-year period. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company reported GAAP net income of $0.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, versus net income of $3.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2021. Excluding non-recurring items and the related tax impact, the Company reported first quarter 2022 adjusted net income of $0.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share.
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
"First quarter 2022 results exceeded our expectations, with total revenue increasing by 20% on a year-over-year basis, driven by strong demand in the pro channel for sanitaryware within our U.S. and Canadian markets," stated David Bruce, President and Chief Executive Officer of FGI. "Although higher freight costs and inflationary pressures remain a near-term challenge across the industry, we've taken pricing actions to offset these margin headwinds, which together with our Brands-Products-Channels (BPC) strategy, resulted in nearly 300 basis points of sequential gross margin improvement in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. The year is off to a strong start, supported by robust demand for our key products, together with improved price realization in select product channels."
"We believe our diverse product portfolio, including an attractive mix of 'on-trend' products, together with new product offerings such as our shower wall systems and custom kitchen cabinetry, have continued to resonate with consumers," continued Bruce. "Importantly, we continue to see meaningful opportunities to significantly expand our presence within newer, higher growth categories, while growing our mix of higher-margin, branded product lines"
"Recently introduced price increases have been widely accepted across our markets," stated Perry Lin, Chief Financial Officer of FGI. "These price actions, together with recent operational improvements, are expected to drive continued sequential gross margin improvement into the second half of 2022. Exiting the first quarter of 2022, we have ample liquidity with which to support the ongoing growth of our business."
"Demand trends in our kitchen and bath end markets remain resilient, highlighting the stability of our key product categories, which combined with our focus on the more stable repair and remodel market results in a stable, predictable growth profile," continued Bruce. "We continue to successfully execute on our strategic plan, and we are excited by a number of key programs that have the potential to drive incremental growth in the coming quarters. Based on these factors, we are reiterating our full-year 2022 financial guidance."
STRATEGIC UPDATE
Consistent with its long-term strategic plan, FGI intends to drive value creation for its shareholders through a focus on product innovation, execution of its BPC strategy to drive organic growth, margin expansion, and efficient capital deployment. Notable progress against these initiatives achieved during the first quarter were as follows:
- FGI further expanded its Jetcoat Shower wall systems product line though the launch of additional shower walls and doors that are generating favorable customer responses.
- FGI continued to make progress offsetting the margin headwinds from supply chain challenges through price increases and other efficiency measures. The Company generated nearly 300 basis points of sequential gross margin improvement during the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 despite lower seasonal revenues and remains on track to generate continued margin improvement in the back half of 2022.
- FGI continues to focus its capital deployment efforts on organic growth strategies in the near-term, and the Company is pursuing a number of attractive organic growth initiatives that could contribute incremental organic growth in coming quarters.
FIRST QUARTER 2022 RESULTS
Revenue totaled $43.6 million during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 19.8% compared to the prior-year period, driven by 3% volume growth and 17% benefit from price/mix. Revenue benefitted from volume and pricing growth in both Sanitaryware and Bath Furniture, as well as contribution from new products such as shower wall systems and kitchen cabinetry. However, a less robust product mix and some delays in orders caused Bath Furniture revenues to decline in the quarter. Revenue trends were strong across the key US and Canadian markets with revenues up 24% and 29%, respectively. European revenue during the first quarter of 2022 was down $0.8 million, or 17% compared to the prior-year period.
- Sanitaryware revenue was $28.2 million during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 23.6% compared to the prior-year period, primarily driven by continued volume strength in the pro channel.
- Bath Furniture revenue was $10.1 million during the first quarter of 2022, a decrease of 11.9% compared to the prior-year period. Volumes in Bath Furniture were up year-over-year; however, a less favorable product mix weighed on revenues. In addition, the Company experienced some order delays as certain customers had to push out orders into the second quarter of 2022 due to warehousing and supply chain issues. This is a timing issue, and the Company expects to ship the orders in the coming quarters.
- Other revenue was $5.3 million during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 153% compared to the prior-year period, primarily driven by volume growth resulting from continued strength in sales of the Jetcoat Shower wall systems.
Gross profit was $7.5 million during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 2.8% compared to the prior-year period, as strong demand in the pro channel and R&R markets in the U.S. and Canada was partially offset by supply chain disruptions. As a result of these factors, gross profit margin was 17.3% during the first quarter of 2022, down from 20.1% in the prior-year period. The reduction in the Company's gross margin percentage is primarily attributable to the impact of higher raw materials and higher freight charges associated with recent global supply chain issues. While gross profit margin was down year-over-year, the Company is beginning to see the benefits of measures put in place to offset recent margin headwinds, as first quarter 2022 gross profit margin was up 277 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2021. The sequential gross margin improvement was realized despite first quarter of 2022 revenues being down seasonally from the fourth quarter of 2021, which highlights the progress realized on margin recovery measures.
Operating income was $0.7 million during the first quarter of 2022, down from $1.9 million in the prior-year period. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by gross margin pressure, investments in marketing, and public company costs, partially offset by strong revenue growth. As a result, operating margin was 1.6% during the first quarter, down from 5.2% in the same period last year. Excluding one-time IPO bonuses and stock-based compensation expense of $0.2 million, adjusted income from operations was $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2022, compared to adjusted income from operations of $2.0 million in the prior-year period. FGI expects pricing actions and other cost reduction measures to help offset the headwinds from supply chain and inflation challenges in the back half of 2022.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $8.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, total debt of $16.3 million and $1.7 million of availability under its credit facility, net of letters of credit. Combined with cash and cash equivalents, total liquidity was $10.5 million at March 31, 2022.
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
The outlook for FGI's business and the long-term trends in the repair and remodel markets remains strong. The Company reiterates its fiscal 2022 guidance as follows:
- Total revenue of between $182 million and $189 million
- Total operating income of between $6.5 million and $7.5 million
- Total Net Income of $5.0 million to $6.0 million
FIRST QUARTER CONFERENCE CALL
FGI will conduct a conference call on Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the quarterly results.
A webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's corporate website at https://investor.fgi-industries.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register and download and install any necessary audio software.
To participate in the live teleconference:
To listen to a replay of the teleconference, which will be available through May 26, 2022:
ABOUT FGI INDUSTRIES
FGI Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: FGI) is a leading global supplier of kitchen and bath products. For over 30 years, we have built an industry-wide reputation for product innovation, quality, and excellent customer service. We are currently focused on the following product categories: sanitaryware (primarily toilets, sinks, pedestals and toilet seats), bath furniture (vanities, mirrors and cabinets), shower systems, customer kitchen cabinetry and other accessory items. These products are sold primarily for repair and remodel activity and, to a lesser extent, new home or commercial construction. We sell our products through numerous partners, including mass retail centers, wholesale and commercial distributors, online retailers and specialty stores.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "could," "may," "intend," "plan", "see" and "believe," among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include FGI's guidance. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial, economic and other information, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual future results or events to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements in this release. For a full description of the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, please refer to FGI's periodic filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission including those described as "Risk Factors" in FGI's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed thereafter. FGI does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In addition to the measures presented in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we use the following non-GAAP measures to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business and assist us in making strategic decisions. Our non-GAAP measures are: Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP. They are supplemental financial measures of our performance only, and should not be considered substitutes for net income, income from operations or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other entities.
We define Adjusted Income from Operations as GAAP income from operations excluding the impact of certain non-recurring expenses, including IPO-related compensation and stock-based compensation expense and expenses related to COVID-19 protocols. We define Adjusted Net Income as GAAP net income excluding the tax-effected impact of certain non-recurring expenses and income, such as IPO-related compensation and stock-based compensation expense, expenses related to COVID-19 protocols and the impact of our PPP loan. We define Adjusted Net Income Per Share as GAAP net income per share excluding one-time expenses and income, including IPO-related compensation and stock-based compensation expense, expenses related to COVID-19 protocols and the impact of our PPP loan.
We use these non-GAAP measures, along with U.S. GAAP measures, to evaluate our business, measure our financial performance and profitability and our ability to manage expenses, after adjusting for certain one-time expenses, identify trends affecting our business and assist us in making strategic decisions. We believe these non-GAAP measures, when reviewed in conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures, and not in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results of operations under U.S. GAAP, are useful to investors as they are widely used measures of performance, and the adjustments we make to these non-GAAP measures provide investors further insight into our profitability and additional perspectives in comparing our performance over time on a consistent basis.
The following table reconciles Income from Operations to Adjusted Income from Operations, as well as net income to Adjusted Net Income and net income per share to Adjusted Net Income Per Share for the periods presented.
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HAMILTON, ON and BOSTON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines, today announced that the Company will participate in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim Securities Radiopharmaceuticals Day in New York, New York on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Presenting on behalf of Fusion will be Chief Executive Officer John Valliant, Ph.D.
A live webcast of the event will be available on the "Events and Presentations" page in the "Investors & Media" section of the Company's website at https://ir.fusionpharma.com/events-webcasts. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for 60 days following the presentation.
About Fusion
Fusion Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines. Fusion connects alpha particle emitting isotopes to various targeting molecules in order to selectively deliver the alpha emitting payloads to tumors. Fusion's lead program, FPI-1434 targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The pipeline includes FPI-1966, targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), advancing to a Phase 1 study following the recent investigational new drug (IND) clearance; and FPI-2059, a small molecule targeting neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1). In addition to a robust proprietary pipeline, Fusion has a collaboration with AstraZeneca to jointly develop novel targeted alpha therapies (TATs) and combination programs between Fusion's TATs and AstraZeneca's DNA Damage Repair Inhibitors (DDRis) and immuno-oncology agents. Fusion has also entered into a collaboration with Merck to evaluate FPI-1434 in combination with Merck's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with solid tumors expressing IGF-1R. Fusion and Hamilton, Ontario-based McMaster University are building a current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility designed to support manufacturing of the Company's growing pipeline of TATs.
For further information: Amanda Cray, Senior Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, 617-967-0207, cray@fusionpharma.com
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SOURCE Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/fusion-pharmaceuticals-present-guggenheim-securities-radiopharmaceuticals-day/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:13Z |
LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, continues its investigation on behalf of Dentsply Sirona Inc. ("Dentsply" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: XRAY) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws.
If you suffered a loss on your Dentsply investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/dentsply-sirona-inc-1/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
On April 19, 2022, Dentsply stated that the Company's Chief Executive Officer had been terminated, effective immediately, and will "cease to serve as a member of the Company's Board."
On this news, Dentsply's stock fell $6.52, or 13.4%, to close at $42.20 per share on April 19, 2022, thereby injuring investors.
Then, on May 10, 2022, the Company stated that it could not timely file its first quarter 2022 quarterly report due to "an internal investigation of allegations regarding certain financial reporting matters." Specifically, the investigation concerned "the Company's use of incentives to sell products to distributors in the third and fourth quarters of 2021 and whether those incentives were appropriately accounted for and the impact of those sales was adequately disclosed."
On this news, Dentsply's stock fell $2.87, or 7.3%, to close at $36.38 on May 10, 2022, thereby injuring investors further.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding Dentsply should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower Program. Under the program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email shareholders@glancylaw.com.
About GPM
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and Money.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/glancy-prongay-amp-murray-llp-leading-securities-fraud-law-firm-continues-its-investigation-dentsply-sirona-inc-xray-behalf-investors/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:20Z |
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HELLO! U.S was awarded Best Launch at The Drum Awards for Online Media 2022, hosted in London, UK., for the launch of the American digital edition of Hellomagazine.com.
The new site has seen staggering growth in a very short time, reaching over 22 million unique users in January 2022 as per Comscore.
The now award-winning HELLO! U.S. content bureau is led by Managing Editor Hanna Fillingham and Deputy Editor Hannah Hargrave. A push on lifestyle editorial in the past year has also seen the publication recruit lifestyle editor Jenni McKnight.
The U.S. edition of Hellomagazine.com now has a larger audience than digital publications such as VanityFair.com and Elle.com, and it has incumbent brands like InStyle and Us Weekly in its sights.
HELLO! prides itself on having long-standing relationships with celebrities who come to the site to celebrate their success and share their stories in a safe space. Elizabeth Hurley and Sharon Stone are established fans of the brand, while more recent conversations have included Khloe Kardashian, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jenna Bush Hager, Meghan Trainor, Oliver Hudson, Christie Brinkley and Ginger Zee.
The HELLO! brand is renowned for being positive and celebratory in its approach and remains committed to this both online and in print.
HELLO! provides a safe and trusted environment for stars to deliver their true selves; to speak of their craft and rave about their passion projects to a vast, engaged, global audience. Known in the industry for accurate reporting, beautiful image-led content, dazzling innovation, and a publishing philosophy that you can trust, KINDNESS & CELEBRATION IS AT OUR HEART.
HELLO! believes in good news, positivity, and collaboration – we are proud and protective of this position. HELLO! is part of Hello & HOLA Media Inc., a top 20 lifestyle publisher in the U.S. as per Comscore.
Follow HELLO! USA: Facebook: @hello - Instagram: @hellomag - Twitter: @hellomag
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SOURCE HOLA! & HELLO! Media | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/hello-us-wins-best-launch-drum-awards/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:28Z |
MIAMI, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HMTV) (the "Company") today announced that the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") scheduled for Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, will be convened and adjourned to a later date without any business being conducted. This temporary delay is due to the fact that a number of the Company's senior management team and directors were informed earlier this week that they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. For the health and safety of others, those Company representatives have commenced a standard two week quarantine, and the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to delay the Annual Meeting until our full management team and certain members of the board of directors are able to attend and engage fully with our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be reconvened at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Avenue, 6th floor (Bal Harbour Room), Miami, FL, 33131.
During the current adjournment, the Company continues to solicit votes from its stockholders with respect to the proposals set forth in the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 1, 2022 (the "Proxy Statement").
Only stockholders of record as of the record date, March 23, 2022, are entitled to and are being requested to vote. At the time the Annual Meeting was adjourned, proxies had been submitted by stockholders representing approximately 97% of the shares of the Company's common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Proxies previously submitted in respect of the Annual Meeting will be voted at the adjourned Annual Meeting unless properly revoked, and stockholders who have previously submitted a proxy or otherwise voted need not take any action.
The Company encourages all stockholders of record on March 23, 2022, who have not yet voted, to do so by May 30, 2022. Stockholders who have any questions or require any assistance with completing a proxy or voting instruction form or who do not have the required materials may contact the Company's Investor Relations Department at (917) 444-6325, or via e-mail at ir@hemispheretv.com.
About Hemisphere Media Group, Inc.
Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. (HMTV) is a pure-play U.S. media company targeting the high-growth U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets with leading television, streaming and digital content platforms. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Hemisphere owns and operates five leading U.S. Hispanic cable networks, two Latin American cable networks, the leading broadcast television network in Puerto Rico, the leading Spanish-language subscription streaming service in the U.S., a Spanish-language content distribution company and has an ownership interest in a leading broadcast television network in Colombia.
Contact Hemisphere Media Group, Inc.:
Edelman Financial Communications for Hemisphere Media Group
Danielle O'Brien
917-444-6325
danielle.obrien@edelman.com
Forward Looking Statements
The information disclosed in this press release includes contain certain statements about the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment and current expectations, plans, assumptions and beliefs about future events (in each case subject to change) of our senior management and management of our subsidiaries (including target businesses) and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which may be beyond our control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets," "plans," "believes," "expects," "intends," "will," "likely," "may," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "should," "would," "could," "might," "expect," "positioned," "strategy," "future," "potential," "forecast," or words, phrases or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's future financial and operating results (including growth and earnings), plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, as they may be updated in any future reports filed with the SEC. If one or more of these factors materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance, or achievements may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Additionally, many of these risks are currently amplified by and may, in the future, continue to be amplified by the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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SOURCE Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/hemisphere-media-group-inc-announces-intention-adjourn-annual-meeting-stockholders/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:34Z |
NOVATO, Calif., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (NASDAQ:HNNA) reported results for its second fiscal quarter of 2022, which ended March 31, 2022. The firm also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.1375 per share to be paid on June 2, 2022, to shareholders of record as of May 23, 2022, which represents an annualized dividend yield of 5.8%.*
"After two years of unprecedented change in the world, we are still confronted with many challenges: a lingering pandemic, mounting inflation (including high energy prices), a war in Ukraine, and market volatility. Moreover, while all of these challenges have ramifications for every person and every business (including ours), I believe the social and economic effects on our world, especially for the people in the Ukraine, are far more significant. Despite all these hurdles, we still believe that the U.S. economy is strong. The American consumer is in solid financial shape with a robust job market, wage increases, more than $2 trillion in savings, and very low individual debt. I remain confident that our financial markets will be buoyed by corporate earnings, continued buybacks, and dividend increases as companies strategically use their cash. I am hopeful that the Federal Reserve and the government will be thoughtful as they deploy rate increases intended to stem inflation," said Neil Hennessy, Chairman and CEO. "Although the volatility we've seen in the first calendar quarter of the year will likely continue in the short term, I am convinced that strong market fundamentals can support reasonable returns in 2022 and beyond," he added.
"While our earnings are down this quarter primarily due to the interest expense related to our bond debt, our cash net of outstanding debt is up over 35% in the past 12 months, and that continues to be the real story here at Hennessy," said Teresa Nilsen, President and COO. "We have nearly $56 million in cash (and growing) to deploy strategically and efficiently. We remain diligent in our search for acquisitions. With excellent operating cash flow coverage for our dividend, we can focus on deploying our available cash in the best way possible to provide value to our shareholders," she added.
Summary Highlights (compared to the prior comparable quarter ended March 31, 2021):
- Total revenue of $7.7 million, a decrease of 2%.
- Net income of $1.6 million, a decrease of 15%.
- Fully diluted earnings per share of $0.21, a decrease of 19%.
- Average assets under management, upon which revenue is earned, of $3.8 billion, a decrease of 2%.
- Total assets under management of $3.8 billion, a decrease of 5%.
- Cash and cash equivalents, net of gross debt, of $15.6 million, an increase of 36%.
About Hennessy Advisors, Inc.
Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is a publicly traded investment manager offering a broad range of domestic equity, multi-asset, and sector and specialty mutual funds. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is committed to providing superior service to shareholders and employing a consistent and disciplined approach to investing based on a buy‑and‑hold philosophy that rejects the idea of market timing.
Supplemental Information
Nothing in this press release shall be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for which Hennessy Advisors, Inc. claims the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‑looking statements relate to expectations and projections about future events based on currently available information. Forward‑looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and are not necessarily accurate indications of the times at which, or means by which, such performance or results may be achieved. Forward‑looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the reports that Hennessy Advisors, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unforeseen developments could cause actual performance or results to differ substantially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward‑looking statements. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements and undertakes no responsibility to update any such statement after the date of this press release to conform to actual results or to changes in expectations.
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SOURCE Hennessy Advisors, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/hennessy-advisors-inc-reports-quarterly-earnings-announces-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:41Z |
Third Annual National Awareness Day Smashes Records for Engagement
TAMPA, Fla., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the oldest and largest fully independent kidney patient organization in the U.S., hosted its third annual "Are You O-K+" campaign for National High Potassium Awareness Day on May 1. The 50-state educational campaign, executed by AAKP Ambassadors at the local level and online, increased awareness of the devastating effects of high potassium (known as hyperkalemia) on individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nearly three million people with CKD and/or heart failure in the U.S. are estimated to be living with high potassium levels. The campaign exceeded an AAKP public education record set in 2021, with tens of thousands of participants engaged virtually and an overall 279 percent increase over 2021 online engagement.
AAKP is a national leader in providing patients and families with high quality and timely kidney disease education programming and has produced over 20 educational webinars in the past 24 months. Potassium is an important mineral that plays a key role in controlling the function of nerves and muscles, particularly the heart. In a person without kidney disease, most of the extra potassium consumed in the diet is removed by the kidneys. As kidney function declines in individuals with kidney disease, the body cannot get rid of excess potassium. If potassium levels become too high, an individual is diagnosed with hyperkalemia (high potassium), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
"In 2022, AAKP broke all prior records for online and community reach and engagement with kidney patients, their medical teams, and our supporters throughout the kidney community. We accomplished this through an updated array of sophisticated and integrated social media tools and our rapidly growing grassroots network. High potassium is a topic of great concern to those suffering from kidney diseases, and it was easy to convert patient insights on these concerns into a popular and nationally known awareness day. AAKP is proud that our undertaking to recognize National High Potassium Awareness Day continues to surge, not only on May 1 (5.1), but all year round," stated Richard Knight, AAKP President, former dialysis patient, and current 15-year transplant recipient.
"We are proud to continue our collaboration with the AAKP in support of National High Potassium Day to raise awareness about potassium management among the kidney community," said Molly Painter, U.S. President of Vifor Pharma. "Today and every day, we're committed to empowering people living with kidney disease with additional knowledge to manage their condition, including the impacts of high potassium."
"AstraZeneca is proud to partner with the AAKP on National High Potassium Awareness Day to ensure patients understand their risks and have comprehensive and accessible resources to manage their potassium," said Lina Florén-Smith, Executive Director, Marketing, AstraZeneca.
Through AAKP's expanding capacities under its Center for Patient Research and Education, this year's AAKP "Are You O-K+" educational campaign kicked off in March 2022 during National Kidney Disease Month and provided a series of educational resources for kidney patients, their family members, and healthcare professionals to better understand and communicate about potassium management.
AAKP marked this year's awareness day by hosting its annual "Are You O-K+" virtual education event on April 29, 2022, which is now available to view OnDemand at https://bit.ly/AAKPAreYouOKEvent22. National High Potassium Awareness Day also featured educational posts throughout the day on social media: @areyouok5point1 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
AAKP was also pleased to release 12 new kidney-friendly recipes under its popular AAKP Delicious! program as part of the 2022 campaign. Each recipe is available for free as a downloadable PDF. This sixth edition recipe set can also be purchased at www.aakp.org/shop. Cooking video tutorials on each recipe from this edition are also available on AAKP's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/AAKPOnDemand.
Educational resources on high potassium and kidney disease are available all year long at http://www.areyouok.org/. For more information on the "Are You O-K+" campaign, available educational resources, and a countdown to National High Potassium Awareness Day 2023, visit http://www.areyouok.org/ and follow us on social media. For more information on AAKP's educational and advocacy programs, visit http://www.aakp.org/, and join today as a FREE member at www.aakp.org/join.
This year's "Are You O-K+" campaign was proudly supported by an educational donation by Vifor Pharma and AstraZeneca.
Since 1969, AAKP has been a patient-led organization driving policy discussions on kidney patient consumer care choice and treatment innovation. By 1973, AAKP patients had collaborated with the U.S. Congress and White House to begin American dialysis coverage for any person suffering kidney failure, a taxpayer effort that has saved over one million lives. In 2018, AAKP established the largest U.S. kidney voter registration program, KidneyVoters™. Over the past decade, AAKP patients have helped gain lifetime transplant drug coverage for kidney transplant recipients (2020); new patient-centered policies via the White House Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health (2019); new job protections for living organ donors from the U.S. Department of Labor (2018); and Congressional legislation allowing HIV-positive organ transplants for HIV-positive patients (2013). Follow AAKP on social media at @kidneypatient on Facebook, @kidneypatients on Twitter, and @kidneypatients on Instagram, and visit www.aakp.org for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jennifer Rate
Marketing and Communications Manager
(813) 400-2394
jrate@aakp.org
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SOURCE American Association of Kidney Patients | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/high-potassium-threat-targeted-by-kidney-patients/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:47Z |
Execs from Huawei USA will address 5G security and ecosystems during two sessions at Light Reading's annual conference
AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei Technologies USA will lead two discussions at Light Reading's The Big 5G Event, which will provide unique insights into the current 5G landscape, including applications for enterprises as the U.S. adopts the technology for digitalization of businesses and industries. The multi-day conference is returning to a full in-person event, taking place in Austin May 16-18, and is expected to host more than 1,500 professionals to discuss the future of 5G networks and solutions.
Huawei Technologies USA is participating in The Big 5G Event 2022 as a gold sponsor. Audiences at the event will hear from two executives: Andy Purdy, CSO of Huawei Technologies USA and Mohamed Madkour, VP Global Wireless & Cloud Core Network Marketing and Solutions, Huawei Technologies
- Panel Discussion: Security Strategies for the 5G Era
- Sponsor Address: Enriching Enterprise 5G Ecosystem
Huawei Technologies USA has a longstanding relationship with Light Reading dating back to 2011, and has been sponsoring The Big 5G Event at a platinum level since 2016, offering its expertise in the 5G space as a global leader in 5G innovation. Spokespeople will emphasize the company's commitment to providing widespread connectivity for all during conversations at The Big 5G Event. For more information about and to register for the event please visit https://tmt.knect365.com/big-5g-event/
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.
Huawei's end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.
At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have approximately 195,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei
http://www.twitter.com/Huawei
http://www.facebook.com/Huawei
http://www.youtube.com/Huawei
Media Contact:
Mike Hong
Email: mhong@huawei.us
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SOURCE Huawei Technologies USA | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/huawei-usa-experts-discuss-future-5g-big-5g-event/ | 2022-05-11T21:28:53Z |
Total revenue increased 33% to $89.2 million; programmatic revenue increased 53%
Net income of $1.2 million, or $0.01 per share; adjusted EBITDA increased to $24.8 million at a 28% margin
Announces CFO transition plan
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Integral Ad Science Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: IAS), a global leader in digital media quality, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
"We generated strong performance in the first quarter driven primarily by adoption of our programmatic solutions," said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. "Our technology has never been more relevant to marketers and publishers across channels and markets. We remain focused on delivering profitable growth with a 33% increase in revenue and a 28% adjusted EBITDA margin in the period. As our positive outlook for 2022 indicates, we expect favorable demand trends for our solutions to continue throughout the year."
First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights
- Total revenue increased 33% to $89.2 million compared to $67.0 million in the prior-year period. First quarter 2022 results include the contribution from Publica, acquired in the third quarter of 2021.
- Programmatic revenue was $40.6 million, a 53% increase compared to $26.6 million in the prior-year period.
- Advertiser direct revenue was $34.6 million, a 6% increase compared to $32.6 million in the prior-year period.
- Supply side revenue increased to $14.1 million compared to $7.8 million in the prior-year period.
- International revenue, excluding the Americas, was $28.7 million, an 11% increase compared to $25.8 million in the prior-year period, or 32% of total revenue for the first quarter of 2022.
- Gross profit was $72.7 million, a 31% increase compared to $55.5 million in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin was 81% for the first quarter of 2022.
- Net income was $1.2 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $(2.8) million, or $(0.02) per share, in the prior-year-period. Net income margin was 1% for the first quarter of 2022.
- Adjusted EBITDA* increased to $24.8 million compared to $18.8 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA* margin was 28% for the first quarter of 2022.
- Cash and cash equivalents were $82.3 million at March 31, 2022.
Recent Business Highlights
- IAS expanded its partnership with TikTok into new markets and products. IAS is launching its pre bid brand safety targeting solution to additional markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia. Additionally, IAS launched the global GA for measurement of TikTok viewability and invalid traffic (IVT), allowing advertisers to understand the performance of their ads within the TikTok platform.
- Publica announced several new agreements recently with DirectTV, Hearst Television, Future Today, and Molotov TV for server-side ad insertion (SSAI), and unified auction services.
- During the quarter, IAS integrated its CTV pre-bid fraud solution within Yahoo DSP. Marketers who access CTV inventory via Yahoo DSP will have protection against fraudulent traffic with access to fraud-filtering pre-bid segments.
- In March, IAS released its latest Media Quality Report (MQR) that explores how media quality metrics reflect consumer preferences across the digital media landscape. The report derives insights from the web pages IAS analyzes and scores to offer an industry barometer against which ad buyers and sellers may benchmark the quality of their campaigns and inventory.
- IAS continued its reporting innovation by enhancing IAS Signal to provide advertisers with a unified view of their global campaigns and augmented its Report Builder to include attention metrics.
- NBCUniversal selected IAS as a Certified Measurement Partner. IAS has been certified for audience verification, enabling IAS to provide marketers granular media quality measurement across NBCUniversal's platform.
CFO Transition
IAS also announced today that Joe Pergola, CFO of IAS, will be leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Pergola will remain with IAS in his current capacity through the filing of the Company's Form 10-Q for the second quarter to ensure an orderly transition. IAS has commenced a search for a new CFO.
"Joe has been a key member of the leadership team, and he has played an integral role in IAS's success since joining in 2019," said Ms. Utzschneider. "He has brought strong financial leadership to our organizational transformation, IPO, and first year as a public company. We thank Joe for his many contributions and for the positive impact he has made at IAS."
Mr. Pergola commented, "I've appreciated the opportunity to partner with the leadership team and to work with an incredible group of talented individuals at IAS. I'm proud of the finance organization we've built which will serve as a solid foundation for future growth. Following a smooth transition of my responsibilities, I look forward to the next stage of my professional career."
Financial Outlook
IAS is introducing the following financial guidance for the second quarter of 2022 and raising the midpoint of its full-year 2022 guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA based on its strong first quarter performance:
Quarter Ending June 30, 2022:
- Total revenue in the range of $97 million to $99 million
- Adjusted EBITDA* in the range of $29 million to $31 million
Year Ending December 31, 2022:
- Total revenue in the range of $418 million to $424 million
- Adjusted EBITDA* in the range of $129 million to $135 million
* See "Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information" section herein for an explanation of these measures.
Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information
We use supplemental measures of our performance, which are derived from our consolidated financial information, but which are not presented in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is the primary financial performance measure used by management to evaluate our business and monitor ongoing results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income/loss before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, interest expense, income taxes, acquisition, restructuring and integration costs, IPO readiness costs and other one-time, non-recurring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents the adjusted EBITDA for the applicable period divided by the revenue for that period presented in accordance with GAAP.
For the periods included herein, we also present operating expenses excluding stock-based compensation for comparability since there were no stock-based compensation expense for the periods prior to the Company's initial public offering.
We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows management to better understand our consolidated financial performance from period to period and better project our future consolidated financial performance as forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide our shareholders with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results by facilitating an enhanced understanding of our operating performance and enabling them to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Although we believe these measures are useful to investors and analysts for the same reasons they are useful to management, as discussed below, these measures are not a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP financial measures or disclosures. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.
IAS is unable to provide a reconciliation for forward-looking guidance of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most closely comparable GAAP measure, because certain material reconciling items, such as depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and acquisition, restructuring and integration expenses, cannot be estimated due to factors outside of IAS's control and could have a material impact on the reported results. However, IAS estimates stock-based compensation expense for the second quarter of 2022 in the range of $10.0 million to $11.0 million and for the full year 2022 in the range of $42.0 million to $45.0 million. A reconciliation is not available without unreasonable effort.
Reconciliations of historical Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income/loss, and operating expenses excluding stock-based compensation to operating expenses, are presented below. We encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods presented. In future fiscal periods, we may exclude such items and may incur income and expenses similar to these excluded items.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
IAS will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its first quarter 2022 financial results today at 5:00 p.m. ET. To access the conference call, please dial U.S./Canada Toll-Free: 877-313-2138 International: 470-495-9538 Conference ID: 2938926. A live webcast and replay will be available on IAS's investor relations website: https://investors.integralads.com.
About Integral Ad Science
Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a global leader in digital media quality. IAS makes every impression count, ensuring that ads are viewable by real people, in safe and suitable environments, activating contextual targeting, and driving supply path optimization. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality for the world's leading brands, publishers, and platforms. We do this through data-driven technologies with actionable real-time signals and insight. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York, IAS works with thousands of top advertisers and premium publishers worldwide. For more information, visit integralads.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This earnings press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "can have," "likely," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results or our plans and objectives for future operations, growth initiatives, or strategies are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: (i) the adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects from the current COVID-19 pandemic and related economic downturns; (ii) our dependence on the overall demand for advertising; (iii) a failure to innovate or make the right investment decisions; (iv) our failure to maintain or achieve industry accreditation standards; (v) our ability to compete successfully with our current or future competitors in an intensely competitive market; (vi) our dependence on integrations with advertising platforms, demand-side providers ("DSPs") and proprietary platforms that we do not control; (vii) our international expansion; (viii) our ability to expand into new channels; (ix) our ability to sustain our profitability and revenue growth rate decline; (x) risks that our customers do not pay or choose to dispute their invoices; (xi) risks of material changes to revenue share agreements with certain DSPs; (xii) the impact that any future acquisitions, strategic investments, or alliances may have on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; (xiii) interruption by man-made problems such as terrorism, computer viruses, or social disruption impacting advertising spending; (xiv) the risk of failures in the systems and infrastructure supporting our solutions and operations; and (xv) other factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC. Given these factors, as well as other variables that may affect our operating results, you should not rely on forward-looking statements, assume that past financial performance will be a reliable indicator of future performance, or use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Investor Contact:
Jonathan Schaffer / Lauren Hartman
ir@integralads.com
Media Contact:
Tony Marlow
tmarlow@integralads.com
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SOURCE Integral Ad Science, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/ias-reports-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:00Z |
The Philippines' most-anticipated casino will leverage IGT's IGT ADVANTAGE casino management system and offer the first Peak49 cabinets in Asia
LONDON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its IGT ADVANTAGE™ casino management system ("CMS") and a variety of leading IGT games and cabinets will be deployed at the soon-to-open NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, the Philippines.
This IGT ADVANTAGE deployment will connect NUSTAR Resort and Casino's impressive 1,500 slot games and 250 table games while enabling the casino to build patron loyalty, optimize its casino operations and access valuable, real-time performance analytics. It also positions NUSTAR Resort and Casino to offer cashless gaming in the future via IGT's Resort Wallet™ systems technology.
In addition to leveraging IGT's world-class CMS, NUSTAR Resort and Casino will be the first casino in Asia to deploy IGT's Peak49™ cabinet. Complete with a 49-inch, ultra-HD, portrait, progressively curved display and a range of ergonomic and convenience features, the Peak49 cabinet is supported by a rich content pipeline for Asia. The casino will offer its guests IGT's compelling, market-attuned Ying Cai Shen link on the Peak49 and CrystalCurve™ cabinets and will feature a variety of other performance-tested IGT games on its floor such as Cash Cove™ Fish On and Lucky Buddha™ on the CrystalDual 27 cabinet and Golden Jungle™ Grand and Coin O' Mania™ on the CrystalCurve cabinet.
"As Cebu's premier integrated resort, NUSTAR Resort and Casino prioritizes partnerships with experienced and trusted suppliers such as IGT who can help us deliver world-class gaming entertainment and build strong guest relationships through future-forward technologies," said Sabri Jaafar, NUSTAR Resort and Casino Vice President – EGM Operations.
"By powering its gaming floor with the IGT ADVANTAGE casino management system, NUSTAR Resort and Casino is equipped with casino technology that is proven throughout Asia and delivers highly advanced patron loyalty and casino floor optimization tools," said Dallas Orchard, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming, APAC. "IGT's world-class cabinets and regionally popular games such as Cash Cove and Ying Cai Shen will help NUSTAR Resort and Casino achieve its performance goals and differentiate itself through gaming experiences for the region."
For more information, visit IGT.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or watch IGT videos on YouTube.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall", "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2021 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Contact:
Phil O'Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Francesco Luti, +39 06 5189 9184; for Italian media inquiries
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190
©2022 IGT
The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.
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NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovid Corp. (NYSE:CTV), an independent advertising platform for delivery, personalization and measurement of converged TV across linear, connected TV (CTV) and digital, today announced participation in the following upcoming investor conferences.
CEO and Co-Founder Zvika Netter will participate at:
- Needham Technology & Media Conference
Format: Westin Grand Central Hotel, New York. In-person presentation and one-on-one meetings.
When: Tuesday, May 17th at 8:45 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed here. - NYSE Healthcare & Technology Virtual Investor Day
Format: Virtual one-on-one and small group meetings.
When: Wednesday, June 8th.
For more information regarding these conferences, please visit Innovid's events page here.
About Innovid
Innovid (NYSE:CTV) powers advertising delivery, personalization, measurement and outcomes across linear, CTV and digital for some of the world's largest brands. Through a global infrastructure that enables cross-platform ad serving, data-driven creative, and currency-grade measurement, Innovid offers its clients always-on intelligence to optimize advertising investment across channels, platforms, screens, and devices. Innovid is an independent platform that leads the market in converged TV innovation, through proprietary technology and exclusive partnerships designed to reimagine TV advertising. Headquartered in New York City, Innovid serves a global client base through offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit innovid.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release or related communications may include "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding Innovid's future financial and business performance for the full-year 2022, attractiveness of Innovid's product offerings and platform and the value proposition of Innovid's products, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "estimates," "projected," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," "plans," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "may," "will," "should," "future," "propose" and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Innovid's management's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements, including the risks set forth under "Risk Factors" in Innovid's Registration Statements and other SEC filings. Innovid cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Innovid does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Headquartered in New York City, Innovid serves a global client base through offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit innovid.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Investor Relations:
Brinlea Johnson
ir@Innovid.com
Media:
Chris Harihar
Chris@crenshawcomm.com
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Premier Industry Event Spotlights New Insights, Technology & Solutions that Create a Unified and Unrivaled Financial Wellness Ecosystem
BERWYN, Pa., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 Envestnet Advisor Summit – Envestnet's premier industry event – is currently underway at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC., this year connecting more than 2,000 attendees in-person from across the country. The event spotlights the many new innovations and investments Envestnet has made to fuel its ecosystem, including value-add solutions, efforts to modernize the digital marketplace, and ways the firm is opening its ecosystem to even more providers.
"Envestnet is delivering a uniquely scaled digital and data driven ecosystem to enable the industry to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the consumer towards a hyper-personalized, intelligently connected financial life," said Bill Crager, Co-Founder and CEO of Envestnet. "We couldn't be more excited to come together with our advisors and partners at this year's Advisor Summit to demonstrate our focus on innovation and the continued evolution of this ecosystem through new technology, solutions and intelligence. The new digital and data-driven experiences we're providing offer a holistic approach to wealth and drive client engagement and action – transforming not only advisors' practices, but the entire industry."
Innovations and announcements being unveiled at Envestnet's Advisor Summit include:
Truelytics Acquisition: In keeping with Envestnet's strategy to further connect its ecosystem by creating transformative progress for advisors and their clients, the company announces its acquisition of Truelytics, an Advisor Transition Management platform and the first end-to-end data-driven system to help wealth management and insurance enterprises attract, grow, and retain advisory businesses, while also reducing the costs related to advisor transitions. The Truelytics platform combines Envestnet data, analytics, and wealth technology to further support advisors across the ecosystem. Terms of the deal were not disclosed and not expected to have a material impact on Envestnet's results of operation or financial condition.
Envestnet Wealth Data Platform: A cloud-based data intelligence solution for wealth advisory firms, connecting the data across an advisor's practice to activate and unlock value – all while surfacing new insights to execute across an advisor's entire business. This platform brings together portals that support advisors and small business, as well as data management, business intelligence and next best action to power decision intelligence at scale and help advisors grow their business and meet the rapidly evolving needs of their clients.
Next-Generation Client Portal: Offering a single, data-driven, highly configurable and connected view of a client's entire financial life, the new interface provides personalization at scale enabling advisors to customize the client journey for multiple personas, from mass market to ultra-high net worth. This digital experience allows for more transparency during planning sessions, gives clients real-time access to their entire financial life any time on any device, and it makes things easy. The user experience is straightforward, modern, and intuitive.
Envestnet Developer Portal: A streamlined, modern developer experience that unifies the technology and application programming interfaces (APIs) for Envestnet's entire ecosystem. Clients leveraging multiple solutions across Envestnet now have quick access to public and restricted developer content to rapidly onboard and deploy new technologies. Developers can also leverage easy-to-use tools, training materials and services to build, test, and launch new financial solutions. Click here to learn more about Envestnet's updated developer portal.
Impact Assessment and Next Best Dollar MyBlocks: New offerings within the Envestnet | MoneyGuide's MyBlocksSM series, Impact Assessment allows clients to determine if their portfolio is in alignment with their sustainability values, such as social responsibility, climate and more. Next Best Dollar allows advisors to engage with clients and their children, to determine how they can best allocate their income and maximize every paycheck.
Sustainable Investment View: Envestnet continues to advance its sustainable technology roadmap, including direct-indexing solutions and tax overlay services. The Sustainable Investment View is the latest enhancement and can be accessed through the next generation of the Proposal tool, allowing advisors to personalize portfolios for investors focused on sustainability with the click of a button—by leveraging the research, data and analytics, and technology infrastructure across Envestnet's ecosystem. Sustainable Investment View creates a frictionless workflow for integrating an investor's sustainability preferences within proposed investment strategies.
Next-Generation Trading: Combining the best elements of the portfolio management platforms at Envestnet, including from FolioDynamix and Envestnet | Tamarac, to deliver best-in-class portfolio management and trading solutions that enable advisors' practices through efficiency and scalability. New features include a personalized and configurable dashboard to initiate actions, a portfolio explorer, trade generation, order review and order management. Clients benefit from integrations with custodial partners and an integrated wealth platform experience with proposal generation, reporting, research, and billing.
For more information and to digitally engage with the Envestnet Advisor Summit please follow https://twitter.com/ENVintel, and the hashtag #ENVSummit.
About Envestnet
Envestnet refers to the family of operating subsidiaries of the public holding company, Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV). Envestnet is Fully Vested™ in empowering advisors and financial service providers with innovative technology, solutions, and intelligence to help make financial wellness a reality for their clients through an intelligently connected financial life. Approximately 107,000 advisors and more than 6,500 companies—including 16 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 47 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, over 500 of the largest RIAs, and hundreds of FinTech companies—leverage Envestnet technology and services that help drive better outcomes for enterprises, advisors, and their clients.
For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on Twitter (@ENVintel) and LinkedIn.
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- Newly appointed leader will further the growth strategy in APAC and China
CORK, Ireland, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has named Anu Rathninde as vice president and president, Asia Pacific. In this role, Rathninde will serve as an officer of the company and oversee Johnson Controls operations across the Asia Pacific region. Rathninde will take on the role formerly held by Visal Leng who will be leaving Johnson Controls later this year following the transition of his responsibilities.
"Guided by his extensive engineering, technical and strong leadership experience living and working across the world, Anu will continue to build on the strong foundation that Visal established in APAC and China." said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. "Together we will continue to accelerate innovation through our OpenBlue digital platform and deliver sustainability solutions, energy efficiency, and healthy, safe and connected smart buildings for our customers."
Most recently, Rathninde was president, Electrical Distribution Systems and Advanced Safety & User Experience, for Aptiv, Asia Pacific, with responsibility for over 4,000 engineers, 20 manufacturing plants and 35,000 people. Prior to Aptiv, Rathninde was the vice president for the automotive products group at Johnson Electric based in Switzerland, leading multiple global business units. He has also held progressive leadership positions in general management, engineering, business development, strategy and business planning at Delphi corporation.
Rathninde holds an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, a master's degree in global management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, a master's degree in mechatronics from the National University of Singapore, and a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Rathninde will report directly to George Oliver and will be based in Shanghai.
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of more than 135 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms
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SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/johnson-controls-appoints-anu-rathninde-vice-president-president-apac/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:27Z |
CARMEL, Ind., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KAR Auction Services, Inc., d/b/a/ KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), a leading operator of digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles, today announced its participation in the following investor conference:
- 17th Annual Needham Technology & Media Conference
- KAR's Chief Financial Officer, Eric Loughmiller and Treasurer and Vice President Investor Relations, Mike Eliason will be participating on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 3:45pm-4:25pm ET.
Webcast of the presentation will be made available under the investor relations section of the company's website, karglobal.com.
KAR Auction Services, Inc. d/b/a KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. KAR Global's unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services. Our integrated physical, online and mobile marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers in about 75 countries. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, KAR Global has employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Europe and the Philippines. For more information and the latest KAR Global news, go to www.karglobal.com and follow us on Twitter @KARspeaks.
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SOURCE KAR Auction Services | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/kar-global-announces-participation-upcoming-investor-conference/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:34Z |
HOUSTON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JLB Yaran that will further enhance KBR's engagement with Australian First Nations communities and businesses. The agreement was signed at the 2022 Indo Pacific Conference in Sydney Australia.
Under the non-binding agreement signed on Gadigal land, and witnessed by First Nations Elder Aunty Mary Doctor, KBR will collaborate with JLB Yaran to help recruit, connect and engage with First Nations peoples for multiple opportunities in locations across Australia. This will integrate JLB Yaran into KBR's wider technical support network.
Rob Hawketts, Vice President of Government Solutions APAC said, "KBR is committed to the development and empowerment of First Nations companies, particularly in the Australian defence industry. I am proud to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with JLB Yaran so that we can continue to grow our partnership and foster greater opportunities for Australian First Nations communities."
JLB-Yaran is an Indigenous and veteran-owned professional service provider with a long history of supporting defence industry. The JLB-Yaran team has Australian Defence experience, both in and out of uniform, further enhancing their ability to support the Australian Defence Force.
The signing of this MoU with JLB Yaran forms part of KBR Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which the company has been implementing for more than two years. The KBR RAP provides a framework upon which KBR can realise its vision for reconciliation and provides practical steps to engage with and respect First Nations organisations and improve cultural understanding throughout KBR Australia.
About KBR
We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission critical roles in 34 countries.
KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.
Visit www.kbr.com
Forward Looking Statement
The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the company's ability to respond to the resulting challenges and business disruption; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; the possibility of cyber and malware attacks; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.
The company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
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SOURCE KBR, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/kbr-signs-memorandum-understanding-with-indigenous-service-provider-jlb-yaran/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:41Z |
In a major research study, 4,000 participants collected their own blood samples to test for COVID-19 antibodies; 99.9% of samples received successfully processed
NEW YORK, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thorne HealthTech, Inc. ("Thorne HealthTech" or "Thorne") (NASDAQ: THRN), a leader in developing innovative solutions for a personalized approach to health and well-being and majority owner of Drawbridge Health, shared the results of a large-scale surveillance study conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, to assess the prevalence of previous infection with COVID-19 using remote blood samples collected with the novel patient-administered OneDraw™ Blood Collection Device. In addition to the ease of self-administration and near-pain-free experience for the user, 99.9% of the samples taken with the OneDraw device received by the laboratory were successfully processed, demonstrating the reliability of this approach in remote collection of blood samples.
Over the 12-month study period, 4,000 U.K. participants collected a total of more than 10,000 blood samples remotely for repeated COVID-19 serologic testing. In the device feasibility study of 21 participants, participant acceptability was high, with 76% of participants preferring the OneDraw device over other blood collection methods. The study results were published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare on May 10, 2022.
"We are pleased with the results of this study, as the ability for participants to collect their own blood samples remotely without guidance from a healthcare practitioner and no specialized training is essential to the future growth of telehealth," said Co-CEO of Drawbridge Health, Jerome Scelza. "The pandemic has shed light on the power of telehealth, and this study further shows the importance of both patients and the public having access to high-quality testing and care on their own schedule. OneDraw has the potential to greatly advance the ability of individuals to easily, reliably, and conveniently collect blood samples remotely for a variety of laboratory tests."
In the study, the OneDraw Blood Collection Device was placed on the lateral upper arm or thigh and 150 µL of blood was collected onto two volumetrically controlled matrices in a removable cartridge. Unlike traditional blood sampling, or even other at-home blood-sampling methods, the OneDraw samples can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days through proprietary cold-chain free-storage technology, making it ideal for patients or research participants in remote areas or for a multi-site clinical trial. The OneDraw device is already cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device and has a CE (European Conformity) mark for the supervised use by health-care professionals to collect blood samples for the quantitative measurement of HbA1c for monitoring the long-term control of blood sugar (glucose) in individuals with diabetes.
"Even before the pandemic, individuals were reluctant to go to a doctor's office for a blood sample – be it a fear of needles, a busy schedule, or a lack of transportation," said Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne HealthTech. "OneDraw removes the obstacles preventing individuals from taking better control of their health, ultimately offering an improved experience. Those who use OneDraw report significantly less pain and greater ease of capturing a high-quality blood sample. At Thorne HealthTech, we are committed to creating a better consumer experience through our data-driven approach to personalized health and wellness tests and solutions."
"The OneDraw device allowed us to conduct population-based studies remotely during the pandemic at a time when blood sample collection by trained health-care workers was not possible," said Dr. Kirsten Rennie at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. "This technology could increase the reach of health research studies in the future, making participation more accessible to those who previously would have been difficult to recruit and those who might struggle to attend an in-person clinic visit."
Building off the success of this trial, Thorne HealthTech is currently studying additional applications of the OneDraw device, including the use of its new plasma separation cartridge, which will expand Thorne HealthTech's portfolio of lab tests, while preserving convenient sample transport. Long term, Thorne HealthTech anticipates the device will contribute to its core focus in healthy aging, longevity, and precision wellness by working with lab partners to develop the next generation of blood tests. Thorne also plans to pilot the OneDraw device in its new Thorne Lab clinic.
About the study
The development, validation and application of remote blood sample collection in telehealth programmes trial enrolled 4,000 participants who used 12,000 OneDraw devices to collect at-home blood samples. It tested: (1) feasibility of participants using the device at-home with minimal instruction by the study investigator on upper arm and thigh sites (2) stability of the dried blood sample collected remotely (3) participant acceptability of the device compared with finger-prick and venous blood samples and the validity of SARS-CoV-2 virus antibody measurement versus venous blood sample (4) application to the Fenland-COVID19 study in 4,023 participants at 3 timepoints across 6-months. Participant acceptability was high, with a significantly lower median perceived pain score and 76% preferring the OneDraw device over the other blood collection methods. There was high level of agreement in SARS-CoV-2 virus antibody results with venous blood samples in 120 participants (Cohen's kappa 0.68 (95% CI 0.56, 0.83). In Fenland COVID-19 study, 92% of participants returned a sample at baseline (3,702/4,023), 89% at 3 months (3,492/3,918) and 93% at 6 months (3,453/3,731), with almost all samples received successfully processed (99.9%).
Forward Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this news release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the conditions of our industry, business strategy, development plans, regulatory strategy, product and service development, timing and likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are current only as of the date of this news release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in the section titled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Thorne HealthTech's filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2022, and other SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.
About Thorne HealthTech:
Thorne HealthTech is a leader in developing innovative solutions for delivering personalized approaches to health and well-being. As a science-driven wellness company that empowers individuals with the support, education, and solutions they need to achieve healthy aging – living healthier for longer – Thorne utilizes testing and data to create improved product efficacy and to deliver personalized solutions to consumers, health professionals, and corporations. Predicated on the power of the individual, Thorne leverages artificial intelligence models to provide insights and personalized data, products, and services that help individuals take a proactive and actionable approach to improve and maintain their health over a lifetime. Thorne is the only supplement manufacturer that collaborates with Mayo Clinic on wellness research and content and is trusted by more than four million customers, 45,000 health professionals, thousands of professional athletes, more than 100 professional sports teams, and 12 U.S. National teams. For more information, visit Thorne.com.
About Drawbridge Health
Drawbridge Health is a healthcare technology company focused on reinventing the blood draw experience, enabling comfortable convenient blood sample collection anytime and anywhere. By integrating engineering, chemistries and modular design, Drawbridge Health has developed a people-friendly system for collecting and stabilizing blood samples, opening new doors to enable access to important health information. For more information, please visit www.drawbridgehealth.com.
Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department at the University of Cambridge. It is working to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders present a major and growing global public health challenge. These disorders result from a complex interplay between genetic, developmental, behavioural and environmental factors that operate throughout life. The mission of the Unit is to investigate the individual and combined effects of these factors and to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent these diseases and their consequences. www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk The Fenland COVID-19 study is funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC). Founded in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests taxpayers' money in some of the best medical research in the world across every area of health. Thirty-three MRC-funded researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and the link between smoking and cancer, as well as achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the development of a group of antibodies used in the making of some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today, MRC-funded scientists tackle some of the greatest health problems facing humanity in the 21st century, from the rising tide of chronic diseases associated with ageing to the threats posed by rapidly mutating micro-organisms. The Medical Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation. https://mrc.ukri.org/
About the University of Cambridge
The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 109 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize. Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges and 150 departments, faculties and institutions. Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America. The University sits at the heart of the 'Cambridge cluster', which employs more than 61,000 people and has in excess of £15 billion in turnover generated annually by the 5,000 knowledge-intensive firms in and around the city. The city publishes 316 patents per 100,000 residents. www.cam.ac.uk
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SOURCE Thorne HealthTech, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/large-scale-surveillance-study-confirms-reliability-onedraw-blood-collection-device-remote-blood-sample-collection-home/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:48Z |
LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz continues its investigation of Dentsply Sirona Inc. ("Dentsply" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: XRAY) on behalf of investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws.
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
On April 19, 2022, Dentsply stated that the Company's Chief Executive Officer had been terminated, effective immediately, and will "cease to serve as a member of the Company's Board."
On this news, Dentsply's stock fell $6.52, or 13.4%, to close at $42.20 per share on April 19, 2022, thereby injuring investors.
Then, on May 10, 2022, the Company stated that it could not timely file its first quarter 2022 quarterly report due to "an internal investigation of allegations regarding certain financial reporting matters." Specifically, the investigation concerned "the Company's use of incentives to sell products to distributors in the third and fourth quarters of 2021 and whether those incentives were appropriately accounted for and the impact of those sales was adequately disclosed."
On this news, Dentsply's stock fell $2.87, or 7.3%, to close at $36.38 on May 10, 2022, thereby injuring investors further.
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.
If you purchased Dentsply securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/law-offices-frank-r-cruz-continues-its-investigation-dentsply-sirona-inc-xray-behalf-investors/ | 2022-05-11T21:29:54Z |
- 62% of Americans report travelling primarily for relaxation, wellness & self-care, a momentous increase from 10% in 2020*
- When it comes to the place of food on vacation it seems more important to Americans since the Pandemic
- US the most likely nation to prioritize social media on holiday
LONDON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As we begin to plan a little more travel in our lives, leading online travel agent eDreams has polled 10,000 respondents globally** in order to gain insight into the way we feel and think about our trips.
Data from the 2022 Travel Perceptions study, conducted by an independent research company**, revealed a snapshot of travelers' reasons to travel and some of the factors that play an important role when booking holidays.
Main reasons for Travel
Almost three quarters (74%) of respondents across all markets report that their primary motivation for travel is for relaxation, wellness and self-care.
In the US, 62% report travelling for this reason – the lowest percentage of all markets. However, this percentage is 52% higher than registered in a previous study carried out by the company after the first pandemic summer in September 2020*, where the figure reached only 10%.
Socializing is reported internationally as the second motivational factor for travel at 49% and higher for 57% of US travelers. For them, socialising during a vacation means:
The eDreams' poll also looked into our social habits, from how we feel about food as part of our holidays to how much we are likely to post on social media.
eDreams asked respondents about their attitudes to food whilst travelling, with 24% stating that they would now seek accommodation which offers its own kitchen in order to prepare food for themselves. The US respondents had the highest percentage for this across all global markets at 42%. Globally, 21% reported that they would be more likely to eat out in restaurants than when travelling pre-pandemic, with Americans leading again with 34%. The largest percentage (38%) responded that while they felt little had changed, food has still played a significant factor in their holiday plans however this figure among Americans drops to 20%, despite being the market most willing to learn to cook local food when travelling abroad (39%).
And Social Media? The US reports the highest likelihood of increased social media use (in all age groups) when travelling across all global markets. 40% of respondents believe that they will be more active on social media than before the pandemic, which is significantly more than all other nations polled.
* Survey conducted by OnePoll between 16-29 September 2020, across the UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. With a group of 10,000 total respondents.
** Poll conducted by One Poll between 8th to 14th February 2022. 10,000 respondents from the UK, US, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Germany, of which 2000 were from the USA. Respondents were all adults who have been on holiday in the last 5 years. Some multiple-choice questions can add percentages higher than 100%.
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SOURCE eDreams | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/leading-online-travel-agent-edreams-shares-new-insights-into-our-travel-mindset/ | 2022-05-11T21:30:01Z |
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. (OTC: LCTC), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of breath alcohol and drug testing devices, has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
First Quarter Financial Highlights
Lifeloc posted quarterly net revenue of $2.161 million resulting in a quarterly net loss of $(145) thousand, or $(0.06) per diluted share. These results compare to net revenue of $1.810 million and quarterly net profit of $403 thousand, or $0.16 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2021. The first quarter 2021 results include a gain of $465 thousand from the SBA Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness. Revenue for the quarter increased by 19% versus the first quarter last year, primarily through demand recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as new product adoption. Increasing research and development investment contributed to the loss in this quarter.
New platform LX9 and LT7 devices are producing strong sales growth. The L-series devices feature a high-resolution modern display with a highly customizable user interface. Their features and performance have driven penetration by meeting previously unaddressable market needs, such as wider temperature ranges and fast customization that incorporates local languages. We expect that most L-series sales will be incremental to FC-series devices rather than displacing FC sales. The L-series devices are meeting the requirements of the most modern registration standards, such as SAI's (Standards Australia International) latest AS 3547:2019 standards for Breath Alcohol Detectors.
Our most important goal remains the convergence of the global need for rapid detection of drugs of abuse with Lifeloc's capability of building easy-to-use portable testing equipment. We intend to use the SpinDx™ technology platform, sometimes referred to as "Lab on a Disk", to develop a series of devices and tests that could be used at roadside, emergency rooms and in workplace testing to get a rapid and quantitative measure for a panel of drugs of abuse. The first test we intend to offer is the SpinDx device with disks for delta-9-THC detection from an oral fluid sample collected from a test subject. Then we intend to offer a device based on our recently updated LX9 breathalyzer to collect a sample for analysis from breath, which coupled with the SpinDx device will be our marijuana breathalyzer system. We have improved the detection sensitivity for delta-9-THC as well as the test speed and robustness of the device. We are continuing to work on developing this system into a device that can be used for roadside testing, as well as other contexts requiring fast response. Additional personnel and new equipment resources have been committed to finalizing the development of the first products of the SpinDx technology platform.
"We are glad to see more sales recovery in 2022, with many customers having deferred new equipment purchases during the pandemic," commented Dr. Wayne Willkomm, President and CEO. "However, we are not just relying on pent up demand for sales growth, but instead our strong pipeline of recent and upcoming product releases will be the big driver. The Easycal® calibration station and the premium L-series devices are finding broad acceptance and the R.A.D.A.R.® 200 devices have been released to sales. The L-series devices have grown from a small base to a significant contributor to revenue and margin. Revenue from these is expected to provide the continued funding to push the SpinDx product platform across the finish line to commercialization. Research and development expenses will remain high in this push to complete the first of many products built on the SpinDx platform, prioritizing substantial value creation over short-term profitability. We are working towards the goal of initial SpinDx sales this year."
About Lifeloc Technologies
Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. (OTC: LCTC) is a trusted U.S. manufacturer of evidential breath alcohol testers and related training and supplies for Workplace, Law Enforcement, Corrections and International customers. Lifeloc stock trades over-the-counter under the symbol LCTC. We are a fully reporting Company with our SEC filings available on our web site, www.lifeloc.com/investor.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release, including statements about our strategies, expectations about new and existing products, market demand, acceptance of new and existing products, technologies and opportunities, market size and growth, and return on investments in products and market, are based on information available to us on the date of this document, and we assume no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are strongly encouraged to review the section titled "Risk Factors" in our SEC filings.
Easycal® and R.A.D.A.R.® are registered trademarks of Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.
SpinDx™ is a trademark of Sandia Corporation.
Amy Evans
Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.
http://www.lifeloc.com
(303) 431-9500
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SOURCE Lifeloc Technologies | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/lifeloc-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-11T21:30:08Z |
Strong Growth in Instruments Delivered to Customers and Continued Innovation on our Platform
LONDON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LumiraDx Limited (Nasdaq: LMDX), a next-generation point of care (POC) diagnostics company, today announced financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
- For the first three months of 2022, LumiraDx revenue was $126.4 million compared to $106.9 million for the first quarter of 2021
- Customer install base grew to 25,000 Platforms compared to 21,000 at year-end 2021, lead by new instrument placements with U.S. customers
- Q1 revenues for COVID related products were substantial in January at the height of the Omicron wave
- Cash balance at March 31 was $166.0 million; $50 million in financing expected to close in Q2 to fund further instrument placements
"We had a strong start to the year with increased revenues, instrument shipments and validation of our Platform by health systems and global health partners for an expanding menu of tests," said Chairman and CEO Ron Zwanziger. "We are driving continued momentum and growth potential from our R&D pipeline with recent and planned product launches such as HbA1c, SARS-CoV-2 Ultra and our SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B combo and additional claims and markets for CRP and D-Dimer."
"We have continued to innovate on our Platform with the Ultra test strip design, for which we plan to submit for CE mark shortly and which will deliver high sensitivity diagnostic test results in 5 minutes," Zwanziger added. "We believe that the time saved will multiply testing throughput for health providers and improve care. Ultra has the potential to move the entire respiratory market to fast, high sensitivity testing."
2022 First Quarter Financial Highlights
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, LumiraDx delivered revenue of $126.4 million compared to $106.9 million for the first quarter of 2021. SARS-CoV-2 Ag test strips on the LumiraDx Platform contributed $77.5 million and Fast Lab Solutions delivered revenue of $38.3 million. Our manufacturing investments enabled us to fully meet testing demand during the January surge of the COVID-19 pandemic and these investments position LumiraDx for rapid growth in volumes for both our existing products and our R&D pipeline of assays for more than 30 common health conditions.
Total gross margins for the first three months of 2022 were 40% compared to 41% for the same period last year. During the quarter the company delivered more than 4,000 instruments, primarily to U.S. customers, bringing the total to approximately 25,000 Platforms.
Research and development costs were $41.3 million in the first quarter of 2022.Our non-IFRS adjusted research and development costs, excluding amortization and share-based payment expenses, were $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 53% over same period last year. The increase reflects our investments to open our new R&D center in Glasgow and increased spending to support the imminent launch of several new tests.
First quarter 2022 sales, marketing and administrative expenses were $40.2 million. Adjusted non-IFRS sales, marketing and administrative expenses, excluding amortization and share-based payment expenses, were $33.6 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $17.2 million in the first quarter of 2021. Adjusted operating loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $22.9 million. This compares to adjusted operating gain of $0.1 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Our net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $55.7 million. Our non-IFRS adjusted net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $32.1 million or $0.13 per fully diluted share compared to an adjusted net loss of $12.2 million or $0.09 per fully diluted share for the same period last year. Adjustments for our non-IFRS net loss in the first quarter of 2022 included a $19.2 million foreign exchange loss related mainly to the accounting for intercompany loan balances with no consolidated cash impact to the enterprise.
Our cash balance on March 31, 2022 was $166.0 million. In April, we entered a new financing agreement to provide working capital to fund additional instrument placements and announced the first closing of $26.1 million with a maximum of $50.0 million in aggregate investment which we anticipate completing before the end of the second quarter of 2022.
Conference Call
LumiraDx's senior management team will host a conference call today at 4:30 pm ET to discuss the company's financial results and business updates. Call in details and a link to view the webcast may be found at https://investors.lumiradx.com/news-and-events/investor-calendar. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor's section of the company's website at investors.lumiradx.com shortly after the conclusion of the call. The webcast will be archived for 12 months.
About LumiraDx
LumiraDx (Nasdaq: LMDX) is a next-generation point of care diagnostics company that is transforming community-based healthcare. Founded in 2014, LumiraDx manufactures and commercializes an innovative diagnostic Platform that supports a broad menu of tests with lab comparable performance at the point of care. LumiraDx diagnostic testing solutions are being deployed by governments and leading healthcare institutions across laboratories, urgent care, physician offices, pharmacies, schools, and workplaces to screen, diagnose, and monitor wellness as well as disease. LumiraDx has, on the market and in development, 30+ tests covering infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and coagulation disorders, all on the LumiraDx Platform. In addition, LumiraDx has a comprehensive portfolio of fast, accurate, and cost-efficient COVID-19 testing solutions from the lab to point of need.
LumiraDx is based in the UK with more than 1600 employees worldwide.
Further information on LumiraDx and the LumiraDx Platform is available at www.lumiradx.com
Contact:
Colleen McMillen
Colleen.McMillen@lumiradx.com
+1.917.344.9360
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the effectiveness of our strategy, the timing of expected product launches, regulatory approvals, the advancement of our pipeline of tests, the benefits and performance of our tests, and the timing and availability of additional investments under our financing agreement. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, general economic, political and business conditions; the effect of COVID-19 on LumiraDx's business and financial results; obtaining or maintaining regulatory approval, authorization or clearance for our tests; and those factors discussed under the header "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on April 13, 2022 and other filings that we make with the SEC. Although LumiraDx believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, LumiraDx cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by it and its projections of the future, about which it cannot be certain. LumiraDx undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
The securities offered in connection with the financing agreement described above have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the U.S, and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the U.S. except pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and, in each case, in compliance with applicable other securities laws.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
We present non-IFRS financial measures because we believe that they and other similar measures are widely used by certain investors, securities analysts and other interested parties as supplemental measures of performance and liquidity. We also use these measures internally to establish forecasts, budgets and operational goals to manage and monitor our business, as well as evaluate our underlying historical performance, as we believe that these non-IFRS financial measures depict the true performance of the business by encompassing only relevant and controllable events, enabling us to evaluate and plan more effectively for the future. The non-IFRS financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under IFRS as issued by the IASB. Non-IFRS financial measures and margins are not measurements of our performance, financial condition or liquidity under IFRS as issued by the IASB and should not be considered as alternatives to operating loss, gross margin or net income (loss) or any other performance measures, derived in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB or any other generally accepted accounting principles.
We define non-IFRS operating loss and non-IFRS net income (loss) as operating loss and net income (loss), respectively, excluding amortization, share-based payments, IFRS 2 listing expense, change in fair value of financial instruments, foreign exchange (gain)/loss, dividends on preferred shares and non-cash interest. We define non-IFRS expenses as expenses, excluding amortization and share-based payments. We recommend that you review the reconciliation of the non-IFRS measure to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure provided in the financial statement tables included below, and that you not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
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SOURCE LumiraDx | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/11/lumiradx-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-11T21:30:15Z |
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