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Pharmacogenetic Testing & EHR Integration Help Avoid Trial-and-Error Prescribing
VANCOUVER, Canada, April 21, 2022 GenXys Health Care Systems, Inc., the global leader in precision prescribing software with embedded pharmacogenetic data, added a record five pharmacogenetic companies as customers in the first quarter of 2022. The unprecedented growth advanced GenXys' support of reducing adverse drug events through the Right Drug Dose Now Act, legislation currently making its way through Congress.
The co-chairs of Congress' Personalized Medicine Caucus, Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Tom Emmer (R-MN), brought forth the legislation to address the prevalence of adverse drug events and advance the clinical adoption of pharmacogenetics (PGx). The Congressmen recently participated in a GenXys webinar to discuss the legislation, a significant step forward in a national effort to make precision healthcare available to everyone and address the barriers to the broad use of PGx information.
The Right Act legislation will:
- Require an assessment and update of the National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention;
- Create educational campaigns on preventing adverse drug events, through the use of evidence-based PGx information;
- Incentivize updates to electronic health record (EHR) systems, including incorporating clinical decision support software (CDSS), so healthcare providers are alerted to interactions between medications when making prescribing decisions;
- Enhance reporting systems that would assist with the reporting of PGx associated adverse drug events; and
- Authorize sustained funding for PGx implementation and guideline developments.
More than 1.3 million emergency department visits each year in the US result from harm from medication. Adverse drug events result in prolonged hospitalizations and higher medical costs. Even more concerning is that adverse drug reactions continue to be one of the top five leading causes of death in America, with direct and indirect costs at an estimated $30.1 billion annually.
An important step to improve medication management is incorporating evidence-based PGx testing into clinical decision support software (CDSS), as proposed in the Right Act. Currently, many EHR systems do not readily alert healthcare providers of relevant PGx information. The Act would result in updates to EHR systems to allow healthcare providers to be alerted to and utilize information on drug-gene interactions when prescribing medicine for each patient. And, more importantly, the Act will enable CDSS to incorporate PGx with other data points, which GenXys' software platform does seamlessly at any point of care.
"Ninety-seven percent of the population has at least one pharmacogenetic variant that influences how medication is metabolized by the body," says Karl Pringle, CEO of GenXys HealthCare Systems. "GenXys is committed to addressing this critical patient safety issue and fully supports the Right Drug Dose Now Act, which sets in motion history-making changes needed in precision medicine. Our software solution, which is being used by a growing number of significant lab companies and health systems in the US and Canada, reduces trial-and-error prescribing and provides clinicians with ultimate confidence in their prescribing decisions to get the right dose of the right drug to the patient at the right time."
GenXys Health Care Systems, Inc.
GenXys is the global leader in precision prescribing software with embedded pharmacogenetic data. The organization is solving one of health care's biggest challenges: inappropriate (trial-and-error) prescribing. GenXys has developed a clinical decision support software suite that is used by major insurance providers, health systems, and pharmacies across North America. The GenXys platform is also used by genetic labs companies, its largest customer segment, for pharmacogenetic interpretation and delivery to any point of care.
Ongoing global clinical studies are paving the way into geographical markets to enable GenXys to realize its vision of making every prescription better with its software, to increase patient safety, improve population health and reduce healthcare costs. genxys.com
Contact:
Patty Pologruto
patty@greymattermarketing.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE GenXys
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/with-record-customer-growth-genxys-supports-right-drug-dose-now-act-reduce-adverse-drug-reactions-through-precision-medicine/
| 2022-04-21T17:18:28Z
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YANTAI, China, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It's the time of early spring in Yantai, the central city on the Shandong Peninsula. The trees are quietly stretching new branches and sprouting fresh green buds, spreading out the turquoise of cyan on the piece of the land.
If you are looking forward to the color of cyan, you can re-encounter it in Kunyu Mount now, enjoying the mountains under emerald green in chirping of insects, twittering of birds and babbling of streams. Or, you can go to Tiangu Mount, pulling up to the wooden plank road a thousand meters high to view grotesque peaks standing in great numbers and the fairy mists filling the skywalk. Bathing in the breeze of the immense forest, you will feel the tranquility brought by "Xanadu" and appreciate the beauty of the "small Huangshan in north of the Yangtze River". When the clouds are swirling, Luoshan is as beautiful as an ink painting. Walking in such a "fairyland" is really intoxicating.
For the cyan in Aishan Mount, the peaks are emerald and scattered with warm spring breeze blowing across the mountains and fields. Looking up, you can see the cyan everywhere and you can feel the comfort given by nature. For the cyan in Danya Mount, climbing up to the high-rise pavilion surrounded by clouds and fog and facing the sea in the wind, you will spontaneously have the feeling of "being an immortal of Penglai" in curling mist like a fairyland. For the cyan in Zhaohu Mount, you can see the green bamboo sea in the beautiful valley, and you can feel the breeze coming slowly and the green waves rolling.
The cyan in Yangma Island---the oriental Hawaii---is as a piece of natural turquoise setting upon the boundless blue waves, and time of leisure quietly flowing in the "green". The cyan in the Long Island---the immortal hill on the sea---is a natural oxygen bar with an evergreen forest covering 60% of the land. The cyan around the Menlou Reservoir---the water source of the city---is like a mirror surrounded by turquoise, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, a picturesque scene of the inverted image of green trees and mountains.
Yantai, the fairyland, is looking forward to your arrival.
Contact Person: Zhao Xiangyang
Tel: 0086535-6789710
E-mail: yt6789710@yt.shandong.cn
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802021/City_of_Yantai_1.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802022/City_of_Yantai_2.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802020/City_of_Yantai_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE City of Yantai
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/yantai-fairyland-spring-breeze/
| 2022-04-21T17:18:35Z
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Marine City restaurant run by pastor set to close Saturday
The Back-Door Grill in Marine City is set to permanently close after this week.
“I just want to let the community know that I appreciate all of their support," said the restaurant's owner, Pastor Joe Wenturine.
“We’re a small business, we’re a small town, but I really appreciate all they’ve done for it. We’re kind of off-the-beaten path when you think about main street where all the restaurants are, and that’s why I called it the back-door-grill, (it's) at the back door of the church."
Situated right behind Harvest Time Christian Church King Road, Wenturine opened the small restaurant in Septemberr.
In the seven months that it has operated, Wenturine said business had been steady and described his place as a hang-out spot for many locals.
“I got people that come in like once a month and hang out and they do their fellowship and their meetings here," Wenturine said.
“Everything that we produced out of the kitchen, was farm to table and just fresh. I know it seems pretty easy to make a burger but we use fresh beef and we make a phenomenal burger."
He added the restaurant's most popular appetizer was the Reuben eggrolls, and their most popular dish was the fish, offering both cod and perch.
Although Wenturine would occasionally help out in the kitchen, he said that his main responsibility was greeting, meeting, and hanging out with the people who would walk through the door.
He said he'll miss interacting with the customers.
"People would ask me to pray over their food and that’s the stuff I’ll miss because I’m a minister first, I’m a pastor first, I love people," he said.
The decision to close the restaurant came after coming back from vacation and learning that the chef was ready to move-on. And although Wenturine tried filling the position, he said that it's been hard to get help and find a chef.
The restaurant still has the full menu available to patrons and has also been offering all you can eat fish and chips throughout the week.
The Back-Door Grill's last day will be Saturday, and they will be opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wenturine said that when the Back-Door Grill closes, people will still be able to rent out the center and continue to use the kitchen in the restaurant for events.
He said that the church hall had gone through recent renovations to update the facility.
Wenturine will also shift his focus on continuing being a pastor for Harvest Church.
“I got called to Marine City in 2002, so June 1st will be 20 years here," he said.
“My number one goal is to pastor the church at Marine City."
Contact Sergio Montanez at Spoveda@gannett.com.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/21/marine-city-restaurant-run-pastor-set-close-saturday/7393617001/
| 2022-04-21T18:02:25Z
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Girls soccer notebook: Algonac hopes to boost offense; Almont navigates 'learning process'
Girls soccer teams in the Blue Water Area are ready to find their groove now that spring break is over. Students are back from vacation and the weather is (gradually) starting to cooperate.
While most teams have only played a handful of games, coaches are starting to get a glimpse of what their seasons might look like.
Perfecting its passing is the key for Algonac
The Muskrats are off to a 2-1 start and have outscored their opponents 14-3 this season. If not for a few missed chances in a 2-1 loss to Imlay City on April 11, they very well could be undefeated.
"It was a huge disappointment," Algonac coach Chris Viney said. "We carried the play to them 85% of the time in their field, had multiple opportunities to score and just couldn't find the net."
The defeat stuck with Algonac for nine days. When the Muskrats finally returned to the pitch Wednesday against Almont, they brought along their brand of soccer.
"This was more like the type of game that we work to create," Viney said. "We controlled the play, we passed and we created shooting opportunities that we work on in practice. That's always wonderful to see."
Algonac's offense clicked during its 5-1 win over the Raiders. Natalie Boulier and Katie Dusenberry each scored two goals while Piper Baumgarten added one. Jena Dusenberry helped mightily with shot creation and totaled three assists.
Boulier's ability to dribble and direct traffic was on full display. It's made her a vital part of the Muskrats' attack.
"She is the quarterback on our team," Viney said. "She controls the play and is a very, very good player."
Overall, Viney has been pleased with his team's performance in the first three games of the season. However, there are still adjustments that need to be made — one of which was apparent to the coach during Wednesday's victory.
"It's early, but we need to do a better job of connecting passes," Viney said. "Not just kicking the ball to a general area but really playing the ball to feet. That's the most important part. We've got to get the ball playing to feet.
"We still haven't had many opportunities — under good pressure — to be able to make good passes and make good plays. But we're just going to continue to get better. We've got a very good team ... if we continue to play like this we'll do okay."
Young Almont team works to 'fill those shoes'
For a team that lost seven starters to graduation, the Raiders aren't shying away from their youth. Instead they're embracing it.
"We have a bit of an inexperienced team," Almont coach Mike Kepler said. "So we have a lot of shoes we're filling and a lot of players that are still in the learning process. And they're doing well."
One of those players is sophomore Jesse Kautz, who already has eight goals this season. She's on pace to easily surpass the 13 she scored as a freshman.
"She's dangerous," Kepler said. "And when we're playing the right soccer she's hard to match. She's like a gazelle — she's so fast."
But the season can be a slow grind. Almont, which currently sits at 2-2, has already endured some ups and downs. Each of the Raiders' four games have been decided by four or more goals.
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster so far, which is why the leadership of Almont's five seniors will be crucial.
"I am looking for them to keep our hopes up and use that experience they have to help these young girls and guide them throughout the season," Kepler said.
During the loss to Algonac, the Raiders remained upbeat. Players discussed strategy on the bench and substitutes wasted no time checking into the game. Reserves leaped to their feet when Tara Tencza scored the team's lone goal with 7:23 left in the first half.
"The girls are doing the best they can to fill those shoes," Kepler said. "It's going to be a learning process here. I do think we'll have success, but it's going to come with some bumps and bruises."
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/04/21/girls-soccer-notebook-algonac-boost-offense-almont-learning-process/7391433001/
| 2022-04-21T18:02:31Z
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Local dance company Converge Dance Works in partnership with Western Wyoming Community College’s Dance Club present “Life: Our Stories,” an original dance production choreographed by local dance artist and college employee, Ann Jantz.
The dance concert is April 29, 2022, in the Western Wyoming Community College Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. This production is funded generously by a grant from the Sweetwater Board of Cooperative Educational Services and is free and open to the public.
“Life: Our Stories” takes its inspiration from the different experiences we all encounter in our lives, and each piece is set to the music of The Beatles. The idea for the show has been sitting on the back burner for a while, until a unique opportunity presented itself, according to Jantz.
“The idea came to me right after we wrapped up our last show, ‘Quotes.’ That was six years ago, and since then we lost our rehearsal space and two company members lost their battles with cancer,” Jantz said. “Life intervened and we all became wrapped up with family and work. It seemed liked we were done for good.”
Then WWCC ended its dance program. Jantz said she heard from several dance students still at the school who voiced their sadness about this loss. An idea slowly began to form: Why not choreograph for the college’s dance students and create an original dance production using their talents?
Jantz took the idea to Vice President of Student Learning Cliff Wittstruck and pitched the idea of offering this unique learning opportunity for Western students. She said he voiced his support of the idea and took it to the Presidents Cabinet, who gave it the green light.
WWCC Dance Club students joining Jantz and company member and college employee Kit Kofoed in this project are Sierra Bird, Haruka Aoki, Inez O’Connor, Sara Horiuchi and Jorja Warembourg.
“I am so grateful for Dr. Wittstruck’s support. This show would not have happened without it,” Jantz said. “I also thank the college’s Dance Club members who chose to be a part of the show. They have given much of their free time to attend rehearsals. They made a huge commitment and have followed through beautifully.”
The show consists of nine dance works, all set to the music of The Beatles. Jantz said the music choice was the only choice to accompany the idea of each work because “The Beatles’ music speaks to every part of our life experience.” Jantz promises the show will be fun, and even the most inexperienced dance audience members will be rocking in their seats.
“Come for the dance or come for the music or come for both,” she said. “If you enjoy the music of The Beatles, come and tune in and see how we use the music to create beautiful movement and images,” Jantz said.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/life-our-stories-dance-production-highlights-our-life-experiences/article_bedf1e68-65ea-5ae5-a628-91ede7994654.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:14Z
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ROCK SPRINGS -- On April 19, the Woman's Club of Rock Springs, GFWC met at White Mountain Library for their general meeting. This was a potluck luncheon hosted by Debra McGarvey and Maggie Choate. Marcia Volner stood in as president for this meeting.
Debora Soule brought artwork from the local schools for the members to enjoy. The club members attending the state Convention in Thermopolis on April 29 and 30 will take the art work to be displayed with art work from other GFWC clubs in the state. Judges will select art for the state awards. On May 11 at the Fine Arts Center at 4:30 p.m., there will be a reception for all of our local artists where they will receive their awards from GFWC Wyoming and each will receive something from the Woman's Club of Rock Springs as well.
The club will be cleaning up exit 107 in May as part of the Rock Springs City Wide Cleanup.
The club also voted to participate in the Alzheimer's walk coming up this fall. We will put our team information on our Facebook page and hope that more people will support our team by donating to the cause. We will also donate a basket to the raffle associated with the fundraiser.
The club is working on a Juniorette club. This is for 12-18 year olds and either boys or girls may participate. They will develop their goals and be guided by a member of our local club. If you have a young person who would be interested please email us at gfwcrocksprings@gmail.com and we will be happy to add them to our list and discuss this opportunity with you.
Sue Arguello reported that that the club's lending closet has been busy. The club could use more knee scooters if anyone has some to donate. To donate or borrow please contact the phone numbers on the door at 700 Broadway, check the numbers on their Facebook page or email them.
They voted on new officers. The club is pleased to announce the following officers who will be installed at our May dinner meeting: President - Debra McGarvey, Vice President - Kimberly Kellum, Treasurer - Sue Arguello, Secretary - Lynn Mornar, Corresponding Secretary - Maggie Choate and Auditor - Annette Burkey.
Many years ago, the Woman's Club of Rock Springs donated a piano to White Mountain Library. The piano now needs repaired or replaced. The members voted to give $750 to the library for this purpose.
Members in attendance were: Annette Burkey, Betty Jean Carter, Maggie Choate, Leslie Jo Gatti, Vi Gessner, Edna Larsen, Debra McGarvey,Cindy Moore, Lynn Mornar, Debra Soule, Marcia Volner, Susan Arguello, Jennie Malonek and Nola Cutts.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/womans-club-of-rock-springs-holds-april-meeting/article_2e28eaeb-dd78-5602-b465-62ad2f2ef2d6.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:20Z
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BLM issues notice for oil and gas lease sale
Following an injunction from the Western District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Office on Monday issued a final environmental assessment and sale notice for a June 21-22 lease sale.
Monday’s notice incorporates recommendations from the Department of the Interior’s Report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program, as well as other reports issued by the Governmental Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office, according to a news release.
The BLM is applying a first-ever increased royalty rate of 18.75% for the leases sold in the current competitive lease sales, in keeping with rates charged by states and private landowners.
The BLM Wyoming State Office will move forward with its modified proposed action, Alternative 3, as analyzed in DOI-BLM-WY-0000-2021-0003-EA, by offering 129 parcels containing about 131,771 acres of public minerals. The parcels will be offered at the online oil and gas lease sale, which can be accessed at www.energynet.com.
Additionally, Monday’s posting of the sale notice initiates a 30-day public protest period that ends on May 18. You can submit protests on the offered parcels through the link on the sale’s ePlanning site, https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2015621/570; via email to blm_wy_lease_sales@blm.gov; or by mail to Bureau of Land Management Wyoming, Fluid Minerals, 5353 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009. All protests must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on May 18.
Unemployment falls across the state in March
CHEYENNE (WNE) — As measured by one economic statistic, the unemployment rate fell in every county in Wyoming last month compared to March 2021. And statewide, this seasonally adjusted jobless statistic fell by 2/10 of a percentage point to 3.4%, according to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services’ Research & Planning section.
The state unemployment percentage is also “slightly lower than the current U.S. rate of 3.6% and much lower than its March 2021 level of 5.0%,” the Research & Planning section said Monday. In just the approximately month-long period from this February to March 2022, seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents increased by 796 workers, or a gain of 0.3%, “as people returned to work.”
In Laramie County, a jobless rate that is not seasonally adjusted fell to 3.3% last month from 4.8% a year earlier, according to a table of the civilian labor force by place of residence.
Across the state as a whole, this figure fell to 3.1% from 3.9%. The most recent figures both locally and in Wyoming are preliminary.
“Unemployment rates were unusually high during much of 2021 because of the pandemic,” the government agency noted. “Total non-farm employment in Wyoming (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) rose from 270,300 in March 2021 to 278,500 in March 2022, an increase of 8,200 jobs (3.0%).”
Governor orders Wyoming to half staff Thursday
Gov. Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming state flag be flown at half-staff at the Capitol in Cheyenne and in Laramie County from sunrise to sunset Thursday in honor and memory of Bill Nation.
Nation represented Laramie County in the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1965 and served three terms as mayor of Cheyenne. He died April 13.
This notice is only for the Wyoming state flag and only at two locations in the state — at the Capitol and in Laramie County. Other flags should remain at full-staff.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/townnews/work/worth-noting/article_9faae6ed-d433-570b-adfa-ba07f5a11a19.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:27Z
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GREEN RIVER — Southwest Wyoming BMX (SWBMX) requested funding from the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Rec Mill to construct a racetrack and community pump track.
Originally, SWBMX asked for $50,000 during their presentation.
The SCSD No. 2 Board of Trustees had several questions for the representatives of SWBMX at the Board of Trustees regularly scheduled meeting on April 12.
Trustee Steve Core was especially curious about how many bike riders are in Sweetwater County and whether the racetrack would be adequately utilized.
Siobhan Ledford of SWBMX gave an estimate of how many riders participate in the BMX events, but Core’s main focus was how many in the county itself would take advantage of the new racetrack.
“I want to help you. I think this is a good project,” said Core. “I think this fits into the rec mill deal, but I’m just a little concerned about the total cost to the rec mill.”
SWBMX representatives had pointed out that the Green River City Council approved to lease the land that the bike park is currently located at, which is in Stratton Myers Park.
The representatives of SWBMX explained that on this land, they will build a race track to use for BMX events, as well as a community pump track. While the race track will only be used for races and events, the pump track will always be open for residents and visitors to use.
Ledford said if they were to build the track with everything they initially wanted, the cost would be as much as $100,000. They have been able to get equipment and labor donated by businesses throughout the county, which has helped lower the cost.
According to Heather Salinas of SWBMX, the group’s list includes the dirt for the track, fencing for the area, a starting gate which costs $30,000 alone, a canopy for the riders, buildings for registration and bleachers.
“The dirt is going to be the most expensive,” Salinas said.
The only other source of funding for the racetrack comes from donations and fundraising efforts.
Core suggested that SWBMX could possibly ask for funding more around $20,000 and then if they still needed more funding next year, they may visit the board again and ask for more.
The board expressed interest in the project, saying that it fits the rec mill well, but more information on expenses would be helpful to make a final decision and the project itself before approving any amount of funding.
Trustee Tom Wilson pointed out that the racetrack would benefit the community and tourism but wanted to know where the money would come from.
The board also indicated some interest in planning a walk-through on the project on-site to learn more about the race track and pump track. The board voted 7-0 to table the request. They will open it up for discussion at the next meeting on Tuesday, May 10.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/construction/bmx-track-coming-to-green-river/article_dcc25c48-c198-11ec-b7d6-fb0a64d27bf0.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:33Z
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Laramie City Council eased some zoning restrictions Tuesday night even as a group of residents lobbied against the ordinance, arguing it will change the aesthetic of some neighborhoods.
Titled Ordinance No. 2044, the new regulations will impact building codes in R1, LR and RR single-family residential areas.
About a dozen people gathered outside Laramie City Hall prior to the council meeting, some with signs urging no votes on the third and final reading of 2044. They weren't allowed inside City Hall because the council has been holding its meetings virtually because of the pandemic.
That didn't dissuade them from trying to get their message across the council members.
“We want space, quiet and quality — not big buildings,” said Carol Adams, who lives in the Alta Vista neighborhood.
“Wide-open spaces is what Laramie is known for,” added Bruce Adams.
The new ordinance changes minimum lot size and setback requirements and eliminates a requirement single family homes have a garage. While city officials say the changes are meant to give developers flexibility to develop more affordable living spaces, building a garage or exceeding the minimum lot and setback requirements will still be allowed for those who want to do so.
The ordinance also allows for accessory dwelling units to be built and rented. These units must have a separate entrance and be smaller than the principal structure on a property. Only one unit per principal structure will be allowed.
The zoning changes have been in the works for months as the City Council continues to work toward its goal of bringing more affordable housing opportunities to Laramie. Last year, the city approved a similar set of changes to multi-family zones.
“Housing affordability has been a tremendous issue in Laramie,” said Planning Division spokesperson Philipp Gabathuler. “All of (the changes) add flexibility to the developer’s tool chest to what they can do. They’re not restrictive, they’re opening up the playbook, if you will.”
Gabathuler said he found newspaper clippings about issues with housing access in Laramie dating back to 1993.
While the city doesn’t have data for the last two years, past studies have shown Laramie second only to Jackson when it comes to a lack of housing affordability in Wyoming. One reason is a gap between home prices and median incomes, said Mayor Paul Weaver.
“The problem is our working young professionals ages 25-44 are very lowly compensated,” said City Manager Janine Jordan.
Council member Fred Schmechel said the lack of housing affordability has made it more difficult for the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance to recruit companies that could bring economic vitality to the area.
Character concerns
During the meeting's public comment period, some residents attending online said the ordinance changes would violate the trust they had in the character of the neighborhoods they choose to live in. Many spent their savings to buy a home where they did.
“It just concerned me that our neighborhood would be changed,” said resident Mundy Aron. “I think the possibility that there would be rentals in a single-family area would mean more parking on the street and just more crowding.
"I don’t see our area as a high-density area, and to me that’s what we’re trying to do with this proposal.”
Those gathered outside City Hall expressed concern they hadn’t heard about the zoning changes enough in advance to provide public comment. Some said they only learned of Ordinance 2044 when they found unsigned fliers in their mailboxes raising concerns about the issue.
(It is a federal crime to place objects in others’ mailboxes.)
“We feel concerned about the way it's been brought up," said resident Nina Rose. "There’s different ideas on how to solve housing issues."
Resident and former City Council member Hugh McGinley said city representatives should strive to go beyond the bare minimum when informing people about potentially significant changes to neighborhoods. He also mentioned that the Zoom format of holding public meetings presents challenges for older people to participate.
After a failed motion to postpone the third reading of the ordinance, it passed 6-3 with "no" votes from council members Pat Gabriel, Brian Shuster and Erin O’Doherty. O’Doherty said that while she personally agrees with the ordinance, she voted against it to be a voice for people in her ward.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/construction/city-council-green-lights-zoning-changes-but-not-without-opposition/article_a62ff4ce-c198-11ec-b73e-d7f30eac0182.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:39Z
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CHEYENNE – Cheyenne Regional Medical Center officials have announced changes to the hospital and health system’s visitor policy, which went into effect Wednesday.
Visitors will not be allowed to enter if they have COVID-19, have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days or have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a new fever, cough or other cold or flu-like symptoms. Please do not enter with symptoms unless you are seeking medical care.
During established visiting hours, patients may have an unlimited number of visitors per day, but no more than two visitors or support persons at a time in a patient room.
Also:
Children are permitted to visit.
Face coverings are required for everyone. Please bring your own face covering and have it over your mouth and nose before entering hospital facilities.
Please wear your face covering in hallways, clinics, waiting areas and patient rooms. This is important at all times, and especially when health care personnel are present.
All visitors will be screened for illness upon entering.
Visiting hours are:
West Campus, 214 E. 23rd St., 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
East Campus, 2600 E. 18th St., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While patients with active COVID-19 will NOT be allowed visitors (exceptions apply), patients who are past the transmission phase may have visitors.
For Mother/Baby and Pediatrics, the main support person can remain the entire patient stay (24 hours a day). The second visitor is permitted during designated visiting hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/health_care/crmc-announces-changes-to-visitor-policy-effective-this-week/article_c0df29ac-c198-11ec-a6f6-1baa049ecefb.html
| 2022-04-21T18:04:45Z
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2nd newborn safely surrendered at Indiana fire station this month
CARMEL, Ind. (Gray News) – Another newborn was safely surrendered to a Safe Haven Baby Box at Carmel Fire Department Station 45 in Indiana.
This is the second baby to be surrendered at the same location this month.
“What a month for the Carmel Baby Box! We are so thrilled that this resource has helped two mothers in crisis and provided a place for safe surrender for these precious infants,” said Safe Have Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey.
Fire Chief David Haboush said he is proud his fire station could provide a safe way for a mother to surrender her infant.
The Safe Haven Baby Box at the Carmel Fire Department is set up in a way that provides complete anonymity to the person who is leaving the baby.
The person opens a door on the side of the department’s building that holds a bassinet, which triggers a silent alarm to alert firefighters that a baby has been placed inside. The exterior door automatically locks to protect the baby.
“So proud of the mom for making his anonymous life-saving decision and very proud of Carmel firefighters and their quick professional response,” Haboush said.
“This baby girl was so loved by her mother, and we know she will be adopted shortly by a wonderful family,” Kelsey added.
Indiana has now seen three surrenders to Baby Boxes in the month of April – two at the same location, which is the first for the Safe Haven Baby Box organization.
According to the organization, 18 babies have been surrendered inside Safe Haven Baby Boxes since 2017.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are currently available in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky and New Mexico.
If you need help finding a Safe Haven location, or to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/20/2nd-newborn-safely-surrendered-indiana-fire-station-this-month/
| 2022-04-21T18:06:46Z
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5 Richmond area Starbucks become 1st in Virginia to unionize
Published: Apr. 19, 2022 at 9:58 PM EDT
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Five Richmond area Starbucks have become the first of the coffee chain’s locations in Virginia to unionize.
The Forest Hill location became the first overall with a vote of 17 to 1.
Not long after the first vote, the locations at Midlothian and Carmia, Huguenot Road, Westchester Commons and Willow Lawn all followed suit.
Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/20/5-richmond-area-starbucks-become-1st-virginia-unionize/
| 2022-04-21T18:06:54Z
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Russia’s Chernobyl seizure seen as nuclear risk ‘nightmare’
CHERNOBYL, Ukraine (AP) — Here in the dirt of one of the world’s most radioactive places, Russian soldiers dug trenches. Ukrainian officials worry they were, in effect, digging their own graves.
Thousands of tanks and troops rumbled into the forested Chernobyl exclusion zone in the earliest hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, churning up highly contaminated soil from the site of the 1986 accident that was the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
For more than a month, some Russian soldiers bunked in the earth within sight of the massive structure built to contain radiation from the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor. A close inspection of their trenches was impossible because even walking on the dirt is discouraged.
As the 36th anniversary of the April 26, 1986, disaster approaches and Russia’s invasion continues, it’s clear that Chernobyl — a relic of the Cold War — was never prepared for this.
With scientists and others watching in disbelief from afar, Russian forces flew over the long-closed plant, ignoring the restricted airspace around it. They held personnel still working at the plant at gunpoint during a marathon shift of more than a month, with employees sleeping on tabletops and eating just twice a day.
Even now, weeks after the Russians left, “I need to calm down,” the plant’s main security engineer, Valerii Semenov, told The Associated Press. He worked 35 days straight, sleeping only three hours a night, rationing cigarettes and staying on even after the Russians allowed a shift change.
“I was afraid they would install something and damage the system,” he said in an interview.
Workers kept the Russians from the most dangerous areas, but in what Semenov called the worst situation he has seen in his 30 years at Chernobyl, the plant was without electricity, relying on diesel generators to support the critical work of circulating water for cooling the spent fuel rods.
“It was very dangerous to act in this way,” said Maksym Shevchuck, the deputy head of the state agency managing the exclusion zone. He was scared by it all.
Russia’s invasion marks the first time that occupying a nuclear plant was part of a nation’s war strategy, said Rebecca Harms, former president of the Greens group in the European Parliament, who has visited Chernobyl several times. She called it a “nightmare” scenario in which “every nuclear plant can be used like a pre-installed nuclear bomb.”
A visit to the exclusion zone, more desolate than usual, found that the invasion risked a catastrophe worse than the original explosion and fire at Chernobyl that sent radioactive material into the atmosphere and became a symbol of the Soviet Union’s stumbling final years. Billions of dollars were spent by the international community, including Russia, to stabilize and secure the area.
Now authorities are working with Ukraine’s defense ministry on ways to protect Chernobyl’s most critical places. At the top of the list are anti-drone systems and anti-tank barriers, along with a system to protect against warplanes and helicopters.
None of it will matter much if Russian President Vladimir Putin resorts to nuclear weapons, which Shevchuck says he can’t rule out anymore.
“I understand they can use any kind of weapon and they can do any awful thing,” he said.
Chernobyl needs special international protection with a robust U.N. mandate, Harms said. As with the original disaster, the risks are not only to Ukraine but to nearby Belarus and beyond.
“It depends from where the wind blows,” she said.
After watching thousands of Soviet soldiers work to contain the effects of the 1986 accident, sometimes with no protection, Harms and others were shocked at the Russian soldiers’ disregard for safety, or their ignorance, in the recent invasion.
Some soldiers even stole highly radioactive materials as souvenirs or possibly to sell.
“I think from movies they have the imagination that all dangerous small things are very valuable,” Shevchuck said.
He believes hundreds or thousands of soldiers damaged their health, likely with little idea of the consequences, despite plant workers’ warnings to their commanders.
“Most of the soldiers were around 20 years old,” he said. “All these actions proves that their management, and in Russia in general, human life equals like zero.”
The full extent of Russia’s activities in the Chernobyl exclusion zone is still unknown, especially because the troops scattered mines that the Ukrainian military is still searching for. Some have detonated, further disturbing the radioactive ground. The Russians also set several forest fires, which have been put out.
Ukrainian authorities can’t monitor radiation levels across the zone because Russian soldiers stole the main server for the system, severing the connection on March 2. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday it still wasn’t receiving remote data from its monitoring systems. The Russians even took Chernobyl staffers’ personal radiation monitors.
In the communications center, one of the buildings in the zone not overgrown by nature, the Russians looted and left a carpet of shattered glass. The building felt deeply of the 1980s, with a map on a wall still showing the Soviet Union. Someone at some point had taken a pink marker and traced Ukraine’s border.
In normal times, about 6,000 people work in the zone, about half of them at the nuclear plant. When the Russians invaded, most workers were told to evacuate immediately. Now about 100 are left at the nuclear plant and 100 are elsewhere.
Semenov, the security engineer, recalled the Russians checking the remaining workers for what they called radicals.
“We said, ‘Look at our documents, 90% of us are originally from Russia,’” he said. “But we’re patriots of our country,” meaning Ukraine.
When the Russians hurriedly departed March 31 as part of a withdrawal from the region that left behind scorched tanks and traumatized communities, they took more than 150 Ukrainian national guard members into Belarus. Shevchuck fears they’re now in Russia.
In their rush, the Russians gave nuclear plant managers a choice: Sign a document saying the soldiers had protected the site and there were no complaints, or be taken into Belarus. The managers signed.
One protective measure the Russians did appear to take was leaving open a line routing communications from the nuclear plant through the workers’ town of Slavutych and on to authorities in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. It was used several times, Shevchuck said.
“I think they understood it should be for their safety,” he said. The IAEA said Tuesday the plant is now able to contact Ukraine’s nuclear regulator directly.
Another Ukrainian nuclear plant, at Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine, remains under Russian control. It is the largest in Europe.
Shevchuck, like other Ukrainians, has had it with Putin.
“We’re inviting him inside the new safe confinement shelter,” he said. “Then we will close it.”
___
Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/20/russias-chernobyl-seizure-seen-nuclear-risk-nightmare/
| 2022-04-21T18:07:03Z
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Babyganics issues voluntary recall of one of its products
(Gray News) - Babyganics has issued a voluntary recall for some of its bubble bath due to the presence of the bacteria Pluralibacter gergoviae.
According to the FDA, the bacteria doesn’t usually cause healthy individuals to become sick, but it could pose a risk of infection to those who are immunocompromised or have broken or irritated skin, like diaper rash.
The FDA says infants may be more susceptible than adults.
According to Babyganics, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the voluntary recall at this time.
The specific products involved in the recall include: Babyganics 20-ounce chamomile verbena bubble bath, UPC 8 13277 01375 4, with lot codes Y314 and Y315 found at the bottom of the packaging and contained in a white plastic bottle with a green plastic lid.
Babyganics is offering a full refund to anyone with the affected product.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/babyganics-issues-voluntary-recall-one-its-products/
| 2022-04-21T18:12:26Z
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Biden faces ‘headwinds’ on climate agenda ahead of Earth Day
WASHINGTON (AP) — One year ago, Joe Biden marked his first Earth Day as president by convening world leaders for a virtual summit on global warming that even Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping attended. Biden used the moment to nearly double the United States’ goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, vaulting the country to the front lines in the fight against climate change.
But the months since then have been marred by setbacks. Biden’s most sweeping proposals remain stalled on Capitol Hill despite renewed warnings from scientists that the world is hurtling toward a dangerous future marked by extreme heat, drought and weather.
In addition, Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshuffled the politics of climate change, leading Biden to release oil from the nation’s strategic reserve and encourage more drilling in hopes of lowering sky-high gas prices that are emptying American wallets.
It’s a far cry from the sprint toward clean energy that Biden — and his supporters — envisioned when he took office. Although Biden is raising fuel economy standards for vehicles and included green policies in last year’s bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the lack of greater progress casts a shadow over his second Earth Day as president.
Biden will mark the moment on Friday in Seattle, where he’ll be joined by Gov. Jay Inslee, a fellow Democrat with a national reputation for climate action. Biden also is scheduled to visit Portland, Oregon, on Thursday as part of a swing through the Pacific Northwest, a region that has often been on the forefront of environmental efforts.
Administration officials defend Biden’s record on global warming while saying that more work is needed.
“Two things can be true at the same time,” said Ali Zaidi, the president’s deputy national climate adviser. “We can have accomplished a lot, and have a long way to go.”
Zaidi acknowledged that “we have headwinds, we have challenges,” but also said the president has “a mandate to drive action forward on this.”
Kyle Tisdel, climate and energy program director with the Western Environmental Law Center, said Biden has not lived up to the promise of last year’s Earth Day summit.
“Climate action was a pillar of President Biden’s campaign, and his promises on this existential issue were a major reason the public elected him,″ Tisdel said. “Achieving results on climate is not a matter of domestic politics, it’s life and death.”
Biden had hoped to pass a $1.75 trillion plan for expanding education programs, social services and environmental policies. But Republicans opposed the legislation, known as Build Back Better, and it failed to get the unanimous support necessary from Democrats holding a slim majority in the Senate.
The final blow came from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., who owes his personal fortune to coal and represents a state that defines itself in large part through mining that fossil fuel. Democrats hope to revive the bill in some form, but it’s unclear exactly what Manchin would support, putting any possible deal in jeopardy.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said this week that negotiations were ongoing even though Biden wasn’t publicizing them. “Just because he’s not talking about it doesn’t mean those conversations are not happening behind the scenes,” she said.
Administration officials are expected to speak Saturday at a rally outside the White House as climate, labor and social justice groups urge Congress to pass climate legislation before Memorial Day. Similar events are planned in dozens of cities as activists stress the need for major investments to boost clean energy and create jobs.
The White House wants to win approval for more than $300 billion in tax credits for clean energy that advocates describe as crucial for meeting Biden’s goal of reducing emissions by up to 52% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Without the tax credits, “I don’t see a pathway,” said Nat Keohane, a former Obama energy adviser who is now president of the independent Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Reaching the midterm elections in November without them “would amount to a failure on the promise of the first year,’’ he said.
Asked if Biden’s goal of reducing emissions is still achievable, Psaki said, “We are continuing to pursue it, and we are going to continue to do everything we can to reach it.”
Psaki noted that the $1 trillion infrastructure law includes an array of climate policies, including funding for the construction of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations. However, an analysis by the consultancy McKinsey estimates that nearly 30 million chargers are needed by 2030.
The Ukraine war has worsened the political challenges at home by sending shockwaves through global energy markets and increasing gas prices.
It’s also caused Biden to change his tune on oil drilling. Last week, Biden moved forward with the first onshore sales of oil and gas drilling leases on public land, a move that environmental groups blasted even though the administration said it was only doing so under a court order.
Although the legal battle is ongoing, in the meantime Biden is encouraging new domestic production.
“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said in March.
The leasing plan “is an ugly betrayal of Joe Biden’s campaign promises and his administration’s rhetoric on environmental justice and climate action,″ said Collin Rees, U.S. political director at Oil Change International.
“Biden is choosing to stand with polluters over people at the expense of frontline communities and the future of the planet,” he added.
The war in Ukraine has also frustrated diplomatic efforts to address climate change.
John Kerry, Biden’s international climate envoy, has focused much of his efforts on prodding China, the world’s top consumer of coal, to transition to clean energy more quickly. But that work “is harder now” amid China’s defense of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kerry said Wednesday.
“Some of the differences in opinion between our countries have sharpened and hardened, and that makes diplomacy more difficult,” he said during an online discussion on climate finance with the Center for Global Development.
Kerry’s aides have downplayed talk he might leave the administration now that he’s served more than a year, and he remains a loyal defender of Biden’s climate efforts. But his tone has become more pessimistic recently, especially as Biden’s climate proposals remain stalled in Congress.
The administration was also rattled by recent reports that Biden’s domestic climate adviser, Gina McCarthy, plans to step down. McCarthy called the reports “simply inaccurate” and said she is “excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Another one of Biden’s climate-related efforts could divide the environmental community. His administration plans to offer $6 billion in funding to prevent financially distressed nuclear power plants from closing. Although the facilities produce carbon-free electricity, they’re viewed warily by some activists because of concerns about how to dispose of nuclear waste and the potential for devastating accidents.
“We’re using every tool available to get this country powered by clean energy by 2035,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.
Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental group Earthjustice, said that “spirits have dimmed” after the failures of the past year. Although she praised some of the policies that Biden has achieved so far, she said that “it’s not at the scale of climate action we need — full-stop.”
Now Republicans are poised to retake control of at least one chamber in Congress in November’s midterm elections, meaning there’s a limited window for making progress. Dillen and some other activists have suggested that Biden declare a climate emergency and use the Defense Production Act to boost renewable energy.
“It’s time to pull out all the stops,″ she said.
___
Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/biden-faces-headwinds-climate-agenda-ahead-earth-day/
| 2022-04-21T18:12:33Z
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Bride, caterer charged after lacing wedding food with drugs, sickening guests, officials say
LONGWOOD, Fla. (Gray News) - A bride and a food caterer are facing charges after police said they laced wedding food with drugs, which sickened multiple guests.
The bride, Danya Glenny, and the caterer, Joycelyn Bryant, were both arrested Monday.
According to an offense report from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called to a wedding venue on Feb. 19 in Longwood, just north of Orlando, after a wedding guest called 911 because he was “feeling weird.”
When first responders arrived, the guest told them he had drank wine but he “felt like he had drugs inside him.”
Firefighters with the Seminole County Fire Department treated multiple wedding guests on the scene who were feeling sick, complaining of stomach pains and vomiting. One wedding guest requested more help because people were “getting worse.”
At least one guest was taken to the hospital.
According to the offense report, officers discovered guests had likely ingested cannabis through the food that was being served by the catering company Joycelyn’s Southern Kitchen.
Several guests told deputies that they wished to press charges if their food had been laced with drugs.
Deputies collected food as evidence to be tested for drugs, including chocolate-covered strawberries, bread, wine, lasagna, cookies and brownies.
After investigating, the sheriff’s office arrested Glenny and Bryant. Both were charged with delivery of marijuana, culpable negligence and breaking the Florida anti-tampering act.
Both women were released on bond and are expected in court in June.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/bride-caterer-charged-after-lacing-wedding-food-with-drugs-sickening-guests-officials-say/
| 2022-04-21T18:12:40Z
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Chamber of Commerce hosts ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - There are several races to watch in Raleigh County heading into the May 2022 Primary. At the ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast in Beckley on Thursday, the public had the opportunity to put faces to the names they’ve seen on campaign signs recently.
The breakfast is hosted before each election by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
This year, there are many big issues driving voters to the polls, including broadband.
“People sometimes send me a text, I don’t get it. Sometimes I have to go to Beckley just to get it. So it’s really important that we get reliable wireless and cell phone coverage,” said incumbent Del. Christopher Toney, who is running for Raleigh County’s newly created 43rd district seat.
Social issues that make up the state’s moral fabric were also on the agenda. “I think it’s a choice between a woman and her doctor and not anyone sitting at the Capitol,” said Joanna Vance, a Democratic candidate in the same race, on the reproductive rights of women.
The ‘Meet the Candidates’ breakfast was a a chance to help voters make some of the tough decisions they will face in May, taking into account not only their track record but character.
During the question and answer section of the forum, moderator and WVVA News Anchor Martin Staunton asked candidate Kase Poling “When was the last time you lost your temper and what set you off?”
Poling responded. “It bothers me when people act one way in a public setting and turn and do something else, but I don’t know that I’ve had a chance to lose my temper at anyone for doing that.”
This year, state lawmakers voted to move the state from 67 multi-member to 100 single member districts. That means each newly redrawn district will have just one representative, and for a lot of voters, that also means a new representative.
Early voting gets underway next Wednesday. The primary is set for May 10, 2022.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/chamber-commerce-hosts-meet-candidates-breakfast/
| 2022-04-21T18:12:48Z
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First-graders praised after saving teacher who suffered COVID-19 seizure
ARDMORE, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) - A group of first-graders from an elementary school in Alabama jumped into action when their teacher was suffering a seizure.
WAFF reports teacher Tracy Hodges said she felt ill and asked the students to get help during a school day in January at Cedar Hill Elementary School in Ardmore.
That’s when first-grade student Emily Johnson and others stepped in to help out.
“Ms. Hodges started shaking in her chair, and then she said, ‘Go get help.’” Johnson recalled. “Then, we started running to the nurses.”
Hodges said she considers her students to be heroes. She was able to return to work soon after suffering the seizure.
“I had a COVID-19 seizure and they helped me,” Hodges said. “They have become hometown heroes ... just took action like a real hero does.”
Fruit and vegetable production company Dole recognized the students’ quick actions on Wednesday, labeling the 18 students as “Healthy Everyday Heroes” for helping Hodges. The children were given hero certificates, capes and masks as part of Dole’s hero-recognition program.
Hodges’ first-graders were also honored by local law enforcement for their quick thinking earlier this year.
Copyright 2022 WAFF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/first-graders-praised-after-saving-teacher-who-suffered-covid-19-seizure/
| 2022-04-21T18:12:55Z
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Florida legislature approves redistricting map amid protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a congressional map pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis during a raucous session as Black lawmakers chanted in protest over what they say will diminish the state’s Black representation in the U.S. House.
The DeSantis map would increase Florida’s GOP representation in Florida and would dismantle two districts now held by Black members of Congress.
The Florida House approved the measure along party lines after a brief delay when Black lawmakers staged a sit-in on the House floor. As debate on the maps was nearing an end, Reps. Angie Nixon and Tray McCurdy opened up their suit jackets to display “Stop The Black Attack” T-shirts and shouted the same phrase. They sat on the state seal in front of the House speaker’s rostrum and were soon joined by other other Black Democrats and other supporters.
The Republican-led chamber called a brief recess, all Republican lawmakers left the floor and the state Florida Channel temporarily stopped broadcasting the proceedings.
“This is good trouble! Necessary trouble!” Nixon shouted, echoing a phrase used by the late civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis.
The group sang “We Shall Overcome” and prayed. Some members went on Facebook to do live feeds of the protest. Nixon said in a text message to The Associated Press that the lawmakers would not leave the floor unless they were physically removed.
The Legislation was in special session to approve a new congressional map after DeSantis vetoed the maps lawmakers sent him. Republican leaders took a map from DeSantis instead of trying again to draw their own.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/florida-black-lawmakers-protest-desantis-congressional-map/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:02Z
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Disney self-government in peril after Florida House vote
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida House of Representatives on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s private government, handing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a victory in his feud with the entertainment giant over its opposition to a measure that critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The move could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and serves to further sour the relationship between the Republican-led government and a major political player in the state.
For DeSantis, the attack on Disney is his latest salvo in a culture war waged over policies such as race, gender and the coronavirus, battles that have turned him into one of the most popular GOP politicians in the country and a likely 2024 presidential candidate.
The dispute with Disney involves the company’s criticism of a new law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade as well as instruction that is not “age appropriate or developmentally appropriate.”
In March, Disney said it would suspend political donations in the state and added that it would in turn support organizations working to oppose the new law. DeSantis and his fellow Republicans then lashed out at Disney, and have defended the law as reasonable.
“Disney and other woke corporations won’t get away with peddling their unchecked pressure campaigns any longer,” DeSantis wrote in a fundraising pitch Wednesday. “If we want to keep the Democrat machine and their corporate lapdogs accountable, we have to stand together now.”
The bill passed by the legislature on Thursday would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023. The measure does allow for the districts to be reestablished, leaving an avenue to renegotiate its future. It now moves to DeSantis’ office to be signed into law.
Democrats have criticized the proposal as clear retaliation against the company and warned that local homeowners could get hit with big tax bills if they have to absorb bond debt from Disney — although such details are far from clear.
Disney is one of Florida’s biggest private employers, last year saying it had more than 60,000 workers in the state. It is not immediately clear how the company or local governments around its properties would be affected if the district was dissolved.
The creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and the control it gave Disney over 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) in Florida, was a crucial element in the company’s plans to build near Orlando in the 1960s. Company officials said they needed autonomy to plan a futuristic city along with the theme park. The city never materialized, however; instead, it morphed into the Epcot theme park.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/florida-legislature-votes-strip-disney-self-government/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:10Z
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Third suspect arrested in South Carolina mall shooting
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Police have arrested a third suspect accused of participating in an Easter weekend shootout at a South Carolina mall that wounded nine people.
The Columbia Police Department said Thursday on Twitter that Amari Sincere-Jamal Smith, 21, of Columbia, turned himself in after authorities obtained arrest warrants earlier this week.
Smith and two other men face charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault after police said they brought guns to a busy Columbia shopping center, eventually shooting nine bystanders. Another six were injured in the rush to exit Columbiana Centre in the state’s capital city. No fatalities have been announced in the incident.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook said at a Monday news conference that the three identified suspects knew each other and the attack was not random.
“Emotions took over, you had firearms that were introduced into the dispute, gunfire was exchanged and innocent people got injured in the crossfire,” Holbrook said.
Police said Smith also faces a charge of unlawfully carrying a pistol. Smith was scheduled for a bond hearing Thursday afternoon, according to online court records.
A judge denied bond for two other defendants, Jewayne M. Price and Marquise Love Robinson, on Tuesday, news outlets reported.
The mall shootout was one of two mass shootings that rocked the state over the Easter holiday weekend. State police are investigating after at least nine people were also shot at a nightclub in Hampton County that weekend.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/third-suspect-arrested-south-carolina-mall-shooting/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:16Z
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Toddler abandoned at the border in the middle of the night, loses shoes in the mud
ROMA, Texas (Gray News) – A 2-year-old boy was abandoned near the Rio Grande border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The little boy lost his shoes in the mud while crossing and was traveling within a group of 38 individuals.
Authorities say the toddler was medically screened and was in good health.
Agents found a birth certificate on the boy with the father’s information handwritten on the back.
According to CBP, agents have encountered over 38,000 noncitizen unaccompanied children in the first six months of the fiscal year 2022, outpacing encounters for the same reporting period last year.
Many of the children are very young and aren’t able to provide names or phone numbers of family members, so agents must rely on information written on clothing or notes found on the child to locate next of kin.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/toddler-abandoned-border-middle-night-loses-shoes-mud/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:23Z
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Truck overturns, 10 cows run loose on interstate in North Carolina
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Gray News) - Officials in North Carolina diverted traffic for several hours Thursday because of cattle roaming loose on the interstate.
The Winston-Salem Police Department said 10 cows were loose after a tractor-trailer that was carrying them overturned.
Officials shut down the interstate and advised drivers to use “extreme caution” in the area as “cows are wandering.”
Police said there were crashes reported in connection to the incident but didn’t specify how many or if anyone was injured.
As of early Thursday afternoon, all cows had been located and safely removed except one. Police reopened the highway as they continued to search for the remaining loose cow.
Police did not say if the cows were put back on the truck or if they were taken elsewhere.
Piedmont Emergency Animal Services assisted in safely removing the cattle from the roadway.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/truck-overturns-10-cows-run-loose-interstate-north-carolina/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:29Z
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WATCH: SUV trapped on sandbank for three days becomes big weekend attraction
BAR HARBOR, Maine (WABI/Gray News) - An SUV was stuck for three days on a sandbar in Maine after someone drove it out at low tide and it became stuck.
Multiple attempts to tow the vehicle trapped between Bar Harbor and Bar Island proved unsuccessful.
It sat on flotation devices until another attempt to tow it out came at low tide Monday, WABI reported.
“We came down to see if we could maybe walk across to Bar Island and get an understanding of the tides and all that. We came down and saw a party started,” Delaware resident Thomas Cooper said.
For those who do this kind of thing for a living, trying to get this 2021 Ford Bronco to shore hasn’t been like the others.
“Never had to float one before. Usually we can get them out without floating, but this is very unique, and it’s going to sit there until low tide,” Island Towing owner Lester Foss said.
But that’s not the only thing that made this one different. For a place that will see millions of visitors this summer, this was one of Acadia National Park’s biggest attractions over the weekend.
“This is one of the very biggest ones I’ve seen. Yesterday, there was probably 200 people were lined up on the beach over here,” Foss said.
By the time Monday rolled around, it even had its own soundtrack.
“The music was different. Definitely different,” Foss said.
This is certainly not the first time a vehicle has needed to be rescued between Bar Harbor and Bar Island. It actually happens every year, but it doesn’t usually take three days for a vehicle to be rescued. It also doesn’t usually turn into this kind of party.
Greg Canders with Canders Diving Services said he has never had music played before.
“The Beach Boys are playing, and I wanted to start dancing on the way in,” he said. “I thought that was really cool. It’s a beautiful day. It’s springtime. Everybody’s happy to be outside, so it just added to everybody’s success here today. It was great to see everybody out.”
Gary Allen made himself the “Bronco Rescue” music director.
“Life is pretty serious a lot, and smiling and laughing is way better than crying,” Allen said. “I think that you don’t want to make fun of other people’s misfortune; however, don’t drive where you shouldn’t be, and then this won’t happen.”
Officials said the Bronco was finally pulled to shore late Monday.
You can hear the entire playlist from the beach Monday morning by searching BH BRONCO RESCUE on Spotify.
Copyright 2022 WABI via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/watch-suv-trapped-sandbank-three-days-becomes-big-weekend-attraction/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:35Z
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WVSP ask for community help in searching for a missing Raleigh County man
Published: Apr. 21, 2022 at 12:48 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. (WVVA) - West Virginia State Police (WVSP) is searching for a missing Raleigh County man.
James Aaron Griffith, 31, was last seen Saturday, April 16, in the Shady Spring area.
Griffith was possibly heading toward Flat Top area of Mercer County on a red and white dirt bike.
Griffith is approximately six feet tall and weighs 200 lbs, he has dark brown hair with a brown reddish beard.
Griffith is possibly wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants with a red and white riding helmet.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/wvsp-ask-community-help-searching-missing-raleigh-county-man/
| 2022-04-21T18:13:41Z
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Airlines want to bring back passengers banned over masks
DALLAS (AP) — Airlines have banned several thousand passengers since the pandemic started for refusing to wear masks. Now they want most of those passengers back.
American, United and Delta have all indicated that they will lift the bans they imposed now that masks are optional on flights.
“We have talked to them individually,” United CEO Scott Kirby told NBC on Thursday. “Many of them assure us that now that the mask mandate is off, everything is going to be fine, and I trust that the vast majority of them will.”
American Airlines Chief Government Affairs Officer Nate Gatten told reporters that “in most cases,” people who were banned over masks will be allowed back.
“In cases where an incident may have started with face mask non-compliance and escalated into anything involving something more serious — certainly an assault on one of our team members or customers — those passengers ... will never be allowed to travel with us again,” Gatten said.
Delta Air Lines spokesman Morgan Durrant said the airline will restore flying privileges after a case-by-case review and the customer’s understanding of expected behavior.
“Any further disregard for the policies that keep us all safe will result in placement on Delta’s permanent no-fly list,” he said.
Airlines have reported more than 7,000 incidents of disruptive passengers to the Federal Aviation Administration since the start of 2021, when unruliness aboard planes seemed to take off. More than two-thirds of those cases involved passengers who refused to wear a mask.
Several thousand passengers wound up on airline no-fly lists, although the exact number is unclear because American and Southwest have never disclosed how many people they banned.
Alaska Airlines said this week that banned passengers won’t be welcomed back. Southwest said a judge’s ruling that struck down the federal mandate won’t change its decision to bar an undisclosed number of passengers.
There have been enough twists this week in the mask-mandate story to make even a seasoned flyer a bit airsick. On Monday, a federal judge in Florida struck down the mandate, which dated to February 2021 and also covered public transportation including trains, subways and buses. She said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention didn’t follow proper rule-making procedures.
Within hours, most airlines rushed to make masks optional. When the Transportation Security Administration announced a few hours later that it wouldn’t enforce the rule, many — but not all — airports and public transit systems also made masks voluntary.
Late Wednesday, the Justice Department announced that it will appeal the Florida judge’s ruling. However, the Biden administration did not indicate whether it plans to seek an immediate stay of the ruling — which could allow the TSA to resume enforcing the mask rule.
In the meantime, the FAA’s acting administrator, Billy Nolen, said the agency is making its zero-tolerance policy against unruly passengers permanent. Under the policy, the FAA can seek fines without first issuing warnings to disruptive passengers.
Reaction has been mixed to the end of the mask mandate. On Monday, many passengers cheered when told in mid-flight that they could remove their masks. Other people took to social media to say they didn’t want to fly if other passengers were unmasked.
United’s Kirby and American’s chief commercial officer, Vasu Raja, said they have seen no indication yet that the demise of the rule is affecting ticket sales one way or the other.
Airline officials believe that any increase in customers happy over not needing a mask will be offset by people who choose not to fly because other passengers won’t be masked.
With the rule gone for now, airlines are training their lobbying efforts on eliminating the requirement that international travelers pass a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding a flight to the U.S. Airline officials believe that rule is making Americans hesitate to book international travel because they could be stranded away from home if they contract the virus on their trip.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/airlines-want-bring-back-passengers-banned-over-masks/
| 2022-04-21T18:41:34Z
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Disney self-government in peril after Florida House vote
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida House of Representatives on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s private government, handing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a victory in his feud with the entertainment giant over its opposition to a measure that critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The move could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and serves to further sour the relationship between the Republican-led government and a major political player in the state.
For DeSantis, the attack on Disney is his latest salvo in a culture war waged over policies such as race, gender and the coronavirus, battles that have turned him into one of the most popular GOP politicians in the country and a likely 2024 presidential candidate.
The dispute with Disney involves the company’s criticism of a new law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade as well as instruction that is not “age appropriate or developmentally appropriate.”
In March, Disney said it would suspend political donations in the state and added that it would in turn support organizations working to oppose the new law. DeSantis and his fellow Republicans then lashed out at Disney, and have defended the law as reasonable.
“Disney and other woke corporations won’t get away with peddling their unchecked pressure campaigns any longer,” DeSantis wrote in a fundraising pitch Wednesday. “If we want to keep the Democrat machine and their corporate lapdogs accountable, we have to stand together now.”
The bill passed by the legislature on Thursday would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023. The measure does allow for the districts to be reestablished, leaving an avenue to renegotiate its future. It now moves to DeSantis’ office to be signed into law.
Democrats have criticized the proposal as clear retaliation against the company and warned that local homeowners could get hit with big tax bills if they have to absorb bond debt from Disney — although such details are far from clear.
Disney is one of Florida’s biggest private employers, last year saying it had more than 60,000 workers in the state. It is not immediately clear how the company or local governments around its properties would be affected if the district was dissolved.
The creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and the control it gave Disney over 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) in Florida, was a crucial element in the company’s plans to build near Orlando in the 1960s. Company officials said they needed autonomy to plan a futuristic city along with the theme park. The city never materialized, however; instead, it morphed into the Epcot theme park.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/florida-legislature-votes-strip-disney-self-government/
| 2022-04-21T18:41:41Z
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Toddler abandoned at the border in the middle of the night, loses shoes in the mud
ROMA, Texas (Gray News) – A 2-year-old boy was abandoned near the Rio Grande border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The little boy lost his shoes in the mud while crossing and was traveling within a group of 38 individuals.
Authorities say the toddler was medically screened and was in good health.
Agents found a birth certificate on the boy with the father’s information handwritten on the back.
According to CBP, agents have encountered over 38,000 noncitizen unaccompanied children in the first six months of the fiscal year 2022, outpacing encounters for the same reporting period last year.
Many of the children are very young and aren’t able to provide names or phone numbers of family members, so agents must rely on information written on clothing or notes found on the child to locate next of kin.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/toddler-abandoned-border-middle-night-loses-shoes-mud/
| 2022-04-21T18:41:47Z
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Truck overturns, 10 cows run loose on interstate in North Carolina
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Gray News) - Officials in North Carolina diverted traffic for several hours Thursday because of cattle roaming loose on the interstate.
The Winston-Salem Police Department said 10 cows were loose after a tractor-trailer that was carrying them overturned.
Officials shut down the interstate and advised drivers to use “extreme caution” in the area as “cows are wandering.”
Police said there were crashes reported in connection to the incident but didn’t specify how many or if anyone was injured.
As of early Thursday afternoon, all cows had been located and safely removed except one. Police reopened the highway as they continued to search for the remaining loose cow.
Police did not say if the cows were put back on the truck or if they were taken elsewhere.
Piedmont Emergency Animal Services assisted in safely removing the cattle from the roadway.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/truck-overturns-10-cows-run-loose-interstate-north-carolina/
| 2022-04-21T18:41:53Z
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WATCH: SUV trapped on sandbank for three days becomes big weekend attraction
BAR HARBOR, Maine (WABI/Gray News) - An SUV was stuck for three days on a sandbar in Maine after someone drove it out at low tide and it became stuck.
Multiple attempts to tow the vehicle trapped between Bar Harbor and Bar Island proved unsuccessful.
It sat on flotation devices until another attempt to tow it out came at low tide Monday, WABI reported.
“We came down to see if we could maybe walk across to Bar Island and get an understanding of the tides and all that. We came down and saw a party started,” Delaware resident Thomas Cooper said.
For those who do this kind of thing for a living, trying to get this 2021 Ford Bronco to shore hasn’t been like the others.
“Never had to float one before. Usually we can get them out without floating, but this is very unique, and it’s going to sit there until low tide,” Island Towing owner Lester Foss said.
But that’s not the only thing that made this one different. For a place that will see millions of visitors this summer, this was one of Acadia National Park’s biggest attractions over the weekend.
“This is one of the very biggest ones I’ve seen. Yesterday, there was probably 200 people were lined up on the beach over here,” Foss said.
By the time Monday rolled around, it even had its own soundtrack.
“The music was different. Definitely different,” Foss said.
This is certainly not the first time a vehicle has needed to be rescued between Bar Harbor and Bar Island. It actually happens every year, but it doesn’t usually take three days for a vehicle to be rescued. It also doesn’t usually turn into this kind of party.
Greg Canders with Canders Diving Services said he has never had music played before.
“The Beach Boys are playing, and I wanted to start dancing on the way in,” he said. “I thought that was really cool. It’s a beautiful day. It’s springtime. Everybody’s happy to be outside, so it just added to everybody’s success here today. It was great to see everybody out.”
Gary Allen made himself the “Bronco Rescue” music director.
“Life is pretty serious a lot, and smiling and laughing is way better than crying,” Allen said. “I think that you don’t want to make fun of other people’s misfortune; however, don’t drive where you shouldn’t be, and then this won’t happen.”
Officials said the Bronco was finally pulled to shore late Monday.
You can hear the entire playlist from the beach Monday morning by searching BH BRONCO RESCUE on Spotify.
Copyright 2022 WABI via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/watch-suv-trapped-sandbank-three-days-becomes-big-weekend-attraction/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:00Z
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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The attached letter, signed by over 60 behavioral scientists from institutions around the country, was sent by the ideas42 Policy Lab today to the bipartisan leaders of the United States Senate and House of Representatives urging Congress to pass an extended version of the 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC).
The 2021 Child Tax Credit was an effective anti-poverty tool because it made it easy for eligible families to access their benefit. It reached about 65 million children and reduced child poverty by an estimated 30%.
Behavioral science demonstrates that easier and more accessible processes allow people to follow through on their intended actions. Today's letter provides an overview of several key provisions of the 2021 CTC that aligned with these realities to the benefit of families, as well as a call to action to include these provisions in a newly extended CTC:
- Automatic enrollment: This makes it easier for eligible families to enroll in the CTC. Over 729,000 children were automatically enrolled in 2021.
- Increased credit and monthly payments: Additional cash benefit amounts, coupled with monthly disbursements, equipped families to better navigate uncertain times by supporting and smoothing consumption. These provisions alone reduced child poverty in 2021 by an estimated 5%.
- Refundable credit: A refundable CTC allows families with the lowest incomes to receive the full benefit. An estimated 3.6 million children gained the resources they needed to stay out of poverty in 2021 due to this provision.
The letter also details additional provisions that leverage behavioral science to help families access the benefit and meet their needs:
- Presumptive eligibility and a grace period: These provisions will help eligible families get cash right away and give caregivers who forget to enroll initially retroactive access to their benefits. Outreach funding: Additional funding for behaviorally informed outreach will help ensure all eligible families interested in accessing their benefit are able to do so.
- Safe harbor clause: A safe harbor clause protects families who were accidentally given incorrect amounts of credit from having to repay it.
- Immigrant access: Removing documentation requirements that exclude immigrant families with ITINs would increase CTC access to about 1 million immigrant children.
Kelli Garcia, Director of the ideas42 Policy Lab, commented: "The Child Tax Credit is good policy that incorporates behavioral science principles to reduce child poverty. Today's letter demonstrates that the CTC shouldn't be a political issue. The facts support extending it. Congress must act soon to help families during a time when every dollar matters more than ever."
The full text of the letter, including additional evidence on the benefits of an expanded CTC and list of signatures of behavioral scientists urging Congress to take action can be found here.
Questions about the letter and/or an expanded CTC should be directed to Kelli Garcia, Director of the ideas42 Policy Lab at kelli@ideas42.org.
About ideas42
ideas42 is a non-profit that uses insights from human behavior—why people do what they do—to help improve lives, build better systems and policies, and drive social change. For more than a decade, we've been at the forefront of applying behavioral science in the real world. Our efforts have so far extended to over 50 countries as we've partnered with governments, foundations, NGOs, private enterprises, and a wide array of public institutions–in short, anyone who wants to make a positive difference in peoples' lives. For more, visit ideas42.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mitra Salasel, mitra@ideas42.org
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/60-behavioral-scientists-urge-us-congress-extend-child-tax-credit/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:08Z
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Attorneys ask N.J. Superior Court to compel compliance with landmark prison reform agreements
TRENTON, N.J., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The attorneys for a class of thousands of women who suffered abuse at New Jersey's notorious Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women allege in a new court filing that the state Department of Corrections has failed to issue timely payments to the class, in violation of the settlement agreement.
The enforcement action, filed yesterday in state Superior Court (Nobles et al. v. Anderson, et al. HNT-L-145-19, Brown et al. v. NJDOC et al., HNT-L-76-19), alleges the state failed to meet its April 11 payment deadline and that "judicial intervention is necessary to protect the rights of the class members." The filing asks the court to compel compliance with the settlement agreement's deadlines.
Attorneys for the class described the state's conduct as "extremely disappointing," and noted that there have been previous issues with the state's adherence to other aspects of the court-approved settlement
The class action settlement applies to all women incarcerated at Edan Mahan from 2014 through 2021. The Plaintiffs are represented by Oliver Barry (Barry, Corrado & Grassi, PC), Martin Schrama and Stefanie Colella-Walsh (Stark & Stark), Mark Frost (Mark Frost & Associates), and Shauna Friedman, David Cedar, and Gerald Williams (Williams Cedar, LLC). The Department of Corrections is represented by Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi, PC.
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SOURCE Barry Corrado Law Firm
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/abused-inmates-new-jerseys-womens-prison-allege-new-jersey-department-corrections-failed-meet-deadline-payments/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:15Z
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In Honor of Earth Day, Airly and The GIANT Company are Making Sizeable Donations to Help Feed their Philadelphia Neighbors
ST. LOUIS, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Airly® Foods, the first-ever climate-friendly snack brand on a mission to help reverse climate change through food, and The GIANT Company are teaming up to help feed Philadelphians in advance of Earth Day. Earlier today, joined by Director of Manufacturing and Advanced Industries with the Department of Commerce Altoro Hall, and State Representative Joseph Hohenstein, the two companies provided donations and volunteered their time to help to one of the largest food banks in the greater Philadelphia region, Caring For Friends.
Airly Foods donated more than 13,000 packs of its Airly® Oat Clouds™ Snack Crackers to Caring for Friends – enough to provide a three-month supply to Philadelphia community members suffering from hunger. This includes homebound seniors and veterans, people with disabilities, and children who heavily rely on Caring for Friends year-round, and especially while school is out of session.
The GIANT Company provided an additional donation of Airly Oat Clouds to Caring for Friends which will be included in a massive distribution of non-perishable food items. In addition, the company will be providing a $5,000 to the nonprofit to help feed neighbors.
"Here at Airly, we are fierce advocates for not only the well-being of our climate, but the well-being of our communities. We acknowledge it will take big changes across the globe to tackle these societal issues, whether it's climate change, hunger or poverty," says Airly Co-Founder Jennifer McKnight. "While we may be a small food brand, we believe that together, small changes can make a huge difference, which is why we are honored to come together with The GIANT Company to support the mission of Caring For Friends, helping our Philadelphia-area neighbors in need, while also bettering the planet."
"Nonprofits like Caring for Friends have been gravely impacted by inflation and supply chain issues, so this generous donation will allow us to offer not just needed food, but to help hunger and the environment -- at once," says Vince Schivone, CEO of Caring for Friends. "Our mission is to provide food and friendship to those in need in the Philadelphia 5-county area through a free home meal delivery program, an outreach program to people facing homelessness, and by working with 200+ community-based groups. This donation will go a long way to helping feed those in need, and we are so grateful for Airly and The GIANT Company's contribution."
"At The GIANT Company, it's important that our supplier partners share our commitment to creating a better tomorrow for the families we serve," said Manuel Haro, Divisional Vice President of Greater Philadelphia, The GIANT Company. "Eliminating hunger will take the efforts of us all and that's why we're thrilled to be teaming up with Airly to celebrate Earth Day and help Caring for Friends do more of what they do best: feeding Philadelphians."
To learn more about how you can support Caring for Friends, visit www.CaringforFriends.org to discover additional volunteer and donation opportunities.
Contact: Airlyfoods@legendpr.com
Airly Foods is part of Bright Future Foods LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Post Holdings, Inc. To learn more, visit airlyfoods.com.
Founded in 1974 on the belief that no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people, Caring for Friends is a volunteer organization and independent food bank serving greater Philadelphia. CFF provides food and friendship to homebound seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities; provides food to people facing homelessness; and donates food to more than 250 community partners in unserved and underserved neighborhoods. In 2021, CFF rescued, sourced, and distributed more than 12 million pounds of food. Donate or volunteer to cook meals, pack snacks, make deliveries or visit with clients at caringforfriends.org.
The GIANT Company believes that no matter where or how, when meals happen, families connect, and when families connect meaningfully, good happens. Guided by its brand platform, For Today's Table®, the omni-channel retailer proudly serves millions of neighbors across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey. A Great Place to Work™ certified company with more than 35,000 talented team members supporting 190 stores, 133 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and over 175 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes, The GIANT Company is changing the customer experience and connecting families for a better future. Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Pa., The GIANT Company family of brands includes GIANT, MARTIN'S, GIANT Heirloom Market, GIANT Direct and MARTIN'S Direct. The GIANT Company is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA. For more information, visit the GIANT or MARTIN'S websites.
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SOURCE Airly Foods
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/airly-foods-giant-company-team-up-better-planet-communities-by-supporting-caring-friends/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:23Z
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Albuquerque Job Corps has immediate availability to safely provide campus living, overall health and wellness, and educate qualified applicants and place such applicants directly into employment in our community.
The Albuquerque Job Corps campus can serve 327 students aged 16-24 in areas such as electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, office administration and advanced solar installation. In addition, the campus works directly with local and national employers to help fill in-demand and well-paying positions. Among those employers are Kelly Cable of New Mexico, Raysteel Inc., JPR Construction Supply and Titan Solar Power.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of students the Albuquerque Job Corps has served over the past year and a half. But with effective vaccines and continued safety precautions, the center is now ready to resume full operation.
"We are incredibly excited that our campus has reopened and are eager to bring in deserving young people and help them start their careers," stated Samuel Kolapo, Center Director at the Albuquerque Job Corps. "With a long track record of successfully placing our graduates into meaningful careers in Albuquerque, we want our community to know that Job Corps is a terrific first option for any interested young person."
The Albuquerque Job Corps has already demonstrated it is able to provide safe and healthy residential living and serve students effectively despite COVID. The campus has protocols and policies in place to track COVID symptoms, test, and prevent an outbreak.
"The past two years has been trying for all of us. This time has also shown us that Job Corps' dedication to teaching trades to young people has made a big difference not only in the lives of our students and their families, but in the lives of Americans reliant upon the work Job Corps alumni have been trained to do," said Byron V. Garrett, CEO and President of National Job Corps Association.
"Given our availability to immediately serve students, we know the potential for our campuses to transform lives and want everyone to know that Job Corps is reopened and ready to help."
For more information about student outreach and recruitment, contact:
Melodee Saiz
Outreach and Admissions Director
Ph: (505) 222-4248
E: saiz.melodee@jobcorps.org
About Aleut-Odle Training & Development
Aleut-Odle Training & Development (AOTD) is a Small Business Administration (SBA) approved mentor-protégé agreement between Aleut Operations, LLC, a Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) program participant and Small Disadvantaged Business, and Odle Management Group, LLC. AOTD specializes in career training and job placement support managing Job Corps Centers for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Currently, AOTD operates the Albuquerque, N.M. Job Corps campus, as well as the Paul Simon Job Corps campus in Chicago, Ill. (as of May 1, 2022).
About Aleut
Aleut Operations, LLC (Aleut) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aleut Federal, LLC, a holding company for federal subsidiaries of The Aleut Corporation (TAC). TAC was one of 13 original Alaska Native Corporations established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), passed by the U.S. Congress in 1971.
Aleut has performed as a major subcontractor to Odle Management Group, LLC, on its DOL contracts at the New Orleans and Gainesville Job Corps campuses, and the New York-New Jersey Job Corps student recruitment and job placement services contract. Aleut is ISO 9001:2015 certified through independent registrar, QAS International (Certificate No. US4620F).
About ODLE
Founded in 2004, ODLE Management Group, LLC (ODLE) is an experienced workforce development provider. ODLE is the prime contractor and manages the day-to-day operations of several Job Corps campuses, including outreach, admissions, and placement services. Prime contracts are in Louisiana (New Orleans), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Virginia (Old Dominion in Monroe), Texas (El Paso) and Oklahoma (Tulsa). In addition, ODLE is a subcontractor in New Mexico (Albuquerque), Florida (Pinellas County) and Washington, D.C. (Potomac).
ODLE has received distinguished honors from the Small Business Administration, Arizona Small Business Administration, and the Arizona Small Business Development Center. In February 2020, ODLE completed a merger with Eckerd Connects, a private, national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization; ODLE remains a separate organization and a wholly owned subsidiary.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/albuquerque-job-corps-center-is-reopened-ready-transform-lives/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:30Z
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The film acknowledges the realities of postpartum experiences to show moms they are not alone
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This Mother's Day, Baby Dove introduces #OneRealPressure, a new campaign created to inspire real conversation about navigating the pressures of early motherhood. This initiative is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to bolster parents' belief in their ability to care for their babies with confidence, with support.
Baby Dove is committed to changing the narrative and encouraging moms to share just #OneRealPressure on social media this Mother's Day and beyond. The campaign call-to-action will empower moms to talk about the real experiences they have faced during their own postpartum journeys.
"The pressures of early motherhood can affect moms in many ways. As a brand born to provide superior care to new families, Baby Dove understands this reality for new moms and wants them to know that they are not alone," explains Sally Brown, Global Brand Director, Baby Dove. "Together, we recognize the power of shared experiences, and how by destigmatizing these pressures through conversation, we can build a community that supports new moms on their postpartum journeys."
After giving birth, new moms are met with a new reality at the most transformational moment of their lives. Women feel pressure to be the perfect mom and aren't given the space to talk about the overwhelming challenges that come with motherhood. As a result of these pressures, one in five new moms experience serious mental health conditions in the postpartum period: including Postpartum Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression.1 Though many women are experiencing pressures, challenges and deteriorated mental health, they avoid discussing the unrealistic expectations of new motherhood with others. Research shows that 85% of moms agree the first year of motherhood is nothing like what they see on social media.2
"We partnered with Baby Dove to listen to people's postpartum experiences. Motherhood is a lot. The research suggests that many birthing parents or caregivers do not have opportunities to authentically share their realities and connect– which reflects our culture and our inner voices," said Dr. Kristin Tully, PhD, a leading member of the UNC School of Medicine's 4th Trimester Project. "We stand together to change the narrative. Being open and vulnerable is a sign of strength and an important part of improving systems of support. We look forward to a future in which the postpartum tune is about wellness and joy.
To shed light on the real experiences of new mothers, Baby Dove will release a short film, titled: "Under Pressure." The film will feature stories of real challenges new moms face, to destigmatize conversations around the struggles of the postpartum experience and is set to a modern rendition of Queen's "Under Pressure," performed by Claudia Gomes, a new mom facing her own postpartum pressures. This film features a montage of raw scenes depicting some of the earliest and most challenging moments of motherhood, including: feeding obstacles, sleep deprivation, body changes and balancing responsibilities outside of the home. The film intends to build a shared sense of experience and recognize the real, unfiltered, and often unshared moments of new motherhood.
Baby Dove is raising awareness of postpartum struggles so more women will recognize symptoms and fewer will suffer in silence. In partnership with Postpartum Support International (PSI) – the world's largest perinatal mental health organization – and a group of real moms who have experienced Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression, Baby Dove is providing true accounts, resources, and tools needed to navigate the pressures of postpartum – all available to review and learn more on BabyDove.com.
"Research has found that 72% of women agree they wish they knew more about postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. Most of the time, new moms going through the postpartum period mistakenly think they are failing at parenting. We are excited to work alongside Baby Dove to make our resources more accessible to the general public, so that women and their families can increase their awareness of two of the most difficult pressures for new moms. We want to help them improve their ability to identify symptoms and know where to reach out for help," notes Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, Executive Director of PSI.
Baby Dove will also encourage moms to share and engage with one another digitally and in real life:
- Beginning April 25th, Baby Dove, powered by Google, will reply with tools and resources to the thousands of search queries posted by moms regarding postpartum struggles.
- On May 4th, Baby Dove, in partnership with BabyCenter, will convene leading experts across postpartum specialties to engage in a virtual roundtable discussion focused on signs, symptoms and support for moms experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety.
- At BabyDove.com, we will host a suite of resources for moms facing the broad spectrum of postpartum pressures, true stories from real moms who have shared these experiences, helpful articles about the challenges women face during their postpartum journeys and more.
Join us and share #OneRealPressure about your own postpartum experience to support other moms. Visit BabyDove.com for more resources from Postpartum Support International and visit NewMomHealth.com for postpartum information from the 4th Trimester Project.
About Dove
Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with the launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and ¼ moisturizing cream. Dove's heritage is based on moisturization, and it is proof not promises that enabled Dove to grow from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands.
Women have always been our inspiration and since the beginning, we have been wholly committed to providing superior care to all women and to championing real beauty in our advertising. Dove believes that beauty is for everyone. That beauty should be a source of confidence and not anxiety. Dove's mission is to inspire women everywhere to develop a positive relationship with the way they look and realize their personal potential for beauty.
For 60 years, Dove has been committed to broadening the narrow definition of beauty in the work they do. With the 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge,' Dove vows to:
- Portray women with honesty, diversity and respect. We feature women of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, hair color, type and style.
- Portray women as they are in real life, with zero digital distortion and all images approved by the women they feature.
- Help young people build body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the biggest provider of self-esteem education in the world.
About Baby Dove
Baby Dove entered the baby care market in 2017 – with the aim to bring something very different in terms of superior care to baby skin. Baby Dove was created from the long, trusted heritage of Dove, with the goal to bring the 60-year superior care credentials to the most delicate skin: baby skin. Baby Dove® is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores.
About Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the world's leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. PSI was founded in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties that women can experience during and after pregnancy. The organization offers support, reliable information, best practice training, and volunteer coordinators in all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 other countries around the world. Working together with its volunteers, caring professionals, researchers, legislators and others, PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate and quality care is available to all families. To learn more about PSI, call 800-944-4PPD or visit postpartum.net.
About the 4th Trimester Project
The 4th Trimester Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill brings together new mothers, health care providers, researchers, and other stakeholders to build knowledge about postpartum health issues and strengthen systems of care. The team is committed to advancing health equity through co-developing resources with expectant and postpartum people, clinicians, and community leaders. The 4th Trimester Project team manages the mom-centered, mom-designed, evidence-based postpartum information resource, NewMomHealth.com. The site offers postpartum recovery and self-care support for birthing parents, with postpartum health care materials and tools for health providers to improve and streamline care after childbirth.
The 4th Trimester Project is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Jordan Institute for Families (JIF) in the School of Social Work, the Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health (UNC CMIH) within the School of Medicine, and the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute within Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The current interdisciplinary team is comprised of Amelia Gibson, PhD; Kimberly Harper, RN; Venus Standard, CNM, LCCE; Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc; Kristin Tully, PhD; Sarah Verbiest, DrPH, MSW, MPH; and Suzanne Woodward at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Learn more about the 4th Trimester Project work and team at www.NewMomHealth.com/About (www.SaludMadre.com para Español).
Media Contact: Suzanne Woodward, SuzanneW@med.unc.edu.
About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Personal Care, Home Care, and Foods & Refreshment products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 148,000 employees and generated sales of €52.4 billion in 2021. Over half of our footprint is in developing and emerging markets. We have around 400 brands found in homes all over the world – including iconic brands like Dove, Knorr, Hellmann's, Magnum, Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Degree, Seventh Generation, St. Ives, Suave, TRESemmé, and Vaseline.
Our vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business and to demonstrate how our purpose-led, future-fit business model drives superior performance. We have a long tradition of being a progressive, responsible business. It goes back to the days of our founder William Lever, who launched the world's first purposeful brand, Sunlight Soap, more than 100 years ago, and it's at the heart of how we run our company today.
The Unilever Compass, our sustainable business strategy, is set out to help us deliver superior performance and drive sustainable and responsible growth, while:
- improving the health of the planet;
- improving people's health, confidence and wellbeing; and
- contributing to a fairer and more socially inclusive world.
While there is still more to do, in the past year we're proud to have achieved sector leadership in S&P's Dow Jones Sustainability Index, 'Triple A' status in CDP's Climate, Water and Forest benchmarks, and to be named as the top ranked company in the GlobeScan/SustainAbility Sustainability Leaders survey for the eleventh consecutive year.
For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com
For more information on Unilever Canada and its brands visit: www.unilever.ca
1 Baby Dove x 4th Trimester Project Maternal Mental Health Whitepaper Delivered by the 4th Trimester Project Team at UNC Chapel Hill
2 Baby Dove x 4th Trimester Project Maternal Mental Health Whitepaper Delivered by the 4th Trimester Project Team at UNC Chapel Hill
Media Contact:
Haley Wickham
Haley.Wickham@edelman.com
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SOURCE Baby Dove
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/baby-dove-destigmatizes-postpartum-challenges-with-new-onerealpressure-campaign/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:37Z
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NASSAU, Bahamas, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Baha Mar is thrilled to announce its five-year anniversary with a calendar of exciting activations. Welcoming more than one million guests since opening on April 21, 2017, Baha Mar has much cause to celebrate. Major milestones include opening three world-class oceanfront hotels, Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood, the largest Casino in the Caribbean, over 45 distinct restaurants and bars, launch of the $200 million luxury waterpark Baha Bay, and creation of the industry-leading Travel with Confidence program, which aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for guests during these unprecedented times. Throughout the last five years the resort has exceeded expectations and projections, hired more than 5,000 associates, supported the local community through its Baha Mar Resort Foundation, created countless award-winning experiences such as the Jack Nicklaus signature designed Royal Blue Golf Course, the 30,000 sq. ft. ESPA flagship spa and the carefully curated Current, Baha Mar's Gallery and Art Center. Baha Mar has become known for its luxury of choice by offering a variety of accommodations, activities and amenities that allow travelers of all ages to enjoy a truly customized vacation.
"Recognizing how far Baha Mar has come in the last five years would be impossible without acknowledging all of the hard work of our incredible associates, and support we have received from our guests and our island community," said Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar. "This is an extremely special anniversary, and we want to express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of Baha Mar."
The festivities begin with an opportunity for travelers to book exclusive five-year anniversary deals and stay packages offered for a limited time. Baha Mar generously extends a $500 resort credit to guests who book the 5th night free offer between April 21st – 26th 2022. For a list of all offerings, please visit www.bahamar.com/offers.
Additionally, Baha Mar is excited to launch @ExperienceBahaMar, a new Instagram and Facebook page for guests and the community to stay up to date on special events and surprise-and-delight moments. Locals and guests staying on property can follow along on Baha Mar's new social channel and have the chance to win special giveaways full of exciting and unique Baha Mar experiences, such as a treatment at the signature ESPA spa, a round of golf at Royal Blue, Baha Mar's Jack Nicklaus signature designed course, a catamaran excursion, a three night stay with $500 resort credit, and much more.
Baha Mar is committed to recognizing the contributions of its 5,000 associates who are the foundation of the resort. To honor these individuals, and all their hard work, the property will host a variety of activations to celebrate those who make Baha Mar an unforgettable experience for all. Festivities include a special birthday celebration, live performances, storytelling series highlighting Baha Mar associates across the property, giveaways exclusively for associates, and limited-edition Baha Mar merchandise.
Cementing its commitment to the future of the Bahamas, the Baha Mar Foundation will release a five-year community impact recap and roadmap addressing plans for the future of responsible travel and local support. The Baha Mar Foundation is built on three pillars: community, culture, and conservation, with the goal of championing sustainable conservation efforts, celebrating The Bahamas' diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions, and strengthening the community through educational improvements.
For more information on the Baha Mar five-year anniversary celebrations, please visit www.bahamar.com/offers or follow along at @BahaMarResorts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About Baha Mar
Baha Mar is a master planned integrated resort development situated on 1,000 acres overlooking the world's famous Cable Beach. The white sand beach destination includes three global brand operators – Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood – over 2,300 rooms and more than 45 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a state-of-the-art convention center, Royal Blue Golf Course, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course, a brand new $200 million Baha Bay luxury water park, the Caribbean's first and only flagship ESPA spa, and over 30 luxury retail outlets. Baha Mar is a breathtaking location with dynamic programming, activities, and guest offerings in one of the most beautiful places in the world – The Bahamas. For more information and reservations, visit www.bahamar.com.
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SOURCE Baha Mar
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/baha-mar-celebrates-five-year-anniversary/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:46Z
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BALANI Custom Clothiers, a US-based tailor with locations in Chicago, Dallas, New York and a dozen cities, has been named as the suit of choice by Henrik Lundqvist, former New York Rangers goaltender, and Olympic gold medalist.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned sportsman, Henrik Lundqvist, donned memorable custom suits by BALANI Custom Clothiers during several recent appearances related to his jersey retirement. In January, the hockey legend, "King Henrik," attended his highly anticipated New York Rangers jersey retirement at Madison Square Garden wearing a double-breasted, black suit by the renowned custom tailor. Preceding the retirement ceremony, Henrik appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in a classic navy blue, three-piece suit by BALANI. BALANI was also his clothier of choice when he appeared on Discovery+ during the Swedish broadcast of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Henrik has spoken publicly about his affinity for BALANI's suits, featuring their clothing on his Instagram and social media platforms. The accomplished athlete lends his affection for BALANI's custom creations to the flawless fit, flexible options for customization, and the personalized relationships the brand builds with its clients. Henrik has also praised BALANI for their availability, referencing his ability to text his clothier about an outfit or suit idea at a moment's notice.
BALANI Custom Clothiers, founded in 1961 by Peter Balani, is a custom menswear tailor with 14 locations nationwide, including New York City. Currently led by the son of the founder and CEO, Sonny Balani, BALANI Custom Clothiers has built a reputation of excellence in the industry. BALANI operates on a foundational belief in true custom, elevated quality, and long-lasting relationships with their clients to offer custom suits, separates, accessories, shoes, and casual menswear.
A custom experience with BALANI begins by meeting with a master stylist to discuss custom needs and options. Clients may enjoy a drink while perusing swatches from the top fabric mills in the world. Over 40 body measurements are recorded to ensure garments fit seamlessly to a client's unique shape and preferences. Throughout the process, BALANI's stylists work hand-in-hand with clients to ensure a final product that is uniquely their own.
To learn more about BALANI Custom Clothiers in NYC, or to schedule an appointment with a BALANI stylist, clients can visit their website at https://www.balanicustom.com/custom-suits-new-york/ and select appointment slots at one of their 14 locations across the country. BALANI also offers virtual appointments for those unable to attend in person.
CONTACT: newyork@balanicustom.com, (347) 708-9049
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SOURCE BALANI Custom Clothiers - Suits, Tuxedos, & Shirts
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/balani-custom-clothiers-new-york-city-named-nhls-henrik-lundqvists-suit-choice/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:53Z
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Ten Adults Living with a Bleeding Disorder to be Selected for First-of-Its-Kind Program Aimed at Empowerment through Artistic Expression
LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of World Hemophilia Day, Believe Limited today announced a continuation of its exclusive partnership with BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. and The Foundation for Art & Healing on Breaking Through! programming for the bleeding disorder community. Following the success of national and regional workshops and performances of "Hemophilia: The Musical," this year the first-of-its-kind program will focus on a new artistic form – filmmaking. The hybrid virtual and in-person workshops and productions will take place from June to October 2022 to provide adults aged 18 and older with powerful education on the healing and therapeutic power of the arts and self-expression.
Ten adults from across the country will be selected to participate and tell their stories of the challenges and victories of living with a bleeding disorder in a documentary film. Participants will first learn about the filmmaking process during virtual workshops on topics such as writing, prop selection, set decoration, directing, and editing. The WEBBY and SABRE-award winning Believe Limited production team will then travel to the hometowns of participants to help bring their stories to life on camera. The culminating documentary film will premiere during a special fall event and be made available to the community.
"Since its start in 2018, the Breaking Through! program has helped to educate hundreds of people in the bleeding disorder community about how artistic expression can help to improve their health and lives," said Patrick James Lynch, hemophilia advocate, filmmaker, and Believe Limited CEO. "This year, our team is proud to bring our collective experience as writers, producers, directors, and editors to empower members of the community with the production of a hyper-creative, multi-vision, multi-format documentary about life with a bleeding disorder. Each filmmaker's unique style, creative choices, taste and script writing will make a powerful, dynamic, non-fiction film pop on the screen."
The Breaking Through! program is sponsored exclusively by BioMarin. The Foundation for Art & Healing (FAH), whose mission is to promote and integrate the use of creativity and the arts in addressing mental and physical health challenges, will join the partnership lending subject matter expertise and experience in developing, measuring, and scaling innovative arts-based programs. FAH's Project UnLonely delivers community programs nationally to address the "epidemic" of loneliness through various artistic mediums, including film through its powerful UnLonely Film Festival.
"For those with a rare, chronic, and often misunderstood disease such as hemophilia, the everyday frustrations can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness," said Jeremy Nobel, M.D., Harvard Medical School faculty member, and founder and president of The Foundation for Art & Healing. "We're thrilled to be a partner supporting the Breaking Through! program as we've long championed the story-telling power of film and filmmaking to engage and create authentic connections. The Breaking Through! program offers a creative pathway for those in the bleeding disorder community to become more connected, confident, and engaged in their own self-care and therapeutic regimen, as well as to enjoy a richer and more flourishing life."
"BioMarin is proud to continue our support of the Breaking Through! program in our mission to lift the voice of the hemophilia community," said Chuck Bucklar, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations North America at BioMarin. "At BioMarin, we are inspired by a hemophilia community with huge aspirations and driven to deliver on the ingenuity of gene therapy clinical research and exploration."
Adults aged 18 and older in the U.S. living with hemophilia, who are carriers of hemophilia, who have von Willebrand disease, who have another rare factor deficiency, or who have a sibling living with a bleeding disorder are invited to apply now through 11:59 pm PT on Saturday, May 21, 2022. To learn more visit www.BreakingThroughHemophilia.com.
Hemophilia A, also called factor VIII deficiency or hemophilia, is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor VIII, a clotting protein. Although it is most-commonly passed down from parents to children, about 1/3 of cases are caused by a spontaneous mutation, a new mutation that was not inherited. Approximately 1 in 10,000 people have Hemophilia A.
People with the most severe form of hemophilia A often experience painful, spontaneous bleeds into their muscles or joints. Individuals with severe hemophilia A (FVIII levels <1%) make up approximately 45 to 50 percent of the hemophilia A population. People with hemophilia A with moderate (FVIII 1–5%) or mild (FVIII 5–40%) disease show a much-reduced propensity to bleed. The standard of care for adults with severe hemophilia A is a prophylactic regimen of replacement factor VIII infusions administered intravenously up to two to three times per week, or 100 to 150 infusions per year. Despite these regimens, many people continue to experience breakthrough bleeds, resulting in progressive and debilitating joint damage, which can have a major impact on their quality of life.
Believe Limited is an award-winning boutique agency focused on creating educational, inspirational and deeply impactful digital content, live events, podcasts, feature films, and more for rare disease communities, with a deeply-rooted focus in hemophilia and bleeding disorders. Our work has been honored by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) and the WEBBYs. To learn more about our content and programming, please visit www.BelieveLTD.com.
The Foundation for Art & Healing (FAH) is a nonprofit, mission-driven organization that uses creative expression and the arts to address some of the most urgent public health issues today. Rooted in medicine and science, FAH develops high impact, scalable programs that address the physical and mental health challenges of diverse populations including individuals with chronic health conditions, veterans, front-line healthcare workers, employees, older adults, and college students. Its national, regional, and community-based partnerships enable effective program delivery and amplify the powerful effect of using creativity and the arts to connect and heal. FAH created Project UnLonely to focus public awareness on the negative physical and mental health consequences of loneliness, and to develop and broaden the use of effective arts-based programming. The UnLonely Film Festival curates and delivers films centered on loneliness through its streaming platform as an engaging storytelling tool that fosters authentic conversations and connection.
Believe Limited
Rob Bradford
Email: rob@believeltd.com
Phone: 434-258-7222
View original content:
SOURCE Believe Limited
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/believe-limited-continues-biomarin-partnership-breaking-through-programming-with-documentary-filmmaking-project-bleeding-disorder-community/
| 2022-04-21T18:42:59Z
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DUBLIN, Ohio, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bound Tree Medical has teamed up with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), to donate 50 pallets weighing over 9 tons of desperately needed emergency tactical medical supplies, to assist personnel tending to the injured in war-ravaged Ukraine. Given the logistical challenges of getting supplies into the country, it was important to have a direct relationship with the Ukrainian government. Bound Tree and NAEMT were successful in establishing a partnership with senior personnel within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv to coordinate the shipment and deployment to the stricken areas.
"We are thankful to be able to work with Bound Tree to facilitate their generous donation to the struggling medical facilities and personnel in Ukraine," said Bruce Evans, President of NAEMT. "These medical supplies will help alleviate the suffering of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers injured in the war. NAEMT is honored to partner with Bound Tree on this initiative."
"Every day, we strive to be the best partner to our customers," said Rob Meriweather, President of Emergency Preparedness at Sarnova. "And when disaster strikes, our customers want someone who has seen it before and can do what it takes to get the job done quickly – Bound Tree is pleased to donate the products and lend a hand in this joint effort," he said.
With nearly 45 years of experience, Bound Tree is the leading emergency medical supply and safety sales equipment distributor in the country, helping America's EMS, fire, law enforcement, military and other first responders save lives, while staying safe.
About Sarnova and Bound Tree Medical
Sarnova is the leading national specialty distributor of healthcare products in the emergency medical services (EMS) and acute care markets. The company is made up of six major business units: Bound Tree Medical, Cardio Partners, Allied 100, Digitech, Emergency Medical Products and Tri-anim Health Services. Bound Tree Medical is a leading, nationwide distributor of emergency medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals to EMS, fire and other first responders. For more information, visit www.sarnova.com.
About NAEMT
Formed in 1975 and nearly 72,000 members strong, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the only national association representing the professional interests of all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical responders, and other professionals providing prehospital and out-of-hospital emergent, urgent or preventive medical care. NAEMT serves its members by advocating on issues that impact their ability to provide quality patient care, providing high quality education that improves the knowledge and skills of practitioners, and supporting EMS research and innovation. For more information, visit www.naemt.org.
Media Contact:
Beth Scott
Director of Marketing Communications, Sarnova
Beth.Scott@sarnova.com
(800) 533-0523
View original content:
SOURCE Bound Tree Medical, LLC
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/bound-tree-medical-donates-much-needed-medical-supplies-war-torn-ukraine/
| 2022-04-21T18:43:06Z
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BELLEVUE, Wash., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) to honor the Robert Vasen Foundation (RVF) with the Champion of Youth Award at their upcoming Gala on the evening of Saturday, April 23, 2022. The award honors the foundation's 14 years of partnership in teen services, $1 million endowment to the organization, and the legacy of Robert Vasen, a former Club member, community volunteer, and friend to so many.
Robert grew up playing basketball at the Club. He found great joy in building community there and was passionate about helping the friends he met along the way. After his life was cut short at age 20, the foundation was established to carry forward Robert's legacy of extending a hand to young people in the community.
In 2008, the Robert Vasen Foundation helped establish BGCB's BE GREAT: Graduate, an academic intervention and dropout prevention program, and has been the primary sponsor every year since. Incorporating case-management for teens in grades 6-12, the program runs throughout the school year and summer months to address academic achievement. The program has a history of positive outcomes and overall academic achievements with 100% of participants advancing to the next grade level and graduating on time.
"Over the last 14 years, we have seen how BE GREAT: Graduate has changed the lives of thousands of young people in our community," said Dave Vasen, President of the RVF. "This endowment will help ensure that this work can continue in Robert's name, forever. We are grateful to BGCB for their partnership, and to everyone who has supported the Foundation."
"The Robert Vasen Foundation is truly walking the talk as unrequited Champions of Youth since 2008," said BGCB President and CEO Tim Motts. "They have played an instrumental role in ensuring that over 4,000 teens make it to graduation day with their Club family rallying behind them. It's through partnerships like this one that make it possible for great futures despite the unprecedented challenges we face."
Next Saturday, April 23, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue will celebrate over a decade of committed partnership by presenting the Robert Vasen Foundation with the Champion of Youth Award. Today's announcement is an important one as it also marks what would have been Robert Vasen's 37th birthday. The symbolic timing of the announcement serves as another way to honor Robert Vasen's legacy as BGCB carries on his spirit, values, and actions through their impactful teen programs.
For more information about the organizations, please visit:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue | bgcbellevue.org
The Robert Vasen Foundation | robertvasenfoundation.org
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SOURCE Bellevue Boys & Girls Club
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/boys-amp-girls-clubs-bellevue-honor-14-years-partnership-with-robert-vasen-foundation-establishment-robert-vasen-endowment-youth/
| 2022-04-21T18:43:13Z
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ATLANTA, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 28,000 children in the U.S. are currently battling a brain tumor, the deadliest childhood cancer and most common solid cancer in children and adolescents. Far too many children currently face no chance of long-term survival, and those who do survive must navigate the constant threat of recurrence and lifelong physical, cognitive, and emotional side effects.
Ahead of Brain Tumor Awareness Month in May, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (www.curethekids.org/stay-connected) is sharing key facts about this overlooked and under-resourced disease. PBTF is the largest patient advocacy funder of pediatric brain tumor research and the leading champion for families and survivors.
"Childhood brain cancer takes the backseat in research funding and awareness because the size of the population affected is small – defined as rare. We must stop minimizing the problem and defining this disease by the number of diagnoses because we are failing these children and their loved ones," says Courtney Davies, PBTF President and CEO. "The reality is the size of the pediatric brain tumor population is disproportionately smaller than the staggering ramifications of this disease, which we measure in the years of life lost and the burden of survivorship. Every year, that adds up to 47,631 years of potential life and futures stolen from those who will never have another opportunity to hug their siblings, ride a bicycle, or dare to dream of joining our next great generation of problem-solvers and difference-makers."
- Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, and brain tumors are the deadliest childhood cancer.[1]
- While new cases of brain tumors in adults are shrinking each year, incidence rates of pediatric brain tumors continue to grow.[1]
- There never has been an FDA-approved drug therapy developed specifically for pediatric brain tumors. Current "gold standard" treatments for pediatric brain cancer are over 40 years old and were developed to treat adults, not children.[2]
- Pediatric brain tumor survivors experience an average of 24 chronic health conditions by age 50 – compared to 9.2 in the general public and 17.1 for overall childhood cancer survivors. This is the highest for all childhood cancers.[3]
- Pediatric brain and CNS tumors represent the largest cause of Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) due to cancer, with the average child losing 70 years of potential life to this disease.[4]
- A pediatric brain tumor or other childhood cancer diagnosis costs an average of $833,000 in medical costs and lost parental wages.[5]
- 1 in 4 families lose more than 40% of their annual household income because of treatment-related work disruptions, while 1 in 3 families face other work disruptions such as having to quit work or change jobs.[5]
- Racial disparities persist among children with brain tumors. By race and ethnicity, five-year survival is lowest in pediatric patients who were non-Hispanic Black (70%) and highest in those who were non-Hispanic White (79%), in contrast to patterns in adults.[1]
Pediatric brain tumors are one of the most challenging and under-resourced diseases facing families in the U.S., and a child's diagnosis takes a brutal and life-long toll on every family member. PBTF walks alongside patients, caregivers, and siblings through every step of the journey by funding critical scientific and public health research and providing information, financial assistance, and a community of support from the moment symptoms start.
Learn more about resources for patient families and ways to get involved in funding and advocating for pediatric brain tumor research at www.curethekids.org/stay-connected.
Every day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest childhood cancer. Every day after, they're in a fight for their life. It's a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF's mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects our commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient-family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child's journey. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we work together to put kids first. Learn more at www.curethekids.org.
Sources:
[1] Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), www.cbtrus.org
[2] FDA-Approved Drugs for Childhood Cancer, National Cancer Institute, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/childhood-cancer-fda-approved-drugs
[3] Nickhill Bhakta, MD, Qi Liu, MS, Kirsten K Ness, PhD, Malek Baassiri, MD, Hesham Eissa, MD, Frederick Yeo, et al., The cumulative burden of surviving childhood cancer: an initial report from the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, The Lancet, Volume 390, Issue 10112, December 2017, Pages 2569-2582, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31610-0
[4] Peter M de Blank, Quinn T Ostrom, Chaturia Rouse, Yingli Wolinsky, Carol Kruchko, Joanne Salcido, Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan, Years of life lived with disease and years of potential life lost in children who die of cancer in the United States, Cancer Medicine, April 2015, Volume 4, Issue 4, Pages 608-619, https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.410
[5] Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, Childhood Cancer Fact Library, www.cac2.org
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SOURCE Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/brain-tumor-awareness-month-fact-sheet-pediatric-brain-tumor-foundation-shines-light-staggering-costs-deadliest-childhood-cancer-calls-public-join-fight-cure/
| 2022-04-21T18:43:19Z
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New Peloton technology to support Chevron in the automation of data management to optimize the visualization of vital well geometry and operational data
HOUSTON, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Peloton, the global leader in software solutions for the E&P industry, announced today that Chevron, the second-largest oil company in the U.S., has licensed Peloton's cloud-based Peloton Platform solution for Well Data Management. Peloton's technology allows Chevron to view its multiple well sites worldwide and manage vital operational data within one solution, saving time while reducing cost and risk. Chevron is implementing the Peloton Platform for all its operations across 27+ countries.
Developed in partnership with Microsoft Azure, the Peloton Platform delivers an enhanced end-user experience to oil and gas companies around the world, allowing them to view and manage vital operational data across three solution areas integrated into one fully hosted platform. Significant economies of scale are achieved by managing all three solutions in one Platform, along with the extensibility of using both commercial integrations across the solutions and tailored integrations through the Platform ETL and Web API.
WellView Allez is the evolution of WellView on the Peloton Platform incorporating new technology and data model enhancements. This new, innovative, and intuitive interface provides real-time automation, integration, and visualization for trusted data analysis and optimization. Customers can now evolve from manually typing their data to efficiently and automatically importing the exact information they need, ultimately allowing them to work smarter, not harder. A single well dashboard displays multiple reports, schematics and time tracks that appear side by side, making WellView Allez the most powerful tool for managing workflows.
"We have enjoyed working with Chevron over the past 15+ years, and this digital transformation vision is a testament to the collaboration between our two companies. We are energized that Chevron sees the value in the Peloton Platform, and we look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with them for many years to come," says Monty Meloche, President, and COO of Peloton.
More than 600 energy industry customers worldwide rely on Peloton technology to equip their stakeholders with the tools and information necessary to manage, simplify and optimize their operations.
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| 2022-04-21T18:43:26Z
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An international survey of people in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Gulf reveals widespread confusion around health requirements for air travel, and fears that the aviation sector is not prepared for another global health crisis
- Many people in every country surveyed say they chose not to fly in 2021 because of Covid-related requirements
- 46% of respondents in the US, 61% of people in Italy, 65% of people in the UK, and 68% of people in the Gulf chose not to fly in 2021 because of the health-related requirements
- And in a worrying sign for the sector's recovery, it finds that a third of Americans (32%), 40% Italians, 40% of Brits, and nearly half (46%) of people in the Gulf say that confusion over health requirements will keep them from flying in 2022.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The recovery of the global aviation sector from the Covid-19 pandemic could be hampered by confusing health requirements and fears that the sector is not prepared for another public health crisis, according to an international survey.
The survey was conducted by YouGov ahead of the Future Aviation Forum, a global aviation summit taking place in Riyadh, 9th-11th May. It was carried out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Gulf countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. While results vary from county-to-country, the study reveals widespread confusion around the patchwork of existing health requirements for air travel. Around a third of people in every country surveyed say that the lack of clarity around health requirements stopped them from flying last year and will keep them from flying in 2022.
"There is a clear need for countries to work together to harmonize health requirements for passengers. For the global aviation sector to make a full and speedy recovery, it is essential that we improve clarity around current requirements and build confidence in the sector's ability to handle future public health crises," said His Excellency Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics.
The Future Aviation Forum will bring together leaders from the public and business sectors, international CEOs, and regulators to shape the evolution of international air travel and drive forward solutions in a post-pandemic world. It will feature more than 120 speakers, with over 2,000 attendees and representatives from every continent expected to attend. Delegates are invited to attend 40 sessions, focusing on three core thematic pillars: passenger experience, sustainability, and business recovery post-Covid.
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said that ahead of the Forum GACA is consulting stakeholders on developing a policy to future-proof the sector against future health crises.
"Covid-19 has severely impacted air traffic and passenger travel across the globe and has had a chilling impact on the growth prospects for the global aviation sector. With passenger traffic not expected to return to pre-2019 levels until 2024, we need to find ways to harmonize health information protocols, to enhance information sharing and transparency among countries, to protect the health and safety of passengers, and to restore passenger trust – these are some of the fundamental challenges we will tackle at the Future Aviation Forum," said His Excellency Al-Duailej.
The survey finds that opinion is divided in terms of whether countries worked together to facilitate ease of travel during the pandemic. Majorities of people in the Gulf (73%) and Italy (59%) think they did, whilst most people in the US (56%) and Britain (70%) say they did not.
In terms of whether the aviation sector is prepared for another public health crisis, only a majority of people in the Gulf (64%) are confident it is, whilst respondents in the other surveyed countries are divided. More than a third of people in the UK, and a quarter of people in the US and Italy say airports and airlines are not prepared for the next public health crisis.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/confusing-health-requirements-are-stopping-passengers-flying/
| 2022-04-21T18:43:32Z
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CORA Health Services, Inc., doing business as CORA Physical Therapy ("CORA" or "the Company"), a top-10 national operator of outpatient physical therapy services, announced today that it has broadened its coverage in Wisconsin with the acquisition of Greenfield Physical Therapy ("Greenfield PT") and in South Carolina with the purchase of Lava Physical Therapy ("Lava PT").
Greenfield PT was founded in 2014 by Amy Greenfield, PT, MPT in Spooner, in northwest WI. Greenfield opened an additional clinic in Haywood, WI last year. The group offers a wide variety of services, including general physical therapy and specialties in back and neck pain, workplace injuries, headaches, concussion and TMJ/facial pain. Greenfield is staying on as CORA Senior Clinic Manager for the two clinics.
Lava PT, located in Hilton Head, SC, was founded in 2005. The two clinics on the north and south ends of the island join CORA's newly opened Hilton Head clinic mid-island. Lava PT treats general orthopedic conditions, post-surgical care and sports and workers' compensation injuries.
Dennis Smith, CEO and President of CORA Physical Therapy, said, "We are excited to welcome these clinics to the CORA fold and expand our presence in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. These partnerships provide the resources needed for further development in the areas they serve as we deliver personalized care with respect and consideration for patients' needs. We look forward to continuing our expansion for the rest of this year and beyond."
CORA is a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm. Terms of these transactions were not disclosed.
About CORA
CORA Health Services, Inc./CORA Physical Therapy (www.coraphysicaltherapy.com) is an outpatient rehabilitation company that uses proven clinical practices and cost effective treatment protocols to return patients to their jobs and lifestyles as soon as possible. Their clinics offer a complete range of treatment, including outpatient physical therapy and general rehabilitation, worker's compensation therapy, sports and auto injury rehabilitation, and rehabilitation for seniors. CORA operates more than 260 clinics in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin, including specialty clinics under the Body Gears brand.
About H.I.G. Capital
H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with over $44 billion of equity capital under management*. Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid‐sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused / value‐added approach. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $30 billion. For more information, please visit www.higcapital.com.
* Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.
Contact:
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/cora-physical-therapy-adds-footprint-wisconsin-south-carolina-with-acquisition-four-clinics/
| 2022-04-21T18:43:39Z
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) will hold its annual shareholders meeting online on Thursday, May 5, at 1 p.m. ET.
Duke Energy Chair, President and CEO Lynn Good will provide an overview of the company's 2021 performance and strategy for the future.
Shareholders will be able to participate in the meeting, vote on company and shareholder proposals, and submit questions.
Questions will be answered either during the meeting or afterward through a web posting.
Information about how shareholders can access the meeting online or by phone is available in Duke Energy's proxy statement. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for online access.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media contact: Neil Nissan
800.559.3853
Analysts contact: Jack Sullivan
980.373.3564
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| 2022-04-21T18:43:46Z
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Enhancements include ability to access Digital Mortgage Application and rate.com in Spanish.
CHICAGO, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Guaranteed Rate, a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services, is proud to announce that it now offers its rate.com website and digital mortgage application in Spanish, a major milestone in the company's commitment to better serve the Hispanic community*.
Guaranteed Rate has been singly focused on developing a robust Language Access Program to better serve consumers who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. The company began its efforts in 2021 by recruiting Arlyn J. Kalinski, a Language Access Program veteran, as Compliance Vice President of the program, creating a nationwide bilingual processing team in Spanish and adding an over-the-phone interpretation service for customers in more than 170 languages. By the end of this year, Guaranteed Rate is working to expand customer-facing communications, offer Spanish-language disclosures and agreements, and will feature the industry's first end-to-end customer mortgage origination experience in Spanish.
Customers can now choose a Spanish-language version of the company's website in order to find detailed financial education materials and other important features in language, as well as being able to digitally apply for a mortgage in Spanish. These moves will allow Spanish speakers to better understand the mortgage process and do so with the same convenience and efficiency as English-speaking customers.
Guaranteed Rate embraces its responsibility to serve all home buyers, no matter the language they speak. We also understand the incredible opportunity in providing the best service in the industry to these customers, including the more than 40 million Spanish speakers in this country. Having these tools in Spanish will also empower all Guaranteed Rate loan officers and processors to best serve this growing and influential customer base.
"For too long, millions of Hispanic customers have dreaded their mortgage application process due to the language barrier," says Camilo Escalante, Executive Director of Diverse Segments at Guaranteed Rate. "They have often had to rely on family members or close friends to act as interpreters during the mortgage transaction. Guaranteed Rate is dedicated to building trust with our Hispanic community, and by providing the full mortgage application in Spanish we are giving these hard-working families the same technology and tools available to English-speaking customers."
"Guaranteed Rate recognizes the incredible opportunity to speak directly to those with Limited English Proficiency," says Kalinski, the program's Compliance Vice President. "We are committed to connecting with and serving all communities. The main objective of this new phase is to make our products and services more accessible to consumers and to continue to address one of the barriers to home ownership, language access."
* At launch, rate.com in Spanish will feature 160 pages of the site translated. Also at launch, the Spanish Digital Mortgage will be available for properties in 45 states and all mortgage disclosures, notes and mortgages will only be available in English until later this year.
About Guaranteed Rate Inc.
Guaranteed Rate is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, the company has more than 8,000 employees in 500 offices across the U.S., and is licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Guaranteed Rate has helped hundreds of thousands of homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances, funding more than $95 billion in total loan volume in 2021 alone. Powered by its belief in positivity, the company has become one of the largest retail lenders in the nation. Guaranteed Rate delivers innovative technology, including the world's first Digital Mortgage, low rates and unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: ForbesAdvisor's Top 10 Mortgage Lenders for 2021; Best Mortgage Lender for Online Loans and Best Mortgage Lender for Refinancing by NerdWallet for 2021; 2018 Top Lender for Online Service by U.S. News & World Report; HousingWire's 2020 Tech100 award for the company's industry-leading FlashClose℠ technology; No. 3 ranking in Scotsman Guide's 2021 list of Top Retail Mortgage Lenders; Chicago Agent Magazine's Lender of the Year for six consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces list for seven consecutive years. Visit rate.com for more information.
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| 2022-04-21T18:43:56Z
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STOCKTON, Calif., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 14, 2022, Judge Rodney Gilstrap, Chief District Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, dismissed a software patent infringement case (with prejudice) brought by Miller Mendel, Inc ("MMI") against the Anna Police Department, a customer of Guardian Alliance Technologies, Inc.
The invalidation of the MMI patent effectively ends all cases previously filed by MMI against several other law enforcement agencies, also Guardian customers. The invalidation also eliminates MMI's basis for lodging threats of infringement litigation against Guardian, Guardian customers, or prospective customers.
In dismissing the action, Judge Gilstrap invalidated the MMI software patent that was the entire basis for the lawsuit, finding that it was directed to an unpatentable abstract idea and did not contain any inventive concepts. MMI, the maker and marketer of a software system known as "eSoph", had previously sued three other law enforcement agencies for their use of the Guardian Background Investigation Software Platform, alleging that the Guardian product infringed on MMI's now-invalidated software patent.
To read the full text of the judge's order click here.
Background
In October of 2017, lawyers for MMI wrote to Guardian Alliance Technologies, Inc., providing notice that Miller Mendel held a patent on background investigation software and asked that Guardian provide assurance that Guardian's software, still under development at that time, did not infringe on the patent.
Guardian had the patent evaluated by an intellectual property attorney in Silicon Valley and was advised that the patent did not actually contain any patentable subject matter or inventive concepts. On this basis and belief Guardian continued with the development of its system and began providing it to law enforcement agencies across the country, the first of which was the Oklahoma City Police Department.
In October of 2018, MMI filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Oklahoma City PD for its use of the Guardian Platform, alleging that OKC's use of Guardian's software constituted infringement on MMI's patent. MMI would go on to threaten dozens of other agencies with litigation if they elected to use Guardian and filed separate lawsuits against the Washington County Sheriff's Office (OR), the Alaska Department of Public Safety, and the Anna Police Department (TX). Now that MMI's patent has been invalidated, Guardian and its customers are free to continue using Guardian's background investigation software without threat of claims of infringing MMI's now-invalidated patent.
About Guardian
Guardian Alliance Technologies provides cloud-based software to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the United States. The Guardian Background Investigation Software Platform is designed to drastically improve the process of vetting and hiring public safety personnel. Use of the Guardian Platform enables agencies to complete background investigations far faster, and with more accuracy than ever before thanks to advanced data mining and management tools, time-saving automation for certain tasks, and artificial intelligence used for social media screening. All of this facilitates more expedient, high-quality hiring decisions.
Media Contact: info@guardianalliancetechnologies.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/guardian-alliance-technologies-announces-miller-mendel-patent-invalidated-by-federal-judge/
| 2022-04-21T18:44:03Z
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Netguru announces its new publishing initiative, promoting under-represented pioneers from the history of software, and authored by Steven Johnson
We tend to worship great business leaders, but there are thousands of innovators whose ideas — from tiny features to complicated algorithms — have made our lives easier, healthier, safer, and more convenient. Meet Hidden Heroes, a new publication designed to tell their stories and pay them the tribute they deserve.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you realize that the core principles of social media were invented while Mark Zuckerberg — the symbol of the social media age — was still in kindergarten? You rely on stable digital networks every day, but do you know the woman whose brilliant design several decades ago made reliable networks possible?
"In the technology industry, there are a number of success stories of well-known tech CEOs who make billions of dollars. But there are many stories of pioneers who solved important problems but who worked outside of traditional tech startups or public companies: open source new architects, academic researchers, independent software designers. It's all a much more diverse mix of people as well. This series is going to finally give them the credit they deserve." — Steven Johnson.
Hidden Heroes is the new publication created by Netguru and written by Steven Johnson, the well-known science and technology author, television host, and TED speaker. The series consists of eight stories paying tribute to those who shaped technology. Each story will reveal a Hidden Hero, carefully analyzed and described by Steven Johnson.
The first story, presented today, reveals the Belgian-born computer scientist and renowned MIT professor Pattie Maes, and her contribution to laying the groundwork for the online social networks we know today. "From HOMR and collaborative filtering to the remembrance agent, her work is a powerful story that can inspire many generations to come. I'm excited that Pattie Maes is the first Hidden Hero we get to reveal to the world." — Steven Johnson.
Marek Talarczyk, CEO at Netguru, the publisher of Hidden Heroes: "There are hundreds of thousands of tech individuals who, at some point, made a breakthrough invention. Their only problem was that they were not shiny enough to get noticed. They are the hidden heroes. We want to thank them by telling their stories to the world."
Each month, one Hidden Heroes story will be revealed at hiddenheroes.netguru.com and available for free without any limits. Steven Johnson and Netguru hope that Hidden Heroes will help people better comprehend the society we live in, and connect the past with the future to inspire new generations of innovators, technologists, and software engineers.
About Netguru
Netguru is a leading global innovation consultancy company. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Poznań, Poland, Netguru operates globally, employing more than 900 people from all over the world. The brand has delivered more than 1,000 projects across 50+ countries over the last 14 years.
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| 2022-04-21T18:44:10Z
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VANCOUVER, Wash. and LONG BEACH, Calif., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland Partner Group (HPG), a fully integrated real estate investment company, announced Craig Parker as its new CEO effective January 1, 2022, and welcomed seasoned finance and real estate executive Matt Eilen as chief operating officer (COO) on April 11, 2022. Clyde Holland, HPG's former CEO, now serves as the company's executive chairman. The company has also promoted Tom Warren to president of Holland Development, the company's residential and mixed-use urban infill division.
As CEO, Parker will lead HPG's mission to create unique, vibrant and engaging communities throughout the Western United States. Parker joined HPG in 2017 and most recently served as the company's chief operating officer. During his time at Holland, he has overseen the delivery of more the 7,000 units and sales transactions valued at over $3 billion. With more than 20 years in design, engineering and construction, he brings diverse experiences, including managing a $5 billion portfolio of projects across Asia, negotiating multi-billion dollar construction contracts and execution expertise across multiple asset classes, from single-family homes and hotels to liquefied natural gas plants and theme parks.
"I'm honored to serve as the new CEO of Holland Partner Group," said Parker. "The opportunity to build on the company's success and continue to create exceptional, world-class communities is incredible."
Eilen joins HPG as COO and brings tremendous experience and passion for real estate and finance to the company. He brings over 15 years of real estate experience to the Holland team. Recently, Eilen served as the Senior Vice President of Finance and Analytics at AIR Communities, a real estate investment trust that owns and operates apartment communities. At AIR Communities, he was responsible for Financial Operations and Analytics for an operating portfolio of 30,000+ apartment homes. He will play an integral role in designing, implementing, and overseeing business operations and establishing strategies to foster HPG's culture and vision for growth.
Warren, Holland Development's new president, has been with HPG for 20+ years. He has been directly responsible for completing over 12,000 units in 42 projects and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $7.5 billion since he joined HPG in launching Holland Development in 2001. For much of the past 15 years, Warren has dedicated his expertise to cultivating teams in Southern California. In the past 3 years, he has expanded his role to lead Holland's development teams in Denver and Portland. Warren oversight is now be extended to include the company's remaining development teams. With a successful track record of mentoring talent across multiple regions, Warren will thrive as president overseeing the company's Development Operations.
About Holland Partner Group
Founded in 2000, Holland Partner Group (HPG) is a fully integrated real estate investment company developing high-quality investment properties in the Western United States with expertise in development, construction, acquisition, redevelopment and property management. HPG creates sustainable, socially connected and vibrant communities to work, live and enjoy life. The company's seasoned 750-plus member team creates innovative, quality, and value-driven residential and commercial projects, championing every phase of development and construction of its mixed-use properties, including residential, office, parking garages and retail assets. Headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., HPG has offices in Denver, Seattle, Southern California and Northern California. For more information, visit www.hollandpartnergroup.com.
Media Contact:
Heather Villanueva
Weinstein PR
heather@weinsteinpr.com
503.753.9193
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/holland-partner-group-appoints-craig-parker-ceo-hires-matt-eilen-coo-promotes-tom-warren-president-holland-development/
| 2022-04-21T18:44:16Z
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LONDON, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Memorandum of Understanding builds on the upcoming ISES Power Semiconductor Executive Summits to be held in the USA on May 23-24 in Carlsbad, CA and the ISES Power Semiconductor Executive Summits EU on September 19-20 in Munich, Germany where both Summits will gather leaders in the Power Semiconductor Community to collaborate and share ideas in a trusted network.
PowerAmerica, a member-driven consortium of industry, universities, and national labs accelerating commercialization of energy efficient silicon-carbide and gallium-nitride power semiconductor technologies, and International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES), the preeminent association bringing together power semiconductor professionals from around the globe and organizer of Power Semiconductor Executive Summits, will explore collaboration opportunities to synergistically advance energy efficient power semiconductor technologies for the benefit of their members.
Salah Nasri, President of the International Semiconductor Executive Summits, said, "ISES' memorandum of understanding with PowerAmerica is a sign of our shared commitment to develop and advance energy efficient power semiconductor technologies to the World. This partnership grew out of the advantages and the missions of ISES and PowerAmerica to address current and future need of collaboration and accelerating the global need of power semiconductor technologies."
Victor Veliadis, Executive Director and CTO Power America, said that mass commercialization of energy efficient power semiconductor technologies is not only a key driver of economic growth and prosperity but also addresses the dire climate need of lower greenhouse emissions. Collaborating with ISES, an organization that shares our energy efficiency commitment and vision, will help us better catalyze volume adoption of efficient SiC and GaN power electronics and enhance the value we bring to our respective members.
For information to join the International Semiconductor Executive Summits, please visit: www.isesglobal.com
For more information to join PowerAmerica, please visit: https://poweramericainstitute.org
Contact: Jubed Miah, jubed.miah@isesglobal.com, +1 888 570 5141
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SOURCE The International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES)
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/international-semiconductor-executive-summits-ises-announces-collaboration-with-poweramerica-memorandum-understanding-focuses-promoting-enhancing-collaboration-global-power-semiconductor-community/
| 2022-04-21T18:44:23Z
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The leading vendor-neutral open source event for technical and community contributors continues to focus on covering the most critical topics, innovative technologies and pivotal open source projects through its 14 sub-conferences.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the full schedule for Open Source Summit North America, the leading conference for open source developers and community leaders, taking place June 21-24 in Austin, Texas and virtually. The schedule can be viewed here and the previously announced keynote speakers can be viewed here.
Comprised of 14 events, including LinuxCon, Embedded Linux Conference, SupplyChainSecurityCon, CloudOpen, OSPOCon, Emerging OS Forum, ContainerCon and more, Open Source Summit North America 2022 will cover the most important and cutting edge topics and technologies touching open source today. The schedule features 300 talks (keynote presentations, conference sessions, tutorials, and BoFs) and includes something for everyone, across a range of topics and skill levels.
"The 14 events that make up Open Source Summit North America's conference umbrella cover the open source projects and technologies that are fundamental across software and other industries, while also highlighting those that are poised for growth and widespread use. The event provides the collaborative environment and knowledge sharing needed to drive innovation across the fold," says Angela Brown, SVP & General Manager of Events at The Linux Foundation.
2022 Conference Session Highlights Include:
- LinuxCon: Memory Folios - Matthew Wilcox, Oracle
- CloudOpen: Peta Scale Telemetry Backend With Opentelemetry - Kranti Vikram Anugola & Weain Deng, Walmart Global Tech
- Embedded Linux Conference: V4L2 M2M as the Driver Framework for Video Processing IP - Karthik Poduval, Amazon Lab126
- OSPOCon: F5's Open Source Journey - Christine Abernathy, F5, Inc.
- Open AI + Data Forum: Delta Lake: Diving into Data Lakes Without the Downsides - Kelly O'Malley, Databricks
- SupplyChainSecurityCon: Authenticating Supply-Chain Metadata: Building Remote Code Attestations on GitHub - Asra Ali & Laurent Simon, Google
- Embedded IoT Summit: AI/ML at the Extreme Edge with WebAssembly: A Path Forward - Michael Tanenbaum, Mycelial
- Global Security Vulnerability Summit: Scalable Management of Vulnerabilities in Open Source - Oliver Chang, Google & Kate Catlin, GitHub
- Emerging OS Forum: OpenCost: An Open Source Tool for Your K8s Cost Management Problem - Webb Brown & Ajay Tripathy, Stackwatch
- Diversity Empowerment Summit: "Did You Miss My Comment or What?" Understanding Toxicity in Open Source Discussions - Courtney Miller, Carnegie Mellon University
- ContainerCon: Sustainability the Container Native Way - Huamin Chen, Red Hat & Chen Wang, IBM
- Community Leadership Conference: Scaling Your Community From a Few Hundred to Tens of Thousands - Anna Filippova, dbt Labs
- Open Source On-Ramp: Peeling Back the Layers of Storage - John Hawley, VMware
- Critical Software Summit: Using FOSS as Part of a System Safety Mechanism - Paul Albertella, Codethink
2022 Keynote Speakers Include:
- Alena Analeigh, Founder, Brown STEM Girl
- Jennings Aske, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Aeva Black, Open Source Hacker, Ethical Agitator, and Consent Advocate
- Eric Brewer, Vice President of Infrastructure, Google
- Matt Butcher, Chief Executive Officer, Fermyon Technologies
- Taylor Dolezal, Head of Ecosystem, Cloud Native Computing Foundation
- Melissa Evers, Vice President & General Manager, Strategy to Execution, Software and Advanced Technology Group, Intel Corporation
- Amy Gilliland, President, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
- Orion Jean, TIME 2021 Kid of the Year, Author and Kindness Activist
- Todd Moore, Vice President - Open Technology and Developer Advocacy, CTO DEG, IBM
- Melissa Smolensky, Vice President, Corporate Marketing, GitLab
- Linus Torvalds, Creator of Linux & Git in conversation with Dirk Hohndel, Founder, DH Consulting
- Chris Wright, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Red Hat
Additional keynote speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Registration (in-person) is offered at the early price of $850 through April 26. Registration to attend virtually is $25. Members of The Linux Foundation receive a 20 percent discount off registration and can contact events@linuxfoundation.org to request a member discount code.
Applications for diversity and need-based scholarships are currently being accepted. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please click here. The Linux Foundation's Travel Fund is also accepting applications, with the goal of enabling open source developers and community members to attend events that they would otherwise be unable to attend due to a lack of funding. To learn more and apply, please click here.
In-person attendees will be required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and will need to comply with all on-site health measures, in accordance with The Linux Foundation Code of Conduct. To learn more, visit the Health & Safety webpage.
Open Source Summit North America 2022 is made possible thanks to our sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors: Google and IBM, Platinum Sponsors: Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Databricks, Intel and Red Hat, and Gold Sponsors: Camunda, Checkmarx, Coder, Dell Technologies, GitLab, InfluxData, Kubecost, Styra and Whitesource. For information on becoming an event sponsor, click here or email us.
Members of the press who would like to request a press pass to attend should contact Kristin O'Connell.
Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation is supported by more than 2,000 members and is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, open standards, open data, and open hardware. Linux Foundation's projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, and more. The Linux Foundation's methodology focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit linuxfoundation.org.
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Kristin O'Connell
The Linux Foundation
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| 2022-04-21T18:44:30Z
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Acclaimed physician-scientist, clinician, and academic leader set to begin August 1
BALTIMORE, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, has appointed leading heart, vascular, and lung physician-scientist Mark T. Gladwin, MD, as the new dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and Vice President for Medical Affairs.
The selection was made following a rigorous national search and is effective August 1, 2022. Dr. Gladwin is the Jack D. Myers Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM) and founder of the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute.
"I could not be more pleased to announce Dr. Gladwin as the next dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine," Jarrell said. "I am confident he will continue to enrich the legacy of our School of Medicine and position our world-class institution to meet the challenges of the future."
"I am very honored to have been selected as dean of one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country," said Dr. Gladwin, who also serves as associate dean for physician-scientist mentoring at UPSOM, and associate vice chancellor for science strategy, health sciences, at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
"Everything I learned during my visit to UMB furthered my desire to join the University of Maryland School of Medicine," he continued. "I was already well aware of its reputation for excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community outreach. I look forward to listening to, and learning from UMB faculty, staff, and students as we continue the crucial work of carrying the School's mission forward in Baltimore, around the state, and around the world."
Extensive National Search
Dr. Gladwin's appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by a committee that included faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as student representatives. The committee sought the best candidates to lead the school in its academic and clinical missions, to work closely with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), and represent UMSOM effectively with its many stakeholders, especially those in the Baltimore community.
"Dr. Gladwin is an exceptional choice to lead the School of Medicine," said Claire M. Fraser, PhD, Dean's Endowed Professor of Medicine, director of the Institute for Genome Sciences, and chair of the search committee. "I'm extremely excited and looking forward to Dr. Gladwin's arrival," Fraser continued. "The search committee was impressed by not only his experience, but also his vision for the future of medicine and the role of the medical school in today's society."
"Being the leader of the School of Medicine is a challenging, multifaceted job," added search committee co-chair Roger J. Ward, JD, EdD, MSL, MPA, provost and executive vice president, and dean of the University of Maryland Graduate School. "With his wide range of experience, it was evident to the committee that Dr. Gladwin will excel in every aspect of what this job entails."
One of the two student members of the selection committee, Aishwarya Iyer, an MD/PhD student in the School of Medicine and president of the University Student Government Association, agreed. "I thought his research portfolio was phenomenal," she said. "He comes from a really strong institution and has a lot of experience managing his position very well and very efficiently. I am excited to welcome this new dean."
Key Focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
As dean, Dr. Gladwin will be responsible for sustaining a culture that embodies UMB's core values and promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at UMSOM while leading advances and innovation in the areas of education, research, and clinical care.
Throughout his career Dr. Gladwin has been committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, informed by a life-long commitment to the care and development of new treatments for patients with sickle cell disease. As department chair, he created a new vice chair position for diversity and inclusion with significant financial resources to create and administer new and innovative programs.
Working with the vice chair and residency director he developed specialty tracks that aimed to attract accomplished underrepresented minority faculty into the research residency, linked to scholarship programs with novel micro credential MBA and MPH training opportunities, financially supplemented with T32 and philanthropic support, Burroughs Wellcome Foundation physician-scientist incubator support, and departmental investments.
He established an under-represented minority advisory committee, consisting of under-represented minority faculty leaders at all levels, who work together to identify challenges and provide insight, expertise, and a forum for improvement. Under his leadership the Department of Medicine has aggressively recruited, retained, and promoted fellows and faculty that are underrepresented in medicine, and recruited a diverse leadership team at the divisional and vice chair level.
History of Accomplishment
Born in Palo Alto, Calif, and raised in the U.S. as well as Ghana, Mexico, and Guatemala, Dr. Gladwin earned his bachelor's and medical degrees from the University of Miami's six-year honors program in medical education. He completed his internship and chief residency in internal medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University, followed by a critical care medicine fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, and a pulmonary fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Dr. Gladwin's career has included serving in the roles of physician-scientist, clinician, educator, and academic leader at two institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and the NIH. At both institutions, he was consistently promoted to greater responsibility and leadership, building new programs and improving existing ones. At NIH, he served as critical care fellow, senior research fellow section head for the Sickle Cell Nitric Oxide Therapeutic and Vascular Therapeutics sections, director of the functional genomics core, and Chief of the Pulmonary and Vascular Medicine Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
In 2008, Dr. Gladwin was recruited to the University of Pittsburgh to serve as Chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine (PACCM) and the inaugural Director of the Vascular Medicine Institute. He assumed the role of Department Chair in 2014, overseeing more than 800 faculty (including 120 PhD faculty and an additional >170 advanced practice providers) and combined clinical and research revenues approaching $300 million dollars. During his tenure the Departments NIH funding increased by more than 25%, and has been ranked in the top ten funded Departments of Medicine in NIH funding for the last 4 years, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research
At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Dr. Gladwin worked to establish clinical programs to increase patient access to quality care and supported the development of signature programs in clinical analytics, telemedicine, E-consultation, critical care, specialty and hospitalist services, and multidisciplinary Clinical Centers of Excellence across 10 divisions.
As the Department of Medicine chair, he also supported the development of a long list of research centers of excellence, including in aging, vascular biology, the microbiome, metabolism, mitochondrial biology, antibody therapeutics, and sickle cell research, the latter of which has been a focus of Dr. Gladwin's own research for more than 20 years. Dr. Gladwin credits his leadership success to careful listening and fact finding, the recruitment and partnership with strong leaders, the use of analytics to measure performance and provide feedback, and the thoughtful alignment of incentives to galvanize stakeholder support and sustainability.
Research Impact
From a research standpoint, Dr. Gladwin has published more than 470 manuscripts since 1996, which have had a significant impact on the fields of vascular and nitric oxide biology. His work is cited more than 5,000 times per year with an h-index of >120 (data from google scholar). Among his major scientific discoveries is the finding that the nitrite salt is a biological signaling molecule that regulates physiological and pathological hypoxic responses, blood pressure and flow, and dynamic mitochondrial electron transport.
He characterized the role of hemoglobin and myoglobin as signaling nitrite reductases that regulate NO production under hypoxia. His seminal publication on this topic in 2003 has been cited more than 1800 times and is listed by Nature Medicine in its top ten Classic Collection. This work has led to the development and licensing of intravenous, oral, and inhaled nitrite as a human therapeutic.
In addition to studies of nitrite, he characterized a novel mechanism of disease, hemolysis-associated endothelial dysfunction. This work has described a state of resistance to nitric oxide in patients with sickle cell disease, malaria, transfusion of aged blood, and other hemolytic conditions, caused by scavenging of nitric oxide by hemoglobin that is released into plasma during hemolysis. These studies translated to clinical and epidemiological descriptions of a human disease syndrome, hemolysis-associated pulmonary hypertension.
Most recently, his laboratory has pioneered the use of recombinant neuroglobin and heme-based molecules as antidotes for CO poisoning, and this work resulted in the formation of a company, Globin Solutions. From a clinical research standpoint Dr. Gladwin has a long history of leadership of translational projects and programs, having served as a principal or associate investigator on more than 50 human subjects protocols and holding at least 10 FDA INDs for the use of investigational therapeutic medications. He has served as PI on major multicenter phase II clinical trials, including the DeNOVO trial of NO therapy for acute pain crisis in patients with sickle cell disease, the Walk-PHASST trial of sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension secondary to sickle cell disease, and the current STERIO-SCD and SCD-CARRE trials evaluating new treatment approaches for patients with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Gladwin is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), the Association of Professors of Medicine (APM), and the Association of American Physicians, and has served on the ASCI and APM councils. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, Association of American Physicians (AAP), and Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute. He has received numerous academic awards including the US Public Health Service Achievement Award, the NIH Director's Award for Mentoring, the NIH Clinical Center Director's Award for Science, the NIH Merit Award in recognition for accomplishments in both basic and clinical sciences,, the Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishments from the American Thoracic Society, was named an American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist, and was recognized as Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh 2014.
A Passion for Education
A central passion of Dr. Gladwin's is to train the next generation of physicians and scientists in translational research. He has trained students at all levels and has been very successful at mentoring these trainees to independent careers in academic medicine. His publications include more than 150 with current or past trainees as first author.
"I'm beyond ecstatic that Dr. Gladwin will be the new dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine," said Andrea R. Levine, MD, assistant professor at UMSOM who served a pulmonary, allergy, and critical care fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with Dr. Gladwin in 2018.
"Dr. Gladwin was instrumental in recruiting me to Pittsburgh where he personally served as my research, clinical, and professional mentor. He was foundational in my becoming the doctor, physician-scientist, and the person I am today. He taught me how to be a critical care doctor. I cannot wait to see the impact he has on the growth and development of the University of Maryland School of Medicine including the students, trainees, and faculty."
Engagement with UMB Community
The search process at UMB included a series of town halls where members of the community gathered to listen to the leading candidates present their views on various topics and to ask questions afterward.
During Gladwin's Feb. 14 town hall presentation "A Perspective on Values and Vision for Academic Medical Centers," he discussed his values; challenges and opportunities for progress in medical education; research, and clinical care; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and what his initial priorities would be for UMSOM.
"I am delighted to join your successful institution," he said. "I think that the first thing that would be the absolute top priority for me on day one will be to listen and learn. I look forward to hearing all about the science, the successes, and challenges of all the research, clinical, and training programs. I understand the challenges our physicians and all health care workers face, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and appreciate the needs of the communities and patients that we serve. So, first and foremost, I intend to be a student, and will invest and put enormous effort into knowing the faculty, students, community, and health care needs of the state, and engaging our campus in facing our many generational challenges in medicine."
Growing Partnership with Medical System and Medical Center
Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer of the University of Maryland Medical System, which works closely with UMSOM in research, education, and clinical practice, said he was eager for Dr. Gladwin to come on board.
"The University of Maryland School of Medicine is a foundational partner for the University of Maryland Medical System and collaborating with our scientist-physician colleagues makes it possible for our System to be a differential resource in providing exceptional care to the communities we serve across the state," Dr. Suntha said. "Together, we deliver cutting-edge clinical care, educate the physicians of tomorrow and innovate the cures of the future, and under Dr. Gladwin's leadership, I look forward to growing and deepening the ties that have been the foundation of our successful partnership."
Added Bert W. O'Malley, MD, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), "UMMC's partnership with UM School of Medicine is one of the bedrocks to our unique brand of compassionate, discovery-based care. We welcome Dr. Gladwin to Baltimore to help continue building on that strong tradition."
UMSOM: Among Top Echelon of Medical Schools
Over the past two decades, UMSOM has emerged among the top echelon of medical schools in the nation - with record-breaking growth and accomplishments. In research, total funding increased dramatically from $323 million in 2006 to reaching historic levels approaching $600 million in 2020. Clinical revenues have more than doubled since 2006 to $350 million, with UMSOM faculty physicians now providing outpatient and inpatient care to more than 1.5 million patients each year. Clinical practice locations have expanded across the state - growing from 6 to 62 locations.
UMSOM's global footprint has expanded to research and treatment facilities in more than 30 countries around the world. UMSOM has become a hub of innovation with 576 scientific disclosures, 130 U.S. patents issued, 228 foreign patents issued, 205 technology inventions licensed, and 33 start-up companies formed.
In education, UMSOM launched an overhaul of the entire medical education curriculum, called the "Renaissance Curriculum," which was successfully and fully launched amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With construction of its new 430,000-square-foot Health Sciences Research Facility in 2018, UMSOM expanded its footprint of academic and research space to 15 buildings and nearly 2.5 million square feet. Overall, UMSOM's reputation has never been stronger. The School now ranks among the top 10 public medical schools in U.S. News & World Report, and among the top 20 percent among all medical schools in the nation. More than half of its academic departments now rank in the top 20 according to the Blue Ridge Medical School Research Rankings.
During the past two years, UMSOM has gained unprecedented prominence on the world stage. The School played an integral role as a leading institution in the global COVID-19 response in research, testing, and therapeutics, conducting among the first clinical trials for the two leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates as well as trials for the pediatric vaccine, and the "mix and match" booster study. UMSOM conducted more than a million COVID-19 tests across the state of Maryland, and UMSOM researchers were awarded $32 million in grants for COVID-19-related research.
In January of this year, UMSOM gained widespread national and international attention when surgeons performed the historic first successful transplant of a genetically-modified porcine heart to human, a major breakthrough that was heralded by the medical and scientific community for its transformative role in changing the future of organ transplantation.
Dr. Jarrell announced in August 2021 that a national search would begin for the next UMSOM dean to succeed E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, executive vice president for medical affairs, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor, who announced in March of 2021 that, after 16 years of leadership, he will transition from his role as dean and return to the UMSOM faculty as director of a new Center for Advanced Research, Training, and Innovation (CARTI) and will continue to co-direct the UMSOM Center for Birth Defects Research.
"On behalf of the School of Medicine, I'm delighted to extend heartiest congratulations and a warm welcome to Dr Gladwin on his decanal appointment," said Dr. Reece. "I'm most pleased to 'pass the baton' to him and look forward to his leadership in the years to come".
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.3 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic, and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has nearly $600 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The combined School of Medicine and Medical System ("University of Maryland Medicine") has an annual budget of over $6 billion and an economic impact of nearly $20 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2021, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #9 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 15 percent (#27) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu.
About the University of Maryland, Baltimore
Founded in 1807, the University of Maryland, Baltimore is Maryland's only public health, law, and human services university, dedicated to excellence in education, research, clinical care, and public service. UMB enrolls more than 6,700 students in six nationally ranked professional schools -- medicine, law, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and social work -- and an interdisciplinary Graduate School. The university provides more than $40 million each year in uncompensated care to Maryland citizens, and receives more than $667 million in extramural research funding annually. For more information about the University of Maryland, Baltimore, visit www.umaryland.edu.
Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com
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| 2022-04-21T18:44:41Z
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DALLAS, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medecision, a leading provider of digital care management solutions and services, announces it has joined the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program. The new partnership allows Medecision to leverage Google Cloud solutions for the development and distribution of outcome-driven care solutions.
"The adoption of Google Cloud services brings a new level of cloud modernization to Medecision. It allows us to be more agile and develop high-quality products while accelerating speed to market," said Pavel Grebenshikov, CTO, Medecision.
Medecision's solutions enable the orchestration of care across diverse providers and care settings. By joining the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program, Medecision gains new capabilities for providing holistic visibility to members, providers, and payors at each stage in the care continuum.
Google Cloud's advanced data platform and analytic capabilities allow Medecision to introduce both real-time and predictive analysis into their toolset. Through this partnership, Medecision will be able to leverage Google Cloud's infrastructure to enable real-time data integration and flexible cataloging, helping organizations recognize and address gaps in care.
At the consumer level, becoming a Google Cloud Partner will help streamline the patient experience, provide real-time visibility, and build a foundation for the development of more personalized products and features.
About Medecision: Medecision® is a digital care management company whose solutions and services are used by leading health plans and care delivery organizations to support more than 42 million people nationwide. Aerial™, a HITRUST CSF®-certified, SaaS solution from Medecision, seamlessly connects the healthcare ecosystem to powerful data and insights that drive meaningful consumer engagement while creating efficiencies to reduce costs and support effective care, case and utilization management. Aveus, Medecision's professional services division, helps business leaders solve complex challenges and drive better performance, leaving organizations more capable. To learn more about Medecision, visit medecision.com.
Contact Information:
Ian Stanton
ian.stanton@medecision.com
860-810-8563
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| 2022-04-21T18:44:50Z
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12 states now guarantee Personal Finance courses before high school graduation
PALO ALTO, Calif., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Gen Personal Finance, the leading nonprofit provider of free financial education curriculum and professional development, has published its 2022 State of Financial Education Report in collaboration with Dr. Carly Urban of Montana State University.
The analysis of over 11,000 high school course catalogs shows that national access to financial education is improving. In 2018, just 5 states guaranteed standalone personal finance courses for all high schoolers. Today, 8 have fully implemented statewide guarantees and 4 are beginning implementation. Just in the last year, over 300,000 additional students have gained access to guaranteed financial education within their high schools. Nationally, guaranteed access to personal finance courses expanded to nearly 1 in 4 public high school students in 2022, and will increase to 1 in 3 in the coming years based on the states currently implementing new state-wide legislation (Florida, Nebraska, Ohio, and Rhode Island).
"Our 2022 report shows tremendous momentum across the country as more states recognize the importance of guaranteeing this course for high school students. Significant gaps remain, however, that must be addressed by educators, lawmakers, and state departments of education to continue to increase access for all students," shared Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance.
While much progress has been made, there is still room to improve. Next Gen Personal Finance outlines how schools can begin their journey towards guaranteed financial education here. While nationally, nearly 1 in 4 students have guaranteed access to the course, in the 42 states that currently don't guarantee the course, less than 1 in 10 students are guaranteed to take a Personal Finance course.
Access is also unequal for students of color and students in low income communities. Course catalogs reveal that in schools with greater than 75% Black and Brown student populations, only 1 in 20 students have guaranteed access. The same is true in schools with greater than 75% students eligible for Free or Reduced-price Lunch.
To learn more about the state of financial education in the U.S. join Dr. Carly Urban, Florida Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, and Jen Lehmann, a personal finance teacher at H. Frank Carey High School (NY) for a research presentation and panel discussion on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 4:00pm ET via Zoom. Register here.
See more here: The full NGPF State of Financial Education report is available here.
About Next Gen Personal Finance
Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) has become the "one-stop shop" for more than 60,000 educators looking for high-quality, engaging personal finance curriculum to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future. More than 12,000 teachers have invested 300,000 hours in NGPF professional development, which includes live virtual sessions, certification courses and asynchronous On-Demand modules. The non-profit has been recognized by Common Sense Education as a "Top Website for Teachers to Find Lesson Plans" and "Best Business and Finance Games."
Media Contact
Christine Yoo
christine@ngpf.org
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| 2022-04-21T18:44:56Z
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DURHAM, N.C., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study, there may be an association between certain conditions during a mother's pregnancy, such as obesity and gestational diabetes, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-related behaviors in childhood.
The study included nearly 7,000 participants from 40 NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohorts. Eight of the cohorts included participants with increased likelihood of ASD. Researchers collected data on maternal health conditions during pregnancy, child autism-related social behaviors, and participant demographics.
The study suggested that maternal obesity and gestational diabetes were associated with indicators of autism-related social behaviors. Investigators did not see increases in these behaviors for children of mothers with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. There was no strong evidence to suggest that ASD-related traits were related to preterm birth or low birth weight, which are common complications of these pregnancy conditions.
Learn more about this research through the affiliated flash talk.
"Investigating how exposures, health conditions, and risk factors relate across the full range of the outcome distribution may help us learn more about the nature of these relationships and their impact on the population," said Kristen Lyall, ScD of Drexel University.
Dr. Lyall and Christine Ladd-Acosta, PhD of Johns Hopkins University, are both ECHO Program investigators and led this collaborative effort. Their research is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
"Our results highlight the need for better prenatal care and more monitoring of women experiencing conditions like obesity during pregnancy," said Dr. Ladd-Acosta.
Lyall, K. et al. Cardiometabolic Pregnancy Complications in Association with Autism-Related Traits as Measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale in ECHO. American Journal of Epidemiology. DOI 10.1093/aje/kwac061 (2022)
About ECHO: ECHO is a nationwide research program supported by the NIH. Launched in 2016, ECHO aims to enhance the health of children for generations to come. ECHO investigators study the effects of a broad range of early environmental influences on child health and development. For more information, visit echochildren.org.
About the NIH: NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information, visit www.nih.gov.
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| 2022-04-21T18:45:03Z
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Sells Without Reserve; Inspections Begin Thursday April 21
FREEPORT, Ill., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The former MetLife Insurance offices in Freeport, IL will be offered to the highest bidder at auction on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 11am CDT. The live auction will take place on site at 500 Economy Court. The auction is being conducted by Tulsa-based Williams & Williams Real Estate Auctioneers.
The first public inspection of the 170,000+/-sf property will be held Thursday, April 21 from 11am to 2pm. The public is welcome to attend. Other inspection dates are Friday May 13 & 20, also from 11am to 2pm
The property contains 170,000+/-sf in three buildings on 8+/-ac, with both surface and covered parking. There is an additional 1.91+/-ac parking lot across the street. Much of the interior of the building has been remodeled or upgraded in the last 20 years. Fontana Fitzwilson, Executive Vice President at Williams & Williams said the property was acquired by the current seller and is being sold as surplus real estate.
"We are encouraging developers and visionary investors to come take a look at this standout property," Fitzwilson said. "And the seller is so committed to having a transaction at the auction they have chosen to sell it without reserve." Alternatively, Fitzwilson said the seller would entertain pre-auction offers as well. "We are holding three public inspection events to allow buyers easy access to all parts of the property," she said.
The auction will be held on site, with simultaneous online bidding available through AuctionNetwork.com. The high bidder will be required sign a purchase agreement immediately after the auction and make a 10% down payment.
For more information, photos, and terms of sale, please call 800.801.8003 or visit https://williamsauction.com/freeport
Williams & Williams (www.williamsauction.com) is a worldwide real estate auction firm and the leader in global live and interactive auctions. A full-service brokerage with an operating footprint in all 50 United States and U.S. Territories, the company is part of the Insight One Solutions family of companies. Williams & Williams also cooperatively partners with residential, commercial and land brokers to auction property throughout the United States and abroad.
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| 2022-04-21T18:45:10Z
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MONROE, Va., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Old Dominion Job Corps has immediate availability to safely provide a campus setting to educate qualified applicants and place them directly into employment in our community. Specifically, Old Dominion Job Corps has openings for non-residential students for both the on-campus and the off-campus programs, including those in collaboration with Central Virginia Community College.
At the Old Dominion Job Corps, the campus has the capacity to serve Central Virginia students aged 16-24 in areas such as Automotive (General Service Technician), Building Construction, Electrical Wiring, Carpentry, Painting, Plumbing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Security and Protective Services. In addition, Old Dominion works directly with local and national employers to help them fill in-demand and well-paying positions, including CVS Health, BWX Technologies and Hard Hat Workforce Solutions.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of students the Old Dominion Job Corps has served over the past year and a half. But with effective vaccines and continued safety precautions, the campus is now ready to resume our non-residential programs' full operation.
The Old Dominion Job Corps offers young men and women the opportunity to gain education and career skills while learning essential employability skills to be successful in real world. Old Dominion provides a safe and secure campus learning environment to secure a high school diploma, attain employer-recognized primary and secondary credentials and obtain work experience leading to a career or enrollment to post-secondary education.
"We are incredibly excited that our campus has expanded our training opportunities and are eager to bring in deserving young people and help them start their careers," stated Bryan Lyttle, Center Director at the Old Dominion Job Corps campus. "With a long track record of successfully placing our graduates into meaningful careers in Virginia, we want our community to know that Job Corps is a terrific first option for any interested young person."
The Old Dominion Job Corps campus has already demonstrated they are able to serve students safely and effectively despite COVID. The program has protocols and policies in place to track COVID symptoms, test, and prevent an outbreak.
"The past two years have been trying for all of us. This time has also shown us that Job Corps' dedication to teaching trades to young people has made a big difference, not only in the lives of our students and their families, but in the lives of Americans reliant upon the work Job Corps alumni have been trained to do," said Byron V. Garrett, CEO, and President of National Job Corps Association. "Given our availability to immediately serve students, we know the potential for our campuses to transform lives and want everyone to know that Job Corps is reopened and ready to help."
For more information about student outreach and recruitment, contact:
James Davis
Business and Community Liaisons
Ph: (434) 942-8839
EM: davis.james.m@jobcorps.org
About ODLE Management
Founded in 2004, ODLE Management Group, LLC is an experienced workforce development provider. ODLE is the prime contractor and manages the day-to-day operations of several Job Corps campuses to include outreach, admissions and placement services. Prime contracts are in Louisiana (New Orleans), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Virginia (Old Dominion in Monroe), Texas (El Paso) and Oklahoma (Tulsa). In addition, Odle is a subcontractor in New Mexico (Albuquerque), Florida (Pinellas County) and Washington, D.C. (Potomac).
ODLE has received distinguished honors from the Small Business Administration, Arizona Small Business Administration, and the Arizona Small Business Development Center. In February 2020, ODLE completed a merger with Eckerd Connects, a private, national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization; ODLE remains a separate organization and a wholly owned subsidiary.
Media Contact(s):
Trish Jones Mondero
Odle Management Group, LLC
Phone: (602) 622-7941
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/old-dominion-job-corps-center-is-reopened-ready-transform-lives/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:16Z
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Former Sparkling Ice CEO Brings Nearly Two Decades of Industry Expertise to Prebiotic Soda Brand with Nearly 500% Year Over Year Growth
AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Poppi, the fastest growing brand in the functional soda category*, announced today the appointment of Chris Hall as Chief Executive Officer. With the rapid trajectory of the brand to date, Poppi saw an opportunity to further drive its rocketship growth by bringing on seasoned executive leadership. The addition of Mr. Hall will be pivotal in helping solidify the brand's position as the modern soda for the next generation.
"We've been super impressed with what Chris has accomplished during his time at Sparkling Ice and can't wait to blend his years of expertise with our disruptive approach to brand building," said Stephen and Allison Ellsworth, Cofounders of Poppi. "We're firm believers that the right team is a critical part of executing on our vision of building a multi generational brand, so we are excited that Chris is joining the Poppi family and bringing his passion, intensity, expertise and leadership to drive growth."
Chris Hall comes to Poppi from Talking Rain Beverage where he spent the last 15 years of his career, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Sparkling Ice brand. In his five years at the helm of Sparkling Ice, Mr. Hall drove unprecedented growth through his unique leadership style - an approach that prioritized product development, execution, focusing on people, and building a solid enterprise platform. He attributes much of his committed, passionate approach to leading teams to his time serving as a submariner with the United States Navy. This role not only shaped his commitment to excellence, but also his values, disciplined work ethic, and an always present mindset of "company-team-self."
"Poppi is an outstanding product with an authentic story, great founders and a passionate team behind it," says Chris Hall, newly appointed CEO of Poppi. "I'm truly impressed with the explosive growth the brand has had to date and am excited to help take it to the next level. I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead Poppi, a beverage company committed to providing its community with a better, healthier, and happier soda experience."
Poppi's prebiotic sodas went from a farmers' market favorite to a Shark Tank investment, to a household brand name available at thousands of retailers nationwide in a matter of 2 years. Today, the company is available in 11,000+ retailers including Target, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods and Sprouts and has a strong recurring customer base online. The brand has also become a viral sensation on TikTok with over 1 billion views. Since launching, Poppi has raised capital from lead investor CAVU Venture Partners along with celebrities such as Russell Westbrook, Olivia Munn, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Halsey and Ellie Goulding.
"As we enter our next phase of hyper growth, we're beyond excited to welcome Chris to the Poppi family," says Rohan Oza, Partner and Cofounder of CAVU Venture Partners and Executive Chairman of Poppi. "His leadership, ability to scale rapidly and operational excellence will be a fantastic addition to the breakthrough brand Stephen and Allison have built to date."
Poppi is a leader in the functional soda category, which according to Research and Markets is expected to reach $173.23 billion in 2025. Poppi combines real fruit, apple cider vinegar, and five grams of sugar or less to create a delicious, refreshing prebiotic soda that improves gut health. It comes in nine different flavors and is available for $29.88/ 12-pack. For more information, visit www.drinkpoppi.com.
Poppi is on a mission to revolutionize the soda industry by giving people a delicious way to improve their gut health. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison Ellsworth and based in Austin, TX, Poppi combines real fruit, apple cider vinegar and prebiotics to create a deliciously refreshing, full of flavor soda that provides real health benefits. Formulated with only clean ingredients, each can contains 5 grams of sugar or less. What originally started as a personal remedy for Allison's gut health and skin ailments, quickly became a farmers market favorite turned Shark Tank investment - and now is available at thousands of retailers nationwide. Poppi's brand first approach, cultural cache and rapid growth has nurtured an incredibly loyal fan base, including celeb fans Billie Eilish, Russell Westbrook, JLo, Olivia Munn and Noah Beck. Poppi is available in nine delicious flavors – Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Orange, Ginger Lime, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Cola, Root Beer, and DocPop – and is available for $2.49 per 12oz can.
Poppi is truly changing the game for soda lovers…and the rest is, as they say, pop history. Visit www.drinkpoppi.com to learn more.
*Source: SPINS Period 3 for the 4 weeks ending March 20, 2022
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SOURCE Poppi
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/prebiotic-soda-brand-poppi-appoints-chris-hall-ceo-amid-accelerated-growth/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:23Z
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COLUMBIA, Md., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), Cyber Procurement Office (CPO) recently awarded Sealing Technologies, Inc., (SealingTech) with a Production Other Transaction Agreement (P-OT) after SealingTech successfully completed a competitive prototype project for a 'hunt-forward' solution for the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This P-OT is valued at $59,043,342.61 and has a base award of 3 years.
This acquisition supports USCYBERCOM's mission to direct, synchronize and coordinate cyberspace planning and operations to defend and advance national interests in collaboration with domestic and international partners.
SealingTech's hunt kit solution to the DIU under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) provided a design that proves significant in supporting automated deployments, configurations and data flows for cyber operations. It is modular in self-contained units that can be carried on commercial aircraft.
"SealingTech's kit is designed to be modular so it can be configured for mission requirements and optimized for enhanced performance characteristics," said SealingTech Program Manager Angie Landress. She will manage the team who will deliver, integrate, sustain and support a total cyber hunt solution for CNMF.
"Bringing a working hunt forward system to US Cyber Command warfighters in a just a few months was no small feat," said SealingTech CEO Ed Sealing. "We are driven by the mission. With this pursuit led by Kimberly Nagy, SealingTech leveraged our knowledge, experience and innovation to rapidly create, test, improve and deploy a prototype that will help US cyber defenders more effectively secure cyberspace."
The scope of this statement of work includes, but is not limited to: program management, system engineering, integration, lifecycle sustainment, hardware and software procurement, supply chain management, configuration management, automated provisioning, training, cybersecurity, and quality assurance.
About SealingTech
SealingTech provides cutting-edge research, engineering, and integration services. These include Engineering & Architecture, Test & Evaluation, Piloting & Prototyping, Integration & Logistics, Training & Exercises, and Operations. Their goal is to utilize expertise in these fields to support the United States and their allies. #BuildSecureSolve
About CNMF
USCYBERCOM's Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) plans, directs and synchronizes full-spectrum cyberspace operations to deter, disrupt and if necessary, defeat adversary cyber actors to defend the U.S. National mission force teams are aligned to support the CNMF. The CNMF is one of three USCYBERCOM forces that would react to a cyber-attack on the nation.
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SOURCE Sealing Technologies Inc.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/sealing-technologies-selected-nearly-60m-agreement-by-us-cyber-commands-cyber-national-mission-force/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:29Z
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Digital gift cards make shopping easy and can be personalized with a Mother's Day theme
SEATTLE, Wash., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the mom or mom-figure who is looking to be inspired by new cultures and landscapes, show them the world this Mother's Day with a Holland America Line gift card that can be used toward a cruise or cruise amenities. To add extra value to the gift, a promotion that runs through May 8, 2022, gives a 10% bonus to those that purchase a gift card in $250 increments.
"There's a strong trend of moving toward giving experiences rather than physical items, and a gift card for a Holland America Line cruise is a unique and unexpected gift for Mother's Day," said Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. "Whatever the celebration or even if you just want to get yourself or loved ones back out to travel, this promotion is a wonderful opportunity to receive added value for your dollar."
Bonus gift cards boost cruise values for travelers planning ahead:
- Purchase $500 gift card, receive $50 bonus gift card = $550
- Purchase $250 gift card, receive $25 bonus gift card = $275
Cruisers can purchase a digital Holland America Line gift card at hollandamerica.com in a variety of designs for personalization — including a Mother's Day edition — for instant or scheduled delivery, which is perfect for the last-minute shopper. Gift cards also can be sent in the form of a physical card mailed to the recipient.
Apply Gift Cards and Bonus to Future Bookings for Bigger Cruise Value
A Holland America Line gift card can be applied to any cruise booking in US dollars, and it is good on all cruises in 2022 and 2023. In addition to a cruise, gift cards can be applied on all bookings toward pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions or added to a shipboard account for onboard spending, including specialty restaurants, gift shop, spa services, gratuities, shore excursions, beverages and more.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.
The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line's ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/show-mom-world-this-mothers-day-with-holland-america-line-gift-card-10-bonus-offer/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:36Z
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Rick Livesay brings over 25 years of healthcare experience to the company; bolsters Nava's San Francisco presence
NEW YORK , April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nava Benefits, a modern healthcare benefits brokerage leveraging technology and benefits innovation, welcomes benefits strategy leader Rick Livesay as Partner. Rick's appointment strengthens Nava's presence in Northern California as well as doubles down on Nava's commitment to bring benefits innovation to employers of any size. Rick will leverage his expansive healthcare experience to continue his track record of delivering for his clients, no matter what.
"Rick is an incredible relationship builder and a tireless advocate for his clients," said Joe Donovan, Nava's Chief Revenue Officer. "Rick's background in building unique, cost-effective health plans for his clients makes him a perfect fit at Nava. His experience working with some of today's largest and most innovative employers aligns with our goal of bringing a cutting-edge playbook to small and mid-sized employers."
Rick joins Nava with more than two decades of healthcare- and benefits-centric experience spanning pharma, healthcare delivery systems, managed health care, plan design, and consulting. Most recently, he served as a Business Consultant at Sequoia Consulting Group where he provided benefits expertise to employer groups of all sizes, with a focus on high-growth technology companies. Previously, he held benefits consulting and sales positions at Collective Health, Aon, and Stratford 360 (acquired by Aon), as well as several management roles in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Rick has extensive experience with self-funded employers and serves as a relentless advocate for his HR leader clients, stopping at nothing to help them sleep better at night.
Rick Livesay adds: "I've spent my entire career working to fix healthcare from the business side. Traditional brokerage has been stuck overpromising in finalist meetings while ultimately underdelivering on client outcomes. I was drawn to Nava's product vision and employer-aligned consulting approach, which work to eliminate the noise of everyday, basic inquiries that take up an overwhelming amount of HR's time. Nava delivers a benefits experience that doesn't just benefit the employee; it's amplified throughout the whole organization. Combined with Nava's active Benefits Advisory Board, I can finally empower my clients with the strategy, insights, and benefits innovation they didn't have access to before."
About Nava Benefits
Nava Benefits is a modern benefits brokerage on a mission to fix healthcare, one benefits plan at a time. Nava was founded with a mission to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to all Americans, starting with the 49% who receive insurance through their employers. With the Nava Benefits Search Engine, employers can discover and learn about 600+ providers across 28 benefits categories, backed by reviews from fellow HR professionals. By partnering with healthcare and benefits advisors from the country's largest companies, Nava packages their insights, tools, and best practices into a scalable, unified service offering that has helped smaller employers save 8-22% on their benefits plans. For more information, visit www.navabenefits.com.
Media Contact
Kimberly Dreisinger
nava@hermesprgroup.com
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SOURCE Nava
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/silicon-valley-benefits-strategy-expert-joins-nava-benefits/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:42Z
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Broadcast Quality IP Video for Complex Media Insertion Workflows
WALTHAM, Mass., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zixi, the industry leader for enabling dependable, live broadcast-quality video over any IP network, and provider of the award-winning Software-Defined Video Platform (SDVP) today announced an integration and partnership with Starfish Technologies, a leading supplier of innovative software solutions to International TV broadcasters and media companies, including TS Splicer and TS Signal Processor whose applications are in traditional broadcast, IPTV, satellite and cable systems. Starfish Technologies users can now leverage integrated Zixi protected live IP video as part of their content replacement and advertising workflows.
Starfish TS Splicer and TS Signal Processor have the SDVP and native Zixi protocol support built-in meaning that customers can effortlessly and seamlessly switch input streams and splice transport streams for ad insertion or content blocking applications. The company provides splicing and processing, advertising insertion, regional program replacement, media transcoding, opt-out signal decoding and video description technologies for the deployment of automated systems for media suppliers across a wide range of applications. TS Splicer is a software-based product that splices multiple Transport Streams – frame accurately. It combines the capabilities of decoding SCTE 35 opt-out signaling, media storage and splicing, to offer a complete media insertion system. The TS Signal Processor is a software solution to modifying control signals in an encoded media stream. Typical applications include adding SCTE35 ad break commands, modifying existing ad break commands, adding anti skip control signals and parental control content markers. These products are used by content providers of traditional TV broadcast signals or OTT platforms to enable additional revenue opportunities through advertising insertion, or by blocking unsuitable content.
Starfish Technologies utilizes key components of the SDVP to transport broadcast quality live video over any IP network. Low latency error-free transport over IP networks is critical to TV service providers contributing and delivering live video over unmanaged IP networks, and the Zixi protocol is a resilient congestion and network-aware protocol that adjusts to varying network conditions and employs patent pending, dynamic Forward Error Correction techniques for error-free video transport over IP with 99.9999% uptime at minimal latency. It provides best-in-class security with DTLS and AES encryption, allows for protected multicast transport, provides bandwidth efficiency and enables encoder backpressure. The Zixi ZEN Master control plane is also integrated to enable users to manage large-scale configurations and orchestrate, analyze, monitor, and report on live video streams including Starfish deployments, and the Zixi Enabled Network of customers, integrated hardware and software applications, platforms and service providers standardized on Zixi.
"As the market is evolving, the Zixi partnership gives our customers the needed broadcast quality, secure, and reliable live video over flexible IP networks," said Peter Blatchford, CMO, Starfish Technologies. "The Zixi Partner Program made it very easy for us to quickly integrate the SDVP and go-to-market."
"Our customers more and more have a demand to monetize and deliver localized content," said John Wastcoat, SVP Alliances and Marketing, Zixi. "The Starfish integration gives them the media insertion and advertising capabilities to maximize programming."
The integration will be demonstrated at NAB, for more information and to schedule a 1-1 meeting please click here Zixi at NAB 2022.
About Zixi
Zixi provides a cloud based and on-premise Software-Defined Video Platform that enables reliable broadcast-quality video delivery over any IP network, any protocol, any cloud provider and any edge device. The company offers technologies for broadcasters, enterprises, over-the-top video providers, and mobile service providers around the world. The Zixi Platform makes it easy and economical for media companies to source, manage, localize, and distribute live events and 24/7 live linear channels in broadcast QoS, securely and at scale, using any form of IP network or Hybrid IP environments. Zixi provides enhanced control in large complex networks with ZEN Master, a live video orchestration and telemetry control plane that provides visual tools to configure, orchestrate, and monitor live broadcast channels and events across industry protocols. Over 15+ years, the Zixi Enabled Network (ZEN) has grown to over 350+ OEM and service providers and serves well over 700 customers representing most of the top media brands around the world with 20,000+ channels delivered daily. www.zixi.com
About Starfish TV
Starfish Technologies Limited has an excellent reputation for supplying innovative software solutions to an impressive list of international TV broadcasters and media companies. Starfish has developed a wide range of technology for; Transport Stream splicing and processing, advertising insertion, regional program replacement, media transcoding, opt-out signal decoding and Video Description. With this broad software expertise and sophisticated systems design experience, Starfish is ideally suited to build automated systems for media suppliers across a wide range of applications. Headquartered in Reading, UK, Starfish Technologies is an ISO 9001 registered company.
For more information, contact:
Zixi: info@Zixi.com
The Americas: Denise Williams, Bubble Agency, +1 503 806 0755, denisew@bubbleagency.com
EMEA: Aline Mello, Bubble Agency, T: +44 (0) 7872 831 167, alinem@bubbleagency.com
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SOURCE Zixi
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/starfish-integrates-zixi-live-ip-content-monetization/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:49Z
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Featuring DJ Harrison set and treasure hunt to reveal special, legendary music guest
NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Teleperformance, the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and advanced related services, today announced the 2022 For Fun Festival with an event in the Metaverse revealing a legendary musical guest. Hosted exclusively on TikTok and IG Reels, the annual talent competition is now completely digital. Participants will compete with the chance to win prizes in three distinct categories: music, art, and dance. The competition will continue throughout the year.
"We are a Group of 420,000 people comprised of 100 different nationalities making Teleperformance one of the most diverse companies in the world. There is an unbelievable amount of talent in Teleperformance, and, every year, we celebrate and recognize this diversity and talent through our worldwide For Fun Festival. Since this contest has brought our TP family so much joy over the years, we decided for 2022 to leverage new technology and welcome everyone to join in the fun with our employees and our families," said Daniel Julien, Chairman and CEO, Teleperformance. "This year, we are absolutely thrilled to feature a very famous musical guest, and, for the first time, we will use emerging technology, including the Metaverse, to make this a unique global experience. We invite everyone from everywhere in the world to join us, have some fun, and enjoy this special celebration of human talent."
The For Fun Festival 2022 competition allows participants to showcase their talents and passions by making a duet with the guest artist that will be revealed during the launch event.
The big reveal, an exciting set by DJ Harrison, and a musical performance by a legendary artist, and a treasure hunt for a chance to win free NFT wearables will happen on April 22nd at 7pm (UTC).
Official contest rules, details, and information about the For Fun Festival 2022 can be found by visiting Teleperformance on TikTok: @teleperformance_group. To learn more about Teleperformance visit www.teleperformance.com and follow Teleperformance on Twitter: @teleperformance.
ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP
Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and advanced related services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model including end-to-end digital solutions, which guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high touch, high tech approach. Nearly 420,000 employees, based in 88 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2021, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €7,115 million (US$8.4 billion, based on €1 = $1.18) and net profit of €557 million.
Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350 and MSCI Global Standard. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares are included in the Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 index since 2015, the EURO STOXX 50 ESG index since 2020, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019 and the FTSE4Good index since 2018.
For more information visit www.teleperformance.com / Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance
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SOURCE Teleperformance
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/teleperformance-holds-first-metaverse-event-launching-2022-fun-festival/
| 2022-04-21T18:45:56Z
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Matches played at newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium and DC to host flagship FIFA Fan Festival
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, and the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland announced the Washington, DC/ Baltimore, MD Joint Bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™. All matches would be played at the newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland while Washington, DC would host a flagship FIFA Fan Festival™ that activates soccer across our nation's capital and region.
"We are thrilled to team up with our sister city to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Sports Capital," said Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "We know that the Washington-Baltimore bid is a winning bid. We're a sports city, we're a soccer city, and people from across the nation and around the world will want to be in and near DC in the summer of 2026 when we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday. When you bring all that energy to the greatest tournament in the world, across two fantastic American cities, that is going to be an unforgettable experience."
Both communities have already begun discussing merging the best that both bids had to offer from security and regional transportation to, fan engagement and legacy programing that will deliver a premier experience for fans from around the world and provide the region with a lasting positive impact.
"I am extremely excited to join forces with the District of Columbia to strengthen our bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring another world-class event to Charm City. Mayor Bowser and I want to ensure we give our cities the best opportunity to win this major event which will provide massive economic boosts for both urban centers."
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, co-chair of Baltimore Maryland 2026 said, "We are pleased to merge our Baltimore, Maryland World Cup bid with Washington, DC. The combination of our two world-class cities in the Capital Region will provide FIFA with exceptional soccer facilities for match play in Baltimore, and the grandeur of the nation's capital for cultural activities to celebrate the World Cup in the United States."
The proposed FIFA Fan Festival on the National Mall and adjoining Pennsylvania Avenue will be a must visit experience for fans from around the globe. It will also be held in conjunction with the United States' celebration of its 250th anniversary on July 4th along "America's Front Yard." City officials estimate more than one million attendees, which could become the largest single-day attendance number in FIFA Fan Fest™ history.
"We are really excited about partnering with our friends in Baltimore, Maryland to bring the best of both cities to the FIFA World Cup 2026 for all soccer fans," said Max Brown, DC2026 Advisory Board co-chair. "We look forward to having FIFA and its delegates in DC for meetings, practices, the biggest FIFA Fan Festival, and are confident that our region will exceed expectations in delivering an innovative, powerful, and fun fan experience."
ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKFields.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena, all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. Find us on social media – Facebook (Events DC), Twitter (@TheEventsDC), and Instagram (@EventsDC).
ABOUT THE SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION OF MARYLAND (The Sport Corp.)
A non-profit moving Maryland forward through sports. The Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland is a 501(c)3 established in 2019 to further and promote exclusively, charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes and the business and objects to be carried on and promoted by it are: To incubate cultural and operational event integrity for large scale sport and entertainment events in Maryland; To support Maryland Sports in hosting major sports events, economic analysis and research relating to sports, sponsorship of major sports events, and development of partnerships with other public and private entities to sponsor major sports events; To lessen the government's burden by promoting regional, national and international sporting events in the State of Maryland; To recruit, retain, market, promote and manage sports events that have positive media exposure, economic impact and image impact within the State of Maryland, and which will enhance the quality of life of citizens of the State of Maryland; To solicit and receive contributions from businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit entities and individuals interested in the promotion of sports in the State of Maryland. Events supported and produced by The Sport Corp. Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Maryland Cycling Classic and Baltimore-Maryland 2026.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/washington-dc-baltimore-md-merge-bids-fifa-world-cup-2026/
| 2022-04-21T18:46:04Z
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NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Yomico Moreno, world renowned tattoo artist, announces the launch of Yomico Art, www.yomicoart.com, the first ever multi-faceted media platform that offers events, master class, NFTs and digital content for the tattoo industry.
The expansion of Yomico Art targets a wide general market audience, tattoo and art enthusiasts and the content creator community. All generations are ready for a greater acceptance of body art and Yomico Art will transcend them there.
Yomico Art was born out of passion for body art and building community to drive this culture and lifestyle forward. We wanted to create multiple media outlets that would level up how others see the evolution of tattoos, how sophisticated and intricate the art can be and how tattoos connect people through artistic self-expression, said Yomico Moreno, Founder of Yomico Art.
The Yomico Art media expansion kicks off with its first ever Event Tour on May 9, 2022 with stops in New York, Miami, Mexico and Caracas (Venezuela). The in-person event will include sponsor activations, experiences, workshops, seminars, and live tattooing. With the support and collaboration of some of the best brands in the tattoo industry such as Cheyenne, Gorilla Glove, H2Ocean, INTENZE PRODUCTS, Zoa and the New York Empire State Tattoo Expo, the premiere event for the tattoo industry, and in conjunction with the Yomico Art Studio, that showcases the work of Yomico Moreno; notable for specializing in realism tattoos, the event welcomes the tattoo community from all over the world to come for an elevated experience. Attendees can register for the event at https://yomicoart.com/.
It's been a privilege to work with Yomico. I appreciate his vivid work and attention to detail with his unique skills that not only creates art but illuminates emotion. I am excited to see how Yomico will push the tattoo culture forward, said Dwayne Johnson "The Rock", Actor and Co-Creator and Founder of Seven Bucks Productions.
Bringing the art of the tattoo to the comfort of the home, Yomico stars in his very own Master Class, Realism 101. The first Master Class will be shot and produced by Cinema Giants, a full-service production company who produces authentic culture driven content from music videos, documentaries, feature films, and TV series. The Master Class segments range from topics such as history, foundations and technique. Users can purchase individually or the entire class online.
Yomico is an incredible artist. As a creator and artist, myself, I can appreciate the attention to detail along with the style of realism that shines through his work. Yomico brought to life the photographs of my parents that are near and dear to me, said Juanes, Singer and Songwriter.
Yomico is one of the most talented artists of this era and I look forward to seeing his growth, said Residente, Writer, Producer and Co-Founder of the alternative rap group Calle 13.
Today, tattoos have advanced to another level with many people now using their skin as a canvas to tell the story of their interests, to embellish who they are or to carry the permanent work of a favorite tattoo artist. Tattoo has transcended the earlier reasons for its existence to become in many cases a fashion, and a social practice that is now far removed from the role it played since its invention. Yomico will continue to lead the way in changing the narrative by showing how art, ink and needles can come together to create something beautiful.
About Yomico Moreno
Yomico Moreno was born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela and has been working as a tattoo artist since 2005. Today he resides in New York City, where he owns a private tattoo studio.
Moreno has worked in some of the most prestigious tattoo studios across various countries and continents such as Venezuela, Switzerland, Europe, Central America and South America. While In Caracas, he gained nationwide recognition winning first place prizes at various local tattoo conventions.
Yomico has been featured on CNN, Daily Mail (UK), Newsweek, Paramount Network "The Art of Ink", Sullen TV, Inkedmag, VIX, among others. He has been part of several art exhibitions including "Tattoo Forever" Exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, 13th Hour and Flesh to Canvas with Last Rites Tattoo, NY and in Japan.
In 2019 he opened his private studio, Yomicoart Studio in New York. In 2021 Yomico collaborated with The Rock on the "Evolution of the Bull" tattoo and a short documentary was released about the process. He is currently working on many new projects, including a Masterclass, an NFT project "The Tattoo Shop" and continues to travel around the world to do collaborations with other artists, teach seminars, as well as creating new stories with his tattoos to push his art to new levels.
Contact Information:
Raquel Gonzalez
raquel@theflolab.com
956-572-6042
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SOURCE Yomicoart Inc
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/yomico-art-changes-game-tattoo-industry/
| 2022-04-21T18:46:12Z
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Bride, caterer charged after lacing wedding food with drugs, sickening guests, officials say
LONGWOOD, Fla. (Gray News) - A bride and a food caterer are facing charges after police said they laced wedding food with drugs, which sickened multiple guests.
The bride, Danya Glenny, and the caterer, Joycelyn Bryant, were both arrested Monday.
According to an offense report from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called to a wedding venue on Feb. 19 in Longwood, just north of Orlando, after a wedding guest called 911 because he was “feeling weird.”
When first responders arrived, the guest told them he had drank wine but he “felt like he had drugs inside him.”
Firefighters with the Seminole County Fire Department treated multiple wedding guests on the scene who were feeling sick, complaining of stomach pains and vomiting. One wedding guest requested more help because people were “getting worse.”
At least one guest was taken to the hospital.
According to the offense report, officers discovered guests had likely ingested cannabis through the food that was being served by the catering company Joycelyn’s Southern Kitchen.
Several guests told deputies that they wished to press charges if their food had been laced with drugs.
Deputies collected food as evidence to be tested for drugs, including chocolate-covered strawberries, bread, wine, lasagna, cookies and brownies.
After investigating, the sheriff’s office arrested Glenny and Bryant. Both were charged with delivery of marijuana, culpable negligence and breaking the Florida anti-tampering act.
Both women were released on bond and are expected in court in June.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/bride-caterer-charged-after-lacing-wedding-food-with-drugs-sickening-guests-officials-say/
| 2022-04-21T18:46:19Z
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Florida legislature approves redistricting map amid protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a congressional map pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis during a raucous session as Black lawmakers chanted in protest over what they say will diminish the state’s Black representation in the U.S. House.
The DeSantis map would increase Florida’s GOP representation in Florida and would dismantle two districts now held by Black members of Congress.
The Florida House approved the measure along party lines after a brief delay when Black lawmakers staged a sit-in on the House floor. As debate on the maps was nearing an end, Reps. Angie Nixon and Tray McCurdy opened up their suit jackets to display “Stop The Black Attack” T-shirts and shouted the same phrase. They sat on the state seal in front of the House speaker’s rostrum and were soon joined by other other Black Democrats and other supporters.
The Republican-led chamber called a brief recess, all Republican lawmakers left the floor and the state Florida Channel temporarily stopped broadcasting the proceedings.
“This is good trouble! Necessary trouble!” Nixon shouted, echoing a phrase used by the late civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis.
The group sang “We Shall Overcome” and prayed. Some members went on Facebook to do live feeds of the protest. Nixon said in a text message to The Associated Press that the lawmakers would not leave the floor unless they were physically removed.
The Legislation was in special session to approve a new congressional map after DeSantis vetoed the maps lawmakers sent him. Republican leaders took a map from DeSantis instead of trying again to draw their own.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/florida-black-lawmakers-protest-desantis-congressional-map/
| 2022-04-21T18:46:27Z
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Third suspect arrested in South Carolina mall shooting
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Police have arrested a third suspect accused of participating in an Easter weekend shootout at a South Carolina mall that wounded nine people.
The Columbia Police Department said Thursday on Twitter that Amari Sincere-Jamal Smith, 21, of Columbia, turned himself in after authorities obtained arrest warrants earlier this week.
Smith and two other men face charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault after police said they brought guns to a busy Columbia shopping center, eventually shooting nine bystanders. Another six were injured in the rush to exit Columbiana Centre in the state’s capital city. No fatalities have been announced in the incident.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook said at a Monday news conference that the three identified suspects knew each other and the attack was not random.
“Emotions took over, you had firearms that were introduced into the dispute, gunfire was exchanged and innocent people got injured in the crossfire,” Holbrook said.
Police said Smith also faces a charge of unlawfully carrying a pistol. Smith was scheduled for a bond hearing Thursday afternoon, according to online court records.
A judge denied bond for two other defendants, Jewayne M. Price and Marquise Love Robinson, on Tuesday, news outlets reported.
The mall shootout was one of two mass shootings that rocked the state over the Easter holiday weekend. State police are investigating after at least nine people were also shot at a nightclub in Hampton County that weekend.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/04/21/third-suspect-arrested-south-carolina-mall-shooting/
| 2022-04-21T18:46:34Z
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Bailey Brauer co-founder named among top business litigators by D Magazine
DALLAS, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial lawyer Alex Brauer, co-founder of litigation boutique Bailey Brauer PLLC, has been recognized among Dallas' top business/commercial litigators by D Magazine for a seventh consecutive year.
With extensive experience and an exceptional track record, business owners and executives turn to Mr. Brauer when faced with their most challenging legal and business issues. This includes developing creative resolutions to disputes and presenting cases to judges and juries when acceptable resolutions can't be achieved.
His focus on client service has earned the trust of business leaders throughout Texas and across the nation, as well as multiple professional honors, including Chambers USA Leading Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers, BTI's Most Feared Litigation Firms, and Texas Trailblazers.
Selection to the Best Lawyers in Dallas list is based on a blue-ribbon panel's evaluation of nominees recommended by their peers. The complete list is featured in the May 2022 edition of D Magazine.
About Bailey Brauer PLLC
Bailey Brauer PLLC is nationally recognized for its trial and appellate work and provides battle-tested, sophisticated courtroom experience in high-stakes litigation matters. The firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, appeals, and class actions. Learn more about the firm at: http://baileybrauer.com.
Media Contact:
Rhonda Reddick
800-559-4534
rhonda@androvett.com
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| 2022-04-21T18:46:41Z
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The first public, carbon-negative blockchain showcases its commitment to sustainability and advocates for building a greener future on Algorand
NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Algorand, the blockchain transforming business models of all kinds, today announced it will showcase its commitment to sustainability and climate-first technology in Times Square, NYC. The takeover will begin as Earth Day celebrations around the globe kick-off — on Earth Day Eve in the US, Thursday, April 21, from 8:00-9:00 pm EDT— and demonstrates that the future can be built using modern, energy-efficient technology.
At the top of the hour, the billboards of Times Square will blaze with a bold call to action, encouraging audiences to unplug, celebrate the Earth, and commit to building a greener future. For the remainder of the hour, the billboards will bring a rare moment of silence and calm to one of the busiest centers in the world.
Algorand chose to bring its message about the importance of sustainable technology to Times Square, one of the most high-profile and innovative destinations in the world. The duration of the billboard takeover draws a comparison between Algorand's sustainable technology versus other blockchain networks: the one-hour takeover is estimated to represent 350 million finalized transactions on the Algorand blockchain chain and 90 hours of running the network. In comparison, it would equate to only six finalized transactions on the Bitcoin network running for just 1.5 seconds.
"Algorand was built from the start to achieve global speed, scale, and decentralization, while maintaining a lightweight, energy efficient footprint," said Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation. "That's what sets us apart from other blockchains."
Sustainability has been a core component of Algorand since its inception. As the world's first pure proof-of-stake blockchain, the Algorand network was designed from the ground up to minimally impact the environment. Because its pure proof of stake consensus mechanism requires minimal computational power or electricity, Algorand has been a leader in minimizing the environmental impact of blockchain technology. Compared to the Bitcoin blockchain, digital asset creation and transactions on Algorand result in 120 million times less CO2 emissions.
"We are committed to global financial inclusion at scale," continued Warden. "From traditional payments, to NFTs, to DeFi and the metaverse, we have the technology that delivers speed, scale, security and decentralization, all on a carbon-neutral platform"
Last year, Algorand solidified its commitment to sustainability by partnering with ClimateTrade to become the world's first carbon-negative blockchain. ClimateTrade is a leader in CO2 emissions transparency and traceability that is using blockchain-based solutions to improve the efficiency of sustainability efforts for leading corporations around the globe. Later today Algorand will announce its approach to become the world's first self-sustained carbon-negative blockchain.
Media interested in attending a private reception at NASDAQ overlooking Times Square to experience the takeover firsthand and meet Algorand executives and ecosystem partners, please contact: algorand@dittopr.co.
About Algorand
Algorand is transforming economic models and economies of all kinds. Founded by Turing Award–winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand's high–performing Layer-1 blockchain is unparalleled for bringing fast, frictionless, and inclusive technologies to everyone. Algorand is reshaping every industry–from TradFi and DeFi to new creator economies and beyond. With an extraordinary commitment to interoperability and consistent delivery, our sustainable technology powers more participation, transparency, and efficiency for all. As the technology of choice for 2000+ global organizations, the Algorand ecosystem is transforming the next generation of financial products, protocols and exchange of value. For more information, visit www.algorand.com.
About The Algorand Foundation
The Algorand blockchain — designed by the MIT professor and Turing Award winning cryptographer Silvio Micali — is uniquely capable of delivering on the promise of a borderless global economy. It achieves transaction throughputs at the speed of traditional finance, but with immediate finality, near-zero transaction costs, on a 24/7 basis. Its carbon-neutral platform and unique pure proof-of-stake consensus mechanism solves for the "blockchain trilemma" by achieving both security and scalability on a decentralized protocol, and without a second of downtime since it went live in 2019.
The Algorand Foundation is dedicated to helping fulfill the global promise of the Algorand blockchain by taking responsibility for its sound monetary supply economics, decentralized governance, and healthy and prosperous open-source ecosystem. For more information, visit https://algorand.foundation
Media contact: Margaret Huang, 415-867-1626, algorand@dittopr.co
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| 2022-04-21T18:46:47Z
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Checkmarx Positioned as a Leader on Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision for its Application Security Testing (AST) Platform
NEW YORK and RAMAT GAN, Israel, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Checkmarx, the global leader in developer-centric application security testing (AST) solutions, today announced that it has been positioned by Gartner as a Leader in its Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testingi for the fifth consecutive year. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company's overall completeness of vision and ability to execute in the AST market.
Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs.
"Our goal has always been to provide our customers with frictionless, developer-centric AST tools and services that support modern application development," said Emmanuel Benzaquen, CEO at Checkmarx. "From our flagship AST platform to the recently launched Checkmarx Supply Chain solution, our products are designed to empower developers to address any and all software risks across the application development lifecycle, and to be the trusted advisor to the CISO AppSec program. For us, the continued recognition of Checkmarx by Gartner for the last five years is validation of our solutions and their ability to adapt to an evolving security landscape."
More than 1,600 customers globally currently rely on Checkmarx to build and deploy more secure software. As of April 20, 2022, Checkmarx customer feedback shared on Gartner Peer Insights includes:
- "We are a new Checkmarx customer, but our experience so far has been nothing but positive. Cx has been very helpful during the POC, and they haven't let us down once we decided to buy the product, CxSAST. They are quick to answer and are very knowledgeable."
–Security and Risk Management, Manufacturing Industry [read full review]
- "Checkmarx has been an exceptional tool from an outstanding vendor. The ease of integrating into our DevOps pipelines has meant exponentially faster developer adoption. The responsiveness of the vendor when questions come up has been superb. They are one of my favorite vendors to work with."
–Security and Risk Management, Finance Industry [read full review]
- "Checkmarx is an intuitive product that has helped our engineering teams take security scanning to another level. But what stands out most to me is the service we got from our Customer Success Manager, the Sales team and the implementation team."
–Applications, Government Industry [read full review]
We believe this Gartner recognition comes on the heels of the launch of Checkmarx's Supply Chain Security solution that identifies suspicious and potentially malicious open source packages across the modern application development lifecycle. The Checkmarx Supply Chain Security solution represents yet another innovation and key addition to the Checkmarx AST Platform, one of a series that is planned for this year. To read more about this new solution and the security problems it solves for, visit this page.
View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report to learn more about Checkmarx's strengths and cautions, among other provider offerings, at this page.
i Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testing, Dale Gardner, Mark Horvath, and Dionisio Zumerle, 18 April 2022.
Gartner Disclaimer:
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
About Checkmarx
Checkmarx is constantly pushing the boundaries of Application Security Testing to make security seamless and simple for the world's developers while giving CISOs the confidence and control they need. As the AppSec testing leader, we provide the industry's most comprehensive solutions, giving development and security teams unparalleled accuracy, coverage, visibility, and guidance to reduce risk across all components of modern software—including proprietary code, open source, APIs, and infrastructure as code. Over 1,600 customers, including half of the Fortune 50, trust our security technology, expert research, and global services to securely optimize development at speed and scale. For more information, visit the Checkmarx website, check out the blog or follow the company on LinkedIn.
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| 2022-04-21T18:46:54Z
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New platform works on all mobile devices and is capable of integrating with client purchasing software.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cook & Boardman Group (C&B) is proud to announce the launch of a newly designed website and online store. The upgraded site was designed to provide a streamlined customer experience and access to thousands of quick ship products with industry-leading technical support for general contractors, architects and facility managers across the US.
The new version of the C&B website and online store contains numerous upgrades, including:
o Mobile-first design responsive to any device
o Enhanced search functionality
o Expanded resource library, including how-to videos and instruction guides
o Multi-level shopping lists
o Updated payment portal which now accepts PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
"The launch of the new website and online store enables our customers to access over 23,000 commercial door, hardware, access control and accessory products, available for quick-ship with live online chat support from a network of industry experts," noted Lance Simpson, Chief Operating Officer for C&B.
"Our customers will benefit from a modernized website that can integrate with any large customer purchasing system," explained Craig Stilwell, C&B's eCommerce Business Director. "Our model is based on efficiency throughout the process; we're providing users a streamlined experience and access to a larger catalog of products and online resources."
About The Cook & Boardman Group
C&B is the nation's largest distributor of commercial doors, frames & hardware as well as one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of integrated security solutions - including physical security, access control, wireless networking, low voltage cabling, audio/visual and managed information technology products. The company serves multi-family and non-residential markets including commercial, education, government, healthcare, office and hospitality sectors from more than 70 locations across 21 states and nationwide through its redesigned website at www.cookandboardman.com. C&B is a portfolio company of Littlejohn & Co., LLC.
About Littlejohn & Co., LLC
Littlejohn & Co., LLC is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based investment firm focused on private equity and debt investments primarily in middle-market companies. The firm seeks to build sustainable success for its portfolio companies through a disciplined approach to engineering change. For more information about Littlejohn, visit www.littlejohnllc.com.
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| 2022-04-21T18:47:04Z
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Host Web3-Enabled Listening Parties From Your Link in Bio
SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Koji, the world's most powerful Link in Bio platform and the leading app store for social media, today announced the release of NFT Listening Party, a new app for musicians to create NFT-gated listening experiences for their superfans.
With NFT Listening Party, artists can give fans early access to their latest beats, songs, albums, and more. Configuring the app is as easy as uploading an audio file, setting availability dates, and specifying the NFT required for fans to listen. Using Koji's innovative Web3 Bridge, the app seamlessly supports ERC721 and ERC1155 NFTs on both Ethereum and Polygon. When paired with KojiPay's Web3 Wallet, the Web3-powered fan experience has never been easier or more intuitive to use.
After a fan unlocks the app using the required NFT, they are able to listen to the specified audio file once, from start to finish with no replays, creating a unique and powerful listening experience.
"NFT Listening Party takes advantage of KojiPay's Web3 services layer to bring the power of Web3-enabled music to mainstream fans inside every social network, with no wallets or plugins to install. We are excited to further explore the ways in which the Koji Platform facilitates all kinds of new experiences for creators and their audiences," said Sean Thielen, Koji co-founder.
The new app is free to use and available today on the Koji App Store.
ABOUT KOJI
Koji is the world's most powerful Link in Bio platform. With hundreds of free apps created by Koji and its community of independent developers, the Koji Link in Bio gives leading Creators on TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and other social media platforms new ways to engage audiences, connect with supporters, and monetize. Koji launched in March 2021 and has raised $36 million in venture capital.
PRESS CONTACT
Sean Thielen
sean@withkoji.com
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NFT LIstening Party on the Koji App Store
NFT Listening Party For Musicians: How To Plan A Successful Digital Listening Experience
Link In Bio Apps For Musicians: Getting Started
How Koji Helps You Stand Out From The Crowd As A Musician
How To Promote Your Music On TikTok
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| 2022-04-21T18:47:10Z
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US pilot phase leads to US pivotal study scheduled for Q3 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Curebase, a company committed to democratizing access to clinical studies, today announced the initiation of the pilot phase of COMPANION, the first clinical investigation of a new digital therapeutic (DTx) for patients with IPF, a rare lung disease. The DTx is owned by Vicore Pharma, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company.
The COMPANION study is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical investigation evaluating the impact of Vicore's digital cognitive behavioural therapy on psychological symptom burden, specifically anxiety and depressive symptoms, in adults diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (dCBT IPF). Patients with IPF have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years, during which dyspnea, fatigue, and cough symptoms usually worsen.
Curebase's DCT platform and services will help Vicore recruit patients for this clinical study offering the potential to expand patient recruitment to more diverse and non-mobile patient populations. The COMPANION study will take place in the US and is designed to minimize the burden on IPF patients, conducted using Curebase's decentralized and virtual clinical research solutions. Curebase has extensive experience in the DTx space and is the premier thought leader for the Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA) in building resources to effectively execute DTx clinical research. Their decentralized clinical trial model ensures more diverse and far-reaching studies because unique populations – which typically are underrepresented in clinical trials – can be included. This strength is especially important for engaging with rare disease populations because these small patient groups are often spread widely around the globe. The company's virtual research sites and engagement with community sites and networks also provide physicians with new and unique options to offer their patients, regardless of location, which is ideal for the emerging DTx research space. The Curebase platform empowers sponsors, CROs and physicians from practices of all sizes to conduct clinical research, including private practices, independent clinics, and large academic research sites.
"The Vicore DTx is specifically developed to address the psychological impacts of IPF and the aim of this investigation is to refine the interactive nature of the therapy sessions to ensure that the patients see a real reduction in symptoms from a clinically validated treatment," said Jessica Shull, director of Digital Therapeutics at Vicore. "This decentralized clinical investigation also gives us an opportunity to rethink the traditional clinical trial model while keeping the patient in focus."
"Curebase is excited to work with Vicore to research the viability of their new DTx for IPF," said Tom Lemberg, founder and CEO of Curebase. "We built our solutions with innovation and emerging therapies at the heart of our mission. Patients around the world want to have easier access to cutting edge medicine to find possible solutions for their ailments and Curebase was built with them in mind. The research we are supporting with Vicore is just another example of our efforts to further democratize the world's clinical research."
The Vicore DTx is subject to medical device regulation in the US and Europe and is developed in partnership with Sweden-based, Alex Therapeutics. Alex Therapeutics develops software as a medical device (SaMD) digital therapeutics using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Results from the COMPANION pilot study are expected in Q2 2022. Key results from the pivotal phase are expected 2023.
About Vicore Pharma AB
Vicore is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines in severe diseases where the Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) plays an important role. The company currently has four development programs, VP01, VP02, VP03 and VP04. VP01 aims to develop the substance C21 for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and COVID-19. VP02 is a new formulation and delivery route of thalidomide and focuses on the underlying disease and the severe cough associated with IPF. VP03 includes the development of new AT2 receptor agonists. VP04 develops a clinically validated digital therapeutic (DTx) – a digital cognitive behavioral therapy specifically developed to treat anxiety and depression in adults with IPF.
The company's shares (VICO) are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm's main market. For more information, see www.vicorepharma.com.
About Alex Therapeutics
Alex Therapeutics is a medtech company based in Stockholm which designs and develops Software-as-a-Medical-Devices (SaMDs). With the proven "Alex DTx Platform", expertise in artificial intelligence and evidence-based psychology, Alex Therapeutics is uniquely positioned to deliver cutting-edge and reliable DTx products that demonstrably improve the health of their patients. The company has served tens of thousands of patients, has experience with clinical validation, and positive patient testimonials. For more information, visit www.alextherapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Curebase
At Curebase, our mission is to bring quality medical innovations to patients faster and improve human wellbeing through more efficient clinical studies. We are proving that clinical research can be radically accelerated if we empower physicians everywhere to enroll patients in the communities where they livAe. By applying cutting edge clinical software and remote study management techniques to the problem, we are reinventing clinical trials and research from the ground up. For more information, please visit www.curebase.com.
For further information, please contact:
Shawn Malloy, Curebase
Phone: 315-882-5310
E-mail: shawn@curebase.com
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| 2022-04-21T18:47:19Z
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Supported by strategic investor L'Oréal, Circular Innovation Fund aims at scaling growth stage circular innovations and business models across various sectors
MONTREAL and PARIS, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Cycle Capital and Demeter, leading cleantech-focused capital managers, announced today ahead of Earth Day the successful first close for its new US$160M - €150M Circular Innovation Fund ("CIF") with participation of anchor investor L'Oréal.
With this fund, the managers join their resources to scale circular, sustainable and profitable growth stage solutions from North America, Europe and Asia that positively contribute to climate change mitigation and circular use of resources across various sectors including new materials, packaging, recycling & waste, logistics, eco-efficient processes & design. The fund will capitalize on the managers' experience of investing in venture, private equity and infrastructure in cleantech to the growing need for market-ready solutions to convene capital towards talented entrepreneurial teams that are deploying those innovations.
CIF is an impact innovation fund classified as Article 9 under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. The fund's robust, reliable and innovative impact measurement methodology integrates due diligence and continued monitoring on critical non-financial KPIs including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, resource use and diversity over the investment horizons of portfolio companies. The fund managers' compensation is also aligned on the achievement of a selection of pre-determined impact goals.
Anchor investor L'Oréal is contributing €50M through its L'Oréal for the Future sustainability program. The fund also benefits from a broad range of investors including, strategic investor Axens, family offices including Haltra and Claridge, as well as private investors and the managers.
- "In a context of "it is now or never" as the last IPCC report said, private companies such as L'Oréal, have an increased role to play in supporting solutions which are critical for the future of our planet and humankind. At L'Oréal we believe that Impact investment is a powerful tool to tackle the biggest environmental issues and accelerate the necessary green transition. With the Circular Innovation Fund, we are joining forces with other committed actors to scale circular and profitable solutions for sustainable growth." - Alexandra Palt, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and CEO of the Fondation L'Oréal.
- "Axens is deeply involved in the development of advanced processes and solutions for the circular economy of goods and materials, including plastics - with our Rewind® family processes - and metals. In order to accelerate the emergence of a circular economy worldwide, innovation is required all along the value chain of those goods and materials. The Circular Innovation Fund, with renowned partners coming from different horizons, will be a powerful
tool to support this innovation growth, and we, at
Axens, are glad to be part of it." - Jean Sentenac, Chairman and CEO, Axens. - "We are enthusiastic about joining Cycle Capital and Demeter, two leading investors in the ecological transition, with a global presence and activity in North America, Europe and Asia. Our investment is a strategic component of our impact investing program flowing from our responsible investment policy. The Fund will allow Claridge to make investments in circular economy solutions and to participate in both return potential and contribution to global environmental health." - Pierre Boivin, President and CEO, Claridge Inc.
- "As a family investment firm focused on managing assets and having a positive impact, we promote the emergence of disruptive and sustainable economic models for future generations. We are delighted to participate to this new fund in the Circular Economy, one of our core investment themes. We have known Demeter for many years and are pleased to partner with Cycle Capital and L'Oréal in this field" - Matthieu Baumgartner, Co-Founder, HALTRA.
- "We are beyond thrilled to announce the first closing of the Circular Innovation Fund, which comes at a pivotal point in the global supply chain crunch and, most importantly, has the potential to drastically re-design how we extract, manufacture, consume and dispose of goods and materials. In light of the new IPCC report, a transition to renewable energy is not enough to solve some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces. We also need to tackle carbon emissions generated by the goods we consume with innovation-driven technologies developed by talented entrepreneurs" - Andrée-Lise Méthot, Founder & Managing Partner, Cycle Capital.
- "The joint-venture formed by Cycle Capital and Demeter platforms represents the perfect match for the Circular Innovation Fund investment strategy. Our dedicated team benefits from our undisputed expertise in ecological transition and circular economy, our international footprint and our track records as well as our best-in-class impact knowhow." - Stéphane Villecroze, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Demeter.
Led by Benoit Forcier and Mathieu Goudot, with the support of Adeline Kempf and Maya Hassa as well as the firms' back-office, the team brings decades of combined skill set of entrepreneurial, operating and investing expertise and experience in the cleantech sector.
Investments in early-stage VC funds
Consecutive to the first close, CIF announces indirect investment in two early-stage funds focused on circular innovation – U.S.-based Closed Loop Venture Fund II and European Circular Bioeconomy Fund ("ECBF").
- Founded in 2014, Closed Loop Partners is a New York-based investment firm, comprised of venture capital, growth equity, private equity and catalytic capital, as well as an innovation center focused on building the circular economy. The firm's venture capital arm, Closed Loop Ventures Group, launched in 2017 with one of the first venture funds dedicated to investing in disruptive, early-stage companies developing breakthrough solutions to accelerate the transition to the circular economy. In 2021, the Group launched its second venture fund to build on this strategy. To date, the team has made 30+ investments across both funds, targeting strong, early-stage venture returns.
- ECBF is the first venture fund exclusively dedicated to investing in growth-stage companies in the European bioeconomy, including the circular bioeconomy. The fund aims to make sustainable investments in our future and speed up the shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy. Thus, ECBF backs up businesses with high potential for innovation, favorable returns, and sustainable impact.
CIF will also sponsor a global acceleration program through a partnership with Cycle Momentum. The program will offer support for startups at the Seed/Series A stage with cohorts across Europe, North America and Asia over 3 years.
CIF's investment team is actively evaluating a rich pipeline of investment opportunities and welcomes inquiries and collaboration with entrepreneurs and co-investors.
Circular Innovation Fund The Circular Innovation Fund ("CIF") is a global growth stage venture capital fund focused solely on circular innovation. It is a joint venture between leading cleantech capital managers - Montreal-based Cycle Capital and Paris-based Demeter. The fund invests in growth-stage companies from North America, Europe and Asia developing breakthrough new materials, circular packaging, recycling and waste innovations, logistics, as well as eco-efficient processes & design, and circular business models. For more information on the Circular Innovation Fund, visit: circularinnovationfund.com.
Cycle Capital Cycle Capital is an impact investor and leading private cleantech venture capital investment platform with $600 million under management. With offices in Montreal, Toronto and Qingdao, mainland China, and a presence in New York and Seattle, Cycle Capital invests across North America and China in growing and commercializing companies that have developed technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing resources and processes. Cycle Capital is the founder of Cycle Momentum Accelerator and Canadian co-chair of the Beyond the Billion initiative – an international campaign to mobilize a consortium of investors who support female founders. For more information on Cycle Capital, visit: cyclecapital.com.
Demeter Demeter is a major European investment platform dedicated to ecological transition. Demeter has over €1 billion under management and carried out 200 investments since 2005. It invests €1m to €30m to support companies at all stages of development: innovative startups, high growth SMEs and infrastructure projects. Its team of 38 is based in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Metz, Madrid and Düsseldorf. Demeter is a responsible and committed investor, signatory of numerous initiatives such as PRI (Principle for Responsible Investment), CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), iC20, The Shift Project, and initiatives for gender diversity. All new Demeter funds are classified "Article 9" under the framework of the new European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). For more information on Demeter, visit: www.demeter-im.com.
L'Oréal For over 110 years, L'Oréal, the world's leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 35 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L'Oréal for the Future program, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.
With 85,400 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2021 the Group generated sales amounting to 32.28 billion euros. With 20 research centers across 11 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of 4,000 scientists and over 3,000 tech professionals, L'Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse. More information on L'Oréal, visit: loreal.com/en/mediaroom
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/cycle-capital-demeter-announce-first-close-new-circular-innovation-fund-scale-breakthrough-circular-solutions/
| 2022-04-21T18:47:26Z
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PITTSBURGH, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create an improved means of entering and exiting the elevated bed space of a pickup truck," said an inventor, from Enumclaw, Wash., "so I invented the T B S W S U. My design would eliminate struggle and strain for pickup truck owners."
The invention provides an easier way to access the bed of a pickup truck. In doing so, it eliminates the need to climb or crawl up into the open tailgate. As a result, it could reduce strain and injuries and it saves time and effort. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for pickup truck owners. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Seattle sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-FED-2296, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/inventhelp-inventor-develops-convenient-accessory-pickup-trucks-fed-2296/
| 2022-04-21T18:47:33Z
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NEW YORK, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT) announced today that it will report results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022 after the market closes on Monday, May 2, 2022. The earnings announcement will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.OUTFRONTmedia.com.
The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference call number is 800-263-0877 (U.S. callers) and 646-828-8143 (International callers) and the passcode for both is 3050946.
Live and replay versions of the conference call will be webcast in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.OUTFRONTmedia.com.
About OUTFRONT Media Inc.
OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go.
Contacts:
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/outfront-media-report-2022-first-quarter-results-may-2-2022/
| 2022-04-21T18:47:40Z
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SAS Health and Azure Health Data Services collaborate to offer game-changing advantages to industry
CARY, N.C., April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global analytics leader SAS and Microsoft are working together to build deep technology integrations, making advanced health analytics more accessible to health care and life science organizations. The collaboration boosts health care interoperability by enabling the use of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) standards and through integration from Azure Health Data Services to SAS® Health on Azure.
Microsoft recently announced the availability of Azure Health Data Services, a platform as a service (PaaS) offering designed to support Protected Health Information (PHI) in the cloud. By connecting to Azure Health Data Services, the embedded AI capabilities of SAS Health are more efficient and secure, expanding the possibilities of patient-centric innovation and trusted collaboration across the health landscape.
Future of health care data exchange is on FHIR
"The lack of data standardization in the industry has trapped health insights in functional silos. Providers and payers alike struggle to manually reconcile incompatible file formats, which slow the transfer of information and negatively impacts quality care and patient experience," said Steve Kearney, PharmD, Global Medical Director at SAS.
Global adoption of the FHIR industry data standard – which defines how health care information can be exchanged between different computer systems – is growing. Major electronic health record (EHR) companies are moving quickly to support FHIR, and in the US, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has mandated its use.
The Azure Health Data Services API model allows the transfer of FHIR data to Azure's robust PaaS infrastructure. The harmonized FHIR datasets persisting on Azure Health Data Services enable FHIR-based requests of specific data, speeding up queries to near-real time and protecting patient data.
Transformative analytical experience in the health cloud
Secure health cloud environments like Azure Health Data Services present the opportunity for real-time integration of patient and claims data. The platform hosts both transactional and analytical workloads from the same data store and enables cloud computing to transform the development and delivery of AI across the health care ecosystem.
"The integration between Azure Health Data Services and SAS Health can be transformational for organizations that have struggled to operationalize analytics," said Kearney. "The use of diverse health data throughout the process of care in a shared cloud environment enables a clearer path from analytics to improved health care outcomes."
A game changer for the health landscape
The collaboration between SAS and Microsoft Azure offers integrated technology that is secure, fast and scalable for health care delivery and research stakeholders, including:
- Providers. SAS Health on FHIR gives speedy access to analytic insights within EHRs, parsing out only the information needed. Quality care and patient satisfaction increase when providers can integrate data across multiple estates and record types, including patient records and claims data, into a single view.
- Payers. Payers governed by CMS are already mandated to transition to FHIR-based communication standards and experiencing early wins. With FHIR, payers can securely query patient records to determine the medical necessity of a service or procedure and whether appropriate authorization was obtained, cutting time spent dramatically.
- Academic health researchers. For clinical research, data sharing can be a common, time-consuming obstacle. FHIR-ready data sets can accelerate the generation of new health insights and expand the universe of data types for research, including social determinants of health, real-world data, genetics, device data from the internet of medical things and more.
- Life sciences. As the availability and usage of real-world data increases, FHIR-based interoperability enables pharma companies to generate new intelligence on drug safety and efficacy on a broader data set than previously available.
"Ultimately, these innovations in health data analytic interoperability can make insights faster across the vast ecosystem of professionals who are committed to a healthier world," said Kearney. "While technology is only one part of the solution, improving health begins with predicting future health risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate disease and promote physical and mental wellness."
Learn more about how SAS Health on Azure is transforming health outcomes through analytics.
About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2022 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
®FHIR is a registered trademark of Health Level Seven International, registered in the US Trademark Office and is used with their permission.
Editorial Contact:
Jennifer James
Jennifer.James@sas.com
919-531-0858
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/sas-microsoft-drive-toward-health-care-interoperability/
| 2022-04-21T18:47:46Z
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The Inspiring Lifestyle Brand is Evolving Its Work to Empower Underrated and Underrepresented Individuals in One of The Most Inaccessible Sports
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Stephen Curry, the three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP announced the expansion of his UNDERRATED brand to include the sport of golf. UNDERRATED is an inspiring lifestyle brand with a mission to empower underrated and underrepresented individuals all over the world. UNDERRATED stands for a representation of every overlooked, 3-star individual in the world.
Golf is one of the most inaccessible sports for underrepresented individuals across the globe, which is why Stephen and his team are expanding the brand beyond basketball. UNDERRATED Golf is a purpose-driven business endeavor with the overarching commitment to provide equity, access and opportunity to student-athletes from every community by balancing participation in the sport to truly reflect our society. With a mission to increase the participation numbers amongst competitive golfers from diverse communities, UNDERRATED Golf will have players compete hand-in-hand with their peers who currently represent the vast majority of today's golfers.
"I created UNDERRATED back in 2019 with the goal of celebrating the underdog," said Stephen Curry. "UNDERRATED is a mindset, a motivation, a calling, a compliment. With this inspiration, I am excited to expand the brand into UNDERRATED Golf, which happens to be one of the most inaccessible sports for underrepresented individuals across the globe. UNDERRATED Golf will provide equity, access and opportunity, recognizing the instrumental role the sport plays as one of the greatest vehicles and connectors for life successes."
UNDERRATED Golf's vision of the sport better reflects and balances the diversity of our society and most of all provides access to the countless opportunities that the game brings both on and off the course. This new venture will also allow young golfers to play on courses that they would never have access to, all the while addressing the gender inequity within the sport of golf and beyond, ensuring young female players are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Furthermore, UNDERRATED Golf will prioritize workforce development, bringing greater awareness, training opportunities and programming to individuals, while fostering an understanding of the many career paths made possible by way of the sport.
Through an ongoing series of special speakers, networking events and learning tools with brands and corporations, players will understand what it means to build a successful career. UNDERRATED Golf will also be used as a recruitment tool for their brands and corporations to hire the future leaders who will help enact change locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
"We are dedicated to enacting real change by creating lanes for boys and girls from underserved communities to gain access to the sport," said Will Lowery, UNDERRATED Golf Professional and Tour Ambassador. "UNDERRATED Golf provides equity, access and opportunity, recognizing the instrumental role the sport plays as one of the greatest vehicles and connectors for life success—from relationship building to career endeavors. We are focused on equal representation of all genders, while being a force multiplier for them to realize their potential and positively impact the sport—from skill on the course to competing in major tournaments and pursuing leadership roles across industries."
Student athletes who are selected to participate in UNDERRATED Golf will be able to grow through the game in order to have a sustainable future outside of the sport. Similar to the UNDERRATED Basketball Tour and Championships, UNDERRATED Golf will also identify and recognize the best players at each of the regional events. In its first year, the UNDERRATED Golf Tour will select each of the 24 best boys and girls who will compete for the Curry Cup at the season ending UNDERRATED Tour Championship. In the coming years, UNDERRATED Golf will continue to grow the participant pool, ultimately having a global footprint with the world's best prospects.
UNDERRATED is a culmination of Curry's inspiring journey to the top as he defied the odds, breaking basketball stereotypes and reminding people that being the best is not about being the strongest, fastest and tallest, but about being grounded in your potential, committed to your craft and, ultimately, undeterred.
About UNDERRATED
UNDERRATED is an inspiring lifestyle brand with a mission to empower underrated and underrepresented individuals all over the world. With a passion for celebrating the underdog, UNDERRATED echoes this message across three main categories including experiences, media and physical product. The brand, which was established by Stephen Curry in 2019, draws on the revered NBA Champion's personal story as an underappreciated three-star athlete in high school who always stood in the shadows of his peers. As a powerful culmination of this inspiring journey to the top, UNDERRATED is committed to opening doors for often-overlooked student-athletes by developing impactful basketball programming, and fostering a platform for visibility through the UNDERRATED Championships, which create opportunities for players to be recognized by key figures. Based in the Bay Area, UNDERRATED is a mindset, a motivation, a calling, a compliment. For more information, please visit www.stayunderrated.com, and connect on social media via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry's on and off court legacy is underscored by transformation and innovation. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Stephen is point guard for the Golden State Warriors where his 13-year career is marked by many firsts. He was the first person to be named Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote in NBA history, the first player to hit 100 3-pointers in the NBA Finals, one of a select few to win MVP awards two years in a row, remains the all-time leading scorer in Golden State Warriors history and recently surpassed former record-holder Ray Allen for most 3-pointers made in NBA history. He holds eight NBA All-Star selections and three NBA Championships. Beyond the game of basketball, Stephen is an emerging figure in Silicon Valley, investing in innovative consumer and enterprise tech companies. He is the CEO of SC30 Inc. (SC30), a purpose-driven company which focuses on the athlete's off-court endeavors spanning brand partnerships, media, investments and philanthropy. In 2020, he launched Curry Brand, a purpose-driven legacy brand powered by Under Armour, with a mission to open doors for underrepresented youth and increase access for sports across the country. In 2019, Stephen and Ayesha Curry launched Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation (ELP) an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child and making a positive impact for generations to come. Rooted in three of the most vital pillars for a healthy childhood—nutrition, education and physical activity—ELP is designed to ensure an equal road to success for all kids. Additionally, Stephen co-founded Unanimous Media with a goal to elevate diverse voices and shine a light on compelling narratives focused on family, sports and faith-based content for all platforms.
Media Contacts
UNDERRATED
Tom Dietz, ID-PR
SC30@id-pr.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/21/stephen-curry-launches-underrated-golf-providing-equity-access-opportunity-underrepresented-individuals-across-country/
| 2022-04-21T18:47:54Z
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Airlines want to bring back passengers banned over masks
DALLAS (AP) — Airlines have banned several thousand passengers since the pandemic started for refusing to wear masks. Now they want most of those passengers back.
American, United and Delta have all indicated that they will lift the bans they imposed now that masks are optional on flights.
“We have talked to them individually,” United CEO Scott Kirby told NBC on Thursday. “Many of them assure us that now that the mask mandate is off, everything is going to be fine, and I trust that the vast majority of them will.”
American Airlines Chief Government Affairs Officer Nate Gatten told reporters that “in most cases,” people who were banned over masks will be allowed back.
“In cases where an incident may have started with face mask non-compliance and escalated into anything involving something more serious — certainly an assault on one of our team members or customers — those passengers ... will never be allowed to travel with us again,” Gatten said.
Delta Air Lines spokesman Morgan Durrant said the airline will restore flying privileges after a case-by-case review and the customer’s understanding of expected behavior.
“Any further disregard for the policies that keep us all safe will result in placement on Delta’s permanent no-fly list,” he said.
Airlines have reported more than 7,000 incidents of disruptive passengers to the Federal Aviation Administration since the start of 2021, when unruliness aboard planes seemed to take off. More than two-thirds of those cases involved passengers who refused to wear a mask.
Several thousand passengers wound up on airline no-fly lists, although the exact number is unclear because American and Southwest have never disclosed how many people they banned.
Alaska Airlines said this week that banned passengers won’t be welcomed back. Southwest said a judge’s ruling that struck down the federal mandate won’t change its decision to bar an undisclosed number of passengers.
There have been enough twists this week in the mask-mandate story to make even a seasoned flyer a bit airsick. On Monday, a federal judge in Florida struck down the mandate, which dated to February 2021 and also covered public transportation including trains, subways and buses. She said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention didn’t follow proper rule-making procedures.
Within hours, most airlines rushed to make masks optional. When the Transportation Security Administration announced a few hours later that it wouldn’t enforce the rule, many — but not all — airports and public transit systems also made masks voluntary.
Late Wednesday, the Justice Department announced that it will appeal the Florida judge’s ruling. However, the Biden administration did not indicate whether it plans to seek an immediate stay of the ruling — which could allow the TSA to resume enforcing the mask rule.
In the meantime, the FAA’s acting administrator, Billy Nolen, said the agency is making its zero-tolerance policy against unruly passengers permanent. Under the policy, the FAA can seek fines without first issuing warnings to disruptive passengers.
Reaction has been mixed to the end of the mask mandate. On Monday, many passengers cheered when told in mid-flight that they could remove their masks. Other people took to social media to say they didn’t want to fly if other passengers were unmasked.
United’s Kirby and American’s chief commercial officer, Vasu Raja, said they have seen no indication yet that the demise of the rule is affecting ticket sales one way or the other.
Airline officials believe that any increase in customers happy over not needing a mask will be offset by people who choose not to fly because other passengers won’t be masked.
With the rule gone for now, airlines are training their lobbying efforts on eliminating the requirement that international travelers pass a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding a flight to the U.S. Airline officials believe that rule is making Americans hesitate to book international travel because they could be stranded away from home if they contract the virus on their trip.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/airlines-want-bring-back-passengers-banned-over-masks/
| 2022-04-21T19:43:21Z
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California man charged with making terrorist threat to president of Wisconsin school board
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU/Gray News) - A California man is charged and accused of making a death threat toward the president of a Wisconsin school board.
According to online court records, 33-year-old Jeremy Hanson was charged with terrorist threats, which is a felony.
According to the criminal complaint filed with the charges, Hanson sent an anonymous email to Tim Nordin, the ECASD Board of Education president, from a Gmail account named “Kill All Marxist Teachers” at 11:58 a.m. on March 21, 2022.
According to WEAU, the email said, “I am going to kill you and shoot up your next school-board meeting for promoting the radical transgender agenda. It’s now time to declare war on you pedos. I am going to kill you and your entire family.”
The email was sent to Nordin’s school email, and ECASD’s IT staff worked with the Eau Claire Police Department to find the IP address of the device the email was sent from.
Investigators learned the IP address originated in Los Alamitos, California, and that the message appeared to have been sent from a PlayStation 4.
Detectives reached out to the internet service provider, Spectrum, to get more information about the account holder. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department then contacted the account holder, who identified herself as the mother of Hanson and confirmed that they owned a PlayStation 4.
Investigators were told that Hanson leans “very far right politically,” according to court documents, and has open cases with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for making similar threats in other places. Hanson’s mother said that Hanson is on the autism spectrum.
In a statement after receiving the threat, Nordin said that threats and violence against others are unacceptable, and said “to threaten my wife and children, my board colleagues, the staff of our schools, and, indeed, anyone in our community who would come to a school board meeting, angers me to my very core.” A school board meeting on the day the threat was made had three police officers present as a precaution.
If convicted, Hanson faces a maximum penalty of $10,000 and a maximum sentence of three and a half years in prison.
Copyright 2022 WEAU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/california-man-charged-with-making-terrorist-threat-president-wisconsin-school-board/
| 2022-04-21T19:43:28Z
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(CNN) -- The Florida legislature on Thursday gave final passage to a pair of bills aimed at Disney, weeks into the company's feud with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over its objections to a new law that limits certain classroom discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity.
One of the bills would eliminate the unique status that allows Disney to operate as an independent government around its Orlando-area theme parks. The other would eliminate a Disney carve-out in a social media bill that was signed into law last year but put on hold by a federal judge.
The bills passed 70-38 in the Florida House on Thursday. The vote happened without any final debate and came as several Black Democratic members were staging a protest over the congressional redistricting map. The Disney bills passed the state Senate on Wednesday, and now head to DeSantis' desk.
Disney drew the ire of DeSantis and Sunshine State Republicans earlier this year over legislation that prohibits schools from teaching young children about sexual orientation or gender identity.
After initially declining to weigh in, Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly criticized Florida lawmakers for passing what opponents called the "Don't Say Gay" bill and apologized to the company's LGBTQ employees for not being a stronger advocate. Chapek then announced that the company would stop making political donations in Florida after decades of contributing generously, mostly to Republicans, including a $50,000 donation to DeSantis' reelection effort.
While this week's special session was originally called to finalize the once-in-a-decade work of reapportioning the state's congressional maps, state lawmakers added the Disney legislation to the docket after DeSantis this week challenged lawmakers in a surprise bombshell announcement to unravel the 55-year-old Reedy Creek Improvement Act, a unique Florida law that helped establish Walt Disney World in the state by giving the brains behind Mickey Mouse operational autonomy.
The bill would dissolve the special district on June 1, 2023.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District covers Disney's properties near Orlando, allowing the company to manage land within its boundaries and provide its own public services, such as firefighting and police. There are also significant tax advantages for Disney in the arrangement.
Republicans sponsors, often unable to give detailed answers to questions about financial and legal implications of the legislation during floor discussions, suggested that the legislature could work through logistics of the dissolution over the next year.
Florida Democrats this week have been outspoken against the bills, accusing Republicans of retaliating against Florida's largest private employer in ways that will reverberate throughout the state's important tourism economy.
State Sen. Gary Farmer, a Democrat, called the tactic "shoot first, ask questions later."
"The debt service alone for Reedy Creek is over a billion dollars," Farmer said Wednesday. "This bill makes no provision as to how that debt service is going to be assumed. Local government entities must pick up assets and liabilities of any special district that is dissolved."
Democratic state Rep. Fentrice Driskell told CNN just before the votes happened on Thursday, "It's going to cost the government in Orange County and Osceola Counties and therefore the tax payers billions of dollars, I'm talking an additional tax burden that's estimated $2,200 to $2,800 per family."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/florida-legislature-approves-end-of-disneys-special-status/article_2669d61c-c1aa-11ec-afd6-cf7a070561c0.html
| 2022-04-21T20:54:37Z
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| 2022-04-21T20:54:43Z
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Above-normal temps are in store for the weekend
We look mainly dry and Summer like Friday-Sunday
A weak frontal boundary meandering across our area could bring a few additional isolated showers overnight, but most of us will stay dry, with some breaks in the clouds eventually developing this evening. Low temps will be mild, falling into the 40s and 50s overnight.
We could see a stray shower or two Friday, but most will be dry and much warmer to end the work week as high pressure centered just to our south keeps us company. High temps Friday afternoon will be above-normal for this time of year, topping off in the mid-70s to low 80s. Friday night looks mainly clear and warmer than we’ve been the past few nights this week, with lows in the 50s.
Saturday will bring similar conditions; plenty of sun, a few clouds, and only the slim chance for a stray shower here or there. Highs will be even warmer, in the upper 70s-mid 80s Saturday afternoon. We look mainly clear and mild again Saturday night with low temps in the 50s again.
Sunday, it will feel more like Summer than Spring YET AGAIN! We’ll be mainly sunny with highs in the low to upper 80s for most. Some lower elevations could possibly push the 90-degree mark before the weekend is over!
We will still be warm to begin next week, but a frontal system will bring the chance of rain back by Monday night-Tuesday. We’ll get a cool-down after that. Temps will go from above-normal to slightly below (mainly in the 50s) by Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Stay tuned!
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/above-normal-temps-are-store-weekend/
| 2022-04-21T21:15:37Z
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COVID: Parents of unvaccinated children upset about new mask rules
LOS ANGELES (CNN) - A federal court ruling has recently struck down the travel mask mandate, and parents of young children are saying they felt blindsided by such a ruling when it comes to their future travel plans.
Erin Goulder, a mother to a 6- and 3-year-old, said she has done everything to keep her children safe from COVID since the start of the pandemic.
“We’re pretty COVID conscious. We’re probably the strictest people that we know,” Goulder said.
The family said they have been to parks, nature reserves and zoos, but they won’t be getting on an airplane anytime soon.
“If people aren’t wearing masks, then we’re definitely going to come up with a different plan,” Goulder said.
The Goulders said they had planned to fly to California and Europe over the summer, but now they’ve scrapped all that after the sudden end of masking requirements on planes.
“I don’t understand what the big deal about a mask is. When you’re in an enclosed space with that many people coming from that many different places,” Goulder said.
Fellow travelers wearing masks was an important layer of safety for the whole family.
Goulder, her husband and her older daughter are vaccinated, but they know they could still get COVID. And their younger daughter is too young to be vaccinated so, she’s completely unprotected.
“My biggest worry is the long COVID and also the unknowns,” Goulder said.
Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine adviser to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said different families will make different decisions about flying in planes.
“I wouldn’t think that going on a plane exposes them to any more risk than they might be exposed to in the community in everyday activities,” Schaffner said.
If parents are worried about their child’s safety on a plane, he said to consider driving if that’s possible. And if it’s not, do everything to minimize the risk, such as mask-wearing and as much social distancing as possible.
Overall, children are less at risk of severe disease with COVID, but Schaffner emphasizes it’s not zero.
According to the World Health Organization, the number of new COVID cases was down globally by 24% last week.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/covid-parents-unvaccinated-children-upset-about-new-mask-rules/
| 2022-04-21T21:15:44Z
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Former Raiders QB Daryle Lamonica dies at age 80
(AP) – Daryle Lamonica, the deep-throwing quarterback who won an AFL Player of the Year award and led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl appearance, has died. He was 80.
The Fresno County Sherriff’s Office said Lamonica passed away at his Fresno home on Thursday morning. The death is considered to be from natural causes.
The Raiders acquired Lamonica in a trade from Buffalo in 1967 and he was immediately the perfect fit for the vertical offense owner Al Davis coveted for his franchise.
Nicknamed the “Mad Bomber,” Lamonica made an immediate impact in Oakland after starting only four games in four seasons with the Bills.
Lamonica’s deep arm teamed up with receivers such as Warren Wells and Fred Biletnikoff and turned the Raiders into a powerhouse. They went 13-1 his first season as Lamonica was a first-team All-Pro and AP AFL Player of the Year when he led the league with 30 touchdown passes.
Lamonica then threw two TD passes in a win over Houston in the AFL title game to send the Raiders to their first Super Bowl where they lost 33-14 to Green Bay.
In his six seasons as a starter for the Raiders, Lamonica was one of the most prolific passers in the game, leading led pro football with 145 TD passes — 24 more than second-place Fran Tarkenton. His 16,006 yards passing ranked third from 1967-72.
Lamonica was an All-Pro again in 1969 when he led the AFL with 3,302 yards passing and 34 touchdowns. The 34 TDs still stand as the franchise’s single-season record more than a half-century later.
Lamonica was at his best during the playoffs, throwing five TD passes in a 41-6 win over Kansas City in 1968 and a record six the following season against Houston. Only Steve Young and Tom Brady have matched Lamonica’s six TD passes in a playoff game and only Patrick Mahomes and Kurt Warner have multiple games with at least five.
Lamonica also played a starring role in one of the most memorable games ever, throwing four TD passes, including the go-ahead score to Charlie Smith in a 43-32 win over the Jets in a game now known as the “Heidi Game” because NBC cut away from the finish on the East Coast before the Raiders comeback to show the children’s movie.
Lamonica was replaced as the starter in 1973 by Ken Stabler and went to the World Football League the following season where he finished his career.
Lamonica finished his career with 19,154 yards passing and 164 TDs. The Raiders went 62-16-6 in Lamonica’s starts for the best winning percentage for any starting QB in the Super Bowl era with at least 75 starts.
Lamonica was born and raised in Fresno before going to college at Notre Dame. He was drafted in the 12th round by Green Bay and the 23rd round by the Bills in 1963 and opted to go to the AFL. He was a backup to Jack Kemp in Buffalo before becoming a star in Oakland.
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Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/former-raiders-qb-daryle-lamonica-dies-age-80/
| 2022-04-21T21:15:51Z
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Kentucky abortion law blocked in win for clinics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked a state law that effectively eliminated abortions in Kentucky after the state’s two remaining clinics said they couldn’t meet its requirements.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings was a victory for abortion rights advocates and a setback for the Republican-led legislature, which passed the law in March and then overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of the measure last week. One of the clinics said Thursday that it would immediately resume abortion services.
The new law bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and requires women to be examined by a doctor before receiving abortion pills. It also contains new reporting requirements that the Kentucky clinics said they couldn’t immediately comply with. Noncompliance can result in stiff fines and felony penalties.
Jennings’ order did not delve into the larger issue of the new law’s constitutionality. Instead, it focused on the clinics’ claims that they’re unable to comply with the measure because the state hasn’t yet set up clear guidelines.
Jennings, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, said she decided to block the entire law because she lacked information “to specifically determine which individual provisions and subsections are capable of compliance.”
Abortion rights activists said they were relieved by the decision but noted more rounds are ahead in the legal fight.
“This is a win, but it is only the first step,” said Rebecca Gibron, the CEO for Planned Parenthood in Kentucky, where its clinic is immediately resuming abortion services. “We’re prepared to fight for our patients’ right to basic health in court and to continue doing everything in our power in ensure abortion access is permanently secured in Kentucky.”
Supporters say the goal of Kentucky’s new law is to protect women’s health and strengthen oversight. Opponents say the objective all along was to stop abortions in the state completely.
Kentucky is among the GOP-led states that have passed restrictive abortion laws in anticipation of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that established a right to abortion nationwide nearly 50 years ago.
Pending before the high court is a challenge to a law passed in a fifth state, Mississippi, that bans abortion after 15 weeks. The court has indicated that it will allow Mississippi’s ban to stand and conservative justices have suggested they support overruling Roe.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/kentucky-abortion-law-blocked-win-clinics/
| 2022-04-21T21:15:59Z
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Police: 2 charged with kidnapping after 17-year-old goes missing after work
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) - Police in Arkansas have arrested two people in a kidnapping case involving a 17-year-old girl.
KAIT reports officers with the Hot Springs Police Department arrested 38-year-old Samuel Wayne Bolling Jr. and 19-year-old Dayla Diane Ferrer earlier this week.
The two are facing charges that include kidnapping, aggravated robbery and first-degree battery after an Amber Alert was issued for 17-year-old Trynytee Case, who went missing after work on Monday.
Officers said Case was found Tuesday in a local neighborhood and taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Bolling and Ferrer were located nearby and taken into custody.
Originally, police said the 17-year-old was approached by an unknown woman who said she had lost her parents and asked Case for help while she was walking to her car with another co-worker.
Case’s co-worker went to get her car nearby, and by the time she returned, police said Case was gone.
Additionally, Arkansas police said a man later got on the phone and demanded $10,000 from Case’s mother for her return or else they were going to kill her.
On Wednesday, authorities said the two suspects were being held without bond at the Garland County Detention Center.
Copyright 2022 KAIT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/police-2-charged-with-kidnapping-after-17-year-old-goes-missing-after-work/
| 2022-04-21T21:16:05Z
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Powell reinforces expectations of sharp rate hike next month
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve must move faster than it has in the past to rein in high inflation, Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday, signaling that sharp interest rate increases are likely in the coming months, beginning at the Fed’s next policy meeting in May.
In a panel discussion held by the International Monetary Fund during its spring meetings, Powell also suggested that “there’s something in the idea of front-loading” aggressive rate hikes as the Fed grapples with inflation that has reached a four-decade high.
“So that does point in the direction of (a half-point rate increase) being on the table” for the Fed’s policy meeting May 3-4, Powell said. Typically in the past, the Fed has raised its benchmark short-term rate by more modest quarter-point increments. When the Fed raises its rate, it often leads to higher borrowing costs for people and businesses, including those seeking to borrow to buy homes, cars and other costly goods.
Wall Street investors already expect the Fed to raise its key rate by a half-point at its next three meetings, including those that will occur in June and July. Powell’s comments Thursday underscored those expectations.
That would be the fastest tightening since 1994, when the Fed raised its rate by 1.25 percentage points over the course of three meetings.
By contrast, Christine Lagarde, president of European Central Bank, who took part in Thursday’s discussion, sounded a much more cautious note. Inflation in the 19 countries that use the euro reached 7.5% last month, compared with a year earlier, the highest level since records began in 1997.
Yet Europe’s economy faces a greater threat from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has sent food and particularly energy prices on the continent soaring and has weighed more on its economic growth than in the United States.
Lagarde said the ECB, at its next meeting in June, would decide when to end its program of bond purchases, which are intended to lower long-term interest rates. The Fed completed a similar effort in March. The ECB has set the July-September quarter as a target to stop buying bonds but hasn’t been more specific.
One reason for Lagarde’s caution, she said, is that about half of Europe’s inflation is driven by high energy prices. Typically, interest rate policies can do little about such supply shocks.
“Our economies are moving at a different pace,” Lagarde said, referring to Europe and the United States, where growth has been faster. “Our inflation is fed by different components.”
In his remarks, Powell said the Fed wants to “expeditiously” raise its benchmark rate to a neutral level, meaning a level that neither encourages nor restrains economic growth. Fed officials now consider a rate of between 2.25% and 2.5% to be roughly neutral. That’s 2 percentage points above its current level.
The Fed could raise rates beyond neutral, Powell said, to a level that would slow the economy — “if that turns out to be appropriate” to stem high inflation.
How quickly the Fed should lift rates to a point they start to restrain the economy could be a point of debate among policymakers in the coming months. On Wednesday, Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said that rates “will probably end up” above neutral by next year.
But Mary Daly, president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve, suggested Wednesday that once the Fed lifted rates to a level that no longer encouraged or restricted growth, it should proceed cautiously.
“If we slam the brakes on the economy by adjusting rates too quickly or too much, we risk...potentially tipping the economy into recession,” Daly said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/powell-reinforces-expectations-sharp-rate-hike-next-month/
| 2022-04-21T21:16:12Z
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BUFFALO — Buffalo will make its HGTV debut later this month as the episode of “Home Town Kickstart” featuring Buffalo — and kicking off the series — airs April 24.
“Home Town Kickstart” features the revitalization of six small towns, consisting of the renovation of a public space, a business and the home of a “local hero.” It is a spinoff of other HGTV “Home Town” shows that feature hosts Ben and Erin Napier.
HGTV hosts Ty Pennington and Jasmine Roth, known for such shows as “Rock the Block” and “Help! I Wrecked My House,” were chosen to spearhead Buffalo's rejuvenation.
Film crews spent more than a month at the end of 2021 working on different projects in Buffalo. The three revitalization projects included the mural on the side of city hall, the makeover of the Buffalo Theater and the remodel of a "local hero's" home.
While the renovation projects will make their television debut at the end of April, Buffalo residents have been enjoying the new assets for months.
The city hall mural was unveiled in December as city staff and curious onlookers watched.
City-Clerk Treasurer Julie Silbernagel got her first look at the mural on camera, as Pennington and Roth led her down the sidewalk in front of city hall.
While the concept of the mural was created by HGTV and approved by the city, the artistry was done by Jason Jespersen, a local artist. The project was completed at no cost to the city.
Buffalo residents have taken advantage of the new and improved movie theater since January, when the theater opened after a two-year hiatus. When it opened, it had new flooring, a fresh coat of paint and a handful of more modern design touches.
HGTV has not yet identified the local hero selected for the show.
The “Home Town” series of shows began in 2016 with the debut of “Home Town,” a show about the Napiers' renovations of homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. Subsequently, they added “Home Town Takeover” to the lineup and then “Home Town Kickstart.”
Other small towns featured in “Home Town Kickstart” will be Cornwall, New York; Winslow, Arizona; LaGrange, Kentucky; Thomaston, Georgia; and Minden, Louisiana. Buffalo is the smallest of those cities, and Cornwall is the largest with a population of 12,646.
Episodes will air weekly at 6 p.m. on HGTV, beginning Sunday, April 24.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/advertising_and_marketing/buffalo-to-make-april-debut-on-hgtv/article_eb77e8bc-c1ba-11ec-a357-ab786e033485.html
| 2022-04-21T21:54:49Z
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Dubois has declined to back an effort to obtain Continental Divide Trail gateway community status, which advocates say would raise the town’s profile as an outdoor recreation destination and help connect CDT trail users with its services.
The Dubois Town Council on April 13 decided not to formally support the effort with a letter. The Wind River Visitors Council sought the letter as part of its application to secure the status, arguing Dubois would benefit from marketing itself as friendly to outdoor recreation and users of the nearby trail.
Council members cited stories of problematic hiker behavior in town establishments, raised worries the effort could lead to loss of multi-use trails and expressed displeasure with the timeline — those spearheading the effort hoped designation could be achieved by early May.
“We don’t live here so that people tell us what to do,” Mayor John Meyer said. “In fact if somebody wants to come in and tell us what to do, more than likely we show them the door very quickly.”
The town council can perhaps revisit the proposal, he said, but it needs to better understand the designation first. “So I just think that what I’m hearing is we need some more information to help us maybe change some minds.”
The body’s refusal to support the effort could spell its defeat. According to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, which administers the gateway program, the town or county government of the community that is applying must approve the designation.
The Lander City Council took the opposite tack when the visitors council approached it with a similar request this spring, embracing the effort to apply for gateway designation for Lander and South Pass City (which is not a municipality). Fremont County, several agencies and individuals supported gateway status for all three communities.
If the CDTC anoints Lander/South Pass as gateway communities, they will join 19 towns along the 3,100-mile trail and three in Wyoming — Pinedale, Rawlins and Riverside/Encampment.
Most communities consider the status an achievement, citizen Beth Estes, remarked at the meeting.
“Are other communities looking at this as an honor to be designated as a gateway community, and Dubois is looking at it as a problem?” she asked. “Somehow it seems like that this should be an honor that we’re being designated, as opposed to us looking as though we don’t want this…”
The conflict underscores the state’s varied attitudes toward tourism, as some see the industry as a necessary piece of Wyoming’s economic diversification but others meet outdoor recreation proposals with skepticism.
The CDT hews close to the backbone of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico, with some 550 miles unfurling through Wyoming. Users include thru-hikers who tackle the entire length, as well as day hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and more.
Obtaining gateway status for the well-known route has long been on the Wind River Visitors Council’s wishlist, Executive Director Helen Wilson said. The trail cuts directly through South Pass and hugs close to Lander and Dubois as it wends through the Wind River Range. Considering the trail’s proximity, the designation “seems obvious.”
The WRVC has been coordinating the effort with the help of three University of Wyoming students in the Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management program. The group seeks separate designations: one that lumps Lander with South Pass City and one for Dubois. It submitted applications in late March to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition — an organization that promotes, protects and advocates for the trail — with hope the communities will be designated before the students graduate in May.
A designation helps flag communities as friendly destinations with amenities for hikers. It also aims to engender trail support among locals, said Andrea Kurth, the CDTC’s gateway community program manager. An estimated 600-700 people are expected to attempt thru-hikes this season, she said, and the activity is gaining popularity.
If designation is granted, the coalition partners with communities to give them a marketing boost. The CDTC also offers funding and networking opportunities, it says. A gateway community is on the hook to host at least one annual event tied to the trail.
When the WRVC toured through Fremont County boardrooms to pitch its effort this spring, it mostly met friendly support. The City of Lander and Fremont County submitted support letters along with Wyoming State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Dubois Regional Initiative for a Vital Economy and several individuals.
But when Wilson presented to the Dubois Town Council on March 23, councilors and citizens were more skeptical. Some said hikers don’t spend much money but do smell bad, and others raised worries about the bustling town’s ability to handle even more summer visitors. It was the group’s first and only speedbump, Wilson said.
The body decided to revisit the issue on April 13.
When they convened, a conversation unfolded about the preservation of trails, the necessity of a designation, the town’s autonomy to dictate its own fate and the desire of the municipality to invite in more visitors.
Resident Patrick Neary researched the trail, gateway status program and groups involved with the CDTC body that administers it, he told the council.
“And in contrast to some of the rumors you see around town, there’s no environmental groups associated,” he said. Apart from some national outdoor companies, he said “what I see here is a whole bunch of small businessmen on main street.”
The designation can bolster these local businesses, he said. “To me this is about business development.”
Others saw it differently. Council members Bruce Thompson and Rick Lee said they worry the designation could lead to loss of motorized travel on nearby multi-use trails.
The town’s grocery store and post office are overwhelmed as is, longtime resident Mike Neubauer said. “So how are we going to cope with everything that’s coming in?”
Booming demand, Neary countered, “is a good business problem to have.”
Wilson stressed that gateway status has zero impact on the historic trail, which Congress established 1978. Rather, it applies to the town, better tying it to the internationally known trail.
“From a tourism perspective, why not put Dubois in the center of that?” Wilson asked.
Council member Randy Lahr said based on past council discussion, “it sounds like these people have three heads and eight legs and they all smell miles away. I don’t like pigeonholing people … and to say that everybody that goes on that trail is a laggard or unclean or uncaring for people’s property, I’d have a hard time generalizing like that.”
Ian Watson manages a hiker/biker shelter through a church, and said his experience has been overwhelmingly positive. When the travelers leave town and spread the word about Dubois, he said, it’s priceless advertising.
“They’re … very nice people. I love to talk to them. And they love the magic of Dubois,” he said, recommending status support.
The council wasn’t convinced. Lee said the proposed timeline was rushed — “the government don’t work that way.” Members appeared wary of creating local advisory committee — necessary for designation.
When resident Sandy Neubauer heard about the proposal, she told the council, “I went to probably 10 business people in this town, most did not know anything about this, and they were all against it.”
Mayor Meyer wants more information on things like how designation has affected other gateway towns, he said. “I just don’t know that right now is the time,” he said.
In the end, only Lahr voted in support of the letter.
Wilson expects to hear back on the Lander/South Pass designation soon.
WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/dubois-council-opts-out-of-continental-divide-trail-town-designation/article_f9994e18-c1ba-11ec-9d52-bffe40d66f0a.html
| 2022-04-21T21:54:56Z
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CASPER — Wyoming’s senior population grew by over 40% from 2010 to 2020 — the second-fastest rate in the nation, according to research from AginginPlace.org, an online resource hub for seniors.
The group compared 2010 and 2020 demographic statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau to figure out how states’ age groups have changed.
Across that decade, the number of Wyomingites above age 65 grew from 12.4% to 17.8% — an increase of about 43.6%.
That rate was second only to Alaska, where the number of senior citizens increased by roughly 70%.
From 2018 to 2019, the growth of Wyoming’s senior population outpaced the rest of the nation, according to a fact sheet from Wyoming’s Economic Analysis Division.
The fact sheet attributes that change to the aging Baby Boomer generation and the emigration of younger Wyomingites to other states.
When it comes to average age, Wyoming’s still middle-of-the-road. According to census data, the state had the 20th oldest population in 2020, and the median age hovers around late 30s. Since 2010, the overall adult population has grown by 10.4%.
Meanwhile, the percentage of people under age 18 fell by 1.4%.
Despite Wyoming’s aging population, the state is below average when it comes to options for senior care. In its 2020 scoreboard, AARP ranked the state 41st in the nation for choice of setting and care provider.
For those who want to age-in-place, a new housing initiative under Wyoming’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is giving grants for personal care services and disability access modifications.
The Housing Stability Services program, which launched during the summer of 2021, serves adults ages 55 or older and people with disabilities, as long as they’re eligible for ERAP. Each applicant can receive up to $5,000 in assistance.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/wyoming-s-senior-population-grows-40/article_6dcf4a5e-c1ba-11ec-9546-27c634808781.html
| 2022-04-21T21:54:57Z
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LARAMIE — University of Wyoming women’s soccer coach Colleen Corbin announced Wednesday the addition of eight student-athletes from around the nation.
The coast-to-coast collection of new Cowgirls has Corbin excited about the future.
“We have a lot of different types of players from many different parts of the country,” Corbin said in a news release. “They are all very high-quality humans that are going to add to our culture and the dynamic that we have on our team already. They will all help our team grow both on and off the soccer field.
“We are excited to get them here in Laradise.”
Seven states were represented among the eight signees. Some hail from as far East as Rhode Island and New York, while others come from Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon and California.
A couple players call Colorado home and another boasts collegiate playing experience.
“We’ve been very intentional about recruiting across the country,” Corbin said. “Having influences from different backgrounds and different upbringings, challenges people to see the world differently and see the game differently. We are excited to get these personalities and stories and backgrounds into our team and see how that influences our culture in the future.”
Ally Beavers
Puyallup, Washington
Beavers is a defender from the Tacoma area. She played at Puyallup High School and competed in club ball for Washington Premier FC.
“One of Ally’s biggest assets is her ability to play out of the back,” Corbin said. “She tackles hard. She’s gritty. She’s a wonderful human. We are excited to get her personality into our already eclectic backline and see what her defensive presence as a centerback does for our team.”
Lily Brongo
Spencerport, New York
Brongo is a defender from the Buffalo area. She played at Spencerport High School, while competing in club soccer for WNY Flash Academy.
“Lily is fast, strong, competitive and dynamic,” Corbin said. “She has the ability to play a couple different positions out wide, so we are excited to see where she fits in the best. Either way, we know she’s going to bring an edge that is going to elevate the group as a whole.”
Finley Crabtree
Portland, Oregon
Crabtree is a goalkeeper that played in net for Ida B-Wells-Barnett High School and played club soccer for Northwest Elite FC.
“She’s the type of goalkeeper that has the ability to cover a large majority of the goal strictly because of her size,” Corbin said. “She very much wanted to be in Wyoming. Her parents are alumni and she has ties to this part of the country, so she will be passionate about being here. It’s going to be fun to see how being in a collegiate environment helps her become a more competitive goalkeeper.”
Maddie Dion
Cumberland, Rhode Island
Dion is a goalkeeper from just north of Providence. She played at Cumberland High School and club ball for Scorpions SC.
“Maddie is a very intellectual goalkeeper that reads the game well and is very intentional about what she does,” Corbin said. “She wants to be at Wyoming and for us to get a kid from Rhode Island who’s excited for Laradise, that’s a pretty unique situation. I’m excited for her get here and learn and to grow and add depth and value to our goalkeeping group.”
Allyson Fischer
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fischer is a goalkeeper who played at Pine Creek High School and club ball for Real Colorado.
“Fish is confident, she’s a great human, she’s vocal, she’s athletic and she’s very coachable,” Corbin said. “She’s very open to feedback and excited to learn. She’s been committed to UW since she was a freshman, so I know she’s excited to finally get to Laramie and live out that dream. We are excited for her to add to the depth of our goalkeeper group.”
Alyssa Glover
Englewood, Colorado
Glover is a midfielder from the Denver area. She played at Cherry Creek High School and club soccer for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer.
“Alyssa is a brilliant attacking player,” Corbin said. “She can score goals from pretty much anywhere. She’s also the nicest kid. She is so sweet but is fierce on the soccer field, and she’s a great leader. We are excited to get her into our midfield group.”
Miyuki Schoyen
Salisbury, Maryland
Schoyen is a goalkeeper who played her first three years of collegiate soccer at Drexel University. She transfers to Wyoming after playing in 24 games as a Dragon, compiling a goals against average of 1.28 per game.
“Miyuki brings a lot of maturity and leadership into a young goalkeeper group, and that’s going to be super beneficial for us,” Corbin said. “She’s also very coachable. One of the reasons she wanted to come to Wyoming is because she has aspirations to play professionally. We are excited to help her grow and challenge her in ways she may or may not know she needs to be challenged.”
Jessie Stonehouse
Santa Rosa Valley, California
Stonehouse is a defender from the Los Angeles area. She played at Chaminade College Preparatory and club ball at LA FC.
“Jessie is a natural-born athlete,” Corbin said. “She’s got great size. As a centerback in the Mountain West, she’s going to give us some advantage physically, which is nice. Her distribution is great. We are excited for her to fit into our system, help us play out of the back and help us be an offensive threat out of the back.”
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/university_of_wyoming/other_sports/cowgirls-soccer-signs-eight-student-athletes-to-roster/article_283ab6dd-5326-5ca5-8fc3-d1d1dea95dd9.html
| 2022-04-21T21:54:58Z
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LARAMIE — University of Wyoming women’s basketball coach Heather Ezell announced Wednesday the addition of transfer student-athlete Malene Pedersen, who will be joining the Cowgirls for the 2022-23 season.
Pedersen, a 5-foot-11 guard from Aabyhoj, Denmark, comes to UW after spending last season at Kansas State. She spent her club career in Denmark playing for Aabyhoj IF in the Dameligaen (Denmark) Women’s League, where she was a two-time All-Star selection in 2019 and 2021.
While playing in the Danish league, Pedersen was named the 2019 league talent of the year after leading Aabyhoj IF to the league title, while also earning player of the game in the final.
Pedersen averaged nearly 15 points per game on 55.6% shooting from the floor and 38% from 3-point range in 17 games. She also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 2019. In 2021, Pedersen averaged 19.3 points, 8.3 boards, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals for Aabyhoj in 13 games.
Pedersen also played for the Denmark National Team in the 2019-20 FIBA Women’s Eurobasket Qualifiers and helped the Danish U16 National Team win the 2017 European Championships Division B title, while being selected to the All-Star Team.
During her club career, Pedersen also participated in the Scandia Cup for six years, helping Denmark to first-place finishes from 2015-18. Pedersen was named to the Scandia Cup All-Tournament Team all six years and was the tournament’s MVP five times. She also led her squad in the European Girls Basketball League to three titles (2016-18), and received the league’s MVP honors for those three seasons.
Pedersen, who will have four years of eligibility, sat out last season at Kansas State while rehabbing from an injury.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/university_of_wyoming/womens_basketball/pedersen-transfers-to-cowgirls-basketball/article_8313aadf-a602-55a9-8296-74df838bc3de.html
| 2022-04-21T21:54:59Z
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Blue Water homeschool group picks up trash for Earth Day
A teenager tried to wrestle a piece of trash into a plastic bag outside the Fort Gratiot Walmart Thursday, bracing against the brisk wind on the sunny day. Armed with trash pickers, rubber gloves and trash bags, his peers picked up plastic bags, cigarette butts and other bits of trash in the field outside the store.
The students were part of the Blue Water Homeschool Teens Cooperative, a secular group of parents and local homeschooled students who meet regularly for social events, enrichment activities and volunteer opportunities.
Andrew Brown, 17, of Melvin, and Caleb Prososki, 15, of Fort Gratiot, said they wanted to do something to help the environment in honor of Earth Day, which is Friday. By picking up trash, they wanted to encourage others to do the same and to refrain from littering.
"I feel like I can do something good," Brown said.
A group for homeschooled kids to socialize
Kelly Prososki, one of the leaders of the group and Caleb's mother, said the group routinely meets at the St. Clair County Public Library in Port Huron. They have socializing opportunities such as a bowling team, a group for teen girls, an upcoming seed-bomb making class, and an upcoming volunteer event where students will clean veterans' graves at Lakeside Cemetery for Memorial Day.
To join the homeschool group, visit their Facebook page at Blue Water Water Homeschool Teens Cooperative and click "join group". The group is for children aged 10 and up.
The idea for the group started when Kelly Prososki, her son, her friend and her friend's children, who are also homeschooled, rang bells for the Salvation Army late last year.
They saw a growing need for local homeschooled children to have a social outlet that was secular. So, her friend created the group and Prososki joined her in leadership.
Since then, the group has grown from three children to about 18 at their Easter egg hunt event.
Kelly Prososki said it's important for homeschooled children to have a social outlet with other children their age, as they don't have the daily social interaction with their peers that students in the traditional school system have.
"(It's) just to be a part of a group and to be part of something bigger than themselves ultimately and to be able to socialize and have gained those communication skills that are needed at that age," she said.
Several students in the group said they enjoy having the group as a place to meet people and make friends.
Caleb Prososki said he enjoys everything about the group and how everyone dedicates time to the group and cares about it. Gesturing to the group of students gathered Thursday, he said everyone there is a friend to him.
"We all have something in common and that is coming together and making things happen," he said.
Kelly Prososki sees the group as a growing need, as it seems that there has been an increased interest among parents in homeschooling since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think there is a huge need there," she said. "And that's one thing with these (homeschool) groups that I'm seeing; there's new people that arrive into these groups every single day."
Kelly Prososki said she had been thinking about homeschooling her son for a while when the pandemic hit. When his grades began to plummet, she pulled him out of the Port Huron Area School District to homeschool him about two years ago.
"My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner," she said.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/21/blue-water-homeschool-group-picks-up-trash-earth-day/7386729001/
| 2022-04-21T21:57:18Z
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Heather Lauwers resigns as coach of Imlay City girls basketball
A storied era for the Imlay City girls basketball team has come to a close. Heather Lauwers resigned as coach recently after six seasons of historic success.
In a post to the team's Facebook page on April 13, Lauwers said she made the decision "to focus on my professional career and to begin my next chapter in life." She went on to thank the Imlay City community for their support and the memories they helped create.
"Coach Lauwers has done a great job leading our girls basketball program," Imlay City athletic director Don Gauthier said in a text message. "She put the kids first, and brought a lot of positivity."
Lauwers took over the program prior to the 2016-17 season. The Spartans went 87-44 during her tenure, but they were especially dominant in her last three seasons, with a 55-11 record as well as three straight BWAC and district championships.
Including the state tournament, Imlay City has won its past 31 games against BWAC opponents — a streak that dates back to March 2, 2020. The Spartans have also won 27 straight games at home, with their last home loss coming on Dec. 9, 2019.
Lauwers helped develop Mary Lengemann into a two-time BWAC MVP and an AP All-State first team selection. Lengemann, who just wrapped up her senior season, was the program's cornerstone.
Imlay City Community Schools is currently accepting applications for a new girls basketball coach.
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/04/21/heather-lauwers-resigns-coach-imlay-city-girls-basketball/7396791001/
| 2022-04-21T21:57:24Z
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John Hall retires as Almont boys basketball coach; AD Ross Gauthier will take over
Brenden Welper
Port Huron Times Herald
Almont boys basketball coach John Hall is retiring, according to a press release from the school. The release also said that Dean of Students and Athletic Director Ross Gauthier will serve as the new coach.
Hall posted an 86-42 record during his six seasons at Almont. The Raiders went 20-4 in the 2015-16 season and won a BWAC and district championship. His teams never finished with a losing record.
Gauthier was the boys basketball coach at Brandon High School from 2011 to 2017. He was named the Flint Metro League Coach of the Year in 2016. His team also won a Class A district championship that season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/04/21/john-hall-retires-almont-boys-basketball-coach/7399009001/
| 2022-04-21T21:57:30Z
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4 children dead in mobile home park fire, authorities say
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) - Four children have died in a fire at a mobile home park in Indiana, according to authorities.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department said they received a call for a fire at Dupont Estates Mobile Home Park on the northeast side of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thursday morning.
An official with the fire department told WPTA that four children in the mobile home had died and four adults were taken to the hospital. Two pets also died in the fire, the fire department said.
The fire department said crews battled hard and had the fire under control about 20 minutes after their arrival.
The fire department had responded to another fire on April 16 at the same mobile home park. An adult and a child were able to evacuate, but a dog died in the fire. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
Dupont Estates is a family-oriented mobile home park, with amenities including a pool, clubhouse and other child-friendly features. Units are individually owned and are not maintained by park ownership.
Copyright 2022 WPTA via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/4-children-dead-mobile-home-park-fire-authorities-say/
| 2022-04-21T22:46:52Z
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‘I got my heart’: Woman’s death unites two families through one heart
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - The death of an Omaha-area woman is helping bring two families together four years later.
WOWT reports Nicollena Cabello Hartzell died when she was just 33-years-old. She was an organ donor, however, and her heart is now helping another man live.
Her parents, Brian and Sandra Cabello, said their daughter grew up, graduated and joined the Army. But she passed away suddenly when she returned home in 2018.
Florida resident Richard Arce said he received Hartzell’s heart later that year and wouldn’t be alive now without it.
“Two families are going to be united as a family, you know,” Arce said. “I’m just so grateful. If it wasn’t for their daughter, I wouldn’t even be here today.”
Arce recently made the trip to Nebraska to meet Hartzell’s family and to say thank you.
“Does thank you really mean anything? It does. Is there a better word? There’s not. The fact of the matter is, we met — finally. I think that that is the thank you, the gift,” Arce said.
The families united in person for the first time.
“It’s just like having her here, having her here next to us,” Sandra Cabello said.
Arce brought a gift with him, a heart-shaped crystal.
“It says, ‘The beat goes on. Grateful and thankful for the gift of life. Richard and Nicollena. I got my heart on 4/22/2018 at 3:30 p.m.,’” Arce said.
Master quilter Connie Rose also stepped in to help preserve a blanket made by Hartzell’s grandmother that her family said their daughter cherished.
Brian Cabello said he has waited for a long time to hear from his daughter again and now her heartbeat is helping bring new life to her family.
Copyright 2022 WOWT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/i-got-my-heart-womans-death-unites-two-families-through-one-heart/
| 2022-04-21T22:46:58Z
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Man bites, stabs K-9, leaving dog injured, police say
FAIRFIELD, Calif. (Gray News) – Police in California said a suspect stabbed and bit a K-9 during a chase Wednesday, which left the dog injured.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, the series of events began when a male suspect broke into an elderly victim’s home about 43 miles southwest of Sacramento. The victim was able to flee the home while calling 911.
During that time, dispatchers received another call that the same suspect had just tried to steal an Amazon delivery truck and threatened to kill the driver.
Officers located the suspect inside the elderly victim’s home and attempted to get him to come out without success. Eventually, officers entered the home in an attempt to arrest the man.
K-9 Cort was able to reach the suspect, but the man bit Cort in the face and stabbed the dog in his left side with a knife, police said.
Officers were able to take the man into custody and identified him as Kurt Dasilva, 44. They said it appeared he was under the influence of drugs.
Police said Cort was treated at a nearby veterinary hospital and is “comfortably recovering at home with his handler.”
Dasilva was treated at a local hospital and booked into Solano County Jail on several felony charges, including carjacking, burglary, harming a police dog, and violation of parole.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/21/man-bites-stabs-k-9-leaving-dog-injured-police-say/
| 2022-04-21T22:47:05Z
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