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NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Enochian BioSciences, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of ENOB during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: January 17, 2018 to June 27, 2022
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's co-founder and inventor Serhat Gumrukcu was engaged in a variety of frauds; (2) Gumrukcu was not a licensed doctor anywhere in the world; (4) as a result of the foregoing, Gumrukcu's purported contributions to the Company lacked a reasonable basis; (5) as a result of the foregoing, the Company had overstated its commercial prospects; (6) Gumrukcu had improperly diverted approximately $20 million from Enochian to entities he owned; and (7) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
DEADLINE: September 26, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/enochian-biosciences-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31095&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of ENOB during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is September 26, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-enochian-biosciences-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-26-2022-nasdaq-enob/ | 2022-08-24T18:38:52Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of KRBP during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired: (a) Kiromic common stock issued in connection with the Company's public offering that closed on July 2, 2021 and/or (b) Kiromic common stock between June 25, 2021 and August 13, 2021, both dates inclusive.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's public offering that closed on July 2, 2021 (the "Offering Documents") failed to disclose that the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") had, prior to the filing of these documents, imposed a clinical hold on the Company's Investigational New Drug ("IND") applications for its two new drug candidates. Given that the offering closed on July 2, 2021, more than thirty (30) days after the Company submitted the IND applications for its two immunotherapy product candidates, investors were assured that no clinical hold had been issued and clinical trials would commence.
DEADLINE: October 4, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/kiromic-biopharma-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31098&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of KRBP during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is October 4, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-kiromic-biopharma-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-4-2022-nasdaq-krbp/ | 2022-08-24T18:38:58Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of LifeStance Health Group, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of LFST during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of all purchasers of LifeStance common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the documents issued in connection with LifeStance's June 10, 2021 initial public stock offering.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the number of virtual visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was decreasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby flatlining LifeStance Health's out-patient/virtual revenue growth; (ii) the percentage of in-person visits clients were undertaking utilizing LifeStance Health was increasing as the COVID-19 lockdowns were being lifted, thereby causing LifeStance Health's operating expenses to increase substantially; (iii) LifeStance Health had lost a large number of physicians due to burn-out and, as a result, its physician retention rate had fallen significantly below the 87% highlighted in the initial public offering's registration statement, and LifeStance Health had been expending additional costs to onboard new physicians who were less productive than the outgoing physicians they were replacing; and (iv) as a result, LifeStance Health's business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as the initial public offering's registration statement represented.
DEADLINE: October 11, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/lifestance-health-group-loss-submission-form/?id=31100&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of LFST during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is October 11, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-lifestance-health-group-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-11-2022-nasdaq-lfst/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:05Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of MINISO Group Holding Limited.
Shareholders who purchased shares of MNSO during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded MINISO securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with MINISO's October 2020 initial public offering.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants and other undisclosed related parties owned and controlled a much larger amount of MINISO stores than previously stated; (2) as a result, MINISO concealed its true costs; (3) the Company did not represent its true business model; (4) defendants, including the Company and its chairman, engaged in planned unusual and unclear transactions; (5) as a result of at least one of these transactions, the Company is at risk of breaching contracts with People's Republic of China authorities; (6) the Company would imminently and drastically drop its franchise fees; and (7) as a result, defendant's statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: October 17, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/miniso-group-holding-limited-loss-submission-form/?id=31101&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of MNSO during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is October 17, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-miniso-group-holding-limited-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-17-2022-nyse-mnso/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:12Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Molecular Partners AG.
Shareholders who purchased shares of MOLN during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired: (a) Molecular Partners American Depositary Shares pursuant and/or traceable to certain documents issued in connection with the Company's initial public offering conducted on or about June 16, 2021; and/or (b) Molecular Partners securities between June 16, 2021, and April 26, 2022.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company's product, ensovibep, was less effective at treating COVID-19 than defendants had led investors to believe; that (ii) accordingly, the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") was reasonably likely to require an additional Phase 3 study of ensovibep before granting the drug Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA"); (iii) waning global rates of COVID-19 significantly reduced the Company's chances of securing EUA for ensovibep; (iv) another of the Company's product candidates, MP0310, was less attractive to Molecular Partners' collaborator, Amgen, than defendants had led investors to believe; (v) accordingly, there was a significant likelihood that Amgen would return to global rights of MP0310 to Molecular Partners; (vi) as a result of all the foregoing, the clinical and commercial prospects of ensovibep and MP0310 were overstated; and (vii) as a result, documents issues in connection with the Company's initial public offer and defendants' public statements throughout the class period were materially false and/or misleading and failed to state information required to be stated therein.
DEADLINE: September 12, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/moln-lawsuit-molecular-partners-loss-submission-form/?id=31092&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of MOLN during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is September 12, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-molecular-partners-ag-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-12-2022-nasdaq-moln/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:19Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of TG Therapeutics, Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of TGTX during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: January 15, 2020 to May 31, 2022
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) clinical trials revealed significant concerns related to the benefit-risk ratio and overall survival data of the Company's therapeutic product candidates, Ublituximab and Umbralisib; (ii) accordingly, it was unlikely that the Company would be able to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the Umbralisib marginal zone lymphoma and follicular lymphoma New Drug Application, the Biologics License Application for Ublituximab in combination with Umbralisib, the supplemental New Drug Application for Ublituximab in combination with Umbralisib, or the Ublituximab relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis Biologics License Application in their current forms; (iii) as a result, the Company had significantly overstated Ublituximab and Umbralisib's clinical and/or commercial prospects; and (iv) therefore, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
DEADLINE: September 16, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/tg-therapeutics-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31093&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of TGTX during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is September 16, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-tg-therapeutics-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-16-2022-nasdaq-tgtx/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:25Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Tuya Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of TUYA during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/tuya-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31099&from=4
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Tuya American Depositary Shares in or traceable to the Company's March 2021 initial public offering.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (a) a material portion of Tuya's China-based customers were engaged in the widespread and systematic manipulation of reviews and product offerings in violation of Amazon.com's terms of use; (b) prior to the initial public offering, a consumer investigation and data breach had exposed an illicit fake review scheme being perpetrated by many of Tuya's clients, among others, which included, inter alia, the exposure of 13 million records of organized fake review scams linked to over 200,000 Amazon account profiles; (c) as a result of (a) and (b) above, there was a substantial risk that a material portion of Tuya's significant customers would be barred from using Amazon.com's platform, negatively impacting Tuya's business, revenue, earnings, and prospects; and (d) as a result of (a)-(c) above, the registration statement's representations regarding Tuya's historical financial and operational metrics and purported market opportunities and expected growth did not accurately reflect the actual business, operations, financial results, and trajectory of the Company at the time of the initial public offering, and such statements were materially false and misleading and lacked a reasonable factual basis.
DEADLINE: October 11, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/tuya-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31099&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of TUYA during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is October 11, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-tuya-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-11-2022-nyse-tuya/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:32Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Weber Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of WEBR during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Weber Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's August 2021 initial public offering.
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Weber was reasonably likely to implement price increases; (2) as a result, consumer demand for Weber's products was reasonably likely to decrease; (3) due to the resulting inventory buildup, Weber was reasonably likely to run promotions to "enhance retail sell through"; (4) the foregoing would adversely impact Weber's financial results; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
DEADLINE: September 27, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/weber-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=31096&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of WEBR during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is September 27, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-weber-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-27-2022-nyse-webr/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:39Z |
Forbes America's Best-in-State Employers ranks Tampa General No. 6 out of 100 companies in 25 industry sectors in Florida.
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital's commitment to supporting its team members by encouraging personal and professional development has been recognized by Forbes Magazine, naming Tampa General a top-10 employer in the state of Florida. The Forbes America's Best Employers by State list is based on an independent survey from a sample of 70,000 employees working for companies with at least 500 staff in their U.S. operations. Tampa General is ranked No. 6 out of 100 companies in 25 industry sectors in Florida in 2022.
"At Tampa General, we have a deep belief that caring for our team members is our top priority," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. "Providing our team with the resources and support they need allows them to be the most effective team members and people they can be, which then enables them to provide the best care possible for our patients. At the end of the day, if you take care of your team members, they will take care of the rest. Being in the top 10 is a validation of our focus on creating and sustaining this culture."
This is the second consecutive year that Tampa General has been in the top 10 of the Forbes America's Best Employers by State list.
Forbes Magazine teamed up with market research company Statista to anonymously survey employees through several online panels. Survey participants were asked to provide direct and indirect recommendations. Direct evaluations are from Tampa General team members and indirect evaluations are from non-Tampa General staff. Those responding answered 52 questions about such work-related topics as working conditions, diversity, salary, potential for development and company image. In the direct recommendation category, Tampa General scored above the 90th percentile and the indirect score was above the 80th percentile.
"Given our commitment to the individual and collective needs of our team members, we concentrate on programs and initiatives that are important to their engagement and satisfaction, including providing professional and personal development," said Qualenta Kivett, executive vice president and chief People and Talent officer, Tampa General. Valuing team member feedback and voice through open communication is one way Tampa General seeks to understand the needs and preferences of team members. Not only can team members submit questions directly to Couris, Tampa General's president and CEO, through the internal portal, but can also email him or any leader within the organization.
"Team member questions and feedback are always heard and responded to, and many times are referenced for future planning and initiatives," said Kivett. Regular surveys conducted by third-party professional surveyors measure and identify team member satisfaction. Questions cover such topics as onboarding and new hire experience, compensation, benefits, leadership, and resources from the organizational to the department or unit level.
"We are constantly exploring initiatives that help team members in both their professional and personal lives," said Couris. "To that end, we have developed new programs as well as enhanced and maintained existing opportunities."
Potential for Development
Tampa General offers an array of opportunities for educational, professional and personal development:
- Education Assistance — Tampa General provides scholarships, competitive tuition reimbursement and clinical and non-clinical ladders that support skills enhancements. More than $100,000 in nursing scholarships were awarded to Tampa General team members in 2022. Clinical and non-clinical ladders are offered and are structured systems to advance career development while the team member remains in a current position.
- Career Growth — Tampa General has developed its own education and professional development programs unique to the academic medical center such as:
- Hub for Innovation/IdeaHQ — To create a culture of innovation and encourage creative solutions, Tampa General has developed IdeaHQ, an online platform designed for identifying and crowd-sourcing quality improvement ideas directly from all team members. All team members can rate and comment on ideas and a committee selects projects to move forward. Solutions selected for development are displayed on a digital board at the Hub in the hospital cafeteria, which also offers walk-up tech support for team members. IdeaHQ and the Hub are part of TGH Innoventures, which provides a coordinated mechanism for Tampa General to develop innovative solutions to improve quality and access to care.
Working Conditions
Tampa General's view of working conditions moves beyond providing team members the equipment, training and facilities in which to achieve the best possible performance. "It means recognizing the whole person and creating an environment in which all team members can grow and develop in their careers and within their life goals and responsibilities," said Kivett.
- Schedule and Remote Work Flexibility — Tampa General offers a competitive time-off policy as well as remote working options and flexibility for part-time positions, depending on the job description.
- Health, Wellness and Benefits — Tampa General provides team members access to the TGH Fitness Center which offers wellness activities and tracking through a free app, an on-site gym and online classes.
- Team Member Emergency Fund — To help team members with unexpected situations or emergencies, Tampa General offers the Team Member Emergency Fund, which provides limited financial assistance to eligible team members in need due to a personal emergency.
- Family Support — In 2020, 2021 and 2022, a $600 grant per eligible team member for back-to-school supplies has helped caregivers provide essentials such as clothes, backpacks, tablets and laptops for young students. An on-site day care center provides families with an education and development curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
- It's Okay Not To Be Okay—Recognizing the need for emotional and spiritual support at times and to remove the stigma from seeking mental health care, Tampa General established It's Okay Not to Be Okay, a collection of emotional and mental health resources ranging from wellness and resilience-building activities to professional counseling and crisis support. To focus directly on helping team members cope, the hospital's Spiritual Health and Education Department started a Team Member Spiritual Support program in partnership with Tampa General's Psychology services in 2021.
- Team Member Lounge — In addition to team member break rooms located throughout the hospital, a Team Member Lounge features a variety of spaces to rest and rejuvenate, including massage chairs.
- Service Awards — To celebrate milestones of service, TGH celebrates team member anniversaries starting at five years and then for every five-year increment after that.
- Monthly Birthday Breakfasts — Team members celebrate their birthday month with prizes such as smart watches, video game consoles, cameras, and gift cards.
Compensation
Based on its philosophy to do what is right, while remaining competitive, the academic medical center invested in base compensation by adding $19 million in 2022 and more than $14 million in 2021 directly into team member salaries. A market analysis conducted this year resulted in market adjustments and pay increases for more than half of team members and new pay grades were assigned to all roles.
Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 32 licensed local editions in 71 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit the Forbes News Hub or Forbes Connect.
Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2020, provided a net community benefit worth more than $182.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics, and they can even receive home visits in select areas through TGH Urgent Care at Home, powered by Fast Track. As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.
Media Contact: Karen Barrera
Assistant Director of Communications & Partnerships
(813) 928-1603 (cell)
kbarrera@tgh.org
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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/tampa-general-hospital-is-top-10-employer-state-florida-recognized-by-forbes-magazine/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:46Z |
Co-Founder of legendary South African agency TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris to be recognized for a career of world-class creative excellence and contributions to society
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hunt, Global Creative Chair at TBWA\Worldwide, co-founder of the internationally recognized South African agency TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, and award-winning author and playwright, will be inducted into The One Club for Creativity's Creative Hall of Fame on October 27th in New York.
The Creative Hall of Fame has a rich heritage of honoring the lifetime achievements of creative luminaries in all forms of advertising and design, beginning with the induction of Leo Burnett in 1961 and TBWA\Media Arts Lab's Lee Clow in 1997. Hunt's fellow inductees in the class of 2022 are Nancy Vonk, Janet Kestin, Carol H. Williams, Joe Duffy and Cheryl D. Miller. The black-tie Creative Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is a fundraising gala to support The One Club's many global DE&I programs, will take place at Tisch Skylights at The Shed, Hudson Yards in New York.
"John Hunt is most deserving of this honor," said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. "He has been a champion of creativity for Africa and has used creativity to build iconic brands while advancing democracy, human rights, and human welfare. He is the very definition of a creative giant. John joins a group of inductees who have influenced culture, uplifted underrepresented groups, and inspired the next generation of creative thinkers and doers. We are honored to celebrate him alongside our other inductees in October."
In 1983, Hunt and his partner Reg Lascaris founded Hunt\Lascaris, with the ambition to be the first world-class agency out of Africa. With the mantra "Life's too short to be mediocre," they created bold and breakthrough work that could only be from Africa, but routinely gained worldwide attention and recognition. Clients included BMW, Nando's, South African Airways, and The Zimbabwean's "Trillion Dollar Campaign," which raised awareness of the newspaper and the corruption within the Mugabe regime around the world, and became the most awarded campaign of all time, after sweeping the awards at The One Show, Cannes Lions, The Clio Awards, ADC and D&AD.
Shortly after its founding, Hunt\Lascaris sought an international partner to accelerate its growth. TBWA was the ideal match, with its high creative standards, entrepreneurial spirit and founder culture, and a decades long partnership was born.
The agency has continued to create bold, award-winning work, including "Breaking Ballet" for the Joburg Ballet, which brought the art form to an entirely new generation of fans, and earned a Gold Lion and South Africa's first-ever Data Lion at Cannes; and "Blame No More" which won five Cannes Lions in 2020, including a Gold and South Africa's first-ever Glass Lion.
Proof that advertising can make the world a better place, Hunt was intimately involved in Nelson Mandela's first ANC election campaign in 1993. Although harrowing at the time, this unique moment in history ushered South Africa into the light of democracy. He was also involved in creating iconic work for the First HIV AIDS campaign in South Africa. TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris was named Agency of the Century in 2000, and Agency of the Decade in 2010, the same year that work for The Zimbabwean Newspaper gained worldwide recognition.
"I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition from The One Show," said Hunt. "In truth, though, it's a team award. It belongs just as much to all the co-workers, clients and organizations I've worked with over the years. Ultimately, it's their trust that turned seemingly impossible ideas into reality. No doubt, creativity can make the world a better place. But it's so much more powerful when played as a team sport."
Troy Ruhanen, CEO, TBWA\Worldwide, added, "I have such tremendous respect for John, not just for what he has achieved, but more importantly, how he has gone about it. He inspires us, continues to be our creative north star, and has given so much to our company, industry and society. John's integrity, generosity and talent are matched only by his enormous heart. We are immensely proud to see him join the Creative Hall of Fame."
In 2003, Hunt moved to TBWA's New York headquarters to assume the role of Worldwide Creative Director, becoming a creative compass for the agency collective, helping to reshape the TBWA collective to think less about ads and more about ideas. Upon arriving in New York, Hunt founded the TBWA Young Bloods creative residency program, and a year later began the "SWAT" initiative, a program that ensures a global answer to the creative questions often asked by worldwide clients. In 2021, TBWA re-introduced the Young Bloods program with a focus on promising talent from historically underrepresented groups. Hunt returned to South Africa in 2006 to continue his Worldwide role from Johannesburg.
In 1996 he was inducted into the South African Advertising Hall of Fame and, a year later, received the Financial Mail's Long Term Achievement Award. Hunt has served as juror across every major industry awards show, including as President of the Cannes Film, Press & Outdoor Advertising Festival in 2005. He has also found time to write a number of television and theatre plays and books. He was named South African Playwright of the Year for Vid Alex, a play that condemned censorship during the apartheid years, and has also published a book, The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life.
About TBWA\Worldwide
TBWA is The Disruption® Company. We use creativity to help businesses challenge the status quo and capture an unfair share of the future. Named one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2021, 2020 and 2019, and Adweek's 2021 and 2018 Global Agency of the Year, we are a creative company that uses trademarked Disruption® methodologies to help businesses address their challenges and achieve transformative growth. Our collective has 10,000+ creative minds in 41 countries, and also includes brands such as Auditoire, Digital Arts Network (DAN), eg+ worldwide, GMR, The Integer Group®, TBWA\Media Arts Lab, TBWA\WorldHealth and TRO. Global clients include adidas, Apple, Gatorade, Henkel, Hilton Hotels, McDonald's, Nissan and Singapore Airlines. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. TBWA is part of Omnicom Group.
Contacts: Anaka Kobzev, Global Head of Communications, TBWA, +1-917-362-5845, anaka.kobzev@tbwaworld.com; Mary Gearing, Deputy Managing Director, Magna Carta, +27 (0) 11 784 2598, mary.gearing@magna-carta.co.za
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SOURCE TBWA\Worldwide | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/tbwaworldwides-global-creative-chair-john-hunt-be-inducted-into-one-club-creative-hall-fame/ | 2022-08-24T18:39:53Z |
TechBridge forms strategic partnership with nation's leading coalition committed to hiring and advancing Black Americans without four-year degrees
ATLANTA, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TechBridge, Inc., a national nonprofit committed to providing technology solutions and services to poverty-alleviating nonprofits, announced today a new strategic partnership with OneTen, an organization designed to close the opportunity gap for Black talent in America, to encourage economic prosperity through a skills-first approach focused on re-credentialing roles and offering Black talent access to professional development and technology skills training.
TechBridge's unique mission to alleviate generational poverty through the innovative use of technology aligns with OneTen's goal to help close the racial wealth gap in the U.S. TechBridge joins as an endorsed talent developer and will serve as a valuable partner to OneTen's talent ecosystem as they work together to scale and align the tech jobs ecosystem to better meet the demand for Black talent.
"The real way to end generational poverty is to ensure people can work," said Nicole Armstrong, CEO, TechBridge. "If we believe technology is the future and we are aware of the digital divide, then we need Black and brown people building the algorithms and becoming the data scientists that create the systems we use every day."
While the job market is booming, the racial wealth gap in America remains wide. This is largely due to the employment barriers created by college degrees: 79% of jobs paying more than $50,000 require a four-year college degree, which automatically disqualifies 76% of Black Americans over age 25 with relevant experience. With Black professionals representing less than 8% of the technology workforce, harnessing multi-stakeholder partnerships is vital to spearheading diversity and fostering pathways to success.
"The racial divide in today's job market is abundantly clear, with the technology sector representing a key area of opportunity for Black talent," said Maurice Jones, CEO, OneTen. "Candidates are too often excluded on the basis of a four-year degree requirement, and through partnerships with organizations such as TechBridge, OneTen is able to adequately skill Black talent for family-sustaining jobs, expand their career possibilities, and take tangible steps to close the racial wealth gap."
TechBridge and OneTen plan to empower and support the need for a diverse technology field through the placement of Black talent into jobs that companies sorely need as the war for talent continues. By addressing unmet business needs, helping displaced workers find gainful employment, and allowing more students to transition into technology careers, inclusive work culture is within reach.
TechBridge is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that equips other nonprofits on the frontline of alleviating the causes of generational poverty with technology. TechBridge supports these nonprofits in expanding the impact of their mission for the millions of men, women, and children who are seeking aid in the areas of hunger relief, homeless support, social justice, and workforce development. Learn more at techbridge.org.
OneTen is a coalition of leading chief executives and their companies who are coming together to upskill, hire and promote one million Black individuals who do not yet have a four-year degree into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement over the next 10 years. OneTen connects employers with talent developers including leading nonprofits and other skill-credentialing organizations who support development of diverse talent. By creating more equitable and inclusive workforces, we believe we can reach our full potential as a nation of united citizens. OneTen recognizes the unique potential in everyone – every individual, every business, every community – to change the arc of America's story with Black talent. Join us at oneten.org, where one can be the difference.
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SOURCE TechBridge, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/techbridge-joins-oneten-coalition-expand-access-technology-skills-drive-economic-prosperity/ | 2022-08-24T18:40:00Z |
SABRE College Safety Program Founder Educates and Empowers Students for Back-To-School
CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to RAINN.org, approximately one in five college females experience sexual assault through physical force, violence or incapacitation. As college students head back to campus, Personal Safety Expert and Founder of the SABRE College Safety Program David Nance provides essential self-defense options that address the top three levels of effectiveness. Nance also pairs personal safety gadgets for each category from SABRE, the leading personal safety brand among college students, police and consumers worldwide.
"These self-defense options complemented by personal safety products help empower students, and ensure parents have peace of mind," says Nance. "Knowing what works best in various threatening situations gives students more confidence on campus."
Level 1: Draw Attention To The Threat
A good approach to frightening away an attacker and alerting people you need help is to carry an ear-piercing personal alarm. The SABRE Personal Alarm with LED Light and Snap Hook provides an LED light and personal alarm that's audible reach range is 1200-feet (length of four football fields).
Level 2: Deter from a Safe Distance
Using pepper sprays and gels offers protection from a distance of up to 12 feet which provides a better solution when facing a potential threat. The SABRE Pepper Gel with Quick Release Whistle Keychain allows users to defend themselves while maintaining distance between themselves and a potential threat with the pepper gel. The safety whistle provides an audible deterrent. Pepper gel is a great option for students as it helps eliminate wind blowback and only affects what it directly contacts.
Level 3: Deter and Alert Trusted Contacts
The best option when faced with a threat is having the ability to notify your loved ones you need help while also providing the opportunity to defend yourself. SMART Pepper Spray connects to the free SABRE Personal Safety App and notifies your selected contacts when the pepper spray is deployed while also geo-tracking and sharing your location. With a paid subscription, the alert can also notify law enforcement.
"Being prepared is key. I am all too familiar with stories heard through personal friends and business associates. The emotional scars of an attack typically last much longer than any physical injuries," says Nance. "Through education and continued product evolution, our goal is to empower students to live their college life with confidence enabling them to experience the many amazing things college has to offer."
Students can also enroll in SABRE's College Safety Program which teaches students:
For free safety training materials and products, visit www.sabrered.com.
The leading personal safety brand with police and consumers worldwide, SABRE is a family-owned and operated business with more than 45 years of experience in the personal safety space with a long-standing reputation for providing reliable, easy-to-use personal safety solutions that help put more distance between the user and multiple threats. Only SABRE encourages users to Make It Safe so that they can live confidently with empowering personal safety products that they can trust. For more information, please visit www.sabrered.com
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SOURCE SABRE- Security Equipment Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/three-essential-personal-safety-tactics-college-students/ | 2022-08-24T18:40:07Z |
New model runs Android 11 and offers added security features and improved connectivity
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vuzix® Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI), ("Vuzix" or, the "Company"), a leading supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and products, today introduced Blade 2™ smart glasses, its third generation Blade model. The Blade 2™ is an AR workforce solution based on the popular Blade form factor that delivers a host of advanced features and high performance specifically designed to meet the needs of connected workers. Vuzix Blade 2™ smart glasses list for $1299.99 and will be available for purchase on the Company's website in September for shipment within the US, EU, UK, Canada and Japan.
Configured primarily for commercial use, Vuzix Blade 2™ smart glasses pack a power efficient high performance Qualcomm processor that now runs Android 11 in support of a large variety of enterprise-focused apps. The glasses offer simple integration with major mobile device management tools along with a robust 40GB of integrated storage and enhanced security. Enhanced connectivity options through WiFi and Bluetooth now provide support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, enabling improved connectivity options. See-through waveguide optics provide a private, ultrabright virtual display that delivers crisp, 24-bit full-color images regardless of whether workers are using them indoors or in sunlight. Vuzix Blade 2's lightweight form factor still provides all-day comfort and protection, keeping front line workers collaborating safely with noise cancelling microphones, integrated in-temple stereo speakers, HD camera, and ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses certification. Prescription inserts for vision correction are also available.
"Enterprise clients across market verticals such as healthcare, construction, security and retail already know and love Vuzix Blade's sleek, comfortable design. This latest model is a direct response to widespread interest for a more muscular version, with greater functionality and performance, while preserving the all-important wearability factor," said Paul Travers, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vuzix. "Vuzix Blade 2™ smart glasses are now optimized for enterprise use across a broader number of use cases. They deliver a versatile hands-free wearable computing solution that's critical in today's diverse work environments, including head tracking, a touchpad and full voice control. Workers can easily access see-what-I-see virtual assist and collaboration software, real-time data, work instructions, mixed reality, HD photography and video streaming. There is no other AR form factor today that delivers on power, functionality and style like Vuzix Blade 2™."
About Vuzix Corporation
Vuzix is a leading supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the consumer and enterprise markets. The Company's products include personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high-quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and augmented reality. Vuzix holds 247 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2022 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (NASDAQ: VUZI) with offices in Rochester, NY, Oxford, UK, and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, visit the Vuzix website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking statements contained in this release relate to the Blade 2™ Smart Glasses and among other things the Company's leadership in the Smart Glasses and AR display industry. They are generally identified by words such as "believes," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "should" and similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based upon the Company's beliefs and assumptions as of the date of this release. The Company's actual results could differ materially due to risk factors and other items described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Reports and MD&A filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian securities regulators (copies of which may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.
Vuzix Media and Investor Relations Contact:
Ed McGregor, Director of Investor Relations,
Vuzix Corporation
ed_mcgregor@vuzix.com
Tel: (585) 359-5985
Vuzix Corporation, 25 Hendrix Road, West Henrietta, NY 14586 USA,
Investor Information – IR@vuzix.com www.vuzix.com
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SOURCE Vuzix Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/vuzix-announces-vuzix-blade-2-smart-glasses-high-performance-ar-eyewear-stylish-form-factor-deskless-workforce/ | 2022-08-24T18:40:13Z |
Mario Batali settles 2 lawsuits alleging sexual assault
BOSTON (AP) — Mario Batali has agreed to settle two Massachusetts lawsuits that accused the celebrity chef of sexual assault, attorneys for the women said on Wednesday.
The decision to settle the cases comes more than two months after the former Food Network personality was cleared of a criminal charge stemming from accusations by one of the women, who prosecutors alleged aggressively kissed and groped her while taking a selfie at a downtown Boston bar in 2017.
“The matters have been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. We cannot comment further due to confidentiality obligations,” attorneys for the two women, Eric Baum and Matthew Fogelman, said in an emailed statement.
An email seeking comment was sent Wednesday to Batali’s attorney.
The women alleged that Batali had sexually assaulted them on separate occasions. The accusations by one of the women led to the only criminal case against the prominent chef and restauranteur at the height of the #MeToo movement.
One woman testified in May about how she felt confused and powerless to do anything to stop Batali at the time.
But Batali was acquitted of indecent assault and battery after a Boston judge agreed with Batali’s lawyers that the accuser had credibility issues and that photos suggested the encounter was amicable.
Batali’s lawyers portrayed the accuser as a liar who was financially motivated because of her civil lawsuit brought against the chef in 2018.
If convicted, Batali faced up to 2 1/2 years in jail and would have been required to register as a sex offender.
The other woman — who sued Batali in 2019 — similarly alleged that Batali had groped and kissed her at a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2016.
Batali stepped down from day-to-day operations at his restaurant empire and left the since-discontinued ABC cooking show “The Chew” after the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.
Last year, Batali, his business partner and their New York City restaurant company agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve a four-year investigation by the New York attorney general’s office into allegations that Batali and other staff sexually harassed employees.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/mario-batali-settles-2-lawsuits-alleging-sexual-assault/ | 2022-08-24T18:49:54Z |
2 dead, 3 hurt in shooting in front of DC senior residence
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police said two people were killed and three others injured Wednesday in a shooting in front of a senior citizen’s center and near several schools in the nation’s capital.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Wednesday’s shooting happened in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Washington in front of a residence for senior citizens and near several high schools.
The shooting happened just before 1 p.m. when a black SUV pulled up in front of the senior residence and two men hopped out and opened fire, Executive Assistant Police Chief Ashan Benedict said.
A total of five men were shot. Two died at the scene and three others were taken to area hospitals and were being treated Wednesday afternoon for their injuries.
Benedict said police were still trying to collect evidence at the scene and working to identify a definitive motive but said the area is known to officers as “an open-air drug market.”
Officers routinely make arrests there for the sale of narcotics and investigators believe the shooting was related to those drug sales, he said.
“This is an ongoing problem,” Benedict said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/2-dead-3-hurt-shooting-front-dc-senior-residence/ | 2022-08-24T19:13:59Z |
Biden administration responds to Iran’s offer on nuke deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday responded to Iran’s latest offer to resume its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, but neither side is offering a definitive path to revive the agreement, which has been on life-support since former President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
State Department spokesman Ned Price confirmed that the administration completed its review of Iran’s comments on a European proposal. Price did not detail the administration’s response.
“As you know, we received Iran’s comments on the EU’s proposed final text through the EU,” Price said. “Our review of those comments has now concluded. We have responded to the EU today.”
There is now expected to be another exchange of technical details followed by a meeting of the joint commission that oversees the deal. The new developments, including stepped-up public messaging campaigns by both Tehran and Washington, suggest that an agreement could be near.
Despite the forward movement, numerous hurdles remain. And key sticking points could still unravel efforts to bring back the 2015 deal under which Iran received billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program intended to prevent it from developing an atomic weapon.
Even U.S. supporters of an agreement are no longer referring to the “longer and stronger” deal that they had initially set out to win when indirect negotiations with Iran began last spring. And, on the Iranian side, demands for greater U.S. sanctions relief than the administration appears willing or able to promise could undercut the push to revive the agreement.
In Washington, the Biden administration faces considerable political opposition to returning to the 2015 deal from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress who remain unconvinced that it is in U.S. national security interests.
“I intend to systematically fight the implementation of this catastrophic deal, and will work with my colleagues to ensure that it is blocked and eventually reversed in January 2025,” said Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.
The recent indictment of an Iranian for plotting to murder Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton and the attack by an apparent Iran sympathizer on the author Salman Rushdie have further contributed to doubts that Iran can be trusted.
The latest EU proposal does not include Tehran’s demand that the U.S. lift the terrorism designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, and Iran has stepped back from a demand that the International Atomic Energy Agency close its investigation into unexplained traces of uranium at three undeclared sites, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to discuss ongoing efforts to resurrect the deal.
But, rescinding the terrorism designation imposed by Trump was never a realistic demand. Not only does it fall outside the scope of the nuclear deal, it was made virtually impossible since the Bolton plot indictment, ongoing Iranian threats to other former U.S. officials, and the Rushdie attack.
And, while Iran may have agreed to a mechanism to eventually return to the deal without the IAEA investigation being closed up front, it has said that its actual compliance with an agreement remains contingent on getting a clean bill of health from the agency.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to characterize the administration’s response to the EU, but noted “we are closer now than we were even just a couple of weeks ago because Iran made a decision to make some concessions.”
“We’re not there yet,” Kirby said. “And because we’re not there yet, I think we’re just going to be relatively careful here about how much detail we put out there.”
And, Iranian officials on Tuesday bristled at the suggestion that they’ve stepped back from their demands to re-enter the deal.
Seyed Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian adviser to the indirect talks in Vienna, took to Twitter on Tuesday to assert that removing the IRGC from the State Department’s foreign terrorism list was never a precondition and insisted that “no deal will be implemented before the IAEA Board of Directors PERMANENTLY closes the false accusations file.”
Meanwhile, America’s top ally in the Middle East, Israel, has become increasingly alarmed at the apparent movement toward a deal. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday urged Biden and Western powers to call off an emerging nuclear deal with Iran, saying that negotiators are letting Tehran manipulate the talks.
“The countries of the West draw a red line, the Iranians ignore it, and the red line moves,” Lapid told reporters at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Israeli alternate prime minster Naftali Bennett on Tuesday noted that Israel is not party to the 2015 agreement signed by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security — the U.S., the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China as well as Germany — but that Israel would be directly affected and reserved all rights to its self-defense.
Israel’s national security adviser Eyal Hulata is in Washington this week for talks with Biden administration officials, including a Tuesday meeting with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Hulata is scheduled to meet with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman later Wednesday.
National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Sullivan underscored Biden’s steadfast “commitment to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon” during his conversation with Hulata.
The White House insists that the terms under discussion include the key underpinnings of the 2015 deal. The U.S. would lift hundreds of sanctions the Trump administration re-imposed when it withdrew from the deal in 2018. And Iran would roll back its nuclear program to the limits set by the original nuclear deal, including caps on enrichment, how much material it can stockpile and the operation of advanced centrifuges needed to enrich.
However, it remains unclear what exactly would happen to Iran’s current stockpile of highly enriched uranium and what it would be required to do with the advanced centrifuges it has been spinning. The White House has said both would be “removed” but has not offered details.
As of the last public count, Iran has a stockpile of some 3,800 kilograms (8,370 pounds) of enriched uranium. Under the deal, Tehran could enrich uranium to 3.67% purity, while maintaining a stockpile of uranium of 300 kilograms (660 pounds) under constant scrutiny of surveillance cameras and international inspectors.
In terms of sanctions relief, Iran has been demanding that the administration pledge that a future president not be allowed to re-impose the lifted penalties as Trump did and promise that Congress will repeal statutory sanctions legislation passed initially to force Iran back to the negotiating table. The administration is in no position to guarantee either.
—
Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed reporting.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/biden-administration-responds-irans-offer-nuke-deal/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:06Z |
Chopped walnut pouches recalled for containing the wrong kind of nuts
(Gray News) – A recall has been issued for Great Value Walnuts for mislabeling issues.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recalled pouches contain pecans instead of walnuts.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the nuts.
The FDA said there have not been any reports of illness or death associated with this recall so far.
Only the Great Value Walnut Chopped 4oz. pouches with UPC 78742201344, Lot #29329 are impacted. They have a Best If Used By date of April 29, 2023.
The nuts were sold at Walmart stores in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Anyone who bought the mislabeled pouches can return them to the store for a full refund or throw them away.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/chopped-walnut-pouches-recalled-containing-wrong-kind-nuts/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:12Z |
Expert shares tips on how to avoid, survive lightning strikes
(CNN) - The chance of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, a few recent high-profile cases have made it clear lightning is dangerous and can be deadly.
It comes and goes in a flash, but lightning can strike anywhere.
Most people survive a lightning strike but can face serious health issues.
So far, 14 people have died from lightning strikes in the U.S. this year, according to the National Weather Service.
Ron Holle with the National Lightning Safety Council said you can lower your risk by going inside when you hear thunder.
“Don’t ask questions,” Holle said. “Simply go to a large, substantial building or a fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle.”
A lightning-safe structure is one that has grounded wiring and plumbing, like most homes and buildings in the U.S.
Places like tents, sheds, dugouts and picnic shelters are not safe from lightning strikes, according to experts. They also recommend you should stay away from porches or balconies during a storm and things that may conduct electricity like corded electrical devices.
“You don’t want to be touching the water running in the sink or in the shower or the bathtub – those are conductors,” Holle said. “It happens quite often that people are injured by that, but it’s usually not fatal.”
Trees and lightning are a dangerous combination. Holle said the strike can hit a tree and conduct ground current to a victim.
There can also be a side flash, where the tree is hit and a portion of the current hits someone near it. Or lightning can cause the bark or a limb to explode.
“They only last a few tenths of a second,” Holle said, referring to a lightning strike. “But during that time they’re incredibly strong.”
If getting indoors isn’t possible, there are still a few things that may slightly lessen your risk.
In a thunderstorm, avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top, the National Weather Service said. Likewise, you should stay away from tall, isolated objects like trees, and immediately leave any bodies of water.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/expert-shares-tips-how-avoid-survive-lightning-strikes/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:22Z |
Former teacher’s aide charged with raping 12-year-old student, officials say
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WVUE/Gray News) – A former teacher’s aide in Louisiana is charged with raping a 12-year-old student, according to jail records.
Sophia Canales, 22, was arrested Saturday morning.
Canales previously worked at Stella Worley Middle School in Westwego, just outside of New Orleans.
Education leaders said she was employed as a paraprofessional, also known as a teacher’s aide, which provides classroom support for teachers. She no longer works for the school district.
The alleged victim’s attorney, Artis G. Ulmer III, said the situation was a textbook example of sexual grooming.
“Ms. Canales used her school position to identify her victim. She then gained his trust by filling a financial need. And after isolating him from his parents, Ms. Canales sexualized the relationship. In her final act, she then began to assert control and literally threaten his life,” Ulmer said. “My client didn’t deserve to have his innocence stolen, and his parents don’t deserve to have their son’s affection alienated by a pedophile. This child’s life will be forever destroyed.”
Ulmer provided WVUE with a voicemail Canales reportedly left on the juvenile’s phone. In it, she says, in part, “Hi boo. I miss you,” and threatens to “show up with a machete” if he was lying to her about whether his phone was dead or not.
According to jail records, Canales is charged with first-degree rape, indecent behavior with a juvenile under 13, being a fugitive, and a traffic violation. She is being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center without bond.
Copyright 2022 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/former-teachers-aide-charged-with-raping-12-year-old-student-officials-say/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:38Z |
Mario Batali settles 2 lawsuits alleging sexual assault
BOSTON (AP) — Mario Batali has agreed to settle two Massachusetts lawsuits that accused the celebrity chef of sexual assault, attorneys for the women said on Wednesday.
The decision to settle the cases comes more than two months after the former Food Network personality was cleared of a criminal charge stemming from accusations by one of the women, who prosecutors alleged aggressively kissed and groped her while taking a selfie at a downtown Boston bar in 2017.
“The matters have been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. We cannot comment further due to confidentiality obligations,” attorneys for the two women, Eric Baum and Matthew Fogelman, said in an emailed statement.
An email seeking comment was sent Wednesday to Batali’s attorney.
The women alleged that Batali had sexually assaulted them on separate occasions. The accusations by one of the women led to the only criminal case against the prominent chef and restauranteur at the height of the #MeToo movement.
One woman testified in May about how she felt confused and powerless to do anything to stop Batali at the time.
But Batali was acquitted of indecent assault and battery after a Boston judge agreed with Batali’s lawyers that the accuser had credibility issues and that photos suggested the encounter was amicable.
Batali’s lawyers portrayed the accuser as a liar who was financially motivated because of her civil lawsuit brought against the chef in 2018.
If convicted, Batali faced up to 2 1/2 years in jail and would have been required to register as a sex offender.
The other woman — who sued Batali in 2019 — similarly alleged that Batali had groped and kissed her at a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2016.
Batali stepped down from day-to-day operations at his restaurant empire and left the since-discontinued ABC cooking show “The Chew” after the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.
Last year, Batali, his business partner and their New York City restaurant company agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve a four-year investigation by the New York attorney general’s office into allegations that Batali and other staff sexually harassed employees.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/mario-batali-settles-2-lawsuits-alleging-sexual-assault/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:44Z |
Officials: Nurse accused of killing 97-year-old vet by ‘intentional medical maltreatment’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) - A Kentucky nurse is accused of killing a 97-year-old man by “medical maltreatment,” authorities say.
According to court documents obtained by WKYT, 52-year-old Eyvette Hunter was indicted Monday on a murder charge and taken into police custody Tuesday.
The indictment reportedly said Hunter unlawfully caused the death of James Morris on April 30 by “intentional medical maltreatment.” Morris, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, had suffered a fall and was admitted to Baptist Health Lexington for treatment.
Hunter’s nursing license was also suspended Monday, according to a complaint filed with the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
The suspension order gave more details about what allegedly happened, saying Hunter had worked as a nurse at Baptist Health and was treating a 97-year-old patient. WKYT said the patient was identified as Morris.
According to the suspension order, Morris had become agitated and aggressive, and the nurse requested medication to calm him down, which was denied by both a doctor and a nurse practitioner.
After being denied, the order said Hunter withdrew a vial of lorazepam meant for another patient and administered it to Morris.
Hunter reportedly told another hospital employee she had given Morris “something special” both times when asked twice by the employee.
After he was sedated, the order said another nurse found Morris sometime later with labored breathing and his oxygen saturation equipment not monitoring. The order said Hunter had disabled the equipment to prevent the alarm from going off.
Hospital staff was able to get Morris’ oxygen level back up, but he developed pneumonia because of some of the substances he ingested, according to the order.
He was released to hospice care May 3 and died two days later, with his cause of death listed as “aspirational pneumonia.”
According to the suspension order, Hunter admitted to giving Morris the drug without permission.
Baptist Health fired Hunter the day the incident happened and released a statement saying that the accused nurse had not worked there since April 30, adding she had been “terminated and was reported to the Kentucky Board of Nursing.”
The indictment said Hunter will be held on a $100,000 bond.
Copyright 2022 WKYT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/officials-nurse-accused-killing-97-year-old-vet-by-intentional-medical-maltreatment/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:51Z |
Panel: Trump staffers pushed unproven COVID treatment at FDA
WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials in the Trump White House tried to pressure U.S. health experts into reauthorizing a discredited COVID-19 treatment, according to a congressional investigation that provides new evidence of that administration’s efforts to override Food and Drug Administration decisions early in the pandemic.
The report Wednesday by the Democratic-led House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis also sheds new light on the role that television personalities played in bringing hydroxychloroquine to the attention of top White House officials. Investigators highlighted an email from Fox News’ Laura Ingraham and others from Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity heart surgeon who had a daytime TV show and is now the Republican Senate nominee in Pennsylvania. Ingraham attended an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, who himself took the anti-malaria drug.
The FDA originally authorized use of hydroxychloroquine in late March 2020 based on small studies suggesting it could have some effectiveness against the coronavirus. At that time, many researchers hoped that existing antiviral drugs could be used to fight the virus. But by June, FDA officials had concluded the drug was likely ineffective and could cause potentially dangerous heart complications, revoking its emergency use.
Efforts by the Trump administration to control the release of COVID-19 guidance and install political operatives at public health agencies have been well documented.
The report by the House subcommittee investigating the government’s COVID-19 response focused on pressure at the FDA, which serves as gatekeeper for the drugs, vaccines and other countermeasures against the virus.
Much of the information comes from an interview with the agency’s former commissioner, Dr. Stephen Hahn, who was picked for the job by Trump in late 2019. Frustrated by the pace of FDA’s medical reviews, Trump repeatedly accused Hahn -- without evidence -- of delaying decisions on COVID-19 drugs and vaccines “for political reasons.”
Although FDA commissioners are politically appointed, the agency’s scientists are expected to conduct their reviews free from outside influence. Indeed, the FDA’s credibility largely stems from its reputation for scientific independence.
But Hahn told investigators that he felt pressure due to the “persistence” of Trump aide Peter Navarro’s calls to reauthorize hydroxychloroquine after the FDA’s decision to pull its emergency use.
“We took a different stance at the FDA,” Hahn told investigators. “So that disagreement, which of course ultimately became somewhat public, was a source of pressure.”
Much of the report focuses on actions taken by Navarro and Dr. Steven Hatfill, a virologist and outside adviser described by the subcommittee as a “full-time volunteer” on COVID-19 for the White House.
“Dr. Hatfill and Mr. Navarro devised multiple pressure schemes targeting FDA and federal officials who they contended were wrongly impeding widespread access to hydroxychloroquine,” according to the report.
In his response, Hatfill said: “We never wrongly pressured anyone. We simply followed the science and the overwhelming evidence as detailed in several studies available at the time.”
Navarro, in an emailed statement, said the subcommittee was “wrongly” perpetuating that hydroxychloroquine “was somehow dangerous.” He also said he has chronicled his battles with the FDA in his White House memoir.
Importantly, there’s no evidence that White House efforts ultimately changed the FDA’s decisions on hydroxychloroquine or any other therapies.
Investigators also cited a March 28, 2020, email from Oz to Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, stating that the drug “appears safe and results are better than expected.”
Birx forwarded the email to Hahn within the hour, saying “we should talk.”
A cancer specialist with no prior political experience, Hahn was widely criticized during the early COVID-19 response for decisions that appeared to cave to White House officials.
According to emails obtained by the committee, Hatfill described “constant fighting with (Dr. Anthony) Fauci and Dr. Hahn” over access to hydroxychloroquine during the summer. Fauci is the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
During this period Hatfill also urged Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., to request a federal investigation into the handling of hydroxychloroquine, according to a letter submitted for the Congressional Record.
There’s no indication such a request was made. But in mid-August, Johnson and fellow Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas wrote the FDA seeking an explanation for the denial to reinstate hydroxychloroquine’s authorization. Johnson also chaired a Senate committee hearing in November 2020 on treatment options and complained that doctors who prescribed hydroxychloroquine for COVID had been “scorned.”
In the fall of 2020, the focus of both FDA and White House officials turned to the upcoming authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
As previously reported, the White House objected to an FDA requirement that vaccine makers gather two months of safety data before filing their applications, contending that condition would delay the launch of the shots. Trump had repeatedly stated the shots would be authorized before Election Day, despite government scientists signaling that timeline was unlikely.
The committee report suggested that the FDA’s guidance for vaccine manufacturers was delayed more than three weeks — from mid-September until early October — due to White House concerns.
Hahn told investigators the agency faced “pushback about the issue” from multiple officials, including Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, who told the FDA commissioner on Sept. 23, 2020, that the White House would not sign off on the two-month requirement.
On Oct. 6, the FDA quietly published its vaccine guidelines as part of a larger set of documents for drugmakers. After the materials posted online, Hahn said Meadows called him to indicate that the FDA guidelines were approved.
The online publication drew fury from the president on Twitter.
“New FDA rules make it more difficult for them to speed up vaccines for approval before Election Day. Just another political hit job!” Trump tweeted at his FDA commissioner.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/panel-trump-staffers-pushed-unproven-covid-treatment-fda/ | 2022-08-24T19:14:58Z |
USDA plans to give $550M to help struggling farmers
Published: Aug. 24, 2022 at 2:24 PM EDT|Updated: 50 minutes ago
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has earmarked more than half a billion dollars to fund initiatives for farmers.
This comes from two provisions signed into law under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Around $300 million will go toward projects to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who are struggling.
The rest is designated for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s program that focuses on educational opportunities for minority-serving institutions.
Groups and organizations interested in either program need to apply by late October.
Copyright 2022 KTRK via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/usda-plans-give-550m-help-struggling-farmers/ | 2022-08-24T19:15:05Z |
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CHEYENNE – A California man was sentenced recently for his role in defrauding the government by helping several Wyoming restaurants suppress revenue.
Jin Chen Liang, 62, of Corona, California, was sentenced Aug. 16 for conspiracy to defraud the government by Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, according to a Wednesday news release from the U.S. Attorney for Wyoming's office. Liang was sentenced to five years of probation, with the first six months under home confinement, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment and over $700,000 in restitution to the state of Wyoming and the IRS.
The U.S. had recommended a sentence of 30 months’ incarceration.
Liang developed, sold, and installed software that enabled several restaurants in Wyoming to conceal cash sales, facilitating the restaurant owners’ under-reporting of the amount of sales tax owed to the state and the amount of income tax owed to the federal government, the release said. Liang sold the software to individuals who owned restaurants in Casper, Cheyenne, Green River, Riverton and Rock Springs.
The total amount of under-reported tax was approximately $2 million. The Wyoming Department of Audit suspected the presence of the software on the Wyoming restaurants’ point of sales systems and collaborated with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the IRS during the investigation.
Restaurant owners who bought and used Liang’s software, Quyen Sam Ha, Soi Sam Ha and Jenn Sam Ho, were previously convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the government. All the convicted restaurant owners were placed on supervised probation for a term of five years and have already paid restitution totaling over $1.8 million to the state and the IRS.
“This was the culmination of an investigation that began in 2016 and involved multiple Wyoming restaurants,” Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas Vassallo said. “The crime facilitated by Liang’s software harmed not only the state of Wyoming, but it also created an unfair advantage over law-abiding restaurant owners who lawfully paid state and federal taxes. Due to the diligent and collaborative work of both federal and state investigative agencies, Liang’s criminal enterprise has been dismantled.”
“The use of revenue suppression software to hide your income is a crime against not only the federal government, but all honest taxpayers,” said Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge at the Denver Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are experts in uncovering sophisticated tax avoidance schemes, and we will continue to pursue individuals and organizations attempting to avoid their tax obligations.”
This crime was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wyoming Department of Audi, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher prosecuted the case. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/man-sentenced-for-defrauding-govt-with-software-used-by-wyo-restaurants/article_d7026f36-23e1-11ed-a3be-479accf545e1.html | 2022-08-24T19:41:49Z |
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ROCK SPRINGS — Each theater company has their own niche.
After much anticipation, 25-year-old Rock Springs resident Kenneth McCormack has taken a big step – to start the first local drag and theater-based entertainment production company in Sweetwater County.
McCormack’s drag name is Starling, My Darling.
The company, The Starling Company, has a mission, according to McCormack.
“I’m hoping to focus on marginalized voices like being gay or being a person of color and where those two intersect. I want to offer a safe, inclusive and accessible space for everyone.”
McCormack has been involved in the performing arts for 13 years.
“I’ve been involved with too many theater companies over the years who had ethical issues,” he explained. “Actors would leave the stage, feeling unappreciated after all the work they did. Audiences were feeling under-appreciated as well.
“Most of us didn’t think we were being seen or represented appropriately by the stories being told. I feel that’s what art and media are for – to serve people you are trying to entertain.”
So far, McCormack has had numerous positive responses.
“I’ve had a few drag organizers from Utah reach out to me and expressed interest in performing in Wyoming.”
He added, “What’s really cool about the drag aspect for me is, aside from Drag for a Cause, we don’t have a ‘scene’ here. I essentially have a blank slate to create a culture here.
“Mine will be theater-based but drag is becoming more mainstream. I’m making waves!”
Starling is planning to do a show in the fall and spring every year.
Starling wants to reprise “The Rocky Horror Show” again on stage but hasn’t been approved for it yet. However, he is planning to do a showing of the movie on Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Broadway Theater with a live shadow cast performing in front of the screen, which was an original cult-like performance, with audience participation.
Starling is planning a drag show on New Year’s Eve as well.
In the spring, he will do a showing of “Henwig and the Angry Itch.”
“I was very fortunate to watch it live in 2014 and that’s when I had met my first boyfriend and realized I was gender queer,” he shared. “The main character isn’t a man or a woman – she’s a beautiful mix of the two.”
Contrary to what most people believe, queer is not an offensive word to the LGBTQ community, McCormack pointed out.
“We have reclaimed the name ‘queer’, not to describe the whole community, but for a portion of the community that does not identify with a cisgender, which is the gender you are assigned at birth.”
“I identify with all the pronouns,” he explained. “Sometimes I feel masculine, sometimes I don’t.”
McCormack’s goal is to see everyone come and leave the theater with confidence.
“I want to uplift and provide representation and exposure for marginalized voices but also to uplift and celebrate our audiences and the individual artists coming here.”
“Drag queens has always been artists that create commentary that is most blunt and the most accurate for the times. That’s what I hope to bring and to celebrate everybody involved.”
Starling performed at Wind River Pride in Lander this summer.
“I was practically in tears during the entire show,” he expressed. “300 people showed up for the drag show. That’s 5% of Lander’s population.”
He noted, “Protesters were there but they were very quiet. They experienced ‘queer joy’ that day and saw the love we brought.”
McCormack describes the ones who had never performed before that day as “baby queens.”
The audience was instructed to stand up and line up in two columns, with a runway in the middle. After they formed the two lines, they were invited to dance down the runway and lip sync as they celebrated themselves.
“There were just ten people from the audience who did not participate,” he revealed. “We had to play eight songs!
“Just to see that many people celebrating made me lose it. It was amazing.”
Starling plans to perform again during next year’s Wind River Pride.
“I’m not a workaholic, I’m just passionate about taking care of people, making them feel loved and sharing messages.”
For more information about joining The Starling Company, send an email to the.starling.co@gmail.com or look them up on Facebook or Instagram, both with the handle, @the.starling.co. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/advertising_and_marketing/drag-queen-theater-company-enters-sweetwater-county-scene/article_847cb57c-23d3-11ed-bf7e-2bc7f149ef7c.html | 2022-08-24T19:42:01Z |
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
CHEYENNE – Moderate Republicans across the state are searching for an independent candidate to run in the general election for secretary of state.
Sources told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle the desire to find a challenger came in response to state Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper, defeating Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, in the Aug. 16 Republican primary, but the deadline is quickly approaching.
An independent candidate for a statewide seat must file by Monday with the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as secure 5,418 valid signatures. Efforts to find a candidate to even consider putting their hat in the ring have remained unsuccessful.
“People are really leery of the political environment right now,” said Rebekah Fitzgerald, a local political consultant scouting candidates. “And frankly, it’s a really tall order to ask someone to stand up a campaign from scratch and run in 70 days.”
She runs Fitzgerald Strategies Group, which is a communications and political firm out of Cheyenne, and was approached by some Republicans seeking a contender to challenge Gray. (Fitzgerald also is a member of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s editorial board.)
Another individual searching for a second option is state Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander. He has been on his own mission separate from Fitzgerald, but has similar motivations. Gray faces no Democrat in the primary, and will otherwise take office in January unless a write-in candidate receives enough votes.
“The voters have spoken, and it’s regrettable that Cale Case is refusing to listen to their voice,” Gray said via text message to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle on Tuesday. “We are going to continue to reach everyone in Wyoming and listen.”
Gray received significant support during the primaries. He was publicly endorsed by former President Donald Trump just days before the election, and was backed by other Wyoming Republicans, such as the U.S. House GOP primary winner, Harriet Hageman.
Gray was announced the winner late Tuesday night, with 75,938 votes reported in the unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office. Nethercott received 63,044 votes, and 14,292 went to Republican contender Mark Armstrong. Dan Dockstader, who withdrew from the race to support Nethercott after his name was printed on ballots, received 3,465 votes.
Criticisms of Gray
Despite securing the Republican spot in the general election, Gray has been criticized by fellow party members for his stances on election security and his leadership qualifications. Former Republican Secretary of State Max Maxfield also filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission at the beginning of August, voicing his concern over Gray’s income reports during his U.S. House campaign.
Maxfield endorsed Nethercott, and is hoping to have an independent candidate to vote for in the wake of her loss. Maxfield said he believes Gray lacks the professional experience to manage the office, and he objected to the doubts Gray cast on some positions related to the office.
Maxfield said to come out and argue there were cases of voter fraud in previous elections, and to advocate for the removal of absentee ballot drop boxes and reverting to paper ballots is ridiculous.
“I watched the process of the election, and saw the kind of campaign that Mr. Gray ran, and looked at his qualifications and looked at his personal views toward the second-highest office in the state,” Maxfield told the WTE. “It concerns me enough that I want to support someone else.”
These criticisms of the Republican primary winner were echoed by candidate seekers.
Case said he would not be comfortable with a secretary of state who has claimed the 2020 election was stolen being in charge of the Elections Division.
“There’s concerns with his FEC filing and the paperwork, and how his assets may or may not align, and then there’s just the concerns about his fitness and aptness to do the job,” Fitzgerald said. “He has been in the Legislature for a period of time now, and he hasn’t gotten many bills passed, and so that makes me question and others question his ability to work with others.”
She said since the responsibilities of secretary of state are largely administrative, there are significant consequences if the work is done incorrectly. She is worried employees may not want to work in the environment created by Gray, and that would lead to difficulties executing elections or working with small businesses.
Although there are doubts regarding his capability, Fitzgerald said this doesn’t translate to doubting the results of the election. She said it was fair and based on the ballots cast, and Gray was the clear winner.
Disinterest among candidates
The reason Fitzgerald has hope an independent candidate could win is because of the close to 63,000 votes Nethercott received, but it has been an uphill battle to find a contender. Fitzgerald said she doesn’t want to reveal the names of individuals considered so far due to the nature of the race, but they’ve expressed their weariness.
A candidate Case has been vying for openly turned down the opportunity to challenge Gray. Laramie County GOP vice-chairman Nathan Winters told the WTE he has received an extraordinary number of calls asking him to consider running, but his focus lies in other areas.
“We are in a very pivotal moment of bringing a charter school to Cheyenne that would be an affiliate of Hillsdale College, and we are one of only seven in the United States that was selected this year,” he said. “We are actually standing before the State Loan and Investment Board in just a few weeks, so this is important.”
Winters is also the president and executive director of the Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming, and doesn’t want to step down from that position.
He said he has spoken with Gray in recent days and expressed his support for the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office. He said he believes the Republican primary winner will be successful if he works closely with the longtime employees.
“The staff that has been built up over the last number of years is one of the very best in the state of Wyoming,” he said he told Gray. “Secondly, (current Secretary of State) Ed Buchanan has made election integrity one of the foremost things that he has fought for over the last four-and-a-half years.”
He said he agreed with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., in her belief that there were major questions raised regarding other states in the 2020 election, but he knows there were strong efforts that went into ensuring secure elections in Wyoming.
Although Gray has cast doubt on the election process in this state, Winters said he will support the most conservative candidate in the general election, and right now it is the Republican primary winner.
Uphill battle
Despite Winters telling Case he didn’t want to run against Gray, the state senator moved forward with trying to get the 5,418 signatures needed for Winters before Monday. Case hoped seeing the encouragement from residents would convince Winters to run.
Case sent a letter to Kai Schon, Elections Division director at the Secretary of State’s Office, arguing the petition could be circulated without pre-approval by the possible candidate. Case wrote that he agreed with Wyoming Statute 22-5-301 (a) in that the proposed candidate needed to approve the submission it was presented to the Secretary of State’s Office, but disagreed that the petitions couldn’t be sent out across the state if there was no such authorization.
“These petitions beforehand are not binding and have no effect. Only with the candidate’s signature do they become binding,” Case said. “Your existing policy prohibits a draft where people can express their support for a candidate. It is a free speech issue and a bureaucratic encumbrance of a process that has no effect on your office until the signatures are submitted with the candidate’s approval and countersignature.”
Case followed up with the WTE and said the Secretary of State’s Office would not accept his interpretation of the statute as of Tuesday.
Winters was the most viable candidate Case wanted to run, because he said others don’t have the name recognition or strong qualifications.
“I served with Nathan Winters in the Wyoming Legislature. He is a very honorable, thoughtful and kind person. He is very conservative and holds immense faith in our savior,” Case said in his testimonial. “No one ever will be able to tag him as a RINO.”
Facing the Wyoming GOP
The difficulty in finding a candidate doesn’t just revolve around a sprint campaign being unappealing, or the laws the Secretary of State’s Office must follow.
Both Fitzgerald and Case said some don’t want to put themselves in the crosshairs of the Wyoming Republican Party.
Fitzgerald said she believes leadership and members of the party showed support exclusively for Hageman. She said this, in turn, benefited Gray, who was backed by the U.S. House candidate.
“It’s clear the large majority of the state party was supporting her efforts there, and I think that just speaks more to the current environment of Wyoming politics and the Wyoming GOP,” she said.
The political consultant said she knows the state party and others have been careful not to host events endorsing specific candidates, but there has been a lot of bleed-over where voters might have had a hard time telling what was an independent event versus what was a county or state GOP-sponsored event.
“The messaging was blurred, and that may have been intentional to only invite certain people to certain events,” Fitzgerald said. “But the rules are very clear that the party has to remain neutral in the primary, and I think a lot of people are questioning whether that really happened.”
Case is a Republican who believes the GOP has overstepped its bounds when it comes to showing support for candidates. He pointed to the Save Wyoming Rally, which only hosted one Republican candidate in each statewide race, including Gray. Wyoming GOP Chairman Frank Eathorne attended the event, as well as the Hageman campaign rally in Casper over Memorial Day weekend attended by Trump and her campaign party on primary election night.
“We need to restore a fair primary, which Frank Eathorne didn’t give us,” Case said. “And if you just look at the attendees at the Lander rally, you tell me that the Republican Party wasn’t up to their ears behind the scenes for that, even though they said they weren’t. They only invited one candidate from each slot, and they put all their efforts behind that.”
Case argued it was another reason Winters decided not to run against Gray. Winters said he cares very deeply about the Republican Party and conservative principles, and would never run for office without the letter “R” following his name.
“I don’t blame him for saying no, because you’re up against the Republican Party leadership now, and you don’t want to buck that,” said Case. “That’s what he would be doing.”
Wyoming GOP National Committeeman Corey Steinmetz said in a statement the state party didn’t support a specific candidate in the primary race for secretary of state. He said they neither campaigned nor advertised for or against any candidate in the race.
He said the party congratulated all Republican primary winners, and it looks forward to continuing its work in support of those who represent Republican values, as expressed in the party’s platform.
“The voters have spoken in the primary, Representative Gray was elected with a margin of over 13,000 votes,” Steinmetz said. “Senator Case has the freedom to do whatever he feels he should, however ... the handpicked candidate by Mr. Case has said clearly that he is not interested in running for the office of secretary of state.”
Both Case and Fitzgerald said the hunt will continue for a contender over the next five days.
Jasmine Hall is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s state government reporter. She can be reached by email at jhall@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3167. Follow her on Twitter @jasminerhphotos and on Instagram @jhrose25. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/government_and_politics/republicans-search-for-independent-candidate-to-challenge-gray/article_6d85bb52-23d3-11ed-b821-b3df2dd42e05.html | 2022-08-24T19:42:07Z |
A’Naiya Vavis graduated from Texas State University four years ago with $14,000 in student loan debt, and her $180 monthly payment to the federal government meant living paycheck to paycheck on a $38,000-a-year public relations salary in Austin.
When her loan payment plan was paused during the pandemic, it allowed her enough breathing room to afford rising gas and food prices.
But on Wednesday, she found out her education bill is no more after President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will forgive $20,000 in student loan debt for borrowers who also received federal Pell Grants.
“I’m very stunned and shocked,” Vavis said Wednesday. “I didn’t expect to not have any student debt until at least my 30s just because of where I live and the high cost of living. Trying to budget for student loans has always been stressful. And now to have that off my plate is a big relief.”
Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan comes after months of debate. Individuals earning $125,000 or less will see $20,000 in student loan debt erased from their education bill if they used federal Pell Grants to pay for it. Those who did not use those federal grants will have $10,000 eliminated from their student loan debt. The loan forgiveness applies to borrowers regardless of whether they earned degrees.
In 2021, 56% of students who graduated from four-year public universities had approximately $25,000 in student debt, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
“Extending higher levels of forgiveness to Pell recipients is a great addition to this plan,” said Aurora Harris, the Southern regional director for Young Invincibles, a national youth organization. “This especially helps Black students, [who] have the highest percentage of students, 72%, who receive Pell Grants. With this increased forgiveness, it is estimated that 20 million borrowers will have all of their remaining loan balance wiped out.”
This marks the first time in U.S. history that a president has issued a widespread forgiveness of student debt. The move has received criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats have argued Biden should forgive a larger amount of student debt while Republicans argue that forgiving debt will increase inflation and oppose any cancellation to high-income earners.
The Biden administration argues it has the legal authority to forgive student debt based on the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, but higher education experts said there are likely to be lawsuits filed questioning the executive branch’s authority.
Biden also extended the COVID-19 pandemic pause on loan payments one more time, through the end of 2022.
For students who are carrying more debt than the cap announced Wednesday, there are mixed feelings.
Austin resident Kalyn Williams has around $60,000 in student debt from her undergraduate and graduate degrees, which she has been paying off through the federal income-based repayment plan. She owes approximately $10,000 more now because her monthly payments don’t cover the cost of interest that accrues on the loans. This move puts her right back to where she was when she finished her master’s degree a decade ago.
“I'm happy, but I also wish it had been more because everything that he campaigned on was, you know, forgiving loans for folks who had gone to public schools, which I did,” she said. “And so this is just kind of like, great, but not really what we were expecting.”
Williams has 13 months until she qualifies for public-service loan forgiveness, the program that forgives the remaining balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments.
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Biden is also proposing changes to the income-repayment plan, including a reduction — from 10% to 5% — in the amount borrowers pay each month. The new plan would also forgive loan balances after 10 years of payments instead of the current 20 years for those who have a balance of $12,000 or less.
For Williams, it’s unclear how that change would impact her last year of student loan payments since her income has risen during the pandemic.
Stephanie Borden, who lives in Carrollton, has around $57,000 left to pay off on her student debt. She said she appreciates any help to cut down the debt and hopes the forgiveness will reduce her $400 monthly payment. She didn’t realize how much it impacted her life until she was able to pause the payments during the pandemic.
“Four hundred dollars is a lot of money and realizing not paying it, I don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. I can afford to do this fun thing with my friend, I can afford this thing I need that I’ve been putting off for years,” she said. | https://www.keranews.org/news/2022-08-24/bidens-student-loan-forgiveness-plan-could-lower-debt-for-more-than-half-of-texas-college-graduates | 2022-08-24T19:50:24Z |
2 dead, 3 hurt in shooting in front of DC senior residence
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police said two people were killed and three others injured Wednesday in a shooting in front of a senior citizen’s center and near several schools in the nation’s capital.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Wednesday’s shooting happened in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Washington in front of a residence for senior citizens and near several high schools.
The shooting happened just before 1 p.m. when a black SUV pulled up in front of the senior residence and two men hopped out and opened fire, Executive Assistant Police Chief Ashan Benedict said.
A total of five men were shot. Two died at the scene and three others were taken to area hospitals and were being treated Wednesday afternoon for their injuries.
Benedict said police were still trying to collect evidence at the scene and working to identify a definitive motive but said the area is known to officers as “an open-air drug market.”
Officers routinely make arrests there for the sale of narcotics and investigators believe the shooting was related to those drug sales, he said.
“This is an ongoing problem,” Benedict said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/2-dead-3-hurt-shooting-front-dc-senior-residence/ | 2022-08-24T20:03:54Z |
Paul Newman’s daughters sue late actor’s charity foundation
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A new lawsuit has exposed a deep rift between two of Paul Newman’s daughters and the late actor’s charitable foundation funded by profits from the Newman’s Own line of food and drink products.
The daughters, Susan Kendall Newman and Nell Newman, allege Newman’s Own Foundation has improperly cut its mandated contributions to their own charities from $400,000 apiece per year to $200,000 each annually.
They filed a lawsuit Tuesday in state court in Stamford, Connecticut, seeking $1.6 million in damages to be donated to their foundations for charitable giving.
The daughters say their father, who started Newman’s Own Foundation three years before he died in 2008, allowed the foundation to use his name and likeness — but only on several conditions including giving each of the two daughters’ foundations $400,000 a year.
Susan Kendall Newman, who lives in Oregon, and Nell Newman, of California, worry the foundation is setting the stage to completely remove them from having any say in how some of profits from Newman’s Own products are donated to charities. They also accused the foundation of “contradicting” their father’s wishes and intentions for years.
“No one should have to feel that the legacy of a departed loved one is being dishonored in the way that Newman’s Own Foundation has disregarded the daughters of Paul Newman,” Andy Lee, a New York City attorney for the daughters, said in a statement.
“This lawsuit does not seek personal compensation for Mr. Newman’s daughters, but simply seeks to hold (Newman’s Own Foundation) accountable to the charities they have shortchanged in recent years and would ensure they receive an increased level of support in the future, in line with Mr. Newman’s wishes,” he said.
Newman’s Own Foundation has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit in court but has released a statement.
“Best practices surrounding philanthropic organizations do not allow for the establishment of perpetual funding allotments for anyone, including Nell and Susan Newman,” the statement said. “A meritless lawsuit based on this faulty wish would only divert money away from those who benefit from Paul Newman’s generosity.”
The foundation added, “While we expect to continue to solicit Newman family recommendations for worthy organizations, our funding decisions are made each year and will continue to reflect the clear aim of Paul Newman and our responsibility to the best practices governing private foundations.”
Paul Newman, who lived in Westport with his wife, actor Joanne Woodward, created the Newman’s Own brand in 1982, with all profits going to charities. Today the product line includes frozen pizza, salsa, salad dressings and pasta sauces, as well as dog food and pet treats.
In his will, Paul Newman left his assets to his wife and Newman’s Own Foundation.
Newman’s Own, the products company, is a subsidiary of Newman’s Own Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation says more than $570 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982.
According to 2020 tax records, the foundation had more than $24 million in income and paid out $11.5 million in contributions, gifts and grants. Operating and administrative expenses totaled nearly $4.5 million.
According to his daughters’ lawsuit, Newman’s Own Foundation wrote to them only four days after their father’s death, saying it would reserve the right to stop allocating funds to charities identified by the daughters. The lawsuit says that contradicted Paul Newman’s explicit instructions to the foundation.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/paul-newmans-daughters-sue-late-actors-charity-foundation/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:01Z |
State trooper, sheriff’s deputy killed in helicopter crash, authorities say
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A helicopter crash in Tennessee resulted in the deaths of a sheriff’s deputy and a state trooper, according to authorities.
The helicopter crash occurred Tuesday afternoon in Marion County, temporarily shutting down an interstate highway, WVLT reported.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officials confirmed the deaths of one of their troopers and a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in a press conference Tuesday night.
“While the investigation is ongoing, please give the families their privacies,” a THP spokesperson said. “Today is a very tragic day for law enforcement.”
Officials identified the trooper in the crash as Sergeant Lee Russell.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bell 206 helicopter struck a power line and crashed in a wooded area on Aetna Mountain near Whiteside, Tennessee, around 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 23.
Dan Hostetler witnessed the incident as he was heading back to Chattanooga on the interstate. He said he saw a black helicopter flying in circles, describing it as moving “erratically.”
Hostetler said the helicopter then “dipped” and “waggled” before it hit a power line that crossed over the highway. He said the power line started gliding down towards him as he was on the highway and he was afraid it would land on him.
“I slammed on the brakes and stopped about two car lengths from the line,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation confirmed to WVLT that the helicopter struck the power lines and caused them to fall across the roadway, resulting in its temporary closure.
Officials intend to further investigate the crash.
Copyright 2022 WVLT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/state-trooper-sheriffs-deputy-killed-helicopter-crash-authorities-say/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:08Z |
West Virginia gov. signs teacher pay raise
3:50 p.m.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill to give teachers in the state a raise, ending a statewide teacher walkout that last nine days.
Justice spoke at a Tuesday afternoon news conference after the Legislature passed a 5 percent pay raise for teachers and others in a deal to end the walkout that closed schools.
Justice said it's important to stop seeing education as a necessary evil that just needs to be funded and start seeing it as an investment.
West Virginia's teachers have been among the lowest paid in the nation and haven't had a salary increase in four years. Teachers had been on strike since Feb. 22.
___
1:55 p.m.
Some West Virginia counties are reopening schools after the Legislature passed a 5 percent pay raise for teachers and others in a deal to end a statewide walkout that closed schools for nine days.
Union leaders haven't said whether they're calling for an end to the strike, pending a ceremony at the governor's office later Tuesday.
But Kanawha County's school system announced in phone calls to parents that schools would reopen Wednesday. Several other county school systems made similar announcements on Twitter.
It wasn't immediately clear whether all 55 county school systems would reopen. A state Department of Education spokesman didn't return an email message.
Both the House of Delegates and the state Senate unanimous passed the pay raise for teachers, school service personnel and state troopers. Other state workers will have to wait for a budget bill to pass before getting their 5 percent raises promised under the deal.
___
1 p.m.
West Virginia's teachers are applauding the unanimous Senate approval of a 5 percent raise in pay for teachers and troopers, in a deal to end a nine-day walkout that closed schools statewide.
Teachers cheered in the Senate gallery after the 34-0 approval. The raise also covers school service personnel.
The House already approved the deal in a vote of 99-0 on Tuesday.
Governor Jim Justice said "I believe in you and I love our kids" to the teachers after the deal was made, and plans a news conference later Tuesday.
West Virginia's teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation and haven't had a salary increase in four years. Senate Finance Chairman Craig Blair said they'll need to cut state spending by $20 million to pay for the raises by taking funds from general government services and Medicaid.
Other state workers will have to wait for a budget bill to pass before getting their 5 percent raises promised under the deal.
___
11:50 a.m.
West Virginia's House of Delegates has passed a 5 percent pay raise for striking teachers after a legislative conference committee agreed to the figure.
With teachers cheering from the gallery, the measure passed the House 99-0 Tuesday, providing 5 percent raises for teachers, school service personnel and state troopers. It now awaits action in the state Senate.
The governor, union leaders and the House of Delegates had agreed to the raise last week for teachers, who are among the lowest paid in the nation and haven't had a salary increase in four years. But the Senate refused to go along, approving a 4 percent increase Saturday. The six-member conference committee then agreed to the 5 percent figure Tuesday, and for more than just teachers.
Senate Finance Chairman Craig Blair says to pay for the raises, lawmakers will seek to cut state spending by $20 million, taking funds from general government services and Medicaid. Other state workers who also would get 5 percent raises under the deal will have to wait for a budget bill to pass.
Teachers have been on strike since Feb. 22.
___
10:20 a.m.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says a tentative agreement has been reached to end a nine-day statewide teachers' strike by giving them the 5 percent raises he negotiated to end their walkout.
He said Tuesday that additional budget cuts by his staff will enable all state workers to also get 5 percent raises.
Senate Republicans confirmed the deal, saying it involves some reduced government.
On Twitter, Justice says: "I stood rock solid on the 5% Teacher pay raise and delivered. Not only this, but my staff and I made additional cuts which will give all State employees 5% as well. All the focus should have always been on fairness and getting the kids back in school."
___
6 a.m.
West Virginia legislators plan to meet Tuesday in search of a compromise that could end the strike by West Virginia teachers, now entering its ninth day.
A show of support by thousands of teachers and supporters on Monday didn't immediately sway the lawmakers, who failed to agree on a 5 percent pay raise, forcing another day of cancelled classes for the school system's 277,000 students and 35,000 employees.
The governor, union leaders and the House of Delegates agreed to the 5 percent pay raise for the teachers, who are among the lowest paid in the nation and haven't had a salary increase in four years. The Senate offered only 4 percent.
A conference committee of six House and Senate members met for the second time Monday evening, where Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns said his chamber’s leadership was offering “a compromise position.” He noted it was only preliminary. Details were not disclosed publicly. The committee planned to meet again Tuesday morning. | https://www.whsv.com/content/news/West-Virginia-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-strike-475998643.html | 2022-08-24T20:04:14Z |
Allied expands its line of industrial automation and control cabinet solutions for Industry 4.0 applications with a wide range of new ready-to-ship products from Delta Electronics, KIPP, Murrplastik and OnRobot.
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Electronics & Automation, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions, added four new industrial automation and control cabinet solutions suppliers to its line card of more than 650 trusted suppliers and further expanded its selection of more than 250,000 ready-to-ship solutions in categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active and electromechanical components. The four newest Allied suppliers, Delta Electronics, KIPP, Murrplastik and OnRobot, are all internationally recognized for designing and developing high-quality component and equipment solutions vital to the continued expansion of Industry 4.0 in the global manufacturing industry.
Delta Electronics is a leading global supplier of energy-efficient power electronics, thermal management and industrial automation solutions. Its mission is to provide clean, innovative and energy-efficient solutions engineered to address global environmental issues, including climate change and sustainable development, and it offers some of the most energy-efficient power products in the global electronics industry, including switching power supplies with over 90% efficiency, telecom power supplies with up to 98% efficiency and photovoltaic (PV) inverters with up to 99.2% efficiency. Delta also offers the world's first server power supply certified as 80 Plus Titanium — which is the highest level of the voluntary 80 Plus certification program for energy-efficient computer power supplies, representing 96% efficiency at 50% load — and has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability™ World Index for 11 consecutive years. Allied is proud to offer a range of energy-efficient, ready-to-ship Delta Electronics solutions including power products, such as AC-DC power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies and power supply accessories, motors & motor controls, thermal management solutions and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
KIPP is a global, family-owned and -managed company that leverages more than 100 years of German engineering and manufacturing experience to develop clamping tools, standard components and operating parts that set the industry standard for innovation, quality and dependability. Allied is proud to offer a range of long-lasting, ergonomic and ready-to-ship solutions from KIPP, including tools & hardware, such as adjustable ratchet handles, star grips, wing grips and cam levers, and enclosure, rack and cabinet solutions, such as indexing and sprint plungers and locating pins.
Murrplastik is an international company dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative injection molded cable management, control cabinet and industrial automation products. The company has submitted more than 100 patent applications for its high-tech plastic products, including cable entry systems, cable drag chains and specialized conduits and fittings; universal marking and labeling solutions for single wires, control equipment, clamps, cables and conduits; and robotic dress packs for electronic wires and cables and hydraulic and pneumatic tubing with universally applicable fastening, conduit and protection elements. Murrplastik products are widely employed in the rail, automotive, toolmaking, packaging, woodworking and electrical, mechanical and medical engineering industries and are now available at Allied.
OnRobot designs and develops a comprehensive range of versatile products optimized for collaborative automation applications, or cobots, in small- and mid-sized manufacturing facilities worldwide. Solutions ranging from the OnRobot Eyes 2.5D vision system to palletizing and analytics software and electric, vacuum and magnetic grippers to force and torque sensors and tools including screwdrivers and sander kits are engineered to help these manufacturers achieve the enhanced flexibility, higher output and improved quality they need to grow their business. OnRobot's suite of collaborative automation solutions exhibits exceptional compatibility with virtually every robotic equipment brand to ensure quick and easy integration in applications, including packaging, quality control, material handling, machine tending, assembly and surface finishing. Solutions are also supported by the free Learn OnRobot e-learning platform, which makes it easy to deploy collaborative automation equipment regardless of skill level or previous robotics experience, and free, in-depth virtual or on-location product and integration training. Allied is proud to offer OnRobot solutions ranging from screwdrivers to Raspberry Pi, Arduino and development tools.
For more information about Industry 4.0, industrial automation and control cabinet solutions, click the embedded links to access themed collections of Allied Expert Advice articles and interviews. For assistance identifying control cabinet solutions optimized for your unique applications, contact your local Allied representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to our technical support team.
Allied Electronics & Automation is a trading brand of RS Group plc (formerly Electrocomponents plc), a leading global omni-channel industrial product and service solutions provider to customers who are involved in designing, building and maintaining industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. RS Group plc stocks more than 700,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provides a wide range of product and service solutions to over 1.2 million industrial customers. With operations in 32 countries, we trade through multiple channels and ship nearly 60,000 parcels daily.
We support customers across the product life cycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimizing inventory in the maintenance phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022, reported revenue of $3.3 billion.
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SOURCE Allied Electronics & Automation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/allied-electronics-amp-automation-introduces-four-new-industrial-suppliers-with-ready-to-ship-solutions/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:21Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: AMPE) between December 29, 2020 and August 3, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 17, 2022.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Ampio Pharmaceuticals securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Ampio Pharmaceuticals class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8201 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 17, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business operations and prospects. Specifically, defendants: (1) inflated the Company's true ability to successfully file a Biologics License Application (BLA) for Ampio; (2) inflated the results of the AP-013 study of Ampion (the Company's lead product with "unique immunomodulatory action and anti-inflammatory effects" used to treat individuals with inflammatory conditions including, but not limited to, severe osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK)) and the timing of unblinding the data from the AP-013 study; and (3) that, as a result, of the foregoing, defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Ampio Pharmaceuticals class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8201 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/ampe-shareholder-alert-rosen-trusted-investor-counsel-encourages-ampio-pharmaceuticals-inc-investors-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-ampe/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:28Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CafeMedia, the seventh-largest digital property in the U.S. and the leader in ad management, announced today it has acquired Slickstream, the industry's best-in-class engagement product for independent publishers, from Hivepoint. As part of the sale, CafeMedia will take ownership of all technology and products associated with Slickstream for Bloggers and support its existing customer base.
"We're on a mission to equip publishers with everything they need to earn the most revenue and create thriving businesses for the long term," said Evan Simeone, Chief Product Officer, CafeMedia. "Slickstream was the first-to-market engagement product available to independent publishers. It has continued to lead the market in offering premium products that engage readers and drive repeat traffic. We're excited to unlock these solutions for publishers and continue to build even more features on this platform."
"CafeMedia shares our passion for helping independent publishers succeed, which makes it the perfect home for Slickstream," adds Kingston Duffie, Founder, Slickstream, and Chief Executive Officer, Hivepoint. "I look forward to seeing them innovate and build on what we've created, and continue our mission of making world-class site engagement solutions available to everyone."
Slickstream's sophisticated audience engagement suite enables publishers to maximize visitor engagement, connect more deeply with their audiences, and encourage them to discover even more. Publishers who use Slickstream see significant increases in total clicks on their sites and hundreds of additional hours of on-site activity, driving higher revenue per session (RPS).
- intelligent site search that helps readers find what they want, faster
- data-driven content recommendations that encourage click-throughs
- a favoriting feature that lets readers save content and helps gather memberships (and collect email addresses to build more first-party data)
- a highlighting feature that works with email service providers (or any element on a site) to drive more subscriptions and other important actions
- and powerful reporting, offering significantly deeper insights into reader behavior than Google Analytics
Today, Slickstream will continue to be available to its current base of customers with full functionality for free. New signups for Slickstream have been paused as the CafeMedia/AdThrive team builds major enhancements into the platform that will enable it to deliver stronger revenue on every pageview, optimize signup conversion, and identity-driven revenue, and much more.
Later this year, Slickstream will begin rolling out to CafeMedia and AdThrive publishers free of charge before it rolls out to all other qualifying publishers outside of the network in 2023. Publishers can express their interest in gaining access to Slickstream's powerful solutions by visiting www.slickstream.com.
Slickstream's solution for businesses, Slickstream for Business, will remain under Hivepoint and be available to new and existing customers as Navu. Businesses interested in this solution can visit Navu.io.
CafeMedia's mission is to build a creator-first future. We empower the world's best creators and independent publishers to grow thriving businesses for the long term. Under our CafeMedia and AdThrive brands, we manage digital advertising sales, technology, and a growing number of services for more than 3,800 creators and independent publishers. We make it easy for them to focus on what they do best — produce great content.
Our passion and expertise have made us a leader in advertising and creator services. Today we rank as the seventh-largest digital property in the U.S. and #1 in Food, Home, and Lifestyle--with a reach of more than 183M monthly unique visitors in the U.S. alone.
For more information, visit www.cafemedia.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Hivepoint is a software company with a simple philosophy: that delivering great user experience is the key to success for every type of website. We make it easy for bloggers and businesses alike to achieve their goals with a range of offerings designed to maximize website engagement and help visitors find what they're looking for.
The Slickstream Engagement Suite provides world-class search and recommendation tools that are optimized for increasing pageviews, time on site, and other key engagement metrics. Navu is our B2B solution, which takes that same philosophy and applies it to what businesses care about most: increasing conversions.
To learn more, visit us at Hivepoint.com.
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SOURCE CafeMedia | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/cafemedia-acquires-market-leading-audience-engagement-suite-slickstream-unlock-powerful-engagement-solutions-independent-publishers/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:34Z |
RICHMOND, Va. , Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - ChallengeU, an innovative high school dropout recovery program, changed the life trajectory of Richmond City high school students who were no longer in school. Students were able to graduate against all odds because of ChallengeU's ability to combine the power of building relationships through boots-on-the-ground coaching with the flexibility of online learning.
On Aug. 24, a special ceremony was held at The Kitchens at Reynolds to honor four graduates who, after overcoming difficult life circumstances, are eager to pursue their chosen careers at local educational institutions such as Reynolds Community College.
"We believe every student should be able to pursue a promising career and have an equal opportunity to be successful, even after dropping out of school," said Nicolas Arsenault, CEO of ChallengeU. He highlighted that ChallengeU partners with Imagine Learning to provide high-quality online courses aligned with state standards and delivered by state-certified virtual instructors.
One ChallengeU Graduate's Story
Jahneysha Gibbs was always up for the challenge when it came to her academics. However, during high school, balancing life and school became overwhelming. Between the loss of her grandmother, constantly moving to different cities, and switching from school to school, she slowly began to lose motivation, and dreams of a future seemed out of reach.
"A few months after I stopped going to school, someone called my mom and told her about the program. I had enough time to grieve and deal with the loss of my grandma and was willing to come back to school as long as I did not have to go back into the building," says Jahneysha.
She found the ChallengeU coaches to be consistent, engaging, and very adaptive to her different life situations. "I love ChallengeU and the coach relationships! They are so motivational and help you out in every way they can," says Jahneysha, who aims to enter the registered nursing program at Reynolds in the fall.
ChallengeU is assisting her with the application process, connecting her to a job at the Omni hotel, and will be providing an academic scholarship that will be applied to her post-graduation plan. "I have always wanted to help people. ChallengeU is helping me to learn more about the field of nursing and the different roles," she concludes. Now that she is across the finish line with high school, she wants to encourage others in similar circumstances. "It gets better, and if someone has the option to work with ChallengeU, they should definitely take it!"
"The opportunity to walk alongside these students as they have overcome various challenges has been a privilege that I am most grateful for," said Bria Jacobs, Lead Graduation Coach of ChallengeU in Richmond Virginia. "Our program is designed to meet youth right at the intersection of their current circumstances and their greatest desires for a bright future. We see our participants as future scholars, entrepreneurs, teachers, healthcare practitioners, and anything else that they set their minds to. The ultimate goal is for participants to see the light at the end of the tunnel and walk toward it with confidence and a solid support system committed to assisting them every step of the way."
"Working in partnership with public school systems in the U.S., ChallengeU is building a better, brighter future for students who have dropped out of school due to a variety of life circumstances," concluded Arsenault. "Walking across the stage to receive a high school diploma is a moment that every student should experience and celebrate. Our team at ChallengeU is honored to help make that important milestone a reality, as well as creating a pathway to be a productive member of the workforce."
About ChallengeU
ChallengeU is a dropout recovery program that partners with school systems to identify, re-enroll and graduate students who had previously dropped out of high school. Our intervention model combines the flexibility of online learning with the power of building relationships through in-person coaching. Our coaches provide wrap-around support in collaboration with local community organizations. We engage students in various levels of support, ensuring they will have the confidence and motivation to commit to working with us toward graduation and post-graduation opportunities. We advanced our mission in the USA based on the success of our operation, which has re-enrolled more than 24,000 dropouts in school systems throughout Canada. In 2022, ChallengeU was recognized as a B Corp Best For The World™.
For more information, visit ChallengeU.com.
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SOURCE ChallengeU | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/challengeu-transforms-high-school-dropouts-into-college-students/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:40Z |
DOVER, Del., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) announced today that it was named Best for Corporate Governance in the United States by World News Media Ltd.'s World Finance, an international publication.
World News Media recognizes companies whose strong corporate governance practices have led to remarkable business performance in an ever-changing market. Other companies earning accolades include Nokia in Finland, Spotify in Sweden, and other prestigious companies across the globe.
"The Best in Corporate Governance in the United States recognizes the continued leadership of our board of directors, and the commitment, collaboration and exceptional work performed by the Chesapeake Utilities' team," said Jeff Householder, president and chief executive officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "Our strong culture and values of caring, integrity and excellence embody the work we do each day on behalf of our employees, shareholders, regulators, communities and others."
Chesapeake Utilities recently received two other national corporate governance awards. In 2021, the Company was awarded Best Corporate Governance among North American Utilities by Ethical Boardroom, joining other companies in their relevant sectors such as the Walt Disney Company, the Royal Bank of Canada, Microsoft and 3M. In 2019, Chesapeake Utilities was selected as the Governance Team of the Year by Corporate Secretary Magazine.
"We are honored to receive this acknowledgment and join leading companies in recognition of their demonstrated corporate governance practices across the globe," said Jim Moriarty, executive vice president, general counsel, chief policy and risk officer and corporate secretary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "Congratulations to the entire corporate governance team for their steadfast and absolute commitment and dedication to our stakeholders."
About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses. For more information, visit www.chpk.com.
Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
For more information, contact:
Brianna Patterson
Manager, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
419-314-1233
bpatterson@chpk.com
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SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/chesapeake-utilities-corporation-named-best-corporate-governance-united-states/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:47Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As a two-day comment period begins today over new privacy regulations, Consumer Watchdog is highlighting stringent rules for personal data use as well as red flags to be addressed if Californians wish to maximize control over their personal information.
The California Privacy Protection Agency is taking public comment on Wednesday and Thursday pursuant to drafting regulations implementing the California Consumer Privacy Rights Act, amended by voters in 2020 to provide consumers with more control over their personal data.
"We applaud that the rules strive to make it easier for people to take control of their data more than ever before," wrote Justin Kloczko, Consumer Watchdog's tech and privacy advocate in a letter to the privacy board.
This includes needed guidance on what can be considered a dark pattern, the kind of deceptive language and design businesses often use to extract user consent online, and categories of collected sensitive personal information.
Read the letter here: https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/CPPALetterCWD_8-24-22.pdf
The nonprofit advocacy group also commends the agency for providing clarity on a global privacy preference signal, a hallmark of the new law that empowers consumers to easily opt-out of data collection. In addition, the regulations state that a business should display a message on its website as to whether it has honored a user's preference signal.
"We are pleased to see the agency has made a global opt-out mandatory for businesses to honor, a topic that has been highly disputed among the business community. The global preference signal is an easy, fluid way for users to notify all businesses of their privacy preferences," said Kloczko.
Many advertising and tech industry firms who see our data as a pot of gold have come out against a global opt-out, including the California Retailer's Association and the California Chamber of Commerce. ( https://www.consumerwatchdog.org/privacy-technology/corporations-are-spreading-privacy-law-disinformation ) The chamber, which includes among its members major personal data recipients Google, Amazon and Facebook, insurance companies State Farm and Allstate, and big banks Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, said, incorrectly, "a global opt-out is voluntary under the California Privacy Rights Act."
However, Consumer Watchdog is concerned about businesses making it difficult for consumers to exercise that opt-out right. Under the proposed regulation Section 7025, it says, "a business may provide the consumer with an option to provide additional information if it will help facilitate the consumer's request to opt-out of sale or selling."
"This opens the door to a lot of friction in the form of pop-ups or worse service, which goes against the intent of the law. Companies may still ask for a name or email even if users express to not have their data shared or sold. The ability for a business to have the so-called 'last say' in this exchange over data sharing will exhaust users and should be simply eliminated," wrote Consumer Watchdog.
Further, draft provisions state businesses have 15 days to honor a person's request to stop selling or sharing data with third-parties, as well as 15 days to limit use and disclosure of sensitive personal information.
"This is a large window that threatens to upend the entire law. And the regulation is not backed up by the statutory language," wrote Consumer Watchdog.
"Even when someone opts out, personal information will still be sold because businesses are granted a two-week grace period to honor a request. It will also spur companies to concentrate on using and selling data within the window, producing a Wild West effect on data selling," wrote Consumer Watchdog.
"And even though it says a business should honor a request 'as soon as feasibly possible,' a business will cite 15 days as 'soon as feasibly possible.' Businesses should be forced to honor a person's opt-out request as soon as they are able to sell your data, which apparently is instantaneous. This gap should be closed," wrote Consumer Watchdog.
Finally, Consumer Watchdog appreciates regulations on use limits and protecting consumer data from being used beyond its expected purpose. This is particularly salient in light of car companies collecting reams of personal data as outlined in our report, "Connected Cars and the Threat to Your Privacy" (https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/CWD%20TELEMATICS%20REPORT%20March%202022_0.pdf). The regulations require data collection and use by any business – including a business collecting data through the infotainment system in cars – be proportionate to the purpose. For example, under section 7002, a car company that knows your location for emergency services such as a car accident should not use geolocation for an unrelated purpose.
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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/consumer-watchdog-calls-state-privacy-board-tighten-draft-regulations-hearings-commence/ | 2022-08-24T20:04:54Z |
- Since the app's release on August 11, 2022, there have been a total of 4,000 downloads from the iOS App Store, and over 1,000 trials from the initial beta release, for a total of over 5,000 app downloads with no marketing spend
- Development of the app is ongoing, with updates on a bi-weekly basis
- The Company expects to launch the Vocal App for Android next month
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Creatd, Inc. (Nasdaq CM: CRTD) ("Creatd" or the "Company"), today provided an update on its Vocal App for iOS after its release on the Apple App Store on August 11, 2022. Since its release, in beta and to the public there have been over 5,000 downloads globally, complemented by a record low marketing spend. Additionally, the app has an average rating of 4.8 stars, with users praising its functionality and user interface. The Company does not expect to increase marketing spend materially until the app reaches organic critical mass. The month of August has seen the smallest marketing spend in seven quarters.
The first version of the app has already undergone a round of updates, and app-users can expect new updates to be made to the app on a bi-weekly basis. Based on app user insights, focus for the next rounds of development is on updating the activity feed, building out search functionality, and the ability to follow and subscribe to specific communities.
Commented Creatd's Founder and Executive Chairman, Jeremy Frommer "Our team has pushed hard to get our first Vocal app out on iOS. A number of investors have asked us to give insight on adaption. Since getting final approval from Apple on August 11th, and with no capital expenditure for marketing, the app has generated 5,000 downloads. We don't intend on increasing marketing before the fourth quarter. We believe this organic pace to be a good indicator of strong future adaption. At the current pace, we expect to see 10,000 active app users by the end of the third quarter. I expect to see a rapid acceleration of adaption the moment we put marketing dollars to work, but I'm very pleased to see mostly positive feedback from these early adaptors."
Users can download the Vocal app for iOS on the Apple App Store, here.
About Creatd
Creatd, Inc. (Nasdaq CM: CRTD) is a company with a mission to provide economic opportunities to creators and brands by multiplying the impact of platforms, people, and technology. The Company has four main business segments, or 'pillars': Creatd Labs, Creatd Partners, Creatd Ventures, and Creatd Studios. Each pillar is characterized by a distinct revenue model, while operating on a shared-services structure and proprietary data collected from our multiple technology platforms. Creatd's pillars work together to create a flywheel effect, supporting our core vision of creating a viable and safe ecosystem for all stakeholders in the creator economy.
Creatd: https://creatd.com;
Creatd IR: https://investors.creatd.com;
Vocal Platform: https://vocal.media;
Investor Relations Contact: ir@creatd.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements that are not historical facts and that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, indicated through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "believes" and "projects") may be forward-looking and may involve estimates and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution that the factors described herein could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we make and that investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. This press release is qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
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SOURCE Creatd, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/creatds-vocal-app-surpasses-5000-downloads-before-marketing-strategy-spend/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:01Z |
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi-Key Electronics, which offers the world's largest selection of electronic components in stock for immediate shipment, was named to the fourth-annual prestigious list of America's Best-in-State Employers 2022 by Forbes.
The list is based on an independent survey of 70,000 U.S. employees across 25 industry sectors and considered every aspect of an employee's experience such as working conditions, salary, potential for growth and diversity. Of the thousands of companies eligible for this recognition, only a select few were awarded in each state.
Digi-Key and a select few other Minnesota-based companies with more than 500 employees were recognized, with Digi-Key ranking #7 on the list of 50 companies. The full list of best employers in Minnesota can be viewed on the Forbes site.
"This honor is a testament to our entire team's dedication to Digi-Key's purpose of enabling the world's ideas," said Shane Zutz, vice president, human resources at Digi-Key. "When an entire team can rally around a goal they are passionate about, they can do anything, and that's how I feel about our 5,000+ member global team. We're so proud to be recognized among Forbes' list of outstanding Minnesota companies."
Digi-Key employees enjoy one of the leading benefits packages in the state, an abundance of on-site amenities, and robust educational and professional development opportunities. For more information on careers with Digi-Key, please visit their careers site.
Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., is recognized worldwide as the leader, innovator and pioneer of electronic components and automation products distribution. They offer more than 13.4 million components from over 2,300 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key is a $4.5 billion company and employs more than 5,000 people. More information can be found at digikey.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Editorial Contact
Megan Derkey
Bellmont Partners
+1 612-255-1115
digikey@bellmontpartners.com
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SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/digi-key-named-by-forbes-americas-best-in-state-employers-list/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:07Z |
MIAMI, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- If you are a student residing in America with a dream to become a doctor in the future, you are invited to the scholarship application program being offered by Dr. Leonard Hochstein. Dr. Leonard Hochstein's scholarship for future doctors is open to students who are currently enrolled in universities studying on the road to becoming future medical doctors. The scholarship is also open to those high school students aiming to further their studies and become doctors in the future. A star student on the road to becoming a doctor will be rewarded with a total of $1000 to carter for university tuition fees. The star student will be selected based on an essay contest. The essay should not exceed 1000 words. With Dr. Hochstein's scholarship, he is hoping not only to help a star student with tuition funds but also to raise awareness of how hard the road to becoming a doctor can be without resources. He is also hoping that his scholarship offer will open more opportunities for more promising future medical doctors access.
To become a successful medical doctor, the first step is getting an education. The right kind of education will not only prepare you to become a doctor but also aid in your success. With the kind of plastic surgery offered by Dr. Hochstein for example, people's lives have not only improved but self-esteem has been restored as well. Studying to become a future surgeon is not a walk in the park. It requires a lot of patience as well as money. Unfortunately, not all able students who dare to dream can afford the funds to study medicine and become doctors. With the skyrocketing costs of education, more star students who dare to dream to become doctors in the future are giving up due to financial problems. Dr. Hochstein knows first-hand how difficult it is to study and become a doctor, especially in America. For that reason, he is offering his scholarship as a way of giving back to the community and lessening the financial burden of a star student.
Dr. Leonard Hochstein has many years of experience as a plastic surgeon, and has also performed thousands of successful plastic surgeries. No better person understands the rising costs of education than Dr. Hochstein. He also understands that there are promising students who give up on their careers for lack of funds. In most cases, students are forced to work part-time or full-time just to earn money for their tuition fees. He is now offering his scholarship to deserving students as a way to nurture their careers and impact their futures positively. All deserving students on their road to becoming future medical doctors are encouraged to submit their applications.
The man behind The Dr Leonard Hochstein Scholarship for Future Doctors of America is a well-known and celebrated surgeon. He has over 20 years of practice and has enjoyed success all along. Dr. Hochstein is not only board-certified but also invested a lot in his career. So far, he has performed breast augmentation on many patients and many of them have great things to say about him. Among the surgeries, Hochstein has performed include breast revision, breast lifting, breast reduction, and breast augmentation among other surgeries. He would like to nature a star student with his scholarship. If you are eligible, head to his official scholarship website to apply.
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SOURCE Dr. Leonard Hochstein Scholarship | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/dr-leonard-hochstein-scholarship-future-doctors-gives-back-students-road-become-physician/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:13Z |
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness, affecting over 3 million Americans, blinding over 120,000. The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) is the world's leading organization with over 1,600 glaucoma subspecialists, surgeons, and researchers dedicated to improving the lives of people with glaucoma by advancing knowledge and care through education and research. AGS stands with Safe Eyes America in strong opposition to California AB 2236 which is under consideration in the California Senate now.
AB 2236 drastically reduces the licensing requirements for the most frequently performed surgery for glaucoma, laser surgery. Laser surgery for glaucoma requires examination skills gained through examining thousands of patients with glaucoma and the use of the laser requires great precision. Tiny, fractions of a millimeter, errors in focus or aim can make the difference between success, failure, or vision-threatening complication.
AB 2236 deceptively adds "procedures," to an optometrist's license, but make no mistake – this is surgery on a patient's eye. Glaucoma is a serious, very complex disease, occurring in many different forms and affecting different patients in different ways. The determination of when to operate and which surgery is best for the patient requires the skills and judgment of a surgeon who has graduated from medical school, followed by the extensive experience gained during internship and ophthalmology residency examining, diagnosing, treating, and performing surgery, when necessary, on thousands of patients under the close supervision of experienced mentor attending physicians. The additional three years of residency in ophthalmology surgery training after medical school and internship is irreplaceable without sacrificing patient safety. The shortcut proposed by AB 2236 of optometry school and a supplemental surgery course lasting days, not years, simply is not adequate to train a safe competent eye surgeon. The change in licensing that AB 2236 would bring places Californians at risk.
Jeanette Moffa, a concerned patient, and Board member of Safe Eyes America commented, "Patients deserve and must have every protection possible. Decreasing the standards for surgical eye care is unacceptable."
The California state Senate will take final action on AB 2236 any day now. There is no acceptable reason to place Californians at risk. Please contact your California state Senator NOW and urge them to Vote NO on AB 2236. To find your state Senator click on the following link: (https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/). The California legislature adjourns for the year on August 31.
Safe Eyes America is a 501(c) 4 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the delivery of the highest quality medical and surgical eye care to the American public. SafeEyesAmerica.org
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SOURCE Safe Eyes America | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/glaucoma-eye-surgeons-concerned-about-reduced-eye-surgery-licensing-placing-californians-risk/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:15Z |
Multi-industry experts led the conversation and panel
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) co-hosted a well-timed webinar, "Hemp as a Feed Ingredient: A National Discussion," for pet food, animal feed, and hemp industries, and regulatory officials, discussing peer-to-peer questions, challenges, solutions, and best practices. Held on Aug. 9, the webinar featured 18 topic-specific, industry experts and almost 600 virtual attendees discussing answers to the complex question, Why isn't hemp in animal feed?
"The webinar was not a debate; rather, it was a national discussion on overcoming challenges and gaining approval for hemp seed and hempseed by-products as ingredients in animal feed. The purpose was to connect with industry peers and share meaningful dialogue around moving forward together," said Hollis Glenn, member of AAFCO's Board of Directors and Deputy Commissioner of Operations for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "This topic has been on everyone's radar for years. More than ever, it was the right time to stimulate an important industry conversation that brings us all closer to reaching a common goal -- and to collaborate on safe solutions."
Interest in the use of hemp in commercial animal feed has accelerated since the passage of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act ("Farm Bill"). While the Farm Bill expanded the legal production of hemp in the United States, the use of hemp in animal feed remains under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulatory programs for commercial animal feed.
In early 2022, AAFCO and 17 industry and regulatory organizations issued a joint open letter to state agriculture leadership, calling on them to support greater education and scientific research to ensure the safety of hemp in feed. NIHC subsequently issued a letter inviting AAFCO and industry professionals to collaborate together to achieve safe solutions.
"By co-collaborating with AAFCO, we were able to address a path forward for the hemp and animal-feed industries -- working together to identify ways to decrease barriers and speed up approvals. The webinar provided the clarification we all have been craving," said Hunter Buffington, member of NIHC's Government Affairs Committee and Vice President of Policy & Advocacy for element Dynamics. "With a shared goal, we will soon achieve the regulatory oversight and approval of new feed ingredients for the agriculture, livestock, and hemp industries. And that's good news for all of us."
The hemp-in-feed webinar was divided into three parts to address priority topics: 1) Scientific Research and Data; 2) Ingredient Review and Approval, and 3) General Interest and Concerns. Each portion included six, multi-industry panelists leading a dialog around his or her particular topic. Panelists were part of a spirited conversation, which also included answering questions that were submitted by virtual attendees.
Some highlights from the "Hemp as a Feed Ingredient: A National Discussion" webinar included the following top-10 takeaways:
- Clarification: The panel focused on hemp as a feed ingredient rather than its potential as a supplement or medicated feed. Hemp used for human and animal nutrition comes from the oil seed and its by-products. The FDA has recognized hempseed: oil, hearts and protein powder as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for human consumption, which provided the basis for the panel's conversation.
- Collaboration: Multi-industry leaders, from hemp and animal feed producers to researchers, government regulators, and policymakers, agree that it is important to collaborate and coordinate on safe solutions and best practices – all from the same position.
- Discussion: National discussions, forums, and multi-industry collaboration will help move the approval process forward with new ideas, procedures, and solutions. Finding out what other people are doing and needing across industries – and then collaborating – will help all industries understand the challenges and opportunities.
- Research: It is imperative that, in order to meet regulations, the nutritional profile of hemp and its effects on the nutrition of animal by-products (e.g., eggs, beef) be well-researched and precise. The regulatory process can be long, but it is critical to work through the research.
- Data: Safety data is the number-one concern across every industry, and understanding the data will establish specification for hemp as an ingredient and analytical methods that are accurate and validated.
- Safety: People and animals consume and metabolize foods differently; so hemp for humans is different than it is for livestock and pets. It's important to establish safety and utility in target animals and pets first, then to ensure the safety of meat, milk, and eggs that are marketed for human consumption.
- State Support: State feed programs can encourage research; address consumer concerns; support land grants, and engage with their farmers.
- Opportunities: Biggest opportunities with hemp seed as an ingredient: alternative crop for farmers and industry; good nutrient source for animal feed; and additional raw materials as our populations grow.
- Challenges: The acceptance and availability of peer-reviewed safety and utility data for animal feed for different species of animals; the lack of universally accepted standard testing methods for hemp ingredients for inclusion in feed; and a need for additional information about the long-term effects on animal welfare and the safety of the human food supply.
- Utility: Unified standards that align with the regulatory laboratories charged with feed safety will help our animals and our industry; ensure animal and human safety by validated methods to test hemp grain for contamination.
A full recording of the webinar can be found here.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 110 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Its members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies. Learn more at aafco.org.
The National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) promotes the production and use of hemp both in North America and around the world. Backed by the U.S. Government, the organization is comprised of international, federal, state, private industry, and government professionals from across the agriculture and business sectors. Learn more at nihcoa.com.
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SOURCE Association of American Feed Control Officials | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/hemp-feed-ingredient-aafco-nihc-co-hosted-webinar-national-discussion-overcoming-challenges-gaining-approval/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:21Z |
Laszlo Bock, co-founder of Humu, steps into a new role as Executive Chairman with Scott Chancellor succeeding him as CEO.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Humu, an HR technology company that uses science-backed nudges to help managers develop high-performing teams, today announced that Scott Chancellor will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), starting August 29. Chancellor succeeds Laszlo Bock, who co-founded Humu and served as its CEO since 2017. Bock will be stepping into an Executive Chairman role, presiding over Humu's Board of Directors.
Chancellor joins Humu from Apptio where he spent the past three years in the role of Chief Product & Technology Officer. During his time there, he oversaw a period of rapid product and revenue growth for the company, leading its expansion into the Cloud Financial Management and Enterprise Agile Planning markets, while modernizing and revitalizing Apptio's core product offering.
Prior to joining Apptio, Chancellor spent over seven years at Amazon Web Services, where he founded and led the company's AWS Insights organization as General Manager and was responsible for several of AWS's most used services, including all of its cloud financial management services.
Chancellor has also held roles at Hewlett-Packard, Wachovia Securities, and the United States Department of Defense. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, where he studied accounting and computer science, and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
"As a leader, I am excited by opportunities for spectacular growth—through building exceptional products that enable organizations to live up to their values," said Chancellor. "I am inspired by Humu's mission to make work better and by the chance to guide the team in helping the world's largest companies empower their managers and accelerate their employees' success."
"It's rare to find a leader who excels in business growth and product innovation, and deeply values shaping a great organizational culture," said TCV Venture Partner Jessica Neal and board member at Humu. "After running an extensive search process, we are thrilled to have Scott join as CEO and believe he is the best possible person to lead Humu into this next chapter."
With Chancellor leading the company as CEO, Laszlo Bock will still play an active role in Humu as the board's Executive Chairman, and as an advisor and spokesperson. "Over the past five years, it's been a privilege to build the foundation of Humu and lead it through transformational growth," said Bock. "I'm excited for my new role in the company and this next chapter under Scott's leadership. His track record of scaling user and revenue growth will bring us even closer to achieving the mission that we set five years ago: make work better."
About Humu
Humu works with the world's largest companies to deliver timely, personalized coaching that makes it easy for managers to improve team performance, retention, and employee experience. For more information or to view open positions, visit humu.com.
Media Contact
Lucy Stenzel-Poore
Mission North for Humu
humu@missionnorth.com
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SOURCE Humu | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/humu-announces-scott-chancellor-its-new-chief-executive-officer/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:29Z |
BURNSVILLE, Minn., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As its standard practice to employ the most advanced training methods available, Inspired Spine hosted a Surgery Observation and Cadaver Lab last week at its Burnsville campus. Doctors from across the country attended this event to observe two live trans Kambin OLLIF fusions in an ambulatory surgery center and received hands-on training in a cadaver lab for this technique. The participants also witnessed the introduction of the recently launched Trident™ Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System following the OLLIF Cadaver Lab.
Surgeons that participate in Inspired Spine case observation and training events depart with a deeper understanding of the OLLIF approach combined with a genuine desire and excitement to incorporate this technique into their spine surgery practices. "The greatest benefit to the patient is the surgical footprint postoperatively is significantly lower than of an open procedure allowing the patient to recover faster." Explained Dr. Akshay Gupte, a participating surgeon from El Paso. "I am very interested in incorporating this procedure into my practice to help patients recover better than I can do today"
Dr. Abbasi, MD PhD, a board certified Neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Officer of Inspired Spine, explained, "Although hosting a cadaver lab is resource intensive, it is the best way to ensure that surgeons can learn and practice the OLLIF technique in a safe and controlled environment. We have put extensive education paths in place with what we have labeled our 'soft transition' to teach OLLIF and pass the knowledge safely" Following a surgeon's participation in its observation and cadaver lab events, Inspired Spine also delivers continuous instruction at the surgeon's practice location. This extensive training includes Inspired Spine surgeons providing proctoring in hospital and ASC operating rooms across the nation.
During the two-part event, the attendees observed Dr. Abbasi performing a complex multilevel OLLIF fusion in under an hour at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. The surgeons were provided a real-time view of the OLLIF procedure's superior efficiency as compared to open-spine surgery.
The OLLIF approach, on average, requires about 40 minutes for a one level fusion, while open methods for lumbar fusion are typically performed in 2-4 hours. Many OLLIF patients are discharged from the surgery center within 2-4 hours post-op, which is extremely unusual for spinal fusions. On average Inspired Spine patients are discharged in 1.6 days after complex fusion, whereas the average discharge time is about 4 days for comparable traditional surgeries. Inspired Spine Surgeons have performed over 1500 OLLIF surgeries and the statistics continue to get better with regard to surgery time and recovery time for the patient.
Inspired Spine has expanded its service nationally and many patients travel to Minnesota for their spinal care . With three locations in Minnesota, and an expanding national network of surgeons who are incorporating the revolutionary trans-Kambin OLLIF procedure into their practices across the country, Inspired Spine is continuously growing with affiliate surgeons.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about Inspired Spine, please visit inspiredspine.com or call 952-405-6714
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SOURCE Inspired Spine | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/inspired-spine-hosts-ollif-si-joint-observation-cadaver-lab/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:35Z |
Space Camp Explores Many Extraordinary Throws in Fall Launch
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A ground-breaking new PFP NFT called Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) is launching in the Fall. 10,000 NFTs will be available. TDSC features next level art, astonishing rarity, and a ground-breaking road map. Click here to join the waitlist.
Gyro Plasmic (pseudonym), Founder of TDSC says; "From football to disc golf, to boomerangs, to baseballs and even galaxies; Throwing Dudes Space Camp, creates 10,000 unique and different profile avatars that all express the joy of all the different kinds throwing and the joy of being a throwing dude. As an expression of the creatively inspired life; Space Camp is the place where our Dudes get together from around the universe to hone their craft and have a lot of fun doing it. Adding to this joy, some of our dudes even have little dude buddies." https://throwingdudespacecamp.com/
We will also achieve greater rarity through the processes of constraining and information is randomly included with our Dudes. With over 75 throwing objects, rarity is deeper versus the other PFP NFT projects. In addition, we discovered how to create different gender identities within our universe of Dudes. Our Throwing Dudes will be he/him. She/her, and they/them. Join our waitlist.
No matter your skill level, or where you come from in our universe, Throwing Dude Space Camp galactically celebrates the comradery of Space Camp and throwing. Join our waitlist.
Since our Dudes are from across our Universe, some of their capabilities go well beyond just throwing earthly objects. Click for TDSC waitlist.
We are in it for the long haul and as TDCS gets resourced through revenue, we plan to introduce benefits to the Throwing Dude Space Camp membership, which may include: our 57 planets digital art reveal, exclusive member merchandise, space camping festival under our aurora borealis, release of space camp song anthem and more. TDSC will push the boundaries of what is possible for an avatar profile NFT.
Click here to join the Throwing Dude's waitlist.
Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) is owned and operated by QaQaQ Inc.
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SOURCE Throwing Dude Space Camp | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/joy-throwing-10000-nfts-throwing-dude-space-camp/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:42Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rachna Pawar, executive vice president at The Kinetix Group (TKG), has been selected as a 2022 Crain's New York Business Notable Health Care Leader. The award recognizes career professionals that devote their lives to building a healthier future.
Crain's is a leading source on the New York economy and the companies or industries that operate there. The Notable Health Care Leader award recognized 86 professionals in the New York and northern New Jersey metropolitan area for their consummate leadership, pioneering accomplishments and ability to adjust to crises, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm proud to be named one of Crain's Notable Health Care Leaders," said Pawar. "I share this designation with my bright and dedicated team who have the same passion and commitment for connecting patients to meaningful solutions. Congratulations to all my fellow nominees – I am honored to be in the presence of this esteemed collective."
Pawar oversees client services, operations, recruitment and thought leadership at TKG. As a member of the leadership team, she has piloted key initiatives including implementing a return-to-work process during the pandemic and developing employee engagement pulse surveys. Recently, Pawar led TKG's Great Place to Work certification.
In addition to business development, Pawar actively mentors women in balancing their professional and personal goals. She embodies the spirit of work-life balance that remains core to TKG's company culture.
"I am so pleased and proud that Rachna has been recognized by Crain's as a Notable Health Care Leader honoree," said Sarah McNulty, president and co-founder of TKG. "The ability to put people first and create an environment where personal well-being is paramount shines through in Rachna's approach to team leadership, client service, employee mentoring and population health advancement. Congratulations Rachna for the well-deserved recognition."
To view the full list of Notable Health Care Leaders, please visit here.
For more information about the award, please contact marketing@thekinetixgroup.com.
The Kinetix Group (TKG) is a full-service hybrid agency-consultancy that empowers life science companies to effectively engage with health system and payer customers. With market access expertise, deep relationships, and connections that span the health care ecosystem, TKG is uniquely positioned to understand its clients' customers and design impactful solutions. Its core areas of focus are organized customers, market access, and real-world evidence. To learn more, visit www.thekinetixgroup.com.
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SOURCE The Kinetix Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/kinetix-groups-rachna-pawar-designated-2022-crains-notable-health-care-leader/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:49Z |
Opens August 25, 2022 at the California Historical Society
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Historical Society's (CHS) exhibition Mapping a Changing California: Selections from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Century presents the diverse and at times difficult stories of California's growth and development through maps dating from the seventeenth to the twentieth century.
Beginning in the 1600s, the earliest maps depicted California as an island. Following Spanish colonization, maps of the mission and rancho periods reflect the growth of established settlements and the devastating impacts on Native communities. Interest in plotting the newly formed state surged in the decades following the Gold Rush, and maps documented the rapid urbanization of towns up and down California.
Mapping a Changing California also considers how maps document change through three thematic lenses: changing environments, real estate and gentrification, and tourism. "These thematic sections provide an opportunity for visitors to dive deeper into the fascinating and often complicated aspects of California's history. The maps and accompanying materials in these galleries highlight issues that are still relevant to us today, including changing landscapes, surging real estate prices, and iconic attractions that draw tourists to California from near and far," says Paige Laduzinsky who served as guest curator for the exhibition.
Highlights include maps of Nueva California in the late 1700s, a submerged ghost town in Shasta County, geologic surveys of the Sierras, the burned portion of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake, and early depictions of downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. Related photographs, manuscripts, and archival materials help reveal the complex legacy of cartography in California.
The exhibition includes Mapping YOUR California, a free hands-on gallery designed for all ages to explore some of the basic concepts behind maps, what they depict, information they provide, and how they relate to our lives. This interactive gallery puts the visitor at the center of the experience, asking them to share what places are special to them and create a map that reflects their California story.
Read the full release and see the media kit.
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SOURCE California Historical Society | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/mapping-changing-california/ | 2022-08-24T20:05:55Z |
My Eyelab with Contemporary, Fun and Easy Approach to Eye Care Will Serve Optical Needs of the Community at New Location
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- My Eyelab, a leading optical retailer offering accessible and affordable eye care and eyewear, opened its first shop in Chattanooga area on August 22. Located at 562 Northgate Mall Drive, this store will mark My Eyelab's debut in Chattanooga, TN.
The new My Eyelab store in Chattanooga will be giving 20% discount to its first 20 customers.
Franchisee Sadiq Notta and his brother and partner Karim Notta are thrilled to be opening the first My Eyelab store in Chattanooga. "We are pleased to be introducing My Eyelab's optical health services and products to residents of Chattanooga," said Sadiq Notta. "We are optimistic that our new retail store will give the community opportunities to have more eyewear options, eye care exams, as well as provide new jobs."
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Daniel Stanton, My Eyelab is a retail brand of Now Optics, which also includes Stanton Optical. My Eyelab has led the optical industry in ocular telehealth by leveraging proprietary innovative telehealth technology to provide patients with affordable quality eye exams. Tapping into its national network of affiliated doctors, to date the company has conducted more than 2 million telehealth eye exams, something no other optical retailer can offer in the Chattanooga area. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has not hindered My Eyelab's success, as its telehealth technology minimizes the risk without compromising quality eye care.
On top of that, an assortment of over 1,000 eyeglass frames and top contact lens brands to fit both style and budgets allows consumers the ultimate freedom to experiment with unique, stylish designs that fit their personal style. For convenience, My Eyelab in Chattanooga accepts both same day appointments and walk-ins for your eye exams and eyewear needs.
Hours for the new optical store in Chattanooga are Monday – Friday from 9AM –7PM. Saturday 10AM – 6PM. Sundays - Closed. For more information or to schedule an appointment go to www.myeyelab.com or call (423) 405-7313.
ABOUT NOW OPTICS:
Now Optics is a leader in the eye care industry. Its retail brands, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, are among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. The company continues to expand its retail footprint with over 250 corporate and franchise locations in 28 states while delivering affordable eye health solutions. Now Optics consistently ranks among the largest optical retailers in the country by Vision Monday; while My Eyelab ranked on the top #100 on Entrepreneur's list of Top New Franchises in 2022. Visit myeyelab.com or stantonoptical.com for more information. Find details about franchise opportunities at myeyelabfranchise.com.
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SOURCE Now Optics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/my-eyelab-opens-new-store-chattanooga-area/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:02Z |
Series covers conflict management, leadership, psychology of change and more, with new episodes airing throughout 2022
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With work and self-awareness conversations mattering more than ever, The Myers-Briggs Company, which publishes the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment, is launching its new podcast series today with its first three episodes. The Myers-Briggs Company Podcast will feature interviews with experts in psychology, HR and leadership and cover trending topics in the world of work.
New episodes will be released every month until the end of 2022 for a total of eight episodes in its first season.
Episode 1: Psychology of Change
Sherrie Haynie, Sr. Director of Professional Services at The Myers-Briggs Company and Forbes contributor, explores the psychology behind how people approach change. She also shares how to use change management techniques to help everyone better deal with change in personal and professional settings.
Episode 2: Leadership, Extraversion & Introversion
HushLoudly podcast host and leadership expert Jeri Bingham talks about authentic leadership, inclusion, and how both introverted and extraverted leaders and employees can work together effectively.
Episode 3: Conflict management
Consultant and coauthor of the soon-to-be-released TKI Team Report, Dr. Gail Fann Thomas, shares insights about conflict and high-performing teams, conflict's role in remote and multigenerational teams, and more.
Upcoming topics include connecting with people you lead, finding your ideal career, personality and relationships, and more.
"By enriching people's understanding of themselves and others in different aspects of their lives, we want this podcast to inspire and educate people," says Jeff Hayes, President and CEO of The Myers-Briggs Company.
Episodes are available here or for download on podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe to get notified every time a new episode is released.
In our fast-changing world, your edge lies in harnessing 100 percent of your talent – at work, at home, and everywhere in between. The Myers-Briggs Company helps organizations worldwide improve teams, develop inspirational leaders, and solve the most perplexing people challenges. We empower individuals to be the best versions of themselves by enriching their understanding of themselves and others. As a Certified B Corporation, The Myers-Briggs Company is a force for good. And we're ready to help you succeed.
+1 800.624.1765 : themyersbriggs.com : The Myers-Briggs Company
Meriane Morselli
MSR Communications
meriane@msrcommunications.com
415-989-9000
Melissa Summer
The Myers-Briggs Company
msummer@themyersbriggs.com
650-691-9105
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SOURCE The Myers-Briggs Company | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/myers-briggs-company-launches-people-focused-podcast/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:09Z |
Woodside Energy and Bechtel start construction on project site
KARRATHA, Western Australia, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction has commenced on the Pluto Train 2 project, a key milestone supporting jobs and economic growth in Western Australia.
The Deputy Premier of Western Australia, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, officially launched construction on the project at a ceremony in Karratha today.
Pluto Train 2 will be the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) train at Woodside Energy's (Woodside) existing Pluto LNG onshore facility and will process gas from the Scarborough development. The construction site for Pluto Train 2 is within the existing Pluto LNG boundary.
The Pluto Train 2 project will deliver significant economic benefits for Western Australia. Woodside, as operator of Pluto Train 2 and Scarborough, has made commitments to the Western Australian Government in its community development plans to support positive and sustainable community outcomes in the Pilbara region.
Bechtel will execute the engineering, procurement, and construction of Pluto Train 2, which will have an LNG capacity of about 5 million tonnes per annum. To continue to support Australia's domestic market, additional domestic gas infrastructure will be installed with capacity of about 225 terajoules per day, equivalent to keeping the lights on for a year in about 10,000 households.
Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill said the start of construction on Pluto Train 2 was a key milestone towards the delivery of the Scarborough Project, which would provide significant long-term economic growth and local employment opportunities for Western Australia and supply domestic and export markets for decades to come.
"Woodside is proud to build on the economic contribution that it has made over 35 years to communities in Western Australia.
"Many opportunities will be realised in WA, providing a boost to long-term investment in education and training, growing jobs and bringing work through the supply chain.
"Scarborough gas processed through an expanded and efficient Pluto facility will support the decarbonisation goals of our customers in Asia," she said.
The Pluto Train 2 Project will employ about 2,000 people at peak in 2024, with a large contingent of employees expected to be drawn from within Western Australia. Bechtel has already engaged a number of local and Indigenous businesses to support delivery, with more awards anticipated as the project progresses.
Bechtel Energy President Paul Marsden said Bechtel was pleased to start work on such an important project for the Asia-Pacific region.
"We are proud to do our part to invest in local communities and improve the quality of life where we work by creating jobs and opportunities, while also bringing greater energy security for the region," he said.
Bechtel has commenced site preparation, including office, crib hut, and other facility installation. Initial earthworks and activities in the laydown and storage areas will start up before the end of 2022.
Media contacts:
About Pluto Train 2:
On 1 January 2022, Woodside Energy issued Full Notice to Proceed (FNTP) to Bechtel (Western Australia) Pty Ltd and Bechtel International, Inc (Bechtel) for the Pluto Train 2 Project Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) scope of work.
Woodside is the largest energy producer and the ninth largest company listed on the ASX, and Bechtel is excited to be working with this key customer to help meet the increasing global demand for LNG as a transitional energy source.
Woodside has a global portfolio and is recognised for its world-class capabilities as an integrated upstream supplier of energy.
Bechtel has commenced the full engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning scope to support delivery of the Pluto Train 2 Project, building on the ongoing construction of the temporary Construction Accommodation Village to accommodate the non-local construction workforce at the Gap Ridge Village site in Karratha.
Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Since 1898, five generations of the Bechtel family have led the company through more than 25,000 projects on all seven continents. Bechtel has operated in Australia for 65 years in every Australian state and territory often delivering Australian or industry first in relation to size, scale, quality and impact.
Recruitment for Pluto Train 2 Project roles has now commenced. Registrations of Interest can be lodged on Bechtel's construction craft professional portal. All roles are also advertised on Bechtel's Job Portal.
Procurement activities have also commenced. Suppliers interested in the Pluto Train 2 Project are encouraged to email PlutoTrain2@bechtel.com.
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SOURCE Bechtel | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/pluto-train-2-project-deliver-economic-benefits-western-australia/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:18Z |
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiance Technologies (Radiance) and the Independence Bowl Foundation are proud to introduce the 2022-2023 Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl.
The Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl is an academic competition between schools and conferences affiliated with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Schools compete for a $25,000 grand prize by developing innovative approaches to a current research and development topic selected by Radiance. This year's topic is, "How Can GEOSPATIAL Intelligence Data be Used to Monitor, Assess, and Predict the Impact of Climate Change."
Evaluation of submissions is a two-step process where teams submit their ideas and approaches to Radiance Technologies prior to the end of the fall term. Scientists and researchers within Radiance Technologies will pick three finalists, announced at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. These teams will then further develop their ideas in the spring semester through prototypes, models and simulation or experimentation and present their findings in person to a panel of experts. From these live presentations, a winning team will be selected and awarded the $25,000 grand prize.
For more information, please visit radiancetech.com/innovationbowl.
About Radiance Technologies:
Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned small business prime contractor founded in 1999. Radiance has over 1000 employee-owners across the United States serving the Department of Defense, national intelligence community and other government agencies. From concepts to capabilities, Radiance leads the way in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cyber security, systems engineering, prototyping and integration as well as operational and strategic intelligence including scientific and technical intelligence.
About the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl:
Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is the nation's 11th-oldest bowl game, and the 46th edition will be played on the afternoon of Friday, December 23, 2022. The projected match is between Army West Point and a team form the American Athletic Conference. The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of their community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region.
Contact:
Julia Parrish
(256) 746-6133
julia.parrish@radiancetech.com
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SOURCE Radiance Technologies | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/radiance-technologies-partners-with-independence-bowl-foundation-create-radiance-technologies-innovation-bowl/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:25Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rainbow Realty Group, LLC ("Rainbow") and its affiliates announced closing a loan cross-collateralized by 9 properties in Sacramento, CA. At the properties there are 13 tenants, of which 12 are licensed cannabis operators. License-types include: 3 operating dispensaries, 2 dispensaries in development, 2 cultivators, 2 manufacturers, 2 delivery businesses, and a microbusiness.
Funds from this transaction will be used for improvements at the properties as the tenants continue to invest in their operations. Per the city of Sacramento there was $820,400,000 of legal cannabis sales in 2021, an increase of 78.6% over 2020. The 5 dispensaries within the collateral represent 12.5% of the total 40 licenses awarded in Sacramento.
Kyle Shenfeld, President of Rainbow, remarked: "We are pleased to close this transaction and support the burgeoning Sacramento cannabis market. The properties within the portfolio – a blend of retail, industrial, and office – have inherent non-cannabis use cases. We have high regard for our borrower, who holds the lead market share in Sacramento."
About Rainbow Realty Group
Rainbow Realty Group and its affiliates are real estate companies focused on retail, industrial and greenhouse properties with cannabis companies in the United States. Rainbow offers sale-leaseback and mortgage financing with a portfolio consisting of 50 properties across 8 states. Rainbow's parent co, Gould Investors L.P., has been in the real estate industry for 60+ years. Gould is a significant shareholder of NYSE:BRT and NYSE:OLP. For additional information please visit: https://rainbowrg.com/.
Press contacts:
Tyler Gilliam
Tyler@rainbowrg.com
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SOURCE Rainbow Realty Group, LLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/rainbow-realty-group-completes-2045-million-loan-sacramento-based-cannabis-real-estate-portfolio/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:32Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Carvana Co. (NYSE: CVNA) between May 6, 2020 and June 24, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important October 3, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the firm.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Carvana securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Carvana class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6457 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 3, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Carvana faced serious, ongoing issues with documentation, registration, and title with many of its vehicles; (2) as a result, Carvana was issuing unusually frequent temporary plates; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Carvana was violating laws and regulations in many existing markets; (4) as a result of the foregoing, Carvana risked its ability to continue business and/or expand its business in existing markets; (5) as a result of the foregoing, Carvana was at an increased risk of governmental investigation and action; (6) Carvana was in discussion with state and local authorities regarding the above-stated business tactics and issues; (7) Carvana was facing imminent and ongoing regulatory actions including license suspensions, business cessation, and probation in several states and counties including in Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina; and (8) as a result, defendants' statements about Carvana's business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Carvana class action, go https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6457 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-carvana-co-investors-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-filed-by-firm-cvna/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:39Z |
BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the women seeking to hold the university system and law enforcement officials accountable for ignoring their safety and state law requirements will hold a news conference with her attorneys at 11:00 AM tomorrow (Thursday. August 25) in front of the Louisiana State Capitol (900 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA).
For over six years, these survivors were the victims not only of assault but of systemic failures which a 2015 Louisiana law was designed to combat. The law, Act 172, was expressly designed to prevent sexual abuse on college campuses by mandating communication, cross-training and coordination between Louisiana's public post-secondary institutions and law enforcement. The victims are represented by renowned civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, and Jessica Fickling of The Strom Law Firm, Elizabeth Abdnour (Elizabeth Abdnour Law) Karen Truszkowski (Temperance Legal Group) as well as Pride Doran and Nahshon Route of Doran & Cawthorne, PLLC.
Attorneys for the victims filed a federal lawsuit last month detailing the repeated failures from officials including the current presidents of Louisiana State University (LSU), Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and called out officials for violating Act 172.
Click HERE to view a copy of the lawsuit.
WHO
Victim
Attorney Bakari Sellers
Attorney Karen Truszkowski
Attorney Nahshon Route
WHEN
11:00 AM on Thursday, August 25, 2022
WHERE
Louisiana State Capitol
900 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA
The news conference will begin at 11:00 AM. Media are asked to arrive by 10:45 AM
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SOURCE Strom Law Firm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/sexual-assault-victim-speak-out-assault-claims-by-victor-silva-while-police-universities-kept-quiet/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:45Z |
Shell India* and Ohmium International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on green hydrogen applications, markets, and project opportunities.
FREMONT, Calif. and BANGALORE, India, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohmium International, a green hydrogen company that designs, manufactures, and deploys PEM Electrolyzers, is collaborating with Shell India* to evaluate hydrogen applications, markets, and project opportunities in India and globally. As part of the collaboration, both parties have intent to launch joint working groups to assess opportunities from the technical, commercial, and safety perspectives.
Ohmium's unique interlocking modular PEM electrolyzers provide a safer, modular, flexible, easy to install and maintain alternative to customized electrolyzers. The collaboration is positioned at further elevating Shell's ambition to help build a global hydrogen economy by developing the most competitive opportunities in the production, storage, transport, and delivery of hydrogen to end customers.
"We have set an ambitious goal of becoming a net-zero emissions business by 2050 with a target to reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2030. Green hydrogen has a critical role in helping the world reach zero emissions. We plan to develop integrated hydrogen hubs to serve the industry and heavy-duty transport to be a leading player in this space. This MoU with Ohmium is a step in our journey. We would like to work with Ohmium to make this a productive collaboration which would help us make our Hydrogen projects most competitive. We are keen to explore all opportunities to work with all our contract partners to continuously drive competitiveness in our projects.", said Nitin Prasad, Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in India
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Shell to explore green hydrogen opportunities and solutions worldwide. Shell has demonstrated tremendous ambition to become a net zero carbon business by 2050– we believe that green hydrogen is a critical component of that transition," said Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium International. "We look forward to working with Shell to explore all the opportunities our electrolyzers enable."
Ohmium International enables industries to deploy green hydrogen for a sustainable future. The company's suite of electrochemical products helps customers achieve their sustainable energy goals in industrial, transportation, and energy projects. Ohmium is headquartered in the United States, with manufacturing in India and operations worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.ohmium.com or contact Nandita Roche at media@ohmium.com.
About Shell India - Shell is one of the most diversified international energy companies in India, with over 10,000 employees and a presence across upstream, integrated gas, downstream, renewable energy, and deep capabilities in R&D, digitalization, and business operations. With a retail presence across six states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Assam, Shell is expanding its network of fuel stations across the country. It has the entire Lubricants end-to-end value chain in India, from conceptualization and development to production and distribution. Serving 50000 consumers through a robust network of 200+ distributors across B2C and B2B lines of Sales. This includes a world-class lubricant oil blending plant that manages a large supply chain through a network of 4 Regional Distribution Centers and 8 warehouses. The company also fully owns and operates an LNG re-gasification terminal at Hazira. With a focus on digitization and future-ready sustainable solutions, the company is nurturing a vibrant ecosystem in India to accelerate energy innovations with Shell E4 for start-ups, Shell Eco-marathon and investments in new energy companies like Husk Power, d.light, Orb Energy and Cleantech Solar. Shell also remains committed to making positive contributions to the communities in which it operates through programs like NXplorers, Access to Energy and Road Safety across India.
*Shell India is incorporated as Shell India Markets Private Limited.
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SOURCE Ohmium International, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/shell-ohmium-announce-collaboration-green-hydrogen-energy-solutions/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:52Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles-based law boutique Sklar Kirsh LLP has been recognized by the Best Companies Group as a winner of "The Best Places to Work in SoCal 2022." According to the publication, this recognition of the top 100 companies is based on responses from detailed, anonymous employee surveys and ranks the winners across small, medium, and large company categories. Companies must rank highest across several categories including corporate culture, training and development, salary and benefits, and overall employee satisfaction. This is the second, consecutive year the firm has received this recognition.
"It's an honor to have our firm named as a best place to work," said Co-Chairman Jeffrey Sklar. "This recognition is a testament to our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our team of attorneys and professional staff to grow and thrive."
Jeffrey Sklar and Andrew Kirsh founded Sklar Kirsh LLP in 2013 and it has grown into one of Los Angeles' top boutique law firms comprised of over 35 attorneys, many of whom have practiced at national and international law firms. Sklar Kirsh's practices include corporate, real estate, entertainment, litigation and bankruptcy.
The firm is committed to making its culture friendly, supportive, positive, and a safe place to work. There is a feeling that everyone works to support both the clients and one another in delivering outstanding legal service.
The Best Places to Work in Los Angeles program was open to all publicly or privately held companies with at least 15 employees working in Los Angeles County. The workplace survey process was conducted by Best Companies Group (BCG), an independent research firm that assessed each organization based on an anonymous 81 question survey completed by employees. As part of its assessment process, BCG also collected information on each organization's benefits, policies, practices, and other general information. Visit BestPlacesToWorkLA.com for more information.
Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm that provides sophisticated and expert advice in the areas of corporate, real estate, bankruptcy, and entertainment law as well as commercial, real estate and entertainment litigation. For more information, visit www.SklarKirsh.com.
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SOURCE Sklar Kirsh LLP | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/sklar-kirsh-llp-ranked-among-best-places-work-southern-california-second-consecutive-year/ | 2022-08-24T20:06:58Z |
Societe Generale acted an Active Bookrunner for a new $1.75bn 10-year green bond transaction for Ford Motor Company, priced Tuesday, August 16th.
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company was met with well-received sponsorship from both the investment grade and high yield investor community, garnering a $5bn final orderbook (2.9x oversubscription) at a final landing level of 6.1%. This was the first high-yield green bond transaction in the market since June 1.
This transaction marks the second green bond offering by Ford, following its $2.5bn inaugural green bond offering in November 2021. The use of proceeds is expected to be allocated by 2023 to exclusively finance clean transportation projects, particularly its battery electric vehicle portfolio.
The transaction references Ford and Ford Credit's Sustainable Financing Framework published in November 2021. In addition to clean transportation, other green categories eligible in this framework include renewable energy, sustainable water and wastewater management, and circular economy. Although no social-labelled transaction has been issued to date, the framework also includes eligible social spend to advance economic employment and access to essential services for disadvantaged communities. Ford and Ford Credit's Sustainable Financing Framework received a favorable Second Party Opinion from Vigeo-Eiris, receiving the highest assessment possible of "Advanced".
Societe Generale has acted as Active Bookrunner and structuring advisor for highly visible inaugural green, social and sustainability transactions for key clients in all asset classes, across the globe, highlighting the bank's strong advisory capabilities in the Sustainable and Positive Impact finance field.
Societe Generale is one of the leading European financial services groups. Based on a diversified and integrated banking model, the Group combines financial strength and proven expertise in innovation with a strategy of sustainable growth. Committed to the positive transformations of the world's societies and economies, Societe Generale and its teams seek to build, day after day, together with its clients, a better and sustainable future through responsible and innovative financial solutions.
Active in the real economy for over 150 years, with a solid position in Europe and connected to the rest of the world, Societe Generale has over 117,000 members of staff in 66 countries and supports on a daily basis 25 million individual clients, businesses and institutional investors around the world by offering a wide range of advisory services and tailored financial solutions. The Group is built on three complementary core businesses:
- French Retail Banking which encompasses the Societe Generale, Credit du Nord and Boursorama brands. Each offers a full range of financial services with omnichannel products at the cutting edge of digital innovation;
- International Retail Banking, Insurance and Financial Services, with networks in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and specialised businesses that are leaders in their markets;
- Global Banking and Investor Solutions, which offers recognised expertise, key international locations and integrated solutions.
Societe Generale is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).
In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of Societe Generale's newsroom page where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document's legitimacy directly on the web page.
For more information, you can follow us on Twitter @societegenerale or visit our website www.societegenerale.com.
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SOURCE Societe Generale | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/societe-generale-acted-bookrunner-fords-green-bond-finance-clean-transportation-projects/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:05Z |
Subaru Recognized for Safety, Dependability and Product Quality for Second Consecutive Year
CAMDEN, N.J., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the automaker was ranked number one in Safety, Drive Performance and Service Quality, and was also top-rated amongst other automakers for Dependability, Product Quality and Overall ACSI® Score in the 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI) Automobile Study.
The ACSI study and rankings are based on customers' opinions of their own vehicles, and results are reported on a 100-point scale. In the ACSI 2021-2022 Automotive Study of mass market vehicles, Subaru was rated as:
- #1 Brand for Safety, two years in a row
- #1 Brand for Drive Performance
- #1 Brand for Service Quality
- Top-rated for Dependability, two years in a row
- Top-rated for Product Quality, two years in a row
- Top-rated for Customer Satisfaction
"We are pleased to be recognized by the ACSI as the No. 1 automotive brand in safety, drive performance and service quality – especially because this recognition comes directly from Subaru customers," said Thomas J. Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "We understand that safety, quality and dependability are our customer's top concerns, and we will continue to deliver the top-notch Subaru ownership experience they expect."
Developed in 1994 at the University of Michigan, ACSI is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States. The ACSI tracks more than 400 companies in 47 consumer industries across 10 economic sectors on an annual basis, and is the largest single benchmarking study in the U.S.
For more information on the ACSI and the automobile rankings, visit theACSI.org. ACSI is a registered trademark of American Customer Satisfaction LLC.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $270 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 78,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.
For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com
Jessica Caufield
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-3173
jcaufi@subaru.com
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SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/subaru-scores-top-marks-across-several-categories-american-customer-satisfaction-index-survey-automobile-study/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:11Z |
Agreement will give TAU significant ownership, board representation
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New York- and Hong Kong-based TAU Investment Management, LLC, today announced agreements for two simultaneous investments in highly sustainable, waterless textile dyeing. A special purpose vehicle formed and managed by TAU will acquire significant interests in both DyeCoo Textile Systems, B.V., and CleanDye Holding, B.V., as part of TAU's strategy to invest in the sustainable, transparent and responsible supply chains of the future.
TAU joins other investors such as Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, together with Nike and Otto Group, along with customers including Decathlon, bonprix, Adidas and others.
Today, the dyeing and treatment of textiles is responsible for fully 20 percent of industrial water pollution globally. DyeCoo's patented DyeOx technology allows for waterless and chemical-free textile dyeing, making it a valued partner to some of the world's largest retailers and leading global manufacturers who are also committed to DyeCoo's sustainable technology.
Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, CleanDye operates the world's first textile dyeing facility purpose built in Vietnam exclusively to use DyeCoo's waterless and chemical-free DyeOx technology. CleanDye's dedicated use of DyeOx technology allows it to offer its customers fabrics dyed with no water, no process chemicals and no wastewater discharge produced in a hazard-free environment — all while realizing 50 percent energy savings and unmatched geographical freedom from water sources.
"This is a unique opportunity to support two organizations bringing a new facet of sustainability to the garment industry," said TAU CEO Oliver Niedermaier. "We look forward to further application opportunities for the technology in other sectors, such as automotive and beverages."
Ken Katz, TAU head of Asia investment, said, "In addition to the geographic flexibility and cost savings this technology provides, we're significantly reducing the environmental footprint through this proprietary dyeing technology." He also noted that the DyeOx technology is faster and results in better color density than traditional water dyeing methods.
"This technology saves money, reduces environmental impacts, allows for more geographical flexibility and results in better quality products," Katz said. "That is a tremendous advantage."
"We look forward to having Tau join as an investor, given the industry expertise, broad network and deep understanding of sustainable supply chains it brings," said Christian Ehrenborg, Senior Investment Manager, Ingka Investments. "Tau's unique industry insights will provide a valuable perspective."
Rien Jansen, bonprix Group Managing Director, said, "With Tau's vision and commitment to sustainability, this new partnership demonstrates bonprix/Otto Group's own commitment to help facilitate the transformation of the apparel industry to be more environmentally responsible and sustainable. We see scaling this type of sustainable manufacturing technology as critical to our organization's mission and for the industry as a whole."
As part of the agreement, TAU will join the boards of directors of both DyeCoo and CleanDye and will play an active role in contributing its responsible supply chain technology expertise and industry network. Terms of the investments were not disclosed.
TAU is a New York- and Hong Kong-based investment and advisory firm that enables leaders to make critical decisions at every connection point in the global apparel supply chain. In investment management, TAU originates, executes and manages proprietary private equity investments. The firm is a fund manager, participates in single deal vehicles and co-investments, and offers separately managed accounts. In advisory services, TAU provides actionable advice so that businesses can seize opportunities and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. Areas of expertise include organic growth strategy, M&A advisory, responsible technology for textile and garment manufacturing, joint ventures, sustainability strategy and implementation, market entry and expansion, and worker safety protocols.
With IKEA retail operations in over 32 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com
As an internationally successful fashion retailer, bonprix reaches customers in 30 countries. The company, which is part of the Otto Group and based in Hamburg, was established in 1986 and now employs around 3,700 people worldwide. In fiscal year 2021/22 (February 28, 2022), the bonprix Group generated sales of EUR 1.94 billion, making it one of the best-performing businesses within the Otto Group. At bonprix, customers can enjoy fashion and shopping on all channels – online, via catalogue or in the bonprix store in Hamburg. E-commerce accounts for the lion's share of sales with around 90 percent. In Germany, www.bonprix.de is one of the twelve highest-grossing online shops and the number three in the fashion sector.* Selling its own brands bpc, bpc selection, BODYFLIRT, RAINBOW and John Baner, bonprix offers customers fashion with an excellent price-performance ratio. The range includes fashion for women, men and children, accessories as well as home and living products.
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SOURCE TAU | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/tau-announces-two-investments-innovative-eco-friendly-textile-dyeing-technology/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:18Z |
Offshore wind project is a key element in furthering the transition to renewable energy in Poland.
NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has been chosen by RWE Offshore Wind Poland to initialize the first steps for a project certification of 350 MW wind farm F.E.W. BALTIC II in the Polish Baltic Sea. RWE Offshore Wind Poland, a 100% subsidiary of RWE Renewables, one of the world's leading companies for renewable energy, and UL Solutions, one of the world's top testing, inspection and certification providers for renewable energy, are partnering on this project that will bring more renewable energy to Poland.
In collaboration with the Polish Register of Shipping (PRS), UL Solutions will start with the first modules for project certification following the Poland Maritime Safety Act and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) methods and procedures. PRS has a long history of working with projects on the Polish Baltic Sea.
"Power produced by offshore wind is key to the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energies," said Joern Gerlach, engineering manager in the Renewables Energy team of the UL Solutions Energy and Industrial Automation group. "Confirming that offshore wind technologies can support the power grid while optimizing energy production is crucial to accelerating the development of wind farms and Poland's green energy transition. We're proud to be collaborating with RWE to help advance the adoption of safer and reliable wind energy."
The offshore wind farm project F.E.W. Baltic II is located in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea on an area of 41 square kilometers at water depths of 30 to 50 meters and a distance of approximately 55 kilometers to shore. It was developed by a mixed team of offshore wind experts from Poland and Germany. Once fully operational, the 350 MW wind farm will be capable of producing enough green electricity to supply the equivalent needs of an estimated 350,000 Polish households. F.E.W. Baltic II is qualified for the first phase of offshore wind projects in Poland and will be one of the first projects to be realized and operated in the region.
"The construction of offshore wind farms is particularly important to accelerate the energy transition in Poland," said Lukas Prietz, project director of the F.E.W. Baltic II wind farm at RWE Renewables. "With energy generated in the Baltic Sea, it will be easier to reduce dependence on fossil fuels towards green energy sources. By implementing the F.E.W. Baltic II project, we will significantly contribute to this positive change while accelerating domestic economic development through the collaboration with Polish suppliers and subcontractors. Poland is one of the most attractive offshore growth markets for our company. With our F.E.W. Baltic II project, we will contribute significantly to Poland's green energy transition and accelerate the local supply chain development. We are excited to extend our reach in the offshore wind sector and work with UL Solutions to help make that happen."
About UL Solutions
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
Press Contact:
Steven Brewster
UL
+1.847.664.8425
ULNews@ul.com
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SOURCE UL Solutions | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/ul-solutions-selected-by-rwe-renewables-certification-partner-offshore-wind-farm-few-baltic-ii/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:24Z |
Arboriculture in Transmission and Distribution (T&D) is the topic of a new podcast from Houston energy and utility services firm Iapetus Infrastructure Services featuring industry leaders
HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Iapetus Infrastructure Services recently launched the Trees & Lines podcast, sharing expert insights into the future of the utility vegetation management industry. The podcast is hosted by utility vegetation management (UVM) veteran and past executive director of the Utility Arborists Association, Dr. Phil Charlton, and Iapetus COO, Tejpal Singh. Iapetus Infrastructure Services (Iapetus, pronounced EYE-AP-I-TUHS) offers safety, environmental sustainability, and education in right-of-way (ROW) management services to utilities across the country, including to risk mitigation, inspections, safety, audits, and high-tech imaging and reporting. Iapetus companies currently service the world's largest utilities, as well as oil and gas and pipeline/midstream. Iapetus is an operating company of Iapetus Holdings, LLC, a Houston-based privately held portfolio of energy and utility services companies focused on energy sustainability, efficiency, reliability and safety.
Trees and Lines hosts a variety of leaders in UVM. To date, guests include Pam Rauch, VP of External and Government Affairs at NextEra Energy, Sara Sankowich, Director of Sustainability and Shared Services at Unitil, John Goodfellow, Principal at BioCompliance Consulting, Inc. and Lewis Payne, Manager of Rights-of-Way and Environmental Services for the New York Power Authority.
The Trees & Lines guests share deep experience in the electric and gas utility industries in both the private and public sectors. Several have held positions responsible for vegetation management and forestry, T&D operations, maintenance, and engineering as well as renewables and sustainability. The episodes also touch on the need to build the pipeline of diverse and qualified foresters and other professionals in numerous fields to keep up with the growing demand in this fascinating industry. Rauch has been part of the lead team that has pioneered many of the advances of the world's leading utility, NextEra Energy. Sankowich is currently serving as the president of the New England Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, ISA. She has had an impact in expanding diversity and inclusion in the UVM industry. Goodfellow has been the principal researcher on several research and development projects focusing on the modes and causes of trees cause power interruptions. His work has led to better understanding and the risks of tree-initiated electrical faults on overhead electric distribution lines. Payne's motto is "managing vegetation with vegetation". He's an expert on innovative technology, research on biodiverse habitats and sustainability reporting.
According to Dr. Charlton, "This podcast intends to advocate for the highest standards in UVM and look out for what we should be planning for the future of this fascinating industry most people don't know about". Singh added, "The idea of inviting thought leaders in this space is what moved us to kick it off. We want to give a platform to the voices that are shaping the future of how we evolve integrated vegetation management with smarter approaches and technologies."
Charlton is a pioneer in the field of utility vegetation management (UVM). He graduated West Virginia University with BSF, MSF, and PhD degrees in Forest Science. His career spans over forty years, including a significant tenure as President of ECI (Environmental Consultants, Inc.) where he paved the way for hundreds of electrical companies to develop UVM programs for distribution line clearance and transmission right-of-way (ROW) management. Charlton developed the industry's first electronic system for performance analytics of external workforce management. He has also served on the Right-of-Way Stewardship Council and is an expert witness for UVM. During his ten-year tenure at the UAA, Charlton grew the association's financials and membership to over five thousand members.
Singh is an electric engineer and risk management expert. He oversees operations and safety for the world's largest utilities across the country. He joined the Iapetus group of companies as partner in 2012.
The Trees & Lines podcast is available on Spotify, Google, Apple, BuzzSprout and YouTube. Sign up for alerts on www.treesandlines.com.
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About Iapetus Holdings
Iapetus Holdings LLC is a privately held, minority and veteran owned portfolio of energy and utility services businesses and alternative investments solving the world's most urgent needs around energy sustainability, efficiency, reliability, and safety. Iapetus' diverse lens drives strategic thinking, innovation, and an entrepreneurial vision to utility and energy problems by strengthening infrastructure, electric reliability, the economy, and future generations of professionals. Iapetus teams implement agile strategies to serve energy, utility, commercial and industrial companies.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Iapetus brings an entrepreneurial, forward-thinking approach and a deep bench of experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds in finance, energy, safety, risk management, communications, human resources, and various other spectrums. The Iapetus suite is a multimillion-dollar portfolio with more than 400 employees across eight U.S. offices, efficiently structured to deliver optimum results for clients. Utility and energy clients trust the integrated solutions offered by Iapetus wholly-owned subsidiary companies Iapetus Infrastructure Services, Atlas Field Services, Soaring Eagle Technologies, Gold Coast Utility Specialists, Hyperion Safety Environmental Solutions UATI, Atlas Commodities, and Atlas Retail Energy. Iapetus is creating a legacy forming the next generation of leaders as the proud sponsor of a 501c3 non-profit, AtlasScholars.
Contact: S. Lechin 832-993-6794 media@iapetusllc.com
#utilityvegetationmanagement #integratedvegetationmanagement #vegetationmanagement #utilities #forestry #uvm #unitil #nexteraenergy #biocompliance #renewableenergy #arboriculture #herbicides #AIML #Monarchbutterfly #Applicators #AI #Remotesensing #Biocompliance #GeospatialData #sustainableenergy #Environmentalist #DEI #Sustainability #Arborist
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SOURCE Iapetus Holdings | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/utility-vegetation-management-podcast-explores-industry-innovations/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:31Z |
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NK Seeds unveiled new field data today highlighting the superior performance of their 2023 Field Forged Series™ lineup of corn hybrids and soybean varieties, which combines the strongest performers, old and new alike. No longer do farmers have to decide between planting their go-to favorites and using innovative new hybrids and varieties. Across the Corn Belt, NK Seeds Field Forged Series products consistently outyielded key competitors in 2021 harvest trials. The national yield average numbers tell the story:
- Fifty-one NK® Field Forged Series corn hybrids landed in the top 10 in 2021 Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST) tests.
- Thirty-eight NK Field Forged Series soybean varieties landed in the top 10 in 2021 FIRST tests — and 13 of those placed within the top three.
"Every season and every crop matters, but given the agronomic and economic pressures that farmers are facing this season, they want to be confident that the products they plant will maximize profit potential this fall," says Jim Shertzer, Head of NK Marketing. "Of these industry-leading yields, six hybrids and 14 varieties are available for the first time commercially for the 2023 growing season. That kind of performance should give farmers confidence and reduce some of the risk that's inherent in farming."
The 2023 Field Forged Series class packs high standards and proven results into every seed.
"Each seed is forged in the lab and in the field to ensure that we're bringing not just the highest yield potential, but also agronomically stable crops that work across an array of diverse acres to help drive farmers' profit potential," says Shertzer. "Our powerful R&D process allows us to deliver our high-performing seed with leading traits faster than ever for corn and soybean products that come tested and proven to perform."
With 34 NK Field Forged Series hybrids in the 2023 lineup, there's a match for all geographies and growing environments. Popular corn standouts include:
- NK0007-AA offers excellent yield potential, strong roots and stalks, and leading drought tolerance. This hybrid has a 5.5 Bu/A advantage over all DEKALB® products (N = 348), a 4.0 Bu/A advantage over all Channel® products (N = 125), a 2.1 Bu/A advantage over all Beck's products (N = 130) and a 1.1 Bu/A advantage over all Wyffels products (N = 87).
- NK0243-AA is a great option for farmers looking for excellent agronomics in a broadly adapted hybrid. Noteworthy for its season-long standability and strong late-season plant health, it has a 3.5 Bu/A advantage over all DEKALB products (N = 821), a 5.8 Bu/A advantage over all Channel products (N = 179) and a 4.6 Bu/A advantage over all AgriGold® products (N = 20).
- NK1188-AA features consistent yield potential and agronomics across environments. Farmers will notice its attractive plant height and ear placement, along with improved test weight and grain quality. This hybrid also features dependable drought tolerance. It beat Channel by 2.0 Bu/A (N = 33) in Iowa in 2021.
- NK1523-V is notable for its high-end yield potential with agronomic stability. With a strong and robust root structure, it offers excellent yield potential with increased management. This hybrid beat Pioneer by 3.3 Bu/A (N = 28) in Iowa in 2021.
The performance results don't end there. NK1701-V has an impressive 11.1 Bu/A advantage over all Pioneer products (N = 34), NK8005-V has a 9.4 Bu/A advantage over all DEKALB products (N = 38), and NK9175-DV has a 4.8 Bu/A advantage over all Pioneer products (N = 313).
All hybrids in the 2023 Field Forged Series class are available with industry-leading trait stacks, including DuracadeViptera™ and Viptera™, to meet specific field needs.
"These multi-year results show what happens when high standards meet proven results," says Joe Bollman, NK Corn Products Manager. "Farmers who choose to plant Field Forged Series hybrids in 2023 can expect to see strong yield potential in their area of adaptation, as well as strong roots and stalks, consistency and excellent disease tolerance."
Proprietary genetics meet diverse traits in the NK Field Forged soybean portfolio. The 2023 NK Field Forged portfolio includes 14 Enlist E3® and 14 XtendFlex® varieties. Each made the cut for demonstrating consistently outstanding yield potential, paired with resistance to soybean cyst nematode, proven Sudden Death Syndrome tolerance, resistance to Soybean White Mold and strong Phytophthora Root Rot resistance.
In third-party trials, Field Forged Series soybean varieties came out on top: NK Enlist E3 varieties had a 1.1 Bu/A advantage over Pioneer® Enlist E3 varieties, and NK Field Forged Series XtendFlex varieties had a 1.8 Bu/A advantage over Asgrow® XtendFlex varieties in 2021.
"For the 2023 growing season, we're turning things up a notch, with yield and agronomic strength in every seed," says Eric Miller, NK Soybean Product Marketing Manager. "Each product in our latest lineup was hand-selected in response to grower demand for innovative agronomic traits, proven yield and herbicide trait flexibility. It's proving to be a powerful combination that's really driving farmers' profit potential."
NK Seeds will share 2022 corn and soybean yield results later this year on their website, social channels and blog, The Amplifier.
Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group, one of the world's leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world-class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources.
The content of this release is for information purposes only. This release is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other property interests.
To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/syngenta.
This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.
Yield advantages are composites based on the results of 2020-2021 Syngenta first-party, FIRST and other independent third-party trials, when available. For more information regarding yield comparisons against an individual product, ask your Syngenta representative. No product recommendation by FIRST is implied.
© 2022 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label and bag tag instructions; only those labeled as tolerant to glufosinate may be sprayed with glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides.
LibertyLink®, Liberty® and the Water Droplet logo are registered trademarks of BASF. HERCULEX® and the HERCULEX Shield are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. HERCULEX Insect Protection technology by Corteva Agriscience LLC.
Under federal and local laws, only dicamba-containing herbicides registered for use on dicamba-tolerant varieties may be applied. See product labels for details and tank mix partners. Golden Harvest® and NK® soybean varieties are protected under granted or pending U.S. variety patents and other intellectual property rights, regardless of the trait(s) within the seed. The Enlist E3® soybean, LibertyLink®, LibertyLink® GT27®, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and XtendFlex® soybean traits may be protected under numerous United States patents. It is unlawful to save soybeans containing these traits for planting or transfer to others for use as a planting seed. Only dicamba formulations that employ VaporGrip® Technology are approved for use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and XtendFlex® soybeans. Only 2,4-D choline formulations with Colex-D® Technology are approved for use with Enlist E3® soybeans. The trademarks or service marks displayed or otherwise used herein are the property of a Syngenta Group Company. ENLIST E3® soybean technology is jointly developed with Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. The ENLIST trait and ENLIST Weed Control System are technologies owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience LLC. ENLIST® and ENLIST E3® are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. GT27® is a trademark of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. and BASF. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, XtendFlex® and YieldGard VT Pro® are registered trademarks used under license from the Bayer Group.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.
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SOURCE NK Seeds | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/yield-potential-when-it-matters-most-field-data-reinforces-competitive-advantage-nk-seeds-2023-field-forged-series-lineup/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:37Z |
- This cohort of 9 new startups marks a key milestone in ZEBOX America's development in a wide range of industries, technologies, and product types.
- Officially inaugurated in April 2022, ZEBOX America already comprises 17 startups.
ARLINGTON, Va, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International startup incubator and accelerator ZEBOX America today announced a new cohort of 9 startups, marking a key milestone as the tech hub works to reimagine and revitalize the North American supply chain, logistics, mobility and Industry 4.0 sectors.
Initiated in 2018 by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, ZEBOX has supported in less than 4 years more than 85 startups, building successful businesses that have raised tens of millions of dollars in venture funding and created significant numbers of new high-skilled jobs. The newly announced cohorts of startups will benefit from the connections and industry expertise of ZEBOX's corporate partners, which include BNSF Railway, Cargomatic, CEVA Logistics, EDRAY, Ingram Industries, project44, the Port of Virginia, TRAC Intermodal, and RoadOne.
- BasicBlock, a freight-factoring app that simplifies payment for drivers and carriers.
- DriverFly, a digital job board connecting drivers with better opportunities;
- Haul, an employment solution for truck-less freight drivers;
- HeroWear, a lightweight spring-powered exoskeleton to support worker health;
- SiteTrax.io, a platform for tracking containers in real-time;
- Splice, a low-code platform for integration of the full logistics ecosystem.
- Tag-N-Trac, a breakthrough in wireless supply chain traceability and visibility;
- Voxel, an AI-powered solution for curbing operational risk and managing workplace safety;
- WARP, a middle-mile freight network to optimize shipping;
Through these partnerships, portfolio startups receive access to co-development programs, enabling faster and more market-attuned product development for emerging companies. Portfolio startups also benefit from exclusive access to ZEBOX's pool of top-flight angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as the accelerator's fast-growing international network of talented professionals in sales and marketing, engineering and operations.
The selected startups represent the cutting edge in logistics, mobility, transportation and supply chain innovation. Following a rigorous application process led by a seasoned selection committee, these startups represent a wide range of industries, technologies and product types to join the ZEBOX America program. They join ZEBOX America's founding cohort of 8 startups, selected in early 2022, many of which have already secured significant venture funding, investments, and industry partnerships.
"Selecting and welcoming new startups is one of the most exciting and important tasks we undertake at ZEBOX and it's something we take incredibly seriously," said Charley Dehoney, Vice President of ZEBOX America. "The new cohorts of startups have been through a rigorous selection process and they've proven their ability to unlock new technologies and propel the logistics and supply chain space in important new directions. In partnership with top industry leaders from across the world, I'm confident that our North America headquarters will continue raising the bar for innovation."
ZEBOX is a global incubator and accelerator dedicated to fostering innovation by forging compelling collaborations between early-stage startups and corporate stakeholders. Founded in 2018 by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, ZEBOX enables the supply chain of the future by focusing on two key segments: Transportation/logistics and Industry 4.0. ZEBOX accelerates digitalization, automation, and sustainability by harnessing new technologies including AI, IoT, Big Data, and robotics.
ZEBOX is building a diverse ecosystem bringing together stakeholders including corporate partners, entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and a wide range of professional services providers.
Launched in February 2021, ZEBOX America is led by Charley Dehoney, a veteran entrepreneur and recognized transportation, supply chain, and logistics technology expert.
To learn more about ZEBOX and its programs, please visit www.ze-box.io/en/.
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SOURCE ZEBOX America | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/zebox-americas-new-batch-startups-reimagine-global-logistics-mobility/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:44Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zephyr, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LSE: INF) and a recognized leader in investment management technology for wealth managers and advisors, has published their highly anticipated PSN Top Guns List of the best performing separate accounts, managed accounts, and managed ETF strategies. The list serves as an important reference for investors and asset managers.
PSN launched in 1984, becoming the first independent SMA database that was offered to investors and advisors. Access to SMAs is open to many types of investors, but PSN remains the premier resource for identifying top performers and investment products.
"Up until recently, SMAs were reserved for institutional or high-net-worth investors (HNWI) with a minimum of $1 million required just to participate. Over the past several years the cost for entry has dropped significantly, opening more options for wealth managers and their clients," says Margaret Tobiasen, Senior Vice President of Data Distribution.
Market Strategist for Zephyr, Ryan Nauman, offered the following insights:
- Driven by a macro backdrop that included rising interest rates, historically high inflation and fears of a looming recession, global equities fell a -16.05% (MSCI World index) during the quarter. Furthermore, the S&P 500 index officially entered a bear market while ending the quarter down a -16.10%. The bond market added to investor pain as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate index fell a -4.69% during the quarter. This marked the second straight quarter that both U.S. equities and bonds declined.
- U.S. equities fell sharply as investors focused on the new monetary policy regime that included initial interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve (Fed). Investors feared that the hawkish Fed will not be able to tame inflation without triggering a recession. No equity sector was immune to the risk off environment, however, the Consumer Staples (S&P 500 Consumer Staples index -4.62%) and Utilities (S&P 500 Utilities index -5.09%) sectors were relatively resilient.
- As for style, value stocks (Russell 3000 Value index -12.41%) outperformed their growth counterparts (Russell 3000 Growth index -20.83%), while large caps (Russell 1000 index -16.67%) outperformed small caps (Russell 2000 index -17.20%). Below are some of the strategies that make up the PSN Top Guns U.S. Value Universe:
- It was also a tough environment for foreign markets as high inflation, hawkish global central banks, ongoing Ukrainian conflict and a potential recession weighed on investor sentiment. Economically sensitive sectors underperformed as concerns over a possible recession increased. Strategies with an overweight to Chinese stocks (MSCI China +3.50%) were rewarded, as Covid-19 lockdowns where relaxed which resulted in the region being the only one to produce positive returns for investors. The following strategies made the PSN Top Guns list for the International Equity Universe:
- For the second straight quarter investors were unable to find shelter in fixed income markets as a hawkish Fed, 40-year high inflation and rising interest rates pressured bonds. The Fed picked up the pace in its fight against inflation by increasing the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points in May and 75 basis points in June, which increased concerns that the quickened pace of hikes will push the U.S. economy into a recession.
- The increasing concerns over economic growth helped slow the pace of negative returns heading into quarter-end. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes rose from 2.35% to 2.97% while 2-year yields jumped from 2.33% to 2.93%. Riskier bond asset classes like corporate bonds (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Investment Grade index -7.26%) and more specifically high yield corporate bonds (ICE BofA US High Yield Master II -9.97%) suffered most during the risk-off environment. Below are some of the strategies that make up the PSN Top Guns Short Maturity Universe:
The complete list of PSN Top Guns, and an overview of the methodology, can be found on online. If you do not have a login, you may register for complimentary access. For more details on the methodology behind the PSN Top Guns Rankings, or to purchase PSN Top Guns Reports, contact Margaret Tobiasen at Margaret.tobiasen@informa.com.
For nearly four decades, PSN has been a top resource for investment professionals. Asset managers rely on Zephyr's PSN to effectively reach institutional and retail investors rely. Over 2,800 firms, 285 universes, and more than 21,000 products comprise the PSN SMA database showing asset breakdowns, compliance, key personnel, ownership diversity, ESG, business objectives and strategy, style, fees, GIC sectors, fixed income ranges and full holdings. Unique to PSN is its robust historical database of nearly 40 Years of Data Including Net and Gross-of-Fee Returns. For more details on the methodology behind the PSN Top Guns rankings or to purchase PSN Top Guns reports, contact Margaret Tobiasen at Margaret.tobiasen@informa.com. Visit PSN online to learn more.
Zephyr's award-winning financial services solution enables wealth managers and advisors to fully manage client investment goals. The platform consistently scores high among users for its ease of use with valuable tools including presentation center, portfolio proposal generation, performance measurement, asset allocation modeling, research, analytics and ESG ratings and reviews. Clients' ability to customize communication tools to create professional proposals and presentations provides significant value for advisors to convey investor strategies and success. Visit financialintelligence.informa.com to learn more about Zephyr or to request a demo or 14-day free trial on the Zephyr platform.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Zach Allegretti, JConnelly
973-850-7341
zallegrettiII@jconnelly.com
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SOURCE Zephyr | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/zephyr-releases-psn-q2-2022-top-guns-list-highlighting-best-in-class-separate-accounts-managed-accounts-managed-etf-strategies/ | 2022-08-24T20:07:53Z |
Suspicious death investigation in Harrisonburg
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Police identified a Harrisonburg man whose body was found last week in an undeveloped area in the city.
The Harrisonburg Police Department said officers responded to the 400 block of Eastover Drive on August 18 around 7:15 p.m. when they found a body about 100 feet away from the road.
Following an autopsy, the man was identified as Towan Cappell, 26, of Harrisonburg.
According to police, a cause of death has not been determined but detectives are treating Cappell’s death as suspicious.
Police would not release any further details because of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Bradley Matthias at 540-437-2669 or by e-mail at bradley.matthias@harrisonburgva.gov.
Anonymous tips related to this incident can be sent to Crime Solvers at (540) 574-5050 or by texting “HPD” plus their tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters may be eligible to receive a financial reward.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/suspicious-death-investigation-harrisonburg/ | 2022-08-24T20:16:58Z |
SD Gov. Kristi Noem weighs response to ethics complaints
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota ethics board’s finding that Gov. Kristi Noem may have engaged in misconduct by intervening in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license isn’t likely the last word on the matter. But exactly how much more comes out on the episode may be up to the Republican governor herself.
The state’s Government Accountability Board appears to be letting Noem decide whether to defend herself in a public hearing or simply accept an “appropriate action” that the board hasn’t detailed. It presents Noem with a choice: Stick to her defense that she has done nothing wrong and fight the allegations in a public hearing or let the matter quietly die while accepting the board’s action.
How Noem handles the matter may not dent her prospects for reelection this year in a race where she’s heavily favored to win a second term. But it may be important down the road for a politician who has methodically positioned herself to move up in national politics, including for a potential 2024 presidential run.
So far, Noem has chosen to fight — at least in the public sphere. Her reelection campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, lashed out at the board after it moved against her Monday, calling the board’s action “illegal” and portraying the complaints against her as the work of an embittered political enemy. They were filed last year by Jason Ravnsborg, the former Republican attorney general, as he faced pressure from Noem to resign after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car in 2020.
But neither her office nor her campaign has answered questions on whether she will fight the allegations through a contested case hearing before the board, which was created in 2017 and has never handled a case like Noem’s. Such a proceeding would allow the board’s three retired judges to publicly scrutinize how she took a hands-on role in a state agency while it was evaluating her daughter’s application for an appraiser’s license.
As first reported by The Associated Press, Noem held a meeting in July 2020 that included her daughter, Kassidy Peters, and key decision-makers in Peters’ licensure just days after the agency had moved to deny a license. After the meeting, Peters got another opportunity to demonstrate she could meet federal standards and was ultimately awarded the license.
By accepting the board’s action, Noem could avoid a public hearing over an episode that has drawn condemnation from government ethics experts, her political rivals and even some Republican lawmakers. Ravnsborg has said that it was concern from lawmakers that prompted him to send the complaint to the board.
“We’ll have to wait until the governor’s office makes a decision,” said Gene Kean, who was appointed to the Government Accountability Board after serving more than two decades as a state circuit court judge and chairing the state Judges Association. “That’s sort of a linchpin in this thing.”
But giving up the fight also could have political fallout for Noem, said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist who previously worked as the communications director for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“If she doesn’t have a good explanation or is unable to pivot, it could be something that follows her,” Conant said.
The board hasn’t publicly said what action it may take against the governor. Its options in state law allow for a reprimand, a directive to do community service or coursework, as well as other “informal” resolutions that the governor would have to agree to. Statutes don’t describe what the community service or “coursework” might be.
John Pelissero, a scholar at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said it’s “unusual” for an ethics board not to publicly announce the action it takes against an accused official.
“It lacks transparency if they do not announce the level of accountability,” he said. “That has the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in the accountability board and in state government generally.”
Meanwhile, the ethics board took another action Monday that holds the potential of not just a finding of ethical misconduct, but illegality. The board asked the state’s attorney general to investigate Noem’s practice of flying on state airplanes to gatherings hosted by political groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Rifle Association. State law bars the aircraft from being used for anything other than state business, though Noem has said she was acting as an ambassador for the state.
Noem’s gubernatorial challenger, Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith, pounced on the issue Tuesday and called for Attorney General Mark Vargo to recuse himself and appoint a special prosecutor.
Vargo played a prominent role in the conflict between Noem and Ravnsborg earlier this year by leading the impeachment prosecution against Ravnsborg in the Senate over his actions and accounting of the 2020 crash that killed a pedestrian. After senators convicted Ravnsborg on charges including one that alleged he misled investigators, and removed him from office, Noem — who had pressed for impeachment — named Vargo as interim attorney general.
Vargo said this week he hadn’t made the decision on whether to recuse himself from the state airplanes probe, even as he issued a statement saying any investigation would remain confidential.
Pelissero, the ethics expert, agreed, saying that there was already a perception of a clear conflict of interest. And David Cleveland, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who specializes in legal ethics, referred to rules of professional conduct that ban lawyers from cases where they have a conflict of interest or stand to gain personally.
Even some Republican lawmakers said Vargo should recuse himself.
“I personally think it’s only appropriate for him to immediately recuse himself and appoint a special counsel,” said Republican Rep. Scott Odenback. “So that there’s a continued faith and trust in the process that you are held accountable no matter who you are.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/sd-gov-kristi-noem-weighs-response-ethics-complaints/ | 2022-08-24T20:21:19Z |
Zoo helping boost endangered frog population with baby frog release: ‘Every tiny frog counts’
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Wildlife officials are helping an endangered frog species in the Pacific Northwest.
More than a hundred endangered northern leopard frogs have been released into the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.
KPTV reports the froglets were hatched from eggs collected by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildfire at the Oregon Zoo. They spent six months in a secluded area within the zoo.
“We keep the eggs safe and healthy until they’re ready to hatch,” said Sara Morgan, who oversees the zoo’s frog-rearing efforts. “Froglets have a much better chance at surviving in the wild on their own than eggs or tadpoles.”
Zoo biologists said northern leopard frogs have been rapidly disappearing from their native ranges in the Pacific Northwest. The species has been listed as endangered since 1999 in Washington state, and only one known population remains.
“Every tiny frog counts,” Morgan said.
Biologists attribute the species’ decline to a combination of threats, including habitat loss, disease, pollution and climate change. The zoo and its conservation partners said they hope to replenish the region’s northern leopard frog population.
The recovery effort is a partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State University and the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
Copyright 2022 KPTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/24/zoo-helping-boost-endangered-frog-population-with-baby-frog-release-every-tiny-frog-counts/ | 2022-08-24T20:21:25Z |
Check for travel scams before you pack your bags
Typical losses were around $1,400
InvestigateTV - This year there have been more than 22,000 reports of fraud tied to vacation scams according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Darlene Bringard-Dupnack, a travel agent for over 40 years, said the easing of COVID restrictions has caused an increased interest in travel.
Bringard-Dupnack said with this increase, some travelers may get fooled by what appears to be a dream vacation.
“Everything used to be done by phone and airmail. Things are a lot different now,” she said. “More recently, there are so many more scams that are online and that people have fallen for because they’re not paying attention to what they’re doing.”
Josh Planos from the Better Business Bureau agreed and said the trends show a higher amount of money being lost to scammers this summer.
Planos said the two big regs flags for potential vacation scams are:
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Vendors asking for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency or via payment apps like Zelle or Venmo
Planos explained that along with reputable sites like AirBNB or VRBO, there are also “shadier” sites posing as legitimate ones. They put money into advertising to entice you into using them.
Planos and Bringard-Dupnack both urged travelers to never pay in cash and instead put everything on credit cards, which provide recourse in the event of disputes.
If you think you spot a scam or have been a victim of one, you can report them to the BBB scam tracker.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/check-travel-scams-before-you-pack-your-bags/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:16Z |
Fayette County homeowners still struggling a week after flood
SMITHERS, W.Va. (WVVA) - Fayette County homeowners who lost everything in last week’s flood are still struggling to find help.
Wednesday was the first day the National Guard was expected to arrive to start picking up debri. Residents are still waiting to see if the county meets the nearly two million dollars in damages criteria to qualify for FEMA assistance.
Caitlin Short is waiting on assistance with a baby due any day now.The memory of the flood is still playing on loop in her head. When they couldn’t wait for the rescue boats, her fiance and her brother put the children in bins and swam them to safety.
“By seven in the morning, the water was over my belly button. We thought we were going to drown if we stayed there longer.”
Short said they swam through nine feet of water riveted by electrical shocks to get their children to safety. Now, their battle is with the wreckage the flood left behind. Their recently renovated Cannelton Hollow home is a total loss.
“All our family heirlooms, furniture, everything we’ve owned in our entire lives is just ruined and gone.”
Short praised the Children’s Home Society for their help collecting baby items.
“Honestly, without them and the kids, thank God we made it out alive. We’d be a lot more of a mess than we are now. We’re just lucky that us and the kids made it out safe. That’s what I keep focusing on.”
Anyone interested in helping the family may do so at Fundraiser by Jermiah Ramsey : Complete flood loss, family of five (gofundme.com)
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/fayette-county-homeowners-still-struggling-week-after-flood/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:22Z |
Former Raleigh County fire chief backs out of plea deal with prosecutor
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - The former chief of the Sophia Vol. Fire Dept. has backed out of a plea with prosecutors.
Kenneth Richard Churning, 60, is accused of stealing more than $130,000 dollars from the Sophia Volunteer Fire Department through cash withdrawals, cash back transactions, and personal expense reimbursements. According to the State Auditor’s Office, the charges relate to transactions that occurred between July 2017 and December 2019.
According to Raleigh County Chief Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield, Churning backed out of a plea deal that was set for a hearing on Wednesday. As a result of that decision, Hatfield said no other plea offer will be extended.
Churning has a Pre-trial hearing set for November 14, 2022, and is set to go to trial on December 5, 2022.
The investigation was led by the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/former-raleigh-county-fire-chief-backs-out-plea-deal-with-prosecutor/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:28Z |
Man sentenced for child sex abuse after girl confided in her teachers, DA says
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – A man in North Carolina has been convicted of child sex crimes after the girl confided in her school teachers about the abuse.
Jurors convicted Johnathon Micah Maney, 40, of statutory rape of a child under the age of 13 by an adult, two counts of statutory sex offense of a child under the age of 13, and four counts of indecent liberties with a child.
District Attorney Ashley Welch said the abuse started in August 2014 when the girl was 9 years old. At age 14, the girl confided in her teachers about the abuse.
“She felt comfortable enough to go to her teachers and tell them that she was suffering from anxiety and panic attacks from the abuse,” Assistant District Attorney Chris Matheson said. “They were her safe outlet.”
The DA’s office said the girl’s teachers contacted law enforcement after hearing about the abuse.
“This young girl trusted them with the information about three horrific years of abuse,” Welch said. “I cannot express strongly enough how important a role educators are playing in our children’s lives. Sometimes, it is lifesaving.”
Maney was sentenced to serve a minimum of 51.3 years to a maximum of 72.41 years in prison.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/man-sentenced-child-sex-abuse-after-girl-confided-her-teachers-da-says/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:34Z |
Officials change street to one-way for Mercer School
PRINCETON, W.Va. (WVVA) - Douglas Street beside Mercer School has given school staff, parents and local residents a headache over the years due to drivers going the wrong way down the street during school hours. The street had previously been one-way during school time but now it will be one way permanently.
“We found that it’s better for the children’s safety and cars not going around cars in different directions and that every child can be dropped off on Douglas Street instead of Mercer. Just because for one like I said children’s safety and it’s better for traffic,” said Lieutenant Jeremy Halsey with Princeton Police.
“So we want to make sure we get them out of the cars on the sidewalk side and on Douglas Street, to make sure we get them in the school safely,” said former principal of the school Kelli Stanley.
Halsey says this is just one change that can help keep kids safe during this coming school year.
“Looking both ways when you cross the street. A lot of children still walk to school. So it’s very important to have that talk with your children. Just don’t assume they know,” said Halsey.
Halsey says parents and children should take suspicious activity seriously.
“I would sit down and talk to your child and tell them if you see anything that they feel is suspicious whether it be at the bus stop or at the school tell your bus driver and your school teacher immediately. Always contact law enforcement if your child is seeing something,” said Halsey.
Halsey reminds drivers to watch speed limits and that they’re there for a reason. Halsey adds there will be a grace period for drivers who go the wrong way down Douglas Street but after that they will begin writing tickets to offending drivers
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/officials-change-street-one-way-mercer-school/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:46Z |
Paul Newman’s daughters sue late actor’s charity foundation
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A new lawsuit has exposed a deep rift between two of Paul Newman’s daughters and the late actor’s charitable foundation funded by profits from the Newman’s Own line of food and drink products.
The daughters, Susan Kendall Newman and Nell Newman, allege Newman’s Own Foundation has improperly cut its mandated contributions to their own charities from $400,000 apiece per year to $200,000 each annually.
They filed a lawsuit Tuesday in state court in Stamford, Connecticut, seeking $1.6 million in damages to be donated to their foundations for charitable giving.
The daughters say their father, who started Newman’s Own Foundation three years before he died in 2008, allowed the foundation to use his name and likeness — but only on several conditions including giving each of the two daughters’ foundations $400,000 a year.
Susan Kendall Newman, who lives in Oregon, and Nell Newman, of California, worry the foundation is setting the stage to completely remove them from having any say in how some of profits from Newman’s Own products are donated to charities. They also accused the foundation of “contradicting” their father’s wishes and intentions for years.
“No one should have to feel that the legacy of a departed loved one is being dishonored in the way that Newman’s Own Foundation has disregarded the daughters of Paul Newman,” Andy Lee, a New York City attorney for the daughters, said in a statement.
“This lawsuit does not seek personal compensation for Mr. Newman’s daughters, but simply seeks to hold (Newman’s Own Foundation) accountable to the charities they have shortchanged in recent years and would ensure they receive an increased level of support in the future, in line with Mr. Newman’s wishes,” he said.
Newman’s Own Foundation has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit in court but has released a statement.
“Best practices surrounding philanthropic organizations do not allow for the establishment of perpetual funding allotments for anyone, including Nell and Susan Newman,” the statement said. “A meritless lawsuit based on this faulty wish would only divert money away from those who benefit from Paul Newman’s generosity.”
The foundation added, “While we expect to continue to solicit Newman family recommendations for worthy organizations, our funding decisions are made each year and will continue to reflect the clear aim of Paul Newman and our responsibility to the best practices governing private foundations.”
Paul Newman, who lived in Westport with his wife, actor Joanne Woodward, created the Newman’s Own brand in 1982, with all profits going to charities. Today the product line includes frozen pizza, salsa, salad dressings and pasta sauces, as well as dog food and pet treats.
In his will, Paul Newman left his assets to his wife and Newman’s Own Foundation.
Newman’s Own, the products company, is a subsidiary of Newman’s Own Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation says more than $570 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982.
According to 2020 tax records, the foundation had more than $24 million in income and paid out $11.5 million in contributions, gifts and grants. Operating and administrative expenses totaled nearly $4.5 million.
According to his daughters’ lawsuit, Newman’s Own Foundation wrote to them only four days after their father’s death, saying it would reserve the right to stop allocating funds to charities identified by the daughters. The lawsuit says that contradicted Paul Newman’s explicit instructions to the foundation.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/paul-newmans-daughters-sue-late-actors-charity-foundation/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:52Z |
SD Gov. Kristi Noem weighs response to ethics complaints
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota ethics board’s finding that Gov. Kristi Noem may have engaged in misconduct by intervening in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license isn’t likely the last word on the matter. But exactly how much more comes out on the episode may be up to the Republican governor herself.
The state’s Government Accountability Board appears to be letting Noem decide whether to defend herself in a public hearing or simply accept an “appropriate action” that the board hasn’t detailed. It presents Noem with a choice: Stick to her defense that she has done nothing wrong and fight the allegations in a public hearing or let the matter quietly die while accepting the board’s action.
How Noem handles the matter may not dent her prospects for reelection this year in a race where she’s heavily favored to win a second term. But it may be important down the road for a politician who has methodically positioned herself to move up in national politics, including for a potential 2024 presidential run.
So far, Noem has chosen to fight — at least in the public sphere. Her reelection campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, lashed out at the board after it moved against her Monday, calling the board’s action “illegal” and portraying the complaints against her as the work of an embittered political enemy. They were filed last year by Jason Ravnsborg, the former Republican attorney general, as he faced pressure from Noem to resign after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his car in 2020.
But neither her office nor her campaign has answered questions on whether she will fight the allegations through a contested case hearing before the board, which was created in 2017 and has never handled a case like Noem’s. Such a proceeding would allow the board’s three retired judges to publicly scrutinize how she took a hands-on role in a state agency while it was evaluating her daughter’s application for an appraiser’s license.
As first reported by The Associated Press, Noem held a meeting in July 2020 that included her daughter, Kassidy Peters, and key decision-makers in Peters’ licensure just days after the agency had moved to deny a license. After the meeting, Peters got another opportunity to demonstrate she could meet federal standards and was ultimately awarded the license.
By accepting the board’s action, Noem could avoid a public hearing over an episode that has drawn condemnation from government ethics experts, her political rivals and even some Republican lawmakers. Ravnsborg has said that it was concern from lawmakers that prompted him to send the complaint to the board.
“We’ll have to wait until the governor’s office makes a decision,” said Gene Kean, a current member of the Government Accountability Board who was appointed after serving more than two decades as a state circuit court judge and chairing the state Judges Association. “That’s sort of a linchpin in this thing.”
But giving up the fight also could have political fallout for Noem, said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist who previously worked as the communications director for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“If she doesn’t have a good explanation or is unable to pivot, it could be something that follows her,” Conant said.
The board hasn’t publicly said what action it may take against the governor. Its options in state law allow for a reprimand, a directive to do community service or coursework, as well as other “informal” resolutions that the governor would have to agree to. Statutes don’t describe what the community service or “coursework” might be.
John Pelissero, a scholar at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said it’s “unusual” for an ethics board not to publicly announce the action it takes against an accused official.
“It lacks transparency if they do not announce the level of accountability,” he said. “That has the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in the accountability board and in state government generally.”
Meanwhile, the ethics board took another action Monday that holds the potential of not just a finding of ethical misconduct, but illegality. The board asked the state’s attorney general to investigate Noem’s practice of flying on state airplanes to gatherings hosted by political groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Rifle Association. State law bars the aircraft from being used for anything other than state business, though Noem has said she was acting as an ambassador for the state.
Noem’s gubernatorial challenger, Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith, pounced on the issue Tuesday and called for Attorney General Mark Vargo to recuse himself and appoint a special prosecutor.
Vargo played a prominent role in the conflict between Noem and Ravnsborg earlier this year by leading the impeachment prosecution against Ravnsborg in the Senate over his actions and accounting of the 2020 crash that killed a pedestrian. After senators convicted Ravnsborg on charges including one that alleged he misled investigators, and removed him from office, Noem — who had pressed for impeachment — named Vargo as interim attorney general.
Vargo said this week he hadn’t made the decision on whether to recuse himself from the state airplanes probe, even as he issued a statement saying any investigation would remain confidential.
Pelissero, the ethics expert, agreed, saying that there was already a perception of a clear conflict of interest. And David Cleveland, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who specializes in legal ethics, referred to rules of professional conduct that ban lawyers from cases where they have a conflict of interest or stand to gain personally.
Even some Republican lawmakers said Vargo should recuse himself.
“I personally think it’s only appropriate for him to immediately recuse himself and appoint a special counsel,” said Republican Rep. Scott Odenback. “So that there’s a continued faith and trust in the process that you are held accountable no matter who you are.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/sd-gov-kristi-noem-weighs-response-ethics-complaints/ | 2022-08-24T20:44:59Z |
State trooper, sheriff’s deputy killed in helicopter crash, authorities say
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A helicopter crash in Tennessee resulted in the deaths of a sheriff’s deputy and a state trooper, according to authorities.
The helicopter crash occurred Tuesday afternoon in Marion County, temporarily shutting down an interstate highway, WVLT reported.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officials confirmed the deaths of one of their troopers and a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in a press conference Tuesday night.
“While the investigation is ongoing, please give the families their privacies,” a THP spokesperson said. “Today is a very tragic day for law enforcement.”
Officials identified the trooper in the crash as Sergeant Lee Russell.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bell 206 helicopter struck a power line and crashed in a wooded area on Aetna Mountain near Whiteside, Tennessee, around 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 23.
Dan Hostetler witnessed the incident as he was heading back to Chattanooga on the interstate. He said he saw a black helicopter flying in circles, describing it as moving “erratically.”
Hostetler said the helicopter then “dipped” and “waggled” before it hit a power line that crossed over the highway. He said the power line started gliding down towards him as he was on the highway and he was afraid it would land on him.
“I slammed on the brakes and stopped about two car lengths from the line,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation confirmed to WVLT that the helicopter struck the power lines and caused them to fall across the roadway, resulting in its temporary closure.
Officials intend to further investigate the crash.
Copyright 2022 WVLT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/state-trooper-sheriffs-deputy-killed-helicopter-crash-authorities-say/ | 2022-08-24T20:45:06Z |
Whitmer kidnap plot convictions unlikely to curb extremism
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The conviction of two men for conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shows that jurors in a deeply divided nation can still reach agreement in politically charged cases, according to experts.
But it leaves unanswered questions about the potential for violence by extremists with a vendetta against government and law enforcement, they say.
“I hope it will be a deterrent in the future, but we need to see some softening of the rhetoric before we can accurately predict that,” said Michael Edison Hayden, spokesman for the nonprofit Southern Policy Law Center, which monitors hate groups.
A federal jury in Grand Rapids, Michigan, returned guilty verdicts Tuesday against Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. on two counts of conspiracy. Two others in the plot, Kaleb Franks and Ty Garbin, pleaded guilty earlier. Franks’ sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 6, Fox’s for Dec. 12 and Croft’s for Dec. 28. Garbin is serving a six-year term, but prosecutors Wednesday asked a judge to cut that to three due to his “remarkable” assistance to the government.
Prosecutors said they planned to grab Whitmer at her vacation home and blow up a bridge to stop police from responding.
A different jury in April deadlocked on Fox and Croft while acquitting two other men. That outcome prompted worries that the overheated political landscape was hampering jurors’ ability to put aside biases, particularly when the FBI — a frequent target of right-wing activists and commentators — was involved.
Some legal observers criticized the government’s handling of the case and questioned the wisdom of retrying it. Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor, said refusing to do so would have been “the coward’s way out.”
“We’re seeing an escalation of threats of violence against public officials,” McQuade said. “The only way to stop that is by holding people accountable when they engage in acts like this, threatening to harm public officials.”
The case unfolded against a backdrop of nationwide polarization.
Whitmer, a rising Democratic star, had exchanged barbs with former President Donald Trump and was unpopular with conservatives, including over her policies early on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump and other Republicans had accused the FBI of being a tool of Democrats. He described the Whitmer kidnapping plan as a “fake deal.” Jury selection in the retrial of Fox and Croft happened the day after federal agents searched Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate for classified documents. During the trial, a man apparently angered by the search tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati office and was killed.
Even so, the jury in Michigan’s Western District — a blend of urban, suburban and rural areas representing a broad political spectrum — delivered “a real statement that citizens of our country aren’t going to put up with violent actions against public officials,” said Mark Chutkow, a former Detroit federal prosecutor.
Less clear is what, if any, effect the case will have on anti-government extremism and white-hot partisanship. Following the verdict, Whitmer renewed her call to “lower the temperature.”
“This is about every American who is serving the public, who’s dealing with threats, whether it’s an election worker or it is a police officer or a teacher,” she told reporters Wednesday after a back-to-school event in suburban Detroit. “This continued political rhetoric that is aimed at inspiring people to hurt their fellow Americans is dangerous.”
The convictions of Croft and Fox could be another rallying cry for far-right extremists, although likely not as potent as 1990s sieges in Waco, Texas, and Ruby Ridge, Idaho, said Jon Lewis, a research fellow with George Washington University’s program on extremism.
“It’s possible that individuals in anti-government spaces could leverage this as an example of continued tyranny, abuse of the rights of Americans,” Lewis said.
A more concerning outcome could be an increase in lone-wolf attacks as extremist groups become more wary of the potential for infiltration by undercover operatives, he said.
“It’s much harder with the lone actor,” Lewis said. “He doesn’t tell anyone his plans, he has legal access to firearms.”
The George Washington program is tracking cases against 49 people charged with “offenses related to the boogaloo movement,” a loose confederation of believers in a second civil war, he said.
Far-right paramilitary groups were gleeful about the first trial’s outcome and probably are unhappy with the convictions, said Mark Pitcavage, senior research fellow with the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism. But history suggests guilty verdicts are less likely to incite violent reactions than arrests perceived as unjust, he said.
It’s equally doubtful that the case will bring about a calmer tone in politics, Pitcavage said.
“We’re in such a heavily polarized society right now and few people seem to want to step back from the brink,” he said.
The most significant ripple effect, he said, might be what was avoided: another defeat and further damage to the FBI’s credibility.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor in California who has followed the Michigan case and criticized the government’s performance in the first trial, said the convictions vindicated the bureau’s investigation.
“Obviously there are folks who are always going to distrust the FBI,” he said. “But this is a big win.”
The convictions may boost public understanding of the FBI’s tactics in combating domestic terrorism, particularly use of undercover operatives, said Dennis Lormel, president of the Society of Former FBI Agents.
“I understand the concerns about overreaching, especially with the rhetoric about the FBI being politicized,” Lormel said. “But the opportunity to insert FBI employees or cooperating witnesses is critically important. If we lose that, we will be in a lot of trouble, we’ll see more terrorist attacks.”
___
Associated Press reporters Mike Householder in Novi, Michigan, and Ed White in Detroit contributed to this story.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/whitmer-kidnap-plot-convictions-unlikely-curb-extremism/ | 2022-08-24T20:45:13Z |
Zoo helping boost endangered frog population with baby frog release: ‘Every tiny frog counts’
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Wildlife officials are helping an endangered frog species in the Pacific Northwest.
More than a hundred endangered northern leopard frogs have been released into the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.
KPTV reports the froglets were hatched from eggs collected by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildfire at the Oregon Zoo. They spent six months in a secluded area within the zoo.
“We keep the eggs safe and healthy until they’re ready to hatch,” said Sara Morgan, who oversees the zoo’s frog-rearing efforts. “Froglets have a much better chance at surviving in the wild on their own than eggs or tadpoles.”
Zoo biologists said northern leopard frogs have been rapidly disappearing from their native ranges in the Pacific Northwest. The species has been listed as endangered since 1999 in Washington state, and only one known population remains.
“Every tiny frog counts,” Morgan said.
Biologists attribute the species’ decline to a combination of threats, including habitat loss, disease, pollution and climate change. The zoo and its conservation partners said they hope to replenish the region’s northern leopard frog population.
The recovery effort is a partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State University and the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
Copyright 2022 KPTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/24/zoo-helping-boost-endangered-frog-population-with-baby-frog-release-every-tiny-frog-counts/ | 2022-08-24T20:45:19Z |
There has been very little diplomacy during the course of the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are seeking battlefield advantage before negotiating.
Copyright 2022 NPR
There has been very little diplomacy during the course of the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are seeking battlefield advantage before negotiating.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/6-months-into-the-war-in-ukraine-diplomats-havent-made-much-headway-on-peace-talks | 2022-08-24T21:04:20Z |
Police at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport say they've found the family of an infant girl who turned up with a woman at one of the airport's light rail stations.
Authorities said the girl, believed to be about 10 months old, was found about 9 p.m. Sunday with a woman at the airport. Police said they believe the pair arrived via a Blue Line light rail train. Police described the woman as "a person in crisis" but did not offer any further details.
"Investigators do not believe that the woman is a relative or guardian of the child," said a crime alert from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The woman apparently did not offer any information, either about the child's family or identity. Police said they didn't have any reports of missing or abducted children that matched the girl's description.
But a Tuesday night alert from airport police and the BCA, which included pictures of the child wrapped in a blanket and held by an unidentified adult, apparently helped. Authorities reported early Wednesday the girl had been identified, and her mother located safe.
"Thanks to all who shared the alert and provided info that helped investigators identify the child and locate her relatives," the BCA reported.
This piece originally appeared on MPRnews.org.
Copyright 2022 MPR News | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/after-public-alert-authorities-identify-infant-who-turned-up-at-a-minnesota-airport | 2022-08-24T21:04:26Z |
UDUPI, India — Ayesha Shifa is a 16-year-old with a passion for playing badminton with her younger siblings, and a knack for crunching numbers. She loves math and wants to be an accountant. But her dreams — and those of millions of Indian Muslim girls like her — are on hold, thanks to a new rule her school imposed last winter.
In early February, parents of all the Muslim students at Shifa's public high school in southwest India were called into a meeting. The principal told them their daughters could no longer wear the hijab, or Muslim headscarf, in class. They'd have to remove it or stay home from school.
"We were shocked because they'd never mentioned any rule like that before, and we'd even asked about it when we enrolled her two years ago," recalls Shifa's aunt Malika, 27, who goes by one name and attended the principal's conference that day. "After two years of COVID lockdown, and then just two months after the school reopened, this new rule came."
The principal told them it was part of a new dress code after lots of Muslim girls returned to in-person classes wearing headscarves, which they hadn't worn before the pandemic.
More than one in six Indians is Muslim. They're the biggest minority in this Hindu-majority country. Shifa comes from a devout Muslim family in Udupi, a district along India's Malabar coast in the southern state of Karnataka. She's worn a hijab for several years — since well before the COVID lockdown — and wants to keep doing so.
"I want to wear my hijab and get an education," she says, her soft voice gaining volume. "I don't want to have to choose."
With that resolve, the day after the principal's meeting Shifa tried to enter the Government Pre-University College for Girls as usual, wearing her navy-blue headscarf. But when she was told by school administrators to take it off or be banned from school, she refused to do so — and she hired a lawyer.
This month, India is celebrating 75 years since the end of British colonial rule and the birth of its democracy — which was envisioned by its founders, including Mahatma Gandhi, as a secular, diverse republic with equal rights for all.
India's economy and population have exploded since then. Its character has changed too. Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalists have been in power. Critics say they've been whittling away protections for minorities, and ultimately taking aim at the secularism enshrined in India's constitution.
Among the obstacles they face is a group of teenage Muslim girls — including Ayesha Shifa — who've taken their fight to wear the hijab all the way to India's Supreme Court. A ruling, expected soon, could redefine what secularism means in the world's biggest democracy.
A legal case that's straining India's unity
The night after that announcement by Shifa's school principal, her parents held a family meeting. It was one of hundreds of such gatherings in Muslim homes across her school district.
"Until then, we never suffered any discrimination. Many of us never realized our headscarves marked us out as different," says Safa Marwa, a 17-year-old who used to go to school with Shifa but has since transferred to a private Muslim school to avoid the hijab ban. "We used to be lucky in that way."
However, discrimination and attacks — including lynchings — against Muslims have surged across India in recent years, particularly since Modi first rose to leadership. In its latest report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom condemned such violence as "systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom" in India.
India has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, some 200 million. Gandhi believed the success of Indian democracy depended on their integration. He described them as inseparable from the Indian nation, and believed that Hindu-Muslim enmity was a product of British colonial rule.
"Gandhi's reasoning was not that Muslims should stay in India to keep the peace. Rather, it was a moral argument: They are Indians!" says Ramachandra Guha, Gandhi's biographer and one of India's leading contemporary historians. "Our state does not define itself by religion. In our democracy, citizenship and rights are not conferred by religion."
A protest at one high school spreads across India
At Shifa's high school, some Muslim girls decided to comply with the new dress code and continued attending school without hijabs. But the day after the principal's meeting with parents, when Shifa returned to school wearing her hijab, so did dozens of other girls — about half her classmates, Shifa estimates.
They stood at the front gate, pleading to be let in. Staff refused. Both sides raised their voices. "We want justice!" some of the girls chanted.
Watch : Gates being closed on the future of these students in Kundapura govt college. pic.twitter.com/g1CzWVDyTk
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) February 3, 2022
Someone recorded video of the confrontation, and it went viral — igniting protests across India. Similar standoffs were happening between Muslim girls and school administrators across Udupi district. Protests sprang up in defense of the girls. Hindu extremists — gangs of men in saffron scarves — organized rival protests, denouncing Muslims. Demonstrations spread across Karnataka — and all of India. Solidarity rallies were held as far away as New York City.
Authorities in Udupi shut schools on Feb. 8, just a few days after the principal's announcement, to prevent violence. Two days later, the whole state of Karnataka — governed by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party — banned headscarves and any religious garb in all public schools. (In addition to hijabs, the ban also covered saffron shawls, other types of scarves and "religious flags." Officials later clarified that Sikh turbans would still be allowed.)
In March, Karnataka's High Court upheld that order. Schools reopened after about a week, and girls in headscarves were barred from entering.
So Shifa hasn't been to class since February.
"The victims are the women," says Ghazala Wahab, author of Born a Muslim, a book about anti-Muslim prejudice in India. "Because even if these court cases go their way — which is certainly not guaranteed, in the current environment — these women have been marked absent. All of them are being marked absent for a year."
Wahab worries some may quit school altogether. In India, school is compulsory only until age 14. Female education is one of the most important tools for development, Wahab says, but the dropout risk is high for girls from conservative, religious families who tend to marry young.
Amid concerns over judicial independence, there's uncertainty over how the courts may rule
Six girls from another Udupi high school are appealing the Karnataka High Court's decision. But Shifa is part of another class action lawsuit filed directly to India's Supreme Court.
The family is confident Shifa will win her case and return to school — and that India's Supreme Court will affirm the right of Muslim women to wear headscarves in all of the country's public schools.
Advocates for human rights and religious freedom in India aren't so sure. With Hindu nationalism surging, hate crimes on the rise and questions about the independence of India's judiciary, they say the outcome is far from clear.
In 2019, the Supreme Court sided with Hindu nationalists in a property dispute over Ayodhya, a disputed holy site in northern India where Hindu extremists in 1992 demolished a 16th century mosque and killed thousands of Muslims. Meanwhile the judges' failure so far to rule on petitions brought by Muslims elsewhere suggests they are "complicit in the dismantling of Indian democracy," Guha says.
"Among the institutions that have betrayed their calling is the Indian Supreme Court. It has become an instrument of the state, and sometimes even an instrument of the ruling party," he says. "It should be defending rights and individual liberties, but it's often giving a free pass to the state to violate individual liberties."
Some believe the girls fighting to wear the hijab are being "used as pawns"
A temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna attracts pilgrims to Udupi from across the country. But these days, the town is becoming more famous for this headscarf battle. Some Hindus resent that.
"It's unnecessary drama. We are a Hindu nation, and therefore I think these girls are discriminating against us [Hindus], not the other way around," says Reshma Shetty, a 28-year-old schoolteacher visiting the temple. "The girls should respect the decision of the Karnataka High Court. But it shows their culture and their upbringing, that they're not following the orders of institutions."
Shetty believes the girls have been coaxed into this confrontation by radical Islamist groups. She feels sorry for everyone involved, she says. The girls, she believes, have been "used as pawns by political parties" on both sides.
That's an allegation often repeated in Udupi — by Muslims as well as Hindus.
"These are small girls — 16 or 17 — so they're not mature enough to understand what political games are going around here," says Yasin, 29, a prominent Muslim lawyer, columnist and activist in Udupi who serves informally as a liaison to the area's Muslim community.
Muslim girls organize — and arouse suspicion
Yasin, who goes by one name, is referring to "political games" he alleges are being played both by Modi's Hindu nationalists and by local Muslim groups. Yasin knows many of the girls' families but is not representing any of them. He is not affiliated with the Muslim groups or any of the current lawsuits.
Yasin says he believes the current conflict goes back to late last year, when Udupi high schools were still in COVID lockdown. In November, some female Muslim students from Udupi attended a women's march organized by Modi's Hindu nationalists, Yasin recalls. It was a march against gender-based violence, and local women of all faiths attended. It was an issue that united them.
At the march, a local news photographer snapped a photo of Muslim and Hindu girls marching arm in arm. Some were wearing headscarves; some weren't.
When the photo reached social media, it made a conservative Muslim group uncomfortable, Yasin alleges. So the group — the Campus Front of India — approached the girls and their families (the father of one of the girls was already a CFI member). It discouraged them from mixing with Hindu nationalists, and encouraged them to celebrate their Muslim identity instead — by wearing the hijab when they returned to school that winter.
Yasin says he's suspicious about how quickly many of the girls embraced the hijab after CFI approached them, and became activists for it. Almost overnight, he says, they built a huge social media presence which he says appears to be coordinated.
"On the same day, all these Twitter accounts opened. Six girls all opened Twitter accounts simultaneously," Yasin says, referring to the six Udupi girls who are plaintiffs in the Karnataka High Court appeal. "I observed that, and I just smelled something — something bad."
Shifa is not on Twitter. And she denies any involvement with CFI, the student wing of the Popular Front of India, which the Indian government considers an Islamist extremist group.
A Campus Front of India local figure acknowledges "guiding" some of the girls
NPR spoke with several CFI leaders by phone and visited their offices in Mangaluru, the regional capital south of Udupi. A local CFI leader acknowledged coaching the Udupi schoolgirls to organize and protest against their schools' hijab ban.
"CFI is directly [helping]. We are guiding them totally in a legal way, democratically," says the local leader, Syed Sarfaraz, 23, a chemistry graduate student.
Sarfaraz calls the Udupi girls "perfect victims" — sympathetic characters without political ties. Their experience can help CFI show the world what Hindu nationalists are doing in India, he says.
In addition to restricting the wearing of hijabs in schools, "They are banning Muslim vendors and calling on the Hindu community not to buy anything from Muslim shops. This is Islamophobia!" Sarfaraz exclaims. "And it's growing. We have to uphold our constitutional rights. We need strong resistance."
What Sarfaraz says about his locality, Mangaluru, is true: Hindu nationalist politicians have called on their followers to boycott Muslim-owned and -operated businesses. In Udupi, Muslim vendors have been banned from selling their wares at local festivals and within a certain radius of Hindu temples. But most of those things happened after — and in response to — the Muslim girls' initial hijab protest.
Such zoning rules are nevertheless part of a trend to disenfranchise Muslims across India. Last year, authorities in Modi's home state of Gujarat sought to ban non-vegetarian food stalls. (Upper-caste Hindus traditionally eat vegetarian, and stalls selling meat are often associated with Muslims.) In Delhi, Hindu nationalist authorities have been bulldozing Muslim homes.
One of the consequences is that many Indian Muslims feel ever more embattled and just want to keep their heads down.
"We're doing our jobs, and they [Hindu nationalist leaders] are creating negative statements about us. What can we do?" asks Mohammed Shazi, 19, who works at a perfume shop in Mangaluru. "Protesting is even more sensitive for us. I leave it for the political parties. I won't participate."
An uncertain future for Muslim girls in India's public schools
For now, Shifa remains at her family's home in Udupi, playing badminton with her siblings, binge-watching TV series and studying independently.
The family never thought she'd be out of school for so long, says her mother, Nafisa, 43, who goes by one name. "We thought the Karnataka High Court would rule in our favor" in March, she says. "But that did not happen."
In the spring, Shifa was supposed to take a series of exams. To register for them, the school asked the family to submit a photo of her without her hijab. They refused. It felt like another dig, Nafisa says.
So Shifa missed her exams. For now, she won't be promoted to 11th grade.
Still, her family remains committed to figuring out a way for her to continue her education. They are weighing whether they can afford to transfer Shifa to a private Muslim school, where the hijab is still allowed.
But Shifa says she wants to hold out for India's Supreme Court, so that she can go back to her public school. She doesn't want to have to start anew somewhere else.
"I think about school all the time," she says. "About when I'll be able to return."
NPR producer Raksha Kumar contributed to this report from Udupi, India.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/as-india-turns-75-muslim-girls-are-suing-to-wear-the-hijab-and-protect-secularism | 2022-08-24T21:04:33Z |
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Regina Fuentes, Columbus Education Association spokesperson, about the teacher's strike over failed contract negotiations between the teacher's union and the school board.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Regina Fuentes, Columbus Education Association spokesperson, about the teacher's strike over failed contract negotiations between the teacher's union and the school board.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/classrooms-in-columbus-ohio-are-empty-on-1st-day-back-as-teachers-strike | 2022-08-24T21:04:39Z |
New research documents what many have long believed: that heat can lead to extreme violence in prisons. Some now want cooling zones or air conditioning installed to help staff and those incarcerated.
Copyright 2022 NPR
New research documents what many have long believed: that heat can lead to extreme violence in prisons. Some now want cooling zones or air conditioning installed to help staff and those incarcerated.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/could-air-conditioning-help-prevent-extreme-violence-in-prisons-research-suggests-so | 2022-08-24T21:04:45Z |
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona about the Biden administration's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for some borrowers.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona about the Biden administration's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for some borrowers.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/education-secretary-cardona-explains-bidens-student-loan-forgiveness-plan | 2022-08-24T21:04:53Z |
For dissident writers fleeing persecution overseas, the United States has long been a safe haven, a place where freedom of expression is tolerated and, even, valued.
That suddenly changed earlier this month, with the brutal attack on author Salman Rushdie at a speaking event in western New York.
"Oh my God! When I heard that, I was screaming," said Masih Alinejad, a writer and activist who has criticized the Iranian government. "I was just running corner to corner in my safe house and shouting and just calling my husband, 'I cannot believe this is happening in America, in New York.''
While literary writers in the U.S. increasingly face online threats, they rarely metastasize into actual physical attacks, said Karin Deutsche Karlekar, who directs the Writers at Risk program at PEN America. Authors routinely make public appearances with little or no security.
Such was the case with Rushdie. The India-born writer became the target of a Fatwa by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini in the late 1980s, over his depiction of the Prophet Muhammed in his book The Satanic Verses, and was forced into hiding.
He ultimately emerged and moved to New York. Over time, he began making personal appearances and, in the process, turned into an eloquent proponent of the right to free speech.
"Many of us who joined this field grew up being sort of galvanized by his case and what had happened to him," Karlekar said. "And in the decades, since he has really been this sort of stalwart defender of free expression for other writers at risk."
By this year, the dangers he faced appeared to have faded. Then, on Aug. 12, as Rushdie was about to begin a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution, a man rushed the stage and stabbed him repeatedly. The 75-year-old writer was severely injured but is expected to survive.
Police arrested 24-year-old Hadi Matar of Fairview, New Jersey, who is said to have pro-Iran sympathies.
The viciousness of the attack is forcing speaking venues that regularly host writers to rethink their security procedures, according to an official of one organization that often sponsors lectures.
But "unless you want to make every event like going to the airport," it's difficult if not impossible to completely eliminate risk, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly.
As a result, dissident writers who had come to feel safe in the United States are questioning that assumption.
Osama Alomar, a Syrian poet who has criticized his government and was forced to flee into exile, lives in a house sponsored by a U.S. human-rights group, where he has felt safe. After the Rushdie attack, he's not as sure.
"I used to say it when I was in Syria that I'm worried about freedom of speech in Syria. Now I'm worried about that even here in America," he said.
For journalist and activist Alinejad, an outspoken critic of Sharia law, the attack follows several incidents in which her safety was threatened. Last year, the FBI said it had foiled a plot by Iranian intelligence officers to kidnap Alinejad at her Brooklyn home. On July 28, a man was arrested carrying an AK-47 assault rifle outside her home.
Then came the attack on Rushdie, whom she has come to admire.
"To be honest, Salman Rushdie changed my life," she said. As a teenager in Iran, she was furious at the writer, because she was "brainwashed" by government propaganda, she said.
"But when I started doing my own research about him, I was like, 'This is unbelievable. This is what I believe now, that I have to speak out,'" she said.
While the threats against her have made her feel "miserable," she is resolved to keep writing and speaking out against tyranny.
Her dream now is to one day appear at the Chautauqua Institution, on the same stage where Rushdie was so viciously attacked this month.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/exiled-writers-reflect-on-freedom-of-speech-in-america-in-light-of-rushdie-attack | 2022-08-24T21:05:00Z |
Florida Democrats have selected Charlie Crist as their candidate who they hope will unseat Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November. They hope his moderate tone and familiarity will appeal to voters.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Florida Democrats have selected Charlie Crist as their candidate who they hope will unseat Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November. They hope his moderate tone and familiarity will appeal to voters.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/florida-democrats-vote-charlie-crist-to-take-on-gov-desantis-in-november | 2022-08-24T21:05:06Z |
Moving the people and stuff that the U.S. military needs is a massive puzzle. Aid for Ukraine is being sent from Illinois' Scott Air Force Base, which must deal with logistics and possible threats.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Moving the people and stuff that the U.S. military needs is a massive puzzle. Aid for Ukraine is being sent from Illinois' Scott Air Force Base, which must deal with logistics and possible threats.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/how-an-illinois-military-base-transports-an-unprecedented-flow-of-weapons-to-ukraine | 2022-08-24T21:05:13Z |
Ukraine is celebrating 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union on Wednesday. It is also six months to the day since President Putin sent troops to try to bring Ukraine back into Russia's orbit.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Ukraine is celebrating 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union on Wednesday. It is also six months to the day since President Putin sent troops to try to bring Ukraine back into Russia's orbit.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/on-the-31st-anniversary-of-ukraines-split-from-soviet-union-the-war-hits-month-6 | 2022-08-24T21:05:19Z |
Severe drought in Massachusetts has farmers tallying this year's losses. Many are working overtime to irrigate and supplement absent rainfall. Some streams and ponds they use have been drying up.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Severe drought in Massachusetts has farmers tallying this year's losses. Many are working overtime to irrigate and supplement absent rainfall. Some streams and ponds they use have been drying up.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/severe-drought-means-harvests-will-be-smaller-in-massachusetts | 2022-08-24T21:05:20Z |
A months-long drought in Texas has at least one town trucking in water for residents. Ranchers are facing tough business decisions without enough water for their cattle.
Copyright 2022 NPR
A months-long drought in Texas has at least one town trucking in water for residents. Ranchers are facing tough business decisions without enough water for their cattle.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/texas-ranchers-struggle-as-they-face-the-worst-drought-in-over-a-decade | 2022-08-24T21:05:26Z |
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Emma Donoghue about her new book, Haven. In it, three Irish monks in the Middle Ages choose to live a life of isolation on a rocky island.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Emma Donoghue about her new book, Haven. In it, three Irish monks in the Middle Ages choose to live a life of isolation on a rocky island.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/the-book-haven-is-a-monastic-retreat-to-an-island-inhabited-only-by-men-and-birds | 2022-08-24T21:05:32Z |
NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Uvalde, Texas, city manager Vince DiPiazza about where his community is three months after the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Uvalde, Texas, city manager Vince DiPiazza about where his community is three months after the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/uvaldes-city-manager-reflects-on-where-the-community-is-3-months-after-mass-shooting | 2022-08-24T21:05:39Z |
About 6 million households in California face water restrictions this summer. But after years of drought conditions, some residents are adapting by planting yards that use less water.
Copyright 2022 NPR
About 6 million households in California face water restrictions this summer. But after years of drought conditions, some residents are adapting by planting yards that use less water.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-24/with-less-water-for-lawns-some-californians-switch-to-drought-resistant-landscapes | 2022-08-24T21:05:40Z |
News brief
A Colorado state senator has changed parties from Republican to Democrat over the GOP’s stance on climate change and unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 presidential election.
“I cannot continue to be part of a political party that is okay with a violent attempt to overturn a free and fair election and continues to peddle claims that the 2020 election was stolen,” Colorado Sen. Kevin Priola said in a statement about the change.
Priola’s changing affiliation is just one of the many instances the “big lie” — former President Donald Trump's baseless assertion that voter fraud helped President Joe Biden win — keeps cropping up in the Mountain West.
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who voted to impeach Trump and vice chair of the House committee that's investigating his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, has been vocally combating the false 2020 election fraud narrative.
She was defeated by a Trump loyalist in the state's primary last week.
Sen. Mitt Romney in Utah has also spoken out against Trump's election lies. But plenty more Republicans in the region toe Trump’s line, including Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher (who supported an objection to 2020 election results), and the far more vocal Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert.
Boise State University political scientist Jaclyn Kettler says nearly two years after the 2020 election, the claims remain divisive within the GOP — even for conservatives like Cheney and Priola who don’t support more gun control or expanded abortion access.
“It does seem like the allegiance to former President Trump’s position on this issue — some of these issues — will continue to have a major dividing line within the Republican party, perhaps pushing out some of these Republicans that disagree with those claims,” she said.
The issue may even play a role in the upcoming national Senate elections, in which Nevada, Arizona and Colorado have key races.
A survey of people in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming last fall by the Frank Church Institute at Boise State University found that only half of people believed Joe Biden legitimately won the election.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West in Montana, KUNC in Colorado, KUNM in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Copyright 2022 Boise State Public Radio News. To see more, visit Boise State Public Radio News. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/politics-government/2022-08-24/the-big-lie-about-the-2020-election-continues-to-reverberate-around-the-mountain-west | 2022-08-24T21:05:47Z |
KAHULUI, Hawaii (KITV4) -- Chick-fil-A is opening its first location in Hawaii on Sept. 1 in Kahului on Maui.
The new 5,000-square-foot drive-thru restaurant, which has a 900-square-foot patio area and will employ about 160 people, will be handled by Sean Whaley, the owner/operator of this location.
The restaurant, which will employ about 160 people, is located at 14 Hookele St. near a Lowe’s Home Improvement store. It is scheduled to be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“Working in the restaurant industry and playing competitive sports like rugby has given me the experience and tools to create a dedicated, service-minded team,” Whaley said in a statement. “By cultivating each individual’s skills and talents, we will build a strong ‘ohana of team members that will thrive both inside and outside of the restaurant.”
The Atlanta-based fast-food chicken restaurant chain plans to open three other restaurants on Oahu, with more on the way, according to company officials. Its other locations in the works include those in Kapolei and in Honolulu at Ala Moana Center and in the former Burger King location on South Beretania Street.
Chick-fil-A currently has more than 2,700 restaurants in 47 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Duane Shimogawa has more than 15 years of experience in the media industry with stints as a reporter/anchor at several TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers such as Pacific Business News, Hawaii News Now, KNDU/KNDO-TV, and more. | https://www.kitv.com/news/business/chick-fil-a-to-open-its-first-hawaii-restaurant-next-week/article_adee7072-23dc-11ed-808a-b358bc1bb70e.html | 2022-08-24T21:16:58Z |
President Joe Biden announced his plan to address student loan debt, which includes debt forgiveness for certain borrowers and extending the pandemic-related payment pause.
The Biden administration has already canceled nearly $32 billion of the $1.6 trillion in outstanding federal student debt by expanding existing forgiveness programs for public-sector workers, disabled borrowers and students who were defrauded by for-profit colleges.
Here are details CNN has learned of Biden's new plan, including how much will be forgiven and who is eligible.
Who qualifies?
The plan applies to federal student loan borrowers.
How much forgiveness will they get?
The amount of debt canceled depends on whether the borrower received a Pell grant to attend college. A federal Pell grant is only given to undergraduate students who "display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree" and "does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances," according to the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office.
Individual borrowers who make less than $125,000 yearly and married couples or heads of households who make less than $250,000 yearly will have up $10,000 of their federal student loan debt forgiven if they did not receive a Pell grant as an undergraduate student, per the FSA website.
Individual borrowers who make less than $125,000 yearly and married couples or heads of households who make less than $250,000 yearly but did receive a Pell grant as an undergraduate student will have up $20,000 of their student loan debt forgiven.
What steps do eligible borrowers have to take?
Nearly 8 million borrowers may be able to receive debt forgiveness automatically because the Department of Education already has their income information, FSA says.
The Biden administration will launch an application in the coming weeks for borrowers to provide their income information or if borrowers are unsure if the department has their income information already. FSA says the application will be available before the federal student loan repayment pause ends on December 31.
How will future repayments for remaining debt work?
Student loan repayment will be paused again until December 31, 2022, with repayments starting in January 2023.
The Biden administration is also proposing a rule to create a new income-driven repayment plan in which borrowers pay no more than 5% of their monthly income on undergraduate loans, a decrease from the current 10% threshold.
The rule would also increase the amount of income that is considered "non-discretionary income" so no borrower earning below 225% of the federal poverty level will have to make a monthly payment.
For borrowers with loan balances of $12,000 or less, loan balances would be forgiven after 10 years of payments instead of the current 20-year mark, under the proposed new income-driven repayment plan.
And to help prevent a borrower's loan balance from growing while the individual makes monthly payments, under the proposed rule the Biden administration would cover unpaid monthly interest, even if the monthly payment is $0 due to the borrower's income level.
This story has been updated with additional information. | https://www.kitv.com/news/business/how-to-qualify-for-bidens-new-student-loan-forgiveness-plan/article_0ddc3c6e-9e46-5b87-84de-7e31c1619748.html | 2022-08-24T21:17:01Z |
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- COVID-19 trends in Hawaii could soon be spotted faster, as the department of health expands a surveillance program.
In the battle against COVID, the state has a way of closely tracking the spread of this virus. And it all starts with a flush.
"It is like an early warning system that allows us to respond faster and protect ourselves better," said Brooks Baehr with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
Hawaii is part of the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wastewater surveillance program, which monitors sewage for the coronavirus.
"We have 15 facilities around the state, collecting samples which are then sent off to a lab as part of the CDC program," said Baehr.
Soon, Hawaii will no longer need to send off samples to the mainland. That could save up to a week in reporting results.
"We've already purchased equipment. We have protocols in place, but haven't had the manpower. But this week we have two new employees coming on. Once they get up to speed, they will be doing the analysis in the state laboratory," Baehr said.
Sampling wastewater can give the state an early indication of where COVID levels are rising or falling.
While virus concentrations have been dropping at most Oahu and Maui reporting sites, those on Kauai and Hawaii Island have seen an increase this month. Which means the DOH expects an increase in reported cases as the trends tend to mirror one another.
"When the trends go up in wastewater, they are also going up in confirmed testing. And when they go down, we are seeing the same thing reflected in the wastewater," Baehr said.
Wastewater surveillance can also detect new COVID variants earlier than other methods.
"When BA.2 came to town, we spotted it on Kauai in the wastewater there before before we found it in any individual samples," Baehr said.
Other cities also use wastewater surveillance to search for other viruses, but so far, Hawaii has no plans in place to expand its testing.
"You can look for other pathogens in wastewater other than COVID. Right now, our focus is COVID but we have other things on our radar - certainly monkeypox is on our radar," Baehr said. | https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/state-to-expand-covid-wastewater-surveillance-program/article_7b6b6eba-2365-11ed-a12e-5378a0a07762.html | 2022-08-24T21:17:09Z |
This image shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (red). The WHO says that the first possible case of human-to-dog monkeypox transmission is 'not surprising.'
HONOLULU (KITV4) – Hawaii’s Monkeypox case count continues to climb. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed four new cases on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total case count to 22.
Of the latest cases, the DOH reports two new cases on Oahu, one on the Big Island and on Maui. The origins of the two Oahu cases and the one Maui case are still being investigated. The Big Island case is related to community exposure, DOH said.
“With nearly 16,000 monkeypox cases reported in the United States, it’s expected that we will see more cases in Hawaii,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Nathan Tan. “We continue to work to conduct contact tracing and follow-up with all cases.”
On Aug. 16, the DOH announced it was expanding its vaccination eligibility to help prevent further spread of the virus.
Health officials say monkeypox shares many commonalities with smallpox, like causing blistering skin rashes. It is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Infection begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes, and progresses to a rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals. Individuals generally become ill within 21 days of exposure, the DOH said
Monkeypox can spread through direct contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox as well as close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be spread through large respiratory droplets.
Monkeypox vaccines are available in every county in Hawaii. Anyone who is eligible who would wish to make an appointment can call the following numbers:
• Hawaii Department of Health (Statewide): 808-586-4462
• Malama I Ke Ola (Maui): 808-871-7772
• Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (Oahu): 808-427-0442
• Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (Oahu): 808-521-2347
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/4-more-monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-hawaii-total-case-count-statewide-at-22/article_589658f4-23e3-11ed-a314-6b23dde98af9.html | 2022-08-24T21:17:15Z |
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