
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is out indefinitely after suffering a torn right oblique, the team announced Saturday. He is the second star forward the Magic have lost to a torn oblique this season. Paolo Banchero has been out with the same injury since Oct. 30. Wagner, whose injury occurred during Friday's 102-94 loss to the host Philadelphia 76ers, will be reevaluated in four weeks and "his return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment," the team said Saturday. Wagner is averaging a career-high 24.4 points this season, and his scoring average has gone up every season since Orlando picked him eighth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Michigan. After averaging 15.2 as a rookie, he increased it to 18.6 in 2022-23 and then 19.7 last season to help Orlando win 47 games. Wagner goes down in the middle of an especially hot streak during his All-Star worthy season, having scored 30 or more in the past three games. He's also averaging 5.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds, helping Orlando go 16-9 for third place in the East. --Field Level MediaNone
US restrictions on outbound investments to China hang in balance amid spending bill talksSeasoned retail executive to lead next phase of growth for extreme-value retailer PHILADELPHIA, PA, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Below, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE), the trend-right, high-quality extreme-value retailer for teens and pre-teens, today announced the appointment of Winnie Park as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of its Board of Directors, effective December 16, 2024. An accomplished retail executive with a career spanning more than three decades, Ms. Park has extensive experience in driving customer-centric business strategies, merchandising and brand building across a broad spectrum of specialty and value retail. In her new role, she will partner closely with Kenneth Bull, who will continue as Five Below's Chief Operating Officer. In addition, Thomas Vellios, Co-founder, will continue as Executive Chairman, working alongside Ms. Park, Mr. Bull and the rest of the leadership team to drive the Company's strategic priorities. Ms. Park will be based in Philadelphia. "Winnie is a passionate retail visionary with a deep understanding of the consumer and the power at the intersection of trend and value,” Mr. Vellios said. "The breadth of her leadership experience, especially her merchandising expertise, customer acumen, strong global background, and importantly, how she values people and champions organizational culture all make her uniquely suited for the role. Combined with Ken's expertise and deep knowledge of our business, I'm confident that together we will unlock tremendous potential for our customers and shareholders by delivering amazing product at exceptional value in a fun store experience.” Ms. Park served as Chief Executive Officer of Forever 21 since January 2022, leading a transformational brand refresh for the fast-fashion company focused on younger consumers with a social-media-first approach to engaging with customers. Under Ms. Park's leadership, the brand launched its omnichannel capabilities, social commerce and an award-winning metaverse partnership with Roblox. She also expanded categories beyond women's apparel to include kid's, gift, beauty and accessories. Prior to Forever 21, Ms. Park was the CEO of Paper Source, where she drove the business from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer to an omnichannel lifestyle brand. Under her leadership, Paper Source developed a robust digital presence, encompassing social media, digital content, online subscriptions and affiliate partnerships. Prior to Paper Source, Ms. Park served as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and eCommerce, and Global VP, GMM, Merchandising, at Hong Kong-based international retail leader Duty Free Shoppers, a division of LVMH. At DFS, Ms. Park launched the company's first global eCommerce site, serving customers across China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the United States. Ms. Park has also led Women's Merchandising for Dockers at Levi Strauss & Co. and worked at McKinsey in fashion retail and consumer digital. Ms. Park served on the board of Dollar Tree from 2020 to 2024. She earned a BA from Princeton University and an MBA from Northwestern University. "I'm a huge fan of the Five Below brand and its unique ability to connect with and empower teens and pre-teens through an amazing assortment of extreme-value items in a fun shopping environment,” said Ms. Park. "There is enormous opportunity to build on the exciting initiatives that are already underway as we elevate our product, value and experience. I am excited to be a part of the continued growth of the brand and to be partnering with Tom, Ken and the rest of the talented team as we execute on the long runway for growth ahead.” Mr. Vellios continued, "I would like to extend a deep appreciation to Ken for his support as interim CEO over the past several months. His contributions have been critical in helping us refocus and create momentum in the business. I'm delighted that Ken is continuing in his role as COO, and on behalf of the board and the entire Five Below team, I want to thank him.” Mr. Bull said, "I've been honored to call Five Below my home since 2005 and am thrilled to welcome Winnie to the team. Her experience, leadership style and deep focus on people - both customers and crew - make her a great fit. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to partnering with Winnie to unlock our full potential and drive the next phase of Five Below's growth.” Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect management's current views and estimates regarding the Company's industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning its market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, store count potential and other financial and operating information. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "future" and similar terms and phrases. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks related to disruption to the global supply chain, risks related to the Company's strategy and expansion plans, risks related to our ability to attract, retain, and integrate qualified executive talent, risks related to disruptions in our information technology systems and our ability to maintain and upgrade those systems, risks related to the inability to successfully implement our online retail operations, risks related to cyberattacks or other cyber incidents, risks related to increased usage of machine learning and other types of artificial intelligence in our business, and challenges with properly managing its use; risks related to our ability to select, obtain, distribute and market merchandise profitably, risks related to our reliance on merchandise manufactured outside of the United States, the availability of suitable new store locations and the dependence on the volume of traffic to our stores, risks related to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions, risks related to increased operating costs, including wage rates, risks related to inflation and increasing commodity prices, risks related to potential systematic failure of the banking system in the United States or globally, risks related to extreme weather, pandemic outbreaks, global political events, war, terrorism or civil unrest (including any resulting store closures, damage, or loss of inventory), risks related to leasing, owning or building distribution centers, risks related to our ability to successfully manage inventory balance and inventory shrinkage, quality or safety concerns about the Company's merchandise, increased competition from other retailers including online retailers, risks related to the seasonality of our business, risks related to our ability to protect our brand name and other intellectual property, risks related to customers' payment methods, risks related to domestic and foreign trade restrictions including duties and tariffs affecting our domestic and foreign suppliers and increasing our costs, including, among others, the direct and indirect impact of current and potential tariffs imposed and proposed by the United States on foreign imports, risks associated with the restrictions imposed by our indebtedness on our current and future operations, the impact of changes in tax legislation and accounting standards and risks associated with leasing substantial amounts of space. For further details and a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the Company's periodic reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov . If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this news release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. Factors or events that could cause the Company's actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. About Five Below Five Below is a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by teens and pre-teens. We believe life is better when customers are free to "let go & have fun" in an amazing experience filled with unlimited possibilities. With most items priced between $1 and $5, and some extreme value items priced beyond $5 in our incredible Five Beyond Shop, Five Below makes it easy to say YES! to the newest, coolest stuff across eight awesome Five Below worlds: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy and New & Now. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Five Below today has over 1,750 stores in 44 states. For more information, please visit www.fivebelow.com or find Five Below on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @FiveBelow. Investor Contact Christiane Pelz Vice President, Investor Relations Five Below, Inc. [email protected] Media Contact Jessica Liddell Partner, ICR [email protected]
White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign
John Schindler is a well known American historian and writer. He was a professor at Naval War College and the author of several books, including the best-selling “Sowing the Dragon's Teeth: How American Greed and Righteousness Created the Next .” He also has written a series of books on espionage and national security as well as the behavior of modern warfare. He is a former officer and academic who now uses those lenses to inform his examinations of the intersection of history, politics and security. His best-known works often illuminate the implications of intelligence operations, as well as the strategic decisions that shape global events. John R. Schindler has made a name for himself as a prominent political commentator. Schindler's profuse writing provides a sympathetic view of current events that has gotten attention from a wide audience. He weaves wonky analysis with user-friendly prose, enabling a wide range of people to engage serious political topics. Through writing for platforms including the Examiner and Observer, he dedicates his efforts to shedding light on affairs at the national and international level. Schindler often covers foreign policy, and he sharpens his scissors when he cuts beyond the headlines to explain the complexities of foreign relations and how foreign governments affect American interests. His sharp instincts help make sense of the tactics employed by various countries and their leaders. Over this time he has highlighted the subtle issues that stem from changing global relationships — most notably the implications for American foreign policy. National security is another important theme in Schindler's writings. His former experience in the intelligence community shapes his views and gives his opinions depth and authenticity. It is good that Schindler is looking in the right direction, because figuring out and intelligence practices, not to mention military strategy is crucial to navigating the complexities of modern threats to security. He believes defying national security doctrine — adapting it to old and new threats, transitional ones and drastic — is required. John R. Schindler has examined several noteworthy events in international politics and given us something to think about concerning their consequences. In some instances, his criticisms of geopolitical postures taken by countries, including and , shed light on the game being played on the international geopolitical board. Schindler unpacks these events, allowing the audience to understand the larger implications of regional conflicts, alliances and power shifts. Schindler's commentary on U.S. intelligence practices feels particularly timely in our current political climate. He writes regularly about the and efficacy of intelligence operations, adding to the public debate about government transparency and accountability. His insights call into question the delicate balance between national security interests and civil liberties, an issue that has remained a point of contention in public discourse. Another major theme in Schindler's work is the changing face of global leadership. He specializes in assessing the behaviors and policies of major political leaders, and how their styles of governance impact foreign affairs. His analyses outline that effective leadership must contemplate the quickly shifting terrain of global politics, a lesson that seems especially relevant in modern discussions. John Schindler writes with the depth of someone who's been working in this world. He also has firsthand experience with the inner workings of national security, with a background in intelligence. His years in the intelligence community enable him to break down complicated international circumstances analytically. This background lends credibility to his observations as a commentator, giving readers access to a rare insider's perspective. Schindler is an academic as well as a practitioner. His educational background for his analytical work. He combines practical experience with academic knowledge, providing him with a distinctive and informed perspective on the issues of the day, earning his place as a trusted source of political commentary. John Schindler is one of the leading voices in establishing the narrative on security and political events. His written words ignite critical conversations about important topics, allowing readers to have thoughtful dialogues about the world around them. His active presence on social media, including John Schindler , only broadens his scope, allowing him to reach and educate a wider audience than print or television alone. The Schindler Perspectives are interactive activities that allow you to engage with an aspect of Schindler's perspectives. I cannot overstate the impact of John Schindler's work on public opinion. His knack for distilling complex events into digestible narratives helps keep the public informed and educated. His readers interact with his critiques and refine their own opinions of pressing matters, strengthening the quality of the electorate. Web based social networking stages work as an augmentation of Apfelstetler. However, on sites like John Schindler Twitter, he directly interacts with herdsmen and dialogues between expert material and public discourse. Such dialogue enables live feedback and enhances the discussion towards political matters over time. Written by John Schindler, Edited by Orion Rummler Schindler's regular stream of commentary helps to contextualize these changes for the public as evolve. His views, which are often circulated in the media, reflect and contribute to a synthesis of world events in which informed public discourse has a vital role. John Schindler is a deep well of knowledge: here, too, are dozens of his arch and insightful essays on national security, foreign policy and political commentary. His work not only educates policymakers and analysts alike, but helps empower the general public to be able to participate in meaningful discussions about national and global matters.
Labor’s withdrawal of the misinformation and disinformation bill due to lack of support has been met with relief by many, but questions about the government’s future direction remain. Responding to the withdrawal, Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the legislation was a “scandalous attack on free speech, with censorship at its core.” It would have introduced fines for social media companies—up to 5 percent of their global revenue—if they allowed misinformation and disinformation to spread online. “Failure to support this bill means this bill will not be legislated, and it means that we will not be in a position to help keep Australians safe with laws that address 21st-century challenges that we and other democracies face,” she said on Nov. 25. The bill failed to gain enough support because some Senators thought it went too far, while others thought it did not go far enough. “But it’s clear that .... on this case, the Senate was not prepared to find common ground or support it as a step in the right direction when it comes to holding big tech to account,” she said. The minister extended an invitation to all parliamentarians to work with the government on other proposals to strengthen democratic institutions, keep Australians safe online, and safeguard values like freedom of expression. “Usually, when people respond to a government consultation process, you will get a few of the different organisations that will put their views in. Maybe you'll get a few dozen. If it’s really big, you might get a few hundred,” he said. “This bill had 24,000 people make submissions, overwhelmingly stating their objections to the bill and highlighting the flaws in the bill.” Birmingham said there were still unanswered questions, adding, “I don’t know whether this legislation is still the government’s policy or not.” Senator Michaelia Cash said the bill was about the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party “seeking to censor the free speech of the Australian people in this nation.” “Alternative proposals include: Legislating to strengthen offences targeting the sharing of non-consensual and sexually explicit deepfakes—a vital and urgent first step secured by the attorney-general.”
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. ("OTI") OSUR , a leader in point-of-need and home diagnostic tests and sample management solutions, today announced the acquisition of Sherlock Biosciences, Inc., a global health company bringing next-generation diagnostics to consumers and healthcare providers. This acquisition expands OraSure's innovation pipeline with the addition of Sherlock's molecular diagnostics platform, which is able to provide rapid results with strong sensitivity and specificity in a disposable format that is well-suited for over-the-counter usage. Sherlock's first molecular self-test is for Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (NG) which will expand OraSure's portfolio of rapid diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), subject to regulatory approvals. Test results are expected to be provided in under 30 minutes by analyzing DNA and RNA from self-collected swabs using isothermal amplification. In addition, Sherlock has been developing a pipeline of other molecular tests, along with several next-generation technology platforms, including Ambient Temperature Amplification and CRISPR-based technologies that have the potential to further reduce costs and improve performance of its platforms. Sherlock's CT/NG self-test is in clinical studies and is expected to be submitted to the FDA by the end of 2025 for review. Subject to regulatory approvals, revenue from Sherlock's CT/NG test is expected to contribute to OTI's growth beginning in 2026, benefitting from OraSure's existing infrastructure, commercial capabilities, and strong customer relationships. OTI estimates that testing for CT/NG represents a total addressable market of more than $1.5 billion. The vast majority of CT/NG tests in the U.S. are processed in a centralized lab, and the introduction of an affordable, rapid self-test has the potential to drive significant incremental market expansion. Additionally, public health channels play a key role in STI screening, which is an area where OraSure has a strong presence. "The acquisition of Sherlock represents the next step in OTI's innovation strategy," said Carrie Eglinton Manner, President and CEO of OraSure. "Sherlock brings valuable capabilities with an advanced molecular platform that aims to deliver lab-like accuracy in a format that expands access to diagnostic insights through convenient, effortless tests. We are excited to welcome Sherlock's talented team to OTI and believe that Sherlock's unique capabilities will contribute significantly to the expansion of our pipeline of diagnostic tests in infectious disease, sexual health, and beyond." Conference Call Information OraSure will host a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Sherlock Biosciences at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. A webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of OraSure's website at https://orasure.gcs-web.com/events-and-presentations . Please click on the webcast link and follow the prompts for registration and access at least 10 minutes prior to the call. The webcast will be archived on OraSure's website shortly after the call has ended and will be available for approximately 90 days. To participate in the live conference call, please follow the link below to pre-register. After registering, you will be provided with access details via email. https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb938f5bae2a442d9acdb83f4bdd9286d About OraSure Technologies, Inc. OraSure Technologies, Inc. ("OraSure") transforms health through actionable insight and powers the shift that connects people to healthcare wherever they are. OraSure improves access, quality, and value of healthcare with innovation in effortless tests and sample management solutions. OraSure, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, DNA Genotek Inc., is a leader in the development, manufacture, and distribution of rapid diagnostic tests and sample collection and stabilization devices designed to discover and detect critical medical conditions. OraSure's portfolio of products is sold globally to clinical laboratories, hospitals, physician's offices, clinics, public health and community-based organizations, research institutions, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and direct to consumers. For more information on OraSure Technologies, please visit www.orasure.com Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal securities laws, including with respect to products, product development and manufacturing activities, the Company's acquisition of Sherlock, revenue growth, cash flow, increasing margins and other matters. Words such as "expects," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "plans," "projects," "could," "may," "should," "will" or other similar words and expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. Known and unknown factors that could cause actual performance or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in these statements include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to integrate Sherlock's business and achieve the intended benefits of the acquisition on the timeline expected or at all; Sherlock's ability to seek and obtain regulatory approval for products in development; the Company's ability to satisfy customer demand; ability to reduce the Company's spending rate, capitalize on manufacturing efficiencies and drive profitable growth; ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings as a result of the Company's business restructuring, including from insourcing third party manufacturing and exiting microbiome services; ability to market and sell products, whether through the Company's internal, direct sales force or third parties; impact of significant customer concentration in the genomics business; failure of distributors or other customers to meet purchase forecasts, historic purchase levels or minimum purchase requirements for the Company's products; ability to manufacture or have manufactured products in accordance with applicable specifications, performance standards and quality requirements; ability to obtain, and timing and cost of obtaining, necessary regulatory approvals for new products or new indications or applications for existing products; ability to comply with applicable regulatory requirements; ability to effectively resolve warning letters, audit observations and other findings or comments from the FDA or other regulators; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic on the Company's business, supply chain, labor force, ability to successfully develop new products, validate the expanded use of existing collector products, receive necessary regulatory approvals and authorizations and commercialize such products for COVID-19 testing, and demand for the Company's COVID-19 testing products; changes in relationships, including disputes or disagreements, with strategic partners or other parties and reliance on strategic partners for the performance of critical activities under collaborative arrangements; ability to meet increased demand for the Company's products; impact of replacing distributors; inventory levels at distributors and other customers; ability of the Company to achieve its financial and strategic objectives and continue to increase its revenues, including the ability to expand international sales and the ability to continue to reduce costs; impact of competitors, competing products and technology changes; reduction or deferral of public funding available to customers; competition from new or better technology or lower cost products; ability to develop, commercialize and market new products; market acceptance of oral fluid or urine testing, collection or other products; market acceptance and uptake of microbiome informatics, microbial genetics technology and related analytics services; changes in market acceptance of products based on product performance or other factors, including changes in testing guidelines, algorithms or other recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other agencies; ability to fund research and development and other products and operations; ability to obtain and maintain new or existing product distribution channels; reliance on sole supply sources for critical products and components; availability of related products produced by third parties or products required for use of the Company's products; impact of contracting with the U.S. government; impact of negative economic conditions; ability to maintain sustained profitability; ability to utilize net operating loss carry forwards or other deferred tax assets; volatility of the Company's stock price; uncertainty relating to patent protection and potential patent infringement claims; uncertainty and costs of litigation relating to patents and other intellectual property; availability of licenses to patents or other technology; ability to enter into international manufacturing agreements; obstacles to international marketing and manufacturing of products; ability to sell products internationally, including the impact of changes in international funding sources and testing algorithms; adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates; loss or impairment of sources of capital; ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; exposure to product liability and other types of litigation; changes in international, federal or state laws and regulations; customer consolidations and inventory practices; equipment failures and ability to obtain needed raw materials and components; cybersecurity breaches or other attacks involving the Company's systems or those of the Company's third-party contractors and IT service providers; the impact of terrorist attacks, civil unrest, hostilities and war; and general political, business and economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and banking stability. These and other factors that could affect the Company's results are discussed more fully in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the Company's registration statements, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC. Although forward-looking statements help to provide information about future prospects, readers should keep in mind that forward-looking statements may not be reliable. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no duty to update these statements. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Jason Plagman Amy Koch VP, Investor Relations Director, Corporate Communications investorinfo@orasure.com media@orasure.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.