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Birrell wins all-Aussie clash to set up Navarro meetingSharon Williams, 58, overheard some concerning talk among the residents at the apartment complex where she lives with her mother. Some of the residents at Homer G. Phillips Senior Apartments in St. Louis said they turned their heat off during the day because they didn't want their utility bills getting too high. In the Midwest, where temperatures can quickly drop below freezing, this can be life-threatening for older people, who are much more susceptible to hypothermia. Williams, who is the president of the residents association, reached out to a representative of Ameren, the power company serving St. Louis, whom she had met at a senior fair. She asked her to help the residents in her complex sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded initiative that provides eligible households with financial help for energy costs. Williams explained that the residents were unlikely to have learned about the program on their own: "Most of them don't have vehicles or use the internet regularly," she said. Ameren agreed to send a representative with applications for the program. Williams set up a table in the lobby, brought a printer so people could print out their bills and assured the skeptics that it wasn't a scam. That event was three years ago, and it was such a success that Williams has kept it up ever since. She and her mom qualify for a small monthly subsidy, as well. "It's been a tremendous help because my mother has a lot of medications, and I have a lot of mobility issues," she said. Sandy Padgett, executive director of the Consumers Council of Missouri, a consumer advocacy nonprofit, wants more people to be aware that they can do something about the rising cost of utilities, which have outpaced inflation and wages in recent years. She points out that many Missouri utility companies are again asking for rate increases: Ameren has asked for a 15% rate increase from the Missouri Public Service Commission; Missouri American Water is seeking a 41% increase for households, plus doubling their monthly customer charge; natural gas company Spire has proposed an 18% rate increase and a 20% increase in the monthly customer charge; the Metropolitan (St. Louis) Sewer District has begun initiating a 32% increase over the next four years; the St. Louis Water Division increased rates by 20% in July 2023 and by another 24% in January. There's always tension surrounding utilities, many of which have a monopoly on the services residents need to survive. But the Consumers Council fears the utility companies are heavily favored in Missouri, Padgett said. "We are concerned about the amount of influence utilities may have on incoming Gov. Mike Kehoe, given the political donations he's received from them," she said. Kehoe has received about $600,000 in donations from utilities during his political career. The council is pushing for better assistance programs for consumers, easier access to financial help, and transparency in the number and locations of disconnections. Every state requires a public hearing before granting a rate hike. Showing up to testify at these hearings is one way to influence the decisions. "That testimony is meaningful," Padgett said. Unfortunately, she added, "some hearings only have a handful of people," which doesn't reflect the scale of the affordability problem. Ameren disconnected more than 16,000 Missouri households in September, and more than 17,000 in October. "That shows people are having trouble paying their bills," Padgett said. People experiencing financial hardship or surviving on limited incomes may try to ration heating or cooling in ways that could lead to hospitalization or even death, in extreme cases. Beyond poor health outcomes, access to utilities is tied to the ability to survive in many other ways. Those cut off from electricity cannot refrigerate food, for instance. If a home is excessively cold or hot, children cannot do their schoolwork. Williams, who recognized the challenges facing residents in her building, took action to make sure they could access the assistance available. Utility companies ought to take a proactive approach in sending representatives to areas with high disconnection rates or delinquencies to make sure customers enroll -- and stay enrolled -- in programs that can help them. Prioritize keeping vulnerable people warm during the winter over seeking even greater profits. (Aisha Sultan is a St. Louis-based journalist who studies parenting in the digital age while trying to keep up with her tech-savvy children. Find her on social media: @AishaS.)
STUART, Fla. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9,200,000 , before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses. The Company has granted the underwriter an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of the final prospectus, to purchase an additional 345,000 shares of Class A common stock from Health In Tech at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Assuming such option is fully exercised, the Company may raise a total of approximately US$10,580,000 in gross proceeds from the Offering Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for system enhancements, expansion of service offerings, sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital, and other general corporate purposes. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-announces-closing-of-initial-public-offering-302338923.html SOURCE Health In Tech
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Omer B Announces the Release of New Instrumental Single "Dino Puppy Groove" 12-23-2024 11:30 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire New track blends diverse musical influences into an optimistic soundscape. Independent musician and guitarist Omer B is pleased to announce the official release of his latest instrumental single, "Dino Puppy Groove," now available through all major streaming platforms and social media channels. The track aims to provide listeners with an uplifting and distinctive musical experience that draws on a wide range of genres, including funk, rock, blues, gospel, pop, and jazz. The new single marks a notable moment in Omer B's evolving career as a musician who seamlessly integrates eclectic influences into a coherent and engaging style. "Dino Puppy Groove" reflects a joyful and open-hearted mood, offering a sound described as both bright and energetic. The title pays subtle homage to two well-regarded bands, Snarky Puppy and Chalk Dinosaur, both of which have inspired Omer B's approach to crafting a fresh and dynamic musical landscape. Recorded and produced to highlight the versatility of Omer B's instrumentation, "Dino Puppy Groove" features his guitar and bass work complemented by the driving percussion of drummer Glenn Welwman. The result is an arrangement that balances technical skill with a clear intent to spark positivity. From the first note, the track encourages an optimistic outlook, suggesting that music can serve as a refreshing escape as well as a source of comfort. Available on Apple Music [ https://music.apple.com/us/album/dino-puppy-groove-single/1782078393 ], Spotify [ https://open.spotify.com/album/4lZQgD3BDs4gwV3iSPvV1O?si=vT4ekPiAQES73FC61_sMLA ] and through DistroKid [ https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/omerb/dino-puppy-groove ], the single invites listeners to experience the natural synthesis of different musical traditions. Omer B hopes that this piece will appeal to fans of diverse genres, while also attracting new audiences who value authentic artistic expression. Omer B commented on the new release, "I wanted to create something that radiates warmth and hope, something that feels as playful as it is heartfelt. 'Dino Puppy Groove' is about embracing the natural blend of influences that come together in my music." A longtime supporter of Omer B's work, listener James Carter, remarked on the single, "This track is a reminder that music can transcend categories. It captures so much joy while remaining grounded in a rich and honest sound." For more information visit https://www.omerb.net [ https://www.omerb.net/ ]. About Omer B Omer B is an independent musician and amateur race driver who has cultivated a sound that draws from multiple genres and influences. He has consistently focused on producing music that feels both exploratory and accessible. With a background that includes funk, rock, blues, gospel, pop, and jazz, Omer B aims to create pieces that connect with listeners on a personal level. Media Contact Company Name: Omer B Contact Person: Omer B Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=omer-b-announces-the-release-of-new-instrumental-single-dino-puppy-groove ] Country: United States Website: https://www.omerb.net This release was published on openPR.Government to block incinerators that do not contribute to green plans
First-of-its-kind project to improve muscadine grapesMedMira receives Health Canada approval for its Multiplo(R) Rapid (TP/HIV) Test for Syphilis and HIV
Pictured: Samurai Sword show-off, 24, who posed with his parents' weapon on Snapchat and said 'Where's Tommy Robinson?' before adding 'need to smash up this white lot' - as he's jailed By GEMMA PARRY Published: 19:54, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 19:56, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments A man who posed with his parents' Samurai Sword in a picture posted on Snapchat with the caption: 'Where's Tommy Robinson ' has been jailed. The image shared by Mohammed Akhtar, 24, was seen by a handful on people on the social media platform before it was deleted in August of this year. Akhtar had also sent messages to various WhatsApp groups where he threatened to 'smash up this white lot' and said he was 'going to sharpen that samurai' to 'take with me later'. He also wrote to 'shout me if it kicks off lol I'm just down the road'. The post came the day after an anti-far right gathering in Bordesley Green which resulted in disorder and arrests amid civil unrest sparked by f alse claims that the suspect in a triple child murder case was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. Three girls - Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven - were fatally stabbed at a Southport Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in July. Akhtar, who was described as 'intelligent' and well-educated told Birmingham Crown Court he had been 'showing off' with the sword, which was a blunt ornament given to his parents as a wedding gift 20 years earlier. He said it was a 'silly mistake' and denied that he condoned violence, but admitted sending a communication threatening death of serious harm. Mohammed Akhtar, 24, shared the image online, which was seen by a handful of people Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was in Cyprus when the image was posted Akhtar was sentenced to 15 months behind bars at Birmingham Crown Court (pictured) Jonathan Baker, defending, told the court there was 'no prospect of harm' to Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as he was in Cyprus at the time of the Snapchat post. ' There are many references that attest to the defendant's positive good character', he said. 'He is a young man, educated, he is from a good family who has a lot going for him and good prospects. 'This was behaviour that was out of character and no doubt in part due to his lack of maturity and lack of consequential thinking.' Prosecutor Claire Harris said: 'Police received information that this defendant has posted on social media a photograph of himself holding a samurai sword with the caption 'where's Tommy Robinson?'. The defendant was identified through further enquiries. 'The defendant's home address was searched on August 11. His parents invited the police to his bedroom and that's where the samurai sword was recovered.' Akhtar, of Washwood Heath Road, Ward End, was sentenced to 15 months behind bars. Judge Paul Farrer KC said: ' The seriousness of the offence and the obvious need for deterrence is such that punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.' Referencing the disorder and rioting across the country in the summer he added: 'In truth this disorder was nothing to do with exercising the right to lawful protest. 'Instead, it was motivated by intolerance and ignorance. For others it was an excuse to commit acts of violence, intimidation and criminal damage.' Taylor Swift Tommy Robinson Snapchat Share or comment on this article: Pictured: Samurai Sword show-off, 24, who posed with his parents' weapon on Snapchat and said 'Where's Tommy Robinson?' before adding 'need to smash up this white lot' - as he's jailed e-mail Add comment
The Government will block new incinerators if they do not help meet environmental objectives under rules unveiled on Monday. Developers will have to show that their project either helps reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste going to landfill, or replaces an older, less efficient incinerator. The move forms part of the Government’s drive to increase recycling rates, which have held at about 45% of household waste since 2015. Environment minister Mary Creagh said: “For far too long, the nation has seen its recycling rates stagnate and relied on burning household waste, rather than supporting communities to keep resources in use for longer. “That ends today, with clear conditions for new energy from waste plants – they must be efficient and support net zero and our economic growth mission, before they can get the backing needed to be built.” Developers will also have to ensure their incinerators are ready for carbon capture technology, and demonstrate how the heat they produce can be used to help cut heating bills for households. The Government expects that its “crackdown” on new incinerators will mean only a limited number are built, while still reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and enabling the country to process the waste it produces. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the country was almost at the point where it had enough waste facilities to handle non-recyclable rubbish, and so had limited need for new incinerators. But the proposals stop short of the plans included in the Conservatives’ 2024 manifesto, which committed to a complete ban on new incinerators due to their “impact on local communities” and declining demand as recycling increased. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.Pearl Holdings Acquisition Faces Delisting from Nasdaq Due to Business Combination Delay
Representative image NEW DELHI: Retail sales of vehicles across categories in India grew 11.2% at 32,08,719 units in Nov, as compared to 28,85,317 units in same month last year, riding on two-wheeler demand, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said in Monday. Retail sales of two-wheelers were at 26,15,953 units last month compared to 22,58,970 units in Nov 2023, a growth of 15.8% buoyed by the festive spillover. On the other hand, passenger vehicle (PV) retail was down 13.7% at 3,21,943 units, as against 3,73,140 units in the year-ago month. The PV segment faced notable headwinds, FADA said. "While Nov was initially expected to build on prior momentum, particularly due to marriage season, dealer feedback suggests this segment underperformed expectations," FADA president C S Vigneshwar said. "Although rural markets offered some support, in the two-wheeler category, marriage-related sales remained subdued." On PV retail, he said, "dealers cited weak sentiment, limited product variety and insufficient new launches for weak performance." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has issued a rallying cry to the Black Galaxies ahead of their CHAN qualifier return leg against Nigeria. Agyemang-Badu stressed that losing is not an option for Ghana, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. "We can't lose against Nigeria," he emphasised. The former midfielder urged the team to adopt an attacking approach and go all out for a win. "We should be very careful not to go and defend," he said. "This is only one game, and when you lose, you are not going anywhere." Agyemang-Badu called on the team to draw inspiration from their previous victory over Nigeria in the CHAN qualifiers. Ghana beat Nigeria on penalties to qualify for the last edition, and Agyemang-Badu hopes they can repeat the feat on December 28. The winner of the two-legged tie advances to the CHAN 2025 tournament to be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.Shares of Avanos Medical, Inc. ( NYSE:AVNS – Get Free Report ) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as $15.90 and last traded at $16.00, with a volume of 22944 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $16.08. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Avanos Medical from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Sunday, November 3rd. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Avanos Medical Avanos Medical Stock Down 0.1 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Avanos Medical Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV lifted its position in shares of Avanos Medical by 8.5% during the second quarter. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV now owns 28,521 shares of the company’s stock worth $568,000 after purchasing an additional 2,223 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC increased its stake in Avanos Medical by 19.5% during the 2nd quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 18,878 shares of the company’s stock worth $376,000 after buying an additional 3,077 shares during the period. Paradice Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Avanos Medical by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. Paradice Investment Management LLC now owns 1,344,949 shares of the company’s stock worth $26,791,000 after buying an additional 69,389 shares in the last quarter. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new position in Avanos Medical in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $444,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in shares of Avanos Medical by 12.1% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 82,930 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,652,000 after acquiring an additional 8,929 shares in the last quarter. 95.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Avanos Medical Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Avanos Medical, Inc, a medical technology company, offers medical device solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers a portfolio of chronic care products that include digestive health products, such as Mic-Key enteral feeding tubes, Corpak patient feeding solutions, and NeoMed neonatal and pediatric feeding solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Avanos Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avanos Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Miami’s Cam Ward were announced as the Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday night. The Heisman has been given to the nation’s most outstanding college football player since 1935. This year’s winner will be announced Saturday in New York. The top four top vote-getters determined by more than 900 voters — the panel includes members of the media and former Heisman winners — are selected as finalists. A look at the finalists’ road to Manhattan: Gabriel, who transferred from Oklahoma in the offseason, led unbeaten and top-ranked Oregon to the Big Ten championship in its first year in the league. Gabriel averages 274 yards passing per game and has thrown for 28 touchdowns with six interceptions. His 73.2% completion rate is second in the nation. Hunter, a two-way star, was named All-Big 12 first-team receiver and earned honorable mention for offensive player of the year. He leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns and is second with 1,152 yards. His 21 receiving plays of 20-plus yards lead the nation. He also is Big 12 defensive player of the year and a unanimous first-team defensive back after recording 31 tackles, tying for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups and tying for second with four interceptions. The junior running back has had one of the most productive seasons in college football history. His 2,497 yards rushing are the fourth-highest single-season total in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and his 192.1 yards per game lead the nation and are 58 more than the next highest average. He’s the first FBS player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season since 2019. The Miami quarterback was named Associated Press offensive player of the year and newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday after averaging 343.6 yards passing per game. He leads the nation with 36 touchdown passes and has been intercepted just seven times. USC Sports USC will close it season in the same venue it kicked off, taking on Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27. Olson writes for the Associated Press.