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Shatel: Unpacking Tony White's chess move to Florida State, no Nebraska-Iowa handshakeHoliday stress can lead Alzheimer’s patients and those with dementia to go missing
Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory
The New York Jets enter Week 15 of the NFL with a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars . The two teams entered the year with playoff aspirations but are now both 3-10 and playing a game that could have major ramifications for the top 10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft . As the Jets look to end their four-game losing streak, quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN Tuesday afternoon . The four-time NFL MVP took aim at the network during his segment and criticized how sports media has changed during his career. "The 'SportsCenter' of my youth, those guys made highlights so much fun and that's what they showed," Rodgers said. "Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now." He went on to say those people, who no one remembers from their playing careers, have sports opinions that are "unfounded or asinine." Since that segment, multiple people at ESPN have responded, including NFL analyst Mina Kimes and commentator Stephen A. Smith . But longtime Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark made the most assertive response to what Rodgers said during ESPN's "First Take" program on Friday . NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. Here's what Rodgers said and Clark's response. Aaron Rodgers' ESPN criticism Rodgers frequently appears on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesdays and this week was no different. During the segment, his former Green Bay Packers teammate-turned-analyst A.J. Hawk asked how the NFL has changed during Rodgers' 20-year career. Rodgers argued the biggest change is about how the sport is covered by the media. “There’s a lot of people talking about the game now, both non-former players and former players who are trying to stay relevant fame-wise," Rodgers said. "So the takes and the criticism I think are a lot different than they were maybe in the mid-2000s." Rodgers clarified he wasn't talking about the show's host, Pat McAfee, who spent eight years in the NFL as a punter before launching his show. McAfee made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2014. “I’m talking about these experts on TV who nobody remembers what they did in their career,” Rodgers said. “So in order for them to stay relevant, they have to make comments that keep them in the conversation. That wasn’t going on in 2008, 2009, that was nonexistent. "Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now. They’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know." He acknowledged that those shows, gambling and fantasy football have driven interest in the sport and that's led to higher salaries for players. He also argued the league has "better athletes with a less violent game" but with a lower overall football IQ due to less practice time during the offseason. McAfee didn't press Rodgers to name any specific people on talk shows who warrant his criticism. Instead, he continued on about Rodgers' point about lower football IQ, citing longtime NFL quarterback Tom Brady's argument that coaches "dumb the game down" for rookie quarterbacks to play as soon as possible. Ryan Clark's response to Aaron Rodgers Rodgers' criticism of sports media was a segment for the next few days on "First Take," culminating in Clark's response Friday morning. “I find it extremely funny that he’s saying this on a show with a man, who as great as he was as a punter, is far more famous as a pundit in Pat McAfee,” Clark said. “A.J. Hawk, who I felt like was a good player, is now on TV, and he gets to give his thoughts as well." Clark went on to say that Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL but isn't at that level any more and people are willing to say it on national broadcasts. Clark argued that Rodgers is now doing exactly what he's criticizing other players for, noting that Rodgers is now being paid for his appearances on McAfee's show. "My issue with him is you’re doing the exact same thing," Clark said. "And the reason you’re getting this opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you who is exactly the same thing that you’re now speaking out against.” McAfee has confirmed Rodgers has made more than $1 million for his segments . “This dude is once again tone-deaf,” Clark continued. "This dude is once again unaware. This dude is once again arrogant to a point that’s almost sickening because he says these things, and he talks tough, and he behaves in his way, but he ain’t. "This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He can throw a football and that’s where it stops. Once that talent ends ... so does he. And to sit up there, man, and to be just blatantly hypocritical is funny and sickening at the same time.” Cam Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP who's now a commentator on "First Take," agreed with Clark's criticism and added that Rodgers is not used to being a position where his team's record and individual statistics don't make him one of the best quarterbacks in the league. "It's awkward for him," Newton said. "Hypocritical is the best analogy for it."Pick4: A Heart-Pounding Thriller About Survival, Redemption, and the Price of Peace 12-13-2024 11:46 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire Award-winning filmmaker Terry L. Chappell II delivers a pulse-pounding thriller in "Pick4," where a simple lottery ticket becomes a catalyst for chaos. This gripping tale combines intense action, tactical warfare, and the deep-seated need to protect what matters most, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. From Lottery Dreams to Lethal Reality What begins as a routine stop at a gas station transforms into a nightmare when retired government agent Brent Stevenson purchases a lottery ticket that wins the largest jackpot in history. But victory quickly turns to violence when the seemingly innocuous act of posting his ticket on social media puts a target on his back. Suddenly, every shadow holds a threat, and every familiar face becomes suspect as Brent finds himself thrust back into a world he thought he'd left behind. The stakes escalate rapidly as Brent discovers he's not just fighting for the money - he's fighting for his life. The local crime boss, masquerading as a simple gas station owner, sees an opportunity to claim what he believes is rightfully his. What follows is an intricate dance of survival, where Brent must utilize every skill from his past to secure his future. A Retired Agent's Worst Nightmare Brent Stevenson isn't your typical lottery winner. Years of covert operations and high-stakes missions have honed him into a lethal instrument, one that's been carefully sheathed in the quiet life of a security officer. But when threatened, this former agent proves that retirement hasn't dulled his edges - it's only made them sharper. The narrative expertly weaves Brent's tactical expertise with his desire for peace, creating a compelling character study of a man who can't escape his past. His military training becomes both a blessing and a curse as he transforms his home into a fortress, preparing for an inevitable confrontation with forces that severely underestimate their target. Master of Combat, Strategy, and Survival The heart of "Pick4" beats in its masterfully crafted action sequences. Chappell's background in film brings a cinematic quality to every confrontation, with detailed combat scenes that put readers right in the middle of the chaos. From close-quarters combat to strategic house defense, each sequence is choreographed with precision that only enhances the tension. The story showcases Brent's resourcefulness as he turns everyday objects into weapons and familiar spaces into tactical advantages. His ability to think several steps ahead of his opponents creates a chess match of lethal proportions, where every move could mean the difference between survival and defeat. Beyond the Action: A Story of Redemption While the adrenaline-fueled sequences drive the plot forward, it's the underlying themes of redemption and protecting peace that give "Pick4" its emotional depth. Brent's journey isn't just about surviving - it's about defending the quiet life he's built and proving that his past doesn't define his future. The narrative explores the cost of violence and the price of peace, showing how even the most skilled warrior seeks tranquility. Through Brent's eyes, readers experience the weight of each decision, the moral complexity of necessary violence, and the ultimate quest for redemption that lies at the heart of this thrilling tale. A Cinematic Experience in Print Drawing from his experience as a filmmaker and creator of works like "Don't Be Late" (2023) and "Crime Fighter" (2022), Chappell brings a visual storyteller's eye to every page. The action unfolds like a masterfully directed film, with precise pacing and vivid imagery that transforms written words into mental pictures that stay with readers long after they've finished the book. Fans of Jack Reacher and John Wick will find familiar territory in "Pick4," but with a fresh take that combines tactical realism with emotional resonance. Chappell's unique voice and understanding of visual storytelling elevate this thriller above standard genre fare, creating something both familiar and entirely new. The Perfect Storm of Suspense In "Pick4," Chappell masterfully crafts a perfect storm of suspense, where every moment of calm promises an impending tempest. The story's structure builds like a pressure cooker, with each new revelation adding another layer of complexity to Brent's fight for survival. From the initial discovery of his lottery win to the final confrontation, the tension never wavers but instead continues to escalate with precision timing. The narrative weaves multiple threats together - the ruthless crime boss, mysterious figures from Brent's past, and the ticking clock of the lottery claim deadline. Each element compounds the others, creating a web of danger that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Chappell's expertise in pacing ensures that even quiet moments crackle with underlying tension. A Hero for Modern Times Brent Stevenson embodies the complexity modern readers demand in their heroes. He's not just a skilled operative; he's a man seeking peace in a world that won't let him rest. His character resonates with anyone who's ever tried to leave their past behind, only to find it catching up with them. Through Brent's internal struggles and external battles, Chappell explores what it truly means to protect what matters most. The protagonist's moral compass remains steady even as the world around him descends into chaos. His tactical decisions are balanced with ethical considerations, creating a character who's both lethal and deeply human. This complexity makes Brent more than just an action hero - he becomes a mirror reflecting the challenges of finding peace in a violent world. The Art of High-Stakes Action Chappell's approach to action writing sets "Pick4" apart in the thriller genre. Each confrontation is choreographed with military precision, showcasing Brent's tactical expertise while maintaining heart-pounding intensity. The author's attention to detail in combat sequences adds authenticity without sacrificing pace, creating scenes that feel both realistic and cinematically engaging. The violence in "Pick4" never feels gratuitous; instead, it serves the story and character development. Each action sequence reveals something about Brent's character, his training, or the desperate nature of his situation. From close-quarters combat to strategic planning, every scene propels both the plot and our understanding of the protagonist. Who Should Read Pick4 This thriller will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate: * Tactical action and military precision * Complex characters with moral depth * High-stakes survival scenarios * Strategic thinking and resourcefulness * Emotional depth beneath the action Fans of authors like Lee Child and films like John Wick will find familiar elements elevated by Chappell's unique voice and filmmaking background. The book appeals to both male and female readers through its combination of intense action and emotional authenticity. Join the Fight for Survival "Pick4" is available now on Amazon and major booksellers. Experience the heart-pounding journey of a man fighting not just for survival, but for the peace he's earned. Visit enlightenedstudiosinc.com to connect with Terry L. Chappell II and join the conversation about this explosive debut thriller. Readers can follow Chappell's work through: * Social media engagement * Website updates * Upcoming project announcements * Author events and appearances Don't miss this pulse-pounding thriller that combines tactical action with emotional depth, creating an unforgettable story of survival, redemption, and the price of peace. Media Contact Company Name: Amazon Kindle Network Contact Person: Stephen Sinkler Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=pick4-a-heartpounding-thriller-about-survival-redemption-and-the-price-of-peace ] Country: United States Website: https://www.amazon.com/PICK4-LUCK-AT-DEADLY-COST/dp/B0DPF32BD3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KA8YOA0QU75K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4Bw65n9X8dZAoavMRigvGF9xJWLUGHEbU2RdVIkamqxSnrmu-Iibw8Lt-K9gdC4SGUEqqUHBMxWFzGTzM69JFWBDK2DmeVVkbkrSy-srvDC7fRSNZsPilhjFfGo2BuTd9O0B2ozEpTlgFdepqmP6KIhdIJ1jjfV5rFx9_VTHx40WwMRJJwLoYVJT12krwQ1LXHXwCZm6-QaVaSvoZHx3SWFpssgkw8hL9b_afAJEeK4.Hu3_XKO94ZO08DXkr_wlcIUWWCp5nrmlZa8GJVWo83E&dib_tag=se&keywords=pick4&qid=1734126615&s=books&sprefix=pick%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C440&sr=1-1 This release was published on openPR.3 Out Of 4 Children in Germany Ages 10-12 Have SmartphoneThe “Hidden Horrors” campaign is being launched in Bermuda by Tammy Richardson Augustus, with an aim to increase awareness about domestic violence and bring attention to the fact that many abusers “make strategic choices to exhibit normal, non-abusive” outside of the home. A spokesperson said, “For perpetrators of domestic violence, every day is a strained performance, as they strive to maintain a perfect facade to masque the monster that lies beneath. From the outside looking in, an abusive relationship may look picture perfect, but the “Hidden Horrors” billboard campaign from , , and , An IPG Health Company, encourages the friends and family of abuse victims to take a closer look. “Local domestic abuse advocate Tammy Richardson Augustus has been steadfast in her efforts to extend international domestic abuse education and awareness campaigns to Bermuda. For her, the Hidden Horrors campaign had immediate resonance, for it exposes abusers as the master manipulators they are, calling attention to how most people have likely been deceived by an abuser at some point in their lives.” “I have been especially dismayed by the spate of complaints – both locally and globally, from victims sitting in mortal danger whose credible allegations of abuse are normalized or dismissed because of two factors: profile of the perpetrator and a lack of understanding of the dynamics of abuse,” said Ms Richardson Augustus. “The ‘Hidden Horrors’ campaign skillfully expands our purview into the malevolent deceptions of an abuser, commanding us to look beyond profile to the actual character and conduct of the perpetrator.” A spokesperson added, “The campaign features an image of an attractive couple posing in front of their beautiful, ideal, home. Both the man and woman are smiling, and the husband’s arm is carefully draped across his wife’s shoulder. At first glance, they look happy, healthy, and aspirational. The husband appears to be an upstanding gentleman and supportive partner, but upon further inspection, the green monster-like hand, clasped upon his wife’s shoulder, insinuates that something much darker is happening behind closed doors.” “It’s vital for the abuser to maintain a perfectly crafted facade, and for outsiders who aren’t the immediate target of abuse, it may come as a shock. “But he’s always so nice to me!” they may say, but what most people don’t understand is that everything is pre-meditated to keep others in the dark while the abuse continues in the privacy of the home,” said Caroline Markel, CEO of Safe in Harm’s Way Foundation, a United States based online platform that safely connects survivors with healing resources, and provides a one-of-a-kind public database of conviction records. “The darkened windows symbolize the fact that any living being behind those closed doors is at risk. It’s estimated that over , children are witnessing abuse within the home, and the same percentage of pets in these homes are actually harmed,” Caroline added. A spokesperson added, “‘Hidden Horrors’ instills an element of fear that’s felt acutely by victims. Abusers gear physically or emotionally abusive behaviors towards a spouse, child, or pets within the home. In contrast, abusers make strategic choices to exhibit normal, non-abusive, or even charming behavior towards anyone outside of the home.” “The abuser isn’t targeting friends or colleagues, so they may experience something completely different. Abusers make great efforts to protect their public perception in order to maintain control over their victim,” said Ashley Rumschlag, National Director of DomesticShelters.org, the largest online searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada. “Hidden Horrors juxtaposes private and public life, honing in on the deception and social nuances that often take place in abusive relationships. At first glance the imagery seems innocuous, but looking closer we see the signs of fear, the breaks in the facade of normal. We wanted to highlight those subtle details – a possessive hand, strained body language, panicked eyes, and ominously dark windows. With the stereotypical perfect home, or the perfect couple, things are not always as they seem, and our aim is to make that truth visible.” said Morgan Mellas, Group Art Supervisor at Neon “Abusers seek to obscure their predatory behavior,” said Ms Richardson Augustus, “but certain ‘watermarks’ remain evident. Recognizing these subtle cues of abuse can save a life or reduce adverse childhood experiences [ACEs] of the children in the family, who are often the silent witnesses or co-victims. Through the imagery of the campaign, we hope to unravel the duplicitous nature of abusers, underscore that the home can be a bleak place for victims and their children and to finally move the dialogue beyond an incident-based conceptualization of abuse to the idea that a perpetrator’s insidious pattern of behavior becomes omnipresent in the life of the victim.” A spokesperson added, “The Hidden Horrors campaign initially premiered in 2023 in the U.S. and has since been featured on over 2,900 national screens in high-traffic areas in the US, including Times Square’s entrance in New York City, Union Station in D.C, Bayside Marketplace in Miami, 110 Freeway entrance in LA, and general office lobbies and elevators, gas stations, billboards, digital bulletins, and mall kiosks throughout the United States. The campaign has won multiple awards since its launch, including Gold Anthem Awards in Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Responsible Technology. “The Bermuda campaign is expected to be featured on television, buses, digital bulletins and social media. Additionally, a website has been launched that offers resources for victims and the broader community, providing essential links to Bermuda-based associations for those at risk and to help individuals identify the signs of abuse. “The site can be found at , developed by IPG Health advertising agency, Neon. By introducing the campaign at the close of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, activist Richardson Augustus hopes to galvanise the momentum and drive lasting change. “Ms Richardson Augustus has been moved by the generosity of support from Safe In Harm’s Way, DomesticShelters.org, Neon and Gemma Godfrey, who is an invaluable part of her local team. “The initiative’s microsite, is designed to address visitors’ specific situational needs and provide them with resources based on what specialized help they are looking for.” : ,
ORRVILLE, Ohio , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The J.M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) ("Company") announced today the closing of the transaction to divest the Voortman ® business to Second Nature Brands. The Company previously announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the transaction on October 22, 2024 . The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $305 million , subject to a working capital adjustment, and reflects the Company's continued commitment to optimizing its portfolio and reallocating resources to its core growth brands. The transaction includes all Voortman ® trademarks and the Company's leased manufacturing facility in Burlington, Ontario, Canada . In addition, approximately 300 employees will transition with the business. The Company updated its full-year fiscal 2025 net sales guidance to reflect the impact of the divested business. Net sales is anticipated to increase 7.5 to 8.5 percent compared to the prior year. The updated net sales guidance reflects the removal of approximately $65 million of divested net sales in fiscal 2025, with the estimated net sales impact evenly distributed throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. On a comparable basis, net sales is expected to increase 1.0 to 2.0 percent, which excludes noncomparable sales in the current year from the acquisition of Hostess Brands and noncomparable sales in the prior year related to the divestitures of the Voortman ® , Canada condiment, and Sahale Snacks ® businesses. The Company maintains its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, capital expenditures, and adjusted effective income tax rate outlook as communicated in its most recent quarterly earnings announcement on November 26, 2024 . The J.M. Smucker Co. Forward Looking Statements This press release ("Release") includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements may include statements concerning our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events, conditions, plans and strategies that are not historical fact. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "will," "plan," "strive" and similar phrases. Federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information. We are providing this cautionary statement in connection with the safe harbor provisions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this Release, as such statements are by nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from our historical results and experience. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. The risks, uncertainties, important factors, and assumptions listed and discussed in this press release, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, include: the Company's ability to successfully integrate Hostess Brands' operations and employees and to implement plans and achieve financial forecasts with respect to the Hostess Brands' business; disruptions or inefficiencies in the Company's operations or supply chain, including any impact caused by product recalls, political instability, terrorism, geopolitical conflicts (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas), extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, work stoppages or labor shortages (including potential strikes along the U.S. East and Gulf coast ports and potential impacts related to the duration of a recent strike at the Company's Buffalo, New York manufacturing facility), or other calamities; risks related to the availability of, and cost inflation in, supply chain inputs, including labor, raw materials, commodities, packaging, and transportation; the impact of food security concerns involving either the Company's products or its competitors' products, including changes in consumer preference, consumer litigation, actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other agencies, and product recalls; a disruption, failure, or security breach of the Company or its suppliers' information technology systems, including, but not limited to, ransomware attacks; and risks related to other factors described under "Risk Factors" in other reports and statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. About The J.M. Smucker Co. At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to make food people and pets love by offering a diverse family of brands available across North America . We are proud to lead in the coffee, peanut butter, fruit spreads, frozen handheld, sweet baked goods, dog snacks, and cat food categories by offering brands consumers trust for themselves and their families each day, including Folgers ® , Dunkin ' ® , Café Bustelo ® , Jif ® , Uncrustables ® , Smucker's ® , Hostess ® , Milk-Bone ® , and Meow Mix ® . Through our unwavering commitment to producing quality products, operating responsibly and ethically, and delivering on our Purpose, we will continue to grow our business while making a positive impact on society. For more information, please visit jmsmucker.com . The J.M. Smucker Co. is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for Dunkin ' ® , which is a trademark of DD IP Holder LLC. The Dunkin ' ® brand is licensed to The J.M. Smucker Co. for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, e-commerce and drug stores, and in certain away from home channels. This information does not pertain to products for sale in Dunkin ' ® restaurants. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-jm-smucker-co-completes-the-divestiture-of-voortman-brand-to-second-nature-brands-and-updates-fiscal-year-2025-net-sales-outlook-302319978.html SOURCE The J.M. Smucker Co.WHEELING, W.Va. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. ("WesBanco") (Nasdaq: WSBC) and Premier Financial Corp. ("Premier") (Nasdaq: PFC) today announced that WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders have each voted overwhelmingly to adopt and approve, as applicable, all proposals relating to the previously announced merger agreement for WesBanco to acquire Premier. The votes were held at the respective special meetings of WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders today. Approximately 85% of the votes cast at WesBanco's special meeting voted to approve the merger and to approve the proposal to issue shares of WesBanco common stock as described in the joint proxy statement/prospectus for the special meeting, and approximately 68% of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock voted to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement. "Shareholder approval is a key milestone that reflects strong confidence in the opportunities this merger creates for our communities, customers, employees and shareholders," said Jeff Jackson , President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco. "With this step complete, we look forward to receiving the required regulatory approvals and then scheduling the closing of the merger, so we can bring our community commitment and the resources of a stronger organization to all of our communities." With the completion of this critical milestone, the companies believe the merger is on track to close during the first quarter of 2025. The transaction remains subject to the completion of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics. With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the 8th largest bank in Ohio , based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana , and serve customers in nine states. About WesBanco, Inc. With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our eight-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia , WesBanco has $18.5 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $6.1 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $1.9 billion through our broker/dealer, as of September 30, 2024 . Learn more at www.wesbanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. About Premier Financial Corp. Premier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: PFC), headquartered in Defiance, Ohio , is the holding company for Premier Bank. Premier Bank, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio , operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio , Michigan , Indiana and Pennsylvania and also serves clients through a team of wealth professionals dedicated to each community banking branch. For more information, visit Premier's website at www.PremierFinCorp.com . Matters set forth in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements, including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, and including statements about the benefits of the proposed Merger between WesBanco and Premier, that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of factors including: the effects of changing regional and national economic conditions, changes in interest rates, spreads on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and associated interest rate sensitivity; sources of liquidity available to WesBanco and its related subsidiary operations; potential future credit losses and the credit risk of commercial, real estate, and consumer loan customers and their borrowing activities; actions of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Institution Regulatory Authority, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Securities Investors Protection Corporation, and other regulatory bodies; potential legislative and federal and state regulatory actions and reform, including, without limitation, the impact of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act; adverse decisions of federal and state courts; fraud , scams and schemes of third parties; cyber-security breaches; competitive conditions in the financial services industry; rapidly changing technology affecting financial services; marketability of debt instruments and corresponding impact on fair value adjustments; and/or other external developments materially impacting WesBanco's operational and financial performance, the businesses of the WesBanco and Premier may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the proposed Merger may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes; disruption from the proposed Merger may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates, or suppliers; the required governmental approvals of the proposed Merger may not be obtained on the expected terms and schedule; changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of other business strategies; the nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; and extended disruption of vital infrastructure; and other factors described in WesBanco's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Premier's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and documents subsequently filed by WesBanco and Premier with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available at the time of the release. Neither WesBanco nor Premier assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wesbanco-inc-and-premier-financial-corp-announce-shareholder-approvals-of-merger-agreement-302329433.html SOURCE WesBanco, Inc.
BOSTON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RapDev, a leader in site reliability and DevOps solutions, has earned a spot on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list for the second consecutive year . To be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary technology that contributes to the majority of their operating revenues, have at least $50,000 in base-year revenues and $5 million in current-year revenues, be in business for a minimum of four years, and be headquartered in North America . RapDev achieved an impressive rank of 171. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Parkinson’s community ‘felt left out in the cold’ – Rory Cellan-JonesBethune-Cookman Wildcats (2-7) at West Virginia Mountaineers (7-2, 1-0 Big 12) Morgantown, West Virginia; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: West Virginia hosts Bethune-Cookman looking to continue its three-game home winning streak. The Mountaineers have gone 5-0 in home games. West Virginia ranks fifth in the Big 12 in team defense, allowing 66.1 points while holding opponents to 38.4% shooting. The Wildcats are 0-6 on the road. Bethune-Cookman ranks ninth in the SWAC with 28.8 rebounds per game led by Reggie Ward Jr. averaging 7.7. West Virginia averages 77.9 points per game, 3.9 more points than the 74.0 Bethune-Cookman gives up. Bethune-Cookman has shot at a 39.7% clip from the field this season, 1.3 percentage points higher than the 38.4% shooting opponents of West Virginia have averaged. TOP PERFORMERS: Javon Small is shooting 44.6% and averaging 19.0 points for the Mountaineers. Brayon Freeman is averaging 16.2 points for the Wildcats. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
WHEELING, W.Va. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. ("WesBanco") (Nasdaq: WSBC) and Premier Financial Corp. ("Premier") (Nasdaq: PFC) today announced that WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders have each voted overwhelmingly to adopt and approve, as applicable, all proposals relating to the previously announced merger agreement for WesBanco to acquire Premier. The votes were held at the respective special meetings of WesBanco's shareholders and Premier's shareholders today. Approximately 85% of the votes cast at WesBanco's special meeting voted to approve the merger and to approve the proposal to issue shares of WesBanco common stock as described in the joint proxy statement/prospectus for the special meeting, and approximately 68% of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock voted to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement. "Shareholder approval is a key milestone that reflects strong confidence in the opportunities this merger creates for our communities, customers, employees and shareholders," said Jeff Jackson , President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco. "With this step complete, we look forward to receiving the required regulatory approvals and then scheduling the closing of the merger, so we can bring our community commitment and the resources of a stronger organization to all of our communities." With the completion of this critical milestone, the companies believe the merger is on track to close during the first quarter of 2025. The transaction remains subject to the completion of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics. With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the 8th largest bank in Ohio , based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana , and serve customers in nine states. About WesBanco, Inc. With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our eight-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia , WesBanco has $18.5 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $6.1 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $1.9 billion through our broker/dealer, as of September 30, 2024 . Learn more at www.wesbanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. About Premier Financial Corp. Premier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: PFC), headquartered in Defiance, Ohio , is the holding company for Premier Bank. Premier Bank, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio , operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio , Michigan , Indiana and Pennsylvania and also serves clients through a team of wealth professionals dedicated to each community banking branch. For more information, visit Premier's website at www.PremierFinCorp.com . Matters set forth in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements, including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, and including statements about the benefits of the proposed Merger between WesBanco and Premier, that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of factors including: the effects of changing regional and national economic conditions, changes in interest rates, spreads on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and associated interest rate sensitivity; sources of liquidity available to WesBanco and its related subsidiary operations; potential future credit losses and the credit risk of commercial, real estate, and consumer loan customers and their borrowing activities; actions of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Institution Regulatory Authority, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Securities Investors Protection Corporation, and other regulatory bodies; potential legislative and federal and state regulatory actions and reform, including, without limitation, the impact of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act; adverse decisions of federal and state courts; fraud , scams and schemes of third parties; cyber-security breaches; competitive conditions in the financial services industry; rapidly changing technology affecting financial services; marketability of debt instruments and corresponding impact on fair value adjustments; and/or other external developments materially impacting WesBanco's operational and financial performance, the businesses of the WesBanco and Premier may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the proposed Merger may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes; disruption from the proposed Merger may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates, or suppliers; the required governmental approvals of the proposed Merger may not be obtained on the expected terms and schedule; changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of other business strategies; the nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; and extended disruption of vital infrastructure; and other factors described in WesBanco's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Premier's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and documents subsequently filed by WesBanco and Premier with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available at the time of the release. Neither WesBanco nor Premier assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wesbanco-inc-and-premier-financial-corp-announce-shareholder-approvals-of-merger-agreement-302329433.html SOURCE WesBanco, Inc.
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MUNICH, Germany, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said he had yet to fully understand how the new Champions League format worked after his team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris St Germain on Tuesday to improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Bayern needed a first-half goal from defender Kim Min-jae to battle past 10-man PSG and claim a third win in five matches. "I don't look at the table because, honestly. I don't yet understand it," Kompany told a press conference. "It will look good if we win a few more matches." The Bavarians climbed to 11th with nine points from five games, a point off the top eight places that bring automatic qualification for the last 16. PSG are 26th on four, outside the playoff spots with three matches remaining in the first phase. In the new 36-team league format this season, teams face eight teams instead of meeting three opponents twice. They play half of those games at home and half away. The top eight sides advance directly to the last 16, while those finishing ninth to 24th enter a two-legged playoff for a chance to secure a spot in the next stage. "What's important is to reach our goal. If we win our remaining games we have a chance to make the top eight," Belgian Kompany, in his first season in charge at Bayern, said. "I'm obviously happy. Our pressing in the first half was very good. The discipline was there. We could have scored perhaps one or two more goals, but the result is good." "We are on the right track but working to become even better," he added. Sign up here. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabMARPAI ANNOUNCES GENERAL UPDATES FOR Q4
By KAREEM CHEHAYEB BEIRUT (AP) — In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border. But while there was relative calm for nearly two decades, Resolution 1701’s terms were never fully enforced. Now, figuring out how to finally enforce it is key to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal approved by Israel on Tuesday. In late September, after nearly a year of low-level clashes , the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah spiraled into all-out war and an Israeli ground invasion . As Israeli jets pound deep inside Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into northern Israel, U.N. and diplomatic officials again turned to the 2006 resolution in a bid to end the conflict. Years of deeply divided politics and regionwide geopolitical hostilities have halted substantial progress on its implementation, yet the international community believes Resolution 1701 is still the brightest prospect for long-term stability between Israel and Lebanon. Almost two decades after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States led shuttle diplomacy efforts between Lebanon and Israel to agree on a ceasefire proposal that renewed commitment to the resolution, this time with an implementation plan to try to bring the document back to life. In 2000, Israel withdrew its forces from most of southern Lebanon along a U.N.-demarcated “Blue Line” that separated the two countries and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, which most of the world considers occupied Syrian territory. U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL , increased their presence along the line of withdrawal. Resolution 1701 was supposed to complete Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and ensure Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River, keeping the area exclusively under the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers. Up to 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers would help to maintain calm, return displaced Lebanese and secure the area alongside the Lebanese military. The goal was long-term security, with land borders eventually demarcated to resolve territorial disputes. The resolution also reaffirmed previous ones that call for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon — Hezbollah among them. “It was made for a certain situation and context,” Elias Hanna, a retired Lebanese army general, told The Associated Press. “But as time goes on, the essence of the resolution begins to hollow.” For years, Lebanon and Israel blamed each other for countless violations along the tense frontier. Israel said Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and growing arsenal remained, and accused the group of using a local environmental organization to spy on troops. Lebanon complained about Israeli military jets and naval ships entering Lebanese territory even when there was no active conflict. “You had a role of the UNIFIL that slowly eroded like any other peacekeeping with time that has no clear mandate,” said Joseph Bahout, the director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy at the American University of Beirut. “They don’t have permission to inspect the area without coordinating with the Lebanese army.” UNIFIL for years has urged Israel to withdraw from some territory north of the frontier, but to no avail. In the ongoing war, the peacekeeping mission has accused Israel, as well as Hezbollah , of obstructing and harming its forces and infrastructure. Hezbollah’s power, meanwhile, has grown, both in its arsenal and as a political influence in the Lebanese state. The Iran-backed group was essential in keeping Syrian President Bashar Assad in power when armed opposition groups tried to topple him, and it supports Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. It has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles pointed at Israel, and has introduced drones into its arsenal . Hanna says Hezbollah “is something never seen before as a non-state actor” with political and military influence. Israel’s security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday. Efforts led by the U.S. and France for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah underscored that they still view the resolution as key. For almost a year, Washington has promoted various versions of a deal that would gradually lead to its full implementation. International mediators hope that by boosting financial support for the Lebanese army — which was not a party in the Israel-Hezbollah war — Lebanon can deploy some 6,000 additional troops south of the Litani River to help enforce the resolution. Under the deal, an international monitoring committee headed by the United States would oversee implementation to ensure that Hezbollah and Israel’s withdrawals take place. It is not entirely clear how the committee would work or how potential violations would be reported and dealt with. The circumstances now are far more complicated than in 2006. Some are still skeptical of the resolution’s viability given that the political realities and balance of power both regionally and within Lebanon have dramatically changed since then. “You’re tying 1701 with a hundred things,” Bahout said. “A resolution is the reflection of a balance of power and political context.” Now with the ceasefire in place, the hope is that Israel and Lebanon can begin negotiations to demarcate their land border and settle disputes over several points along the Blue Line for long-term security after decades of conflict and tension.Marcus Tomashek scores 30 and Division II Michigan Tech hands Green Bay its 8th straight loss
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PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain retained a six-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 after a labored 3-0 home win over Toulouse on Friday. The defending champion dominated the first half but it took until the 35th minute to open the scoring. Young Portuguese midfielder João Neves spun to meet a cross from the right and struck a superb half volley from just outside the box. Lucas Beraldo got a second with six minutes remaining when he pounced on loose ball and fired home. Vitinha made it 3-0 in stoppage time when he showed fine footwork inside the box to finish off a quick counterattack. The scoreline was harsh on Toulouse, which came into the game in a more even second half. Only Vitinha’s last-gasp tackle stopped Zakaria Aboukhlal from equalizing after 69 minutes and then Shavy Babicka blazed over from close range a minute later when he should have hit the target. The win was a confidence boost for Luis Enrique’s side ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Bayern Munich. PSG lies in 25th place in the 36-team Champions League table with one win in four matches and outside the playoff spots. The win came immediately after second-placed Monaco beaten Brest 3-2 to briefly close the gap at the top to three points. Brest, which faces Barcelona next week in the Champions League, turned in another inconsistent French league performance and not the sparkling form it has shown in Europe. Brest has struggled in Ligue 1, where it remains 12th, but shone with three wins from four in its first ever Champions League campaign. It was behind after just five minutes on Friday when Maghnes Akliouche scored with a superb airborne volley, and 2-0 down after 24 minutes thanks to Aleksandr Golovin. The Russian striker seized on a poor pass just outside the Brest penalty area and his low shot was perfectly placed to sneak in off the post and give him his first goal in nine league appearances. On-loan Brighton striker Abdallah Sima used his 1.88-meter frame to outjump the Monaco defense four minutes into the second half and cut the deficit but Akliouche restored Monaco’s two-goal cushion when he brilliantly finished a quick counterattack in stoppage time. Ludovic Ajorque got a second for Brest in the sixth minute of added time but it was not enough in a second half most notable for the red card shown to Brest coach Éric Roy. AP soccer:Parkinson’s community ‘felt left out in the cold’ – Rory Cellan-Jones
