News Hub | News Direct

Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
Article thumbnail News Release

Former Republican FCC Chair Joins Growing Chorus Calling for Hearing into License Renewal Application for Fox Philadelphia

Raynor Ave.

Former Republican Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman and broadcast licensee Alfred Sikes today joined the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) and media veterans Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol to support a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corporation-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). “The FCC has allowed the public interest responsibility of broadcast licensees to become a bureaucratic construct,” said Alfred Sikes. “The behavior of Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, highlighted in the MAD petition, raises a first principles question. Is truthful conduct a part of the standard?” Nominated by President George H.W. Bush, Alfred Sikes served as the FCC Chairman from 1989-1992. Prior to his service as Chair, Sikes was nominated by President Reagan to become Assistant Secretary of Commerce and director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As FCC Chair, Sikes supported providing Rupert Murdoch with critical FCC waivers needed to launch Fox Broadcasting Company. Throughout his tenure at the FCC, Sikes opposed the advocacy of Murdoch’s competitors seeking to block efforts to create America’s fourth broadcast network. “It is noteworthy that Fox News declared Biden the winner in 2020; it was after all paying expert analysts to parse data to help it project winners and losers,” Sikes says in the objection. “And then much of its prime-time news coverage and opinionators fell in behind the Donald Trump version, not the Fox version of the outcome. They choose fiction over non-fiction to make many of its listeners and viewers happy. They knew the facts and decided to ignore them.” The objection concludes by saying, “The FCC has allowed the pledge to operate in the public interest to become perfunctory at best. If the public interest means anything, the FCC must designate for a hearing the application of the Murdochs and FOX for renewal of their license to operate station WTXF, Philadelphia.” On July 3, 2023, MAD filed a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for Fox Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). MAD is calling on the FCC to initiate an evidentiary hearing into FOX’s conduct to examine whether FOX and its leadership have violated the character requirements expected from public trustees granted a broadcast license. As an FCC broadcast licensee, WTXF-TV, one of 29 FOX subsidiary broadcast stations, has a basic statutory duty to conduct its operations in the “public interest.” A copy of Alfred Sikes informal objection is available here. A link to MAD’s initial Petition to Deny is available here. For media inquiries, please contact Aaron Alberico at aalberico@raynoravenue.com. Alfred Sikes is a former Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the Reagan Administration. He was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Federal Communications Commission where he served as the Republican Chairman from 1989-92. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 21, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Borroe Presale Off to A Terrific Start with Over 4 Million ROE Sold, Crypto CEX Trading Volumes Fell in H1 2023

Blockchain Digest

The crypto landscape in 2023 presents a mixed bag of trends. On one hand, we're seeing a downturn in trading volumes on centralized exchanges (CEXs). However, a new player, Borroe ($ROE), is turning heads in the crypto world, demonstrating that innovative projects can still generate significant interest. The ongoing presale has already made a splash in the market. For investors unfamiliar with Borroe, it promises to be an intriguing venture, offering solutions to the Web3 community in ways that previously weren’t accessible. Borroe Presale Hits Another Milestone with Over 4 Million $ROE Sold In the ever-evolving crypto ecosystem, it's often hard for new entrants to make a significant impact, especially when the market faces challenges. However, Borroe has defied expectations with its remarkable presale figures. Over 4 million $ROE tokens have been sold, reflecting massive investor interest and faith in the project. For those unfamiliar, Borroe is not just another blockchain project. It stands out as a revolutionary platform catering to the Web3 community. This marketplace empowers Web3 creators, startups, and businesses, allowing them to convert their future recurring revenues into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These can be sold at a discount to investors in exchange for upfront cash, bringing liquidity to sectors of the market that have traditionally been underserved. What makes Borroe even more compelling is its underlying technology. By utilizing blockchain technology, tokenization, AI-driven risk assessment, and smart contracts, it provides a seamless, efficient, and automated platform to collateralize future revenues for instant funding. This mechanism reduces reliance on traditional financing, offering faster access to capital and enabling Web3 businesses to flourish without financial constraints. The presale's overwhelming success showcases the trust and excitement around Borroe's innovative approach. As the $ROE token sale numbers continue to surge, it's evident that many in the crypto community recognize the transformative potential of Borroe's platform. Borroe has already successfully completed its Beta Stage, in which $ROE tokens were priced at a mere $0.01. At press time, $ROE is in the first presale stage and has already surged to $0.0125. By the end of all eight presale stages, the native token of the innovative marketplace is expected to increase by 300%. >>BUY $ROE TOKENS NOW<< Crypto CEX Trading Volumes Fell in H1 2023 The year 2023 started on a high note for the crypto community, but by the time H2 rolled in, the momentum began to weaken. A recent report indicates a pronounced drop of nearly 43% in crypto trading volumes as Q1 transitioned into Q2. The lack of activity was particularly noticeable in April and May. Not just crypto, but NFT trading volume also experienced a downturn, plummeting from $4.84 billion in Q1 to a significantly lower $3.15 billion in Q2. This decline brings to the forefront the issue of reduced liquidity. In essence, the market risks having a diminishing pool of buyers and sellers, making it challenging to facilitate trades at optimal prices. This sentiment is further echoed by Q2's spot trading volumes on the top 10 centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs), which stood at $1.42 trillion, marking a significant 43.2% decrease from the previous quarter. Bottom Line While the broader crypto market struggles with decreasing trading volumes, it’s evident that the market is still ripe with opportunities for projects that provide innovative solutions. Borroe, with its groundbreaking offering, has managed to capture investor interest amidst these challenging times. With over 4 million $ROE tokens already sold in its presale, it stands as proof of the potential of the project and its promise to revolutionize Web3 financing. For those seeking to tap into this next frontier in the crypto space, the Borroe presale is an opportunity not to be missed! Learn more about Borroe ($ROE) here: Visit Borroe Presale | Join The Telegram Group | Follow Borroe on Twitter Contact Details Blockchain Digest Team noreply@blockchaindigest.net Company Website http://blockchaindigest.net

August 18, 2023 02:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Unveiling Borroe: A New Frontier in Cryptocurrency with Strong Returns!

Blockchain Digest

In a swiftly evolving digital realm, the ascent of Web3 has kindled a surging demand for just value distribution between creators and users. In this dynamic landscape, Borroe ($ROE) emerges as an avant-garde AI-fueled funding marketplace. Borroe ($ROE) extends a distinct avenue to content creators and Web3 participants, enabling them to swiftly convert future earnings into instant cash flow within supportive communities. >>BUY $ROE TOKENS NOW<< Borroe ($ROE) - Pioneering Web3 Funding for Creators and Participants Borroe ($ROE) distinguishes itself as the inaugural AI and blockchain-powered funding marketplace. Borroe ($ROE) empowers Web3 participants to access immediate cash flow by liquidating future earnings, encompassing royalties, subscriptions, invoices, and management fees. The platform empowers Web3 stakeholders to transform recurring revenue into immediate funds while the communities also partake in a fraction of the earnings. Borroe ($ROE) streamlines its process efficiently. Entrepreneurs or individuals, known as 'sellers,' enroll in Borroe ($ROE) and undergo an AI-driven risk appraisal, determining their maximum cash advancement. Subsequently, sellers 'mint' a non-fungible token (NFT) symbolizing the forthcoming income's value and loan conditions, available at a reduced rate through Borroe’s ($ROE) marketplace. Buyers are notified to contribute, and when the seller receives their income, loan settlement transpires, leaving buyers with a modest profit. Reshaping Funding Dynamics - Enter Borroe ($ROE) While revenue financing is not a novel concept, conventional platforms have grappled with the ever-changing Web3 landscape. This results in various challenges for borrowers, including exorbitant costs, automation gaps, confidentiality lapses, protracted approval processes, and compliance constraints. Borroe ($ROE) disrupts this paradigm by harnessing blockchain technology, smart contracts, and artificial intelligence. With this approach, Borroe ($ROE) introduces a swift, decentralized, automated, discreet, and cost-effective funding alternative. The $ROE token serves as Borroe’s governance cornerstone, affording exclusive benefits to holders. Such benefits encompass voting authority with rewards, primary notifications for novel sales and funding appeals, discounted fees, and a slew of rewards and incentives. Safeguarded on the Polygon blockchain, the $ROE token assures reduced fees, rapid transactions, and amplified scalability. Backed by a static supply of 1 billion units and a built-in 3% buy/sell tax mechanism, $ROE is meticulously crafted to conserve and elevate its future value. >>BUY $ROE TOKENS NOW<< An Inviting Investment Outlook Embarking on its maiden presale stage, Borroe ($ROE) offers an alluring value proposition, making it an enticing investment proposition when juxtaposed with less inspiring projects. Early adopters who persist in their investment journey may potentially savor an impressive 300% return on investment, with the price soaring to $0.040 upon Stage 8's presale culmination. As 2023 unfolds, all eyes are intently fixed on Borroe ($ROE) as it ascends, orchestrating the contours of the future of Web3 funding. Enter Borroe ($ROE), a trailblazing AI-powered funding marketplace that is redefining the way Web3 creators and participants access capital. Learn more about Borroe ($ROE) here: Visit Borroe Presale | Join The Telegram Group | Follow Borroe on Twitter Contact Details Blockchain Digest Team noreply@blockchaindigest.net Company Website http://blockchaindigest.net

August 18, 2023 01:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

This Healthcare Tech Company Has Become The First To Receive FDA De Novo Authorization For An OTC COVID-19 Test

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga The healthcare technology company Cue Health Inc. (NASDAQ: HLTH) has become the first company to get De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an over-the-counter COVID-19 test — as well as being the first FDA De Novo authorization for any over-the-counter molecular test for a respiratory disease. The Cue COVID-19 Molecular Test is designed for both at-home and point-of-care use. Cue Health was also previously the first company to receive an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for an at-home molecular diagnostic test available without a prescription, which helped the company rake in over $1 billion in revenue over two years from both public (government entities) and private (point-of-care, enterprise, and direct-to-consumer) customers because it is highly accurate and has an easy-to-use design. There are still an average of over 2,000 patients with COVID-19 admitted to hospitals every day in the United States. For both the flu and COVID-19, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing serious illness and even death. In March, the FDA recommended to manufacturers that had received EUAs for their COVID-19 tests to submit new applications and meet the requirements for full clearance in order to keep selling their products. Cue has already achieved that new FDA authorization for its COVID-19 test., and it also has an EUA under FDA review for its Flu A/B + COVID-19 multiplex test, plus additional requests for De Novo classification under review including for its standalone flu test and its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) test. The company already has an EUA for its molecular test to detect the monkeypox virus. The at-home and point-of-care COVID-19 tests deliver lab-quality results to connected mobile smart devices in about 20 minutes. The test integrates into Cue Care, the company's state-of-the-art test-to-treatment service where patients can connect with a healthcare provider through the Cue Health App to discuss their results, form a treatment plan and have prescribed medications delivered straight to their door. COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Remains As The Disease Becomes Endemic Cue’s De Novo authorization comes as public health officials and epidemiologists have been continuously reporting that COVID-19 has transitioned from pandemic to endemic. Similar to the flu, COVID-19 cases will likely continue to cycle between highs and lows, but in a relatively more predictable manner. Movement into endemic status only means that testing will be even more important and needed over a much longer period of time. Early diagnosis of a respiratory illness can potentially lead to a milder infection and a decreased likelihood of hospitalization. Maintaining vigilance in preventing infection and opting for early detection and treatment at the first sign of symptoms (especially in households with children, senior citizens, family members with disabilities, or other at-risk individuals) can be crucial, especially for COVID-19. Cue Health’s diagnostic platform is able to help both patients and care providers stay ahead of COVID-19 over the long term, as the disease enters its endemic stage. By providing fast and accurate results, the platform could help minimize the spread of the disease and the risk of hospitalizations. Cue’s Molecular Diagnostic Platform — A Game Changer For Testing Cue’s test is a NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) that amplifies and detects the virus’s RNA. Because it can amplify the genetic material, Cue’s test is much more sensitive than an antigen test. In clinical studies, the Cue COVID-19 Molecular Test matched three FDA-authorized, lab-based PCR tests with 98% accuracy. The company’s innovative technology turned the complex test into a user-friendly kit that requires no advanced training. Cue’s molecular test is proven to deliver accurate results even in the early days after exposure whereas antigen results are not nearly as reliable. This is important as, according to the CDC, treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Cue's molecular test, which delivers results in 20 minutes, is also much faster than a PCR test, which can take anywhere from 12 hours to five days. The test can be used on adults or children with or without signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and it is self-contained, meaning it doesn’t involve mixing fluids or running an involved testing procedure. Users simply insert the cartridge into their Cue Reader, collect a nasal sample with a Cue Sample Wand, and insert the Wand into the cartridge. About 20 minutes later, results are sent to the Cue Health App on the user’s phone. With its head start in the transition from EUA to permanent market authorization for its at-home COVID-19 molecular test and a slate of additional at-home tests compatible with the same Cue Reader device, analysts have expressed optimism about the healthcare tech company’s future earnings potential. This document may depict certain future planned care offerings which are subject to completion of development and/or may require regulatory authorization, clearance, or approval before they can be commercialized. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 18, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

James Harden Celebrates First Anniversary of Launching J-Harden Wines

J-Harden Wines

NBA superstar James Harden is celebrating the first anniversary of launching J-Harden Wines by expanding distribution internationally, giving back to his fans around the globe, and elevating his support for female minority-owned businesses. Harden launched J-Harden Wines through a partnership with Accolade Wines in the summer of 2022 to make quality wine more accessible to all consumers. “I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished in our first year of J-Harden Wines, starting with massive success in the U.S. and now expanding worldwide,” said Harden. “As a black-owned business owner, I want to make wine more available to all communities. I want people to know they can enjoy some of the finer things in life and do it at an affordable price.” Harden added, “As you’ve probably seen on TikTok and across social media, I’m literally doing cartwheels over the response we’ve seen for J-Harden Wines. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in year two.” Harden recently wrapped up a tour of China, which joined the United States, Canada, Japan, Philippines, and Malaysia as countries that distribute J-Harden Wines. With Harden in the market for a series of appearances, China’s initial allocation of 16,000 bottles of J-Harden Wines sold out in minutes when it was released this week. J-Harden Wines plans to restock the supply in China to match demand. The success of J-Harden Wines internationally is a result of the momentum that Harden created in his first year in the wine business. He will visit with his U.S. fans during a visit to Houston’s Total Wine & More (2857 Katy Freeway, Suite 100) on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. J-Harden Wines and Harden will also support business grants for female minority-owned businesses, which will be given away at the Women’s Empowerment Brunch at Harden’s Thirteen Restaurant in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 20. J-Harden Wines will then participate in JH-Town Weekend, a series of fundraising events that support the Impact 13 Foundation, happening at the end of the month. “James has brought an elevated energy and enthusiasm to the wine industry through the launch of J-Harden Wines and its success over the last year,” said Enrique Morgan, Accolade’s Managing Director of the Americas. “We’ve accomplished so much together in a short period of time, and the response from his fans and our consumers has been incredible. We plan to continue making the wine more accessible in the United States and grow its distribution internationally.” Harden’s involvement in the J-Harden label goes far beyond an equity stake. Combining his love for fashion, art, style, and wine, Harden worked closely with the Accolade team to offer his input on the taste, look, and feel that matched his personality. Harden plays a significant role in the wine’s creative direction, design, and style. As a 10-time NBA All-Star and third-leading three-point scorer in NBA history, Harden continues to share his wine journey with fans across the country. Available in a California Cabernet Sauvignon, California Red Blend, and Prosecco, J-Harden Wines is available through leading retailers across the United States, including Total Wine & More, Kroger, Albertson’s/Safeway, H-E-B, BevMo!, and Target. Learn more at jhardenwines.com. About Accolade Wines Accolade Wines is a leading global wine company with famous wine brands loved around the world, including Hardys, St Hallett, Grant Burge, Banrock Station, Mud House, Petaluma, and many others. Accolade is a fully integrated business, managing the entire supply chain from grape to glass. With more than 1,400 employees in over 40 continents around the world, Accolade delivers approximately 276 million liters of wine to 130 countries every year. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://j-hardenwines.com/

August 17, 2023 01:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

XRP's Legal Triumphs Are Good For Crypto: Pomerdoge Predicted To Be The Top Altcoin Of 2023

Blockchain Digest

The world of cryptocurrencies is rapidly evolving. Being a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, it is a highly volatile landscape. The crypto market often faces regulatory enforcement and legal battles. Ripple (XRP), which was entangled in a long-time battle with the SEC, has emerged victorious, setting a valuable precedent. The ruling in this landmark case holds the potential to transform the crypto landscape and the industry’s future. While Ripple (XRP) basks in its legal triumph, Pomerdoge (POMD) has been gaining significant traction, making it possibly the next big thing amongst altcoins. Summary Ripple (XRP) gets a big win in its long-stretched case with the SEC. Pomerdoge, the latest meme coin priced at just $0.008, is gaining momentum. Click Here To Find Out More About The Pomerdoge (POMD) Presale Ripple (XRP) basks in the glory of its landmark victory For the past 3 years, Ripple (XRP) has been in a legal battle with the SEC. The Securities Exchange Commission had raised concerns regarding Ripple’s (XRP) status as a security, and unregistered security offering to its investors. The SEC stated that Ripple (XRP) raised over $1 billion through the sale of these illegal tokens. Ripple (XRP) denied these allegations, stating that, being a cryptocurrency, it cannot be classified as a security. As a result of this feud, a shadow of doubt hangs over Ripple (XRP), and the overall crypto industry. However, with the court ruling in favor of XRP’s parent company, Ripple Labs, the air of ambiguity has been cleared. This landmark ruling will consequently serve as an important precedent in multiple cases. Firstly, it enforces that not all cryptocurrencies are securities. Furthermore, it establishes the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies as a financial class, leading to a path toward mainstream adoption. Lastly, the clarity due to this victory has prompted optimism regarding the increased adoption of Ripple (XRP) as well as other cryptocurrencies. In the past month, Ripple (XRP) has rose by 32.31%. However, despite its big win, Ripple (XRP) has witnessed a drop of 4.55% in its weekly charts. Ripple (XRP) is currently trading at 0.629. Pomerdoge (POMD) is ready to take the market by storm Pomerdoge is becoming a rising star in the altcoin universe. Based on the meme-driven cryptocurrency culture, Pomerdoge has been gaining investor attention for its unique offerings. Being a part of the P2E gaming industry that holds the potential to reach USD 3,618.4 million by 2028, Pomerdoge is a solid and revolutionary project. It will connect players from all around the world, providing both networking opportunities and a competitive platform. Pomerdoge will combine the much-talked-about Doge meme with its innovative features, such as locked-in liquidity for life along with a revenue share from the game, proportional to token ownership in presale. Thus, it is all set to dethrone its contenders, which include Dogecoin, Pepe, Shiba Inu, etc. Further, during the months of August/ September, Pomerdoge is all set to launch a collection of 7,777 NFTs that can be bought using POMD tokens exclusively. Priced at just $0.0035, Pomerdoge offers investors an attractive opportunity to make big gains by investing early. Find out more about the Pomerdoge (POMD) Presale Today Website: https://pomerdoge.com/ Telegram Community: https://t.me/pomerdoge Contact Details Pomerdoge Press Team marketing@pomerdoge.com Company Website https://pomerdoge.com/

August 16, 2023 11:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

THE AMERICAN RODEO ANNOUNCES RETURN TO GLOBE LIFE FIELD IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS, MARCH 8 – 9, 2024 WITH NEW THREE-YEAR VENUE PARTNERSHIP

Teton Ridge

Following action-packed entertainment and a sold-out crowd soaking up the very best in western sports in March 2023, Teton Ridge, an omnichannel Western lifestyle and entertainment company devoted to elevating the iconic American western way of life, announced today that The American Western Weekend will again call Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas its home on March 8-9, 2024 as part of a newly signed three-year partnership. Teton Ridge will also proudly partner with Concerts West and AEG Presents to produce the event in 2024 and bring fans world-class musical talent. Concerts West and AEG Presents are world leaders in the music and entertainment industries with an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Their tentpole festivals – including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – continue to set the bar for the live music experience. Global tours include The Rolling Stones, Roger Waters, Celine Dion, Luke Combs and more. “Since acquiring The American Rodeo, Teton Ridge has built out this iconic event to fully live up to being the U.S. Open of Rodeo,” said Joe Loverro, President of Teton Ridge Sports. “We are thrilled to continue working with our incredible partners at the City of Arlington, the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Globe Life Field and REV Entertainment as we look forward to the next three years bringing the best in rodeo to fans nationwide. The new partnership with Concerts West will further heighten the momentum to include the very best in entertainment- creating a truly unforgettable weekend.” Having made the move to Globe Life Field in 2023 as the iconic sporting event celebrated its 10 th anniversary, the world-class 1.8 million square foot multipurpose sports and entertainment venue boasts the distinctive capabilities to allow for both of the weekend’s marquee events- The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™ and The American Performance Horseman - to have a single, landmark destination throughout the two-day national sporting event. “The American Western Weekend is one of the biggest event weekends we’ll host all year,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “It brings a tremendous amount of people and economic impact to the community and will be something we look forward to every year at Globe Life Field.” The American Rodeo is the only rodeo where the Champions in each of the eight rodeo disciplines compete against the Contenders - everyday hardworking cowboys and cowgirls and those that fell outside of the Top 5 (6-20) in the end-of-year standings. In a powerful showdown at the 2023 event, Breakaway roping Contender Jackie Crawford and Tie Down Roping Contender Ty Harris both unseated their individual discipline’s champion therefore splitting $1 million in winnings. Before all eyes turn to Globe Life Field in March 2024, the road to The American Rodeo will take Contenders through a tournament-style format and ultimately regional finals in Las Vegas, Nevada (Jan. 11-13), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Jan. 18-20) and Lexington, Kentucky (Jan. 25-27). Their efforts will culminate as qualifying Contender athletes in each rodeo discipline punch their ticket to The American Contender Tournament Finals in Abilene, Texas on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Taylor Telecom Arena- just one short month before making their way to Arlington and striding out onto the floor of Globe Life Field. Following its 2023 industry-defining debut, The American Performance Horseman will again transform Globe Life Field on Friday, March 8, 2024 as the Top 15 horsemen and women in the world take to the dirt. As the other marquee event of The American Western Weekend, this newly launched phenomenon fuses the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports. The top five year-end money earning professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) will converge for a competitive exhibition format, created by Teton Ridge. The unprecedented team concept pairs five teams of three athletes, partnered with some of the most well-known and respected Quarter Horses in the industry. In addition to the inaugural launch of the Teton Ridge-created The American Performance Horseman with more than 18,000 in attendance in 2023, The American Western Weekend recorded a multitude of successes: A 25% increase over 2022 in live broadcast viewership- with more than 1.3 million viewers tuning in live on national cable network INSP More than $6 million in prize money on the line for everyday cowboys and cowgirls A sold-out crowd on Saturday, March 11 Subscriber base growth of more than 400% for Teton Ridge Plus, the digital platform that tracks every nuance and detail of western sports. Livestreamed more than 21 hours of live competition, for free, during The American Western Weekend and more than 80 hours of live competition during The American Contender Tournament Regionals and saw more than 700 rodeo and performance horse athletes join the community. Ticketing information for The American Western Weekend 2024, headlining music talent lineup and on-sale dates for March 8-9, 2024 will be announced later in 2023. Fans can subscribe to Teton Ridge Plus for alerts, advance ticketing offers and exclusive presales. For more information on March 8-9, visit www.americanrodeo.com. ### About The American Western Weekend: The American Western Weekend March 8th & 9th, 2024 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas features action-packed entertainment, world-class talent and western sports that culminates with The American Rodeo. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™, The American Rodeo is an unrivaled celebration of the pioneering spirit of the American West. The national sporting event offers fans a unique choice - to cheer on western sports’ finest, champion athletes, or root for the underdog “Contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus – through every rodeo, roping and riding effort. Added to the festival line-up in 2023, The American Performance Horseman brings together the western equine sports disciplines of reining, reined cow horse and cutting for a $1 million prize. All combined with star-studded music, a western festival and more. For more information on The American Western Weekend, please visit americanrodeo.com or @TheAmerican.TR on Instagram @TheAmericanTR on Facebook and Twitter. About Teton Ridge: Teton Ridge is the first omnichannel Western lifestyle and entertainment company that brings the best the American West has to offer, altogether in one place. Teton Ridge brings audiences and businesses together through content, products and experiences originating from the great American West. Teton Ridge operates across several business lines including a 24/7 digital media network with www.tetonridgeplus.com at the company’s core; content production and distribution for scripted and non-scripted programming; print publishing through Cowboys & Indians magazine; fantasy gaming with Professional Fantasy Rodeo; apparel and fashion including Hyer Boots; western sports experiences with featured event The American Rodeo, ownership of the Arizona Ridge Riders Professional Bull Riding team, and Rodeo Vegas, the premier after-party of National Finals Rodeo; an exceptional American Quarter Horse breeding and training program informed by technology-leading equine genetics from Etalon Diagnostics; and a dedicated commitment to youth and indigenous-focused initiatives. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook. Contact Details MMGNV Mandi McCary mandi@mmgnv.com Company Website http://americanrodeo.com

August 16, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Hacks Have Taken Billions From Both Centralized And Decentralized Crypto Exchanges — Is Swopblock The Answer?

Benzinga

By James Wells, Benzinga Learn more about and invest in Swopblock via Wefunder The crypto community has faced a series of unfortunate incidents over the past two years, punctuated by the collapse of FTX, a large centralized exchange (CEX). These situations have led many investors – who are still awaiting compensation – to question the reliability of CEXs. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) propose a solution by removing third parties and allowing users to handle their own assets. Nevertheless, many DEXs still rely on centralized components such as bridges and pipes, limiting their reach to full decentralization. Swopblock, a pioneering decentralized crypto exchange, stands out by enabling cross-chain trading with 100% liquidity distribution across user wallets. This could surpass the limitations of existing DEXs and CEXs, potentially positioning Swopblock as a leader in the decentralized finance (DeFi) field. Centralized Exchanges: A Double-Edged Sword Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) such as Binance, Coinbase and Kraken are popular cryptocurrency platforms known for their reliability and a range of benefits, including liquidity, fast transactions and user-friendly interfaces. However, these advantages come with a downside: CEXs have a custodial nature, which means they hold users' assets on their behalf. This setup increases the risk associated with relying on the exchange as an intermediary. The increased counterparty risk in CEXs can lead to potential problems. For example, some exchanges like Celsius have faced insolvency issues, while others like FTX experienced irretrievable losses of funds due to unethical practices. While CEXs offer convenience by simplifying asset management through exchange-managed wallets, it requires users to place significant trust in the exchange, making them vulnerable to these risks. Transition To Decentralization: Not The Ultimate Solution Yet Cross-chain Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) attempt to mitigate CEXs' counterparty risk by compartmentalizing custodial control into pipes and bridges, but this does not completely eliminate the risk of custodial control failure. This can lead to single points of failure, causing significant losses if compromised (hacks, bugs, etc.). DEXs like Uniswap mitigate CEXs' counterparty risk by prohibiting cross-blockchain trading altogether, this requires using these CEXs to gain access between DEXs on other blockchains. According to Binance Research, DEXs were the most used type of decentralized application (dApp) among institutions in Q2 2023. While CEXs are an established technology, DEXs retain most centralized exchange capabilities and often provide access to more niche and experimental projects. The Swopblock Solution: Distributed Liquidity for Complete Decentralization Swopblock is a trailblazer in the DEX industry as the first fully decentralized exchange. Unlike its competitors, such as Thorchain or PancakeSwap, Swopblock ensures an impressive 100% liquidity distribution across all user wallets, significantly reducing vulnerability to liquidity pool and bridge hacks. Despite liquidity pools being decentralized, these remain susceptible targets for attacks due to the accumulation of assets. The alarming $2.1 billion lost to hacks and exploits in 2022 alone emphasizes the urgent need for more decentralized liquidity distribution. The true innovation of Swopblock lies in its decentralized liquidity distribution, setting it apart from other platforms. Powered exclusively by SWOBL, users contribute liquidity individually for their trades while retaining full control within their wallets. This approach not only addresses self-custody issues typically associated with Centralized Finance (CeFi) but also eliminates the 'honeypot' risks inherent in traditional DEXs like Trader Joe, Uniswap, and PancakeSwap. Swopblock: Ushering in a New Era of Genuine Decentralization in Crypto Exchanges As the DEX sector continues to thrive in the aftermath of the FTX fallout, and with the increasing focus on self-custody, it's crucial that both investors and developers maintain their focus on the overarching goal of crypto: decentralization. Many decentralized projects, despite their emphasis on improving capital efficiency, user-friendliness, and other metrics, have overlooked the enormous flaw of integrating any kind of single-point custodial-control failure into a decentralized exchange system. Swopblock, with its innovative technology emphasizing distributed liquidity powered by its protocol driven medium of exchange, stands as a truly disruptive force that prioritizes decentralization. As the demand for a genuinely decentralized exchange method grows, Swopblock stands ready to meet it, raising the bar across the industry. Learn more about and invest in Swopblock via Wefunder. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

OLB Group (NASDAQ: OLB) Acquires Controlling Interest In Prepaid Phone Platform, Potentially Expanding Its Services For The Underbanked To An Additional 31,000 Locations

Benzinga

By David Willey, Benzinga OLB Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: OLB) is a diversified payment and omnicommerce technology services provider that provides the benefits of traditional banking to financially underrepresented communities. It is boosting its services to the underbanked through the acquisition of a controlling interest in Cuentas SDI LLC, a company that owns the platform of Black011.com along with a network serving over 31,000 convenience stores. OLB acquired an 80% share in the company and will offer its services, including the prepaid General Purpose Reloadable (GPR) program, to the stores and customers already on SDI’s network. The company has appointed a new Vice President (VP) of Sales, Jeff Jorgge, to lead the expansion. Jorgge has over 15 years of experience leading similar projects with other major companies. His campaign will involve rebranding the SDI platform under the OLB Payment Platform and ECO payment system and offering OLB’s services to the 31,600 convenience stores currently part of SDI’s network. The campaign will highlight the ability of members on the Black011 platform network to use one integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) system so their customers can purchase products and reload their phones from the same system. Jorgge commented, “I have been involved in indirect channel distribution for the past 15 years in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area and am very excited about all the additional unique services that OLB will bring to the merchants on the SDI network. The OLB Group applications of in-store and on-mobile online App and will help to bridge the digital divide for the unbanked, underbanked, and underserviced population.” OLB’s Current Focus – The First 1,000 Locations OLB believes this controlling acquisition of SDI will increase its service to convenience stories and their customers. The company is starting its campaign by targeting 1,000 prime locations, including convenience stores and ‘bodegas,’ in the tri-state area. These locations often serve unbanked or underbanked households, which represent almost 18% of America’s more marginalized communities. There are over 150,000 convenience stores in the U.S., and it is estimated that over 90% of Americans live within a short distance of one of these stores. However, these stores can struggle in the changing economic environment, and OLB’s acquisition will allow it to better serve this significant market. OLB Group CEO Ronny Yakov commented on the acquisition, “We are excited to move forward with this exciting next step in our relationship with Cuentas. Our plan is to immediately focus on adding as many as 1,000 new stores to the network in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area and then ramp up from that initial base.” Expanding SDI Services Cuentas Inc. (NASDAQ: CUEN), which used to own Cuentas SDI, still owns almost a 20% share of the company. It will continue helping SDI serve financially underrepresented communities and plans to add the network to its new Cuentas Mobile Wireless Service. It will also continue working with the leading global financial services company InComm, to add innovative digital solutions to the SDI network in aid of the underbanked. OLB will be able to offer these locations numerous benefits, including access to OLB’s network of customers, wallets with instant credit and the ability to issue loans and other financial services. The acquisition of the SDI network will also enhance OLB’s GPR program. GPR cards function like debit cards, except they are pre-paid and reloadable, and unlike debit cards, they are not connected to a bank. Integrating the SDI network with OLB’s financial services means owners of merchant locations will be able to reload funds to their accounts as well as use OLB’s electronic portal to offer customers instant access to digital products. Other companies that offer services similar to OLB, including integrated fintech/payment, are large-cap names like Shopify, Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) and BigCommerce Holdings (NASDAQ: BIGC). This initiative to expand into a very large underserved market could be a major contributor to OLB’s revenue and income growth going forward as the company executes on their roll out plan to the new market sector of bodegas and convenience stores. Want to read more about what OLB Group is doing to serve the underbanked? Check out its website. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 8081828384 ... 236