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Two elite firms with a combined “Of Counsel” relationship will offer innovative, diverse services throughout an expanded geographical footprint.

Mintz & Gold LLP and SLC Law

Mintz & Gold LLP, an accomplished firm with a strong presence across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and beyond and SLC Law, a leading legal presence in Europe, with offices in the Florence area, Milan and London, today announced the formation of an Of Counsel relationship. This arrangement between Steven Mintz Esq. and Steven Gold Esq., founders of Mintz & Gold LLP, and Simone Calzolai, Esq., founder and principal of SLC Law is effective as of June 14, 2024 June and will represent a powerhouse in the U.S. and European legal industry. Mintz & Gold and SLC Law are each leading law firms in their respective regions and offer complementary services. Together, they will have an expanded geographical footprint in both the U.S. and Europe, accelerating the growth of both firms. The relationship will reinforce and improve each firm’s ability to meet and exceed clients’ needs and support them as they navigate increasingly complex legal and regulatory environments. The synergies between the two law firms will benefit clients of both firms through a significantly increased knowledge base and expanded service areas. Mintz & Gold services its clients in the New York metropolitan area and across the United States from its office at 600 Third Avenue in Manhattan SLC Law serves clients throughout Italy, Great Britain and Wales, Switzerland and across Europe. The firm has offices in the Florence area, Milan, and London. Mintz & Gold and SLC Law will continue to operate as separate, independent entities and both firms are committed to ensuring clients continue to receive high-quality, focused services as they engage in this new Of Counsel relationship. Steve Mintz said: “This is an exciting move and demonstrates our dedication to our clients who will benefit from a European Of Counsel relationship designated to cover the legal needs of our clients in Europe. Both firms have a long history of excellence, client-driven growth in our respective markets and are well-aligned culturally and with many of the same practice areas. This relationship will enable us to extend our reach to provide even more diverse and innovative services and capabilities over a larger geographic footprint.” Simone Calzolai said: “We are excited by this strategic opportunity to combine the strengths of our two firms through the mutual Of Counsel Relationship, expanding our geographic reach, broadening the scope of our services, and deepening our bench of experienced attorneys to offer a more comprehensive suite of legal services to our clients in the U.S.” About Mintz & Gold In 1993, Steven Mintz and Steven Gold formed Mintz & Gold LLP, with the goal of delivering the highest caliber of legal representation. While the firm has grown in size and breadth of practice, it stays true to its original mission. As the firm enters its third decade of continuous service to its clients, it has become more regional in focus and provides service to clients located throughout the United States. Mintz & Gold is now approximately 50 lawyers who service the New York Tri-State area and beyond. Mintz & Gold is an exclusive member firm with many attorneys selected to Superlawyer List 2009-2024 For more information, go to https://mintzandgold.com/ About SLC Law SLC Law is a firm with full-service capabilities established in 1998, with a deeply rooted culture of collaboration, excellence and inclusion. With offices throughout Italy and Great Britain, serving local, regional, national and international clients, including public and private companies, institutions, government entities, tax-exempt organizations and individuals. SLC Law is focused on its clients’ business goals and strategic objectives. The firm’s core practice areas include Civil Law, Tax Law, Energy Law, Insurance Law, International Law, Sports Law, Criminal Law of Companies and bankruptcy Law Commercial and Corporate law, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Law. SLC Law is a certified Sole 24 Ore Partner Italy and has been selected by IAE as “Civil Lawyer of the year in Italy” in 2022 and by Corporate INTL as “Global Award Winner 2023” as Business Litigation Lawyer of the year in Italy. SLC Law’s founder, Simone Calzolai, Esq., is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court and has been appointed as Teaching Fellow at the University of Florence School of Law, Department of Administrative and Sport Law. He is licensed to practice at all Courts of Europe and also in the U.K. and Wales, as a registered lawyer by SRA-Solicitors Regulation Authority holding the position of Senior Partner in Ascheri Nelson LLP, a prominent law firm in London. For more information, go to https://www.slclaw.eu/en/ Contact Details Mintz & Gold +1 212-696-4848 reception@mintzandgold.com SLC Law +39 0574 182 6341 segreteria@slclaw.eu

June 11, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Announces Live American Sign Language Interpreting Services at Eight Bay Area Xfinity Store Locations

Comcast California

As part of its ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, Comcast today announced the availability of live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services at eight Xfinity Store Locations in the Greater Bay Area. Customers who need ASL support can stop into any of the select Bay Area Xfinity Stores, where representatives will utilize ASL Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to access a live interpreter provided by partner, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). The Retail Associate simply taps the app on the store iPad and is connected in moments via video to a live interpreter who can translate from ASL to English and vice versa as the customer and Associate converse. “We’re proud to deliver an inclusive service solution that will help more customers better interact and engage with Retail Associates representing our Xfinity Products and Services, to provide them with a much better in-store experience,” said Thomas Wlodkowski, Comcast Vice President for Accessibility. “I’m also grateful to our partners in California — who are helping to close the digital divide for more members of our disabled community by working with us on a variety of digital equity initiatives.” Comcast launched the ASL VRI service as a pilot in select stores last year; it is the first telecommunications retailer in the country to offer live, on-demand, remote ASL interpreting services in stores to better serve customers. The company is expanding the service to additional stores across the country this year. The eight Xfinity Greater Bay Area stores that offer ASL VRI service include: San Jose: 1068 E. Brokaw Rd. # 50, San Jose, CA 95131 Sunnyvale: 301 W. McKinley Ave. Suite 140, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 San Jose: 1566 Monterey Hwy #20, San Jose, CA 95110 San Jose: 1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129 Palo Alto: 2825 El Camino Real #100, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Fremont: 43325 Christy St., Fremont, CA 94538 Oakland: 3070 E. 9 th St., Oakland, CA 94601 Dublin: 4104 Grafton St., Dublin, CA 94568 “As part of California School for the Deaf’s mission, we are deeply committed to providing a language rich environment that maximizes communication access in order for our students to lead fulfilling lives,” said Amy Novotny, Superintendent, California School for the Deaf. “Access to technology and connectivity builds confidence and independence, and that’s why we are excited to partner with Comcast on opportunities to close the digital divide for members of our Deaf and hard of hearing community.” The American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 3.6% of the U.S. population is “deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.” Additionally, according to Pew Research Center, 23% of people with disabilities say they never go online, with 57% saying they do not have a home broadband connection. That’s why, through its Project UP initiative, Comcast is working to address and eliminate the unique barriers to connectivity through a series of efforts, including Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and skill development and training. In addition to announcing this inclusive retail experience for customers, Comcast donated $60,000 in digital equity grants to community partners, San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Deaf, and the World Institute on Disability. These grants aim to broaden the scope of digital inclusion and accessibility to students, families, seniors, and community members. “Assistive technologies are opening doors to greater independence for folks with a range of disabilities,” said Sharon Giovinazzo Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco LightHouse of the Blind and Visually Impaired. “These innovations truly can level the playing field. Comcast has been a valued partner in delivering technologies and supporting our efforts to promote independence, community, and equity for blind and low vision people.” “Diversity, equity and inclusion are the guiding stars of what we do here at the World Institute on Disability, and it is gratifying to see partners, such as Comcast, who also believe that equity and accessibility go hand-in-hand,” said Marcie Roth, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, World Institute on Disability. “Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and we must continue to work together to invest in solutions, which will help support people with disabilities having equal and greater access to products and services in today’s world as well as laying the foundation for greater accessibility for future generations.” About Comcast’s Accessibility Program: For more than a decade, Comcast has invested in making its products, technology, and experiences accessible to the widest possible audience while opening new doors to independence for people with disabilities. These innovations include the Large Button Voice Remote, voted USA Today’s Best Accessible Design remote in 2023, and the Xfinity Adaptive Web Remote. To learn more about Comcast’s groundbreaking accessibility work, visit corporate.comcast.com/accessibility. About Comcast Corporation: Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms, we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Calfornia Jon Koriel +1 925-315-2690 jon_koriel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

June 06, 2024 10:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Kevel Named to Newsweek’s List of the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces for 2024

Kevel

Kevel has ranked #13 on Newsweek ’sTop 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list for 2024. This is the 2 nd annual Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmark research company. The results were determined after surveying more than 2 million employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 30 to more than 10,000. The list recognizes companies that put respect, caring, and appreciation for their employees at the center of their business model and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty and respect of the people who work for them. Why is Kevel most loved? Kevel is committed to creating a thriving and diverse community, and it doesn't just show up in their recruitment. By addressing feedback from specific groups, from BIPOC to LGBTQ+ to women, Kevel ensures everyone has the psychological safety to be their authentic selves in the workplace. And with all-staff annual retreats, an international remote-first culture and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge, innovative technology, what's not to love? “We pride ourselves on being a people-first organization where we encourage vulnerability, authenticity and transparency. We aim to build an environment where every employee feels respected, welcomed and heard. We provide autonomy and flexibility, and promote from within to ensure every employee has the opportunity to reach their full potential.” - Mike Kohn Chief People Officer, Kevel How positive workers feel about their future at the company, career achievement, how much employer values align with employee values, respect at all levels, and the level of collaboration at the firm were the five critical areas measured to gauge employee sentiment. In addition, areas such as inclusion, employee wellness, diversity, career development, and company leadership were identified and analyzed in relation to the five critical areas measured. “As workplaces continue to shift, it’s clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential. The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team oriented outcomes, they’re not just building great workplaces, they’re shaping a brighter future for all.” - Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek Methodology BPI measures five primary areas to determine how employees feel about where they work to create the Most Loved Workplaces® list: the level of collaboration at the workplace, how positive workers are about their future at the company, how much employer values align with employee values; respect at all levels and career achievement. In consultation with Newsweek editors, BPI also considered employee wellness, diversity, inclusion, career advancement, and other workplace and talent development initiatives. To identify the top 100 companies ranked in this Newsweek publication, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 50 percent of the initial score was based on direct employee responses to BPI's proprietary Love of Workplace Index® assessment. Another 15 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Google. The final 35 percent came from BPI’s direct interviews and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then researched every company on the list to determine the final list of 100 companies and their rankings. To view Kevel’s ranking and the full list, visit the Global Most Loved Workplaces® 2024 page. To learn more about the Most Loved Workplace certification, visit ​​ https://mostlovedworkplace.com/ and the Best Practice Institute, visit bestpracticeinstitute.org. About Kevel Kevel powers innovative, flexible ad tech infrastructure APIs that fuel its ad serving solutions. It’s unique offering empowers multi-brand retailers to launch differentiated retail media networks that improve the shopper experience while maintaining total control of their first-party data. Kevel believes that every digital retailer should have the capability to scale their own distinct ad platform, just like big tech players like Amazon. Customers like Edmunds, Klarna, Delivery Hero, Leroy Merlin, Slickdeals, and other leading retailers and marketplaces all launched their own retail media network with Kevel. The company has garnered numerous accolades, most recently earning recognition as one of the leading 100 innovative tech start-ups driving the future of brand-to-consumer in 2023 and awarded the MarTech Breakthrough Award for best overall ad tech company in 2022. Learn more at www.kevel.com Contact Details Kevel Jennifer Choo Director of Marketing +1 973-343-8819 jchoo@kevel.com

June 06, 2024 09:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comcast Directors Refuse to Disclose Political Donations, So Shareholder Does It for Them

NLPC

Ahead of its annual meeting on Monday, June 10, the directors for Comcast Corporation have had their past political campaign donations publicized on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, after the company refused to allow a vote on a shareholder proposal that requested transparency of that information. As the parent of major media organizations that include NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, Telemundo and Sky, Comcast has an outsized influence on global news reporting and opinion-forming for its massive audiences, predominantly in the Americas and in Europe. Late last year National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), an investor in Comcast, had introduced a shareholder proposal to request the Board to implement a policy in which director candidates each year would be required to disclose their charitable donations and campaign contributions above certain amounts, going back five and 10 years, respectively. Citing several examples of Comcast’s past advocacy in support of controversial political news developments and issues from a left-leaning perspective, NLPC asked for greater transparency about the board’s worldviews via the disclosure of members’ past philanthropic and political donations. “Shareholders are uninformed about members’ ideological and political views,” the proposal stated. “Greater transparency is needed to allow shareholders to know whether our Board suffers partisan capture and therefore the group-think and ideological blinders that have cost some companies dearly in recent years.” However, not wanting shareholders to have the ability to vote on NLPC’s proposal – much less disclose its directors’ charity, candidate and political party support – Comcast asked the SEC for permission to exclude the resolution from its proxy statement, and therefore from its annual meeting. The SEC allowed the company to omit the proposal. Subsequently, NLPC filed a proxy memo with the SEC last month in which it opposed the election of all 10 director nominees, over their refusal to allow shareholders to vote on the measure. In addition to NLPC’s rationale for opposing the nominees, the proxy memo also includes some of the very information Comcast’s directors tried to conceal: their campaign contributions for federal races going back at least 10 years, extracted from Federal Election Commission records. “Comcast argued that it was improper for director nominees’ personal charity and campaign donations to be disclosed and should be off-limits,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “It’s a bogus argument, at least regarding state and federal races, as those contributions are required to be reported to state elections boards and the FEC, and to be made available to the public.” NLPC sponsored the same proposal for the annual meetings of Alphabet, Amazon and Home Depot as well. None of those companies opposed allowing a vote on director transparency at their meetings. “You might think Big Tech companies might be more reluctant to make such disclosures, but they were at least willing to allow their investors to weigh in on the issue,” Chesser added. “Meanwhile Comcast controls some of the most extensive and influential news gathering organizations in the world. Their Board owes it to their audiences, as well as their shareholders, to inform them where they stand ideologically.” Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

June 05, 2024 11:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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White Bridge Capital Expands to Texas, Opening Cross-Border Investment Opportunities in Real Estate Development

White Bridge Capital, LLC

Firm Looks to Serve Cross-Border Real Estate Needs of Family Offices, High-Net-Worth Individuals and Entities Seeking to Invest in Multi-Family, Build-to-Suit, Industrial, and Commercial Development Projects White Bridge Capital, a cross-border real estate investment firm, is extending its reach to Texas to cater to global family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and overseas entities seeking to benefit from the state’s robust economic expansion and the resulting impact on its flourishing real estate market. The portfolio encompasses multi-family residences, build-to-suit properties, industrial facilities, and commercial developments across the state. In Texas, White Bridge Capital will be spearheaded by newly appointed Partner Nat Parsons, a third-generation developer by training and leading real estate and construction veteran with nearly two decades of experience, including the banking sector. Co-founded by Tommy Campbell and Regina Garcia Handal, with headquarters in Miami, Florida and operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development cycle. “The expansion to Texas marks a significant step in the firm’s growth and its intent to have a strategic physical presence to look after our clients’ overall interests,” said Tommy Campbell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “Investors are focused on long-term appreciation and greater control, and White Bridge Capital, with our ‘boots on the ground’ approach, stands ready to source real estate investments in Texas that offer clients active management.” Cross-border family office real-estate investments across the Americas are on the rise, propelled by macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers. White Bridge Capital is bridging this investment opportunity with its unique customized investment platform underpinned by high-touch, local intelligence, and a robust network of experts across the Americas. “Nat is an outstanding business leader. His extensive experience and strategic vision in managing complex real estate deals, leading construction projects and teams, will be invaluable to our firm and clients,” said Regina Garcia Handal, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, White Bridge Capital. “In partnership with Nat, we look forward to our Texas office thriving into the future.” A graduate of Texas A&M University, Nat holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in construction science, focusing on business, project planning, and construction management of high-quality facilities. A proud and devoted father, Parsons is a U.S. rugby player, the son of architects and grandson of Nathaniel E. Parsons, president of N. E. Parsons Sheet Metal and Roofing Company 1924. “White Bridge Capital’s leadership, client base, and market reach are unparalleled,” said Parsons. Together with Tommy, Regina, and Texas’ pro-business and investor-friendly policies, I look forward to serving new and existing clients. The opportunities to grow in Texas are endless.” Texas is an appealing destination for investors, particularly those from Latin America, given its overall business-friendly environment, infrastructure development, technological advancements, and strong economic growth – accelerated by trade with Mexico – attracting diverse industries to the state, resulting in population growth and an attractive real estate market. # # # About White Bridge Capital: Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with operations in Mexico City, White Bridge Capital sources compelling real estate deals, structures investments, secures financing for underlying assets, and manages client investments throughout the real estate development life cycle. To learn more, visit White Bridge Capital. Contact Details Pia De Lima +1 305-794-1231 pia.delima@novusink.com Dan Diaz +1 347-673-3555 daniel.diaz@NovusInk.com Company Website https://www.whitebridge.capital/

June 04, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Shareholder Proposal Seeks Reevaluation of Exec. Incentives for EVs at GM

NLPC

On June 4, National Legal and Policy Center will present a shareholder proposal at the General Motors Company advocating for GM’s board of directors to reevaluate the electric vehicle expansion targets included in its executive compensation packages. The proposal, identified as Item No. 5 on the 2024 proxy ballot, argues that GM’s focus on electric vehicles is misaligned with both the market demand for EVs and the economic realities the company faces. Last month NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains its rationale for the proposal. GM, like many in energy-intensive sectors, has increasingly aligned its corporate strategies with a poorly substantiated, government-subsidized, and corporate media-amplified “scientific consensus” that carbon emissions will result in catastrophic effects to the planet, and to humans. These scenarios are increasingly unlikely, yet the corporate media continues to portray them as the default. Supposedly, this climate crisis can only be averted if governments and consumers adopt environmentally friendly technology, such as electric vehicles, en masse. However, electric vehicles aren’t good for the environment. Even with government subsidies, they’re expensive and unprofitable. Further, consumers don’t want to make the switch. Luke Perlot, Associate Director of NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project, stated, “Our proposal encourages a reassessment of GM’s current executive compensation incentives, which overly prioritize electric vehicle production without adequate consideration of the associated economic, environmental, and ethical risks. Instead, the company should remove these incentives and give its executive team the opportunity to pursue growth strategies without political bias.” Key Details of the Proposal: Misalignment with Market Realities: Despite substantial investments and executive incentives, the anticipated demand for EVs has not materialized at the projected scale. An open letter to President Biden signed by over 5,000 auto dealerships warned of lack of demand for EVs. Economic Viability and Subsidy Dependence: GM's profitability in the EV sector is heavily reliant on government subsidies, which are subject to political changes and could be repealed as early as 2025. Without these subsidies, the division’s path to achieving positive pre-tax earnings, currently projected for no sooner than 2025, appears increasingly precarious. Environmental and Ethical Challenges: The extraction and processing of rare-earth elements, crucial for these batteries, are predominantly concentrated in regions with poor environmental and labor standards. This not only leads to severe ecological damage, but also involves significant human rights abuses, including forced labor. Further, these elements are primarily processed in China, a geopolitical adversary of the United States. “Consumers still want internal combustion engine vehicles,” Perlot added, “and GM’s competitors are making substantial investments to meet their demand. The company cannot afford to be left behind because of misguided incentives.” Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

June 03, 2024 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Department of the Army Debuts First Campaign Highlighting Army Civilian Careers

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/FMkGY43U8FQ For the first time, the Department of the Army debuted a campaign focused on Army Civilian Careers. “Find Your Next Level” demonstrates how private citizens can bring their existing skills and abilities to an Army Civilian Career and have an impact that can only be found in the Department of the Army. Individuals looking for a new challenge in their career can choose from more than 500 career paths. Army Civilians work across industries with roles in finance, cybersecurity, engineering, and beyond. With more than 265,000 employees, the Army Civilian workforce is one of the largest groups of Civilian employees within the Department of Defense. The Civilian role in the Army dates back to the founding of our country in 1776, and Army Civilians continue to play a critical role in the Army’s success today. Because there is low public awareness that the Department of the Army employs Civilians, the campaign aims to bridge this gap by demonstrating how professionals can bring their existing skills and abilities to an Army Civilian Career. On May 22nd, a media tour was conducted with Army Civilian, Dr. John E. Deaton. He shared his unique perspective on the campaign as a former Army Ranger who ultimately returned to the Army as a Civilian later in his career – this time in veterinary sciences. His experience as an Army Ranger brought him the critical skills of discipline and leadership that would serve as the foundation for a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine after his service in uniform. Today he serves as the Deputy Director of Veterinary Sciences at Joint Base San Antonio where he leverages insights from his veterinary expertise to train the next generation of Soldiers. Topics that Dr. Deaton discussed included: · Why the Army is launching a campaign focused on Civilians. · His journey to the Army and why he chose to return as a Civilian. · What opportunities his Civilian career in the Army has provided. · Types of Army Civilian Career paths are available. For more information, visit ArmyCivilianCareers.com. Army Civilian Careers will have a presence at upcoming events throughout the U.S. where potential candidates can interview for open positions, and potentially receive a tentative job offer on the spot: · June 26-28: The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Las Vegas, NV · September 18-20: Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing (CMDIT) in San Diego, CA · October 4: American Indian Society of Engineers & Scientists (AISES) National Conference in San Antonio, TX · October 12: Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) in Boston, MA · November 1-2: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) in Anaheim, CA · November 9: Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) in Fort Worth, TX Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 30, 2024 11:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Don’t Get Scammed: NICB Insights on How to Avoid Fraud After a Natural Disaster

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dJPZJMemFCA With hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons in full swing in many parts of the country, property damage and loss will be unavoidable in affected areas. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath. Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 28 separate events costing at least $1 billion. In the 1980s, the average time between billion-dollar disasters was 82 days. In 2023, it was just 12 days, with these disasters totaling more than $93 billion in catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10 percent or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry. Oftentimes, these deceitful actors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They will take your money - often overcharging - and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all. On Tuesday, May 21, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe discussing how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics. Questions and Topics Mr. Glawe discussed Included: · Why is contractor fraud becoming more prevalent, and who is committing these acts? · What is NICB doing to help stop contractor fraud from occurring? · What steps can and should homeowners take prior to a natural disaster and how can preparation help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud? · What signs should disaster victims be on the lookout for that may indicate a dishonest contractor and what steps can people take to avoid being scammed? · What resources are available to help homeowners and other disaster victims avoid potential fraudulent actors or report fraud when they encounter it? NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a contractor: Be Proactive · Assess Damages: If you think you have catastrophe-related damage, reach out to your insurance company, and ask for clarification on your coverage. · Recruit a Professional: Seek out a licensed, insured, and well-reviewed contractor before any potential fraudulent contractors come knocking on your door. Research and Verify Before Signing Anything · Research and Verify: Before hiring a contractor, research their credentials, reputation, and track record. Check for licenses, certifications, and reviews from previous clients. Verify their insurance coverage and inquire about any past complaints or legal issues. · Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain bids from multiple contractors for comparison. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may indicate substandard work or hidden costs. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality. · Beware of Red Flags: Be alert to red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, vague or evasive answers, or reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution if something seems off. Stay Involved and Take Account · Written Contracts: Always insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, and a payment schedule that does not include large upfront payments. Review the contract carefully, ensuring that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties. · Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in the project by regularly communicating with the contractor and monitoring progress, while keeping records of all work communications. · Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If you suspect contractor fraud or encounter significant problems during the project, seek legal advice promptly. A legal professional can help you understand your rights, explore options for resolution, and take appropriate action to protect your interests. Report Fraud Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422). To learn more, visit NICB.org About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 29, 2024 04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Halving of BTFS Storage Rewards

BitTorrent

Singapore, May 28, 2024 – To sustain the growth and success of the BitTorrent ecosystem, BTFS is set to implement a halving on the next round of rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network. From 00:00 (UTC) June 25, 2024, the daily rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network will be halved from 15 billion BTT to 7.5 billion BTT. The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is a decentralized file storage system that utilizes blockchain technology and peer-to-peer transmission. It allows users to store their files across multiple nodes in a distributed manner, enhancing file security and reliability. BTFS also offers rapid file transfer and access, giving users greater convenience in managing and sharing files. By integrating key features of the BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), such as cross-chain connectivity and multichannel payment options, BTFS significantly enhances user experience. Currently, the BTFS network is experiencing rapid growth with over 8 million nodes across the network, including more than 6 million super miners, according to BTFS SCAN. To support the efficient operations of these nodes, BTFS initiated a rewards program and has provided an aggregate of 25 trillion BTT since the launch of BTFS Mainnet in 2019. Every two years, the BTFS rewards halving will occur causing the rewards for all storage miners across the network to be cut in half. (Halving roadmap) Moreover, halving will also prompt miners to improve node performance by optimizing node operation and reducing waste. In addition, an upgrade of the official website for the BTFS technical community and the release of BTFS v3.0 Mainnet will be scheduled in sync with the halving. These developments are expected to improve the efficiency of the BTFS protocol, expand the user base, and enhance its overall functionality. Looking ahead, BTFS is committed to continuously refining its storage rewards strategies. The goal is to expand the network of nodes participating in file storage on BTFS, providing developers with an efficient, secure, and reliable storage solution boosting both the capacity and the transaction efficiency of the BTTC network. About BTFS The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is both a protocol and a web application that provides a content-addressable peer-to-peer mechanism for storing and sharing digital content in a decentralized file system, as well as a base platform for decentralized applications (Dapp). The BTFS team has been working on the latest network operations and BTT market sentiment, etc., to make a series of dynamic adjustments such as upload prices and airdrop reward schemes. About BitTorrent Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide. Since November 2018, TRON (TRX), Binance (BNB), and Bitcoin (BTC) holders have the opportunity to purchase one-year subscriptions of BitTorrent or µTorrent products, including Ads Free and Pro for Windows. Pro includes anti-virus and anti-malware screening, file converting and playability in HD. Users can visit bittorrent.com or utorrent.com to learn more. Website | Telegram | Medium | X | Media Contact John Chen press@bittorrent.com Contact Details John Chen press@bittorrent.com

May 28, 2024 07:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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