Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
News Release Digital Asset Direct

Media and FCC Veterans Join the Media and Democracy Project in FCC Meeting Calling for a Hearing on Petition to Deny Fox Affiliate Broadcast License

Media and Democracy Project

The Media and Democracy Project (MAD) announced it met with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau staff about its petition challenging the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The meeting focused on the basis for MAD's Petition to Deny and urged the FCC to grant a motion to compel FOX to turn over key relevant documents that have already been produced to plaintiffs in numerous lawsuits, including the settled Dominion case. This action is aimed at ensuring that the Commission has access to all the necessary facts as they evaluate the specific character and conduct issues relevant to Fox 29's renewal. MAD’s Executive Director Milo Vassallo was joined at the FCC by former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes, former FOX lobbyist Preston Padden, former FOX and News Corp. outside legal counsel Bill Reyner and former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol. They discussed how the lies about the 2020 election that aired on Fox News, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure to retain FOX’s viewer base and reverse failing ratings, represent egregious misconduct that shocks the conscience and severely violates the FCC policy on licensee character qualifications. The group also underscored the need for the Commission to designate WTXF’s broadcast license renewal for a hearing. "Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent company was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news," said Preston Padden. “We were proud to bring a highly esteemed group before the Media Bureau to make our case and we hope that the Commission recognizes that all of these Petitioners/Commenters are unpaid volunteers acting out of principle and commitment.” A copy of MAD’s Ex Parte filing summarizing the meeting can be found here. A high resolution copy of the photo is available here. Photo Caption: Left to Right - David Goodfriend, Counsel/Advisor; William Kristol, Longtime Editor of Conservative Murdoch Magazine The Weekly Standard; Art Belendiuk; Counsel To Media And Democracy Project; Milo Vassallo, M.D./Ph.D. Executive Director of the non-partisan Media and Democracy Project; Preston Padden, Former Fox Executive and Murdoch Lead Lobbyist; Bill Reyner, Longtime Lead Regulatory and Commercial Outside Counsel To Murdoch/Fox; Al Sikes, Former Republican Chairman Of The FCC and Former Owner Of Radio Station Group The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

October 20, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

A Detailed Look At Givex Corp’s Expanding Global Presence

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Givex Corp. (OTCQX: GIVXF) (TSX: GIVX) is a comprehensive cloud-based global customer engagement and business insights platform. By providing crucial data insights and solutions across sectors, it aids merchants in enhancing customer engagement, optimizing point-of-sale (POS) strategies and streamlining payment processes. This multifaceted approach allows businesses to boost sales and make informed decisions that further their growth. However, Givex's influence isn't limited to its software offerings. The company's vast network, comprising over 124,000 active merchant locations, underscores its global footprint. Collaborations with distinguished brands such as Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), Best Western, Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) and Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) serve as a testament to Givex's quality and scalability and the trust it has garnered over the years. Historical Consistency And Forward Thinking Founded in 1999, Givex's trajectory under CEO Don Gray has been marked by both reliability and innovation, and the company reports it achieved profitability in year one. The company has achieved consistent profitability, an admirable feat in any market. But it's not just about past success – with a churn rate of less than 1%, Givex has demonstrated an ability to adapt and serve its partners, fostering enduring relationships in a competitive environment. Robust Technology, Diverse Solutions At its core, Givex is a tech-driven company. Its offerings span customer engagement, POS and payment solutions. With a suite ranging from omnichannel POS to stored value ticketing, Givex presents a holistic approach to merchant solutions. Backing this diverse range is its technological infrastructure. Fifteen data centers globally promise a near-perfect uptime of 99.9%, ensuring continuous transaction processing. This dedication to tech is evident in the over 1,100 integrations it offers, facilitating a seamless blend between Givex solutions and third-party platforms. Furthermore, Givex's platform facilitates integration with third-party solutions. It is compatible with various external platforms, including Squarespace, DoorDash Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH), Postmates, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL), Skip the Dishes, Moneris, MLBAM and Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP), providing merchants with integration options. Financial Fortitude And Future Growth A deep dive into Givex’s financials suggests the company has been both prudent and growth-oriented. Its Q2 2023 results highlight this with a 15% increase in revenue to $19.4 million and a 75% decrease in net loss, narrowing it down to just $978,000. The company's success also shines through in its six-month period metrics, where revenue surged by 16% to $38.6 million and net loss was reduced by 66% to $2.2 million. Notably, its focus on reducing Employee Compensation as a percentage of gross profit reflects its commitment to improve profitability. Finally, a robust cash balance provides operational stability, while an EV/EBITDA of 5.5 and an EV/Revenue of 0.5 signal healthy profitability metrics. Moreover, a 24% growth rate, culminating in a revenue of $72.9M in 2022 indicates a firm that seems positioned for continued growth. Givex's strategy encompasses strategic acquisitions, high-margin service upselling and augmenting its active merchant locations – painting a promising picture for potential investors. Value-Addition Through Strategic Subsidiaries Givex's strength is amplified through its subsidiaries. Kalex, with over 15,000 client locations in Canada including top brands like Burger King (NYSE: QSR) and Taco Bell (NYSE: YUM), and Loyalty Lane's CRM solution, serving over 2,000 grocers, further cement Givex's position in the market. Subsidiaries like Owen Business Systems, Pi Cash Systeme and Easy Information Solutions, with their respective specialties, offer a multi-pronged approach to service delivery, ensuring that Givex's reach isn’t just wide but also deep. Market Position And Future Outlook Notably, Givex isn't resting on its laurels. The company recognizes the massive potential as businesses continue to transition from legacy systems to cloud-based solutions. With a foundational ethos centered on making transactions meaningful, Givex's strategy is to capitalize on this market shift. Its growth plans encompass accelerating growth through strategic acquisitions, merchant acquisitions via multiple channels and upselling high-margin services to its extensive client base. When combined with its extensive service suite, including Gift Cards, GivexPOS and Loyalty Programs, Givex appears poised for sustained growth. For investors, Givex Corp. may present a dual opportunity – a company with a track record of growth which now seems poised for a new phase of expansion and innovation. The convergence of consistent performance, technological prowess, strategic planning and market positioning make Givex a compelling consideration for the discerning investor. 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

October 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Independent Clinical Study Confirms Cue Health’s COVID-19 Test Is As Accurate As a Lab Test

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum put Cue Health’s (NASDAQ: HLTH) COVID-19 test head-to-head with lab-based PCR tests, which have become the gold standard in diagnostic accuracy for the virus — and found that, when used at the point-of-care, the Cue COVID-19 Test demonstrated 99.4% accuracy compared to the lab tests. The independent study serves as yet another major validation for the COVID-19 test, which officially became the first to receive D e Novo authorization from the FDA for home use this past June. Study Confirms Cue COVID-19 Test Is As Accurate As PCR Test, As Fast As Rapid Antigen Test The peer-reviewed study was the largest of its kind on asymptomatic people, comparing the Cue COVID-19 Test to a lab-based PCR in over 3,000 patients at multiple clinical sites, the majority of whom were not showing any symptoms of COVID. Across that wide sample base the reported overall accuracy rate was 99.4%. Moreover, while a lab-based test can take hours or days to deliver results, the entire diagnostic process using Cue’s platform took just 25 minutes, including the time spent collecting the sample. Typically, that kind of speed comes with a tradeoff in accuracy. While PCR lab tests are the gold standard in accuracy, rapid antigen tests – which are less sensitive than PCR tests but easier to use – have been the gold standard in speed and ease of use. Antigen tests can deliver results in as little as 15 minutes, but they only have an accuracy rate of about 80% overall and among people not currently showing symptoms, that accuracy drops even lower to just 39%, according to at least one study Because of this lower accuracy, users are typically advised to take another test a couple of days after receiving a negative result from an antigen test to make sure they really don’t have COVID. That couple of days could not only delay the time to treatment but it also creates a window of time where the person could unknowingly infect others if they do, in fact, have COVID. So the at-home available Cue test, which makes it so easy to collect and test samples that anyone can do it without special training, is able to merge the accuracy of a lab PCR test with the speed and simplicity of an at-home rapid antigen test. At clinics and hospitals, the portable Cue Reader and COVID-19 test cartridges and swab require no special training to use and can deliver results in 20 minutes. Instead of scheduling a lab test and waiting days for the results, healthcare providers can get a diagnosis right away and send the patient home with the right prescription and treatment plan rather than waiting days to hear back about lab results. At home, consumers can skip the point-of-care visit altogether and instead get a Cue Reader and a stash of COVID-19 test cartridges to keep at home. Whenever they think they might have been exposed, they can take a simple-to-use test at home and get the result in 20 minutes. After that, they can connect with a healthcare provider right from the Cue Health App to discuss the result, come up with a treatment plan and have any necessary prescriptions delivered right to their doorstep. “Narrowing the time interval from test to treatment accelerates how quickly the patient can begin convalescence and return to work, which reduces overall economic stress,” the researchers wrote in the study, adding that this “has particular benefit to at-risk communities where other health and community resources, including testing, can be limited.” The researchers also noted that the high accuracy, especially the lack of false negatives, means Cue’s test could help curb the spread of COVID. People can get reliable results even before they start showing symptoms and begin isolation, masking, and other best practices for avoiding passing the infection on to others — a crucial factor missing from antigen tests. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. The Cue COVID-19 Test for CLIA Certified Healthcare Providers and Laboratories (Cue COVID-19 Test) and the Cue COVID-19 Test for Home and Over The Counter (OTC) Use have not been FDA cleared or approved, but they have been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization. These products have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The emergency use of these products is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. Â§ 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

STREAMLABS REVOLUTIONIZES LIVE STREAMING WITH CATALYST-LED BRANDING

Catalyst Marketing

Catalyst and Streamlabs, a leading provider of live streaming tools and brand of Logitech, are thrilled to unveil an exciting evolution of Streamlabs' brand identity. The new brand campaign pays tribute to live streamers who overcome obstacles of the ever-evolving creator economy to build a community around their passions while showcasing Streamlabs' successful adaptability in meeting this industry's evolving demands and requirements. The new branding, including an electrifying campaign, will debut at TwitchCon 2023, the premier gaming convention held in Las Vegas from Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 22, 2023. Authenticity and Inclusivity Redefined Together, Catalyst and Streamlabs have evolved the live-streaming brand, focusing on authenticity and inclusivity. These updates emphasize that Streamlabs is the go-to platform for all, fostering a positive and authentic live-streaming experience for the global creator economy. As the live streaming landscape changes, Streamlabs has stayed in sync and updated their brand to best support creators in the emerging creator economy. "Streamlabs has made significant strides in empowering live streamers, offering a wide range of tools such as video editing, short-form clipping, podcast creation, and more. Streamlabs' product offering has grown alongside the creator economy, which goes beyond content creation; it's about enabling individuals to pursue their dreams and build sustainable careers and communities around their passions,” explained Streamlabs Head of Marketing, Mikey Kilun. “To succeed as a content creator, one needs more than great streaming software. They require a comprehensive suite of tools for video editing, graphics creation, brand building, and community management. Our new brand campaign highlights the changing world of live streamers and the evolving creator economy, showcasing how Streamlabs has adapted its product offerings to meet these demands." A Kaleidoscope of Creativity Created by Catalyst, produced by SixTwentySix, and directed by Iris Kim, with visual effects and post-production work done by Shapes & Forms, the ‘Unleash Your Live’ campaign is visually captivating and encapsulates the very essence of live streaming as well as the limitless possibilities of the internet. Kim, a Korean-Canadian director renowned for her storytelling capabilities, was specifically chosen to direct this piece to highlight the honest conversations, personalities, and vivid moments she’s known for. Her talent, combined with the motion graphics mastery and boldness of the Shapes & Forms team, made way for a piece that was not just culturally relevant but a culture driver itself. A testament to Catalyst's creative vision, this campaign showcases creators from diverse backgrounds, ranging from engaging storytellers to charismatic influencers who forge a profound connection with their audience. Each frame of the campaign bursts with life and energy, offering an entrancing glimpse into the world of online creators. “Our partnerships made this possible, and the outcome is breakthrough work,” said Catalyst’s Executive Creative Director, Carlos Musquez. “We poured our heart and soul into this campaign, with attention to every detail. We see this as so much more than just a brand campaign. To us, it’s a movement and a rallying cry to inspire and ignite a fire for the new wave of online creators and the greater creator economy. The most important thing was authenticity, and this campaign came from the heart, soul, and voices of real creators. We’re excited to share it and to help Streamlabs foster a community of passionate creators and gamers through innovative and inspiring content.” Inspiring the New Wave of Creators This campaign is a resounding call to the new generation of creators who revel in adventure and exploration. Viewers will be transported as they witness creators meticulously preparing their gaming stations, building anticipation, and then seamlessly transitioning into enchanting worlds where user experience and user interface elegantly merge to showcase captivating snippets of their content. Scenes gracefully transition between night and day, exemplifying the best of both worlds. The campaign's objective is clear – to leave viewers feeling invigorated and motivated to become part of the live-streaming creator community. Grand Unveiling at TwitchCon 2023 Streamlabs' “Unleash Your Live” brand positioning, meticulously crafted by Catalyst, along with this campaign, will make its official debut at TwitchCon 2023. “We couldn’t imagine launching this anywhere else. TwitchCon is the perfect setting to unveil this new brand campaign. We cannot wait for all attendees to experience the excitement and innovation firsthand at the Streamlabs showcase.” said Catalyst’s Executive Creative Director, Carlos Musquez. Join Us at TwitchCon 2023 Catalyst and Streamlabs extend a warm invitation to creators, industry professionals, and live-streaming enthusiasts to join them at TwitchCon 2023. Visit the Streamlabs booth to witness the future of live streaming and discover how Streamlabs, in collaboration with Catalyst, is shaping the emerging creator economy. About Catalyst Catalyst is an award-winning creative marketing agency that positions you to think differently and reach your audiences in unique ways. We exist to jolt your creativity—giving you the strategy and unexpected creative direction your business needs to capture your customers’ attention. Based in Denver, our team knows how to develop strong strategies and bring creative concepts to life. About Streamlabs Founded in 2014, Streamlabs is a leading provider of live streaming tools and a brand of Logitech. Streamlabs offers dozens of features that professional live streamers use to broadcast, better engage with their fans, grow audiences, and improve monetization. Streamlabs is a brand of Logitech International. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). For more information on Streamlabs, please visit streamlabs.com or follow Streamlabs on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Discord. Contact Details Catalyst Marketing Agency Robin Emiliani robin@catalystmarketing.io SixTwentySix, Shapes & Forms Carrie Wick carrie@carriewickpr.com SourceCode Communications Jess Bryant streamlabs@sourcecodecomms.com Company Website https://catalystmarketing.io/

October 20, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM

Limak

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM Prishtine, October 18, 2023 - Global Engineer Girls (GEG), the international philanthropic initiative aiming to improve women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proudly announces the graduation of 20 young women from its flagship program in Kosovo. Implemented by Limak Group in partnership with the UNDP in Kosovo, GEG Kosovo empowers young women and girls enrolled in STEM education and provides them with opportunities to gain crucial experience in a male-dominated industry. The project aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers, and highlight the strides made towards gender equality in STEM education. The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a year-long journey of scholarships, training, mentorship, and internships, all provided by GEG Kosovo. The ceremony also highlighted the projects undertaken by the girls during their participation in the program, including digital communication, effective team management, personal brand-building, communication, and interpersonal skills. These projects serve as compelling evidence that extending opportunities to girls is a vital way to prepare them for successful futures in the STEM world. President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in her speech, mentioned, "We must ensure that all our bright minds have equal opportunities to pursue the education of their choice. We need these equal minds in order to address the critical issues of our time, such as climate change and AI. We cannot afford to exclude half of our population from the most pressing challenges of our era. It is imperative to collaborate and work together to achieve equality more swiftly. These young girls serve as clear examples of the potential within our youth. It is our duty to ensure that young women and girls feel empowered to pursue their dreams, regardless of the path they choose. They must harbour no fear or hesitation in stating, 'I want it, and I will make it.' Every girl holds a guaranteed place in our future. I encourage each girl to carry forward the legacy of GEG.” Chair of Limak Holding and Limak Foundation, Ebru Özdemir, said: “It's truly an important milestone for GEG and our vision at Limak. I’m thrilled to see the progress of the GEG Kosovo participants over the past year, and I am certain they all have a bright future ahead of them. Engineering isn’t a man’s world anymore, so it is our responsibility to continue to create opportunities for young women to succeed in STEM by supporting them in their studies and careers.” GEG Kosovo extends its gratitude to its supporters, mentors, parents, and volunteers, who have enabled the success of this program. Their collective efforts have empowered young girls to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. Moving forward, GEG Kosovo remains committed to expanding and enhancing its programs to reach even more young girls, empowering them to break down barriers and become leaders in STEM fields. About Global Engineer Girls Global Engineer Girls (GEG) is an international philanthropic initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers. The inception of GEG was driven by Limak Group of Companies' culture and its Chairperson's, Ebru Özdemir's, deep personal commitment to improving women's representation in STEM. GEG provides girls and women with education, mentorship and career opportunities in Turkey, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kuwait and beyond. GEG's predecessor, the Engineer Girls of Turkey (EGT), was launched in Turkey in 2015. Since its inception in 2015, the GEG university programme has benefited 710 young women by providing support for female students enrolled in chemical, civil, computer, electrical- electronic, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering departments in Turkish universities. This support has included funded scholarships and mentoring by hundreds of professional volunteers, as well as online training programs, soft skills and English language courses, internships, and employment opportunities at Limak's companies and partner companies. About Global Engineer Girls Kosovo Global Engineer Girls (GEG) Kosovo was established in 2022, in partnership with Limak Kosovo and United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo. GEG Kosovo currently operates in three public universities, covering bachelor and master's programs in engineering. UNIVERSITY OF PRISHTINA "HASAN PRISHTINA", UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES IN FERIZAJ, UNIVERSITY OF MITROVICA "ISA BOLETINI" Note to editors: High-resolution images from the graduation ceremony are available in the attachment. Contact Details Highgate Advisory Ltd. Iulia Trandafir +44 7516 787557 iulia@highgate.ltd

October 19, 2023 09:59 AM Central Daylight Time

FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) Launches AI-Driven Risk Connector To Determine And Predict Risk Up To Five Layers Deep

Benzinga

By Jad Malaeb, Benzinga FiscalNote Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a leading technology provider of global policy and market intelligence, has introduced the groundbreaking FiscalNote Risk Connector. This innovative solution harnesses FiscalNote's data prowess and AI capabilities to empower large enterprises in both public and private sectors, allowing them to foresee, comprehend, measure and monitor risks originating from their operations and expansive network of associations. The focus is broad, encompassing not only supply chains but also customers, investors, partners and other vectors where risks might manifest. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, both private and public sector supply chains and operational profiles are developing unprecedented complexity. Major enterprises, including corporations and military organizations, navigate intricate legal, regulatory, political and economic terrains while engaging an ever-expanding web of suppliers and collaborators on a global scale. Predicting and managing the vast array of potential risks that can severely impact revenue, brand reputation, military readiness and overall operations poses a significant challenge. FiscalNote Risk Connector, fueled by proprietary and forward-thinking AI technology, equips decision-makers in large enterprises with the essential 5 "As" crucial for operational risk mitigation. This cutting-edge analytics and information platform ensures that the risk assessment process is: Automated, mapping stakeholders within minutes; Always-On, constantly tracking and flagging risks in third-, fourth-, and fifth-party relationships; Anticipatory, providing early warnings of risks that have not yet materialized; Auditable, offering a detailed data trail down to individual documents where risks were detected; and Accessible, integrating seamlessly into a company's risk management framework through various channels. With these invaluable insights, companies can promptly assess the potential risks associated with engaging specific entities. FiscalNote Risk Connector stands out by providing a comprehensive mapping of relationships and real-time risk detection, accompanied by a fully auditable data trail. For instance, leveraging this powerful tool could have forewarned stakeholders of Silicon Valley Bank's vulnerabilities well in advance of its eventual collapse. Similarly, military and government entities, reliant on complex and regulated supply chains amidst geopolitical tensions, could have utilized AI-driven insights to comprehend shifting supply chains and operational risks ahead of the war in Europe, ensuring the continuity of government objectives. Josh Resnik, President and COO of FiscalNote, emphasizes the imperative need for technology to anticipate and manage potential adverse impacts stemming from operational risk. Operational risk has evolved into a multifaceted "field of unknowns," capable of triggering a dangerous cascade of ramifications without proper anticipation and management. FiscalNote Risk Connector unveils the intricate associations between customers and their connections, predicting risks up to five layers removed. Over the past decade, FiscalNote has been collaborating with a diverse array of global customers in the public and private sectors, addressing risks across multiple dimensions such as regulatory, geopolitical, economic, and security. FiscalNote Risk Connector stands as a natural extension of this expertise, presenting a remarkable market expansion opportunity for governments, corporations and other organizations grappling with risk exposure. The modern global supply chain has witnessed a surge in complexity, leading to increased instances of disruptions that come at a substantial cost. Companies face additional burdens from geopolitical and operational risks, further escalating costs. The manufacturing sector, for instance, has witnessed mounting costs due to geopolitical risks, affecting global revenues. National security, especially pertaining to military supply chains, is at risk due to disruptions – prompting an urgent need for comprehensive visibility and proactive planning. For more information on FiscalNote Risk Connector and how it's revolutionizing risk management, please visit the FiscalNote Risk Connector webpage. 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

October 19, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Feal Suspension Race Team Captivates Formula DRIFT Fans: Bakchis Takes Second Overall in 2023 Season

Feal Suspension

Formula DRIFT veteran Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis continued to impress hundreds of thousands of fans and fellow competitors at the Formula DRIFT season finale at Irwindale Speedway on October 13-14. With multiple podiums, Bakchis entered the final round of the 2023 FD season positioned fifth overall in the championship. During the event, he worked his Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15 up the steeply banked track and into second place both at the event and in the overall championship standings in front of a sold-out crowd. While Bakchis’ driving earned the respect of the judges and put him on the podium, his car build also earned the respect of the fans, who voted Bakchis’ Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15 as the 2023 “Fan Favorite Car.” As runner up in the entire Formula DRIFT PRO championship, Bakchis placed an exclamation point over an impressive showing all season by the entire Feal Suspension Race Team. Bakchis himself is owner and operator of the Feal Suspension Race Team, which took on two new drivers this season. Hailing from Norway, Simen Olsen joined Bakchis in the PRO championship driving the Feal Suspension Nissan S14.9. Olsen finished the season fourth overall, having earned three podium finishes throughout the season and the title of “Most Improved Driver” following his 2022 performance. Bakchis also brought on Ben Hobson to drive the Pedal Commander / Feal Suspension Nissan S14 in the PROSPEC championship. Hobson won two of the four rounds, qualified first in three rounds, and earned the title of 2023 PROSPEC Champion with the biggest points lead in the championship’s history. Overall, the team brought home six PRO podium finishes, including one event win by Bakchis in St Louis, as well as three PROSPEC podiums including two wins. The team finished second and fourth overall in the Formula DRIFT PRO standings and took first in the PROSPEC championship. The Feal Suspension Race Team is the only team with all team members finishing in the Top 5 for the 2023 season. Previously, Bakchis had finished third overall in the Formula DRIFT championship in 2017, 2019 and 2021, so his second place finish was a personal best as he concluded his 13th season of Formula DRIFT competition. With ten event wins under his belt and more than 20 career podium finishes, Bakchis continues to be a championship contender in a sport that is continuing to push the boundaries of precision driving and vehicle engineering. Bakchis' Feal Suspension Race Team is proving they are one to be watched in future Formula DRIFT seasons. EDITOR’S NOTE More images are available here: dropbox.com/sh/vdenezvapc9s3ml/AADFOjh_O5Dc3Dux6o4DYfuTa?dl=0 ABOUT FEAL SUSPENSION Feal Suspension has been in the business of servicing and tuning dampers since 2007. The focus has been on maintaining and improving damper performance in addition to sales of coilover suspension kits. Feal brand coilovers are built with years of tuning experience and testing utilizing not only shock dyno analysis, but also testing with professional drivers on autocross, road-race, rally, and professional drifting applications. The company is active in professional motorsports and constantly puts the suspension to the test. For more information visit fealsuspension.com Contact Details Feal Suspension LLC Amy Bakchis amy@fealsuspension.com Company Website https://fealsuspension.com/home/

October 18, 2023 08:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image

Sienna Resources Gets License To Drill At Its Elko Lithium Project As Demand For Lithium Grows

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Investors looking at metals beyond gold and silver may be looking at lithium. It's a key ingredient to produce electric vehicles, a market that seems set to take off. In 2020, demand for global lithium reached 292,000 metric tons, and by 2030, it is forecast to hit 2.5 million metric tons. That growing demand is good news for Sienna Resources Inc. (OTCMKTS: SNNAF), the mining company focused on exploring for and developing high-grade deposits in politically stable, environmentally responsible and ethical mining jurisdictions. It just received approval from the Bureau of Land Management to drill up to five initial locations in its Elko Lithium Project in Nevada, which it recently acquired. Elko County Project Holds Promise The project, in Elko County, Nevada, consists of about 1,200 contiguous acres directly bordering the Surge Battery Metals Inc. (OTCMKTS: NILIF) Nevada North Lithium Project. Surge’s summer drilling program returned multiple zones of high values ranging from 1,000 parts per million to 8,070 parts per million lithium – the highest grades for exploration for the Nevada North Lithium Project. While the same results for Sienna’s project can’t be guaranteed, it is promising for the company’s business – and potentially its shareholders. “We are very excited about this area, especially in light of the fantastic lithium results being drilled by our neighbor, Surge Battery Metals,” said Jason Gigliotti, President of Sienna. “This area is shaping up to be one of the most exciting lithium addresses in North America and we are very pleased to be right in the heart of it with a planned work program to commence as soon as possible.” Surge Battery Metals’ stock has traded from a year low of $0.045 to a recent high of $1.15 as of this writing, aided by the results of its summer drilling program. Nevada Rich In Lithium As it stands, Nevada has one of the highest lithium production potentials in the country. It's home to America's only current lithium production and one of the U.S.’s largest lithium deposits. Given its location, it's perfectly suited to supply demand in the U.S. and in Asia. It also helps that Nevada has mining-friendly regulations on the books and is in a stable political environment. Mining for lithium also has the backing of the U.S. government. The White House’s American Battery Materials Initiative is aimed at securing a reliable and sustainable supply of critical minerals used for power, electricity and EVs. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy is awarding $2.8 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to boost domestic manufacturing. EVs Getting Ready To Take Off The mining results and Sienna’s plan to commence drilling soon come as the market for electric vehicles is taking off. Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), the leading EV maker in the U.S., plans to produce 20 million EVs by 2030 and it's not the only vehicle manufacturer focused on EVs. Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) and Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA), among others, plan to sell only electrified cars and trucks by 2035. Land Holdings Sienna is also among the largest landholders in Clayton Valley, Nevada. In June it completed its purchase of Silver Peak South Lithium Project (SPSLP) located in Clayton Valley, Nevada, building on its Blue Clay Lithium Project. This created one large continuous block of approximately 4,700 acres. Clayton Valley is home to the only lithium brine basin in production in North America and is just a few miles from Tesla's Gigafactory outside of Reno, Nevada. Major players in this basin include Schlumberger NV (now named SLB) (NYSE: SLB) and Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB)) with Albemarle currently producing in the basin. “In the deepest part of this basin in Clayton Valley, which is the only basin that produces lithium right now, are Albemarle which is the largest lithium company on earth, Schlumberger (now SLB) which is the largest oil services company on earth and is moving into lithium, and then tiny Sienna Resources trading around $0.05,” said Gigliotti. With approximatley $2 million in cash on hand, Sienna seems to have plenty of money for the current exploration plans and intends to be active on several fronts for the rest of the year. Gigliotti also confirmed that the company’s ”management is extremely optimistic about the future and looks forward to what will happen with boots on the ground on these projects.” This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Sienna Resources has reviewed and paid for this information. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 18, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

This Encrypted Messenger App Could Help Wall Street Avoid New Fines Amid SEC Crackdown On FINRA Violations

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga In the latest wave of crackdowns to come from the SEC’s two-year investigation into Wall Street’s use of messaging apps, a new batch of Wall Street firms were recently hit with multimillion-dollar fines. Over the last two years, the agency has already fined other major Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley for failure to maintain records of the work-related communications taking place in these apps. With this recent batch of penalties, the SEC will have levied over $2.5 billion in fines on Wall Street to date. To get ahead of the crackdown, companies will need to take steps to make sure all communications are secure, private and archived to comply with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) regulations. Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQX: SWISF) (CSE: SKUR) (FRA: GDT0) is offering an easy-to-use, secure and transparent solution in the form of its SekurMessenger app. The encrypted messaging app offers full privacy for users and multiple layers of data protection to keep communications as secure as possible – and with its addition of an encrypted message archiving feature for businesses, it makes it easier than ever to maintain the records the SEC requires to stay compliant with FINRA regulations. The SEC Crackdown Takes Aim At Wall Street’s Use Of Personal Messaging Apps At the heart of the ongoing SEC investigation are Meta’s (NASDAQ: META) WhatsApp, Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iMessage, and Signal among other messaging apps that the companies had been using to discuss work. The SEC requires financial firms to maintain detailed records of their business, including all work-related communications. The way these messaging apps are set up and handle data is also often inherently not compliant with the strict data security and record-keeping requirements financial firms need to follow. WhatsApp, for example, asks for access to its users’ contact lists. Likewise, the lack of transparency about what data WhatsApp collects on its users, how it uses it and who it shares that data with are all concerns that make it hard to ensure FINRA compliance. “Here are three takeaways for those firms who haven’t yet done so: self-report, cooperate and remediate. If you adopt that playbook, you’ll have a better outcome than if you wait for us to come calling,” said SEC Division of Enforcement Director Gurbir S. Grewal. That means the onus is on companies to audit their own communication practices and take steps now to ensure compliance if they want a shot at avoiding the steep fines already levied against some of the biggest names on Wall Street. SekurMessenger Could Give Companies A Way To Proactively Bring Communications Into Compliance For companies that want to heed that warning from the SEC, switching to SekurMessenger could help ensure their communication practices are compliant. The app, which is available on both Android and iOS devices as well as on the web, offers a number of advanced security features including end-to-end encryption, proprietary VirtualVaults and Helix Tech. Not only does this keep conversations secure, but it also provides a way to maintain privacy as the app doesn’t ask for a phone number or any other personal identification data. The messages and any files sent or received between users are stored in a secure cloud hosted on Swiss-based Sekur-owned servers. That secure storage also provides a place to safely archive sensitive work-related communications and is adding more enterprise-related features – such as a fully private network and mass onboarding of employees – when the company rolls out its upcoming Sekur Enterprise plans in late November of this year. Businesses can also use archiving and auto export with SekurMail, the cybersecurity and internet privacy provider’s email service that offers similar advanced privacy and security features as the messaging app. Together, the two apps can make it easier for companies to maintain compliant records without compromising security or privacy when discussing sensitive work-related information. Both SekurMessenger and SekurMail offer private and secure communications with non-Sekur users through its chat-by-invite feature for its messenger solution and SekurSend/SekurReply feature for the mail solution. This makes it even more attractive as employees can offer the same secure and private communications with their clients without compromising their data and privacy. 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

October 18, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 65 66 67 68 69 ... 247