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COMCAST EXPANDING TO 3,400 HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN SPRING HILL, KS

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Comcast announced that 50% of Spring Hill residents can now sign up for its smart, fast and reliable fiber-rich network. This expansion brings residential broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and business speeds up to 100 Gbps to 3,400 additional homes and businesses in the area by early 2024. As part of this work, the company is also investing $9 million in a 2-year project to expand its fiber-rich network infrastructure over 75 miles in the area. "Spring Hill welcomes Comcast's investment in our community. A broadband expansion project like this strengthens workforce development, education and employment,” said Spring Hill Mayor Joe Berkey. “A robust broadband infrastructure allows Spring Hill to attract businesses seeking to locate or expand their operations here. I am grateful for Comcast’s commitment to expanding broadband access in our growing community.” In the last three years, Comcast has invested nearly $40.3 million in the State of Kansas including capital expenditures, employee wages and benefits, taxes and fees and charitable giving. The company has invested more than $11.4 million in technology and infrastructure, including upgrades to their network to deliver innovative, reliable and affordable broadband service to everyone in the Comcast footprint in Kansas. “Ensuring all Spring Hill residents and businesses have access to reliable, high-speed internet is a top priority for Comcast,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast. “As the world we live in becomes increasingly digital, we remain focused on not only bringing our broadband network to Spring Hill homes and businesses, but also on future-proofing our network to meet the ever-increasing appetite for education, business and entertainment.” Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and symmetrical gig speeds are coming to the first homes this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. Spring Hill residents will also be able to take advantage of the company’s Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for income-constrained households. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 6,400 Kansas residents. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. "Our region is making great strides toward digital equity thanks to engaged community members and dedicated partners like Comcast,” said Janet McRea, Miami County Economic Development Director. “It is important for us to have reliable, affordable connections in our communities. In addition, we must have collaborations like the ones offered by Comcast that help customers utilize those connections to access vital services to move our local economy." For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, cybersecurity, managed solutions and Comcast Business Mobile products designed specifically for their employee’s needs. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable and Internet provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading providers to larger organizations in the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. Supporting local communities has been core to Comcast’s DNA. In 2023, Comcast will sponsor several community events with the City of Spring Hill and the Spring Hill Recreation Commission including the Spring Hill Fishing Derby, Big Truck Day and Breakfast with Santa. As a sponsor of the Spring Hill Fall Festival, Comcast’s staff has been able to connect directly with residents to provide information about the services they offer. 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 Jill Hornbacher Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Venice Communication Jayne Siemens jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

August 22, 2023 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Watch Champions League Online for Free with a VPN

Digital Heroes

Looking to watch the Champions League online for free? You've come to the right place. In this guide, I'll show you the method I've been using since 2019, which has helped me save significantly. It involves tapping into foreign TV channels that broadcast the Champions League at no cost and using trusted VPN services like CyberGhost * or NordVPN * to overcome geo-restrictions. Moreover, I'll highlight how you can take advantage of free trials on certain streaming platforms to catch the action. Hint: The trick works for the Champions League, Europe League and Conference League. Let's get started. Champions League Free Live Stream Channels For the ultimate football enthusiast, having access to live stream channels is essential. Thankfully, several channels across various countries offer free live streams of the Champions League. However, remember, due to regional restrictions, these channels may not be accessible from everywhere. To get around this, using a VPN becomes essential. Below is a curated list of free live stream channels for the Champions League: ServusTV (Austria) ORF1 (Austria) Gol Play (Spain) RTE 2 (Ireland) TV8 (Italy) RMC Story (France) ViX (USA) RTL (Luxembourg) Canale 5 (Italy) RTL Zwee (Luxembourg) Club RTL (Belgium) MatchTV (Russia) M4Sport (Hungary) To fully harness the potential of these free streaming channels, it's vital to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These channels have geo-restrictions in place, meaning they're only accessible from specific regions. With a VPN, you can virtually place your device in the broadcasting country, effectively bypassing these restrictions. So, for instance, if you want to access ServusTV from outside Austria, simply connect your VPN to an Austrian server and navigate to the channel's website. This way, no matter where you are in the world, the thrilling Champions League matches remain just a click away. Remember to choose a reputable VPN service for seamless streaming and security. Step-by-step Guides: Streaming Champions League Matches Using a VPN As an example, we are using two streams, but you can follow these steps for all other streams in the same way. Accessing Streams from Ireland (RTE 2) and Austria (ServusTV) Choose a reputable VPN service like CyberGhost * Install the VPN and connect to a server located in either Ireland or Austria. Navigate to the streaming platform's website or app (RTE 2 for Ireland, ServusTV for Austria). Enjoy the match live without any restrictions! Use of VPNs to Bypass Restrictions: Accessing Restricted Content with Ease VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, serve as a bridge to bypass these geographical restrictions. By using a VPN, viewers can reroute their internet connection to a server in a different country, making it appear as though they're accessing the internet from that location. This method effectively tricks streaming platforms into granting access to their content. Apart from accessing restricted content, VPNs also offer enhanced security and anonymity while browsing the web. Thanks to our friends from vpnonline.com with providing the information how to watch the champions league online. Country-specific Broadcasting Rights and Platforms: Where to Watch the Champions League Depending on Your Location Different countries have their unique broadcasting partners for the UEFA Champions League. Below is a list of platforms for select countries: USA: Paramount+ is the go-to platform, offering comprehensive coverage of all matches. UK: BT Sport holds exclusive rights, providing both live broadcasts and highlight packages. Australia: Stan Sport is the primary broadcaster, ensuring fans don't miss a single moment. India: SonyLIV streams the matches, with additional coverage on Sony's TV channels. For fans outside of these regions, remember the handy VPN trick to bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy the game! Stream Both Conference League and Europa League with same trick The technique to watch the Champions League matches works just as effectively for the Europa League and Conference League. Use the same steps to access both tournaments and stay updated with all the fixtures. UEFA Champions League Schedule: Key Dates to Remember The 2022-2023 Champions League season promises a series of thrilling encounters. Here, we provide a breakdown of the key dates and rounds, ensuring you don't miss any of the action. Additionally, follow the thrilling matches from the UEFA Europa League and the Conference League using the same method. Round of 16 First Legs: 13.02.2024 - 14.02.2024 and 20.02.2024 - 21.02.2024 Round of 16 Second Legs: 05.03.2024 - 06.03.2024 and 12.03.2024 - 13.03.2024 Quarter-final First Legs: 09.04.2024 - 10.04.2024 Quarter-final Second Legs: 16.04.2024 - 17.04.2024 Semi-final First Legs: 30.04.2024 - 01.05.2024 Semi-final Second Legs: 07.05.2024 - 08.05.2024 Final in London: 01.06.2024 Draw for 1st and 2nd qualifying round (All leagues): 18.06.2024 - 19.06.2024 1st qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 09.07.2024 - 10.07.2024 1st qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 11.07.2024 1st qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 16.07.2024 - 17.07.2024 1st qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 18.07.2024 Draw for 3rd qualifying round (All leagues): 22.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 23.07.2024 - 24.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 25.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 30.07.2024 - 31.07.2024 2nd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 01.08.2024 Draw for play-off round (All leagues): 05.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Champions League, 1st leg: 06.08.2024 - 07.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 08.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Champions League, 2nd leg: 13.08.2024 UEFA Super Cup: 14.08.2024 3rd qualifying round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 15.08.2024 Play-off round Champions League, 1st leg: 20.08.2024 - 21.08.2024 Play-off round Europa and Conference League, 1st leg: 22.08.2024 Play-off round Champions League, 2nd leg: 27.08.2024 - 28.08.2024 Draw for Champions League group stage: 29.08.2024 Play-off round Europa and Conference League, 2nd leg: 29.08.2024 Draw for Europa and Conference League group stage: 30.08.2024 1st match Champions League group stage: 17.09.2024 - 19.09.2024 1st match Europa League group stage: 25.09.2024 - 26.09.2024 2nd match Champions League group stage: 01.10.2024 - 02.10.2024 2nd match Europa League group stage and 1st match Conference League group stage: 03.10.2024 3rd match Champions League group stage: 22.10.2024 - 23.10.2024 3rd match Europa League group stage and 2nd match Conference League group stage: 24.10.2024 4th match Champions League group stage: 05.11.2024 - 06.11.2024 4th match Europa League group stage and 3rd match Conference League group stage: 07.11.2024 5th match Champions League group stage: 26.11.2024 - 27.11.2024 5th match Europa League group stage and 4th match Conference League group stage: 28.11.2024 6th match Champions League group stage: 10.12.2024 - 11.12.2024 6th match Europa League group stage and 5th match Conference League group stage: 12.12.2024 Draw for round of 16 Champions League: 16.12.2024 Draw for knockout phase Europa and Conference League: 17.12.2024 6th match Conference League group stage: 19.12.2024 Round of 32 Europa League, 1st leg: 13.02.2025 - 14.02.2025 Round of 32 Europa League, 2nd leg: 20.02.2025 - 21.02.2025 Final Europa League in Bilbao: 21.05.2025 Final Conference League in Wroclaw: 28.05.2025 Final Champions League in München: 31.05.2025 Geographical Restrictions: How Certain Streaming Sites Limit Viewership Based on Location Many streaming services enforce geographical restrictions, ensuring their content is only accessible to viewers within specific regions. These restrictions are in place due to broadcasting rights agreements, often determined on a country-by-country basis. For a global event like the Champions League, this means fans might find themselves unable to stream matches depending on their location, even if they're willing to pay for the service. Introduction to UEFA Champions League: A Brief Overview and the Significance of the 2023 Matches The UEFA Champions League, often simply referred to as the Champions League, represents the pinnacle of European club football. Established in 1955, it has become the most prestigious club competition in world football. Top clubs from Europe's premier leagues compete in this tournament, vying for the title of Europe's best. As we approach 2023, the significance of the matches heightens, with teams showcasing their best strategies and players, and fans from all corners of the globe tuning in to witness the spectacle. Anticipation Builds for Champions League Group Stages The excitement for the Champions League group phase is palpable as 26 teams have already secured their spots, spread across four draw pots. Pot 1 boasts some of the most storied football clubs in the world, including SSC Napoli, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City, alongside winners from Europe's Top-5 Leagues and Portugal's premier club, Benfica Lisbon. The teams are categorized based on UEFA's Club Coefficient. There are still six slots up for grabs, which will be decided through the qualifiers. Due to their aggressive actions against Ukraine, Russian teams remain barred from participation. With such illustrious clubs confirmed, fans can eagerly anticipate epic clashes. Imagine a matchup between Manchester City from Pot 1 and Real Madrid from Pot 2, or Paris Saint-Germain locking horns with Manchester United. Teams from Pot 3 and 4, like AC Milan, Lazio Rom, and the newly qualified 1. FC Union Berlin, promise to bring in surprises and could potentially play the role of dark horses in the tournament. No matter the draw's outcome, this season's Champions League is shaping up to be a carnival of football, showcasing the best Europe has to offer. Caution: Streaming Champions League on Unofficial Sites While there are avenues to watch the Champions League live streams for free on certain platforms, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Many of these sites operate without official licenses and could lead to potential legal consequences. Some of the questionable streaming platforms include: [Livetv.sx]Livetv.sx [Livesoccertv.com]Livesoccertv.com [Hahasport.com]Hahasport.com [Wiziwig1.com]Wiziwig1.com [Redstreamsport.com]Redstreamsport.com [Fromhot.com]Fromhot.com [Cricfree.com]Cricfree.com It's always advisable to opt for a legitimate and safe option when seeking to watch matches. FAQs on Watching Champions League Online Q: Can I really watch the Champions League for free using the channels listed? A: Yes, the channels listed like ServusTV, RTE 2, and others offer live streams of the Champions League for free. However, due to geo-restrictions, you might need a VPN to access these channels if you're outside their broadcasting region. Q: Are VPNs legal to use for streaming content? A: VPNs are legal in most countries and are primarily used to protect user privacy online. However, using a VPN to access geo-restricted content might breach the terms of service of some streaming platforms. It's crucial to review local regulations and the terms and conditions of the platform you're using. Q: Which VPN service do you recommend for streaming the Champions League? A: Trusted VPN services like CyberGhost and NordVPN are recommended due to their fast connection speeds and vast server options. Always choose a reputable VPN service to ensure smooth streaming and enhanced security. Q: I'm in a country that isn't listed under the broadcasting rights. Can I still watch the Champions League? A: Absolutely! If you're in a country that isn't listed, you can use a VPN to virtually place your device in a country that has broadcasting rights. Then, access the corresponding streaming platform to watch the match. Contact Details Digital Heroes Patrick Schwarz patrick@vpnonline.com

August 22, 2023 04:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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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

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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

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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

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Make Going Back to College Convenient

YourUpdateTV

As the end of summer approaches, college students nationwide are preparing to head back to campus, which can often be a stressful time. Recently, Allison Stadd, SVP of Brand, Culture, and Media at Shipt, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to share her top tips for saving and shopping this back-to-college season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4zjgeS_FMUc College students have enough to worry about while maintaining a good GPA, participating in extracurriculars and adapting to living away from home. Making time to shop for the essentials they need shouldn’t take away from focusing on what matters most. Allison shared three tips to help students’ budget for back-to-school: 1) Stay focused on saving during the summer months! Starting off the year with some fallback cash is important in case of emergencies and before you get that next paycheck from your student union job. 2) There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of savings opportunities! When your favorite stores and shopping solutions are offering discounts, like Shipt’s $4.99 per month student membership for same-day delivery, take advantage! Savings solutions really should be a course at college! 3) Split the costs of groceries and activities. If you’re sharing with roommates, make a budget tracker or phone notes doc to keep track of expenses to make sure it’s equitable. Shipt is the perfect shopping solution and resource that provides more than just one benefit. As an affordable resource, you can rest assured knowing that you aren’t breaking the bank to have access to reliable shoppers with Shipt that are there to help you get all your needs. Another benefit is that Shipt is a resource that gives you more time back in your day to spend on however you want! By relying on trusted shoppers with Shipt, you’ll have help gathering your essentials for you and recommending swaps if something is out of stock. This Back to College season, Shipt is partnering with actress and entrepreneur, Issa Rae, to curate a list of her must-have student essentials from Target, such as: Wooden Letter Board: Perfect for welcoming guests or jotting down notes in a creative way! Power Bank: So you don’t get caught on campus without a charged phone! Ballpoint Affirmation Pens: Level up your ballpoint pens with inspiring words of affirmation to get you through your work! Cheez-its: A timeless late night study snack! For information about Shipt’s new student membership, now available for just $4.99 per month, please visit shipt.com/student or download the Shipt app. About Allison Stadd Allison Stadd is the Senior Vice President of Brand, Culture, & Media at Shipt, where she brings her domain expertise in brand building, social media, and digital marketing to connect with consumers. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles, developing and executing creative strategies to forge real human connection. Allison received her undergraduate degree from University of Pennsylvania. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 16, 2023 02:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Odd Burger looking for major US expansion following deal signed in Washington State

Odd Burger Corporation

Odd Burger CEO James McInnes has announced the company's plans for expansion beyond Canada after signing a franchise deal in the United States. Odd Burger is a food technology company known for operating vegan fast-food restaurants and producing plant-based protein and dairy alternatives under the brand Preposterous Foods. The company's first franchise deal in the US involves the development of 20 Odd Burger locations in Washington State over the next 8 years. This expansion is part of Odd Burger's growth strategy, which involves partnering with area representatives for territory development in various states. The area representatives are individuals or entities familiar with the local market who can facilitate growth in those regions. Odd Burger intends to continue its expansion across the US through this territory development strategy. The company is actively seeking territory developers for numerous states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. By partnering with local experts through Area Representatives, Odd Burger aims to establish a strong presence and grow its brand in various markets across the US. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

August 16, 2023 01:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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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

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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

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