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D.C. PICKLEBALL TEAM ADDS SUPER BOWL CHAMPION CLIFF AVRIL TO OWNERSHIP GROUP

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WASHINGTON, July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT), an expansion team of Major League Pickleball (MLP) and D.C.’s newest professional sports team, announced the addition of Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Cliff Avril to its ownership group.

Avril joins an already high-profile group of investors with DCPT that includes Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr. and Mesut Ozil.

“Cliff’s passion for playing and growing the sport of pickleball aligns perfectly with the ethos of our team,” said Adam Behnke, Chief Operating Officer of D.C. Pickleball Team. “We’re looking forward to working together to continue to bring positivity to our community through pickleball.”

Avril recently started playing pickleball and quickly fell in love with the sport for all the reasons pickleball is adored by so many – the community, the camaraderie, the competition, the fitness, and the pure fun and joy it brings to all who play.

“Since I stepped foot on the pickleball court I knew there was something special about it,” said Avril. “I was immediately curious about how I could get involved and was thrilled to learn of the opportunity to join D.C. Pickleball Team’s ownership group. I love nothing more than making a positive impact through sport and I appreciate that our group shares that passion.”

Avril is a former NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion. He played for the Detroit Lions (2008-2012) and Seattle Seahawks (2013-2017) during his ten year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the 2008 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Purdue University.

For more information about D.C. Pickleball Team, visit dcpickleballteam.com and follow them on social media:

Twitter – @dcpickleball_tm
Instagram – @dcpickleballteam
Facebook – @dcpickleballteam
TikTok – @d.c.pickleballteam

About D.C. Pickleball Team:

D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT) is DC’s first professional pickleball team in Major League Pickleball (MLP) that joined MLP ahead of the 2023 season that began January 26th. DCPT’s ownership group includes Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr., Cliff Avril and Mesut Ozil.

DCPT played in the MLP Challenger Level in season one and will play in the Premier Level in season two. The year is divided into two “seasons” of three events — in the first season, 12 teams will compete in the MLP Premier Level (the first 48 drafted players) and 12 will compete in the MLP Challenger Level (the next 48 drafted players), with rosters consisting of two men and two women. The teams will then flip levels and re-draft players for the second season that starts September 21st. Season one’s Challenger Level roster included Sam Querrey, 10-time ATP Tour titleist and ranked 11th in the world in 2018; Stefan Auvergne, an exciting new player from France and a former competitive tennis player, competitive gamer and race car driver; Shelby Bates, former D1 tennis player at Coastal Carolina University; and Judit Castillo, former D1 tennis player at Northwestern State University. Season two’s Premier Level roster includes Riley Newman, world ranked #2 in pickleball; twin sisters, Jackie and Jade Kawamoto, former D1 tennis players at the University of Dayton; and Christian Alshon, former University of Chicago tennis champion where he was team captain and undefeated in singles.

About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)

Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) is the premier team-based professional pickleball league and the standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Founded by Steve Kuhn in 2021, MLP has since expanded from eight to 24 teams and is committed to growing the sport’s role in society and impacting every facet of pickleball’s business.

MLP features nearly 100 of the best athletes in the sport spread across 24 teams – 12 in the Premier Level, home to the top 48 players drafted and 12 in the Challenger Level, featuring 48 draftees looking to make their ascension to the top of the league – a unique coed format, iconic team owners, the introduction of promotion and relegation to American pro sports, an innovative draft format, easy to understand scoring, and the largest payouts in prize money across all of pro pickleball.

In December 2022, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville. A global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville, has served more than 20 million travelers and consumers every year to change their latitude and attitude with Margaritaville. For more information, visit www.margaritaville.com.

For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

For more information, please contact pr@dcpickleballteam.com.

SOURCE D.C. Pickleball Team

Daily News

Discover the Most Influential Figures in Health on TIME’s Inaugural TIME100 Health List

“TIME100 Health: Celebrating the game-changers revolutionizing healthcare and shaping a healthier world for all.”

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In a world where health has become an increasingly important issue, TIME magazine has taken a step towards recognizing the individuals who are leading the way in creating positive change. Today, they reveal their inaugural TIME100 Health list, a compilation of the 100 most influential people in the field of health.

"TIME100 Health logo featuring people in various professions working together to shape the future of healthcare."
TIME100 Health cover featuring an illustration by Peter Greenwood for TIME

To create this list, TIME reporters and editors worked tirelessly, consulting experts and sources from around the world. The result is a community of leaders from various industries, including scientists, doctors, advocates, educators, and policy-makers, who are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world of health.

TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs writes in his letter to readers, “Their work is enough to inspire the belief that the world of health is in the middle of a golden age of accomplishment and transformation.” This list serves as a reminder that amidst all the chaos, there are people out there using their resourcefulness and ingenuity to improve the lives of others.

The 2024 TIME100 Health list features CEOs, founders, and co-founders who are at the forefront of health innovation. Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen of Novo Nordisk, Albert Bourla of Pfizer, and Dave Ricks of Eli Lilly are just a few of the notable names on the list. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field, revolutionizing healthcare and pushing boundaries.

Women also play a prominent role on the list, with names like Sumbul Desai, Vice President of Health at Apple, and Raluca Cohen, Chief Science Officer at Salignostics, being recognized for their exceptional work. The list aims to highlight the achievements of women who have made a lasting impact in the field of health.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the TIME100 Health list is the age range of the individuals recognized. From 28-year-old Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, to 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, who has been fighting to eradicate Guinea worm for decades, these individuals prove that age is not a barrier to making a difference.

The list also includes creatives and entertainers, showcasing the diverse range of people who are involved in shaping the future of health. Actors Michael J. Fox, Halle Berry, and Olivia Munn, authors Alua Arthur and Peter Attia, and professor and author Jonathan Haidt are just a few of the notable names on the list.

Scientists, doctors, and researchers who are at the forefront of health innovation are also recognized for their groundbreaking work. Cancer researcher Thomas Powles, research scientist Jenna Forsyth, and neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch are just a few of the exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Policy-makers and government officials are also acknowledged for their role in shaping health policies. President of France Emmanuel Macron, CDC Director Mandy Cohen, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy are just a few of the influential figures who have made a significant impact in the field of health.

To celebrate the individuals on the TIME100 Health list, TIME will be hosting the TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Health on May 13th in New York City. This event will bring together leaders from various sectors to discuss innovation and trends in healthcare. The event will feature notable speakers such as Halle Berry and Marlena Fejzo, who will provide valuable insights into the future of health.

The TIME100 Health list serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress being made in the world of health. It highlights the individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact and creating a healthier world for all. Whether you are familiar with the names on this list or not, their work is undoubtedly changing lives and shaping the future of health.

About TIME

TIME is a renowned media brand that has been in existence for over a century. It has a vast global audience of more than 120 million across its magazine and digital platforms. TIME has unparalleled access to influential individuals, earning the trust of both consumers and partners worldwide. Its unmatched ability to gather people together is aimed at sharing significant stories about individuals and ideas that shape and enhance the world. In addition to its core offerings, TIME also encompasses TIME Studios, an Emmy Award-winning film and television division, as well as a thriving live events business centered around the highly regarded TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises. TIME for Kids provides reliable news tailored for children, along with valuable resources for educators and families. The branded content studio, Red Border Studios, and the website-building platform, TIME Sites, have received accolades for their quality work. Furthermore, TIME is actively engaged in sustainability and climate action through its division, TIME CO2. With the recent launch of TIME Stamped, an e-commerce and content platform, TIME continues to expand its reach and offerings.

SOURCE TIME

https://time.com/collection/time100-health

https://stmdailynews.com

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Science

NASA’s Earth Science Mission: Deciphering Climate Change

NASA’s Earth Science Missions: Exploring greenhouse gases and climate change to advance our understanding of our changing planet.

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On May 7, 2024, NASA announced the selection of four proposals for concept studies of missions to benefit humanity through the study of Earth science. Most of what we know about Earth has been gathered through NASA’s 60 years of observations from space, such as this image of our home planet as shown as a mosaic of data from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer).
Credits: NASA

NASA has recently chosen four proposals for concept studies of missions to help advance our understanding of key areas in Earth science. These missions will focus on topics such as greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, ocean surface currents, and changes in ice and glaciers around the world.

The selection of these proposals is part of NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program, which conducts space science missions based on recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program aims to enable high-quality Earth system science investigations focused on previously identified targets. In this case, NASA is prioritizing the study of greenhouse gases.

Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, emphasizes the importance of these proposals in the face of our changing climate. As we continue to confront the challenges posed by climate change, the need for data and scientific research becomes even more crucial. These proposals will help us better prepare for the present and future challenges we face.

The first step in the selection process involves each of the chosen proposals receiving $5 million for a one-year mission concept study. After this study period, NASA will select two proposals to move forward with, expecting to launch these missions in 2030 and 2032. The total cost for each selected investigation is capped at $310 million, not including the rocket and access to space, which will be provided by NASA.

NASA has been at the forefront of Earth observations for over 60 years, and most of our current knowledge about our changing planet comes from these observations. With over two dozen Earth-observing satellites and instruments currently in orbit, the missions ultimately chosen from these proposals will contribute to this vast Earth observatory. Together, these missions provide complementary information on Earth’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere.

Let’s take a closer look at the four proposals selected for concept studies:

  1. The Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-Resolved Light Explorer (STRIVE):
    Led by Lyatt Jaegle at the University of Washington in Seattle, this mission aims to provide high-resolution measurements of temperature, atmospheric elements, and aerosol properties from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere. It also seeks to measure ozone and trace gases to monitor and understand the recovery of the ozone layer.
  2. The Ocean Dynamics and Surface Exchange with the Atmosphere (ODYSEA):
    Led by Sarah Gille at the University of California in San Diego, this satellite mission aims to measure ocean surface currents and winds simultaneously. By improving our understanding of air-sea interactions and surface current processes, ODYSEA will contribute to our knowledge of weather, climate, marine ecosystems, and human well-being.
  3. Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE):
    Led by Helen Amanda Fricker at the University of California in San Diego, this mission focuses on observing the three-dimensional structure of terrestrial ecosystems and the surface topography of changing glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice in response to climate change and human activity. EDGE aims to continue the measurements currently taken by ICESat-2 and GEDI.
  4. The Carbon Investigation (Carbon-I):
    Led by Christian Frankenberg at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, this investigation seeks to measure greenhouse gases and potentially quantify ethane simultaneously. By providing unprecedented spatial resolution and global coverage, Carbon-I will contribute to our understanding of the carbon cycle and the global methane budget.

These selected proposals represent NASA’s commitment to advancing our understanding of Earth’s changing climate. With these missions, NASA continues to play a crucial role in providing the data and scientific research needed to tackle the challenges we face today and in the future.

For more information about the Earth System Explorers Program, visit:

https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/2023ESE

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science

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Daily News

Kroger, Albertsons, and C&S Announce Updated Divestiture Plan to Boost Competition

Kroger, Albertsons, and C&S announce an updated divestiture plan to enhance competition in overlapping regions.

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Kroger, Albertsons Companies, and C&S Wholesale Grocers have recently announced an updated and expanded divestiture plan as part of their proposed merger. This new plan is a response to concerns raised by antitrust regulators regarding the original agreement and aims to enhance competition in overlapping regions.

The amended divestiture package includes an increase in the number of stores, facilities, and banner names to ensure that C&S can operate competitively after the merger is complete. The companies are confident that this updated plan will strengthen their position in regulatory challenges and court proceedings related to the proposed merger.

Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, expressed his satisfaction with the updated package, emphasizing that it maintains Kroger’s commitments to customers, associates, and communities. Importantly, McMullen assured that no stores will close as a result of the merger, and all frontline associates will remain employed with existing collective bargaining agreements, healthcare and pension benefits, and bargained-for wages intact.

The proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons aims to provide meaningful benefits to consumers, associates, and communities across the country. It aims to expand access to fresh, affordable food and create a compelling alternative to large, non-union retailers. By adding a well-capitalized competitor to new geographies, the merged company seeks to secure the long-term future of unionized grocery jobs.

Eric Winn, CEO of C&S, expressed confidence in the expanded divestiture package, stating that it will ensure the continued success of the stores and enable C&S to serve communities for generations to come. He also mentioned the excitement of welcoming storied banners, quality private label brands, and experienced retail associates into the C&S family.

Under the amended agreement, C&S will acquire a total of 579 stores, an increase of 166 stores from the original plan. Furthermore, C&S will license the Albertsons banner in California and Wyoming, as well as the Safeway banner in Arizona and Colorado. Kroger will re-banner the retained Albertsons and Safeway stores in these states following the merger’s completion. The divestiture plan includes a range of states and locations, ensuring a well-rounded presence for the newly formed company.

To support the additional stores conveyed to C&S, the updated divestiture package includes increased distribution capacity, larger facilities, and expanded transition services agreements. This will enable C&S to operate the divested stores competitively and cohesively. All fuel centers and pharmacies associated with the divested stores will remain operational.

The amended agreement includes the divestiture of private label brands to C&S and provides access to other major private label brands. This will allow the combined company to offer a wide range of products and options to customers.

The proposed merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearance, and the completion of the merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Upon fulfilling these conditions, C&S will pay Kroger an all-cash consideration of approximately $2.9 billion.

The merger aims to bring lower prices and more choices to customers, improve wages and comprehensive benefits for employees, and invest in ending hunger in communities across America. Kroger and Albertsons remain committed to defending the merger in court and unlocking its numerous benefits.

To learn more about the combined company’s commitment to customers, associates, and communities, visit the website www.krogeralbertsons.com.

About Kroger:
The Kroger Co. is dedicated to its Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. With nearly half a million associates, the company serves over 11 million customers through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under various banner names. Its goal is to inspire and uplift with food, while also creating communities that are free from hunger and food waste.

The story is based on a press release that includes forward-looking statements. It is recommended that readers refer to the filings made by Kroger and Albertsons with the Securities and Exchange Commission to get a better understanding of the risks and uncertainties that may affect the proposed transaction and updated divestiture plan.

https://ir.kroger.com/news/news-details/2024/Kroger-Albertsons-Companies-and-CS-Wholesale-Grocers-LLC-Announce-an-Updated-and-Expanded-Divestiture-Plan/default.aspx

Source: The Kroger Co.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/business

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