Latest news with #CUA
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Speedy Comics Group and MEGA Partner to Launch HIT – UAE's First Grading and Authentication Company for Comics, Trading Cards, and Collectibles
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Speedy Comics, in collaboration with Middle East Grading Alliance (MEGA), is proud to announce the official launch of HiT GCC — the first Emirati-owned collectibles grading and authentication company in the region. Headquartered in Dubai, HiT is built to serve the growing demand for high-quality trading card and memorabilia authentication across the milestone venture introduces a regionally tailored, tech-powered alternative to international grading services. HiT leverages a hybrid approach combining artificial intelligence with professional human grading, delivering fast, affordable, and credible authentication — without the delays, costs, and risks of overseas shipping. 'This marks a pivotal moment for collectors in the Middle East,' said Dr. Rashed Al Farooq, Co-Founder and Chairman of Speedy Comics and HiT. 'For the first time, collectors can access world-class grading and certification services within the region — efficiently, transparently, and proudly under Emirati leadership.' HiT offers a 15-business-day turnaround at a flat rate of 55 AED per card, with official drop-off and pickup services now available at Speedy Comics, Times Square Center, Dubai. A live Certificate of Authentication (CUA) lookup system has also been launched, allowing collectors to verify their graded assets online. The company will make its debut during an official launch activation event this weekend, where global pop culture fans will witness the grading of the first HiT-certified card — signed live by Leilani Shiu, the internationally known Star Wars actor (Jawa). The event will include a special 'Trophy Box Break' experience and an in-person meet-and-greet with the celebrity guest. 'We are not simply replicating an existing model,' said Vitaliy Aleks, Founder of MEGA. 'HiT is engineered specifically for this region — faster, smarter, and more accessible. We're building infrastructure for collectors across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and beyond.' HiT's upcoming plans include grading services for Funko Pops, comic books, signed memorabilia, and expansion into blockchain-based provenance, vaulting, and collectible NFTs. With a growing lineup of regional and global celebrity endorsements, the company is positioned to become a leading name in GCC's authentication industry. The launch event will take place at 8:00 PM this Friday at Speedy Comics, pop up con event Times Square Center, Dubai, and is open to collectors, media, and invited guests. For more information:Speedy Comics - East Grading Alliance (MEGA): Media Contact:Name: Judy Ann MillarEmail: ea@ Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Speedy Comics. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CUA awards $40K in grants to Kansas teachers
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Teachers across Kansas are getting a boost this spring, thanks to more than $40,000 in classroom grants from Credit Union of America (CUA). Through its Teach, Grow, and Inspire the Future program, the credit union awarded $40,520 to 49 educators to help bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life. CUA has provided over $565,000 in grants since 2000 to support innovative projects like classroom hydroponics, student-run coffee carts, and upgraded robotics equipment, making learning more engaging for students. HutchCC adds tech program in McPherson Applications are reviewed anonymously by a panel of CUA staff and retired educators, with funding going to projects that enrich the student experience in meaningful ways. This spring's recipients represent schools in Wichita, Goddard, Derby, Great Bend, Salina, Haysville, and more. Wichita Public Schools alone had 18 teachers selected, with projects ranging from literacy tools and math technology to photography gear and special education materials. 'We congratulate our Spring 2025 TGIF grant recipients and wish them and their students a rewarding and engaging experience,' CUA said in a statement. Learn more about the TGIF grant program at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PAPAL PULSE: Everyday Catholics reveal their hopes for the next pope
The Catholic Church will formally begin the process this week of selecting the next pope, and everyday Catholics gave insight into what they think the next leader should bring to the Vatican. Fox News Digital took to the campus of The Catholic University of America (CUA) in the nation's capital to get a pulse on people's papal preferences ahead of this week's conclave. "I'm excited for a pope that's going to unite the church, and I think that's what Francis did really well… I hope the legacy of the next pope will also be similar to that," one CUA student named Daniel told the outlet. Cardinal Dolan Gives Inside Look Into Conclave, Holy Spirit's Role In Selecting A New Pope The conclave is set to begin Wednesday following a mourning period after the death of Pope Francis last month. During the conclave, cardinals vote through a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required for the election. After each round of submissions, ballots are read aloud and then burned. The ashes are used to notify audiences around the world and onlookers in St. Peter's Square of the election's status. Read On The Fox News App Ahead of the cardinals convening to select the next pontiff, Catholics on campus shared their thoughts on whether the next pope would lean more orthodox and conservative, or more pastoral and liberal. "I actually believe that the Holy Spirit guides us where the Church needs us to be," Father Erdman Pandero told Fox. "I don't think that it is about politics in the Church or that people whose voices are being heard clearly. I always believe that it's the Holy Spirit who knows who to pick." One Catholic student named John predicted a shift to a more pastoral nature. "I would say, given the composition of the College of Cardinals, it would lean more, I guess, pastoral, as you would say. But you never know. There's always surprises with the conclave." A student named Elise responded, "I really don't know, but I just hope that, whoever it is, he does all he can to help out the Catholic Church."Chimney Installed On Sistine Chapel's Roof Ahead Of Conclave To Pick Pope Francis' Successor Additionally, the Catholics clued Fox News Digital in on the key issues they believe the next pope should address. One student named Taylor said she wants the new pope to focus on promoting "peace" in the world. "It's probably one of their biggest things, bringing peace to the world and trying to find issues that they can help in as a leader of our faith and just seeing how faith can help bring people together." "Pope Francis came out with some regulations that aren't very popular among Catholics who prefer the traditional Latin Mass," John remarked. "I think that the next Pope should perhaps be a little bit more understanding of where those Catholics come from and what they prefer liturgically." Daniel noted how social issues like immigration should be addressed. "I think more on immigration. I think the area of immigration in terms of what the Trump administration is doing and also where the pope brings in terms of like, Catholic charity… You remember that it's about the dignity of the human person." Fox also asked the Catholics to give their views on the legacy of the late pope. "I think Pope Francis left a lot of opinions on either side," John told Fox News Digital. "He was a man who couldn't be captured in one word and was difficult to define, and I think that's part of what made him so great, but also what made him so confusing for Catholics sometimes." Fox also asked multiple CUA students whether they had a better or worse impression of the Church under Pope Francis. Click Here To Get To The Fox News App According to Friar Vincent Mary, "it certainly depends on who you ask." Some of the students noted that their impression of the Church under Francis was positive. "I've never seen any bad things or good things that stand out," Taylor said. "I just think that the Church has grown in many different ways and I would say mostly all positive." John remarked how his impression of Catholicism has remained the same no matter who's been pope over the years. It's "my religious home, and it's where I'll always be," he said, adding, "I will always be faithful to whoever's in charge, but at the same time, that doesn't mean I can't also have opinions about him." "I think the Church was doing very well when he was in charge," a student named Frank told Fox Digital. " He did a lot of good things for a lot of people, and I think whatever pope we get next should try to embody what he did as well, but change it a little bit to make it even better." Fox News' Greg Norman also contributed to this article source: PAPAL PULSE: Everyday Catholics reveal their hopes for the next pope
Fox News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
PAPAL PULSE: Everyday Catholics reveal their hopes for the next pope
The Catholic Church will formally begin the process this week of selecting the next pope, and everyday Catholics gave insight into what they think the next leader should bring to the Vatican. Fox News Digital took to the campus of The Catholic University of America (CUA) in the nation's capital to get a pulse on people's papal preferences ahead of this week's conclave. "I'm excited for a pope that's going to unite the church, and I think that's what Francis did really well… I hope the legacy of the next pope will also be similar to that," one CUA student named Daniel told the outlet. The conclave is set to begin Wednesday following a mourning period after the death of Pope Francis last month. During the conclave, cardinals vote through a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required for the election. After each round of submissions, ballots are read aloud and then burned. The ashes are used to notify audiences around the world and onlookers in St. Peter's Square of the election's status. Ahead of the cardinals convening to select the next pontiff, Catholics on campus shared their thoughts on whether the next pope would lean more orthodox and conservative, or more pastoral and liberal. "I actually believe that the Holy Spirit guides us where the Church needs us to be," Father Erdman Pandero told Fox. "I don't think that it is about politics in the Church or that people whose voices are being heard clearly. I always believe that it's the Holy Spirit who knows who to pick." One Catholic student named John predicted a shift to a more pastoral nature. "I would say, given the composition of the College of Cardinals, it would lean more, I guess, pastoral, as you would say. But you never know. There's always surprises with the conclave." A student named Elise responded, "I really don't know, but I just hope that, whoever it is, he does all he can to help out the Catholic Church."CHIMNEY INSTALLED ON SISTINE CHAPEL'S ROOF AHEAD OF CONCLAVE TO PICK POPE FRANCIS' SUCCESSOR Additionally, the Catholics clued Fox News Digital in on the key issues they believe the next pope should address. One student named Taylor said she wants the new pope to focus on promoting "peace" in the world. "It's probably one of their biggest things, bringing peace to the world and trying to find issues that they can help in as a leader of our faith and just seeing how faith can help bring people together." "Pope Francis came out with some regulations that aren't very popular among Catholics who prefer the traditional Latin Mass," John remarked. "I think that the next Pope should perhaps be a little bit more understanding of where those Catholics come from and what they prefer liturgically." Daniel noted how social issues like immigration should be addressed. "I think more on immigration. I think the area of immigration in terms of what the Trump administration is doing and also where the pope brings in terms of like, Catholic charity… You remember that it's about the dignity of the human person." Fox also asked the Catholics to give their views on the legacy of the late pope. "I think Pope Francis left a lot of opinions on either side," John told Fox News Digital. "He was a man who couldn't be captured in one word and was difficult to define, and I think that's part of what made him so great, but also what made him so confusing for Catholics sometimes." Fox also asked multiple CUA students whether they had a better or worse impression of the Church under Pope Francis. According to Friar Vincent Mary, "it certainly depends on who you ask." Some of the students noted that their impression of the Church under Francis was positive. "I've never seen any bad things or good things that stand out," Taylor said. "I just think that the Church has grown in many different ways and I would say mostly all positive." John remarked how his impression of Catholicism has remained the same no matter who's been pope over the years. It's "my religious home, and it's where I'll always be," he said, adding, "I will always be faithful to whoever's in charge, but at the same time, that doesn't mean I can't also have opinions about him." "I think the Church was doing very well when he was in charge," a student named Frank told Fox Digital. " He did a lot of good things for a lot of people, and I think whatever pope we get next should try to embody what he did as well, but change it a little bit to make it even better."
