Latest news with #MAPS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scholarship celebration honors Black college-bound seniors
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Hundreds gathered at a Bloomington church on Saturday to celebrate Black excellence in the classroom. The ceremony was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. It was sponsored by the Mentoring and Providing Scholarships Program, a local non-profit that mentors black students to learn etiquette, financial literacy and public speaking skills. More than $80,000 in scholarships were awarded to Black college-bound seniors for their academic achievements and community service. 'The annual Joint Scholarship Celebration plays an integral role in celebrating the successes of African American students,' Carla Campbell-Jackson, co-founder of MAPS, said. 'The MAPS Program is invaluable for students, and for our community, as we are developing 'real time' leaders and thought partners, who will continue to make a difference locally, and beyond.' Money for the scholarships was gathered with the help of African-American sororities, fraternities, and community-based organizations. MAPS looks to help students prepare for the professional world with important skills such as public speaking, said Shaun Harden, one of the students who received several scholarships. 'MAPS has been really great, especially for professional development. For instance, one of our previous sessions was about public speaking,' Harden said. 'We talked about how we were able to approach the stand and how we were able to address the audience properly, how to avoid filler words, a lot of different proper speaking things that you don't really get to learn other than through experience.' Local philanthropists also contributed to the scholarship fund, which helped raise more money for African American students looking to pursue higher education. Keynote speakers for the event included NAACP Image Award Winner and WMBD Summer Intern Bradley Ross Jackson and Teresa Haley, who shared some information and advice with the students. 'I learned that if you work hard, if you stay strong and determined, and continue to try to do your best and give back to the communities that have supported you, that you will eventually be rewarded in the end,' said Gabrielle Johnson, the president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Mr Price hits milestone with 3,000 stores despite anaemic economic outlook
Mr Price Home store at Canal Walk, Century City Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers JSE-listed Mr Price Group demonstrated the resilience of its fashion-value business model, posting a 7.9% increase in total revenue to R40.9 billion for its 2025 financial year. In its results statement issued on Friday, Mr Price said it reached a milestone of now having just more than 3,000 stores during the full year, as it opened 184 new stores across its 15 trading chains. Weighted average trading space increased 4.3%. However, Global economic uncertainty has cast a shadow when it comes to growth prospects in 2025, as potential US tariffs threaten markets worldwide, it said. 'The South African economy has not been spared from this impact and its forecast gross domestic product growth has been revised downwards from the previously bullish outlook at the end of 2024,' the group noted. It added that South African consumers have received some short-term relief through lower inflation, decreasing fuel prices, and interest rate cuts totalling 1 percentage point, all of which contributed to increased disposable income, Mr Price said. It added that, while real wage growth is showing signs of recovery, the sustainability of these improvements remains questionable given both global and domestic economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, Mr Price remains focused on its fashion-value merchandise strategy, which continues to resonate with its growing customer base. The retailer maintains its position as South Africa's most shopped clothing store according to MAPS data, reinforcing its commitment to being the "customer's value champion" even in volatile times. The retailer gained 0.5 percentage points of market share according to Retailers' Liaison Committee data, while expanding its gross margin by 0.80 percentage points to 40.5%. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The group achieved a record operating profit of R5.8bn, with its operating margin increasing 20 basis points to 14.2%. Basic and headline earnings per share grew 11.0% and 10.7% cents respectively. Its second half performance was particularly strong, with diluted headline earnings per share growing 12.1%, it said. This came despite February's weaker retail performance and the shift of school holidays and Easter from March to April, Mr Price noted. Mr Price attributed the improved performance to better sales momentum and lower markdowns following a more subdued first half in the retail sector. Group CEO Mark Blair said that, while the first half presented challenges for retailers, conditions improved in the second half. "We are very satisfied to have gained similar levels of market share in both periods, reflecting the value we were able to provide our customers despite very different economic conditions," he said. Blair added that growth in sales momentum through the second half was supported by strong comparable store sales growth and gross profit margin gains across all trading segments. The board declared a final dividend of 593.5 cents per share, up 12.7%. IOL
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Psychedelic Science 2025 Announces 'Conscious Capitalism Workshop' Featuring 'Heroic' and 'Microdose' Pitch Opportunities for Visionary Startups
Innovators, Visionaries, and VCs Will Unite for an Interactive, High-Impact, Shark-Tank-Like Session Empowering the Next Generation of Psychedelic Entrepreneurs DENVER, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), the world's leading conference on psychedelic research, medicine, policy, and culture hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), today announced the addition of the Conscious Capitalism Workshop, a dynamic event blending education, investment insight, and two levels of live founder pitches: the Heroic Pitch and the Microdose Pitch. This high-energy, interactive session, taking place on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Colorado Convention Center, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the values-aligned startup journey in the psychedelic ecosystem. While informally referred to as the 'Shark Tank' of PS2025, the session prioritizes mentorship over competition and integration over extraction. Attendees can hear first-hand from the 'Sharks' on how they evaluate companies and what they consider when making investment decisions. Workshop Format VC 101 Roundtable: A candid conversation led by Lewis Goldberg, Partner at KCSA Strategic Communications, exploring how psychedelic investing works—covering capital strategy, founder readiness, and ethical funding decisions. The Heroic Pitch: Select early-stage companies will deliver 10-minute pitches, followed by real-time investor feedback and shared insights. The Microdose Pitch: In this rapid-fire format, any attendee can apply to deliver a concise 2–3 minute pitch to showcase their vision. Networking Reception: The session concludes with cocktails and open networking to foster connection and collaboration. Featured Conscious Capitalists Simeon Schnapper, Managing Partner, JLS Fund Shelby Clark, Partner, Lionheart Ventures; Founder, Turo Amy Emerson, Former CEO, Lykos Therapeutics Tim Regan, Analyst, Water Tower Research These industry leaders bring deep experience in venture capital, biotech, therapeutics, and psychedelic infrastructure—and they are here not to judge, but to uplift and empower the next wave of impact entrepreneurs. A Call to Action 'This workshop is more than timely—it's essential. At a time when our nation faces an unprecedented mental health crisis, we can't wait for institutional systems to catch up. The real breakthroughs—from technology to biotech—have always come from bold founders building from the ground up. Just look at the history—Intel, Meta, Moderna, Genentech. These weren't top-down solutions. They were startups led by visionaries and backed by investors who saw the future before the market did. The PS2025 Conscious Capitalism Workshop is about giving today's psychedelic pioneers the tools, insight, and access to become tomorrow's impact giants.'— Lewis Goldberg, KCSA Partner and Moderator of the Conscious Capitalism Workshop Apply for the Microdose Pitch In a rare opportunity, applicants not selected for the Heroic Pitch can apply to participate in the Microdose Pitch—a rapid-fire, 2–3 minute live pitch in front of leading psychedelic investors and influencers. This will be a first come, first served opportunity. No slides. No pressure. Just your story, your idea, and your three minutes. To apply: Email your name, company, and a short explanation of your pitch to PS2025@ Monday, June 10, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. ETSpots are limited. The value of this exposure is immeasurable. More Than Capital — A Movement for Integration The Conscious Capitalism Workshop reflects the overarching Psychedelic Science 2025 theme of The Integration, bridging science, spirituality, innovation, and investment. As psychedelic medicine evolves into a regulated industry, how we build it—and who we empower to lead—matters more than ever. Visit to view full programming, register for workshops, and explore hotel and travel options. All Business workshops are included in the Business level registration and are available as add-ons on a limited basis. About Psychedelic SciencePsychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is the world's leading psychedelic conference. Returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from June 16-20, 2025, this five-day event brings together a global community of scientists, therapists, policymakers, cultural leaders, and advocates to explore the forefront of psychedelic research, therapy, and culture. Facilitated by Superfly, known for producing iconic events such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, PS2025 will feature expert speakers; hands-on workshops; community events with art, music, and mindfulness activities; and scholarship opportunities to support broad participation. Since its inception in 2010, the Psychedelic Science conference series has fostered knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-building within the psychedelic ecosystem. Join thousands of attendees as we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics and shape the future of mental health, policy, and cultural understanding. For more information and registration details, visit and follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. ABOUT MAPSFounded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS' conference flagship, Psychedelic Science, has been the leading convening of the psychedelic community since 2010. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics, a drug-development public benefit company, and the Zendo Project, a leader in psychedelic harm reduction. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $150 million to advance research, change drug policy, and evolve education in the field of psychedelics. CONTACTmedia@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Oklahoma City mayor appreciates Canadian fans supporting Thunder in NBA Finals
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt wants Canadian basketball fans to know that they've been represented at Paycom Center, the home of the NBA's Thunder, for decades. Holt spoke about the impact of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort on Wednesday, a day before Oklahoma City hosted the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the league's championship final. He said he loved the idea of the Thunder being Canada's second-favourite team behind the Toronto Raptors. 'It's always been really cool that Lu and Shai are from Canada and we've got a Canadian flag in the arena, like every NBA arena,' said Holt in a video call with The Canadian Press. 'I don't know if Canadians think about that, but there's a Canadian flag that's been hanging in Oklahoma City for 20 years now, and it probably has even more meaning for Dort and Gilgeous-Alexander that it's there.' The NBA Finals will have four Canadians competing for the championship for the first time. Hamilton's Gilgeous-Alexander and Montreal's Dort will be in the Thunder's backcourt and Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ont., and Montreal's Bennedict Mathurin both play guard for the Pacers. 'All of it is surreal to me, as somebody who grew up here and always felt in the 80s and 90s like Oklahoma City was in an alternate universe, and nobody around the country and certainly around the world would ever pay us any mind,' said Holt, who noted that the Thunder had fans in New Zealand when Steven Adams was a member of the team and supporters in Australia when Josh Giddey played in OKC. 'But since the arrival of the NBA, you have this new international component to our profile that is really important to us now. 'Of course, the NBA is uniquely positioned to do that. There are really only two international sports that are played everywhere: soccer and basketball.' That international attention is by design. Originally a railroad town, Oklahoma City suffered economically after the United States Interstate Highway System was built. The oil crisis of the 1970s compounded those problems as energy is one of the state's major industries. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Mayor Ronald J. Norick introduced a radical capital improvement program called MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) in 1993, designed to build new or upgraded sports, recreation, entertainment, cultural and convention facilities in an effort to diversify and stimulate the economy. That included the construction of an NBA-sized arena, now Paycom Center, as its centrepiece. 'People don't invest in or visit cities they've never heard of and so suddenly, for the next couple of weeks, billions of people will at least give a passing glance to what is going on in the NBA Finals,' said Holt. 'Some of them will just check the score, but others will actually watch the games, and they'll see images of Oklahoma City and they'll think about us in a way that maybe they never have before. 'We'll capitalize on that opportunity, really, for years to come.' That's why it was so important for a new publicly-owned arena to be built in the city's downtown core, said Holt. Construction on the new venue — also called Paycom Center — has begun across the street from the existing arena and will be the home of the Thunder beyond 2050. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
Global News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
OKC mayor appreciates Canadian Thunder fans
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt wants Canadian basketball fans to know that they've been represented at Paycom Center, the home of the NBA's Thunder, for decades. Holt spoke about the impact of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort on Wednesday, a day before Oklahoma City hosted the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the league's championship final. He said he loved the idea of the Thunder being Canada's second-favourite team behind the Toronto Raptors. 'It's always been really cool that Lu and Shai are from Canada and we've got a Canadian flag in the arena, like every NBA arena,' said Holt in a video call with The Canadian Press. 'I don't know if Canadians think about that, but there's a Canadian flag that's been hanging in Oklahoma City for 20 years now, and it probably has even more meaning for Dort and Gilgeous-Alexander that it's there.' The NBA Finals will have four Canadians competing for the championship for the first time. Hamilton's Gilgeous-Alexander and Montreal's Dort will be in the Thunder's backcourt and Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ont., and Montreal's Bennedict Mathurin both play guard for the Pacers. Story continues below advertisement 'All of it is surreal to me, as somebody who grew up here and always felt in the 80s and 90s like Oklahoma City was in an alternate universe, and nobody around the country and certainly around the world would ever pay us any mind,' said Holt, who noted that the Thunder had fans in New Zealand when Steven Adams was a member of the team and supporters in Australia when Josh Giddey played in OKC. 'But since the arrival of the NBA, you have this new international component to our profile that is really important to us now. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Of course, the NBA is uniquely positioned to do that. There are really only two international sports that are played everywhere: soccer and basketball.' That international attention is by design. Originally a railroad town, Oklahoma City suffered economically after the United States Interstate Highway System was built. The oil crisis of the 1970s compounded those problems as energy is one of the state's major industries. Story continues below advertisement Mayor Ronald J. Norick introduced a radical capital improvement program called MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) in 1993, designed to build new or upgraded sports, recreation, entertainment, cultural and convention facilities in an effort to diversify and stimulate the economy. That included the construction of an NBA-sized arena, now Paycom Center, as its centrepiece. 'People don't invest in or visit cities they've never heard of and so suddenly, for the next couple of weeks, billions of people will at least give a passing glance to what is going on in the NBA Finals,' said Holt. 'Some of them will just check the score, but others will actually watch the games, and they'll see images of Oklahoma City and they'll think about us in a way that maybe they never have before. 'We'll capitalize on that opportunity, really, for years to come.' That's why it was so important for a new publicly-owned arena to be built in the city's downtown core, said Holt. Construction on the new venue — also called Paycom Center — has begun across the street from the existing arena and will be the home of the Thunder beyond 2050. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
