Latest news with #MichaelYoung
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Doomed Mexican ship's crew were on masts for touching ‘manning the yards' salute when boat hit Brooklyn Bridge
The doomed sailors aboard the Mexican tall ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge were participating in a touching tradition called 'manning the yards,'' which pays homage to host ports, at the time. Dozens of crew members on the Mexican navy training ship Cuauhtemoc were lined up, standing with their arms apart, along rigging for the craft's 147-foot-high masts around 8:20 p.m. Saturday in a sign of respect that seamen frequently do when entering and leaving port, NTSB officials said Monday. The ship then smashed into the historic span, leaving sailors dangling or caught up from the crumpled masts, while others fell onto the boat. The tragedy killed two young sailors and injured more than 20 other people on the ship, including a pair who are still critical. The crew of the Cuauhtemoc last week also had demonstrated the maritime 'Manning the Yards' tradition when The Post was on board for a celebration of the ship's arrival at the South Street Seaport. The sailors precariously stood on the beams and some of the rigging for their salute. But getting down from the rigging afterward is no easy matter, and the cadets may have been caught off guard before Sunday's crash. 'I was speaking to one of the crew members who was still on the boat, and they stated [that] to get up there, it takes 5 minutes roughly to climb up there,' Mayor Eric Adams said on during an appearance on Fox 5's 'Good Day New York' on Monday. 'So that can give you a real indicator of how high it is,' he said. NTSB officials Monday said the tragedy unfolded very quickly after the ship cast off from Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan with the help of a harbor tugboat. 'At 8:24 p.m., a [voyage data recorder] radio broadcast was sounded requesting assistance from other tugboats in the area of the Brooklyn Bridge,' investigator Michael Young said at a briefing. 'That was followed by two other requests for assistance, and at 8:24 and 45 seconds, the vessel's mast struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. At 8:27, the vessel came to a stop.' He said NYPD and FDNY boats were at the scene by 8:30 p.m. The NTSB said it hopes to have a preliminary report on the tragedy within 30 days but warned that a full accounting of the collision could take as long as two years.
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Israel, it is time to live in peace in the Arab world
Michael Young, an analyst with deep knowledge of the Middle East, on Wednesday summarized the current situation in Gaza for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He wrote: 'For the last 19 months, one of the most powerful armies in the world has been dropping the heaviest ordnance available on areas populated mainly by destitute, homeless civilians, most of them women and children … Israel has destroyed most schools, universities and hospitals in Gaza, and all institutions required to safeguard the territory's social fabric.' Israel's disproportionate and inhumane reaction to the similarly atrocious and unacceptable Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, has been clear from the beginning. But only now are some of the world's liberal democracies beginning to react and finally push back against Israel's actions. In contrast, the conscience of the world did not require any further convincing as to what Israel's acts constituted from the beginning. The damage to Israel's reputation around the world will be lasting and it will sadly only make life for Israelis and Jews more tense and difficult. In the Arab world, we have lived in despair for the last 19 months, unable, despite our best efforts and without the assistance of the West, to bring Israel to realize not only the inhumanity of its actions but also the lasting damage it has been doing to its own future. The Europeans have finally reacted, announcing on Tuesday that the European Commission would review the EU-Israel Association Agreement governing political and economic relations between the two sides. Article 2 of that agreement spells out that it can be suspended in cases of serious human rights violations. On Monday, France, Canada and the UK also issued a joint statement threatening 'targeted sanctions' and 'concrete actions' should Israel pursue its Gaza offensive, continue to block aid and expand its settlements. The British called the situation 'monstrous,' Israel's escalation of violence in Gaza 'morally unjustifiable' and its withholding of humanitarian aid 'cruel and indefensible.' As fellow Semites, we Arabs oppose antisemitism wherever or whenever it may rear its ugly head. Hassan bin Youssef Yassin In the meantime, in the US, student activism in support of the Palestinian people continues and more students have unjustifiably been expelled or had their diplomas withheld as a result. A student at George Washington University was barred last weekend after her address at a graduation ceremony, while a diploma was withheld from a student at New York University for the same reason. At Columbia University, students protested during a graduation ceremony and burned their diplomas outside. This turn of events is deplorable, in large part because a sensible, open discussion of what is happening in the Middle East has been essentially prohibited in the US. As fellow Semites, we Arabs oppose antisemitism wherever or whenever it may rear its ugly head. Moses is also one of our prophets, we believe in the same God and the same values of compassion and dignity. But in today's world of openness and direct communication, we are all simply humans sharing the same humanity, compassion and respect for each other. As an Arab, I want to extend my hand to every Jew in the world, to my fellow humans with whom I share an age-old tradition and a related faith. Our desire for coexistence must be a permanent struggle within and without. We cannot afford to live in the past, to bear ancient grudges that will only continue to poison all our lives. The Jewish people have suffered tremendously over the centuries and the Middle East has also suffered a great deal from the consequences of European decisions. I would today like to honor and reestablish the profound links that existed between Jews and Arabs living as neighbors. Hassan bin Youssef Yassin I would like to evoke here the long-standing relations of mutual respect between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East that existed for centuries before the establishment of the state of Israel. Not only in Al-Andalus and the shared figure of Maimonides, for centuries Jews and Arabs lived side by side in respect in the Middle East. This diversity was particularly strong in Iraq and Egypt, but also in Yemen and Morocco, where Jews served as important ministers, respected businessmen and even as adulated singers. Many forget that, in the 21st century, a Jewish woman, Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo, served as Bahraini ambassador to the US. Unfortunately, the number of Jews living in Muslim countries has dwindled since the establishment of the state of Israel from 1 million to 30,000, and more than a third left in the three years after 1948. A large number of Egyptian Jews left the country after the 1956 Suez Crisis and many Lebanese Jews left after the 1967 and 1973 wars. I would today like to honor and reestablish the profound links that existed between Jews and Arabs living as neighbors. I believe that we all just want to live in peace together, to see our children grow up in a region of promise and mutual respect. What we need is an atomic bomb of peace, loaded with the firepower of love, to put all this behind us and simply live together in peace. As the conscience of the world has been awakened, it is in Israel's interest to mend fences and stop the madness that can only threaten its own future. The Israeli people, I am sure, are ready to adopt the power of love and decency instead of fanning the fires of hatred that risk turning into a volcano. As an Arab who cares deeply for peaceful coexistence, I call upon us all to grow the tree of life together with the water of love, ensuring that its fruits will be shared by all.
Globe and Mail
17-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Better Choice Company Reinstates Stock Repurchase Program and Increases Authorization to $6.5 Million
TAMPA, Fla., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Better Choice Company, Inc. (NYSE American: BTTR) ('Better Choice' or the 'Company'), a pet health and wellness company, today announced that its Board of Directors has reinstated its stock repurchase program and increased authorization up to $6.5 million of its outstanding shares of common stock, until December 31, 2025. The Company repurchased 102,405 common shares at an average price of $1.9869 per share under the previous $5 million stock repurchase program, which expired on December 31, 2024. Michael Young, Chairman of Better Choice, commented, 'After repurchasing 102,405 common shares under our previous repurchase program in 2024, it is in the best interest of our shareholders to reinstate this program and increase the authorized amount up to $6.5 million as we strongly believe our equity to be undervalued.' Shares may be repurchased in open market or private transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'). The timing and amount of any repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company's financial performance. Open market purchases will be made in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any particular number of shares or any shares in any specific time period and the program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time. Payment for shares repurchased under the program will be funded using the Company's cash on hand. About Better Choice Company Inc. Better Choice Company Inc. is a rapidly growing pet health and wellness company committed to leading the industry shift toward pet products and services that help dogs and cats live healthier, happier, and longer lives. We take an alternative, nutrition-based approach to pet health relative to conventional dog and cat food offerings and position our portfolio of brands to benefit from the mainstream trends of growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We have a demonstrated, multi-decade track record of success selling trusted pet health and wellness products and leverage our established digital footprint to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet's health. We sell our dog food, cat food and treats under the Halo brand, which is focused on providing sustainably sourced kibble and canned food derived from real whole meat, and minimally processed raw-diet food and treats. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'plan,' 'could,' 'target,' 'potential,' 'is likely,' 'will,' 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Company Contact: Better Choice Company, Inc. Kent Cunningham, CEO
Associated Press
17-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Better Choice Company Reinstates Stock Repurchase Program and Increases Authorization to $6.5 Million
TAMPA, Fla., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Better Choice Company, Inc. (NYSE American: BTTR) ('Better Choice' or the 'Company'), a pet health and wellness company, today announced that its Board of Directors has reinstated its stock repurchase program and increased authorization up to $6.5 million of its outstanding shares of common stock, until December 31, 2025. The Company repurchased 102,405 common shares at an average price of $1.9869 per share under the previous $5 million stock repurchase program, which expired on December 31, 2024. Michael Young, Chairman of Better Choice, commented, 'After repurchasing 102,405 common shares under our previous repurchase program in 2024, it is in the best interest of our shareholders to reinstate this program and increase the authorized amount up to $6.5 million as we strongly believe our equity to be undervalued.' Shares may be repurchased in open market or private transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'). The timing and amount of any repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company's financial performance. Open market purchases will be made in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any particular number of shares or any shares in any specific time period and the program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time. Payment for shares repurchased under the program will be funded using the Company's cash on hand. About Better Choice Company Inc. Better Choice Company Inc. is a rapidly growing pet health and wellness company committed to leading the industry shift toward pet products and services that help dogs and cats live healthier, happier, and longer lives. We take an alternative, nutrition-based approach to pet health relative to conventional dog and cat food offerings and position our portfolio of brands to benefit from the mainstream trends of growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We have a demonstrated, multi-decade track record of success selling trusted pet health and wellness products and leverage our established digital footprint to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet's health. We sell our dog food, cat food and treats under the Halo brand, which is focused on providing sustainably sourced kibble and canned food derived from real whole meat, and minimally processed raw-diet food and treats. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'plan,' 'could,' 'target,' 'potential,' 'is likely,' 'will,' 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Company Contact: Better Choice Company, Inc. Kent Cunningham, CEO Investor Contact: KCSA Strategic Communications Valter Pinto, Managing Director T: 212-896-1254 [email protected]
Associated Press
16-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Better Choice Sells Halo's Business in Asia for $8.1 Million in Total Gross Proceeds Including $6.5 Million in Cash Up Front, the Equivalent of $3.34 Per Share
TAMPA, Fla., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Better Choice Company, Inc. (NYSE American: BTTR) ('Better Choice' or the 'Company'), a pet health and wellness company, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Halo, Purely for Pets, Inc. ('Halo'), successfully completed the sale of its Asian business, to CZC Company LTD (the 'Buyer') for total gross proceeds of $8.1 million including $6.5 million, or $3.34 per share based on 2,422,005 shares outstanding as of March 25, 2025, in cash, along with a 5-year royalty agreement. This guarantees a minimum total royalty payment of $1.65 million, based on a 3% royalty on sales over the next five years, with a minimum annual payment of $330,000. Halo, which remains wholly-owned by Better Choice, will retain ownership of its key North American operations and global operations outside of Asia, allowing Halo to focus on its core markets and strategic initiatives. This transaction allows the Company to concentrate on its core portfolio of health and wellness products, while creating an additional revenue stream through the royalty arrangement. This sale is a key step in the Company's strategy to maximize shareholder value by optimizing its asset portfolio. 'We are pleased to have successfully completed this strategic transaction,' said Michael Young, Chairman of Better Choice. 'We have strengthened our balance sheet and strategically focused our resources on our core health and wellness offerings while securing a steady revenue stream through the royalty structure. With improved financial flexibility we will look to maximize shareholder value in every possible way, which may include stock repurchase programs, further dividends or allocation of cash reserves into silver, gold and other currencies.' About Better Choice Company Inc. Better Choice Company Inc. is a rapidly growing pet health and wellness company committed to leading the industry shift toward pet products and services that help dogs and cats live healthier, happier, and longer lives. We take an alternative, nutrition-based approach to pet health relative to conventional dog and cat food offerings and position our portfolio of brands to benefit from the mainstream trends of growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We have a demonstrated, multi-decade track record of success selling trusted pet health and wellness products and leverage our established digital footprint to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet's health. We sell the majority of our dog food, cat food and treats under the Halo brand, which is focused, respectively, on providing sustainably sourced kibble and canned food derived from real whole meat, and minimally processed raw-diet dog food and treats. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'plan,' 'could,' 'target,' 'potential,' 'is likely,' 'will,' 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Company Contact: Better Choice Company, Inc. Kent Cunningham, CEO Investor Contact: KCSA Strategic Communications Valter Pinto, Managing Director T: 212-896-1254 [email protected]
