Latest news with #PTO
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
T100 world champion Marten Van Riel aiming to replicate 'dream' victory on West Coast
Marten Van Riel wins the sprint at San Francisco on the line in 2024 (Image: PTO) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. T100 world champion Marten Van Riel is targeting more San Francisco success having raced to a 'dream' victory in a thrilling sprint finish at the event last year. The Belgian, who claimed the inaugural T100 world title last year, took victory on the West Coast on the line in 2024, winning a three-man sprint by 0.01 seconds. Now, Van Riel is hoping he can replicate the magic of that performance as he looks to get his season into full swing after a third-place finish in Singapore. 'It was honestly a dream last year to take the victory, and I'm ready to defend it this year. I love the race, I love the location. The course is, in my opinion, the best on the circuit,' the 32-year-old said. '[Last year] was incredible, that's what we live for. It's a three-hour-plus race, and it comes down to less than a second with three of us. 'If I would have finished third in that case, I would be very frustrated. But now it's magical. 'That's what you get when you put the best in the world together. You're going to get close races like that. That was very cool.' 🔥 VANCOUVER T100 MEN'S START LIST 🔥 The contracted athletes rolling up to Vancity when the T100 hits Canada for the very first time 🇨🇦 Catch all the action live on PTO+ on Saturday 14 June 📺 READ MORE: — T100 Triathlon World Tour (@t100triathlon) May 13, 2025 Van Riel will head to the USA in better shape than the season opener in Singapore having raced an Ironman just a week before. But he will take confidence from the mettle he showed in both performances, finishing second in the Ironman before claiming a second podium place with third in Singapore. 'That was obviously very, very hard and not the easiest combination. In the end, it did work out well with two very solid results that I could be happy with,' reflected Van Riel. 'I was just drained the whole time. It was only just in time, like one or two days before the race, that I started really turning it around and feeling good again. So I wouldn't recommend it, but I'm happy that it turned out well. 'Beforehand I thought, 'Okay, I can do it.' But you always think you're Superman before a race. Once I finished the Ironman, I was thinking 'How am I going to do this?' 'To turn up and take that third place, that was incredible. It really motivates me and I have the feeling that I can still build throughout this season and get my level higher. 'If I could already finish third there, hopefully I can play even higher stakes in the next races.' Having finished with the highest points total across the T100 races last season to claim the world title, taking three victories, Van Riel is acutely aware that he has set the standard for others. But after a training camp in Sierra Nevada, he is not accepting any excuses as he aims to defend his title with a target on his back. 'All the other athletes saw last year, what my level was and that level was the level that took the world title,' said Van Riel. 'Every time someone does really good performances, if you give it some time, other people are going to be catching up. That's just the game. 'It's going to be a lot harder this year, but I'm excited to battle it out with these guys and try to stay on top.' Watch the world's top 20 female and top 20 male triathletes race live in the San Francisco T100 over the legendary Escape From Alcatraz course on Saturday 31 May. The broadcast starts at 0545 local time, 1345 in the UK, with the races starting 15 minutes later. You can tune in live for free globally on PTO+ or watch on partners channels such as TNT Sports 2 in the UK, Max or Discovery+ in Europe, or beIN in North America. For more details visit
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Westwater Resources Announces Successful Patent Application for the Kellyton Graphite Plant
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westwater Resources, Inc. (NYSE American: WWR) an energy technology and battery-grade natural graphite development company, today announced it received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ('PTO') that Westwater's patent application is approved for issuance. Westwater filed an application, in August 2021, to patent methods of purifying graphite at the Kellyton Graphite Plant. With this Notice, PTO's examination of the application is complete. 'Over the past 4 years, Westwater has diligently worked with the PTO as it considered our patent application,' said John W. Lawrence, Westwater's Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary. 'We are extremely pleased that the examination process is now successfully complete, and we expect to receive the patent shortly.' About Westwater Resources, Inc. Westwater Resources is focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite products. The Company's primary project is the Kellyton Graphite Plant that is under construction in east-central Alabama. In addition, the Company's Coosa graphite deposit is the most advanced natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States, which is located across 41,965 acres (~17,000 hectares) in Coosa County, Alabama. For more information, visit Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as 'examination,' 'issuance,' and other similar words. Forward looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the method of purifying graphite at the Kellyton Graphite Plant. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company and discussed in Westwater's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent securities filings.
Fox News
25-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Too busy to rest: Your time off is important for your health and productivity — so use it!
The email sits in Kyle's inbox: "Please submit your vacation plans for the year." He glances at his project timeline, then at the family photo – his kids beaming from last summer's brief weekend at the lake. His calendar is packed with deadlines stretching into next quarter. There's never a "good" time, he thinks, moving the email to his "Later" folder for the third time this month. Like Kyle, millions of Americans find themselves in this cycle – postponing vacations and stockpiling unused leave days, convinced next month will be less busy. Each year, workers leave billions of dollars worth of paid time off (PTO) unused, effectively gifting these earned benefits back to their employers. But this isn't just about unused benefits – it's about how humans function at their best. Employees often blame a toxic work culture, demands for overwork, or unsupportive bosses as reasons why they don't take available leave. But whether parental leave, sick leave, or general PTO, employer support for employee time off exist for a reason — because employees and the companies they work for are all better off when people can take a break from work. Here's why. First, it's about health. Chronic stress and burnout have measurable negative impacts on physical and mental health, including risks of cardiovascular issues, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for long periods of uninterrupted work without proper breaks. Taking vacation time allows the body and mind to repair and reset. This also has direct effects on productivity. While it may seem counterintuitive, research has found that taking time off actually improves workplace performance. This is in part because the human brain requires periods of rest to maintain peak cognitive function. This is especially relevant for knowledge workers who need focus, or service workers who need regulation. Studies show that after a vacation, employees return with enhanced creativity, better problem-solving abilities, and renewed energy. Such breaks are also helpful for innovation and creativity. Distance from daily and maybe mundane work routines creates mental space for new perspectives and ideas. Breakthrough insights often erupt during or after vacation time, when minds are free to wander and make novel connections. When a break is spent in nature, that can be all the more inspiring. So taking true breaks can be considered especially important for jobs which rely on stellar innovation and creativity. It's not just about whether or not to take that vacation — it's also about who does it. Peer pressure matters, but managers and leaders especially set the tone at the top. When employees, especially leaders, don't take vacation time, it creates an unhealthy workplace culture which normalizes overwork. By taking your vacation, you help establish healthy boundaries and give permission for others to do the same. This is not only helpful for setting the standards for your current employees, but also showcasing a culture that will make other talented individuals want to work with and for you — as no one wants to work at the place where it feels expected to never take time off. Another concern of managers is how leave policies look on paper, as compared to how they are actually implemented. Results from my own research interviewing working mothers discovered a theme of resentment against companies that espoused having family-friendly workplaces with paid leave, that was then felt as deeply hypocritical when individual managers weren't supportive of their folks taking such leave. This is when a policy designed to help or support employees can end up not providing that support — there is a gap between what is written and what is unwritten. This means that employers often feel good about having the policies on paper, and either aren't aware or don't care if employees ever actually use them. The box is checked — but is the support actually delivered? HR professionals call this the "implementation gap," and it can have deeply negative effects on employee commitment and identification with their employer. Beyond work, relationships with family and friends require quality time to nurture and maintain. Vacation allows for creating meaningful memories, strengthening bonds, and pursuing that ever-elusive balance between work and life responsibilities. Our connections with others provide the emotional support system that makes us more resilient at work. Without time devoted to those connections, that support is weakened. So don't be like Kyle and don't postpone your vacations until later — take them now. Whether a day, week, or longer, take the time you need to replenish your energy, restore your well-being, and rejuvenate your relationships with important people in your life. Managers and leaders, make sure that your leave policies are well-communicated and well-executed. Set the standard with your own behavior as you personally and professionally benefit from taking that vacation. Your job will still be there when you get back stronger, more energized, and more resilient than before.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Former La Vergne PTO president indicted for stealing organization money
LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The former president of the La Vergne Lake Elementary Parent Teacher Organization has been indicted for stealing the organization's money following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office. A release from the comptroller said investigators determined former PTO President Valency Horton misappropriated PTO funds totaling at least $13,130.99 between April and July 2024. The comptroller's office said Horton made unauthorized money transfers from the PTO to her personal Cash App account and used the funds to make personal purchases and allegedly pay individuals to whom she owed money. 📧 Have breaking news come to you: → She also made two unauthorized ATM withdrawals and an over-the-counter cash withdrawal of PTO funds, the office said in a release. One of the ATM withdrawals was made inside an out-of-state casino. Per the comptroller's report, the Cash App transfers totaled $10,225, while the ATM and over-the-counter withdrawals totaled $2,905.99. During an interview with investigators, Horton reportedly stated she used the PTO funds for her personal benefit, though she did pay some of it back. Despite paying back some of the organization money, the comptroller's office said she still owes $11,130.99 to the PTO. The Rutherford County Grand Jury handed down an indictment for Horton charged her with one count of theft of property over $10,000, one count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act, and one count of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card. ⏩ 'It is important that school support organizations, like PTOs, have more than one person approve transactions to help prevent fraud,' Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. 'PTO officials should also regularly review and reconcile their bank statements to ensure that money is being spent properly. A copy of the bank statements should be included in the minutes of PTO meetings.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Questions linger after Prosper ISD seniors taken to hospital following graduation event
There's still no confirmed explanation as to why multiple Prosper ISD seniors were transported to the hospital after attending an overnight event this past weekend. For the past few days, CBS News Texas has been working to learn what happened to those students and has spoken with multiple district parents. Many of them share a common question: Were drugs involved? Graduation celebration under scrutiny CBS News Texas posed that question directly to Prosper ISD but has not yet received a response. However, CBS News Texas did obtain more information about the event, known as the Prosper ISD Graduation Celebration. It was held from 11 p.m. Friday to at least 3 a.m. Saturday. Nonprofit hosted overnight event According to its website, the event is organized by a nonprofit at 3R's Ranch in Prosper and is not affiliated with the school district. It is open to seniors from all three Prosper high schools. Former PTO members say the event is alcohol- and drug-free and includes games, dancing, music and food. It has been held for several years. According to the city of Prosper, police were called to the ranch around 2:15 a.m. Saturday. In a statement, the town said, "Paramedics from Prosper, Celina and Frisco treated multiple individuals experiencing medical distress and transported eight patients to local hospitals." But the reason behind the medical emergencies remains unclear. No details released yet Prosper ISD has not confirmed whether any students were suspended following the event. CBS News Texas spoke by phone with the town's spokesperson and the mayor, who said they are confident in the police department's investigation. As of now, no one has come forward with details about what happened Saturday night or the current condition of the eight hospitalized students. CBS News Texas will continue to investigate.
