Latest news with #Sequence
Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Angie Stone, musician
Angie Stone in 2024. Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, a member of all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence and known for the hit song Wish I Didn't Miss You, started singing as a child in South Carolina, in church choirs. The Sequence, formed by the then Angela Brown and childhood friends Gwendolyn Chisolm and Cheryl Cook, were the first all-female hip-hop group to release an album, through the groundbreaking Sugar Hill Records. The group released three records, to moderate commercial success, before disbanding. Stone emerged as a solo artist in the early 2000s, enjoying considerable success propelled by Wish I Didn't Miss You, which was a dance floor hit. At around the same time, Stone branched out into acting, appearing in a mix of drama and reality TV shows and also racking up a dozen feature film credits. However, music remained Stone's main claim to fame and singles No More Rain (In This Cloud) and Baby both topped the Billboard R&B chart, and her 2001 album Mahogany Soul and 2007 album The Art Of Love & War both made the Billboard top 30. Angie Stone was killed in a crash on an Alabama highway when travelling to a concert. She died on March 1 aged 63. — APL/agencies
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter Undertakes 49 Life-Saving Missions In April
Press Release – Waikato Westpac Helicopter Rescue The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter carried out 49 life-saving missions across the Waikato, King Country, Coromandel, and surrounding regions throughout April. These missions included 20 inter-hospital transfers, 7 medical events, 4 rural/farm incidents, 5 motor vehicle accidents and 13 miscellaneous missions. The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was frequently seen in the Coromandel area performing medical related missions in locations such as Whitianga, Whangamata, Te Rerenga and Paeroa. It was also commonly dispatched for patient transfers, including 4 inter-hospital transfers from Waikato Hospital, 4 from Taumarunui, and 3 Rotorua Hospital. The month began with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter being dispatched in the early hours to Raglan, where a male was suffering from a serious medical event. The patient was treated on scene and flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care. Two additional missions were carried out later that day. The following day, April 3rd, the rescue helicopter crew performed multiple missions, including one in Putaruru to assist a male in critical condition. The highly trained Critical Care Flight Paramedic performed a Sequence Intubation (RSI), an advanced airway management used in trauma, cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress situations. Once stabilised, the patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On the morning of Saturday, April 5th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Rotorua Hospital for a female who had sustained serious injuries from a fall and required swift transportation to another hospital. The patient was flown to Waikato Hospital for further care. Two days later, on the afternoon of Monday, April 7th, the rescue helicopter was tasked to Matamata for a male who had sustained serious injuries in a fall. The patient was stabilised and airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On the morning of Thursday, April 10th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Te Aroha for a female experiencing a serious cardiac event. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic performed a Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) before airlifting her to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. In the early hours of the next morning, the rescue helicopter was tasked to Whangamata to assist a male experiencing a serious medical event. The patient was stabilised on scene and flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care. After completing several missions in the afternoon, the crew was later tasked to Great Barrier Island Airfield for a male in critical condition. The patient was treated on scene for approximately 30 minutes before being airlifted to Auckland City Hospital for further treatment. On Saturday evening, April 12th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Tokoroa for a male who had sustained injuries. He was airlifted to Waikato Hospital to receive further treatment. On the afternoon of Monday, April 21st, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Mimi for a male who had sustained significant trauma injuries. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic provided treatment before airlifting him to Waikato Hospital for further care. That evening, the rescue helicopter flew to Rotorua Hospital after being dispatched to assist a female who was in serious condition. The patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. On Thursday afternoon, April 24th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Te Rerenga for a female who sustained serious injuries in a motor vehicle incident. The patient was treated on scene and once stabilised, was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further care. On Monday morning, April 28th, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew to Whitianga after being dispatched to assist a male experiencing a serious medical event. He was stabilised on scene before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment. The month concluded with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter being dispatched in the early hours of Tuesday morning, April 29th, to Gisborne Hospital for a male suffering from a medical event. He was swiftly flown to Waikato Hospital for further medical care. The fast response of the rescue helicopter and its highly trained crew ensures the patients receive the best care as quickly as possible. Because you never know when you'll need us… Donate to your Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter at
Miami Herald
17-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Can Weight Watchers be saved? A look at the company as it files for bankruptcy
Stepping onto the scale is about as American as eating apple pie, watching baseball, and visiting the drive-thru at McDonald's. Since U.S. adult obesity rates have doubled since 1990 (from 21.2% in 1990 to 43.8% in 2022 for women, and 16.9% to 41.6% in 2022 for men), you'd think a weight-loss company like Weight Watchers would be thriving. But when Weight Watchers' parent company, WW International (WW), declared bankruptcy on May 6, 2025, it marked the end of an era for how Americans lose weight-as well as a massive reorganization for the dieting giant. At its peak in 2018, Weight Watchers had a $6 billion market cap, and its stock was trading at $100 per share. In 2020, it boasted 4.4 million members. But digital times change everything. Thanks to the rise of free weight-tracking apps and websites, as well as the introduction of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, Weight Watchers' membership programs, which counted calories and emphasized personal support groups, quickly became the dieting sphere's dinosaur. The May 2024 departure of celebrity spokesperson Oprah Winfrey, who had been candid with her weight loss struggles, did further damage. Oprah revealed that she had lost 40 pounds on Weight Watchers in 2016, but relied on an unnamed weight loss drug to lose even more. Her announcement sent WW shares tumbling 25%. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter In a 2023 CNN interview, Weight Watchers' former CEO, Sima Sistani, admitted that her company had made a "mistake" by not addressing the stigmas associated with failed diets, saying, "We were contributing to the shame some of our members felt if they did our program and it didn't work for them." One of her solutions was to incorporate a telehealth platform, Sequence, which connected members with doctors who could prescribe weight loss medications, but while the app posted 57% year-over-year growth in Q1 2025, it ultimately wasn't enough for stakeholders, and Sistani was ousted in September 2024. Between 2024 and 2025, the company experienced a 12% drop in members, and as of this article's publication, shares were trading at just 24 cents. So, can Weight Watchers be saved? Here's a look at the groundbreaking company's rise to success and decline into bankruptcy, as well as an examination of the possible path forward. Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss system that offers subscription-based memberships to help customers lose and maintain weight. The idea behind Weight Watchers began in the early 1960s with Jean Nidetch, a Queens, New York housewife who ate compulsively. Although she tried everything, from pills to "fad diets" and even hypnosis, she simply could not lose weight. In her 2015 obituary, The New York Times reported that she used to hide Mallomars in her hamper and binged on them at night in her bathroom. By age 38, she weighed 214 pounds and was miserable. So, she invited a group of overweight friends to join her on a diet-with one catch: They had to help talk each other through their "anxiety, doubt, and gnawing hunger." Related: Oprah's net worth in 2025: How the "Queen of Media" got so rich As it turned out, the program worked. Nidetch lost 72 pounds-and maintained her 150-lb "goal weight" for the rest of her life. In the process, she created a hugely successful business, as two of the people who had joined her program, entrepreneurs Felice and Albert Lippert, asked her to join forces and bring her program to the broader public. Weight Watchers officially launched in May 1963. The partners rented out space in public buildings and charged members a $2 weekly fee to attend meetings. 400 people showed up to their first official meeting, so they knew they were onto something. Within a year, Weight Watchers began franchising, keeping 10% of gross earnings. In just four years, the company had grown to 102 franchises across the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Israel, and Puerto Rico. By January 1968, it had one million members. Nidetch published her biography, The Memoir of a Successful Loser: The Story of Weight Watchers, and resigned from the company in 1973 but continued to work as a consultant, motivational speaker, and celebrity, often appearing on the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin talk shows. Related: What happened to 7 Up? How 'The Uncola' faded into obscurity Through savvy marketing and product development, Weight Watchers continued to grow-not just by holding support groups but also by developing products, including a series of popular cookbooks, a magazine, and later, for working adults who were too tired to cook, a line of frozen dinners. In 1978, Heinz acquired Weight Watchers for $71.2 million. By the 1990s, weight loss had become a $32 billion industry, and Weight Watchers was its clear leader, commanding $300 million in annual sales. Oprah Winfrey was a key player even back then, with The New York Times chronicling her "ever-expanding-and-contracting" waistline as she attempted to lose weight from Optifast, maker of liquid diet products. (Spoiler alert: She didn't.) While it would take another 24 years for Winfrey to partner with Weight Watchers, the weight loss giant had its hands full from competition from other, upstart diet companies, like Jenny Craig, Slim-Fast, and Nutrisystem. To set itself apart-and ahead-of the competition, Weight Watchers introduced its "points" system, an algorithm that quantified a food based on its amount of carbohydrates, fat, and fiber content. More on success: Rihanna's net worth: Inside the superstar's business empireAnna Wintour's net worth: Does the Met Gala contribute to her wealth?Tina Knowles' net worth: Beyoncé's mother is a self-made millionaire Heinz sold Weight Watchers to a private equity firm, Artal Luxembourg, for $735 million in 1999, which took the company public on November 15, 2001, with an opening price of $25.91. In 2003, Weight Watchers went digital, launching its first website. In 2010, its "points" system was again overhauled: Fruits and veggies received zero points, while sugary and processed foods were given extra points. That decade, the company also started branching out from the dieting sphere by incorporating fitness and wellness into its memberships. It acquired the Wello and Hot 5 apps along with Weilos, an online community platform. It also forged partnerships with Fitbit and expanded into mindfulness through partnerships with Headspace. But the company's biggest deal was with Oprah herself. Her decades-long weight loss journey may have been ridiculed by the media, but millions of "everyday" people saw themselves in her struggles, and her endorsement helped foster a positive, trustworthy environment that affected the company's bottom line: By 2016, revenues had risen 28%, and the company had gained one million members. Not only did Oprah serve as Weight Watchers' spokesperson from 2015–2024; she also joined its Board of Directors and took a 10% ownership stake in WW, investing $43 million into the company. Shares skyrocketed 90% on the news, and over the course of her nine-year relationship with the brand, Oprah took home a reported $221 million. Masterful at reinvention, in 2018, in a continuing effort to be bigger than dieting, Weight Watchers rebranded itself as WW International. It also did away with its stated weight-loss requirement and renamed its support group meetings "wellness workshops." Later that year, the company also launched a controversial app aimed at helping children manage their weight, Kurbo by WW. However, Weight Watchers would pay a $1.5 million fine to the FTC in 2022 after it was found to be illegally collecting children's data. But it was the introduction of Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2017, first approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, that would precipitate Weight Watcher's demise-and trigger a seismic shift throughout the weight loss industry. The drug was originally formulated to help patients manage their blood glucose, but it had an interesting side effect: Patients experienced, on average, 14.9% weight loss. Related: The 5 most startling Chapter 11 retailer bankruptcies since 2020 Celebrities and Influencers began posting selfies showcasing their noticeably slimmer frames, while hashtags like #OzempicChallenge started trending on TikTok, amassing more than 250 million views. Its surge in popularity led to widespread Ozempic shortages, and in 2021, Novo Nordisk, the drug's manufacturer, introduced a new medication with an even higher dose of semaglutide, known as Wegovy. This drug was approved specifically to treat chronic weight management issues for adults with obesity. When Oprah stepped down from the board of Weight Watchers, she herself admitted that points and pep talks weren't solely responsible for the reported 50 pounds she lost in 2023: She had also taken a weight-loss drug. And, while she did not identify it specifically, she did explain on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she wanted to "be able to talk about whatever I want to talk about" on the subject of weight loss without any conflicts of interest. So, Oprah created an hour-long ABC Primetime special titled "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution," that aired on March 18, 2023. It featured a panel discussion by medical experts who discussed weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy with a live studio audience. Winfrey, meanwhile, donated her remaining shares of WW stock-valued at around $16 million at the time-to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, telling Jimmy Kimmel her reasons were "so nobody can say, 'Oh, she's doing that [ABC] special, she's making money, and promoting …' No, you cannot say that." Since its beginnings in 1963, Weight Watchers has focused on losing weight through diet plans and communal encouragement. Weekly meetings consist of "weigh-ins" and support groups, where neighbors and strangers provide praise when the scale registers lower-and encouragement when it does not. The Weight Watchers system, which assigns "points" to foods based on their nutritional value, has been updated to reflect each era's guidelines for "healthy" eating; in general, it included increased servings of fish, fruits, and vegetables, limited portions of bread and dairy, and even fewer sweets, fatty foods, and servings of alcohol. According to U.S. News and World Report, WW's current membership program consists of the option to meet online through its mobile app and website, receive coaching online or by phone, or attend in-person meetings. Related: An in-depth timeline of the GameStop short squeeze saga In a press release on May 6, 2025, WW International announced that it had entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, revealing plans for a massive reorganization effort in the hopes of shedding $1.15 billion of excess debt-as well as creating solutions for its customers' long-term health. That doesn't sound like WW is giving up. In fact, in a statement, new CEO Tara Comonte stated, "the decisive actions we're taking today, with the overwhelming support of our lenders and noteholders, will give us the flexibility to accelerate innovation, reinvest in our members, and lead with authority in a rapidly evolving weight management landscape." Weight Watchers has assured its members that it will remain "fully operational" through its reorganization, with a spokesperson telling USA Today, "there will be no impact to members or the plans they rely on to support their weight management goals," and no foreseeable changes to their membership, pricing, or prescriptions. Weight Watchers also plans to fast-track the expansion of its Sequence telehealth business as well as remain a publicly traded company. As of May, 2025, WW is considered a penny stock, with shares trading at low prices (typically under $5): On May 15, 2025, WW shares closed at just $0.24. Penny stocks are typically characterized by low liquidity and high volatility, which means that prices can fluctuate significantly and rapidly. Although penny stocks are usually found trading on over-the-counter (OTC) markets, WW continues to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange. Its reorganization strategy includes plans to further expand into the telehealth sphere, which could drive future growth; however, its $1.15 billion debt obligations present a substantial challenge for the company's recovery. All penny stocks have the opportunity for sizable gains-as well as steep losses-so care should be taken when considering it as an investment. Related: Veteran analyst sends urgent message on S&P 500 The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Founders Arena WealthTech Accelerator Announces Spring 2025 Cohort Focused on AI, Automation, and Advisor Enablement
Fourth Cohort announced by Accelerator connects startups with financial institutions to fast-track research, development, and adoption ARLINGTON, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Founders Arena WealthTech Accelerator, in partnership with First Rate, Inc., SEI® and the City of Arlington, today announced the selection of its Spring 2025 cohort. The six companies—AssetLink, Investipal, MDOTM, Sequence, Quorus, and YourStake—represent a diverse set of solutions designed to streamline financial advisory workflows, enhance investment performance, and deliver more personalized client experiences through automation and data intelligence. Now in its fourth cohort, The Founders Arena continues to serve as a launchpad for high-growth WealthTech companies, bridging the gap between founders and the financial institutions that power the wealth management industry. Since inception, four participating startups, Charityvest, Sora Finance, upSWOT, and Caribou, have gone on to be acquired, and multiple cohort companies, including Bento Engine and Zeplyn, have found unique ways of partnering together though the connections the cohort creates. "The Founders Arena really helped us in three key ways: it sharpened our pitch and value proposition for the RIA customer base, deepened our connectivity across the broader space, and enabled us to define a proof of concept with an enterprise customer," said Rohit Agarwal, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Sora Finance. The Spring 2025 cohort includes: AssetLink: A bidirectional intelligence platform that empowers asset managers and distribution teams to make smarter, faster fund placement decisions by directly connecting with buyers whose clients align with their strategy. AssetLink is based in New York, NY. Investipal: An advisor-first tool that automates portfolio construction and proposal generation. Investipal's AI-driven optimization engine delivers transparent, customized investment recommendations in minutes, allowing advisors to focus on growth. Investipal is based in Toronto, Ontario. MDOTM: An AI-powered investment platform that enhances portfolio management, decision-making, and reporting for wealth and asset managers. By delivering actionable insights and automating investment workflows, MDOTM helps reduce manual errors and save time. MDOTM is based in London, United Kingdom, with offices in Milan and New York. Quorus: A platform that lets asset managers deliver tax-managed, customized investment accounts while automating trade execution and portfolio optimization. Managers can focus on strategy development while Quorus handles the infrastructure. Quorus is based in New York, NY. Sequence: A financial operating system that consolidates accounts and automates cash flow, liability management, and savings through direct integrations with users' financial tools. Currently serving consumers, Sequence plans to expand into B2B wealth management applications. Sequence is based in New York, NY. YourStake: A document intelligence and meeting assistant that enables advisors to skip administrative work and move straight to financial planning. YourStake automatically turns notes, statements, and forms into structured data and personalized portfolio analysis. YourStake is based in Brooklyn, NY. The 8-week hybrid program is based out of Arlington, Texas, and connects participating founders with mentors, investors, and executives at leading financial institutions. Through tailored "VIP Visits" with financial institutions, participants receive firsthand feedback from potential partners and clients in the wealth management ecosystem. "We're seeing an inflection point where advisors and asset managers are demanding tech that not only enhances outcomes but radically simplifies operations," said Pamela Cytron, President of The Founders Arena. "In a time when AI is accelerating change across the industry, it's never been more critical to spotlight breakthrough innovation." Executives and financial institutions are invited to participate in the Spring 2025 VIP Visits, a limited series of 1:1 meetings with the Spring cohort to help organizations source, pilot, and scale emerging technology. "The commitment of The Founders Arena to the City of Arlington has been truly profound," said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. "Celebrating its second anniversary, and announcing their fourth cohort, the accelerator has demonstrated unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of founders while embedding itself into the fabric of our city. Their continued investment of time, resources, and talent into Arlington shows how we are a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship." "The Founders Arena has built something unique—an accelerator that actually accelerates product-market fit by putting startups in front of institutions early and often," said Kendrick Wakeman, Co-Founder and CEO of WealthTech Strategy Partners. "The proof is in the acquisitions and partnerships we've already seen come from the first three cohorts, and with this fourth one, we're excited to keep collaborating with visionary founders who are solving real industry challenges." About The Founders Arena WealthTech AcceleratorThe Founders Arena WealthTech Accelerator (TFA), based in Arlington, TX, is an accelerator program dedicated to supporting the next generation of WealthTech startups globally. In strategic partnership with the City of Arlington, First Rate Inc., SEI®, and the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, TFA provides a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By fostering collaboration between startups, financial institutions, and the local community, TFA aims to drive innovation in wealth management and contribute to Arlington's growing reputation as a hub for financial technology. TFA's program includes mentorship sessions, technical workshops, and community engagement activities, all designed to accelerate startup growth and promote innovation within the WealthTech sector. Through its unique blend of startup support and community involvement, The Founders Arena is paving the way for transformative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the wealth management industry. For more information visit Media Contact:Aaron Berger394995@ 917-355-8959 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Founders Arena
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate over $1 billion in debt
WeightWatchers said Tuesday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and focus on its transition into a telehealth services provider. Parent WW International Inc. said it has the support of nearly three-quarters of its debt holders. It expects to emerge from bankruptcy within 45 days, if not sooner. WeightWatchers, which was founded more than 60 years ago, has struggled recently. In 2023, the company moved into the prescription drug weight loss business — particularly with the $106 million acquisition of Sequence, now WeightWatchers Clinic, a telehealth service that helps users get prescriptions for drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity. Its latest earnings report Tuesday showed that first-quarter revenue declined 10% while its loss on an adjusted basis totaled 47 cents per share. However, clinical subscription revenue — or weight-loss medications — jumped 57% year over year to $29.5 million. In September, WW International CEO Sima Sistani resigned, and the New York company named Tara Comonte, a WeightWatchers board member and former Shake Shack executive, interim chief executive. Comonte, now CEO, said in a statement Tuesday that, 'As the conversation around weight shifts toward long-term health, our commitment to delivering the most trusted, science-backed, and holistic solutions —grounded in community support and lasting results — has never been stronger, or more important.' Shares of the company have traded at under $1 since early February. In after-hours trading, the stock plunged by half to 39 cents. The bankruptcy filing was made in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. More national news Read the original article on MassLive.
