Latest news with #WHCP
Phone Arena
6 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Microsoft quietly fixes a big USB-C problem on laptops: no more guessing games!
Image Credit – Surface on Unsplash Microsoft is now putting an end to the guessing game some known as 'port roulette' – when you wonder if the USB-C port you've plugged your monitor into is actually ready for it. With Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft is rolling out new rules regarding all USB-C ports on WHCP-certified laptops and tablets. Now, these ports would do exactly what you expect: charge, transfer data, and output video. Thankfully, this means you won't have to wonder which of the identical USB-C ports supports DisplayPort... or if your dock will charge your laptop – now making USB-C truly universal. With the new update, Microsoft is updating its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, otherwise known as WHCP. This is the set of rules that device makers follow to get their laptops certified for Windows. The new rules now mandate optional USB-C features to become required and fix an issue that's been going on for too long with USB-C universality. Although USB-C is designed to be universal, the practice so far has shown otherwise. Basically, 27% of USB4 PCs had "limited functionality" warnings when people plugged in accessories that didn't work as expected. But now, with this new update, this will change. Now, all WHCP-certified Windows 11 machines should meet three core USB-C standards: Data transfer – machines should offer at least USB 3.0 speeds (5 Gbps) Charging – USB Power Delivery support is required (equal or more to 4.5W on laptops, 7.5W on tablets) Display output – support for DisplayPort Alt Mode, so every port can connect to a monitor That's the minimum. Meanwhile, machines that are more expensive and support Thunderbolt or USB4 are met with even stricter demands. Let's take a look at the current situation before this update. Many of you may know that not all USB-C ports do the same thing, despite looking absolutely identical: same connector, same shape, same size... The thing is, some ports handle charging, some support external displays, some are capable of getting Thunderbolt speeds... while others are completely incapacitated. And this mess is what Microsoft is addressing with the set of new rules. Basically, USB-C is the connector type, and Thunderbolt (and USB4) are performance standards that use the USB-C connector. These standards add premium features like high-speed data transfer, support for dual monitors, and PCIe tunneling for external GPUs. Image Credit - Marcus Urbenz on Unsplash Laptop makers were allowed to advertise USB4 or Thunderbolt support if only one of the device's USB-C ports could deliver the features, while the rest were carrying limited functionality. The normal person had no way of knowing which one was which. But then comes this new WHCP certification, which will no longer allow this. From now on, if a laptop is to advertise Thunderbolt or USB4 support, all its USB-C ports should deliver the complete package. And yep, no more guessing games, no more reading labels or plugging into the "wrong" port. Obviously, this would be a big step toward USB-C's initial focus: the universality of the port. Unfortunately, though, this is not without a cost. Naturally, budget laptop makers that previously escaped full-featured USB-C implementations will now have to spend more and get better processors. Of course, this may drive prices in the budget segment. Meanwhile, other makers may prioritize ChromeOS, which doesn't have these rules. Many mid-range and premium machines do actually meet or even exceed these new standards, though. Microsoft is expecting a gradual shift in the industry in the next few years. It is said that brands like Surface, Dell, and HP would lead early adoption of the new rules. All in all, despite not being a huge update or a flashy new feature, this change has massive implications for the quality of life of people using USB-C. It ends the game of 'port roulette', and ensures wherever you plug in, you'll have the same reliable, universal experience from your certified Windows laptop. Kudos to Microsoft for this change!
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mississippi opens wild hog control applications May 15
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) on May 15. The application period will close on May 30. According to MDAC, all Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. Big Lots store in Mississippi reopening this week Through the WHCP, MDAC provides 'smart' traps to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. MDAC provides the training necessary to use the 'smart' traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands. Applications must be completed and submitted online. Submitted applications will be evaluated based on the number of acres available for trapping, historical agricultural losses caused by wild hogs on the property and current trapping efforts on the property. Traps will be available for one-month intervals, dependent upon use and success. One trap per 500 acres is recommended, depending on landscape and land use. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Glass House Brands Announces New $50 Million Senior Secured Loan
- Maturing on January 31st, 2030, the new senior debt facility replaces our previous senior secured loan that was set to mature in late November 2026, pushing out the final balloon payment by an additional 3 years- The interest rate will be fixed at 8.58% for the term of the loan, significantly lower than the rate paid for the previous loan- After paying legal and loan fees for the new loan and $41.0 million for the balance of the previous loan plus fees, the company will have a net cash inflow of $8.1 million- With interest only payments until the 3rd year, the loan will preserve $13.1 million that would have otherwise been required for monthly principal payments in 2025 and 2026 LONG BEACH, Calif. and TORONTO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glass House Brands Inc. ("Glass House" or the "Company") (CBOE CA: GLAS.A.U) (CBOE CA: (OTCQX: GLASF) (OTCQX:GHBWF), one of the fastest-growing, vertically-integrated cannabis companies in the U.S., announced today the signing of a new $50 million senior-secured credit facility. 'I'm excited to share the great news that Glass House has secured a new senior secured credit facility,' Kyle Kazan, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Glass House, commented. 'Refinancing the credit facility strengthens our balance sheet, significantly improves our cash flow and pushes out the maturity of our senior secured debt into 2030. By negotiating this facility directly with the lender, Glass House has continued its tradition of cutting costs by arranging our own financing. The lender's approval of the credit facility and the favorable terms of the loan are a testament to the strength of our long-standing relationship with the bank and to our shared vision of enabling this Company to continue its rapid growth. I'm particularly excited that our company has finally received debt with a rate and terms which are comparable to non-cannabis businesses.' 'Additionally, I want to extend a thank you to WhiteHawk Capital Partners (WHCP) whose senior secured loan was refinanced in this transaction. WHCP extended credit to us shortly after we went public and before we planted the first greenhouses at our SoCal Facility. Their confidence in our ability to execute at a critical inflection point cannot be understated.' The interest rate for the new SSL facility will be fixed at 8.58% for the term of the loan. The first two years are interest-only. Principal and interest payments will be made during the last three years based on a straight-line amortization of the loan amount over a period of 15 years, with a balloon payment of $40 million due on the maturity date. The loan will be secured by a first priority lien on the Company's Camarillo, Padaro and Casitas greenhouse farms and facilities and a first priority lien on the rest of the Company's assets excluding other real estate. Key covenants of note are: Minimum liquidity of $10 million to be held in an account at the lending institution throughout the term of the loan. Consolidated Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio (FCCR)1 of at least 1.25x tested quarterly on a trailing-twelve-month basis with the first test to be on December 31st, 2024. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the loan to pay back US$41.0 million outstanding on the previous senior secured loan plus fees and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Footnotes FCCR is defined as Adjusted EBITDA minus income tax expense divided by current portion of long-term debt plus interest expense plus current portion of capital leases. Preferred equity dividend payments and convertible debt payments are not included in the calculation because the former can be suspended if needed and the latter can be paid in shares. About Glass House Brands Glass House is one of the fastest-growing, vertically integrated cannabis companies in the U.S., with a dedicated focus on the California market and building leading, lasting brands to serve consumers across all segments. From its greenhouse cultivation operations to its manufacturing practices, from brand-building to retailing, the company's efforts are rooted in the respect for people, the environment, and the community that co-founders Kyle Kazan, Chairman and CEO, and Graham Farrar, Board Member and President, instilled at the outset. Whether it be through its portfolio of brands, which includes Glass House Farms, PLUS Products, Allswell and Mama Sue Wellness or its network of retail dispensaries throughout the state of California, which includes The Farmacy, Natural Healing Center and The Pottery, Glass House is committed to realizing its vision of excellence: outstanding cannabis products, produced sustainably, for the benefit of all. For more information and company updates, visit and Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance or financial results. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward- looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's financial outlook or operational plans and statements related to future market conditions. All forward-looking statements, including those herein, are qualified by this cautionary statement. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including those risks disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at and in the Company's Form 40-F available on EDGAR at For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For further information, please contact:Glass House Brands Inc. John Brebeck, Vice President of Investor Relations T: (562) 264-5078 E: ir@ Mark Vendetti, Chief Financial Officer T: (562) 264-5078 E: ir@ Investor Relations Contact:KCSA Strategic CommunicationsPhil CarlsonT: 212-896-1233E: GlassHouse@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How to apply for Wild Hog Control Program in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson (R-Miss.) announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) on Saturday, February 1. The application period will close on Saturday, February 15. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. Ingalls Shipyard unveils start-of-the-art tech in virtual reality welding lab Through the program, MDAC provides 'smart' traps to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. The agency also provides the training necessary to use the 'smart' traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands. Applications must be completed and submitted online at Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
