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New HSR thresholds and filing fees for 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

New HSR thresholds and filing fees for 2024The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act created new filing fee tiers with new filing fees and the thresholds for these filing fees, as well as the fee amounts, are also adjusted annually along with the jurisdictional thresholds.

Key Points: 

New HSR thresholds and filing fees for 2024

  • The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act created new filing fee tiers with new filing fees and the thresholds for these filing fees, as well as the fee amounts, are also adjusted annually along with the jurisdictional thresholds.
  • The Commission recently announced the updated jurisdictional thresholds and the updated fee schedule, both of which will become effective on March 6, 2024.

Rule 1: The correct threshold for determining reportability is the one in effect at the time of closing.

  • This is often referred to as the “$50 million (as adjusted)” threshold because it started at $50 million and is now adjusted annually.
  • For 2024, that threshold will be $119.5 million.
  • Here are the new jurisdictional thresholds, effective on March 6, 2024: ORIGINAL THRESHOLD ADJUSTED THRESHOLD $10 million $23.9 million $50 million $119.5 million $100 million $239 million $110 million $262.9 million $200 million $478 million $500 million $1.195 billion $1 billion $2.390 billion

Rule 2: The filing fee is determined by the value of the transaction at the time of filing.

  • If you determine that a transaction is reportable, the filing fee should be based on the filing fee threshold that is in effect at the time of filing.
  • Here are the new filing fee thresholds, as well as the adjusted fee amounts, revised in accordance with the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act and effective on March 6, 2024: FILING FEE SIZE OF TRANSACTION $30,000 less than $173.3 million $105,000 not less than $173.3 million but less than $536.5 million $260,000 not less than $536.5 million but less than $1.073 billion $415,000 not less than $1.073 billion but less than $2.146 billion $830,000 not less than $2.146 billion but less than $5.365 billion $2,335,000 $5.365 billion or more

Rule 3: Notification thresholds for subsequent purchases adjust yearly, too.

Albertsons Companies Voluntarily Recalls Five ReadyMeals and Store-Made Taco Kits Containing a Recalled Cheese Ingredient Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled five ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Key Points: 
  • Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled five ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
  • The select meals and kits contain a recalled cheese ingredient supplied by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240208785606/en/
    Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled five ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
  • Consumers with questions should contact Albertsons Companies’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-723-3929 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.

Green Thumb Industries Publishes Second Annual Social Impact Report

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (“Green Thumb” or the “Company”) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner of RISE Dispensaries , today announced the release of its 2023 Social Impact Report .

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (“Green Thumb” or the “Company”) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner of RISE Dispensaries , today announced the release of its 2023 Social Impact Report .
  • Green Thumb’s second annual Social Impact Report documents and highlights the meaningful progress of its “Growing for Good” program across four key pillars: Community Engagement, Inclusion & Belonging, Restorative Justice and Environmental Stewardship.
  • “Our Growing for Good social impact program is deeply embedded in Green Thumb’s DNA and brought to life by our team members every day,” said Green Thumb Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler.
  • To continue the momentum of the Company’s social impact initiatives, Green Thumb is introducing a matching component to its Round Up program in 2024.

Screen time can seriously harm your eyes: here’s how to avoid it

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

The most common symptoms include irritated or itchy eyes, and a sensation of dryness or sand on the surface of the eye.

Key Points: 
  • The most common symptoms include irritated or itchy eyes, and a sensation of dryness or sand on the surface of the eye.
  • Screens are also a source of projected light, which raises the temperature of the eye’s surface and increases tear evaporation.
  • According to the data we gathered, increased screen time was linked to more severe dry eye symptoms.


Although reducing screen time is impossible in certain jobs, we can reduce irritation and problems by following certain recommendations. A basic understanding of the issue can also help us to look after our eyes.

Teardrops and eyelids

  • The eye’s surface is made up of eyelids, the tear film (the eye’s liquid coating), the cornea and the conjunctiva.
  • If any of them are affected, it can lead to irritation in the eye.
  • The eyelids are what keep the tear film evenly distributed, as well as providing protection.

Do you suffer from dry eye disease?

  • First and foremost, there is often no cause for panic: suffering certain symptoms of dry eyes does not necessarily mean you have dry eye disease.
  • A medical professional will determine whether this damage exists, and what further measures need to be taken.

How to reduce irritation and avoid dry eye disease


By taking precautions, we can ensure that screens work with us, not against us.
Screen height: It is always best to keep screens below eye level. This way the eyelids do not have to open as much, meaning less of the eye’s surface is exposed for prolonged periods.
Screen position and lighting: You should avoid light reflecting off screens, be it from a lamp or from a window behind where you sit. Excessive light forces us to concentrate harder, and therefore to blink less. This can be solved by using anti reflective filters.
Rest periods: Rest is your eyes’ best friend. A common rule of thumb is the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of work, look at something 20 feet away (about 6 metres), for 20 seconds. This has been proven to reduce symptoms of eye dryness, as looking away from the screen re establishes our normal rate of blinking.
Environmental conditions: Low humidity, high temperatures, air currents from open windows or air conditioners, tobacco smoke and excessive air freshener can all be bad for eye health.
Eye hydration: Eye drops may be the best option on particularly intense working days. Avoid saline solutions, as their composition is not the same as the tear film. They lack the oils and proteins, and could destabilise this layer. The best option is single dose artificial tears, which do not contain preservatives and do not damage the eye.
The prevalence of screens in our society means that symptoms of dry eye disease are commonplace. If we confront this issue by taking the right steps, however, it doesn’t have to affect our quality of life.
Las personas firmantes no son asalariadas, ni consultoras, ni poseen acciones, ni reciben financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y han declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado anteriormente.

The Inner Circle Acknowledges, Robert Cotton as a Top Pinnacle Expert

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Robert Cotton is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Expert for his expertise in the field of Elevator and Escalator Consulting.

Key Points: 
  • SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Robert Cotton is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Expert for his expertise in the field of Elevator and Escalator Consulting.
  • Having completed more than 1000 inspections nationally, he is considered one of the foremost experts in elevator and escalator matters.
  • Mr. Cotton advises that building owners renovate the equipment and keep up with technology advancements.
  • Mr. Cotton is an avid cyclist and has completed dozens and dozens of 100 and 200 mile one-day marathon rides throughout California.

EG America Raises $750,000 for Disabled American Veterans

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

WESTBOROUGH, Md., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following their fifth annual fundraiser for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), EG America raised $750,000 for the nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support to veterans and their families.

Key Points: 
  • WESTBOROUGH, Md., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following their fifth annual fundraiser for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), EG America raised $750,000 for the nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support to veterans and their families.
  • DAV provides a range of programs for veterans including benefits assistance, transportation to and from medical appointments, and more, at no cost.
  • Members of EG America's leadership team presented a check to DAV Executive Director and CFO Cody Vanboxel at the company's headquarters on January 23, 2024.
  • "We are honored to support the critical services and benefits DAV provides to veterans across the nation," said EG America President John Carey.

Kasowitz Files Amended Lawsuit Adding New Plaintiffs and Detailing New Allegations of NYU's Antisemitic Hostile Educational Environment and Egregious Civil Rights Violations

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kasowitz Benson Torres has filed an amended complaint against New York University (NYU) detailing new allegations concerning NYU's egregious violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kasowitz Benson Torres has filed an amended complaint against New York University (NYU) detailing new allegations concerning NYU's egregious violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • The amended complaint adds additional individual plaintiffs as well as an organizational plaintiff, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc., whose members include Jewish NYU students.
  • Partner Mark P. Ressler said: "With its continued deliberate indifference to the antisemitic mayhem on campus, NYU emboldens dangerous elements and fuels hate.
  • The time has come for federal court intervention to do what NYU won't do: protect its Jewish students."

Eating leafy greens could be better for oral health than using mouthwash

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of antimicrobial resistance and increased blood pressure.

Key Points: 
  • These treatments have side effects, such as dry mouth, the development of antimicrobial resistance and increased blood pressure.
  • But research has indicated that a molecule called nitrate, which is found in leafy green vegetables, has fewer side effects and offers greater benefits for oral health.
  • Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease, causing damage to the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth.

Leafy greens may be the secret

  • Leafy greens and root vegetables are bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – and it’s no secret that a diet consisting of these vegetables is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system, and preventing heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
  • The multiple health benefits of leafy greens are partly because spinach, lettuce and beetroots are brimming with nitrate, which can be reduced to nitric oxide by nitrate-reducing bacteria inside the mouth.
  • However, in the mouth, it helps to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and reduces oral acidity, both of which can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, predicted to cause 10 million deaths yearly by the year 2050.


In contrast, dietary nitrate is more targeted. Nitrate eliminates disease-associated bacteria, reduces oral acidity and creates a balanced oral microbiome. The oral microbiome refers to all the microorganisms in the mouth. Nitrate offers exciting potential as an oral health prebiotic, which can be used to prevent disease onset or limit disease progression.

How many leafy greens for pearly whites?

  • As a rule of thumb, a generous helping of spinach, kale or beetroot at mealtimes contains about 6-10 mmol of nitrate and offers immediate health benefits.
  • For example, consuming lettuce juice for two weeks reduced gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patients with gum disease.


Mia Cousins Burleigh has previously received funding from The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Siobhan Paula Moran does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Announces Executive Appointment

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

KATY, Texas, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASO) ("Academy") today announced the appointment of Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. In this role, Mr. Howell will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic & international logistics. Mr. Howell will join Academy in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, President of Academy.

Key Points: 
  • KATY, Texas, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. ( Nasdaq: ASO ) ("Academy") today announced the appointment of Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer.
  • In this role, Mr. Howell will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic & international logistics.
  • Mr. Howell will join Academy in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, President of Academy.
  • Mr. Howell brings nearly 30 years of supply chain, distribution, and logistics experience to Academy.

How rising sea levels will affect our coastal cities and towns

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Yet exactly how rising water levels affect the coast is often misunderstood.

Key Points: 
  • Yet exactly how rising water levels affect the coast is often misunderstood.
  • A new coastal hazard assessment for Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay has again thrown the spotlight on the impact of sea-level rise on coastal communities in Australia.
  • We should be doing all we can to limit sea-level rise to protect our coastal cities and towns.

Why are sea levels rising?

  • Global sea levels are rising for two main reasons: the oceans are getting warmer, and land-based ice sheets and glaciers are melting.
  • Because the ocean basins are finite (like a bathtub), this results in a rise in water levels.
  • “Relative” or “isostatic” sea level is the sum of “eustatic” sea level plus local vertical land movement.
  • This slow rebound of the land provides a small offset to eustatic sea levels around Australia.

Sea-level rise is accelerating

  • Tide gauges indicate the rate of rise in northern Australia since the early 1990s is around 4–6mm/yr.
  • Rates of sea-level rise are not uniform around Australia because of local effects like ocean circulation and tidal processes.
  • This is why is it important to factor in sea-level rise when we make planning decisions along the coast.
  • Unfortunately, the rate of sea-level rise over the coming century remains highly uncertain, making it difficult to include in coastal planning.

Small rises have big impacts

  • An increase in tide heights (both higher high tides and higher low tides) increases the probability of coastal flooding and erosion when storms come along.
  • While these back-of-the-envelope estimates are often significantly reduced when local conditions are accounted for, it explains why a small shift in the mean sea level can have big impacts at the coast.

Storms aren’t always bad for the beach

  • A high water level plus a storm surge on top leads to a storm or “king” tide.
  • However, storms also bring sand from deeper water towards the beach.
  • Read more:
    Become a beach scientist this summer and help monitor changing coastlines

All eyes on Antarctica

  • Sea-level rise is here to stay and gathering pace, but the rate of future increase remains uncertain.
  • It largely depends on what happens in Antarctica over the coming decades.


Thomas Mortlock works as a senior analyst for Aon Reinsurance Solutions Australia.