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Blinken discusses with Turkish counterpart need for political solution in SyriaNEW YORK (AP) — An early rebound for U.S. stocks petered out by the end of the day, leaving indexes close to flat. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% Thursday, coming off one of its worst days of the year after the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates in 2025 than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market following reports showing the U.S. economy may be stronger than expected, but manufacturing may be contracting again. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are stabilizing Thursday following one of their worst days of the year . The S&P 500 rose 0.2% in late trading, a day after tumbling 2.9% when the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 136 points, or 0.3%, with less than an hour remaining in trading, following Wednesday’s drop of more than 1,100 points. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. Wednesday’s drop took some of the enthusiasm out of the market, which critics had already been warning was overly buoyant and would need everything to go correctly for it to justify its high prices. But indexes remain near their records , and the S&P 500 is still on track for one of its best years of the millennium . Traders are now expecting the Federal Reserve to deliver just one or maybe two cuts to interest rates next year, according to data from CME Group. Some are even betting on none. A month ago, the majority saw at least two cuts in 2025 as a safe bet. Wall Street loves lower interest rates because they give the economy a boost and goose prices for investments, but they can also provide fuel for inflation. Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden and other chains, helped lift the market after leaping 15.1%. It delivered profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations. The operator of LongHorn Steakhouses also gave a forecast for revenue for this fiscal year that topped analysts’. Accenture rose 6.7% after the professional services company likewise topped expectations for profit in the latest quarter. CEO Julie Sweet said it saw growth around the world, and the company raised its forecast for revenue this fiscal year. Amazon shares added 1.8%, even as workers at seven of its facilities went on strike Thursday in the middle of the online retail giant’s busiest time of the year. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what the workers’ union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history. They helped offset a tumble for Micron Technology, which fell 16.7% despite reporting stronger profit than expected. The computer memory company’s revenue fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts, and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said it expects demand from consumers to remain weaker in the near term. It gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell well short of what analysts were thinking. Lamb Weston, which makes French fries and other potato products, dropped 22.6% after falling short of analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. It also cut its financial targets for the fiscal year, saying demand for frozen potatoes is continuing to soften, particularly outside North America. The company replaced its chief executive. In the bond market, yields were mixed a day after shooting higher on expectations that the Fed would deliver fewer cuts to rates in 2025. Reports on the U.S. economy came in mixed. One showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut them in September. A separate report showed fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, an indication that the job market also remains solid. But a third report said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is unexpectedly contracting again despite economists’ expectations for growth. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.57% from 4.52% late Wednesday and from less than 4.20% earlier this month. But the two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for action by the Fed in the near term, eased back to 4.31% from 4.35%. The rise in longer-term yields has put pressure on the housing market by keeping mortgage rates higher. Homebuilder Lennar fell 4.8% after it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Stuart Miller said that “the housing market that appeared to be improving as the Fed cut short-term interest rates, proved to be far more challenging as mortgage rates rose” through the quarter. “Even while demand remained strong, and the chronic supply shortage continued to drive the market, our results were driven by affordability limitations from higher interest rates,” he said. A report on Thursday may have offered some encouragement for the housing industry. It showed a pickup in sales of previously occupied homes. In stock markets abroad, London’s FTSE 100 fell 1.1% after the Bank of England paused its cuts to rates and kept its main interest rate unchanged on Thursday. The move comes as inflation there moved further above the central bank’s 2% target rate, while the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of Japan also kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.7%. Indexes likewise sank across much of the rest of Asia and Europe. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.TORONTO — Canadian Western Bank says it has delayed the release of its fourth quarter financial results without saying why. The bank, which was scheduled to release results Friday, says it will instead put them out in mid-December. CWB’s shares fell almost 12 per cent in morning trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and was still down almost five per cent by mid-afternoon. National Bank is currently working to buy CWB in a deal that’s expected to close by the end of 2025. The takeover has shareholder and Competition Bureau approval, but still requires the go-ahead from Canada’s banking regulator and the finance minister. The bank on Friday declared it had raised its quarterly dividend by three per cent from the previous quarter to 36 cents. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:CWB) The Canadian PressThousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia staged a fresh rally Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition, amid a deepening post-electoral crisis. Tbilisi has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement by their foreign ministers Friday. Several thousand people blocked the street outside parliament for a ninth consecutive night Friday, some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. The crowd was smaller than on previous nights and the mood quieter, but protesters rejected claims the movement was dying out. "We are fighting for our freedom," said Nana, 18, a medical student, wrapped in an EU flag, accompanied by a friend in a matching Georgian flag. "We are not going to give up." Another protester, 35-year-old academic Alexander Kavtaradze, said: "It's a battle of nerves right now. The illegitimate government is hoping we'll get tired, that fewer people will come out each day. "We will continue our fight until the end." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's Public Broadcaster -- accused of serving as a government propaganda tool -- the education ministry, and the country's tourism administration offices. Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Georgian hotels' federation, told AFP that the "unexpected and unacceptable" suspension of EU accession talks has severely hit the country's tourism industry, which accounts for seven percent of the country's GDP. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday evening, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention. Zviad Tsetskhladze had been arrested during the protests on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Tsetskhladze told the judge: "Democracy in Georgia is no more. The rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." Earlier Friday Prime Minister Kobakhidze praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely, and work towards this goal will continue," Kobakhidze said. He repeated an earlier threat to "complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition". With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the ruling party "no longer has the strength or resources to stand against the people." The government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants," he told AFP. The interior ministry said police had detained three more individuals Friday for "participating in group violence", punishable by up to nine years' jail. Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Georgia's own rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested.

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. “It’s been an amazing run,” Gordon posted on X. “From day one I knew I was in the right place. The love, support, and family I’ve gained here will always be a part of me. ... Now it’s time to take the next step in living out my dream. I’m excited to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.” Although everyone around Stillwater and many elsewhere believed Gordon would declare for the draft following the season, a potential return wouldn’t have been the first time he defied conventional expectations. When Oklahoma State’s season began to go downhill this fall, national analysts suggested Gordon should sit out the rest of the season to protect his health and long-term goals and got picked up by others, including some OSU fans online. People are also reading... How did Oklahoma flip Cowboys QB commit less than 48 hours before signing day? Bill Haisten: As OSU regents meet, Mike Gundy’s contract should be a hot topic In a flash, OU loses a receiver to the portal and another from its 2025 recruiting class Ben Arbuckle is the new OU offensive coordinator. Have Sooners found the next Lincoln Riley? New abandoned shopping cart retrieval program draws criticism from outgoing city councilor Court 'bulldozes' tribal law in Tulsa case over jurisdiction, attorney says Meet Oklahoma's complete 2025 class. 5-star OT commits to Oklahoma Bill Haisten: Cooper Parker and the Bixby Spartans are at home in a new, $12M facility Stitt fires Cabinet secretary at odds with governor's stance on poultry lawsuit Berry Tramel: Extreme makeover needed for OSU football after thrashing by Colorado 10 potential candidates to replace Kasey Dunn as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State A hairstylist’s assist, ‘divine intervention’ and $2.2 million for Inola High School Deep into Week 2, new names emerge in Tulsa football coaching search Berry Tramel: Jackson Arnold shows OU should save its high-end shopping for the portal Jenks football coach Keith Riggs resigns; DC Adam Gaylor named Trojans head coach “You know, my mom always taught me that you finish what you start,” Gordon said when asked why he stuck it out. “And who would I be to give up on my team, because our season not going how we wanted to go? ... They wasted their breath saying it because I’m not giving up on my team.” Even following what appeared to be a devastating injury at BYU that left Gordon unable to leave the field without assistance, the back returned and even converted a fourth-and-1 on a drive that gave Oklahoma State a lead in the final minutes. At times, it might have felt like Gordon’s efforts were futile, given how difficult it was for the Cowboys to run the ball, but he still finished with 880 rushing yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. He also scored 13 rushing touchdowns and one receiving. Where Gordon’s career ranks in the school record books: Sixth in rushing touchdowns (36) Tied for eighth in total touchdowns (39) 10th in rushing yards per game (90) 10th in yards per carry (5.56) Gordon is the second OSU player to declare he's leaving early for the pros. Linebacker Nick Martin made a similar decision earlier this week. “This program means a lot,” Gordon told reporters following his final home game. “Just from the coaches — you know, coach (Mike) Gundy taking me in and treating me like I’m his own son. He never treated us different from Gunnar or his other boy, Gage. But it's just the coaching staff, especially coach (John) Woz(niak). Coach Woz took me under his wing early, and that’s my dog. I feel like it’ll be weird without him. I love Coach Woz. He treats me like I’m his son, and I just love him.”Pollsters had predicted a tight day, and in the end they were right. Of the four issues up for vote on Sunday, the biggest winning majority was 53.8% (eviction rules). And while Swiss authorities managed to avoid defeat on all four issues – another outcome mooted beforehand – they did come out with a black eye on the headline vote: a much-vaunted expansion of the country’s motorway system. The government’s road infrastructure plans have hit a brick wall: after a tight race, 52.7% of voters rejected a CHF5 billion ($5.6 billion) motorway expansion project . The plan, approved in parliament last year, would have involved widening or building new roads at six key points on the country’s motorway system, notably near the capital, Bern, and on a busy stretch between Geneva and Lausanne. On Sunday, the Green Party hailed a historic rejection of what it called “an out-of-date transport policy”. Along with left-wing and ecologist groups, the Greens campaigned with arguments about the environmental impact of the project and the fear that bigger roads would merely spawn more traffic. They now want the funds to be spent on public transport, active mobility, and renovating existing motorways. Backers of the project had argued that traffic jams had ballooned in recent years and investment was needed to keep pace with the growing Swiss population. The project should be seen as part of an overarching strategy which already includes investment in public transport and other forms of mobility, Transport Minister Albert Rösti told Swiss public television, SRF, during the campaign. But initial support for the project faded during the campaign , polls found, leading to a final defeat that one right-wing politician described on Sunday as a “kick in the teeth”. Another Centre Party politician involved in the “yes” campaign, Fabio Regazzi, told SRF radio that the result revealed “a certain shift” among the Swiss population. A few years ago, such a vote would easily have been accepted, Regazzi reckoned. A majority of voters (53.8%) also rejected on Sunday a proposal to make it easier for landlords to terminate leases early in order to use a property for their own purposes. Meanwhile, 51.6% turned down a plan for tighter controls for subletting apartments and other property – both residential and commercial. The two issues have gained much attention, as tenancy law affects the majority of Swiss. Around 60% of the population – the highest percentage in Europe – rents a home . The proposal to ease eviction rules was rejected in almost all French-speaking cantons, with particularly high opposition in Geneva (67.8% of the population), which suffers from a chronic housing shortage. Sunday’s vote follows parliament’s ratification last year of the two tenancy law amendments, initiated by right-wing politicians, in favour of landlords. Following this, Asloca, the powerful national tenants’ association, launched a referendum , criticising the changes as an attack by the property lobby. Opponents of the eviction change had warned that it would make it easier for landlords to terminate leases and throw tenants out of their apartments under the pretext of personal use. They accused them of wanting to take advantage of the housing shortage and re-let apartments at higher prices. Real estate circles and the right had argued that the legal revisions were targeted and fair and clarified the current law. Under the subletting provision, landlords would have had greater leeway to prevent tenants from subletting their apartment. Landlords would have been able to refuse “abusive” subletting, for instance, if it had lasted longer than two years or if an apartment had been sublet at too high a price. The Swiss public broadcaster, SRF, described the results as “a warning shot across the bows” of the centre-right parties that had initially backed the tenancy changes. “People are critical of interventions in tenancy law in favour of landlords,” it said. Parliament is set to discuss further elements of tenancy law in 2025. New rules that would make it more difficult for tenants to take legal action against high rents will be debated. So far, a majority in parliament been emerging for the changes. But today’s vote could prompt some politicians to “reconsider the situation”, wrote SRF. Finally, 53.3% of voters accepted a complex healthcare proposal aimed at boosting the volume of outpatient procedures and disincentivising costly inpatient – i.e. with at least one night spent in hospital – care. The result means that a new financing model will enter force in the coming years, which will see cantons and health insurance firms fund the different types of treatment according to a standardised model. Currently, cantons pay 55% of inpatient costs, but don’t contribute at all to outpatient care; in the future, the division of costs for both will be the same – at least 26.9% by cantons, at most 76.3% by insurers. Regine Sauter from the centre-right Radical-Liberal Party said on Sunday that the result was a “milestone for the Swiss healthcare system”. Not only will it boost outpatient treatment; it also shows that the system is “capable of reform”, she told public television, SRF. As with pensions, proposed overhauls to the Swiss healthcare system often have a hard time getting past voters. Opponents, who did not contest the benefits of outpatient care, argued that the reform would not do enough to tackle the central problem: the steady year-on-year rise in the cost of compulsory insurance. Trade unions, who launched the referendum against the change, also warned that more influence for private insurers in nursing homes could have a negative impact on care. And while they managed to convince a majority in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, overall they were edged out thanks to a larger “yes” vote in German-speaking regions. Meanwhile they saw themselves as clear underdogs: they were up against “one of the most powerful lobby groups in Switzerland” – health insurers and associations, Social Democrat politician David Roth told SRF.

Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, criticized Nigerian leadership, describing past and present leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari, as unprepared and accidental He emphasized the need for knowledge-based governance, highlighting that many leaders assumed office without being fully prepared for the evolving demands of leadership Kukah's remarks were made during his keynote address at the official commissioning of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja PAY ATTENTION: Got a Minute? Complete Our Quick Survey About Legit.ng Today! Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, delivered a scathing critique of Nigerian leadership on Sunday, describing President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, and other previous heads of state as leaders who found themselves in power by accident. Kukah made these remarks during his keynote address at the official commissioning of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja . Unprepared Leaders Bishop Kukah emphasized that it was evident none of these leaders were fully prepared before assuming office, especially in a world where the demands of leadership are rapidly evolving. Read also Obasanjo identifies "great monster" still battling Nigeria PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow He lamented that the fundamental element missing in Nigerian leadership is knowledge. "If we are to start from the beginning, you will find that almost every leader who came to power in Nigeria did so as a result of one accident or another," Kukah stated. Historical Context Kukah provided a historical context to his argument, highlighting the accidental nature of leadership transitions in Nigeria . He noted that President Tinubu , who claimed to be prepared for the role, is struggling to get off the ground. "Tinubu took over from Buhari, who had already given up. Buhari succeeded Jonathan, who thought he would retire after being deputy governor but was thrust into power by circumstances. "Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua, who had planned to return to teaching at Ahmadu Bello University after his governorship. Yar’Adua, in turn, succeeded Obasanjo, who was unexpectedly released from prison to become president." Call for Knowledge-Based Governance Read also 2027 presidency: Kwankwaso reacts as ACF dumps Tinubu, declares support for northern politicians Kukah stressed that while the world has changed, the expectations of leadership have not. He expressed concern that democracy appears to be malfunctioning under successive administrations, despite the nation’s embrace of the democratic principle of ‘one man, one vote.’ "The fundamental issue in governance is knowledge. Leaders need a deep understanding of their environment," Kukah asserted. Kukah Reacts to Parties' Refusal to Sign Peace Accord Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto , Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has expressed concern over the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial election. The bishop’s comments come at a critical time as Edo State prepares for one of the most closely watched elections in recent history, with the eyes of both citizens and international observers firmly on the state. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) is proud to announce the launch of its new digital banking experience, designed to deliver a smart, secure, and personalized experience to its global membership. This evolution in digital banking reflects SDFCU's commitment to serving members with unparalleled effectiveness. By listening to member needs and investing in cutting-edge technology, SDFCU is providing a platform that empowers members to manage their finances with ease and confidence, no matter where they are in the world. "Our new digital banking platform is a testament to our member-centric approach," said Jim Hayes, CEO of SDFCU. "We are confident that this platform will empower our members to manage their finances with greater ease, security, and confidence, allowing them to focus on what matters most." The new digital banking platform offers a range of features designed to enhance the member experience, including: streamlined account management via a customizable dashboard, industry-leading security measures including multi-factor authentication and advanced fraud detection, easy user-to-user and worldwide money transfers, proactive credit monitoring, digital card issuance, financial wellness tools, and more. "We are thrilled to introduce our new digital banking platform, which represents our continued commitment to providing exceptional member service," said Rachel Rust, Chief Experience Officer of SDFCU. "This platform is more than just technology; it's a reflection of our dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of our diverse membership." SDFCU is committed to providing its members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals. The new digital banking platform is a key part of this commitment, offering an intuitive and personalized banking experience for members around the world. About State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU): SDFCU is a member-owned full-service financial institution that is committed to serving its nearly 90,000 members worldwide. With $2.8 Billion in assets, SDFCU offers a full range of financial products and services that address the diverse and global needs of its members. SDFCU is headquartered in Old Town Alexandria, VA with 6 branch locations. Learn more about SDFCU at www.sdfcu.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/state-department-federal-credit-union-sdfcu-launches-new-digital-banking-platform-302336434.html SOURCE SDFCUHOUSTON , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Essency, a leading provider of innovative hot water solutions, has announced the continuing rollout of its revolutionary EXR water heater, which is now available in 18 states as well as the District of Columbia . The Essency EXR, the world's first high-capacity electric water heater, brings homeowners a new level of durability and simplicity. Its cutting-edge technology employs intelligent temperature management and quick recovery to deliver an 80-gallon First Hour Rating in a standard-size residential tank footprint. And, the innovative design of the EXR makes it the perfect choice for households of all sizes. Unlike traditional storage tank water heaters, which typically last only an average of eight years, the Essency EXR is built to serve fresh, clean, hot water for over 30 years, providing unmatched durability and performance. Following its success in Arizona , Colorado , Florida , Georgia , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee , and Texas , the product's distribution has expanded to Alabama , Delaware , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maryland , Mississippi , Nevada , New Mexico , Virginia , West Virginia , and the District of Columbia . "With the positive reception from contractors who tell us that installing an EXR is practically 'plug and play,' we are excited to continue expanding our distribution of this product," says Scott Isaksen , National Sales Director for Essency. "Plumbers praise the ease of installation and customer satisfaction, thanks to the product's reliable performance and 20-year transferrable warranty. We're excited for more U.S. homeowners to experience the benefits of the EXR." Whether as a direct replacement for a standard tank water heater, for new-build installations or wherever a new residential water heater is required, the EXR seamlessly integrates into any setting. Its elegant cabinet-type shape sets it apart, making it the most functional and most beautiful home water heater on the market today. Plumbers also appreciate its light weight and built-in handles, which make it much easier to maneuver than a standard tank heater. New owners of the Essency EXR have noted how happy they were about the simplicity of installation without a lot of home reconstruction. They're finally able to have all the hot water their family needs throughout their home whenever they need it while also saving real dollars with features like "Water Saver" and "Vacation Mode." About Essency Founded in 2010, Essency is committed to reimagining the hot water industry. The Essency EXR is the winner of the prestigious 2023 Edison Award in the category of Consumer Solutions- Sustainable Design. For more information about Essency and the EXR, visit www.essencyhome.com . Essency water heaters are available for installation by professional, factory-trained plumbing contractors in 18 U.S. States and the District of Columbia . Ferguson is the exclusive U.S. distributor to the plumbing wholesale trade for Essency water heaters. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-worlds-first-high-capacity-electric-water-heater-the-essency-exr-now-available-in-eighteen-us-states-302329402.html SOURCE EssencyMENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sight Sciences , Inc. (Nasdaq: SGHT) (“Sight Sciences,” or the “Company”), an eyecare technology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative, interventional technologies that elevate the standard of care, today announced the results of a Budget Impact Analysis (“BIA”) of the TearCare ® System (“TearCare”) for the treatment of MGD-associated dry eye disease (“DED”) in the United States. A BIA estimates the fiscal impact of adopting a new technology or treatment within a specific provider environment or patient population – in this case, identifying the health savings associated with increased adoption of TearCare as compared to prescription dry eye medications for patients with DED.* The analysis, projected over a two-year period, focused on moderate to severe MGD- associated DED in U.S. patients over 18 years of age. It compared the financial impact of TearCare to commonly prescribed dry eye medications, including Restasis 0.05% branded and generic, and Xiidra 5%. Key findings indicated that a 20% increase in market share of TearCare compared to prescription dry eye medications would yield an estimated annual savings of $36.87 per member per year (“PMPY”) in a hypothetical health plan with one million covered lives. The study showed a direct relationship between increased utilization of TearCare in place of prescription medications and total costs savings from a US payer perspective. “In addition to the strong clinical efficacy of TearCare shown in the SAHARA and OLYMPIA randomized controlled trials, this budget impact analysis reported that increased adoption of TearCare treatments for patients with MGD-associated DED was estimated to result in meaningful cost savings. We believe the combination of the strong clinical data from the SAHARA RCT and the findings of this budget impact analysis create a compelling case for payors to cover treatments performed with TearCare at an appropriate reimbursement level,” said Paul Badawi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sight Sciences. “Pioneering market access to interventional dry eye treatments with TearCare on behalf of patients and the eye care providers who care for them is a core component of our strategy and this milestone represents progress towards delivering this innovative technology to a portion of the 17.9 million patients diagnosed with dry eye disease in the U.S.” Authors and affiliations : Phoenix Riley, PharmD, MSc (AESARA, Inc.); Cristina Masseria, PhD (AESARA, Inc.); Chad Patel, PharmD (AESARA, Inc.); Roberta Longo, PhD (AESARA, Inc.); Lorie Mody, PharmD (AESARA, Inc.), and Thomas Chester, OD, FAAO (Cleveland Eye Clinic). *The BIA was developed in accordance with established ISPOR guidelines, but it was based upon various assumptions, including with respect to cost of treatments, respective usage and market uptake of prescription drops and TearCare, efficacy (including duration of effect), safety and similar factors. These assumptions may not be consistent with actual clinical and market conditions, and changes in one or more of these assumptions could cause individual health plan results to differ. Paper Reference: Chester, T., Longo, R., Masseria, C., Riley, P., Patel, C., & Mody, L. (2024). Budget impact analysis (BIA) of the TearCare System for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-associated dry eye disease (DED) in the United States (US). Expert Review of Ophthalmology , DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2024.2444930. About Sight Sciences Sight Sciences is an eyecare technology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative and interventional solutions intended to transform care and improve patients’ lives. Using minimally invasive or non-invasive approaches to target the underlying causes of the world’s most prevalent eye diseases, Sight Sciences seeks to create more effective treatment paradigms that enhance patient care and supplant conventional outdated approaches. The Company’s OMNI ® Surgical System is an implant-free glaucoma surgery technology (i) indicated in the United States to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma; and (ii) CE Marked for the catheterization and transluminal viscodilation of Schlemm’s canal and cutting of the trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness. The Company’s SION ® Surgical Instrument is a bladeless, manually operated device used in ophthalmic surgical procedures to excise trabecular meshwork. The Company’s TearCare System technology is 510(k) cleared in the United States for the application of localized heat therapy in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to Meibomian Gland Disease (“MGD”) when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands, enabling clearance of gland obstructions by eyecare providers to address the leading cause of dry eye disease. For more information, visit www.sightsciences.com . Sight Sciences, the Sight Sciences logo, TearCare, SmartHub and SmartLids are trademarks of Sight Sciences registered in the United States. OMNI and SION are trademarks of Sight Sciences registered in the United States, European Union and other territories. © 2024 Sight Sciences. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statements This press release, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by the Company, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation statements regarding estimated costs savings associated with use of the TearCare System; and the belief that the findings of this budget impact analysis create a compelling case for payors to cover treatments performed with TearCare at an appropriate reimbursement level. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast” and other similar expressions. We base these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances at such time. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to and involve numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as may be updated from time to time in subsequent filings, and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. These cautionary statements are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Media contact pr@SightSciences.com Investor contact: Philip Taylor Gilmartin Group 415.937.5406 Investor.Relations@Sightsciences.com

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