WORLD NEWS FLASH
UNITED STATES
Within the past few weeks, a few companies have had Roy Rogers’ “Happy Trails” on their mind.
Here are just a few…
NEW YORK, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – WW International, Inc., the global leader in science-backed weight management, and certain of its affiliates (NASDAQ: WW) (collectively, “WeightWatchers” or the “Company”), announced today that it will implement a financial reorganization transaction (the “Transaction”) that will bolster its financial position, increase investment flexibility in its strategic growth initiatives, and better serve its millions of members around the world.
The Transaction will eliminate $1.15 billion in debt from the Company’s balance sheet, and position WeightWatchers for long-term growth and success. With this improved financial foundation, the Company is well equipped to execute its transformation plan, which includes innovating its digital and member experience and accelerating the expansion of its telehealth business which delivered 57% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1 2025.
WeightWatchers remains fully operational during the reorganization process and there will be no impact to members or the plans they rely on to support their weight management goals. WeightWatchers’ holistic model of care – including its no. 1 doctor-recommended weight loss program, telehealth offering with access to obesity-trained clinicians and prescription weight-loss medications, and virtual and in-person workshops – remain fully operational during the reorganization process. All trade creditors and other general unsecured creditors will be paid in full. Additionally, the Company intends to remain a publicly traded company upon emergence from the process.
The agreement entered into is between WeightWatchers and holders of approximately 72% of the outstanding principal amount of the Company’s term loan facility, revolving credit facility, and 4.5% senior secured notes, who have committed their support for the Transaction. To effectuate the Transaction, WeightWatchers has voluntarily initiated “pre-packaged” chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”). The Company expects to move through this process swiftly, with the goal of emerging from the court-supervised reorganization process in approximately 45 days, if not sooner.
“For more than 62 years, WeightWatchers has empowered millions of members to make informed, healthy choices, staying resilient as trends have come and gone,” said Tara Comonte, Chief Executive Officer of WeightWatchers. “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. 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.”
WeightWatchers has launched a dedicated web page for members to get more information about the court-supervised restructuring process at www.weightwatchers.com/here-to-stay. A summary of the Transaction can be found on the Company’s corporate website, https://corporate.ww.com, under Events and Presentations.
A lot of people have veered away from WeightWatchers due to the rise of products like Ozempic. They might have been able to get it from Rite Aid, if not for one little inconvenience…
PHILADELPHIA (BUSINESS WIRE) – Rite Aid Corporation (“Rite Aid” or the “Company”) announced that it is pursuing a strategic and value-maximizing sale process for substantially all of its assets. To facilitate this process, the Company and its subsidiaries commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
During this process, Rite Aid customers can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations. In connection with the sale process and court-supervised proceedings, the Company is working to facilitate a smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies. Rite Aid employees assisting with this process will continue to receive pay and benefits.
Matt Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Rite Aid, said, “For more than 60 years, Rite Aid has been a proud provider of pharmacy services and products to our loyal customers. While we have continued to face financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes in which we operate, we are encouraged by meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors. As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.”
Mr. Schroeder continued, “I will be forever grateful to our thousands of associates for their commitment to Rite Aid and its mission, and I thank our entire team – from store associates to corporate employees – for their dedication to our customers and our company. With their support, we have played a critical role in supporting the healthcare needs of countless Americans across the communities that we are honored to serve.”
To support Rite Aid during its sale process, which it intends to conduct under section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Company has secured commitments from certain of its existing lenders to access $1.94 billion in new financing. This financing, along with cash from operations, is expected to provide sufficient funding during the sale and court-supervised process. The Company intends to divest or monetize any assets that are not sold through the court-supervised process. Rite Aid has filed a number of customary motions with the Court seeking authorization to support operations, including continued payment of employee wages and benefits.
Filings and other information related to the court-supervised proceedings are available at https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/RiteAid2025, by calling the Company’s claims agent, Kroll, toll-free at (888) 575-9318, or +1 (646) 930-4577 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada, or by emailing Kroll at RiteAid2025Info@ra.kroll.com. Information for landlords is available by contacting A&G Realty Partners at http://www.agrep.com/index.php/active-projects.
Perhaps these companies can turn it around by winning the Publishers Clearing House. Yeah, about that…
NEW YORK, NY – April 9, 2025 – Publishers Clearing House today announced that it has filed a voluntary petition for chapter 11 relief in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to reorganize the Company’s capital structure and improve its long-term growth trajectory.
Specifically, the Company will utilize the financial restructuring process to finalize the shift away from its legacy direct mail and retail merchandise and magazine subscription businesses and focus on its transformation to a pure digital advertising business that offers free-to-play entertainment experiences through a variety of web and app experiences, powered by a chance to win.
“Today marks a crucial development in our transition to a digital advertising-supported entertainment company,” said Andy Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer. “By taking this step, we are breaking free from the past financial constraints of our legacy direct mail and online retail merchandise and magazine subscription operating model, and taking action to establish a strong foundation for our future – enabling PCH to unlock the full potential of our digital advertising and consumer insights business. Importantly, our world-renowned sweepstakes will continue to be a cornerstone of our experiences, and we intend to continue offering free-to-play entertainment and awarding prizes in the ordinary course of business during and after this process to uphold the historic legacy of Publishers Clearing House.”
Throughout the process, PCH is committed to operating in a business-as-usual manner in order to continue delivering for its valued customers, partners, clients, and employees with excellence. Importantly, PCH’s renowned Prize Patrol team expects to continue awarding prizes to sweepstakes winners across the country with the famous big check, champagne and flowers that have endeared the brand to consumers for over 50 years. In fact just this week, the Company surprised a lucky winner with a $50,000 award and the Prize Patrol will be on the road later this week to find their latest weekly $10,000 winner.
To fund operations without disruption, the Company has lined up debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing from Prestige Capital. Upon court approval, PCH anticipates the DIP financing will provide liquidity to support operations during the reorganization process.
As part of this process, PCH has engaged SSG Advisors to explore a variety of strategic options moving forward, including the potential sale of its digital assets or a capital infusion from a financial partner that will help fund the Company’s longer-term business plan going forward.
Additional information is available through the Company’s claims agent, Omni Agent Solutions’ website at https://omniagentsolutions.com/PCH. Any questions about the process can be addressed to PCHInquiries@Omniagnt.com or via phone to 888-710-5634 (US & Canada toll free) and 818-381-4518 (International).
MASS SHOOTING UPDATE
Information from 5-6-2025
2025 Mass Shooting Stats: (Source: Mass Shooting Tracker, https://www.massshootingtracker.site/data/?year=2025)
- Total Mass Shootings: 121
- Total Dead: 155
- Total Wounded: 492
- Shootings Per Day: 0.96
- Days Reached in Year 2025 as of May 6: 126
MIDDLE EAST
THIS IS NOT GOOD…
The UN Secretary-General is alarmed by reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza, a spokesperson for António Guterres said on May 5.
“This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to a journalist’s question during the regular media briefing in New York.
“What’s imperative now is an end to the violence, not more civilian deaths and destruction. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian State.”
The alert comes as the UN humanitarian team and other NGOs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory condemned Israeli efforts to replace the aid delivery system with one where supplies would reportedly be funneled through military hubs in the south.
This proposal would leave “large parts of Gaza…less mobile and (the) most vulnerable” without lifesaving supplies, aid chiefs insisted.
The Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages in Gaza, said Mr. Haq.
Meanwhile, airstrikes and other attacks continue across the Strip, where Israel has blocked the entry of aid and commercial supplies for more than two months.
Reports indicate that scores of people were killed and hundreds injured over the weekend, including children, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said.
OCHA noted that robbery and looting have become a daily reality in the Strip, especially in and around Gaza City, which is occurring in parallel with the depletion of supplies.
Businesses are being targeted, and there have also been attempts against UN warehouses. In most cases the looters were stopped by guards, or the warehouses were already empty.
Last week, OCHA reported that water pumping and sanitation systems in Beit Lahiya had gone down because fuel had run out. Services are still not back due to continuing shortages.
Furthermore, a major water line from Israel was damaged on May 2, cutting water supply to northern Gaza – including Gaza City – by half. Teams were only able to fix the problem on Sunday as the repair work required coordination with the Israeli authorities.
On May 3, a UN team managed to retrieve some fuel from a station in Gaza City after the Israeli authorities facilitated their efforts to reach it. However, many reserves remain out of reach due to denial of access.
OCHA noted that in Rafah in southern Gaza, not a single attempt to retrieve fuel has been facilitated since April 18.
The agency also reported that since May 3, 19 out of 27 planned humanitarian movements within Gaza were denied outright. Other attempts were initially given the go-ahead – but then impeded by forces on the ground.
Regarding humanitarian efforts, reported Israeli proposal to deliver humanitarian supplies through hubs controlled by the military would be a breach of the core principles of neutral, impartial and independent aid delivery, the UN said on May 6.
“It appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaponize the aid and we have warned against that for a very long time. Aid should be provided based on humanitarian need to whomever needs it,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for UN aid coordination office, OCHA.
Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Laerke referred to a verbal brief delivered by Israeli authorities, in which they offered to deliver supplies through Israeli hubs under conditions set by the military, once the Government reopens crossings into Gaza.
The proposal came as part of Israel’s plans to expand its military offensive against Hamas, including the “capture” of the Gaza Strip and a reported comment by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Palestinian territory will be “entirely destroyed.”
