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Long Term Care Experts on Call; Army of 200 Will Help Companies Help Aging Employees

To Dairy or Not To Dairy ... That is the $2 Billion Lactose Intolerance Market Question McClatchy and Tribune Introduce New Name for Former KRT News Service

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Soar Ahead of Fed Meeting

Big Brothers Big Sisters, ESSENCE Magazine Issue Call to Action for African-American Male Mentors; Critical Need, Critical Shortage Driving Effort

Motorists Encouraged to Put Safety First This Fourth of July PennDOT, State Police Offer Safe-Driving Tips

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Long Term Care Experts on Call; Army of 200 Will Help Companies Help Aging Employees As the American workforce ages, employees need a new health benefit: long term care insurance. But with benefits budgets already stretched, few companies can afford it. Now there's a solution, an educational program from LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. The program costs the employer nothing while helping employees get the protection they and their families need.

It's a win-win proposition all around. Through free guidance, employees learn how to protect their assets and livelihoods with sound long term care policies. They also learn about available tax breaks and employee discounts that make the coverage more affordable. Companies benefit through increased employee satisfaction and output. Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, points to productivity losses that cost American industry an estimated 20 billion dollars per year. "Nearly a quarter of the workforce is called upon for some kind of caregiving," he says. "That takes time and attention from the job, and it's not necessary if there's insurance to provide professional care."

The free help is called the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program(TM), or LTCOEP(TM). It's provided by an army of 200 top experts mobilized by Truesdell's organization. The experts are on call to companies of all sizes -- for presentations, question-answer sessions, and advice by phone. Information and a request form may be found at www.LTChotline.com

Organizations already taking advantage of the program include Weyerhaeuser, Brookstreet Securities, and Highmark Inc. of Pennsylvania.

"We're on a mission to make long term care insurance as common as auto insurance," says Truesdell. "Just about everyone needs it because we're living longer and we're more susceptible to downtime." In addition to offering live help, the 200 experts will supply information for company newsletters.

LTC Financial Partners works with affiliates in the financial and legal fields, and represents multiple leading carriers including John Hancock, MetLife, Allianz, Prudential, MedAmerica, Penn Treaty, Physicians Mutual, and UnumProvident.

Source: LTC Financial Partners LLC

Web site: http://www.ltchotline.com/

Lactose intolerance -- that bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that afflicts millions of Americans -- is big business, with sales of no- and low-lactose dairy products expected to surpass $500 million by the end of 2006. In addition, sales of dairy-alternatives, such as soy and rice milks, will reach nearly $1.4 billion, according to No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages, a new report from Packaged Facts.

With the increasing prevalence (real or perceived) of consumers with decreased lactase activity, as well as more dairy product marketers investing in the technology to make innovative no- and low-lactose dairy products, Packaged Facts projects that the retail market for no- and low-lactose dairy products will reach $827 million by 2010. This projection reflects an annual growth of 16%. Similarly, the market for dairy-alternative products will rise to nearly $2 billion, as this market sector appeals to both lactose-intolerant and dairy-allergic individuals.

While in the past many lactose intolerant individuals painstakingly avoided dairy products, they are now returning to the market, thanks to newer lactose-free dairy product options and educational efforts launched by the dairy industry and federal government.

"As the number of lactose-free ice creams, cheeses, and cultured dairy products begins to grow, consumers are eagerly returning to dairy for both nutrition and taste," said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. "Consumers appreciate the available lactose-free choices and we expect that newer lactose removal technologies will bring on a wealth of new products along with new marketers willing to dive into this high-growth market."

No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages examines the evolution of the industry, analyzes new product trends, offers competitive profiles of key industry players, and looks at consumer trends and behaviors surrounding the growing usage of lactose reduced and lactose-free foods and beverages. Priced at $1,995, this report can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by visiting: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1302985.html. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Packaged Facts

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, and demographics. Web site: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1302985.html
http://www.packagedfacts.com/
http://www.marketresearch.com/

The McClatchy Company and Tribune Media Services, a subsidiary of Tribune Company, today announced a change in the name of the Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services (KRT). Effective immediately, the entity will be known as the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

With the close of the sale of Knight-Ridder, Inc. to McClatchy, the Sacramento-based media company becomes Tribune's partner in operation of the joint venture formerly known as KRT.

The McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT) provides news stories, feature articles, photos, graphics, illustrations, caricatures, themed content packages and paginated products. With contributions by more than 60 newspapers in the United States and abroad and material produced by its own staff in the United States and Europe, MCT supplies content to 1,200 media clients worldwide. MCT is also a major provider of content to online information services.

The MCT products are marketed worldwide by Tribune Media Services, the content-licensing unit of Tribune Company.

"McClatchy is excited about this opportunity to join Tribune in the operation of this distinguished media service," said Howard Weaver, the McClatchy Company's vice president for news. "We are committed to maintaining the high journalism standards that have characterized the KRT service for so many years, and to finding ways to make the service a more valuable resource for our customers."

"The need for the type of content MCT provides its clients is only going to grow over the next several years," said David D. Williams, president and CEO of Tribune Media Services. "We're delighted to have McClatchy as our partner in enhancing the service and in reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of editorial material to media organizations around the world."

McClatchy and Tribune said they anticipated no changes in the way MCT aggregates and distributes content to its clients.

About The McClatchy Company

On June 27, 2006, The McClatchy Company acquired Knight-Ridder, Inc. At the time, Knight Ridder published 32 daily newspapers in 29 U.S. markets, with a circulation of 3.4 million daily and 4.5 million Sunday, along with a variety of investments in internet and technology companies.

As part of that announcement, McClatchy said it planned to sell 11 of the acquired newspapers that do not fit with the company's longstanding operating strategies and acquisition criteria, and to sell the St. Paul Pioneer Press due to anticipated antitrust concerns involving McClatchy's Minneapolis Star Tribune. On June 27, 2006, McClatchy completed the sales of the Duluth (MN) News Tribune; the Grand Forks (ND) Herald; the Aberdeen (SD) American News; and the Ft. Wayne (IN) News-Sentinel and a 75% interest in the Fort Wayne Joint Operating Agency.

Upon completion of the remaining divestitures, McClatchy will include 32 daily newspapers and approximately 50 non-dailies. Papers added through this transaction include The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Charlotte Observer. They will join McClatchy's 12 papers serving cities including Minneapolis, MN; Sacramento, CA; and Raleigh, NC. In addition, McClatchy combined with Knight Ridder has an expanded network of valuable internet assets.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release regarding the transactions between McClatchy and each of Knight Ridder, MediaNews, Hearst, Sound Publishing Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC and The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company Inc., the expected timetable for completing the remaining transactions, future financial and operating results, benefits and synergies of the transactions, future opportunities for the company and any other statements about management's future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," estimates and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the ability to consummate the remaining transactions, the ability of McClatchy to successfully integrate Knight Ridder's operations and employees; the ability to realize anticipated synergies and cost savings; and the other factors described in McClatchy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2005 and the final Prospectus/Proxy Statement/Information Statement contained in McClatchy's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-133321). McClatchy disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

About Tribune Media Services and Tribune Company

Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company, is a leading provider of information and entertainment products for print, electronic and on-air media in the United States and abroad. It distributes TV and movie listings and related editorial content under the TMS and Zap2it brands; syndicates comics, editorial cartoons, features and opinion columns; creates and distributes a variety of online information products; licenses editorial content from national periodicals; and manages national advertising networks. TMS also markets news, features, information graphics and multimedia content to media clients around the world through the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information, visit http://www.tms.tribune.com/ .

Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets.

Web site: http://www.tms.tribune.com/

Fixed mortgage rates increased for the third consecutive week as higher interest rate expectations take hold. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage jumped from 6.83 percent to 6.93 percent, the highest since April 17, 2002, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. The 30-year fixed rate mortgages in this week's survey had an average of 0.34 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage, popular for refinancing, rose to 6.57 percent. On larger loans, the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate has cleared the 7 percent threshold by a healthy margin, climbing to 7.11 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were also on the move. The average 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rocketed to 6.59 percent, and the average one-year ARM increased from 6 percent to 6.09 percent.

Mortgage rates were largely unchanged from late April to mid-June. But the past three weeks have seen fixed mortgage rates rise nearly one-quarter percentage point. Typically, interest rate moves by the Federal Open Market Committee don't have a direct impact on fixed mortgage rates, and that has been the case for much of the past two years. But in recent weeks, fixed mortgage rates have climbed as bond investors come to grips with accelerating inflation and the prospect that the Fed will continue to raise interest rates. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government bonds. With the yield on ten-year Treasury notes, the benchmark for fixed mortgage rates, roughly equal to what the fed funds rate will be following the Fed's meeting, further rate hikes may mean more of the same for mortgage rates.

Fixed mortgage rates have moved up notably in the first half of this year. As 2005 came to a close, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.28 percent, meaning that the monthly payment on a loan of $165,000 was $1,019.16. With the average 30-year fixed rate now 6.93 percent, the same loan originated today would carry a payment of $1,090.00. Despite recent increases, fixed mortgage rates remain an attractive refinancing alternative for adjustable rate borrowers facing sharp payment adjustments.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 6.93% -- up from 6.83% last week (avg. points: 0.34)

15-year fixed: 6.57% -- up from 6.45% last week (avg. points: 0.31)

5/1 ARM: 6.59% -- up from 6.49% last week (avg. points: 0.3)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to:

The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly forward-looking Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next 30 to 45 days. This week, the majority of respondents, 63 percent, predict mortgage rates will rise further in the next 30 to 45 days. Of the remainder, 25 percent forecast a retreat in mortgage rates while just 12 percent think rates will remain unchanged.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to: http://www.bankrate.com/RTI

About Bankrate, Inc.

Bankrate, Inc. (NASDAQ:RATE) owns and operates Bankrate.com, a leading Internet consumer banking marketplace. Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. It is the leading aggregator of more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2005, Bankrate.com had over 46 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) , America Online (NYSE:TWX) , The Wall Street Journal (NYSE:DJ) and The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) . Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 400 national and state publications. In addition to Bankrate.com, Bankrate, Inc. also owns and operates FastFind, an internet lead aggregator and MMIS/Interest.com, which publishes mortgage guides and financial rates and information.

ESSENCE magazine and Big Brothers Big Sisters have joined hands in a landmark recruiting effort to secure needed male mentors for African-American youth. ESSENCE will launch the initiative July 1 - 3 during its Empowerment Seminars at its annual Essence Music Festival, at Reliant Park in Houston. The goal of the initiative, according to ESSENCE, is to rally an expected 250,000 festival attendees to demonstrate their love and concern for African-American children by committing to work with trusted national organizations, in particular Big Brothers Big Sisters, to mentor and strengthen African-American youth.

The Festival, known as "the party with a purpose," is the nation's largest annual African-American event as well as the largest gathering of musical talent in the world.

"With all of us standing together, linking arms and aims, we will create a new future for the many vulnerable African-American children," said Susan Taylor, Editorial Director, ESSENCE Magazine. "The ESSENCE family is so looking forward to working with Big Brothers Big Sisters."

"The shortage of adult, caring male mentors, particularly African-American men, is a threat to our communities," said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest youth mentoring organization in the country. "We need to break the cycle of violence our young people see in their lives and help them fulfill the promise and possibilities they so rightly deserve. We know that the Big Brothers Big Sisters form of mentoring can do that. That's why we are thrilled to partner with ESSENCE Magazine in its ESSENCE Cares! initiative."

Other prominent individuals and organizations that will lend support to the African-American male mentoring recruitment effort are:

* Thomas Dortch of 100 Black Men of America, an organization devoted to

improving the quality of life within black communities and enhancing

educational and economic opportunities. 100 Black Men of America

will be organizing fraternal groups at the festival to enlist two

million African-American men to mentor boys, including enlisting men

for BBBS.

* Alpha Phi Alpha, the African-American fraternity that has supplied

voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of

color around the world, with whom BBBS has a longstanding

partnership.

* The Twenty-First Century Foundation, an organization whose mission is

to advance strategic Black philanthropy.

The ESSENCE Cares! initiative features a lineup of speakers and performers including: Yolanda Adams, John Hope Bryant, Common, Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Thomas W. Dortch Jr., Marian Wright Edelman, Danny Glover, Bruce Gordon, Congressman Alexander Green, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Jamie Foxx, Terrence Howard, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Mathew Knowles, Queen Latifah, Congresswomen Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters, Donnie McClurkin, Mo'Nique, Marc Morial, Shemar Moore, Nas, Kevin Powell, Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Iyanla Vanzant, Reverend Dr. Renita Weems, Terrie Williams and many others.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth services for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. In 2005, Big Brothers Big Sisters served 234,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia, PA. To volunteer or donate, visit http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/.

About ESSENCE

With more than seven million readers, ESSENCE is the pre-eminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women. Published by Essence Communications, Inc., it is the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives. For 35 years, ESSENCE has celebrated personal achievement, chronicled social movement, documented struggles, showcased beauty, defined and set trends and illustrated the incredible journey of a resilient and splendid race.

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Web site: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/

With millions of people expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are urging motorists to drive safely and prevent accidents.

"Two of the biggest steps motorists can take to ensure safety are to wear their seat belts and never drink and drive," PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., said. "Another step to increase highway safety this holiday is to avoid aggressive driving. We encourage all drivers to share the road and be respectful to their fellow drivers."

During last year's Fourth of July holiday, 23 people lost their lives and more than 1,000 crashes were reported.

"We repeat the seat belt safety message every holiday, but it's evident that some people aren't paying attention," said Colonel Jeffrey B. Miller, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "I urge every driver and passenger to buckle up before they start any trip."

According to PennDOT, there were eight fatalities during the 2005 holiday in which the person was not wearing a seat belt.

In addition to seat belts, PennDOT urges motorists to never drink and drive. Of the more than 1,000 crashes last year, 151 were alcohol-related and 12 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents.

Another important safety tip is to turn on your car's headlights and follow the posted speed limits in work zones. Even though workers may not be present, there are still barriers or lane changes in effect that require caution and reduced speeds.

PennDOT urges motorists to follow these tips:

* Pay full attention to the road whenever you get behind the wheel.

Avoid distractions.

* Don't tailgate. Always maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

* Always signal your intentions in advance. Use turn signals.

* Use headlights during times of low visibility.

* When traveling long distances, take frequent breaks and rotate drivers

to reduce fatigue.

* Provide children with only soft books or plush toys and keep vehicles

free of unnecessary items. Hard toys or other objects can cause

injuries in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

* On multi-lane roads, state law says motorists must drive on the right

and pass on the left.

* In the event of a minor accident, involved drivers should immediately

drive their vehicles to a safe place, out of the flow of traffic.

For more information, visit PennDOT's Web site at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Web site: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/