-- SIGNAL-AA demonstrated encouraging clinical activity of bempikibart in patients with alopecia areata (AA), including improvement from baseline on SALT score and meaningful achievement of SALT-20 response -- -- SIGNAL-AD Phase 2a clinical trial in atopic dermatitis demonstrated promising findings in Part A but did not meet primary endpoint in Part B -- -- Across both trials, bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated; demonstrated potent IL-7 and TSLP inhibition via changes in both Th2 biomarkers and T-cells, and desired target engagement -- -- Based on these results, Company plans to advance bempikibart in patients with AA -- WALTHAM, Mass. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Q32 Bio Inc. (Nasdaq: QTTB ) ("Q32 Bio"), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing biologic therapeutics to restore immune homeostasis, today announced topline results from the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a signal finding clinical trial evaluating bempikibart (ADX-914), which identified encouraging clinical activity in patients with alopecia areata (AA). The Company plans to expand the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial and enroll additional patients evaluating bempikibart in AA. "We are pleased with the emerging signals observed in the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial and based upon these, the positive biomarker data and well tolerated safety profile observed across both trials, we plan to enroll additional patients into the SIGNAL-AA clinical trial to further explore the clinical effects of bempikibart in this patient population. We believe bempikibart has the potential to be an important new treatment option in a disease needing new and safer alternatives to currently approved agents," said Jodie Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Q32 Bio. "We are disappointed that the SIGNAL-AD trial did not achieve its primary endpoint. Based upon the findings, including the high placebo rate, we plan to conduct a review to better understand the results." "Results from our analysis of SIGNAL-AA showed clinically meaningful activity and a safety profile that we believe is differentiated from the currently approved therapies for AA. We are encouraged by our findings from this clinical trial, and we look forward to advancing bempikibart as a potential treatment for AA," said Jason Campagna , M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Q32 Bio. "On behalf of Q32 Bio, I want to express my gratitude to the patients, their caregivers, and clinical trial sites that participated across both our bempikibart Phase 2a trials." The Company is also providing an update on the SIGNAL-AD clinical trial in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Although the Company is reporting promising findings in Part A, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint in Part B. Q32 Bio plans to conduct a review of the results. Topline Results from SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a Clinical Trial: SIGNAL-AA is a Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial evaluating bempikibart in adult patients with severe and very severe AA (baseline Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores of 50-100) treated over 24 weeks, with follow-up through 36 weeks. The study is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bempikibart 200 mg administered subcutaneously (SC), every-other-week (Q2W) compared to placebo. A total of 44 patients were enrolled in the trial with a primary endpoint of the mean relative percent change in SALT score at 24 weeks compared with baseline. Following database lock, one site was excluded from the efficacy analysis based on marked protocol violations of entry criteria. This resulted in the removal of three placebo patients, rendering the planned statistical analyses for the primary endpoint inappropriate due to the reduced sample size. On a post-hoc analysis of the remaining per-protocol population of patients with AA (n=27), bempikibart demonstrated an improvement in hair re-growth compared to placebo: At week 24: patients treated with bempikibart showed a mean reduction in SALT score of 16% in the bempikibart group vs a reduction of 2% in the placebo group. A Wilcoxon Rank Sum test yielded a p-value of 0.045. At week 24: 9% of bempikibart patients in the trial achieved a SALT-20 (SALT score less than or equal to 20) compared to 0% in placebo. At week 26: 13% of bempikibart patients achieved SALT-20 compared 0% in placebo. Bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated in the SIGNAL-AA trial. There were no serious adverse events (SAE) or Grade 3 or higher adverse events related to treatment. "Advancing bempikibart in AA is supported by preclinical data demonstrating the potential of IL-7Rα inhibition in this disease, and now the resulting data from SIGNAL-AA demonstrated the clinical potential of an IL-7Rα inhibitor in AA. I am encouraged by the biomarker data that provide evidence of biological activity, the safety profile of bempikibart, and the clinical signal of hair regrowth in patients," said Brett King , M.D., Ph.D., of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut , and former Associate Professor of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine . "I believe these clinical results are promising and warrant further advancement to expand upon these findings." Q32 Bio plans to enroll approximately 20 additional patients in a Part B expansion of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial to further evaluate bempikibart in AA, including a loading regimen. The Company will defer enrollment into the planned Phase 2 clinical trial of ADX-097 in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV), previously expected to begin in 2025, to focus efforts on continued enrollment in the ongoing bempikibart AA and ADX-097 renal basket Phase 2 clinical trials. Topline Results from SIGNAL-AD Phase 2a Clinical Trial: SIGNAL-AD is a two-part Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial evaluating bempikibart in adult patients with persistent, moderate-to-severe AD. Part A (n=15) was conducted to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and to enable dose selection for Part B of the clinical trial. Part A was randomized 2:1 between bempikibart and placebo in each of two dose cohorts of 2mg/kg or 3mg/kg Q2W SC for 12 weeks. In Part A, at week 14, improvement in average EASI score from baseline was 58% in patients treated with 2mg/kg Q2W SC and 84% in patients treated at 3mg/kg Q2W SC, and 72% on a pooled basis, compared to 38% in patients treated with placebo. In Part B, which evaluated both efficacy and safety of bempikibart compared to placebo, patients were enrolled 1:1 in the bempikibart 200 mg Q2W SC (n=52) and placebo (n=54) arms for 12 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint is the mean percent change from baseline to week 14 in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. At week 14, data from Part B demonstrated that patients treated with bempikibart showed a 74% improvement in average EASI from baseline, compared to 76% for the placebo group (p= not statistically significant). Results of the primary endpoint were generally consistent when stratified for pre-specified baseline entry criteria. Bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated in the SIGNAL-AD trial. There were no serious adverse events (SAE) or Grade 3 or higher adverse events related to treatment. Q32 Bio plans to conduct a review of the SIGNAL-AD results. Biomarker Results in SIGNAL-AD and SIGNAL-AA: Across SIGNAL-AD and SIGNAL-AA, bempikibart at 200mg Q2W SC demonstrated favorable PK and target engagement as demonstrated by substantial reductions in biomarkers of Th2 and Th1. These results include: A reduction in Th2 biomarkers, including TARC, IgE and eosinophils, which was consistent with the type of biomarker impact previously observed with other agents that have demonstrated utility in atopic dermatitis, such as IL-4Rα, IL-13 and OX40 ligand-targeted agents. An expected modulation of T-cells, with a 20-30% reduction, consistent with target engagement and IL-7Rα blockade. Q32 Bio believes these results demonstrate that bempikibart is a potent inhibitor of both TSLP and IL-7 signaling as evidenced by robust changes in both Th2 biomarkers and T-cells. The Company believes the mechanism of action of bempikibart has the potential to be active in other Th2 and Th1 driven diseases, including asthma, COPD, ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), celiac disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and others. "These impressive biomarker data represent a meaningful advancement in the clinical understanding of how inhibition of IL-7Rα can be leveraged to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases," said Shelia Violette , Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Q32 Bio. "Based upon its observed mechanism of action, bempikibart continues to show strong potential as an IL-7Rα inhibitor to treat AA and other diseases." The Company has published an updated investor presentation with additional details regarding the bempikibart update for review by interested parties. The updated presentation can be found on the company website at www.Q32Bio.com under Investors & Media. About Q32 Bio Q32 Bio is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing biologic therapeutics targeting potent regulators of the innate and adaptive immune systems to re-balance immunity in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Q32 Bio's lead programs, focused on the IL-7 / TSLP receptor pathways and complement system, address immune dysregulation to help patients take back control of their lives. Q32 Bio's program for adaptive immunity, bempikibart (ADX-914), is a fully human anti-IL-7Rα antibody that re-regulates adaptive immune function for the treatment of autoimmune diseases being evaluated in a Phase 2 program. The IL-7 and TSLP pathways have been genetically and biologically implicated in driving several T cell-mediated pathological processes in numerous autoimmune diseases. Q32 Bio's program for innate immunity, ADX-097, being evaluated in a Phase 2 program, is based on a novel platform enabling tissue-targeted regulation of the complement system without long-term systemic blockade – a key differentiator versus current complement therapeutics. For more information, visit www.Q32Bio.com . Availability of Other Information About Q32 Bio Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our company website www.Q32Bio.com, including, but not limited to, company disclosures, investor presentations and FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference call transcripts and webcast transcripts, as well as on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. The information that we post on our website or on X or LinkedIn could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media and others interested to review the information that we post there on a regular basis. The contents of our website or social media shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein which do not describe historical facts, including, among others, our beliefs, observations, expectations and assumptions regarding the topline data from the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a and the safety, tolerability, clinical activity including biomarker data, potential efficacy and potential benefits of bempikibart; plans and expectations for Part B of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial are forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk that additional data, or the results of ongoing data analyses, may not support our current beliefs and expectations for bempikibart, future clinical studies, including the Part B of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial, may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, might be more costly than expected or might not yield anticipated results, the Company may need additional funding to complete its clinical studies, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all, and such other risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's periodic, current and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and any subsequent filings with the Commission, which are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Any such risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations and its cash flows, which would, in turn, have a significant and adverse impact on the Company's stock price. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Contacts: Investors: Brendan Burns Media: Sarah Sutton Argot Partners 212.600.1902 [email protected] SOURCE Q32 BioWalker's 20 help IU Indianapolis knock off Trinity Christian 106-49ug777 slot machine 。

(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Saturday, Nov. 23 AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (WOMEN’S) 3:30 a.m. FS2 — AFL Playoffs: Adelaide at Brisbane, Preliminary Final AUTO RACING 12:55 a.m. (Sunday) ESPN — Formula 1: The Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) Noon FS2 — St. Francis (Pa.) at Georgetown 5 p.m. FS2 — N. Illinois at DePaul COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) 4 p.m. NBC — Notre Dame at Southern Cal PEACOCK — Notre Dame at Southern Cal COLLEGE CROSS COUNTRY (MEN’S and WOMEN’S) 9:30 a.m. ESPNU — NCAA Championships: From Verona, Wis. COLLEGE FOOTBALL Noon ABC — Mississippi at Florida ACCN — UConn at Syracuse BTN — Iowa at Maryland CBSSN — Sam Houston St. at Jacksonville St. CW — North Carolina at Boston College ESPN — Wake Forest at Miami ESPN2 — SMU at Virginia ESPNU — Yale at Harvard FOX — Indiana at Ohio St. PEACOCK — Illinois at Rutgers 12:45 p.m. SECN — UMass at Georgia 3:30 p.m. ABC — Kentucky at Texas ACCN — Stanford at California BTN — Wisconsin at Nebraska CBS — Penn St. at Minnesota CBSSN — San Diego St. at Utah St. CW — The Citadel at Clemson ESPN — BYU at Arizona St. ESPNU — UCF at West Virginia FOX — Colorado at Kansas FS1 — Northwestern at Michigan 4 p.m. ESPN2 — Pittsburgh at Louisville 4:15 p.m. SECN — Missouri at Mississippi St. 7 p.m. CBSSN — Boise St. at Wyoming CW — Washington St. at Oregon St. FS1 — Baylor at Houston NBC — Army vs. Notre Dame, New York PEACOCK — Army vs. Notre Dame, New York 7:30 p.m. ABC — Alabama at Oklahoma ESPN — Texas A&M at Auburn ESPNU — Marshall at Old Dominion FOX — Iowa St. at Utah 7:45 p.m. SECN — Vanderbilt at LSU 8 p.m. ACCN — Virginia Tech at Duke ESPN2 — Cincinnati at Kansas St. 10:15 p.m. NBC — Southern Cal at UCLA 10:30 p.m. CBSSN — Colorado St. at Fresno St. FS1 — Air Force at Nevada 11 p.m. ESPNU — Florida A&M at Bethune-Cookman (Taped) COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) 8 p.m. BTN — Wisconsin at Nebraska GOLF 1 p.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: The RSM Classic, Third Round, Sea Island Golf Club - Seaside Course, Sea Island, Ga. 4 p.m. GOLF — LPGA Tour: The CME Group Tour Championship, Third Round, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla. (Taped) 9:30 p.m. GOLF — DP World Tour: The BMW Australian PGA Championship, Final Round, Royal Queensland Golf Club, Brisbane, Australia 1 a.m. (Saturday) GOLF — Asian Tour: The LINK Hong Kong Open, Final Round, Hong Kong Golf Club, Hong Kong HORSE RACING 11:30 a.m. FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races 3:30 p.m. FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races 1 a.m. (Sunday) FS2 — The Japan Cup: From Tokyo Racecourse, Tokyo NBA BASKETBALL 5 p.m. NBATV — New York at Utah 8 p.m. NBATV — Memphis at Chicago 10:30 p.m. NBATV — Denver at L.A. Lakers NHL HOCKEY 1 p.m. NHLN — Chicago at Philadelphia 7 p.m. NHLN — Vegas at Montreal SAILING 5 a.m. CBSSN — Sail GP: The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix - Day 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 5 a.m. (Sunday) CBSSN — Sail GP: The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix - Day 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates SOCCER (MEN’S) 7:30 a.m. USA — Premier League: Chelsea at Leicester City 9 a.m. CBSSN — Serie A: Inter Milan at Hellas Verona 10 a.m. USA — Premier League: Brighton & Hove Albion at Bournemouth Noon CBS — USL Championship: Rhode Island at Colorado Springs, Final 12:30 p.m. NBC — Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur at Manchester City 7 p.m. FS2 — Saudi Pro League: Al Hilal at Al Khaleej (Taped) SOCCER (WOMEN’S) 8 p.m. CBS — NWSL Playoffs: Orlando vs. Washington, Final, Kansas City, Mo. TENNIS 7 a.m. TENNIS — Davis Cup Finals Semifinal The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV . (All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Sunday, Nov. 24 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 10:30 a.m. ESPNU — ESPN2 — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Seventh-Place Game, Conway, S.C. 11 a.m. CBSSN — St. John’s vs. Georgia, Nassau, Bahamas 1 p.m. CBSSN — Rutgers at Kennesaw St. ESPN — Villanova vs. Maryland, Newark, N.J. ESPN2 — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Third-Place Game, Conway, S.C. 3 p.m. CBSSN — Greenbrier Tip-Off: TBD, Third-Place Game, West White Sulphur Springs, W.V. ESPN — Charleston Classic: TBD, Third-Place Game, Charleston, S.C. 3:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Florida St. vs. UMass, Uncasville, Conn. 5:30 p.m. CBSSN — Greenbrier Tip-Off: TBD, Championship, West White Sulphur Springs, W.V. ESPN — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Championship, Conway, S.C. 6 p.m. ESPN2 — Charleston Classic: TBD, Fifth-Place Game, Charleston, S.C. ESPNU — Yale vs. Delaware, Uncasville, Conn. 8 p.m. ESPN2 — Myrtle Beach Invitational: TBD, Fifth-Place Game, Conway, S.C. 8:30 p.m. ESPN — Charleston Classic: TBD, Championship, Charleston, S.C. COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) 1 p.m. PEACOCK — South Florida vs. Louisville, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 4 p.m. ACCN — Bethune-Cookman at Virginia BTN — Washington St. at Iowa FS1 — South Carolina at UCLA COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY 1:30 p.m. ESPNU — NCAA Tournament: TBD, Championship, Ann Arbor, Mich. COLLEGE FOOTBALL 12:30 p.m. ESPNU — FCS Football Selection Show COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) Noon ACCN — Stanford at North Carolina 2 p.m. ACCN — California at Duke SECN — South Carolina at Tennessee 3:30 p.m. ESPNU — Southwestern Athletic Tournament: TBD, Championship, Grambling, La. 4 p.m. SECN — Arkansas at Kentucky 6 p.m. SECN — Auburn vs. Oklahoma 7:30 p.m. BTN — Indiana at Ohio St. 8:30 p.m. ESPNU — Mid-Eastern Athletic Tournament: TBD, Championship, Dover, Del. FIGURE SKATING 4 p.m. NBC — ISU: The 2024 Cup of China, Chongqing, China GOLF 1 p.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: The RSM Classic, Final Round, Sea Island Golf Club - Seaside Course, Sea Island, Ga. NBC — LPGA Tour: The CME Group Tour Championship, Final Round, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla. HORSE RACING Noon FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races 4 p.m. FS2 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races NBA G-LEAGUE BASKETBALL 1 p.m. NBATV — Capital City at Maine NFL FOOTBALL 1 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: New England at Miami, Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants, Kansas City at Carolina, Tennessee at Houston FOX — Regional Coverage: Minnesota at Chicago, Detroit at Indianapolis, Dallas at Washington 4:05 p.m. CBS — Denver at Las Vegas 4:25 p.m. FOX — Regional Coverage: San Francisco at Green Bay, Arizona at Seattle 8:20 p.m. NBC — Philadelphia at L.A. Rams PEACOCK — Philadelphia at L.A. Rams NHL HOCKEY 7 p.m. NHLN — Utah at Toronto SAILING 5 a.m. CBSSN — Sail GP: The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix - Day 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates SOCCER (MEN’S) 9 a.m. USA — Premier League: Liverpool at Southampton 11:30 a.m. USA — Premier League: Manchester United at Ipswich Town 11:45 a.m. FS2 — Saudi Pro League: Al Fateh at Al Ittihad Noon ABC — Spanish Primera Division: Real Madrid at CD Leganés 6 p.m. FS1 — MLS Cup Western Conference Semifinal: Minnesota at L.A. Galaxy TENNIS 10 a.m. TENNIS — Davis Cup Finals Championship The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .

Best fall and winter farmers' markets to shop in VancouverOWINGS MILLS, Md. — Asked if there was any special meaning to playing on Christmas for a second straight season, Lamar Jackson paused for several seconds before answering. That said it all. “I mean, it is,” he finally replied, trying to be diplomatic. “That means we’re good, but at the same time, I do want to celebrate at home sometimes with my family now. I don’t want to be playing on Christmas all the time — not all the time.” That sentiment seemed common among the Baltimore Ravens players this week as they prepared for their second consecutive Christmas road game. Jackson and his teammates will face the Houston Texans on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the Kansas City Chiefs play at Pittsburgh. Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately, however, the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. There were three last year on a Monday, and this week there are two. The four teams in action this Wednesday all played this past Saturday, giving them a little more time to prepare. But each is still wrapping up a stretch of three games in 11 games. And for Baltimore and Kansas City — the teams spending the holiday on the road — this means a bit of a scramble to find time to celebrate with loved ones. “Santa hasn’t come yet, but as far as my family, we traded gifts (over the weekend),” Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “(His wife) Brittany’s a champ because I’m not there to help build the toys my family got, and the kids have opened up every single one of them.” The Chiefs are playing on Christmas for a second year in a row, although they were at home last season. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley said there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. “I already celebrated Christmas with my family this past week,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “It’s more about the thought of calling people Christmas morning and just going out there and being able to go out in front of my whole family and do what I love. That’s how I’ll celebrate.” The Ravens also have celebrated a bit as a group already. “We actually had a team dinner last night here, which was really neat. And our chefs were incredible (with) what they put out there, so that was fun,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. “And we are going to have the ability for family members from the Houston area to come over for the team snack after we do a walkthrough (Tuesday) night.” Don’t expect Christmas games to go away any time soon. Netflix agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Playing on the holiday certainly gives teams a chance to be in the spotlight, although the Chiefs and Ravens already get plenty of that. The Ravens-Texans game features a halftime performance by Beyoncé. “Wasn’t there a time when somebody was out peeking outside the locker room door during the Super Bowl or something like that? Was there some story on that?” Harbaugh said. “He got in trouble for it? There will be big trouble. I like Beyoncé, though. I can’t say I’m a huge Beyoncé fan, but I think I like her.” Jackson, seemingly unaware of Harbaugh’s attempt to lay down the law about the halftime show, arrived at the microphone immediately after the coach. “I’m going to go out there and watch,” the star quarterback said. “First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game — that’s dope. I’m going to go out and watch. Sorry Harbaugh, sorry fellas.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. — Agatha Christie, The Last Seance M otherhood and books share a timeless bond, with literature offering insight into the emotions, sacrifices, and growth tied to the maternal experience. Literature has long served as a lens for exploring the psychology of motherhood, shedding light on the tempestuous layers of maternal identity and the ways books shape mothers’ lives and values. For many mothers, books reflect their own experiences, struggles, and hopes. Motherhood brings about an intense shift in identity, as mothers balance their own needs with those of their children. In Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Marmee exemplifies the role of a “good enough mother”, a concept highlighted by psychologist Donald Winnicott. Marmee strives to guide her daughters with moral insight, balancing nurture with freedom, while staying true to her values. Through Marmee’s character, readers see how mothers can learn from literature, finding reassurance in characters who also wrestle with balancing sacrifice and self-identity. Reading also fosters empathy — a quality essential in motherhood. A study published in Science notes that reading fiction, especially complex stories, helps individuals understand and empathise with others’ emotions. Characters like Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne showcase the strength and depth of a mother’s love in the face of societal judgment and isolation. Hester is a woman marginalised by her puritan society, yet she devotes herself entirely to her daughter, Pearl. Hester’s maternal love defies social rejection and transforms her suffering into strength, allowing readers to understand the sacrifices mothers make and offering them validation in their own unique struggles. The pursuit of knowledge often becomes central to motherhood. Many mothers seek out reading as a tool to understand motherhood and personal growth. The character of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, though somewhat caricatured, reflects the limitations and pressures mothers can feel in their roles. Unlike those of contemporary mothers who turn to self-help books for knowledge, Mrs. Bennet’s actions are confined by her era’s social norms and her limited education. This contrast highlights how the role of reading in motherhood has evolved, with modern mothers often finding in books the guidance and support that literary mothers of the past sought in tradition and community. Beyond knowledge, reading serves as a form of mental escape and self-care — a critical need for mothers facing daily demands. Characters in classic literature, like Mrs. Ramsay in To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, offer readers a glimpse into the minds of mothers who grapple with both self-fulfillment and family expectations. Mrs. Ramsay, caught between her own desires and her duty to her family, uses moments of introspection to find personal meaning. Her story reminds mothers of the importance of introspection and self-nurturing. Mrs. Ramsay’s character offers a lens through which mothers can examine their own lives, finding solace in shared experiences and the validation of complex emotions. Books also play a role in mother-child bonding, a timeless tradition explored in many classic narratives. Reading aloud or sharing stories strengthens the connection between mother and child, instilling values and shaping young minds. In Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ma’s role goes beyond providing food and shelter; she cultivates curiosity and strength in her children, partly through storytelling. The act of sharing stories builds a foundation of trust, love, and understanding between mother and child. Real-life mothers similarly find that shared readings create a nurturing atmosphere, encouraging deeper family bonds and emotional security. Mothers serve as models of reading, instilling in their children a love of literature that can last a lifetime. Research from Developmental Science supports the idea that children are more likely to read as adults when they see their mothers engaging with books. This phenomenon is evident in characters like Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, whose father, Atticus, instils in her a love of reading. This influence shapes Scout’s values and understanding of the world, illustrating how a parent’s example can leave a lasting impact. Similarly, Jane Austen’s own mother reportedly encouraged her daughter’s love of reading and storytelling, a legacy that continues to inspire readers generations later. The psychological relationship between motherhood and books enriches both mothers and their families, serving as a source of wisdom, connection, and self-understanding. Through literature, mothers find characters who reflect their own journeys and validate their emotions, while simultaneously fostering empathy, knowledge, and resilience in their children. Books offer mothers a sanctuary where they can reconnect with their own identities, pass down a love of literature, and find strength in the timeless stories that connect us all. sandrajozf@gmail.com Published - December 08, 2024 02:06 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Why Is The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) Among the Best Bank Stocks to Invest In Now?By SEAN MURPHY, The Associated Press Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione’s arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Family and upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather’s obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Education and work history Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Time in Hawaii and back pain From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu.Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone’s lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police report darker turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said.

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Voting closed Saturday evening in most polling centers throughout Ghana, bringing to an end the presidential and legislative elections poised to be a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups. The capital, Accra, was almost a ghost town for much of the day. Even vibrant Oxford Street, one of the city's commercial hubs, saw little activity on the day that Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a new president and 276 legislators. Some 18.7 million people are registered to vote in the West African country hit by one of the worst economic crises in a generation. However, the two main candidates offer little hope for change for the nation. Early results were expected late on Saturday. The first official results will be released by Tuesday. Ghana used to be a poster child for democracy in the region. At a time when coups threatened democracy in West Africa, Ghana has emerged as a beacon of democratic stability with a history of peaceful elections. It had also been an economic powerhouse, priding itself on its economic development. But in recent years, it has struggled with a profound economic crisis, including surging inflation and a lack of jobs. According to an opinion poll released earlier this year by Afrobarometer, a research group, 82 per cent of Ghanaians feel their country is headed in the wrong direction Although 12 candidates are running to become Ghana’s next president, Saturday’s election — like previous ones since the return of multiparty politics in 1992 — has emerged as a two-horse race. Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, or NPP, which has struggled to resolve the economic crisis. He faces off against former President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress, or NDC. He was voted out in 2016 after failing to deliver on promises for the economy. Election officials count the ballots after polls closed in the general elections in Accra, Ghana, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Opinion polls point at a potential comeback for Mahama. A local research company, Global InfoAnalytics says he is projected to get 52.2 per cent of the vote, followed by Bawumia, with 41.4 per cent. After voting in the town of Bole in northern Ghana, Mahama praised the smooth election process and expressed confidence in his own victory. “In other elections, it had not been clear," he told reporters. “But (during) this election everyone sees where it is heading.” The NDC prides itself as a social democratic party, while the ruling NPP tags itself as leaning to the right. But in fact, analysts and voters said, the programs of their presidential candidates do not differ in a significant way. Members of parliament will also be elected Saturday. The ruling NPP party and the main opposition NDC each have 137 members in the 275-member legislature, with one independent member who has been voting mostly along with the ruling party. One more constituency will be added in this election, bringing the number of deputies to 276. In their final campaign rallies Thursday, both candidates made a last push to pitch their political parties as the answer to Ghana’s economic woes. Bawumia, 61, an Oxford-educated economist and former deputy governor of the country’s central bank, promised to build on the outgoing administration’s efforts and stabilize the economy. Mahama, 65, on the other hand, restated his promise to “reset” the country on various fronts. “We need to reset our democracy, governance, economy, finances, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, health sector, and all that we hold dear as a people,” the former president said. Election officials count the ballots after polls closed in the general elections in Accra, Ghana, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Across the the capital, Accra, the mood for the election has been upbeat in posters and billboards with bikers displaying stunts, political rallies on the streets, election jingles and songs blasting from public speakers. But the concern for many is also palpable for the key thing at stake: The country’s ailing economy, which has been challenged on various fronts in recent years. The country defaulted on most of its foreign debt last year as it faced a worsening economic crisis that spiked the price of fuel, food and other essential items. The inflation rate had hit 54 per cent by the end of last year and though it’s been coming down since then, not many Ghanaians can still tell the difference when they go to the market. Ebenezer Kotey Dsane, a 69-year-old driver said he voted for Mahama because “he is a good man” who “set up much infrastructure when he was in office.” “The current regime hasn't done much,” he said, pointing to the La General Hospital in Accra, one of the capital's main medical facilities, pulled down in July 2020 by the current government with a pledge to reconstruct it. “Until today, nothing has happened.” Some chose not to vote at all. Ruth Mensah, 42, an unemployed resident of Nima, a working-class suburb in Accra, said she decided not to cast a ballot. “I don’t see how voting will bring about a change to my life,” she said. Patricia Seyram Hagbevor, 20, a first-time voter and student at Accra Technical University said she wished for a change. She didn't disclose whom she voted for, but said she “hoped for a change for the better that will help develop our future.” The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as galamsey — has also been a major issue in the campaign and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, but the commodity has been increasingly mined illegally as people become more desperate to find jobs in an economy that has been crumbling. The mining has polluted rivers and other parts of the environment despite government actions to clamp down on the practice. __ Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal.None

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NoneNEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Elanco, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated . Investors have until December 6, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Elanco Animal Health Incorporated securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court of Maryland and is captioned Barpar v. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated , et al. , No. 24-cv-02912. What is the Lawsuit About? The complaint alleges that Elanco develops products to treat diseases in animals. Two of the most important treatments in the company’s development pipeline are currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The treatments are named Zenrelia, a drug for a type of dermatitis in dogs, and Credelio Quattro, which is a broad spectrum oral parasiticide covering fleas, ticks and internal parasites. With respect to these treatments, the company stated that the FDA “has all data necessary to complete its review. All technical sections, including the label, are expected to be approved before the end of June [2024].” However, on June 27, 2024, Elanco announced that it expected the FDA would not approve either drug in June 2024 and that Zenrelia would come with a boxed warning on safety. As a result of the news, Elanco’s stock price declined over 21%, from $17.97 per share on June 26, 2024 to $14.27 per share on June 27, 2024. BFA Law is investigating whether Elanco and certain of its executives made materially false and/or misleading statements to investors related to the FDA’s approval of its drugs. Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated . What Can You Do? If you invested in Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.

Sixth China-Pakistan Marine Information Workshop held in Harbin Engineering University (HEU) this week and it was decided to further strengthen marine information cooperation. A MoU was signed between the two sides to work jointly in areas of common interest. The workshop was hosted by the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (CSNAME). Chinese and Pakistani professionals shared their latest research findings and discussed future trends and challenges faced in the interdisciplinary and frontier areas of marine information during the four-day event, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Saturday. “Over the years, China-Pakistan cooperation in scientific research and talent cultivation in this area has been increasingly close through the China-Pakistan Marine Information Joint Research Laboratory. In the future, leveraging our strengths in the ocean sector, Harbin Engineering University will further deepen cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, talent cultivation and scientific research achievement transformation with Pakistan, collectively contributing to the advancement of the global marine industry,” said Song Yingdong, President, Harbin Engineering University. China-Pakistan marine information cooperation keeps evolving, Song Yingdong added. “In recent years, China has made rapid progress in technological development, achieving remarkable results in marine information, new energy, etc. The significant scientific research achievements in shipbuilding and marine exploitation by Harbin Engineering University with its groundbreaking progress in underwater acoustic engineering, is worthy learning for Pakistan,” Ahmed Saeed, President, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) of Pakistan remarked. Also, he encouraged students to participate in developing marine science and technology for both countries through cooperation. Additionally, a Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Harbin Engineering University and the Pakistani delegation on high-quality development of overseas student education, holding high-level international academic conferences, etc.

The energy transition in Europe got an unwelcome shot of adrenaline after the events of February 24, 2022, when Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. NATO allies and EU members scrambled to reduce if not eliminate their dependence on natural gas imported from Russia. That includes Estonia, one of the smallest nations in Europe, which is is flexing its solar power muscles with the aim of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The 2030 renewable energy goal also includes 69% renewables for heat, but let’s take a look at the clean electricity angle first. In August I spent several days in Estonia, visiting clean tech ventures on behalf of CleanTechnica.* The day I arrived, the Estonian solar developer Sunly came out with a major announcement. The company had just sewn up a massive €300 million debt financing deal with a group of investors based in France and Scandinavia. The funding platform was aimed at enabling Sunly to accelerate its solar power plans for Estonia and the two other Baltic states, Latvia and Lithiuania, as well as Poland. The financing package also includes wind power and energy storage for a total of 1.3 gigawatts. In an interesting twist, the leading US-based international law firm White & Case advised Sunly on their portfolio. “The project is another example of the leading role White & Case is playing in the European energy transition story ,” White & Case partner Carina Radford explained in a press statement in August. That’s quite a turnaround from just a few years ago, when White & Case maintained a solid presence in Russia. Shortly after the invasion White & Case announced the closure of its Moscow office, and took additional steps. “Our review of Russian and Belarusian client activity is ongoing, and goes beyond our requirements to comply with sanctions,” the firm explained on March 11, 2022, with an emphasis on going beyond the requirements. “We are ceasing all representations of Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities in accordance with our professional responsibilities, and not accepting any new mandates from Russian and Belarusian state and state-owned entities,” they added. Untangling that relationship in practice was more complicated than the statement indicates. Nevertheless, since the invasion White & Case has put out a series of press releases tracking international sanctions against Russia. In May of this year they also brought David Lim on board as a partner. Lim was co-director of KleptoCapture, a unit set up within the Department of Justice tasked with enforcing sanctions against Russia . “The task force, formed after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has captured nearly $700 million in assets and charged more than 70 people with violating international sanctions and export controls,” Reuters reported in February of this year, citing a DOJ fact sheet. Meanwhile, Sunly has not let the grass grow under its feet. Last week the company rolled out its first project under the new financing, a 244-megawatt solar power plant located in Risti, in Lääne County. A 144-megawatt battery array will complement the solar panels , and Sunly is in discussions with local communities to determine the location of nine wind turbines. At 244 megawatts, the size of the project is a giant step up for Estonia. The current record holder for solar power plants in the country is the 77.5- megawatt Kirikmäe Solar Farm in Pärnu County, which started operating in October. The Kirikmäe project more than doubled Estonia’s installed solar capacity in one blow. Now here comes the Risti project, which is more than triple the size. Aside from the climate action angle, the project also represents Estonia’s economic development goals. To stay competitive within a decarbonized Europe, the country must eliminate coal from its energy profile. In a press release dated November 22, Sunly cites Estonia’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Erkki Keldo, who said that “it is crucial for Estonia to provide both new and existing investors with confidence that we can deliver clean energy at a reasonable price within the promised timeframe.” “Without this, the competitiveness of both current and future industries will be low,” Keldo emphasized. On the other end of the solar power scale, while in Estonia I also met with a representative from the rooftop solar installer Roofit. The startup has developed building-integrated solar panels that are indistinguishable from the metal roofing material commonly used in Estonia and some parts of the US. Combined with a 40-year lifespan, the aesthetically consistent solar power solution earned a 2024 Red Dot product design award . The aesthetic angle issues that might otherwise discourage the installation of conventional rooftop solar panels. For example, we visited the Estonian National Library, a significant work of Soviet architecture. Construction began in 1985 and the work was was mainly completed in 1992, just in time for Estonia to declare independence. A reconstruction project is currently under way and solar power is part of the plan. Roofit’s building integrated solution fits neatly into three parts of the original roof. We also visited a roadside retail shop with a peaked roof evoking traditional Nordic style. Of the many drivers passing by, probably none of them noticed that the roof was composed entirely of solar panels. Roofit has already installed hundreds of roofs in 22 countries. That’s not a surprise considering that the population of Estonia is only 1.3 million people. To grow, Estonian startups have to keep their eye on the European market and beyond. Estonia’s history as a former Soviet nation was also a presence throughout my visit, mainly by way of explaining how the country segued so rapidly into an all-digital model upon formally declaring independence in 1991. Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine also hovered in the background. Considering recent events in Romania and Georgia, that conversation has most likely moved to the foreground since my visit. The sabre rattling was already evident last spring, when Russia removed buoys in the Narva River that marked the boundary between itself and Estonia. “The United States stands with Estonia in denouncing Russia’s action. Estonia’s borders are NATO borders ,” the US Department of State responded on May 30. “This activity appears intended to provoke a NATO Ally and advance the Kremlin’s false narratives on the defensive Alliance. Moscow’s irredentist agenda, which we witness with horror in Ukraine daily, contradicts the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. It has no place in the modern world,” the State Department added. As for where the US will stand on NATO after January 20 of next year, that’s up to the incoming Republican administration. That could end up just about anywhere, considering the President-Elect’s threats to withdraw the US from the treaty during his previous term in office. That’s quite a turnaround from the last Republican administration to hold the White House, headed up by President George Walker Bush. As a lame-duck President in the spring of 2008, Bush lobbied hard for both Ukraine and Georgia to be admitted to NATO. Going by common wisdom, any expansion of NATO is a direct provocation against Russia, which explains why France and Germany effectively blocked the move. Nevertheless, the wheels were already in motion. Russia invaded and occupied part of Georgia just a few months later, in the summer of 2008, and followed up with a similar move into the Donbas region of Ukraine in 2014. The Republican Party has come a long way since 2008 on the topic of NATO among other issues. If you have any thoughts about that, contact your US Senator . Drop a note in the comment thread to share, too. * This technology tour was kindly supported by Trade Estonia, through the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency. Follow me via LinkTree , or @tinamcasey on Threads, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. Photo: Solar power is featured in the reconstruction of the historic Estonian National Library in Talinn, deploying building-integrated solar panels that match the original roofing material (courtesy of Roofit Solar). CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook X Email Mastodon Reddit

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S.Sudan's Kiir holds urgent talks over shootout at ex-spy chief's homeAI Ease Launches Free AI Image Extender to Unlock Endless Possibilities of Visual Imagery 12-10-2024 09:48 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: LianPR AI Ease [ https://www.aiease.ai/ ] constantly updates its AI features, aiming to elevate user experience, and catering to diverse specific needs. Recently it released a new free AI image extender [ https://www.aiease.ai/ai-image-extender/ ] for those who want to effortlessly expand the background of images, while consistently align with the original visuals. Empowered by advanced algorithms, it allows you to expand the image background either horizontally or vertically, and intelligently fill the extended area to make it a complete and captivating result. This breakthrough tool is not just a convenience; it's a transformative resource that empowers users to unlock new creative possibilities in a fast-paced, visually-driven world. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/83fda56b9c489ae2826578802fad6155.jpg In an era where captivating visuals are more important than ever, AI Ease stands out as a pioneer in AI-driven tools, serving both creative professionals and everyday users. By providing user-friendly solutions that streamline intricate image editing processes, AI Ease is continuously pushing the limits of digital imagery. With its latest release-the free AI Image Extender-you can effortlessly expand and transform your images in just a few clicks. No need for complicated software or professional expertise-this tool empowers you to create polished, professional-quality visuals that stand out, making it an indispensable resource for anyone looking to enhance their content and make an impact. Unlock the Key Features of AI Ease's Free AI Image Extender The AI image extender by AI Ease offers a suite of features tailored to meet diverse creative needs. Whether you're a graphic designer, content creator, or someone enhancing personal memories, this tool combines simplicity with cutting-edge technology for stunning results. 1. Preset Common Ratios for Seamless Adjustments The AI image extender offers preset common aspect ratios, which enable users to quickly and effortlessly adjust images to the most commonly used formats. These include: * 4:3 and 3:2 for classic photography dimensions * 16:9 for cinematic and widescreen visuals * 1:1 for square formats popular in social media * 3:4 and 2:3 for portrait-style imagery * 9:16 for vertical displays, ideal for stories and reels These presets ensure a flawless fit for various platforms and creative needs, eliminating the guesswork in resizing images. 2. Flexibly Customize Image Dimensions For those with specific requirements, AI Ease empowers users to customize image dimensions precisely. 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Second Extension for Enhanced Visuals For those who seek even greater flexibility, the second extension feature allows users to enhance their final image further. By revisiting and refining the extended visual, users can experiment with different layouts and artistic elements to achieve the desired effect, unlocking endless possibilities for storytelling and design. Whether you're crafting a compelling story or creating a striking design, this feature empowers you to push the boundaries of your creativity and achieve truly unique results. The possibilities are limitless-your imagination is the only limit. Explore More Free AI Tools on AI Ease AI Ease doesn't stop at image extending. The platform offers a rich suite of free AI-powered tools designed to tackle a wide range of image editing needs, enabling users to streamline their workflow and bring their creative visions to life. 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About AI Ease AI Ease is a pioneering platform committed to providing accessible, high-quality AI-driven tools that streamline image editing and boost creativity. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, it offers innovative solutions for visual storytelling, enabling users to effortlessly bring their ideas to life. Whether it's seamless background removal or professional-level enhancements, AI Ease's tools are trusted globally for their reliability and precision. Media Contact Company Name: CHENGDU Yile Tech Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Jade W Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=ai-ease-launches-free-ai-image-extender-to-unlock-endless-possibilities-of-visual-imagery ] City: Chengdu State: Sichuan Province Country: China Website: https://www.aiease.ai This release was published on openPR.

Allen A Mendanha Panaji At a time when large joint families are shifting towards nuclear families, a family with nearly 135 members that traces its roots in Aldona has been religiously holding an annual gathering to celebrate its cohesiveness. This year, the Pereira Family Picnic (PFP) is all set to mark a historic milestone, as it commemorates its golden jubilee. To be held from December 27 to 29 at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, this momentous occasion will bring together the family members from all corners of the globe, offering a unique opportunity to relive the journey of the past five decades. For a family bound by deep connections, values of love, care and sharing, this celebration is a tribute to the unity that has been passed down through generations. The Pereira family traces its lineage to Quitla village, where Custodio and Blandina Pereira, the family’s original ancestors, first established their home. Seeking better prospects, some of their children and grandchildren moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in search of work and livelihood. Over time, the family grew, and while the members scattered across the bustling city, their once-frequent visits to each other’s homes became increasingly difficult. This was due to the pressures of urban life such as congested infrastructure and an ever-demanding work-life balance. Nearly fifty years ago, a visionary member of the Pereira family proposed a new way to reconnect. It was a simple yet profound idea – gather the family together for an annual picnic. This idea sparked a tradition that continues to this day. On February 29, 1976, the first official family picnic took place on Madh Island in Bombay, with 40 family members from eight distinct clans of Custodio and Blandina Pereira participating. What began as a modest gathering grew into a yearly event that has since become a beloved custom, bringing members from different parts of the world together each year. Today, the oldest member of the group is 87-year-old Joe Monteiro with the youngest being one-year-old Abigail Lobo, who will be a part of the family get-together. The importance of the PFP goes far beyond just being an outing. It is a celebration of the enduring bonds that have held the family together for over five decades. This tradition has remained steadfast despite the challenges of time and distance, which makes it unique. In a world where such family gatherings are becoming increasingly rare, the Pereira Family Picnic stands as an extraordinary example of commitment to family values and unity. As the event approaches its golden jubilee, the Pereira family reflects on the remarkable journey of these annual gatherings. Over the years, the picnic has not only strengthened family ties but also underscored the values of ‘Sharing, Caring, and Loving’ – principles that were established by Custodio and Blandina Pereira and continue to guide the family to this day. These values have shaped the family’s collective identity, reinforcing a sense of responsibility to one another and to the broader community. The Covid-19 pandemic tested the PFP tradition, making in-person events impossible in 2020 and 2021. Yet, the Pereira family’s spirit remained unshaken. Embracing technology, they organised virtual picnics via Zoom – an unprecedented, yet heartwarming innovation. These online gatherings were filled with creativity, including family videos, virtual games like housie and engaging quizzes. Despite the distance, the Pereira family stood together, sharing stories of resilience and laughter while navigating the challenges of the pandemic. The virtual picnics not only bridged gaps but also brought global family members closer, showcasing the unyielding spirit of the PFP tradition.

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.