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By Virginia Furness LONDON (Reuters) - Debt swaps are becoming a more widely used tool to help indebted countries raise money for conservation or climate-related projects. Under a swap, a country buys back more expensive debt and replaces it with cheaper debt, usually with the help of a development bank. The savings are then used for environmental projects that restore mangroves or protect oceans, or help adapt to the impacts of climate change. Here is a list of countries which have completed them in recent years. BAHAMAS (2024) The Bahamas unlocked more than $120 million in November to fund the conservation and management of its oceans and mangroves with a $300 million debt swap financed by Standard Chartered and backed by the private sector. EL SALVADOR (2024) El Salvador freed up $352 million in October to fund the conservation of the Rio Lempa, the country's main river and its watershed. At the time, the deal was the largest funding commitment a country had made for conservation as part of a debt-for-nature swap. The deal was financed by a $1 billion loan from JP Morgan with $1 billion political risk insurance cover from DFC, the United States' development finance institution, and a $200 million standby letter of credit from CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, likely lowering the cost of the lending. ECUADOR (2023) The Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most precious ecosystems, was the conservation focus of Ecuador's debt-for-nature swap. The $1.6 billion buyback helped cut Ecuador's debt by over $1 billion once the $450 million of total conservation spending is taken into account. The deal has since faced criticism from local groups raising concerns about their lack of involvement in the deal. GABON (2023) Gabon landed continental Africa's first debt-for-nature swap in 2023. Issuing a new lower-cost $500 million "blue bond" to buy back at a discount $436 million of its international bonds, the central African country freed up around $163 million for conservation projects over a 15-year period. Gabon, whose beaches and coastal waters are home to the world's largest population of endangered leatherback turtles, said it planned to use the money saved to tackle illegal fishing and fulfill a pledge to protect 30% of its coastal waters. BARBADOS (2022) Barbados completed a $150 million debt conversion in September 2022, freeing up $50 million of long-term financing for marine conservation with the government promising to protect up to 30% of seas covered by its territorial and sovereign rights. The deal was funded by a 15-year dual currency blue loan arranged by Credit Suisse and CIBC First Caribbean. BELIZE (2021) Belize in 2021 committed to spend $4 million a year and fund a $23 million marine conservation trust to protect the world's second-largest coral reef by buying back and retiring a $533 million bond. Backed by nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Credit Suisse, the deal provided about $200 million in debt relief to the Central American country. SEYCHELLES (2016) The Seychelles' debt-for-nature swap took dealmakers almost six years from design to disbursement. First mooted in 2012 the deal saw the Seychelles government buy back $21.6 million of debt from the Paris Club group of wealthy nations in 2016, financed by a loan from NGO The Nature Conservancy as well as philanthropic grants. In 2018, Seychelles raised additional funding for conservation by issuing a $15 million blue bond, backed by a partial credit guarantee from the World Bank. (Reporting by Virginia Furness; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

B.C. Premier Eby says U.S. tariffs would be 'devastating' for forest industry

Tim Dankha and Prolific Mortgage: Redefining Excellence in the Mortgage Industry 12-13-2024 10:30 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: White Label SEO Firm Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/1734091799.jpg Birmingham, MI - Timothy Edward Dankha, a prominent figure in the mortgage industry, has continued to raise the bar with his expertise and vision. Leading the charge at Timothy Edward Dankha [ http://timdankhaofficial.com/ ], Dankha's commitment to excellence has positioned him as one of the most trusted names in mortgage lending. As the driving force behind Prolific Mortgage [ https://prolificmortgage.com/ ], Dankha's innovative approach to financing has set a new standard for homebuyers and investors alike. With years of experience in the industry, Timothy Edward Dankha has made it his mission to streamline the mortgage process, offering clients unparalleled service and personalized solutions. His leadership at Tim Dankha's Mortgage Company [ https://www.linkedin.com/company/prolific-mortgage ] has fostered a culture of trust, transparency, and efficiency, making him a standout professional in the highly competitive mortgage market. Dankha's work with Prolific Mortgage, located in the heart of Birmingham, MI, has empowered thousands of families and individuals to achieve their homeownership dreams. His company's approach goes beyond standard industry practices by offering customized mortgage solutions that cater to each client's unique financial needs. Whether it's purchasing a first home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or securing investment properties, Prolific Mortgage is dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations. "We believe in making homeownership accessible for everyone, regardless of their situation," said Timothy Edward Dankha. "Our goal is to create long-lasting relationships with our clients by providing them with the best options available in the market, ensuring that they have the support they need throughout the entire mortgage process." As a leader in the mortgage industry, Dankha is not only focused on expanding his business but is also committed to giving back to the community. He actively supports various local initiatives and aims to make a positive impact on the region. His dedication to both his clients and the community sets him apart in an industry that often prioritizes profits over people. Prolific Mortgage's continued success under Timothy Edward Dankha's leadership is a testament to his dedication and vision. By fostering a customer-first mentality and integrating cutting-edge technologies into the mortgage process, Dankha and his team at Prolific Mortgage are reshaping the way mortgages are done. Clients are given not only the best rates but also a seamless, stress-free experience, making them feel confident every step of the way. One of the cornerstones of Prolific Mortgage's philosophy is its commitment to financial education. Dankha believes in empowering clients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their finances. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and informative resources, Timothy Edward Dankha ensures that each client is equipped to navigate the mortgage process with confidence. For more information about Timothy Edward Dankha and the services provided by Prolific Mortgage, please visit their website or reach out via email at themdankhaholdings@gmail.com Image: https://www.getnews.info/jscripts/tiny_mce1/themes/advanced/img/trans.gif About Timothy Edward Dankha Timothy Edward Dankha is an established leader in the mortgage industry with years of experience helping clients achieve their homeownership goals. As the CEO of Tim Dankha's Mortgage Company, he has earned a reputation for his client-focused approach, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Media Contact Contact Person: Timothy Edward Dankha Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=tim-dankha-and-prolific-mortgage-redefining-excellence-in-the-mortgage-industry ] Phone: (248) 533-8480 Address:166 W Maple Rd Ste 200 City: Birmingham State: MI 48009 Country: United States Website: http://timdankhaofficial.com This release was published on openPR.Trump calls meeting with Trudeau 'productive' after tariff threatNEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his to induce into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.” Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have secured the conviction of six individuals for offences related to internet fraud, including the possession of fraudulent documents. The cases were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC The convicts, identified as Precious Okeleke, Austine Iwuner, Saint Felix, Ododo Mathias, Idahosa Kelvin, and Bankole Adaranijo, faced one-count charges stemming from their involvement in cyber-related crimes. Meanwhile in a separate court rulings, the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, leading the prosecution counsel—F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, and K.Y. Bello—to request their conviction. Defence lawyers, however, urged the courts to temper justice with mercy, citing the remorseful attitudes of the accused. On December 10, Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin sentenced Precious Okeleke to two years’ imprisonment with the option of a ₦200,000 (£200) fine. The following day, Justice F.A. Olubanjo handed Austine Iwuner a similar two-year sentence but with a ₦500,000 (£500) fine option. Saint Felix and Ododo Mathias were each sentenced by Justice Erhabor to three years in prison or a ₦200,000 fine. READ ALSO: EFCC arrests man for defrauding Australians of $8m On December 12, Justice Aziegbemhin convicted Idahosa Kelvin and Bankole Adaranijo, sentencing them to two years’ imprisonment with a ₦200,000 fine option. The convictions are part of the EFCC’s intensified efforts to curb cybercrime, which has drawn international scrutiny in recent years. The antigraft agency also announced recently the arrest of a suspected online fraudster, Osang Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000. Otukpa was arrested by the EFCC at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024 A statement on Friday by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said Otukpa used five names which are Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto and Kristin Davidson , to scam the victims. He added that the suspect lured his victims on social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group. EFCC said the fight against internet fraud remains a priority, as such crimes undermine the nation’s reputation and economic stability.CARLSBAD, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare, genetic form of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) that can lead to potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis (AP). TRYNGOLZA is the first-ever FDA-approved treatment that significantly and substantially reduces triglyceride levels in adults with FCS and provides clinically meaningful reduction in AP events when used with an appropriate diet (≤20 grams of fat per day). TRYNGOLZA is self-administered via an auto-injector once monthly. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/ionis-pharmaceuticals/9295551-en-tryngolza-olezarsen-fda-approval "Today's FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA heralds the arrival of the first-ever FCS treatment in the U.S. – a transformational moment for patients and their families. For the first time, adults with FCS can now access a treatment that substantially reduces triglycerides and the risk of debilitating and potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis," said Brett P. Monia , Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. "We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the FCS community and are grateful to the patients, families and investigators who participated in our clinical studies, enabling Ionis to make this new treatment a reality. The FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA is also a pivotal moment for Ionis, representing our evolution into a fully integrated commercial-stage biotechnology company – a goal we set out to achieve five years ago. With our rich pipeline of potentially life-changing medicines, we expect TRYNGOLZA to be the first in a steady cadence of innovative medicines we will deliver independently to people living with serious diseases." The FDA approval was based on positive data from the global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 Balance clinical trial in adult patients with genetically identified FCS and fasting triglyceride levels ≥880 mg/dL. In the Balance study, TRYNGOLZA 80 mg demonstrated a statistically significant placebo-adjusted mean reduction in triglyceride levels of 42.5% from baseline to six months (p=0.0084). Reductions from baseline to 12 months were further improved, with TRYNGOLZA achieving a placebo-adjusted 57% mean reduction in triglycerides. TRYNGOLZA also demonstrated a substantial, clinically meaningful reduction in AP events over 12 months; one patient (5%) experienced one episode of AP in the TRYNGOLZA group compared with seven patients (30%) who experienced 11 total episodes of AP in the placebo group. TRYNGOLZA demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and at a >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions (19% and 9%, respectively), decreased platelet count (12% and 4%, respectively) and arthralgia (9% and 0%, respectively). Results from the Phase 3 Balance study were previously published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). "With no treatment options previously available, we were limited to relying only on extremely strict diet and lifestyle changes as the sole preventative treatment option," said Alan Brown , M.D., FNLA, FACC, FAHA, clinical professor of medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science ; Balance trial investigator. "The FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA is an important moment for people living with FCS, their families and physicians who now, for the first time, have a treatment that significantly lowers triglycerides and decreases the risk of potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis events, as an adjunct to a low-fat diet. I am excited to have a medicine I can prescribe to my patients that has been shown to change the course of their disease." FCS is a rare, genetic, potentially life-threatening form of sHTG that prevents the body from breaking down fats and severely impairs the body's ability to remove triglycerides from the bloodstream due to an impaired function of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). While healthy levels for adults are below 150 mg/dL, people with FCS often have triglyceride levels of more than 880 mg/dL and often have a history of pancreatitis. Those living with FCS have a high risk of potentially fatal AP, which is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, and chronic health issues such as fatigue and severe, recurrent abdominal pain. People living with FCS can also experience psychological and financial stress, which can significantly impact their quality of life. In the U.S., FCS is estimated to impact up to approximately 3,000 people, the vast majority of whom remain undiagnosed. "As a rare and difficult to diagnose disease, FCS has a profound impact on the lives of patients and families. Many people living with FCS have experienced severe pain their whole lives – sometimes so intense they require lengthy hospitalization stays – and struggle through life with daily fatigue, nausea, brain fog and stomach pain," said Lindsey Sutton Bryan , co-founder and co-president, FCS Foundation. "Until now, our treatment options have been limited, relying on diet alone to try to manage triglyceride levels and keep acute pancreatitis attacks at bay. For the first time, adults with FCS have seen their hope for a treatment become a reality." TRYNGOLZA will be available in the U.S. before year end. Ionis is committed to helping people access the medicines they are prescribed and will offer a suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of the FCS community through Ionis Every StepTM. As part of Ionis Every Step , patients and healthcare providers will have access to services throughout the treatment journey provided by dedicated Patient Education Managers and Ionis Every Step Case Managers, including insurance and affordability support, as well as services and resources, such as disease and nutrition education. Visit TRYNGOLZA.com for more information. TRYNGOLZA was reviewed by the FDA under Priority Review and had previously been granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of FCS, Orphan Drug designation and Breakthrough Therapy designation. Olezarsen is undergoing review in the European Union and regulatory filings in other countries are planned. Olezarsen is currently being evaluated in three Phase 3 clinical trials – CORE, CORE2 and ESSENCE – for the treatment of sHTG. Olezarsen has not been reviewed or approved for the treatment of sHTG by regulatory authorities. Webcast Ionis will hold a webcast today at 6:45pm ET to discuss the FDA approval. Interested parties may access the webcast here . A webcast replay will be available for a limited time. About TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). TRYNGOLZA is an RNA-targeted medicine designed to lower the body's production of apoC-III, a protein produced in the liver that is a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism. It is the only treatment currently indicated in the U.S. for FCS, a potentially life-threatening disease. For more information about TRYNGOLZA, visit TRYNGOLZA.com . IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS TRYNGOLZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to TRYNGOLZA or any of the excipients in TRYNGOLZA. Hypersensitivity reactions requiring medical treatment have occurred. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (including symptoms of bronchospasm, diffuse erythema, facial swelling, urticaria, chills and myalgias) have been reported in patients treated with TRYNGOLZA. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and instruct patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of TRYNGOLZA if hypersensitivity reactions occur. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions, decreased platelet count and arthralgia. Please see full Prescribing Information for TRYNGOLZA. About Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) FCS is a rare, genetic disease characterized by extremely elevated triglyceride levels. It is caused by impaired function of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Because of limited LPL production or function, people with FCS cannot effectively break down chylomicrons, lipoprotein particles that are 90% triglycerides. FCS is estimated to impact up to approximately 3,000 people in the U.S. People living with FCS are at high risk of acute pancreatitis (AP) in addition to other chronic health issues such as fatigue and severe, recurrent abdominal pain. People living with FCS are sometimes unable to work, adding to the burden of disease. About the Balance Study Balance is a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of olezarsen in patients with FCS at six and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the percent change from baseline in fasting triglyceride levels at six months compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints included percent changes in triglyceride levels at 12 months, percent changes in other lipid parameters and adjudicated acute pancreatitis event rates over the treatment period. Following treatment and the end-of-trial assessments, patients were eligible to enter an open-label extension study to continue receiving olezarsen once every four weeks. About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis has discovered and developed six marketed medicines for serious diseases, including breakthrough medicines for neurologic and cardiovascular diseases. Ionis has a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and other areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visit Ionis.com and follow us on X (Twitter) , LinkedIn and Instagram . Ionis Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis' business and the therapeutic and commercial potential of TRYNGOLZA, Ionis' technologies and other products in development. Any statement describing Ionis' goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those related to our commercial products and the medicines in our pipeline, and particularly those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis' forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 , and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC. Copies of these and other documents are available at www.Ionis.com . Ionis Pharmaceuticals® and TRYNGOLZATM are trademarks of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ionis Investor Contact: D. Wade Walke , Ph.D. info@ionis.com 760-603-2331 Ionis Media Contact: Hayley Soffer media@ionis.com 760-603-4679 View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tryngolza-olezarsen-approved-in-us-as-first-ever-treatment-for-adults-living-with-familial-chylomicronemia-syndrome-as-an-adjunct-to-diet-302336747.html SOURCE Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

‘Stay Consistent’SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Damari Monsanto's 22 points helped UTSA defeat Southwestern Adventist 117-58 on Thursday. Monsanto added six rebounds for the Roadrunners (6-5). Sky Wicks scored 20 points while shooting 8 for 12, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds and three steals. Amir "Primo" Spears shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line to finish with 16 points. Domonique Wilkins and Orlando Gooden each scored 19 points for Southwestern Adventist. Jason Garcia had 13 points, four assists and two steals. Monsanto led his team in scoring with 16 points in the first half to help put them up 61-24 at the break. UTSA extended its lead to 87-38 during the second half, fueled by a 13-3 scoring run. Wicks scored a team-high 10 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

President Joe Biden's administration is urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilisation laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. Also Read: Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range missiles: U.S. official A senior Biden administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private consultations, said Wednesday (November 27, 2024) that the outgoing Democratic administration wants Ukraine to lower the mobilisation age to 18 from the current age of 25 to help expand the pool of fighting-age men available to help a badly outnumbered Ukraine in its nearly three-year-old war with Russia. The official said "the pure math" of Ukraine's situation now is that it needs more troops in the fight. Currently, Ukraine is not mobilising or training enough soldiers to replace its battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military, the official added. The White House has pushed more than USD 56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia's February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. But with time running out, the Biden White House is also sharpening its viewpoint that Ukraine has the weaponry it needs and now must dramatically increase its troop levels if it's going to stay in the fight with Russia. The official said the Ukrainians believe they need about 1,60,000 additional troops, but the US administration believes they probably will need more than that. More than 1 million Ukrainians are now in uniform, including the National Guard and other units. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been hearing concerns from allies in other Western capitals as well that Ukraine has a troop level problem and not an arms problem, according to European officials who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomatic conversations. The European allies have stressed that the lack of depth means that it may soon become untenable for Ukraine to continue to operate in Russia's Kursk border region. The situation in Kursk has become further complicated by the arrival of thousands of North Korean troops, who have come to help Moscow try to claw back the land seized in a Ukrainian incursion this year. The stepped-up push on Ukraine to strengthen its fighting ranks comes as Ukraine braces for President-elect Donald Trump to take office on Jan. 20. The Republican said he would bring about a swift end to the war and has raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the vital US military support for Ukraine. "There are no easy answers to Ukraine's serious manpower shortage, but lowering the draft age would help," said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "These are obviously difficult decisions for a government and society that has already endured so much due to Russia's invasion." Ukraine has taken steps to broaden the pool of draft-eligible men, but the efforts have only scratched the surface against a much larger Russian military. In April, Ukraine's parliament passed a series of laws, including one lowering its draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25, aimed at broadening the universe of men who could be called on to join the grinding war. Those laws also did away with some draft exemptions and created an online registry for recruits. They were expected to add about 50,000 troops, far short of what Zelenskyy said at the time was needed. Mr. Zelenskyy has consistently stated that he has no plans to lower the mobilization age. A senior Ukrainian official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ukraine does not have enough equipment to match the scale of its ongoing mobilization efforts. The official said Ukrainian officials see the push to the lower the draft age as part of an effort by some Western partners to deflect attention from their own delays in providing equipment or belated decisions. The official cited as an example the delay in giving Ukraine permission to use longer-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. The Ukrainians do not see lowering the draft age to recruit more soldiers as a substitute for countering Russia's advantage in equipment and weaponry, the official said. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine throughout the war. Russia's own problems with adequate troop levels and planning early in the war prevented Moscow from taking full advantage of its edge. But the tide has shifted and the U.S. says the Ukrainian shortage can no longer be overlooked. Some Ukrainians have expressed worry that further lowering the minimum conscription age and taking more young adults out of the workforce could backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy. The senior Biden administration official added that the administration believes that Ukraine can also optimise its current force by more aggressively dealing with soldiers who desert or go absent without leave. Published - November 28, 2024 03:41 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Russia-Ukraine Crisis / Ukraine / USA

Rutgers looks to pick up steam in clash vs. Seton HallTORONTO, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edesa Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq:EDSA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing host-directed therapeutics for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today reported financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 and provided an update on its business. During the fiscal year, the company pivoted the in-house development of its anti-TLR4 drug candidate, EB05 (paridiprubart), to a U.S. government-funded study investigating novel threat-agnostic host-directed therapeutics in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Given this opportunity, Edesa is also amending a development and drug manufacturing project for the same asset that is supported by the Government of Canada. The company said that the goal is to maximize synergies between the two government-funded projects. For its anti-CXCL10 program, Edesa intends to manufacture EB06 and submit related data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of an investigational new drug (IND) application. The manufacturing of clinical-grade drug batches and initiation of the patient enrollment is subject to funding. Edesa anticipates topline results for this Phase 2 study could be available within as few as 12 to 18 months following regulatory clearance in the U.S. The study is currently approved in Canada. “This year, Edesa maintained its momentum despite the headwinds in the drug development sector, and we once again validated our TLR4 technology with a third competitive government award,” said Par Nijhawan, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Edesa Biotech. “I have maintained my strategic support financially and I believe that our team can continue to advance and expand our development pipeline and partnerships.” Edesa's Chief Financial Officer Stephen Lemieux reported that financial results for the fiscal year benefited from prudent use of working capital and effective financial management, including a more than 20% decrease in operating expenses. “Following the end of the fiscal year, we strengthened our balance sheet, and with two governments now funding the advancement of our anti-TLR4 technology, we have improved our position for future financing, potential strategic arrangements as well as other opportunities to advance our pipeline.” Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024 Total operating expenses decreased by $2.2 million to $7.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.2 million for the prior year: Research and development expenses decreased by $1.9 million to $2.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to $4.8 million for the prior year primarily due to decreased external research expenses related to the company’s completed dermatitis study and a reduction in labor costs and noncash share-based compensation, which were partially offset by an increase in expenses related to manufacturing of paridiprubart. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.3 million to $4.1 million for year ended September 30, 2024 compared to $4.4 million for the prior year primarily due to a decrease in noncash share-based compensation, which was partially offset by an increase salaries and related costs. Total other income was unchanged at $0.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 as a $0.1 million increase in reimbursement funding from the Canadian government's Strategic Innovation Fund was offset by a $0.1 million decrease in interest income. For the year ended September 30, 2024, Edesa reported a net loss of $6.2 million, or $1.93 per common share, compared to a net loss of $8.4 million, or $2.93 per common share, for the year ended September 30, 2023. Working Capital At September 30, 2024, Edesa had cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million and negative working capital of $0.2 million. Subsequent to the fiscal year end, the company received $1.5 million in gross proceeds under a securities purchase agreement with an entity affiliated with Edesa’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder, and $0.6 million in net proceeds, after deducting sales agent commissions, from common shares sold under an at-the-market offering program. Calendar Edesa management plans to participate in one-on-one meetings during JP Morgan week, which begins on January 13, 2025, in San Francisco, California. Attendees interested in meeting with management can request meetings through the conference organizers or by contacting Edesa directly at investors@edesabiotech.com . About Edesa Biotech, Inc. Edesa Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: EDSA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative ways to treat inflammatory and immune-related diseases. Its clinical pipeline is focused on two therapeutic areas: Medical Dermatology and Respiratory. In Medical Dermatology, Edesa is developing EB06, an anti-CXCL10 monoclonal antibody candidate, as therapy for vitiligo, a common autoimmune disorder that causes skin to lose its color in patches. Its medical dermatology assets also include EB01 (1.0% daniluromer cream), a Phase 3-ready asset developed for use as a potential therapy for moderate-to-severe chronic Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), a common occupational skin condition. The company’s most advanced Respiratory drug candidate is EB05 (paridiprubart), which is being evaluated in a U.S. government-funded platform study as a treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening form of respiratory failure. The EB05 program has been the recipient of two funding awards from the Government of Canada to support the further development of this asset. In addition to EB05, Edesa is preparing an investigational new drug application (IND) in the United States for EB07 (paridiprubart) to conduct a future Phase 2 study in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Sign up for news alerts . Connect with us on X and LinkedIn . Edesa Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "might," "potential," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions, including statements related to: Edesa’s ability to pivot the in-house development of its anti-TLR4 drug candidate; the company’s plans to amend its contribution agreement with the Government of Canada; the company’s goal to maximize synergies between two government-funded projects; Edesa plans to manufacture EB06 and submit related data to the FDA as part of an IND application; the company’s plans to manufacture clinical-grade drug and initiate patient enrollment; the company’s plans to finance clinical and manufacturing activities; the company’s estimate that topline results for its Phase 2 vitiligo study could be available within as few as 12 to 18 months following regulatory clearance; the company’s belief that in 2024 it maintained its momentum despite the headwinds in the drug development sector and once again validated its TLR4 technology with a third competitive government award; the company’s belief that its team can continue to advance and expand its development pipeline and partnerships; the company’s belief that its fiscal year financial results benefited from prudent use of working capital and effective financial management; the company’s belief that with two governments funding the advancement of its anti-TLR4 technology, it has improved its position for future financing, potential strategic arrangements and alternatives as well as other opportunities to advance its pipeline; and the company's timing and plans regarding its clinical studies in general. Readers should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as all such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such risks include: the ability of Edesa to obtain regulatory approval for or successfully commercialize any of its product candidates, the risk that access to sufficient capital to fund Edesa's operations may not be available or may be available on terms that are not commercially favorable to Edesa, the risk that Edesa's product candidates may not be effective against the diseases tested in its clinical trials, the risk that Edesa fails to comply with the terms of license agreements with third parties and as a result loses the right to use key intellectual property in its business, Edesa's ability to protect its intellectual property, the timing and success of submission, acceptance and approval of regulatory filings, and the impacts of public health crises. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the company's ability to control or predict. For a discussion of further risks and uncertainties related to Edesa's business, please refer to Edesa's public company reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the British Columbia Securities Commission. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, Edesa assumes no obligation to update such statements.Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart has quietly put together one of the best seasons by a defensive player in college football this season amid his team's ongoing offensive struggles. The Wolverines outside linebacker has routinely placed at or near the top of all edge rushers in the sport this season while doing his best to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard. Stewart helped lead Michigan to a 13-10 victory on Saturday, but it wasn't all good news for the senior from the Bronx, New York as he revealed two things that he says happened to him after the conclusion of Michigan's upset win. Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) looks on as Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) and Michigan Wolverines defensive end Josaiah Stewart (0) celebrate after the Buckeyes turned over on downs sealing a 13-10 win for the Wolverines. Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch "Got maced, beer thrown at my face hit by a fan all in 5 min what a state," Stewart said with a laughing and crying emoji and the hashtag '2-0' after his second career win vs. the Buckeyes coming on the heels of last season's in Ann Arbor. The post was viewed over 329,000 times as of early Saturday evening as fans and commentators alike continued to piece together what happened at Ohio Stadium between the No. 2 Buckeyes and their arch rivals from the Wolverine State. Stewart has since deleted the tweet. Michigan lost the yardage battle 252 to 234 to the Buckeyes but outrushed them by a final count of 172 to 77, a key factor in their historic win at the Horseshoe. Related: Gus Johnson Throws Shade at Michigan, Sherrone Moore After Win vs. Ohio State

CHANGES NECESSARY?

The Chicago Bears will have a tough task defensively going up against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football in Week 15. A large reason why the Vikings have jumped out to an impressive 11-2 record through 14 weeks is because of the play of Kevin O'Connell's offense and the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold . The recipe of their success has been the elite pass catching options the team has been deploying on offense all season long. Shutting down the Vikings offense on Monday starts with containing wide receiver Justin Jefferson . Through 13 weeks, Jefferson trails only Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase in receiving yards and continues to take the top off of opposing defenses on a weekly basis. As good as he is in terms of his statistical production, just his presence alone makes things incredibly difficult to defend against. Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the National Football League and his presence is arguably more important than anything else he does Link ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/D8GyChMbpl "He's a problem. I don't think anybody necessarily has a true answer to how to stop elite players," Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown said on Thursday . "I'm not going to act like we have some magical formula, because there isn't one. Owning those matchups, winning one on one battles, but also the mix of coverage is gonna be a big part when it comes to how to try to keep those guys off balance... "Anytime you talk about the passing game, the more you can compact the front and affect the quarterback, that obviously negates what a receiver can do. I think understanding how to mix up coverage is also effective. Quarterback is going to be a big part of trying to slow [Jefferson] down, but he's the true problem." Having a gameplan for Jefferson is good and all, until you start turning the attention away from the Vikings' other weapons in the passing game. And that's something the Bears learned the hard way the last time these two teams faced off in Week 12. The Bears held Jefferson to two receptions for 27 yards but watched as Jordan Addison went for 162 yards and a touchdown and tight end T.J. Hockenson added another 114 yards on seven receptions himself. Addison, coming off a game where he totaled 133 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns, will be just as important to hold in check as Jefferson will be. "He's almost a clone of Jefferson," defensive coordinator Eric Washington said on Friday . "Great speed, possession receiver, understands the open areas in specific coverage concepts, how to create separation. So, very similar skillset to Jefferson and he's become a reliable target for Sam Darnold ." No one really personally knows how dangerous Addison can be on the field than his former quarterback at USC, who will be leading the team on the other sideline. At USC, Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and Addison connected 59 times for 875 yards and 8 TDs during Williams' Heisman-winning 2022 season. "I mean, if you watch, he's explosive. He's not the largest human, but he still plays like he's 6'5 and he'll go up and get the ball in traffic," Williams said about Addison . "All these different all these different things. It comes down to his detail and his routes. And, you know, I think he's, if not the best, one of the best, that I've played with at route running and getting open and things like that." Clearly, the Bears' secondary are in for a tall task on Monday night coming off a game where they allowed 321 passing yards. It was a poor performance from the team on an execution standpoint caused by miscommunication and a change in play-callers. After firing head coach Matt Eberflus, Washington took over defensive play-calling duties and was in charge of calling the secondary and the rest of the defense for the first time since the preseason. "I'm not going to put forth any theories or anything that sounds like an excuse. We fell short," Washington explained. "And that can't be. We have to go out and do what we have to do on our side to support the cause of winning a football game." The last time these two teams faced off, the defense was the final unit on the field to lose the game after giving up 83-yards on 10 plays. A drive that ended with a game-winning field goal in overtime. After reviewing that loss and last week's performance, the unit will be looking to go out on Monday with a higher level of purpose. We'll see if it pays off this time around. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada protest on the three year anniversary of the launch of the Phoenix pay system, in Ottawa, on Feb. 28, 2019. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press David Clement and Eglė Markevičiūtė are the North American Affairs Manager and the Head of Digital and Innovation Policy at the Consumer Choice Center. Shared Services Canada is currently in the process of procuring commercially available public cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), to support its operations across different aspects of the federal government. This procedure is standard for the most digitally advanced governments around the world who, like Canada, aim to centralize IT infrastructure, reduce reliance on legacy systems and incorporate the most up-to-date cloud services. The goal is to ensure easier and more secure access to government services. This is desperately important and needed in Canada, because Canada has been lagging behind most developed countries due to its decentralized administrative nature and lack of digitalization of end-to-end public services. Canada currently ranks 47th out of 193 countries in the UN’s Global E-Government Development Index , trailing most European Union countries and the United States, which ranks 19th. Good things aside about the need for action, the devil is in the details. The agency’s tender website says the estimated contract period will be 300 months, or 25 years, which is problematic. Given Ottawa’s track record on tech vendors, such as ArriveCan and the Phoenix payroll system, contracts that stretch on for more than two decades are a recipe for disaster. ArriveCan, which was originally projected to cost $80,000, quickly ballooned to an estimated $59.5-million . The bill for Phoenix, went from $300-million in 2016 to $3.5-billion and counting in just 8 years. Now imagine the prospect of these boondoggles extending on for 25 years and that is the table Ottawa is setting with contract periods of 300 months. And beyond the costs, pigeonholing cloud services for such a long time runs the risk of Ottawa consistently falling behind as certain technologies advance. Just think about how many government institutions still use a fax machine, despite the fact that the technology expired long ago. Procuring cloud services is never an easy task, as it requires substantial financial and human-resource commitments. However, most digitally advanced countries are becoming increasingly cautious about IT contractual practices and obligations in a few notable ways. First, it is best to employ a process that is flexible regarding specific vendors. The EU, for example, is working to reduce its dependency on specific vendors via the EU Data Act. Actions by local competition authorities are making sure both businesses and government agencies have a possibility to switch between vendors and avoid costly vendor lock-ins. Second, while specific financial or time-related caps for IT public procurement are generally unsustainable and impractical, government agencies around the world are careful to commit to longer-period contracts, acknowledging technology is changing quickly, as are government needs. Not putting all of one’s eggs in one basket is practical. The most digitally advanced governments in the world aim for shorter contract periods with provisions for possible extensions, allowing agencies to adjust the duration based on evolving needs and technological advancements. On top of that, in these more dynamic jurisdictions, government agencies are encouraged to regularly assess their procurement contracts to ensure alignment with their needs and technological standards, which prevents contracts from becoming outdated or unnecessarily prolonged. These are lessons Canada should learn from before potentially making decades-long commitments that are bound to run up enormous costs and fail to provide.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Damari Monsanto's 22 points helped UTSA defeat Southwestern Adventist 117-58 on Thursday. Monsanto added six rebounds for the Roadrunners (6-5). Sky Wicks scored 20 points while shooting 8 for 12, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds and three steals. Amir "Primo" Spears shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line to finish with 16 points. Domonique Wilkins and Orlando Gooden each scored 19 points for Southwestern Adventist. Jason Garcia had 13 points, four assists and two steals. Monsanto led his team in scoring with 16 points in the first half to help put them up 61-24 at the break. UTSA extended its lead to 87-38 during the second half, fueled by a 13-3 scoring run. Wicks scored a team-high 10 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .