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Hurricanes visit the Panthers in Eastern Conference action

Canucks visit the Red Wings after shootout winALTOONA — Down to its final shot on fourth-and-3 in the red zone, trailing Pittsburgh Central Catholic with less than a minute left, there was still never much doubt as to whether or not Harrisburg was capable of extending its season. After all, the Cougars were written off time and time again this year. And while that last shot ended in an intercepted pass by Chrys Black Jr. from Jaiyon Lewis, the entirety of the PIAA Class 6A semifinal was a microcosm of Harrisburg’s 2024 season. The Cougars never held a lead at Mansion Park Stadium on Saturday, but they didn’t exactly go away quietly, either. • Sign up for PennLive’s daily high school sports newsletter Playing from behind all afternoon, closing the gap here and there, the Cougars were nipping at the heels every minute. When the Vikings threw a punch, Harrisburg took it and offered one back. But Pittsburgh Central Catholic was the one left standing when the final bell rang, a 38-33 win to punch its ticket to the PIAA 6A Championship. “It’s tough right now just trying to digest everything. But at the end of the day, I’m proud of my guys,” Cougars coach Calvin Everett said. “We fought through a lot of adversity all season long. We fought through a lot of adversity throughout the duration of this football game, and we just fought and fought and fought and never gave up.” Everett coached his program to its fourth consecutive District 3 6A title, but it might’ve been his hardest path yet. With All-State quarterback and safety Shawn Lee Jr. ruled ineligible mere days before the start of the season , being dealt a 45-7 drubbing by La Salle College to open the campaign and four-star offensive tackle Kevin Brown suffering a Jones fracture right after that sidelined him from Week 2 to the District 3 6A semifinals, it was blow after blow for Harrisburg. The Vikings, too, dealt blows of their own on Saturday. Senior quarterback Jy’Aire Walls threw 7-of-15 for 91 yards, connecting with Max Roman and Penn State recruit Xxavier Thomas on scoring connections of 25 and 23 yards respectively, while adding a pair of rushing touchdowns. Elijah Faulkner set the tone early with a 42-yard rushing touchdown to go up 6-0 in the first quarter. The biggest blow, though, was a 10-point swing in the third frame, and one that in the end, proved to be just too much to recover from. “Always remember the losses more than the wins,” Brown said. “Especially last year when we lost to North Allegheny (in the PIAA 6A semifinals), I pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible and next year, no doubt I’m going to do the same.” Along with Brown, Harrisburg tapped into the rest of its deep well of junior starpower to claw back against Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Four-star Penn State pledge Messiah Mickens took 18 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns. His second score came on a 15-yard run up the gut to chop the Cougars’ deficit, 21-14 with 4:57 to go before halftime. Jaiyon Lewis, who since filled in as the Cougars’ starting quarterback in place of Lee Jr., threw 14-of-24 for 298 yards and a pair of touchdowns to one interception, adding another 68 yards and a rushing touchdown on 15 keepers. And with 6:37 left in a need-to-have-it moment, Elias Coke extended for a 30-yard touchdown reception in the back of the end zone to cut the game within five points. It’s a junior class that wields three players — Coke, Brown and Mickens — in the ESPN Junior 300, just three of nine players in Pennsylvania’s Class of 2026 on the list. But their dynamic extends beyond themselves, and their leadership was contagious in the locker room.” “The chemistry. Whether it be on the field, off the field, we had crazy chemistry,” Brown said. “Even if I was on the bench, we were still together. This last game tore us apart, but it is what it is. We’ll get back in the lab.” Like Harrisburg’s moments in the PIAA 6A semifinal, the Cougars had them aplenty in the rollercoaster that was 2024. Winning the Battle of the Burg over Bishop McDevitt in the return to one of Pennsylvania’s greatest rivalry after seven years removed was the first. A 7-6 thriller with State College featuring a winning field goal block was the next. A six-game win streak and hoisting the program’s fourth consecutive District 3 6A trophy are other punches the Cougars threw back. But when it’s all said and done, today’s juniors will be next year’s leaders. And Everett, echoing Brown’s words, hopes his crew remembers what they felt in Altoona these past two years as they enter their final ride through varsity. “We just have to remember this and we just have to learn from it,” Everett said. “That’s the biggest thing, you have to learn from it.” Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. – Follow Evan Wheaton on X/Twitter @EvanWheaton ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Inside the 2024 Game Awards: What Geoff Keighley and Co. Have Planned for Big 10th Anniversary ShowOur Experts CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Our Picks CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. CNET doesn't do full, in-depth reviews of ski equipment, with more ski gear going high-tech -- and mingling with the high-tech gear we carry day to day -- over the last several years we've highlighted some of the more innovative ski gear and ski accessories. Various categories include best action cams for skiers, best audio accessories for skiers, best phone accessories for skiers and more standard ski accessories like helmets and goggles. Many of the products in this roundup are battery-powered, but not everything has a power component to it. In some cases, we've included items that have high-tech materials or cutting-edge designs. I'll be updating this feature with new high-tech ski gear and accessories as I hear about them and test them out. Best action cams for skiers GoPro's latest flagship camera, the Hero 13 Black, isn't that different from the Hero 12 Black -- or the Hero 11 or the 10 Black for that matter. It has improved in a few key ways from its predecessors. Josh Goldman, our resident action-cam tester, says that while many of the shooting options and other features have remained the same, some design changes have been made to accommodate a new battery, a new mount option and most importantly, new add-on accessories that enhance the camera's versatility. These include a new Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($100), Anamorphic Lens Mod ($130) and a special battery door called Contacto ($80) that has magnetic pogo pins and a USB-C cable that snaps onto it. It lets you continuously power the camera via its magnetic link -- with or without a battery in the camera. Read our full hands-on first take of the GoPro Hero 13 Black to get the skinny on all the new changes. GoPro makes a lightweight, compact action cam called the Hero ($200), but its video quality and feature set leave something to be desired. So when it comes to mini action cams, we prefer the Insta360 Go 3S. Unlike the Insta360 X4, this model doesn't do 360-degree video and has only one lens. The camera is tiny (it weighs only 37 grams) and comes with a few different accessories, including one that allows you to clip the camera. Also included is sort of a docking station (Insta360 calls it an "action pod") with an integrated flip-up LCD. Not only do you charge the camera in the dock but you can view what you're filming on the LCD (the camera and dock link wirelessly). The Go 3S is fully waterproof while the action pod is IPX4 splash-proof. Battery life is rated at up to 140 minutes. The only downside is that the battery isn't removable or replaceable. As with the X4, there's an Insta360 companion app for iOS and Android (as well as a desktop PC app) that allows you to edit videos right on your phone and the app has gotten more capable and easier to use over time. At first glance, the Insta360 X4, a small, waterproof 360 camera that creates immersive 360 videos and photos, doesn't look all that different from its predecessor, the X3. But it does feature a few important improvements, including a larger screen (TK), better battery life (up to 135 minutes instead of 81 minutes) and the ability to shoot 8K video at 30fps (up from 5.7K video at 30fps). You can shoot with a dual lens to create 360 content or a single lens for more traditional action cam shots. A companion app for iOS and Android (as well as a desktop PC app) allows you to edit videos right on your phone and the app has gotten more capable and easier to use over time. Insta360 sells ski and snowboard bundles that include an "invisible" selfie stick, lens guard and lens cap for around $500 (sometimes it sells for less during flash sales). Josh Goldman, CNET's action cam guru, thinks the Akaso Brave 7 LE is a very good value because it delivers good 4K video for less than $120 and it has a front display. The body is water-resistant, but along with a variety of mounts, two batteries, a charger and a wrist remote, Akaso includes a dive housing good to 40 meters (131 feet). A touchscreen on the back lets you tap your way through its simple interface to change modes and camera settings. A long press on the Mode button on top lets you switch to the front display so you can see yourself while you shoot. As for picture quality, you'll want to keep this budget action camera set to 4K30 with the image stabilization and video quality set to high for the best results. Also, while it offers a solid mix of resolutions and frame rates, not all of them have image stabilization -- including 1080p120 for slow motion. Best audio accessories for skiers The Aleck 006 earpieces slip into your helmet and can be used as wireless headphones for listening to music or as a headset for making calls. They offer decent sound, but what makes them even more useful is if you link multiple Aleck 006 together and set up what amounts to a walkie-talkie system among friends or family members. With real-time GPS tracking in the Aleck Go app for iOS and Android, you can also map the location of everyone in your party. You'd think that more companies would have made Bluetooth headphones that slip inside your helmet, but Outdoor Technology is one of the few that does (some Chinese companies like Outdoor Master have gotten into the game in the last couple of years). Their appeal has waned now that true wireless earbuds have come along, but the Chips are now on their third generation with upgraded Bluetooth 5.2 and up to 13 hours of battery life -- 3 hours more than what you get with the Chips 2.0, which can be had for around $90 or $40 less. How it works is you charge up the Chips and slide them into the earflaps on your helmet (they should work with most helmets). You want to make sure that no excess padding in your helmet is covering the Chips or else they'll get muffled and you'll lose some volume; you want them as close to your ears as possible. Like with their predecessor, I thought the sound quality was decent for Bluetooth, but not great. It's nice to be able to stick your helmet on and have the headphones built-in with no wires to worry about. Battery life is rated at 10 hours, and the Chips are sweat- and water-resistant but not waterproof. Outdoor Technology also sells the Chips Ultra , a true-wireless version of the Chips that costs more (about $158). I don't think the Ultras are worth the money. Truth be told, in some ways, I like Sony's new LinkBuds Fit better than its flagship WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling earbuds. While they don't sound quite as good or have noise-canceling that's quite on par with those buds, they're lightweight (4.9 grams) and fit my ears comfortably and securely (they're small enough to fit under the earbuds of a helmet). Part of that is due to Sony's new Air Fitting Supporters, but it's also redesigned its ear tips and included a wide range of sizes, including XL tips that fit my ears well. Despite being a slight step down from the WF-1000XM5s for performance, their sound quality, noise canceling and call-quality performance are all very good. They also have built-in voice controls. Read our hands-on first take . SCORE Jabra bills the Elite 8 Active as the "world's toughest earbuds," and based on our tests (they survived several drops without a scratch), that may very well be true. There are two new color options, the Gen 2 model doesn't look any different from the original, but it includes an LE Audio smart case, allowing wireless streaming from any device with USB-C or 3.5mm port (I tested it with inflight entertainment and it worked well, with no audio lag). The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 also features enhanced spatial sound powered by Dolby Audio "for a better music experience," enhanced Natural HearThrough for better awareness when outdoors, and improved noise-canceling performance. With this Gen 2 upgrade to its Elite 8 Active and its semi-open Elite 10 buds, Jabra seems to have once again hit its stride with its earbuds line. Alas, Jabra's parent company, GN, recently announced that it's decided to gradually wind down the Jabra Elite product line . Jabra will continue to support its Elite buds for the foreseeable future, but buyers should be aware of this development. Until then, make sure you enjoy some of the best true wireless earbuds on the market. Wearable ski coach Private lessons have gotten really expensive, so why not get a virtual one? Carv is a digital ski coach that combines some hardware that you attach to your boots with app (iOS or Android) that delivers real-time feedback about how you're skiing. For 2024, Carv has redesigned its hardware so you now just wear a pair of sensors that attach to your boot rather than having to insert footbeds inside your boot, which created boot fit problems for some people. I tried the old version and liked it. You not only get feedback and analysis on the quality of your turns but Carv's scoring system encourages you to make better, faster turns as part of a fun gamification process. Carv has moved to a subscription model that makes the hardware free, but requires you to purchase an add-on subscription for $250 a year (Carv will send the new hardware to anyone with the old hardware). That's still a lot less than what a single full-day private lesson would cost you at most resorts -- at least in the US. What's also new is that with the new sensors, Carv can now track your turns in a variety of conditions, including powder and bumps. Previously, the system was only designed to evaluate turns on groomed runs. Top high-tech helmets for skiers Helmets with integrated lens shields or goggles have become popular in Europe in recent years, and Giro makes one of the best ones with its Orbit helmet that also comes in a version for women called the Aria (it looks very similar but has different colored trim elements). While these types of helmets tend to be expensive, they're good for people who wear glasses or just like the convenience of eye protection integrated into a helmet design -- you can rotate the articulating "shield" up onto the helmet or tilt it down over your face. It's also worth noting that the large Vivid lens (with optics by Zeiss) provides a very wide field of view. Unlike some shields that have an open design at the bottom, this one has a foam liner and is designed to sit on your face like goggles, though the seal isn't quite as tight as a typical pair of goggles. There's good ventilation and the helmet is very comfortable to wear, with a Polartec Power Grid padded lining that helps with moisture management. Like many of Giro's helmets, this one also incorporates the company's custom Spherical MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection) technology. The included lens shield is designed to work well in a variety of conditions, and is replaceable for $333. It does a very good job staying fog-free on nonstorm days, but I can't guarantee that it won't fog at times on big snow days, which can be challenging for most goggles (particularly if you wear glasses or prescription lens inserts with your goggles). It's an excellent helmet overall. Smith makes a lot of ski helmets, so it's always hard to choose which one to get. In the past, I've highlighted Smith's high-end Vantage helmet, which has a visor. The Method Pro is a lighter helmet and ostensibly designed for free riders, but it's just fine for mainstream skiers and fit my head comfortably. Available in 5 color options, you get adjustable ventilation, a self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit System that helps you get a snug, "custom" fit (it's similar to the BOA FS360 fit system but maybe not quite as good) and zonal Koroyd coverage in a section of the helmet toward the back of your head. Koroyd inserts look like a honeycomb with circular (not hexagonal) cylinders. The high-tech material is made of lightweight, eco-friendly polymer extruded tubes that are thermally welded together to form a strong layer of protection that also allows for good airflow. Last but not least, there's a Wayfinder strap system featuring Fidlock that's basically a quick-release magnetic system that makes it easier to open and close the strap. The helmet only comes in an MIPS version , which offers increased protection. In an MIPS Brain Protection System, the shell and liner are separated by a low-friction layer that "allows the helmet to slide relative to the head." Also worth noting is that like most ski helmets the ear pads have a slot for adding helmet speakers. POC calls its Calyx helmet its first "triple-certified" helmet, saying it'll protect you whether you're skiing, mountaineering or cycling and meets "strict safety standards across three different categories of tests." It looked and felt pretty much like a ski helmet to me, and while it's not as light as some bike helmets, it's fairly lightweight yet felt quite solid and durable. Available in multiple color options, the Calyx features a dual-density EPS liner to "give extra protection in the zones it is needed most" and a 360-degree fit system that can also be tucked fully inside the helmet to reduce the space the helmet uses in your luggage. The ear pads are removable, which you'd expect given that the helmet is designed to be worn in both cold and warm weather. Giro says the "modern profile" of its Jackson helmet, which comes in multiple color options, utilizes the new Passive Aggressive Venting system that's "inspired by the aerodynamic airflow of high-end autos." Well, it's a good-looking helmet and also pretty lightweight and comfortable while offering MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection) technology. It doesn't have the company's upgraded Spherical MIPS technology found in its Emerge helmet ($150), this model has Giro's Form 2 Fit system that allows you to dial in the fit of the helmet (it's similar to Smith's dial-in fit), which allowed me to get a more snug fit. The Emerge uses the company's Stash Fit system which allows you to remove or add layers of padding to customize your fit. Both the Emerge and the Jackson are designed for maximum compatibility with Giro goggles, but they work just fine with other goggles. Best cell-phone accessories for skiers If you have one of the newer iPhones with USB-C charging or an Android smartphone with USB-C, the Mophie Powerstation Plus Mini is a relatively compact power bank with an integrated USB-C cable that offers 20-watt fast charging. The mini version has a 5,000 mAh battery that will fully recharge most smartphones at once. Mophie also makes a larger 10,000 mAh version that offers double the charging capacity, but it's a little bulky and costs more. Note that while you're charging the battery, you can also charge your device (the battery has pass-through charging). If you're looking for a new power bank for your new USB-C equipped iPhone 15, Anker's Nano Power Bank with an integrated foldable USB-C connector is an appealing choice -- and it also charges Android devices (or anything with a USB-C charging port). It's available in multiple color options. This 5,000mAh power bank weighs in at 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. It features 22.5 watts of fast charging power with the option to charge two devices at the same time if you plug a cable into the power bank's USB-C in/out charging port. (Charging two devices simultaneously divides the charging power in half, delivering 11.25 watts to each device.) The Nano Power Bank also comes in an older version with an integrated Lightning connector that delivers 12 watts of charging power. When your phone gets too cold its battery drains faster, and if it's really cold, it might shut off. That's where the Phoozy comes in. A simple sleeve or "capsule" for smartphones, the Phoozy has a Chromium Thermal Barrier Shell and SpaceTech Penetration Layer, as well as a bit of velcro to keep it closed at the top. That will help keep your phone warm on extra cold days and help preserve battery life. It will also keep your phone from overheating. Phoozy pouches now come in a few different versions and sizes and start at $33. Just make sure to get one that's big enough to hold your phone. If you're looking for a beefier portable battery option, Anker's 10,000-mAh Nano Power Bank is one of the better values out there, with an integrated USB-C cable. It's not huge but it's certainly on the larger side and can be used to charge multiple devices (along with the USB-C cable, there are also USB-C and USB-A out ports). The battery charges your devices at up to 30 watts. I also appreciated the LCD that shows precisely how much battery life is available. What's cool about Anker's 622 magnetic battery is that it's a wireless battery that has an integrated magnetic flap that converts into a stand. You won't get fast wireless charging from this 5,000-mAh battery (it charges at a rate of up to 7.5 watts), but it's slim and easy to carry around. It charges via USB-C and if you use a USB-C to Lightning cord to charge your iPhone, it will charge at a faster rate of 12 watts. That's not as fast as what a 20-watt USB-C power adapter can deliver, but it's faster than 7.5 watts. Top high-tech ski goggle options Smith makes a few different XL goggles with wide fields of view that also have enough room inside to wear your prescription glasses. The 4D MAG XL is the latest and greatest (I prefer it to the I/O MAG XL). It features Smith's MAG lens change system featuring -- you guessed it -- magnets that let you easily swap out lenses, as well as a 5x antifog inner lens with AirEvac Integration Technology that helps reduce fogging. The goggles come with two ChromoPop lenses. Smith also sells 4D MAG XL with a photochromic ChromoPop lens that adjusts their tint to the lighting conditions for an extra $30. Smith says its BirdsEye Vision "clarifies not just your line, but the riders in your periphery, increasing your field of view by 25%. These goggles sort of remind me of the large, "panoramic" windshield on the Tesla Model X. They're big, but it does open your world up a little more. While these are expensive, they do come with both a cloth storage case as well as a hard case like most high-end Smith goggles. If you're looking for smaller goggles, the Smith 4D MAG also comes in a standard size called the 4D MAG and a smaller version, the 4D MAG S (both the 4D MAG XL and 4D MAG come in low-bridge fit versions as well). They have the same features as this XL model but aren't over-the-glasses compatible. The 4D MAG XL has a 13% wider field of view than the standard 4D MAG. I hadn't tried Anon goggles until recently, but I found the company's high-end M5 Low Bridge Fit to be among the more comfortable, best-fitting ski goggles (the Low Bridge Fit refers to enhanced face foam that tapers to be 5-7mm thicker at the nose for a "gapless fit"). Anon says the M5 features a "flat-toric" lens shape, which combines "the best cylindrical and toric lens properties in a sleek, modern style." They do have a pretty wide field of view for their size (they're not XL goggles) and I liked how their lenses adhere magnetically and can be easily swapped out for a second lens, which is included. You just tug hard to pull the lens off the goggles. Aside from a second "bonus" lens, the goggle comes with a magnetic face mask that attaches to the bottom of the goggles and covers your nose while leaving the vents on the goggles exposed to allow for airflow and prevent fogging and maintain clarity (the system is called MFI or magnetic face mask integration). The M5 are well-designed goggles if you can afford them. Poc says its Nexal goggles (available in several different colors with multiple lens options) were inspired by racers' eyewear. They have no magnetic lens changing system or anything terribly fancy about them, but they do have a few notable features, including flexible frame outriggers that "give a closer fit with the helmet," Zygomatic bone covers (the frames and foam dip down a little to cover and protect your zygomatic bone ), triple-layer foam, adjustable ventilation (you can close the vents at the top of the goggles on snowy days) and Poc's Clarity lens, two of which come with the goggles. Poc says its Clarity lenses "adjust the color spectrum to sharpen the visual experience in specific environments and light conditions." It has a lens guide you can download to help you pick which ones to go with. I found the Nexal to be comfortable, very good performing goggles and the flexible frame outriggers did allow me to get a snugger fit with my helmet. The Marauder Elite is Spy's latest and greatest model of goggles that features 60% more venting over the similarly styled Spy Ace goggles (another highly vented model). That makes it "nearly impossible to fog," according to the company. They didn't fog on me during my limited testing, but I still need to put them through a wider variety of conditions to confirm that. The goggles' lenses adhere magnetically and can be easily swapped out (two lenses are included). These are over-the-glasses that are suitable for use with RX eyeglasses and have subtle notches in the temples to allow your glasses to fit better. Like Spy's other premium goggles, these feature the company's Happy lens tech, which it says is "scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness while optimizing color and contrast." They're a nice pair of goggles, and although they're expensive, Spy has been having trouble keeping them in stock. If you don't want to pay upward of $200 for a set of Smith I/O goggles, more affordable alternatives are available. This includes those from Colorado-based Glade , which prides itself on making goggles that offer similar or better performance than high-end models from other companies for a lot less. The big deal is its Adapt 2 goggles include a Photochromic Flux lens. This is a lens that changes colors according to the lighting conditions you experience. In other words, it's the chameleon of lenses, and typically photochromatic goggles cost a lot more. Bollé's Torus goggles come in a version with a standard lens for around $120 (or less), but I tried the step-up version with the company's high-contrast Volt lens, which is harder to find in stock. You get one lens with these goggles, but the Ice Blue Cat 3 lens (with a pink base tint) offers some flexibility in terms of what lighting conditions you can use it with. The goggles offer a wide field of view and good ventilation. Giro makes a couple of goggles in the $150 range, including the Method and Article. It describes the Method as having a "bold retro style" that's been advanced with "the most modern technology." It's a comfortable goggle with a wide field of view and good venting that helps keep the goggles fog-free in most conditions (I haven't met a goggle that's truly fog-free in all conditions). Like the more rounded Article goggles ($170), the Method uses Giro's Vivid lens with optics by Zeiss and a second lens is included. The Method is available in a few different color options. Zeal goggles have excellent optics and a wide field of view, and many feature the company's Rail Lock System that makes the lenses easy to change and the goggles easy to vent when you're in hiking mode. The base models with standard lenses are pretty affordable, ranging from $109 to $159. Things get more expensive when you move to the Automatic Plus GB lens, which is photochromic and changes quickly with the lighting and works in any conditions. Add that Automatic Plus lens and the price goes up to $279. I like the Portal XL (on the right), which also starts at $179 for the standard two-lens option. It has the widest field of view and is an OTG (over the glasses) type that allows you to wear glasses. The Hemisphere , starting at $109, has a spherical frame with upper and lower ventilation and triple-layer face foam and is available in a variety of lens options. It doesn't have an RLS system, but the lens quality is quite good for the price. High-tech ski gloves and glove liners I liked Eddie Bauer's earlier Guide Pro smart heated gloves and mitts, which used Clim8's heating system and were comfortable and cheaper than many heated gloves. Those gloves were released in 2022 and now we're seeing newer heated models like Gordini's Forge gloves that are powered by Clim8 technology. Like the Eddie Bauer gloves I tried, I like how comfortable the Forge gloves are and how their batteries have a rubber coating and seem better designed than some of the batteries I've seen in other heated gloves (they slip into the cuffs of the gloves, where the plugs live). I also appreciated that the gloves come with a soft carrying case to store the batteries and charger. On warmer days, you don't have to use the heating element. The gloves are equipped with Gore-Tex Plus Warm technology, so they're pretty warm without being plugged in. However, when the temps really dip, it certainly does help to have the extra heat. The gloves are Bluetooth-enabled, so you pair them with the Clim8 companion app for iOS and Android to control heat levels (for better or worse, there is no button on the gloves to adjust heat levels), calibrate the gloves and update the firmware if necessary. The gloves will automatically detect when your hands are in the gloves and you can set the gloves to automatically turn off after 300 seconds if they're not in use. The gloves also have sensors that adjust the heating if the temperature of your hands dips below a certain level based on the profile you set. I encountered a little wonkiness using the app and the left and right batteries tended to have unequal life, but everything worked fairly smoothly overall. These glove liners are equipped with Seirus' Kinetic heat return system that it says amplifies your body heat by 4 to 5 degrees and reflects it back to you for 20% more warmth. How warm your hands are will also depend on how warm the gloves that go over these are (they can be used as standalone gloves, but more for running in cold weather than skiing). Gordini's leather Cirque glove comes in a standard 5-finger version for men and women as well as a 3-finger version that I like. Available in four color options, the Cirque has a goatskin shell and trim (responsibly sourced from a certified Leather Working Group Partner, Gordini says) and a Primaloft synthetic lining that I found warm (on very cold days, you still might want to throw a hand warmer in the glove). Like a lot of premium gloves, these are equipped with leashes that attach to your wrists so your gloves stay attached to you. If you're looking for a little extra dexterity from your mittens, the Seirus Magne Mitt Heatwave Plus Soundtouch Summit might pique your interest. On the inside, you'll find a Seirus Heatwave Plus glove liner. On the outside, each mitt has a slit that is sealed magnetically and is easy to open with a tug to let your fingers out. The built-in liners do seem to help the warmth factor, and the mitt seems well-constructed and durable. I did find that it runs slightly small so you may want to size up if you fit a medium, for example, but can sometimes wear a large. They come in men's and women's versions, and there's also a step-down model, the Magne Mitt Heatwave Plus ST Ridge that uses less premium materials and costs $50 less. Outdoor Research says its Super Couloir Gore-Tex Sensor gloves were inspired "by the warmth and dexterity of ice climbing gloves." That actually sums them up pretty well. They're not only very warm (even without a powered heating element) but offer very good flexibility and comfort. Available in black or tapenade (pictured), they're among the best gloves out there right now and have a nice set of features, including a touchscreen-compatible Index and thumb, removable leash and a "split suede snot wipe." That may sound a little gross, it's something you want. This glove doesn't come in a women's version but Outdoor Research does sell plenty of women's gloves , including the Revolution 2 Gore-Tex. The Dakine Baron Gore-Tex Index is one of the warmer mitts I've tried, although it does run slightly small (if you're thinking about wearing a glove liner with it, you may want to size up). It has goat leather on the palms, a Gore-Tex waterproof insert and PrimaLoft Gold for insulation. This mitt also comes in a solid black color, as well as a trigger mitt version with a separate thumb and index finger. Seirus' flagship HeatTouch Hellfire gloves are available for $500 for men or women. The gloves haven't changed for a few years, but the battery was upgraded last year to a more slimmed-down version with increased battery life. At the low-heat setting, you can get up to 12 hours of battery life, with medium pegged at around 8 hours and high at 4 hours. It's also available in a mitten for $500 . Ski poles There hasn't been a whole lot of design innovation in the world of ski poles, but startup Yardsale is doing its best to shake things up with its modular ski poles and the accessories that go with them, including a GoPro mount. Last year, it launched with its P1 resort poles, and this year, it also has P2 backcountry poles along with "mini" kids poles. Yardsale poles have a few standout features, the first of which are magnets in the handles that keep the poles stuck together when you're carrying them around. Also, all the parts can easily be swapped in and out -- from the baskets (Yardsale sells two different kinds in various colors) to the straps, handles and shafts themselves, which are made out of aluminum and have a lifetime warranty (Yardsale just requires you to email its customer service team, recounting how you broke or bent a pole, and it will replace it for free). Finally, you can purchase special MagStrap quick-release straps that you leave on your gloves and conveniently clip into the handles and snap off should you take a hard fall. The more expensive backcountry P2 poles are length adjustable and do break down. You can convert them into resort poles by swapping out the handles, which come in several color options. The poles are on the pricey side but the lifetime warranty is appealing. Apres-ski accessories After a day of shredding, your body will certainly appreciate a little percussion massage gun action. There are plenty of options available, but we like the travel-friendly Theragun Mini 2.0 because it won't weigh your luggage down too much and is a great little massage gun for $199 that's surprisingly powerful for its size. The original Theragun Mini was already a compact massage gun, and the second-gen version, released in 2022, is 20% smaller and 30% lighter, weighing only a pound, and it has some additional upgrades too. This 2.0 model shifted to USB-C charging (the original used a proprietary charger) and added Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app on your iOS or Android device. You also get three foam attachments instead of just one -- the Standard Ball, the Thumb and Dampener. We named the original Hypervolt Go one of the best travel massage guns, and the upgraded Hypervolt Go 2 offers some small but notable improvements. The new features in the Hypervolt Go 2 include LED speed sensors, back button control and a battery-level LED band. The look has also changed. While the original Hypervolt Go is all black, the Go 2 now has an arctic-gray finish. The Hypervolt Go 2 also has improved the airflow and ventilation of the percussion gun. It remains lightweight, weighing in at 1.5 pounds, and has three speed settings along with Hyperice's patented QuietGlide technology which makes the massage gun nearly silent. Like the Go, it comes with two head attachments (flat and bullet). Sunglasses for skiing Lightweight and available in multiple color options, Smith's new unisex Venture sunglasses feature its Glacier Photochromic ChromoPop lenses that adapt their tint to match the light conditions and have "less sensitivity to temperature changes," according to Smith. The lenses also have anti-fog and hydroleophobic coatings and are generally quite sharp with nice contrast. Additionally, there are grippy temple and nose pads that help keep the glasses securely on your face. The side shields, which keep out wind and peripheral light, are removable, as is the nosepiece. The Venture comes with a nifty retainer strap along with a hard carry case. I found these medium-size sunglasses quite comfortable to wear, although they did fit more securely with the nose piece attached. Constructed from Grilamid, a lightweight but very durable frame material, the Spy Helm Tech sunglasses are a modern take on glacier sunglasses that include removable side shields so you can block both the sun and all the "haters" at the same time, according to the company (they turn into standard wayfarer sunglasses without the side shields). The sunglasses have hidden sweat channels in both the nose pads and inner temples for breathability and feature the company's Happy Tech lens tech that it says is "scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness while enhancing color and contrast." True or not, I will say they fit comfortably, the optics were very good and I was indeed happy using them. Smith's XC sunglasses are a retro remake from Smith's 1983/84 Collection and feature a flip-up lens and "heritage styling dating back to the original Smith cross-country sunglasses." The big modern upgrades here are Smith's ChromaPop lens technology which includes smudge and moisture-resistant coatings and megol nose pads to keep the glasses securely in place. The XC is available in five color options. This is Smith's goggles-sunglasses hybrid, the Wildcat ($209). Constructed with the same materials used in Smith goggles, the Wildcat glasses provide lots of eye coverage and good airflow but have the comfort of a more lightweight pair of sunglasses. The Wildcat sunglasses come with a bright-light ChromaPop lens and a secondary clear lens for flat-light overcast days and are available in three color options. They also make for good biking sunglasses. Top ski jackets Helly Hansen's Elevation Infinity 3.0 technical shell jacket features the company's LIFA Infinity Pro technology , it's waterproof, windproof yet breathable material that it says is the "first-to-market to be made entirely without added chemicals." Typically, waterproof jackets are chemically treated, but Helly Hansen says the Infinity's "everlasting water-repellent protection never needs to be reproofed with chemical treatment after use." For a shell jacket, it offers good flexibility and doesn't feel stiff. While it has a three-layer fabric construction and offers some warmth, it's not insulated so in very cold conditions you'd need to wear another jacket underneath it. The Elevation Infinity 3.0 comes in blue, gray or black, and, like other premium Helly ski jackets, also features its Life Pocket Plus, which uses Aerogel insulation to help keep your phone from getting too cold, thus preserving its battery. Note that since this is a 2023-24 model, not a 2024-25 model, it's being sold at a discount, and is a great value at its sale price. Year in and year out, Stio's Environ Jacket is one of its best-selling products and one of the better shells I've tested. Available in several color options along with a companion ski pant, Stio says it's revamped the Environ this year with "recycled fabric, improved fit and a host of features including a forearm RFID pass pocket, Cohaesive hood adjust and a re-engineered powder skirt." The jacket features Dermizax fabric that's highly waterproof yet offers good breathability while protecting you from the elements. It also has just the right amount of amply sized pockets, and it isn't too stiff. Like with all shells, on colder days, you'll want to wear a warm mid-layer or two under this jacket. The Environ is available in both men's and women's versions. Mountain Hardwear's Storm Whisperer jacket combines its popular lightweight and slim Ghost Whisper down-jacket with a waterproof exterior that incorporates Pertex Shield material that provides "lightweight waterproof protection while remaining highly breathable" (on the inside of the jacket there's 800-fill RDS-certified down insulation). Mountain Hardwear doesn't market this as a ski jacket per se, although it certainly fits the bill -- it's warm and cuts the wind well. On colder days, you may want to wear a thicker midlayer underneath it, but I did really like how light it was and easy to pack down. Awesome midlayers for skiers Available in a few color options, Mammut touts its Sender IN jacket as being fully made out of recycled materials, including its specialized synthetic fill that Mammut calls Loopinsulation, which is made of recycled rope scraps and is surprisingly warm. The Sender also has recycled wind- and water-repellent outer fabric (it's not fully waterproof) and has a smart look to it, making it a good pick to be worn around as an everyday jacket as well as a midlayer under a shell jacket (having a hood isn't ideal for midlayers but it worked just fine when I tried it). It's also available in a women's version. Made with recycled insulation, the Fireball Lite is a lightweight jacket that's relatively warm for how thin it is and also has stretch Thermo Grid side and underarm panels that allow for a more comfortable range of motion. It can be worn just as an outer layer (the integrated hood does help increase the warmth factor) and it's designed to be worn snugly so it runs a little small. That tightness makes it a good mid-layer to wear under a shell or parka on colder days. Available in five different color options, Outdoor Research's SuperStrand LT jacket features VerticalX SuperStrand synthetic insulation that's lightweight and packs down nicely. I've tried the SuperStrand LT Hoodie ($20 more), and the first thing you notice about it is that it's warmer than you'd think, it would be given how light it is. Outdoor Research says that the new VerticalX SuperStrand insulation technology is made of "super-insulating polyester strands which have the best properties of down and synthetic" and "use the air to maintain their high loft and hold in warmth." The jacket is also available in a women's version. Both are constructed of eco-friendly Bluesign-certified materials. Ibex, which is known for its high-tech merino wool garments, describes its Wool Aire Hoodie as having "backcountry performance with frontcountry style." Available in a few colors and both men's and women's options, it's a puffy jacket that's not all that puffy but is lightweight, comfortable (it has some stretch to it) and can be used as either a mid-layer on cold days or outer layer on not-so-cold days. It's constructed of eco-friendly Bluesign-certified materials and is wind- and water-resistant. Also worth noting: It packs up into its chest pocket, which makes it travel-friendly. Best packs for skiers Whether you're skinning up the mountain or just doing laps on high-speed lifts, the Mystery Ranch D-Route is a lightweight yet durable pack that has two main pockets and comes in a couple of nifty color options. It's also hydration reservoir-compatible. This product comes at the recommendation of CNET editor Justin Jaffe, who lives in New England. He writes: "As COVID surged again this winter, I've taken up alpine touring: skinning up a mountain and skiing down. The benefits are considerable -- you can often get by without a lift pass and it delivers a much more rewarding cardio workout than pure downhill skiing. This highly adjustable USWE backpack has become an essential tool for me, providing the right amount of space for gear as well as an insulated water bladder that has never once frozen up. And there is a strap and pocket for everything, from goggles to helmet to skis. Highly recommended." If you're looking for a very compact hydration pack with just enough room to fit some essential gear, the Camel Back Zoid is a good option, CamelBak also makes step-up packs that are larger, the Powerhound 12 and Snowblast 22. Satellite communicators Don't have a new iPhone with Emergency SOS ? Don't worry: Garmin sells standalone devices that offer similar emergency satellite communications for backcountry skiers. The new inReach Mini 2 has the same compact, lightweight form factor but adds additional features, including a more energy-efficient processor that greatly improves battery life (now up to 14 days of battery life, using default 10-minute tracking, and your location is sent to your MapShare page for friends and family to view), a higher-resolution display and user interface, as well as compatibility with Garmin's Explore app and some new navigation features. Garmin says that while most users will interact via their phones or paired Garmin devices, you can still send a check-in, read incoming messages, and reply with either a pre-canned QuickText or write a custom message from the device itself. You do need an active satellite subscription to use the inReach Mini 2, with basic annual plans starting at $12 a month or $15 for a single-month subscription. In 2022, Garmin released the InReach Messenger, which costs slightly less and has a monochrome display. Garmin says its InReach Messenger is "built for those who want a quick and easy way to reach friends and family when outside cellular coverage and provides seamless satellite communication either as a standalone device or when paired to the new Garmin Messenger companion app." It lists for $100 less than the inReach Mini 2 and is even more compact, weighing only 4 ounces. With a relatively affordable subscription plan, it provides global two-way texting, location sharing, SOS capabilities and more. One of its key features is the battery life: It's rated for up to 28 days on a single charge. Avalanche transceiver Mammut's new Barryvox S2 was briefly recalled in November of 2024 but is now back on the market and is considered a top new avalanche transceiver, an essential piece of equipment for backcountry skiers. This next-gen model is smaller and has a 70m range with precision-finding features. Avalanche transceivers not only allow you to be located but also allow you to locate other skiers in your party should they be buried. I haven't tested the Barryvox S2 yet but will hopefully get a chance this winter. High-tech base layers If you're looking for the ultimate Merino wool base layers, these tops and bottoms from Beringia may just be it. Diomede is Beringia's proprietary fabric "that seamlessly knits multiple layers of fabric into one ultra-stretchy waffle." Real-world translation: The fabric is thin, lightweight and comfortable but also warm. The only downside is that tops ($150) and bottoms ($175) are quite expensive and there's no deal if you buy both together, although you can get 15% off with your first purchase. Beringia Diomede base layers are available in a few color options and three sizes, as well as women's versions . The top also comes with a snorkel hoodie for $25 more. Seirus makes excellent glove liners (and gloves) with its high-tech fabrics, three of which are featured in this premium base layer (it's available in both a top and bottom and for men and women). As with any good base layer, the goal is to lock heat in while not trapping moisture. There's a bit of spandex in the mix for comfort, and Seirus says the heat-reflective properties of its Heatwave material are focused on certain parts of your body, particularly the chest area. I usually go with a Merino wool base layer, but this did help keep me warm on some very cold days in upstate New York. Face protection for skiers Seirus makes a lot of face coverings, including headliners, combo hinged headliners, balaclavas and neck-ups with artistic prints on them (I previously highlighted a quick headliner that had the work of artist Lamont Joseph White on it).I like its Balaclava Print line, which is made out of a little thicker Polartec material and comes in a variety of designs. This one is called Triune-Teal.

Saving children from stuntingAlarm grew in France on Friday over the fate of a prominent French-Algerian novelist detained in the country of his birth, with his publisher urging his immediate release and President Emmanuel Macron closely following the case. Boualem Sansal, a major figure in francophone modern literature, is known for his strong stances against both authoritarianism and Islamism as well as being a forthright campaigner on freedom of expression issues. His detention by Algeria comes against a background of tensions between France and its former colony which have also appear to have spread to the literary world. The 75-year-old writer, granted French nationality this year, was on Saturday arrested at Algiers airport after returning from France, according to several media reports including the Marianne weekly. The Gallimard publishing house, which has published his work for a quarter of a century, in a statement expressed "its very deep concern following the arrest of the writer by the Algerian security services", calling for his "immediate release". There has been no confirmation from the Algerian authorities of his arrest and no other details about his situation. Macron is "very concerned by the disappearance" of Sansal, said a French presidential official, asking not to be named. "State services are mobilised to clarify his situation," the official said, adding that "the president expresses his unwavering attachment to the freedom of a great writer and intellectual." A relative latecomer to writing, Sansal turned to novels in 1999 and has tackled subjects including the horrific 1990s civil war between authorities and Islamists. His books are not banned in Algeria but he is a controversial figure, particularly since making a visit to Israel in 2014. Sansal's hatred of Islamism has not been confined to Algeria and he has also warned of a creeping Islamisation in France, a stance that has made him a favoured author of prominent figures on the right and far-right. Prominent politicians from this side of the political spectrum rushed to echo Macron's expression of concern for the writer. Centre-right former premier and candidate in 2027 presidential elections Edouard Philippe wrote on X that Sansal "embodies everything we cherish: the call for reason, freedom and humanism against censorship, corruption and Islamism." Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, another possible 2027 contender, said: "This freedom fighter and courageous opponent of Islamism has reportedly been arrested by the Algerian regime. This is an unacceptable situation." In 2015, Sansal won the Grand Prix du Roman of the French Academy, the guardians of the French language, for his book "2084: The End of the World", a dystopian novel inspired by George Orwell's "Nineteen-Eighty Four" and set in an Islamist totalitarian world in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. His publisher said that Sansal's novels and essays "exposed the obscurantisms of all kinds which are tragically affecting the way of the world." The concerns about his reported arrest come as another prominent French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud is under attack over his novel "Houris", which won France's top literary prize, the Goncourt. A woman has claimed the book was based on her story of surviving 1990s Islamist massacres and used without her consent. She alleged on Algerian television that Daoud used the story she confidentially recounted to a therapist -- who is now his wife -- during treatment. His publisher has denied the claims. The controversies are taking place in a tense diplomatic context between France and Algeria, after Macron renewed French support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara during a landmark visit to the kingdom last month. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is de facto controlled for the most part by Morocco. But it is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who are demanding a self-determination referendum and are supported by Algiers. Daoud meanwhile has called for Sansal's release, writing in the right-wing Le Figaro: "I sincerely hope that my friend Boualem will return to us very soon", while expressing his bafflement in the face of the "imprudence" that Sansal allegedly showed in going to Algeria. dax-vl-sjw/giv

Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CCRN – Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 57,144 shares of the business services provider’s stock, valued at approximately $768,000. Intech Investment Management LLC owned 0.17% of Cross Country Healthcare at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CCRN. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Cross Country Healthcare by 3.8% in the second quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,550,848 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $62,984,000 after purchasing an additional 165,032 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Cross Country Healthcare by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,360,016 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $32,662,000 after buying an additional 24,363 shares during the period. Royce & Associates LP raised its position in shares of Cross Country Healthcare by 51.4% in the 3rd quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 1,132,566 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $15,222,000 after buying an additional 384,374 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Cross Country Healthcare by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 772,834 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $10,696,000 after acquiring an additional 106,226 shares during the period. Finally, Dana Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Cross Country Healthcare by 34.7% during the 2nd quarter. Dana Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 404,370 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $5,596,000 after acquiring an additional 104,136 shares in the last quarter. 96.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Cross Country Healthcare Stock Performance Shares of CCRN opened at $10.76 on Friday. Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. has a 52 week low of $9.58 and a 52 week high of $23.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $354.19 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -215.20, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $11.79 and a 200-day moving average of $13.69. Analyst Ratings Changes Get Our Latest Analysis on CCRN Cross Country Healthcare Company Profile ( Free Report ) Cross Country Healthcare, Inc provides talent management and other consultative services for healthcare clients in the United States. The company’s Nurse and Allied Staffing segment provides traditional staffing, recruiting, and value-added total talent solutions, including temporary and permanent placement of travel and local nurse and, allied professionals; temporary placement of healthcare leaders within nursing, allied, physician, and human resources; vendor neutral and managed services programs; education healthcare services; in-home care services; and outsourcing services. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Cross Country Healthcare What is Short Interest? How to Use It The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing 3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Now 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 How to Invest in the FAANG Stocks FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCRN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CCRN – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Cross Country Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Country Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Palvella Therapeutics to debut on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "PVLA” as a publicly traded rare disease biopharmaceutical company advancing a late clinical-stage pipeline and a platform for treating serious, rare genetic diseases Strong balance sheet with approximately $80.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from a PIPE financing co-led by BVF Partners, L.P. and Frazier Life Sciences Cash expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial of QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin) for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations (cutaneous VMs) Microcystic LMs is a chronically debilitating and lifelong genetic disease affecting an estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. QTORINTM rapamycin has the potential to be the first approved therapy and standard of care in the U.S. for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs WAYNE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pieris). The combined company will operate under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., and its shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 16, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PVLA". Palvella will continue to be led by Wes Kaupinen, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Palvella management team. The transaction was approved by Pieris stockholders at a special meeting held on December 11, 2024, and the transaction had been previously approved by Palvella stockholders. "With strong support from leading healthcare-dedicated investors, Palvella is well positioned to enter the public markets and pursue our vision of becoming the leading rare disease company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases," said Mr. Kaupinen. "This transaction will enable us to accelerate late-stage development of QTORINTM rapamycin, our lead product candidate, for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs while also further advancing additional novel product candidates from our QTORINTM platform." Concurrent with the merger, Palvella completed a previously announced oversubscribed $78.9 million private placement co-led by BVF Partners, L.P., an existing investor, and Frazier Life Sciences, a new investor, and with participation from a syndicate of leading healthcare-dedicated investors. Additional new investors include Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Nantahala Capital, DAFNA Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and a healthcare dedicated fund. Existing investors Samsara BioCapital, Petrichor, CAM Capital, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Finance Group (an AscellaHealth partner company), BioAdvance, and Gore Range Capital also participated in the financing. Palvella's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $80.0 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through results from the SELVA Phase 3 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic LMs and Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous VMs. Palvella's research team developed QTORINTM, a patented and versatile platform designed to generate novel topical therapies that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to locally treat a broad spectrum of serious, rare genetic skin diseases. Well-accepted mechanisms of action of rapamycin and other therapeutic agents represent potential therapies for rare genetic skin diseases. However, the adverse event profile of those agents through systemic exposure poses significant barriers to patient adoption. Palvella's QTORINTM product candidates are designed for targeted, localized delivery of therapeutic agents to pathogenic tissue of interest while minimizing systemic absorption and thereby reducing the risk of unwanted adverse events associated with systemic therapy. Palvella's lead product candidate QTORINTM rapamycin is a novel, patented 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel currently under development for the treatment of microcystic LMs, cutaneous VMs, and other serious, functionally debilitating skin diseases driven by the overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. QTORINTM rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs and is the recent recipient of up to a $2.6 million FDA Orphan Products Grant. QTORINTM rapamycin has also received Fast Track Designation for venous malformations. QTORINTM rapamycin is protected by issued composition patents covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S., Japan, Australia, China and Israel and pending patent applications broadly covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S. and other countries. In the third quarter of 2024, Palvella initiated SELVA, a 24-week, Phase 3, single-arm, baseline-controlled clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin administered once daily for the treatment of microcystic LMs. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in the overall microcystic LM Investigator Global Assessment (mLM-IGA) at week 24. The Phase 3 study is enrolling approximately 40 subjects, age six or older, at leading vascular anomaly centers across the U.S. Transaction Details Based on the final exchange ratio of approximately 0.30946 shares of Pieris common stock for each share of Palvella common stock, at the closing of the merger, there are approximately 13.95 million shares of the combined company's common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, with prior Pieris stockholders owning approximately 11% on a diluted basis and prior Palvella stockholders (including investors in the private placement) holding approximately 89% of the combined company's outstanding common stock on a diluted basis. In connection with the closing of the merger, Pieris issued a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) to Pieris shareholders of record immediately prior to the closing, which does not include the former holders of shares of Palvella or the private financing investors. Holders of the CVR will be entitled to receive payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, under Pieris' existing partnership agreements with Pfizer and Boston Pharmaceuticals, in addition to other potential licensing agreements involving certain of Pieris' legacy assets, as well as certain potential payments related to historical research and development tax credits, which may or may not be realized. TD Cowen served as lead placement agent and Cantor served as a placement agent for Palvella's concurrent financing. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP served as legal counsel to Palvella. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the placement agents. Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pieris and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pieris. About Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations Microcystic LMs are a rare, chronically debilitating genetic disease caused by dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway. The disease is characterized by malformed lymphatic vessels that protrude through the skin and persistently leak lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) and bleed, often leading to recurrent serious infections and cellulitis that can cause hospitalization. The natural history of microcystic LMs are persistent and progressive without spontaneous resolution, with symptoms generally worsening during life, including increases in the number and size of malformed vessels that lead to complications and lifetime morbidity. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients with microcystic LMs in the United States. About Palvella Therapeutics Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PVLA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORINTM platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella's lead product candidate, QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin), is currently in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and a Phase 2 trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit www.palvellatx.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. QTORINTM rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency. This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act)). These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Palvella and Pieris, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Palvella and Pieris. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may,” "will,” "should,” "would,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "plan,” "likely,” "believe,” "estimate,” "project,” "intend,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the sufficiency of the combined company's capital resources; the combined company's cash runway; the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Palvella's programs, including QTORINTM rapamycin, and its research-stage opportunities, including its expected therapeutic potential and market opportunity; the expected timing of initiating, as well as the design of Palvella's Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous venous malformations. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of each company; the significant net losses incurred since inception; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Palvella's product candidates, including QTORINTM rapamycin; the outcome of early clinical trials for Palvella's product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; the fact that data and results from clinical studies may not necessarily be indicative of future results; Palvella's limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Palvella's current product candidates; the substantial competition Palvella faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; the negative impacts of the global events on operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials and ongoing and planned preclinical studies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Palvella and Pieris to protect their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Pieris' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, as well as the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Pieris in connection with the merger. Palvella and Pieris can give no assurance that the conditions to the proposed transactions will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Palvella and Pieris undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this press release. Palvella Therapeutics Contact Information Investors Wesley H. Kaupinen Founder and CEO, Palvella Therapeutics [email protected] Media Stephanie Jacobson Managing Director, Argot Partners [email protected]Joe Burrow's home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro-athlete home invasionGeneral Mills Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host despite human rights concerns ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich on Wednesday by the soccer body’s president Gianni Infantino. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus in the latest setback in a scarcely believable run of poor results for the ailing English champions. City dropped to 22nd place in the 36-team standings and only the top 24 advances. Reaching the knockout stage looked a certainty before the season for a team that was European champion in 2022 and has won the last four Premier League titles. It's not anymore as City manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and an apparent loss of belief among his players. Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 and Barcelona won 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Jimmy Butler says he's not worrying about his future with Heat amid trade speculation Jimmy Butler knows there are tons of questions about his future with the Miami Heat. He might get traded, he might leave as a free agent next summer, he might exercise a $52.4 million option to return to the Heat or he might get a new contract. He isn't sure what will happen. The Heat forward spoke out about trade speculation Wednesday, telling reporters after practice that he doesn’t mind his name being in the rumor mill. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on having to play 3 times in an 11-day span: 'It's not a good feeling' KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not exactly thrilled about the NFL forcing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions to play three times over an 11-day span in the coming weeks. The Chiefs are among four teams along with the Texans, Steelers and Ravens who will play on Christmas Day this year. But with the holiday falling on Wednesday, those four also will play the prior Saturday along with this coming Sunday. Asked about the packed schedule, and one that could have significant playoff ramifications, Mahomes said: “It's not a good feeling. You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It's not great for your body. But at the end of the day it's your job." Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. US Biathlon officials ignored sexual harassment and abuse of female racers for decades, athletes say Sexual abuse and harassment by coaches and others who held positions of power over women on the U.S. Biathlon team were ignored or excused over decades by officials more concerned with winning medals than holding offenders accountable. That's according to Olympians and other biathletes interviewed by The Associated Press. While the men climbed the sport's ranks, these women say they were forced to end their careers early. The women and others describe a culture of misogyny and say they faced retaliation for speaking up. Three of the men denied allegations they were either part of the abuse or ignored allegations of abuse. A fourth did not respond to AP requests for comment. All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet acquired by Red Sox from White Sox for prospects All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet has been acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox for four prospects. Catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez and outfielder Braden Montgomery are headed to Chicago. The 25-year-old Crochet was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for a White Sox team that went 41-121. It's the most losses for any club since 1900. He was picked for the AL All-Star team in his first season as a starter. Selected 11th overall by Chicago in the 2020 amateur draft, Crochet made his big league debut that September. He had Tommy John surgery in April 2022. Bowl games miss out on 4 CFP teams, the latest twist and turn for college football's postseason JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — First-round games in the College Football Playoff mean four ranked teams won't make traditional bowls. The setup had the potential to shake up the bowl system. But adding quality teams like Oregon and Texas to the top two conferences managed to offset much of the lower-bowl handwringing. Still, it added to arguably the most unsettling stretch in college football history. The run includes COVID-19, massive conference realignment that might not be over and the move to a 12-team playoff that includes four matchups on campus sites. Another revamp could be ahead that could affect second-tier bowls even more. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly? ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia scored a major win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally appointed as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. Still, many questions remain about the tournament. Key issues include during which part of the year to stage the tournament, where to play the games, whether alcohol will be allowed at all and how to protect workers rights in the massive construction projects required to host the World Cup.

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:Photoshop maker Adobe forecast fiscal 2025 revenue below Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, suggesting the company's investments to weave AI into its software applications were taking longer than expected to bear fruit. Shares of the San Jose, California-based company fell nearly 8 per cent in extended trading. The company forecast annual revenue for 2025 between $23.30 billion and $23.55 billion, compared with estimates of $23.78 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adobe expects foreign exchange volatility and the company's shift towards subscriptions to cut into its fiscal 2025 revenue by about $200 million. The company is making significant investments in AI-driven image and video generation technologies in response to the growing competition from well-capitalized startups such as Stability AI and Midjourney. While Adobe projected strong growth for the second half of the year in June, its forecast on Wednesday indicated the company was still struggling to monetize its AI push. Adobe last year launched Firefly, a family of generative AI models that is integrated into its various applications and products. Last month, the company added software tools that let customers use AI to create images based on Adobe's library of stock images. It forecast first-quarter revenue between $5.63 billion and $5.68 billion, which fell short of estimates of $5.73 billion. Adobe's fourth-quarter revenue rose 11 per cent to $5.61 billion from a year ago, beating market expectations of $5.54 billion.

Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children's hospitalLuigi Mangione, 26, was charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following his arrest, various claims about him circulated online, including speculation about an online manifesto that allegedly explained his motive for the killing. The post, attributed to "LM" on the blog site Substack, is titled “The Allopathic Complex and Its Consequences" and has been shared in various social media posts crediting Mangione as the author. This is allegedly Luigi Mangione’s manifesto. pic.twitter.com/uOFsGA6Nki VERIFY reader Tony texted us asking if the manifesto published to Substack is real. THE QUESTION Is the viral online post on Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione real? THE SOURCES THE ANSWER No, the viral online post published to Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione isn’t real. WHAT WE FOUND Luigi Mangione had a three-page document with him when he was arrested that police say speaks to his alleged motive at the time of the killing, but claims the manifesto posted online was authored by Mangione are false. VERIFY analyzed excerpts of the handwritten document and found it doesn't match any of the language in the fake online manifesto. Substack also said it removed the account because it violates the platform’s content guidelines, “which prohibit impersonation.” During a Dec. 9 press conference , New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the handwritten document Mangione had on his person when arrested “speaks to both his motivation and mindset.” When asked if the handwritten document was posted online, the New York Police Department’s Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, “Don’t know if it's online. As of right now, it's a handwritten three-page document.” While police haven’t publicly released the handwritten document, excerpts have been reported by various news outlets such as the Associated Press , The New York Times and CBS . According to these reports, the document was either independently reviewed or described to reporters by sources close to the investigation. The New York Times summarized the excerpts they reviewed, saying the handwritten document called Thompson’s killing a “symbolic takedown” of the healthcare industry and also referenced corruption and “power games.” CBS reported Mangione criticized the disparity between U.S. healthcare costs and life expectancy rates. We compared the quoted excerpts from the reports to the Substack manifesto posted online and found none of the language from the handwritten document appears in the manifesto. The fake manifesto also lacks any reference to healthcare costs or life expectancy rates. Substack didn’t provide details on when the account was removed from the platform, but VERIFY was able to use archived pages captured on The Wayback Machine to determine the account was likely created while Mangione was in police custody. The Wayback Machine allows users to view and access snapshots, or screenshots, of websites. This screenshot archive from The Wayback Machine of the Substack account attributed to Mangione was captured at 9:43 p.m. ET on Dec. 9. Text on the Substack page archived indicates it was created about two hours earlier, during the time Mangione would have been in custody. At around 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 9 , the NYPD announced Mangione had been arrested as a person of interest in Thompson’s murder. He was arraigned on Dec. 9 around 6:30 p.m., according to court records. The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises to highest level since July