TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This Sunday, December 1, on World AIDS Day, and the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, the 27 th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally launches its Holiday Season Fundraising Campaign. As local AIDS Service Organizations see a significant increase in demand for their life-changing services, the fundraiser aims to raise $50,000 in December – a month of generosity and giving from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The Friends for Life Bike Rally is Canada's longest-distance annual charity cycling event from Toronto to Montreal, raising funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) , AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM) and Trellis HIV & Community Care (formerly HIV/AIDS Regional Services – Kingston) to support to those living with HIV/AIDS and fight stigma. The upcoming Friends for Life Bike Rally aims to raise a total of $1.8M by the end of its next charity ride that runs from August 3 to 8, 2025. Recent research shows that an estimated 1,833 new HIV infections occurred in Canada in 2022. This means that almost five people were infected with HIV in Canada every day. These are new infections that do not account for newcomers to Canada, immigrating with HIV – a population that makes up a large portion of new community members seeking HIV related services. Thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS rely on the vital services offered by PWA, ACCM and Trellis such as: Financial assistance Wellness programs Health and therapeutic care Social supports Harm reduction Food banks and more Unfortunately, on October 4, 2024, PWA – Canada's largest – was forced to temporarily close its Financial Assistance Program until March 2025 due to the increased demand caused by inflation and the rise in cost of living. The agency has also reported a substantial increased demand for access to its food bank and essentials market services. Services offered by PWA, ACCM and Trellis ensure our at-risk communities have access to the resources they need to improve their health outcomes. The Friends for Life Bike Rally and its volunteers, cyclists, and crew invite new and returning donors to show some extra generosity, compassion and understanding this holiday season. Your support for charitable causes that matter to you creates a ripple effect, spreading hope and making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Together, we can help foster positive change for those in need. These people could be your friends, family, loved ones, neighbours and/or colleagues. Next Tuesday, December 3, also marks Giving Tuesday, the world's largest generosity movement and opportunity to unleash the power of people to transform communities. Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts. Those who are able are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends for Life Bike Rally. Here's how you can make an impact: $40: Provides ten community members with transportation to medical appointments $60: Funds a peer-led support group for people living with HIV $100: Support a community member with access to medication $200: Ensures one family has groceries for a week To learn more about the Friends for Life Bike Rally, visit BikeRally.org . Quotes: "On World AIDS Day on December 1 or Giving Tuesday on December 3, also known as the "opening day of giving season," we invite folks to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends for Life Bike Rally. Your generosity over the holidays will help support the life-changing services offered by PWA, ACCM, and Trellis. When we work together, we ensure community members can access much-needed support, and build a stronger, more resilient community." – Ariel Benibgui (He/Him) , Co-Chair, Friends for Life Bike Rally "Each and every year, we proudly ride to make a positive difference because of /AIDS behind. The magic of the Bike Rally is magnificent. It's a force and power of love, truth and healing where we care for the family of HIV/AIDS. Your donations make sure that clients can pay for things like their transit fare to access programs and services, the money to fix a broken phone, or ensure they get language support for essential health care so they can communicate with their doctor, and so much more." – Suzanne Paddock (She/Her), Executive Director, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) "As a community member, the financial assistance I've received has been more than just support, it's been a lifeline. It's meant having the resources to get to essential appointments, access nutritious food and feel a sense of dignity and belonging. Your generosity doesn't just provide services... It transforms lives, strengthens our community and gives people like me the opportunity to thrive." – Anonymous Community member, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) Quick Facts: The Friends for Life Bike Rally is Canada's annual longest-distance cycling fundraiser in support of those living with HIV/AIDS Since 1999, the Friends for Life Bike Rally has: Raised $27.5M+ to support those living with HIV/AIDS Had 5,550 cyclists 2,200 crew volunteers to support the ride In 2024, the Friends for Life Bike Rally raised $1.6M HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 40 million lives with ongoing transmission globally The virus has infected 88.4 million people worldwide An estimated 65,270 people have HIV in Canada An estimated 89 per cent are diagnosed 85 per cent of those diagnosed are on treatment 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression and cannot transmit the virus (undetectable=untransmutable) Toronto has seen a sustained increase in reported HIV infections since 2016 (with the exception being during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a decrease in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing) Media Inquiries: media@bikerally.org Image: Hundreds of cyclists cross the finish line in Quebec after six days of riding from Toronto to Montreal for the 2024 Friends for Life Bike Rally, as the city saw its wettest day in history caused by rain from Tropical Storm Debby. About Friends for Life Bike Rally: Founded in 1999, the Friends for Life Bike Rally is the largest annual cycling fundraiser in Canada that brings people together for an inclusive, supportive and life-changing challenge that inspires much-needed help for people living with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised by the annual charity event support three AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) along the cycling route, including the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM) and Trellis HIV & Community Care. In 2025, the Friends for Life Bike Rally will celebrate its 27 th anniversary and will take place from August 3 to 8. There are virtual, 100 km and 300 km options, as well as the classic 600 km ride to Montreal. About Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA): PWA is the founding agency of the Friends for Life Bike Rally. The agency was established in 1987 and is the largest practical service provider for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. The community-based organization offers a range of life-changing services, including direct financial assistance, wellness programs, health and therapeutic care, social supports, a food bank/essentials market and more. PWA aims to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the HIV epidemic in Toronto and beyond. It is committed to reducing stigma and ensuring that individuals living with HIV/AIDS have access to the resources they need for better health outcomes. About AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM): ACCM is Quebec's only HIV and sexual health community organization that provides education for prevention, treatment information, and support services to anglophone and allophone communities. The voices of our members are central to ACCM's guidance, and we work in collaboration with our many communities to build a compassionate and caring response to HIV and hepatitis C. About Trellis HIV & Community Care: Since 1988, Trellis HIV & Community Care (formerly HIV/AIDS Regional Services – Kingston) has been addressing the social determinants of health by providing practical supports, drop-in services, facilitating access to testing and primary health care for communities who are often marginalized and stigmatized. These include people living with HIV, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people experiencing poverty and homelessness and people who use substances. Providing support while confronting stigma is at the core of what Trellis strives to do. Based in Kingston, Ontario, their service area is Belleville to the west, Brockville to the east, and Sharbot Lake to the north. Stay connected: Follow the Friends for Life Bike Rally on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . Proudly riding to make a positive difference. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40a30ca7-5beb-457d-a65c-09c50656c653 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Mental health programme brings smiles back to students’ faces
Rural Water and Sanitation GoalsLawmakers call for progress on marijuana law before end of Biden administrationThe large mysterious drones reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. The Morris County Republican was among several state and local lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the spate of sightings that range from the New York City area through New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia.
Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season as the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title with victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The 27-year-old achieved the feat with a 23-yard run during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ crushing 41-7 success at Lincoln Financial Field. Barkley is 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams, ahead of next week’s regular season finale against the New York Giants. Single-season rushing record in reach. @saquon @Eagles pic.twitter.com/iSHyXeMLv1 — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 However, he could be rested for that game in order to protect him from injury ahead of the play-offs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept alive their dreams of reaching the play-offs by overcoming the Carolina Panthers 48-14. Veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield produced a dominant performance at Raymond James Stadium, registering five passing touchdowns to equal a Buccaneers franchise record. he BAKED today 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/eFX9fd1w5P — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC conference number two seed for the post season with a 40-14 success over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for another. Buffalo finish the 2024 regular season undefeated at home, with eight wins from as many games. The Indianapolis Colts’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were ended by a 45-33 defeat to the Giants. FINAL: Drew Lock accounts for 5 TDs in the @Giants victory! #INDvsNYG pic.twitter.com/N8HJYth09F — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Malik Nabers exploded for 171 yards and two touchdowns and Ihmir Smith-Marsette broke a 100-yard kick-off return to give the Giants their highest-scoring output under head coach Brian Daboll. Quarterback Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and accounted for a fifth on the ground to seal the win. Elsewhere, Mac Jones threw two touchdowns to help the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-13, while the Las Vegas Raiders beat the New Orleans Saints 25-10.
MGX-001, utilizing a highly specific and efficient MG29-1 nuclease, exhibits no identifiable off-target editing MG29-1 nuclease targeting the albumin safe harbor locus showed no evidence of translocations in primary human hepatocytes Metagenomi Adenine Base Editor (ABE) demonstrates no detectable translocations and no significant genomic base composition differences in primary T-cells EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metagenomi, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGX), a precision genetic medicines company committed to developing curative therapeutics for patients using its proprietary gene editing toolbox, today presented a talk titled “Specific and efficient genome editing with metagenomics-derived tools for in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications” at the Nature Conference: RNA at the Bench and Bedside IV. “We believe the value proposition for single-dose gene editing therapies requires exquisite specificity characterization to ensure safety and efficacy. Today’s presentation highlights the precision of Metagenomi’s next-generation nucleases and ABEs, discovered through the company’s proprietary metagenomics platform and tailored for both in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications,” said Alan Brooks, SVP and Head of Preclinical. “MGX-001, Metagenomi’s development candidate for hemophilia A, which utilizes the novel nuclease MG29-1, exhibits no identifiable off-target editing using a series of orthogonal assays employed to evaluate potential off-target sites in the genome. The MG29-1 nuclease targeting the albumin safe harbor locus showed no evidence of translocations in primary human hepatocytes. For Metagenomi’s novel next-generation ABE for ex vivo cell therapy indications via multiplex editing, the data showed no detectable translocations and no significant genomic base composition differences in primary T-cells when compared to unedited cells. These examples demonstrate our strong capabilities in developing highly specific next-generation gene editing tools and support the company’s ability to potentially progress these systems toward the clinic for the benefit of patients.” About Metagenomi Metagenomi is a precision genetic medicines company committed to developing curative therapeutics for patients using its proprietary, comprehensive metagenomics-derived toolbox. Metagenomi is harnessing the power of metagenomics, the study of genetic material recovered from the natural environment, to unlock four billion years of microbial evolution to discover and develop a suite of novel editing tools capable of correcting any type of genetic mutation found anywhere in the genome. Its comprehensive genome editing toolbox includes programmable nucleases, base editors, and RNA and DNA-mediated integration systems (including prime editing systems and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat associated transposases (CAST)). Metagenomi believes its diverse and modular toolbox positions the company to access the entire genome and select the optimal tool to unlock the full potential of genome editing for patients. For more information, please visit https://metagenomi.co. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward‐Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Such statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions, include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our growth strategy and product development programs, including the timing of and our ability to conduct IND-enabling studies, make regulatory filings such as INDs, statements concerning the potential of therapies and product candidates, and any other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock value. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under, and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of research and development activities; risks relating to the timing of starting and completing clinical trials; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; our dependence on third party suppliers; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; the early stage of products under development; our need for substantial additional funds; government regulation; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in “Risk Factors,” in our most recent Form 10-K and our most recent 10-Qs on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Contact: Simon Harnest - CIO, SVP Investor Relations IR@metagenomi.coSaquon Barkley becomes ninth running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season
DJ Giddens runs for 143 yards, 2 touchdowns to lead Kansas State over Cincinnati 41-15EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Cameron Haffner scored 13 points as Evansville beat Missouri State 57-40 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak. Haffner went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Purple Aces (4-9, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Joshua Hughes added 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Tayshawn Comer scored 11. Dez White finished with 12 points, four assists and six steals for the Bears (7-6, 0-2). Missouri State also got 10 points, 12 rebounds and two steals from Michael Osei-Bonsu. Zaxton King had eight points. Evansville carried a slim three-point lead into halftime, as Haffner led the way with seven points. Evansville took the lead for what would be the final time on Haffner's 3-pointer with 18:44 remaining in the second half. His team would outscore Missouri State by 14 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Saquon Barkley becomes ninth running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season
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Stock market today: Wall Street climbs as bitcoin bursts above $99,000The Chiefs have been an unstoppable force these past few years, lifting the Lombardi Trophy in three of the last five championships. The 2024 NFL season has seen a similar run from the AFC West team, as they currently sit at a 10-1 record, with a playoff spot more than secured. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick sees a problem with the run—something he believes could thwart the team’s three-peat attempt. Kansas City’s record seems impressive with only a defeat against the Bills; however, their wins have been the result of narrow escapes, which have swept their mistakes under the rug. Ryan Fitzpatrick strongly feels that Andy Reid’s squad needs to address these unacknowledged errors, and a few losses might help in doing that. The reason why Fitzpatrick feels that the Chiefs need to suffer some losses is because when a team wins continuously, they tend to gloss over their shortcomings. A defeat, however, would make them “take a step back” and finally address their issues properly. However, even Fitzpatrick is aware of how the Chiefs love proving naysayers wrong. The analyst shared that while he had speculated along similar lines last season, Patrick Mahomes ‘ crew had worked their magic to another Super Bowl win. But does this change the NFL legend’s opinions about the Chiefs? Not really! Fitzpatrick firmly affirmed that while the franchise is the best team in the AFC currently, they’re still not “good enough” to secure another Super Bowl win. Fitzpatrick’s words do hold some weight to them considering how the team lands at 21st position in the league when it comes to gaining double-digit lead in a game. Moreover, their signal-caller hasn’t been playing his usual outstanding self, struggling with low QBR, and had more interceptions than touchdowns a few weeks back. The analyst isn’t the first one to highlight the Chiefs’ shortcomings either, with Draymond Green echoing his views recently . He predicted that the Gold and Red wouldn’t win the championship, since the other teams had lost more games and gained some valuable experience. Great minds do think alike. “The Kansas City Chiefs will lose the first playoff game they play,” Green said on the Schultz Report podcast. Even Jason Kelce pointed out an issue with the Chiefs, stating that their defense has been performing below usual expectations in the past two games against the Panthers and the Bills. “The biggest thing that’s been concerning recently over the last two weeks is that their defense has faltered for probably the first time in two years,” Kelce said on the Rich Eisen Show. Former cornerback Domonique Foxworth also raised concerns over Travis Kelce’s relatively slow start this season. The tight end has amassed only 569 yards so far, compared to his usual average of 1,000+ receiving yards season after season. Then there’s the ongoing issue of an unstable receiver room, with players like Hollywood Brown, Harrison Butker, and DeAndre Hopkins all dealing with injuries. The Kansas City Chiefs have quite a few gaping holes to mend before the playoffs. However, there’s plenty of time for a reassessment and if they manage to plug in all the leaks, a historical three-peat might not be far off.
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