With starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. on injured reserve, working his way back from a hamstring injury, the Minnesota Vikings have given more reps to Kamu Grugier-Hill and rookie Dallas Turner in recent weeks to help pick up the slack. The Vikings also signed former first-round pick Jamin Davis on Nov. 26 to a minimum contract to help bolster the depth chart. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report recently predicted that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wasn't done sharpening the edges of his roster entering the season’s stretch run. In his NFC scouting reports for Week 14, Holder urged Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings to kick the tires on former three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, a former $98.5 million, four-time All-Pro who remains a free agent. Here was Holder’s take on the potential move: “While the Vikings signed Jamin Davis to help fill in for Ivan Pace Jr., who was recently placed on injured reserve, it couldn't hurt to bring in Leonard as another option. The 29-year-old has a better track record than Davis and was solid against the run last year, racking up 88 total tackles in 14 games for two different teams.” During the 2023 season, Leonard played nine games for the Indianapolis Colts — the team that signed him to what was then one of the richest contracts in NFL history — and five games for the Philadelphia Eagles . He started three games for Philly last season due to injuries, and finished with 23 tackles and a sack. The fact that Philly opted to sign Devin White in free agency, only to cut White before he played a single regular season game, over Leonard is somewhat of a red flag. He’s been contemplating an uncertain future in the NFL, and landing in a place like Minnesota for a run at the Super Bowl could save what once looked like a legendary pro career. Would adding Shaquille Leonard bolster Minnesota’s Super Bowl hopes? Not in 2024. It would be one thing if Leonard spent time with another team this season. Instead, he’s been away from the NFL, spending the fall coaching a high school football team out in Georgia. Injuries unfortunately derailed Leonard’s career. He was unable to return to peak form following a serious back injury that required multiple surgeries, which is why the Colts waived him in the first place. Kicking the tires on Leonard feels more like a desperation move than a prudent one, and the Vikings aren’t close to that point with five games remaining in the regular season. Related Minnesota Vikings stories: Vikings $17.5 million starter predicted to cut ties with Minnesota for Giants Insider: Bears could ‘weaken’ NFC North rival in their search for next head coach NFL picks, score predictions Week 14: Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL power rankings Week 14: Experts running out of reasons to keep Vikings outside of top 5 NFC Playoff Picture Week 14: Could Vikings steal top seed from Lions, Eagles
Romania's pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was leading in the first round of presidential elections Sunday according to exit polls, with the far right not yet assured of a place in the second round, despite a breakthrough in support. With 25 percent of the vote according to two exit polls, Ciolacu appeared to be well ahead of far-right challengers looking to capitalise on this EU member's concerns about inflation and the war in neighbouring Ukraine. The same exit polls gave second place to centre-right former journalist turned small-town mayor Elena Lasconi at 18 percent, with two far-right candidates scoring 15 and 16 percent. In the absence of an outright winner in the first round -- scoring more than 50 percent -- the top two candidates go through to a second-round run-off in the poor NATO member on December 8. Ciolacu, a Social Democrat, is leading a field of 13 contenders in the race to take over from President Klaus Iohannis in the largely ceremonial post. He welcomed the exit polls putting him in the lead, but said all the votes would have to be counted before he knew who he would face in the second round. Lasconi too, was cautious. "The scores are very tight, it's not yet time to celebrate," said the 52-year-old politician. Far-right leader George Simion, 38, who some had forecast might take second place, is for the moment in fourth. Exit polls put him just behind the 62-year-old pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu. But Simion said Sunday evening: "We'll see the results of the ballot boxes at 11:00 pm (2100 GMT)." Ciolacu's party has shaped Romania's politics for more than three decades, and as he voted Sunday he promised stability and a "decent" standard of living. But political analyst Cristian Parvulescu told AFP: "The far right is by far the big winner of this election." Simion saw his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation while promising more affordable housing. Looking for a new election breakthrough for European far-right parties, Simion warned of possible "fraud" and "foreign interference" when voting. But he added: "I am happy that we are giving Romanians hope and the prospect of a better future." The stakes are high for Romania, which has a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has become more important since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. The Black Sea nation now plays a "vital strategic role" for NATO -- as it is a base for more than 5,000 soldiers -- and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said. Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has further "complicated" Romania's choice, political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP. Known for his fiery speeches, Simion is a Trump fan who sometimes dons a red cap in appreciation of his idol. Simion opposes sending military aid to Ukraine, wants a "more patriotic Romania" and frequently lashes out against what he calls the "greedy corrupt bubble" running the European Union. Having campaigned hard to win over Romania's large diaspora working abroad, he said the country had only "minions and cowards as leaders". Pirvulescu predicted that if Simion reached the second round his AUR party would get a boost in the December parliamentary election. "Romanian democracy is in danger for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989," he said. "I'm really afraid we'll end up with Simion in the second round," 36-year-old IT worker Oana Diaconu told AFP, expressing concern about the far-right leader's unpredictable nature and attacks on the European Union. The campaign was marked by controversy and personal attacks, with Simion facing accusations of meeting with Russian spies -- a claim he has denied. Ciolacu has been criticised for his use of private jets. Some observers had tipped Lasconi, now mayor of the small town of Campulung and head of a centre-right opposition party, as a surprise package. Sunday's exit polls appeared to suggest they were right. During campaigning, she had said she wanted a future "where no one has to pack their suitcases and leave" the country and for "institutions that work". bur/js-jj/, /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army invites communities across the country to join in the spirit of giving with the launch of its 134th Red Kettle Campaign, officially kicking off during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game tomorrow against the New York Giants, airing on Fox at . This year's Red Kettle Kickoff will feature a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year country music star and a special guest, marking the start of a season dedicated to helping those in need through various Salvation Army programs. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Wilson will perform hits from her new album, "Whirlwind," to highlight both the need for giving this holiday season and the impact of The Salvation Army's work in communities across the country. Since teaming up in 1997, The Salvation Army and the Cowboys have helped raise more than for the campaign. "It's an honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff tradition with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys. The holiday season is about giving back and coming together, so we can make a real difference in people's lives this Christmas," said Wilson. "Bring your bell-bottoms and some bells for ringing because we're about to get this show on the road!" For nearly three decades, the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have joined forces on Thanksgiving Day to amplify the mission of the Red Kettle Campaign, which funds vital services for individuals and families facing hardship. Last year alone, funds raised through the campaign supported over 27 million people with resources such as food, shelter, holiday gifts, and emergency financial assistance throughout the year. "The Red Kettle Campaign is a wonderful reminder that small acts of generosity can make a big difference," said , chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys and former national advisory board chairperson for The Salvation Army. "Every dollar donated helps The Salvation Army bring hope and support to those in need, and we couldn't be more appreciative to for helping us kick off this important effort. She perfectly captures the heart of this campaign, inspiring fans to make a difference for those who need it most." As the nation's largest private provider of social services, The Salvation Army faces a unique challenge this year. "With five fewer kettle giving days this year, donations are needed more than ever to meet the increasing demand for essential resources, especially as families continue to face economic challenges," said Commissioner , national commander of The Salvation Army. " heart for giving back resonates deeply with the spirit of the Red Kettle Campaign. We hope her performance inspires people to come together to support those facing hardship this season." The official launch of the Red Kettle Campaign means that thousands of volunteers will be ringing bells at kettles across the country located outside storefronts at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger Family of Stores, Hobby Lobby, Mardel, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, JCPenney, Food Lion, Redner's Markets, Boscov's, Dillard's, Big Lots, Macerich Shopping Centers, and hundreds of local partners. At each location, people can donate cash, coins, and checks or digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. Additionally, people can support their neighbors through their local Salvation Army by: Every donation stays in the community to provide help and hope for those in need. To learn more, give help, or get help, please visit . The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit . Follow us on X and #DoingTheMostGood. In the area of community service, the mission of the Dallas Cowboys and Jones Family Foundation is built upon the philosophy of helping those who don't have the strength, resources, or means to help themselves, with a primary focus on a partnership with The Salvation Army. Because the Cowboys organization has enjoyed immense and unprecedented success, the Jones family feels a very strong obligation to take the visibility, energy, and celebrity of one of the world's most powerful sports franchises and channel these dynamic forces toward the bigger purpose of making a difference. Recognized as one of the world's most generous families, the Joneses enlist the talents, skills, and resources of all the Cowboys players, coaches, cheerleaders, and members of the organization to provide a unique and cutting-edge approach to community outreach. More information about the Dallas Cowboys and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation can be found at . Country music trailblazer has captured the hearts of music fans, the excitement of the industry and the recognition of her peers, while keeping her boots firmly planted on the ground. In the midst of a landmark year, Wilson won Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year ("Wildflowers and Wild Horses") at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, which she also hosted with and , and is nominated for Best Country Album at the upcoming Grammy Awards for her acclaimed new album, . "The best release of her career" ( ), debuted at #8 on the all-genre 200 chart, and #13 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart, marking Wilson's first top 10 and top 15 entry respectively. The prolific, sought-after songwriter has also scored seven No. 1 hits and has become a triple threat within entertainment as singer, songwriter and actor, making her acting debut in season 5 of Paramount's hit series . Earlier this year, Wilson was also inducted into The Grand Ole Opry and recently wrote and recorded "Out of ," her original song for Universal's blockbuster . 940.363.0336 Cell View original content: SOURCE The Salvation Army
None
Musk Vows to Defend H-1B Visa Program Amid Criticism
Russia says it would be 'insane' for West to give Ukraine nuclear weapons
'Time to give something back' Shildon restaurant to offer free soup to over 65sSyria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officersOpenAI chief 'believes' Musk will not abuse government power
LIVERPOOL: Kylian Mbappe saw a penalty saved as Liverpool beat Real Madrid 2-0 on Wednesday to inflict a third Champions League defeat in five matches on the holders. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in the second half as the Reds maintained their perfect record to return to the top of the table. Mohamed Salah also fired wide from the spot, but it mattered little as Liverpool secured a 17th win in Arne Slot’s first 19 games in charge. Slot has already achieved what Jurgen Klopp could not as Liverpool boss by slaying the Spanish giants. Liverpool had a score to settle with Madrid, who were unbeaten in eight previous meetings between the sides, including Champions League finals against Klopp’s men in 2018 and 2022. Defeat sends Carlo Ancelotti’s side tumbling down to 24th in the table. Only the top 24 progress to the knockout stage with the top eight advancing directly to the last 16. Liverpool are well on course to do just that and the confidence coursing through a side also eight points clear at the top of the Premier League was in evidence throughout in front of a highly-charged Anfield crowd. Madrid were hamstrung by a lengthy injury list and made the trip to England without Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba. Young center-back Raul Asencio has been pressed into action by those absences and he made a vital goal-line clearance on four minutes. Darwin Nunez was sent in behind the Madrid defense by Salah and after his shot produced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois, Asencio reacted smartly to prevent the rebound bouncing off him and into his own net. Courtois was Liverpool’s scourge with a man-of-the-match performance in the final two years ago as Madrid prevailed 1-0 in Paris. The Belgian was at his best again as he blocked another big Nunez chance from point-blank range as the Liverpool pressure built without reward before the break. Courtois was in sparkling form again at the start of the second period to parry Conor Bradley’s downward header. But Liverpool were not to be denied as Bradley was this time the provider for Mac Allister, who manufactured the space for a shot into the far corner on 52 minutes. The visitors were relying on Mbappe for a moment of magic in the absence of Vinicius, but the Frenchman was well-marshalled by his international team-mate Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. His chance to silence his critics arrived on the hour mark when Andy Robertson was harshly adjudged to have tripped Lucas Vazquez inside the area. Caoimhin Kelleher has excelled in the absence of the injured Alisson Becker and leapt to his left to save Mbappe’s spot-kick. Salah sparked a furor ahead of the game by declaring his disappointment with Liverpool’s failure to offer him a contract renewal. The Egyptian has been in sparkling form this season and his pace and trickery fooled Ferland Mendy into a mistimed challenge. Salah, though, gave Madrid a lifeline by firing his penalty off the outside of the post. Liverpool had to wait just six more minutes for the cushion of a second goal as substitute Gakpo rose highest from a corner to power a header past Courtois.NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the amount of energy it would use — and whether it could lead to higher energy bills in the future. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states seeking to lure big tech firms in need of energy-intensive data centers with tax credits and other incentives. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utilities providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15 year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, who represents northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisianians and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated from Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96
Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjournsTrain collides with fire truck in Florida; police say 3 firefighters and several passengers hurt
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement fired heavy rocket barrages at Israel on Sunday, and the Israeli military said houses had been destroyed or set on fire near Tel Aviv, after a powerful Israeli airstrike killed at least 29 people in Beirut the day before. Israel also struck Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, where intensified bombardment over the last two weeks has coincided with signs of progress in U.S.-led cease-fire talks. Hezbollah, which has previously vowed to respond to attacks on Beirut by targeting Tel Aviv, said it had launched precision missiles at two military sites in Tel Aviv and nearby. Police said there were multiple impact sites in the area of Petah Tikvah, on the eastern side of Tel Aviv, and that several people had minor injuries. The Israeli military said a direct hit on a neighborhood had left “houses in flames and ruins.” Television footage showed an apartment damaged by rocket fire. The IDF said Hezbollah had fired 240 rockets at Israel, of which many were intercepted, with sirens sounding across most of the country. At least four people had been injured by shrapnel. Video obtained by Reuters showed a projectile exploding as it smashed into the roof of a building in the northern Israeli city of Nahariya. The military warned on social media that it planned to target Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut before strikes that demolished two apartment blocks, according to security sources in Lebanon. Afterwards, the IDF said it had hit command centres “deliberately embedded between civilian buildings." On Saturday, it had carried out one of its deadliest and most powerful strikes on the center of Beirut. Lebanon’s health ministry on Sunday raised the death toll from 20 to 29. It said 84 people had been killed in all on Saturday, taking the death toll to 3,754 since October 2023. The IDF did not comment on Saturday’s strike in the capital or say what it had attacked. Israel went on the offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in September, pounding the south, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut’s southern suburbs with airstrikes after nearly a year of hostilities ignited by the Gaza war .
Russia changes tactics of missile attacks on Ukraine – UK Defence Intelligence
It took an old American movie and a Nobel laureate’s musings about bland turkey to make me realize how far we’ve strayed from our roots. Last night, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), I was struck by something unexpected – the America it portrayed felt more Indian than today’s India. The way families stuck together, the emphasis on community over individual desires, the subtle gestures of respect – it all seemed eerily familiar, like looking into a mirror of our own past. Then this morning, reading Abhijit Banerjee’s piece about making “America bland again,” the pieces clicked into place. Here was one of India’s brightest minds, using the metaphor of bland American food to critique how America had perhaps lost its way. The parallel with India’s current trajectory hit home harder than a spoonful of extra-hot masala. The prosperity paradox Here’s what fascinates me about modern India: the moment we climb the economic ladder, we seem compelled to kick it away. Watch any upper-middle-class neighborhood in our metros. The moment bank balances swell, dal-chawal becomes “too basic,” traditional dress becomes “too provincial,” and joint family setups become “suffocating.” It’s not just about comfort or convenience – it’s about desperately trying to distance oneself from what’s perceived as markers of economic disadvantage. A newly minted IT professional doesn’t just want a comfortable life; they want visible markers of their arrival in a higher economic stratum. Western choices become a shorthand for having “made it.” Traditional thalis transform into quinoa bowls, family homes into high-rise apartments, and community gatherings into exclusive club memberships. We’re not just buying products; we’re purchasing perceived progress. The global contradiction But here’s where it gets interesting. Look at Japan – a technological powerhouse where tradition isn’t a burden but a badge of honor. Their elderly aren’t shipped off to retirement homes; they remain the heart of family units. Their traditional ceremonies aren’t considered backward but are celebrated as cultural treasures. Even their corporate warriors bow deeply to their seniors while carrying the latest iPhones. Or take Israel – a startup nation that hasn’t started up at the cost of its soul. Their tech innovations coexist with ancient traditions. Young Israeli entrepreneurs might be coding the next big app while ensuring they’re home for Shabbat dinner. Their success isn’t about aping the West; it’s about adding modern layers to their cultural core. France? They’re so protective of their culture that they have laws protecting traditional bakeries from industrial bread. Their children grow up proud of their baguettes and bouillabaisse, not desperately seeking to replace them with hamburgers. The marriage maze Perhaps nowhere is this cultural confusion more evident than in modern Indian marriages. Once, being a “traditional” couple meant working as a team—balancing personal ambitions with shared responsibilities. Today, these very qualities are mocked as regressive, seen as shackles rather than bonds that strengthen us. Modern couples pride themselves on their “independence.” Women are encouraged to pursue careers (which is wonderful) but simultaneously taught to view homemaking as beneath them. Men, in their attempt to be “modern,” have swung to the other extreme – being emotionally distant and uninvolved, mistaking detachment for respecting independence. The result? A generation of marriages where both partners are trying so hard not to fall into traditional roles that they’re failing to create any meaningful roles at all. What’s touted as “freedom” often manifests as profound loneliness. The more we reject traditional roles in the name of independence, the more we find ourselves craving the very things these roles provided: emotional security, deep intimacy, and the comfort of knowing someone is wholly invested in building a life with you. The economics of identity This isn’t just about colonial hangover anymore – it’s evolved into a complex socio-economic performance. When an Indian professional chooses a Western lifestyle, they’re not just making a choice about comfort; they’re making a statement about their economic arrival, their “progressive” mindset, their departure from what they see as the constraints of poverty. The irony? While we’re rushing to embrace Western ideals, voices like Banerjee are pointing out the flaws in the Western model. “It’s a Wonderful Life” shows us an America that understood the value of community, defined roles, and collective responsibility – values that India has known for millennia. Parting thoughts This isn’t an argument against progress, career growth, or equality. Rather, it’s a call for conscious cultural choices. We can embrace technology without abandoning tradition, pursue careers without demeaning homemaking, and achieve success without westernizing our souls. Perhaps what we need is not a complete rejection of tradition, but a thoughtful integration of old and new. Where career growth doesn’t mean abandoning the art of homemaking, where emotional independence doesn’t translate to emotional distance, and where personal freedom coexists with deep commitment to relationships. The next time you’re tempted to dismiss a traditional practice as outdated, or chase a Western lifestyle choice as progressive, pause and reflect. Are we running towards something better, or just running away from our own reflection? Maybe the real progress lies not in aping the West, but in finding ways to carry our cultural wisdom into the future. As “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Banerjee’s article remind us, sometimes the old ways, the simple ways, the traditional ways – even if they seem bland or restrictive – might just be the ones that keep us grounded and truly content in the long run. In our rush to embrace the glitter of Western modernity, let’s not trade away the gold of our cultural heritage.
The former Tory chancellor, now chairman of the British Museum, suggested Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a warmer spirit of the negotiations over the famous ancient artworks. Greece has long called for the return of the Marbles, also known as the Parthenon sculptures, and maintains they were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis during a period of foreign occupation. The British Museum – where they are currently on display – is forbidden by law from giving away any of its artefacts, and the Government has no plans to change the law to permit a permanent move. But under Mr Osborne’s leadership, the museum is negotiating the possibility of a long-term loan of the sculptures, in exchange for rolling exhibitions of famous artworks. No 10 has indicated the Prime Minister is unlikely to stand in the way of such a deal. Speaking on Political Currency, the podcast he hosts alongside former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr Osborne said the museum was “looking to see if we can come to some arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures are in Athens, where, of course, they were originally sited”. He added: “And in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures, and we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” The Greek government has suggested negotiations with the museum have taken a warmer tone since Labour came to power in the summer. Mr Osborne appeared to concur with this view and praised Sir Keir’s hands-off approach, adding: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up. “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek premier, discussed the Elgin Marbles with Sir Keir when they met on Tuesday morning at Downing Street, he said after returning to Athens. Mr Mitsotakis has signalled his government is awaiting developments on the negotiations. A diplomatic spat between the Greek leader and Mr Sunak emerged last year when the then-prime minister refused to meet his counterpart. Mr Mitsotakis had compared splitting the Elgin Marbles from those still in Athens to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the British Museum for more than 200 years. They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Some of the remaining temple statues are on display in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Greece has called for the collections to be reunited.
The two-day ninth Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) will kick off today at the Shangri-La and Cinnamon Grand. An annual event, it brings about speakers from across the region. Delegates and speakers from overseas will include attendees from India, Pakistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Bangladesh and South Africa. The Chief Guest of the Forum at Shangri-La, Colombo will be the Maldives former Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq whilst the conference will be chaired by Prof. Dr Aishath Muneeza, from INCIEF, Malaysia, who has been chairing the event since its very inception, almost a decade ago. The keynote address will be delivered by renowned practitioner and academic from Pakistan Dr Irum Saba, which is the most advanced market in South Asia in the IBF field. The speakers and panellists at the event will not just focus on the technical aspects of Islamic Banking but also encompass contemporary topics such as Artificial Intelligence. The speakers will include CEOs of banks, international scholars from multiple countries, ‘C’ level executives from NBFIs, insurance companies, technology firms, audit and advisory firms et al, providing those attending with a multitude of perspectives to an industry that is growing at a significant pace. The main conference will be followed by an event hosted by Adl Capital on the opportunities that Islamic Finance offers, with a focus on the domestic market. Attendance for this event is by invitation and prior registration. The two-day program will conclude with the IFFSA Awards at the Cinnamon Lakeside, to be held on 26 November, with institutions across the region vying for accolades in one of the most anticipated events in the IBF calendar. It will recognise financial institutions as well as clients, especially those that have excelled in areas such as ESG and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).SAN DIEGO , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KYTX ) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to Kyverna's registration statement issued in connection with Kyverna's initial public offering ("IPO") held on February 8, 2024 , have until Friday, February 7, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Kyverna class action lawsuit. Captioned Rondini v. Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. , No. 24-cv-08869 (N.D. Cal.), the Kyverna class action lawsuit charges Kyverna and certain of Kyverna's top current and former executives and directors, as well as certain underwriters of Kyverna's IPO with violations of the Securities Act of 1933. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Kyverna class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-kyverna-therapeutics-inc-class-action-lawsuit-kytx.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected] . CASE ALLEGATIONS : Kyverna is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. In the IPO, Kyverna offered 14.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $22.00 per share and Kyverna received net proceeds of approximately $296 million . The Kyverna class action lawsuit alleges that the IPO's offering documents were materially false and misleading and failed to disclose that: (i) Kyverna possessed adverse data related to one of its trials; (ii) the undisclosed adverse data was likely to (and in fact, did) materially and adversely affect Kyverna's lead product and rendered the disclosed results and trends in the offering documents false, misleading, and not indicative of Kyverna's future operating results; and (iii) Kyverna's discussion of risk factors did not adequately describe the risk posed by Kyverna's withholding of adverse data regarding one of its clinical trials, nor the other already occurring negative results and trends, nor the likely and consequent materially adverse effects on Kyverna's future results, share price, and prospects. The Kyverna class action lawsuit further alleges that on June 14, 2024 , Kyverna published an investor presentation that disclosed adverse data regarding one of its clinical trials. As these facts emerged, Kyverna's shares fell sharply, according to the complaint. By the commencement of the Kyverna class action lawsuit, Kyverna stock has traded as low as $3.92 , a decline of more than 82% from the $22.00 per share IPO price, the complaint alleges . THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS : The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Kyverna common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement issued in connection with the IPO to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Kyverna class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Kyverna class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Kyverna class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Kyverna class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER : Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases – over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities- fraud .html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 [email protected] SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Assistance rendered to stranded tourists by locals in Gund wins praise