i ?{ iM$鸋ߟ6v`cA^juNDaily Post Nigeria Gwamnatin Katsina ta rufe makarantun koyon aikin lafiya Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Hausa Gwamnatin Katsina ta rufe makarantun koyon aikin lafiya Published on December 28, 2024 By Kabeer Bello Gwamnan Jihar Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda, ya bayar da umarnin rufe dukkan makarantun koyar da aikin lafiya masu zaman kansu a jihar da ba su da rajista. Mai bai wa gwamnan shawara kan harkokin lafiya, Alhaji Umar Mamuda, ya bayyana hakan yayin taron manema labarai da aka gudanar a ma’aikatar yada labarai da al’adu ta jihar Katsina. Ya ce sakamakon binciken da ma’aikatar lafiya ta jihar ta gudanar kwanan nan ya nuna cewa akwai makarantun kiwon lafiya masu zaman kansu da dama da ba su cika ka’idoji ko samun rajista ba. Wannan, a cewarsa, na iya zama barazana ga lafiyar al’umma. Hukuncin rufe makarantun zai ci gaba da aiki har sai an kammala tantancewa da kuma sake rajistar su. Alhaji Mamuda ya bukaci masu makarantun da abin ya shafa su garzaya ma’aikatar lafiya ta jihar domin tantancewa da karbar rajista. Related Topics: katsina Ɗinki Radda Don't Miss An gudanar da zanga-zanga a Kano You may like ‘Yan sanda sun dakile yunkurin garkuwa da jama’a, an ceto mutum 10 Police foil kidnap attempt in Katsina, rescue 10 hostages Yuletide: NSCDC deploys 2,550 operatives in Katsina Military troops neutralize scores of bandits, dismantle camps in Katsina Gwamnan Zamfara ya karyata rahoton garkuwa da mutane a yankin Maradun Katsina: Police nab 4 suspected suppliers of security personnel uniforms to bandits Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdGlobal HR Leader Partners with CyberCX to Achieve Prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification, Showcasing Commitment to Advanced Cyber Security Standards MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / December 11, 2024 / HireRoad , a global leader in HR solutions, is proud to announce that its Australia-based recruitment platform, Acendre Recruit, has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. This prestigious certification demonstrates HireRoad's unwavering commitment to robust information security practices, giving its customers and stakeholders the confidence that their data is managed with the highest levels of protection. The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification process was completed in October 2024, with an external audit finding zero non-conformities - a testament to HireRoad's dedication to information security. The certification was officially issued in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing cybersecurity journey. "This achievement underscores HireRoad's commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving cyber security landscape," said Liam Ackland, Managing Director of Acendre. "It is a testament to our team's hard work and to the strong partnership we've forged with CyberCX in building and executing a comprehensive security roadmap." Partnering with CyberCX to Elevate Security CyberCX, a leading provider of professional cyber security services, played a pivotal role in HireRoad's certification journey. Over the course of six months, CyberCX worked closely with the Acendre team to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that meets the rigorous standards of ISO/IEC 27001:2022. This collaboration included defining security roadmaps, applying risk-based approaches to information security, and providing ongoing leadership through Virtual CISO support. "Acendre has made incredible strides in enhancing its cyber security capabilities," said Paul Kemp, Executive Director, CyberCX. "CyberCX is proud to support Acendre's commitment to safeguarding customer data, leading the way for security within their industry." Case Study Highlight: Acendre and CyberCX To provide further insights into this successful partnership, Acendre and CyberCX have released a detailed case study showcasing their collaboration and outcomes. The case study highlights the strategic approach and tangible results achieved, including strengthened customer trust and improved security posture. The full case study is available on the HireRoad website: https://acendre.hireroad.com/acendre-cybercx . Looking Ahead: Building on Success Following HireRoad's latest milestone of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the Acendre team is preparing for an independent IRAP assessment in 2025, inclusive of Essential Eight ML2 controls. This next phase will provide additional assurance to HireRoad's Australian government customers, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a competitive and secure platform. For more information about HireRoad's cyber security initiatives or to request a copy of the ISO certification audit report, please visit acendre.hireroad.com . About HireRoad HireRoad is a leading global provider of HR solutions spanning recruitment, onboarding, learning, and analytics software. Acendre is a HireRoad entity out of Australia with over 25 years of expertise in recruitment technology for government and other highly regulated organisations. Acendre Recruit is a leading applicant tracking system and trusted partner for Australian government agencies and beyond, providing a comprehensive and configurable process to help organisations recruit and onboard talent efficiently. About CyberCX CyberCX is the leading provider of end-to-end cyber security and cloud services across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and U.K. With a workforce of over 1,400 cyber security professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations, helping customers confidently manage cyber risks, respond to incidents, and build resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment. Media Contact: Evan White Evan@EvanWhitePR.com 509.995.9105 SOURCE: HireRoad View the original on accesswire.com
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Oklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.Kansas Sen. Michale Fagg, R-El Dorado, urged peers on the joint House and Senate pensions committee to endorse a proposal to invest $1 billion in surplus state revenue in lowering the $9.7 billion unfunded liability of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The committee agreed to ask the 2025 Legislature to consider the concept, but didn't back his call for a $1 billion investment. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — Republican Sen. Michael Fagg wants to persuade the 2025 Kansas Legislature to allocate $1 billion of the state’s revenue surplus to shrinking the $9.7 billion long-term unfunded liability in the state’s pension system. The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, which serves more than 300,000 Kansans and possesses $27 billion in assets, years ago received legislative authorization to issue bonds so proceeds could be invested in the market to bolster the system’s bottom line. KPERS made use of $500 million bond issues in 2004 and 2021, and a $1 billion offering in 2015. On Wednesday, Fagg couldn’t convince the Legislature’s joint committee on pensions to get behind his idea of dedicating another $1 billion to address the system’s 30-year liability. Losses in 2022 — the return on investment was a negative 9.7% compared to a positive 15.7% in 2021 — deepened the challenge at KPERS in terms of meeting obligations on the pension-benefit horizon. “I’m really focused on unfunded liabilities,” Fagg said. “Folks, very seldom have we had this kind of money sitting around. I’m letting you know I know the spot it ought to go.” Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said she was more interested in making use of available state revenue to enhance benefits under the modest KPERS 3 retirement plan offered to public employees since 2015. “I cannot support this recommendation because I think we have to look at the whole picture,” she said. “We can’t underestimate the senior tsunami that is facing us.” House and Senate members on the joint pension committee voted to encourage the 2025 Legislature to study the potential of a fourth infusion of cash to lower the unfunded liability. They decided to ask the Legislature to give thought to altering KPERS 3. The committee agreed to recommend the Legislature once again think about giving KPERS’ retirees a cost-of-living adjustment. The panel said the Legislature ought to research expansion to other KPERS members the deferred retirement program incentivizing fire and law enforcement personnel to stay on the job rather than retire. It might be helpful, for example, in diverting the wave of teacher retirements in Kansas. “I strongly encourage you to keep in mind ... any increase in benefits that is not paid for upfront hurts the fund,” said Sen. Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican who didn’t seek reelection in 2024. There is growing concern among public employees and legislators about the KPERS 3 retirement plan signed into law by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback nearly a decade ago. In an attempt to lower the burden on Kansas taxpayers, the Brownback administration settled on KPERS 3 to substantially lower financial benefits compared to KPERS 1 and KPERS 2. A report produced this year by the Legislature’s auditing unit said KPERS 3 had higher worker contribution requirements, a longer vesting period and lower financial rewards than public retirement plans offered in comparable states. Auditors said a survey of current and former Kansas public employees showed people in KPERS 3 were more likely to leave their job than participants in KPERS 1 or KPERS 2. In 2023, Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, put it this way: “I don’t think you need to do an audit to find out Tier 3 sucks.” Public employees in KPERS 3 were guaranteed 4% annual earnings on their personal account balances, but additional benefits to these city, county or state employees was dependent on performance of the pension system’s investment portfolio. Neither KPERS 1 nor KPERS 2 deposited the investment-return risk directly on the back of public employees in Kansas. Dissatisfaction has prompted proposals to move all KPERS 3 members to KPERS 2, which would transfer financial risk of retirement investments to the state. Meanwhile, the executive director of KPERS said the pension system was undergoing a five-year transition to a new information technology system estimated to cost $75 million. “It’s a massive undertaking,” said Alan Conroy, executive director at KPERS. “We’ve tried to do the prep work — cleaning data, backfilling staff — so we aren’t having staff trying to work full time on the project and doing their full-time, day-to-day jobs.” Rep. Cindy Neighbor, a Shawnee Democrat on the joint committee, said she hoped KPERS securex a modern IT platform without the spider web of problems encountered by the Kansas Department of Labor while reforming the state’s unemployment insurance system. “So far, I think we’ve done the right steps mechanically to have a successful project,” Conroy said. “The ultimate goal, as I tell the staff, is to keep us out of the ditch. We would not want 116,000 retired KPERS members marching on the statehouse because they didn’t get a retirement benefit check because of a failure in the IT system.” Bruce Fink, chief investment officer at KPERS, said the retirement system was in compliance with a new state law mandating divestiture from countries that posed unusual investment risks. The countries targed by the Legislature were Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela and China, including Hong Kong. The law compelled state agencies to complete divestiture transactions by Jan. 1, 2026. “We’ve not identified any trade violations since the act became effective,” Fink said. “We’ve augmented our due-diligence process for new and future investments to confirm that the countries in which potential future managers may invest in will not ... be organized in countries of concern.” In response to enactment of the law on July 1, he said KPERS terminated investments in China and Hong Kong. That involved divesting 12 securities in 10 companies valued at $294 million, he said. Fink said KPERS retained 300,000 shares of Norilsk Nickel, Russia’s leading metals mining company. He said trading of the stock was halted in conjunction with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “There were sanctions put in place,” he told legislators. “We continue to hold those shares in our accounts, but they are currently valued at zero market value.”
SANDYVILLE, W.Va. (WV News) — The Highmark Foundation offers a School Grants Program that makes available up to $500,000 for schools in grades K-12 in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The goal is to create healthy school environments. The Highmark Foundation provides grants up to $7,500 for program activities, including those that increase physical activity, promote healthy eating and nutrition education, improve personal hygiene habits and promote health and disease prevention education. Jackson County educator Brenda Moore submitted an application to the Highmark Foundation on behalf of Evans and Gilmore Elementary schools. The schools received a $4,000 grant to implement First Tee in the classroom at both schools. First Tee is a golf program that can be done with K-5th grade students. It is a program that believes in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful. Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating the program into PE classes across the country. The program has equipped educators at elementary and middle schools with a curriculum built around the game of golf, while positively impacting kids through both the game and its inherent ability to improve social-emotional learning skills. Over 200 schools in West Virginia are participating in this program, according to First Tee Executive Director Jeff Preast. “We are the first schools in Jackson County to participate,” Moore said. “It will be implemented in the spring.”The year-end mission of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled for December 30 is going to be a historic one. As per official sources, ISRO will seek the rare feat of docking or merging or joining together two satellites in Space. The project has been named "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX). Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh informed that whole nation looks forward with bated breath as ISRO is set to achieve a significant milestone in Space technology. The upcoming SpaDeX mission aims to dock two satellites in Space, a challenge only mastered by a few countries, PIB report read. “This ambitious project will take place on December 30, 2024, under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and the indigenous technology used for this mission is called the "Bharatiya Docking System. SpaDEX" will mark a milestone, showcasing India's expertise in spacecraft docking technology,” said Singh. The mission will mark India’s entry into the exclusive league of nations capable of mastering space docking, reported PIB. A unique approach, the PSLV rocket, will launch two satellites equipped with the 'Bhartiya Docking System' to demonstrate this complex feat, he added. Mission Details ISRO will launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) on December 30, 2024. The mission will use PSLV-C60, lifting off at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota. SpaDEX will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02. Each satellite weighs around 220 kilograms and will orbit 470 km above Earth. Key objectives include Performing precision rendezvous and docking manoeuvres, validating power transfer between docked spacecraft and operating payloads post-undocking, with a two-year lifespan. This mission is essential for future endeavours, including satellite servicing and building India's space station, Bharatiya Antriksh Station. SpaDEX will also use PSLV's fourth stage, POEM-4, for experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will utilise the microgravity environment in orbit. SpaDEX will demonstrate docking and undocking capabilities between satellites. This includes transferring power and operating scientific payloads, the PIB report added.
Man jailed for pointing shotgun at unarmed gardaí who had ‘genuine concerns’ for livesIran says will hold nuclear talks with France, Germany, UK on FridayChargers' Justin Herbert in Danger of Missing Week 15
With the holidays taking up much of your time, you may not be concentrating on retirement moves to make before 2025. But if you’re the type of person who does everything to the max, investing in your future retirement now could be a game changer. Contribution limits In 2024, you can invest up to $23,000 into your 401(k) retirement plan as per IRS contribution limits. If you’re over 50 and need to play catch-up, you can invest an extra $7,500. That means your total possible contribution for 2024 is $30,500. If that seems like a lot, it is. But you don’t have to max out your contributions if you can’t afford it. Employer matching can help. In 2025, you can invest $23,500, bringing your possible contribution up to $31,500. If you’re over 50, the catch-up contribution remains at $7,500 for 2025. But a huge change was made in SECURE 2.0 for employees aged 60 to 63 who participate in workplace retirement plans. Starting in 2025, this super catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500. People are also reading... Four ways to max out 1. Figure out how much you contributed. If you’ve contributed as much as possible for the year, you’re in good shape going into 2025. If you’re not sure, you changed jobs or haven’t contributed consistently in 2024, you still have time to make adjustments to max out your 401(k) contributions for the year. 2. Check your employer’s match. Employer matching is a job benefit not to be overlooked. After all, for every dollar you save in your 401(k), your employer matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar or offers a partial match up to a certain percentage of your wages. Knowing where you stand can help you make the most of this opportunity. For example, let’s say you earn $50,000 per year and contribute $3,000 to your 401(k), or 6% of your salary. If your employer offers to match 50 cents of each dollar you contribute up to 6% of your pay, they would add $1,500 each year to your 401(k) account, boosting your total annual contributions to $4,500. 3. Look at your budget. Maxing out your 401(k) is always a good move. However, retirement planning can be a balancing act; sometimes, your budget is downright against it. If you have high debt or no money set aside for emergencies, you may want to hold off a bit. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute to your retirement plan at all. Maintaining contributions is important, even if it means not maxing it out. Still, if you wait too long to save, you’ll have to play catch-up. If you save too much, you may have to tap into your account early, which can mean early withdrawal penalties if you are under age 591⁄2. 4. Boost your contributions. If you have enough cash stashed away to cover a large lump sum contribution to your 401(k), you could max out your 401(k) contributions before the end of the year. You can do this by increasing the percentage you contribute monthly from your paycheck. You’ll want to speak with your employer or HR department to see if this is possible and fill out the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that how often you increase it or even if you can will depend on your plan rules. You may also want to check to be sure your contributions are still automatic. Since it’s usually easier to save money if it’s automatically deducted from your paycheck, it may be worth reviewing your budget to see if you can boost your contribution amount to max out your 401(k). If you haven’t set up automatic payroll contributions, now is a good time to do so. 1 in 4 people say they’ll go into debt for the holidays. Is social media to blame? Benefits of maxing out Maxing out your 401(k) has some clear benefits. This is especially true if you’ve fallen behind on your savings goals or you simply want to grow your retirement nest egg faster. The main advantage is that you’ll have more money saved for retirement. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study, most retired Americans believe they will need nearly $1.5 million in the bank to retire comfortably. That’s a 15% increase — which far outpaces the 3% to 5% inflation rate — over 2023 and is up 53% from 2020. The money you put into your 401(k) lowers how much you’ll pay in taxes for the year, which may put you in a lower tax bracket. Also, 401(k) investments grow tax-deferred, so you won't pay taxes on the money until you withdraw the funds in retirement. If you have a Roth 401(k), you don't get a tax break on contributions because you fund your account with after-tax dollars. But the money you contribute grows tax-free and you won’t pay any taxes on your withdrawals in retirement. Speak with a pro Maxing out your 410(k) each year may not be enough to retire comfortably, but it is a great start. That’s why enlisting the help of a financial adviser in 2024 can help you get a head start on 2025 and a happy retirement down the road. 4 tips to help you experience exceptional cruise dining | PennyWise podcast You need to make $108,000 to afford a home in America Americans who bought homes in 2024 were older and richer than ever Why you shouldn't store your money in payment apps Kathryn Pomroy is a contributing writer at Kiplinger.com . For more on money topics, visit Kiplinger.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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China signals readiness to mend ties with U.S. ahead of Trump inaugurationLAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams insisted he hasn't lost faith in General Manager Ryan Poles. Even with the team on a seven-game losing streak, he believes the franchise has the right person in place to build a winner. "The amount that he cares about us, the Chicago Bears and wanting to win is why my faith is in him and believing in him and making sure that we get it right," Williams said Thursday. "That's my short answer to it." The Bears (4-9) sure didn't think they would be in a position like this heading into their game at Minnesota (11-2) on Monday night. They came into the season expecting to contend for a playoff spot after making a series of high-profile moves, none bigger than drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. But a team that rolled into its bye with three straight wins and a 4-2 record has since done nothing but lose. Chicago fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in the wake of a 19-3 loss to New England in Week 10 at Soldier Field and promoted Thomas Brown from passing game coordinator. While Williams seemed to regain his footing after several rough outings, the losses continued to mount. The Bears fired a head coach in season for the first time when they let Matt Eberflus go the day after a Thanksgiving Day loss at Detroit, when they ran out of time for a potential tying field goal despite having one timeout remaining. It was just the latest in a string of bad late-game decisions. With Brown debuting as interim coach, the Bears got blown out 38-13 at San Francisco last week. Williams threw for just 134 yards with two late touchdowns and was sacked seven times in that game, a big drop in production from his first three games with Brown calling the plays, and the schedule sure doesn't get easier. The Vikings have won six in a row, including an overtime victory in Week 12 at Soldier Field in which Chicago scored 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. In one season at Oklahoma and two at Southern California, Williams' teams lost a total of 10 games. The Bears could equal that this week. "There's belief — belief, hope and faith — that we're going to get this right and however it may happen, that's how it's going to happen," Williams said. "That's kind of where I'm at with it. They drafted me here to go win games." Williams insisted his relationship with Poles has only gotten stronger and his faith in the general manager hasn't wavered. He pointed toward the acquisitions in the offseason, a list that included two wide receivers in six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and No. 9 overall draft pick Rome Odunze as well as running back D'Andre Swift. "Keep going on with a list of people. He's done a good job," Williams said. Running backs Roschon Johnson (concussion) and D'Andre Swift (groin), guard Ryan Bates (concussion) and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) would not have participated had the team held practice rather than a walk-through. Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) would have been limited. Johnson sat out last week's game, while Bates and Hicks have missed the past three. Get local news delivered to your inbox!8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscues
It did not require much in ’s to run into trouble with the secret police – and it always ended badly. Mohammed Ismail al-Daher’s only crime was having the same name as a suspect wanted by the Palestine Branch, one of the most feared intelligence units in Assad’s entire security apparatus. It did not seem to matter what he did, what records he kept to prove he was not that Ismail al-Daher, whoever he was, that he was merely a humble mechanic from Raqqa. Eventually, he knew he would be stopped, either at a checkpoint or by a passing patrol, bundled into a vehicle at gunpoint and taken into custody. Then the torture would begin, first the beatings and later the cigarette burns that still cover much of his body. It happened four times in as many years, most recently in May, and it normally took months for him to convince his tormentors that they had the wrong man. It certainly did not help that Raqqa, in eastern Syria, was for three years the city that Islamic State, or Isis, chose to make the capital of its self-declared caliphate. But, as Mr Daher points out, he fled to Damascus in order to get away from Isis – only to find out that life in government-held Syria was just as terrifying. Those days are in the past – forever, Mr Daher hopes. On Wednesday evening, he and his friends were celebrating the end of the Assad years at the storied Kamal al-Safi coffee house, a century-old establishment in the Mezzeh district of the Syrian capital. He often came here to while away the hours, perhaps over a game of cards or backgammon, and smoke a water pipe. Never in the past, however, would conversation have turned to politics, certainly not if it contained even the merest whiff of criticism towards the regime. “If you were foolish to have that kind of conversation, that would be a surefire way of ensuring that no one ever saw you again,” he said with a rueful laugh. “The only time you could criticise Assad was in your dreams when you were asleep.” Things could not be more different now. Damascus has the feel of a liberated city. Even three days after Assad’s overthrow, residents of the city were hooting their horns, waving the revolution flag and rejoicing in the streets. Over the 24 years he ruled the country, Assad made it very clear that Syria was very much his family’s fiefdom. His likeness or that of his , adorned posters, billboards and statues the breadth of the country, a reminder that his power was absolute. How little time it has taken, as is so often the case when a strongman is overthrown, for that power to prove ephemeral. The posters are gone, the statues toppled, the billboards ripped and blowing in the wind as though mocking the . His army, too, has dissolved. The checkpoints where soldiers would supplement their £8-a-month salary by shaking down passing motorists lie abandoned. Here and there, though in far fewer numbers, the fighters of the new regime, footsoldiers of the Islamist (HTS) faction, stood guard. Dressed in casual fatigues and clutching kalashnikovs, they waved motorists past with cheerful grins on Wednesday, a conscious effort to show how different to the old guard they are and perhaps, also, that they represented the smiling face of political Islam How long that remains the case remains to be seen. HTS is a former al-Qaeda affiliate. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, had ties not just to al-Qaeda but to Isis as well and has a $10 million bounty on his head in the United States. Since 2017, however, both Mr Jolani and his movement have sought to present themselves as moderate reformers, still Islamic in outlook, but tolerant and inclusive of others. When the euphoria that always follows the overthrow of a dictator passes, HTS’s true self – moderate or otherwise – will become clearer. But for the moment, many Syrians are simply revelling in the unfamiliar joy of freedom after half a century of stultifying Assad rule. “We feel like people who, having been trapped underground, suddenly come to the surface and are able to breathe fresh air,” said Ahmad al Matar, a bookseller. For the moment at least, “après Assad, le dèluge” predictions of immediate disaster are yet to come to pass. HTS has maintained discipline in its ranks and order on the streets, roadsweepers are back at work and, despite the suffering Assad’s opponents suffered over the 13-year uprising, there is little evidence of retribution, misleading claims on social media notwithstanding. Fighters are keen to point out that their main aim is not to force an unwanted ideology on others but to restore hope after decades of darkness. “I joined HTS four years ago primarily because since leaving school I have been unable to get a job,” said Mahmoud Hilal, a bearded 32-year-old fighter standing on a highway scattered with military uniforms discarded by Assad’s fleeing army. “My ambition is to be an electrical engineer and I came to the conclusion that until Assad was gone I would have no chance of realising it.” Amid the euphoria and optimism, however, there is also a great deal of grief and trauma. All day on Wednesday, families trudged up the hill to , 16 miles north of Damascus, desperate to find out what happened to loved ones who vanished over the civil war, never to be seen again. Sednayah was Syria’s most notorious place of incarceration until its inmates, some of them too weak to walk, were sprung from their cells over the weekend. Torture was carried out on an industrial scale here, according to rights groups. So many were executed it was known to Syrians simply as “the slaughterhouse”. Thousands of people have visited in recent days, trawling through its dank corridors strewn with the paper records of inmates, shrinking away from the nooses hanging from ceilings in some cells and lighting their way through the darkness with their mobile phones. It soon became clear that there was virtually no hope of finding answers. Mirvat Alsahli was there to look for her son Tareq, who disappeared in the middle of his university exams in 2015 when he was 20. Eventually she tracked him down to Sednaya in 2018 and was allowed to visit him twice, although she was never permitted to ask why he had been arrested. “There were always two guards standing right behind him when I visited,” she said. “Then I went back a third time, and a soldier said, ‘He is dead’. He gave me no other information. I hope it is not true but I just want to find out what happened.” But her search was in vain and she left, weeping, supported by her equally distraught daughter. Sitting on the grass outside the prison, Mazhuda Hiban told of a similarly futile search for her husband and three sons who were dragged away from their home in Homs in 2011 as she watched with her youngest son, Khaled, who was then four. What they had done or where they were taken, she never found out. For the past seven years she and Khaled, now 17 and holding few memories of either his father or his brothers, have visited every prison in the country hoping for clues. Her return to Sednaya was a last desperate attempt to solve the mystery. “It feels hopeless,” she said. “My only hope is that Assad and his family go through just a little bit of what my family has gone through over the past 13 years.”OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada's hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country's under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. "You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?" Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. "Is that how this works?" That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. "We're certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water," said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. "We've got to be really careful." Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. "We played really, really hard," Anholt said in defending his players. "We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game." Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year's Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia's net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. "Tough blow for the kid," Anholt said. "The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed." Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday's ugly result in the nation's capital. "We're good," said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. "Everyone's lost a hockey game before." But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. "Bit of a (crappy) feeling," said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. "We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. "We'll bounce back." Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team's overall roster construction. "We're not really worried about it," defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year's team, said of the outside noise. "We know we didn't play well." Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there's a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. "Great player," Cowan said. "He finds ways." Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. "Let's not panic," he said. "The world hasn't fallen in. It's hard, but we'll learn from it." It's something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. "People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you," said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. "Gotta keep doing you." Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn't getting 2024 vibes from this year's group. "Not even in any way, shape or form," he said. "We've just got to take care of business." They get a first shot at redemption Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx has reached her final hours as the conference's leader on education policy. For 20 years, Foxx has served on the House Education and the Workforce Committee. For the last two terms while Republicans were in the majority in the House, she's held the coveted position of chairwoman and was ranking member when Democrats were in control from 2019 until 2021. In fact, the 81-year-old congresswoman was granted a waiver to lead the committee for the 118th Congress because Republicans limit their top committee position to six years. The Republican Steering Committee will elect the next chair on Thursday. Foxx told ABC News that her top priority this session was reducing college costs through reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. Many of the K-12 topics on the former college instructor and community college president's legislative agenda became winning issues for Republicans. Parents' rights, protecting women and girls in sports, and school choice policies -- issues that reached the national stage on the campaign trail this year -- were widely supported by Republicans under Foxx's leadership. Foxx is known for foiling the Biden administration's signature higher education policies, including his student loan forgiveness program. She's been called a "hero" by staffers and a "force of nature" by House Speaker Mike Johnson. "She has been a very faithful friend to me and a good model for all of us," Johnson recalled in an interview with ABC News. "Her work ethic is incredible. She is so passionate about what she does. She is a force of nature, but she also has a way to balance it with humility," Johnson said. Dedication to education Foxx's dedication to education was exhibited by her committee's crackdown on alleged antisemitism engulfing college campuses over the last year. She spearheaded the collecting of more than 400,000 pages of documents, historic subpoenas for documents and internal communications, and hearings that led to the resignations of Ivy League presidents who failed to protect Jewish students at U.S. universities, according to the committee's wide-reaching report . "Our goal was and is to make sure that Jewish students are safe on campus," Foxx told ABC News, adding, "All students should be safe on campus, but it was the Jewish students who were being threatened and harassed and, at times, assaulted." House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik has worked alongside Foxx for the last decade on the committee. Stefanik credits Foxx with being the driving force pushing education to the top of the House's agenda as Johnson took up the antisemitism issue earlier this spring. "The great thing about Virginia is she's not going to slow down, and I think she will have other great chapters in Congress, but it's been great to be on the committee with her, and I'm very proud of her, and she is someone that so many people look up to," Stefanik told ABC News. Foxx's work ethic can be traced back to her humble beginning in Avery County, North Carolina, in Appalachia. She told ABC News that she grew up very poor. "I just never imagined, in my wildest dreams, being in Congress or having a portrait," Foxx said when asked this fall about the painting of her that now hangs in the Education Committee's hearing room on Capitol Hill. "I grew up in a town with no electricity and no running water." Foxx is now a mentor to her colleagues, including Stefanik and Utah's Burgess Owens. "She's a bulldog when it comes down to what she wants to get accomplished and that's what we've needed to actually bring education to the forefront," Rep. Owens told ABC News. A former NFL player, Owens said he admires Foxx's ability to build a team and compared the chairwoman to his legendary head coach Al Davis. "I see what Dr. Foxx is doing with education in the same way," Owens said. "I think for the first time, education is becoming a priority, not only for those of us who have a passion for it, but for Americans across the country who just took it for granted," he said. Who will be the next chair? A relative newcomer to the committee, Owens wants to follow in Foxx's footsteps. He is challenging Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, to succeed Foxx as chair. Owens told ABC News he's feeling anxious about winning over his colleagues on the committee. Meanwhile, Walberg and Rep. G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania are the second-longest serving Republicans on the committee behind Foxx. After 16 years, Walberg said he believes he deserves the top position. Foxx said she has loved chairing the committee, but it's just one of many highlights during her time on the Hill. "My greatest achievement comes every day when we help another constituent, so my life isn't just tied up in the committee," she said.
Cathie Wood has stood firm in her commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) long before it was the buzzword of the decade. Her Ark Innovation ETF consistently highlights AI as a prime disruptor poised for extensive growth. This year, AI has significantly boosted Wood’s investment returns, especially with three standout stocks. Palantir Technologies leads the charge for Ark Invest in 2024. Although it ranks fifth in the Ark Innovation ETF holdings, its stock price surged an astounding 380% this year alone. The company has consistently showcased impressive revenue growth each quarter. This momentum was further fueled by its inclusion in prominent indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100. Moreover, political dynamics also played a role in its rapid rise, aligning well with governmental priorities under the new administration. Nvidia remains a strategic hold for Ark Invest despite some earlier divestments. With its stock rising over 180%, Nvidia’s GPUs have become essential in the AI boom, particularly for training and deploying large language models. CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes a broader industry shift towards accelerated computing, driven not only by AI but also by technical advancements. Tesla , synonymous with Cathie Wood’s investment style, also enjoyed significant gains, climbing over 80% by the year’s end. The political climate bolstered Tesla’s prospects as Elon Musk’s connection with the new administration positioned the company advantageously. As 2025 approaches, opinions vary on the future trajectory of these stocks. While some are cautious about Palantir and Tesla’s valuations, optimism around Nvidia continues to grow. Wall Street analysts predict that Nvidia’s innovations could lead another successful year. AI Investment Trends: Cathie Wood’s Picks and Market Insights As the world dives deeper into the AI revolution, Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, continues to lead the charge with strategic investments in companies poised for transformative growth. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, her focus on artificial intelligence has proven to yield substantial returns, reflected in her top picks: Palantir Technologies, Nvidia, and Tesla. Let’s delve into the insights, trends, and future projections for these AI-driven market leaders. Palantir Technologies: A Flagship in AI Disruption Pros and Cons : – Pros : Palantir’s groundbreaking software solutions in data analytics and government contracts solidify its position as a leader in AI. Its stock witnessed a meteoric rise of 380% this year, underpinned by consistent revenue growth and strategic index inclusions. – Cons : Critics point to its high valuation and dependence on government contracts as potential vulnerabilities. Features & Use Cases : – Palantir’s platforms, like Foundry and Gotham, are pivotal in data-driven decision-making across industries, extending from military applications to commercial ventures. Nvidia: Powering the AI Engine Innovations & Technology : – Nvidia’s GPUs are the backbone for AI frameworks, enabling advanced computing tasks crucial for AI model training and deployment. The company’s focus on accelerated computing is set to redefine industries. Market Analysis : – The demand for Nvidia’s offerings continues to rise, with analysts forecasting further growth as AI integrations span sectors like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and cloud computing. Tesla: Electrifying the Future with AI Strategic Insights : – Tesla’s advancements in self-driving technology and energy solutions leverage AI to enhance vehicle performance and sustainability. The company’s stock rose by nearly 80% this year, boosted by Elon Musk’s strategic connections. Limitations & Opportunities : – Tesla faces challenges with regulatory approvals and production targets but continues to push the boundaries with innovations in EVs and renewable energy offerings. Predictions and Market Trends As 2025 approaches, the anticipation surrounding the AI sphere grows. Predictions suggest that companies like Nvidia will capitalize on their technological advancements, driving significant industry shifts. Similarly, Palantir and Tesla are expected to evolve with strategic innovations catering to digital transformation and sustainable energy solutions. Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about these companies, with Nvidia leading the projections for another successful year. In contrast, debates on valuation metrics pose a cautious outlook for Palantir and Tesla, underscoring the dynamic nature of tech investments. For more information or to explore Cathie Wood’s investment strategies, visit the Ark Invest website . In conclusion, Cathie Wood’s commitment to AI investments exemplifies the potential of technological advancements to disrupt and redefine industries. As AI continues to shape the future, her investment choices highlight key opportunities for growth and innovation in the tech market.
NEEDHAM, Mass., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Candel Therapeutics, Inc. (“Candel”) (Nasdaq: CADL), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing multimodal biological immunotherapies to help patients fight cancer, today announced the launch of an underwritten public offering of $80 million of its common stock and, in lieu of common stock to certain investors, pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. All shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to be sold in the offering will be offered by Candel. Candel also intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $12 million of the shares of its common stock offered in the public offering under the same terms and conditions. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or the actual size or terms of the offering. Candel intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to continue the development of our product candidates, including preparing the submission of a Biologics License Application for CAN-2409 in prostate cancer and for general corporate purposes. Citigroup, BofA Securities and Canaccord Genuity are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as lead manager for the offering. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the shares of common stock offered in the public offering described above was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 5, 2022 and declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2022. The offering will be made only by means of a written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, when available, may also be obtained by contacting Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, telephone: 1-800-831-9146; BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com; or Canaccord Genuity LLC, Attention: Syndication Department, 1 Post Office Square, 30th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, or by email at prospectus@cgf.com. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities being offered, nor shall there be any sale of the securities being offered in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Candel Therapeutics Candel is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing off-the-shelf multimodal biological immunotherapies that elicit an individualized, systemic anti-tumor immune response to help patients fight cancer. Candel has established two clinical stage multimodal biological immunotherapy platforms based on novel, genetically modified adenovirus and herpes simplex virus (HSV) gene constructs, respectively. CAN-2409 is the lead product candidate from the adenovirus platform and is currently in ongoing clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (phase 2) and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (phase 2), and recently completed phase 2b and phase 3 clinical trials in localized, non-metastatic prostate cancer. CAN-3110 is the lead product candidate from the HSV platform and is currently in an ongoing phase 1b clinical trial in recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG). Finally, Candel’s enLIGHTENTM Discovery Platform is a systematic, iterative HSV-based discovery platform leveraging human biology and advanced analytics to create new viral immunotherapies for solid tumors. Forward-Looking Statements Various statements in this release concerning the timing, size, structure and completion of the proposed public offering on the anticipated terms or at all may constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other federal securities laws. All such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Candel’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include fluctuations in Candel’s stock price, changes in market conditions, the final terms of the public offering and satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the public offering, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement and registration statement referenced above, Candel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 28, 2024 with the SEC and subsequent filings with the SEC including Candel’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. There can be no assurance that Candel will be able to complete the public offering on the anticipated terms. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All such statements speak only as of the date made, and Candel undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law. Investor Contact: Theodore Jenkins VP, Investor Relations and Business Development Candel Therapeutics, Inc. tjenkins@candeltx.com Media Contact: Ben Shannon Vice President ICR Healthcare CandelPR@icrhealthcare.comSaints QB situation remains cloudy as matchup with Washington nears