Special Counsel Jack Smith on Monday moved to dismiss the federal cases against US President-elect Donald Trump -- including one for election subversion -- citing an official policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, but neither case ever came to trial. Smith, in a filing with the district judge in Washington presiding over the election case, said it should be dropped in light of the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president. He cited the same reasoning in withdrawing his appeal of a ruling by a district judge, a Trump appointee, who dismissed the classified documents case earlier this year. Smith asked District Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the election interference case "without prejudice" -- leaving open the possibility it could be revived after Trump leaves office four years from now. The special counsel paused the election interference case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. Trump's communications director Steven Cheung welcomed the move to dismiss the election interference case, calling it a "major victory for the rule of law." "The American People and President Trump want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country," Cheung said in a statement. Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021, by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. The former and incoming president also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office. cl/bgs
Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | UC campus and hospital worker strike continues across university system Health | Phillips 66 indicted on charges it dumped tainted water from Carson refinery into sewer system Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.AMANDA ABBINGTON has been approached to take part in Celebrity Big Brother but turned it down due to her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. Her brief stint on the BBC One dance contest last year led to a long investigation into her pro partner Giovanni Pernice which ended with several complaints about his behaviour upheld , as reported in the Sun right. 6 Amanda Abbington rejected an offer to join Celebrity Big Brother, citing her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing with pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice Credit: PA Producers of CBB wanted to sign her up for the new series, set to air next year on ITV, since she has been in the limelight recently and they hoped that she might open up on the murky chapter in Strictly’s history . A TV insider said: “Amanda decided to discreetly turn down the offer because she felt so traumatised by the last reality TV contest she was on. “She couldn’t face going through all the trolling that she received when she complained about Giovanni which made her feel like public enemy number one . “Of course, the fee for taking part would have been appreciated but she just couldn’t face it. READ MORE ON STRICTLY FAN FURY Strictly in new fix row as fans claim star was 'robbed' after close final cha-champion! Chris McCausland WINS Strictly during 'most emotional' final ever “Amanda has absolutely nothing against Celebrity Big Brother, though. “Indeed, she will be tuning in to watch the show next year, along with the rest of the country.” ITV confirmed last month that BB and CBB would be returning for a third series on the channel, which will coincide with the reality TV show celebrating its 25th birthday. Hosted by Davina McCall, Big Brother became an instant phenomenon when it began on Channel 4 in 2000 and ended ten years later. It then enjoyed a run on Channel 5 from 2011 until 2018. Most read in News TV SCREEN TIME STV reveals Hogmanay lineup including Lorraine Kelly and Still Game OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years CHECK OUT NC500 B&B owners star on hit Channel 4 show - but guest moans of 'awful' sleep OVERWHELMED Hollywood A-lister reveals heartache over first drama about Lockerbie bombing ITV chiefs revived the show last year and swiftly rebooted the celeb spin-off. The first celebrity version appeared on our screens in 2001 with some pretty impressive stars, including comedian Jack Dee, who won the debut series, and telly presenter Vanessa Feltz. Giovanni Pernice breaks silence on his future at the BBC after Amanda Abbington bullying row It’s a pity Amanda has turned down CBB but I can understand why she decided it had to be a polite no. DJs deck the halls 6 Ken Bruce is hosting a special DJ edition of Popmaster Credit: Jamie Simpson / Channel 4 6 OJ Borg, Radio 2, Katie Thistleton, Radio 1, Bob Harris, Radio 2, Ken, Jenny Powell, Greatest Hits Radio and Rickie Haywood-Williams, Radio 1 Credit: Jamie Simpson / Channel 4 RADIO 2 legend Ken Bruce couldn’t stay away for long. My exclusive pic shows the broadcasting legend staging his own radio reunion with other BBC stalwarts, Bob Harris and OJ Borg. The trio are part of a fab five taking on Ken’s Popmaster Christmas special. And all the contenders should really know their stuff when it comes to the charts. Joining the Radio 2 cohort are Radio 1’s Katie Thistleton and Rickie Haywood-Williams, plus Ken’s Greatest Hits Radio pal Jenny Powell . Ken left the BBC last year for the commercial station and launched beloved quiz Popmaster as a TV format on More4, where it’s been doing great business . But which radio DJ will come out as the Christmas number one? The special airs tomorrow (Tues) at 9pm on More4. Peter's fired up! 6 Comic Peter Kay has not yet seen the new Wallace & Gromit, despite being in it PETER KAY says he has yet to watch the new Wallace & Gromit BBC festive flick – even though he is in it. I revealed on Friday that the funnyman is starring as Chief Inspector Mackintosh, above, in Vengeance Most Fowl, which airs on BBC One on Christmas Day. But speaking on Absolute Radio’s The Jason Manford Show, he joked: “I haven’t seen it yet. “I have had it on a knock-off Fire Stick and been selling it on Sundays with the film Gladiator II, and I’ve got Wicked in black and white. “Down Fletcher Street in Bolton I have a stall. I do four litres of bleach, Duracell batteries and Immac. “I’m down there with this Fire Stick, so if anyone wants Wallace & Gromit, I’m there.” Not if Beeb bosses get there first, Peter. Robo is a no-go for Rob 6 Gavin & Stacey will be returning for the show's finale on Christmas Day Credit: PA WHILE Britain remains hopeful Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will finally reveal what happened on that fishing trip, Rob Brydon has hinted Uncle Bryn has other more pressing matters on his mind. Talking to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, Rob was asked what new technology the beloved character might now be embracing. Rob said: “There was talk of whether he was into air fryers and stuff. “I think Bryn would be a bit scared of [AI chatbot] ChatGPT, as I am. “I find it mind-boggling the thought of what that stuff can do.” Imagining one of Bryn’s lines to Gavin, Rob joked: “It’s called ChatGPT. You can put anything in Gav, and I mean anything.” I wonder if ChatGPT knows what went on, riverside? WAG turned GB News host Lizzie Cundy is in the running to join Real Housewives of London. Bosses at Hayu are talking to a gaggle of divas now to cast the new spin-off of the famous franchise. They reckon socialite Lizzie could be the next Lisa Vanderpump . Cici wil wait for Mr Right 6 First Dates waitress Cici Coleman is looking for her ideal match and has even asked maître d’ Fred Sirieix to dish up a date for her Credit: PA FIRST Dates is back with a festive special, and there’s one familiar singleton hoping bosses will deliver her biggest Christmas wish – finding a new man. Show waitress Cici Coleman is looking for her ideal match and has even asked maître d’ Fred Sirieix to dish up a date for her. Cici said: “Fred has introduced me to a lot of men but, I’m afraid, nothing in the long term department. “Putting my love life in the hands of the First Dates team is definitely something I’ve discussed, but it just never happened. They haven’t found me the right one yet. Read more on the Scottish Sun lew's new love Lewis Capaldi grows close to influencer as they party with Noel Gallagher OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years “So who knows? If I’m single next series then I’m sure the conversation will be had!” First Dates at Christmas is on Channel 4 on Thursday at 9pm.
A high-powered delegation led by Pakistan's special envoy on Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq on Tuesday held crucial talks in Kabul in what is seen as renewed push by both sides to overcome the obstacles in their bilateral relationship. This was the first high-level visit by the Pakistani side to Kabul in 15 months and came at a time when Pakistan is battling with terrorism particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq soon after landing in Kabul on Monday evening met Afghan Taliban interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Sources said the two sides held extended discussions over dinner. The agenda includes the security situation, presence of terrorist hideouts and other matters. The Pakistani delegation on Tuesday also held talks with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. A statement issued by the Afghan side said the delegation led by Muhammad Sadiq discussed bilateral issues and cooperation in various sectors and improving relations between the two countries. Both sides emphasized the need for "joint efforts" to stabilize peace and security and foster economic growth. During the meeting between Afghan interior minister and Pakistani special envoy, both sides discussed important issues aimed at further improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and resolving current challenges, according to the statement issued by the Afghan interior ministry. The Pakistan delegation offered condolences on behalf of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, his assistant, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the "martyrdom" of Khalilur Rehman Haqqani. They expressed deep sympathy to the martyr's family and the Afghan people and prayed for the martyr's forgiveness. Pakistan's Special Representative, Sadiq Khan, also expressed deep sorrow over Khalilur Rehman Haqqani's death and said, "We are determined to resolve the existing issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan through joint efforts, so that economic and public ties between the two countries are further strengthened". As per the Afghan handout, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interim Minister of the Interior, while welcoming the guests, highlighted the religious, cultural, and historical commonalities between the two neighboring countries. He emphasized, "The current situation demands that efforts be intensified to resolve security and political issues, to prevent any harm to the relationship between the two nations and ensure the stability and development of the region." At the end of the meeting, both sides stressed the need for continued cooperation and reconciliation to further enhance relations. The Pakistani delegation will have more meetings with Afghan authorities on Wednesday before wrapping up the crucial trip. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained for many months. Pakistan has repeatedly blamed the terrorist hideouts across Afghanistan as the main reason behind the surge in terrorist attacks. The Taliban government have denied the charges and insisted that it does not allow any group to threaten peace and security of the neighbouring country. It has also stressed that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was an internal matter of Pakistan. However, several independent reports endorsed Pakistan's view that the TTP and its leadership have been operating from Afghanistan. The latest move by Pakistan to dispatch a high-powered delegation was part of an effort to give diplomacy a chance to resolve the issue of terrorism. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our- Completed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of common stock, raising gross proceeds of $82.1M - Single Ascending Dose (SAD) portion of Phase 1 study of CMP-CPS-001 completed; safety data anticipated in Q1 2025 - Entered strategic research collaboration with BioMarin valued at over $370M CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation (“CAMP4”) (Nasdaq: CAMP), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of regRNA-targeting therapeutics designed to upregulate gene expression with the goal of restoring healthy protein levels across a range of genetic diseases, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update. “The third quarter of 2024 has been transformational for CAMP4, highlighted by our successful IPO and continued strong progress with our lead program, CMP-CPS-001, which received Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of urea cycle disorders,” said Josh Mandel-Brehm, Chief Executive Officer of CAMP4. “We also partnered with BioMarin to identify novel therapeutics targeting regRNAs associated with genetic diseases, validating the potential of our RNA Actuating Platform and reinforcing our commitment to advance cutting-edge solutions for patients in need.” Mr. Mandel-Brehm continued, “We continue to advance our CMP-CPS-001 program through the Phase 1 trial, and we anticipate reporting SAD safety data in the first quarter of 2025 followed by multiple ascending dose (MAD) biomarker efficacy data in the second half of 2025, that may enable a registrational Phase 2/3 study. With the proceeds from our IPO, we are well positioned to support continued clinical and preclinical development of our ongoing programs.” Recent Corporate Highlights: Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results CAMP4 ended the third quarter with $2.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. On a pro forma basis, considering the $82.1M IPO proceeds, the company is well positioned to support continued growth and the development of its ongoing programs. Research and Development (R&D) expenses were $9.7 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $9.8 million for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to a modest reduction in workforce-related expense, offset in part by an increase in lab operation expense and preclinical and clinical consulting fees. General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $3.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense and higher patent-related expenses vs. prior period. Net loss was $13.5 million for the third quarter 2024, compared to $11.7 million for the same period in 2023. About CAMP4 Therapeutics CAMP4 is developing disease-modifying treatments for a broad range of genetic diseases where amplifying healthy protein may offer therapeutic benefits. Our approach amplifies mRNA by harnessing a fundamental mechanism of how genes are controlled. To amplify mRNA, our therapeutic ASO drug candidates target regRNAs, which act locally on transcription factors and are the master regulators of gene expression. CAMP4’s proprietary RAP PlatformTM enables the mapping of regRNAs and generation of therapeutic candidates designed to target the regRNAs associated with genes underlying haploinsufficient and recessive partial loss-of-function disorders, of which there are more than 1,200, in which a modest increase in protein expression may have the potential to be clinically meaningful. Learn more about us at www.CAMP4tx.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning CAMP4’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; the timing and results of ongoing and future clinical trials, including expectations on the timing of reporting SAD and MAD data from and seeking regulatory approval for the CMP-CPS-001 trial; its growth strategy; and cash balance guidance. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the Company’s limited operating history, incurrence of substantial losses since the Company’s inception and anticipation of incurring substantial and increasing losses for the foreseeable future; the Company’s need for substantial additional financing to achieve the Company’s goals; the uncertainty of clinical development, which is lengthy and expensive, and characterized by uncertain outcomes, and risks related to additional costs or delays in completing, or failing to complete, the development and commercialization of the Company’s current product candidates or any future product candidates; delays or difficulties in the enrollment and dosing of patients in clinical trials; the impact of any significant adverse events or undesirable side effects caused by the Company’s product candidates; potential competition, including from large and specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; the Company’s ability to realize the benefits of the Company’s current or future collaborations or licensing arrangements and ability to successfully consummate future partnerships; the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approval to commercialize any product candidate in the United States or any other jurisdiction, and the risk that any such approval may be for a more narrow indication than the Company seeks; the Company’s dependence on the services of the Company’s senior management and other clinical and scientific personnel, and the Company’s ability to retain these individuals or recruit additional management or clinical and scientific personnel; the Company’s ability to grow the Company’s organization, and manage the Company’s growth and expansion of the Company’s operations; risks related to the manufacturing of the Company’s product candidates, which is complex, and the risk that the Company’s third-party manufacturers may encounter difficulties in production; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for the Company’s product candidates or any future product candidates the Company may develop; the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct the Company’s preclinical studies and clinical trials; the Company’s compliance with the Company’s obligations under the licenses granted to the Company by others, for the rights to develop and commercialize the Company’s product candidates; risks related to the operations of the Company’s suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties described in the section “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as well as other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release are inherently uncertain and are not guarantees of future events. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond the Company’s control, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Moreover, the Company operates in an evolving environment. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and management cannot predict all risks and uncertainties. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. Contacts Investor Relations: Sandya von der Weid LifeSci Advisors svonderweid@lifesciadvisors.com Media: Jason Braco, Ph.D. LifeSci Communications jbraco@lifescicomms.com (1) Working capital is defined as total current assets less total current liabilities. See our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 for further details regarding our current assets and current liabilities.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital for a neck injury after landing on his head while making a catch late in the first half of Sunday's 30-27 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. As Sanders was brought down near the sideline after a 10-yard reception, he was flipped upside down and landed directly on the top of his helmet as he went out of bounds on the tackle by cornerback Trent McDuffie. After receiving attention from the team's medical staff, Sanders was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart with 40 seconds remaining in the half. He was taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for observation and later released Sunday afternoon, according to the team. On the CBS broadcast following halftime, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Sanders had movement in all his extremities, while extreme precaution was taken because of back tightness. CBS reported he was being examined for a concussion before later amending that to a neck injury. The 21-year-old rookie out of Texas had a team-leading three receptions for the Panthers at the half for 49 yards. In 11 games this season, Sanders has 29 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft in April. --Field Level Media
After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
NoneBoise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS NEW YORK (AP) — Sneaking a little ahead of line to get on that plane faster? American Airlines might stop you . In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. The initial response from customers and American employees “has exceeded our expectations,” Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of airport operations, reservations and service recovery, said in a statement. She added that the airline is “thrilled” to have the technology up and running ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday . American got lots of attention when it unveiled its gate-control testing last month. Analysts say that isn’t surprising. It’s no secret that line cutting in airports hits a nerve. Whether intentional or not, just about every air traveler has witnessed it, noted Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. It can add to frustrations in what can already be a tense environment, with particular anxiety around passengers wanting to sit together or rushing for some overhead bin space. Harteveldt doesn’t see American’s recent move as “shaming” customers who cut the line. “What it is intended to do is bring order out of chaos,” he said. “And I hope it will defuse any potential flare ups of anger (from) people who simply think they’re entitled to board out of turn .... It’s just not fair.” Harteveldt added that he thinks this change will enhance the experiences of both customers and gate agents. Others say more time will tell. Seth Miller, editor and founder of air travel experience analysis site PaxEx.aero, said he can see the benefits of more orderly and universal gate-control enforcement, particularly for airlines. But he said he isn’t “100% convinced this is perfect for passengers” just yet. Families, for example, might be booked on several different reservations across more than one group, he said. Airlines typically have workarounds for that, and American noted Wednesday that customers traveling with a companion in an earlier group can simply have a gate agent “override the alert” to continue boarding. Still, Miller said, “you have to go through the extra hoops.” And a difficult customer still might choose to hold up the line and argue when they’re not allowed to board, he added. Another question is whether customers who encounter a beep will walk away feeling embarrassed. But Harteveldt said he was happy to learn that American’s alert is “not a bellowing sound that can be heard throughout the terminal,” or accompanied by your name read over a loudspeaker, noting that this is important to avoid feelings of shame. Expanding this technology just a week before peak Thanksgiving travel could be “both good and bad,” Harteveldt adds. On one hand, the tech could help significantly improve the boarding process during such a busy time, he said, but airport employees might also have appreciated more time to prepare. Both Miller and Harteveldt said they wouldn’t be surprised if other carriers soon follow American’s lead. Headaches over airport line cutting are far from new. While maybe not to the extent of American’s new tech, Miller noted he’s seen gate agents from other airlines ask people to leave a line and wait for their group. Harteveldt added that he’s been to some airports in Asia and Europe with “sliding doors” that ensure passengers are in the right group before boarding a plane. The more than 100 airports that American is now using its gate-control technology in are all spoke, or non-hub, locations — including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airline says it expects to further expand to its hubs and other airports in the coming months.Stock up on these popular board games for your next get-together
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has just issued a national call to action. The hunt is on for experts, innovators, and advocates to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), a specialized force shaping the safety of what lands on your family’s dinner table. With 30 committee seats opening for the 2025 term, the USDA is extending an invitation to industry experts and public representatives alike to join this high-stakes mission. This isn’t just a panel of talking heads. For over 36 years, NACMCF has been the unsung hero behind America’s food safety systems, offering cutting-edge scientific guidance and retooling standards to tackle the most dangerous microbiological threats in our food supply. Now, as new threats emerge and existing strategies evolve, the USDA is doubling down on securing the nation’s food safety future. “Our approach to food safety must continually evolve, and those selected to serve on this committee will help us strengthen our regulatory frameworks and programs, to best safeguard the health and well-being of American families,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Listeria monocytogenes. Cronobacter spp. Aged raw milk cheese. If these phrases don’t grab your attention, they should. Whether it’s preventing deadly bacteria in powdered infant formula, tackling contamination in cheese production, or revolutionizing pathogen tracking using genomic technology, NACMCF is the guiding light behind how we confront these challenges. Its recommendations don’t just influence the USDA’s FSIS programs; they ripple through the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and even the Department of Defense. Working behind the scenes, the committee’s insights ensure that America’s food safety protocols remain rigorous, research-driven, and ahead of the curve. The USDA wants the best and brightest—but that doesn’t mean nominees need to hail exclusively from labs or university research desks. Of course, expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, risk assessment, and public health is critical, but the USDA is also casting a wide net. Academic leaders, industry trailblazers, state officials, consumer group advocates—even self-nominations are fair game. For consumer nominees, scientific credentials aren’t required. Public participation ensures the committee reflects diverse voices and perspectives from across the food safety ecosystem. This blend of expertise fosters robust, balanced decisions capable of addressing the full complexity of food protection challenges. Here’s what’s really driving this urgency. Foodborne illness claims lives, burdens healthcare systems, and costs the economy billions annually. Diseases caused by pathogens like Listeria and Cronobacter are often preventable, but only with comprehensive, research-backed strategies. That’s exactly where NACMCF steps in—its work doesn’t just stop outbreaks; it rewrites the rules to stop them before they begin. One key focus area for the 2025-2027 term is Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen linked to processed meats and cheeses. Listeria thrives in cold temperatures and can rear its head even in rigorous refrigeration processes, making it a formidable enemy for food processors and regulators. NACMCF’s task will involve reassessing FSIS policies to ensure these threats are tackled head-on while rejecting outdated practices that no longer serve public safety. Additionally, powdered infant formula—a staple for millions of families—will remain under the microscope. Cronobacter spp., a bacterium with life-threatening implications for infants, presents a direct and pressing concern. The committee’s work in this area is not just advisory; it provides lifelines to parents who entrust manufacturers and regulators with their child’s health. NACMCF isn’t just reactive. With the acceleration of genomic pathogen characterization technology, the committee will explore high-tech solutions to track outbreaks faster and more precisely than ever before. Laying the groundwork now means saving lives later. Want to be involved? The process is straightforward. Nominations require a cover letter addressed to Secretary Vilsack, detailing the nominee’s qualifications, along with a resume or curriculum vitae. Candidates must also complete USDA’s Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form ( AD-755 ). Submissions are open and can be emailed to NACMCF@usda.gov , or mailed to: The Honorable Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1128 South Building, Attn: Kristal Southern, Designated Federal Officer, FSIS\OPHS\National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, Washington, DC 20250.. But be warned—this is no honorary position for the fainthearted. Serving on this committee means grappling with some of the most urgent and complex microbiological dilemmas in public health. It requires expertise, passion, and an unwavering commitment to protect consumers from coast to coast. Why does any of this matter? Because food safety isn’t just about science—it’s about trust. And that trust has been shaken more times than we’d like to admit. From high-profile recalls to global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, Americans are demanding smarter, science-backed safeguards on their dinner plates. NACMCF brings that trust to life. Its committees push boundaries, ask the tough questions, and develop actionable solutions that ripple through legislation, industry standards, and public health responses. This isn’t just an opportunity for scientists and public health professionals—it’s a chance for everyday Americans to ensure the food on their table is safe, nutritious, and fit for the future. For 36 years, NACMCF has worked without fanfare, but its contributions are woven into the fabric of America’s food safety system. Now, the USDA is once again assembling its next team of heroes in food science. The clock is ticking, and nominations are open. If you have the expertise or perspective to make a difference, this is the time to act. Whether it’s serving on the committee or encouraging the right candidate to apply, this is your chance to safeguard the plates and lives of millions. Food isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. And keeping it safe? That’s a mission for us all. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .
Year Ender 2024: As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) that have shaped this year. From generative AI tools revolutionising industries to cutting-edge research pushing the boundaries of machine learning, 2024 has been a pivotal year for technological progress. AI has continued to dominate headlines, whether it’s through transforming creative processes or reshaping how businesses operate. The technology’s rapid evolution has sparked both awe and debate, leaving an indelible mark on society and paving the way for the future. This year also saw AI becoming more accessible and integrated into everyday life, from smart assistants and AI-driven chatbots to innovations in autonomous vehicles and personalised medicine. Breakthroughs in areas like ethical AI, regulatory frameworks, and AI safety have added new dimensions to the conversation, ensuring that progress is balanced with responsibility. As we look back on the key AI stories of 2024, we also look ahead to how these developments will continue to influence our world, shaping industries, redefining possibilities, and addressing challenges in the years to come. ALSO READ | Squid Game 2 Full Season Leaked Online: Netflix Series Falls Victim To Piracy, Appears On Tamilrockers, Movierulz Top AI Stories This Year AI Takes Centre Stage Leading tech giants like Google Cloud and AWS have been at the forefront of developing AI agents, also referred to as agentic AI systems. These innovative tools are designed to autonomously make decisions and execute actions aligned with specific objectives. The popularity of agentic AI surged in 2024, largely due to its capacity to operate independently, enabling businesses and individuals to leverage generative AI for enhancing productivity and achieving their goals more efficiently. According to Gartner, agentic AI is set to revolutionise the workplace, with predictions indicating that by 2028, at least 15 percent of daily work-related decisions will be handled autonomously by these systems. Current applications of this technology include streamlining customer experiences through data-driven decision-making at every stage of engagement and empowering employees to tackle complex and technical projects using natural language interfaces. AI PC Is Here The integration of artificial intelligence directly into personal computers has been a major highlight in the PC market this year. However, two of the most anticipated AI-powered feature sets—Microsoft Copilot+ and Apple Intelligence—are not yet accessible to all users. Apple Intelligence is expected to roll out across all Macs equipped with the company’s M-series processors, while Copilot+ features are limited to select PCs that include a neural processing unit (NPU) in their system-on-chip architecture. These AI-enabled capabilities include advanced writing tools and an upgraded Siri voice assistant. Industry analysis firm IDC predicts that by 2027, AI-powered PCs will account for 60 percent of global PC shipments, signaling a transformative shift in computing. OpenAI Enters Search Domain To Increase Competition & Break Monopoly Google has long been the king of search, leaving other competitors like Microsoft Bing, Mozilla Firefox, and others behind. Over the years, the Alphabet-owned company has created a monopoly in the search market. Now, Sam Altman-led OpenAI has entered this domain to break the monopoly. OpenAI unveiled SearchGPT to take on Google head-on. OpenAI gave a teaser of this back in July by unveiling a prototype and now it has been released officially. Users have been making the most of this feature. Turning Imagination Into Video Becomes A Matter Of Seconds Long gone are the days when we had to hire video creators and artists to turn our imagination into videos. We can simply type a text prompt while describing the video that we want, then AI tools like Midjourney, Sora, and others will turn that text prompt into a final output video which will resemble what we wanted in the first place. Though there's a limit on the free version of these tools, the paid versions offer more accessibility. We can hope that in the coming time, these AI companies would be a bit more kind and increase free accessibility to users. Telecom Operators Using AI To Block Scam Calls Airtel's AI-powered spam filter has marked a significant milestone by identifying 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMS within just 2.5 months of its launch, the company announced. The advanced system has been able to detect nearly 1 million spammers daily on Airtel's network, with 6 percent of all calls and 2 percent of all SMS flagged as spam. Launched in late September, Airtel was the first telecom operator to introduce a network-level spam filter. In a short span, the AI-driven technology has demonstrated its effectiveness, providing robust protection against spam communications by detecting and blocking millions of unwanted interactions every day. Airtel said, "In this period, the company has notified around 252 million unique users about suspicious calls, leading to a 12 per cent reduction in the number of customers responding to them."
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Nokia completes the share buyback program launched in MarchTextile industry in Pakistan: Challenges, opportunities and future prospects In 2024, Pakistan’s textile industry, once cornerstone of national economy, stands at critical crossroads In this picture taken on July 20, 2023, a worker operates a machine preparing fabric at a textile mill in Lahore. — AFP The textile industry in Pakistan is a testament to the country’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global economic slowdown triggered by the increased production costs. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In 2021, the sector achieved a landmark, with textile exports reaching a record $19.9 billion, accounting for more than half of Pakistan’s total exports. This milestone highlighted the industry’s critical role in the national economy and showcased its potential as a global player in the textile market. However, the journey has been far from smooth. Amidst the global economic slowdown triggered by the increase in energy expenses, Pakistan’s industrial manufacturing sector has been adversely affected, mirroring the situation in other parts of the world. The textile industry, which has been a crucial sector of Pakistan’s economy since its inception, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, employment, and exports, faces additional challenges due to the country’s struggling economy and prolonged periods of political instability. In 2024, Pakistan’s textile industry, once a cornerstone of the national economy, stands at a critical crossroads. Once globally competitive, it now faces unprecedented challenges threatening its global standing. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, a major competitor in the textile sector, is grappling with a severe crisis, prompting international buyers to seek alternative suppliers. This presents a potential opportunity for Pakistan. Textile industry is well-positioned to absorb Bangladesh’s displaced orders provided the government eases stifling policies. Bangladesh’s textile industry, known for its low-cost garment production, has been hit by political instability, energy shortages, rising labour costs, and environmental challenges. Global brands that once depended on Bangladesh are now searching for alternative suppliers. Unfortunately, Pakistan is unable to fill this gap due to its own set of challenges. High energy costs, heavy taxation, lack of technological investment, and supply chain disruptions have restricted the growth pace. Global conditions are generally favourable for exports, with American and European brands shifting away from China and Myanmar. This is the time to re-design export strategies to grab these huge export opportunities that will lead to economic prosperity for the country. Resolving Pakistan’s energy crisis is crucial. Stable and affordable energy could be a game-changer for the industry as high energy costs are a significant burden, directly affecting the competitiveness of Pakistani textiles in the global market. Power tariff has exceeded a critical threshold of over 14 cents/KWh, which is almost twice the average faced by competing economies like Vietnams, India, and Bangladesh. Similarly, gas/RLNG tariff for industries has reached to $13.5 per mmbtu, which makes the industry unviable within the region. Gas is the basic fuel for the export-oriented textile value chain. However, gas supply to highly efficient captive co-generation power plants will be discontinued from January 1, 2025. This move will hamper the industrial manufacturing leading to a large-scale industrial closure and massive unemployment. Huge investments of billions of rupees will become sunk cost as additional investments will be required for grid connectivity. DISCOs inability (outages/fluctuations) to maintain stable and consistent power will enormously damage the highly automated machines leading to heavy losses. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM) units with power demands exceeding 10 MW per hour, will be required to install own grids, which is a time-consuming process that requires billions of rupees in investment. Unwarranted delay in payment of outstanding refunds is inflicting a severe strain on the highest growth-oriented and employment providing textile industry. This poses a substantial financial burden on exporters as a significant portion of exporters’ working capital (more than Rs300 billion) remains trapped in the refund regime on account of Sales Tax, Income Tax, Duty Drawback etc, resulting in the burden of paying interest on outstanding refunds. The advance income tax on exporters has doubled in the last federal budget, including 1pc minimum tax (advance under Section 154) and an additional 1pc advance tax under Section 147. This has severely affected exporters’ cash flow. Manufacturers involved in domestic textile trade pay only 1.25pc advance tax, while exporters bear a heavier burden. Since exporters already pay 29pc income tax on earnings, we recommend that individual exporters’ Q1FY25 reviewed accounts by the chartered accountants be analysed by FBR. Exporters with low profitability whose tax liability is covered by Section 154, advance tax should be exempt from Section 147 advance tax. The Sales Tax Act 1990 holds exporters responsible for the GST input across the entire supply chain. This is both illogical and unfair, as exporters can only be accountable for their direct business partners and have no access to FBR systems to track the supply chain origin. Exporters are one of the most compliant sectors, providing detailed monthly disclosures under the sales tax regime. The 12pc sales cap and Form H already provide a complete accounting of materials and finished products. We request this anomaly be corrected, and that a regulatory framework be established to prevent harassment. In terms of subsection 7 of Section 3, a registered person can be made liable to withhold sales tax charged by his supplier on his supplies to the extent and manner prescribed in 11th schedule of the Sales Tax Act 1990. The exporters maybe declared as withholding agent in terms of subsection 7 of Section 3 and extent of withholding against all of their purchases may be notified in the 11th schedule of the Act. The EFS scheme was launched after thorough deliberation to document the export value chain and support export-oriented businesses. However, the recent budget removed the scheme for domestic trade, despite being revenue-neutral (due to zero-rating of GST on exports). This withdrawal has negatively impacted the textile value chain’s cash flow and is a major obstacle to achieving double-digit growth. Rationalising the scheme will help address these concerns. Expanding export markets beyond traditional regions will reduce reliance on a few large buyers and tap into emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. Pakistan’s textile industry is at a pivotal moment. While Bangladesh’s crisis has created an opening, Pakistan’s internal struggles have hindered the sector’s ability to capitalise on it. However, with the right mix of investment, government support, and a focus on sustainability, Pakistan still has the potential to re-emerge as a global leader in textiles.Commerce Bank Sells 315 Shares of Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF)