
Police offering £20,000 reward for information on death of mother, 25, who was 'murdered in hit-and-run crash' after she was 'chased on her e-bike and rammed by Land Rover' By FRANKIE ELLIOTT FOR MAILONLINE Published: 16:11 EST, 2 December 2024 | Updated: 16:11 EST, 2 December 2024 e-mail View comments A £20,000 reward is being offered for information on a 'hit and run murder' after a mother was allegedly chased on her e-bike and rammed by a Land Rover in a fatal smash. Alana Armstrong, 25, suffered 'catastrophic' injuries when the Land Rover Discovery knocked her off the bike in Pleasley, near Mansfield, on Tuesday, November 26. The mother-of one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the rider on the front of the electric cycle was injured so badly he had to have his leg amputated. Police believe the 4x4 had been following two e-bikes before the driver rammed into one of them and drove off leaving Alana, of Tibshelf, Derbyshire, to die at the scene. On Monday, the charity Crimestoppers said they were offering the reward for any key information which led to the conviction of anyone responsible for her death. It comes after Derbyshire Police released a CCTV image over the weekend of a woman they are looking for in relation to the murder investigation, who they believe has 'vital information'. The woman was pictured outside the White Swan pub in Pleasley wearing a light-coloured jumper, matching trousers and white trainers. She was of average height and build and had dark hair, tied back into a ponytail. Alana Armstrong, 25, has been named as the victim of a hit and run murder after the e-bike on which she was a passenger was rammed by a Land Rover The charity Crimestoppers said they were offering the reward for any key information which led to the conviction of anyone responsible for her death (pictured: Officers at the scene of the crash) The mother-of one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the rider on the front of the electric cycle was injured so badly he had to have his leg amputated (pictured: Police at the scene) Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers East Midlands Regional Manager, added: 'My heart goes out to Alana's family and friends - and especially her little boy. 'She was a young mother who died in the most horrific way. 'I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward to speak to our charity 100% anonymously, to bring justice to those responsible. Read More BREAKING NEWS Pictured: Young mother, 25, killed in 'hit and run murder' after she was chased on her e-bike 'We know it can be difficult for some people to speak directly to the police which is why Crimestoppers is here for you. 'Our charity is completely independent of the police, and we've been passing on information about crime whilst guaranteeing anonymity since we were established decades ago. It's a promise we have always kept. 'Crimestoppers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address. 'No one will ever know you contacted us. This means no police, no courts, no witness statements. 'You may think your information is insignificant, however it could make all the difference.' Derbyshire Police has released this CCTV image of a woman they are looking for in relation to the murder investigation, who they believe has 'vital information' Alana was knocked off the bike on Batley Lane (pictured) in Pleasley, near Mansfield, on Tuesday, November 26 A Crimestoppers spokesperson added: 'Our charity is supporting an investigation into the death of a mother killed in a hit and run incident in Derbyshire. 'We are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for key information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in her death. '25-year-old Alana Armstrong died at the scene of the collision in Batley Lane, Pleasley, at around 8pm on Tuesday 26 November. 'The collision involved an e-bike and a dark coloured 4x4, believed to be a Land Rover Discovery, which had followed two e-bikes before ramming one. 'This caused the rider and pillion passenger to fall off their bike. The car then drove away from the scene without stopping. 'Alana, a mother to a six-year-old boy, was riding pillion on the bike that was hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 'The rider of the bike, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital and has since had to have his leg amputated below the knee. He remains in hospital. 'A blue Land Rover Discovery vehicle has been recovered and forensically examined.' The young mother (pictured) suffered 'catastrophic' injuries when the off-roader knocked her off the bike on Batley Lane in Pleasley, near Mansfield, on Tuesday, November 26 Ms Armstrong was the mother of a six-year-old boy who now faces trying to comprehend her sudden loss with Christmas just weeks away. Two people were arrested but have now been discounted from the murder investigation. Police officers had also appealed for information about the vehicle, a dark-coloured 4x4 believed to be a Land Rover Discovery, which drove off after the incident. Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, of Derbyshire Police, said: 'Alana was just 25 – and a mum to a six-year-old boy. 'Her little boy, along with her wider family, will never get the chance to see her again, hug her again, spend Christmas together, or celebrate all those milestones. 'My thoughts, as well as those of the whole force and community, are with them at this time.' He said the Land Rover which rammed the e-bike on which Ms Armstrong was riding pillion at about 8pm had moments earlier pursued it and another bike through the village of Pleasley. Afterwards it drove off up Batley Lane and onto Rowthorne Lane without stopping, with the last known sighting of it turning right onto the A617 towards New Houghton. Alana is pictured with her boyfriend on the beach Alana was riding on the bike along Batley Lane (pictured) 'Since Tuesday a team of detectives have been working non-stop, searching the site where Alana was killed, conducting house-to-house enquiries, and scouring CCTV in the area,' Chief Superintendent Kirby said. 'Two people who were arrested in connection with the incident have now been released without charge – and have been discounted from our investigation. 'We have already received a significant amount of information from the public and I want to thank everyone who has come forward already to help our investigation. 'However, I know that there is more information out – and there are people who know who the person responsible is. 'Specifically, we know that there were two people in the Land Rover Discovery, that was manufactured between 2004 and 2009, that night – a man driving the vehicle and woman in the passenger seat. 'We urgently want to hear from anyone who may know those two people, who has seen a Land Rover Discovery that may have damage to its front end – or who knows of a vehicle matching that description that may have been recently repaired or had parts replaced. 'We also really want to speak to anyone who may have CCTV – in particular along the A617 from this junction heading towards New Houghton. 'Finally – I want to return to Alana. Batley Lane, in Pleasley, where Alana was killed, in a suspected hit and run whilst on an e-bike Police and forensics at the address where Alana lived on Friday, November 29 'As an officer, as a member of the local community, and as a father, I am devastated for her little boy, her family, and her friends and we will do all we can to find those responsible.' Two people, a man and a woman both in their 30s from the Skegby area of Nottinghamshire, who were arrested in connection with the incident have been released without charge and have been ruled out of our investigation. Friends paid tribute to Alana on social media with one writing: 'Absolutely heartbreaking when this happens to people you know.' Share or comment on this article: Police offering £20,000 reward for information on death of mother, 25, who was 'murdered in hit-and-run crash' after she was 'chased on her e-bike and rammed by Land Rover' e-mail Add comment
Saturday, November 30, 2024 Ancient artifacts, as timeless bearers of a nation’s history and cultural identity, provide invaluable perspectives on the appreciation of heritage. Each year, museums across China attract over a billion visitors. While the nation’s major museums offer expansive collections, specialized institutions further enrich understanding by focusing on the history, society, and diverse peoples of the country. The Global Times cultural desk is proud to present the “Museum Wonders” series, highlighting how these cultural treasures embody the essence of Chinese civilization and celebrate its profound wisdom. In the heart of Beijing, there lies a museum unlike any other, a repository of historical artifacts and ancient manuscripts that encapsulate the nation’s diverse cultural legacy. This is the Cultural Palace of Nationalities, home to one of the most extensive and varied collections of ethnic minority artifacts, rare manuscripts, and artworks. From ancient tools and everyday objects to vibrant clothing, musical instruments, and sacred relics, the museum offers a rich and colorful portrayal of China’s multi-ethnic society. “The Cultural Palace of Nationalities’ extensive collections of artifacts clearly illustrate the long history of interaction, exchange, and integration among China’s ethnic groups,” Cui Dezhi, deputy curator of the museum told the Global Times. “They are powerful evidence of the nation’s unity in diversity and the development of a cohesive Chinese nation,” he added. Cultural Riches and Heritage at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities The Cultural Palace of Nationalities is home to a remarkable collection, with over 50,000 artifacts representing various ethnic minorities. It also holds more than 200,000 ancient texts in minority languages and over 4,600 works of art created by famous painters and artists from ethnic groups. Among the museum’s most exceptional holdings are rare manuscripts and prints written in diverse ethnic scripts. These include ancient palm-leaf and bodhi-leaf manuscripts that are considered treasures, seldom found either within China or internationally. The museum’s collections offer a glimpse into the rich history of China’s ethnic unity, with significant items like seals and certificates once awarded to regional ethnic leaders by the central government. One of the most valuable artifacts is a Yi manuscript that narrates the tale of Lady Shexiang, a tribal leader who played a vital role in fostering national unity. “The collections not only showcase the unique artistic styles and cultural characteristics of China’s ethnic groups but also reflect the inclusive nature of Chinese culture,” noted Cui. For instance, the Cultural Palace of Nationalities houses a remarkable collection of musical instruments that span various ethnic groups. These instruments come in numerous shapes, produce diverse sounds, and embody the cultural exchanges and shared learning among China’s ethnic communities. In a similar vein, the museum’s clothing collection showcases vibrant, intricately embroidered garments with colorful patterns. These designs reflect the influence of different ethnicities on one another’s attire, illustrating a collective cultural progression. Revitalizing Heritage As reported by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, Chinese museums achieved a record-breaking 1.29 billion visits in 2023. A notable trend has emerged on social media, where younger generations are increasingly visiting museums to admire the exhibits, snap photos, and purchase souvenirs, further enriching their cultural experience. “The rise in museum visits nationwide has had a positive impact on our museum’s development. It has encouraged more people to visit cultural exhibitions, significantly increasing public awareness of national heritage, and deepening the understanding of China’s rich history, thereby boosting national cultural confidence,” Cui said. Cui explains that the increasing influx of visitors has raised expectations for the museum to elevate its planning, exhibit design, and visitor services in order to better align with the dynamic cultural demands of the public. In response, the museum has assembled a range of exceptional and unique exhibitions, including one of its most discussed showcases, Forging a Strong Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation. By integrating innovative exhibits and state-of-the-art technologies, the museum is revitalizing its collections. For example, interactive multimedia components are used to deepen visitor engagement. In the Unified Nation hall, the Petal Wall of Ancient Texts blends artistic visuals with cultural knowledge. Each petal holds a small book box containing a reproduction of ancient texts. When visitors activate a petal, a book is revealed, offering an immersive experience into history. “Through simple interactive actions, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the artifacts and ancient texts, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of the exhibition’s theme,” Cui remarked. The Cultural Palace of Nationalities, founded 65 years ago, has been home to over 1,700 exhibitions both domestically and internationally. These exhibitions have showcased the contributions and accomplishments of various ethnic groups. In addition to its domestic impact, the museum plays a vital role in promoting cultural exchanges. International exhibitions in countries such as Japan, the United States, France, and South Korea have featured the traditional arts of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, ethnic attire, and other cultural treasures, providing global audiences with a unique insight into China’s diverse heritage. “By showcasing the unique charm of China’s outstanding traditional heritage, they enhance international cultural exchange and understanding, playing an important role in promoting Chinese culture,” Cui said.Same iconic statue, very different race. With two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty leading the field, these certainly aren't your typical Heisman Trophy contenders. Sure, veteran quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel from top-ranked Oregon and Cam Ward of No. 15 Miami are finalists for college football's most prestigious award as well, but the 90th annual ceremony coming up Saturday night at Lincoln Center in New York City offers a fresh flavor this year. To start with, none of the four are from the powerhouse Southeastern Conference , which has produced four of the past five Heisman winners — two each from Alabama and LSU. Jeanty, who played his home games for a Group of Five team on that peculiar blue turf in Idaho more than 2,100 miles from Manhattan, is the first running back even invited to the Heisman party since 2017. After leading the country with 2,497 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns, he joined quarterback Kellen Moore (2010) as the only Boise State players to be named a finalist. “The running back position has been overlooked for a while now," said Jeanty, who plans to enter the 2025 NFL draft. "There's been a lot of great running backs before me that should have been here in New York, so to kind of carry on the legacy of the running back position I think is great. ... I feel as if I'm representing the whole position.” With the votes already in, all four finalists spent Friday conducting interviews and sightseeing in the Big Apple. They were given custom, commemorative watches to mark their achievement. “I'm not a watch guy, but I like it,” said Hunter, flashing a smile. The players also took photos beneath the massive billboards in Times Square and later posed with the famous Heisman Trophy, handed out since 1935 to the nation's most outstanding performer. Hunter, the heavy favorite, made sure not to touch it yet. A dominant player on both offense and defense who rarely comes off the field, the wide receiver/cornerback is a throwback to generations gone by and the first full-time, true two-way star in decades. On offense, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns this season to help the 20th-ranked Buffaloes (9-3) earn their first bowl bid in four years. On defense, he made four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced a critical fumble that secured an overtime victory against Baylor. Hunter played 688 defensive snaps and 672 more on offense — the only Power Four conference player with 30-plus snaps on both sides of the ball, according to Colorado research. Call him college football’s answer to baseball unicorn Shohei Ohtani. “I think I laid the ground for more people to come in and go two ways,” Hunter said. “It starts with your mindset. If you believe you can do it, then you'll be able to do it. And also, I do a lot of treatment. I keep up with my body. I get a lot of recovery.” Hunter is Colorado's first Heisman finalist in 30 years. The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, followed flashy coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, an HBCU that plays in the lower level FCS, to the Rocky Mountains and has already racked up a staggering combination of accolades this week, including The Associated Press player of the year. Hunter also won the Walter Camp Award as national player of the year, along with the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver. “It just goes to show that I did what I had to do,” Hunter said. Next, he'd like to polish off his impressive hardware collection by becoming the second Heisman Trophy recipient in Buffaloes history, after late running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994. “I worked so hard for this moment, so securing the Heisman definitely would set my legacy in college football,” Hunter said. “Being here now is like a dream come true.” Jeanty carried No. 8 Boise State (12-1) to a Mountain West Conference championship that landed the Broncos the third seed in this year's College Football Playoff. They have a first-round bye before facing the SMU-Penn State winner in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Eve. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound junior from Jacksonville, Florida, won the Maxwell Award as college football’s top player and the Doak Walker Award for best running back. Jeanty has five touchdown runs of at least 70 yards and has rushed for the fourth-most yards in a season in FBS history — topping the total of 115 teams this year. He needs 132 yards to break the FBS record set by Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State in 1988. In a pass-happy era, however, Jeanty is trying to become the first running back to win the Heisman Trophy since Derrick Henry for Alabama nine years ago. In fact, quarterbacks have snagged the prize all but four times this century. Gabriel, an Oklahoma transfer, led Oregon (13-0) to a Big Ten title in its first season in the league and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The steady senior from Hawaii passed for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions. His 73.2% completion rate ranks second in the nation, and he's attempting to join quarterback Marcus Mariota (2014) as Ducks players to win the Heisman Trophy. “I think all the memories start to roll back in your mind,” Gabriel said. Ward threw for 4,123 yards and led the nation with a school-record 36 touchdown passes for the high-scoring Hurricanes (10-2) after transferring from Washington State. The senior from West Columbia, Texas, won the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year award and is looking to join QBs Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992) as Miami players to go home with the Heisman. “I just think there's a recklessness that you have to play with at the quarterback position,” Ward said. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader-in-waiting John Thune plans to have the chamber in session for 10 straight weeks to start 2025. That’s according to the Senate’s 2025 legislative calendar released by the South Dakota Republican on social media Thursday. The calendar has senators in session for five days a week for most of the year, which, if adhered to, would be a change in the chamber’s current flow of usually eschewing Friday votes. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
* Fed widely expected to cut rates by 25 bps on Wednesday * Some investors brace for "hawkish cut," with Fed suggesting pause in easing cycle * S&P 500 up 27% in 2024, with Nasdaq breaching 20,000 as latest equities milestone By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters) - A banner year for U.S. stocks gets one of its last big tests with the coming week’s Federal Reserve meeting, as investors await the central bank's guidance on interest rate cuts. The Nasdaq Composite index breached 20,000 for the first time ever in the past week, another milestone for equities in a year during which the tech-heavy index has gained 32% while the S&P 500 has risen about 27%. Expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates have supported those gains. But while the central bank is expected to lower borrowing costs by another 25 basis points next week, investors have moderated their bets on how aggressively policymakers will move next year due to robust economic growth and sticky inflation. Bond yields, which move inversely to Treasury prices, have risen in recent sessions as a result, taking the benchmark U.S. 10-year yield to a three-week high of 4.38% on Friday. While stocks have pushed higher despite the rise in yields, the 10-year is approaching the 4.5% level some investors have flagged as a potential trip-wire for broader market turbulence. "Anything that results in an expectation that maybe the Fed moves even more slowly from here than investors were expecting could create a little bit of downside for stocks," said Jim Baird, chief investment officer with Plante Moran Financial Advisors. The trajectory of monetary policy is closely monitored by investors, as the level of rates dictates borrowing costs and is a key input in determining stock valuations. Interest rate expectations also sway bond yields, which can dim the allure of equities when they rise because Treasuries are backed by the U.S. government and seen as virtually risk-free if held to term. Fed fund futures indicated a 96% chance the Fed will cut by 25 basis points when it gives its policy decision on Wednesday, according to CME FedWatch data as of Friday. But the path for rates next year is less certain. Fed fund futures are implying the rate will be at 3.8% by December of next year, down from the current level of 4.5%-4.75%, according to LSEG data. That is about 100 basis points higher than what was priced in September. The Fed's summary of economic projections released at the meeting will provide one indication of where policymakers see rates heading. Officials penciled in a median rate of 3.4% for the end of next year when the summary was last released in September. One sign of potential support for a slower pace of cuts came from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who this month said the economy is stronger now than the central bank had expected in September. Another factor that could make Fed officials more cautious about future cuts is the presidential election of Donald Trump, whose pro-growth economic policies and favoring of tariffs are causing concerns about stronger inflation next year. Analysts at BNP Paribas said they expect a "hawkish cut," with the central bank likely to "open the door for a pause in further cuts of undefined length." Carol Schleif, chief market strategist at BMO Private Wealth, said markets "will be trying to read into how worried is the Fed about inflation." November data released in the past week showed progress in lowering inflation toward the U.S. central bank's 2% target has virtually stalled. Still, analysts say the market's momentum favors more gains into year end, while sentiment among investors in surveys remains bullish - though some market technicals suggest the rally in stocks may have grown stretched. The percentage of Nasdaq constituents hitting 52-week highs has declined since the rally after the Nov 5 election, implying fewer stocks are supporting the advance, Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial, said in a note on Thursday. “History suggests the tech-heavy index could be due for a breather before longer-term momentum resumes,” Turnquist said. (Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and Nick Zieminski)PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.” Miller, a three-year starter from South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.” Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that authorities were investigating whether Miller bet on games he played in at Temple, and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly. “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead,” Bologna said. Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7 that was later flagged for unusual betting activity. Temple said it has been aware of those allegations since they became public in March, and has been cooperative. “We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA since the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter Thursday to the school community. However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He vowed to cooperate fully if they did. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “Coaches, student-athletes and staff members receive mandatory training on NCAA rules and regulations, including prohibitions on involvement in sports wagering,” Fry said in the letter. The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed a person from its basketball program after it became aware of a gambling violation. Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85-69 in the finals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment on Friday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball Advertisement Advertisement
Our obsession with endless online scrolling has led to be picked as the Oxford dictionaries’ word of the year. Oxford University Press said the phrase “gained new prominence in 2024”, with its use soaring by 230% from the year before. The rise is due to concerns about the “impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on ”. The term is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging”. said the word of the year is meant to be “a word or expression that reflects a defining theme from the past 12 months”. The expression was chosen by a combination of public vote and language analysis by Oxford lexicographers. It beat five other finalists – demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. Despite being a modern phenomenon, the first recorded use of “brain rot” was by writer Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 essay “Walden”. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said that in its modern sense, "brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time”. He said: “It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. It’s not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year.” “Demure” surged following a social media trend that refers to reserved behaviour, while “dynamic pricing” grew following the Oasis tickets scandal. Meanwhile, “lore” is a body of facts and background information related to someone or something, while “romantasy” is a fiction genre combining romance and fantasy. And “slop” means low-quality content online generated using artificial intelligence. Oxford’s word of the year in 2023 was “rizz,” a riff on charisma, used to describe someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person. Collins Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year is “brat”, the album title by Charli XCX that became a summer-living ideal.TULSA, Okla. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ONE Gas, Inc. OGS today announced it will participate in the Jefferies Gas Utilities Mini-Conference virtually on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 , followed by the Mizuho Power, Energy, & Infrastructure Conference in New York City . On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 , the ONE Gas executive management team will attend the Wells Fargo Midstream, Energy & Utilities Symposium. Robert S. McAnnally , president and chief executive officer, Christopher Sighinolfi , senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Curtis Dinan , senior vice president and chief operating officer, will be conducting a series of meetings with members of the investment community at these events. Beginning on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 , the materials utilized during the conferences will be accessible on the ONE Gas website, www.onegas.com/investors/events-and-presentations . ONE Gas, Inc. OGS is a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OGS." ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma , ONE Gas provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 2.3 million customers in Kansas , Oklahoma and Texas . Its divisions include Kansas Gas Service, the largest natural gas distributor in Kansas ; Oklahoma Natural Gas, the largest in Oklahoma ; and Texas Gas Service, the third largest in Texas , in terms of customers. For more information and the latest news about ONE Gas, visit onegas.com and follow its social channels: @ONEGas , Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube . Analyst Contact: Erin Dailey 918-947-7411 Media Contact: Leah Harper 918-947-7123 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-gas-to-participate-in-jefferies-mizuho-and-wells-fargo-utility-conferences-302319921.html SOURCE ONE Gas, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Aziaha James had 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists, Devyn Quigley scored a career-high 20 points and made four 3-pointers and NC State beat Coastal Carolina 89-68 on Thursday. NC State had its lead trimmed to 54-46 midway through the third quarter before James scored five straight points to begin a 13-2 run that ended in a 19-point lead. Quigley took over in the fourth, making three 3-pointers and scoring 15 points. Coastal Carolina missed 11 of 13 shots spanning the third-quarter break as NC State pulled away. Madison Hayes added 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting for NC State (3-2). James has scored 20-plus in three straight games. The Wolfpack shot 50% from the field, including 11 of 29 from 3-point range. Hayes made her third 3-pointer with 1:12 left in the first half to give NC State a 47-32 lead. Coastal Carolina's Savannah Brooks just beat the halftime buzzer with a basket to give her 17 points and pull within 47-36. Brooks scored 14 of Coastal Carolina’s opening 26 points and she finished the game with 25. Alancia Ramsey added 13 points for Coastal Carolina (4-1), which was picked to finish ninth in the Sun Belt Conference. The Wolfpack travel to the Bahamas to play in the Pink Flamingo Championship against Southern on Monday. Coastal Carolina battles Division II Coker on Wednesday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballCharles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Has $60.08 Million Stock Holdings in Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBSH)
Palvella Therapeutics to debut on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "PVLA" as a publicly traded rare disease biopharmaceutical company advancing a late clinical-stage pipeline and a platform for treating serious, rare genetic diseases Strong balance sheet with approximately $80.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from a PIPE financing co-led by BVF Partners, L.P. and Frazier Life Sciences Cash expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial of QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin) for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations (cutaneous VMs) Microcystic LMs is a chronically debilitating and lifelong genetic disease affecting an estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. QTORINTM rapamycin has the potential to be the first approved therapy and standard of care in the U.S. for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs WAYNE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pieris). The combined company will operate under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., and its shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 16, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PVLA". Palvella will continue to be led by Wes Kaupinen, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Palvella management team. The transaction was approved by Pieris stockholders at a special meeting held on December 11, 2024, and the transaction had been previously approved by Palvella stockholders. "With strong support from leading healthcare-dedicated investors, Palvella is well positioned to enter the public markets and pursue our vision of becoming the leading rare disease company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases," said Mr. Kaupinen. "This transaction will enable us to accelerate late-stage development of QTORINTM rapamycin, our lead product candidate, for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs while also further advancing additional novel product candidates from our QTORINTM platform." Concurrent with the merger, Palvella completed a previously announced oversubscribed $78.9 million private placement co-led by BVF Partners, L.P., an existing investor, and Frazier Life Sciences, a new investor, and with participation from a syndicate of leading healthcare-dedicated investors. Additional new investors include Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Nantahala Capital, DAFNA Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and a healthcare dedicated fund. Existing investors Samsara BioCapital, Petrichor, CAM Capital, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Finance Group (an AscellaHealth partner company), BioAdvance, and Gore Range Capital also participated in the financing. Palvella's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $80.0 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through results from the SELVA Phase 3 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic LMs and Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous VMs. Palvella's research team developed QTORINTM, a patented and versatile platform designed to generate novel topical therapies that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to locally treat a broad spectrum of serious, rare genetic skin diseases. Well-accepted mechanisms of action of rapamycin and other therapeutic agents represent potential therapies for rare genetic skin diseases. However, the adverse event profile of those agents through systemic exposure poses significant barriers to patient adoption. Palvella's QTORINTM product candidates are designed for targeted, localized delivery of therapeutic agents to pathogenic tissue of interest while minimizing systemic absorption and thereby reducing the risk of unwanted adverse events associated with systemic therapy. Palvella's lead product candidate QTORINTM rapamycin is a novel, patented 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel currently under development for the treatment of microcystic LMs, cutaneous VMs, and other serious, functionally debilitating skin diseases driven by the overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. QTORINTM rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs and is the recent recipient of up to a $2.6 million FDA Orphan Products Grant. QTORINTM rapamycin has also received Fast Track Designation for venous malformations. QTORINTM rapamycin is protected by issued composition patents covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S., Japan, Australia, China and Israel and pending patent applications broadly covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S. and other countries. In the third quarter of 2024, Palvella initiated SELVA, a 24-week, Phase 3, single-arm, baseline-controlled clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin administered once daily for the treatment of microcystic LMs. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in the overall microcystic LM Investigator Global Assessment (mLM-IGA) at week 24. The Phase 3 study is enrolling approximately 40 subjects, age six or older, at leading vascular anomaly centers across the U.S. Transaction Details Based on the final exchange ratio of approximately 0.30946 shares of Pieris common stock for each share of Palvella common stock, at the closing of the merger, there are approximately 13.95 million shares of the combined company's common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, with prior Pieris stockholders owning approximately 11% on a diluted basis and prior Palvella stockholders (including investors in the private placement) holding approximately 89% of the combined company's outstanding common stock on a diluted basis. In connection with the closing of the merger, Pieris issued a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) to Pieris shareholders of record immediately prior to the closing, which does not include the former holders of shares of Palvella or the private financing investors. Holders of the CVR will be entitled to receive payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, under Pieris' existing partnership agreements with Pfizer and Boston Pharmaceuticals, in addition to other potential licensing agreements involving certain of Pieris' legacy assets, as well as certain potential payments related to historical research and development tax credits, which may or may not be realized. TD Cowen served as lead placement agent and Cantor served as a placement agent for Palvella's concurrent financing. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP served as legal counsel to Palvella. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the placement agents. Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pieris and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pieris. About Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations Microcystic LMs are a rare, chronically debilitating genetic disease caused by dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway. The disease is characterized by malformed lymphatic vessels that protrude through the skin and persistently leak lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) and bleed, often leading to recurrent serious infections and cellulitis that can cause hospitalization. The natural history of microcystic LMs are persistent and progressive without spontaneous resolution, with symptoms generally worsening during life, including increases in the number and size of malformed vessels that lead to complications and lifetime morbidity. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients with microcystic LMs in the United States. About Palvella Therapeutics Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics PVLA is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORINTM platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella's lead product candidate, QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin), is currently in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and a Phase 2 trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit www.palvellatx.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. QTORINTM rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency. This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act)). These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Palvella and Pieris, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Palvella and Pieris. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "likely," "believe," "estimate," "project," "intend," and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the sufficiency of the combined company's capital resources; the combined company's cash runway; the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Palvella's programs, including QTORINTM rapamycin, and its research-stage opportunities, including its expected therapeutic potential and market opportunity; the expected timing of initiating, as well as the design of Palvella's Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous venous malformations. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of each company; the significant net losses incurred since inception; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Palvella's product candidates, including QTORINTM rapamycin; the outcome of early clinical trials for Palvella's product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; the fact that data and results from clinical studies may not necessarily be indicative of future results; Palvella's limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Palvella's current product candidates; the substantial competition Palvella faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; the negative impacts of the global events on operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials and ongoing and planned preclinical studies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Palvella and Pieris to protect their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Pieris' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, as well as the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Pieris in connection with the merger. Palvella and Pieris can give no assurance that the conditions to the proposed transactions will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Palvella and Pieris undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this press release. Palvella Therapeutics Contact Information Investors Wesley H. Kaupinen Founder and CEO, Palvella Therapeutics wes.kaupinen@palvellatx.com Media Stephanie Jacobson Managing Director, Argot Partners palvella@argotpartners.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.