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winph 99 President-elect Donald Trump has made no secret of his disdain for diversity, equity and inclusion and has vowed to act on it, endangering federal contracting programs and, potentially, federal funding for education and social programs. Unsurprisingly, City Council members are now concerned about a Trump White House assault on Chicago’s coveted minority set-aside program, and they’re wondering what the city can do to insulate that program. At a City Council budget hearing Wednesday, newly-appointed city Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts was asked what she intends to do to Trump-proof a program that Black alderpersons say is not doing nearly enough to share the wealth with companies owned by African Americans. The city spent $273 million on construction contracts this year, but Black-owned companies got just $18 million, or a 7% share. That’s compared to $52 million, or 19%, for Hispanics and $31 million, or 12%, for Asian Americans. “I sent you an article when the judges in Kentucky and Indiana struck down the DBE [disadvantaged business enterprise] program there. I’m concerned about the impact that, not just that legal decision, but also the apparent movement by the Trump administration to reduce DEI focus in the country in general,” said Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell (3rd). “What are you doing to protect the city of Chicago and our program?” Without offering specifics, Roberts talked about ensuring that Chicago’s set-aside program is “narrowly tailored,” in part, by establishing a “centralized compliance” unit that gathers more information about all sub-contractors — not just companies owned by minorities and women. “When they review these types of programs, they will look at all types of firms that receive contracts,” Roberts said. “So moving forward, we’re going to make the recommendation to the other departments that are currently doing compliance that they track that information as well, so when they look at the city as a whole, they’re not just going to look at [Procurement Services].” Roberts also referred to the 2021 “disparity study” mandated by a federal judge that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot used to support her decision to extend the construction set-aside program until December 2027, after tweaking eligibility requirements. “We’re going to review the ... recommendations to ensure that we follow the recommendations from that disparity study and, moving forward, we’re also going to see if we need to conduct a new disparity study because that information was done in the area of construction. And we may do a disparity study that not only includes construction but professional services,” Roberts said. The offer to update the disparity study was not enough to satisfy Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36 th ), who has championed a pilot program that expanded the set-aside program to include veterans. He noted that DBE programs are “under attack at the federal level” and “because of the folks that are suing, the state of Illinois has decided not to put any goals” on some state projects. “What are we doing to make sure we’re prepared for any type of challenge from any future lawsuits?” Villegas said. Conservative groups have filed lawsuits that target corporations with workplace initiatives such as diversity programs, emboldened by the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 2023 repeal of affirmative action in college admissions. Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, recently said it is ending racial equity training programs and re-evaluating supplier diversity initiatives. Roberts said Chicago’s minority set-aside program has “a little bit more flexibility” than the federal DBE program, but it closely complies with Small Business Administration rules on federal contracts. Chicago’s construction set-aside program is one of the nation’s last, but the road to maintaining it has been rocky. In 2003, a federal judge responded to a lawsuit filed by the Builders Association of Greater Chicago by outlining a series of legal deficiencies in the set-aside law and giving the city six months to correct them. Under the revamped ordinance, Asian Americans were no longer automatically included in a “presumptively socially disadvantaged” group that includes African Americans, Hispanics and women. The redrawn ordinance also included a five-year sunset provision. In 2012, the city initiated a “Phased Graduation Program,” allowing minority contractors who exceed the program’s size standards to gradually exit over three years. Those firms get a 75% credit the first year, 50% in year two and 25% in year three. Four years later, minority and female contractors demanding a bigger piece of the pie temporarily derailed then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to extend the construction set-aside program for five years. The Council ultimately approved the extension after Emanuel agreed to raise the bar by two percentage points for both minorities and women. Roberts was appointed in September to replace ousted Aileen Velazquez, a Lightfoot holdover. Velazquez was forced out and given an undisclosed negotiated settlement to compensate her for the early end of her mandatory term.Welcome back! Once again, we've got a lot of names to choose from, including several players with the potential to stick on your rosters throughout the remainder of the season. As always, the players in this article must be rostered in less than two-thirds of CBS leagues. Players are listed in the order that I recommend adding them, assuming they are equally good fits for your team. Adds for all leagues Brandon Boston Jr. , Pelicans (66% rostered), Jordan Clarkson , Jazz (67% rostered) By the time you're reading this, both of these guys might already be above our two-thirds Mendoza line, but just in case: Clarkson is scoring a ton and getting backup-point-guard-level assists; Boston is the only healthy Pelican (barely an exaggeration), leading to tons of minutes and contributions in every category except blocks. De'Andre Hunter , Hawks (60% rostered) It's been a frustrating ride, but the productivity is undeniable. The chronically injured Hunter has once again missed a ton of games, appearing in only five so far and having his minutes limited in three of those. Yet, despite those limitations, he's still managing 18-5-1 with 1.2 steals and 2.2 3s. He entered the season as a starter, so it's possible those averages could improve if the team gains confidence in his health and conditioning. The more IR spots your league has, the more attractive Hunter is, since he's probably going to miss games again eventually. But he's been easily rosterable when healthy, which he currently is. Jaden McDaniels , Timberwolves (34% rostered) Entering the 2023-24 season, McDaniels was heavily hyped by analysts as a likely breakout. It did not go as well as we'd hoped. Maybe we weren't wrong; we were just too early? McDaniels has multiple steals in five straight games and averaged 14-6-2 with 1.6 3s while playing 35 minutes per game during that stretch. There's no clear answer for what led to this improvement, but it's part of a steady trend through his first 15 games. Breaking McDaniels' season into three five-game chunks, he's played more minutes and put up better numbers in each segment. Ausar Thompson , Pistons (40% rostered) Thompson is still getting the game-to-game treatment, with the injury designation of "return to competition reconditioning." That combination seems to imply he'll make his season debut soon? I think? I hope? As I've mentioned in this space before, I'm very high on Thompson. He's insanely talented, and when a player, this good becomes available for a sub-.500 team, I assume that any semi-competent coach is going to figure out a way to find lots of minutes for him. He should be a great source of rebounds and defense, though his scoring and FT% could be problematic. Peyton Watson , Nuggets (29% rostered) Aaron Gordon (calf) is out for at least two more weeks, and Watson continues to chug along in his absence. I've hammered this point for weeks, nothing new to add – as long as Gordon is out, Watson is a starter in all leagues. He's averaging 14-4-1 with one steal, 1.3 blocks, and 1.7 3s since Gordon went down. Goga Bitadze , Magic (42% rostered) Wendell Carter (foot) just missed his tenth game with plantar fasciitis, an injury that is known to linger – especially in really tall, injury-prone NBA players. Plantar fasciitis is different from many injuries in that it doesn't have a set standard recovery timetable. The Magic are calling him game-to-game, and this isn't one of those obnoxious Hornets faux updates where they know he's really out for the next six years, and they're just refusing to tell us. Carter truly could return at any moment. But he also could be sidelined for a long time. And Bitadze excels when he's given court time. He's averaged 10-9-2 with 1.6 blocks while shooting 71% from the field during his 10 starts. Add him and start him for as long as Carter remains out. Donovan Clingan , Trail Blazers (63% rostered) Sorry in advance for engaging in the kind of analysis I tend to find annoying, but I'm pretty convinced by the " Deandre Ayton just doesn't really like playing basketball that much" arguments. Ayton is about to miss his fifth game with a finger injury. Clingan has averaged nearly a double-double with 3.5 blocks per game as a starter in Ayton's absence. Clingan will be tough to hold onto if Ayton returns to the court for an extended period of time between now and his eventual mid-winter banishment (either due to trade or tanking) – but that banishment is coming, and Clingan is absolutely worth rostering when Ayton isn't around. If I believed in Ayton's "want to," then I'd view Clingan as more of a streamer. Finger injuries shouldn't last that long, and the trade deadline is still a long time away. But, since Ayton is one of the very few players whose motivation I doubt, I wonder if this absence might draw out longer than it would for someone a little more Westbrookian. Anthony Black , Magic (22% rostered) This blurb would have been a lot more enthusiastic had it been written before Thursday night's game. On Monday and Wednesday, Black exploded for 19-2-9 while playing 31 minutes. He also recorded four stocks and five 3s across those two games. By comparison, Thursday was muted, just 4-4-5 with one steal and no 3s in 22 minutes. This week demonstrates why I'm excited about Black – he's a good player with excellent flashes, an eye for assists, and a team willing to consider expanding his role. But it also shows why he's still not auto-start – his production is inconsistent, and his workload is unreliable. Any team with a deep bench and the ability to be patient should add Black. Otherwise, he's a borderline addition based on positional and categorical needs. Dalano Banton , Trail Blazers (14% rostered) Dalano Banton is good now, maybe? It's hard to know for sure since watching the Trail Blazers is illegal in most states (definitely including Connecticut, which is why ESPN refuses to acknowledge they exist). He's a weird player who has had quick moments in the past but has been limited by two main problems – inconsistency and fit. However, Banton seems to have found a role off the Portland bench, and the inconsistency problem has yet to rear its head. He's been downright metronomic recently, scoring between 10-13 points in seven of his last 10 games. In his last five, he's averaging 14-3-4 with 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks. He's playing just 23.8 minutes during that stretch, so there's not much wiggle room before he loses fantasy viability, but that's not currently an issue. Robert Williams, Trail Blazers (35% rostered) Williams is currently healthy and playing roughly 25 minutes per game. That's enough for him to have fantasy relevance. I already used "injury-plagued" to describe De'Andre Hunter, so I don't have language strong enough to describe the injury risk involved in rostering Williams. But he's played at least 24 minutes in each of his last three games, and he's right back to the defensive production that's always driven his fantasy appeal. As long as Williams is playing, he should be on rosters. Malik Beasley , Pistons (55% rostered) Don't expect his current hot streak to last, but ride it while it does. Beasley is averaging a shocking 21-4-2 with 4.9 3s over his last eight games and playing at least 27 minutes in each. A lot of that production came while the Pistons were dealing with key injuries, but they were fully healthy both Monday and Thursday, and the minutes and efficiency persisted. He's still allergic to defense, and he's never sustained numbers like this, which is why he's listed so low despite this incredible run. So, be careful who you drop him for, and don't hang on too long, but by all means, get in while the getting is still good. Kyle Filipowski , Jazz (24% rostered) Filipowski left Thursday night's game early with an ankle injury, and we don't yet know the extent of the injury. He's not quite good enough to qualify for this article if he's about to miss a bunch of games. But if he is only going to miss a game (or none at all), then he's an add. His production is all over the place – points one night, assists the next – but he's getting more minutes, the average numbers are solid, and the overall trend continues to improve. Grant Williams , Hornets (29% rostered) Stephon Castle , Spurs (59% rostered) Kevin Huerter , Kings (33% rostered) Onyeka Okongwu , Hawks (58% rostered) Yves Missi , Pelicans (40% rostered) Jonathan Isaac , Magic (22% rostered) Deep league special Charles Bassey , Spurs (1% rostered) Bassey is streamable in all formats as long as Victor Wembanyama (knee) remains sidelined. The Spurs keep calling that injury a "contusion," which is typically minor and implies a quick return, which is why Bassey didn't get mentioned as an all-leagues add, even though he's currently viable there, too. He's averaging 23.3 minutes since Wembanyama went out, blocking tons of shots and getting close-ish to points-rebounds double-doubles. Bassey barely plays when Wembanyama is healthy, so he might be a quick drop, but this level of productivity is hard to find in a deep league, even if short-lived.

CHICAGO — Teresa Weatherspoon doesn’t want to dwell on the past. That’s easy to say. Harder to execute. But as she embraces a new role with Unrivaled — a 3-on-3 league that will debut in January — the former Chicago Sky coach wants to focus on the future. Weatherspoon will coach the Vinyl Basketball Club, an Unrivaled team that includes Arike Ogunbowale, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, Rae Burrell, Aliyah Edwards and Dearica Hamby. The new gig is a welcome change for Weatherspoon, who felt blindsided when the Sky fired her Sept. 26 after only 11 months as coach. Weatherspoon knew her debut season as a professional head coach wasn’t ideal. The Sky went 13-27, and she struggled to wrangle a young roster while navigating injuries and the midseason trade of guard Marina Mabrey. Despite the Sky missing the playoffs for the first time in five years, Weatherspoon thought she had more time with the organization. She doesn’t want the firing to affect her confidence as a coach. “I process things and I let it go,” Weatherspoon said Wednesday in a news conference. “You’ve got to know this and stand on it — you’re not for everybody. I’m OK with that. “I know the things I did, I know the things I helped change. I know the things I had to go through and what I stood through. I will do that again — over and over and over.” With Unrivaled, Weatherspoon will return to a player development role. Although it is not officially affiliated with the WNBA, Unrivaled is focused on providing an offseason option for players to develop their game and supplement their income without going abroad. As a result, Unrivaled coaches will focus heavily on providing players with the offseason environment they typically seek from individual trainers and skills specialists. Unrivaled co-founder and President Alex Bazzell previously described the decision to hire Weatherspoon as a “no-brainer” for the league. Weatherspoon echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued as a coach in the wake of her Sky exit. “To know that you’re wanted and needed, it makes the decision to join very easy,” Weatherspoon said. The Unrivaled season will begin in January and lasts only eight weeks. After that, the future is uncertain for Weatherspoon, who didn’t provide any hints about whether she would return to the WNBA: “That’s to be seen.” After a whirlwind offseason that saw seven teams fire or part ways with their coaches, the Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics still are searching for a replacement. Weatherspoon also could join the bench of an NBA or WNBA staff or return to college coaching. In the meantime, she’s eager to dive back into working hands-on with individual players with Unrivaled to improve their craft. “It’s a human connection,” Weatherspoon said. “It’s a gift to connect with people and show concern and love for others. I just want people to win. I want everything I experience to be shared. I want to be of help, to give more. “It’s important to lift and help. It’s all about my players. I want to lift things from them that they didn’t know existed.” ©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden last week, one of the highlights was his pledge of hundreds of millions of dollars for an ambitious trans-Africa rail project that would bring copper and cobalt from central Africa to the Atlantic port of Lobito. The project is possible because of the commitment of a $553 million direct loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, created in 2019 during the first Trump administration to counter through infrastructure projects, such as the mega-port in Chancay, Peru, inaugurated just last month. On Monday, the U.S. agency celebrated its five-year milestone by vowing to advance U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests through projects around the world such as the one in Angola. It also seeks re-authorization from Congress and a greater ability to invest in more countries when there's a strategic need to compete with China. “We need to be good partners while offering an alternative based on our values," said Scott Nathan, the chief executive officer of the development agency, who was in Angola last week with the president. “Quite simply, we need to continue to show up.” Nathan is set to leave the post. President-elect Donald Trump is yet to name his pick to lead the agency. Over its first five years, the agency has developed a portfolio of more than $50 billion in 114 countries, including solar panel manufacturing in India, a power plant in Sierra Leone, and digital infrastructure in South America. To do that, the agency has leveraged government funding to partner with private investments. Last year, the agency committed to $12 billion in new transactions, using the roughly $800 million in appropriations, Nathan said. Investments by the agency are having a “transformational impact on economic development while concretely advancing U.S. strategic interests,” Nathan said. In Angola, for example, the rail project would help secure the supply chain by cutting both time and cost in transporting critical minerals. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the agency was created when the U.S. was “ceding the field" to China in a new era of geopolitics. The U.S. needed a vision “calibrated to new geopolitical realities” and that matched ”the scope of the transformational challenges we faced.” It was in 2013 when Beijing launched the massive Belt and Road Initiative to gain markets and influence around the world by building roads, railways, power plants, transmission lines and ports, usually in less-developed regions. A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office said China provided $679 billion for international infrastructure projects such as those in transportation and energy between 2013 and 2021, compared with the $76 billion the U.S. provided in the same period. Western politicians have criticized these Beijing-backed projects for creating debt traps, but Beijing argues that they have brought tangible and much-needed economic benefits to the host countries. In 2018, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that created the U.S. development agency, aimed at bringing private investments into low- and middle-income countries through tools such as equity investment, loan guarantee and political risk insurance. On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the agency for “reimagining how the U.S. does development” and said, through its work, the U.S. has “shown countries that they don't have to resort to projects that are poorly built, environmentally destructive, that import or abuse workers, that foster corruption or burden countries with unsustainable debt.” "We really are the partner of choice,” Blinken said. As challenges lie ahead, Blinken said the agency needs to do even more and in more countries than before.

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad , but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. “You will see there are skills" among the rebels, al-Sharaa said in a video shared on a rebel messaging channel. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Assad , a decision made by President Vladimir Putin . Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons , security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. “Don’t be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!” In southern Turkey , Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. “I haven’t seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he’s alive.” Prime minister says government is operational, but UN official says it's paralyzed Jalali, the prime minister, has sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a U.N. official said some government services had been paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” Britain, U.S. considering removing insurgent group from terror list Britain and the U.S. are both considering whether to remove the main anti-Assad rebel group from their lists of designated terrorist organizations. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham began as an offshoot of al-Qaida but cut ties with the group years ago and has worked to present a more moderate image. The group's leader, al-Sharaa, “is saying some of the right things about the protection of minorities, about respecting people’s rights,” British Cabinet minister Pat McFadden said, adding that a change would be considered “quite quickly.” But British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking later during a visit to Saudi Arabia, said it was "far too early” to make that decision. In Washington, a Biden administration official noted that HTS will be an “important component” in Syria's future and that the U.S. needs to “engage with them appropriately.” Another administration official said the U.S. remains in a “wait and see” mode on whether to remove the designation. Both officials requested anonymity to discuss the ongoing internal deliberations. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that such designations are constantly under review. Even while it is in place, the designation does not bar U.S. officials from speaking with members or leaders of the group, he said. The U.S. also announced it was sending its special envoy for hostage affairs to Beirut to seek information about the whereabouts of Austin Tice, a journalist who vanished in Syria 12 years ago and who President Joe Biden has said is believed to be alive. Israel confirms it struck suspected chemical weapons and rockets Israelis welcomed the fall of Assad, who was a key ally of Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, while expressing concern over what comes next. Israel says its forces temporarily seized a buffer zone inside Syria dating back to a 1974 agreement after Syrian troops withdrew in the chaos. “The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters Monday. Saar did not provide details about the targets, but the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they included weapons warehouses, research centers, air defense systems and aircraft squadrons. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria in recent years, targeting what it says are military sites related to Iran and Hezbollah . Israeli officials rarely comment on individual strikes. Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons stockpile in 2013, after the government was accused of launching an attack near Damascus that killed hundreds of people . But it is widely believed to have kept some of the weapons and was accused of using them again in subsequent years. Turkey says its allies have taken northern town Officials in Turkey, which is the main supporter of the Syrian opposition to Assad, say its allies have taken full control of the northern Syrian city of Manbij from a U.S.-supported and Kurdish-led force known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. The SDF said a Turkish drone struck in the village of al-Mistriha in eastern Syria, killing 12 civilians, including six children. Turkey views the SDF, which is primarily composed of a Syrian Kurdish militia, as an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey. The SDF has also been a key ally of the United States in the war against the Islamic State group. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday warned against allowing Islamic State or Kurdish fighters to take advantage of the situation, saying Turkey will prevent Syria from turning into a “haven for terrorism.” ___ Mroue reported from Beirut and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, Mehmet Guzel at the Oncupinar border crossing in Turkey, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Aamer Madhani and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow the AP's Syria coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/syria Sarah El Deeb, Bassem Mroue And Tia Goldenberg, The Associated Press

Here are 2 cheap Australian shares for the Christmas list

NoneLONDON, Ontario, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. (" Aduro ” or the " Company ”) (Nasdaq: ADUR ) (CSE: ACT ) (FSE: 9D5 ), a clean technology company using the power of chemistry to transform lower value feedstocks, like waste plastics, heavy bitumen, and renewable oils, into resources for the 21 st century, today announced that the underwriters of its underwritten U.S. public offering (the "Offering”) have partially exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 100,000 common shares at the public offering price of US$4.25 per share. After giving effect to the partial exercise of the over-allotment option, the Company sold an aggregate 1,041,177 common shares for gross proceeds of approximately US$4.43 million, before deducting underwriter discounts and other related expenses. The option closing date was December 3, 2024. The common shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on November 7, 2024, under the ticker symbol "ADUR”. Aduro expects to use the net proceeds from the Offering for ongoing research and development costs, expenditures related to the construction of its "Next Generation Process" unit and the remainder (if any) for general corporate purposes and working capital. Craft Capital Management LLC acted as the representative of the underwriters, and D. Boral Capital LLC (formerly known as EF Hutton LLC) acted as the co-underwriter for the Offering. The common shares of the Offering referenced above were not offered to residents of Canada or persons in Canada. A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC”) (File Number: 333-280955), as amended, and was declared effective by the SEC on October 29, 2024. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Craft Capital Management LLC by email at [email protected] , by standard mail to 377 Oak St, Lower Concourse, Garden City, NY 11530, or by telephone at +1 (800) 550-8411; or from D. Boral Capital LLC (formerly known as EF Hutton LLC) by email at [email protected] , by standard mail to 590 Madison Ave 39th floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at +1 (212) 970-5150. In addition, copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, may be obtained via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company's securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offers, solicitations or sales would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About Aduro Clean Technologies Aduro Clean Technologies is a developer of patented water-based technologies to chemically recycle waste plastics; convert heavy crude and bitumen into lighter, more valuable oil; and transform renewable oils into higher-value fuels or renewable chemicals. The Company's HydrochemolyticTM technology relies on water as a critical agent in a chemistry platform that operates at relatively low temperatures and cost, a game-changing approach that converts low-value feedstocks into resources for the 21 st century. For further information, please contact: Abe Dyck, Investor Relations [email protected] +1 226 784 8889 KCSA Strategic Communications Jack Perkins, Vice President [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the Company's expectations regarding its anticipated use of net proceeds from the offering. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the exercise of the over-allotment option, or factors that result in changes to the Company's anticipated use of proceeds. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section captioned "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 related to the public offering (SEC File No. 333-280955). Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and Canada. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d6aad90-88b9-478a-a82b-81c7e3e94713

AMBCrypto CEO Jeevan on Future of Cryptocurrency Regulations 12-09-2024 10:26 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire "Regulations are not the end but a new beginning for the crypto industry." - Jeevan Thomas, AMBCrypto CEO AMBCrypto's CEO Jeevan Thomas discusses the evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the balance between innovation and compliance, and the potential impacts on DeFi, CBDCs, and investor protection. The cryptocurrency landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up. Jeevan Thomas [ https://ee.linkedin.com/in/jeeevaan ], CEO of AMBCrypto [ https://ambcrypto.com/ ], offered his insights into how future regulations could shape the crypto industry and what this means for investors, businesses, and the global economy. A New Era of Regulation "Regulation is inevitable in any emerging industry," said Jeevan. He believes that the next few years will usher in a new era of comprehensive crypto regulations. Governments worldwide are recognizing the need to protect consumers without stifling innovation. Countries like the United States and members of the European Union are already drafting policies. "We're moving towards a more standardized global regulatory environment," Jeevan noted. This could reduce ambiguity and encourage institutional investment. Balancing Innovation and Compliance One of the biggest challenges is striking the right balance. According to Jeevan, "Regulations should not hinder technological advancement." He advocates for frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring security and transparency. Sandbox environments are one solution. They allow startups to test products under regulatory supervision. He added, "This fosters creativity while managing risks. Such initiatives could lead to groundbreaking developments in blockchain technology." Impact on Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Decentralized Finance has exploded in popularity. However, its unregulated nature raises concerns. "DeFi platforms must prepare for increased scrutiny," warned Jeevan. Future regulations may require these platforms to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. This could legitimize DeFi in the eyes of traditional investors. "Compliance could open doors to new capital," he suggested. And yet, it's crucial to maintain the decentralized ethos that defines DeFi. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on the Rise Central banks are exploring their own digital currencies too. According to Jeevan, "CBDCs will redefine the financial landscape." These state-backed cryptocurrencies could co-exist with existing digital assets, but they also present challenges. "CBDCs may compete with decentralized cryptocurrencies," he added. Regulations will need to address how these currencies interact. Collaboration between governments and crypto enterprises could lead to a more integrated financial system. Global Regulatory Harmonization Currently, crypto regulations vary widely by country. "This patchwork approach creates confusion," Jeevan pointed out. In fact, he also called for international cooperation to establish unified standards. Organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are working towards global guidelines. "Harmonization can reduce regulatory arbitrage," he explained. This would make it easier for businesses to operate internationally. Investor Protection and Education Protecting investors is a primary goal of regulation, with Jeevan noting that, "Scams and fraud have plagued the crypto industry." Enhanced regulations can safeguard consumers, but education is equally important. "An informed investor is a protected investor," he added. AMBCrypto is committed to providing educational resources. By promoting awareness, the industry can reduce susceptibility to fraudulent schemes. Privacy vs. Transparency Regulations often demand transparency, but privacy is a core value for many in the crypto community. "We need to find a middle ground," Jeevan acknowledged. Future policies might focus on privacy-preserving technologies that still allow for compliance. Zero-knowledge proofs are one such innovation. "They enable verification without revealing sensitive information," he explained. Incorporating these technologies could satisfy regulatory requirements while respecting user privacy. Taxation and Reporting Requirements Tax laws concerning cryptocurrencies are becoming more stringent. "Accurate reporting is now a necessity," warned Jeevan. Investors must stay informed about their obligations to avoid penalties. "Platforms like ours can help users navigate these complexities," he offered. AMBCrypto provides tools and guides to assist with tax compliance. Staying ahead of these changes is crucial for both individuals and businesses. The Role of Stablecoins Stablecoins have gained attention from regulators due to their potential impact on monetary policy. "They blur the lines between cryptocurrencies and traditional finance," Jeevan observed. According to Jeevan, "Regulations may impose stricter controls on stablecoin issuers. Transparency and reserves auditing might become mandatory." This could enhance trust but may also increase operational burdens. Anticipating Technological Advancements Technology doesn't wait for regulations. "Innovations like smart contracts and NFTs are outpacing policy," Jeevan remarked. Regulators will need to adapt quickly to new developments. In fact, he believes proactive collaboration is the key. "Industry leaders should work with policymakers," he advised. By sharing expertise, they can help shape effective and forward-thinking regulations. Potential for Self-Regulation The crypto industry could adopt self-regulatory measures. "Self-regulation demonstrates maturity," said Jeevan. Establishing industry standards can pre-empt heavy-handed government intervention. Organizations can set best practices for security, transparency, and ethical conduct. "This builds credibility and fosters trust," he added. Self-regulation can also complement official policies and promote a healthier ecosystem. Opportunities Amidst Challenges Regulations may pose challenges, but they also present opportunities. Jeevan believes, "Clear rules can attract institutional investors. Increased participation from traditional finance can drive market growth." Moreover, regulations can legitimize cryptocurrencies. "They shift perception from speculative assets to viable financial instruments," he asserted. This could lead to broader acceptance and integration into everyday transactions. Preparing for the Future Businesses and investors must stay agile. "Adaptability is essential," advised Jeevan. Keeping abreast of regulatory changes allows for strategic planning. In fact, he recommended leveraging resources like AMBCrypto for the latest updates. "Information is power," he emphasized. Staying informed enables stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape successfully. Conclusion The future of cryptocurrency regulations is complex and multifaceted. Jeevan Thomas, as CEO of AMBCrypto, provided some valuable insights into what lies ahead. From balancing innovation with compliance to embracing new technologies, the industry stands at a pivotal point. Jeevan concluded by stating, "Regulations are not the end but a new beginning. By working together, the crypto community and regulators can forge a path that fosters growth, protects investors, and embraces innovation." Media Contact Company Name: AMBCrypto Contact Person: Sujeev Thomas Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ambcrypto-ceo-jeevan-on-future-of-cryptocurrency-regulations ] Country: India Website: https://ambcrypto.com/ This release was published on openPR.ISKCON advises monks to avoid saffron attire in Bangladesh

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