Polish game development studio and publisher People Can Fly is going through its second round of layoffs . This time, over 120 employees are being affected, with the CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski saying that this is to make sure that the company does not go over its financial capacity. Multiple games in development are affected by the staff reduction too. The announcement arrived on , with the CEO saying that it is "deeply grateful for the contributions of every team member impacted by this turn of events; their talent and dedication have helped shape our company and our games." As part of the change in scope, the studio says that its Project Victoria game is being suspended entirely, while Project Bifrost development team is being scaled down. Some "restructuring" of the studio's support teams are in effect too. Both gaming projects have been self-published titles but have never seen official announcements, and have only being in development for a few years. "This action became necessary as external market pressures persisted beyond our forecasts. The video game market is still evolving, and we have to adjust with where things are today," said the CEO. "We are redoubling our efforts with new work-for-hire engagements and focusing on the development of a single independent game." Important update from Sebastian Wojciechowski, CEO. "Our priority is to approach this moment with compassion and to ensure our team feels supported as we work together to build a stronger future," he adds. "In this hard moment, our dedication to excellence and creativity remains as strong as ever. For everyone who loves what we create — we will not give up on our dreams." The company has multiple gaming projects still in development. This includes a title for Square Enix, which is largely believed to be an sequel, and even an . This mysterious Microsoft-published project is said to cost around 30-50 million USD to complete, though it may be some years out from release still.Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has secured the leading position in fundraising during Charity Week 2024, raising an exceptional QR114,753.25. This marks the second consecutive year that UDST has achieved the highest total among participating universities and schools in Qatar. Charity Week is a global initiative. In Qatar, the event is conducted in collaboration with Education Above All, involving over 23 educational institutions. The week-long fundraising efforts at UDST were spearheaded by students in partnership with the Student Engagement Department, a division of Student Affairs. The team organised innovative activities and initiatives that engaged the entire UDST community. Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, said: “It is heartwarming to see our community come together for such a noble cause, demonstrating the University’s role in shaping compassionate leaders. By instilling human values alongside academic excellence, UDST continues to make a meaningful impact within and beyond our campus.” This year, the Qatar Charity Week Team, raised an impressive total of QR349,864.81. The UDST Charity Week core team consisted of students from different Colleges: Judy Zarzour, Yazen Abu, Basma Kamran, Janan Maki, Faisal Maki, Hira Zahid, and Fidha Mukhtar. Every student was assigned a specific role to ensure the success of the event. Judy Zarzour, UDST Charity Week representative, said: “It has been incredible to witness the passion and commitment of the student volunteers in organising such diverse activities, as well as the overwhelming generosity displayed by the UDST community.” Copy 11/12/2024 10
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Global stocks mostly fall ahead of ECB, US inflation dataNone3 recipes to help you through the busy holiday seasonWALTHAM, Mass and DUBLIN, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mural Oncology plc (Nasdaq: MURA), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing novel, investigational engineered cytokine therapies designed to address areas of unmet need for patients with a variety of cancers, today announced that on December 2, the Company granted to four newly hired employees (i) non-statutory stock options to purchase an aggregate of 26,300 ordinary shares of the Company and (ii) restricted stock units with respect to an aggregate of 13,200 ordinary shares of the Company, pursuant to the Company’s 2024 Inducement Stock Option and Incentive Plan, each as an inducement material to the new employees entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options have an exercise price of $4.18 per share, which is equal to the closing price per share of the Company’s ordinary shares as reported by Nasdaq on December 2, 2024. The options have a ten-year term and vest over four years, with 25% of the original number of shares vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and 6.25% of the shares underlying the options vesting quarterly thereafter, subject to such employee’s continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates. Each of the stock options is subject to the terms and conditions of a stock option award agreement covering the grant and the Company’s 2024 Inducement Stock Option and Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units vest over four years, 25% per year on the anniversary of the grant date, subject to such employee’s continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates. Each of the restricted stock units is subject to the terms and conditions of a restricted stock award agreement covering the grant and the Company’s 2024 Inducement Stock Option and Incentive Plan. About Mural Oncology Mural Oncology is leveraging its novel protein engineering platform to develop cytokine-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. By combining our expertise in cytokine biology and immune cell modulation and our protein engineering platform, we are developing medicines to deliver meaningful and clinical benefits to people living with cancer. Our mission is to broaden the potential and reach of cytokine-based immunotherapies to improve the lives of patients. Our lead candidate, nemvaleukin, is currently in potentially registrational trials in mucosal melanoma and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Mural Oncology has its registered office in Dublin, Ireland, and its primary facilities in Waltham, Mass. For more information, visit Mural Oncology’s website at www.muraloncology.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X . Contact Katie Sullivan katie.sullivan@muraloncology.com
Shailene Woodley didn’t want to say much about Aaron Rodgers in a new interview, because, she said, reflecting on her relationship with the controversial NFL quarterback “always makes me cry.” During an overnight camping trip in Malibu with a reporter for Outside magazine , the 33-year-old actor and environmentalist also said that her relationship with Rodgers, which reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic and ended in February 2022, “was not right.” “But it was beautiful,” she added in the interview published Tuesday. Later in the conversation, Woodley also alluded to how difficult the relationship became and how devastated she was when it ended. She and Rodgers reportedly began dating during the pandemic lockdown in July 2020, around the time he ended his two-year relationship with race car driver Danica Patrick. The revealed their engagement in 2021. “I had a really awful, traumatic thing happen in early 2022,” Woodley told Outside later in the conversation. Yes, the “Divergent” star wasn’t being specific here about the “awful, traumatic thing,” but Outside noted that her engagement to the former Green Bay Packers quarterback was called off that February. “I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy,” Woodley said. “I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment.” Woodley also said she chose to remain in a “toxic situation” because she was empathizing with “someone else.” “Empathy,” she says, “kind of kept me in this loop of feeling everything for everyone.” For Outside magazine, the “Big Little Lies” actor was being profiled as the publication’s Outsider of the Year. In a previous interview, Woodley opened up about “the darkest, hardest time in my life,” taking place in the fall of 2021, a time that coincided with the final months of her relationship with Rodgers and when he sparked national controversy by ranting critically about the COVID-19 vaccine. In a 2023 interview with Net-A-Porter’s Porter magazine, Woodley talked about dating “somebody in America who was very, very famous,” without naming Rodgers. In the fall of 2021, she also was filming the series, “Three Women.” But she talked about how it was difficult to focus on her work. “It was winter in New York, and my personal life was (expletive), so it felt like a big pain bubble for eight months,” Woodley said to Porter magazine. “I was so grateful that at least I could go to work and cry and process my emotions through my character,” Woodley said. In early November 2021, Rodgers did serious damage to his public image as a popular NFL star by going on an angry anti-COVID vaccination rant on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The reigning Most Valuable Player was then accused of being an arrogant, narcissistic crackpot with a persecution complex after he claimed he was a victim of “the woke mob” and that the media had launched “a witch hunt” to pin him down on whether he had been vaccinated. Unfortunately for Woodley, she was caught up in Rodgers’ controversy, mainly by coming to his defense in ways that were seen as tone-deaf, given that public health officials had raised serious concerns about the potential harm caused by Rodgers’ anti-vaccination statements in the midst of a global pandemic. Woodley took to social media to post snarky, expletive-laced and even sexually suggestive Instagram defenses of Rodgers. Over the next month, one source close to Woodley and Rodgers told People that they were trying to make their relationship work, while another insider said that they “disagreed on a lot of things,” including politics, but that they tried to keep the peace by not debating those topics. But the likelihood of a split became apparent when the Chico-reared Rodgers failed to thank Woodley or even mention her name when he won his third NFL MVP award in early February 2022. Reports soon followed that they had ended their engagement. Rodgers then appeared again on “The Pat McAfee Show,” during which he said he didn’t regret speaking his mind about the COVID-19 vaccine, but said he regretted how those comments impacted his loved ones. Rodgers, now the embattled quarterback for the losing New York Jets , then apologized directly to Woodley — or “Shai” — and others, saying he was “very sorry” for the blowback they encountered. A year later, Woodley acknowledged to Porter that being in “a quote-unquote ‘famous’ relationship” became difficult. “It honestly never really hit me that millions of people around the world were actually watching these things and paid attention to them,” she said. “I watched (the) scrutiny, opinions, the desire for people to know my life and his life and our life — it just felt violating in a way that, before, it was fun. I’m a very private person, and so I found that any time I posted anything, I instantly felt like I was sharing too much of who I am with people I didn’t necessarily trust.”Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouse (copy)
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The United States is a paradox: Media and public opinion polls portray us as a nation divided along partisan lines, but deeper research reveals that Americans share common ground on many core values and political issues. As a political philosopher , I worry about the growing chasm between our shared concerns and the often ugly polarization that divides the electorate. As we gather with family and friends who may have voted for different candidates this Thanksgiving, let’s keep in mind the many things we do agree on. A fuller awareness of our shared principles – particularly on what are so often presented as divisive policy issues – can help us listen to and respect one another over the dinner table conversation, even if it turns to politics. Cultivating political civility and unity in our private lives is a modest yet indispensable act that we all can undertake to defend and nurture the norms and culture of democracy – even if some of our political representatives fail to set the same example in public life. For starters, there is huge agreement among Americans on issues such as taxes, immigration and the economy, a 2023 survey by the American Communities Project found . There is also strong support for fundamental democratic principles , including equal protection under the law, voting rights and our First Amendment freedoms of religion, assembly, speech and the press. Judy Ho Oct. 29, 2024 In survey after survey, a majority of Americans say abortion should be legal in most or all cases. There is also broad support for high-quality health care that is accessible to all . A majority of U.S. citizens acknowledge the reality of human-caused climate change and endorse the development of renewable energy , though they may differ on how to achieve those goals. Too often positions are treated as adversarial when in fact they can be compatible – and voters with nuanced views may actually hold both positions. For example, there is broad support for stronger gun control regulations , as well as support for the right to bear arms. For all the bitterness of the 2024 presidential election, the top concerns were widely shared across party lines. Both Republicans and Democrats ranked the economy as a top political priority. A shared pessimism over the economy clearly helped Donald Trump win the election. On immigration, another key factor in the election, Americans have a positive view of legal immigration , though that sentiment has declined in recent years . Today, most Americans want to see immigration reduced . Part of the tension in the nation’s thinking about immigration stems from a political culture that is more responsive to sensationalism and disinformation than to sober consideration and discussion of the pros and cons of immigration. Much of the discourse was marred by fictional and bigoted tales of immigrants eating pets and false portrayals of most immigrants as criminals . Even shared political perceptions aren’t always based on good evidence or reasons. Despite sharing common ground, Americans perceive the nation as deeply polarized , and constant exposure to disinformation makes it nearly impossible to sort fact from fiction. Indeed, the perception of division can itself fuel distrust where commonality might otherwise be found. This perception of polarization can be exploited by partisans with something to gain. When people are told that experts are divided on an issue, such as climate change, it leads to distrust and polarization . Conversely, emphasizing scientific consensus tends to unify public concern and action. The perception that Americans are more divided than we are poses an enormous threat to democracy. People begin to see even neighbors and family members who vote differently as enemies rather than fellow citizens. Stress about holiday interactions with relatives who voted differently is leading some people to cancel family gatherings rather than spend time together. If people are too busy attacking each other, they will miss opportunities to unite, and they will fail to recognize the real threats to their shared values. Johnny C. Taylor Jr. July 19, 2024 Recognizing the public’s shared values is an important first step in healing political divides. Philosopher Robert B. Talisse has argued that one way to get started might be refocusing attention on nonpolitical community projects that bring together people who don’t normally think of each other as allies. That includes civic or sports clubs and local community events. These are collaborative in a way that supports community identity rather than partisan identity. It is an exercise in rebuilding civic trust and recognizing each other as fellow citizens, and perhaps even friends, without the tension of partisan politics. Once this trust in each other’s civic identity is healed, it can open a door for meaningful political discussion and understanding of each other’s concerns. Including at holiday gatherings. Lawrence Torcello is an associate professor of philosophy at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. This commentary was produced in partnership with The Conversation , a nonprofit, independent news organization dedicated to bringing the knowledge of academic experts to the public.The Edmonton Oilers have struggled in goal at times this season, and tomorrow will have an interesting chance to acquire a former top end goalie prospect Cayden Primeau for free. Some Oilers analysts have reported that GM Stan Bowman may be interested in adding a cheap third option to the crease for insurance against injury and poor play. According to reports from Canadiens reporter Eric Engels this morning, Cayden Primeau will be placed on waivers tomorrow as the Holiday Roster Freeze lifts. The holiday roster freeze will lift tonight at midnight, meaning the Canadiens roster move will be official tomorrow afternoon. This could give the Oilers some time to prepare, as the team already has some decisions to make with an extra player on the roster after the freeze . Should the Edmonton Oilers make a waiver claim on Cayden Primeau? The Montreal Canadiens are placing Primeau on waivers for a reason. With a horrific .836 save percentage through 11 games this season, he's probably been the worst goalie in the NHL. Although the Oilers have seen improved player from their goalies in the last few weeks, they're still ranking in the bottom 10 teams for most goalie statistics. They could definitely use some help from a third goalie who could step up in the case of injury or poor play, but expecting Cayden Primeau with the worst save percentage in the league to do so may be a tall ask. However, Primeau is just 25 years old, and it's possible the Oilers still see some talent in him that made him a top prospect. In the 2019 World Juniors Tournament, Primeau was a star level talent that backstopped Team USA to a Silver Medal. Last season Primeau had a .910 save percentage in 23 games, so the Habs could be making a hasty decision to cut him so quickly. With a salary of only $890K, there's very low risk of claiming him or burying him in the minors It's possible the Oilers see some talent in Primeau, and having a need for a good third option in net, could place a low risk claim on the Habs goaltender. We'll see the Oilers decision within the next 48 hours. This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.
CONWAY, Ark., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB) (“Home” or “the Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank (“Centennial”), announced it has established additional reserves for loan losses as a result of Hurricane Milton. On October 11, 2024, HOMB announced a $16.7 million reserve as a result of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall September 26, 2024. Upon announcement HOMB indicated the more recent and powerful Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 9, 2024, and caused the spin-off of more than two dozen tornados, would likely lead to an increase in this reserve amount. “Out of an abundance of caution, HOMB has decided to make an additional $16.7 million reserve following the second Florida hurricane, bringing our total hurricane reserve to $33.4 million for the year,” said John Allison, Chairman of HOMB. “The two hurricanes spanned across the third and fourth quarter and the amount of time it takes for customers to settle with insurance will no doubt increase, with two back-to-back events,” continued Allison. “We have approximately $110 million currently on deferral as a result of the two hurricanes and in keeping with our conservative nature, we feel as though this proactive move is a prudent and predictable course of action,” added Allison. Branches The Company currently has 76 branches in Arkansas, 78 branches in Florida, 58 branches in Texas, 5 branches in Alabama and one branch in New York City. About Home BancShares Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has branch locations in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama and New York City. The Company’s common stock is traded through the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOMB.” The Company was founded in 1998. Visit www.homebancshares.com or www.my100bank.com for more information. General This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future, including future financial results. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events, performance or results. When we use words or phrases like “may,” “plan,” “propose,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “predict,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “on track” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand, real estate values and unemployment, including the ongoing impacts of inflation; the ability to identify, complete and successfully integrate new acquisitions; the risk that expected cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management time on acquisition-related issues; the availability of and access to capital and liquidity on terms acceptable to us; legislative and regulatory changes and risks and expenses associated with current and future legislation and regulations; technological changes and cybersecurity risks and incidents; the effects of changes in accounting policies and practices; changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies; political instability, military conflicts and other major domestic or international events; the impact of recent or future adverse weather events, including hurricanes, and other natural disasters; disruptions, uncertainties and related effects on credit quality, liquidity and other aspects of our business and operations that may result from any future public health crises; competition from other financial institutions; potential claims, expenses and other adverse effects related to current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other government actions; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments, increased regulatory scrutiny or market disruptions resulting from financial challenges in the banking industry; changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements; and other factors described in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Townsell Director of Investor Relations Home BancShares, Inc. (501) 328-4625