OTTAWA — First Nations leaders in Manitoba are calling on the federal government to address a backlog in requests for Indigenous children to receive swift access to health care and other services. They say the delay in approval of requests under Jordan's Principle has resulted in communities paying out of pocket for health, social or educational services that are supported under the principle, putting other important programming at risk. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said the backlog has added financial strain to communities, forcing them to provide essential services with limited resources. "Many First Nations are trying to meet the needs of their families. They are not receiving funding to provide these services. They are currently running deficits," acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy told reporters in Ottawa on Thursday during the Assembly of First Nations annual winter meeting. "First Nations need (Indigenous Services Canada) to fully resource and prioritize full and equitable funding and reimbursement for costs before year's end." Kennedy added First Nations often have to refer their members to other organizations that are also not getting fully funded to complete requests for assistance. The principle is named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. Born in 1999 with multiple disabilities, Anderson died at the age of five without ever leaving the hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn't decide who should pay for his at-home care. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services, they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. Some projects in the 11 First Nations the Keewatin Tribal Council in northern Manitoba represents are at a standstill because money has had to be allocated to cover the costs of service requests, said Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot. "There's a deep, deep hole there right now," he said. The Keewatin Tribal Council previously had to pay $7 million out of pocket for Jordan's Principle requests before the federal government reimbursed them, said Wastesicoot. He said the Keewatin communities are currently owed millions, but could not provide an exact amount. Kennedy said a regional Indigenous Services Canada representative told the assembly that there may not be further funding for First Nations until the fiscal year ends. Indigenous Services Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The department says on the government's website that Ottawa has provided more than 8.2 million products, services and supports under the principle from 2016 to the end of October of this year. The office of Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu previously told The Canadian Press that the department remains focused on ensuring First Nations children can access the services they need, and that since 2016, the federal government has allocated nearly $8.1 billion to meet the needs of First Nations children. The Manitoba chiefs' complaints come as the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has ordered Canada to address a backlog of requests. The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society raised concerns earlier this year that Ottawa was taking too long to process requests for financing through Jordan's Principle, leaving children without access to services. Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the Caring Society, said the ever-growing backlog is of Canada's own making. "Canada chose to create these backlogs," she said while supporting chiefs on Thursday. "They're not saying they're overwhelmed and backlogged with thousands of cases under a Canadian pension plan or under an unemployment insurance. The government does this stuff. It is choosing not to do it and it's making excuses for itself." Urgent Jordan’s Principle requests are supposed to be processed within 24 hours. But they are taking up to one month to be reviewed, says Independent First Nations, an advocacy body representing a dozen First Nations in Ontario and Quebec. Blackstock filed an affidavit earlier this year that said nearly half of requests made by individuals from those First Nations in 2023-24 are still in review, along with 10 per cent of the files submitted in 2022-23. The tribunal ordered Canada to return to it with a detailed plan, timelines and targets to address the backlog before Dec. 10. -- By Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. The Canadian Press
Trump says he can’t guarantee tariffs won’t raise US prices and won’t rule out revenge prosecutions
Related ArticlesAddressing a hot-button issue for Hollywood and other creative industries, Google CEO Sundar Pichai predicted creators will soon be directly compensated for their contributions to artificial intelligence . “I do think people will develop [economic] models around it,” Pichai said Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Summit in New York. “There will be a marketplace in the future, I think. There will be creators who create for AI models and get paid for it. I really think that’s part of the future and people will figure it out.” Asked by moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin if he envisioned “sending checks” to creators whose work helps train Gemini and other Google AI platforms, Pichai replied that he could see that “down the line.” Even as of now, he noted, the company is licensing select content for AI “where we see value,” from sources such as Reddit, the Associated Press and the New York Times. While some content owners have agreed to sell their wares to AI proprietors, others have held out and in some cases filed lawsuits against tech firms. Music, which has been a Pandora’s Box throughout the digital age, is already a bedrock component on Google-owned YouTube. But as the video giant has integrated music generation technology over the past couple of years, it has “primarily given it as tools for artists to use,” Pichai emphasized. “We’ve been deliberate. We didn’t put music generation in the hands of users. We are giving it as tools to creators. That’s how we’re doing it in YouTube, primarily. We’re going to be thoughtful in how we approach these questions.” The exec said there will always be a need to strike a balance between “understanding what is fair use, when new technology comes, versus how you give value back proportionate to the value of the IP and the hard work people have put in.” On these “important issues,” he said, “I’m sure everyone – Congress, the Supreme Court – will want to weigh in.” Sorkin replied, “They will, but if they do, it will be too late.” Multiple times during the sit-down, Sorkin queried Pichai about his outlook for the growth of the overall AI sector. Rival Sam Altman of OpenAI earlier Wednesday told the DealBook audience the boom times would continue, and with them “intense” challenges across broader society. Pichai offered a somewhat more muted assessment. “Progress is going to get harder,” he said. “When I look at ’25, the low-hanging fruit is gone. The hill is steeper.” Asked if that meant growth is declining, he demurred. “I’m very confident there will be a lot of progress in ’25,” he maintained. “I think the models are definitely going to get better at reasoning, completing a safe course of actions more reliably – more agentic, if you will. You will see us push the boundaries.” Compared with earlier times, when throwing computer processing power at the challenge resulted in dramatic headway, Pichai cautioned, “we’re going to need deeper breakthroughs as we go to the next stage.”What’s not to like about a getaway to Australia ? The laid-back country down under is beloved for its friendly locals, endless beaches and very cute and cuddly marsupials. Plus, more than cafe culture or good old steak and fries, there is also a whole wave of chefs and restaurants that are pushing the envelope in the dining scene. Drawing on the country’s multi-cultural heritage and its abundance of excellent local produce, you can expect a diverse array of nosh options to satisfy even the pickiest epicureans. And even though the Michelin Guide has not made it down under yet and there is currently just one Australian restaurant on the World’s 50 Best 2024 list (that’s Josh Niland’s Saint Peter in Sydney at #98 on the long list), it has its own Chef Hat Awards for those who are inclined to take a cue from such guides. Better yet, read on to uncover tried and tested dining highlights in three foodie cities – Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania. Start a gourmand exploration of Melbourne at three-hat fine-dining institution Vue de Monde , where 29-year-old executive chef Hugh Allen turns out inventive yet refined plates of modern Australian cuisine. A unanimous favourite is the flavourful macadamia cream topped with spring greens and caviar in a pool of umami kelp oil – utterly delicious to the last lick. Meanwhile, red kangaroo dipped in a mushroom broth highlights the clean taste of this lean game meat. Atria , located at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, focuses on local and hyper-seasonal produce from small-scale growers and artisan producers. Some ingredients, like the duck from the Macedon Ranges, are sourced so close by that the server can even point out the region from the restaurant’s panoramic windows before placing the perfectly dry-aged duck on the table. Speaking of farm-to-table, it is well worth the two-hour sojourn by car to the three-hat Brae , which features a 20-acre organic farm where much of the produce makes its way to the dining table. Helmed by Dan Hunter, the menu is ever-changing, depending on what the day’s harvest and catch looks like. For instance, we were treated to a garden salad made with over 40 fruits, vegetables and flowers harvested at their prime. The restaurant also uses meat sparingly and to maximum effect. The main dish is a hunk of wild-caught venison (fallow deer are considered pests in the countryside) slow roasted in the residual heat of the bread oven for maximum succulence. Best of all, the property also has six luxury carbon-neutral guest suites so there is no need to drive back to town post-dinner. Back in the city, chew on what has been dubbed the world’s best croissant at Lune Croissanterie where founder and former Formula 1 engineer Kate Reid reverse engineered the recipe to perfection. Today, seasonal creations such as the Tim Tam croissant are sold alongside creations that riff on Aussie favourites like the cheese and Vegemite escargot. There are also Lune Lab meals that include guest chef collaborations, for even more experimental takes on the croissant. (Tip: Its outlet in Melbourne’s CBD draws long lines but the Fitzroy outlet is considerably less crowded.) For a quintessential Melbourne dining experience, head to Gimlet , with its handsome leather booths and chic high tables for perfectly executed international fare like its moreish anchovy-dressed beef tartare, prepared tableside with great flourish. Pair with – what else but a perfect gimlet, or leave it to head sommelier Anthony Pieri to unearth an interesting bottle of Aussie vino. At all-day kitchen Big Esso , Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero whips up contemporary Indigenous cuisine that incorporates native and hyperseasonal ingredients. Think crocodile tongue skewers with tea grass red curry and kangaroo tartare garnished with citrusy green ants. Cast aside preconceived notions about these “adventurous” ingredients because there’s no more delicious way to learn a little more about local culture. And if you are lucky enough to score a reservation at the buzzy Serai Kitchen , the recipient of the Good Food Guide 2023 New Restaurant of the Year, go hungry. Chef Ross Magnaye riffs on robust Filipino flavours for his infinitely delicious creations like the wood roasted pig’s head “sisig” tacos and scallops drizzled in crab fat sauce. Stay: The luxe The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is conveniently located smack in the middle of Melbourne’s central business district, within walking distance of its myriad laneways where plenty of food discoveries await. Or at the recently renovated The Lyall Hotel in the heart of the upscale South Yarra neighbourhood, home to fashionable boutiques and interesting restaurants, which offers chic residential-style digs, with rooms kitted out with a kitchenette, dining and living area. Widely regarded as Australia’s next travel hotspot, the island of Tasmania certainly has plenty to showcase on the dining front, especially since its unique terroir gives rise to excellent hyperlocal ingredients. The purest expression of Tassie cuisine might just come from the two-hat Agrarian Kitchen , a multi-faceted food destination founded by husband and wife pair Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet, that comprises a restaurant, cafe and cooking school. A meal here starts with a walk through the on-site garden, greenhouse and pantry stocked with ferments and pickles of all sorts. Following an amuse bouche of pickles and dips within the greenhouse, get seated at the restaurant proper where the team showcases a wide range of kitchen crafts including cheese-making, whole animal butchery, wood-fired cooking and charcuterie to offer a true sense of place with every bite. Within capital city Hobart’s centre, more international flavours come into play. A highlight is the two-hat Fico which serves inventive European cuisine made with Tasmanian game, seafood and produce. Like many of Australia’s other top tables, there is no fixed menu, just a line-up of what’s in season, like a delicate octopus and chickpea tart and a zesty hand cut egg tagliolini al limone with bass strait scallops doused in brown butter. Alternatively, Restaurant Maria , one of Hobart’s newest – and trendiest – restaurants, features a Mediterranean-inspired menu, which makes total sense considering the abundance of quality seafood in Tasmania. Expect tasty crowd pleasers like oysters dressed in a wild fennel pollen mignonette and Campari-cured crudo. It is a must to visit the provocative Mona – Museum of Old and New Art – one of the catalysts in transforming Tassie into a travel destination. Faro , one of several on-site F&B establishments, features an experimental menu that lives up to the museum’s provocateur reputation. For giggles, order F*** Art, Let’s Eat, a trio of starter-sized bites that includes a savoury carrot and caraway cream Lamington (a classic Aussie dessert) and comes with a “spoon” shaped like founder David Walsh’s finger. Stay: The Tasman , at #49 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list , is arguably the most luxurious hotel in Hobart. Or for enviable waterfront views, check into the quirkily charming luxury boutique MACq01 Hotel . The spacious, well-appointed rooms come with indulgences like heated bathroom floors and fun in-room amenities like Jenga and pick-up sticks. One of the most coveted tables in Sydney is Josh Niland’s newly reopened Saint Peter – and rightfully so. Local foodies might be familiar with his restaurant Fysh at The Singapore Edition and his three-hat Australian flagship restaurant takes his philosophy of seafood butchery and whole fish cooking even further. The fascinating fish charcuterie dish elevates secondary cuts into gastronomic delights such as John Dory liver pate and yellowfin tuna chorizo. And our table was in raptures over the inventive “pasta” dish made with fettuccine-sized calamari strips – its al dente texture achieved by painstakingly removing the membranes from the squid – and paired with a rich bolognese-inspired tuna nduja. For ultra-fresh seasonal catch, veteran chef Neil Perry’s Margaret is the address to note. Over the years, he has cultivated close ties with trusted suppliers to deliver their best. Case in point – the King George whiting fillet from a long-term supplier, elegantly pan seared and dressed in lemon and extra virgin olive oil, is perfect in its simplicity. Asian cuisine continues to make its mark on Sydney’s dining scene, with a growing emphasis on inventive reinterpretations of classic flavours. Popular new kid on the block King Clarence features a contemporary Asian menu inspired by executive chef Khanh Nguyen’s travels. Do not miss the viral Fish Finger Bao, a cross between McDonald’s fillet-o-fish and a xiao long bao (soup dumpling) featuring a crispy panko breadcrumb coated fish patty that is filled with soupy dashi stock. At the iconic Chat Thai , second generation restaurateur Palisa Anderson pays homage to her mother’s Thai recipes while elevating the experience with produce sourced directly from her own organic farm. And for punchy Thai flavours derived from treasured family recipes like green curry of grilled pork jowl and lychee, the newly minted one-hat Porkfat is a gem of a find. Stay: Ace Hotel Sydney in the heart of stylish Surry Hills, brings its signature cool to the city’s vibrant creative precinct with an industrial-chic design that is a nod to the building’s history as a former brick factory. Bonus – the minibar is stocked with artisanal snacks. Josh Niland’s latest venture, the soon-to-open 14-room Grand National Hotel located on the same premises as Saint Peter, is one to look out for.NKGen Biotech Selected as Stalking Horse Bidder for NKMax
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HOUSTON , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Applus+, a global leader in the Inspection, Testing and Certification sector, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Abyss Solutions (Abyss), a cutting-edge provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine-learning solutions for inspection and maintenance. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities through the integration of AI-driven technologies. By bringing together the extensive experience of Applus+ in NDT with Abyss’ innovative AI algorithms and software platforms, this collaboration aims to revolutionize asset inspection processes, enabling faster, more accurate, and data-driven decision-making. “We are excited to partner with Abyss Solutions to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence within inspection and testing,” said Adam Alessandrino , Executive Vice President of the Pacific region at Applus+. “By integrating AI-driven technologies into our inspection processes, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled value to our clients by enhancing efficiency, reliability, and safety.” Through this partnership, Applus+ and Abyss will focus on developing AI-powered inspection solutions that enable predictive maintenance, asset optimization, and risk mitigation for clients across various industries, including oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure across the Pacific and South-East Asia “We are thrilled to collaborate with Applus+, a global leader in Inspection, Testing, and Certification services,” said Gary Hill , Regional Director at Abyss Solutions. “By leading a disruption in the inspection industry, Applus+ is addressing challenges once considered unsolvable due to workforce shortages. We are excited to partner with them on this transformative journey.” About Applus+: Applus+ is one of the world’s leading and most innovative companies in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector, offering a broad portfolio of services and solutions for customers across various industries. Its solutions ensure that assets and products meet quality, health & safety and environmental standards and regulations, while also enhancing performance. Headquartered in Spain , the company operates in more than 70 countries and employs over 26,000 people. The Applus+ Group drives profitable revenue growth through sustainable services and digitalisation at all levels. About Abyss Solutions: Abyss is pioneering the future of inspection at scale, providing products and solutions that enables autonomous robots to capture and analyze data at an unprecedented level. Its industry-leading technology is pushing the boundaries of the possible, going beyond the status quo to deliver billions of dollars in risk reduction for some of the world’s biggest companies. We’ve curated the brightest minds in autonomy who strive to help protect the world’s most valuable assets and resources, delivering the insights needed to inform preventative maintenance programs, exceed health and safety targets, and significantly reduce CO2. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/applus-in-australia-partners-with-abyss-solutions-to-revolutionize-non-destructive-testing-with-artificial-intelligence-302320089.html SOURCE Abyss Solutions PTY LTD
House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics reportWASHINGTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally celebrated Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima has been named a Trustee at the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF), further strengthening her influential role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. She has been a leader both in promoting the role of women in architecture, and in redefining the use of public space for community purposes. Sejima, a founder of Kazuyo Sejima & Associates and co-founder of SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates), is known for her groundbreaking work in minimalist architecture and her dedication to creating spaces that connect people with their surroundings. Her architectural contributions have earned global recognition, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, awarded jointly with co-founder Ryue Nishizawa in 2010. Sejima's architectural accomplishments span numerous internationally renowned projects, such as the New Museum in New York City , the Rolex Learning Center in Switzerland , and the Louvre-Lens in France . In Japan , she has designed iconic public spaces, including Kanazawa's 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the New Kagawa Prefectural Sports Arena. Her minimalist design philosophy emphasizes transparency and harmony, seamlessly blending built and natural environments. In 2023, Sejima won the Jane Drew Prize for Architecture for her contribution to raising the profile of women in architecture. The Jane Drew Prize is given annually as part of the W Awards, a program held by The Architectural Review and Architects' Journal, which was previously known as the Women in Architecture Awards. "Beyond the formal, structural, and material experimentation of her work, Sejima is one of too few female architects to have established themselves on the international stage," said The Architectural Review editor Manon Mollard . "Her courage, tenacity, and success are critical reminders that it is possible." "Sejima-san will contribute her insightful perspective and deep understanding of art, architecture, and culture, enhancing the Foundation's mission of supporting initiatives that advance social, economic, and cultural connections," said Lawrence K. Fish , USJF board chair. "As an architect who has consistently challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of design, Sejima-san brings a unique, innovative approach to the Foundation's programs." Sejima said, "When I was a child, an American family moved next door, and I have fond memories of them introducing me to many worlds I had never known. Because of that, I am honored to now be involved in passing on various activities to the next generation." For more information on Kazuyo Sejima's appointment and ongoing work with the US-Japan Foundation, please contact: info@us-jf.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-architect-kazuyo-sejima-appointed-to-united-states-japan-foundation-board-302320062.html SOURCE United States-Japan Foundation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
After a thrilling conference championship Saturday and a drawn-out reveal show Sunday, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff field is set. The first true tournament in FBS history has plenty to love -- and elements to loathe. What Went Right: Unique opening-round matchups Whether the first round proves to be more competitive than the four-team Playoff's often lopsided semifinal matchups remains to be seen. Until then, there is at least intrigue in the historic rarity of the four pairings. One opening-round matchup -- ACC automatic qualifier Clemson at Texas -- is a first-time encounter between two programs that combine for seven claimed national championships. Of the other three, the most recent contest occurred in 1996 when Tennessee topped Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl. The Vols and Buckeyes meet as the No. 9 and No. 8 seeds at Ohio State's Horseshoe, with the winner advancing to face top overall seed Oregon. SMU, a perhaps surprising final at-large selection given the Mustangs' dearth of high-profile wins, meets Penn State for the third time ever and first since 1978. The Nittany Lions scored a 26-21 come-from-behind win in Happy Valley, where they will again host SMU. The Penn State victory ended a 30-year stalemate after the first and only meeting in the 1948 Cotton Bowl produced a 13-13 tie. Here's hoping the third part of a 76-year trilogy is as closely contested as the initial two. Meanwhile, the matchup with the most previous installments is the closest in proximity -- less than 200 miles separate in-state counterparts Indiana and Notre Dame -- and the most lopsided. The Fighting Irish and Hoosiers last played in 1991, with Notre Dame's 49-27 win marking its sixth straight victory by multiple scores. Indiana's last win in the series came in 1950, a 20-7 Hoosiers victory in Bloomington. What Went Right: Boise State's big opportunity Although not the first outsider to reach or win a Bowl Championship Series game, Boise State's 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma was arguably the most pivotal moment in building support for outsiders to compete for the national championship. The Broncos spent two decades knocking on the door, beginning with their perfect 2004 regular season, extending through two Fiesta Bowl wins, and withstanding the heartbreak of late-season losses in 2010 and 2011. The celebration in response to Boise State being part of the bracket -- and not just in, but as the No. 3 seed with a bye into the quarterfinals -- marked a culmination of generations of effort for just this opportunity. What Went Right: ‘Football weather' comes to the postseason From the birth of the bowl system with the first-ever Rose Bowl Game, college football's postseason has resided primarily in warm-weather destinations. This makes sense for the original purpose of bowl games as showcases and celebrations of a team's regular-season performance, but less so for the goal of crowning a national champion. After decades of playing what often amounted to road games in the postseason, northern teams get their opportunity to host. Three of the four first-round contests are in such climates -- though Indiana won't be particularly disadvantaged by weather when playing Notre Dame in South Bend. With average December highs in Pennsylvania in the 30s, SMU will need its heaters on the sideline at Penn State's Beaver Stadium. The more intriguing trip, however, is Tennessee's to Ohio State. Longtime college football fans know the arguments about SEC teams playing in Big Ten country late in the year. Pitting two high-quality teams from the two leagues head-to-head in such conditions is a highlight of this new postseason system. And, given Tennessee and Ohio State have two of the nation's best defenses, expect a style of play befitting what is often described as football weather. What Went Wrong: More teams means more politicking When Mack Brown seemingly spent as much time on TV campaigning in 2004 as that year's presidential candidates, George W. Bush and John Kerry, his Texas Longhorns were among a small collection of teams vying for BCS bids. With the 12-team Playoff opening the top postseason opportunities to as many as 20 teams realistically, the political campaign ads that mercilessly ended in early November were replaced by the politicking of college football figures. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard spent last week taking shots at SMU and other programs over strength of schedule -- a point neglecting that the Cyclones' losses came to unranked Texas Tech and sub-.500 Kansas. Arizona State's thorough dismantling of Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game solved that debate at the proverbial ballot box. However, brace yourself for an offseason of recount demands coming out of the SEC. Alabama's exclusion at 9-3, while 11-2 SMU landed the final at-large spot, is sure to play into the same controversy that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer leaned into last week. Beamer told The State (Columbia, S.C.) last week that his program may consider changing its nonconference scheduling in response to its seemingly inevitable Playoff snub. It's an odd position, given South Carolina's three losses all came in-conference, and the Gamecocks' nonleague slate included sub-.500 teams Old Dominion, Akron and FCS Wofford. But then again, how often are political campaign pitches rooted in logic? What Went Wrong: Quantity over quality? A more salient position in Beamer's case for South Carolina is that the Gamecocks scored quality wins during a season-ending, six-game streak. With its Rivalry Week defeat of Clemson, South Carolina added a victory over a Playoff qualifier to complement victories over Texas A&M and Missouri. Alabama, meanwhile, boasts wins over No. 2 overall seed Georgia and that same South Carolina team in contention. SMU's resume might be the most likely to draw ire, given the Mustangs received the last at-large berth. However, SMU beat nine- and eight-win Duke and Louisville, with two losses by a combined six points. Indiana should be the more contentious at-large choice, with the Hoosiers beating only one team that finished above .500: 7-5 Michigan. Indiana's only other matchup with an above-.500 opponent was a 38-15 blowout at Ohio State. That's something Alabama and South Carolina have in common with Indiana, as all three teams lost in routs. Alabama dropped a 24-3 decision late in the season at Oklahoma that presumably doomed the Crimson Tide's chances, while South Carolina lost to Ole Miss 27-3. To that end, there are arguments to be made for and against every team that was on the bubble. No system will ever appease all parties. What Went Wrong: Seeding conundrum Much of the Playoff's very existence flies in the face of college football tradition. One facet of how the field was set that upholds tradition in its own small way is rewarding teams for winning their conferences by reserving the four first-round byes for league champions. When this format was implemented, however, the committee could not have envisioned that two of the top five conference champions would not be ranked in the top 10. Because three-loss Clemson survived a furious SMU comeback in the ACC championship game, and Arizona State caught fire after underwhelming losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati to win a weak Big 12, the committee was in the unusual position of having to slot a non-power conference champion and double-digit-ranked team in a top-four spot. This first edition of the Playoff seems likely to be the last to use this format, even if this scenario seems like an outlier. --Kyle Kensing, Field Level Media
Calamos Investments Closed-End Funds (NASDAQ: CHI, CHY, CSQ, CGO, CHW, CCD and CPZ) Announce Monthly Distributions and Required Notifications of Sources of DistributionNo. 2 Auburn arrives for prove-it game at No. 9 DukeThis is a PSA that some of the best on the internet end in just a few hours! And that includes some pretty fab and pretty The internet's favorite and most comfortable shoes/clogs/sandals are hardly ever on sale, but as a professional shopper (no, like, actually tho), I searched high and low to find some of the best deals out there ahead of the holidays. And lucky for us, some retailers like and have special deals on select styles—I'm talking off celeb-loved Arizona Sandals! That's right, you can snag the supportive and chic slides for less than $100 right freaking now. Check out some of the best Birkenstock Cyber Monday sales, below, because they for sure won't last much longer. And while a bunch of OG styles (like the ) sadly aren't on sale, we found some pretty close dupes on for just a fraction of the price... I mean like, literally a quarter of the price. These shoes are some of the most popular and celeb-loved styles out there, so they'd also make a great holiday gift that anyone on your list is sure to love. Brand name or not! Still need some more gifting inspo? No worries. rounded up all of the best Cyber Monday sales still going on right now. Just click the button below for all of your shopping needs. Thank us later! Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at where she covers all the best things you can add to your cart. She loves writing about everything from fashion to politics, and you can definitely find her listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on loop while doing so. She’s also probably in bed either reading or endlessly scrolling through TikTok (most likely the latter). Feel free to follow her on to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
HONEYWELL AND BOMBARDIER SIGN LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO DELIVER THE NEXT GENERATION OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY; HONEYWELL UPDATES 2024 OUTLOOK
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Upon closing, the transaction would secure global IP rights for NKGen. NKGen and its partners can begin to commercialize troculeucel in Korea, Japan and other markets where natural-killer ("NK") cell therapy is already legal. NKGen proposal included up to $18 million in committed funding. Closing expected in 1Q 2025. SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. NKGN ("NKGen" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer cell therapeutics, today announced it has been selected as the preferred stalking horse bidder for NKMax Co., Ltd. ("NKMax") in NKMax's court-managed rehabilitation process in South Korea. NKMax filed for rehabilitation in South Korea, roughly similar to Chapter 11 in the US, on April 18, 2024, and currently holds an approximate 25% equity interest in NKGen. NKGen's proposal included up to $18 million in committed funding from a third-party investor. As is typical in US bankruptcies, there will now be a public offering process, with NKGen having final right of first refusal on any other qualified offers, with the final decision and ultimate rehabilitation plan approved by NKMax's creditors and the court expected in February 2025 and closing thereafter (the "Acquisition"). NKGen and its financing partners expect to hold a majority of the equity of NKMax at closing. NKMax currently holds master global rights to the intellectual property ("IP") for troculeucel (formerly known as SNK01) and other proprietary IP that is licensed to NKGen for markets outside Asia. Such an acquisition is expected to put global rights under the control of NKGen. Prior to entering into the rehabilitation process, NKMax announced plans and commenced initial groundwork to commercialize the troculeucel treatment for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases in Japan and South Korea, where such NK cell treatment is legal already. Additional production capacity at NKMax's GMP facility will be an added benefit which could help accelerate production for US trials. " As we have made tremendous progress in our clinical program especially with the launch of our phase II trial for moderate stage Alzheimer's disease, we felt that it was essential for us to preserve the very close scientific and clinical partnership with the NKMax team, rather than have NKMax acquired by someone without any cell therapy knowledge or experience", commented Paul Y. Song, MD, Chairman and CEO of NKGen Biotech. "As we continue to work towards US FDA approval, we will be able to begin to commercialize troculeucel in countries like Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico and others where an autologous non-genetically modified cell therapy is considered as a legal treatment and already readily available. We believe that we will be much stronger and will deliver more value for our patients and shareholders when operated as one global team." NKGen does not believe the NKMax rehabilitation process has had any material negative impact on NKGen's business or prospects. About Troculeucel Troculeucel is a novel cell-based, patient specific ex vivo expanded autologous natural killer ("NK") cell, immunotherapeutic drug candidate. NKGen is developing troculeucel for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a broad range of cancers. Troculeucel is the International Nonproprietary Name ("INN") for SNK01 assigned by the World Health Organization ("WHO"). The WHO INN approval of troculeucel establishes a universally recognized nonproprietary drug name for SNK01 and marks a significant step on our journey toward bringing this therapy to market. About NKMax Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, NKMax Co., Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing immune cell therapies. In addition to its therapeutic innovations, NKMax develops and commercializes bioreagents and immunodiagnostic kits, with revenues derived from these products as well as health supplements. In 2016, NKMax completed its GMP-certified manufacturing facility, and obtained approval from the Korean MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) in 2018, strengthening its capabilities in high-quality cell therapy production. Listed on the KOSDAQ, a South Korean stock exchange, NKMax's trading has since been suspended during the course of ongoing rehabilitation efforts. About NKGen Biotech NKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.nkgenbiotech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "may", "plan", "outlook", "future" and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company's control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, the closing of the Acquisition, which may not close on the terms or timing anticipated, or at all, the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions to the closing of the Acquisition, the anticipated impacts or benefits of the Acquisition, the closing of the expected funding for the Acquisition, the risk of shareholder litigation in connection with the Acquisition, including resulting expense or delay; the risk that NKMax's business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected, the successful and timely completion and the commercialization of troculeucel, statements regarding the Company's plans and expected timing for developing troculeucel and SNK02, including the expected timing of completing and announcing further results from its ongoing clinical studies; and the Company's expected timing for developing its product candidates and potential benefits of its product candidates. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the Company's ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; the risk that initial and interim results of a clinical study do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the risk that studies will not be completed as planned; the risk that the abstract will not be published as planned including delays in timing, format, or accessibility; and NKGen's ability to raise additional funding to complete the development of its product candidates. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website under the subheading "Investors—Financial and Filings". Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Internal Contact: Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MLS (ASCP) SVP, Corporate Affairs 949-396-6830 dchua@nkgenbiotech.com External Contacts: Chris Calabrese Managing Director LifeSci Advisors, LLC ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com Kevin Gardner Managing Director LifeSci Advisors, LLC kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
