LiveOne (NASDAQ: LVO) Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Listing RequirementsNEW YORK and AMSTERDAM , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Dow Jones Indices ("S&P DJI"), the world's leading index provider, today announced the results of the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) rebalancing and reconstitution. The DJSI are float-adjusted market capitalization weighted indices that measure the performance of companies selected using environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The DJSI, including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), were launched in 1999 as the pioneering series of global sustainability benchmarks available in the market. The index family is comprised of global, regional and country benchmarks. As a result of this year's review, the following top three largest companies based on free-float market capitalization have been added to and deleted from the DJSI World. All changes are effective on Monday, December 23, 2024 . Additions: Airbus SE, Schlumberger Ltd, BAE Systems Plc Deletions: Alphabet Inc 1 , UnitedHealth Group Inc, ASML Holding NV 2 The full results and list of DJSI constituents will be available as of Monday, December 23 2024 , at https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/djsi-annual-review S&P Dow Jones Indices will be renaming a number of its sustainability and ESG-related indices (see Index Announcement ). As part of this update, the family of Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) will be renamed Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices. The changes will become effective on Monday, February 10, 2025 . The S&P Global CSA Scores will continue to be a key factor in selecting constituents for the DJSI when they are renamed Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices in February 2025 . For more information about the DJSI methodology, please visit: www.spglobal.com/spdji . ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets. S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit: www.spglobal.com/spdji . 1 Still member of DJSI World Enlarged and DJSI North America 2 Still member of DJSI World Enlarged S&P DJI MEDIA CONTACTS: spdji.comms@spglobal.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-dow-jones-indices-announces-dow-jones-sustainability-indices-2024-review-results-302331745.html SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ: APM) (“Aptorum Group” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to meeting unmet medical needs in oncology, autoimmune and infectious diseases, today provided a business update and announced financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2024. “Our team and Yoov have spent considerable time and effort on the due diligence process, the negotiation of definitive terms, and the preparation of necessary transactional and listing documentation. However, current market conditions have introduced significant uncertainty regarding the availability of the required funding for the transaction. After careful consideration, our Board has determined that it is no longer in the best interests of our shareholders to proceed with this transaction. Despite this, we will continue to explore other business combination opportunities that we believe will enhance shareholder value,” stated Mr. Ian Huen, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Aptorum Group Limited. Corporate Highlights On October 24, 2024, the Company and Yoov Group Holding Limited (“Yoov”) entered into a termination agreement and the anticipated reverse takeover transaction with Yoov was terminated. Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Aptorum Group reported a net loss of $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in net loss in the current period was driven by the decrease in operating expenses by $4.1 million due to the implementation of stringent budgetary control measures, as a result of the Company’s exclusive emphasis on the previous anticipated RTO. Research and development expenses were $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2023. Before the Merger Agreement was terminated, we determined it was best to focus all of our attention and resources on completing the Merger and therefore paused the majority of our R&D activities during that time; following the termination of the Merger Agreement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we determined that searching for other business combination opportunities could maximize shareholder value, and our R&D activities remain suspended. General and administrative fees were $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative fees was primary due to the streamlining of our operations to focus on preparation for the Merger, which has since been abandoned. Legal and professional fees were $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in legal and professional fees was attributed to the lack of non-routine activities that were present in the same period last year, such as the implementation of reverse stock split, and amendments to the memorandum and articles of association. The absence of such non-routine exercises in the current period has resulted in a decrease in legal and professional fees. As of June 30, 2024, cash and restricted cash totaled approximately $0.8 million and total equity was approximately $13.2 million. APTORUM GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (Stated in U.S. Dollars) June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash $ 783,085 $ 2,005,351 Accounts receivable 21,800 47,709 Amounts due from related parties 3,595 961 Other receivables and prepayments 725,616 422,071 Total current assets 1,534,096 2,476,092 Property and equipment, net - 1,663,926 Operating lease right-of-use assets - 182,057 Long-term investments 16,098,846 16,098,846 Intangible assets, net - 147,347 Long-term deposits 71,823 71,823 Total Assets $ 17,704,765 $ 20,640,091 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Amounts due to related parties $ 79,180 $ 79,180 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,148,235 1,894,341 Operating lease liabilities, current 89,145 125,232 Total current liabilities 1,316,560 2,098,753 Operating lease liabilities, non-current 62,718 99,485 Convertible notes to a related party 3,148,500 3,058,500 Total Liabilities $ 4,527,778 $ 5,256,738 Commitments and contingencies - - EQUITY Class A Ordinary Shares ($0.00001 par value, 9,999,996,000,000 shares authorized, 3,674,164 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024; 2,937,921 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023) $ 37 $ 31 Class B Ordinary Shares ($0.00001 par value; 4,000,000 shares authorized, 1,796,934 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024; 2,243,776 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023) 18 22 Additional paid-in capital 93,470,186 93,018,528 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,762 ) (10,623 ) Accumulated deficit (70,805,518 ) (68,161,722 ) Total equity attributable to the shareholders of Aptorum Group Limited 22,654,961 24,846,236 Non-controlling interests (9,477,974 ) (9,462,883 ) Total equity 13,176,987 15,383,353 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 17,704,765 $ 20,640,091 APTORUM GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (Stated in U.S. Dollars) For the six months ended June 30, 2024 2023 Revenue Healthcare services income $ - $ 431,378 Operating expenses Costs of healthcare services - (426,063 ) Research and development expenses (2,038,923 ) (3,212,366 ) General and administrative fees (326,187 ) (1,263,019 ) Legal and professional fees (366,164 ) (1,738,566 ) Other operating expenses (137,233 ) (330,212 ) Total operating expenses (2,868,507 ) (6,970,226 ) Other income (expenses) Loss on investments in marketable securities, net - (9,266 ) Interest expense, net (68,462 ) (93,478 ) Loss on disposal of subsidiaries (4,271 ) - Sundry income 282,353 36,803 Total other income (expenses), net 209,620 (65,941 ) Net loss $ (2,658,887 ) $ (6,604,789 ) Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests (15,091 ) (1,117,685 ) Net loss attributable to Aptorum Group Limited $ (2,643,796 ) $ (5,487,104 ) Net loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.50 ) $ (1.43 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic and diluted 5,339,608 3,849,621 Net loss $ (2,658,887 ) $ (6,604,789 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 861 (7,485 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 861 (7,485 ) Comprehensive loss (2,658,026 ) (6,612,274 ) Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests (15,091 ) (1,117,685 ) Comprehensive loss attributable to the shareholders of Aptorum Group Limited (2,642,935 ) (5,494,589 ) About Aptorum Group Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic assets to treat diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology (including orphan oncology indications) and infectious diseases. The pipeline of Aptorum is also enriched through the co-development of Paths Dx Test, a novel molecular-based rapid pathogen identification and detection diagnostics technology, with Accelerate Technologies Pte Ltd, commercialization arm of the Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research. For more information about the Company, please visit www.aptorumgroup.com . Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of Aptorum Group. This press release includes statements concerning Aptorum Group Limited and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Aptorum Group has based these forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding projected timelines for application submissions and trials, largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, risks related to its announced management and organizational changes, the continued service and availability of key personnel, its ability to expand its product assortments by offering additional products for additional consumer segments, development results, the company’s anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends and challenges in its business, and its expectations regarding, and the stability of, its supply chain, and the risks more fully described in Aptorum Group’s Form 20-F and other filings that Aptorum Group may make with the SEC in the future. As a result, the projections included in such forward-looking statements are subject to change and actual results may differ materially from those described herein. Aptorum Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is provided “as is” without any representation or warranty of any kind. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220907803/en/ CONTACT: Aptorum Group Limited Investor Relations Department investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com +44 20 80929299 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ONCOLOGY HEALTH INFECTIOUS DISEASES GENERAL HEALTH CLINICAL TRIALS PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: Aptorum Group Limited Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 04:00 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 04:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220907803/enTrump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home.". He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. What is known about a plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 of 67 people on board The crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan has killed 38 of 67 people on board. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijani capital Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons that aren’t fully clear yet. It crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan after flying east across the Caspian Sea. Officials in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia haven't commented on a possible cause of the crash pending an official investigation. Some commentators pointed out holes in the plane's tail section pictured after the crash as a sign that it could have been fired upon by air defense systems. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.
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The federal government has accused a Chinese hacker — whose company is a Chinese intelligence-linked contractor — as part of an effort in April 2020 to exploit weaknesses in computer firewalls used by ‘U.S. critical infrastructure companies’. A grand jury indicted Guan Tianfeng, 30, of Sichuan Province, China, on Sept. 19 in the U.S. District Court in Hammond for conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The case was unsealed Tuesday. Online court records do not yet show an attorney. The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday it was offering up to a $10 million reward for information on Guan — a “security researcher”, his co-conspirators, or the company, Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co. Ltd. The U.S. Department of Treasury said it had imposed sanctions on him and the firm. Specific U.S. targets were not listed in the indictment. A press release from the U.S. Treasury notes “one victim was a U.S. energy company that was actively involved in drilling operations at the time of the compromise. If this compromise had not been detected, and the ransomware attack had not been thwarted, it could have caused oil rigs to malfunction potentially causing a significant loss in human life.” Multiple attempts to contact BP, which operates the Midwest’s largest oil refinery in Whiting, were not successful. A spokeswoman for Cleveland Cliffs said the company was not affected. Representatives from U.S. Steel and Ports of Indiana did not immediately respond for comment. U.S. Authorities allege Guan found a “zero-day exploit” in a firewall by U.K.-based Sophos Ltd. — or a “vulnerability” for a cyberattack. He helped send malware to 81,000 firewalls used by businesses worldwide, including 23,000 in the U.S. Three dozen were “protecting U.S. critical infrastructure companies’ systems,” the release stated. The goal was to steal data, including user names and passwords. Guan also tried to infect their systems with ransomware. Sophos found and patched it within two days. “The zero-day vulnerability Guan Tianfeng and his co-conspirators found and exploited affected firewalls owned by businesses across the United States, including in Indiana,” FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton said in a release. “If Sophos had not rapidly identified the vulnerability and deployed a comprehensive response, the damage could have been far more severe.” Guan may also have ties in Bangkok, Thailand, according to the FBI. mcolias@post-trib.com
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces a stark choice as he contemplates broad preemptive pardons to protect aides and allies from potential retribution by Donald Trump: Does he hew to the institutional norms he’s spent decades defending or flex the powers of the presidency in untested ways? The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But the president discussed the topic with senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. President Joe Biden speaks Thursday during a tree-lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington. Biden is taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to another person familiar with the president’s discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Pentagon refutes Van Drew Iran claims as New Jersey officials meet to discuss mystery drones Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Could American Airlines bus program lead to more flights at Atlantic City airport? Atlantic City now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Work on Mike Trout's Vineland golf course completed, but play still more than a year away District overspending main focus for new Atlantic City school board member Ron Bailey Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders LGBTQ+ restaurant the ByrdCage to open in Atlantic City in January Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Who are The Press 2024 Boys Soccer All-Stars? Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes — and usually to those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for some who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. The president could, if he chooses, issue blanket pardons to specific people whom Trump and his allies threatened to punish. Or he could pardon a broad class of people — not unlike pardons issued to those convicted of federal marijuana offenses or those ensnared in the “don't ask, don't tell” military policies. A federal judge rebuked President Joe Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter, who the president claims was unfairly prosecuted. Either way, he'd be using the powers of the presidency in a new way. Some worry that Trump and his allies, who talked of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for targeted people even if they don’t result in prosecutions. Biden already extended a broad pardon to his son, Hunter , who was convicted and pleaded guilty in tax and gun cases. He explained that decision by saying he believed the prosecution of his son was poisoned by politics. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden plans additional pardons before leaving office, though she would not elaborate on the process. She referenced “changing factors” that motivated the president to pardon his son despite promising he wouldn’t. She said Republicans continued to try to see Hunter Biden investigated for an array of alleged offenses, a rationale that could support additional pardons for Biden aides and allies. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks Friday during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. It was two weeks ago that one of the president’s closest allies in Congress, Rep, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, encouraged Biden to pardon his son Hunter. The morning after that conversation, Clyburn told Biden’s staff that he believed the president should also pardon those being targeted by Trump. “I was very forceful in my discussions with him about what I thought he ought to do regarding his son,” Clyburn said Friday. “But I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that.” Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and for accusations he hoarded classified documents at his home. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican , was the vice chairwoman of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris. Fauci, an infectious-disease expert, was instrumental in the government's response to the coronavirus. All raised the ire of Trump. President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden for federal gun and tax convictions, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." Trump highlighted individuals imprisoned for the January 6th Capitol riots, questioning whether they were included in Biden's pardon. Trump suggested he might consider pardoning Hunter Biden during an interview in October, expressing concern over its impact on the country. Hunter Biden's pardon prevents significant prison time, as he faced nearly forty years for gun and tax-related convictions. Clyburn said he told Biden’s team, only half jokingly, that because the Supreme Court already said the president has certain immunities, “let’s give that same immunity to Jack Smith for carrying out his duties and to, Doctor Fauci, Liz Cheney, they were carrying out their duties.” Among those mentioned publicly for possible presidential pardons, there are different sentiments on whether pardons would even be wanted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the president’s move to pardon his son, but was silent on the speculation that Biden is considering additional pardons for her or others. A top Pelosi ally, Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who led Trump’s first impeachment, panned the idea of pardoning Biden's allies. He says “the courts are strong enough to withstand” the worst of Trump’s threats. “I don’t think a preemptive pardon makes sense,” the incoming senator told NPR recently. “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” Schiff said. Several people on President-elect Donald Trump's team are reportedly supporting efforts to make an Edward Snowden pardon happen. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager on Trump’s second impeachment on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, said the speech and debate clause in the Constitution already protects members of Congress from prosecution for participating in their legislative duties. Raskin said figures like Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and John Kelly , Trump's former White House chief of staff, would similarly be protected by the First Amendment. Still, Raskin said the question is, “Should they go through the criminal investigation and prosecution for not doing anything wrong? I think that’s why this whole issue has erupted.” Raksin added that with Trump promising to pardon hundreds of people who assaulted police officers on Jan. 6, “I can hardly fault President Biden for exploring the use of the pardon to protect people from a fraudulent and unjust prosecution.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he’s had no conversations with the White House regarding any preemptive pardons for current or former members of Congress. By ERIC TUCKER - Associated Press Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Rangers have sourced an interim replacement for outgoing chief commercial officer Karim Varani. Varani, who joined the Ibrox board in summer 2023, is the latest high-profile departure at Rangers with the former West Ham United man expected to officially leave his role in January to "pursue new opportunities". Sean Jefferson will now take up the position on an interim basis. Jefferson has a strong track record working for Manchester United as well as international drinks giant Diageo and global media agency Mindshare. He will begin working for the Scottish Premiership giants in the New Year until a permanent acquisition can be named. Read more: Rangers’ Blue Sky Lounge ‘one of the best’ UK hospitality packages Bobby Madden 'amazed' by VAR failure to give Rangers penalty vs Celtic Since leaving Old Trafford last year, Jefferson has launched SportValue, a consultancy he describes as “helping organisations unlock value in sport”. SportValue provides expert guidance to rights-holders, media and entertainment firms, agencies, and sports technology companies, assisting them in navigating the commercial landscape of sports. The consultancy aims to foster partnerships that enhance value for businesses, their collaborators, and the fans they serve.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA's biggest enigma. Young's fans can point to numbers and say he's an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he's overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they're infuriating. This can't be argued: He's helping Atlanta author one of the season's surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. “When we talk about Trae, the word I like to use is evolution,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “And every player evolves. They just evolve in different ways. He's been an important part of our young guys' growth and being able to elevate them.” The Hawks haven't had a ton of big moments in Young's seven seasons. But he has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion: ousting New York in the 2021 playoffs, ousting the Knicks from the quarterfinals of this tournament to get to Las Vegas — and now comes another chance on national TV on Saturday, facing the Bucks with a chance to play for a trophy. “I feel like this team has been embracing the challenge each and every night from the beginning of the season,” Young said. “We haven’t looked too far ahead in any moment. We’re just taking it day by day. Even though early on in the season we may have had some struggles and some bumps in the road and some guys out, we stuck with the process and focus on each day." Here's part of the pro-Young argument: He's averaging 21 points and 12 assists something that only Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas have done over a full season, and he's on pace to lead the league in assist average for the first time. Here's part of the anti-Young argument: Among the 220 players with at least 50 3-point attempts this season he ranks 189th at 30.8%, and of the 248 players with at least 100 field goal attempts this season he ranks 231st at 38.4%. Choose your side. They're both valid. But it's clear that Young — who made no secret that he was upset over not being picked for the team that won gold for USA Basketball at the Paris Olympics this past summer — is growing and maturing. “He’s doing a better job on both ends of the floor,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Defensively he’s figured out a way of keeping himself out of actions. I know that sounds easy. That’s hard to do, and he’s brilliant at it, he really is. ... He must be really studying the game on both ends of the floor, and you can see that in his play. And he’s earned the trust of his players. This team likes playing with him, that’s obvious. I couldn’t say that in the past, but now they love playing with him.” Hawks forward Jalen Johnson doesn't deny that point. “He’s so good, man,” Johnson said. "It’s crazy, like just seeing it in person and on TV prior to me playing with the Hawks and getting drafted by the Hawks, it was crazy just watching it. A guy that’s undersized, being able to score at will, being able to make any pass at will. And then next thing you know you’re his teammate and you’re on the receiving end of those passes. “Watching those clutch late game buckets, it’s a joy to watch. It’s a gift that he has that’s very special and not many people have had it at that elite of a level. It’s been great being his teammate. It’s been a blessing.” Saturday is an opportunity. The semifinals are the only games on the NBA calendar for that day; the title game Tuesday — which doesn't count in the standings — is the only game on the NBA slate that night as well. Young will have tons of eyeballs on him Saturday and would have tons more on him Tuesday if the Hawks find a way to win another big game against the Bucks. They're 3-1 against Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland and Boston already this season, 1-0 against Milwaukee. The potential is clear for the Hawks. The potential for Young has always been clear as well. Only now, it's starting to be realized. “The narrative about me not being able to do certain things or being too mad or frustrated about certain things is — I mean, just aren’t true,” Young said. "I think you’re just now being able to see like with the young team we have, just some of the different things we’ve been doing this year, I think just now you’re starting to kind of see it because the results are showing and we’re winning now. We’re here in this final four of the Cup, and it’s a big deal.” ___ AP NBA:49ers vs. Rams: George Kittle predicts a big game for Deebo Samuel
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