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Three-month-old kit Roxie, who it is believed died due to stress caused by fireworks.(RZSS via SWNS) By Elizabeth Hunter via SWNS A zoo has issued a plea for people to avoid letting off Hogmanay fireworks - after Bonfire Night blasts caused the death of a baby red panda . Three-month-old Roxie, a red panda at Edinburgh Zoo , died after choking on her own vomit, as explosions boomed across the city throughout Bonfire Night. Roxie’s mother Ginger also died unexpectedly five days earlier, which may have been linked to fireworks. Ben Supple, the wildlife conservation charity’s deputy chief executive, said, “Edinburgh Council cannot create a fireworks exclusion zone around the zoo in time for Hogmanay due to the minimum consultation period required, so we are asking residents to help by not setting off fireworks which may frighten animals. “As always, we will do all we can to protect animals in the zoo from fireworks, including keeping them indoors and providing deep bedding where possible to reduce the impact of the noise.” (RZSS via SWNS) The charity’s call for tighter restrictions on fireworks has received enormous support since Roxie’s death in November. Ben added, “We have been inundated by messages from people who were shocked by what happened to Roxie and believe the UK government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals. “Firework control zones are a positive step but only part of the solution as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances. So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals. “We believe displays should be restricted to organized events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent. "This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.”
Trump asks US Supreme Court to delay TikTok banCRANFORD, N.J. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTOR), a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted oncology therapies, today reported business and financial results for the fiscal full year ended September 30, 2024 . Fiscal Full Year 2024 Business Highlights and Subsequent Developments Achieved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of LYMPHIRTM (denileukin diftitox-cxdl), an immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); Began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol CTOR on August 13, 2024 , following completion of the merger of Citius Pharma's oncology subsidiary with TenX Keane to form Citius Oncology, Inc., a standalone publicly traded company; Advanced manufacturing, marketing and sales activities in preparation for commercial launch of LYMPHIR in the first half of 2025; key activities included: Manufactured initial inventory for launch and finalized supply chain agreements, Initiated recruitment of targeted field force with contract sales organization, Launched a marketing awareness campaign and engaged with all leading CTCL prescribers, Applied for a unique J-code within the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to facilitate accurate reimbursement, Secured inclusion of LYMPHIR in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, critical to clinical decision-making in oncology and hematology, influencing treatment practices and payor reimbursement in the U.S., and Initiated development of the patient support center to help patients access LYMPHIR expeditiously; Supported two investigator-initiated trials to explore LYMPHIR's potential as an immuno-oncology combination therapy being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Minnesota ; and, Shared interim trial results with the clinical community at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference (SITC) of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Phase I trial of LYMPHIR with checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. The combination of these two immunomodulatory agents showed clinical benefit in relapsed or refractory gynecological neoplasms, resulting in: 27% objective response rate and 33% clinical benefit rate with median progression free survival of 57 weeks (range: 30-96 weeks), and A manageable safety profile whereby the regimen was well-tolerated with reversible treatment emergent adverse events and no definitive immune-related adverse events greater than or equal to grade 3 documented. Financial Highlights R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; Stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $2.0 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; and, Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2024 compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . "Reflecting on 2024, Citius Oncology has achieved pivotal milestones that underscore our commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics," stated Leonard Mazur , Chairman and CEO of Citius Oncology. "The FDA's approval of LYMPHIR for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma marks a significant advancement in providing new options for patients battling this challenging disease. It is the only targeted systemic therapy approved for CTCL patients since 2018 and the only therapy with a mechanism of action that targets the IL-2 receptor. Additionally, the successful merger forming Citius Oncology, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker CTOR, strengthens our position in the oncology sector. We expect it to facilitate greater access to capital to fund LYMPHIR's launch and the Company's future growth. With a Phase I investigator-initiated clinical trial combining LYMPHIR with pembrolizumab demonstrating promising preliminary results, indicating potential for enhanced treatment efficacy in recurrent solid tumors, and preliminary results expected from a second investigator trial with CAR-T therapies in 2025, we remain excited about the potential of LYMPHIR as a combination immunotherapy." "These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our team and the trust of our investors. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to develop innovative therapies that improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide," added Mazur. FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS: Research and Development (R&D) Expenses R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase reflects development activities completed for the resubmission of the Biologics License Application of LYMPHIR in January 2024 , which were associated with the complete response letter remediation. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase was primarily due to costs associated with pre-commercial and commercial launch activities of LYMPHIR including market research, marketing, distribution and drug product reimbursement from health plans and payers. Stock-based Compensation Expense For the full year ended September 30, 2024 , stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million as compared to $2.0 million for the prior year. The primary reason for the $5.5 million increase was due to the amounts being realized over 12 months in the year ended September 30, 2024 , as compared to three months post-plan adoption in the year ended September 30, 2023 . Net loss Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the year ended September 30, 2023 . The $8.5 million increase in net loss was primarily due to the increase in our operating expenses. About Citius Oncology, Inc. Citius Oncology specialty is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024 , its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million , is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology's competitive positioning. Citius Oncology is a publicly traded subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Oncology are: our ability to raise additional money to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months as a going concern; our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; risks related to research using our assets but conducted by third parties; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our SEC filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , including in Citius Oncology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024 , as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Ilanit Allen ir@citiuspharma.com 908-967-6677 x113 Media Contact: STiR-communications Greg Salsburg Greg@STiR-communications.com -- Financial Tables Follow – CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 112 $ — Inventory 8,268,766 — Prepaid expenses 2,700,000 7,734,895 Total Current Assets 10,968,878 7,734,895 Other Assets: In-process research and development 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Other Assets 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Assets $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,711,622 $ 1,289,045 License payable 28,400,000 — Accrued expenses — 259,071 Due to related party 588,806 19,499,119 Total Current Liabilities 32,700,429 21,047,235 Deferred tax liability 1,728,000 1,152,000 Note payable to related party 3,800,111 — Total Liabilities 38,228,540 22,199,235 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding — — Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000; 71,552,402 and 67,500,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively 7,155 6,750 Additional paid-in capital 85,411,771 43,658,750 Accumulated deficit (39,278,587) (18,129,840) Total Stockholders' Equity 46,140,339 25,535,660 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Revenues $ — $ — Operating Expenses: Research and development 4,925,001 4,240,451 General and administrative 8,148,929 5,915,290 Stock-based compensation – general and administrative 7,498,817 1,965,500 Total Operating Expenses 20,572,747 12,121,241 Loss before Income Taxes (20,572,747) (12,121,241) Income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Net Loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted $ (0.31) $ (0.19) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted 68,053,607 67,500,000 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock-based compensation expense 7,498,817 1,965,500 Deferred income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Inventory (2,133,871) - Prepaid expenses (1,100,000) (5,044,713) Accounts payable 2,422,577 1,196,734 Accrued expenses (259,071) (801,754) Due to related party 14,270,648 14,805,474 Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 126,353 - Cash Flows From Investing Activities: License payment (5,000,000) - Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (5,000,000) - Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Cash contributed by parent 3,827,944 - Merger, net (2,754,296) - Proceeds from issuance of note payable to related party 3,800,111 - Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 4,873,759 - Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 112 - Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of Year - - Cash and Cash Equivalents – End of Year $ 112 $ - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activities: IPR&D Milestones included in License Payable $ 28,400,000 $TikTok ’s future in the United States is in serious jeopardy, and Donald Trump may be the only person who can save it. The president-elect told reporters at Mar-a-Lago on Monday that he would “take a look” at the situation surrounding the platform’s future, before meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew a few hours later. It’s unclear what Trump could or would do to stop the law that will ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance , doesn’t sell it. The law is currently slated to go into effect Jan. 19, one day before Trump takes office. President Joe Biden signed the legislation in April, citing national security concerns related to China ’s control over the data of the estimated 170 million Americans who use the platform. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month upheld the law in the face of challenges from TikTok and a group of creators on the platform. On Friday, lawmakers told Apple and Google that they need to be ready to remove the platform from their app stores on Jan. 19. Americans will still be able to use TikTok if and when this happens, but as the Justice Department put it in a filing last week, the move would ultimately “render the application unworkable.” TikTok’s options for staving off a ban are dwindling. The platform on Monday made an emergency request to the Supreme Court, asking it to delay the ban while reiterating its argument that the ban violates the First Amendment. TikTok noted that if the law goes into effect as scheduled it “will shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration.” TikTok asked the Supreme Court to act by Jan. 6. The Supreme Court could be interested in the case given its unique and high-profile nature, but legal experts are skeptical the justices would overturn the D.C. Circuit’s unanimous decision to uphold the ban. TikTok’s emergency appeal to the nation’s highest court comes a week after the platform asked the D.C. Circuit Court to block the ban from taking effect, arguing Trump should have a chance to save the platform once he takes office. Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Trump’s position has been a little hard to pin down. He pushed for a ban while he was in office, but seemed to cozy up to the app this year. He said during the campaign that he opposed the ban and promised to save the app — but he didn’t seem as enthusiastic during an interview with Meet the Press earlier this month. “If you do do that, something else is going to come along and take its place — and maybe that’s not fair,” he said when asked about the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision to uphold the ban. He only offered that he’s “going to try and make it so that other companies don’t become an even bigger monopoly” when pressed about whether he would take action to save the app. Trump was pressed about what he’ll do to prevent the ban from taking effect again while speaking with reporters at Mar-a-Lago on Monday. “We’ll take a look at TikTok,” he said, adding that he has a “warm spot” in his heart for the platform because of how he outperformed expectations with young people in November. Trump’s promise to save TikTok may have been campaign bluster, but The Washington Post reported after he won in November that his advisers do indeed expect him to intervene. It may not be easy, as halting bipartisan legislation intended to crack down on Chinese influence wouldn’t be a great look. ByteDance could also sell TikTok to a U.S. entity, and Trump could potentially help facilitate such a transaction, but this route also presents complications. ByteDance has already said they aren’t going to sell , and companies like Google or a Meta would likely run into antitrust trouble if they were to acquire the platform. So, what’s left? Related Content Possible Trump FEMA Pick Made Millions After Florida Disaster-Response Gig The Battle Against Trump 2.0 Begins in the States Trump Sues Iowa Newspaper Over Poll That Had Harris Winning State Trump’s Felony Conviction Stands, Judge Rules Frank McCourt , the billionaire former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, believes ByteDance selling TikTok to him is the most viable way the platform can continue to exist in the United States. “Like President-elect Trump and like the creators, we don’t want to see this ban,” he recently told Rolling Stone . “We think this could be an awesome platform, and be a catalyst for a new, upgraded internet.” McCourt believes he and his team are the “frontrunners” to acquire the app. ByteDance says it doesn’t want to sell, but McCourt thinks he may be able to pry it from them given that he’s not interested in TikTok’s algorithm. “We don’t want the algorithm,” he says plainly, adding that he believes the $20 billion he says he’s raised should be enough to bring TikTok, sans algorithm, and its user base into American hands. McCourt isn’t interested in the algorithm in part because he has aspirations for the platform that go far beyond ensuring it continues to exist in the United States. Five years ago, he launched an initiative called Project Liberty in service of fixing what he deems to be a “fundamentally broken” internet by ensuring users can control their own data. Project Liberty has since been developing the technological framework for a decentralized social networking apparatus. The missing ingredient is a sizable user base, and McCourt believes the 170 million Americans on TikTok would do just fine. TikTok users could control and even profit from their data, in McCourt’s vision, while curating and owning their online communities. “If they decide to leave TikTok and go to some other platform, they can take their relationships with them,” he explains. “That’s very powerful. That’s liberty, that’s agency, that’s being able to own something. ... We’re not talking about owning an inanimate piece of property or a thing. We’re talking about regaining ownership of ourselves.” McCourt has lofty ideas for remaking the internet to serve users rather than users serving Big Tech. He referenced Thomas Paine on two separate occasions over the course of our conversation, essentially drawing a through line from the dawn of American democracy to his endeavor to correct an “out of whack” internet. His bid to keep TikTok up and running in the U.S. is in service of these ideas, not necessarily of preserving the platform as its 170 million users have come to know it. When Rolling Stone spoke with the eight TikTok creators who sued the government over the ban earlier this year, they spoke of how integral the platform’s algorithm is to its value. It’s the secret sauce, and the platform simply wouldn’t be the same without it. “It really does boil down to the algorithm,” Chloe Joy Sexton, a creator on the lawsuit, told us. “[On TikTok] my content is going to hit people who care about it, and it’s not doing that through whatever algorithm is used by Instagram or Facebook.” McCourt isn’t worried. “There are a lot of people who really understand how to create fabulous algorithms,” he says, adding that he’d work to develop an algorithm that operates similarly to how TikTok’s algorithm does currently. McCourt’s plans for TikTok are ambitious and retaining the platform’s massive audience is anything but a given, but the entire reason he’s interested in this is to shake things up and change how users consider social media. “I think it’s naive for any of us to think that there’s not a better version of TikTok available,” he says. McCourt could be TikTok’s best hope for survival in the United States, but he also may not be. The billionaire’s conversation with Rolling Stone was part of a media tour meant to bolster his profile as a buyer, but other suitors could still emerge. ByteDance could also be committed to its vow not to sell the platform under any circumstances — which would render McCourt’s quixotic quest to use TikTok to unleash a new internet utopia moot. Trump could soon be in a position to do something about all of this, but as is always the case with the former and future president, there’s no way to predict which course he’d take. Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at University of Minnesota Law School who has long been skeptical of the viability of the effort to overturn the ban, theorized last month that the most likely way Trump could save the platform would be to take advantage of the degree to which the law empowers the president to determine what constitutes a “qualified divestiture.” ByteDance could “go through the motions of reshuffling some details of its ownership stake in TikTok,” as Rozenshtein puts it, which Trump could use as a basis to deem the Chinese company sufficiently divested. Why would Trump do this? Possibly because he’s not really as tough on China as he claims. Possibly to further endear himself to the young Americans he falsely claimed on Monday voted for him by 34 points. Possibly for the same reason many suspected he announced his opposition to the ban in the first place: Jeff Yass, a billionaire MAGA megadonor, has a heavy stake in ByteDance and TikTok through his investment firm Susquehanna International. Trump allowing TikTok to skirt a ban by deeming ByteDance divested after a few nominal nips and tucks could lead to outrage from the China hawks who passed the ban in the first place, and maybe even a few lawsuits. Such obstacles haven’t stopped Trump in the past, of course, and giving ByteDance his blessing may be easier than helping push a sale to a third party like McCourt over the finish line. Trending Stories Dems Choose 74-Year-Old Gerry Connolly Over AOC for Key Committee Role What the ‘I Slept With 100 Men in One Day’ Doc Gets Right About Sex Work Trump’s Felony Conviction Stands, Judge Rules Big-Band Leader Glenn Miller Vanished 80 Years Ago. His Death Started the 'Legacy' Band Trend TikTok is currently slated to be banned from app stores on Jan. 19, but Rozenshtein believes the Supreme Court will ultimately decide to stay the law and take up the case themselves. “Even if they simply reaffirm the D.C. Circuit opinion, having a Supreme Court version of that is extremely valuable for the development of the law,” he tells Rolling Stone . “Given that the Supreme Court has taken a lot of these digital First Amendment cases in the last couple of years, I think that’s a signal that they care about this body of law and they want to develop it.” If the Supreme Court takes action before Jan. 19, it would clear the floor for Trump to take action of his own, and McCourt or another interested party would have more time to try to convince China to sell them the platform. Given the uncertainties surrounding such a sale, many view the president-elect as the best hope to preserve the platform as its users know it. “Do I feel like this would be the only possible reason that I would ever agree with [Trump] being in office again?” Steven King, another TikTok creator who sued the government over the ban, said speaking with Rolling Stone last week. “If it saves my career, then, hey, he’s done something for me.”
The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Monday, expressed concerns over the Nigerian Army’s recruitment of approximately 15,000 personnel annually without adequate support for providing accommodation for them. Oluyede also highlighted the dwindling resources allocated to the Nigerian Army despite the increasing number of recruits. He raised these concerns during a condolence visit by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua. The Army Chief feared that soldiers might not have a place to live if insecurity ended in the country. He said, “I need to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and without your support, it would be very difficult for us to secure Nigeria. So I want to really appeal to you, the very eminent personality of Nigeria, to just please support us and make our job very easy so that we can help secure Nigeria as much as possible. “Well, over time, we’ve had situations where the resources that are attributed to the Nigerian Army keep dwindling. So I think this is a very good forum for me to appeal that maybe in considering next year’s budget, a few very important issues should be noted as they affect the Nigerian Army. “First, the Nigerian Army. For instance, in the last couple of years, we’ve been recruiting about 15,000 personnel. But I can tell you that not a single support has been given in terms of their accommodation. “So I can just imagine if at some point if were able to checkmate all the security challenges, where will those people retire to? It’s something that gives me sleepless nights. Related News Acting COAS laments poor welfare, seeks National Assembly's support Tinubu asks Senate to confirm Oluyede as COAS Army reopens Abia road after checkpoint attack “So, I want to appeal to the National Assembly to please consider these very critical issues, as well as other combat enablers that can help us do our job better, especially in areas of technology, so that we can help secure Nigeria.” Earlier, the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Yar’Adua, urged the Acting COAS to continue with the legacy of his late predecessor, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. He said the Senate had a robust relationship with Lagbaja whom he described as a “very practical officer” and very knowledgeable in military operations. He said late Lagbaja was “very honest” and, “says it as it is” The committee chairman stated that late COAS led the Army and improved the security of the country significantly. He assured the acting COAS of the same courtesy and support for him to continue with the legacy. He further urged the Army to deploy technology in the fight against terrorists.Employee-directed giving program, Making Change, brings joy to furry friends this giving season FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season of giving, and MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNSB & MNSBP), the financial holding company for MainStreet Bank , is spreading holiday cheer by making a significant impact on the lives of animals in the local community. Through a combination of corporate giving and employee volunteerism, the bank is actively supporting local animal rescues and organizations, ensuring a brighter holiday for those with paws, claws, and whiskers. This year, MainStreet Bank employees embraced the season by participating in two volunteer events at local animal shelters. Adding to the festive spirit, 10% of all donations from the bank's unique employee-directed giving program, Making Change , have been dedicated to providing comfort and care to animals in need. MainStreet Bank launched the Making Change program in the spring of 2023. Making Change empowers every full-time employee to direct $1,000 in donations to a local cause close to their heart. This innovative approach allows smaller organizations, often overlooked in traditional corporate giving programs, to receive much-needed support, especially during the holiday season. "Making Change goes beyond traditional corporate giving by empowering our employees to be the philanthropists," said Jeff Dick , Chairman and CEO of MainStreet Bancshares Inc. and MainStreet Bank. "This grassroots approach mirrors how MainStreet Bank prioritizes customers who desire a more personalized banking relationship than larger banks can offer." One example of this holiday spirit in action is an $11,000 contribution to Friends of Homeless Animals in Aldie, Virginia. This no-kill shelter provides a safe haven and lifelong care for cats and dogs facing a variety of challenges on an expansive 40-acre property. Inspired by the organization's dedication, a MainStreet Bank employee not only made a personal donation but also rallied colleagues to join in a group donation, bringing holiday joy to the animals by covering nearly half of the organization's annual pet food budget. Further demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare, MainStreet Bank partnered with Friends of Homeless Animals and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Fairfax Station for employee volunteer days. Homeward Trails, also a recipient of a Making Change donation, focuses on rescuing cats and dogs from under-resourced shelters throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, ensuring they too experience the warmth of the season. Since its inception in the spring of 2023, the Making Change program has donated $27,000 to local animal organizations, including: "Our employees love that they can make a direct impact on the lives of animals," says Trish Smith, MainStreet Bank's Chief Human Resources Officer. "Making Change gives them a chance to give back to their community in a way that truly aligns with their values, and that's something we're incredibly proud of this holiday season." BACKGROUND: MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNSB & MNSBP), is a small-cap financial holding company trading in the Nasdaq Capital Market index. The financial holding company owns 100% of MainStreet Bank, a business-focused community bank headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. The Bank engages a branch-lite model with six full-service financial centers in Herndon, Fairfax, McLean, Leesburg, Clarendon, and Washington, D.C. MainStreet Bank has 55,000 free ATMs and a fully integrated online and mobile banking solution. The Bank is not restricted by a conventional branching system, as it can offer business customers the ability to Put Our Bank in Your Office®. With robust and easy-to-use online business banking technology, MainStreet has "put our bank" in well over 1,000 businesses in the metropolitan area. In 2021, the Board and management decided to make an investment in technology that would best serve clients requiring Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). The Avenu BaaS solution was officially released into service on October 1, 2024. The ability to digitally offer banking services in a safe and compliant manner allows the Company to reach new customer deposit segments, diversify revenue streams and generate additional income. The BaaS market is currently underserved, and the opportunities for a well-developed solution are robust. The Avenu business model is in line with the Company's physical branch-lite strategy. MainStreet Bank has a robust line of business and professional lending products, including government contracting lines of credit, commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, and commercial real estate. MainStreet Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender. From sophisticated cash management to enhanced mobile banking and instant-issue Debit Cards, MainStreet Bank is always looking for ways to improve our customer's experience. MainStreet Bank was the first community bank in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area to offer a full online business banking solution. MainStreet Bank was also the first bank headquartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer CDARS – a solution that provides multi-million-dollar FDIC insurance. Further information on the Bank can be obtained by visiting its website at mstreetbank.com . MainStreet Bank provides a full-stack embedded banking solution that connects fintech partners and their apps directly and seamlessly to the purpose-built Avenu core. Avenu's clients are fintechs, social media solutions, application developers, money movers, and entrepreneurs. They all have one thing in common: They are in search of a reliable partner to help innovate how money moves—solving real-world issues and helping communities thrive. MainStreet Bank is that reliable partner dedicated to providing a best-in-class solution to sustain long-term business relationships. MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. has an investment grade rating of "A" from Egan-Jones Rating Company. This release contains forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to future events that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expect," "plan," "project," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "pursuant," "target," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations include: fluctuation in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, adverse changes in the overall national economy as well as adverse economic conditions in our specific market areas, future impacts of pandemic outbreaks, maintenance and development of well-established and valued client relationships and referral source relationships, and acquisition or loss of key production personnel. We caution readers that the list of factors above is not exclusive. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and we may not undertake steps to update the forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of any circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements are made. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Contact: Debra Cope Director of Corporate Communications Desk (703) 481-4599 Mobile (202) 468-3814 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mainstreet-bank-spreads-holiday-cheer-with-pawsitive-impact-on-local-animals-302321265.html SOURCE MainStreet Bancshares, Inc.
Long waits for NHS services could lead people to take matters into their own hands by buying potentially unsafe weight-loss jabs online, Britain’s top GP has said. Prof Kamila Hawthorne, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, warned that buying drugs online from unregulated retailers could put people at risk and they may also miss out on wraparound support offered alongside the medication. She also expressed concerns about the safety of cheaper alternatives to the pre-filled injection pens, which involve preparing part of the medicine at home. Her warning came as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) cautioned against buying illegal weight-loss medicines without a prescription through beauty salons, fake pharmacy websites or on social media, saying these products could contain “toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm”. Andy Morling, the MHRA’s deputy director of criminal enforcement, said: “At this time of year, with many of us thinking about shedding a little excess weight, we see people offering weight-loss medicines for sale as a quick fix, without a healthcare professional’s prescription.” Urging people to exercise caution, he said “criminals go to great lengths to make their website storefronts look authentic and convincing”. “These are not cosmetic treatments; they are powerful medicines that can only be legally and safely dispensed against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional,” he added. Hawthorne said the population was “gradually getting bigger and bigger,” leading to widespread chronic illness. In an interview with the PA Media news agency, she said she had “serious concerns” about “quite a lot of people” buying weight-loss drugs privately, as “some of these places are not fully regulated”. The demand was in part being driven by very long waits for weight-loss support, she added, calling on the government to adequately fund services. “If you’re faced with a two-year waiting time and you want to lose weight now, and you know that there is a way that you can lose weight, you know that drug works because nobody’s denying that they don’t work, you might well decide that you’re going to just sort it out yourself,” Hawthorne said. “I would definitely suggest that you come and talk to your doctor or practice nurse about what you’re intending to do and let them help you,” she said. “Please don’t go off and buy a [weight-loss injection] unless it is under the supervision of a medically qualified doctor.” A recent Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) report revealed some patients were having to wait for up to five years for specialist support, while some services are so overstretched that they have closed their waiting lists entirely. Katharine Jenner, the OHA’s director, told PA Media the drugs “offer hope of tangible improvements in the lives of people with severe, chronic obesity”, but they were “only safe and effective for those for whom they are medically appropriate, as prescribed by a legitimate prescriber, and are not a long-term solution for the millions of people living with obesity”. An NHS rollout of the so-called “King Kong” of weight-loss jabs, Mounjaro, is scheduled to take 12 years. An estimated 220,000 people could benefit from the drug in the first three years, out of about 3.4 million people estimated to be eligible, with those at highest need prioritised. The latest Health Survey for England shows 64% of adults were overweight or obese in 2022.How to watch LA Lakers vs. Nuggets NBA game: Time, TV channel, FREE NBA live stream
SDB appoints veteran banker Chitral to its Management team
Melania Trump speaks out about husband Donald's 'demands' of a wife who 'knew her place' The 2005 clip has resurfaced since Donald won the Presidential Race Melania revealed that her husband did have a set of 'standards' She listed off the things Donald expected of her By KELSI KARRULI FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:27, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 21:30, 25 November 2024 e-mail 24 shares 5 View comments Melania Trump lifted the lid on the expectations husband Donald had for her as a wife in a resurfaced clip. The incumbent First Lady has been at the center of headlines ever since her spouse entered the 2024 Presidential Race and pulled off an astonishing political win when he regained his seat in the White House . In a 2005 video, mom-of-one Melania, now 54, revealed during a chat on Larry King Live with Donald that she had to adhere to 'old-fashioned' values before saying 'I do.' When asked if her husband had any 'demands' or if he was 'controlling,' she insisted her spouse wasn't commandeering, but he did have some rules. She explained: 'I knew what I was getting into, Donald has his demands, but I knew this before I said "I do." 'He values loyalty, respect, and he has high expectations. There were things he expected from me, and I respected that. 'Donald wanted a wife who would stand by his side but knew her place.' The former model added that to marry Donald you needed to be 'strong and confident.' Melania Trump lifted the lid on the expectations husband Donald had for her as a wife when they tied the knot in a resurfaced clip In the clip, which saw Donald and Melania chatting on Larry King Live, the mom-of-one revealed that she had to adhere to 'old-fashioned' values before saying 'I do' Social media users flooded the comments section underneath the clip on CNN's YouTube channel and expressed their shock at her admission. One person said: 'Awesome interview. Who else watched this November of 2024?' Someone else wrote: 'Who else is watching this in 2024?' Another user commented: 'They were always like this, even today. But the people wanted to judge and tear Melania down as soon as she became First Lady. She remained classy throughout all of it. I'm not even Republican but I respect people who are respectable.' 'This interview needs to be all over the place right now, on Nov.2nd, 2024. People need to see who these two people really are, and how genuine, kind, intelligent, formidable, and principled they are,' a fourth person wrote. But this isn't the first clip from Melania's past that has been unearthed. Another video from Inside Edition has also reemerged this week, detailing her strict diet. A 2019 report by the publication uncovered what her daily menu looks like, including seven pieces of fruit. The former model added that to marry Donald (seen in 2005 with Melania) you needed to be 'strong and confident' People flooded the comments section and expressed their shock at the resurfaced video The outlet reported that the Melania drank a smoothie for breakfast every morning, which she made by blending together spinach, carrots, blueberries, apple juice and fat-free yogurt. In addition to her nutrition-packed smoothie, the former model tried to eat seven pieces of 'fresh' fruit everyday, and her favorites were said to be apples and peaches. But Melania doesn't always stick to the perfect diet - of course, she indulges at times, just like the rest of us. Inside Edition reported that she also ate dark chocolate and the 'occasional' ice cream, but paid attention to 'portion sizes.' And, when she's back in New York, her favorite place to eat is at the Trump International Hotel on the Upper West Side, of course, - specifically the upscale Jean-Georges restaurant there. Despite being married to the 47th President, Melania has previously admitted that she often wished she could take a step back from the White House and her duties. Earlier this month it was reported by the New York Post that she would be splitting her time between Florida, Washington D.C. and New York, where her 18-year-old son, Barron, is attending college . Melania previously admitted that she often wished she could take a step back from the White House and her duties as she opened up about where she would like to spend the holidays This report drew criticism from people who accused her of 'smothering' her and Donald's son. Melania will be the First Lady on 'her terms' and will be splitting her time between the three places, a Mar-a-Lago source told the New York Post. Both Barron and his mom have made brief appearance on Trump's campaign trail. The 18-year-old student previously appeared at a campaign rally on July 9 in Miami, where he confidently mirrored his father's fist pumping pose and lapped up a standing ovation. He didn't attend the subsequent Republican National Convention, but he got a shout-out from his father at the July 18 event as he told delighted convention-goers, 'We love our Barron.' Share or comment on this article: Melania Trump speaks out about husband Donald's 'demands' of a wife who 'knew her place' e-mail 24 shares Add comment
Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) will inspect Newport homes and businesses this week. The visits are part of a safety inspection programme to check service termination points, also known as cut-outs, are working properly. These points are where the main incoming electricity service cable and fuse are located, usually near the electricity meter. The inspections will be visual only, with no disassembly or power supply interruptions. NGED plans to carry out 400,000 such inspections annually across South Wales, the Midlands, and the South West over the next 20 years. Richard Brady, NGED’s policy engineer heading the inspection programme, said: "The UK is recognised internationally as having one of the most resilient and safe energy systems and this inspection programme underlines our commitment to the highest safety standards. "Inspectors will visually examine cut-outs to check they are working as they should, taking photos and notes for our records. "In the unlikely event of a defective cut-out being found, NGED engineers will be sent to carry out repairs at no cost to the customer." The visits will also help confirm what types of low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicle chargers and solar panels, are connected to the network. This information will aid future planning for load growth on the network. Mr Brady added: "These are important safety visits but we understand they could be inconvenient for customers and apologise in advance if this is the case." The inspectors, from a company called Calisen, will be clearly identifiable as working for NGED and will have ID and authorisation to enter properties.XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, has surged in value, climbing to $1.90, and now has a current trading price of $2.29 (at the time of writing). It has solidified its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap in the world. The remarkable growth showcases Ripple’s growing influence in the crypto space as a leader in cross-border payment solutions. Amid this rise, 1Fuel is making waves as an emerging contender, with a lot of potential to become a significant player in the crypto space. 1Fuel revolutionizes cross-chain trading with a peer-to-peer marketplace, one-click technology, and advanced security features. All these features are opportunities for early investors who want to capitalize on innovations in decentralized finance. XRP surpasses 100 billion dollars in valuation Ripple (XRP) has surpassed 100 billion dollars and reached a major milestone, with its market cap now exceeding $130.86 billion. It is now the third-largest cryptocurrency by valuation. The price surge is driven by growing investor confidence, leading to optimism around regulatory changes and Ripple’s expanding ecosystem. Analysts also credit the emergence of XRP ETFs as one of the reasons why it has surpassed $100 billion and attracted higher demand for the token. Ripple’s network, which is powered by the native cryptocurrency XRP, is a leader in fast, low-cost international money transfers and currency exchanges. The unique utility of XRP has positioned it as a reliable asset in the top DEX wallets, allowing it to surpass major cryptocurrencies like Tether and Solana in market capitalization to become the third largest. As XRP’s popularity grows, platforms like Phantom Wallet have become integral for users who want to manage their digital assets securely. With the ongoing growth and adoption, XRP is solidifying its place as a dominant force in the blockchain industry. XRP vs. OFT: which is a better investment? When comparing XRP with 1Fuel OFT, you can see that they both offer investment opportunities but with contrasting trajectories. XRP already has a well-established position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap at $130.86 billion and is widely adopted. But for XRP’s value to increase by 300%, the market cap would have to surpass 390 billion, something that would require massive capital inflow and years of planning to achieve. So while XRP’s utility and value make it a stable choice, the token is limited by its sheer size. In contrast, 1Fuel’s OFT is in its early stages, currently in presale with a much smaller market cap. This positions it as a high-growth opportunity investment for crypto enthusiasts. It is projected that OFT could experience over 10,000% growth upon its listing, driven by innovative features like cross-chain capabilities, a decentralized peer-to-peer marketplace, and one-click transaction technology. For early investors seeking high returns in a short timeframe, OFT’s starting point offers a higher growth potential than XRP. Like 1Fuel , there are different choices for securely managing crypto assets. Platforms like Phantom Wallet are excelling in user-friendly DeFi and NFT integrations, while Core Wallet provides robust features for managing blockchain systems. However, for investors prioritizing growth potential, 1Fuel has a promising trajectory with its OFT. It stands out as one of the best DEX wallets, with cross-chain trading and storage. https://1fuel.io/1Fuel to revolutionize decentralized wallets 1Fuel (OFT) is set to redefine the future of decentralized wallets, offering an impressive suite of features that set it apart from competitors. While established wallets like Core Wallet and Phantom Wallet are popular choices among crypto users, 1Fuel introduces groundbreaking innovations that make it emerge as the most comprehensive option in the crypto space. The platform combines diverse features like a crypto debit card, one-click P2P transactions, cross-chain transaction technology, and an inbuilt mixer for complete anonymity. Additionally, AI-powered tools provide tailored insights for crypto investors to maximize their trading potential. Top DEX wallets usually focus on specific functionalities like storing and transferring digital assets securely, but 1Fuel takes a step forward, offering users cutting-edge technology in a single ecosystem. The ongoing presale has already gathered immense attention, reaching over 48% completion in a few days. With about $235,000 raised and over 25 million tokens sold, investors have recognized the transformative potential of 1Fuel as a utility token and a DEX wallet, signaling a new era in decentralized finance. Conclusion: Investors keep buying OFT Even as XRP has climbed to a higher value, investors are leaning towards OFT due to its value as a token and wallet. The 1Fuel OFT live presale has built impressive momentum over the past few days, attracting the attention of investors as one of the best DEX wallets. The presale offers a unique opportunity for investors who want to take advantage of the low token price and priority access to crypto cards and cold storage. Learn more about 1FUEL. Click on the links below: Presale: https://www.1fuel.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/Portal_1Fuel X: https://x.com/1fuel_?s=21 Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
Ange Postecoglou has said he is happy Pep Guardiola signed a contract extension at so he has a chance to "knock him off" the summit. City confirmed on Thursday that after agreeing a new two-year deal. Guardiola is seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title but despite 's last silverware coming in 2008, Postecoglou has never hidden his ambition of returning Spurs to serious challengers for the game's biggest prizes. When asked in a news conference whether there was any part of him that wanted Guardiola to leave City after a period of sustained success, Postecoglou said: "I look at it the other way -- 'imagine you knock him off?' That would be something, eh? And I'm at the stage of my life where I'd rather have a chance of knocking him off than missing that opportunity. In the right way, obviously. "I think when greatness is around, you want to be around it. Hopefully it challenges you to be like that as well. "I love the fact that there is a massive target out there that can seem insurmountable. It does for me anyway, raises my level, gets me going. "I keep saying, I lived the experience of equalisation of sport in Australia and it is great from a competitive point of view because everybody believes they can win but after a while I used to get frustrated with it because excellence tends to be capped at a certain point. It is up to everyone else to bridge that gap. "I love the challenge of that and I never see that as a bad thing." Postecoglou also insisted he had no concerns about the integrity of Premier League officiating despite . The 42-year-old was suspended last week by referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Limited pending an investigation after footage emerged in which he appeared to make derogatory remarks about and their former manager Jürgen Klopp. "I'm not across the detail of it but firstly, he's obviously made some poor decisions, made a big mistake," Postecoglou said. "He's a human being so you worry about his welfare. I'm sure he's getting good support around him. With our officials, rightly so, we hold them to the highest possible standard because of those things but I don't think just because one person makes a mistake that necessary means ... I'm not silly to think every official is perfect, like no manager is perfect or anyone else. We all make mistakes. "I never lose faith in the officialdom because if you do then it is a very slippery slope. I've worked in a couple of leagues where that was always kind of the undertone and I hated it because you kind of questioned everything. "I don't want to do that. I believe the officials. I believe in the integrity of the officials. I'll always abide by their decision-making and accept it."
