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Albemarle Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayA technology expert on Thursday took aim at one of President-elect Donald Trump’s many campaign promises for when he sweeps back into office next month: his vow that all remaining Bitcoin be “made in the U.S.A.” But ensuring that the United States is the world leader in the multibillion-dollar Bitcoin industry that is decentralized is a tall order for Trump to achieve – if not “near impossible,” Bloomberg reported. “It is a Trump-like comment but it is definitely not in reality,” Ethan Vera, chief operating officer at Luxor Technology, which provides software and services to miners, told the publication. That’s because blockchains “are decentralized networks in which no one controls or can be banned from participating in the process,” Bloomberg added in its Friday report. ALSO READ: Why ABC settled a case they knew they would win — and why the Lincoln Project didn't While Trump's comment, which he made in a Truth Social post in June, is mostly viewed as a symbolic pledge of support, "on a practical basis, the sector is becoming increasingly competitive as large-scale operations pop up across the world to get a slice of the tens of billions of dollars in revenue generated each year by the industry,” the report said. More than 95 percent of the 21 million Bitcoin that will ever be created “have already been minted, though the hard cap on production isn’t expected to be met for about 100 years,” Bloomberg noted. Russian oligarchs, Dubai royal families and Chinese businessmen in Africa are some of the newest competitors in the market in the “lucrative but energy-intensive process,” the report said. “President Trump campaigned on a vision for America to remain the world leader in the next frontiers of technology, from cryptocurrency to AI,” Trump-Vance transition spokesman Kush Desai told Bloomberg. “The Trump-Vance administration will work with industry titans and unleash our talent and resources to ensure American leadership and innovation in every facet of the cryptocurrency industry, from mining to end-use solutions.”-- SIGNAL-AA demonstrated encouraging clinical activity of bempikibart in patients with alopecia areata (AA), including improvement from baseline on SALT score and meaningful achievement of SALT-20 response -- -- SIGNAL-AD Phase 2a clinical trial in atopic dermatitis demonstrated promising findings in Part A but did not meet primary endpoint in Part B -- -- Across both trials, bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated; demonstrated potent IL-7 and TSLP inhibition via changes in both Th2 biomarkers and T-cells, and desired target engagement -- -- Based on these results, Company plans to advance bempikibart in patients with AA -- WALTHAM, Mass. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Q32 Bio Inc. (Nasdaq: QTTB ) ("Q32 Bio"), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing biologic therapeutics to restore immune homeostasis, today announced topline results from the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a signal finding clinical trial evaluating bempikibart (ADX-914), which identified encouraging clinical activity in patients with alopecia areata (AA). The Company plans to expand the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial and enroll additional patients evaluating bempikibart in AA. "We are pleased with the emerging signals observed in the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial and based upon these, the positive biomarker data and well tolerated safety profile observed across both trials, we plan to enroll additional patients into the SIGNAL-AA clinical trial to further explore the clinical effects of bempikibart in this patient population. We believe bempikibart has the potential to be an important new treatment option in a disease needing new and safer alternatives to currently approved agents," said Jodie Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Q32 Bio. "We are disappointed that the SIGNAL-AD trial did not achieve its primary endpoint. Based upon the findings, including the high placebo rate, we plan to conduct a review to better understand the results." "Results from our analysis of SIGNAL-AA showed clinically meaningful activity and a safety profile that we believe is differentiated from the currently approved therapies for AA. We are encouraged by our findings from this clinical trial, and we look forward to advancing bempikibart as a potential treatment for AA," said Jason Campagna , M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Q32 Bio. "On behalf of Q32 Bio, I want to express my gratitude to the patients, their caregivers, and clinical trial sites that participated across both our bempikibart Phase 2a trials." The Company is also providing an update on the SIGNAL-AD clinical trial in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Although the Company is reporting promising findings in Part A, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint in Part B. Q32 Bio plans to conduct a review of the results. Topline Results from SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a Clinical Trial: SIGNAL-AA is a Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial evaluating bempikibart in adult patients with severe and very severe AA (baseline Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores of 50-100) treated over 24 weeks, with follow-up through 36 weeks. The study is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bempikibart 200 mg administered subcutaneously (SC), every-other-week (Q2W) compared to placebo. A total of 44 patients were enrolled in the trial with a primary endpoint of the mean relative percent change in SALT score at 24 weeks compared with baseline. Following database lock, one site was excluded from the efficacy analysis based on marked protocol violations of entry criteria. This resulted in the removal of three placebo patients, rendering the planned statistical analyses for the primary endpoint inappropriate due to the reduced sample size. On a post-hoc analysis of the remaining per-protocol population of patients with AA (n=27), bempikibart demonstrated an improvement in hair re-growth compared to placebo: At week 24: patients treated with bempikibart showed a mean reduction in SALT score of 16% in the bempikibart group vs a reduction of 2% in the placebo group. A Wilcoxon Rank Sum test yielded a p-value of 0.045. At week 24: 9% of bempikibart patients in the trial achieved a SALT-20 (SALT score less than or equal to 20) compared to 0% in placebo. At week 26: 13% of bempikibart patients achieved SALT-20 compared 0% in placebo. Bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated in the SIGNAL-AA trial. There were no serious adverse events (SAE) or Grade 3 or higher adverse events related to treatment. "Advancing bempikibart in AA is supported by preclinical data demonstrating the potential of IL-7Rα inhibition in this disease, and now the resulting data from SIGNAL-AA demonstrated the clinical potential of an IL-7Rα inhibitor in AA. I am encouraged by the biomarker data that provide evidence of biological activity, the safety profile of bempikibart, and the clinical signal of hair regrowth in patients," said Brett King , M.D., Ph.D., of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut , and former Associate Professor of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine . "I believe these clinical results are promising and warrant further advancement to expand upon these findings." Q32 Bio plans to enroll approximately 20 additional patients in a Part B expansion of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial to further evaluate bempikibart in AA, including a loading regimen. The Company will defer enrollment into the planned Phase 2 clinical trial of ADX-097 in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV), previously expected to begin in 2025, to focus efforts on continued enrollment in the ongoing bempikibart AA and ADX-097 renal basket Phase 2 clinical trials. Topline Results from SIGNAL-AD Phase 2a Clinical Trial: SIGNAL-AD is a two-part Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial evaluating bempikibart in adult patients with persistent, moderate-to-severe AD. Part A (n=15) was conducted to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and to enable dose selection for Part B of the clinical trial. Part A was randomized 2:1 between bempikibart and placebo in each of two dose cohorts of 2mg/kg or 3mg/kg Q2W SC for 12 weeks. In Part A, at week 14, improvement in average EASI score from baseline was 58% in patients treated with 2mg/kg Q2W SC and 84% in patients treated at 3mg/kg Q2W SC, and 72% on a pooled basis, compared to 38% in patients treated with placebo. In Part B, which evaluated both efficacy and safety of bempikibart compared to placebo, patients were enrolled 1:1 in the bempikibart 200 mg Q2W SC (n=52) and placebo (n=54) arms for 12 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint is the mean percent change from baseline to week 14 in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. At week 14, data from Part B demonstrated that patients treated with bempikibart showed a 74% improvement in average EASI from baseline, compared to 76% for the placebo group (p= not statistically significant). Results of the primary endpoint were generally consistent when stratified for pre-specified baseline entry criteria. Bempikibart was observed to be safe and well tolerated in the SIGNAL-AD trial. There were no serious adverse events (SAE) or Grade 3 or higher adverse events related to treatment. Q32 Bio plans to conduct a review of the SIGNAL-AD results. Biomarker Results in SIGNAL-AD and SIGNAL-AA: Across SIGNAL-AD and SIGNAL-AA, bempikibart at 200mg Q2W SC demonstrated favorable PK and target engagement as demonstrated by substantial reductions in biomarkers of Th2 and Th1. These results include: A reduction in Th2 biomarkers, including TARC, IgE and eosinophils, which was consistent with the type of biomarker impact previously observed with other agents that have demonstrated utility in atopic dermatitis, such as IL-4Rα, IL-13 and OX40 ligand-targeted agents. An expected modulation of T-cells, with a 20-30% reduction, consistent with target engagement and IL-7Rα blockade. Q32 Bio believes these results demonstrate that bempikibart is a potent inhibitor of both TSLP and IL-7 signaling as evidenced by robust changes in both Th2 biomarkers and T-cells. The Company believes the mechanism of action of bempikibart has the potential to be active in other Th2 and Th1 driven diseases, including asthma, COPD, ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), celiac disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and others. "These impressive biomarker data represent a meaningful advancement in the clinical understanding of how inhibition of IL-7Rα can be leveraged to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases," said Shelia Violette , Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Q32 Bio. "Based upon its observed mechanism of action, bempikibart continues to show strong potential as an IL-7Rα inhibitor to treat AA and other diseases." The Company has published an updated investor presentation with additional details regarding the bempikibart update for review by interested parties. The updated presentation can be found on the company website at www.Q32Bio.com under Investors & Media. About Q32 Bio Q32 Bio is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing biologic therapeutics targeting potent regulators of the innate and adaptive immune systems to re-balance immunity in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Q32 Bio's lead programs, focused on the IL-7 / TSLP receptor pathways and complement system, address immune dysregulation to help patients take back control of their lives. Q32 Bio's program for adaptive immunity, bempikibart (ADX-914), is a fully human anti-IL-7Rα antibody that re-regulates adaptive immune function for the treatment of autoimmune diseases being evaluated in a Phase 2 program. The IL-7 and TSLP pathways have been genetically and biologically implicated in driving several T cell-mediated pathological processes in numerous autoimmune diseases. Q32 Bio's program for innate immunity, ADX-097, being evaluated in a Phase 2 program, is based on a novel platform enabling tissue-targeted regulation of the complement system without long-term systemic blockade – a key differentiator versus current complement therapeutics. For more information, visit www.Q32Bio.com . Availability of Other Information About Q32 Bio Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our company website www.Q32Bio.com, including, but not limited to, company disclosures, investor presentations and FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference call transcripts and webcast transcripts, as well as on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. The information that we post on our website or on X or LinkedIn could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media and others interested to review the information that we post there on a regular basis. The contents of our website or social media shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein which do not describe historical facts, including, among others, our beliefs, observations, expectations and assumptions regarding the topline data from the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a and the safety, tolerability, clinical activity including biomarker data, potential efficacy and potential benefits of bempikibart; plans and expectations for Part B of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial are forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk that additional data, or the results of ongoing data analyses, may not support our current beliefs and expectations for bempikibart, future clinical studies, including the Part B of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial, may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, might be more costly than expected or might not yield anticipated results, the Company may need additional funding to complete its clinical studies, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all, and such other risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's periodic, current and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and any subsequent filings with the Commission, which are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Any such risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations and its cash flows, which would, in turn, have a significant and adverse impact on the Company's stock price. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Contacts: Investors: Brendan Burns Media: Sarah Sutton Argot Partners 212.600.1902 [email protected] SOURCE Q32 Bio

In a lengthy speech at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank, on Tuesday, President Joe Biden forcefully defended his economic legacy and harshly criticized his successor. “Most economists agree the new administration is going to inherit a fairly strong economy, at least at the moment, an economy going through fundamental transformation,” Biden said. “It is my profound hope that the new administration will preserve and build on this progress. Like most great economic developments, this one is neither red nor blue, and America's progress is everyone's progress.” RELATED STORY | What impacts will a Trump presidency have on the economy? The president pointed specifically to record job growth during his tenure and an historically-low unemployment rate, as well as solid GDP performance, major investments in infrastructure and a soaring stock market. Most economists agree Biden’s term in office has coincided with a strong jobs market, and note the economic forecast remains bright – especially when contrasted to that of other peer nations, many of which have struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, Americans by and large disapprove of Biden’s economic tenure, particularly the high costs of goods and services. Though inflation has fallen some, it remains higher than when the president took office and has become a frequent point of attack for Republicans critical of the Biden administration. RELATED STORY | Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy President-elect Donald Trump’s victory last month served in some was as a repudiation of the president’s so-called “Bidenomics” policies, with most voters telling pollsters they were dissatisfied with the state of the U.S. economy and Biden’s handling of the issue. Since Trump’s election, attitudes towards the economy have improved slightly, particularly among Republicans; according to research from Gallup, just eight percent of Republicans in October viewed economic conditions as getting better, compared to 30% last month. Biden himself seemed to acknowledge some missteps in selling his economic vision to Americans. “I also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said. “He signed checks for people for $7,400 bucks,” the president noted of the pandemic-era relief measures. Even though Biden approved similar relief efforts during his term, his name never appeared on American’s checks. “I didn't – stupid,” Biden conceded. RELATED STORY | Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures Seeking to bolster Biden’s economic legacy, the White House on Tuesday launched a new website hailing the “Biden Economy,” featuring statistics about economic performance during his term and complimentary videos from his supporters. Biden’s speach, meanwhile, also served as a warning of sorts to his successor, with the president arguing against tax cuts for the wealthy and the notion that such benefits would “trickle down” to middle class Americans. “You can make as much money as you can, good for you, but everybody's got to be they pay their fair share,” Biden said. Trump has pledged to extend the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, telling NBC News he intends to submit a tax package to Congress within his first 100 days in office. “They’re coming due and they’re very substantial for people,” Trump said of his 2017 cuts. “That’s what led us to one of the greatest economies ever.” RELATED STORY | Amid corporate layoffs, 36% of workforce turns to gig economy for alternative employment A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in December found that failing to extend those tax incentives would have a negligible impact on the economy, though Republicans are expected to pursue them and other business tax breaks after they retake both chambers of Congress next year. Trump has also promised to impose significant tariffs on the import of foreign goods from Mexico, Canada and China – despite economists’ and retailers’ warnings that will drive up consumer prices. Trump in the NBC interview said he couldn’t guarantee the move wouldn’t increase consumer costs, something Biden harshly refuted. “I believe we've proven that approach is a mistake over the past four years,” Biden said. “But we all know in time, we all know in time what will happen.”Not Purdy: 49ers hit Green Bay with backup QB, no Bosa

The mashup of rap and country is a winning formula: ’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has matched a record set by and Billy Ray Cryus’ “Old Town Road.” “A Bar Song” is spending its 19th week on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and ties “Old Town Road” as the longest-running No. 1 song in the chart’s 66-year history. Lil Nas X and Cyrus reached the feat in 2019 and won two Grammys for the collaboration. Shaboozey’s anthem, which samples J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy,” is also spending its 23rd week on top of Billboard’s Hot country songs chart. The song is nominated for three Grammys, including song of the year, best country song and best country solo performance. “A Bar Song” was nominated for single of the year at last week’s CMA Awards but lost to Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse,” and Shaboozey lost new artist of the year to Megan Moroney, which stunned social media. Shaboozey’s other Grammy nominations include best new artist and best melodic rap performance for “Spaghetti,” one of his two collaborations on Beyoncé’s . That album gave the 29-year-old a boost after it was released in March, and his streaming and social media numbers jumped to new heights. His song eventually replaced Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” on the country charts, marking the first time that two consecutive Black artists held the No. 1 spot on the country charts in Billboard history. “It’s been pretty great for [Beyoncé] to put a lot of eyes on me at one time. Her being able to put a light on me at that time period helped my roll-out. She helped amplify what I was already doing in this space, and it’s really amazing [coming from] somebody that is really influential [and a] historic figure,” . “It’s cool to see how far has reached since Beyoncé did her project. It’s cool to see the reach all over the world.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood ReporterIn the latest quarter, 16 analysts provided ratings for NOV NOV , showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives. The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 5 4 3 4 0 Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 1 0 0 2M Ago 4 2 0 3 0 3M Ago 1 2 1 1 0 Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $20.06, a high estimate of $25.00, and a low estimate of $15.00. Experiencing a 9.84% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $22.25. Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive NOV is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Waqar Syed ATB Capital Maintains Sector Perform $19.00 $19.00 Scott Gruber Citigroup Lowers Neutral $18.00 $21.00 Roger Read Wells Fargo Lowers Underweight $15.00 $16.00 David Anderson Barclays Lowers Underweight $16.00 $17.00 Marc Bianchi TD Cowen Lowers Buy $22.00 $28.00 Charles Minervino Susquehanna Lowers Positive $21.00 $22.00 Stephen Gengaro Stifel Lowers Buy $24.00 $25.00 David Anderson Barclays Lowers Underweight $17.00 $20.00 Saurabh Pant B of A Securities Lowers Buy $20.00 $22.00 Stephen Gengaro Stifel Lowers Buy $25.00 $26.00 Charles Minervino Susquehanna Lowers Positive $22.00 $26.00 Phillip Jungwirth BMO Capital Lowers Market Perform $20.00 $22.00 Scott Gruber Citigroup Lowers Buy $21.00 $24.00 Arun Jayaram JP Morgan Lowers Overweight $22.00 $23.00 Roger Read Wells Fargo Lowers Underweight $16.00 $20.00 Elizabeth Porter Morgan Stanley Lowers Overweight $23.00 $25.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to NOV. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company. Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of NOV compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for NOV's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations. Capture valuable insights into NOV's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on NOV analyst ratings. About NOV NOV (formerly National Oilwell Varco) is a leading supplier of oil and gas drilling rig equipment and products, such as downhole tools, drill pipe, and well casing. The company operates on a global scale, with international markets contributing nearly two thirds of its annual revenue. NOV: Financial Performance Dissected Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity. Revenue Growth: NOV displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 0.27% . This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Energy sector. Net Margin: NOV's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 5.93% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability. Return on Equity (ROE): NOV's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 2.02%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health. Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.14%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets. Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.37 . Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are. Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update. Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability. Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. Click here for urgent details . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Guwahati, Dec 26 (PTI) Political leaders across party lines in Assam on Thursday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said he embodied humility and would be remembered for his exemplary public service and contribution to the country's development. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said the news of the demise of the former PM is extremely sad. "His gentleness, decency and his contribution in strengthening the Indian economy on the global platform will always be remembered. May God grant peace and salvation to the departed soul," he added. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had worked closely with Singh as a Congress minister, said that the former PM embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. "I have had the privilege of knowing Dr Manmohan Singh ji since 1991, when he was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam - a state he represented for 28 years. "Dr Sahab embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. In all my interactions with him, his simplicity and decency combined with his intellectual prowess always stood out," Sarma said in a post on X. During Singh's tenure as the prime minister, Sarma has had the opportunity to interact with him on several occasions regarding issues pertaining to Assam. "...He always gave us a patient hearing and displayed a strong conviction towards social issues. Coming from humble origins in post-partition India, he served the nation in several distinguished positions," the CM said. Sarma uploaded pictures of his Congress stint in which he shared frames with Singh. The Assam CM further said that a generation of Indians will always remember Singh's pivotal role in ushering in a free market economy and "ending decades of regressive socialist policies". "In his demise, the nation has lost a great patriot, an exceptional scholar, an unconventional politician and a fine statesman. My deepest condolences to Gursharan Madam, his family and well-wishers," Sarma wrote. Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that Singh embodied the spirit of humility, scholarship and played a key role in India's economic resurgence in a difficult period. "His policies for the welfare of the people were far-reaching and he remained a significant figure in the nation's public life. His passing away leaves a void in our political sphere and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers. May his soul find eternal peace," Sonowal added. Assam Congress said that Singh was a visionary leader, renowned economist and statesman, and his contributions to India's progress and global standing will always be remembered. "His integrity, humility, and dedication to public service are an inspiration to us. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief. India has lost one of its finest sons. Rest in peace, Dr. Singh ji," the opposition party said on X. BJP's Assam unit offered its condolences and highly praised Singh's role in transforming India's economy. "Dr. Manmohan Singh, who represented Assam in the Rajya Sabha, as Finance Minister abolished the license rule, which was a source of slow economic growth and corruption in the Indian economy," it added. The ruling party also said that Singh transformed India into a free economic system by liberalising the market in the economy. "This gave the Indian economy a boost. He will be remembered for his contribution to the country's development," the Assam BJP said. Raijor Dal President and Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi offered his condolences and remembered his contributions to the country. The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) expressed grief over the death of the former prime minister and said it was an irreparable loss to the country. AAP's Assam unit chief Manoj Dhanowar said the leadership of Singh, and his policies of economic reforms and liberalisation gave a new impetus to the Indian economy. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Guest Opinion: Biden’s unpardonable clemency — Clearing son Hunter clouds father Joe’s legacy

Koerth: How one unhoused man experiences, and depends on, nature in the cityOn Tuesday, December 10th, Qatar Executive revealed that its large fleet of Gulfstream private jets would soon undergo a major upgrade. The business jet subsidiary of Qatar Airways announced it will soon be adding Starlink internet services to its entire Gulfstream G650ER fleet. This is a major upgrade to its customer experience, as it will soon begin a new era of seamless and high-speed inflight connectivity for the passengers onboard its business jets. Qatar Executive will soon equip this new WiFi service on all the aircraft in its Gulfstream G650ER fleet. The operator has an exclusive and ultra-modern fleet. Upgrades to the Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER fleet Currently, Qatar Executive operates 15 Gulfstream G650ERs. The first Starlink-equipped Gulfstream G650ER is scheduled to begin operations on Saturday, December 14th. Additionally, Qatar Executive expects to have the first five of its Gulfstream G650ER fleet to have Starlink installed by May next year. The remaining Gulfstream G650ERs in the Qatar Executive fleet will have Starlink equipped over the next 18 months. The Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, spoke about the significant upgrade to the Qatar Executive fleet. He stated, "Qatar Executive continues to redefine the future of private aviation. The integration of Starlink technology represents our vision for seamless connectivity that meets the expectations of our global clientele. This innovation further enhances our position as a leading provider in the ultra-long-range business jet branded charter market, ensuring that every journey with Qatar Executive is exceptional." The addition of Starlink WiFi is a significant upgrade for Qatar Executive customers. According to Private Jet Card Comparisons , this WiFi service can provide up to 350 megabits per second, which allows passengers to stream movies, watch live television shows, and even conduct work operations. Starlink WiFi is one of the best options for WiFi providers, meaning that passengers can remain seamlessly connected while onboard and inflight. About Qatar Executive The business jet subsidiary of Qatar Airways was first launched in June 2009 at the annual Paris Air Show. The private jet provider is based at Doha International Airport (DIA) in Doha , Qatar. At this airport, Qatar Executive also operates an extensive service profile. This includes aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, and a full range of fixed-base operator (FBO) services. Currently, the business jet provider operates several aircraft for chartered flight services. This includes an Airbus ACJ319, a Bombardier Global Express XRS, and several Bombardier Global 5000s. It is also known for its Gulfstream fleet, which includes several Gulfstream G650ERs, as previously mentioned. These are popular selections for chartered aircraft, due to their extreme comfort and impressive performance specifications. The Gulfstream G650ER has the following performance specifications: Length 99 feet nine inches Height 25 feet eight inches Wingspan 99 feet seven inches Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 103,600 pounds Typical cruise speed 488 knots (561 miles per hour) Range 7,500 nautical miles (8,600 miles) Service ceiling 51,000 feet Additionally, Qatar Executive was the launch customer for the Gulfstream G700, the flagship aircraft of Gulfstream . After the aircraft was certified earlier this year, Qatar Executive took delivery of its first two Gulfstream G700s . Overall, Qatar Executive has an order for ten total Gulfstream G700s.

(CNN) — Senior Biden White House aides, administration officials and prominent defense attorneys in Washington, DC, are discussing potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for people who might be targeted for prosecution by President-elect Donald Trump after he retakes power, multiple sources told CNN. Reports of these conversations have captured the attention of Trump’s legal advisers, who, according to a source familiar with their strategy, believe President Joe Biden would be setting a new precedent in terms of the scope of pardons that they could take advantage of, down the line, to help their own allies. Biden’s senior aides inside the White House have been deliberating for weeks about the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons, according to the sources familiar with the discussions. The move, which would cover people who haven’t ever been formally accused of any crimes, would be an extraordinary step and shows the grave concerns many Democrats have that Trump will prosecute a range of figures that he considers to be his enemies. Trump has publicly called for the jailing of people like Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as vice chair of the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack, as well as special counsel Jack Smith , who brought federal criminal cases against Trump. One former senior White House official said aides inside the White House and across various federal agencies are intensely worried about the possibility that the incoming Trump administration will prosecute anyone deemed as having antagonized the president-elect. Additionally, several prominent white-collar lawyers across Washington have fielded calls in recent weeks from government officials, including investigators from Smith’s office, who are concerned they could be targeted by the incoming Trump administration. Biden and his top aides view Trump’s public threats – particularly against current and former government officials – as unprecedented, and some believe that it would be reckless and irresponsible for Biden to leave office without granting preemptive pardons. “You have got (an incoming) president that has basically said he’s going to go after all these people,” a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. “Why not do it?” A White House spokesperson declined to comment. According to Politico, which first reported on the internal debate, the discussions are being led by White House counsel Ed Siskel and other senior aides to the president, including chief of staff Jeff Zients . The former White House official who spoke to CNN, who is intimately familiar with the workings of the White House counsel’s office, said it would be typical for Siskel and his team to first put together a detailed memo to be presented to Biden. In that situation, that memo would include a list of individuals that Biden might consider pardoning preemptively, the context about any prior legal precedent, and a discussion of the wide range of potential ramifications if the president does move forward with these pardons. The calls among worried government officials and top white-collar defense lawyers in DC, appear, at this point, to be precautionary. One private attorney told CNN that they’re “feeling out what they should do if something happens” once Trump takes over. A spokesman for Smith’s special counsel office declined to comment on whether he would seek a preemptive pardon. CNN previously reported that Smith intends to step down before Trump takes office, instead of being fired, as the president-elect has pledged to do . As Democrats brace for the political and legal scrutiny that could come from the new president, his administration, and the GOP-run Congress , one significant concern for many current and former administration officials is the possibility of mounting legal bills. Multiple sources said there have been discussions about setting up legal funds to help support those who would not be able to afford thousands of dollars in lawyers’ fees. Some of the private practice bar have discussed if influential white-collar practices could work together to help career Justice Department workers – and others who are exiting the federal workforce – to possibly provide them low-cost or pro-bono representation. And at least one progressive group is working on assembling resources – such as lawyers, security experts and communications professionals – who could help government officials placed under investigation during the Trump years, some of the people familiar with the discussions said. A source familiar with Trump legal strategy says his team believes Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has set a new precedent for presidents to issue expansive pardons to their children – and this could be something Trump chooses to do before he leaves office. The Hunter Biden pardon was notable for not only forgiving the crimes in his tax and gun indictments, but also for protecting him from being charged with any offense he “may have committed or taken part in” between January 2014 and December 2024. There’s also the president’s brother James Biden, who hasn’t faced charges but whose overseas business dealings attracted intense scrutiny from congressional Republicans. Several GOP-run House committees urged the Justice Department to prosecute James Biden in connection with lying to Congress. (He denies all wrongdoing and declined to comment for this story.) If Biden goes even further and grants preemptive pardons to an expansive list of individuals, Trump’s team believes that move would also create a new precedent and give Trump political cover to do the same for his allies, according to the source. CNN reported in 2021 that before Trump left office during his first term, he considered – but did not grant – preemptive pardons for family members , political allies, his personal attorneys, and even for himself , including in the wake of the January 6 insurrection. Attorneys across the political spectrum have raised concerns about blanket pardons to protect against future investigations or prosecution. “It’s just such a different use of the pardon power,” said Neil Eggleston, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama. “You would create the beginning of a tit for tat where, when any administration is over, you just pardon everybody.” Presidential pardons protect against federal Justice Department prosecutions, but do not shield individuals from state-level criminal cases or congressional investigations. While Trump has publicly said he wants his Justice Department to go after his perceived adversaries, the system has built-in checks against abuses of power, such as judges that can throw out charges, grand juries that can refuse to indict, juries that can return “not guilty” verdicts, and other safeguards to protect against purely vindictive prosecutions. Some prominent former Justice Department officials have said they wouldn’t want a preemptive pardon from Biden, because it might imply they’re conceding there was wrongdoing during their work for the federal government, according to a source familiar with their thinking. Trump has a well-documented history of pushing – both publicly and privately – for investigations and prosecutions of his political opponents, almost always based on unproven, baseless and conspiracy-tinged allegations about their supposed activities. Many of his recent threats targeted prosecutors who charged him with crimes: Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He has publicly called for investigations into prominent lawmakers: Cheney and the rest of the January 6 committee members (who he said “should go to jail”), former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (for her supposed “ties to Russia”), Senator-elect Adam Schiff (for his role in the Trump-Ukraine impeachment saga) and a host of other Democratic lawmakers. Still, members of Congress have immunity from the Constitution’s “speech or debate clause” that offers such broad protections for their legislative work that even members of the defunct January 6 committee would be unlikely to take seriously any legal threats. Trump also has said Vice President Kamala Harris “should be ... prosecuted” for letting undocumented immigrants into the country. After the election, Trump called for probes of Iowa pollster Ann Selzer (for “election fraud,” by releasing a poll with Harris ahead), and into stock traders who spread “illegal rumors” about his investment in Truth Social. During his first term, some of Trump’s calls for probes were apparently heeded, leading to investigations into 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton , former FBI director James Comey , and former FBI deputy director Andy McCabe , now a CNN contributor. None of them were ever charged with crimes. Some of Trump’s longtime foes who worked on the Russia probe around the 2016 election may not have much legal exposure now because their government service ended so long ago and statutes of limitations may have lapsed. There are plenty of other figures that, despite Trump’s calls, weren’t investigated during his first term, but could be scrutinized when he returns to power: former President Barack Obama (for “treason”), former Secretary of State John Kerry (for his contacts with Iran), and even MSNBC host Joe Scarborough (based on a conspiracy theory that he was possibly able to “get away with murder” after one of his interns died in 2001). Attorneys who might defend top targets have their own fears, too. Representing Trump administration and political officials had largely gone out of fashion for large DC defense firms in recent years, with few willing to take on clients, especially after January 6. The view at Washington’s elite firms – which tend to lean liberal – may be shifting back toward getting involved, but it’s still not clear how much pushback the next Trump presidency may receive from the capital’s powerful law firms, several prominent attorneys told CNN this week. “There could well be a fear now by law firm leaders that if we take on those cases, could we ourselves be targeted?”one white-collar lawyer who regularly represents high-profile political figures told CNN on Thursday. Some liberal-leaning and criminal justice reform groups are pushing Biden to focus his final clemency efforts less on family members, political allies or Trump’s potential targets – and instead to help incarcerated Americans whom they believe deserve relief. One group, FWD.us , is airing TV ads in the Washington, DC, market, pressing Biden to “give people a second chance,” by granting clemency to Americans with “outdated” prison sentences that they argue would be shorter under today’s laws and policies. They’ve pointed to Obama’s record-setting commutations as a model. He reduced the punishments of more than 1,300 convicts, including 500 people serving life sentences. “The thousands of people serving disproportionately long and racially disparate sentences in federal prison have been waiting for relief long before the politics of this particular moment,” Zoë Towns, executive director of FWD.us , said in an email. “It is our hope that whatever comes next includes a robust clemency effort focused on them.” CNN’s Curt Devine contributed to this report. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.head coach Arne Slot has demanded more from his team after they battled to a in the Champions League and said he was "far from happy" with the performance. Liverpool looked some way from their best at the Estadi Montilivi, but secured the win thanks to a penalty in the second half after was deemed to have fouled inside the area. The victory means Liverpool continue their perfect record in Europe, having won all six of their Champions League games this term, but Slot insisted performances must improve if his team have ambitions of going all the way in the competition. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Liverpool boss said: "If you ask me about all the six games I am really pleased with all the results and the performances in the five games. "I am far from pleased about the performance tonight. Especially two things. If you play against a team that has such a good idea about football, knows how to bring the ball out like teams we have played recently in and , you need to be so intense. "But if you are waiting to press and are so easily outplayed, this team can cause you problems. This is what they showed throughout Champions League except [against] PSV. "I feel sorry for them because they deserve more than three points. We have an incredible goalkeeper. When we lost the ball we were not aggressive enough. Hardly any control at all of the game. Maybe the second half was a bit better." One major positive for Liverpool was the return of Alisson to the starting lineup, with the goalkeeper having been sidelined since Oct. 5 with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian made a string of saves to preserve Liverpool's fifth clean sheet in Europe this season, and Slot was quick to dub him "the best goalkeeper in the world" after the match. "He definitely didn't look like he'd been away," Slot said. "I said as a bit of a joke the players wanted to test his fitness today [giving up chances]. "He showed today what I said so many times that he's our first goalkeeper. That's nothing to do with Caoimhin [Kelleher], who did well, but [Alisson] showed today he's one of the best, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world. Let's hope he can keep these performances going and stay fit." Slot also defended striker , who spurned a number of chances against and has just three goals in 19 appearances for Liverpool this term. Asked whether the Uruguayan is low on confidence, Slot said: "What I can agree on is that he missed a few chances; then it is a question if he's low on confidence. "I think every striker has a moment when everything goes in and then a period where try so hard and don't score. But the good thing is we have many players who can score. He was a threat but unfortunately he couldn't score." Regardless of the results the rest of the day, Liverpool is guaranteed to finish the sixth of eight league phase rounds in first place on 18 points. The final two rounds will be played at the start of 2025. ESPN's Sam Marsden contributed to this story.Companies that self-regulate to curb harmful practices increase profitsNone

SOLVIT System Wins CES 2025 Innovation Award, Illuminating Paths to Save Lives in Radio Shadow AreasOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton point guard Steven Ashworth likely won't play Tuesday in the No. 21 Bluejays' game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday, and coach Greg McDermott said he didn't know how long he would be out. “He stepped on a guy's foot on a 3-point shot and you're defenseless in that situation," McDermott said after the game. "He torqued it pretty good.” An athletic department spokesman said Monday that Ashworth's status was doubtful for the game against the Aztecs. Ashworth is Creighton's second-leading scorer with 16 points per game and leads the team with 6.4 assists per game. He also is 23 of 23 on free throws. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball