Sorber scores 22 as Georgetown beats Coppin State 83-53
NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Edwards Lifesciences, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/edwards-lifesciences-corporation . Investors have until December 13, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Edwards Lifesciences securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Patel v. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation , et al. , No. 24-cv-02221. What is the Lawsuit About? The Complaint alleges that Edwards is an international company that researches, develops, and provides products and technologies for heart valve repair and replacement therapies, as well as critical care monitoring solutions. Edwards categorizes its therapies and technologies into four categories: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (“TAVR”), Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies (“TMTT”), Surgical Structural Heart therapies, and Critical Care therapies. As alleged, Edwards consistently touted the TAVR platform, the significant unmet demand for TAVR, and the Company’s ability to capitalize on that demand by scaling its various patient activation activities. These statements were allegedly materially false and misleading. In truth, TAVR’s demand and growth had stalled as Defendants’ patient activation activities failed to reach the perceived low-treatment-rate population and healthcare organizations prioritized other treatments over TAVR. On July 24, 2024, Edwards slashed guidance for TAVR for fiscal 2024 and announced disappointing financial results for TAVR for fiscal 2Q 24. This is allegedly because developments in new procedures, including Defendant’s own TMTT, put significant strain on hospital structural heart teams such that they were underutilizing TAVR, despite the Company’s continued claims of a significantly undertreated patient population. The news disclosed on July 24, 2024 caused a significant 31% decline in the price of Edwards stock, from $86.95 per share on July 24, 2024 to $59.70 per share on July 25, 2024. Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/edwards-lifesciences-corporation . What Can You Do? If you invested in Edwards Lifesciences you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/edwards-lifesciences-corporation Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/edwards-lifesciences-corporation Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
The Shura Council held its weekly session on Monday under the chairmanship of its Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem. At the outset of the session, HE the Speaker conveyed, on behalf of himself and Their Excellencies members of the Council, the congratulations and greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani on the occasion of the National Day on December 18. He also extended his congratulations to the Qatari people and all residents of Qatar, emphasising that this national occasion embodies the highest meanings of loyalty and cohesion between the wise leadership and the faithful Qatari people, and reflects the pride in the blessed journey of the country towards more progress and prosperity. In another note, the Shura Council expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the horrific massacre committed by Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, which resulted in the death of dozens of Palestinians and injuries to many others. The Council called for urgent international action to protect the Palestinian people and immediately stop the Israeli aggression, highlighting the importance of national parliaments and regional and international parliamentary unions in intensifying political and humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents and prevent the deterioration of the security situation in the region. The Council then listened to a presentation by HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah on the ministry’s efforts and sectoral strategy for 2024-2030. In this context, HE the Speaker and the Council members praised the ministry’s efforts to enhance the quality of its services, achieve sustainable development goals, and implement programmes aimed at improving infrastructure. They commended the ministry’s services in food security, infrastructure development, and its role in regulating health inspections and ensuring food safety. They emphasised the importance of the Ministry of Municipality’s role in achieving sustainable development goals, in line with the directives of the wise leadership, praising the ministry’s efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance food security, contributing to building a comprehensive society equipped for growth and prosperity. HE the Speaker also praised the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2030, which represents a significant step towards enhancing food security sustainability and meeting the community’s needs in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. He stressed the importance of the ministry keeping pace with current challenges amid technological developments and global openness, indicating that the joint efforts between government bodies and the community are fundamental to achieving national goals and supporting the comprehensive development process, which enhances Qatar’s position as a leading model in sustainable development. In his presentation, HE the Minister of Municipality outlined the key pillars of the ministry’s strategic plan (2024-2030), highlighting the ministry’s efforts to support the agricultural sector, enhance food security, develop infrastructure, prepare residential lands for citizens, and oversee food safety. He detailed initiatives aimed at supporting local farm owners through technical and economic assistance to boost agricultural production and increase self-sufficiency in strategic goods. The presentation also covered sustainable management of agricultural resources and enhancing the sector’s ability to adapt to climatic challenges, contributing to sustainable development goals. HE the Minister pointed out the significant progress made in recent years and the plans to increase self-sufficiency in certain agricultural and livestock products. HE the Minister of Municipality pointed to the infrastructure development plan across the country, focusing on improving urban planning and implementing modern, flexible infrastructure projects using AI and simulation technologies. He highlighted the importance of implementing the concept of “humanising cities” to improve urban environmental quality by enhancing green spaces and public amenities, improving residents’ well-being and achieving sustainable development. Regarding the preparation of residential lands for citizens, he affirmed the ministry’s commitment to streamlining land allocation procedures and improving related services. Related Story QRDI Council hosts training of Mumaken programme
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:17 p.m. ESTFormer US President Bill Clinton was released from the hospital on Tuesday, a day after being admitted with a fever, according to a statement from his office. The 78-year-old was treated for the flu at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and his deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, expressed gratitude for the exceptional care Clinton received. Urena also acknowledged the well-wishes from the public. “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” Urena said on the social media platform X. This recent hospitalisation follows a history of health scares for the former president. Related News Iwuanyanwu stood by me during Yar'Adua's illness — Jonathan Sudden onset of illness in old age Enugu govt officials visit ESUT over strange illness allegedly killing students In October 2021, Clinton was hospitalised for five nights due to a blood infection. He has had a history of heart problems, having undergone quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 after being diagnosed with heart disease. Since then, Clinton has made lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and has spoken openly about his health. Clinton, who served as US president from 1993 to 2001, is now the second-youngest living former president, following 63-year-old Barack Obama. His health was also in the spotlight in November 2022 when he tested positive for COVID-19.New Delhi: In what may send alarm bells ringing in the Indian establishment Pakistan Army for the first time since 1971 has reached an agreement with Bangladesh to train its Army beginning February 2025. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast The training will be conducted in four cantonments of Bangladesh Army beginning with Mymensingh cantonment in February, ET has reliably learnt. Mymensingh houses training and doctrine command headquarters of the Bangladesh Army. Sources alleged that Maj Gen rank officers from Pakistan may train Bangladesh Army officers. The agreement for cooperation between Armies of Pakistan and Bangladesh was reached in the backdrop of the Yunus regime's effort to improve ties with Islamabad. The first training module guided by the Pakistan Army could last for a year. The proposal to Bangladesh was offered by Pakistan Army's Joint Chief of Staff Committee chairman Gen S Samshad Mirza. This has raised apprehensions of indoctrination of Bangladesh Army with anti-India ideology that was diluted over the years following the induction of officers born in Bangladesh and under the Awami League rule. Pakistan trained officers continued to hold leadership positions in the Bangladesh Army for the first two decades after the country's independence. The list included Gen Ziaur Rahman and Lt Gen HM Ershad both of whom went on to become Presidents. That exercise ensured anti-India doctrine being advocated by the Bangladesh Army till it got diluted. 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Canadiens veteran Brendan Gallagher has learned to adapt his gameRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says denying health care coverage can be seen as ‘act of violence’WOONSOCKET, R.I. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health Corporation ("CVS Health" or the "Company,"NYSE: CVS ) announced today the applicable Reference Yields and Total Consideration (each as summarized in the tables below) to be paid in connection with the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Maximum Tender Offer" ) for the maximum principal amount of the following series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes (as defined below) for which the aggregate purchase price, not including Accrued Interest (as defined below), payable in respect of such Maximum Tender Offer Notes, does not exceed $1,774,423,242.62 (such maximum purchase price, the "Maximum Tender Offer Amount"): its 2.700% Senior Notes due 2040, the 3.875% Senior Notes due 2047 issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary Aetna Inc. ("Aetna"), its 4.250% Senior Notes due 2050, the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna, its 4.125% Senior Notes due 2040, its 2.125% Senior Notes due 2031, its 1.875% Senior Notes due 2031, its 5.050% Senior Notes due 2048, the 4.500% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna and its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (together, the "Maximum Tender Offer Notes"). The applicable Reference Yield for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes and the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes are summarized in the table below: Maximum Tender Offer Notes : The Maximum Tender Offer is being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 2, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the Maximum Tender Offer. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available at www.dfking.com/cvs. The Maximum Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders") of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. The Total Consideration payable by CVS Health for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes is a price per $1,000 principal amount calculated as described in the Offer to Purchase in a manner intended to result in a yield to maturity or first par call date, as the case may be, equal to the sum of the yield to maturity of the applicable U.S. Treasury reference security specified in the table above as determined at 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on December 16, 2024 and the applicable fixed spread shown in the table above. Maximum Tender Offer Notes that were tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 (the "Early Tender Date") and that are accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Payment (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). Maximum Tender Offer Notes that are tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 (the "Maximum Tender Offer Expiration Date") (unless earlier terminated by CVS Health as described in the Offer to Purchase) and that are not validly withdrawn and that are accepted for purchase will receive only the applicable Tender Offer Consideration (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which is the applicable Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment. The Maximum Tender Offer Withdrawal Deadline of 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 has passed and, accordingly, Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered in the Maximum Tender Offer may no longer be withdrawn. The settlement date for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is expected to be December 18, 2024 , the third business day after the Early Tender Date (the "Early Settlement Date"). Although the Maximum Tender Offers is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 , unless extended or terminated, because the aggregate purchase price of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Early Tender Date exceeded the Maximum Tender Offer Amount, there is not expected to be a Final Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), and no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Date are expected to be accepted for purchase. In addition to the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes accepted for purchase on the Early Settlement Date will receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") on those Maximum Tender Offer Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Maximum Tender Offer Notes to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date. CVS Health expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to amend, extend or terminate the Maximum Tender Offer with respect to any or all series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes at any time if any condition to the Maximum Tender Offer is not satisfied. The Maximum Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes being tendered but the Maximum Tender Offer is subject to certain other general conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. CVS Health has retained Barclays Capital Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC to act as Dealer Managers for the Maximum Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to act as the Tender and Information Agent for the Maximum Tender Offer. The Offer to Purchase may be accessed at the following link: http://www.dfking.com/cvs . Requests for assistance relating to the procedures for tendering Maximum Tender Notes may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent either by email at [email protected] , or by phone (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 487-4870 (for all others toll free). Requests for assistance relating to the terms and conditions of the Maximum Tender Offer may be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. at (800) 438-3242 (toll free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect) or Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7741. Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders with respect to, any securities, including the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Maximum Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase made available to Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. None of CVS Health, the Dealer Managers, Tender and Information Agent or the trustees with respect to the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether or not Holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Maximum Tender Offer Notes in response to the Maximum Tender Offer. Holders are urged to evaluate carefully all information in the Offer to Purchase, consult their own investment and tax advisers and make their own decisions whether to tender Maximum Tender Offer Notes in the Maximum Tender Offer, and, if so, the principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes to tender. About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer it serves and connecting care so that it works for people wherever they are. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had more than 9,000 retail locations, more than 900 walk-in medical clinics, more than 225 primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members and expanding specialty pharmacy solutions, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 36 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company is creating new sources of value through its integrated model allowing it to expand into personalized, technology driven care delivery and health services, increasing access to quality care, delivering better health outcomes and lowering overall health care costs. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of CVS Health. By their nature, all forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or quantify. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section and under the heading "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on CVS Health's forward-looking statements. CVS Health's forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. CVS Health does not assume any duty to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, uncertainties or otherwise. SOURCE CVS Health
An explosion killed 11 people and wounded 7 more at an explosives factory in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday. Turkish officials said the cause of the blast is under investigation. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the seven wounded individuals were receiving treatment at local hospitals for “non-life threatening injuries.” Early reports said there were 12 fatalities, but Yerlikaya said those reports were incorrect, and only 11 people were killed. The explosion was powerful enough to cause tremors in nearby towns and produce a highly visible fireball in the sky. Plant officials said one of the central production buildings collapsed after the explosion, and several other structures were damaged. The explosives factory, located in the village of Kavakli in Balikesir province, produces munitions and flares for both Turkish and international customers. This would seem to make it a potential target for terrorism or sabotage, but provincial governor Ismail Ustaoglu told state media that foul play has already been ruled out. “The explosion was due to a technical issue. There is no possibility of sabotage,” Ustaoglu insisted. “I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our injured,” he added . Local officials vaguely blamed “technical reasons” for the blast, without further explanation. Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc nevertheless stated on social media that prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the explosion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the fatalities at the explosives factory. “I pray to God to have mercy on my deceased brothers, offer my condolences to their families, and wish a speedy recovery to our injured. My condolences to Balıkesir and our nation,” Erdogan said. Turkey’s Daily Sabah noted that a previous explosion at the same factory in June 2014 injured six workers. The former production supervisor for the plant, Ali Ihsan Elmaci, said it was a “sensitive area” where many factors could cause an accidental explosion. “It is said that a lightning strike occurred, but this is a section with tight security measures. There are seven or eight machines on the production line, and they work interdependently. When production starts, everyone begins working at the same time,” Elmaci said. The Daily Sabah noted that Defense Minister Yasar Guler traveled to Balikesir to “receive updates from authorities and conduct an on-site inspection.”Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Italy produced a number of excellent military aircraft in WWII , but these are frequently overshadowed by other countries - partly because Italy lacked the industrial base to produce them at scale. Italy even produced an early jet fighter before it became the first Axis belligerent to surrender to the Allies in 1943. In fact, Italy was briefly thought to be the first country in the world to fly jet planes (until it was found Germany beat them to it). WWII: Dawn of the jet fighter The first operational jet fighters debuted in WWII . Jet development was led by the United Kingdom (which boasted superior engines) and Germany (which fielded the first fighter jet). Only two fighter jets saw combat service at the end of WWII - the British Gloster Meteor (it shot down V1 rockets over London) and the German Messerschmitt Me 262A. The United States rushed its first jet fighter, the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, at the close of the war. Only four were sent to Europe—two to Britain and two to Italy (they didn't see combat, and some were lost to non-combat causes). Meanwhile, the Japanese and Italians were developing their own jet fighters. Italy's early exit after the war in 1943 saw the end of its jet fighter program. The Soviets were hopelessly behind the other nations in jet production by the end of WWII (and had to rely on captured German scientists and reverse-engineered British engines to catch up post-war ). An extraordinary aircraft that changed the course of history. Italy's 1930s quest to build the first jet fighter The Caproni Campini N1 (or C.C.2) was Italy's first jet and the world's second jet plane. It was the brainchild of Secondo Campini. Campini presented the concept he called a "thermojet" engine in 1931 and received a contract three years later (in 1934) to build a test aircraft by September 1936. He received the contract after demonstrating a jet-powered boat in Venice. Unable to build the jet himself, he sought the help of the Italian Caproni aircraft manufacturing company. Caproni Campini N1 prototypes: Caproni-Campini CC.1 (single-seat aircraft) Caproni-Campini CC.2 (two-seat aircraft) The first prototype flew on 27 August 1940, just after WWII broke out. At the time, it was thought this was the world's first successful jet-powered aircraft flight. However, it soon came to light that Germany had flown the experimental Heinkel He 178 a year earlier. The Caproni Campini N1 flew at the Caproni facility in Taliendo (just outside of Milan) and was flown by Mario de Bernardi. The second test aircraft flew on 11 April 1941. The jet's engine was located at the nose of the aircraft with its exhaust at the rear (giving the aircraft a long tube shape). Disappointing performance of the motorjet The new jet plane's performance was unimpressive. Its engine also lost engine power the higher the aircraft ascended (which made it useless for practical military use). It was slower than many contemporary piston-engine aircraft, and its motorjet was unable to provide enough thrust for a fighter aircraft at the time. Caproni Campini N1 Weight: Approx. 8,000 lbs Length: 40 feet Wingspan: 52 feet Max speed: 223 mph Service ceiling: 13,000 feet Powerplant: 1x motorjet Commando Supremo states, " Campini’s thermojet engine was different from a gas turbine engine, or 'jet engine,' which is typically seen in other jets both then and now. The main difference between Campini’s thermojet engine and the traditional jet engine is essentially the presence of a piston engine in lieu of a turbine ." The program didn't lead to any operational combat aircraft, and Italy switched its attention to the more powerful turbojet design. The test aircraft did what they were designed to do - be testbeds for a new design. While the early jet showed Italy could innovate and develop new aircraft designs - like jet aircraft - Germany overtook Italy in both timing and performance. Two prototypes were built (both of which still survive in an Italian museum today). One is ( reportedly ) at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, while the other is at the Vigna di Valle Italian Air Force Museum near Rome. These jets went toe-to-toe over Korean skies. The two combat jet fighters of WWII Messerschmitt Me 262 The Germans would go on to be the first country to field an operational jet fighter - the Messerschmitt Me 262. The National Air And Space Museum calls it " the first operational turbojet aircraft ." It first flew under jet power in July 1942 and was much faster than conventional airplanes. Allied bombings and developmental issues delayed its production. Example WWII-era jet fighters/testbeds: Messerschmitt Me 262 Heinkel He 178 Gloster Meteor Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star Caproni Campini N1 Nakajima Kikka The Me 262 became the first jet airplane to be used in combat in July 1944 as it attacked a British photo-reconnaissance Mosquito flying over Munich. It proved an effective fighter against Allied bomber formations (although Allied bombers destroyed hundreds of them on the ground). Of more than 1,400 produced, less than 300 Me 262s saw combat. Gloster Meteor The Gloster Meteor was the first RAF (and Allied) jet fighter and made its first true flight at RAF Cranwell in March 1943. Eventually, a total of 3,875 Gloster Meteors were built (3,545 of which were in the United Kingdom). Two remain in use with the British contractor, Martin-Baker, for testing ejection seats (including those used on the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II ).
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