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d wow Get a text about a package that can’t be delivered? U.S. Postal Service says it might be a scamUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Myanmar’s desperate military junta is ramping up attacks on villages that have fallen to opposition groups, carrying out beheadings, gang rapes and torture, with women, children and the elderly among the victims, the U.N. independent human rights investigator for Myanmar said in a new report. Thomas Andrews, a former U.S. congressman from Maine, said in the report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Friday that the junta has responded to military defeats and the loss of territory by using sophisticated weapons against civilians and seeking to destroy towns that it cannot control. Calling Myanmar “an invisible crisis” because the world's attention is focused elsewhere, he said, “Escalating atrocities against the people of Myanmar are being enabled by governments that allow, or actively support, the transfer of weapons, weapons materials, and jet fuel to junta forces.” Andrews didn’t name the governments. But he praised Singapore for cracking down on weapons transfers that has led to a 90% reduction by Singapore-registered companies, and said sanctions imposed by the United States on junta-controlled, state-owned banks have disrupted military supply chains. The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar lamented, however, that their actions remain an exception. He called on all countries to address Myanmar’s “devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis” by stopping the flow of weapons to the junta, stepping up humanitarian aid to millions in need, and supporting efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for human rights violations. Myanmar is racked by violence that began when the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and brutally suppressed nonviolent protests. That triggered armed resistance and combat across the country, with the military increasingly using airstrikes to counter the opposition and secure territory. The army is on the defensive against ethnic militias in much of Myanmar as well as hundreds of armed guerrilla groups collectively called the People’s Defense Forces, formed to fight to restore democracy. The military has said in the past that it only attacks legitimate targets of war and has accused the resistance forces of being terrorists. Andrews called the military junta’s plan to hold an election in late 2025 “a farcical parody” and “thinly veiled attempt to create an impression of legitimacy and relieve international pressure.” He warned, “Not only is this fraudulent attempt outrageous, it is dangerous, as it could lead to even greater levels of instability and violence.” He ticked off grim statistics: Over 3.1 million people are displaced by conflict and the junta’s human rights violations, and 18.6 million people need humanitarian assistance, including 13.3 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. He said the junta's military forces have killed more than 5,800 civilians, destroyed over 100,000 homes and other civilian structures, and have kept more than 21,000 political prisoners languishing behind bars. “Junta troops have killed civilians in ground assaults, including the mass killing of individuals already in the custody of junta forces,” Andrews said. “Victims have been tortured, raped and beheaded, and their bodies burned." Andrews, a human rights fellow at Yale Law School who was appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, said the situation was most “desperate and dangerous” in Rakhine state in western Myanmar. Last November, the Arakan Army, which is seeking autonomy from Myanmar’s central government, began an offensive against the military in Rakhine and has gained control of more than half of its townships . The Arakan Army, which is the well-armed wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement, is also a member of the armed ethnic group alliance trying to topple the military. In the report, Andrews said: “The Arakan Army has been implicated in grave human rights abuses, including indiscriminate attacks, killings, sexual violence and arbitrary arrests.” He also said the military has responded to the Arakan Army's steady losses in Rakhine by attacking civilians and raising tensions between the ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya communities. Buddhist-majority Myanmar has long considered the Rohingya Muslim minority to be “Bengalis” from Bangladesh even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982. In August 2017, attacks by a Rohingya insurgent group on Myanmar security personnel triggered a brutal campaign by the military, which drove at least 740,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. The military is accused of mass rape, killings and burning thousands of homes. Meanwhile, the military junta has conscripted thousands of Rohingya men and deployed them to the front lines to fight the Arakan Army, he said. And Rohingya militant groups have “cynically aligned with the junta” and committed human rights abuses against the ethnic Rakhine population. “Hundreds of thousands of people in Rakhine State are completely cut off from humanitarian assistance and threatened by exposure, starvation and disease,” Andrews warned. “Failure to act immediately to provide emergency humanitarian aid will be a death sentence for untold numbers of innocent men, women and children.” A month ago, he said, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh where 1 million Rohingya refugees live, called on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to convene a conference with all key players in the Rohingya crisis. Yunus has pressed for their repatriation to Myanmar. Andrews urged Guterres to call a conference that could help “seize the attention of a distracted world and mobilize the resources and action necessary to save the many lives that hang in the balance.”

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(Left) Gorgeous Jenny is 3 months old and loves curling up in a lap for naps. A loving heart through and through, Jenny is available for adoption from Lifeline for Pets. (Middle) Buddy, No. A517994, is a 5-year-old, 50 pound Labrador retriever mix who would make the perfect best friend forever. His adoption fee is waived this month at Pasadena Humane. (Right) Theodora, No. A412942, is a 9-year-old pit bull mix with a sleek black coat and a gentle soul. She is available for adoption from Pasadena Humane. (Left photo is courtesy of Lifeline for Pets; Middle and Right photos are courtesy of Pasadena Humane) These pets are ready to settle in at their forever home — your place! Jenny, a joyful kitten ready for her own home Meet Jenny, a stunning all-black kitten with a playful spirit and a heart full of love! At just 3 months old, Jenny is one of five adorable siblings born to sweet mama Mindy. She is spayed, vaccinated, and has tested negative for FELV/FIV, making her healthy and ready to find her forever home. Jenny loves spending her days playing and snuggling with her siblings, especially her favorite sister, Dottie. When it’s time to wind down, she’ll happily curl up in your lap for a cozy nap. Jenny will make a delightful companion for someone who can provide her with the love and attention she deserves. Having a buddy helps kittens thrive, so if you can adopt Jenny and her sister (Dottie, featured last week), or you already have a young feline at home, Jenny would be delighted to join your family. If Jenny has captured your heart, apply to adopt her at lifelineforpets.org/mindys-kittens Don’t miss the chance to welcome this little bundle of joy into your life! She is thoroughly vetted and ready to go. For more information about Lifeline for Pets, 626-676-9505. Email: info@lifelineforpets.org. lifelineforpets.org Buddy, No. A517994, is BFF material Buddy is a 5-year-old, 50 pound Labrador retriever mix with an energetic and affectionate spirit that’s sure to brighten your days. This playful guy is happiest when chasing his favorite tennis balls in a spirited game of fetch, and he’ll eagerly bring them back for more fun. If you have an active lifestyle and love outdoor adventures, Buddy is ready to be your perfect companion. Buddy isn’t just about playtime, either. He’s a loyal, loving dog who thrives on human connection. Whether it’s showering you with kisses or greeting you with a wagging tail when you come home, his enthusiasm for life is contagious. He’s wonderfully mannered, demonstrating incredible self-control even when tempting treats are within reach. Plus, he’s a calm and quiet presence who rarely barks. Buddy’s easygoing personality and love for people make him an ideal addition to any family. If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal friend who will bring joy, laughter, and boundless energy into your home, Buddy is the one for you. Buddy and all other pets 5 years and older have their adoption fees waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month. The regular adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment on the website. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available at 10 a.m. Sundays and Wednesdays. Walk-ins are available from 2-5 p.m. daily. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. pasadenahumane.org Theodora, No. A412942, is sweet and easygoing Theodora is a sweet and easygoing 9-year-old pit bull mix with a sleek black coat and a gentle soul. This sweet gal recently got to spend a day in one of the staff offices and she quickly won everyone over. She’s polite, calm, and well-mannered — when she spent time in the office, she greeted everyone warmly, accepted all the pets, and even relaxed on a doggy bed beside a volunteer without ever getting into any mischief. Though she’s generally easygoing, Theodora can get a bit excited when things get busy around her, especially if there’s a lot of commotion. Theodora would do best in a home where she can enjoy quiet companionship and maybe even be your loyal office buddy. Come meet this lovable lady — she’s ready to find her forever family! Theodora and all other dogs and cats 5 years and older can be adopted for free during the month of November, Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month. The regular adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment on the website. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption appointments are available at 10 a.m. Sundays and Wednesdays. Walk-ins are available from 2-5 p.m. daily. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. pasadenahumane.org Anissa V. Rivera, columnist, “Mom’s the Word,” Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News, Azusa Herald, Glendora Press and West Covina Highlander, San Dimas/La Verne Highlander. Southern California News Group, 181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 209 Monrovia, CA 91016. 626-497-4869.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vincerx Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: VINC), a biopharmaceutical company aspiring to address the unmet medical needs of patients with cancer through paradigm-shifting therapeutics, today announced that it has entered into a binding term sheet for a proposed merger with Oqory, Inc., a privately-held, clinical-stage company developing ADCs for the treatment of multiple oncology indications. Upon completion of the proposed merger, Oqory, Inc. will merge with Vincerx Pharma, Inc. Post-closing, Oqory equity holders are expected to own approximately 95% of the combined entity, while Vincerx equity holders will hold about 5%. The transaction includes a minimum fully diluted equity value of $13.66 million for existing Vincerx stockholders at closing and, as a condition to the closing of the merger, completion of a concurrent offering of Vincerx equity securities of at least $20 million. Additionally, Oqory-designated investors will provide interim financing to Vincerx of $1.5 million in two tranches, approximately $1,000,000 of which was funded today through the issuance of common stock and pre-funded warrants along with accompanying common stock warrants and approximately $500,000 of which will be funded on or prior to January 31, 2025. The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including due diligence, regulatory approvals, negotiation of a definitive merger agreement, stockholder approval from both parties, completion of the minimum $20 million financing, and the continued listing of Vincerx's common stock on Nasdaq. Vincerx is also implementing additional streamlining and cost-control measures, including a workforce reduction, as it pursues due diligence and transaction-related work. As part of this workforce reduction, Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has stepped down as CEO but will remain as Chairman. Dr. Raquel Izumi has stepped down as President and Chief Operations Officer and taken over as Acting CEO in a consulting capacity. Alexander Seelenberger has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer, and Kevin Hass, the Company’s Vice President and Controller, has taken over as Acting Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Seelenberger has agreed to provide ongoing assistance in a consulting capacity to assist the Company as it pursues its strategic efforts. “This strategic transaction highlights Vincerx’s commitment to develop ADCs with improved safety profiles that allow patients to thrive on—rather than endure—their cancer therapies,” said Raquel Izumi, Ph.D., Acting Chief Executive Officer. “Oqory’s anti-TROP2 ADC has shown favorable efficacy and safety in the clinic. Among approximately 150 treated patients, results include an 83% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate in first-line triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; n=30). Unlike other TROP2 ADCs in Phase 3, no cases of interstitial lung disease or Grade 3 and above stomatitis have been reported. Oqory’s Phase 3 studies of OQY-3258 are ongoing to confirm these promising findings.” About OQY-3258 (also known as ESG401) OQY-3258 is Oqory’s anti-TROP2 ADC with an optimized enzyme-dependent linker technology and an SN-38 payload with established efficacy and manageable side effect profile. OQY-3258 has completed Phase 1/2 development in over 150 patients with solid tumors, including metastatic HR+/HER2- and triple-negative breast cancer. OQY-3258 has shown efficacy in these patients, including reduction of brain metastasis and responses in heavily pretreated patients. To date, OQY-3258 has exhibited a differentiated safety profile vs. Trodelvy and other TROP2 ADCs in Phase 3 development. Notably, no interstitial lung disease or ocular surface events have been observed. Gastrointestinal effects have been mild and mainly Grade 1/2. Neutropenia and leukopenia have been the major AEs, which were manageable and did not result in discontinuation of study drug. OQY-3258 is being evaluated in a Phase 3 study as first-line treatment in patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer ( NCT06732323 ) and in a Phase 3 study in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer ( NCT06383767 ). About Oqory, Inc. Oqory, Inc. is an innovator in the field of ADCs with expertise in advancing targeted cancer therapies. The Company’s pipeline includes multiple ADC programs, with two currently in clinical development and several next-generation ADCs in preclinical stages. These programs are designed to address critical unmet needs in indications such as breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, multiple myeloma, and other metastatic solid tumors. Powered by a proprietary ADC platform, Oqory is delivering therapies that have demonstrated promising efficacy and safety paving the way for improved patient outcomes. About Vincerx Pharma, Inc. Vincerx Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing differentiated and novel therapies to address the unmet medical needs of patients with cancer. Vincerx’s pipeline consists of a next-generation ADC, VIP943, currently in Phase 1; a small molecule drug conjugate, VIP236, which has completed its Phase 1 study; a CDK9 inhibitor, enitociclib, which has completed a Phase 1 monotherapy study; a preclinical ADC, VIP924; and VersAptxTM, a versatile, next-generation bioconjugation platform. Vincerx is based in Palo Alto, California, and has a research subsidiary in Monheim, Germany. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, expectations and events, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “suggest,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “potential,” “on-target,” “on track,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the entry into a definitive merger agreement; the anticipated terms and closing of the merger, the $20 million equity investment, and the amount and timing of the interim financing; the expected ownership structure and value to Vincerx stockholders upon closing of the merger; the anticipated benefits of a merger transaction; and the clinical results of Oqory’s product candidates. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance or events. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding future business developments, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside Vincerx’s control. Actual results, conditions, and events may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Vincerx’s capital requirements, availability and sufficiency of capital, and cash runway; the ability of the parties to enter into a definitive merger agreement and the final terms thereof; the parties’ ability to satisfy the conditions precedent to the merger, including stockholder approval; the closing of the merger; the risk that any definitive agreement is terminated after it is entered into but before consummation of any proposed merger;; Vincerx’s reliance on receipt of interim funding; market acceptance of the combined company; risks associated with clinical development of the Vincerx and Oqory product candidates; general economic, financial, legal, political, and business conditions; and the risks and uncertainties set forth in Vincerx’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Vincerx. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Vincerx disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Vincerx and the Vincerx logo are trademarks of Vincerx. This press release also contains trademarks and trade names that are the property of their respective owners. Contacts: Gabriela Jairala Vincerx Pharma, Inc. gabriela.jairala@vincerx.com Totyana Simien Inizio Evoke Comms totyana.simien@inizioevoke.com

Sanchez scores 15 in Wagner’s 50-43 victory against NJITRaiders and Saints meet with prominent players nearing statistical milestonesBlue Origin is preparing to put on a display of fire and fury out at Launch Complex 36. The company is gearing up for a crucial hot fire test of its New Glenn rocket, which is one of the big, final steps needed before it can launch. It comes as the Federal Aviation Administration granted a Part 450 commercial launch license for the rocket, clearing way for it to operate for five years. “The FAA is committed to enabling the success of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry without compromising public safety,” said the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin B. Coleman, in a statement. “By working closely with Blue Origin, the FAA issued this new launch license well in advance of the statutory deadline for the historic maiden flight of New Glenn.” “A big thanks to the FAA for the partnership, especially over the holidays,” said Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp in a social media post following the announcement by the FAA. “Here’s to NG-1 — we are really close, folks.” The launch company, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, spent much of 2024 getting the final pieces of New Glenn in place so that it can finally shift into launch operations. On Monday Dec. 16, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said that teams were given the “all clear” to proceed to a fueling demonstration known as a wet dress rehearsal prior to the hot fire test. Also known as a static fire because the rocket will not intentionally leave the pad, the moment will be the first time that all seven BE-4 engines roar to life together as part of a fully integrated New Glenn rocket stack.  The company did not advertise when the hot fire test will take place, but it was expected to occur no earlier than Thursday, Dec. 19. Blue Origin seemed to have done some tanking on its rocket, but didn’t state if it was able to complete a wet dress rehearsal. Late Saturday morning, potential signs of fueling preparations were evident at the pad as venting could be seen along the strongback, which supports the rocket. However, the day came and went without a static fire test, which brings the company to Friday, Dec. 27, when it is once again performing another tanking test, potentially with a static fire test at the end. Blue Origin’s first orbital class rocket, New Glenn, is the second launch vehicle developed by the company, following New Shepard, its suborbital rocket used for short tourism flights and research opportunities. New Glenn stands 98 m (~321 ft) tall with about 57.5 m (189 ft) of that coming from the first stage of the two-stage vehicle. The booster, which is designed to land propusively, like a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, is powered by seven of Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines. Those are manufactured in Kent, Washington, and Huntsville, Alabama. The BE-4 engines are fueled by liquified natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen and are each capable of producing 550,000 lbf (2,450 kN) of thrust at sea level, according to Blue Origin. Two of these engines power the first stage of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. Another good morning at the Cape. GS2 tanking test is done and nominal across the board. pic.twitter.com/g72FWUBvYx — Dave Limp (@davill) December 10, 2024 On Dec. 12, during the final day of the Space Force Association (SFA) Spacepower Conference, Lars Hoffman, Blue Origin’s Vice President of Government Sales, talked about the benefit of sharing its engines with Vulcan. “The same BE-4s that are going to power New Glenn have been powering Vulcan for its first two launches successfully,” Hoffman said during the panel discussion. “So, we have some flight experience already with our engines, in addition to all the test experience.” When pressed by the moderator for a specific launch date, he said that a launch “this year is about all I can say at this point.” “So, that kind of narrows it down a little bit doesn’t it,” Hoffman said. “Maybe for Christmas. I don’t know.” During a roundtable discussion with reporters the same day, ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno remarked that while both rockets use the same basic engine, the key difference is in how they ignite. “The basic engine is the same. It’s that many more flight data points, so we’ll be studying that carefully for its performance and any margins that are demonstrated and so on,” Bruno said. “We also like to keep track of all of the launch providers and where we each fit and where we’re differentiated. “New Glenn is another [low Earth orbit] operations-optimized rocket, like Falcon, and it’s a pretty large rocket with theoretically some pretty good mass to LEO capability. So, we’ll be interested in that.” The upper stage of New Glenn is powered by a pair of BE-3U engines, which draw from the heritage of New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine. The version flying on New Glenn is “optimized to operate in the vacuum of space,” according to the company. So great to see! Another photo here of #NewGlenn ’s two BE-3U engines right before integration. In the vacuum of space, the BE-3U’s nozzles release hydrogen-rich steam at speeds of roughly 10,000 mph. These vacuum nozzles are a big, 114.5 inches long. https://t.co/FUBven2i51 pic.twitter.com/yPWhTsudsk — Dave Limp (@davill) November 12, 2024 The first launch of New Glenn will not feature a customer payload, but instead will carry the Blue Ring Pathfinder into orbit. Blue Origin said this will also mark the first certification flight to become authorized to fly National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract missions, if selected. Blue Ring features “a communications array, power systems, and a flight computer affixed to a secondary payload adapter ring” and is designed to validate both space-to-ground communications as well as “ground-based radiometric tracking that will be used on the future Blue Ring production space vehicle.” “We’re excited to demonstrate Blue Ring’s advanced in-space operations on New Glenn’s inaugural mission,” said Paul Ebertz, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin’s In-Space Systems, in a statement. “Blue Ring plays a critical role in building a road to space, and this mission is an important first step for Blue Ring and enabling dynamic and responsive operations that will greatly benefit our nation.” Blue Origin was originally going to carry the EscaPADE spacecraft from NASA as its payload for the inaugural launch, but because the rocket wasn’t going to be ready for launch in time for the October launch window, NASA decided to shift those plans.

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