panalo999 login
London: For all the rousing revelry and festive fizz that Christmas Day can bring, for some it only ramps up the confusion and anxiety. Older relatives may find it more of a slog to host than they are used to; if they are the guests, a lively new setting can compound the feelings of bewilderment and grumpiness. But when do signs of stress actually signify something more serious? Elizabeth Leonard, 58, recalls how a few years ago, her previously capable, cheerful mother, then aged 71, had an uncharacteristic outburst a few days before Christmas – picking a fight when normally she would do anything to avoid confrontation. On Christmas Day itself she said she couldn’t cook the turkey because there was something wrong with the oven. Elizabeth took over the cooking and found it was working perfectly. It marked the beginning of a long road to accepting that there might be something wrong, followed eventually by a diagnosis of dementia. A Christmas meal disaster could be a clue. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto “It’s a time for making memories, but it’s often during Christmas that we realise that something isn’t quite right with someone,” says Simon Wheeler, a senior knowledge officer at the Alzheimer’s Society. “At first it may seem like a momentary lapse – perhaps just a sign of getting old – but after a while you start to become concerned.” Different types of dementia can cause varying symptoms – from memory loss to difficulty with everyday tasks – that can often be picked up on in a social setting. The most common kind of dementia is Alzheimer’s (early symptoms include confusion and short-term memory problems), followed by vascular dementia (problems with planning and concentration) and Lewy bodies dementia (this includes Parkinson’s dementia, difficulty focusing and delusions). Some symptoms, such as memory loss, are common to many dementias – especially in the early stages. Here’s what to look out for and what to do if you’re worried about a relative this Christmas. Forgetfulness Forgetfulness, as a symptom of dementia, generally applies to short-term memory. “People might be able to sit there and talk about Christmas 10 years ago and remember all the details,” says Angelo Makri, also a senior knowledge officer at the Alzheimer’s Society. “But if you ask them what they did yesterday and they can’t answer, that’s where you know [there may be a problem]“, as well as forgetting people’s names, or their relationship with someone; for example a nephew or niece that they haven’t seen for a year.DEMESNE RESOURCES LTD. ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF A THIRD TRANCHE OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PRIVATE PLACEMENT FINANCING
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.A renowned entertainer and disc jockey, Deejay Nani has won big at the recently concluded first-ever Nigerian Deejays Award which took place in Abuja. Deejay Nani who was crowned with the prestigious honour of Professional Deejay Of The Year Award joined the list of others who were honoured for their contribution in raising the bar of entertainment in the country. He is one of the most popular deejays in the city of Abuja who has over the years paid his dues in the industry. DJ Nani has played in high profile events within and outside the nation’s capital and brings a new aura that will spur enthusiasm among guests. His skills and ability to read the mood of guests at every event and give them suitable tunes is his key strength among his peers in the industry. Speaking at the event, the National President of Deejay Association of of Nigeria (DJAN), Mr. Christian Onyebuchi Mwatuegbe known by the stage name, DJ Perfect expressed satisfaction that the ceremony, despite being the first edition, turned out extremely successful and in the lifetime of his administration as the president. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the industry across the country for their support which culminated into the success recorded. Highlighting the role of deejays in our social life, he said, “DJ’s are the most essential part of any occasion as their absence will make any occasion boring and unenjoyable. “The DJs through their music add so much substance and vigour to any occasion no matter the events. Hence, we thought it wise to gather here today to give honour to whom honour is due and to celebrate ourselves in special dimension,” DJ Perfect said. For his own part, the Project Consultant and the CEO of Leadership Scorecard Magazine, Mr. Humphrey Onyima expressed happiness that deejays have come to recognise their crucial roles in the society which necessitated the award of recognition. He said, “Today is indeed a great day in the lives of members of Djan nationwide. Today’s awardees are men and women of caliber who have contributed immeasurably towards the growth of Deejaying in Nigeria.” Notable DJs at event include DJs Neptune, the legendary American DJ Dona Dee, cool, Humility, grande fingers,symptoms, Vicky Lee, Benny G, Stan, Valakan, Burna , Scratch, Baby gold, Ceekk, John, Matrix, DJ Trish and so much more.
Denmark boosts Greenland defense spending amid Trump purchase interestSAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Marqeta, Inc. (NASDAQ: MQ) securities between August 7, 2024 and November 4, 2024. Marqeta creates digital payment technology for innovation leaders. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Marqeta, Inc. (MQ) Failed to Disclose the Impact of Regulatory Scrutiny on its Business Prospects According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that Marqeta understated the regulatory challenges affecting its business outlook and therefore, would have to cut its guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024. The complaint alleges that on November 4, 2024, Marqeta announced third quarter 2024 financial results and revised its fourth quarter projections to "reflect[] several changes that became apparent over the last few months with regards to the heightened scrutiny of the banking environment and specific customer program changes." The complaint further alleges that Marqeta's CEO and CFO actually knew of the heightened regulatory scrutiny affecting the Company's business from the beginning of the year, which they revealed in connection with the November 4 announcement. On this news, Marqeta’s stock price fell $2.53 per share, or 42.5%, to close at $3.42 per share on November 5, 2024. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Marqeta, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 7, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. To be notified if a class action against Marqeta, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53e69218-456a-4e86-81b7-b14619b1f825One Nation One Election: ‘It Should Not Be Similar To What Happened With Article 370 In 2019’ Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday spoke on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ and said it should not be similar to what happened with Article 370., Speaking to news agency, Abdullah said “It has not come before the Parliament yet. It will be debated in the House. The debate should be open; it should not be similar to what happened with Article 370 in 2019. it should be discussed openly. As far as the National Conference is concerned, we will sit and form an opinion on it and tell our MPS how to vote.” The Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet’s approval of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill has sparked controversy across India’s political spectrum. Described by the BJP as a revolutionary step towards streamlining governance and boosting development, the proposal has been fiercely opposed by Opposition parties, which argue it undermines federalism and concentrates power in the hands of the centre. The Bill aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies and is expected to be tabled in the Parliament during the ongoing winter session. While the BJP and its allies are pushing the idea as a significant reform, the Congress and other regional parties, have branded it as “anti-democratic” and a threat to India’s diverse political fabric. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had already articulated his party’s strong disapproval in January 2024, describing the concept as “anti-democratic.” The party’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, accused the BJP of using the Bill to divert attention from critical issues. “There are many concerns among the INDIA bloc about the impact on the federal character of our country through this Bill,” Gogoi said, adding, “PM Modi has not walked the talk...he does Haryana and Maharashtra elections separately. He does Gujarat elections separately.” TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee minced no words, calling the legislation a “draconian” attack on democracy. “Bengal will NEVER bow to Delhi’s dictatorial whims,” she declared. Her colleague Kunal Ghosh echoed her sentiment, raising doubts about the practicality of the move. “Who will give the guarantee that after voting once, a government will last for its full term, i.e., 5 years?” Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched a scathing attack on the Bill, labelling it “impractical” and “anti-democratic.” He warned that it would erase regional voices and disrupt governance. “Let’s resist this attack on Indian Democracy with all our strength!” Stalin wrote on X.
Dem Rep. Gottheimer: Feds Not Giving Public Enough Information on Drones
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — If Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has given any thought to the possibility of clinching a playoff berth in his first season with the team with a win at New England on Saturday, he isn't letting it show. “Just attacking, that’s our mindset. Win the next game," he said. Harbaugh's relative silence on the topic isn't a total departure from his usual business-first approach, but there could also be something else at play. Aside from wrapping up what would be Harbaugh’s fourth postseason trip in five years as an NFL head coach, since the Chargers (9-6) have the tiebreaker over the Denver Broncos but not against the Pittsburg Steelers, Los Angeles would appear destined to be the sixth seed in the postseason. That would mean a trip to Baltimore and a possible Harbaugh Bowl 4 matchup opposite older brother and Ravens coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens beat the Chargers earlier this season 30-23. But first things first. And that's taking care of the Patriots (3-12), who have lost five straight games but showed several signs of offensive improvement during their 24-21 loss at Buffalo last week. Jim Harbaugh sees a dangerous group. And his players say they are locked in on the present. “Always one week at a time. We’ve got a lot of respect for this Patriots team," Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. "We know we’re going on the road and have to be prepared for everything.” If the Patriots are going to play the role of spoiler, it must start with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He has thrown a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, tied with Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest such streak by a rookie in franchise history. But he has also thrown at least one interception in each of the past seven games. Overall, the Patriots have a minus-9 turnover margin. The Patriots did score 14 points in the first half during last week’s loss at Buffalo. Still, New England's offense has had trouble finishing drives, scoring touchdowns on only 47.7% of its chances in the red zone. Maye said that doesn't mean he plans to be timid over the final two games. “I think there’s definitely a way we need to cut down turnovers,” he said. “That starts with me protecting the football and throwing it incomplete or throwing it in the dirt or little things like that. I’m still going to be aggressive.” The Chargers could have a major weapon return in running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against Baltimore on Nov. 25. With Dobbins out of the lineup, the Bolts have struggled to have any consistency on offense. Los Angeles has averaged only 74.8 rushing yards in the past four games, which is quite a drop from the 118.1 they were generating before Dobbins’ injury. Dobbins was listed as questionable, while Gus Edwards — who rushed for two touchdowns and a season-high 68 yards in last Thursday’s win over Denver — was ruled out with an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins would likely take over in the backfield if Dobbins also can't play. Justin Herbert, who has 20,466 career passing yards, needs 153 yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most in a player's first five seasons in league history. Ladd McConkey is 40 yards away from becoming the first Chargers rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards since Keenan Allen in 2013. The Chargers have won 11 of their past 13 when playing in the Eastern time zone, including last year’s 6-0 victory over the Patriots. Los Angeles has five of its nine games on Eastern time this season for the first time since 2005. They are trying to become the ninth team since 1988 on Pacific time to win at least four games when having to travel at least three time zones. The Chargers have given up two touchdowns and a field goal on the first possession in the last three games. They allowed only one touchdown on an opening drive in the first 12 games. Another cause for concern is that the Bolts have given up scores on the first two series in back-to-back games. AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Qatar tribune Agencies Bitcoin has proven to be one of the best-performing assets in modern history. The value of the cryptocurrency has increased some 1,000 times over the past decade, far outpacing US stocks and real estate. Buoyed by United States President-elect Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly stance, Bitcoin’s record rally hit a new high of $107,000 on Monday after the Republican reiterated his intention to create a Bitcoin strategic reserve. Bitcoin, the first decentralised digital currency, was invented by the pseudonymous figure Satoshi Nakamoto in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis. Nakamoto introduced the blockchain system – a digital ledger that stores transactions in a network of computers – to enable anyone to make financial transactions without the involvement of banks, financial firms or governments. Once widely derided as a speculative asset with no intrinsic value, Bitcoin is being taken increasingly seriously by governments, financial institutions and investors alike. Boaz Sobrado, a London-based fintech analyst, said Bitcoin has transformed from being a niche asset favoured by political dissidents and criminals carrying out Illicit transactions “to something that central banks have to keep in mind and consider”. “The IMF has put very firm anti-crypto political guidelines into place when negotiating with countries that might require its own assistance. It’s gone from being an academic question to a practical, real one and one that central banks are taking very seriously now,” Sobrado told Al Jazeera. In January, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds), allowing investors to have exposure to the asset on the stock exchange for the first time. In an October report, the US Department of the Treasury referred to Bitcoin as “digital gold”, noting its use as a store of value. A number of countries have made big bets on the cryptocurrency. El Salvador has accumulated some $600m worth of Bitcoin reserves and is one of just a handful of countries, along with the Central African Republic, that accepts the asset as legal tender. Other countries, including the US and the United Kingdom, have acquired large holdings of Bitcoin through the seizure of assets implicated in criminal activity. The US has seized at least 215,000 Bitcoins, valued at almost $21bn at current prices, since 2020, according to an analysis by crypto firm 21.co. With Trump returning to the White House, Bitcoin supporters are hopeful that cryptocurrencies will gain unprecedented legitimacy after years of government-led crackdowns on the sector. Despite once labelling Bitcoin “a scam”, Trump has emerged as arguably the world’s most powerful advocate for the asset. After pledging to make the US “crypto capital of the planet”, he has picked several high-profile crypto enthusiasts to join his incoming administration, including former PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Sacks as crypto tsar and Paul Atkins as SEC chair. Trump’s pro-crypto stance has found allies in the US Congress, such as Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Republican from Wyoming, who earlier this year introduced the BITCOIN Act of 2024, which would include Bitcoin among reserve assets such as gold and oil as a long-term store of value. Under Lummis’s plans, the government would buy roughly 200,000 Bitcoins every year for five years, and then hold the assets for 20 years as a hedge against inflation. “If we did that with five percent of all the Bitcoin that will ever exist – which is roughly a million Bitcoin – we could cut our debt in half in 20 years,” Lummis said in a television interview with Fox Business. On Wall Street, derision and mockery have also given way to more positive appraisals. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who once described Bitcoin as an “index of money laundering”, in January said the commodity was “no different than what gold represented for thousands of years” and an “asset class that protects you”. ‘Currency of resistance’ The key attribute of Bitcoin that makes it revolutionary is that it separates money from the state, according to Max Keiser, senior Bitcoin adviser to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. “This is the first time in history that this has ever happened – money exists that has no central authority controlling it. This is what makes it unique, very powerful,” Keiser told Al Jazeera. “There’s now this growing feeling that the 21st century will be the century of Bitcoin.” One of the reasons Bitcoin has gained strength in value is the poor performance of economies such as Argentina, where inflation last year skyrocketed more than 200 percent, according to Gerald Celente, founder and director of the New York-based Trends Research Institute. “People were seeing their currencies being devalued... People were saying: ‘I’m losing all my money, what am I going to do?’ They can’t afford to buy gold, so they started buying whatever they could in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, so that kept it strong,” Celente told Al Jazeera. Since Trump’s election, Bitcoin’s price has risen by more than 50 percent and with an incoming pro-crypto administration, Celente predicts an even greater rally. “[The value] could go through the roof, but we don’t see [Bitcoin] going down much at all,” he said. Crypto supporters argue that Bitcoin’s winning advantage is that its global supply is capped at 21 million. Unlike central banks that can print money indefinitely, Bitcoin’s supply stays constant no matter the demand, which has helped boost its value against the dollar. Armando Pantoja, futurist and tech investor, believes that Bitcoin will appreciate in value “forever”, likening the purchase of the asset to buying real estate in Manhattan. “Bitcoin has value not because of the currency, but because of the technology that governs it, blockchain technology,” Pantoja told Al Jazeera. Copy 25/12/2024 10
The NFL won the head-to-head battle for viewers with the College Football Playoff. Front Office Sports, citing figures from Nielsen, reported Tuesday that the Kansas City Chiefs' 27-19 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday averaged 15.5 million viewers on NBC, more than double the average of 6.4 million people who watched Penn State defeat SMU 38-10 on TNT Sports in the same time frame. The Baltimore Ravens' 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers drew an average of 15.4 million for Fox Sports, while 8.6 million viewers tuned in to see Texas defeat Clemson 38-24in the College Football Playoff on TNT. The CFP games returned stronger ratings when they weren't matched up against an NFL game, however. Ohio State's 42-17 victory over Tennessee, played in primetime on Saturday night, averaged 14.3 million viewers on ESPN. The network also saw strong ratings for Notre Dame's 27-17 win over Indiana on Friday night with an average of 13.4 million. All four first-round CFP games were played at campus sites. They averaged 10.6 million viewers overall, per Front Office Sports, which noted that figure exceeded the ratings for all but four college football broadcasts this season. --Field Level Media
New Delhi: The revised gross domestic product (GDP) series, scheduled for release in 2026, will incorporate new and real-time data sources like E-Vahan and eGram Swaraj , according to sources. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation ( MoSPI ) is reaching out to various ministries to enable the use of alternative datasets, they added. eGram Swaraj, a portal by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, includes panchayat profile, budget monitoring, and the progress on utilisation of central/state schemes. The road transport and highways ministry's E-Vahan dashboard provides comprehensive data on vehicle registrations, categorised by fuel type and states. Currently, MoSPI relies on data from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for vehicle sales. Additionally, the revised GDP series will source data from Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Public Finance Management System (PFMS), the person said. This series is set to be released in February 2026 when the first revised estimate of 2024-25 will be published. The Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) has decided 2022-23 as the new base year. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program As the statistics ministry aims to enhance the use of administrative statistics, they are also seeking new data that could be utilised directly or indirectly in the revised GDP series to make the data more accurate. It has written to various ministries and departments to source data. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )The DEI movement – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – is on the wane nationally, yet Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont remains fully on board. Thursday, he named Mariana Monteiro, formerly Lockheed Martin’s executive director of global diversity and inclusion, as Connecticut’s chief equity and opportunity officer. The new agency, established by executive order in July and dubbed the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity, will be tasked with “ensuring that Connecticut state government is a leader in equity and inclusion,” Gov. Lamont said, “with the goals of eliminating institutional and systemic barriers and creating opportunity and access for all those it serves and employs.” Back in the real world, on which Gov. Lamont seems to have turned his back, successful entities like Walmart are withdrawing from DEI programs. Nov. 26, Newsweek magazine produced a Who’s Who list of companies that have stepped back from DEI – among them, Ford, Toyota, John Deere, Stanley Black & Decker, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Bud Light, Molson Coors, and Harley-Davidson. Meanwhile, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 11 blocked Nasdaq’s DEI rules, which “required thousands of public companies that trade on Nasdaq to have at least one woman, person of color or LGBTQ member on their boards unless they explained why they did not,” USA Today reported. These decisions may reflect a growing public disdain for “woke” mandates on business, government and education, but there’s much more to it than that. “Now, a compelling new study confirms that DEI fosters racial and group animosity, not tolerance,” according to the editors of National Review magazine in a Nov. 29 editorial. “The study released (Nov. 25) by Network Contagion Research Institute and Rutgers University Social Perception Lab ... found that participants exposed to DEI materials were more likely to perceive prejudice where none existed and were more willing to punish the perceived perpetrators.” In a bizarre but telling example, researchers found most subjects agreed with the sentiments of Adolf Hitler when the word “Jew” was replaced in his writings with “Brahmin,” an Indian term often used to describe “a socially or culturally superior person.” The editors noted: “Most, if not all, DEI-themed trainings promote a victimhood mentality by organizing society into a hierarchy of ‘oppressor’ and ‘oppressed’ on the basis of immutable traits, then demonize anyone who is supposedly sitting comfortably atop the totem pole.” A study last summer by Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon and the head of the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy found, much to their dismay, that Asian men and women, and white men, “are the highest earners (in state government) when compared to their colleagues.” This prompted Mr. Scanlon to call for a redoubling of efforts to “prioritize equity and diversity in our workforce.” He did not acknowledge that the high earners benefit not from their skin color or ancestry, but from their own educational attainment and work experience. Evidently, Gov. Lamont is on the same page as Mr. Scanlon – seemingly oblivious to the fact his constituents need solid, effective management in state government, based on merit, not a pathway for a few “diverse” individuals to secure jobs that other applicants could do better. Hopefully, Ms. Monteiro will hold to her promise to “enhance ... competition without compromising merit” in the state workforce, even though her new boss declined to utter that word in his announcement of her appointment.Pakistani security forces have launched an operation to disperse supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.
Palvella Therapeutics to debut on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PVLA” as a publicly traded rare disease biopharmaceutical company advancing a late clinical-stage pipeline and a platform for treating serious, rare genetic diseases Strong balance sheet with approximately $80.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from a PIPE financing co-led by BVF Partners, L.P. and Frazier Life Sciences Cash expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial of QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin) for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations (cutaneous VMs) Microcystic LMs is a chronically debilitating and lifelong genetic disease affecting an estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. QTORINTM rapamycin has the potential to be the first approved therapy and standard of care in the U.S. for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs WAYNE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pieris). The combined company will operate under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., and its shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 16, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PVLA". Palvella will continue to be led by Wes Kaupinen, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Palvella management team. The transaction was approved by Pieris stockholders at a special meeting held on December 11, 2024, and the transaction had been previously approved by Palvella stockholders. "With strong support from leading healthcare-dedicated investors, Palvella is well positioned to enter the public markets and pursue our vision of becoming the leading rare disease company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases," said Mr. Kaupinen. “This transaction will enable us to accelerate late-stage development of QTORINTM rapamycin, our lead product candidate, for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs while also further advancing additional novel product candidates from our QTORINTM platform." Concurrent with the merger, Palvella completed a previously announced oversubscribed $78.9 million private placement co-led by BVF Partners, L.P., an existing investor, and Frazier Life Sciences, a new investor, and with participation from a syndicate of leading healthcare-dedicated investors. Additional new investors include Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Nantahala Capital, DAFNA Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and a healthcare dedicated fund. Existing investors Samsara BioCapital, Petrichor, CAM Capital, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Finance Group (an AscellaHealth partner company), BioAdvance, and Gore Range Capital also participated in the financing. Palvella's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $80.0 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through results from the SELVA Phase 3 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic LMs and Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous VMs. Palvella’s research team developed QTORINTM, a patented and versatile platform designed to generate novel topical therapies that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to locally treat a broad spectrum of serious, rare genetic skin diseases. Well-accepted mechanisms of action of rapamycin and other therapeutic agents represent potential therapies for rare genetic skin diseases. However, the adverse event profile of those agents through systemic exposure poses significant barriers to patient adoption. Palvella’s QTORINTM product candidates are designed for targeted, localized delivery of therapeutic agents to pathogenic tissue of interest while minimizing systemic absorption and thereby reducing the risk of unwanted adverse events associated with systemic therapy. Palvella's lead product candidate QTORINTM rapamycin is a novel, patented 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel currently under development for the treatment of microcystic LMs, cutaneous VMs, and other serious, functionally debilitating skin diseases driven by the overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. QTORINTM rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs and is the recent recipient of up to a $2.6 million FDA Orphan Products Grant. QTORINTM rapamycin has also received Fast Track Designation for venous malformations. QTORINTM rapamycin is protected by issued composition patents covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S., Japan, Australia, China and Israel and pending patent applications broadly covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S. and other countries. In the third quarter of 2024, Palvella initiated SELVA, a 24-week, Phase 3, single-arm, baseline-controlled clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin administered once daily for the treatment of microcystic LMs. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in the overall microcystic LM Investigator Global Assessment (mLM-IGA) at week 24. The Phase 3 study is enrolling approximately 40 subjects, age six or older, at leading vascular anomaly centers across the U.S. Transaction Details Based on the final exchange ratio of approximately 0.30946 shares of Pieris common stock for each share of Palvella common stock, at the closing of the merger, there are approximately 13.95 million shares of the combined company's common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, with prior Pieris stockholders owning approximately 11% on a diluted basis and prior Palvella stockholders (including investors in the private placement) holding approximately 89% of the combined company's outstanding common stock on a diluted basis. In connection with the closing of the merger, Pieris issued a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) to Pieris shareholders of record immediately prior to the closing, which does not include the former holders of shares of Palvella or the private financing investors. Holders of the CVR will be entitled to receive payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, under Pieris' existing partnership agreements with Pfizer and Boston Pharmaceuticals, in addition to other potential licensing agreements involving certain of Pieris' legacy assets, as well as certain potential payments related to historical research and development tax credits, which may or may not be realized. TD Cowen served as lead placement agent and Cantor served as a placement agent for Palvella's concurrent financing. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP served as legal counsel to Palvella. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the placement agents. Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pieris and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pieris. About Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations Microcystic LMs are a rare, chronically debilitating genetic disease caused by dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway. The disease is characterized by malformed lymphatic vessels that protrude through the skin and persistently leak lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) and bleed, often leading to recurrent serious infections and cellulitis that can cause hospitalization. The natural history of microcystic LMs are persistent and progressive without spontaneous resolution, with symptoms generally worsening during life, including increases in the number and size of malformed vessels that lead to complications and lifetime morbidity. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients with microcystic LMs in the United States. About Palvella Therapeutics Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PVLA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORINTM platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella’s lead product candidate, QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin), is currently in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and a Phase 2 trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit www.palvellatx.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. QTORINTM rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency. This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act)). These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Palvella and Pieris, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Palvella and Pieris. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the sufficiency of the combined company’s capital resources; the combined company’s cash runway; the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Palvella’s programs, including QTORINTM rapamycin, and its research-stage opportunities, including its expected therapeutic potential and market opportunity; the expected timing of initiating, as well as the design of Palvella’s Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous venous malformations. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of each company; the significant net losses incurred since inception; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Palvella’s product candidates, including QTORINTM rapamycin; the outcome of early clinical trials for Palvella’s product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; the fact that data and results from clinical studies may not necessarily be indicative of future results; Palvella’s limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Palvella’s current product candidates; the substantial competition Palvella faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; the negative impacts of the global events on operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials and ongoing and planned preclinical studies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Palvella and Pieris to protect their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Pieris’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, as well as the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Pieris in connection with the merger. Palvella and Pieris can give no assurance that the conditions to the proposed transactions will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Palvella and Pieris undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this press release. Palvella Therapeutics Contact Information Investors Wesley H. Kaupinen Founder and CEO, Palvella Therapeutics wes.kaupinen@palvellatx.com Media Stephanie Jacobson Managing Director, Argot Partners palvella@argotpartners.comIT’S 25C, I’m now on to my third glass of wine and a rollerblading waiter whizzes past me. I haven’t even had to travel far for warmer temperatures, with Agadir just a four-hour flight from the UK. The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina. Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco . No wonder the South African country looks set to be a holiday hotspot as Brits look past Spain next year. I’m staying in Taghazout, a surf town with an ever-growing number of modern beach-side resorts, just 13 miles north of Agadir and its sizzling souk. MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS One of the newest resorts is the five-star adults-only Pickalbatros White Beach, which features pristine white marble steps, manicured gardens and a huge airy lobby offering views of the beach through giant glass windows. It’s affordable luxury at its finest, and the perfect place for a last-minute holiday with my closest gal pal. From our plush room we could marvel at the sea views or step out on to a private patio through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Our en-suites were just as glamorous, including huge marble showers with built-in seats and extra jets for an almost too-powerful wash. Most read in News Travel Just steps away were the resort’s six pools which wind around the sprawling resort — decked out with sunloungers, sofas and umbrellas for guests to enjoy. Mountain fortress It was slightly too cold for more than a quick dip, but thankfully there are three large hot tubs in which to warm up. The promenade behind the hotel lines Taghazout Beach, where hordes of eager surfers took to the sea before I’d even finished my morning coffee. As a novice surfer, I opted to watch those riding the waves, while my companion made friends with the stray dogs and hawkers selling Moroccan breads. The deep yellow sand — not yet warm from the early-morning sun — was as soft as flour as my feet sank in. But while the hotel is so tempting you might not wish to leave, a tour of Agadir is a must while staying. The city is extremely modern, built after the devastating quake that killed a third of Agadir’s population. A cemetery and Wall of Remembrance. commemorate the 15,000 lives lost. The destruction also wiped out the entire village within the kasbah of Agadir Oufla, a 16th-century mountain fortress. Now a heritage site, the walls have been carefully restored although the interiors remain as ruins. This is also where both locals and tourists flock for the best views of Agadir, overlooking the harbour and marina. But if you can’t face the drive, or brave a hike to the top, don’t worry as a cable car service opened in 2022. Also rebuilt after the quake was Souk El Had. Inside are 3,000 shops selling everything you could imagine, and more, and where it’s easy to lose hours of your day. Or so we were told. We arrived on a Monday with empty bags and full wallets, only to be told that is the one day of the week it is closed. Our resourceful guide instead found a smaller artisanal market nearby. We stocked up on fabulous Christmas presents of candles, jars and intricate wooden carvings for about half the price they would likely set us back in a trendy UK boutique. Later, I found out I could have knocked more dirhams off the price, so my haggling skills certainly needed more work — as well as my rusty French. We were left rather peckish after our shopping spree, but thankfully our resort had us covered. There are bountiful buffets — succulent seafood in the Culina restaurant and Italian delights such as fresh pasta and fancy desserts at Alfredo. Speakeasy-style bar Our all-inclusive plan also allowed us one free visit per stay to the speciality restaurant Azha, which offers up delicious authentic Moroccan cuisine. There, we feasted on deliciously rich lentil soup and bread, followed by an aubergine dip and crispy samosas. The food never stopped coming, with beef couscous, chicken tagines and sugared treats to choose from — all while the super-attentive staff were constantly on hand to serve up our drinks. One cheeky waiter “misheard” us asking for a large glass, and we ended up with a full-to-the-brim flute of wine . He giggled at us as we then had to find straws to avoid embarrassing ourselves even further. But we escaped with our overflowing drinks to the speakeasy-style Sachi bar upstairs. With panelled walls and huge marble statues, as well as plush velvet chairs, it felt like we had stepped back in time as we lost the rest of the evening to Aperol Spritzes on tap and stunning views. The daily pink sunsets reflecting off the calm pools were the most beautiful I had ever seen. The rest of our stay was spent exactly as a winter-sun holiday should be — ordering cocktails to our sunloungers from the beach bar as we posted smug photos on Instagram, annoying our friends and family. Days were punctuated only by poolside events, with tennis , football , darts and dance parties to choose from. Staff would encourage us to partake — and even joined in one of our card games to show us a magic trick I still don’t understand. Stress-busting treatments are a must too — with prices in Morocco a fraction of those in the UK. Our hammam scrub in the hotel spa cost £33 and left us invigorated and ready to explore the saunas and steam rooms down the winding tiled corridors. I definitely had a small nap during my relaxing massage — £25 for 30 minutes. READ MORE SUN STORIES It left me knot-free and smelling of jasmine, if a little messy-haired from the vigorous head rub. Safe to say, I was left warmed up by this beautiful country — but left with a heavier suitcase than planned with all the gifts. GETTING THERE / STAYING THERE: Tui offers seven nights’ all-inclusive staying at the 5T Pickalbatros White Beach Resort Taghazout from £756 per person including flights from Gatwick on February 3, 2025, and transfers. Based on two sharing a Deluxe Twin room with pool view and balcony or terrace. See tui.com OUT & ABOUT: Tui offers excursions including the Discover Agadir City Tour from £27
Bryan's second half defense falters in loss to Fulshear
Man City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions League