NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Elanco Animal Health Incorporated ELAN and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Elanco, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated . Investors have until December 6, 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 Elanco Animal Health Incorporated securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court of Maryland and is captioned Barpar v. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated , et al. , No. 24-cv-02912. What is the Lawsuit About? The complaint alleges that Elanco develops products to treat diseases in animals. Two of the most important treatments in the company's development pipeline are currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). The treatments are named Zenrelia, a drug for a type of dermatitis in dogs, and Credelio Quattro, which is a broad spectrum oral parasiticide covering fleas, ticks and internal parasites. With respect to these treatments, the company stated that the FDA "has all data necessary to complete its review. All technical sections, including the label, are expected to be approved before the end of June [2024]." However, on June 27, 2024, Elanco announced that it expected the FDA would not approve either drug in June 2024 and that Zenrelia would come with a boxed warning on safety. As a result of the news, Elanco's stock price declined over 21%, from $17.97 per share on June 26, 2024 to $14.27 per share on June 27, 2024. BFA Law is investigating whether Elanco and certain of its executives made materially false and/or misleading statements to investors related to the FDA's approval of its drugs. Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/elanco-animal-health-incorporated . What Can You Do? If you invested in Elanco Animal Health Incorporated ELAN 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/elanco-animal-health-incorporated 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/elanco-animal-health-incorporated Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Iran will hold talks about its disputed nuclear programme with three European powers on November 29, the Iranian foreign ministry said on Sunday, days after the U.N. atomic watchdog passed a resolution against Tehran, as per a report. Iran reacted to the resolution - proposed by Britain, France, Germany and the United States - with what government officials called various measures such as activating numerous new and advanced centrifuges, machines that enrich uranium, Reuters reported. Japan's Kyodo news agency, which first reported that the meeting would take place on Friday in Geneva, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's government was seeking a solution to the nuclear impasse ahead of the inauguration in January of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. A senior Iranian official confirmed that the meeting would go ahead next Friday, adding: "Tehran has always believed that the nuclear issue should be resolved through diplomacy. Iran has never left the talks." Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei later said the deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany and Britain would take part in the talks, which he said would cover regional issues as well as the nuclear dossier. 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) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader 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 Leadership Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Leadership From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant 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 Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Leadership Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience 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 Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Baghaei did not say where the talks would take place. A spokesperson for the Swiss foreign ministry directed questions to the countries named in the Kyodo report. "Views will be exchanged...on a range of regional discussions and subjects including the issues of Palestine, Lebanon and also the nuclear subject", Baghaei said. In 2018, the then-Trump administration exited Iran's 2015 nuclear pact with six major powers and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to violate the pact's nuclear limits, with moves such as rebuilding stockpiles of enriched uranium, refining it to higher fissile purity and installing advanced centrifuges to speed up output. Indirect talks between President Joe Biden's administration and Tehran to try to revive the pact have failed, but Trump said during his election campaign in September: "We have to make a deal, because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal". FAQs Q1. Who is US President-elect? A1. Donald Trump is the US President-elect. Q2. What was Donald Trump's decision on Iran's nuclear pact? A2. In 2018, the then-Trump administration exited Iran's 2015 nuclear pact with six major powers and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Iran to hold big nuclear talks. What does this mean for USA?49ers vs. Packers 3rd quarter thread: It’s better to be lucky than good - Niners Nation
Bowman Consulting ups stock buyback to $35 millionCHICAGO — It looked like the Vikings had put the game away for good on Sunday afternoon at Solider Field when a chip-shot field goal attempt from kicker Parker Romo sailed through the uprights in the final minutes. ADVERTISEMENT That made it 27-16 in favor of the Vikings with the Chicago Bears needing a miracle. They got it. After a big kick return put the Bears in very good field position, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led an impressive drive, throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to 27-24. A blunder by the Vikings on the onside kick allowed the Bears to recover, then kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 27-27 and send it into overtime. In the extra session, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold took over for the Vikings. He went 6 for 6 passing on the final drive, setting up Romo for a game-winning field goal that helped the Vikings escape with a 30-27 win. The game looked like it was going to be a hot start for the Vikings after running back Aaron Jones got loose for a 41-yard gain. He was stripped of the ball at the goal line a couple of plays later, however, marking another missed opportunity for the Vikings in the red zone. ADVERTISEMENT That cracked the door open for the Bears, and the mobility of their rookie quarterback took centerstage. On a particular play, Williams avoided pressure from Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge, rolled to his right, then dropped a dime to D’Andre Swift along the sideline. That put the Bears in position to score, and running back Roschon Johnson found the into the end zone shortly thereafter to make it 7-0. In need of a response, the Vikings got it almost immediately when Darnold dropped back and unleashed a deep pass to receiver Jordan Addison. It was an incredible catch from Addison as he hauled it in while being dragged down from behind. On the very next play, Addison finished the drive, catching a touchdown pass in traffic to help the Vikings to tie the game at 7-7. The vibes shifted in favor of the Vikings on the following possession. ADVERTISEMENT It looked like the Bears had picked up a big gain when receiver Keenan Allen caught a ball along the sideline. After a challenge flag thrown by head coach Kevin O’Connell, however, the officials ruled that Allen did not get both feet in bounds. On the very next play defensive tackle Jerry Tillery blocked a field goal, and the Vikings kept the Bears off the board. That paved the way for the Vikings to take control as star receiver Justin Jefferson drew a 35-yard defensive pass interference penalty that put the ball in the red zone. A couple of plays later, Darnold found receiver Jalen Nailor for a touchdown to make it 14-7 in favor of the Vikings. After a punt by the Vikings, the Bears got a field goal Santos to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. ADVERTISEMENT With an opportunity to take control coming out of halftime, Darnold found Addison with a perfect ball near the sideline that went for 69-yard gain. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they stalled out in the red zone, setting for a field goal from kicker Parker Romo to stretch the lead to 17-10. The biggest swing of the game came when receiver DeAndre Carter muffed a punt for the Bears, and edge rusher Bo Richter recovered the fumble for the Vikings. Not long after that, Jones atoned for his fumble with a touchdown to make it 24-10. After the Bears got a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-16, it seemed like the Vikings put the game away with a field goal to restore the lead to 27-16. Not so fast. ADVERTISEMENT After an impressive drive by Williams helped cut the deficit to 27-24, the Bears recovered the onside kick. That set the stage for Santos to nail a 48-yard field goal to tie the score at 27-27 and send the game into overtime. In the extra session, the Vikings stepped up on defense by forcing a punt, then stepped up on offense with Darnold leading an impressive drive of his own. That set the stage for Romo and he nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Vikings the win. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
The US Navy is to transform three, white elephant, stealth destroyers by fitting them with first-of-their-kind shipborne hypersonic weapons. The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of (the ships) by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defence analyst at the Hudson Institute. The US has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the US military to hasten their production. Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added manoeuvrability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post newspaper reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defence department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged the weapon’s development, it had not recognised its testing. One of the US programmes in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the Conventional Prompt Strike. It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a 7.5 billion US dollars (£5.9 billion) warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an advanced gun system with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was cancelled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost up to one million dollars (£790,000). Despite the stain on their reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers: Zumwalt, Michael Monsoor and Lyndon B Johnson; remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warships in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimise radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The US is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to US national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities”, said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defence department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said.
Police use chainsaw to hack into £250,000 drugs factoryCOLUMBUS, Ga. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the first quarter dividend of $0.58 per share, payable on March 3, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2025 . This represents a 16.0% increase over the previously declared fourth quarter dividend. Commenting on the announcements, Aflac Incorporated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos said: "I am pleased with the Board's action to increase the first quarter 2025 dividend. We treasure our record of 42 consecutive years of dividend increases, and our dividend track record is supported by the strength of our capital and cash flows. As an insurance company, our primary responsibility is to fulfill the promises we make to our policyholders. At the same time, we are listening to our shareholders and understand the importance of prudent liquidity and capital management. We remain committed to maintaining strong capital ratios on behalf of our policyholders and balance this financial strength with tactical capital deployment." Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young , 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Media contact – Ines Gutzmer , 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-incorporated-announces-16-0-increase-in-the-first-quarter-2025-dividend-302320084.html SOURCE Aflac IncorporatedIrish premier praises Dublin woman who won civil case against Conor McGregorDrew Lock likely to start at QB for the Giants against the Colts on Sunday
NoneSTUART, Fla. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9,200,000 , before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.December 2, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked proofread by Frontiers Journals In a study published in Engineering , researchers from Jilin University have achieved a significant breakthrough in high-temperature ultrahigh pressure generation using a Walker-type large-volume press (LVP). This advancement has opened new avenues for exploring novel materials and understanding Earth's interior. The paper is titled "Ultrahigh Pressure Generation at High Temperatures in a Walker-Type Large-Volume Press and Multiple Applications." The team successfully generated pressures ranging from 37.3 to 40.4 GPa at temperatures between 1900 and 2100 K. They achieved this by employing newly designed ZK01F tungsten carbide (WC) anvils with tapered surfaces. These anvils, along with cell assemblies containing hard materials and a sample volume of approximately 1 mm 3 , were crucial in expanding the pressure range. Additionally, specific adjustments to the apparatus enhanced its performance. The study also investigated the pressure efficiencies of different WC anvils and cell assemblies. Through meticulous experimentation, the researchers were able to optimize the setup for higher pressure generation. They compared the new-ZK01F anvils with other commercial hard carbide anvils, such as Fujilloy F08 and Hawedia, analyzing their mechanical properties and performance under high pressure . The applications of this ultrahigh pressure technology are far-reaching. In materials science , the team synthesized and characterized bulk samples of nearly pure sp 3 -hybridized ultrahard amorphous carbon. These samples exhibited remarkable properties, including high hardness and tunable band gaps. Core–shell nanocrystals with high Néel temperatures were also synthesized, showing potential for applications in information storage and sensing. For Earth science, the researchers studied the solubility of water and oxygen vacancies in lower mantle minerals. By synthesizing large-sized single crystals of lower-mantle minerals, they gained insights into the composition and structure of Earth's interior. This could help explain phenomena such as mid-lower-mantle slab stagnation. The researchers believe that with further advancements, the Walker-type LVP could reach even higher pressures, enabling more in-depth studies of materials and Earth's interior. The broader range of feasible pressures and temperatures in LVPs holds great promise for future scientific and industrial applications. More information: Xuyuan Hou et al, Ultrahigh Pressure Generation at High Temperatures in a Walker-Type Large-Volume Press and Multiple Applications, Engineering (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2023.03.023 Provided byFrontiers Journals
Ennis set to sparkle as 'Christmas in Ennis' program announcedJodie Frink Now seems like a good time to reboot a favorite feature: We asked a supersized panel of community members to tell us about the kindest, most selfless act they’ve witnessed this year. “One of the most unselfish things that I’ve noticed in the past 30 days has been act by one of the disabled members of our congregation, Jodie Frink. Rev. Robert Freeman “When her church was trying to find ways to raise money for the building repairs, she decided to have a fundraiser to help. She went and found old cups and propagated plants from her own plants and then sold them at an estate sale. She donated the proceeds to her church. She raised over 400 dollars. She is our hero.” Susannah Scaroni shows off a couple of her medals before appearing on WDWS’ ‘Monday Night SportsTalk’ at the Esquire Lounge in September. “A friend and training partner of mine competed the Chicago marathon last month with a large group of men. He told me that during the race, the three leading athletes of this group exchanged leads just amongst themselves — i.e., they didn’t ask any of the other men in the back of the pack to help at the front, where most of the wind is felt. “Understandably, at the end of the race, my friend had more energy than the men who did more of the work and he was able to out-climb them on the final hill. However, he waited for them so that they could finish ahead of him as they had done more work.” “Two weeks ago, I was trying to get students on a bus for a field trip. One of my babies, eighth-grader Elijah, bends over and picks up a dollar that was on the ground. “He walked it over to me and said, ‘Here you go, Ms. Westfield. I know it was one of your tests you were giving us.’ Renayee Westfield “I told him that it actually wasn’t a test of mine and the dollar was his free and clear. We went back and forth because he seriously thought I had planted it as some life lesson. It took about four minutes for him to believe that he could actually keep the dollar. “Doesn’t sound like much, but to this particular group, it was. He finally took it and said, ‘Wow, I could use this dollar!’ “And I let him know it must have been one of life’s little blessings waiting just for him — I mean, about five of us walked over it and didn’t see it.” Cathy Rector “This past summer I witnessed such a beautiful showing of love, support and respect for a young woman in our community that had been battling cancer for several years, but, unfortunately, was spending her final days at home with her devoted husband and extended family. “Friends, family and well-wishers, many of whom hardly knew her, got together and put the word out that there was going to be a caravan for her, to let her know so many were thinking of her. “When my husband and I arrived that day to participate, we were moved by all of the cars that had filled a local parking lot and those that were parked along the street. Everyone gathered in a circle and prayed before the caravan began. As the procession passed the family home — with signs, balloons, flowers and quiet tears — we could see her in the front yard surrounded by her loved ones, smiling as each car passed, many yelling words of support and love. “That young woman passed less than 48 hours later, but knowing that so many members of our community came out, gave of their time and let her see how much she was loved and the impact she had on so many, was kindness at its best.” Diana Gonzalez “On November 6th, during my lunchtime walk on campus, I noticed a couple of students standing on the main quad holding a sign. As I passed them, I saw that the sign said they were offering hugs and encouragement to anyone who needed one today. “Seeing this kind and caring offer warmed my heart. I was reminded to give extra hugs to my family when I come home this evening.” Board chair Jewell White with United Way President/CEO Sue Grey. “We are so fortunate that there are many times that we get to witness kindness and goodness for those in need in our community. Most recently, there were some kids, whose parents were strong United Way volunteers. “They decided they wanted to do their part — thus, the most awesome lemonade stand you could ever have, was born. “The kids make their own signs, lemonade and marketing. We really are grateful for the kind hearts of Addie, Rowen, Kynzee and Leo. They have donated hundreds of dollars to United Way because they wanted to make a difference in their community. We have used their donations to help kids all across Champaign County.” Gene Robinson Director, UI Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology “An undergraduate was facing a difficult conversation with a university official and was quite nervous about advocating for herself for the first time in this context. “Learning this, a graduate student volunteered to accompany the undergraduate — even though she herself was not feeling well, with a non-contagious ailment. “She got out of her sick bed, helped the undergraduate get through it successfully and then promptly went back home. The undergraduate was extremely grateful and now has a powerful model to pay forward.” John Thies “For a number of years, Champaign-Urbana Kiwanis has had a relationship with the Swann School in Champaign. Club member Darrold Kennedy with Edward Jones has taken the lead in coordinating club volunteers who have gone on walks with the children and adults with developmental disabilities served by Swann — a wonderful community organization. “These walks take place most weeks during the warm weather months, and Darrold is an excellent manager of the club’s involvement. Thanks to volunteers like Darrold, Champaign-Urbana is a better place.” Ashley Mayor “I was checking out a new book at the Champaign Public Library when a young boy and a children’s librarian came up to the line and waited patiently. “I watched on as the young boy had a handful of magazines and explained that he wanted to donate to the library for others to enjoy too. The librarian was showing him how to make his donation. “Both librarians were so kind to him and appreciative of his generosity.” “Presiding over the Champaign County Drug Court, I am familiar with the difficulty many of our members have obtaining employment because of their prior convictions. Ben Dyer “Many people get discouraged during their job searches, and it would be natural for someone to get a job and be very protective of that opportunity for themselves. Yet this year, as in years past, we have seen just the opposite: numerous instances of our members doing everything they can to help one another find jobs, to recommend one another for employment, and to help them succeed at work if they are hired. “It’s refreshing to see them lift one another up and try to succeed together.” Connie Hilson “As a volunteer coach for Special Olympics, I witness selfless acts and kindness at almost every practice or sporting event. It could be as simple as an athlete helping another athlete or a coach giving their time when they don’t have a family member involved. “I really appreciate the teens and young adults who get involved. For example, Josie recently organized the U of I Best Buddies drumline and their performance at the Illini Marching Band Festival. It was smiles for every-buddy involved. “Or Ella, Charlotte and Xander, who volunteer to help athletes who need that extra assist to participate. They could be hanging out with friends or doing things that teens do. Instead, they selflessly give their time to help someone else. They are inspiring and will have amazing futures.” “Recently, we met a neighbor named Jordan visiting the Mattoon Community Food Pantry for groceries. She told us that in addition to caring for her two young children, she takes care of her younger brother. Kelly Daly “As a nurse, Jordan often works shifts that are 16 hours or longer, and was excited to find healthy snacks and easy meal options for her family. When she saw that the person shopping ahead of her got the last bags of frozen strawberries, she offered to trade her soft pretzel bites for the strawberries because her kids would love them. “However, there was no trade — instead, he offered the strawberries to her and told her to enjoy them with her children. The generous gesture exemplified the pantry’s mission statement that hung on the wall behind them: ‘We are committed to respond compassionately to those in need within our community.’” Danville High School sophomore Samantha Brown with her homemade cocoa bombs. “The Danville High student the past couple of years who epitomizes selflessness and helping others is sophomore Samantha Brown. “This will be Samantha’s third year running Sam’s Cocoa Co. Samantha taught herself to make custom holiday cocoa bombs, became home kitchen-certified and makes hundreds of cocoa bombs to sell over the holidays. “All profits are used to purchase supplies for the Vermilion County Humane Society. Last year, she raised over $1,500 to help stock the Humane Society and donated cocoa bombs to the Women’s Shelter so the residents and kids could have a cocoa party.”
Health In Tech Announces Closing of Initial Public OfferingIs university worth it? Yes, for both students and societyVan Nistelrooy returned to United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer and had a four-game interim spell following his compatriot’s sacking. Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he was “hurt” at having to leave Manchester United last month. Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer and had a four-game interim spell in charge following his compatriot’s sacking in October. He left the club in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s appointment but was only out of work for two weeks after being appointed Leicester’s new manager on a deal until 2027. The 48-year-old had a glittering playing career with United and was disappointed his return had to end so soon. “The moment I took over the interim job what I said was I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it,” he said. “So I was disappointed, yeah, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave. “The only job I would take as an assistant was at United because of the bond that I have with the people in the club and the fans. “But in the end I got my head around it because I also understand the new manager. I’m in football long enough, and I’ve managed myself, that you can think of a situation, me being there, I understand. “I spoke to Ruben about it, fair enough to him, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager, and that helped a lot to move on and straightaway get into talks with new possibilities which of course lifted my spirits.” The Dutchman takes on a difficult job at the King Power Stadium as he is tasked with keeping Leicester in the Premier League. He inherits an influential dressing room, which has seen a number of managers come and go over the last few years. Van Nistelrooy revealed he has done his due diligence and also let the players know as well. “It’s the only way you can work. It’s mutual respect. I also mentioned to the players yesterday that I looked at the squad and started to make phone calls about players, because in football everyone knows everyone,” he said. “With two or three phone calls you hear stories about 20 players and for me it was important that you hear there are good characters there. That’s important, that there are good people there. “I look at the players how they play. I obviously don’t know them but I got general information and the individuals that they are a good bunch of people. That was important for me to get in.”