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kk near me A former police officer says he made the hardest decision of his life not to be by his mum’s side when she died at Dignitas as it would put his career in jeopardy. James Johnson, 34, saw his personal and professional lives collide five years ago when his mother was diagnosed with vasculitis. The incurable condition attacks healthy blood vessels, causing damage to vital organs. James said: “An unsurvivable disease was killing her, with waves of flare-ups getting progressively worse. “Mum knew the demise she was facing. She received excellent palliative care but some of the symptoms from the palliative care medicines were completely intolerable. Some caused a tremor so bad that she couldn’t hold a cup of tea still enough to drink from it. “None of them touched the pain she was in, nor afforded her the dignity and quality of life that she wanted.” James shared his experience at a meeting in Parliament last week where MPs also heard from a panel of top legal experts who are backing the Bill, including former Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill KC and Alex Goodman KC. His voice breaking, he described his mum as “one of life’s angels. A nurse of 40 years’ service to the NHS, she worked long hours, often on night shifts but with an ever-present smile on her face.” James was not shocked when she revealed she planned to travel to Dignitas, but he faced a “moral impasse”. He said: “I wanted to hold her hand and comfort her, lend her my arm to ease the pain of walking. But I had taken other people’s liberty away when they were suspected of breaking the law. “I’ve made more life and death decisions professionally than I can count. I’ve even made ready my firearm in preparation for using lethal force. But this was by far the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to come to.” James was willing to risk his career but his mum did not want that, and in the end, he decided to respect her wishes and remain at home. “She left on her own after a tear-filled goodbye,” he recalled. “She walked down the road towards the train station and just before she was out of sight, she turned around, put her fist in the air, and with an exaggerated skip down the road, she told us all that it all going to be OK and that she was finally on her way to being relieved of her pain. “On the morning she had her assisted death at Dignitas, she texted me to say: ‘I woke up this morning and my first thought was: Great, no more illness. Thank you for everything and I will always be with you.’” The trip cost £12,000 and James' final months with his mum were marred by worry that her plan could be derailed. The former officer and control room manager of 10 years' service told MPs the current law “protects no one” and ignores the fact that up to 650 terminally ill people are estimated to take their own lives every year. Warning of the “cost to inaction”, James added: “This is about control over a dying process that is happening anyway, it is not about suicide. “What you are not changing, you are choosing. In honour of my mum’s incredible fortitude, I urge MPs to consider people like my mum when they think about how they might debate and vote on this Bill.” Changing the law would provide “clarity and process instead of the chaos of the status quo”, James said. “This is about dying people. If you’re lucky enough to not be terminally ill, please put yourselves in the shoes of someone like my mum.”Judy Biers, age 67, passed away December 12, 2024, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Friends may greet the family from 3-6:00 PM Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Brick Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN). Judy was born to parents Donald and Esther (Hielscher) Klassen in Plainview, MN. Donald passed away when Judy was 14 years old. Esther later married Ralph Peterson. Ralph took the whole family under his wing and was a loving father to Judy and the rest of her siblings. She graduated from Plainview High School and after attended Rochester Community College. Judy married her high school sweetheart, Tom Biers March 25, 1977, in Plainview. The two lived in Plainview and Ellendale before settling down in Dodge Center, MN. She worked for C.O. Brown Insurance Agency out of Kasson, MN for over 20 years before finishing her career after 7 years with Safeway Insurance of Dodge Center. In retirement they moved to Owatonna to be closer to the grandchildren. In February of 2022 Judy was diagnosed with cancer and was a true warrior until the end. Judy and Tom loved to be a team. They always played golf together and bowled for many years winning a mixed couples tournament. She enjoyed attending ceramic classes with her mother and eventually acted as caregiver and companion of her mother in her final years. Judy and Tom enjoyed completing home projects. They practically built their house near the golf course in Dodge Center, a task few couples could finish together. The family tradition was to get together for Vikings games. Judy is survived by her husband, of 47 years, Tom; children, Eric (Kjirsten) Biers, Austin, MN, Jenny (Paul) Berge, Owatonna; grandchildren, Bryce, Addie, Peyton, Darby, Abram; siblings, Jean (Bob) LaCroix, Goodyear, AZ, Dan (Lori) Kalssen, Alexandria, MN Tom (Sandy) Klassen, Edina, MN, Peter (Carrie) Klassen, Plainview; step siblings, Jan Cowan, Jim (Theresa) Peterson and Mary Jeakle. She was preceded in death by parents, Donald and Esther; stepfather, Ralph Peterson; brothers, Don, Richard, and Edward. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.megercares.com.

Article content The Brampton Steelheads scored five second-period goals to defeat the Soo Greyhounds 8-5 at the CAA Centre on Sunday afternoon. The Steelheads buried four pucks behind Landon Miller in 4:52 to break open a 1-1 game. Carson Rehkopf and Kieran Witkowski scored twice in that span of time. Rehkopf and Witkowski scored hat-tricks for the home side before the second period was completed. Marco Mignosa cut the lead to 5-2 with a short-handed goal but Witkowski scored his third goal of the period and fifth of the season to restore the four-goal lead after 40 minutes. Mignosa scored two goals for the Greyhounds. Brady Martin, Justin Cloutier and Travis Hayes also scored. The locals allowed 21 goals on the three-game road trip. The last time the team lost three straight was a multi-game skid to open the season. They allowed 17 goals in losses to Windsor, Saginaw and Sudbury. Troy Patton and Luke Misa also found the net for Brampton. The Steelheads are 7-4-0-1 at home. Miller went the distance and stopped 31 of 39 shots. In his last start, Miller was pulled during the second period in the 7-2 loss to the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday night. He allowed five goals on 23 shots. Reid Thomas was called up from the Blind River Beavers in a backup capacity as Charlie Schenkel was a scratch prior to game time. Jack Ivankovic stopped 33 of 38 shots to earn the win. For the first time this season the Hounds didn’t get a powerplay chance The Steelheads went 0-4 with the man advantage. The Hounds will host the North Bay Battalion on Friday night. Puck drop is 7:07. The Hounds opened the scoring 44 seconds into the first period when Mignosa went in alone and dished the puck between the legs of Ivankovic for his eighth goal of the season. Hayes started the play by dishing the puck to Mignosa in the neutral zone, the winger out-muscling Brampton defender Jakub Fibigr before sliding the puck into the back of the net. The Steelheads tied the game at 12:51 when Rehkopf beat Miller to the short side, converting a Porter Martone pass for his 13 th of the season. The play started when Brady Smith lost the puck inside the Steelhead zone. Martone picked up the loose puck and raced through the neutral with Rehkopf on a two-on-one rush. The Steelheads took a 2-1 lead at 7:45 of the second period when Witkowski found the back of the net for his third of the season. Witkowski was unmarked to the right of Miller and redirected a Parker Von Richter pass into the empty net. Brampton increased the lead to 3-1 at 8:08 when Rehkopf beat Miller for his 14 th of the season. Rehkopf was unmarked to the left of Miller before picking up a wayward puck and depositing it into the empty net. The Steelheads extended the advantage to 4-1 at 11:53 when Witkowski got the best of Miller for his fourth goal of the season. Witkowski’s shot from Miller’s left deflected off the stick of Caden Carlisle and into the back of the net. Brampton increased the lead to four goals as Rehkopf scored his third of the game and 15 th of the season at 12:39. Following a Hounds turnover behind the net, Martone took possession of the puck in the slot and passed it over to Rehkopf for the easy tap-in by the right post. Mignosa scored a short-handed goal at 13:42 when he went in alone on Ivankovic and beat the goalie with a backhand to the blocker side. Witkowski scored his third goal of the period at 15:31 with a shot from the slot that beat Miller high to the blocker side for his fifth goal of the campaign. Smith’s break out pass from the boards ended up on the stick of Witkowski in the high slot just seconds before his shot found the top half of the net. Martin (:23), Patton (2:41), Misa (7:36), Cloutier (11:06) and Hayes (18:17) scored in the third period. Noel Nordh, Owen Allard, Andrew Gibson, Keegan Gillan, Charlie Schenkel and Christopher Brown were scratched ... Former Greyhounds head coach Drew Bannister was fired by the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. He was replaced by Jim Montgomery. Montgomery was fired by the Boston Bruins on Nov. 19. Blues GM Doug Armstong says Bannister was replaced because Montgomery became available ... The London Knights have won 14 straight games. Their previous loss was a 5-1 setback to Saginaw on Oct. 18. Share this Story : Quick hitter: Hounds give up five in the second, lose 8-5 to the Brampton Steelheads Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

AP News Summary at 6:42 p.m. ESTHow One Innovation Disrupted Global Cloud Security and Efficiency StandardsTwo-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of qualifying for the Australian Open and will delay the start of her 2025 season. The 33-year-old received wild cards for Australian Open qualifying and the Auckland Classic, which begins on Monday live on Sky Sports Tennis with Britain's Emma Raducanu among the names competing. Halep will not compete for at least a month due to knee and shoulder pain after playing in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. She is planning to begin her season at the Transylvania Open in early February. "After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again," she posted on social media. Trending "After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season. "It's not what I wanted but I would like to thank the tournament organisers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I'm sorry I won't be able to take them this time." Also See: Stream tennis and more on NOW Live tennis on Sky Sports Tennis schedule and latest scores ATP and WTA rankings Halep, who was given a four-year doping ban that was reduced to nine months, last competed on the WTA Tour in October in Hong Kong. She was the runner-up at the Australian Open in 2018 and won major titles at the French Open later that year and at Wimbledon in 2019. Halep is currently ranked 877th in the world, having not played at a Grand Slam since 2022 due to her doping case. Watch the 2025 ATP and WTA Tours, including the US Open, live on Sky Sports. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - No contract, cancel anytime

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Over 4,000 Imran Khan supporters arrested ahead of Islamabad protest

JAPAN is one of the world's largest funders of fossil fuel projects worldwide and is keen on expanding its vast network of energy plants alongside its maze of pipelines that crisscross Asia and the world. From 2020 to 2022, it funded around $6.9 billion on average each year in coal, gas and oil projects around the world. This dwarfs in comparison to the $2.3 billion they invest each year in renewable energy. In particular, Japan is among the world's largest buyers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is also aggressively developing alternative fuels to power its fossil fuel plants, like hydrogen and ammonia. Domestic demand for Japanese gas has been declining in recent years, so therefore the government and utility companies set out to dump their excess gas on other countries. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.DC food workers pledge to make Trump officials unwelcome, echoing confrontations in first term

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team said Thursday that additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team said surgery was not expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend's 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay . The decision on Lamb means the Cowboys will finish the regular season with at least five former Pro Bowlers on injured reserve. Among the others are quarterback Dak Prescott, who was limited to eight games before a season-ending hamstring tear, and right guard Zack Martin. The seven-time All-Pro made it through 10 games before deciding on season-ending ankle surgery. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence didn't playing after Week 4 because of a foot injury, and cornerback Trevon Diggs battled a variety of injuries while playing 11 games before a knee injury ended his season. Lamb initially injured his right shoulder when it hit the turf hard twice in a 27-21 loss at Atlanta on Nov. 3. He kept playing and had at least 100 yards in each of his last two games — both victories — before getting shut down. The 25-year-old Lamb sat out the entire offseason and preseason in a contract dispute after getting career highs in catches (an NFL-best 135), yards receiving (club-record 1,749) and touchdowns (12) in 2023. The holdout finally ended with a $136 million, four-year extension in late August, but neither the Cowboys nor their star receiver could get that production going again this season. Dallas (7-8) is missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Lamb's rookie year. Lamb finishes the season with 101 catches for 1,194 yards and six TDs. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFLThe Chemours Company Announces Completion of Euro denominated Term Loan Repricing

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. In my first article of the year, I presented a personal financial success recipe that revolves around seven essential elements, known as the 7 S’s. These ingredients were meant to guide you toward building wealth, stability, and peace of mind. Now, let’s take stock. How did you do? And how can you make 2025 an even better year for your finances? 1. Solid Income Goal At the start of 2024, you set an income target. Did you hit it? Did you exceed it? Or did it remain a wish rather than a plan? Reflection: If you didn’t reach your goal, was it too ambitious, or did you lack a clear strategy? For 2025: Set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Break your target into quarterly milestones, as well as short-, mid-, and long-term goals, and celebrate every win along the way. 2. Second and Third Income Streams Diversifying income was a major focus this year. Did you create additional revenue streams, or are you still relying on just one? Reflection: If you managed to start a side gig or passive income project, how did it perform? If not, what held you back? For 2025: Explore accessible options like freelance work, digital products, or investing in dividend-paying stocks. Even a small start can grow into a significant income booster. 3. Smart Spending This year, we emphasised the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses. Did you stick to your plan, or did unexpected spending derail you? Reflection: Were there habits or purchases that didn’t serve your financial goals? For 2025: Create a budget that allows for flexibility but prioritises saving and investing. Use the “50-30-20” rule: 50% for needs, 20% for wants, and 30% for savings and investments. 4. Savvy Investments Investing was a key ingredient in growing your wealth this year. Did you make any investments, or were you held back by fear or lack of knowledge? Reflection: If you invested, how did your portfolio perform? Did you diversify? For 2025: Commit to learning more about investments. Start small if you’re hesitant—consider mutual funds, ETFs, or real estate investment trusts. If you’re already investing, assess what worked and adjust for better results. 5. Simple Tracking App Keeping track of your finances is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Did you embrace technology this year? Reflection: If you used an app, did it help you achieve clarity? If not, why didn’t it work for you? For 2025: Find a user-friendly app that aligns with your lifestyle, or even basic spreadsheets can help you track income, expenses, and investments. The goal is to simplify—not complicate—your financial management. Check out the WealthSync app by Smart Stewards. 6. Serious Commitment Financial success requires discipline. How well did you stick to your goals amidst challenges or temptations? Reflection: Were there moments when you lost focus or motivation? What triggered those lapses? For 2025: Develop systems that keep you accountable. For example, automate your savings and set calendar reminders for financial check-ins. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage consistency. 7. Supportive Circle We cannot overstate the power of community. Did you have a strong support system this year—friends, mentors, or accountability partners? Reflection: Did your circle uplift and challenge you to do better? If not, it may be time to reassess. For 2025: Intentionally seek out people who share your financial aspirations. Join communities like Smart Stewards or professional networks that align with your goals. Looking Ahead to 2025 2024 was a chapter filled with lessons, wins, and opportunities for growth. As you prepare for the new year, don’t just focus on what didn’t go well—celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Financial success isn’t achieved in a single year; it’s a journey of continuous improvement. Take these reflections as your guide into 2025, tweak your strategy, and stay committed to building the life you desire. Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2025. Happy New Year in advance!Seongnam City to Participate in CES 2025, Paving the Way as a Global Innovation HubCatholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, criticized Nigerian leadership, describing past and present leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari, as unprepared and accidental He emphasized the need for knowledge-based governance, highlighting that many leaders assumed office without being fully prepared for the evolving demands of leadership Kukah's remarks were made during his keynote address at the official commissioning of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja PAY ATTENTION: Got a Minute? Complete Our Quick Survey About Legit.ng Today! Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, delivered a scathing critique of Nigerian leadership on Sunday, describing President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, and other previous heads of state as leaders who found themselves in power by accident. Kukah made these remarks during his keynote address at the official commissioning of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja . Unprepared Leaders Bishop Kukah emphasized that it was evident none of these leaders were fully prepared before assuming office, especially in a world where the demands of leadership are rapidly evolving. Read also Obasanjo identifies "great monster" still battling Nigeria PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow He lamented that the fundamental element missing in Nigerian leadership is knowledge. "If we are to start from the beginning, you will find that almost every leader who came to power in Nigeria did so as a result of one accident or another," Kukah stated. Historical Context Kukah provided a historical context to his argument, highlighting the accidental nature of leadership transitions in Nigeria . He noted that President Tinubu , who claimed to be prepared for the role, is struggling to get off the ground. "Tinubu took over from Buhari, who had already given up. Buhari succeeded Jonathan, who thought he would retire after being deputy governor but was thrust into power by circumstances. "Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua, who had planned to return to teaching at Ahmadu Bello University after his governorship. Yar’Adua, in turn, succeeded Obasanjo, who was unexpectedly released from prison to become president." Call for Knowledge-Based Governance Read also 2027 presidency: Kwankwaso reacts as ACF dumps Tinubu, declares support for northern politicians Kukah stressed that while the world has changed, the expectations of leadership have not. He expressed concern that democracy appears to be malfunctioning under successive administrations, despite the nation’s embrace of the democratic principle of ‘one man, one vote.’ "The fundamental issue in governance is knowledge. Leaders need a deep understanding of their environment," Kukah asserted. Kukah Reacts to Parties' Refusal to Sign Peace Accord Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto , Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has expressed concern over the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial election. The bishop’s comments come at a critical time as Edo State prepares for one of the most closely watched elections in recent history, with the eyes of both citizens and international observers firmly on the state. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ngAscent Pickleball open for business

Lahore: The Punjab government has reached an agreement with a Chinese company to set up a mobile manufacturing factory. Punjab Industries Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain met the CEO of the Chinese company, in which an agreement was reached between the Punjab Department of Industries and Commerce and the Chinese company. Chaudhry Shafay said that under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a mobile manufacturing plant in Punjab, and all possible facilities will be provided to the company. The provincial minister stated that it is an ideal time and a favorable environment for foreign investment in Punjab, and investors in special economic zones enjoy special incentives. It is pertinent to note that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is also on an official visit to China these days, where she signed agreements with various Chinese companies in IT and solar technology, among other sectors.Google Is Funding a Space Startup -- But I Wouldn't Even Think About Investing In ItChuck Woolery , whose game-show hosting career included tenures at Wheel of Fortune and Love Connection , has died at age 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s friend and podcast cohost, shared the news on X on Saturday. “It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my dear brother @chuckwoolery has just passed away,” Young wrote. “Life will not be the same without him. RIP, brother.” Young told TMZ he was at Woolery’s home in Texas when the former TV host reported not feeling well and went to lie down. When Young checked in later, Woolery was having trouble breathing, and despite a 911 call, Woolery died shortly thereafter. Woolery was born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, to a business owner and a homemaker, according to The Hollywood Reporter . After stints at the University of Kentucky, in the U.S. Navy, and at Morehead State University, Woolery moved to Nashville to start a music career. He and singer Elkin “Bubba” Fowler formed the psychedelic pop duo The Avant-Garde, and their song “Naturally Stoned” peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. A singing performance on The Merv Griffin Show led Woolery to audition for a new game show, originally titled Shopper’s Bazaar , that Merv Griffin was developing at the time. After some tinkering, Wheel of Fortune debuted on NBC on January 6, 1975. Griffin earned a Daytime Emmy for his Wheel work and hosted the show until 1981, when a salary dispute led producers to replace him with Pat Sajak . Woolery moved on with a job hosting the syndicated dating game show Love Connection from 1983 to 1994, pulling in 4.5 million viewers a day at one point. He also emceed the game show Scrabble from 1984 to 1990, and between the two shows, he was earning $1 million a year by 1986, as People reported at the time. Woolery also hosted the game show Greed on Fox from 1999 to 2000 and Lingo on Game Show Network from 2002 to 2007. In recent years, Woolery stoked controversy with his political views, posting a tweet that sparked antisemitism accusations in 2017 and then claiming in 2020 that “everyone [was] lying” about the coronavirus pandemic , as Newsweek reported. He also argued that minorities didn’t need civil rights, according to the Associated Press . Woolery was married four times, and his ex-wives included actor Jo Ann Pflug. He had eight children and stepchildren, per THR . More Headlines:

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team said Thursday that additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team said surgery was not expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend's 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay . The decision on Lamb means the Cowboys will finish the regular season with at least five former Pro Bowlers on injured reserve. Among the others are quarterback Dak Prescott, who was limited to eight games before a season-ending hamstring tear, and right guard Zack Martin. The seven-time All-Pro made it through 10 games before deciding on season-ending ankle surgery. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence didn't playing after Week 4 because of a foot injury, and cornerback Trevon Diggs battled a variety of injuries while playing 11 games before a knee injury ended his season. Lamb initially injured his right shoulder when it hit the turf hard twice in a 27-21 loss at Atlanta on Nov. 3. He kept playing and had at least 100 yards in each of his last two games — both victories — before getting shut down. The 25-year-old Lamb sat out the entire offseason and preseason in a contract dispute after getting career highs in catches (an NFL-best 135), yards receiving (club-record 1,749) and touchdowns (12) in 2023. The holdout finally ended with a $136 million, four-year extension in late August, but neither the Cowboys nor their star receiver could get that production going again this season. Dallas (7-8) is missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Lamb's rookie year. Lamb finishes the season with 101 catches for 1,194 yards and six TDs. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFLVANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- AbCellera (Nasdaq: ABCL) today announced that executives from the Company will present at the following investor conferences: Live audio webcasts of the presentation may be accessed through the link that will be posted on AbCellera's Investor Relations website . Replays of the webcast will be available through the same links following the presentations. About AbCellera Biologics Inc . AbCellera (Nasdaq: ABCL) discovers and develops antibody medicines for indications across therapeutic areas, including cancer, metabolic and endocrine conditions, and autoimmune disorders. AbCellera’s engine integrates technology, data science, infrastructure, and interdisciplinary teams to solve the most challenging antibody discovery problems. AbCellera is focused on advancing an internal pipeline of first-in-class and best-in-class programs and collaborating on innovative drug development programs with partners. For more information, please visit www.abcellera.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121268256/en/ CONTACT: InquiriesMedia: Tiffany Chiu;media@abcellera.com, +1(236)521-6774 Business Development: Murray McCutcheon, Ph.D.;partnering@abcellera.com, +1(604)559-9005 Investor Relations: Peter Ahn;ir@abcellera.com, +1(778)729-9116 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA CALIFORNIA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH ONCOLOGY SOURCE: AbCellera Biologics Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121268256/en

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.”

Elon Musk-run X has achieved a milestone by becoming the number one news app on the App Store in Germany. The achievement was shared by DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) on December 21, 2024. Elon Musk-run X, formerly known as Twitter, has been consistently expanding its features and the achievement highlights the platform's growing influence in delivering news and information to its users worldwide. The development indicates the growing influence of X in the digital news space, where users visit the platform for instant access to information. Elon Musk’s xAI To Soon Introduce ‘Grok Enhance’ Tool To Improve Grammar, Fix Typos for Post Composition. BREAKING: X is now the #1 news app on the AppStore in Germany 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/UOCntXAR4T — DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) December 20, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)Attorney General bats for global environmental bar

‘Simple Sa Aadmi Hai’: Salman Khan Praises Mahesh Babu on ‘Bigg Boss 18’ Weekend Ka Vaar (Watch Video)In a move that could reshape the automotive landscape, Honda and Nissan—Japan's second and third-largest car manufacturers—are reportedly in discussions about a potential merger. This strategic alliance aims to bolster its position in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, where competition from industry giants like Tesla and emerging Chinese manufacturers such as BYD is intensifying. Both Honda and Nissan have faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in adapting to the global shift towards electric mobility. In China, a critical market for both automakers, they've experienced declining sales amid the surge of domestic EV producers. For instance, BYD's affordable models have gained substantial market share, outpacing traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Financial pressures have also mounted. Nissan recently announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs, approximately 6% of its global workforce, and reduce production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Honda, while maintaining a stronger financial position, has not been immune to market challenges, with profits slipping nearly 20% in the first half of the fiscal year due to sluggish sales in China. Makoto Uchida, Nissan president and CEO (left) with Toshihiro Mibe, Honda director, president and representative executive officer (left). For representation only. The proposed merger would likely involve the creation of a holding company encompassing both Honda and Nissan and potentially Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake. This consolidation could result in a formidable automotive group with combined sales of approximately 8 million vehicles annually, positioning it among the world's top automakers. By joining forces, Honda and Nissan aim to achieve several strategic objectives: While the merger presents significant opportunities, it also poses several challenges: The news of potential merger talks has elicited varied reactions in the financial markets. Nissan's shares surged nearly 24% following the reports, reflecting investor optimism about the potential benefits of the merger. In contrast, Honda's shares experienced a slight decline of about 3%, indicating some investor caution regarding the merger's implications. As the automotive industry accelerates towards an electric future, traditional manufacturers like Honda and Nissan are seeking innovative strategies to remain competitive. A merger between these two Japanese giants could create a more resilient entity capable of navigating the challenges of the EV era. However, the success of such a merger would depend on effective integration, strategic alignment, and the ability to innovate in a rapidly changing market landscape. Edited by Rahul BansalBrits have been urged to look out for a highly sought after 50 pence coin that could be worth hundreds of pounds. This piece features a beloved Christmas story character and could fetch around £300 if sold to a collector. According to an expert, known online as the Coin Collecting Wizard, the 2008 50p adorned with the image of the Snowman from the Raymond Briggs book is worth finding. Speaking on social media platform TikTok , he said: “This 50 pence is worth over £300. "This sought after collectible coin is a new addition of a rare Christmas themed design first issued in 2003 inspired by Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman first published in 1978. “The magical tale of a young boy's snowman coming to life was adapted into a short animated film in 1982, which has become a mainstay of British festive TV schedules.” Both the 2003 and 2008 designs were created to mark anniversaries of the book’s publication. He continued: “The 2003 snowman and James coin was the first in a popular series produced in partnership with Popjoy Mint to mark the 25th anniversary of the original storybook. "This 2008 coin struck for the 30th anniversary recreates the 2003 design showing James and his snowy companion ready to take to the air in front of some seasonal fir trees. “The value of this point increased dramatically over the years and easily sells for over £300 today.” At the time this article was first published a copy of this coin was listed on eBay for £1,095.

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