However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.

Germany's Merkel recalls Putin's 'power games' and contrasting US presidents in her memoirs( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SonoritySphere recently announced a new token reward mechanism tailored specifically for content creators, aiming to encourage greater participation in music creation and sharing. With the growing adoption of Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, SonoritySphere is providing a decentralized solution for the music industry, empowering creators, artists, and listeners to collaboratively build a more open and transparent music ecosystem. On the SonoritySphere platform, content creators-including music producers, songwriters, DJs, and remixers-can earn token rewards by publishing music, creating content, and participating in platform activities. The platform uses the token SONORE as an incentive tool. Whenever creators release new works or participate in collaborative projects, they are rewarded with SONORE tokens based on the popularity, shareability, and community engagement of their content. The token reward mechanism is seamlessly integrated with its decentralized platform of SonoritySphere. Through decentralization, creators retain full ownership and control of their works, with all transactions and copyright agreements executed automatically via smart contracts. This ensures a fair and transparent distribution process. Users of the platform not only enjoy the creative process but also earn revenue through their participation in transactions. Beyond creation and sharing, SonoritySphere offers a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters interaction among community members. Through the the social features of the platform, creators and listeners can engage in activities like voting, commenting, and sharing, contributing to the evaluation and dissemination of musical content. The introduction of this token reward mechanism has attracted a growing number of music creators and listeners, forming a vibrant and interactive music ecosystem. Creators can earn tokens not only through their works but also by sharing and promoting them, building long-term relationships with their audience. Meanwhile, listeners can also earn tokens by participating in community activities and promoting content, increasing their engagement with the platform and further driving the spread and sharing of music. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, SonoritySphere plans to further innovate and optimize its token reward mechanism. In the future, the platform will introduce more advanced features, such as AI-powered personalized recommendation systems, music data analytics, and trend prediction tools, enhancing the interaction experience for both creators and users. MENAFN19122024004107003653ID1109014721 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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Degenerative Disc Disease Market Size in the 7MM was ~USD 3,600 Million in 2023, estimated DelveInsight 11-25-2024 10:58 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire DelveInsight's "Degenerative Disc Disease Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2034" report delivers an in-depth understanding of the Degenerative Disc Disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Degenerative Disc Disease market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and the United Kingdom, and Japan. Unlock detailed insights into the Degenerative Disc Disease Market by downloading the comprehensive report from DelveInsight @ Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Market Size [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/degenerative-disc-disease-ddd-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Key Takeaways from the Degenerative Disc Disease Market Report * In October 2024:- Mesoblast Ltd-The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of rexlemestrocel-L+HA compared to control in reducing low back pain at 12 months post-treatment and safety of a single injection of rexlemestrocel-L+HA injected into a lumbar intervertebral disc compared to control through 12 months post-treatment. * In October 2024:- VIVEX Biologics Inc.- The study is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multi-center study in participants with symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (> 6 months) and unresponsive to conservative therapy for at least 3 months. Participants will be randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive either a single VIA Disc NP intradiscal injection at 1 or 2 levels or a sham procedure at 1 or 2 levels. * DelveInsight's epidemiology model estimates that there were approximately 73 million prevalent cases of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) in the 7MM in 2023, with nearly 64 million diagnosed cases. This number is projected to rise throughout the forecast period (2024-2034). * In 2023, the US had the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of DDD, with nearly 13 million cases. This figure is expected to rise by 2034. * Among EU4 and the UK, the UK reported the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of DDD in 2023, with approximately 2.1 million cases. Germany closely followed with nearly 2 million cases, while Italy had the lowest at around 1 million. * In 2023, the age-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of DDD in the 7MM showed notable trends: approximately 2.53 million cases for ages 18-29 years, 3.48 million for 30-39 years, 4.16 million for 40-49 years, and a peak of 5.14 million for 50-59 years. Cases were around 5.07 million in the 60-69 years group, 3.34 million for 70-79 years, and approximately 1.88 million for those aged 80 years and above. * As per DelveInsight's analysis, the US recorded approximately 32 million diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in 2023. This number is expected to rise significantly during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034, driven by factors such as lifestyle changes, increasing obesity rates, and insufficient physical activity. These trends highlight the pressing need for targeted interventions aimed at addressing lifestyle-related issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of CLBP. * The leading Degenerative Disc Disease Companies such as Mesoblast, Ltd., Grunenthal, DiscGenics, Inc., Spine Biopharma, Yuhan Corp, BioRestorative Therapies, AnGes, Inc., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Kuros Biosurgery AG, Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc., Stayble Therapeutics, Citospin, and others. * Promising Degenerative Disc Disease Therapies such as Rexlemestrocel-L (MPC-06-ID), IDCT (Rebonuputemcel), SB-01 (Peniel2000/P2K, YH14618), BRTX-100, AMG0103 (NF-B decoy oligonucleotide) , and others. Gain a competitive edge in the Degenerative Disc Disease Market by exploring our in-depth analysis. Visit our website to access the full report and make informed strategic decisions @ Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Drugs [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/degenerative-disc-disease-ddd-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Degenerative Disc Disease Epidemiology Segmentation in the 7MM * Total Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosed Prevalent Cases * Degenerative Disc Disease Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases * Degenerative Disc Disease Age-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases Degenerative Disc Disease Market Insights Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) primarily impacts the intervertebral discs, which serve as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spine. With time, these discs may deteriorate, resulting in pain, stiffness, and overall discomfort. While DDD is a natural consequence of aging, factors such as genetics, smoking, and repetitive stress can expedite the degenerative process. The main objective in treating DDD is to alleviate symptoms, especially pain, enhance overall function, and halt further degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Although complete reversal of disc degeneration is unlikely, the emphasis is on improving the individual's quality of life by reducing pain, increasing mobility, and maximizing spinal functionality. Treatment strategies typically involve a blend of non-pharmacologic interventions, lifestyle changes, and, in certain cases, surgical options, tailored to the severity and unique characteristics of each patient's condition. Discover key developments and opportunities in the Degenerative Disc Disease Market. Click here to learn more from DelveInsight's latest report @ Degenerative Disc Disease Market Size [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/degenerative-disc-disease-ddd-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Market Landscape The Degenerative Disc Disease treatment market landscape is rapidly evolving, offering a spectrum of options from conservative measures like physical therapy and lifestyle changes to invasive procedures such as spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement. Recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques and regenerative medicine, including intradiscal pharmacologic treatments like Spine BioPharm's SB-01, present promising alternatives that may fill the gap between conservative care and major surgery. However, significant unmet needs remain, especially concerning the long-term effectiveness of current treatments and the high costs associated with surgical interventions. There is an increasing demand for effective non-surgical options that can deliver lasting relief and enhance quality of life without the risks and expenses tied to traditional surgical methods. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction in DDD management. Degenerative Disc Disease Emerging Therapies * SB-01: Spine Biopharma * Rexlemestrocel-L (MPC-06-ID): Mesoblast/Grunenthal * IDCT (rebonuputemcel): DiscGenics Degenerative Disc Disease Market Outlook The primary treatment goal for DDD is to manage symptoms, particularly pain, improve overall function, and prevent further degeneration of the intervertebral discs. While complete reversal of disc degeneration may not be achievable, the focus is on enhancing the individual's quality of life by minimizing pain, improving mobility, and optimizing the overall functionality of the spine. Treatment approaches often involve a combination of non-pharmacologic interventions, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical options, depending on the severity and specific characteristics of the condition in each patient. Download DelveInsight's Degenerative Disc Disease Market report today and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. @ Degenerative Disc Disease Clinical Trials [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/degenerative-disc-disease-ddd-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Scope of the Degenerative Disc Disease Market Report * Coverage- 7MM * Degenerative Disc Disease Companies- Mesoblast, Ltd., Grunenthal, DiscGenics, Inc., Spine Biopharma, Yuhan Corp, BioRestorative Therapies, AnGes, Inc., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Kuros Biosurgery AG, Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc., Stayble Therapeutics, Citospin, and others. * Degenerative Disc Disease Therapies- Rexlemestrocel-L (MPC-06-ID), IDCT (Rebonuputemcel), SB-01 (Peniel2000/P2K, YH14618), BRTX-100, AMG0103 (NF-B decoy oligonucleotide), and others. * Degenerative Disc Disease Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies * Degenerative Disc Disease Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Degenerative Disc Disease Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving Degenerative Disc Disease Market Trends @ Degenerative Disc Disease Market Trends [ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/degenerative-disc-disease-ddd-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=ypr ] Table of Content 1 Key Insights 2 Report Introduction 3 Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Market Overview at a Glance 4 Epidemiology and Market Methodology of DDD 5 Executive Summary of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 6 Key Events 7 Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Background and Overview 8 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9 Patient Journey 10 Emerging Therapies 11 DDD: Market Analysis 12 Key Opinion Leaders' Views 13 SWOT Analysis 14 Unmet Needs 15 Market Access and Reimbursement 16 Appendix 17 DelveInsight Capabilities 18 Disclaimer About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=degenerative-disc-disease-market-size-in-the-7mm-was-usd-3600-million-in-2023-estimated-delveinsight ] Phone: 09650213330 Address:304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website: https://www.delveinsight.com/ This release was published on openPR.

Germany's Merkel recalls Putin's 'power games' and contrasting US presidents in her memoirs BERLIN (AP) — Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalls Vladimir Putin's “power games” over the years, remembers contrasting meetings with Barack Obama and Donald Trump and says she asked herself whether she could have done more to prevent Brexi Geir Moulson, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 3:04 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message File - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pictured with light and shadow at the Meseberg palace near Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File) BERLIN (AP) — Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalls Vladimir Putin's “power games” over the years, remembers contrasting meetings with Barack Obama and Donald Trump and says she asked herself whether she could have done more to prevent Brexit, in her memoirs published Tuesday. Merkel, 70, appears to have no significant doubts about the major decisions of her 16 years as German leader, whose major challenges included the global financial crisis, Europe’s debt crisis, the 2015-16 influx of refugees and the COVID-19 pandemic. True to form, her book — titled “Freedom” — offers a matter-of-fact account of her early life in communist East Germany and her later career in politics, laced with moments of dry wit. Merkel served alongside four U.S. presidents , four French presidents and five British prime ministers. But it is perhaps her dealings with Russian President Putin that have drawn the most scrutiny since she left office in late 2021. Putin's power games Merkel recalls being kept waiting by Putin at the Group of Eight summit she hosted in 2007 — “if there's one thing I can't stand, it's unpunctuality.” And she recounts a visit to the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi that year in which Putin's labrador appeared during a photo opportunity, although Putin knew she was afraid of dogs. Putin appeared to enjoy the situation, she writes, and she didn't bring it up — keeping as she often did to the motto “never explain, never complain.” The previous year, she recounts Putin pointing to wooden houses in Siberia and telling her poor people lived there who “could be easily seduced,” and that similar groups had been encouraged by money from the U.S. government to take part in Ukraine's “Orange Revolution” of 2004 against attempted election fraud. Putin, she says, added: “I will never allow something like that in Russia.” Merkel says she was irritated by Putin's “self-righteousness” in a 2007 speech in Munich in which he turned away from earlier attempts to develop closer ties with the U.S. She said that appearance showed Putin as she knew him, “as someone who was always on guard against being treated badly and ready to give out at any time, including power games with a dog and making other people wait for him.” “One could find this all childish and reprehensible, one could shake one's head over it — but that didn't make Russia disappear from the map,” she writes. As she has before, Merkel defends a much-criticized 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine that she helped broker and her government's decisions to buy large quantities of natural gas from Russia. And she argues it was right to keep up diplomatic and trade ties with Moscow until she left power, Obama and Trump Merkel concluded after first meeting then-Sen. Obama in 2008 that they could work well together. More than eight years later, during his last visit as president in Nov. 2016, she was one of the people with whom she discussed whether to seek a fourth term. Obama, she says, asked questions but held back with an opinion, and that in itself was helpful. He “said that Europe could still use me very well, but I should ultimately follow my feelings,” she writes. There was no such warmth with Trump, who had criticized Merkel and Germany in his 2016 campaign. Merkel says she had to seek an “adequate relationship ... without reacting to all the provocations.” In March 2017, there was an awkward moment when Merkel first visited the Trump White House. Photographers shouted “handshake!” and Merkel quietly asked Trump: “Do you want to have a handshake?” There was no response from Trump, who looked ahead with his hands clasped. Merkel faults her own reaction. “He wanted to create a topic of discussion with his behavior, while I had acted as if I were dealing with an interlocutor behaving normally,” she writes. She adds that Putin apparently “fascinated” Trump and, in the following years, she had the impression that “politicians with autocratic and dictatorial traits” beguiled him. Could Brexit have been avoided? Merkel says she tried to help then-Prime Minister David Cameron in the European Union as he faced pressure from British Euroskeptics, but there were limits to what she could do. And, pointing to Cameron's efforts over the years to assuage opponents of the EU, she says the road to Brexit is a textbook example of what can arise from a miscalculation. After Britons voted to leave the EU in 2016, an outcome she calls a “humiliation” for its other members, she says the question of whether she should have made more concessions to the U.K. “tortured me.” “I came to the conclusion that, in view of the political developments inside the country at the time, there would have been no acceptable possibility for me to prevent Britain's way out of the European Union from outside,” Merkel says. Giving up power Merkel was the first German chancellor to leave power at a time of her choosing. She announced in 2018 that she wouldn't seek a fifth term, and says she “let go at the right point.” She points to three 2019 incidents in which her body shook during public engagements as proof. Merkel says she had herself checked thoroughly and there were no neurological or other findings. An osteopath told her that her body was letting off the tension it had accumulated over years, she adds. “Freedom” runs to more than 700 pages in its original German edition, published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch. The English edition is being released simultaneously by St. Martin's Press. Geir Moulson, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes Nov 25, 2024 3:04 PM Alimentation Couche-Tard earns US$708.8 million in second quarter Nov 25, 2024 3:01 PM 'We need an industry': Crowsnest Pass residents voting on support for new coal mine Nov 25, 2024 2:52 PM Featured Flyer( MENAFN - PR Newswire) HONG KONG, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On 8th November 2024, the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) international submarine cable, initiated and led by China Telecom, officially announced its commencement of operations. As a leading communication infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region, the ADC cable will significantly enhance communication capacity within the region and provide robust support for partners' digital transformation efforts. This milestone not only marks a new height in international telecommunications cooperation but also injects powerful momentum into the digital development of the regional economy. With ADC cable, China Telecom provides over 50 Tb/s of additional capacity for the Asia-Pacific region, employing the industry's most advanced open cable technology. Spanning a total length of 9,988 kilometers, it connects China (Mainland and Hong Kong SAR), Japan, Singapore, and several other countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific, making it the submarine cable system with the highest transmission capacity in Asia. The launch of this project will significantly enhance China Telecom's bandwidth scale and technical strength in the Asia-Pacific region. As the largest investor, China Telecom not only assumes core management responsibilities for the ADC project but also oversees the operations of the Network Operations Center (NOC). B Systems (SBSS) and China Submarine Cable Construction Co., Ltd participated in and successfully completed the engineering construction tasks for the ADC cable, with SBSS laying 7,740 kilometers of cable. The ADC cable not only meets the high-bandwidth transmission needs of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and large models but also enhances the redundancy and stability of networks in the Asia-Pacific region by providing diversified routing options, creating more opportunities for sustainable business development. To date, China Telecom has over 50 international submarine cable resources and 254 overseas PoP nodes and plans to further advance the construction of other submarine cable systems. This will lay the groundwork for the development of future digital technologies such as 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things, supporting the digital upgrade of the global economy and the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road" initiative. SOURCE China Telecom Global MENAFN19122024003732001241ID1109014714 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Dow ends at fresh record as oil prices pull back on ceasefire hopes

Newport News City Council on Tuesday is expected to vote on an ordinance that would prohibit people from possessing, carrying or transporting firearms in buildings owned or used by the city government. The city currently prohibits the open carrying of firearms in city buildings and facilities. Still, it does not prohibit a concealed carry permit holder from bringing a concealed weapon. City code states that “No person shall openly possess, carry or transport any firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or any components or combination ...” and goes onto list various prohibited locations. The proposed ordinance amendment removes “openly” from the text so that it reads, “No person shall possess, carry or transport any firearm ...” In addition to government-owned buildings, the new rules would apply to any recreation or community center facility operated by the city government or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city. In buildings not owned by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city, the new rules would only apply to the part of the building that is being used for a governmental purpose and when such building is being used for a governmental purpose. The council meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, at 2400 Washington Ave. The prohibition won’t apply to authorized law enforcement officers, authorized military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, security guards employed by the city or any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the city in the performance of their lawful duties. It would also not apply to exceptions mandated by state law. The proposed ordinance would allow lawfully possessed firearms and ammunition that are stored out of sight in a locked private motor vehicle lawfully parked on city property or on a public street. Virginia adopted a numerous pieces of gun safety legislation in 2020, when Democrats controlled the House, Senate and executive branch. One of those bills gave localities the ability to ban firearms in government buildings, public community centers, and parks, as well as at permitted events. City spokesperson Kim Bracy wrote in an email response to questions about the proposal that Newport News is “committed to ensuring a safe environment for both the public and our employees.” She said the city is dedicated to its practice of assessing safety vulnerabilities and addressing them within the framework of the law. “The security landscape has evolved, particularly in the government sector, and we are responding proactively,” she said. The Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun rights organization, issued a news release opposing the proposed ordinance, critiquing it as an infringement on gun owners’ right to carry a firearm for self defense. The organization did, however, praise one change made in the proposed ordinance, which crossed out public parks from a list of places prohibiting firearms. The proposed ordinance allows security personnel and law enforcement to deny entry to people violating the new gun rules and direct the violators to leave. Those who fail to leave after being directed may face trespassing charges. 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TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mattr Corp. ("Mattr" or the "Company") MATR confirmed today that it has successfully closed its previously announced private offering (the "Offering") of debt subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.3 million. The Offering proceeds, less the underwriters' fee and expenses, are being held in escrow pending the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, following which, the Subscription Receipts will convert into Notes, as described below. Mattr intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to pay a portion of the purchase price for the Company's previously announced indirect acquisition (the "Acquisition") of all of the issued and outstanding shares of AmerCable Incorporated. Subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, Mattr expects the closing of the Acquisition to occur during the first quarter of 2025. In order to facilitate an orderly settlement of the Offering, the number of Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the Offering has been modified to 125,000,000 (from the previously announced 125,000). Holders of the Subscription Receipts will be entitled to receive, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and without payment of additional consideration or further action, a newly authenticated 7.25% senior unsecured note of the Company due April 2, 2031, in a principal amount of $1,000 (collectively for all Subscription Receipts, the "Notes") per 1,000 Subscription Receipts held. The Notes issued upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts shall be issued as "Additional Notes" pursuant to the trust indenture dated April 2, 2024, between TSX Trust Company and the Company, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, such that, following the issuance thereof, $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior unsecured notes of the Company due April 2, 2031, will be outstanding. The Subscription Receipts were offered through TD Securities and National Bank Financial Markets. The Subscription Receipts were offered for sale in Canada to accredited investors on a private placement basis, in accordance with Canadian securities laws. The Subscription Receipts were not registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and were offered and sold in the United States to qualified institutional buyers only, pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act, and outside of the United States in accordance with Rule 903 of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About Mattr Mattr is a growth-oriented, global materials technology company broadly serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy and electrification. Its two business segments: Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies, enable responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure while lowering risk. For further information, please contact: Meghan MacEachern VP, External Communications & ESG Telephone: 437.341.1848 Email: meghan.maceachern@mattr.com Website: www.mattr.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "may", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "predict", "estimate" or similar terminology are used to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions, estimates and analysis made in the light of the Company's experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that are believed by the Company to be reasonable and relevant in the circumstances. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those predicted, expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Source: Mattr Corp. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Germany will make it a specific criminal offence to facilitate migrant smuggling towards the UK as part of a new co-operation deal. Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, signed the deal with her German counterpart, Nancy Faeser, on Monday evening. Under the plan, Germany will clarify its domestic law to make it a criminal offence to facilitate smuggling migrants to the UK - a move the government says will allow German prosecutors to tackle the supply and storage of dangerous small boats equipment. It will also see the two countries commit to exchanging expertise on how to remove migrant smuggling content from social media platforms. More than 20,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since Labour came to power and more than 70 people have died attempting to cross the Channel so far this year. Politics latest: Starmer invites controversial Saudi crown prince to UK A total of 20,110 people in small boats have now arrived in the UK since the election on 4 July, according to leaked analysis obtained by Sky News and The Guardian last month. On Tuesday the UK will host the next Calais Group meeting along with Germany, bringing together leaders from Belgium, France, The Netherlands, the European Commission and its agencies, Europol and Frontex, to discuss how to tackle the people smuggling trade. Follow our channel and never miss an update Ms Cooper said: "For too long organised criminal gangs have been exploiting vulnerable people, undermining border security in the UK and across Europe while putting thousands of lives at risk. We are clear that this cannot go on. "Germany is already a key partner in our efforts to crack down on migrant smuggling, but there is always more we can do together. Our new joint action plan will deliver a strengthened partnership with Germany, boosting our respective border security as we work to fix the foundations, and ultimately saving lives." Ms Faeser added: "Many of these crimes are planned in Germany. Together, we are now countering this unscrupulous business with even more resolve. This includes maintaining a high investigative pressure, exchanging information between our security authorities as best as possible, and persistently investigating financial flows to identify the criminals operating behind the scenes." The agreement comes as the UK seeks to reset its relationship with Europe following the vote to leave the EU in 2016 and the subsequent years under the Conservatives. Earlier on Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves attended an EU finance ministers' meeting on behalf of the UK for the first time since Brexit. Read more: No decision pending on removing Syrian rebel group from banned list - PM UK to reduce support for Georgia She said negotiations and demands were not made at this point but will begin in the new year. The plan struck with Germany on people smuggling coincides with the downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, where the pair will be involved in the international response to the change of power in Damascus, which has been taken by leading rebel group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS). Already both the UK and Germany have paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims while they assess the situation on the ground.If you rebuild it, they will come. No, it’s not a remake of Field of Dreams , but the Monday announcement by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, and other state and local officials that they have secured $50 million for the reconstruction of Newtonville Station , in Newton. “We’re proud to be delivering a new and modernized Newtonville Station that will make commuter rail service safer and more reliable, enhance accessibility and improve quality of life for our residents,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “This commitment is an important step forward in our goal to improve transportation infrastructure across the state.” The rebuilt Framingham/Worcester Line station will feature a pair of 400-foot long, fully accessible level-boarding platforms and accommodations for riders using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the funding commitment as a “positive game change for Newton’s northside.” “This is a huge leap forward not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility, and climate resiliency. Everyone will now be able to take the train — people with mobility challenges, parents with a stroller, and travelers with a suitcase. The double platforms will allow more frequent service, improving life and access to economic opportunities for people along the entire Worcester-Framingham-Boston corridor,” Fuller said. The station’s current single-track design, “forces trains to switch tracks in Newton, causing delays across the whole corridor and reducing efficiency,” according to MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. In addition, the commuter rail doesn’t have an accessible stop anywhere in Newton, Eng said, despite the fact that riders requiring some accommodation use the line daily. Newtonville Station’s platform can only be reached by stair. “That’s not acceptable,” Eng said. Auchincloss, who is credited with getting $7 million in federal Community Project Funding earmarked for the project, said that improvements to the station will start a “virtuous cycle of better service and increased ridership.” “This upgrade helps commuters, supports affordable housing, and advances the goal of regional rail,” Auchincloss said. According to the Governor’s office, the MBTA is “evaluating multiple contract procurement methods to rebuild Newtonville Station.” A construction schedule has yet to be determined. Herald wire service contributed.

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