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IN the gloom of a Manhattan dawn, the hooded killer emerged from behind a parked car, raised a handgun and fired into the health executive’s back. CCTV footage showed the murderer sauntering away after slaying dad-of-two Brian Thompson with the glacial cool of a seasoned underworld hitman. 5 Luigi Mangione is restrained by the neck as he’s led into court in Pennsylvania Credit: Getty 5 Hooded killer emerges from behind a parked car, and shoots Brian Thompson in Manhattan Credit: Rex 5 Topless pic of suspect Mangione posted by Jameela Jamil who said he is a ‘star’ Credit: The Mega Agency Yet when cops finally caught up with the man they believe to be the assassin, they instead found a gifted Ivy League student with only a $100 trespass fine against his name. Suspect Luigi Mangione, 26, hails from a dynasty of East Coast grandees who own country clubs and a conservative-leaning radio station. Tanned, with a muscular physique and chiselled good looks which have earned him the nickname “the hot assassin”, Mangione is heir to a fortune in a future that seemed golden. Classmates remember a well-liked and intelligent youngster who played football for the school team and was a decent cross country runner. Freddie Leatherbury, 26, a former classmate at Mangione’s private, all-boys high school in Baltimore, said: “He was very smart, a pretty big math guy, really well read and quite well liked, to be honest. I don’t have any bad memories of him.” Last night New York Sheriff deputies had to grab Mangione by the neck to control him as they lead their suspect into Blair County Courthouse. The tech graduate screamed: “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience.” So what would drive this apparently clean-cut young American immersed in wealth and privilege to allegedly assassinate a man he had apparently never met? Most read in The Sun HOME AWAY FROM HOME Aberdeen perform huge U-turn and SHELVE plans for new £80m stadium RAILLY BAD Mum slams luxury Scots hotel's winter wonderland and £50 'rip off' attraction LONG AWAITED RETURN Legendary US rock band announces Glasgow Hydro show on world tour SHUTTERS DOWN Major outdoor retailer announces closing date of Scottish store Mangione’s social media seems to offer a window into what detectives believe is a murderous mind. A Twitter/X account in his name has a photo above his profile of an X-ray of a spinal fusion, with screws through bones. CEO 'assassin' Luigi Mangione restrained by cops in screaming outburst as he arrives at court after McDonald's arrest ‘Model student’ And Mangione appears to have left an online review of US “Unabomber” terrorist Theodore Kaczynski ’s book, saying: “When communication fails, violence is necessary.” He also took an interest in magic mushrooms. One book he recommended on bookworm site Goodreads was How To Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics. This deeply sinister case began to unfurl on December 2 when Brian Thompson — CEO of medical insurer UnitedHealthcare — travelled from his home in Minnesota to New York for a company conference. Known as BT, Thompson, 50, had risen up the corporate ranks after a childhood in the small Midwest farming town of Jewell, Iowa. The son of a grain elevator operator, he was a gifted high school pupil who topped his class at his home state’s university. Heather Holm, superintendent of the South Hamilton Community School District said: “He was a model student.” His glittering academic record would lead to a career in accountancy before becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare — the largest health insurer in the US. Steve Nelson, a former executive at the firm, said of Thompson: “He was the smartest guy in the room, but somehow not in an annoying way.” Under Brian’s helm, UnitedHealthcare had revenues of around £220billion last year and provided health coverage for more than 50 million in America’s for-profit system. Yet the company has faced criticism over denying policyholders’ claims. Earlier this year, 11 protesters were arrested outside the firm’s Minnesota headquarters protesting over alleged improper insurance denials. On December 4, at 6.45am, Brian strolled towards the Hilton Hotel close to New York’s famous Times Square where he was due to give a talk to investors and analysts. Emerging from the shadows, a masked figure in black raised a 9mm handgun with a silencer and unleashed a fatal volley of shots. The murderer escaped on an ebike via nearby Central Park. Three bullet casings found at the crime scene were engraved with the words “deny” “depose” and “defend”. They echoed the phrase “delay, deny, defend” used to describe allegations levelled at insurers who avoid payouts. Cops scoured CCTV while police dogs , drones and divers searched Central Park and its lake. Detectives were hopeful of retrieving DNA from a water bottle discarded at the murder scene. Police managed to retrieve CCTV images of the suspect — one when he removed his mask while flirting with a receptionist at a Manhattan hostel — and another from inside a cab. We just didn’t even think twice about it. We knew that was our guy Rookie cop Tyler Frye They showed a young man with dark eyebrows and lean, angular face. For all the police’s forensic work, it was a tip off from the public that led them to arrest Mangione after allegedly five days on the run. Rookie cop Tyler Frye — on the beat for six months — was called to a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania by a staff member. Frye said: “We just didn’t even think twice about it. We knew that was our guy.” Officers say they discovered Mangione with fake ID, a gun similar to the one seen in CCTV footage of the killing and a manifesto lambasting the healthcare industry. The 262-word handwritten note condemned firms that “continue to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has allowed them to get away with it.” Mangione’s note added: “To save you a lengthy investigation , I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone. "These parasites had it coming. I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done.” The firearm that Mangione was allegedly carrying was an unlicensed “ghost gun”, possibly produced by a 3D printer. On Monday he was charged with murder. The events this week are a lifetime away from Mangione’s childhood in Maryland. Brought up in a quiet cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Baltimore, his Italian-American family are well-known in the community. Grandfather Nicholas Mangione Sr, the son of Sicilian immigrants, worked in real estate, developing a 1,000-acre golf club. He also owned two hotels, seven nursing homes and two talk radio shows. 5 Dad-of-two Brian Thompson was the CEO of medical insurer UnitedHealthcare Credit: Rex ‘He is no hero’ The suspect’s father Louis, 71, owns a nursing home company and his mother Kathleen, 60, runs a boutique travel business. The suspect has two elder sisters, MariaSanta, 34, a doctor, and Lucia, 32, who is an artist. His cousin Nino Mangione, 37, is a Republican Maryland lawmaker. Thomas J. Maronick Jr, a lawyer and radio host who knows the family, said Luigi Mangione was “just the last person you would suspect.” To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone Luigi Mangione's note He added: “It is just such a well-respected family and such a prominent family in Baltimore County.” Mangione graduated from Baltimore’s prestigious Gilman School with the highest grades of his year. In his 2016 graduation speech, he described his class as “coming up with new ideas and challenging the world around it.” He politely thanked parents in the audience for sending him and his classmates to the school, which he described as “far from a small financial investment.” Tuition fees are around £30,000 a year. A tech geek, Magione went on to the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania to study computer science. After college, he worked for or had internships with several tech companies. In 2022, Magione had set up home in a “co-living” space in Honolulu, Hawaii, called Surfbreak that caters to remote workers. Its founder RJ Martin said: “We look for people who are looking to give back. And he fit the bill .” RJ added that Mangione was suffering from a painful back problem that meant it “wasn’t possible” for him to have sex. Mangione left Hawaii after six months to return to the East Coast, telling RJ he was planning to see his doctor. The alleged assassin would return to Hawaii in summer of 2023. In August of that year, RJ sent Mangione a text asking how he was doing. In reply he sent back pictures of his back surgery. RJ revealed: “It looked heinous, with just giant screws going into his spine.” Asked how he was feeling, Mangione replied: “So, long story.” The pair last communicated in April, after which RJ’s texts remained unanswered. A social media post for Mangione from another friend in October said: “Nobody has heard from you in months.” His family reported him missing in November. A star is born British actress Jameela Jamil Meanwhile, Mangione’s Good Reads had also plugged a book called, Crooked: Outwitting The Back Pain Industry And Getting On The Road To Recovery. Detectives will examine whether the physical and mental anguish wracking the young man led him to kill an innocent father. Astonishingly, some have treated the alleged cold-blooded killer as an anti-capitalist champion. British actress Jameela Jamil , 38, wrote on Instagram beneath images of Mangione, including one of him hiking shirtless: “A star is born.” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro insisted: “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: He is no hero. Read more on the Scottish Sun SCOT MY FIRST RODEO! Popular music festival coming to three Scots cities for first time CHILL OUT Scots to be gripped by grim -10C freeze as weather map reveals temperature plunge “I understand people have real frustration with our healthcare system, and I have worked to address that throughout my career. “But I have no tolerance, nor should anyone, for one man using an illegal ghost gun to murder someone because he thinks his opinion matters most.” 5 December 5, 2024, New York, New York, USA: Authorities released new surveillance photos of the alleged gunman, LUIGI MANGIONE, 26, they believe fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO B. Thompson, 50, on a sidewalk in Midtown. The man is smiling, wearing what appears to be a green jacket, and a black face mask around his neck. The [...] Credit: The Mega Agency Timeline of Brian Thompson's murder BRIAN Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death in Manhattan in an execution-like killing. Here is everything we know about Thompson's murder so far. Monday, December 2 - Thompson travels from his home in Minnesota to New York City for an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan. Wednesday, December 4, 6:45 am - Thompson walks from his hotel across the street to the New York Hilton Midtown and is murdered by a masked shooter. The execution was caught on surveillance, and the suspect was seen biking away toward Central Park. Cops spark a citywide search for the assassin. 11:30 am - Cops released disturbing images of the execution, offered a reward for information, and made a desperate plea for New Yorkers to keep their eyes out. 12:00 pm - Thompson's estranged wife Paulette revealed her husband had been threatened before he was shot. 2:45 pm - Cops released more eerie images of the suspect ordering at Starbucks that partially revealed his face. The U.S. Sun confirmed the coffee shop was just two blocks away from the shooting, but it's unclear when he stopped by. December 5, 6 am - Reports claim the words "deny," "dispose," and "defend" were engraved on live rounds and shell casings left behind by the assassin. These words echo the book Delay, Deny, Defend, which is about the failings of the healthcare industry. The author of the book had no comment on the reports. 8 am - Cops raid a hostel in the Upper West Side of New York City where the suspect is said to have stayed. It's believed he wore a mask for most of the time he was there. 11 am - A person of interest in Thompson's murder is pictured. He's wearing a hood in the photo, but his full face could be seen breaking into a beaming grin. Still, no arrests have been made in the investigation. Afternoon - Law enforcement confirms the suspect arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus on November 24. It's also confirmed that the suspect dropped a burner cell phone near the scene of the shooting. December 6, 3 pm - Police announce they believe the killer has left New York City via interstate bus. They release more surveillance footage that shows him taking a taxi to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. December 9 - Luigi Mangione, 26, is arrested as a "strong person of interest" at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was carrying a three-page manifesto, fake IDs, and a gun similar to the one used in Thompson's murder.
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollomics Inc. (Nasdaq: APLM) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines to address difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced that on December 10, 2024, it received a notification (the “Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) stating that the Company has regained compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Requirement”), and Nasdaq has determined to continue the listing of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares (“Class A Ordinary Shares”) on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “APLM.” On December 10, 2024, Nasdaq confirmed that for the ten consecutive business days from November 25, 2024 to December 9, 2024, the closing bid price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares was at $1.00 per share or greater. Accordingly, the Company has regained compliance with the Nasdaq Bid Price Requirement and the matter is closed. About Apollomics Inc. Apollomics Inc. is an innovative clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of oncology therapies with the potential to be combined with other treatment options to harness the immune system and target specific molecular pathways to inhibit cancer. Apollomics’ lead program is vebreltinib (APL-101), a potent, selective c-Met inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and other advanced tumors with c-Met alterations, which is currently in a Phase 2 multicohort clinical trial in the United States and over 10 other countries. For more information, please visit www.apollomicsinc.com . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding the Company’s strategy, prospects, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Apollomics cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Apollomics. In addition, Apollomics cautions you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including: (i) the impact of any current or new government regulations in the United States and China affecting Apollomics’ operations and the continued listing of Apollomics’ securities; (ii) the inability to achieve successful clinical results or to obtain licensing of third-party intellectual property rights for future discovery and development of Apollomics’ oncology projects; (iii) the failure to commercialize product candidates and achieve market acceptance of such product candidates; (iv) the failure to protect Apollomics’ intellectual property; (v) breaches in data security; (vi) the risk that Apollomics may not be able to develop and maintain effective internal controls; (vii) unfavorable changes to the regulatory environment; and (viii) those risks and uncertainties discussed in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed by Apollomics Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the heading “Risk Factors” and the other documents filed, or to be filed, by the Company with the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in the reports that Apollomics has filed and will file from time to time with the SEC. These SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made by the Company. Apollomics undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Investor Contact: Eric Ribner LifeSci Advisors, LLC (646) 751-4363 eric@lifesciadvisors.comDr. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), has been instrumental in transforming the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Ganai has elevated SKUAST-K into a global leader in agricultural research, education, and innovation, addressing key challenges like sustainability, climate resilience, and farmer empowerment. Dr. Ganai’s expertise in genomics, biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural practices has driven ground breaking research, particularly in livestock genomics , which has led to the development of high-yield, disease-resistant livestock varieties. He has also prioritized climate-smart agriculture , offering practical solutions to mitigate climate change risks and boost agricultural productivity. Since assuming the role of a Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ganai has modernized SKUAST-K’s infrastructure with state-of-the-art research facilities and digital platforms, incorporating AI-powered tools for data analysis. These advancements have positioned the university among the world’s top agricultural institutions. His commitment to industry collaborations has bridged the gap between academia and field applications, leading to the development of new technologies that benefit both farmers and agribusinesses. One of the Dr. Ganai’s major focuses has been farmers empowerment . He has introduced programs to improve the cultivation of high-value crops like saffron, apple, and walnuts, promoted integrated farming systems to diversify farmers’ incomes, and trained farmers in Climate-smart techniques such as precision farming, enhancing sustainability and profitability. Dr. Ganai has also fostered entrepreneurship in agriculture by establishing agribusiness incubation centers at SKUAST-K, providing a platform for start-ups in organic farming, renewable energy, and agri-tech. His efforts have contributed to the growth of innovative solutions and the development of young agri-entrepreneurs. Through his leadership, Dr. Ganai has strengthened SKUAST-K’s global partnerships with organizations like ICAR and international agricultural institutions, enabling collaborative research and access to cutting-edge technologies. His contributions have earned him numerous awards, and he is a sought-after speaker at global forums on sustainable agriculture. Dr. Ganai’s vision for the future includes expanding SKUAST-K’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation, aligning research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , and promoting policy advocacy for sustainable farming. His leadership continues to inspire generations of students, researchers, and farmers, cementing his legacy as a transformative force in agriculture. Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai is a distinguished academic and accomplished administrator serving as the Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Under his visionary leadership, the university has made significant strides in agricultural research, innovation, and development, transforming into a hub for excellence in agriculture and education. His contributions are widely recognized for enhancing sustainable growth in the region’s agriculture sector and positioning SKUAST-K as a leader in the field. His Key Contributions: Advancing Agricultural Research and Innovation: He led research efforts focused on climate-resilient farming and precision agriculture, promoted the use of advanced technologies such as agri-drones, AI, and bioinformatics and focused on the conservation of indigenous genetic resources and climate-resilient crops. Farmer-Centric Programs: Launched programs that benefit farmers, including training on modern agricultural tools and sustainable practices, strengthened extension services to link research and practical field applications. Infrastructure and Academic Growth: Enhanced SKUAST-K’s infrastructure with modern labs, greenhouses, and digital learning facilities and introduced new academic programs and fostered collaborations with National and International institutions. Agri-Business and Entrepreneurship: Established incubation centers to promote agri-entrepreneurship and supported agri-business start-ups and focused on value addition and marketing in the agricultural sector. Empowering Youth and Women: Advocated for inclusive development by empowering youth and women in agriculture by promoting self-help groups, FPO’s, FPC’s and cooperatives for progressive farmers. Leadership in Policy and Advocacy: Played a key role in shaping policies for sustainable agriculture and addressing climate change impacts on Himalayan agriculture by introducing Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) in J & K. Professor Ganai guided SKUAST-K’s active involvement in the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) , which aimed at integrated development of agriculture in the region. He aligned the university’s research and extension services with HADP’s objectives, focusing on climate resilience, capacity building for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and farmer welfare. Conducted extensive training programs and workshops for farmers, stakeholders, and youth to ensure effective adoption of HADP initiatives. Utilized funds to modernize facilities and strengthen SKUAST-K’s research capabilities. Foreign Students and International Collaborations: Under his leadership, SKUAST-K attracted international students and established partnerships with global agricultural universities. He improved academic standards and research opportunities, facilitating joint research projects and securing international funding for agricultural development. Role in NEP 2020 Implementation: SKUAST-K, under Professor Ganai’s visionary leadership, became one of the first universities in India to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at SKUAST-K, promoting a multidisciplinary academic approach, introducing a “Degree by Design” program for customizable education, and emphasizing skill development. He also championed the integration of AI and robotics into the university’s curriculum and research. Introduction of AI and Robotics in Agriculture: SKUAST-K became the first agricultural university in India to integrate AI and robotics in its education and research frameworks. This includes AI applications in precision farming, crop monitoring, and yield optimization, along with autonomous robots for farming tasks such as sowing and harvesting. In conclusion, Dr. Nazir Ahmed Ganai’s visionary leadership has transformed SKUAST-K into a globally recognized hub for agricultural innovation, research, and education. His emphasis on sustainable farming practices, climate resilience, and technological advancements such as AI and robotics has set new benchmarks in the agricultural sector. Through his initiatives, including farmer-centric programs, enhanced infrastructure, and a focus on agri-business entrepreneurship, Dr. Ganai has empowered both local farmers and the academic community. His leadership has not only shaped the future of agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir but also positioned SKUAST-K as a model institution, inspiring future generations of agricultural leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. His efforts to combine academic excellence with practical applications have created a model for other agricultural institutions to emulate. As SKUAST-K continues to thrive under his guidance, Dr. Nazir Ahmed Ganai’s legacy as a reformer and visionary leader will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the agricultural sector.Dec 10 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets. The Reserve Bank of Australia 's interest rate decision takes center stage on Tuesday, while debate intensifies over the likely success - or otherwise - of China's surprise announcement that it plans to implement looser monetary and fiscal policy. The RBA is widely expected to keep its cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, so the focus will be on when Governor Michele Bullock signals the easing cycle might start. Economists polled by Reuters reckon it will be some time in the second quarter, and Aussie money markets are pointing to a quarter point cut on April 1. Sentiment across Asia may be dented by Wall Street's slide on Monday, but investors continue to digest the first shift in China's broad policy stance since 2010. The Politburo's recommendation that a "more proactive" fiscal policy and "moderately loose" monetary policy be followed may not be on the same scale as Mario Draghi's famous "whatever it takes" pledge to save the euro in 2012. But it could still be hugely significant in China's battle to emerge from the property bust, deflation and sub-par growth. China bulls argue that, following the blitz of fiscal and market-supporting liquidity measures earlier this year, Beijing's commitment to get the economy back on track can no longer be questioned. Although it will take time for policies to take effect, the dial has definitely shifted, so investors would do well to get in and buy Chinese equities now. Those of a more cautious persuasion will say actions speak louder than words, and point out that Beijing has promised much in recent years but always under-delivered. Unless Beijing assumes the banking sector's bad loans and bails out the banks, nothing will materially change. Chinese stocks are still considerably higher than they were before the first stimulus and market support measures were announced in September, and billionaire hedge fund manager David Tepper's subsequent "buy everything" call on China. China's economic surprises index has bounced back too. But economists remain skeptical over the 2025 growth outlook and Chinese bond yields are sinking - the 10-year yield is below 2% for the first time on record, and the 30-year yield is below the Japanese equivalent for the first time in around 20 years. Hardly the signs of recovery. In addition, any optimism may be tempered by the latest inflation figures which suggest Beijing's efforts to revive economic activity and demand are having a limited impact so far. Sino-US trade tensions are bubbling up again too. China said on Monday it has launched an investigation into Nvidia Corp over suspected violations of the country's anti-monopoly law. The move is widely seen as a retaliatory shot against Washington's latest curbs on the Chinese chip sector. Here are key developments that could provide more direction to markets on Tuesday: - Australia's interest rate decision - China trade (November) - Taiwan's TSMC monthly sales announcement Sign up here. Reporting by Jamie McGeever; Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Jamie McGeever has been a financial journalist since 1998, reporting from Brazil, Spain, New York, London, and now back in the U.S. again. Focus on economics, central banks, policymakers, and global markets - especially FX and fixed income. Follow me on Twitter: @ReutersJamie
Washington, Dec 9 (AP) President Joe Biden said on Sunday the US government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad's ouster from power in Damascus. “We think we can get him back," Biden told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. "Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. “We've remained committed to returning him to his family,” he said. Tice, who is from Houston and whose work had been published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and other outlets. A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, “Oh, Jesus”. He has not been heard from since. Syria has publicly denied that it was holding him. The United States has no new evidence that Tice is alive, but continues to operate under the assumption he is alive, according to a US official. The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US will continue to work to identify where he is and to try to bring him home. His mother, Debra, said at a news conference Friday in Washington that the family had information from a “significant source”, whom she did not identify, establishing that her son was alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said. The Tice family met this past week with officials at the State Department and the White House. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we're waiting for Austin,” Debra Tice said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media Sunday. “We know that when he comes out, he's going to be fairly dazed and he's going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Keith Reckdahl breathed a sigh of relief this week after an automatic recount, certified last week, confirmed his narrow 10-vote victory for a seat on the Palo Alto City Council. “There’s a lot of relief — it was a long grind, and the county process was lengthy on top of the recount,” Reckdahl said. Reckdahl, a planning and transportation commissioner, initially led fellow commissioner Doria Summa by just 12 votes, 11,539 to 11,527. However, last month’s recount tightened the race even further, leaving Reckdahl with a razor-thin 10-vote lead, 11,561 to 11,551, according to the official count from Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters. The Palo Alto race was , including contests in Fremont, Cupertino, and Newark. In Newark, Julie Del Cantancio . Incumbents Greer Stone, the current mayor, and Pat Burt, along with newcomer George Lu, secured their seats on the council early in the race. With two new members joining the council, Reckdahl emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives. “The council has a few new people, and that’s good,” Reckdahl said. “It’s always valuable to have a variety of voices. You don’t want groupthink, where everyone’s thinking exactly the same.” One of Reckdahl’s top priorities when he takes office in January is to increase the housing supply and “modernize” downtown zoning. “The council is committed to adding more housing, but there are still many details to address,” Reckdahl said. “We must continue pushing aggressively to create more housing in the city. As for retail, we have some vacancies, and we’re working on modernizing downtown zoning to make the area more attractive. These efforts are already underway, but there’s still much to be done.” Palo Alto’s housing plan, officially known as the housing element, was certified in August after being sent back by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. In April, the city revised its plans to include measures for increasing access for minorities and zoning for multi-family construction. To meet its state-mandated housing targets, . “The housing element took a lot of time, which diverted attention from other city matters,” Reckdahl said. California Avenue, one of Palo Alto’s two downtown areas that features parklets, mom-and-pop shops, cafes, and restaurants, as many tech companies and start-ups shifted to remote work. The council has been discussing ways to revitalize the area, but so far, efforts such as new signage, painted planters, bike lanes, and bollards have not been enough to boost foot traffic. “If you go down to California Avenue, it just looks like a cold street,” Reckdahl said. “It doesn’t look like an attractive shopping area, but it has so much potential.” In addition to serving on Palo Alto’s Planning and Transportation Commission, Reckdahl has worked as an aerospace engineer for Lockheed Martin since 2005 and is a graduate of Stanford University.
As the world of AI has evolved at a shockingly quick pace, so has the experience of using these tools improved at a commensurate rate. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.
A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than $2 camouflage print balaclava and a $1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are “Almost sold out.” A flame symbol indicates a $9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency. Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit is always just a click away. By all accounts, we’re living in an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival , supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand. The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season. Software company Salesforce said it expects roughly one in five online purchases in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to be made through four online marketplaces based or founded in Asia: Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop — the e-commerce arm of video-sharing platform TikTok — and AliExpress. Analysts with Salesforce said they are expected to pull in roughly $160 billion in global sales outside of China. Most of the sales will go to Temu and Shein, a privately held company which is thought to lead the worldwide fast fashion market in revenue. Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to buy a $2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad. Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least $75 a month on products from Shein. A $2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer, both costing less than $5, are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn’t need them because she “doesn’t even cook like that.” Plus, she’s allergic to apples. “I won’t eat apples. It will kill me,” Neville said, laughing. “But I still want the coring thing.” Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Shein, now based in Singapore, uses some of the same web design features as Temu’s, such as pop-up coupons and ads, to persuade shoppers to keep clicking, but it appears a bit more restrained in its approach. Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. Searching the company's name on video platforms turns up creators promoting Shein's Black Friday sales event and displaying the dozens of of trendy clothes and accessories they got for comparatively little money. But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they're embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace. Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under $10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about $200 on gifts, significantly less than $500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years. “The visuals just make you want to spend more money,” she said, referring to the clothes on Shein's site. “They're very cheap and everything is just so cute.” Unlike Shein, Temu's appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world’s second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported in September. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s. Temu advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upwards of 70% off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of emails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products. Despite their rise, Temu and Shein have proven particularly ripe for pushback. Last year, a coalition of unnamed brands and organizations launched a campaign to oppose Shein in Washington. U.S. lawmakers also have raised the possibility that Temu is allowing goods made with forced labor to enter the country. More recently, the Biden administration put forward rules that would crack down on a trade rule known as the de minimis exception, which has allowed a lot of cheap products to come into the U.S. duty-free. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to slap high tariffs on goods from China, a move that would likely raise prices across the retail world. Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the U.S. to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China.NoneTrade Policy Means More Than Tariffs
