Fresh rallies in Georgia after PM said 'won battle' with pro-EU protestersFaruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Humacyte To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Humacyte between May 10, 2024 and October 17, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Humacyte, Inc. (“Humacyte” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: HUMA) and reminds investors of the January 17, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) that the Company's Durham, North Carolina facility failed to comply with good manufacturing practices, including quality assurance and microbial testing; (2) that the FDA's review of the BLA would be delayed while Humacyte remediated these deficiencies; and (3) that, as a result, there was a substantial risk to FDA approval of ATEV for vascular trauma; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On August 9, 2024, after the market closed, Humacyte issued a press release announcing that the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") "will require additional time to complete its review of its Biologic License Application (BLA) for the acellular tissue engineered vessel (ATEV) in the vascular trauma indication." The press release disclosed in part, that, "[d]uring the course of the BLA review, the FDA has conducted inspections of our manufacturing facilities and clinical sites and has actively engaged with us in multiple discussions regarding our BLA filing[.]" On this news, the Company's stock price declined $1.29, or 16.4%, to close at $6.62 per share on August 12, 2024, on unusually heavy volume. On October 17, 2024, during market hours, the FDA released a Form 483 concerning Humacyte's Durham, North Carolina facility, which revealed a number of violations, including "no microbial quality assurance," "no microbial testing," and inadequate "quality oversight." On this news, the Company's stock price declined $0.95, or 16.35%, to close at $4.86 per share on October 17, 2024, on unusually heavy volume. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information Humacyte’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Humacyte class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/HUMA or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/807ffe71-382e-48fd-91d1-846d96405715

VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AVITA Medical, Inc. RCEL AVH ), a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company focused on first-in-class devices for wound care management and skin restoration, today announced that Jim Corbett, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the at the Piper Sandler 36th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast of the fireside chat will be accessible under the Events & Presentations section of the Company's website at https://ir.avitamedical.com . A replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the event. About AVITA Medical, Inc. AVITA Medical® is a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company transforming the standard of care in wound care management and skin restoration with innovative devices. At the forefront of our platform is the RECELL® System, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of thermal burn wounds and full-thickness skin defects, and for repigmentation of stable depigmented vitiligo lesions. RECELL harnesses the regenerative properties of a patient's own skin to create Spray-On SkinTM Cells, delivering a transformative solution at the point-of-care. This breakthrough technology serves as the catalyst for a new treatment paradigm enabling improved clinical outcomes. In the United States, AVITA Medical also holds the exclusive rights to market, sell, and distribute PermeaDerm®, a biosynthetic wound matrix, and CohealyxTM, an AVITA Medical-branded collagen-based dermal matrix. In international markets, the RECELL System is approved to promote skin healing in a wide range of applications including burns, full-thickness skin defects, and vitiligo. The RECELL System is TGA-registered in Australia, has received CE mark approval in Europe, and has PMDA approval in Japan. To learn more, visit www.avitamedical.com . Authorized for release by the Chief Financial Officer of AVITA Medical, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

In keeping with a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition, President Joe Biden recently pardoned a pair of turkeys . During a ceremony at the White House, the birds — named Peach and Blossom — were spared from the dinner table and given a new lease on life. While it was an act of pure political pageantry, it highlights the president’s expansive pardon powers — which could be used liberally during his final two months in office. Historically, presidents have issued numerous pardons during their lame duck periods, including quite a few that have raised eyebrows. Here is what to know about presidential pardons. Article II of the Constitution enables the president to grant clemency for any federal crime, according to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report. This authority is rooted in an old English law that permits monarchs to bestow mercy on criminals. “The president’s power to pardon is astronomical,” Taylor Stoermer, a historian at Johns Hopkins University, told McClatchy News. “The Constitution doesn’t even require an explanation. The only real limits are that it doesn’t apply to state crimes or impeachment cases.” “So the president can grant full pardons, commute sentences, or even offer amnesty, on an individual basis or for an entire class of people,” Stoermer said. Most presidents have issued numerous acts of clemency throughout their terms in office, according to historians. For example, Donald Trump, during his first term, granted 143 pardons and 94 commutations, according to the Pew Research Center. During Barack Obama’s eight years in office, he issued 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations. Among the commutations granted by both men were multiple that concerned low-level drug offenses , such as possession of marijuana. However, these acts of clemency have not typically been distributed evenly throughout a president’s tenure. Since 1945, every president — with the exception of Lyndon Johnson — granted clemency at a higher rate during the last four months of their terms, according to CRS. For example, Obama granted an average of 296 acts of clemency per month during his final four months in office, compared with an average of eight per month before that. Similarly, Trump issued an average of 50 per month during the last four months compared with an average of one per month before that. “Trump certainly kept to that pattern, and I would not be surprised if Biden does as well,” Thomas Balcerski, a presidential historian at Eastern Connecticut State University, told McClatchy News. Additionally, these 11th hour acts of mercy tend to be the most controversial ones. “Most save the big, bold pardons for the end of their terms,” Stoermer said. “And because exactly why you’d think: No voters to answer to.” Throughout history, presidents have issued a fair number of pardons, commutations and acts of amnesty that have received widespread scrutiny. “The most famous, of course, is Gerald Ford’s pardoning of Richard Nixon,” Vernon Burton, an emeritus history professor at Clemson University, told McClatchy News. In September 1974, following the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation, Ford issued a full pardon for any crimes Nixon “committed or may have committed” against the United States. Jimmy Carter also took flak for pardoning “all of the Vietnam War draft dodgers,” Burton said. “That was huge.” This pardon, issued on Carter’s first day in office in 1977, applied to roughly 100,000 military-age men who avoided going to war , according to Politico. “Then there’s George H.W. Bush pardoning key players in Iran-Contra,” Stoermer said. With less than one month until he left office, Bush pardoned six people , including a former secretary of defense, wrapped up in the illegal arms scandal. More recently, Obama reduced the sentence of Oscar Lopez Rivera, a Puerto Rican activist whose political organization was responsible for dozens of robberies and bombings in the U.S. And Trump preemptively pardoned adviser Steven Bannon, who was charged with bilking donors out of money they gave toward the construction of a border wall. “These kinds of moves show how the pardon power can get tangled up in political strategy or personal connections—and that’s what makes it fascinating (or infuriating) to watch,” Stoermer said. Given that Biden’s son Hunter Biden has been convicted of felony offenses , some have wondered whether he will issue a pardon before he leaves office. “Would he pardon Hunter Biden? That’d be quite something,” Balcerski said. “There is some precedent.” On his last day in office, President Bill Clinton issued a pardon for his half-brother Roger Clinton, who had pleaded guilty to a cocaine distribution charge. “That was slightly less impactful because Roger Clinton had already served the time,” Stoermer said. “So that was mostly about clearing his record than dodging accountability.” Joe Biden, though, has said he has no plans to grant clemency to his son. Trump could break with long-standing tradition of issuing controversial pardons at the end of his term, historians said. The president-elect has vowed to pardon some of the people convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot on his first day in office. “I am inclined to pardon many of them ,” he wrote on social media in March, according to ABC News. Throughout the country, about 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the riot, including about 547 who were charged with “assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees.” “It wouldn’t be surprising to see an unprecedented wave of pardons right out of the gate, particularly for January 6 rioters,” Stoermer said. “That would take the use of the pardon power into completely uncharted territory.” “Of course, there is a precedent: Carter’s first-day pardon of draft evaders of the Vietnam era,” Stoermer said. “That applied to hundreds of thousands of people. But that’s not quite the same as a coup.”Dialogue held to advance Chongqing's integration into green and low-carbon development of BRISan Antonio Child Custody Attorney Linda Leeser Explains Joint Custody in Texas

Viewers were frustrated with the twist after Dean McCullough and Danny Jones' trial I'm A Celebrity viewers were fuming after a twist in tonight's episode. Ant and Dec returned to front Friday's edition of TV's toughest entertainment challenge. Danny Jones and Dean McCullough took part in the Bushtucker Trial as they aimed to win stars for the camp. The High Street of Horrors involved saw the two have to find the hidden stars among three shows. However, a twist meant the campmates had to root through creepy crawlies, pigeons and fish guts to find the stars. The two fared well as they were delighted to win eight stars for the camp. However, Ant and Dec revealed there was "not so good news" as they announced a twist for the two campmates. One of Dean or Richard would be joining Reverend Richard Coles and Maura Higgins in the junkyard. The newcomers have had to convinced the original campmates the junkyard is not the haven of luxury it truly is. Dean was horrified to join the junkyard as he thought it would be another night of no food. However, he was thrilled at the twist of fate as Rev Richard and Maura revealed the truth. Viewers on social media platform X were frustrated as Dean has struggled in all of the Bushtucker Trials he has participated in all week. They argued he was the least deserving of all the campmates to enjoy the luxury of the junkyard. Tracey commented: "Raging they picked Dean for the junkyard." Rachel posted: "Turned it off. CBA today with his nonsense." Effie commented: "Danny, Richard & Maura would’ve been such a sick trio we were robbed." Victoria said: "I'm so mad dean doesn't even deserve any of that comfort what so ever." Michael said: "I cant believe danny let dean get all the credit for doing F**K all and now he gets put in the luxury camp." Olly posted: "Dean just falls upwards." Nana said: "I’m actually annoyed Dean got picked. He’s done NOTHING."

Adele says it is time to ‘move on’ after completing her Las Vegas residency

The European Union unveiled a new wave of sanctions on Monday targeting dozens of Russian officials, entities, and vessels linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine . This move broadens the EU 's efforts to choke off support for Moscow's war machine while also penalizing foreign actors aiding Russia's military and trade activities. The sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 entities, encompassing government officials, companies, and a fleet of shadow vessels transporting Russian oil, gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Among those sanctioned are two North Korean defense officials, No Kwang Chol and Kim Yong Bok, accused of bolstering military cooperation with Russia, including deploying thousands of troops and supervising their activities. Russia's shadow fleet, used to circumvent sanctions on energy exports, faced a significant blow with 52 additional ships banned from European ports and services. Other targets include Russian defense firms, chemical plants, and a civil airline aiding logistic support for Russia's armed forces . Why Are Chinese and Other Foreign Entities Involved? For the first time, the EU is directly targeting Chinese nationals and companies, accusing them of providing drone parts and electronic components to Russia. Entities in India, Iran , Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates are also under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating the transfer of sensitive technologies or aiding Russia in bypassing EU restrictions on trade and military equipment. "This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken Russia's war machine and those who are enabling this war, also including Chinese companies," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. "We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic, and military." How Effective Are These Sanctions? Since the start of the war in February 2022, the EU has introduced multiple rounds of sanctions, targeting over 2,300 individuals and entities. Travel bans , asset freezes, and restrictions on trade aim to erode Russia's ability to sustain its military campaign. While the cumulative affect is significant, Russia's reliance on external networks highlights the challenges in enforcing sanctions and closing loopholes. What's Next for the EU's Sanctions Strategy? The sanctions package underscores the EU's commitment to not only target Russian assets, but also pressure external actors complicit in supporting Moscow. By hitting companies and individuals across continents, the EU hopes to curb the flow of resources and technology aiding Russia's war effort. However, the reliance of the sanctions on global networks including China and the UAE signals that enforcement will remain a complex battle. This marks the latest step in the EU's moves to support Ukraine, as sanctions continue to evolve in response to the shifting dynamics of the conflict. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

In this Thanksgiving special episode, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dive into a packed Week 13 slate with plenty of playoff implications. From explosive performances to key matchups, they break down the top games of the week, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ high-flying offense, the Baltimore Ravens’ blue-chip coaching and a Thanksgiving Day showdown between the Chicago Bears & Detroit Lions, plus a potential snow game for the Miami Dolphins in Green Bay. Charles gives his thoughts on the Eagles’ thrilling win over the Los Angeles Rams, pointing out that while Philly’s offense wasn’t overly efficient, their ability to generate explosive plays was the difference. Meanwhile, the Ravens continue to prove their playoff contender status, with the two hosts highlighting Derrick Henry’s second-half dominance in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Thanksgiving games are on the agenda as well, with a look at the Bears facing the Lions. Can Chicago’s offense find consistency after a rare strong outing, or will the Lions’ top-tier defense stifle them? They also break down the Dolphins in the snow against the Green Bay Packers, discussing Miami’s offensive firepower, the cold-weather challenge and how the Packers’ defense could take advantage of the Dolphins’ struggles with the run game. The duo also cover the Chargers taking on the Atlanta Falcons, who are coming off a brutal loss against Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos. Other Week 13 matchups include a deep dive into the Arizona Cardinals vs. the Minnesota Vikings, with Nate highlighting Minnesota’s defense against pulling blockers and Arizona's surprisingly good defense. Meanwhile, Charles and Nate give their take on Eagles vs. Ravens, with the matchup between Lamar Jackson and the Eagles' defense shaping up to be the hoss fight of the week. Finally, the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills are discussed, with Charles hopeful that Brock Purdy will play and lead San Francisco back to form, though both Charles and Nate agree that the Bills’ defensive speed and offensive depth will likely be too much for the 49ers to handle. (3:15) Eagles vs. Rams takeaways (7:20) Ravens vs. Chargers takeaways (11:20) Bears @ Lions preview (21:55) Dolphins @ Packers preview (35:50) Chargers @ Falcons preview (44:50) Cardinals @ Vikings preview (59:45) Eagles @ Ravens preview (1:09:55) 49ers @ Bills previewLondon Drugs will help curb loneliness among older Canadians this year with its annual Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign. In dozens of London Drug stores in Western Canada, including those in Victoria, gift tags for select items will hang from Christmas trees. Kind customers can purchase one of these gifts, which will then be delivered to a lucky senior. The 11-year-old initiative, which began on Nov. 12 and runs until Dec. 8, began in 2015, intends to reduce the loneliness felt by seniors during the holiday season. The retailer has delivered gifts to over 75,000 seniors so far. “Loneliness affects a significant number of seniors across Canada, and we’re committed to working with our customers to bring joy to those without family or friends this holiday season,” Clint Mahlman, the president and chief operating officer of London Drugs, said in a news release. “The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program allows us to collectively make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, especially during what can be a challenging time of year. We encourage customers to join us in rekindling the spirit of giving and ensuring no senior is forgotten this year.” This year, London Drugs has partnered with over 200 care homes in Western Canada to deliver presents to seniors. LDExtras members who donate a gift will receive 1,000 LDExtras points before Dec. 1 and 500 points until the end of the program. More information can be found at londondrugs.com .Police say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. WWE is seeking a bigger stage and Netflix, pushing for more live events, is providing it WWE will perform on a stage next month that could be vastly larger than its current home on cable television when it makes its “Raw” debut on Netflix. The sports entertainment company is moving to a platform with about 283 million subscribers worldwide as it departs its current home on the USA Network, which averaged 688,000 viewers in prime-time last year, according to the Nielsen company. For Netflix, onboarding the WWE is part of strategic move to air more live events on the heels of a hugely successful fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that was viewed by more than 60 million people. Michigan court upholds light sentence for woman who killed dad in dispute over ride DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a light jail sentence for a young woman who killed her father by burning him with a dangerous powder. Prosecutors said Megan Imirowicz was upset when her father couldn’t drive her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday party. Imirowicz was sentenced to only a year in jail in 2023. She actually spent more than a year in custody because she was locked up before trial and while awaiting her punishment in suburban Detroit. Sumo wrestlers bring 1,500 years of tradition to London as the sport has an international moment LONDON (AP) — London’s Royal Albert Hall is preparing to host a different kind of spectacle: Sumo wrestling. Wrestlers put on an exhibition of heavyweight grappling to promote a tournament scheduled for next October. It marks only the second time an elite five-day tournament will be held outside Japan. The first was held in 1991 at the same venue. Organizers are hoping to whip up the kind of excitement that was generated three decades ago, when the deeply ritualistic sport attracted sell-out crowds and a national television audience. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. Jury revisits key videos in NYC subway chokehold death trial NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the New York City chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny. The request came during a second day of deliberations Wednesday. The anonymous jury also asked to rehear part of a city medical examiner’s testimony. The request included testimony about her decision to issue a death certificate without getting toxicology test results for Jordan Neely. He was the agitated subway rider whom Penny held him around the neck for roughly six minutes. Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Prosecutors say he recklessly killed Neely. Penny's defense maintains he was justified in acting to protect fellow subway riders from Neely. Relatives hunt for the missing after Guinea stadium crush amid fears official death toll is too low CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Kambaly Kouroumah was searching a local morgue for his teenage brother, Adama, who died after chaos erupted at a soccer game in southern Guinea’s Nzerekore city. Adama, 15, was among 56 people that officials said were killed in Sunday's crush, although rights groups reported a death toll nearly three times higher. Local media, rights groups and witnesses say security forces used tear gas to respond after fans began to throw stones to protest a referee's decision during the soccer game that was organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, videos showed. Power shortages in Ecuador are melting away the future of a small town’s ice-cream industry SALCEDO, Ecuador (AP) — Ice-cream production in this quiet Ecuadorian town began in the mid-20th century in a convent for Franciscan nuns. The nuns sold their creamy popsicles in town to gather funds for the poor. But the people of Salcedo saw a business opportunity and began experimenting with new flavors and techniques, establishing a thriving popsicle industry that has made their small town famous among ice-cream lovers. But now, the South American nation is struggling with a relentless wave of power cuts that threaten the future of Salcedo’s ice-cream industry, melting away its dreams of a more prosperous future. Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, but its role has declined in recent years. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, Chinese-imported products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status. Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper's lyrics, dies at age 69 Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson’s fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. Nelson brought and settled two defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows. In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” she attempted to set the record straight.

Is Diamondback Energy (FANG) the Best Fuel Stock to Buy Now?US News Live: Get the latest updates and breaking news from the US on elections, politics, crime, trends, weather along with national affairs. Stay up to date with news developments on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. all right here This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff. ...Read More US News Live: Kate Middleton reflects on 'difficult times' at Christmas service; shares handwritten notes with guests

Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia staged a fresh rally Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition, amid a deepening post-electoral crisis. Tbilisi has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement by their foreign ministers Friday. - 'Fighting for our freedom' - Several thousand people blocked the street outside parliament for a ninth consecutive night Friday, some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. The crowd was smaller than on previous nights and the mood quieter, but protesters rejected claims the movement was dying out. "We are fighting for our freedom," said Nana, 18, a medical student, wrapped in an EU flag, accompanied by a friend in a matching Georgian flag. "We are not going to give up." Another protester, 35-year-old academic Alexander Kavtaradze, said: "It's a battle of nerves right now. The illegitimate government is hoping we'll get tired, that fewer people will come out each day. "We will continue our fight until the end." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's Public Broadcaster -- accused of serving as a government propaganda tool -- the education ministry, and the country's tourism administration offices. Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Georgian hotels' federation, told AFP that the "unexpected and unacceptable" suspension of EU accession talks has severely hit the country's tourism industry, which accounts for seven percent of the country's GDP. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday evening, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention. Zviad Tsetskhladze had been arrested during the protests on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Tsetskhladze told the judge: "Democracy in Georgia is no more. The rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." - Expected escalation - Earlier Friday Prime Minister Kobakhidze praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely, and work towards this goal will continue," Kobakhidze said. He repeated an earlier threat to "complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition". With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the ruling party "no longer has the strength or resources to stand against the people." The government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants," he told AFP. The interior ministry said police had detained three more individuals Friday for "participating in group violence", punishable by up to nine years' jail. Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. - 'Torture' allegations - Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Georgia's own rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/jjClass AA state volleyball tournament roundup: Harrisburg rolls into semifinals with sweep of Aberdeen CentralDecember 16, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Michael Hesse, Max Planck Society Institutions form the backbone of human societies. They foster cooperation by rewarding prosocial behavior and punishing selfish actions. However, they face a fundamental paradox: While they are designed to incentivize cooperation, institutions themselves depend on the cooperation of their members to function. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates how institutions emerge and thrive. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, the Institute for Advanced Studies in Toulouse (IAST), and the Institut Jean Nicod at ENS-PSL present a mathematical model showing how institutions can be built through reputation . The study examines two interconnected cooperation problems. In the first dilemma, characterized by high costs or limited monitoring, reputation alone is insufficient to ensure cooperation. In the second dilemma, individuals can collectively act to change the parameters of the first problem. The findings reveal that this nested structure creates a leverage effect: While reputation alone cannot directly solve the first problem, it motivates contributions to the collective action in the second problem. These contributions, in turn, create new incentives for cooperation in the more challenging first dilemma. A historical example from Tokugawa-era Japan illustrates this concept. At the time, village communities faced the challenge of sustainably managing shared forest resources , such as firewood and building materials. This problem reflected the "tragedy of the commons": Individuals were incentivized to use as many resources as possible, risking overexploitation. Monitoring individual forest use was difficult, so villagers developed an institution: the role of the detective. These detectives monitored forest use and imposed penalties on rule-breakers, creating new incentives to follow the rules. The institution itself required monitoring to prevent corruption or abuse of power. Thankfully, however, this secondary challenge was easier to address, as the detectives could be monitored more effectively than individual forest usage. A poor reputation could cost detectives their jobs and social standing. By solving this second, simpler problem, the community successfully tackled the more complex issue of forest management. The study concludes that institutions function as social technologies that harness universal human motives, such as the desire for a good reputation. Just as a pulley amplifies a small force to lift a heavy load, institutions transform weak reputation effects into strong incentives for cooperation. Over time, institutions may have been refined to maximize the social leverage effect, enabling societies to address increasingly complex cooperation challenges. More information: Julien Lie-Panis et al, The social leverage effect: Institutions transform weak reputation effects into strong incentives for cooperation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408802121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by Max Planck Society

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Vanna White's son, Nikko Santo Pietro, is getting a kick out of the fact that he's become a "heartthrob" to "Wheel of Fortune” fans. Just days after Santo Pietro caused a commotion by appearing alongside White in a cooking video , the 30-year-old real estate agent told "Entertainment Tonight" he found the attention "flattering." “Obviously, I’ve had an outpour from her fans just really being kind and saying all kinds of interesting stuff in the comments,” Santo Pietro said during a joint interview with White. Santo Pietro, whose dad is White's ex-husband, George San to Pietro , said navigating the attention was all in a day's work for him. "I always loved being in front of the camera. I work really hard on my social media. That's a big part of what I do. So it feels natural and good," he said. "A lot of it, too, (is) people see me as this heartthrob and they're thirsty for me and all this stuff ... I love it all," he continued. "But at the same time it's really good to remember the meaningful things in life and to just kind of dial it back and doing a lot of charity work, working hard every day." When "ET" wondered if any of White's fans should try shooting their shot with him, Santo Pietro revealed he's been dating singer-songwriter Easae for a year. "She obviously detected the heartthrob thing before America did," he joked. Santo Pietro's remarks come a few days after he appeared in a tight white T-shirt and blue jeans alongside White in a cooking video on their Instagram pages that coincided with "Fabulous Food Week" on "Wheel of Fortune." Many of White's fans appeared to focus more on Santo Pietro's looks than the chicken dish he was preparing. “Vanna where have you been hiding Nikko? He’s GORGEOUS,” wrote one person. One of White's fans worked in a "Wheel of Fortune" joke while reacting to the video, writing, “My next three letters are H-O-T!”

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