Alicia Ojeda and her young daughter sat in the giant Ticket Concourse hall in Union Station with hundreds of others, anxiously awaiting the start of the holiday festivities on Monday night, Nov. 25. The mother and daughter came from South Los Angeles to see Santa switch on the 30-foot Christmas tree, listen to music from Los Rebeldes Romanticos, and sip hot chocolate in the historic train station’s north patio, said Ojeda. Her daughter, however, was wishing for something else. “Cats,” said Anastasia, twice. “Cats.” To which her mother quickly answered: “Oh, she just loves cats.” Well, the night may have disappointed Anastasia, but the crowd seemed to enjoy the 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony put on by Metro Arts and LA Metro. There were no cats, per se, but there were fairies and angels adorned with electric white lights swirling their wings, and golden stars dancing in the moonlit patio — both performed on stilts — who stirred the imagination of tiny tots with eyes all aglow. Two elves in green were dwarfed by a large pot-bellied Santa in a red suit who wondered how the tree would light just by the touch of a wireless button on stage. “I don’t see any cables. Do you think it will work?” he mused, then touched the button and added golden, twinkling lights to the tree, sending oohs from the patient crowd. LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and Whittier City Councilmember and Metro vice chair Fernando Dutra greeted the large crowd and helped with the tree-lighting. After getting a hug from St. Nick, Wiggins thanked him for her greatest gift so far this season. “I’ve been on the good list, Santa, all year long. We now have 1 million people riding Metro every day,” she announced. She was referring to September and October ridership on the vast Metro system surpassing the one million mark for the first time since before the pandemic, with average weekday ridership at 1,025,262 in October, the latest figures available. The standing-only crowd craned their necks to see the band, who revived the Los Angeles Bolero movement with their melodic Latin American ballads and cumbias. In between, they snuck in some Christmas classics singing in English, “Let It Snow,” a wish that, well, wasn’t happening in balmy Los Angeles. Even the clouds had parted outside, chasing away intermittent rain sprinkles. Can Los Angeles properly celebrate the holidays without snow, weather that’s frightful, or chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Just ask Yolanda McClamb, who came from Culver City riding the Metro E Line train to attend her first-ever holiday celebration in Union Station. “There are many events across Los Angeles that have that kind of holiday spirit,” McClamb said. She has attended other shows in the 1939 building, celebrating its 85th year anniversary. Union Station serves Metro’s A, B and D lines and a fleet of Metrolink and Amtrak trains, and a bus plaza, where folks can get across the city and to and from LAX. Many parents and children waited in long lines to greet Santa and have their pictures taken. Just before the event, those exiting the A Line train received free tamales from a vendor, as part of the festival. McClamb mentioned other events she’s experienced at Union Station, including the model train show and a video game extravaganza event in the recent past. But on Monday night, she discovered a new band and Boleros music. And she drew hope and encouragement from the crowd to begin the holiday season. “We just love the spirit, the camaraderie and the amazing music selection,” she said. Dutra expressed a wish of togetherness for the season during this difficult political season for many in Southern California. “I want Angelenos to have a happy, safe Christmas. I want everyone to come together, put politics aside and focus on the reason why we are here for the Christmas season,” he said in an interview after the tree lighting. Los Angeles Conservancy will be conducting 90-minute “Holidays at Union Station” tours on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 starting at 5:30 p.m. The guided tours will take visitors through the historic station at night highlighting the holiday décor. To register for tours go to: Tours & Events – LA Conservancy. Related Articles Related links
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JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. ___ Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Josef Federman, Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue, The Associated PressTrump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France
City needs new weapon in skeeter battle: report
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A judge has overturned a Black man’s conviction in a 2009 double homicide that was investigated by a discredited white Kansas City, Kansas, police detective. The ruling Monday in the case of 34-year-old Cedric Warren came exactly one week after Roger Golubski died in an apparent suicide just before the start of his criminal trial over allegations that he sexually assaulted Black women. Warren is now jailed in Wyandotte County while the prosecutor decides whether to retry him. A spokesman in the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email or phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment. “I’m very thrilled,” Warren’s father, Cedric Toney, said in a phone interview Tuesday. He said before Golubski supervised the investigation that led to his son’s arrest, the former detective stalked his daughter and his son’s mother. The allegation is similar to one raised in the case of Lamonte McIntyre, who served 23 years behind bars for a double homicide before he was freed. McIntyre’s mother has said Golubski pressured her for sexual favors. But Wyandotte County Judge Aaron Roberts based his ruling in Warren’s case on something different. He ruled from the bench that prosecutors failed to turn over information about the severe mental health issues of a key witness in the drug house shooting that killed Charles Ford and Larry Ledoux. RELATED COVERAGE Florida edge rusher Jack Pyburn, second on the team with 60 tackles, entering transfer portal Chiefs keep winning on the final play of their games. Are they good or are they lucky? Chargers offensive frustrations continue in 19-17 loss The witness had schizophrenia, and offered a shifting account of what happened before he became the only person to link Warren to the killing, the defense wrote in court filings. Attorneys for Warren argued that the prosecution should have known about the witness’ mental health struggles because they caused issues years earlier when he was charged with passing bad checks. A mental health exam in that case found the man was incompetent to stand trial and highlighted several psychiatric hospitalizations. Police officers also were aware of the witness’ mental health struggles because they took him to a psychiatric facility after questioning him in the double homicide, the defense said. The defense wrote that the undisclosed evidence “undermined his credibility and ability to competently and reliably recount events.” The family’s claims that Golubski harassed Warren’s mother and sister haven’t been aired in court, said Lindsay Runnels, an attorney for Warren. She said that is largely because a judge was focused on their allegations that evidence was withheld. “As far as Cedric Warren is concerned, out is out,” she said, adding she is confident he will be released and possibly soon. But while Golubski’s role in Warren’s case didn’t play a role in Roberts’ decision, the allegations have led the county prosecutor’s office to undertake a $1.7 million effort to reexamine other cases he worked on during his 35 years on the force. Cheryl Pilate, another attorney representing Warren, is pursuing another claim that a person Golubski investigated is innocent. She stressed that the problems in the community extended beyond one detective and that others also played a role. “This was a one witness case with no corroborating evidence,” she said. “And the witness was someone who was very vulnerable and had very significant mental health issues.”Well, here we are again. We are about to close the books on 2024, and start a new ledger for 2025. Every publication, news show and podcast will have their best-worst moments of the year in sports, politics and movies and we will have retrospectives on lives well-lived. It is also the time of year when we start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. If you didn’t complete your resolutions in 2024, the good news is you get to roll them over. If you did, you have the unenviable task of coming up with new ones. Here are thoughts and strategies I have culled from many years of teaching goal-setting to young hires, developing business plans for seasoned veterans and being an exercise instructor.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elevai Labs Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) (Elevai" or the "Company") announced today it will implement a 1-for-200 reverse stock split (“Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock, which will be effective at midnight on November 27, 2024. This initiative aligns with the Company’s efforts to meet Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share under Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). Key Details of the Reverse Stock Split: - Conversion Ratio: Every 200 shares of issued and outstanding common stock will be automatically consolidated into one share, with no action required from shareholders. - Fractional Shares: Shareholders entitled to fractional shares will receive one full share for each fractional portion. - Updated Stock Identifier: While the trading symbol remains "ELAB", the common stock now carries a new CUSIP number (28622K 203). - Equity Adjustments: Outstanding stock awards, options, and the equity incentive plan have been adjusted proportionally to reflect the new share structure. Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split: The Reverse Stock Split is a critical step in ensuring compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements, allowing Elevai to maintain its presence on the Nasdaq Capital Market. A continued listing enhances the Company’s visibility, strengthens investor confidence, and positions Elevai for future growth. Impact on Shareholders: - No Immediate Action Required: Shareholders holding shares through a broker or in "street name" will see their holdings updated automatically. - Certificate Holders: Shareholders with physical certificates can exchange them, if desired, through VStock Transfer, LLC, which will provide detailed instructions. - Share Value: The Reverse Stock Split does not impact the overall value of shareholder equity; it only reduces the number of shares outstanding while proportionally adjusting the share price. Impact on our Common Stock: - Post Reverse Stock Split there will be approximately 3.07 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding Looking Ahead: “The reverse stock split is a required measure to preserve Elevai’s Nasdaq listing and set the stage for our continued progress in innovation and shareholder value creation,” said Graydon Bensler, Chief Executive Officer of Elevai. “We are optimistic about the future and committed to executing our growth strategy.” For additional information, please refer to Elevai’s full Form 8-K filing available regarding the Reverse Stock Split, filed on November 22, 2024, on the SEC’s website, or contact Elevai directly at IR@elevailabs.com . About Elevai Labs, Inc. Elevai Labs Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) specializes in medical aesthetics and biopharmaceutical drug development, focusing on innovations for skin aesthetics and treatments tied to obesity and metabolic health. The Company operates a diverse portfolio of three wholly owned subsidiaries across the medical aesthetics and biopharmaceutical sectors, Elevai Skincare Inc., Elevai Biosciences Inc., and Elevai Research Inc. For more information please visit www.elevailabs.com . Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “potential,” “would” and “future” or similar expressions such as “look forward” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in Elevai’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov . All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. IR Contact: IR@ElevaiLabs.com
Silvano Fashion Group Consolidated Interim Financial Report for Q3 and 9m of 2024 (unaudited)