Latest news with #ACTC
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
‘New paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward expands access to life-saving care for children'
Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections—one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kollywood to come up with grand musical tribute to celebrate late lyricist Na. Muthukumar's 50th birth anniversary
The 50th birth anniversary of the late renowned writer and lyricist Na. Muthukumar is set to be commemorated on July 12. To honor his legacy, the Tamil film industry has planned a grand musical event on July 5. This celebration aims to pay tribute to the man whose soulful lyrics have touched the hearts of millions and left an enduring mark on Tamil cinema. Celebrating a literary maestro who transformed Tamil film songs into timeless art In an official statement from the film fraternity, it was revealed that this magnificent musical event will celebrate Na. Muthukumar 's invaluable contributions to Tamil literature and film music. Known for elevating Tamil film songs to the level of literary art, his works continue to inspire and move generations of listeners. The event will be a heartfelt homage to the lyricist whose words offered love, comfort, and hope to many. Music composers, singers, and film personalities to share memories and performances The musical celebration will feature prominent music composers and playback singers who have brought Na. Muthukumar's lyrics to life. It will also include appearances by film personalities and close friends who worked with him, sharing unforgettable memories and touching stories about their time with the legendary poet. This gathering promises to be an emotional and joyous occasion, reflecting the profound impact he had on the industry and his fans alike. Event organized by welfare committee and ACTC to be held at Chennai YMCA grounds Organized by the Na. Muthukumar Welfare Core Committee in association with the ACTC, the event will be held at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai. The organizing committee includes well-known figures such as Fevzi President R.K. Selvamani and R.V. Udhayakumar, among others. Together, they are committed to ensuring that this grand tribute suitably honors the legacy of Na. Muthukumar, whose songs and poetry remain cherished by millions across Tamil Nadu and beyond. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IRS tax refund update: Who's getting their check this week?
As the US tax season enters its final stretch, millions of Americans are closely watching their mailboxes and bank accounts for one reason: tax refunds. For those who filed their federal income tax returns in late April, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is expected to issue a new round of payments this week, as reported by New York Tax Concept. Also read: IRS tax refund schedule: Will your deposit arrive this week? Find out Between May 5 and May 11, many eligible taxpayers could see their refunds land in their accounts—especially those who filed electronically and requested direct deposit, as reported by Marca. Refunds expected this week are largely tied to returns processed around the week of April 14–20. Based on the standard IRS processing timeline, which typically runs up to 21 days for e-filed returns with no errors, individuals in that filing window fall directly within the May 5–11 payout range. *Filed electronically *Selected direct deposit *Submitted returns free of errors or unusual claims are the most likely to receive refunds this week. In many cases, direct deposits begin appearing in bank accounts on Mondays or Tuesdays, with physical checks arriving slightly later for those who opted for mail delivery, as reported by New York Tax Concept. Not all taxpayers will see their refunds arrive within this window. Several factors may result in delays: *Errors or omissions in tax returns (such as incorrect banking details or mismatched personal information) *Paper filings, which typically take 6 to 8 weeks or longer to process *Claims involving credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which require additional verification *Outstanding federal debts, such as unpaid student loans or tax liabilities, which may result in partial or full refund offsets The IRS encourages taxpayers to use the 'Where's My Refund?' tool on its official website or via the IRS2Go mobile app. Updates are provided once the return is received, the refund is approved, and the payment is sent. For the most accurate results, users need their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount, as reported by Marca. For those still awaiting refunds or planning ahead for next year, here are some useful practices: File early: Submitting returns as soon as possible shortens wait times. Double-check entries: Ensuring all personal and financial details are accurate helps avoid red flags during processing. Choose e-filing and direct deposit: These options consistently provide the fastest turnaround for refunds. Also read: CBDT to closely monitor top taxpayers, crack down on bogus deductions The week of May 5 to 11 marks a significant payout period in the 2025 IRS refund calendar, especially for taxpayers who filed in mid-to-late April. While many can expect refunds this week, others may face delays due to various filing or processing issues. Staying informed and using official IRS tracking tools remain the best ways to monitor refund status and avoid unnecessary worry during tax season.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Additional Child Tax Credit, Americans Abroad: IRS Is Watching Closely
Americans living abroad claiming the ACTC face complex tax rules. IRS audits of expat filings ... More claiming the ACTC are on the rise. IRS Is educating its agents about what to look for to catch invalid claims. The Additional Child Tax Credit can provide taxpayers up to $1,700 per qualifying child in 2025 as a refundable credit. The ACTC not only reduces the amount of tax owed but can also result in a refund from the IRS if the credit exceeds the tax liability. Non-refundable credits can only reduce a taxpayer's tax bill to zero. Refundable credits, like the ACTC, can generate a payment if the credit is greater than the amount of tax owed. For U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad, claiming the ACTC is complicated by Internal Revenue Code Section 911, which governs the Foreign Earned Income and Foreign Housing Exclusions. These are significant benefits for overseas taxpayers. The challenge lies in IRC Section 24(d)(3) governing the ACTC which prohibits taxpayers who elect any exclusion under Section 911 for a taxable year from claiming the ACTC. The IRS is intensifying scrutiny of expat filings claiming the ACTC due to frequent errors and overpayments. Recently, the IRS issued an International Practice Unit specifically addressing the ACTC for U.S. persons abroad. The IPU educates IRS agents on identifying improper ACTC claims, including those involving Section 911 exclusions. The ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit for each child under the age of 17. Among other requirements, eligibility requires a U.S. citizen or resident alien child with a valid Social Security Number issued before the filing deadline, with the taxpayer providing at least half the child's financial support. The CTC phases out at higher modified adjusted gross income levels, and the ACTC requires at least $2,500 in earned income not excluded from U.S. taxation. The ACTC equals 15% of earnings that exceed the $2,500 refundability threshold, up to the maximum amount of the refundable credit ($1,700 per child in 2025). Due to the phase out limits, the ACTC won't help taxpayers with high income levels. Nonethless, it can provide a significant financial boost to other taxpayers, especially those with several children. Assuming certain qualification tests are met, IRC Section 911 provides valuable benefits to taxpayers living and working abroad. It allows expats to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign-earned income in 2025. In addition, it permits the exclusion of certain employer-provided housing costs. The law governing the ACTC states that the ACTC 'shall not apply to any taxpayer for any taxable year if such taxpayer elects to exclude any amount from gross income under section 911 for such taxable year.' Thus, because of the prohibition set out in section 24(d)(3), electing either the FEIE or Foreign Housing Exclusion, or both, will completely disqualify the taxpayer from claiming the ACTC. To claim the ACTC, expats must forgo Section 911 exclusions entirely. Many will be able to use the Foreign Tax Credit, instead. The FTC offsets the taxpayer's U.S. tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis with foreign taxes paid. This keeps the foreign earned income taxable and preserves eligibility for the ACTC. The FTC will not be helpful for taxpayers residing in a foreign country that does not impose an income tax or equivalent (e.g., the United Arab Emirates, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Making the choice requires careful planning. Once a taxpayer elects to use the FEIE or foreign housing exclusion, that choice remains effective for all later years unless the taxpayer revokes it. This means the taxpayer must continue to make the same choice each subsequent year or he will be considered to have revoked the Section 911 exclusion election. Switching to the FTC after having made the Section 911 election will be treated as an implied revocation. After a revocation, a taxpayer cannot re-elect use of any Section 911 exclusions for a five- year period without first obtaining IRS approval. The IRS has heightened oversight of expat CTC and ACTC claims due to widespread errors that resulted in many overseas taxpayers receiving improper payments. The recent IRS IPU addressing the CTC and ACTC for U.S. persons abroad outlines what agents should look for including verifying income, whether the claimed credits exceed the limitations, taxpayer residency, whether the taxpayer is a U.S. citizen, proper tax filing status, and child eligibility. The recent release of the IPU serves as a warning that IRS audits of expatriate tax returns claiming CTC and ACTC are likely to increase. IRS audits looking for improper ACTC claims made by taxpayers living overseas will likely be on the ... More rise. In preparation for a possible audit, taxpayers should ensure they have retained necessary tax records. For example, records for at least 3-years regarding income, child support, and foreign tax payments. Given they live and work in a foreign country, such taxpayers most likely have foreign financial accounts. This means they should have records covering 5-years for FBAR-related non-U.S. financial accounts. Increased audit risks are on the horizon; it is best to be well prepared beforehand. In the meantime, taxpayers may wish to consult their tax advisors to make sure of eligibility before claiming the CTC or ACTC. Once confirmed, the overseas taxpayer can file Form 1040 with Schedule 8812 accurately, leveraging the automatic extension to June 15, 2025, for 2024 returns (or October 15 with Form 4868). For Americans living abroad, claiming the ACTC involves navigating a maze of tax rules. Electing any Section 911 exclusion whatsoever prevents access to this valuable credit. Choosing the Foreign Tax Credit instead in order to maintain ACTC eligibility requires careful planning within a complicated global tax landscape. With the IRS' recent release of an International Practice Unit dedicated to educating its agents about the possible invalidity of ACTC claims by U.S. persons living overseas, expats need to proceed very cautiously. The possibility of audits and close regulatory watch means taxpayers must be prepared to demonstrate compliance and should now be reviewing records to make sure all is in order. Get my take on tax matters around the globe. Reach me at vljeker@ Visit my US tax blog It is an invaluable guide in all areas of U.S. international tax. Stay informed of legislative developments, tax reform and all things international tax (including ACTC developments with the IRS). Keep ahead of U.S. tax changes impacting your life, family or business.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Helping those who won't help themselves: Casey's Law advocates for family seeking to require treatment
GRAYSON 'The bottom line is this, people have to be alive to recover.' Charlotte Wethington said this to attendees during a breakout session of Tuesday's Bridges Out of Addiction seminar at ACTC. 'Casey died and an advocate was born, and that is me, I am Casey's mother,' Wethington said. The session taught about the law and how the law works. It is a tool that allows parents, relatives and/or friends to push for treatment for a person with substance use disorder, even those without criminal charges. 'People who have the disease of addiction need and deserve treatment as much as anyone else who has a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease,' Wethington said. 'Addiction is a brain disease, not a crime. 'We are still fighting that word. That is almost as dangerous as the drugs themselves,' Wethington asked. 'Stigma is what keeps people in secret, it is what keeps us from talking about the fact it is a disease and treating it as such.' Wethington was spurred to action after being unable to get treatment for her son and the difference her husband, who had a terminal disease, and her son got. Wethington said she hoped her son would have gotten in trouble with the law, but he never faced any major time. He was arrested with marijuana and paraphernalia, but his charges never got to court. 'He finally got a summons on the day of his funeral,' Wethington said. Her son never had court-ordered treatment — something she fought for — so others have legal recourse to get treatment for their loved ones. With Casey's Law there are three requirements users must meet. They must suffer from substance use disorder, must be a danger to themselves or others, or likely be one in the near future, and they would benefit from treatment. 'It is a hopeful option,' Joan Arlinghaus, advocate, said. 'It is not a guarantee, not a silver bullet. It gets them into treatment and hopefully gets them to realize it is working for them.' Wethington said the rights of those addicted are protected. Once the paperwork is filled out, the law requires two evaluations, one from a doctor and a second from a doctor or therapist. When filling out paperwork, those two evaluations need to be set up, Arlinghaus said. The person is then summoned with the dates and times to those appointments. Arlinghaus said the court summons ensures the user goes to the appointments. 'If you are filling this out on someone you should be willing to help them, get them to appointments. This is a civil case between the petitioner and the respondent,' Arlinghaus said. She said sometimes the respondent chooses not to have contact with the filer. The person has the right to ask for a jury or bench trial. 'They have always had the right to ask for those things, determine proof of probable cause, now it is beyond a reasonable doubt, the respondent is entitled to legal representation,' Arlinghaus said. The paperwork asks what evidence the petitioner has about drug use. 'If necessary, attach additional pages,' Arlinghaus said. 'All the information you have about their drug use, not just 'They are using drugs.' The more information the better.' The petition is provided to the professionals, to provide background information. 'They can't make an evaluation just on the petition, but it gives them things to question them about. Sometimes it encourages them to be much more forthcoming,' she added. The petition can be made against those in treatment, but not in compliance, Arlinghaus explained. 'It is a great opportunity to file, they are not able to do this on their own,' she added. While most of the filings are from parents for their children, Arlinghaus said they are seeing children filling on their parents as well as friends filling on friends. 'You have the right to know if they are in compliance or not,' Arlinghaus said. The paperwork has a clause regarding guarantee of payment. Arlinghaus said that most of the people filled against qualify for low or no cost treatment. 'Usually before you file Casey's Law, the person has nothing left,' Arlinghaus said. 'We have advocates if the county is not supportive,' she added. 'Casey's Law works; if there are offices where people want it to work, it does.' Kentucky is one of two states that has Casey's Law or something similar. Florida has a similar program that is working, Arlinghaus said. 'Ohio has Casey's Law, but it is not working, it is flat out not working,' Arlinghaus said. A similar law was talked about in West Virginia but did not come to fruition. '(It) always comes back to the person's rights,' Arlinghaus said. 'We are trying to give the right to live, to be a parent.' People's rights are protected in Casey's Law, Wethington stressed. 'Families don't just do this on a whim,' Wethington said. 'Nobody who doesn't care about the person is going through the process. While it is not a difficult process, it's a time-consuming one. This is a last resort, gives them hope that maybe this will be the thing that gets their loved one into recovery.' 'We have over 4,000 who have been ordered into treatment because of Casey's Law,' Arlinghaus said. 'There is not a way to follow up on that,' Arlinghaus said when asked about success rate of Casey's Law. She did share of a story where a couple met because of being ordered to treatment by Casey's Law and finding sobriety. 'The family can know even if their loved one doesn't survive, they have exhausted every possible way they have,' Wethington said. 'I still feel guilty. I know I didn't cause it, I know I couldn't cure it,' Wethington said. 'Acceptance is hard.' For more information visit or find them on Facebook.
