Latest news with #Downie
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Montgomery Co., LGBTQ+ leaders discuss potential impact of Trump's suicide hotline proposal
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – The Trump Administration is proposing to eliminate a division of the nation's suicide hotline that specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth. On Wednesday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and leaders in the county's LGBTQ+ community say the changes could be a matter of life and death. 'This presidency has brought a heightened level of fear and uncertainty not only for myself,' Phillip Alexander Downie, CEO of the MoCo Pride Center, said, 'but for many LGBTQIA+ people.' First-ever Capital Cup in DMV celebrates LGBTQ+ sports community Downie grew up in Montgomery County and says he's pleased with the progress the county has made in creating safe spaces for him and others in the LGBTQ+ community to be themselves authentically. 'Having local governments like Montgomery County actively affirm our community makes all of the difference,' he said. But Downie says that progress is now being threatened by the Trump Administration. 'To have a current president and administration who is actively seeking to dismantle protections for anyone who is not a white, cis, straight male, 'he said, 'that is extremely scary.' According to a leaked draft of the federal budget, President Trump has plans to eliminate a service within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline that specifically serves the LGBTQ+ community. Downie says this would be detrimental if passed. 'It's lifesaving,' he said, 'It is absolutely lifesaving having that number available for youth.' Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich agrees. 'We all know that the LGBTQ+ community youth face higher risks of suicide,' Elrich said. 'Cutting off support in the middle of a mental health crisis is cruel and it's dangerous.' Dr. Amena Johnson serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison in the county's Office of Community Partnership. She worries about what may be in store for the LGBTQ+ community over the next three years. 'It is very clear in the wording that this administration is using that they are trying to criminalize parents that support their trans children,' Johnson said, 'but also, anyone who supports transpeople and trans youth.' President Trump's budget is not yet finalized. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The National
30-05-2025
- Business
- The National
What did your MP claim in expenses? See the full Scottish list here
The MPs claimed for a range of expenses – from rent and office costs to travel and royal mail postage – totalling £1,429,649 since July 5 2024, according to an analysis of Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority data. Nearly half of the claims, or £670,919, were for office-related costs, including rent, utilities and equipment. Even more, or £703,285, was claimed for accommodation-related expenses including hotel stays and rent. READ MORE: 'It's just great': Japan ambassador tries Irn-Bru on visit to whisky distillery The MP with the highest total of claims was Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar Graeme Downie. Downie's claims totalled £44,875, the bulk of which went towards rent – a hefty £3350 a month for accommodation. This was on the upper end of MP spend on rent, although Labour MP for Glasgow East John Grady spends the most at £3500. (Image: Roger Harris) Downie (above) also opted for pricier office furniture than most, including £1880 for four desks. The MP who claimed the second most is Labour MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Chris Murray, who expensed £41,704. A large portion of this came from one expense – £15,000 for 'constituency office renovations'. This was the highest single expense logged by all MPs since last July, followed by £10,000 claimed by Labour MP Melanie Ward for a 'policy and office set up consultant' and £8482 claimed by her colleague Lillian Jones for 'internal office reconfiguration/partition works to facilitate functioning working space'. The third largest claimant is Labour MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Elaine Stewart at £40264. This was mostly on rent but also £2534 for 'mobile telephone - equipment purchase'. A full list of the top 10 MP claimants is below. A Scottish Labour Spokesperson said: 'It is right that the rules around MPs' expenses are set and administered independently by the Parliamentary watchdog IPSA. All claims have been made in line with IPSA rules." Some MPs were reimbursed for as little as between 10 and 20p for the printing of banners, including Labour MPs Katrina Murray, Martin Rhodes, Michael Shanks and Kirsteen Sullivan. Labour MP for Livingston Gregor Poynton, meanwhile, expensed 85p for a marker pen. Some miscellaneous claims include SNP MP Seamus Logan claiming £63 for 18 copies of 'Fishing News'. Labour MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley Imogen Walker, meanwhile, paid and claimed £20.98 under 'office costs' from what appears to be a baby clothes store in her constituency called Little Angels. Labour MP John Grady, meanwhile, expensed £134.98 for an office fridge and microwave but then specified in the description: 'I have not claimed for the toastie maker.' While Labour MPs dominate the top of the table, Scottish Tory MPs expensed the most on average at £27529. This was followed by SNP MPs at an average of £26762. Labour MPs expensed £24487, aided by MPs such as Zubir Ahmed who expensed the least of all MPs at £3832. Lib Dem MPs expensed the least on average at £24189. A full list of all of Scotland's 57 MPs and how much they have expensed since last July's General Election can be found below.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
bioAffinity Technologies Appoints Dr. Gordon Downie, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer
SAN ANTONIO, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIAF; BIAFW), a biotechnology company focused on the need for noninvasive, accurate tests for the detection of early-stage cancer, today announced the appointment of Gordon Downie, MD, PhD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Downie brings more than three decades of experience in pulmonary medicine, clinical research, medical innovation, and interventional pulmonology to the role. Dr. Downie has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, many centered on innovation in bronchoscopy, early lung cancer diagnosis and medical device development. He has worked extensively in both academic medicine and private practice, led FDA-approved research programs, and served in national leadership roles with the American College of Chest Physicians in the areas of interventional pulmonology, lung cancer, and medical ethics. "It's a privilege to join bioAffinity at such a pivotal time," Dr. Downie said. "I've seen firsthand in my practice the need for a noninvasive, accurate and real-time diagnostic for lung cancer. I believe CyPath® Lung is particularly useful in managing indeterminate lung nodules by filling a critical gap in clinical decision-making. I'm excited by the opportunity to expand access to this innovative technology that can save lives." In 2007, Dr. Downie left academia and opened a pulmonology practice in rural East Texas, an underserved area with limited access to healthcare. The lack of pulmonary care is exacerbated by an aging population and rising rates of lung disease, including COPD. Most recently, he was the Director of the Lung Nodule Clinic and Interventional Pulmonology at Titus Regional Medical Center. Dr. Downie earned his PhD in experimental pathology from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) and his medical degree from Northwestern University. He completed residency and fellowship training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and subsequently served on the faculty at SUNY Buffalo and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. "Dr. Downie brings a rare blend of clinical excellence, research insight, and innovation in delivery of care," said Maria Zannes, President and CEO of bioAffinity Technologies. "His depth of experience in interventional pulmonology and his passion for early cancer detection make him the ideal leader to guide our clinical strategy as we scale CyPath® Lung and expand our diagnostic platform to additional diseases." Prior to pursuing his career in medicine, Dr. Downie was an Olympic bronze medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal as part of Great Britain's men's 4×200-meter freestyle relay swim team. He also won silver and bronze medals at the 1975 World Aquatics Championships and was a four-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Michigan. "It's that same spirit of commitment and discipline that has made Dr. Downie a world-class physician respected by his peers throughout the country," Ms. Zannes said. "We are delighted to welcome him to bioAffinity." About CyPath® Lung CyPath® Lung uses proprietary advanced flow cytometry and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify cell populations in patient sputum that indicate malignancy. Automated data analysis helps determine if cancer is present or if the patient is cancer-free. CyPath® Lung incorporates a fluorescent porphyrin that is preferentially taken up by cancer and cancer-related cells. Clinical study results demonstrated that CyPath® Lung had 92% sensitivity, 87% specificity and 88% accuracy in detecting lung cancer in patients at high risk for the disease who had small lung nodules less than 20 millimeters. Diagnosing and treating early-stage lung cancer can improve outcomes and increase patient survival. For more information, visit About bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. addresses the need for noninvasive diagnosis of early-stage cancer and other diseases of the lung and broad-spectrum cancer treatments. The Company's first product, CyPath® Lung, is a noninvasive test that has shown high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the detection of early-stage lung cancer. CyPath® Lung is marketed as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) by Precision Pathology Laboratory Services, a subsidiary of bioAffinity Technologies. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding CyPath® Lung's usefulness in managing indeterminate lung nodules by filling a critical gap in clinical decision-making, expanding access to CyPath® Lung technology to save lives, Dr. Downie's contribution to scaling CyPath® Lung, and expanding the Company's diagnostic platform to additional diseases. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company's ability to accelerate the commercial growth of CyPath® Lung, Dr. Downie's ability to help expand access to CyPath® Lung technology and guide the Company's clinical strategy, the Company's ability to advance new diagnostics for additional diseases, and the other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Such forward-looking statements are based on facts and conditions as they exist at the time such statements are made and predictions as to future facts and conditions. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement relating to matters discussed in this press release, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. View source version on Contacts bioAffinity Technologies Julie Anne OvertonDirector of Communicationsjao@ Investor Relations Dave GentryRedChip Companies Inc.1-800-RED-CHIP (733-2447) or 407-491-4498BIAF@
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
bioAffinity Technologies Appoints Dr. Gordon Downie, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIAF; BIAFW), a biotechnology company focused on the need for noninvasive, accurate tests for the detection of early-stage cancer, today announced the appointment of Gordon Downie, MD, PhD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Downie brings more than three decades of experience in pulmonary medicine, clinical research, medical innovation, and interventional pulmonology to the role. 'I've seen firsthand in my practice the need for a noninvasive, accurate and real-time diagnostic for lung cancer. I believe CyPath® Lung is particularly useful in managing indeterminate lung nodules by filling a critical gap in clinical decision-making." Share Dr. Downie has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, many centered on innovation in bronchoscopy, early lung cancer diagnosis and medical device development. He has worked extensively in both academic medicine and private practice, led FDA-approved research programs, and served in national leadership roles with the American College of Chest Physicians in the areas of interventional pulmonology, lung cancer, and medical ethics. 'It's a privilege to join bioAffinity at such a pivotal time,' Dr. Downie said. 'I've seen firsthand in my practice the need for a noninvasive, accurate and real-time diagnostic for lung cancer. I believe CyPath® Lung is particularly useful in managing indeterminate lung nodules by filling a critical gap in clinical decision-making. I'm excited by the opportunity to expand access to this innovative technology that can save lives.' In 2007, Dr. Downie left academia and opened a pulmonology practice in rural East Texas, an underserved area with limited access to healthcare. The lack of pulmonary care is exacerbated by an aging population and rising rates of lung disease, including COPD. Most recently, he was the Director of the Lung Nodule Clinic and Interventional Pulmonology at Titus Regional Medical Center. Dr. Downie earned his PhD in experimental pathology from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) and his medical degree from Northwestern University. He completed residency and fellowship training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and subsequently served on the faculty at SUNY Buffalo and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. 'Dr. Downie brings a rare blend of clinical excellence, research insight, and innovation in delivery of care,' said Maria Zannes, President and CEO of bioAffinity Technologies. 'His depth of experience in interventional pulmonology and his passion for early cancer detection make him the ideal leader to guide our clinical strategy as we scale CyPath® Lung and expand our diagnostic platform to additional diseases.' Prior to pursuing his career in medicine, Dr. Downie was an Olympic bronze medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal as part of Great Britain's men's 4×200-meter freestyle relay swim team. He also won silver and bronze medals at the 1975 World Aquatics Championships and was a four-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Michigan. 'It's that same spirit of commitment and discipline that has made Dr. Downie a world-class physician respected by his peers throughout the country,' Ms. Zannes said. 'We are delighted to welcome him to bioAffinity.' About CyPath® Lung CyPath ® Lung uses proprietary advanced flow cytometry and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify cell populations in patient sputum that indicate malignancy. Automated data analysis helps determine if cancer is present or if the patient is cancer-free. CyPath® Lung incorporates a fluorescent porphyrin that is preferentially taken up by cancer and cancer-related cells. Clinical study results demonstrated that CyPath® Lung had 92% sensitivity, 87% specificity and 88% accuracy in detecting lung cancer in patients at high risk for the disease who had small lung nodules less than 20 millimeters. Diagnosing and treating early-stage lung cancer can improve outcomes and increase patient survival. For more information, visit About bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. addresses the need for noninvasive diagnosis of early-stage cancer and other diseases of the lung and broad-spectrum cancer treatments. The Company's first product, CyPath® Lung, is a noninvasive test that has shown high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the detection of early-stage lung cancer. CyPath® Lung is marketed as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) by Precision Pathology Laboratory Services, a subsidiary of bioAffinity Technologies. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding CyPath® Lung's usefulness in managing indeterminate lung nodules by filling a critical gap in clinical decision-making, expanding access to CyPath® Lung technology to save lives, Dr. Downie's contribution to scaling CyPath® Lung, and expanding the Company's diagnostic platform to additional diseases. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company's ability to accelerate the commercial growth of CyPath® Lung, Dr. Downie's ability to help expand access to CyPath® Lung technology and guide the Company's clinical strategy, the Company's ability to advance new diagnostics for additional diseases, and the other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Such forward-looking statements are based on facts and conditions as they exist at the time such statements are made and predictions as to future facts and conditions. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement relating to matters discussed in this press release, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
The Courier
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Fife Planning Ahead: Restaurant and Starbucks drive-thru, new flats and countryside cafe
Plans for a bar, restaurant and Starbucks drive-through have been lodged for Cupar town centre. Developers believe the planning application could breathe new life into the old Watts of Cupar building, which has lain derelict since 2019. An extension to the rear of the B-listed building, once home to Jordan's nightclub, would be demolished along with an old cattle market. Three new shops and the drive-thru would then be built on the site, while the Watts building would become a two-storey bar and restaurant. A popular Italian restaurant in Dunfermline is extending. Luca's Kitchen, in the Duloch area of the city, has been granted planning permission to add a 62 square metre extension to the side of its building. This will partly cover the existing beer garden and allow Luca's to increase the size of its kitchen by moving the toilets into the new extension. The work will not increase the capacity of the restaurant or impact on car parking. Nine new flats could be in the pipeline for St Andrews town centre, if a planning application is approved. Hamilton-based Root and Branch Developments wants to add a three-storey extension to the side of 4 St Mary's Place. They say the scheme will bring additional homes while improving the existing building's character. The site is at the west end of Market Street, with pedestrian access via a pend opposite St Andrews University Union. The owners of Plunkie Farm, in Star of Markinch, hope to open a cafe and play area in their grounds. They have applied for planning permission for Starscape Cafe, with the repertoire including Sunday roasts and fortnightly street food. Owners, the Downie family, would use home-grown meat and eggs and local fruit and veg. Dunfermline war memorial is in line for a £195,000 upgrade in time for its centenary. Listed building consent has been granted for a deep clean and new lighting. The memorial bears the name of 610 First World War soldiers but is in poor condition. A former garage lock-up site is to be transformed into a polytunnel growing area for Rosyth Men's Shed. Fife Council has also granted planning permission for a workshop, meeting room and toilets for the ground off King's Road and Camdean Crescent. The site is currently overgrown and a haven for fly-tipping. However the polytunnel will allow longer seasonal growing along with school and community activities. Cupar bar, restaurant and drive thru Dunfermline restaurant extension St Andrews town centre flats Star cafe and play area Dunfermline war memorial lighting Rosyth Men's Shed growing area and meeting rooms
