Latest news with #Rockville
Wall Street Journal
11-07-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Bloomberg's Antigun Nonprofit Targets a Mom-and-Pop Store
United Gun Shop in Rockville, Md., is a family affair. Jonathan and Christina Bennett own it, and their children help run the business. Mr. Bennett started the shop after retiring from a decorated 20-year police career in nearby Gaithersburg, and he runs a bustling side business teaching gun safety. United Gun Shop has a great reputation in the community and stellar ratings on Google. Its customers are a diverse cross-section of the Washington metropolitan area. Many law-enforcement officers, and at least a few former federal prosecutors like me, have bought guns there. United Gun Shop meticulously complies with federal and state firearms laws, the latter of which are especially convoluted. Federal law requires all handgun buyers to be vetted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the state point of contact for which is the Maryland State Police. Federal law requires a dealer who sells two or more handguns at a time to a single customer to notify both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maryland State Police. Maryland law adds an additional layer of requirements. All handgun buyers must obtain a 'handgun qualification license,' which requires a four-hour course in firearms safety and law and an application to the state police, which has 30 days to complete a background check and approve or disapprove the application.
Washington Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Trump's immigration and aid policies — and what should come next
Regarding the July 5 front-page article 'ICE plans detention blitz with $45 billion infusion': I am waiting to see what the Trump administration does with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's new $45 billion in funding. I hope ICE does not waste this money on just building new facilities that will not be needed long term. Just imagine what the administration could do with that funding. Some initiatives could be designed to improve conditions in detention facilities. Why not use the funds for renovations, expansions or even to build new federal prisons? Why not build facilities that could easily be converted into housing or hospitals when they are no longer needed as detention facilities? That funding could also be used for a work training program to replace deportees who are currently in important roles such as cooks, food servers, cleaners, child care and health care workers and maintenance workers. $45 billion is a lot of money. The administration needs to make sure it's used productively. Barry Korb, Rockville The administration has been clear: If you're here in our country illegally we're going to deport you. So, keep it simple. Either we accept only legal immigration in America or we don't. Either it's a crime to be here illegally or it's not, and either that law applies to everyone or it applies to no one. The administration says they'll consider exempting longtime workers who have broken immigration laws if they continue to benefit us in industries such as farming and hospitality. This practice of using people when they suit you and discarding people when they don't is very disconcerting. The concept of owners of farms and hotels gathering to discuss their concerns regarding losing their staff of undocumented migrant workers is astounding. This illegal hiring practice has become so commonplace the owners forget, or ignore, that they've been breaking the law. The owners of the farms and hotels should be fined or arrested for employing undocumented individuals. President Donald Trump's proposed exemption for workers who have been working for farmers for many years opens up another dilemma. This would likely be accomplished by improving the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, which allow employers to temporarily hire migrant workers but do not offer a direct path to citizenship. Those workers pay taxes but are not eligible to vote. Now, that sounds like a one-way street to me, and one that would mainly benefit just the business owners. Either we should create a path to citizenship for migrants to become full-fledged Americans or we should deport them. Lance C. McCormack, Marco Island, Florida The Trump administration has some troubling priorities. For many months, President Donald Trump has said he wants to dismantle and defund the Federal Emergency Management Agency and leave disaster response to the states. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem recently announced the agency will cover some of the costs of running the new massive detention facility in Florida that Trump's supporters have nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz. The One Big Beautiful Bill is set to pour even more money on immigration, even though only 8 percent of arrested migrants committed violent crimes. About $170 billion will go to immigration enforcement, including more than $46 billion to finish the wall along the southern border, which is more than three times what was allocated during Trump's first term. And $45 billion is allocated for building and maintaining detention facilities, which represents an increase of 265 percent to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's detention budget. Plus, there is a threefold increase of ICE's enforcement and deportation budget, which will now stand at about $30 billion. The floods in Texas should be a reminder of FEMA's importance. If scaling the agency down is a budget issue, why is his administration prioritizing throwing money at immigration? Jerry Hanson, Elkhorn, Wisconsin I need to get this straight: While taxpayers are paying to transform an isolated training airport into an immigration detention camp in the Florida Everglades, and while Mexico has large migrant shelters just over the border from Texas sitting almost empty, the United States deported eight immigrants convicted of crimes (and who had finished or nearly finished their sentences) to South Sudan, a crime and famine-ridden country in the midst of a civil war. And the people who made that decision are Americans who believe in 'justice for all?' Carolyn Clark Miller, Alexandria The June 29 front-page article 'As U.S. cut aid, Sudan's children starved' was emotionally powerful but analytically flawed. The article framed U.S. government aid reductions as a central reason as to why children in Sudan are dying of starvation, and in doing so, misled the public. I spent more than 35 years responding to crises around the world — including 32 years working inside Sudan — and I can say with certainty that the driving force behind Sudan's humanitarian collapse is not budget restructuring in Washington. It is war. Sudan is currently being torn apart by a brutal internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. More than 12 million people have been displaced. And according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, entire regions have tipped into Phase 5, their most catastrophic level of food insecurity. Infrastructure has collapsed, supply routes have been severed and aid workers have been targeted. In these conditions, even the best funded programs fail. The article acknowledged the war, but its overall framing gave disproportionate weight to the idea that the U.S. Agency for International Development's reorganization is what pushed the conditions in Sudan over the edge. Even when USAID's budget approached $43 billion annually, there were starving children in Sudan and elsewhere. We should understand that in 2023, disaster relief and other humanitarian assistance made up only 21.7 percent of all the foreign aid disbursed. That type of funding has saved lives and continues to do so. But even fully funded humanitarian appeals cannot stop a war, or prevent militias from looting clinics, burning towns or blocking relief convoys. The article also omitted a crucial detail about how Sudan got here. The RSF, now a central actor in the conflict, was born from the Janjaweed militias that devastated Darfur in the early 2000s. In 2013, they were rebranded and formalized. And in 2014, the European Union launched the Khartoum Process and the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa the following year, directing hundreds of millions of euros toward migration control and border security to countries such as Sudan. The financial support was a major contributing factor to the RSF's transformation from tribal militia to powerful paramilitary force. That is a key part of Sudan's tragedy — and one the article should have acknowledged. I have personally seen the unfathomable suffering and loss of life in Sudan — it is devastating and heartbreaking. But why are we advocating a humanitarian solution to a political problem? If we provided $50 billion in foreign assistance to Sudan today, it would not relieve the Sudanese people of their suffering. We must pursue permanent solutions, including appointing a special envoy for Sudan, as I recently advocated in front of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee. Concerned nations must push for a real and lasting political solution to Sudan's war. Ken Isaacs, Boone, North Carolina The writer is vice president of programs and government relations at Samaritan's Purse and former director of the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. After reading that the State Department justifies cutting aid to starving children in Sudan on the grounds that feeding them doesn't 'align directly with what is best for the United States,' I realized I've been naive in thinking the United States has learned to reject the worst aspects of nationalism. But I'd like to think that my fellow Americans are better than that. When a neighbor's house is on fire, do we help put out the blaze purely to protect our own property? I would hope something greater drives us — that we care about the value of our fellow humans' lives. What a privilege it is to live in a country that has the resources to save millions of lives around the world. We should remind our citizens that serving others ethically, spiritually and logically more than pays for itself. Marina Koestler Ruben, Washington Post Opinions wants to know: What's the best piece of mail you've ever received? What made it delightful?
The South African
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mzansi Magic marks 15 years with pop-up channel on DSTV
Mzansi Magic, South Africa's storytelling powerhouse, is turning 15, and they're inviting fans to relive the magic with a special celebration. A brand-new Pop-Up Channel on DStv (channel 196) will spotlight legendary shows and unforgettable characters that defined Mzansi's TV history. A CHANNEL DEEPLY ROOTED IN LOCAL STORYTELLING This nostalgic trip down memory lane promises iconic throwbacks, epic drama, and heartfelt moments that have resonated with millions nationwide. For those who remember their first 'Yoh!', this is your chance to reconnect with the moments that shaped local pop culture. Mzansi Magic is honouring the past and reminding us how proudly South African stories are worth celebrating every day. From the start, Mzansi Magic focused on content that boldly authentically reflected our lives, language, and cultural complexities. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience, we are grateful for their commitment, and we want to celebrate with them. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter.' The channel will showcase themed days celebrating boss queens, iconic rivalries, heartfelt drama, and unforgettable moments of pure entertainment. This exciting tribute isn't just about nostalgia; it powerfully honours local television's remarkable journey. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience, and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale and diversity with which we tell them. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites, to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination — our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate.' The Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel launches Saturday, 12 July on DStv, celebrating 15 years of iconic, proudly South African television. Viewers can look forward to shows like iNkaba (2012), Isibaya (2013), Rockville (2013), Date My Family (2017), and Lockdown (2017). Themed viewing days will revisit the key moments and storylines that defined Mzansi Magic's unforgettable legacy. These special broadcasts will celebrate characters and shows that helped make Mzansi Magic a true powerhouse in local entertainment. WHICH SHOWS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WATCH FIRST? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Washington Post
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Doctors told him walking would be a struggle. Just watch him golf.
Ford Martin drew a breath and settled his nerves while surveying the fairway from the No. 1 tee box at Woodmont Country Club Monday morning. With his drive representing the first stroke at this week's U.S. Adaptive Open, cheers erupted from the family and friends following Martin around the property in Rockville, Maryland, minutes from where he grew up playing golf at Congressional Country Club.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ascentage Pharma Appoints Dr. Veet Misra as Chief Financial Officer and Eric Huang as Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Finance
ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascentage Pharma Group International (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) ('Ascentage Pharma' or the 'Company'), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers, announced the appointments of Veet Misra, Ph.D., as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Eric Huang, as Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Development and Finance. Both Dr. Misra and Mr. Huang will report directly to Dajun Yang, M.D., Ph.D., the Company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Yang said, 'I am excited to welcome Veet and Eric to our senior management team. As an innovative biopharmaceutical company dual listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, Ascentage Pharma is entering a phase of notable growth. The addition of these seasoned executives will help accelerate the implementation of our global strategy of becoming a leading, fully integrated global biopharmaceutical company.' Dr. Misra brings a rare combination of deep scientific background in biology and significant experience in U.S. capital markets in the biopharmaceutical sector. 'I am confident that Veet's unique blend of scientific acumen and capital markets expertise can help us garner stronger traction in the global capital markets and strengthen our operations,' added Dr. Yang. Mr. Huang brings rich expertise in the global pharmaceutical industry and a wealth of experience in corporate management. 'This makes Eric a great match for Ascentage Pharma's long-term growth needs. His experience will help drive excellence in Ascentage Pharma's corporate operations as the Company continues to make headway in expanding globally,' said Dr. Yang. Dr. Misra commented, 'I am thrilled to join Ascentage Pharma as its Chief Financial Officer. Ascentage Pharma is a global leader in apoptosis-targeted therapies. Its dual listing in Hong Kong and the U.S. reflects strong recognition of the Company in these two premier markets. I look forward to working with my colleagues to accelerate the global development of the Company's innovative pipeline and create sustained value for patients and shareholders.' Mr. Huang said, 'It is my great honor to join Ascentage Pharma, a company that has established growing global competitiveness in the field of hematologic malignancies. The strategic partnership with Takeda and the dual listing in Hong Kong and the U.S. have created a sound foundation for global expansion. I look forward to working closely with the Company's management team to further improve operations and efficiently integrate the Company's existing resources to accelerate the global development and commercialization of its core assets, ultimately bringing more novel therapeutics to patients in need.' Dr. Misra has more than 20 years of experience in investment banking. Prior to joining Ascentage Pharma, he was a Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking group at Cantor Fitzgerald where he covered the biopharmaceutical sector. Before that, he worked in the life sciences investment banking groups at Houlihan Lokey and RBC Capital Markets. Over the course of his banking career, Dr. Misra advised on deals spanning equity, equity-linked, debt, and debt restructuring, as well as buy-side/sell-side M&A and corporate strategy, primarily focusing on the biotechnology sector. Dr. Misra earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, with a focus on the oncology field, from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Finance & Strategy from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. Mr. Huang has served in various managerial positions at multinational companies for more than 20 years and possesses extensive experience in driving continuous financial performance improvement, business/operational excellence, and global operations. Prior to joining Ascentage Pharma, Mr. Huang served as the Chief Financial Officer for Greater China and Asia-Pacific at Beigene, where he also led Global Technical Operations Finance and Global Commercial Finance, and implemented comprehensive financial planning management and optimized globally-based resource allocation leading to sustained financial improvements. Before that, Mr. Huang was at Novartis, where he served as the head of finance for multiple countries and regions. Mr. Huang received an MBA in Finance from Dowling Business School. About Ascentage Pharma Ascentage Pharma (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers. The company has built a rich pipeline of innovative drug candidates that includes inhibitors targeting key proteins in the apoptotic pathway, such as Bcl-2 and MDM2-p53 and next-generation kinase inhibitors. The lead asset, olverembatinib, is the first novel third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of patients with CML in chronic phase (CML-CP) with T315I mutations, CML in accelerated phase (CML-AP) with T315I mutations, and CML-CP that is resistant or intolerant to first and second-generation TKIs. It is covered by the China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The Company is currently conducting an FDA-cleared, global registrational Phase III trial, or POLARIS-2, of olverembatinib for CML, as well as global registrational Phase III trials for patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL and SDH-deficient GIST patients. The second lead asset, lisaftoclax, is a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. The NDA for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory CLL and SLL was accepted with Priority Review designation by China's National Medical Products Administration. The Company is currently conducting 4 global registrational Phase III trials: the GLORA study of lisaftoclax in combination with BTK inhibitors in patients with CLL/SLL previously treated with BTK inhibitors for more than 12 months with suboptimal response; the GLORA-2 study in patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL; the GLORA-3 study in newly diagnosed, elderly and unfit patients with AML; and the GLORA-4 study in patients with newly diagnosed higher risk MDS. Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships and other relationships with numerous leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Takeda, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, and Innovent, in addition to research and development relationships with leading research institutions, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, including statements that express Ascentage Pharma's opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results of operations or financial condition. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as discussed in Ascentage Pharma's filings with the SEC, including those set forth in the sections titled 'Risk factors' and 'Special note regarding forward-looking statements and industry data' in its Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed with the SEC on January 21, 2025, and the Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 16, 2025, the sections headed 'Forward-looking Statements' and 'Risk Factors' in the prospectus of the Company for its Hong Kong initial public offering dated October 16, 2019, and other filings with the SEC and/or The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited we made or make from time to time that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation do not constitute profit forecast by the Company's management. As a result of these factors, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on Ascentage Pharma's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statements. Ascentage Pharma does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ContactsInvestor Relations:Hogan Wan, Head of IR and StrategyAscentage 512 85557777 Stephanie CarringtonICR (646) 277-1282 Media Relations:Sean LeousICR (646) 866-4012
