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WARMINSTER, Pa. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Havis, a trusted provider of innovative technology mounting and mobility solutions, is proud to announce its presence at the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 Conference & Expo, running from January 12–14, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City . This year, Havis is showcasing cutting-edge end-to-end solutions designed to drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and empower businesses to meet current and emerging challenges in retail, hospitality, warehousing, and logistics. End-to-End Solutions Built for Today's Challenges What to Expect at Booth #5965 Immersive Demonstrations Experience hands-on demonstrations of Havis solutions in real-world applications, illustrating their versatility and impact. Tailored Insights Meet with our expert team for personalized recommendations that address your unique operational challenges. Networking and Collaboration Connect with peers and industry leaders to exchange ideas and explore innovative opportunities. Havis invites NRF 2025 attendees to visit Booth #5965 and experience how its innovative technology solutions transform industries. From retail and hospitality to warehousing and logistics, Havis is redefining efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction. More Info About Havis Havis, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001-certified company that is the leader in providing robust and reliable end-to-end technology mounting and mobility solutions in demanding environments. The Havis legacy dates back over 80 years as a trusted designer and manufacturer of critical equipment that ensures critical technology is accessible, secure and reliable. Havis's engineering and manufacturing teams are committed to consistently researching and developing unique products and solutions for a range of industries worldwide. With headquarters in Warminster, PA , and additional locations in Plymouth, MI , Burnsville, MN , Hilliard, OH and in the UK, Havis currently employs more than 400 team members. For more information on Havis, please call 1.800.524.9900 or visit http://www.havis.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/havis-to-showcase-advanced-end-to-end-solutions-for-retail-hospitality-and-logistics-at-nrf-2025-302336561.html SOURCE Havis, Inc.CARLSBAD, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare, genetic form of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) that can lead to potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis (AP). TRYNGOLZA is the first-ever FDA-approved treatment that significantly and substantially reduces triglyceride levels in adults with FCS and provides clinically meaningful reduction in AP events when used with an appropriate diet (≤20 grams of fat per day). TRYNGOLZA is self-administered via an auto-injector once monthly. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/ionis-pharmaceuticals/9295551-en-tryngolza-olezarsen-fda-approval "Today's FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA heralds the arrival of the first-ever FCS treatment in the U.S. – a transformational moment for patients and their families. For the first time, adults with FCS can now access a treatment that substantially reduces triglycerides and the risk of debilitating and potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis," said Brett P. Monia , Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. "We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the FCS community and are grateful to the patients, families and investigators who participated in our clinical studies, enabling Ionis to make this new treatment a reality. The FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA is also a pivotal moment for Ionis, representing our evolution into a fully integrated commercial-stage biotechnology company – a goal we set out to achieve five years ago. With our rich pipeline of potentially life-changing medicines, we expect TRYNGOLZA to be the first in a steady cadence of innovative medicines we will deliver independently to people living with serious diseases." The FDA approval was based on positive data from the global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 Balance clinical trial in adult patients with genetically identified FCS and fasting triglyceride levels ≥880 mg/dL. In the Balance study, TRYNGOLZA 80 mg demonstrated a statistically significant placebo-adjusted mean reduction in triglyceride levels of 42.5% from baseline to six months (p=0.0084). Reductions from baseline to 12 months were further improved, with TRYNGOLZA achieving a placebo-adjusted 57% mean reduction in triglycerides. TRYNGOLZA also demonstrated a substantial, clinically meaningful reduction in AP events over 12 months; one patient (5%) experienced one episode of AP in the TRYNGOLZA group compared with seven patients (30%) who experienced 11 total episodes of AP in the placebo group. TRYNGOLZA demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and at a >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions (19% and 9%, respectively), decreased platelet count (12% and 4%, respectively) and arthralgia (9% and 0%, respectively). Results from the Phase 3 Balance study were previously published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). "With no treatment options previously available, we were limited to relying only on extremely strict diet and lifestyle changes as the sole preventative treatment option," said Alan Brown , M.D., FNLA, FACC, FAHA, clinical professor of medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science ; Balance trial investigator. "The FDA approval of TRYNGOLZA is an important moment for people living with FCS, their families and physicians who now, for the first time, have a treatment that significantly lowers triglycerides and decreases the risk of potentially life-threatening acute pancreatitis events, as an adjunct to a low-fat diet. I am excited to have a medicine I can prescribe to my patients that has been shown to change the course of their disease." FCS is a rare, genetic, potentially life-threatening form of sHTG that prevents the body from breaking down fats and severely impairs the body's ability to remove triglycerides from the bloodstream due to an impaired function of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). While healthy levels for adults are below 150 mg/dL, people with FCS often have triglyceride levels of more than 880 mg/dL and often have a history of pancreatitis. Those living with FCS have a high risk of potentially fatal AP, which is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, and chronic health issues such as fatigue and severe, recurrent abdominal pain. People living with FCS can also experience psychological and financial stress, which can significantly impact their quality of life. In the U.S., FCS is estimated to impact up to approximately 3,000 people, the vast majority of whom remain undiagnosed. "As a rare and difficult to diagnose disease, FCS has a profound impact on the lives of patients and families. Many people living with FCS have experienced severe pain their whole lives – sometimes so intense they require lengthy hospitalization stays – and struggle through life with daily fatigue, nausea, brain fog and stomach pain," said Lindsey Sutton Bryan , co-founder and co-president, FCS Foundation. "Until now, our treatment options have been limited, relying on diet alone to try to manage triglyceride levels and keep acute pancreatitis attacks at bay. For the first time, adults with FCS have seen their hope for a treatment become a reality." TRYNGOLZA will be available in the U.S. before year end. Ionis is committed to helping people access the medicines they are prescribed and will offer a suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of the FCS community through Ionis Every StepTM. As part of Ionis Every Step , patients and healthcare providers will have access to services throughout the treatment journey provided by dedicated Patient Education Managers and Ionis Every Step Case Managers, including insurance and affordability support, as well as services and resources, such as disease and nutrition education. Visit TRYNGOLZA.com for more information. TRYNGOLZA was reviewed by the FDA under Priority Review and had previously been granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of FCS, Orphan Drug designation and Breakthrough Therapy designation. Olezarsen is undergoing review in the European Union and regulatory filings in other countries are planned. Olezarsen is currently being evaluated in three Phase 3 clinical trials – CORE, CORE2 and ESSENCE – for the treatment of sHTG. Olezarsen has not been reviewed or approved for the treatment of sHTG by regulatory authorities. Webcast Ionis will hold a webcast today at 6:45pm ET to discuss the FDA approval. Interested parties may access the webcast here . A webcast replay will be available for a limited time. About TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) TRYNGOLZATM (olezarsen) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). TRYNGOLZA is an RNA-targeted medicine designed to lower the body's production of apoC-III, a protein produced in the liver that is a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism. It is the only treatment currently indicated in the U.S. for FCS, a potentially life-threatening disease. For more information about TRYNGOLZA, visit TRYNGOLZA.com . IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS TRYNGOLZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to TRYNGOLZA or any of the excipients in TRYNGOLZA. Hypersensitivity reactions requiring medical treatment have occurred. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (including symptoms of bronchospasm, diffuse erythema, facial swelling, urticaria, chills and myalgias) have been reported in patients treated with TRYNGOLZA. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and instruct patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of TRYNGOLZA if hypersensitivity reactions occur. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions, decreased platelet count and arthralgia. Please see full Prescribing Information for TRYNGOLZA. About Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) FCS is a rare, genetic disease characterized by extremely elevated triglyceride levels. It is caused by impaired function of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Because of limited LPL production or function, people with FCS cannot effectively break down chylomicrons, lipoprotein particles that are 90% triglycerides. FCS is estimated to impact up to approximately 3,000 people in the U.S. People living with FCS are at high risk of acute pancreatitis (AP) in addition to other chronic health issues such as fatigue and severe, recurrent abdominal pain. People living with FCS are sometimes unable to work, adding to the burden of disease. About the Balance Study Balance is a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of olezarsen in patients with FCS at six and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the percent change from baseline in fasting triglyceride levels at six months compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints included percent changes in triglyceride levels at 12 months, percent changes in other lipid parameters and adjudicated acute pancreatitis event rates over the treatment period. Following treatment and the end-of-trial assessments, patients were eligible to enter an open-label extension study to continue receiving olezarsen once every four weeks. About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis has discovered and developed six marketed medicines for serious diseases, including breakthrough medicines for neurologic and cardiovascular diseases. Ionis has a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and other areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visit Ionis.com and follow us on X (Twitter) , LinkedIn and Instagram . Ionis Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis' business and the therapeutic and commercial potential of TRYNGOLZA, Ionis' technologies and other products in development. Any statement describing Ionis' goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those related to our commercial products and the medicines in our pipeline, and particularly those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis' forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 , and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC. Copies of these and other documents are available at www.Ionis.com . Ionis Pharmaceuticals® and TRYNGOLZATM are trademarks of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ionis Investor Contact: D. Wade Walke , Ph.D. info@ionis.com 760-603-2331 Ionis Media Contact: Hayley Soffer media@ionis.com 760-603-4679 View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tryngolza-olezarsen-approved-in-us-as-first-ever-treatment-for-adults-living-with-familial-chylomicronemia-syndrome-as-an-adjunct-to-diet-302336747.html SOURCE Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.CAPE CORAL, Fla. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar, one of the nation's leading homebuilders, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest model homes in Cape Coral, FL. The public is invited to tour stunning new model homes and discover the innovative design and quality construction that is a standard in every Lennar home. "We are pleased to introduce our newest model homes in Cape Coral , offering beautifully crafted residences without the constraints of HOA fees," said Dave Meyers , Lennar's Division Manager for Southwest Florida . "Lennar is committed to providing high-quality, move-in-ready homes that combine our signature style with the freedom and affordability that today's buyers desire. We invite prospective homeowners to explore this new community and experience the Lennar difference firsthand." The new homes in Cape Coral offer Lennar's renowned style and quality, with an emphasis on spacious layouts, contemporary finishes, and energy-efficient features—all thoughtfully included to meet the needs of today's homebuyers through the company's Everything's Included® approach. Each home is designed with functionality and comfort in mind, offering seven unique floorplans to suit different lifestyles and family sizes. Prices range from the low $300 ,000s up to $1 million for estates homes situated on the water with many options in between. Home offerings include Patio, Executive and Estate Homes with three or four bedrooms and two or three baths across 1,487 to 2,650 square feet. Situated off Burnt Store Rd South near Pine Island Rd and Matlacha , these homes are ideally located with easy access to local amenities and attractions. Cape Coral is home to over 400 miles of canals, featuring access to fresh water or the desirable Gulf Coast to offer the best of Southwest Florida living. Kayak, sail, canoe, swim, hike and trek through a truly rich ecosystem. Discover world-class dining, shopping and entertainment in this coastal city or in nearby Downtown Fort Myers . The combination of quality, affordability, and the absence of HOA fees makes these homes a compelling choice in the Cape Coral market. For more information, please visit www.lennar.com/new-homes/florida/naples-ft-myers/cape-coral/new-homes-in-cape-coral or call 239-207-3051. About Lennar Corporation Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com . Contact: Danielle Tocco Vice President Communications Lennar Corporation Danielle.Tocco@Lennar.com Direct Line: 949.789.1633 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lennar-debuts-new-model-homes-in-cape-coral-fl-with-no-hoa-fees-302336543.html SOURCE Lennar Corporation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.UnitedHealth projects 2025 operating cash flow below estimates

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Scientists are using COVID-19 vaccine technologies to develop better vaccines against influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu. The research could make annual flu jabs much more effective. H5N1 bird flu cases have US authorities — and other nations monitoring its outbreak — on high alert. More than 60 human H5N1 infections have been confirmed in the US, mostly among agricultural workers close to infected cattle and birds. At time of writing, more than 123 million poultry have been infected across all US states, in addition to 865 dairy herds. On Wednesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first "severe" case of H5N1 had hospitalized a person in Louisiana. California governor Gavin Newsom also declared a state of emergency to address the spread of the virus. Almost all cases of H5N1 in people are due to exposure to live or dead animals and no human-to-human transmission has been recorded. To ensure readiness for potential transmission between people , scientists are testing new vaccine technologies to protect against emerging diseases. New research may have found a breakthrough new method for creating more effective vaccines against influenza viruses . The study, published December 19 in the journal Science, demonstrated a new way to improve the effectiveness of the annual flu shot. Our immune systems are "biased" towards certain flu viruses The new study aimed to understand why seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness is only between roughly 40-66% . There are many strains of influenza circulating at any time and health authorities constantly monitor their spread to create targeted seasonal vaccines. The final jab in the arm usually contains four selected flu strains, but the body rarely develops a good response to each. Part of the problem is that people’s immune systems often produce antibodies tailored to a specific influenza subtype — not necessarily the specific ones put into the vaccine . "For a long time, people thought that individual flu strain preference [subtype bias] was something you couldn’t do anything about," Mark Davis, an immunologist at Stanford University, US, who led the study. But Davis’ team found the real reason for these immune biases — we inherit them our parents via our genes. In an initial analysis of twins and newborns, around three-quarters of people with no previous exposure to influenza were found to have biased immune responses to specific flu strains. Boosting seasonal flu shot effectiveness Davis’ team then sought to "unbias" the immune system so it could respond better to different types of influenza strains. Their new vaccine technology combines key molecules from different flu strains into a single compound. The immune system recognizes its preferred molecule, then recruits other "helper" immune cells to build defenses to all strains in the combination. Although only tested in lab dishes so far, Davis said their vaccine platform could push the effectiveness of flu vaccines from its around 66% "into the nineties." The current flu vaccines don't give equal protection to all the influenza viruses it contains, so "you’ve got to make a vaccine that has all the major variables in it," Davis said. New methods could improve flu vaccines Isabelle Bekeredjian-Ding, director of the University of Marburg’s Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene in Germany, said the research sheds light on "something that, at least in vaccinology, has not been fully understood." “The real highlight of the paper is that it can describe the [immune] cell properties that are needed to produce specific types of immune responses," said Bekeredjian-Ding, who was not involved in the research. A drawback of Davis’ study was that it was lab-based, meaning the vaccine has not yet been trialed in humans. Davis said their next task is to convince manufacturers that adopting their method is the way for forward in vaccine development. After that, the new vaccines will need to go through rigorous testing in clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Only then can they become available for widespread use. Is another pandemic brewing? The current bird flu situation To play this audio please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 audio Testing COVID technologies to target H5N1 Meanwhile the CDC has completed a study of an H5N1 vaccine using the mRNA technology used to create COVID-19 vaccines . The study, published in Science Translational Medicine , tested a prototype H5N1 mRNA vaccine in ferrets. Vaccinated ferrets, even those with severe symptoms, overcame H5N1 infection, but unvaccinated ferrets did not. The measure is a milestone in pre-pandemic preparation, said Bin Zhou at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, USA, who led the study. The vaccine is yet to be tested in humans, but Zhou thinks similar results could be expected in human trials. “We can say that the mRNA is a promising platform... If there is a pandemic then we’re prepared for that part, unlike COVID-19 at the beginning where we didn’t have anything prepared for the vaccine,” Zhou said. Edited by: Fred Schwaller Fight against avian flu involves vaccinating birds in zoos To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Sources Coupling antigens from multiple subtypes of influenza can broaden antibody and T cell responses. Published by Vamsee Mallajosyula, Saborni Chakraborty et al. in Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi2396 An influenza mRNA vaccine protects ferrets from lethal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Published by Masato Hatta, Yasuko Hatta et al in Science Translational Medicine. http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.ads1273LONDON: When the Arab uprisings swept through the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, many in the West hoped the fall of these entrenched regimes would herald a new era of development and good governance. Instead, it marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented suffering for millions. Nearly 14 years later, in the wake of a grinding civil war, there are now renewed hopes that Syria, after its brutally suppressed uprising, might finally be stepping into the light following the toppling of the Bashar Assad regime. However, as a diverse array of victorious armed opposition groups struggle to impose order and unity on a fractured nation, many observers share a common fear — that Syria could become another Libya. Indeed, since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Qaddafi, Libya has become a byword for state failure — divided between rival administrations, plagued by criminality, and used as a proxy battleground by foreign powers keen to exploit its oil and strategic location. While 2024 offered glimpses of possible reconciliation between the North African nation’s competing factions, steps toward national elections, and perhaps even justice for its long-suffering citizens, the country remains deeply unstable as it enters the new year. In April, Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN special envoy to Libya, resigned, citing the country’s entrenched political stalemate. His resignation followed 18 months of attempts to mediate between Libya’s divided factions, but a “lack of political will and good faith” thwarted progress. “The selfish resolve of current leaders to maintain the status quo must stop,” Bathily told the Security Council. The delay of the national reconciliation conference, originally scheduled for April, highlighted the ongoing gridlock. While Libya’s oil-rich economy offers immense potential, it remains plagued by a fractured political landscape — with the Tripoli-based UN-recognized Government of National Unity headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh opposing the eastern administration allied with General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Tobruk-based Libyan National Army. Bathily’s departure underscored the international community’s struggle to bring stability to a nation divided since the 2011 uprising. Despite his efforts, Libya’s entrenched rivalries and external meddling have kept progress elusive, prolonging the suffering of its population. Libya’s fragile peace was repeatedly shattered in 2024, with violence escalating across major cities and border regions. In May, clashes in Zawiya between militias loyal to the GNU left one dead and six injured. Violence escalated in Tripoli in July, where clashes between the Interior Ministry’s Special Deterrence Forces, also known as RADA, and Presidential Council units resulted in 13 fatalities, including civilians. August brought another tragedy in Tripoli, with nine killed in militia fighting. Although political leaders have periodically called for ceasefires, the lack of cohesive state authority has allowed armed factions to exploit and perpetuate the chaos, leaving Libyans trapped in repeated cycles of violence. Amid this summer of bloodshed, there was a glimmer of justice. In July, Libya’s Derna Criminal Court sentenced 12 officials to up to 27 years in prison for their roles in the catastrophic Sept. 10, 2023, dam collapse. The disaster, triggered by Storm Daniel, unleashed torrents of water that obliterated entire neighborhoods in the coastal city of Derna, claiming thousands of lives. Neglected infrastructure and corruption were deemed key factors in the disaster, as funds earmarked for dam maintenance were found to have been misappropriated. The court’s verdict represented a rare moment of accountability in a nation fraught with impunity. While some saw this as a step toward justice, critics argue systemic reform is still absent. Rebuilding efforts in Derna remain slow, hindered by political infighting. Meanwhile, the disaster’s survivors, grappling with trauma and displacement, want to see comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to prevent future tragedies. September brought a breakthrough as Libya’s rival legislative bodies agreed to appoint Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem as interim central bank governor, ending months of turmoil over financial leadership. This crisis erupted when Tripoli’s Presidential Council moved to replace longstanding Governor Sadiq Al-Kabir, leading eastern factions to halt oil production in protest. Libya’s oil-dependent economy suffered immensely, with crude exports plummeting from 1 million barrels per day in August to just 400,000 in September. The UN facilitated the agreement, urging an end to unilateral decisions that deepen institutional divisions. While the resolution temporarily eased tensions, it highlighted the broader issue of competing power centers undermining Libya’s economic stability. With the interim governor tasked to form a board of directors, the deal’s success hinges on sustained cooperation, a rare commodity in Libya’s fragmented political landscape. The murder of Abdel-Rahman Milad, a notorious Libyan Coast Guard commander known as “Bija,” in September spotlighted Libya’s lawlessness and corruption. Sanctioned by the UN in 2018 for human trafficking, Milad symbolized the overlap of state and criminal enterprise. Speculation still abounds about the reason behind his killing — ranging from militia infighting to fears he might expose high-level corruption. Milad’s killing also raised questions about the EU’s reliance on Libyan partners accused of human rights abuses to help control the flow of migration to Europe. Observers see his death as a byproduct of power struggles between rival gangs and a reflection of Libya’s inability to reform its fractured governance and security apparatus. While Milad’s death may serve as a test for Libya’s broken justice system, there has been some progress on addressing historic injustices. October saw the International Criminal Court unseal arrest warrants for six Libyans implicated in war crimes during the Second Libyan Civil War of 2014-20. The suspects, linked to the Kaniyat militia, face charges including murder, torture and sexual violence. These crimes occurred in Tarhuna, a town notorious for mass graves uncovered in 2020 after the militia’s retreat. The ICC warrants mark a significant step toward accountability and highlight ongoing international scrutiny of Libya’s human rights record. However, Libya’s weak judicial system and fragmented governance pose challenges to enforcing these warrants. As families of victims seek closure, the outcome may set a precedent for addressing atrocities committed during Libya’s protracted conflict. In November, the GNU’s Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups when he announced plans to establish a morality police force. The new force would enforce conservative social norms, including mandatory veiling for girls over the age of nine and restrictions on women’s mobility without a male guardian. Al-Trabelsi justified the move as preserving “Islamic social values,” dismissing personal freedom as incompatible with Libyan society. However, the measures appear to have been slapped down by the GNU. There are also doubts that the government even has the means to enforce such rules. “Al-Trabelsi’s sweeping moral measures were never likely to materialize,” Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya expert and senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, told Arab News. “Enforcing such rules requires broad territorial control, religious credibility, and a clear moral gap to address. “Much of Libya’s population is already conservative, the Interior Ministry lacks religious backing, and no armed actor — Al-Trabelsi included — can truly project power citywide, let alone nationwide. “Unsurprisingly, nothing substantial has followed the initial announcement, which had drawn so much international attention.” While national elections intended to reunify the country have been repeatedly postponed, November’s municipal polls marked a rare democratic exercise, with voting held simultaneously in Libya’s east and west for the first time since 2014. Despite logistical challenges and political tensions, voter turnout hit 77 percent, signaling public demand for stability. The elections even included areas previously under military control, where mayors had been replaced with appointees. International observers, including the G7, praised the process as a step toward national reconciliation. However, skepticism remains about whether these local elections can pave the way for overdue presidential and parliamentary votes. Libya has become one of the busiest and most deadly routes used by migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe — something that armed groups have long facilitated for a profit or have sought to curtail, often brutally, in exchange for EU funding. Tragedy struck Libya’s migrant routes repeatedly in 2024, with multiple fatal incidents highlighting the perils faced by those seeking refuge. In September, a boat capsized near Tobruk, leaving 22 missing. October brought another disaster, with only one survivor from a vessel carrying 13 passengers. Then in November, 28 people disappeared off Libya’s coast when their rubber boat got into difficulty. Rights groups criticized both Libyan and European policies that push migrants into perilous crossings. The Mediterranean remains a graveyard for those fleeing violence and poverty, with international efforts to address the crisis falling short. The Kremlin’s strategic ambitions in Libya are likely to keep growing in the new year as it seeks to offset losses in Syria following the overthrow earlier this month of Assad, a key ally who had permitted Russian use of air and naval bases. Moscow has deepened ties with General Haftar’s Libyan National Army in recent years, using Libya as a launchpad for expanding its influence in North Africa and the Sahel. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor recently rebranded as the Africa Corps, has established bases in southern Libya, supporting resource extraction and military operations across the continent. Russia’s efforts to consolidate its presence in Libya align with broader objectives to counter NATO and secure Mediterranean access for its ships. As Libya’s rival factions vie for power, analysts believe this kind of foreign influence could further complicate efforts to achieve peace and sovereignty. While Syria embarks on its own delicate transition out of war and dictatorship, Libya stands as a cautionary tale for what can happen when factionalism, greed, and foreign interests are allowed to trump the needs and aspirations of a long-suffering people.

TEHRAN - Siasat-e-Rooz devoted its editorial to the words of the Leader of the Revolution about the Axis of Resistance. The paper said: The Leader of the Revolution pointed to the issue of proxy forces that is always raised and emphasized by the media and Western and regional authorities, saying "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not need a proxy force." The forces that are members of the resistance front are the forces that existed even before the revolution and have been fighting against the Zionist regime. With the Islamic revolution in Iran, the forces of the resistance front gained strength and power, and Iran supported them because of their resistance against the common enemy, which is Israel, America, and their allies. The forces of the Resistance Front are not proxy forces of Iran. But proxy forces are obedient to America. They do not do anything without American’s permission. Currently, complex changes are on the way, and these changes will be formed by strengthening the resistance front and its course will be changed, as predicted by the Leader of the Revolution. In an analysis, Jam-e-Jam dealt with the meeting of the American and European delegations with HTS leader al-Julani in Damascus and wrote: It must be said that America has always sought to expand its dominance and influence in the West Asia region and the countries member to the Axis of Resistance. This issue has two main reasons: one is to weaken the growing power of the Axis of Resistance centered on Iran, and the second is to secure the interests of arrogant countries through looting the property and natural resources of those countries, such as Syria. But another important point in these meetings and exchange of messages is that it shows special coordination in the West, America, and Israel to put pressure on Syria and public opinion to prevent the presence of Iran in Syria, and this only shows they are fearful of Iran’s positive and powerful presence in the region. The West and America have not yet understood that if Iran is present anywhere, it is to fight terrorism. The pressure by the West, particularly the United States, on the new rulers of Syria is to reduce the strength of the resistance front and prevent the increase of Iran's power and influence in the region as Iran has always been the frontrunner in the fight against terrorism and domination by America and the Zionist regime in the region. In a note, Donya-e-Eqtesad addressed Iran's absence in the global competition for corridors. It wrote: Iran has been practically ignored in major projects such as China's Belt and Road and Trans-Caspian projects. Various corridors for trade have been proposed and built in the region in recent years. Iran should take first place in both the Middle Corridor (also called TITR - Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and INSTC, but it has lagged behind its neighbors, forcing rivals and even allies such as China and Russia to look for alternatives. Due to Iran's delay in completing the Rasht-Astara railway, China chose the Trans-Caspian alternative to deliver goods through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to the Black Sea, Turkey, and Europe. Due to some tensions in Iran-Azerbaijan relations over Azerbaijan's plans to build the so-called Zangezur Corridor, Baku is less willing to facilitate the operation of the INSTC corridor through Iran. Therefore, Iran is losing money in this lucrative area and is losing a key tool to replace oil revenues. Hamshahri wrote: "Isolation of Iran in the region" is one of the main approaches pursued by the Washington-Tel Aviv axis in recent months. This policy has gained momentum with the fall of the Assad government in Syria. Accordingly, confronting Iran's role in the future of Syria has been determined. While developments in Syria are still the focus of international and regional media, the Americans are implementing a new anti-Iran project in Damascus. According to this strategy, we have witnessed extensive actions from the Zionist-Western axis to realize it. In such a situation, however, the realities in the region show that the approach of isolating Iran has not achieved results for the enemy, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is advancing its political-economic diplomacy at regional and international levels with an ever-increasing dynamism. An example is the recent visit of the Iranian President to Egypt.In 2024, space exploration dazzled the world. NASA’s Europa Clipper began its journey to study Jupiter’s moon Europa. SpaceX’s Starship achieved its first successful landing, a critical milestone for future deep space missions. China made headlines with the Chang’e 6 mission, which successfully returned samples from the far side of the moon. Meanwhile, the International Space Station continued to host international crews, including private missions like Axiom Mission 3. As an aerospace engineer, I’m excited for 2025, when space agencies worldwide are gearing up for even more ambitious goals. Here’s a look at the most exciting missions planned for the coming year, which will expand humanity’s horizons even further, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond: Scouting the lunar surface with CLPS NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, initiative aims to deliver science and technology payloads to the moon using commercial landers. CLPS is what brought Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander to the moon in February 2024, marking the first U.S. Moon landing since Apollo. In 2025, NASA has several CLPS missions planned, including deliveries by companies Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace. These missions will carry a variety of scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to different lunar locations. The payloads will include experiments to study lunar geology, test new technologies for future human missions and gather data on the moon’s environment. Surveying the sky with SPHEREx In February 2025, NASA plans to launch the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, or SPHEREx, observatory. This mission will survey the sky in near-infrared light, which is a type of light that is invisible to the naked eye but that special instruments can detect. Near-infrared light is useful for observing objects that are too cool or too distant to be seen in visible light. SPHEREx will create a comprehensive map of the universe by surveying and collecting data on more than 450 million galaxies along with over 100 million stars in the Milky Way. Astronomers will use this data to answer big questions about the origins of galaxies and the distribution of water and organic molecules in stellar nurseries – where stars are born from gas and dust. Studying low Earth orbit with Space Rider The European Space Agency, or ESA, plans to conduct an orbital test flight of its Space Rider uncrewed spaceplane in the third quarter of 2025. Space Rider is a reusable spacecraft designed to carry out various scientific experiments in low Earth orbit. These scientific experiments will include research in microgravity, which is the near-weightless environment of space. Scientists will study how plants grow, how materials behave and how biological processes occur without the influence of gravity. Space Rider will also demonstrate new technologies for future missions. For example, it will test advanced telecommunication systems, which are crucial for maintaining communication with spacecraft over long distances. It will also test new robotic exploration tools for use on future missions to the moon or Mars. Exploring the moon with M2/Resilience Japan’s M2/Resilience mission, scheduled for January 2025, will launch a lander and micro-rover to the lunar surface. This mission will study the lunar soil to understand its composition and properties. Researchers will also conduct a water-splitting test to produce oxygen and hydrogen by extracting water from the lunar surface, heating the water and splitting the captured steam. The generated water, oxygen and hydrogen can be used for enabling long-term lunar exploration. This mission will also demonstrate new technologies, such as advanced navigation systems for precise landings and systems to operate the rover autonomously. These technologies are essential for future lunar exploration and could be used in missions to Mars and beyond. The M2/Resilience mission is part of Japan’s broader efforts to contribute to international lunar exploration. It builds on the success of Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating moon, or SLIM, mission, which landed on the moon using a precise landing technique in March 2024. Investigating an asteroid with Tianwen-2 China’s Tianwen-2 mission is an ambitious asteroid sample return and comet probe mission. Scheduled for launch in May 2025, Tianwen-2 aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and study a comet. This mission will advance scientists’ understanding of the solar system’s formation and evolution, building on the success of China’s previous lunar and Mars missions. The mission’s first target is the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa. This asteroid is a quasi-satellite of Earth, meaning it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth. Kamoʻoalewa is roughly 131-328 feet (40-100 meters) in diameter and may be a fragment of the moon, ejected into space by a past impact event. By studying this asteroid, scientists hope to learn about the early solar system and the processes that shaped it. The spacecraft will use both touch-and-go and anchor-and-attach techniques to collect samples from the asteroid’s surface. After collecting samples from Kamoʻoalewa, Tianwen-2 will return them to Earth and then set course for its second target, the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This comet is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. By analyzing the comet’s materials, researchers hope to learn more about the conditions that existed in the early solar system and possibly the origins of water and organic molecules on Earth. Solar system flybys Besides the above planned launch missions, several space agencies plan to perform exciting deep-space flyby missions in 2025. A flyby, or gravity assist, is when a spacecraft passes close enough to a planet or moon to use its gravity for a speed boost. As the spacecraft approaches, it gets pulled in by the planet’s gravity, which helps it accelerate. After swinging around the planet, the spacecraft is flung back out into space, allowing it to change direction and continue on its intended path using less fuel. BepiColombo, a joint mission by ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, will make its sixth flyby of Mercury in January 2025. This maneuver will help the spacecraft enter orbit around Mercury by November 2026. BepiColombo aims to study Mercury’s composition, atmosphere and surface geology. NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which launched in October 2024, will make significant progress on its journey to Jupiter’s moon Europa. In March 2025, the spacecraft will perform a flyby maneuver at Mars. This maneuver will help the spacecraft gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its long voyage. Later in December 2026, Europa Clipper will perform a flyby of Earth, using Earth’s gravity to further increase its momentum so it can arrive at Europa in April 2030. The ESA’s Hera mission will also perform a flyby of Mars in March 2025. Hera is part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment mission, which plans to study the Didymos binary asteroid system. The mission will provide valuable data on asteroid deflection techniques and contribute to planetary defense strategies. NASA’s Lucy mission will continue its journey to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, which share Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun, in 2025. One key event for Lucy is its flyby of the inner main-belt asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson, scheduled for April 20, 2025. This flyby will provide valuable data on this ancient asteroid’s composition and surface features, which can help researchers gain insights into the early solar system. The asteroid is named after the paleoanthropologist who discovered the famous “Lucy” fossil. ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, mission will perform a Venus flyby in August 2025. This maneuver will help JUICE gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its journey to Jupiter. Once it arrives, JUICE will study Jupiter’s icy moons to understand their potential for harboring life. 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking year for space exploration. With NASA’s ambitious missions and significant contributions from other countries, we are set to make remarkable strides in humanity’s understanding of the universe. These missions will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations to look to the stars. Zhenbo Wang is Associate Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.