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NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating: BurTech Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: BRKH ) , relating to the proposed merger with Blaize, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, shares of BurTech Acquisition will be exchanged for shares of Blaize. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for December 23, 2024 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/burtech-acquisition-corp-brkh/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Arch Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ARCH ), relating to its proposed merger with Consol Energy, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, all Arch Resources common stock will be automatically converted into the right to receive 1.326 shares of Consol Energy stock. ACT NOW . The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 9, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/arch-resources-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B ), relating to its proposed merger with Apollo Global Management, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, all Barnes Group common stock will be converted into the right to receive $47.50 in cash. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 9, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/barnes-group-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders...and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC
Palvella Therapeutics to debut on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PVLA” as a publicly traded rare disease biopharmaceutical company advancing a late clinical-stage pipeline and a platform for treating serious, rare genetic diseases Strong balance sheet with approximately $80.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from a PIPE financing co-led by BVF Partners, L.P. and Frazier Life Sciences Cash expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial of QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin) for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations (cutaneous VMs) Microcystic LMs is a chronically debilitating and lifelong genetic disease affecting an estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. QTORINTM rapamycin has the potential to be the first approved therapy and standard of care in the U.S. for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs WAYNE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pieris). The combined company will operate under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., and its shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 16, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PVLA". Palvella will continue to be led by Wes Kaupinen, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Palvella management team. The transaction was approved by Pieris stockholders at a special meeting held on December 11, 2024, and the transaction had been previously approved by Palvella stockholders. "With strong support from leading healthcare-dedicated investors, Palvella is well positioned to enter the public markets and pursue our vision of becoming the leading rare disease company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases," said Mr. Kaupinen. “This transaction will enable us to accelerate late-stage development of QTORINTM rapamycin, our lead product candidate, for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs while also further advancing additional novel product candidates from our QTORINTM platform." Concurrent with the merger, Palvella completed a previously announced oversubscribed $78.9 million private placement co-led by BVF Partners, L.P., an existing investor, and Frazier Life Sciences, a new investor, and with participation from a syndicate of leading healthcare-dedicated investors. Additional new investors include Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Nantahala Capital, DAFNA Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and a healthcare dedicated fund. Existing investors Samsara BioCapital, Petrichor, CAM Capital, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Finance Group (an AscellaHealth partner company), BioAdvance, and Gore Range Capital also participated in the financing. Palvella's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $80.0 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through results from the SELVA Phase 3 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic LMs and Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous VMs. Palvella’s research team developed QTORINTM, a patented and versatile platform designed to generate novel topical therapies that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to locally treat a broad spectrum of serious, rare genetic skin diseases. Well-accepted mechanisms of action of rapamycin and other therapeutic agents represent potential therapies for rare genetic skin diseases. However, the adverse event profile of those agents through systemic exposure poses significant barriers to patient adoption. Palvella’s QTORINTM product candidates are designed for targeted, localized delivery of therapeutic agents to pathogenic tissue of interest while minimizing systemic absorption and thereby reducing the risk of unwanted adverse events associated with systemic therapy. Palvella's lead product candidate QTORINTM rapamycin is a novel, patented 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel currently under development for the treatment of microcystic LMs, cutaneous VMs, and other serious, functionally debilitating skin diseases driven by the overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. QTORINTM rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs and is the recent recipient of up to a $2.6 million FDA Orphan Products Grant. QTORINTM rapamycin has also received Fast Track Designation for venous malformations. QTORINTM rapamycin is protected by issued composition patents covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S., Japan, Australia, China and Israel and pending patent applications broadly covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S. and other countries. In the third quarter of 2024, Palvella initiated SELVA, a 24-week, Phase 3, single-arm, baseline-controlled clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin administered once daily for the treatment of microcystic LMs. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in the overall microcystic LM Investigator Global Assessment (mLM-IGA) at week 24. The Phase 3 study is enrolling approximately 40 subjects, age six or older, at leading vascular anomaly centers across the U.S. Transaction Details Based on the final exchange ratio of approximately 0.30946 shares of Pieris common stock for each share of Palvella common stock, at the closing of the merger, there are approximately 13.95 million shares of the combined company's common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, with prior Pieris stockholders owning approximately 11% on a diluted basis and prior Palvella stockholders (including investors in the private placement) holding approximately 89% of the combined company's outstanding common stock on a diluted basis. In connection with the closing of the merger, Pieris issued a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) to Pieris shareholders of record immediately prior to the closing, which does not include the former holders of shares of Palvella or the private financing investors. Holders of the CVR will be entitled to receive payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, under Pieris' existing partnership agreements with Pfizer and Boston Pharmaceuticals, in addition to other potential licensing agreements involving certain of Pieris' legacy assets, as well as certain potential payments related to historical research and development tax credits, which may or may not be realized. TD Cowen served as lead placement agent and Cantor served as a placement agent for Palvella's concurrent financing. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP served as legal counsel to Palvella. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the placement agents. Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pieris and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pieris. About Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations Microcystic LMs are a rare, chronically debilitating genetic disease caused by dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway. The disease is characterized by malformed lymphatic vessels that protrude through the skin and persistently leak lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) and bleed, often leading to recurrent serious infections and cellulitis that can cause hospitalization. The natural history of microcystic LMs are persistent and progressive without spontaneous resolution, with symptoms generally worsening during life, including increases in the number and size of malformed vessels that lead to complications and lifetime morbidity. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients with microcystic LMs in the United States. About Palvella Therapeutics Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PVLA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORINTM platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella’s lead product candidate, QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin), is currently in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and a Phase 2 trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit www.palvellatx.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. QTORINTM rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency. This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act)). These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Palvella and Pieris, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Palvella and Pieris. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the sufficiency of the combined company’s capital resources; the combined company’s cash runway; the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Palvella’s programs, including QTORINTM rapamycin, and its research-stage opportunities, including its expected therapeutic potential and market opportunity; the expected timing of initiating, as well as the design of Palvella’s Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous venous malformations. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of each company; the significant net losses incurred since inception; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Palvella’s product candidates, including QTORINTM rapamycin; the outcome of early clinical trials for Palvella’s product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; the fact that data and results from clinical studies may not necessarily be indicative of future results; Palvella’s limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Palvella’s current product candidates; the substantial competition Palvella faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; the negative impacts of the global events on operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials and ongoing and planned preclinical studies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Palvella and Pieris to protect their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Pieris’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, as well as the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Pieris in connection with the merger. Palvella and Pieris can give no assurance that the conditions to the proposed transactions will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Palvella and Pieris undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this press release. Palvella Therapeutics Contact Information Investors Wesley H. Kaupinen Founder and CEO, Palvella Therapeutics wes.kaupinen@palvellatx.com Media Stephanie Jacobson Managing Director, Argot Partners palvella@argotpartners.com
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The old adage, “The wheels of justice turn slowly but grind exceedingly fine,” means that justice often takes a great deal of time to achieve but is exacted precisely. Often, however, the grinding is hard to bear. Matthew Boldrick, his brother Joshua, and parents Terry and Sharon appeared in Justice Geoffrey Griffin’s Napanee Ontario Court of Justice via Zoom on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, to set a date for a preliminary hearing of their case. The four family members, who are charged with a number of provincial and federal drug and gun offences unprecedented in southeastern Ontario, are each represented by different law firms. Only Matthew Boldrick remains in custody, while the other family members are free on bail with strict conditions, the toll of which became painfully apparent during the appearance. As has happened several times in the past six months since their arrest, all the family members and their legal teams appeared before the judge promptly at 9 a.m. to set the hearing date, except for Matthew Boldrick’s lawyer, Paolo Giancaterino. Provincial Crown attorney Paul Kenney and Federal Crown attorney Michael Mandelcorn were also waiting online. In the past, Griffin has expressed his frustration with Giancaterino’s absence at appearances and seeming lack of communication with his client. Today was no different as the judge told the other parties and Matthew Boldrick that his office had heard from an employee of Giancaterino that the lawyer wanted to schedule another judge’s pre-trial (JPT) meeting for January 2025 before setting the preliminary hearing, saying, “It sounds like he wants to fine-tune whatever was discussed at the last JPT.” “But that could all be nonsense too,” Griffin added skeptically. “It’s not as if I feel confidence in anything ever happening. So I think we got to force it a bit. But anyway, that’s the date he’s available.” Kenney expressed that, based on an email from Giancaterino, “There’s a fairly high chance that after the next JPT, he might set up a plea.” Griffin laughed sarcastically, “Oh, I understand there is ’a fairly high chance.’ He was going to be in bail court every couple of weeks with ‘a fairly high chance.’ It never happened. I’ve never seen him in this court, so I don’t think one should put any stock in that.” Despite Giancaterino’s absence, the judge continued with the matter, tentatively arranging the preliminary hearing for late May 2025 to the satisfaction of all those involved. With no one yet showing from Giancaterino’s office, the judge started to hear other matters before him. After several minutes, Griffin addressed Matthew Boldrick, who was appearing from Quinte Detention Centre where he is incarcerated. “As you can see, Mr. Boldrick, we’re waiting for your lawyer, right? I’ll give it another five minutes and then I will set the preliminary hearing date without him, because we have got to move the matter along.” Then Griffin added, “My impatience is actually born out of the fact that you’re in jail, sir, and you’re presumed innocent. You have a right to trial. You have a right to a hearing, and we’ve got to move this matter along.” After five more minutes, Giancaterino emailed one of the Crown attorneys to say he had been signed in to the wrong Zoom coordinates and would appear presently. “Giancaterino, you’re a problem, man,” Griffin greeted the lawyer when he appeared on screen, “but you’re here now.” The lawyer laughed, not grasping the frustration in the room, saying, “I was given the wrong coordinates. I would never miss a party involving yourself.” “Yeah, and ‘the check’s in the mail,”’ Griffin responded before returning to business. Giancaterino said that he wanted the JPT in January “because this is on the resolution track.” Griffin acquiesced to that but insisted on setting the preliminary hearing date for May as well, expressing skepticism that the resolution would come about. “In fairness, if it is resolved before then, hallelujah,” he said. Giancaterino began to explain something but the judge cut him off. “I am sure that there’s a solid rationale for why you want to do what you want to do, and it probably makes a great deal of sense,” Griffin said, adding that he would accept any joint resolution that was proposed, but the point was that things needed to be scheduled. The judge scheduled the JPT with Madame Justice Elaine Deluzio for January and set the date for the May preliminary hearing, then thanked everyone for taking the time to appear and coordinate. A voice spoke up in the Zoom meeting: “Your Honour, this is Sharon Boldrick. Can I just ask a question about how I get a variance processed?” Mandelcorn noted quickly that he had received a request for a variance from Mrs. Boldrick’s lawyer and that he would get to it soon and then pass it on to Kenney for his input. A bail variation is a request to either the Crown or the Superior Court to have one or more of your release conditions changed or deleted. According to Zamani Law, a Toronto-based criminal defence firm, “Most people apply for a change of bail conditions because when they were getting bail, they didn’t picture the impact of specific release terms on their lives.” Griffin told Mrs. Boldrick that the Crown would follow up with her. “And if they agree to what you’re asking,” it could all be taken care of that day at the Napanee courthouse, the judge explained. “If they don’t agree, that’s a different kettle of fish.” Mrs. Boldrick wept as she explained she only wanted to speak to her husband, whom she hadn’t been allowed to contact in six months, and that she had been caring for animals at her home, a 40-minute drive from her residence, during her release. “It has been three months,” she said of the time since she asked for the variance, “and now winter is here. I mean, this is dragging, and dragging. I just feel nothing’s happening for me. Everything’s happening for my son. And I’m sorry this is inappropriate, but...” she trailed off in evident emotional fatigue. Griffin addressed her, “Mrs. Boldrick, there’s nothing inappropriate. You and I see this the same way. I found that this has been dragging, dragging, dragging. I am trying to move it along.” “I appreciate that,” said Mrs. Boldrick. Griffin said, “I understand you’re feeling a great deal of stress and anxiety.” Boldrick agreed, saying in the six months since her bail hearing, both her mother- and brother-in-law had died, and she was unable to attend services with her husband. Further, she said, she hasn’t been allowed to see her grandchild, “And I’m just not holding it together... May 2025 will be over a year.” “Mrs. Boldrick, it’s your life. It is critical, and it is understandable,” said Griffin, expressing that he understood that everything she’s gone through is causing her “emotional pain and other consequences.” “So hopefully, the Crown can look at that. Hopefully, the Crown can agree, and hopefully, this change can happen in the next week.” The judge continued. “I’m sort of like you,” he expressed warmly. “We’re both stuck here until these people start working and moving it along. And I’m doing my best.” Mrs. Boldrick said she appreciated that and that she saw Griffin frustratedly pushing to get things moving, “But it doesn’t seem that I get talked about. It’s everything about my son, Matthew, and everything hinges on him and not me.” Griffin said, “I’m enormously sympathetic, Sharon. Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you spoke up. It’s important that people understand the consequences of their behaviour when things can’t move along, right? It causes a great deal of unpleasantness... That’s an understatement.” After everyone was dismissed, Griffin told the Crown, “I’m glad Giancaterino had to hear that from Mrs. Boldrick.” Michelle Dorey Forestell is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Kingstonist. 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English Premier League match official David Coote was fired after his position was deemed “untenable” by the referees' governing body following an investigation. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited suspended Coote on November 12 while it looked into a video, published by The Sun newspaper, that circulated of him making offensive comments to friends about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. Since then, UEFA also launched an investigation into Coote following a video, again published by The Sun, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the Euros. READ MORE: 'Comfort zone' call behind Origin star's shock defection READ MORE: Demon splits top gong honours after 'incredible' year READ MORE: WNBA, tennis young guns headline highest-paid female stars Coote is also being investigated by the Football Association following allegations that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player in a match. Coote denies any wrongdoing, according to The Sun. Referee David Coote. CameraSport via Getty Images The PGMOL issued a statement saying Coote’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect following the conclusion of its investigation. His “actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable,” the referees body said. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.” Coote has the right to appeal against the decision. Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by another unidentified man. Coote called Liverpool "shit" and described Klopp as "f---ing arrogant" and a "German c--- who “accused me of lying” after one game. It was not immediately clear when the footage was filmed and whether it was manipulated. In another shorter clip, apparently filmed after the other, the two participants filmed stress the importance of the footage not being shared. The Sun also published a video in November that showed Coote sniffing white powder during the summer's European Championship in Germany, where he was officiating.
RIYADH: Spaniard Gus Franco moved to Saudi Arabia out of curiosity in early 2024 and soon fell in love with its rich culture, documenting his experiences and sharing his adventures with millions of viewers on social media. Franco spoke to Arab News about how he had searched for accurate information about the Kingdom before his move, only to find media overshadowed by stereotypes. To his surprise, he found the reality was “completely different” to the stereotypes, which inspired him to create his own content and change the narrative. “That’s how ‘Gus in Saudi’ was born: a project to showcase the Kingdom through a relatable lens,” he said. “The results speak for themselves: almost 100 million views and followers from over 60 nationalities and countless messages from people saying they now want to visit or work here.” The content creator and business consultant says his inspiration comes from things that catch his attention: traditions and places as well as Saudi and international followers who guide him through the city and his content. “Saudi Arabia stands out for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, which coexist in fascinating ways. The pride in preserving traditions, combined with the excitement of Vision 2030, creates a dynamic and evolving atmosphere. “My Arab followers have been incredibly supportive. They were the first to encourage me and help me refine my content. Even critiques are constructive and teach me about cultural nuances I hadn’t considered.” Franco has become so fond of the Kingdom, that he is now writing a book inspired by his travels. “I’ve grown attached to this country and feel that through my work, I can contribute to its image and progress... I still have many projects I want to develop. For instance, I’ve written a 400-page book about the country, which I’m still refining.” From a small Spanish town to the bustling city of Riyadh, he said he has always had the urge to explore beyond his surroundings, taking over 100 trips globally to more than 150 cities. “Living in the UK and Belgium shaped my curiosity about regions I knew less about, especially the Middle East. “Saudi Arabia stood out for its rich traditions and rapid transformations. Thanks to a government program, I arrived nearly a year ago, and it’s been a journey of discovery and growth ever since.” Franco says life in the Kingdom feels “both familiar and distinct”, noting the city layout, reminiscent of an American style, is car-centric, with social gatherings happening in specific “plazas” or “stirahas”. He added: “Weekdays follow a structured rhythm of work, gym, and routine, while weekends come alive with vibrant and comforting activities: whether it’s having dinner at 2 a.m., grabbing coffee at 10 p.m., or heading out for a picnic (kashta) in the desert. These experiences add a unique charm to life in Saudi.” Franco mentioned the rich history between Spain and Saudi Arabia, highlighting Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula, and strong family values. “Both are peninsulas with cultures shaped by diverse influences. Growing up in southern Spain, I found it easy to relate to the warmth and social connections here...I’ve learned so much about Saudi culture, especially the role of religion and the importance of hospitality. “Saudis are incredibly humble, generous, and welcoming. Trust and family are central to their lives, much like in Spain.” In Spain, coffee is almost sacred, he added. “My brother and I can go through two or three coffee pots a day. In Saudi Arabia, coffee holds a similarly significant role, which made me feel at home instantly.” During his time in the Kingdom, Franco said he learned about Saudi culture and the Arabic language organically through interacting with locals. “I’ve never taken formal lessons, but now I can read, write, and have a vocabulary of over 1,000 words, even if my Arabic is still broken. Words like khalas, inshallah, alhamdulillah, and bismillah are part of daily vocabulary. They represent not just the language but also the deeper values I’ve come to appreciate. “I still laugh when I think about the comments about being ‘heavy-blooded’ (dam thaqil) or ‘light-blooded’ (dam khafif). At first, I didn’t understand, but now I know it means whether you’re funny or not. It’s been a fun way to learn and connect with the humor here. Alhamdulillah!” He said reactions to his content creation have been mostly positive, but not everyone fully understands the balance he tries to maintain between social media and real life. “I know that sometimes it has bothered people close to me. It’s something I’ve learned to handle it better. Also, my mother’s opinion matters deeply to me. She’s always supported me and reminded me to stay grounded and take breaks when needed, which has been invaluable as I navigate this journey. “Anyway, with my return home for holidays, I’m sure they’ll have plenty of questions about Saudi Arabia, Arabic, and my content. It will be fun to see their reactions!” Although Franco’s time in the Kingdom may come to an end since his contract is ending soon, he is currently evaluating the options on the table. “If I stay, I want to take my projects to the next level, increasing their impact and contributing even more to the country. If I leave, I’d like to remain connected to Saudi Arabia in some way. “This country has become a part of me: culturally, professionally and emotionally. Vision 2030 is marked on my calendar, and I hope to be a part of its story.” Franco said he would like to be remembered as someone who embraced Saudi culture wholeheartedly, built bridges between the Kingdom and the rest of the world, and showcased its warmth and social connections. “I’d like to think of myself as a part of Saudi’s ongoing journey.”Don't Forget About Holiday Poisoning Pitfalls
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