jili 333 TORONTO — Canada's main stock index edged higher in trading on Wednesday, helped by strength in the technology sector, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 5.45 points at 25,641.18. The index took a “breather” Wednesday ahead of key labour market indicators set to be released both in Canada and the U.S. this week, said Angelo Kourkafas, senior investment strategist at Edward Jones. Statistics Canada will report the latest data from the national labour force survey on Friday, the same day the November jobs report is due in the U.S. “That's the last important data point for the Bank of Canada before they meet next week,” said Kourkafas. November was a strong month for equities, he said, so it isn't surprising that investors are digesting the gains while they await new data. He said it’s expected that Statistics Canada will report an acceleration of job gains after last month brought a “relatively weak reading,” with job gains at about half of what analysts were expecting. While Canada’s central bank is expected to cut its key interest rate a fifth straight time on Dec. 11, the size of the cut could depend on that jobs data, he said. “We're now looking at a rebound, but as the Bank of Canada deliberates between a quarter point cut versus half a percentage point cut, I think what we are going to see in terms of unemployment rate and the base of job gains is going to have a say into that,” said Kourkafas, adding that wage growth is another important metric to watch. “If we see steady job growth and slowing wages, that can potentially tilt the Bank of Canada towards a larger cut.” In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 308.51 points at 45,014.04. The S&P 500 index was up 36.61 points at 6,086.49, while the Nasdaq composite was up 254.21 points at 19,735.12. U.S. markets were propelled by strength in the technology sector, said Kourkafas, highlighting strong results in quarterly earnings released this week by Salesforce Inc. and Marvell Technology Inc. “I think today's results highlight that there is still a long runway and still enthusiasm, excitement about artificial intelligence and kind of that multi-year adoption cycle,” he said. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.09 cents US compared with 71.14 cents US on Tuesday. The January crude oil contract was down US$1.40 at US$68.54 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$3.04 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$8.30 at US$2,676.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.20 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Sammy Hudes, The Canadian PressPublished 21:41 IST, December 8th 2024 Security has been tightened in Haryana's Panipat for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Monday for the launch of LIC's Bima Sakhi Yojana. Chandigarh: Security has been tightened in Haryana's Panipat for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Monday for the launch of LIC's Bima Sakhi Yojana, officials said. Modi will also be laying the foundation stone of the main campus of the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University. The initiative of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years, who are class X pass, they said. This will be Modi's second visit to Haryana after the formation of the BJP government in October. Earlier, he had attended the oath-taking ceremony of Nayab Singh Saini as the chief minister and his Cabinet on October 18 in Panchkula. BJP formed the government for the third consecutive time in Haryana after the Assembly polls in October. In line with his commitment to women empowerment and financial inclusion, Modi will launch 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' in Panipat, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said. Senior BJP leader Satish Poonia said around one lakh women will welcome Modi at the launch event of the scheme. Poonia Sunday visited the venue of Modi's event and took stock of the preparations. Earlier, Chief Minister Saini had also reviewed the arrangements at the venue. Our government has always been serious about women empowerment and it has been one of the top priorities of the prime minister, Poonia said, adding the Bima Sakhi Yojana will create new employment opportunities for women. Modi will distribute appointment certificates to prospective Bima Sakhis, officials said. The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal. The main campus and six regional research stations, spread over 495 acres, will be established at a cost of over Rs 700 crore, officials said. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 21:41 IST, December 8th 2024GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (“the Company” or “GAP”) announces preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for November 2024, compared with November 2023. For November 2024, the total number of terminal passengers at GAP’s 12 Mexican airports increased by 2.5%, compared to November 2023. Tijuana, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta airports presented an increase in passenger traffic of 5.3%, 5.0%, 0.5%, and 0.1%, respectively, compared to November 2023. On the other hand, Montego Bay presented a decrease in passenger traffic of 7.4%, compared to November 2023. Domestic Terminal Passengers (in thousands): International Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Total Terminal Passengers (in thousands): *Passengers in Tijuana who use CBX in both directions are classified as international. CBX users (in thousands): Highlights for the month: Seats and load factors : The seats available during November 2024 decreased by 1.0%, compared to November 2023. The load factors for the month went from 82.8% in November 2023 to 85.2% in November 2024. New routes: Hermosillo – Monterrey: Volaris La Paz – Los Angeles: Alaska Los Mochis – Monterrey: Volaris Morelia – Monterrey: Volaris Mexicali – Monterrey: Volaris Los Cabos – Frankfurt: Condor Los Cabos – Winnipeg: WestJet Manzanillo – Atlanta: Aeromexico Montego Bay – Nassau: Bahamasair Montego Bay – Hartford, Connecticut: Avelo Company Description Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali, and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAP’s shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PAC” and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GAP”. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the Norman Manley International Airport operation in Kingston, Jamaica, and took control of the operation in October 2019. In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Article 42 of the “Ley del Mercado de Valores”, GAP has implemented a “whistleblower” program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party responsible for collecting these complaints, is 800 04 ETICA (38422) or WhatsApp +52 55 6538 5504. The website is www.lineadedenunciagap.com or by email at denuncia@lineadedenunciagap.com. GAP’s Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation.

Themis Qi Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says it is unnecessary to worry about the government's fundraising goal after preliminary data show the retail infrastructure bonds are undersubscribed - the first time it has happened among inflation-linked bonds. The total subscription of the retail infrastructure bonds was estimated to be HK$17.8 billion, falling short of the target of HK$20 billion. The number of subscribers was estimated at about 128,000 - or 193,000 fewer than those for the green bonds last year. Retail investors were previously advised to book as many as 20 board lots, or HK$200,000, for the three-year retail infrastructure bonds with a coupon rate of at least 3.5 percent to lock in the yields amid a rate cut cycle. Chan said there is no need to worry about the tepid booking among retail investors as the international tranche recorded an oversubscription of three to four times. It is also unnecessary to be concerned about the funds the government aims to raise this year, Chan added. He pointed out that residents have various investment options and the initial public offering market has regained momentum. In February, the government said it would sell HK$120 billion worth of bonds during the year ending in March, of which HK$70 billion would be issued to retail investors - HK$50 billion in silver bonds and HK$20 billion in green and infrastructure bonds. The administration has projected its budget deficit for the current financial year to inflate to HK$100 billion from HK$48.1 billion estimated at the start of the year. It would mark the third consecutive year with a deficit of at least HK$100 billion. The surge in the deficit estimate was mainly due to the decrease in stamp duty tax revenue as the property and stock markets remained sluggish, Chan said. Notably, the income from land sales was only HK$3.7 billion for the first seven months of the financial year, accounting for only 11 percent of HK$33 billion estimated in February. Chan said the government is trying to avoid expenditure from growing, including reducing recurrent spending by 1 percent per annum and freezing headcounts. He said the government will be very cautious in finding new revenue sources to avoid adding to the burden of residents. Chan reiterated that it would take longer than three years to break even, adding that the talent who have come over via various schemes will be new taxpayers contributing to government revenue. themis.qi@singtaonewscorp.comCLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tate McCubbin had 20 points and Austin Peay cruised to a 93-46 victory over Brescia on Sunday. McCubbin also contributed eight rebounds for the Governors (5-8). Anton Brookshire scored 15 points while going 5 of 13 (5 for 12 from 3-point range). Isaac Haney went 5 of 9 from the field (4 for 8 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The win broke a six-game slide for the Governors. Damian Garcia led the way for the Bearcats with 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .At the heart of the debate lies the question of how technology can be harnessed to enhance, rather than detract from, the essence of table tennis. While systems like Hawkeye offer valuable insights and data, they must be implemented judiciously and with careful consideration for their impact on the athletes and the sport as a whole. For Wang Chuqin and other players, the assurance of a level playing field is paramount, and any doubts or uncertainties surrounding the use of technology must be addressed promptly and transparently.

Oregon started signing day behind Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten recruiting rankings and was poised to finish Wednesday on top. The Ducks flipped five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord from the Buckeyes and four-star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele from California — additions that pushed them to No. 4 nationally and No. 1 in the Big Ten in the 247Sports Composite rankings. A Big Ten-high four five-stars signed with the Ducks. Ohio State's class, ranked fifth in the country, is highlighted by a pair of national top-five prospects in quarterback Tavien St. Clair and cornerback Devin Sanchez. Michigan's class was rated third best in the Big Ten and seventh best in the nation. Quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 national recruit, was scheduled to sign his letter of intent with the Wolverines on Wednesday evening. Two other Big Ten teams were ranked in the top 20, No. 13 Southern California and No. 17 Penn State. Leader of the pack Oregon closed with a flourish with Offord and Sagapolutele flipping on signing day and four-star linebacker Gavin Nix switching from Miami on Tuesday. The Ducks signed some of the nation's top prospects at wide receiver and cornerback. Dakorien Moore is the No. 1 receiver and Dallas Wilson is No. 4. Offord is the No. 2 corner, Brandon Finney is No. 5 and Dorian Brew is No. 8. They also signed a second quarterback, the four-star Akili Smith Jr., whose father was the Ducks' quarterback in 1997-98 and an NFL first-round draft pick. Best of the rest Five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet was USC's top signee, and the Trojans beat out Ohio State and Oregon for five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. Penn State landed the No. 4 offensive lineman in the country in Malachi Goodman. Among eight four-star defensive players to sign was linebacker LaVar Arrington Jr., whose father was a 1998 All-American for the Nittany Lions and No. 2 overall draft pick in 2000. Nebraska signed four-star linebackers in Dawson Merritt and Christian Jones and got a pleasant signing-day surprise when four-star wide receiver Cortez Mills flipped from Oklahoma. Under the radar Iose Epenesa, the No. 14 national prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman, continues his family's tradition at Iowa. The edge rusher from Edwardsville, Illinois, is the brother of former Iowa star AJ Epenesa. Another brother, Eric, is a walk-on linebacker for the Hawkeyes. Their father, Eppy, played at Iowa in the 1990s. ... Indiana's breakthrough season produced a minimal bump in the recruiting rankings. The Hoosiers, who signed 21 players, went from No. 16 last year to No. 13 in the Big Ten. . ... Maryland signed four four stars, including the nation's No. 5 quarterback prospect in 6-foot-4, 215-pound Malik Washington. ... Michigan State didn't sign a four-star recruit for the first time since at least 2009. ... Purdue, three days after the firing of Ryan Walters and coming off one of the worst seasons in program history, signed just six players. Star of the class Michigan's NIL collective reportedly offered Underwood an eight-figure financial package and Tom Brady provided a strong nudge to get him to flip from LSU two weeks ago. Underwood is from Belleville, Michigan, less than a half-hour drive from Ann Arbor, and he has said playing close to home also was a factor. Underwood is the first No. 1 national prospect to land at Michigan since defensive end Rashan Gary in 2016. Biggest surprise An Ohio State stocking cap sat alongside Auburn and Oregon ballcaps on a table at Offord's signing ceremony at Parker High in Birmingham, Alabama. He picked up the Auburn cap and put it on for a split-second, then flipped it into the crowd and put on the Oregon cap. With three of the top eight cornerback prospects and four-star safety Trey McNutt expected to sign, the Ducks would have the highest-rated group of defensive backs. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The dark web of car loan fraud is a well-oiled machine, with various players working in concert to exploit the vulnerable. From the initial recruiters who entice victims with false promises, to the fraudulent lenders who manipulate loan amounts for maximum profit, every step of the process is carefully orchestrated to ensure the scammers come out on top.The NBA has issued a warning to its players after multiple players from the NBA and NFL have been the victims of high-profile burglaries. In a memo sent to team officials from the NBA , which was obtained by the Associated Press , the FBI has said that recent burglaries were connected to "transnational South American Theft Groups." According to the FBI, the groups are "reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices." The memo additionally said that the theft rings are "primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags." "The FBI reported that, in most of the incidents, the homes were equipped with alarm systems that were not activated. The FBI also reported that the homes were all unoccupied and, in most cases, no dogs were present." This echoes the same warning sent earlier this week by the NFL . "The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," the NFL memo said. "It is important for players to maintain situational awareness, practice social media safety, and implement home security measures to reduce risk of becoming a target." More NBA: How Many Points Did Lakers' Bronny James Score in Loss to Magic? So far, four well-known athletes have been directly affected by the thefts: two from the NBA and two from the NFL . Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was broken into on Sept. 15 while he was attending a Minnesota Vikings game. Officials told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that jewelry was taken. Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. had his home broken into on Nov. 2. He has offered a $40,000 reward for information related to the robbery. "They took most of my prized possessions," Portis said. More NBA: Joel Embiid, Paul George 'Furious' Someone Leaked Team Meeting Info In the NFL , Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce 's homes were broken into on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, respectively, as they were preparing for their game against the New Orleans Saints. "Obviously, it's frustrating, disappointing," Mahomes told reporters, per David K. Li and Andrew Blankstein of NBC News . "I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing. But obviously it's something that you don't want to happen to, really, anybody but obviously yourself." "I can't speak too much about the details of everything, just with the investigation going on," Mahomes continued. "But I'm sure at some point that will be talked about." More NFL: 49ers' Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa Ruled Out Against Packers For more NBA and NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports .

Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump's most contentious picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted on Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Storm inundates Northern California with rain, heavy snow. Thousands remain in the dark in Seattle HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — Heavy rain from a major storm prompted evacuation warnings for communities near a Northern California river that forecasters say could break its banks Friday, as the system continued to dump heavy snow in mountainous areas where some ski resorts opened for the season. The storm reached the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands before moving through Northern California, where several roads were closed due to flooding and strong winds toppled some trees. Forecasters are warning about the risk of flash flooding and rockslides in areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by this season’s strongest atmospheric river. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Brazilian police formally accuse former President Bolsonaro and aides of alleged 2022 coup attempt SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup to keep him in office after his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings are to be delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put the former president on trial or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then.Falcons QB Cousins Is Looking to Avoid Interceptions, Have Bounce-Back Game in Minnesota Homecoming

Professor Guo Tiancai, a renowned agricultural expert in China, has recently responded to being affectionately nicknamed "Guo Xiaomai" (Little Wheat) by his farmer friends. This nickname, while initially a playful and light-hearted gesture, has now become a symbol of recognition and respect within the farming community, highlighting the deep bond that Professor Guo has formed with those he works alongside.LAKE CHARLES, La. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wavegate Corporation, a pioneering developer of neuromodulation technology for chronic pain management, has secured a lead investor in their $26 million Series A funding round led by UCEA Capital Partners Ltd., a London -based investment firm. This financing will accelerate the development of Wavegate's proprietary Ellipse TM platform, featuring StimuLux TM technology, designed to provide breakthrough therapeutic solutions for chronic pain patients. Wavegate's Ellipse TM spinal cord stimulator uses optical reflectometry to provide closed-loop adaptive modulation, uniquely adjusting stimulation in real-time based on spinal cord movement. This technology, which received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, offers significant potential to improve the lives of chronic pain sufferers by maintaining consistent pain relief across a range of patient activities using either paresthesia-based or paresthesia-free neuromodulation. Wavegate also recently achieved successful first-in-human data, further validating the clinical promise of its Ellipse TM platform. "Securing this funding represents a pivotal moment for Wavegate as we continue to push the boundaries in neuromodulation technology," said Dr. Erich Wolf , CEO of Wavegate Corporation. "UCEA's investment validates the potential of our innovations and supports our vision of advancing effective, patient-centered pain management solutions." The investment by UCEA Capital Partners aligns with its strategic focus on supporting transformative healthcare technologies. "Wavegate's approach to neuromodulation reflects exactly the type of high-impact, innovation-driven opportunity we seek to champion. We are thrilled to support their journey in addressing a critical area of unmet medical need," noted Joao Teixeira , Chairman of UCEA Capital Partners Ltd. The Series A funding will be instrumental in expanding Wavegate's R&D efforts, clinical trials, and preparations for regulatory approvals, marking a significant step forward for the company as it progresses toward commercialization. For more information on Wavegate Corporation, visit wavegate.us . Media Contact: Marla Miller , JD, LLM Corporate Secretary [email protected] +1-337-419-1360 SOURCE Wavegate CorporationHoroscope Today: Astrological Predictions on December 29, 2024, For All Zodiac Signs

The NBA season is well underway and we've reached the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, with two games tonight on TNT and two tomorrow night on ESPN. The winners of each game will head to Vegas to play in the semifinals on Saturday night on TNT, with the championship next Tuesday night on ABC. The rest of the league returns to action on Thursday and Friday, and ramps back up as we begin to approach the Christmas Day games and the midway point of the regular season. NBA fans looking to stream their team throughout the year will need access to a few different services to catch every game. In addition to your regular regional sports network -- the local channel that carries your team's games week in and week out -- you'll also need ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV for nationally televised contests. The NBA's new media deals, which will see Amazon's Prime Video and NBC/Peacock replace TNT , start next year for the 2025-26 season. Yes, TNT still has the NBA this season. All out-of-market games will continue to air on NBA League Pass , which is an excellent choice if you follow a team in a different city from where you live. Getting the service for the full season (with the NBA TV channel included) costs $110, while a Premium option that includes in-arena feeds in place of commercials and the ability to watch three games at once runs $160 for the season. It's important to note that local fans aren't able to watch their team play on League Pass, as broadcasts of these contests air exclusively on regional sports networks. National games are similarly blacked out. While you absolutely don't need cable to watch basketball this year, it still might be the easiest and cheapest choice depending on where you live. Read more : How to Watch NFL Games With or Without Cable in 2024 Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are looking to win their first NBA Cup. Live TV streaming services vs. cable As usual, die-hard sports fans are beholden to regional sports networks that carry the majority of the games for their local team(s). Examples include MSG in the New York area and Spectrum SportsNet in Los Angeles. These RSNs are usually included in local cable packages, so most cable subscribers never have to worry about gaining access to the broadcasts on these channels: They can simply turn on the TV and watch the game. Cord-cutting basketball fans have a tougher path. Because of rights agreements, CNET's favorite live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV don't carry many RSNs. DirecTV Stream and Fubo are the exceptions; both offer numerous RSNs, including the FanDuel Sports channels (formerly Ballys), but they're more expensive than other options. Fubo also still lacks TNT. Ultimately, depending on your location, getting a cable subscription that includes ESPN, ABC, TNT and the local RSN might actually be cheaper and easier than streaming -- especially if it's bundled with the home internet you'll likely be getting anyway. Read more : DirecTV Stream Review: Expensive, but the Best Option for Streaming NBA and NHL What's going on with FanDuel Sports Network, Bally Sports, AT&T SportsNet and other regional sports networks? Diamond Sports Group, which owns what's now called FanDuel Sports Network (formerly known as the Bally Sports regional sports networks), has been dealing with bankruptcy filings, and it remains to be seen what this means for watching basketball on those RSNs this season. FanDuel Sports Network airs games for 13 teams, or close to half the league. For now, games will air on those stations as they always have, but the situation could change. FanDuel Sports Networks' NBA teams include the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs. The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans were on FanDuel Sports Network last year, but both have now gone on their own and will make their local games available for free over-the-air (with an antenna). Read more: Best Antennas in 2024 The Chicago Bulls also have a new home, with games this season airing on a newly created Chicago Sports Network instead of NBC Sports Chicago. Right now the channel requires a cable or satellite package with a free over-the-air antenna option only available in certain areas (with more promised to be coming soon). The Phoenix Suns (formerly on Bally Sports) and Utah Jazz (previously on AT&T SportsNet) already announced new partners last year and both have led the charge in making their games available for free with an antenna. The Houston Rockets (formerly on AT&T SportsNet), meanwhile, are now on Space City Home Network, which the team created in partnership with baseball's Houston Astros after the clubs acquired their local SportsNet channel from Warner Bros. Discovery. What about streaming just my team? In addition to making their games available locally over-the-air, the Suns and Jazz have also launched new streaming services for those looking to stream in-market. The Suns' streaming service runs $110 for the season (the monthly cost remains $15), while the Jazz's service runs $125.50 for the year (or $20 per month if paying monthly). A Jazz option that also includes the new Utah Hockey Club's NHL games is $175 for the season. They aren't alone either. Other teams offering their own in-market streaming options include the Portland Trail Blazers (BlazerVision, $90 for the remainder of the season), Los Angeles Lakers (Spectrum SportsNet Plus, $20 monthly, $195 annually), Los Angeles Clippers (ClipperVision, $20 monthly or $125 for the season) and Washington Wizards (Monumental Sports Network, $20 monthly or $200 annually). The Brooklyn Nets (YES Network, $20 monthly or $240 annually) and New York Knicks (MSG Plus, $30 monthly, $280 annually) have teamed up on a new joint venture for New York teams called Gotham Sports. This lets you get either team individually or as a bundle together ($360 annually or $42 monthly). The YES Network airs Nets and MLB's Yankees games while MSG Plus has the Knicks plus the NHL's Rangers, Islanders and Devils. For those who still have teams with FanDuel Sports Network, you can actually get the channel without subscribing to cable. The streaming service offers users in its coverage area a way to stream just the FanDuel Sports Network channels. The service generally costs $20 a month or around $190 a year for your local FanDuel Sports channel, including NBA and NHL games (plus MLB games in certain areas). In markets where you normally have two different FanDuel Sports channels, you can choose to only buy one or you can bundle them together for $30 a month. While the normal pricing is $190 annually, the service is currently offering an option to sign up for a full season in certain markets at $108 for a "season pass." FanDuel Sports Plus uses your billing ZIP code to determine which channels are available to you, though you'll be able to log into your channels from anywhere in the country. You can check your options at FanDuel Sports Network's website here . It is worth noting that this option does not include national games like the ones that are broadcast on ABC, ESPN or TNT. This service is only available for those whose billing ZIP code falls in locations covered by FanDuel Sports Network channels. Users can pay $20 a month or $190 a year for streaming access to their local FanDuel Sports Network channel without cable ($125 if you want just through the season). Those who live in areas covered by multiple FanDuel Sports networks will be able to bundle them together for $25 or $30 a month or pick one network for $20. NBA League Pass, NBA TV and blackouts Multiview in the NBA app. For NBA fans looking to watch a lot of out-of-market basketball, a subscription to NBA League Pass has plenty to offer. You can get the whole NBA slate for $110 for the season, with commercials and one device, or $160 for the season for a "Premium" option that includes in-arena feeds instead of commercials and the ability to watch on three devices at once (though the price is up from $130 last year). There are some new features this year, including multiview which lets you watch multiple games at once in the NBA app. Those interested in following only a single team can buy a Team Pass for $90 for the season. College students who are actively enrolled can get 40% off the monthly price of the regular League Pass (normally $15 per month). The catch, of course, with any League Pass plan is "out-of-market." Most fans are in-market, meaning they follow the local team, and unfortunately for them RSNs have broadcast exclusivity in the region that they cover. That means local NBA games are blacked out on NBA League Pass. If you're living in Los Angeles, for example, you won't be able to watch Lakers or Clippers games on NBA League Pass. The same goes for Knicks or Nets fans in New York, Bucks fans in Milwaukee and so on. The only way to watch most of those home team games in your home market is to get a service that has the local RSN, namely Spectrum SportsNet, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, MSG Network, YES Network or FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. Services like NBA League Pass use IP addresses to block out games in viewers' regions -- you'll just get a black screen or message telling you it's unavailable if you try to watch those games. That's why League Pass is ideal for those who want to follow one or more of the teams based in cities other than their own, aka out-of-market teams, but for local fans it's not as useful. Some RSNs, particularly the FanDuel Sports Networks and other options mentioned above, will allow you to pay for their channel without signing up for cable or a streaming TV service. NBA League Pass is perfect for catching out-of-market NBA action. While it doesn't allow you to stream games airing in your local city or on national TV, with its $100 starting price (and bundling of NBA TV), it is ideal for fans looking to keep up with everything happening around the league. NBA CrunchTime: Like free RedZone, but for some NBA nights The NBA last year began offering its own spin on the popular NFL RedZone channel with a "whip around" show it calls CrunchTime. This show, available for free on the NBA app, bounces around live games and is designed to show you all the action, particularly close contests. In the past, most of these "CrunchTime days" took place on Monday nights, but there were times when the league would stream it on other days. A 2024-25 schedule hasn't yet been released. You don't need League Pass or any other subscription to watch CrunchTime, making this a more accessible way to get your basketball fix, even if it's just one day a week. You will need the NBA app and to make an NBA ID (both of which are free). What about NBC, Peacock and Prime Video? As mentioned, the NBA's new media deals, which will see Amazon's Prime Video and NBC/Peacock replace TNT, start next year for the 2025-26 season. For this season there are no changes when it comes to the major networks. DirecTV Stream: Simplest for fans of the local team at $113 for Choice package For those determined to watch their local basketball team without a cable or satellite TV subscription, a live TV streaming service is the best bet. While it is pricey, DirecTV Stream is the best option for most people, particularly those where the local games air on FanDuel Sports Networks or those looking for the YES Network (Nets fans in New York) or Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers fans in Los Angeles). DirecTV Stream requires its $113-per-month Choice package to get RSNs (that price includes various fees the company levels on top of the sticker price), though this option also includes ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV, so you should be all set for basketball. If you live in a FanDuel area, you could pair a FanDuel Sports Plus package with something like Sling Orange and save a few bucks per month. Same for those in New York, Phoenix, Utah or Washington, DC, who can pair their RSNs streaming option with a cheaper TV provider. Sling Orange runs $40 per month and includes ESPN and TNT while FanDuel Sports Network or those local RSN options -- as mentioned above -- generally run $20 to $30 per month depending on your area and your team. Getting NBA TV runs $11 per month with the Sports Extra add-on. All told, however, you'd be paying $51 monthly for Sling (including the add-on for NBA TV) and another $20 or $30 for an RSN, which could be a sizable savings compared with DirecTV. It is worth noting that you will need to switch between different apps to stream everything. Another possible pairing is Fubo, which has the FanDuel Sports RSNs as well as a handful of others, and a streaming service like Max. Fubo lacks TNT, but Max has begun streaming live sports under its Bleacher Report (B/R) Sports banner. You will need to get a Max subscription, which starts at $10 per month for the ad-supported version. Combined with Fubo, that's $95 per month for live basketball. Below is a chart of all of the NBA teams in the US and their corresponding RSNs. Note: None of the (US-based) services carry the RSN for the Toronto Raptors (TSN). Fans in the US looking to watch Pascal Siakam and co. need to use NBA League Pass to get all the games that aren't either on your local RSN or on a US national broadcast. RSN availability by team and streaming service Some key takeaways: NBC Sports Washington is now the Monumental Sports Network. The Houston Rockets now play on Space City Home Network (formerly AT&T SportsNet Southwest). DirecTV Stream is expensive. It's the priciest of the five major live TV streaming services, but it's also the one with the most RSNs. Its cheapest $90-a-month Entertainment package includes ESPN, ABC and TNT. You'll need to move up to the $113-a-month Choice plan to get any available RSN as well as NBA TV. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels and RSNs are available in your area. Best options for nationally broadcast games Aside from DirecTV Stream and Fubo, the odds are long that a live TV streaming service carries the RSN for your local team's games, which makes the other four services better bets for watching nationally televised games. It's worth mentioning that for the in-season tournament, quarterfinal games on Dec. 4 and 5 will air on TNT, the semifinals on Dec. 7 will air on TNT and ESPN, and the championship on Dec. 9 will air on ABC. Sling TV's Orange plan includes ESPN, and both plans offer TBS too, but neither of them gives you access to ABC or the regional sports networks found on more expensive services. NBA TV is available as part of the Sports Extra add-on, which costs $11 a month for either the Blue or Orange plan or $15 for the combined Orange-and-Blue plan. The individual plans cost $40 a month each, and the Orange-and-Blue plan costs $55 a month (in some areas, Blue may be $45 per month and the combo will run $60 monthly). You can see which local channels you get here . It's worth noting that ABC is included with the Blue plan in some markets, the Orange plan includes ESPN3 access which allows for watching those games. YouTube TV costs $73 a month and offers six RSNs for basketball, along with all of the national broadcasts including NBA TV. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks and RSNs are available in your area. Fubo costs $80 per month for its Pro option and offers most RSNs for basketball. It also includes ESPN but not TNT -- which might be a problem for some basketball fans. Check out which local networks and RSNs it offers here . Hulu Plus Live TV costs $83 a month and carries a handful of RSNs for basketball, along with ESPN, ABC and TNT, but not NBA TV. Click the "View all channels in your area" link at the bottom of its welcome page to see which local networks and RSNs are available where you live. Each live TV streaming service offers a free trial, allows you to cancel anytime and requires a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide .In a landmark move, Mexico's lower house has unanimously greenlit a reform targeting improved labor conditions for app-based delivery workers and drivers. This initiative aims to provide essential benefits like social security and Christmas bonuses, alongside ensuring a minimum wage. Backed by the ruling Morena party's strong majority, the reform seeks to join Mexico with nations such as Chile and Spain in regulating gig economy work, offering vital labor rights. The legislative success reflects the party's commitment to advancing reforms under both current and past leaderships. While the reform secures benefits for many, opposition voices, like PRI's Ana Isabel Gonzalez, emphasize the need for protective measures against gender-based violence. The proposal, sprung by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is on a fast track for Senate consideration before the holiday recess. (With inputs from agencies.)

Zhang Baizhi, known for her ethereal beauty and graceful demeanor, exudes a timeless elegance in the photo. With her porcelain skin, delicate features, and softly cascading hair, she appears like a classic beauty from a bygone era. Her serene expression and poised posture seem to embody a sense of refinement and sophistication that has long been associated with her persona.California Farmers Are Hopeful Trump Administration Will Deliver More Water to Fieldskrblokhin Investment Thesis I am giving Sprouts Farmers Market ( NASDAQ: SFM ) a hold rating because although the company has had a solid year, consistently having impressive quarterly sales and growth numbers, the 162% YTD increase in share price, which now sits at $128.47, has now put Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.