CINCINNATI , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Stuart Aitken is stepping down as senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, to pursue other professional opportunities. Aitken will remain in his role at Kroger through December 31, 2024 . Mary Ellen Adcock , Kroger's senior vice president of operations, will succeed him as chief merchandising and marketing officer. " Mary Ellen is a respected leader both within Kroger and our industry," said Rodney McMullen , Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Her deep strategic experience in her past 25 years with Kroger in roles of increasing responsibility will continue to drive value for customers and growth for our business and associates." Continuing in their current roles as leaders of the company's operations are senior vice presidents of retail operations Valarie Jabbar and Kenny Kimball , who oversee Kroger operating divisions, and group vice president of retail operations Paula Kash , who leads enterprise retail operations, which includes asset protection, corporate food technology and e-commerce operations. They will now report to McMullen. "On behalf of the Kroger Board and management team, I want to thank Stuart for his work to evolve Kroger's brand while bringing exciting, innovating products to our shelves," said McMullen. "He played an instrumental role in overseeing dunnhumby's integration and establishing 84.51o. We wish Stuart and his family all the best as they embark on a new chapter." About Mary Ellen Adcock Adcock served as Kroger's senior vice president of operations since 2019. In this role, she leads strategic operations for the company's more than 2,700 stores across 35 states supporting more than 416,000 associates and serving 11 million customers every day. Adcock oversees customer experience, associate experience, asset protection, process change and productivity improvement initiatives and is responsible for maintaining the highest food safety and regulatory standards. As senior vice president of operations, Adcock has delivered more than $1 billion in annual operations savings for six consecutive years. This strategic focus on efficiency improvements provided Kroger the ability to reinvest those savings to consistently lower prices for customers and increase wages for associates. Adcock achieved this efficiency goal while also improving the customer and associate experience by developing Kroger's Full, Fresh & Friendly: Every Customer Every Time program. Adcock also played a lead role in operationalizing Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger's commitment to end hunger in the communities it serves and eliminate waste as a company. She led the organization in achieving 100% store participation in the company's surplus food rescue program for the first time. Adcock joined Kroger in 1999 in the company's manufacturing division, where she held a variety of leadership positions. In 2009, she was promoted to vice president of deli/bakery manufacturing, and in 2012, Adcock became vice president of natural foods. In 2014, she led merchandising and operations for the Columbus division. Adcock was promoted to group vice president of retail operations in 2016 and named as senior vice president of retail operations in 2019. In 2022, Adcock was a Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer. About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are, across our family of companies nearly 420,000 associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-announces-chief-merchandising-and-marketing-officer-succession-302314616.html SOURCE The Kroger Co.AP News Summary at 6:33 p.m. EST

Hydrom set to begin third public bidding process for green hydrogen project landsFlorida State made official on Monday the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, confirming weekend reports that he would resign as UCF head coach to reunite with Seminoles coach Mike Norvell. UCF had confirmed on Sunday reports of Malzahn's exit but not his destination, and FSU had not made an announcement until Monday afternoon. "I am excited to be here at Florida State and to help us win championships," Malzahn said in a statement. "It's exciting to work with Coach Norvell, who is someone I believe in as a coach and leader." Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, said on Saturday night after the Seminoles' 31-11 loss to Florida that he could not identify the new offensive coordinator until the hiring process was finalized. Florida State, which is 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is ranked No. 132 of 133 FBS programs in total offense (270.2 yards per game). The Seminoles are 130th in the nation in scoring offense (15.4 points per game). Norvell shook up his staff, including firing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame. "I'm extremely excited to have Gus Malzahn join our staff at Florida State," Norvell said in the school's statement on Monday. "He has one of the most innovative minds in college football and a proven track record of developing elite offenses everywhere he's been. "His offenses have consistently showcased a tremendous running game combined with explosive plays through the air. I'm thrilled to work side-by-side with Gus again as we elevate the Florida State offense back to one of the elite groups in college football." UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level Media

A six-year-old child died in a car accident due to a suspected injury from the vehicle’s airbags. The incident occurred in Navi Mumbai’s Vashi region. The deceased, Harsh Arethia, and three of his cousins, who are also minors, were on their way to get pani puri with his father, Mavji Arethia, driving them. As they approached the Blue Diamond Hotel junction in Sector 28, an SUV driving from the opposite direction lost control and hit a divider. The SUV rose 6-7 feet in the air before landing on the bonnet of Arethia’s car. The impact caused the airbags to burst out, immediately knocking Harsh who was seated in the front seat. The child reportedly suffered no external injuries but is suspected to have died due to polytrauma shock. The driver of the SUV has been identified as Dr Vinod Pachade, a resident of Ghansoli. He reportedly did not flee the site after the incident but went to the Vashi police station to have his statement recorded. Police have issued him a notice asking him to cooperate with the investigation. An FIR has been registered against him. Airbags are typically designed to protect adults. For children, airbags pose a risk due to the force at which they are deployed. The force from the airbag can even cause a child to be lifted from their seat and hit the top of the car causing head injuries. According to healthline.com , it is unsafe for children under 13 years of age to travel in the front seat. Children who are small for their age should wait till they attain a height of 5 feet. Children that are two years or younger should be seated in a rear-facing car seat while children between the ages of 2-8 can be seated in a forward-facing car seat. After outgrowing a car seat, children should be seated on a booster seat till they attain the right height of 5 feet. This is required so that the seatbelt can protect the body effectively by going across the chest and lap.

China’s top political adviser has made a rare trip to view an exhibition about the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhas, a sign that Beijing is getting ready to face the Dalai Lama succession issue ahead of the exiled spiritual leader’s 90th birthday next year, according to an analyst. The South China Morning Post has learned Wang is the most senior Chinese official to visit an exhibition on the reincarnation of the Living Buddha, which opened at the centre in 2014 and details the historical origins, evolution, norms and current state of the reincarnation system within Tibetan Buddhism. 02:45 Tibetans in exile march in solidarity with Dalai Lama in India The centre’s Museum of Tibetan Culture said the exhibit “clarifies that the reincarnation of various dalai lamas and other significant living Buddhas have historically required approval from the central authorities, and illustrates that Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times”. The CPPCC members accompanying Wang vowed to maintain national unity and ethnic solidarity, with a focus on “cultivating a strong sense of identity among all ethnic groups concerning the great motherland, Chinese culture, the Communist Party and socialism with Chinese characteristics,” said the People’s Political Consultative Daily, the official paper of the CPPCC. Wang’s visit also comes only a few months before the 14th Dalai Lama – the exiled spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism – is expected to announce his succession plan. Barry Sautman, an specialist on China’s ethnic minorities at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said that since the CTRC was China’s largest institution for Tibetan studies and Wang was a social scientist, the function of his trip could be to “become acquainted” with the centre’s latest research. “There is likely to be extensive preparation under way within Tibet-related central government institutions to deal with the issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession,” he said.Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMCI) Given Consensus Recommendation of “Hold” by Brokerages

Music producer Richard Perry, known for his iconic collaborations with numerous artists from Carly Simon to Barbra Streisand, has died at the age of 82. Daphna Kastner, Perry’s friend, confirmed his death to news outlets. “He maximized his time here,” Kastner said in a statement to ABC News . “He was generous, fun, sweet and made the world a better place. The world is a little less sweeter without him here. But it’s a little bit sweeter in heaven.” Kastner said that Perry died at a Los Angeles hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. Perry cemented his legendary status by producing a number of popular albums in the Seventies, including Simon’s No Secrets , Streisand’s Stoney End , and Ringo Starr’s self-titled LP Ringo , as well as his following LP Goodnight Vienna . On top of his professional successes, Perry detailed his robust personal life in his 2021 memoir Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer . His marriages to Linda Goldner, his first wife, and Rebecca Broussard ended in divorce. More recently, Perry was in a relationship with Jane Fonda from 2009 until 2017. In a 1973 interview with Rolling Stone , Simon said that working with Perry is like working with “a movie director.” “He sees himself as holding the camera, as directing the players, as calling the final shots, as doing a theme, rather than as an interpreter,” she said. “Richard has much more endurance than I have and much more perseverance, so where I would leave off, he would continue. Whenever he tried to direct my singing in a certain way and I would try to go along with direction, it ended up unnatural. He would realize that and say, ‘I’m sorry. Go back and sing it the way you feel it,’ and that would invariably end up to be the right way.’” The producer built a reputation over his storied career working with accomplished artists. According to Variety , Simon said she recorded over 100 takes of “You’re So Vain” at Perry’s direction. Streisand also wrote about Perry in her 2023 memoir, saying, “Richard had a knack for matching the right song to the right artist.” The list of artists Perry worked with during his time in the music industry is extensive, including Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Donna Summer, Harry Nilsson, and the Pointer Sisters. Over the course of his career, Perry was nominated for seven Grammys and in 2015 he was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Grammys. “Perry is a commercial genius,” Stephen Holden declared in Rolling Stone in 1973. “The quality of sound Perry can produce is frightening. It is cold and glamorous in its corporate calculation, flexible enough to embrace the entire pop mainstream. Voices — Nilsson’s, Streisand’s, Simon’s — through electronic manipulation, become perfect technological artifacts, and every song a potential hit single.”Analysis: If Jets don't want Rodgers, others willSeat-sharing arrangement in J&K, other places could not be done well: Cong’s Raja New Delhi: Seat sharing agreements could not be done in a meaningful way during the Lok Sabha polls, and all secular parties, especially the Congress, need to introspect over the results of the general elections and the recent assembly poll results, Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja said on Monday. Addressing a press conference here after a meeting of the party’s national council, Raja also said the Left parties were not given proper space in the INDIA bloc. “At the time of Parliament elections, the seat-sharing arrangement could not be done in a meaningful way. Some problems remained. Otherwise, the results would have been different also,” Raja said. “Then the Assembly elections –“Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra –“ the seat-sharing arrangement could not be done well. Otherwise, results could have been different. Here, our party has demanded that all parties must do serious introspection,” he said. “Particularly, the Congress party should do serious introspection,” Raja added. He said the CPI and all the Left parties are the “uncompromising political ideological forces fighting against the BJP and the RSS combine”. “But at the time of elections, the Left parties were not accommodated as they should have (been). The Left parties cannot be left out or sidelined. And in the emerging situation in the country, the Left parties are a strong, committed force against the right-wing, conservative, communal, fascist forces,” he said. “This is what our party has pointed out. This has to be taken note by all secular democratic parties, in particular the Congress party. In the coming days, we all will have to work together, fight together,” he said. The country is passing through a very critical period when the ruling BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) combine are posing a “grave threat” to the Constitution, he alleged. “We have celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, but how to uphold the constitutional values, the constitutional morality? So the situation demands the unity of secular democratic forces to save the nation, to save the Constitution,” he said. Talking about the recent Haryana and Maharashtra polls, where the BJP retained power, Raja said the Left parties were dissatisfied how smaller parties, including the Left, were not properly accomodated. “Things would have been different. Every possibility was there to defeat the BJP. Why it did not happen? So everyone should do serious introspection,” he said. He said all secular and democratic parties need serious introspection on how to work together, and how to accommodate each other. “Here, the Congress, being the largest party, it has a responsibility to be accommodative to other parties,” he added. The opposition INDIA bloc, formed ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, won 234 seats altogether, while the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 293 seats. In the subsequent assembly polls, BJP won in Haryana and Maharashtra, while the National Conference-led alliance won in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance won in Jharkhand.GREEN LAKE, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning this summer and left his wife and three children has been located in Eastern Europe and is communicating with law enforcement, but he has not committed to returning home, authorities said. Ryan Borgwardt began communicating with authorities Nov. 11, after they tracked him down, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said Thursday. The sheriff showed a video that Borgwardt sent police that day from an undisclosed location. The sheriff said no charges have been filed and that he doesn't think they will be necessary while authorities “keep pulling at his heartstrings” to come home. Here are some things to know about Borgwardt and his disappearance: Borgwardt, who is in his mid-40s, lived with his wife and children in Watertown, a city of about 23,000 people northwest of Milwaukee that is known for its German heritage, parochial schools and two dams on the Rock River. The sheriff has said his department was told Aug. 12 that Borgwardt had not been heard from since the previous day, when he traveled about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home to Green Lake to go kayaking. Borgwardt’s wife said he texted her at 10:49 p.m. to say he was heading to shore. Deputies found Borgwardt’s vehicle and trailer near Green Lake. His kayak was discovered on the lake, overturned and with a life jacket attached to it, in an area where the water is about 200 feet (60 meters) deep. An angler later found Borgwardt’s fishing rod. The search for his body continued for more than 50 days, with divers scouring the lake on several occasions. Clues — including that he reported his passport lost or stolen and obtained a new one a few months before he disappeared — led investigators to speculate that he made it appear that he had drowned to go meet a woman he had been communicating with in the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan. Podoll declined to comment when asked what he knew about the woman, but he said law enforcement contacted Borgwardt “through a female that spoke Russian.” His identity was confirmed through asking him questions that the sheriff said only Borgwardt would know and by a video he made and sent them Nov. 11. He has spoken with someone from the sheriff's department almost daily since. However Podoll said Thursday that Borgwardt's exact location in Eastern Europe was not known. Podoll said Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk has been the one communicating with Borgwardt and their conversations have all taken place via email. Vande Kolk told The Associated Press in an email Friday that authorities are trying to determine Borgwardt's exact location. But that might not be easy even with modern surveillance technology. Scott Shackelford, executive director of the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research at Indiana University, said authorities should be able to locate Borgwardt through his device's internet protocol address, a unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. But he said it's very easy to mask an IP address and make it appear as if the device is in one country when it's really in another. Software exists that can route your IP address across the globe, Shackelford said. Police may not have the expertise, the manpower or any interest in digging through multiple layers of cyber deception, he said. Wearing an orange T-shirt, Borgwardt, unsmiling, looks directly at the camera, apparently filmed on a cellphone. Borgwardt says he is in his apartment and briefly pans the camera, but mostly shows a door and bare walls. “I’m safe and secure, no problem,” he says. Borgwardt has told authorities he overturned his kayak on the lake, dumped his phone in it and paddled an inflatable boat to shore. He told authorities he chose Green Lake because it is Wisconsin's deepest at 237 feet (over 72 meters). He then rode an electric bike stashed by a boat launch about 70 miles (110 kilometers) through the night to Madison, the sheriff said. From there, by Borgwardt's account, he traveled by bus to Detroit and then Canada, where he boarded a plane. Police are still verifying Borgwardt’s description of what happened, Podoll said. Borgwardt faked his death and fled because of “personal matters,” thinking it was the right thing to do, the sheriff said. Investigators found that he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January for his family. “He was just going to try and make things better in his mind, and this was the way it was going to be,” Podoll said. Borgwardt has not yet decided to return home, and if he does it will be of his own free will, according to Podoll. Deputies are stressing to him the importance of returning home and cleaning up the mess he made. The sheriff suggested that Borgwardt could be charged with obstructing the investigation into his disappearance, but so far no counts have been filed. The search for Borgwardt, which lasted more than a month, is said to have cost at least $35,000. Borgwardt told authorities that he did not expect the search to last more than two weeks, Podoll said, and his biggest concern is how the community will react to him if he returns. This story was updated to correct the spelling of Scott Shackelford’s last name, which had been misspelled “Shackleford.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

GREEN LAKE, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning this summer and left his wife and three children has been located in Eastern Europe and is communicating with law enforcement, but he has not committed to returning home, authorities said. Ryan Borgwardt began communicating with authorities Nov. 11, after they tracked him down, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said Thursday. The sheriff showed a video that Borgwardt sent police that day from an undisclosed location. The sheriff said no charges have been filed and that he doesn't think they will be necessary while authorities “keep pulling at his heartstrings” to come home. Here are some things to know about Borgwardt and his disappearance: Who is he? People are also reading... Borgwardt, who is in his mid-40s, lived with his wife and children in Watertown, a city of about 23,000 people northwest of Milwaukee that is known for its German heritage, parochial schools and two dams on the Rock River. When did he disappear? The sheriff has said his department was told Aug. 12 that Borgwardt had not been heard from since the previous day, when he traveled about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home to Green Lake to go kayaking. Borgwardt’s wife said he texted her at 10:49 p.m. to say he was heading to shore. How was the search conducted? Deputies found Borgwardt’s vehicle and trailer near Green Lake. His kayak was discovered on the lake, overturned and with a life jacket attached to it, in an area where the water is about 200 feet (60 meters) deep. An angler later found Borgwardt’s fishing rod. The search for his body continued for more than 50 days, with divers scouring the lake on several occasions. How did authorities find Borgwardt? Clues — including that he reported his passport lost or stolen and obtained a new one a few months before he disappeared — led investigators to speculate that he made it appear that he had drowned to go meet a woman he had been communicating with in the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan. Podoll declined to comment when asked what he knew about the woman, but he said law enforcement contacted Borgwardt “through a female that spoke Russian.” His identity was confirmed through asking him questions that the sheriff said only Borgwardt would know and by a video he made and sent them Nov. 11. He has spoken with someone from the sheriff's department almost daily since. However Podoll said Thursday that Borgwardt's exact location in Eastern Europe was not known. Why are U.S. authorities struggling to pinpoint his location? Podoll said Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk has been the one communicating with Borgwardt and their conversations have all taken place via email. Vande Kolk told The Associated Press in an email Friday that authorities are trying to determine Borgwardt's exact location. But that might not be easy even with modern surveillance technology. Scott Shackelford, executive director of the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research at Indiana University, said authorities should be able to locate Borgwardt through his device's internet protocol address, a unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. But he said it's very easy to mask an IP address and make it appear as if the device is in one country when it's really in another. Software exists that can route your IP address across the globe, Shackelford said. Police may not have the expertise, the manpower or any interest in digging through multiple layers of cyber deception, he said. What was in the video Borgwardt sent to law enforcement? Wearing an orange T-shirt, Borgwardt, unsmiling, looks directly at the camera, apparently filmed on a cellphone. Borgwardt says he is in his apartment and briefly pans the camera, but mostly shows a door and bare walls. “I’m safe and secure, no problem,” he says. How did he fake his death? Borgwardt has told authorities he overturned his kayak on the lake, dumped his phone in it and paddled an inflatable boat to shore. He told authorities he chose Green Lake because it is Wisconsin's deepest at 237 feet (over 72 meters). He then rode an electric bike stashed by a boat launch about 70 miles (110 kilometers) through the night to Madison, the sheriff said. From there, by Borgwardt's account, he traveled by bus to Detroit and then Canada, where he boarded a plane. Police are still verifying Borgwardt’s description of what happened, Podoll said. Why did he do it? Borgwardt faked his death and fled because of “personal matters,” thinking it was the right thing to do, the sheriff said. Investigators found that he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January for his family. “He was just going to try and make things better in his mind, and this was the way it was going to be,” Podoll said. What's next? Borgwardt has not yet decided to return home, and if he does it will be of his own free will, according to Podoll. Deputies are stressing to him the importance of returning home and cleaning up the mess he made. The sheriff suggested that Borgwardt could be charged with obstructing the investigation into his disappearance, but so far no counts have been filed. The search for Borgwardt, which lasted more than a month, is said to have cost at least $35,000. Borgwardt told authorities that he did not expect the search to last more than two weeks, Podoll said, and his biggest concern is how the community will react to him if he returns. This story was updated to correct the spelling of Scott Shackelford’s last name, which had been misspelled “Shackleford.” Stay up-to-date on what's happeningEthereum is making headlines once again because of its price fluctuations. This attracts the attention of investors around the world. Ethereum’s initial rise to $4K and then the drop was more . With rising demand for dApps and its critical role in the rapidly growing DeFi and NFT ecosystems. However, seasoned investors recognize that the true potential rests in identifying the next crypto to explode. Among these hidden gems, Aureal One (DLUME) is leading the way. This provides huge potential for early adopters. With its innovative presale model, it’s becoming a cornerstone for those seeking massive gains. Let’s explore the top 7 next crypto to explode, including projects that could potentially outpace even Ethereum in the coming months. Top 7 Next Crypto to Explode As Ethereum continues to dominate the market, these 7 projects are making waves. They’re promoting themselves as the best altcoins to watch in 2024. Let’s look at why they’re hailed as the next crypto to explode: 1. Aureal One (DLUME) When it comes to the top crypto presales, Aureal One (DLUME) stands out as a game changer. This project has taken the crypto market by storm due to its emphasis on community-driven innovation and long-term growth potential. DLUME is more than just another altcoin. It’s a holistic ecosystem that aims to provide users with unique utilities and enormous potential rewards. Click here to know more about Aureal One The ongoing presale phase of Aureal One has generated a lot of attention. This attracts both retail and institutional investors. Its tokenomics strategy promises long-term growth while giving early adopters a chance to make massive gains. Furthermore, Aureal One’s inclusion of DeFi capabilities and superior blockchain technology places it as the leading contender for the next crypto to explode. Aureal One reveals its roadmap—from expanding its DeFi tools to launching cross-chain capabilities—making it an attractive option for forward-thinking investors. With a robust presale structure and a clear focus on delivering value, Aureal One has all the makings of a standout project in 2024. 2. DexBoss (DEBO) DexBoss is another exciting entry in the race to find the next crypto to explode. As a decentralized exchange (DEX) with a goal to transform trade experiences. DexBoss is bridging the gap between user-friendly interfaces and professional-level tools. Its native coin, DEBO, drives the platform’s ecosystem. While providing holders with staking benefits, governance rights, and lower trading fees. DEX platforms are gaining traction as users look for alternatives to centralized exchanges. DexBoss is excellently positioned to attract both traders and long-term investors. Its presale performance has already made it a favorite in the category of best crypto presale projects. 3. yPredict (YPRED) yPredict, a project combining AI and blockchain, aims to deliver data-driven market predictions. YPRED, the native token, powers an ecosystem that serves traders and analysts. By providing real-time insights, predictive models, and analytical tools. The project’s AI-powered approach has earned it a spot among the best altcoins to watch. yPredict’s presale has been highly successful, showcasing strong community interest and growing adoption. With the increased demand for precise market analysis in the cryptocurrency space. yPredict’s utility-driven approach could enable it to become the next crypto to explode in 2024. 4. Ripple (XRP) Ripple has been a fixture in the crypto industry. Its latest advances indicate that it still has significant growth potential. XRP continues to form major partnerships with financial institutions. It is known as a key player in cross-border payments. While Ripple is not a new term, its ability to adapt and enhance its utility keeps its flow. With the legal challenges over, XRP is recovering investor trust. This solidifies its position as one of the best altcoins to consider in 2024. 5. Shiba Inu (SHIB) Shiba Inu was once derided as a meme coin. It has developed into a real contender in the altcoin market. Shibarium is now part of its developing ecosystem. A Layer-2 blockchain is designed to improve scalability and reduce the cost of transactions. SHIB’s community-driven strategy and ongoing innovation position it as a viable contender for the next crypto to explode. As it continues to create real-world applications. Shiba Inu’ s future is favorable, especially for investors seeking massive gains. 6. Cardano (ADA) Cardano is one of blockchain’s most innovative projects. The ADA focuses on sustainability, scalability, and security. Its innovative proof-of-stake consensus method positions it as a pioneer in energy-efficient blockchain systems. With the introduction of new features such as Hydra, it is expanding its transaction capabilities and attracting a larger user base. These achievements solidify ADA’s position among the best altcoins. This makes it a viable option for long-term growth. 7. Chainlink (LINK) Many decentralized applications utilize Chainlink’s Oracle technology. That feeds real-world data into smart contracts. Its expanding alliances and links across industries prove its importance in blockchain innovation. Chainlink ‘s popularity in the crypto ecosystem develops in parallel with the demand for dependable data feeds. This makes LINK a tempting choice for anyone looking for the next crypto to explode. This provides exposure to infrastructure-level projects. Conclusion While Ethereum continues to dominate headlines as it approaches $4K, the true opportunities for massive gains lie within these emerging projects. From the innovative presale strategies of Aureal One to the game-changing potential of platforms like DexBoss and yPredict, these are the best crypto presales to consider. Among the list, Aureal One (DLUME) stands out as the most promising. Its robust ecosystem, forward-looking roadmap, and ability to deliver value make it the top pick for the next crypto to explode. Don’t miss the chance to be part of its journey—Aureal One is set to redefine the future best crypto presale investments.Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC

3 Best Shiba Inu (SHIB) Alternatives to Turn $150 Into $15,000

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It looks like an ACL tear,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said Monday. “He’ll probably get a second opinion, but it looks like it will be season-ending.” Hill, who is listed at tight end but plays a variety of roles, was carted off the field after taking a hard hit to his left knee while converting a fourth down on a direct snap in the Saints’ 21-14 loss Sunday to the Rams. The injury came one game after he'd posted a career-best 138 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Cleveland. He also has lined up at quarterback and running back, as well as playing special teams. “It means everybody else has to step up,” Rizzi said. “He fills so many roles, so there are going to be a lot of different guys that have to be a part of the solution there. It’s hard to sit here and tell you we are going to replace Taysom. You can’t. He’s a phenomenal person, player, leader and captain. It’s a big loss." Hill is the third key offensive player the Saints have lost. He joins leading wide receivers Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion in Week 9 and has not played since, and Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the year after tearing a meniscus in Week 7. Rizzi said guard Nick Saldiveri also might miss the remaining five games after injuring his left knee in the fourth quarter one series before Hill. Without Hill, though, the Saints’ quest to get back in the NFC South race became even tougher. At 4-8, they trail Atlanta and Tampa Bay by two games. Hill has 99 catches, 437 carries, 302 passes, 44 touchdowns, 19 tackles and one blocked kick in seven years with the Saints. “I don’t know if I can compare Taysom to anybody else that I’ve ever coached,” Rizzi said. “There’s not a guy that comes to mind that has been able to do all the different things he’s been able to do just in one game, forget about his career." Alvin Kamara had his third 100-yard rushing game of the year and is 106 yards away from the first 1,000-yard season of his eight-year career. He needs only 39 more yards to set a career high. His 206 carries are the third most in his career. Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry, finishing with 156 yards. Rams running back Kyren Williams said they knew at halftime they would win if they stuck to the ground game, and he carried seven times on the opening series of the third quarter as they took the lead. The Saints have allowed 5.1 yards per carry for the season — tied for last with the New York Giants. Signed in late October after Shaheed’s season-ending surgery, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to receiver for big plays. His 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the Saints’ longest gain of the day and his fourth score in the past three games. Tight end Foster Moreau, a reliable performer all year, could not handle Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse on the Saints’ final offensive snap, allowing him to hit Carr as he released a pass on fourth-and-3 from the Los Angeles 9 with New Orleans trailing by 7. Although the news was bad for Hill and Saldiveri, Rizzi said he expected starting center Erik McCoy to play Sunday against the Giants. McCoy was scratched against the Rams after aggravating a groin injury two weeks earlier versus Cleveland in his first game back since missing seven in a row. Rizzi said oft-injured running back Kendre Miller, who has played in two games this year, might return from a hamstring injury Sunday. 2 — The number of sacks for the Saints, not enough to keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from finding his rhythm in the second half. In the Rams’ last five losses, he has been sacked 20 times. In their last five wins, he has been sacked three times. With their NFC South hopes on life support, the Saints travel to face the reeling Giants, who have lost seven in a row. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThe stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X. “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’"

WILDLIGHT, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- Rayonier Inc. (the “Company” or “Rayonier”) (NYSE:RYN) announced today that the Company’s board of directors has declared a one-time, special dividend of $1.80 per common share, consisting of a combination of cash and the Company's common shares. The dividend is payable on January 30, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 12, 2024. The special dividend is being made in connection with the taxable gains arising from the $495 million of timberland dispositions the Company completed during the fourth quarter as part of its previously announced asset disposition and capital structure realignment plan. The cash component of the special dividend (other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) will not exceed 25% in the aggregate, with the balance payable in the Company’s common shares. The Company expects the dividend will be a taxable dividend, regardless of whether received in the form of cash or common shares. “The substantial progress we made on our disposition plan this year is allowing us to return cash to our shareholders while also providing us with considerable capital allocation capacity to act opportunistically to enhance long-term shareholder value going forward,” said Mark McHugh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “By using both cash and shares to comply with our REIT taxable income distribution requirements, we will retain significant flexibility to further reduce leverage, execute on share repurchases, or fund other future capital allocation priorities.” Shareholders will be asked to make an election to receive the dividend all in cash or all in common shares. To the extent that more than 25% of cash is elected in the aggregate, the cash portion will be prorated among the shareholders electing to receive cash. Shareholders who elect to receive the dividend in cash will receive a cash payment of at least $0.45 per common share. Shareholders who do not make an election will receive the dividend 25% in cash and 75% in common shares. The number of common shares issued as a result of the dividend will be calculated based on the volume weighted average trading prices of the Company's common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on January 17, January 21, and January 22, 2025. An information letter and election form will be mailed to shareholders of record after the record date. The properly completed election form to receive cash or common shares must be received by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the Company's transfer agent, prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 16, 2025. Registered shareholders with questions regarding the dividend election may call Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at (800) 659-0158, or (201) 680-6578 for international callers. Shareholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or nominee and have questions regarding the dividend election should contact such bank, broker or nominee, who will also be responsible for distributing to them the letter and election form and submitting the election form on their behalf. The Company also announced today that the Company’s board of directors, in its capacity as the board of directors of the general partner of Rayonier, L.P., has declared a one-time, special distribution to holders of operating partnership units of (i) an aggregate number of operating partnership units that would result in the Company receiving a number of operating partnership units corresponding to the aggregate number of the Company’s common shares issued to shareholders in the special dividend and (ii) an aggregate amount of cash equal to an amount that would result in the Company receiving the aggregate amount of cash payable to shareholders in the special dividend. Additional details regarding the special dividend can be found in a supplemental presentation posted to Rayonier’s website. About Rayonier Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of September 30, 2024, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.84 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (417,000 acres) and New Zealand (411,000 acres). On November 6, 2024, the Company announced dispositions comprising approximately 91,000 acres in the U.S. South and 109,000 acres in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. More information is available at www.rayonier.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release regarding anticipated events, including the amount, timing and form of expected payment of dividends on the Company's common shares, are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements include, among other things, the factors set forth in Item 1A - Risk Factors in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and similar discussion included in other reports that we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202823263/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Collin Mings,investorrelations@rayonier.com, 904-357-9100 Media: Alejandro Barbero,alejandro.barbero@rayonier.com KEYWORD: FLORIDA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT HOME GOODS FOREST PRODUCTS RETAIL AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Rayonier Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202823263/en

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MINNEAPOLIS — Julius Randle scored 18 points and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers 109-80 on Monday night. Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 15 for the Wolves (10-10), who limited the Lakers to their lowest point total since a 122-73 loss at Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar. Anthony Edwards had only eight points on 3-for-13 shooting for the Wolves, but his Olympic teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis were just as quiet for the Lakers (12-9). James, who has missed 19 straight 3-pointers, had 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Davis had 12 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell scored 20 in his return from illness and to the starting lineup. After beating Utah 105-104 on Sunday, the Lakers traveled another time zone east to face a team they beat 110-103 in the season opener behind 36 points and 16 rebounds from Davis. Takeaways Lakers: Rookie coach J.J. Redick assessed his team at the quarter mark of the season “uneven and inconsistent." The Lakers' fifth loss in their last seven games didn't even clear that bar. Timberwolves: With the defense locked in, Minnesota's other priorities are reviving its transition game and 3-point shooting. Both boxes were checked. The Timberwolves went 15 for 35 from deep and had 20 fast-break points. Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell, left, reacts after being called for a foul during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr Key moment Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was plenty disruptive against Davis and the Lakers. Gobert stole an inbounds pass from Max Christie for a rare fast-break dunk late in the third. Key stat The Wolves held their opponent under 100 points for the second straight game and fourth this season. In 2023-24, when they led the league in scoring defense, they held opponents to double digits 23 times. Up next The Lakers play at the Miami Heat on Wednesday, when the Wolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers.US urges push for Syria de-escalation