milyon88 click LAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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TORONTO , Nov. 22, 2024 /CNW/ - IA Clarington Investments Inc. ("iA Clarington ") today announced the November 2024 distributions for its Active ETF Series. Unitholders of record as of November 29, 2024 will receive cash distributions payable on December 10, 2024 . Per-unit distributions are detailed below: Active ETF Series Ticker Distribution per unit CUSIP IA Clarington Core Plus Bond Fund ICPB 0.04376 44931X109 IA Clarington Floating Rate Income Fund IFRF 0.04756 44932R101 IA Clarington Loomis Global Allocation Fund IGAF 0.00915 45075W104 IA Clarington Loomis Global Multisector Bond Fund ILGB 0.03337 45076L107 IA Clarington Strategic Income Fund ISIF 0.02659 44933N109 IA Clarington Loomis Global Equity Opportunities Fund IGEO 0.00000 44934G103 IA Clarington Strategic Corporate Bond Fund ISCB 0.04630 44934C102 IA Wealth Enhanced Bond Pool IWEB 0.03772 44934M100 For more information about IA Clarington Active ETF Series, please visit iaclarington.com/ETF iA Clarington is also providing an update to unitholders on the potential impact of the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on iA Clarington's ability to comply with its obligations to deliver to unitholders its interim financial statements and management reports of fund performance. As a result of the strike, and pursuant to l'Autorité des marchés financiers general decision on the exemption from the obligation to transmit certain continuous disclosure documents in the event of interruption of regular postal services issued November 15, 2024 , iA Clarington is advising unitholders that: a. the interim financial statements and corresponding management reports of fund performance, if any, have been filed electronically and are available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca; b. a copy of the interim financial statements, together with the corresponding management reports on fund performance, if any, will be sent to each unitholder upon request; c. unitholders may contact Client Services 1-800-530-0204 to obtain the documents indicated above or for any information required; and d. iA Clarington will mail copies of the interim financial statements and corresponding management reports of fund performance as soon as possible and, in any case, within 10 days of the end of the interruption of regular postal services, unless the necessary arrangements to transmit the documents by other means at the unitholder's request have been made. About IA Clarington Investments Inc. A subsidiary of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. – Canada's fourth-largest life and health insurance company – iA Clarington offers a wide range of investment products, including actively managed mutual funds, managed portfolio solutions, Active ETF Series and socially responsible investments. As of October 31, 2024 , iA Clarington has over $21 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit iaclarington.com Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, brokerage fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments, including investments in exchange-traded series of mutual funds. The information presented herein may not encompass all risks associated with mutual funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The iA Clarington Funds are managed by IA Clarington Investments Inc. iA Clarington and the iA Clarington logo, iA Wealth and the iA Wealth logo, and iA Global Asset Management and the iA Global Asset Management logo are trademarks of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and are used under license. iA Global Asset Management Inc. (iAGAM) is a subsidiary of Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. (iAIM). The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund's performance, rate of return, or yield. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. SOURCE IA Clarington Investments Inc. View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/22/c2611.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Intel's 20-year-old AI ethics prodigy on the future of artificial intelligence

This move will mark a strategic shift in the US-India defence relationship. Published: December 7, 2024 11:05 PM IST By Edited by Pakistan may acquire Chinese J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter for its air force. It’s a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in South Asia. India currently does not have a fifth-generation aircraft. Experts assess that in the changed geopolitical situation, the US may offer F-35A to India, which will be the answer to the Chinese J-35A for regional balance. This move will mark a strategic shift in the US-India defence relationship. China’s J-35 stealth fighter J-35A is equipped with advanced avionics, which has the ability to deploy modern weapons. If Pakistan acquires this aircraft, it can significantly increase its air warfare capabilities. It has the potential to alter the regional balance of power. However, the J-35A has not yet demonstrated its potential in real combat. India will need counter measures Due to the proximity between China and Pakistan, it is believed that Islamabad can get these fighters. The inclusion of the J-35A in Pakistan’s arsenal means that India will need strong counter-measures especially when China has a fleet of fifth-generation fighter aircraft like the J-20, which is constantly growing. The evolving situation in South Asia could pose an opportunity for the Pentagon to strengthen its strategic partnership with India and contain China’s influence. The offer of the F-35A to India could provide a decisive technological advantage. The F-35A is currently considered among the most advanced fighters in the world, having proven its capabilities in combat. Obstacles in acquiring American F-35 However, there are obstacles in acquiring the American F-35A for India. India has bought the S-400 air defense system from Russia, which could complicate this deal. US rules regarding the deployment of F-35 to countries possessing Russian systems are very strict. Experts suggest that to reduce these risks, the US can impose conditions for the sale of F-35A to India. Under these conditions, F-35 operations could be kept away from S-400 batteries. Simultaneously, more surveillance and inter-operation measures should be implemented with the US forces to protect sensitive technologies. Challenge for India Before acquiring the F-35A, India will have to carefully look at its possible implications. The F-35A is known for its high acquisition and maintenance costs. Choosing the F-35 could divert resources and attention from India’s indigenous fighter jet programmes. In addition, the acceptance of the F-35A could potentially strain India’s long-standing defense relationship with Russia. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . TopicsYankees held meeting with veteran free agent bullpen arm

AKTX stock touches 52-week low at $1.06 amid market challengesThe Georgia Southern football team was once again in a great position entering last week’s home matchup with Troy. The Eagles were tied for first place in the Eastern division with Marshall, a team they beat earlier this season and controlled their own destiny in making it to the Sun Belt Championship. Three games remaining against teams with losing records in the conference were ahead, and if the Eagles were able to win out, they had a chance to even host the Sun Belt Championship. The Eagles have struggled in post-October football games with a 2-10 record and unfortunately that trend continued as they fell 28-20 to a Troy team that came in 2-7 overall and 1-4 in conference play. The Eagles only committed one turnover, which came late in the game, but really struggled on third down as the defense allowed Troy to go 11-14 and eat up valuable time off the clock, while the Eagles offense only managed to go three for eight on third down. “We really needed to be better on third down,” said coach Clay Helton. “I thought quarterback Matthew Caldwell did a nice job of getting the ball to his playmakers going 11 for 14 and keeping our offense off the field. They did the things that good ball-control offenses do. They didn’t turn the ball over and limited us to just eight drive possessions.” While message boards and social media lit up after the game with frustrated fans, Eagle starting defensive lineman Isaac Walker vented his frustration as well on Instagram. Helton announced Monday that Walker was no longer with the team and would not go into the reasons behind it. “I can confirm he is no longer on the football team,” Helton said. “We are very fortunate here unlike a lot of places that have a lot of attrition. We have 123 players, men who are pulling really hard in the same direction. They want to win a championship and are fighting like heck. Leadership is always tough, you aren’t going to make everyone happy and that’s the price of leadership.” Walker no longer being on the roster comes a week after quarterback Dexter Williams decided to leave the team and enter the transfer portal. Eagle players admit they are as frustrated with losing as the fans are and are trying their best to focus on the game ahead with Coastal Carolina and block the noise the best they can from outside the team. “The way the fans feel is the same way we feel,” said Eagle defensive back Chance Gamble. “We know we are expected to win here at Georgia Southern. I feel like there are plays I didn’t make on third down and I know I need to do a better job of locking in especially in those situations.” “It does hurt to hear negativity out there because we want them to love us like we love them,” said Eagle offensive lineman Bryson Broadway. “I love our fans, I love the interactions with the fans and this environment. This is unlike any other place and special. I think sometimes this brings us together and puts a chip on our shoulder and makes us want to work harder.” The Eagles are currently tied for second place in the East and with JMU and Marshall still yet to play have a good chance at winning the East but will have to win out which starts with a road game at Coastal Carolina Saturday in Conway S.C. The Chanticleers come in with a record of 5-5 overall and are 2-4 in Sun Belt play. Coastal is coming off a 38-24 loss to Marshall on the road and are averaging 30 points per game, but giving up over 31 points per contest. Ethan Vasko leads the Chanticleer offense and has thrown for 1,818 and 11 touchdowns. On the ground Vasko has accounted for 357 yards and four scores. Coastal’s leading rusher is Brayden Bennett with 546 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. “You can see coach Tim Beck’s fingerprints on this team,” Helton said. “They have always been that spread-option team, but coach Beck is one of the most elite pro-style minds there are. They have kind of blended into that with tremendous balance. They are running the ball but also Vasko is distributing the ball to some electric playmakers. What really scared me is what they did to a really good running team in Marshall in holding them to only 35 yards that really jumped off the page as far as what they did defensively.” The Eagles and Chanticleers are scheduled for a 3:30 kickoff in a game that can seen on ESPN+

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APM Terminals’ target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is moving closer for our terminals in Spain, as the Barcelona terminal celebrates the arrival of its first electric straddle carriers on Monday. These carriers will also be the first of their kind in the Mediterranean. In total, five electric straddle carriers will be rolled out in Barcelona as part of APM Terminals’ $60 million global electrification pilot to reduce emissions. “Our celebration today underlines our long-term commitment as a terminal operator to Barcelona and to Spain. The modernisation we do here goes hand in hand with our global industry-leading target of net zero by 2040, and Barcelona is a prime example as one of the pilots showing the way with electric equipment. We see a huge potential in further developing our terminals in connection with the overall logistics infrastructure,” says Julián Fernandez, CEO of Spanish Gateways in APM Terminals. The project in Barcelona has been supported by approximately €3 million by the Spanish Government. Within a year, plans on paper are being transformed to action as the port is getting ready for the first phase of testing. This is being done along with setting up charging stations and implementing the technology required to operate. José Alberto Carbonell, President of Port de Barcelona “The commissioning of the first five electric straddle carriers at APM Terminals Barcelona demonstrates the Port Community’s firm commitment to our decarbonisation objectives. I would like to highlight the efforts made by the port’s companies and professionals to efficiently reduce our impact on the environment, and I would like to thank APM Terminals for choosing Barcelona to lead this important global project for the effective decarbonization of maritime port activity. The Port of Barcelona is on track to reduce its CO2-emissions by half by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050. To achieve this, we are making progress in the port’s energy transition, with projects such as the Nexigen plan for the electrification of quays, the production of renewable energies, and the promotion of transition fuels and future zero-emission fuels,” adds José Alberto Carbonell, President of Port de Barcelona. The pilot and testing of equipment taking place in Barcelona happens in cooperation with Konecranes and ZPMC. “Konecranes is proud to partner with APM Terminals Barcelona to contribute to achieving their global industry-leading target with our four battery-powered Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers and automated charging stations. These innovations support eco-efficient operations and set new standards in decarbonisation. Konecranes is driving the shift to sustainable technologies with our Ecolifting ideology, focusing on zero tailpipe emission solutions,” says Peter Kania, Sales Director of Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers. Julián Fernández, CEO of Spanish Gateways in APM Terminals When APM Terminals kicked off its global pilot program for electrification, Barcelona was one of the five hand-picked terminals to participate. Currently, battery-electric equipment has been piloted in Jordan, Egypt and now Spain. And the pilots build a solid foundation for the next steps: from piloting to implementing the global decarbonisation strategy with battery-electric at center and with expert experience and know-how from our operators, who have been trained as part of the program. The new electric straddle carrier (right) next to its diesel predecessor – and a quick look at how it reduces noise and greenhouse gas emissions. “From our operators’ hands-on experiences, it has become evident that some of the upsides – in addition to the lower emissions – are better air quality and working environment – both for our colleagues working with the equipment, and for our neighbors around the port area. The feedback we get is that electric equipment provides a quieter and smoother ride, and more precise handling. Instant torque makes lifting more effortless, while reduced vibrations and simpler maintenance make for a more comfortable and efficient workday,” says Sahar Rashidbeigi, Head of Decarbonisation, APM Terminals. Pier 400 in Los Angeles is next in line in the pilot programme, and our new-build terminals in Rijeka and Suape – starting operations in 2025 and 2026, respectively – are both fully equipped with electric terminal equipment. Greenhouse gas emissions in the terminals come predominantly from diesel equipment. In 2023, APM Terminals became one of the founding members of the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), an industry group that is collectively calling for action to accelerate port decarbonisation by making battery-electric CHE affordable and accessible within this decade. The new electric straddle carrier (right) next to its diesel predecessor – and a quick look at how it reduces noise and greenhouse gas emissions. “It’s remarkable to think that just 12 months ago, we launched ZEPA, and in that time, we’ve completed some crucial work across demand, standardisation, and enabling infrastructure. That said, our goal remains to further close the price and performance gap, especially for straddle carriers. Alongside efforts like ZEPA, taking real action – such as this pilot with early-stage assets – is a vital step in that direction,” added Rashidbeigi. Source: APM Terminals