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Eos Energy Announces $68.3 Million First Funding from its $303.5 Million Department of Energy Loan GuaranteeTrump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Republican senators is demanding that the Biden administration revoke a science and technology agreement with China, barely a week after the two countries for five more years to keep ties from deteriorating. In a letter Thursday to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers, led by Sen. Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the era in which such cooperation made sense “is long gone" and the extension only “opens the door for further cooptation of American research.” The renewal of the agreement just before President Joe Biden leaves office “denies the incoming administration a chance to weigh in on this highly controversial agreement," they said, urging the administration to “reverse course.” In addition to Risch, the letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Todd Young and Bill Hagerty. The first such agreement was signed in January 1979 when the two countries established diplomatic ties to counter the influence of the Soviet Union and when China severely lagged behind the U.S. and other Western nations in science and technology. The agreement was extended in 2018, and it was given temporary extensions last year and this year to allow for negotiations as the tech war between the two countries has escalated. The State Department has said the new agreement has a narrower scope and more guardrails to protect U.S. interests, including covering only basic research and not facilitating the development of critical and emerging technologies. The Republican senators said they had “deep concerns” that those measures were not sufficient to protect intellectual property and prevent illicit transfer of knowledge. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter Thursday. Deborah Seligsohn, assistant professor of political science at Villanova University, said the U.S. stands to lose more if it cuts off science and technology cooperation with Beijing. “The irony is that as China has become our peer, we have so much more to gain from working with Chinese science than we did in earlier eras, and yet at this moment, when we have the most to gain, there is a demand that we shut the door,” she said.

Liberty gains 419 on the ground with 4 touchdowns in a 38-21 victory over Western KentuckyQuest Partners LLC Trims Position in Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (NASDAQ:ROIC)

Hinson defends Ernst over senator’s hesitancy to back Trump’s defense secretary pick

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(Bloomberg) -- A rally in the world’s largest technology companies drove stocks higher, with traders wading through the latest economic data and awaiting Jerome Powell’s remarks for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next steps. Treasuries rose and the dollar fluctuated. Equities headed toward all-time highs, with the S&P 500 set for its 56th closing record in 2024. The Nasdaq 100 climbed about 1%. Nvidia Corp. led a gauge of the “Magnificent Seven” megacaps higher as the group extended this year’s surge to 62%. Salesforce Inc. jumped 9% and Marvell Technology Inc. soared 24% as their results boosted hopes both companies will keep benefiting from an industrywide boom in artificial intelligence. Just days ahead of the key jobs report, data showed employment at US companies remained firm in November while services activity expanded at the slowest pace in three months. Powell participates in a moderated discussion later Wednesday, and one of his favorite barometers of the economy — the Beige Book — will likely reflect the post-election surge in sentiment. “Right now, the odds favor another cut this month followed by a pause in January, but a significant change in the jobs landscape could rearrange those puzzle pieces,” said Chris Larkin at E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. The Nasdaq 100 climbed 0.9%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.4%. European stocks advanced for a fifth consecutive session as German shares hit a fresh record. Investors were watching the no-confidence vote taking place in France. Treasury 10-year yields declined four basis points to 4.18%. The market-implied odds of a quarter-point Fed cut this month have improved to around 70%. Additionally, a cumulative 80 basis points of easing is priced in by the end of next year. To George Smith at LPL Financial, momentum could continue for stocks as December has been a good month for market seasonals. It’s overall the second-best performing month since 1950 — with a 1.6% average gain — and the third-strongest over the past five years, according to Smith. When studying the proportion of positive monthly returns since 1950, December often delivers the highest proportion of positive monthly returns — around 74%. Despite the seasonality, Smith doesn’t out the possibility of short-term weakness, especially as geopolitical threats have the potential to escalate. Equities may also need to readjust to what may be a slower and shallower Fed rate-cutting cycle than markets are currently pricing in, he noted. “We remain tactically bullish into year-end given the positive macro environment, earnings growth, and a Fed that remains supportive of markets,” wrote JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Market Intelligence Team led by Andrew Tyler. “It is sensible to play the market’s momentum and see low pullback potential until mid-January,” they say. To some technical analysts who watch and analyze price moves, and strategists that keep an eye on investor sentiment, the initial rumblings are starting to sound a lot like a stock market that has overheated. A Bank of America Corp. indicator that tracks sell-side strategists’ average recommendations remains at its highest level since early 2022, in neutral territory, but much closer to a contrarian “sell” signal than a “buy.” “Statistically (and paradoxically), the impact of 2024’s big gains has made the market look riskier for long-term investors, but potentially safer for near-term speculators,” the Leuthold Group’s Doug Ramsey wrote this week. Leuthold’s major trend index (MTI) — which takes into account many different kinds of indicators — remains at a “high neutral,” but all of the indexes in the MTI closed last week with maximum-bullish readings. All the short-term positioning, rally chasing and mechanical buying flow speaks to an attitude of just running with the market tide. That doesn’t stop the potential for things to change when the calendar flips into 2025. “To put it simply, and probably no one wants to hear it, but this is not a good set up — investors and speculators alike have been lulled into permabull paradise,” writes Callum Thomas at Topdown Charts. Investors have their hopes up for a Santa Claus rally, but a healthy dose of skepticism might be warranted after November’s stellar run-up, according to Callie Cox at Ritholtz Wealth Management. “The bar for success is now a lot higher for an economy that may still be in flux,” Cox said. “Yields show that expectations have moved a lot over the past two months, yet we haven’t seen any sustained, clear momentum in economic data. Expectations matter, and the job market is under a microscope.” To Mark Hackett at Nationwide, the sustainability of the market rally will be dependent on the continued resilience of the consumer. One of the best forecasters of consumer spending is the health of the job market. “Markets continue to be driven by a combination of technical and fundamental factors,” Hackett noted. “The consistency of the rally is demoralizing to bears, creating a ‘virtuous circle’ where buying drives further buying. There are questions of sustainability into 2025 given elevated expectations and valuations, but that is unlikely to derail the near-term momentum.” Appetite for equities has shown no sign of abating this year. The S&P 500 made multiple record highs, surging over 25%, powered by technology shares and a broad preference for US assets. The rally extended after the election of Donald Trump raised hopes of tax cuts and deregulation. While American equities have persistently outpaced their global peers, BlackRock Investment Institute says that could continue. The US benefits more from “mega forces,” driving corporate earnings, the firm notes. That is supported by a favorable growth outlook plus potential tax cuts and regulatory easing. “Some valuation measures – whether price-to-earnings ratios or equity risk premiums – look rich relative to history. But they may not tell the full story,” according to BII. “Comparing today’s index to that of the past is like comparing apples to oranges. Plus, valuations tend to matter more for returns over a long-term horizon than in the near term.” BII says the AI mega force will likely benefit US stocks more and that’s why the firm stays overweight, particularly relative to global peers such as European stocks. “The upshot: We are risk-on for now, but stay nimble. Key signposts for changing our view include any surge in long-term bond yields or an escalation in trade protectionism,” BII concluded. Corporate Highlights: Key events this week: Some of the main moves in markets: Stocks Currencies Cryptocurrencies Bonds Commodities This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.Open Source Takes on Video Game Preservation

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TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mattr Corp. ("Mattr" or the "Company") MATR confirmed today that it has successfully closed its previously announced private offering (the "Offering") of debt subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.3 million. The Offering proceeds, less the underwriters' fee and expenses, are being held in escrow pending the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, following which, the Subscription Receipts will convert into Notes, as described below. Mattr intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to pay a portion of the purchase price for the Company's previously announced indirect acquisition (the "Acquisition") of all of the issued and outstanding shares of AmerCable Incorporated. Subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, Mattr expects the closing of the Acquisition to occur during the first quarter of 2025. In order to facilitate an orderly settlement of the Offering, the number of Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the Offering has been modified to 125,000,000 (from the previously announced 125,000). Holders of the Subscription Receipts will be entitled to receive, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and without payment of additional consideration or further action, a newly authenticated 7.25% senior unsecured note of the Company due April 2, 2031, in a principal amount of $1,000 (collectively for all Subscription Receipts, the "Notes") per 1,000 Subscription Receipts held. The Notes issued upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts shall be issued as "Additional Notes" pursuant to the trust indenture dated April 2, 2024, between TSX Trust Company and the Company, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, such that, following the issuance thereof, $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior unsecured notes of the Company due April 2, 2031, will be outstanding. The Subscription Receipts were offered through TD Securities and National Bank Financial Markets. The Subscription Receipts were offered for sale in Canada to accredited investors on a private placement basis, in accordance with Canadian securities laws. The Subscription Receipts were not registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and were offered and sold in the United States to qualified institutional buyers only, pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act, and outside of the United States in accordance with Rule 903 of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About Mattr Mattr is a growth-oriented, global materials technology company broadly serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy and electrification. Its two business segments: Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies, enable responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure while lowering risk. For further information, please contact: Meghan MacEachern VP, External Communications & ESG Telephone: 437.341.1848 Email: meghan.maceachern@mattr.com Website: www.mattr.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "may", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "predict", "estimate" or similar terminology are used to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions, estimates and analysis made in the light of the Company's experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that are believed by the Company to be reasonable and relevant in the circumstances. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those predicted, expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Source: Mattr Corp. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.“Hell has frozen over.” That was the terminology that Jesse Ventura used to describe his unlikely return to WWE, where he will be a guest commentator on “Saturday Night’s Main Event” airing live from the Nassau Coliseum on NBC in primetime on Saturday. In an exclusive interview with The Post, Ventura credited his son, Tyrel, who works as the agent for the former Minnesota governor and WWE star. “He’s very qualified for it. He used to be Sean Penn’s assistant, so he has experience,” Ventura said. Ventura famously butted heads with Vince McMahon over financial conflicts that transpired between 1986 and 1990. WWE, however, is under new management with the Hollywood behemoth WME now presiding over the company and Nick Khan as president and Paul “Triple H” Levesque as head of content. “My son was a fan of wrestling and a fan of myself growing up, so he took it upon himself to make some contact with the new ownership and they started talking,” Ventura said. “One thing led to another, and I realized they were under new ownership and I wasn’t going to be held to the old standard of why I got kicked out before. Lo and behold it happened. I’ll tell you this: I did it selfishly for my kids. I’m 73 now. I ain’t gonna be around forever. I want to position it where if anybody makes money off my name, I want my kids to have a piece of it.” Thus, Ventura signed a “Legends” contract with WWE, which led to his announcing appearance. “With Saturday Night’s Main Event coming back after 40 years, somebody said, ‘We need Jesse for this,'” Ventura said. “Because we had already negotiated the Legends deal, it wasn’t a big deal to negotiate this. The ice had been broken and now hell has frozen over.” McMahon left WWE earlier this year after being accused of sexual misconduct by a former employee; he has denied wrongdoing and the suit is pending. Ventura’s first battle with McMahon came before WrestleMania II in 1986 when the former WWE boss caught wind from Hulk Hogan that Ventura was mounting a campaign to unionize the locker room as well as professional wrestlers from other promotions. “I wasn’t directly fired for that — but you can bet it played a role,” Ventura said. Ventura ultimately left WWE in 1990 after a dispute where he signed an outside promotion deal with Sega. “I own the name Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura. I have it copyrighted with the government,” Ventura said, noting that McMahon was unwilling to negotiate with him about outside marketing. Ventura also successfully sued WWE a year later over royalties on video sales. While Ventura credits new WWE ownership for his return, he did make several other appearances with the company since his fractious exit, including a spot as a special guest referee at SummerSlam in 1999 for a match between Mick Foley and Triple H, as well as induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. In the phone conversation, Ventura still had his fastball. He was supremely confident that he would have been able to defeat Donald Trump — and everyone else — in the national presidential election with requisite financial backing, but was adamant that he would not bend the knee to either major political party for the opportunity. Ventura’s triumph in winning governorship of Minnesota has been credited by president-elect Trump in the past for igniting his political ambitions. In addition to his renewed WWE work, Ventura has launched the cannabis business Jesse Ventura Farms. “The reason being is this: My wife was stricken with seizures. Cannabis is the only thing that stopped them,” he said.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- FlexIt , a leader in virtual fitness and wellness, proudly announces the launch of FlexTogetherTM, a platform designed to foster global engagement and connection through innovative wellness experiences. Central to this launch is their new and proprietary AI Class CreatorTM Technology, which enhances personalized workout experiences and social interactions through partnerships with Samsung and LG Electronics. This launch builds on FlexIt’s ongoing efforts, which began with the announcement of ABC's The Bachelorette star Dale Moss as its Head of Community, emphasizing a greater focus on fostering a wellness-driven community through the FlexIt platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219024749/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) FlexTogetherTM: Fitness Meets Connection In an increasingly isolated world, FlexTogetherTM redefines fitness by creating opportunities for users to virtually connect, compete, and earn rewards while achieving personal wellness goals. The platform fosters engagement through: A New Era of Social Fitness FlexTogetherTM reshapes how users engage with fitness by creating dynamic opportunities for connection and collaboration. With robust tools like global leaderboards and rewards systems, users are encouraged to stay active while building camaraderie through shared challenges and achievements. By integrating advanced AI features and interactive experiences, the platform unites people across the globe, making fitness a more connected and rewarding endeavor. About FlexIt: FlexIt has revolutionized the fitness and wellness industry through cutting-edge technology, offering a holistic approach to well-being for consumers and enterprises. Our core solution centers around live, 1-on-1, two-way personal health and wellness sessions with fitness and wellness experts, accessible through both web and app platforms. FlexIt's platform goes beyond just fitness training, embracing well-being through nutrition coaching (led by registered nutritionists with a focus on weight loss), low-impact wellness activities (yoga, meditation, stretching, and dance), health coaching, and physical and occupational therapy (covering preventive, pre/post-natal, senior, and recovery), offering 28 health modalities on the platform. Our innovative approach has earned us recognition within the industry. FlexIt has been selected for the Best Budget-Friendly Coaching App of 2023 by Women's Health, the Best Personal Trainer Apps of 2023 by Forbes, and the Best Fitness Apps in 2023 by Oprah Daily and has been awarded by Men’s Health, Inc. 5000, US News & World Report, among many others. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219024749/en/ CONTACT: For media inquiries, please contact: info@flexit.fit KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY FITNESS & NUTRITION GENERAL HEALTH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: FlexIt Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 05:02 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219024749/en