NoneThe crypto arena is more volatile right now, as many tokens are showing red price charts. Even top crypto coins like Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) are on a downtrend. However, prominent analysts like Gert van Lagen and Crypto Tony are still bullish on these tokens. Their ADA and XRP price predictions are still exciting traders. In this environment, a new phase eight presale star is also making headlines - IntelMarkets (INTL) . Early investors in this project are already 710% richer. Since IntelMarkets will also tap into the growing AI market, which Statista predicts may be worth $826B by 2030, many experts are also bullish about its growth potential. They forecast a potential 900% surge for INTL in 2025. IntelMarkets (INTL) Seen as a Crypto Superstar With 710% Gains So Far While Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) are experiencing some turbulence right now, IntelMarkets (INTL) is making headlines with its price growth. This phase eight presale star has already gone up by 710%, and more price pumps are coming. With nearly $5M raised and 4M INTL tokens already sold, it is clear that people have faith in IntelMarkets' long-term vision. This upcoming trading platform aims to rule the market by combining AI technology with blockchain. Therefore, traders will get access to features not available anywhere else. For instance, while most trading interfaces show mixed signals, the Intell-ArrayTM monitoring system will generate a holistic signal bringing one holistic signal backed by over 100K data points. The INTL native token will power this platform. Those who hold this altcoin will get governance voting rights, access to new features first and more. Traders can now buy INTL for just $0.07 in phase eight of its presale. However, this price will jump to $0.082 after phase nine begins. Furthermore, traders are excited about INTL as a top-tier crypto exchange listing is expected to bring this price to $0.11. In other words, a 50% return for all who buy INTL now. Cardano (ADA) Price Goes in the Red, Analyst Remains Optimistic Cardano (ADA) is seeing some red price charts even though it's one of the best cryptos. CoinMarketCap shows that the price of Cardano fell over 20% in the past week alone. Its value moved between $1 and below $0.85 in that period. Crypto analyst Gert van Lagen made headlines recently with his Cardano price prediction. According to his X post, the value of this altcoin may skyrocket to $31 by 2027. This forecast has stunned many traders, who are now paying attention to Cardano (ADA). However, the Cardano market cap is $30B, which could slow its growth. Thus, ADA will need to see a large influx of new money in order for its price to surge. Crypto coins like INTL will not have this problem. Crypto Tony: The Price of Ripple (XRP) Looks Healthy and May Rise Soon Ripple (XRP) is another altcoin experiencing some turbulence. On the one-week chart, the Ripple price has dropped from around $2.40 to below $2.10, nearly a 10% fall in just the last seven days, according to CoinMarketCap. Nevertheless, market expert Crypto Tony remains optimistic about Ripple (XRP). In a recent X post, he told his followers that this altcoin looks healthy. He also said that a pullback would be a good thing as his Ripple price prediction shows a rise to $3.90. Although the Ripple coin may see a price increase soon, it is worth noting that its price rose over $250 on the YTD chart. Therefore, its highest upswings may have passed already. Because of this, traders turn to INTL instead. What May Come for IntelMarkets (INTL), Cardano (ADA) & Ripple (XRP)? Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) could rebound soon, as they have strong community backing, which could push their value up. Experts are also bullish on IntelMarkets (INTL), which is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the growth of the AI market. Its smaller market cap may bring faster price gains with less money. As a result, experts foresee a potential 900% surge for this altcoin in 2025. Presale: https://intelmarketspresale.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/IntelMarketsOfficial Twitter: https://x.com/intel_markets Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn’t improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Red Bull brings wrong rear wing to Las Vegas in mistake that could stall Verstappen's title chances LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen is suddenly in jeopardy of being denied a fourth consecutive Formula 1 title Saturday night. Red Bull apparently brought the wrong rear wing to Las Vegas and GPS data showed its two cars to be significantly slower on the straights than both McLaren and Mercedes, which led both practice sessions. Red Bull says it doesn’t have a replacement rear wing in Las Vegas to fix the issue and little chance of getting two flown in from England ahead of the race. Lawyer says ex-Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller met with NCAA for hours amid gambling probe PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A lawyer for former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller says the 22-year-old sat for a long interview with the NCAA amid an investigation into unusual gambling activity. But neither the lawyer nor federal law enforcement officials on Friday would confirm reports that a federal probe is now under way. Lawyer Jason Bologna says Miller cooperated because he hopes to play again. Miller was released last month after transferring to Virginia Tech. Temple President John Fry says the Philadelphia school has not been asked for any information from federal law enforcement officials. Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for 16th National Women's Soccer League team WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid for an expansion National Women’s Soccer League team. Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati is heading the group vying to bring a women’s pro team to the city. The club issued a statement confirming Clark had joined the bid group. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce the league’s 16th team by the end of the year. The league's 15th team will begin play in 2026 in Boston. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Aaron Judge won't be bothered if Juan Soto gets bigger contract from Yankees than his $360M deal NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge won’t be bothered if Juan Soto gets a bigger deal from the New York Yankees than the captain’s $360 million, nine-year contract. Speaking a day after he was a unanimous winner of his second MVP, Judge says “It ain’t my money” and adds "that’s never been something on my mind about who gets paid the most.” Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks in his first season with the Yankees, then became a free agent at age 26.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Erik Pratt had 20 points to help Milwaukee defeat North Central College 92-57 on Sunday. Pratt shot 5 for 9 (3 for 7 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Panthers (9-4). Jamichael Stillwell scored 12 points and added 10 rebounds. Learic Davis had 12 points and went 6 of 9 from the field (0 for 3 from 3-point range). The Cardinals were led in scoring by Sean Molloy, who finished with eight points. James Bullock and Drew Gaston scored seven each. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Speculation surrounding candidates to contest ZIFA board elections will be addressed today when the Normalisation Committee announces the official list of aspirants that have passed the eligibility test. Several people have expressed interest in taking up positions on the ZIFA board ahead of the January 25 ballot. However, according to ZIFA statutes, contestants have to pass an eligibility test to make the final short-list of candidates. The vetting process has been taking place in the last two weeks with the assistance of the ZIFA Ethics Committee led by renowned legal practitioner Muchadeyi Masunda. There has been an overwhelming interest in the elections, with the biggest number ever of aspiring office holders throwing their hats into the ring. But the decision will be announced today with regard to nominations that make the cut. There is a possibility some of the nominees will be disqualified if they fail to meet the ethical requirements, which, among other things, state that a person should not have been previously convicted of offences as determined in the electoral code. The upcoming elections have seen as many as 10 aspirants reportedly submitting their documents to contest for the ZIFA presidency, while about 30 are understood to be eyeing places in the executive committee as board members. Positions to be contested for on January 25 include the president, two vice presidents, and six ordinary board members. Unfortunately, the road has not been that smooth, as things turned ugly last week following a mudslinging spate that was punctuated by a series of letters addressed to the ZIFA ethics committee. These letters, which targeted presidential aspirants, were signed by unknown individuals and sought to discredit most of the candidates. The electoral code is clear, though, on how the committee should proceed. Below are some of the requirements aspiring candidates have to meet as stated by the new ZIFA constitution: The president, the vice president, and the other members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the Congress in accordance with art. 31 of these Statutes. They shall undergo an integrity check, to be conducted by the Ethics Committee, prior to their election or re-election. All members of the Executive Committee shall be citizens and residents of Zimbabwe and shall have been continuously resident in Zimbabwe for a period of 2 (two) years preceding the date of election. All members of the Executive Committee shall have already been active in football for at least five years within the last 10 years and shall fulfil the prerequisites stipulated in art. 24 par. 8 of these Statutes. All members of the Executive Committee shall not have been previously convicted and sentenced for any offence. The President and the two Vice Presidents of the Executive Committee shall have passed a minimum of five O-Level subjects (education level) or any equivalent educational level. For one to be eligible to be voted as the president of the executive committee, one must be of the age of 40 years and above. A member of the Executive Committee may not at the same time be a member of an independent committee and may not be appointed/elected as a delegate representing a member at the Congress. NATIONAL Unity Day, which was celebrated yesterday, although the public holiday in lieu has been moved to today, has a double importance. First to celebrate the end of a tragic period in our history when we saw what happens when we are not united on essentials, and secondly to recommit ourselves to preserving that unity [...] Fungai Lupande, Mashonaland Central Bureau This Christmas, the people of Ward 2 in Mbire are set to celebrate joyfully as families have pledged to slaughter goats from a goat-rearing project initiated by the women, all in support of a community free of gender-based violence. Historically, violence against women and girls was prevalent and culturally accepted [...] Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter CALEDONIA Mining Corporation, angling to become a multi-asset gold producer in Zimbabwe, says a new feasibility study on its Bilboes Gold Project, expected to become the countryls largest gold asset, will be published early next year. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)-listed group, which has a secondary listing on the Victoria [...]

( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) New Plymouth, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2024) - New Zealand energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that, further to its 29 October 2024 news release, it has received final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange ") regarding the non-arm's length farmout agreement (the " Agreement" ) entered into between the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monumental Energy Corp. (" Monumental ") (TSXV: MNRG). In addition, the applicable consent of the Minister in New Zealand in accordance with the New Zealand Crown Minerals Act 1991 has also been obtained. Pursuant to the Agreement, Monumental is entitled to participate in the repair and workover of two wells, Copper Moki 1 & 2 (" CM 1 & 2 ") in order to restart production. The wells are located in a permitted block in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand in which NZEC holds a 100% interest. In exchange for paying for the workovers, which are estimated to cost approximately NZ$800,000, Monumental will be entitled to 75% of the oil and gas revenue, net of production costs, until its investment is recovered after which it will have a 25% net revenue interest, or royalty, in the permit. Monumental and NZEC expect the workovers will begin in early 2025. On behalf of the Board of Directors Mike Adams, Chief Executive Officer New Zealand Energy Corp. Tel: +64-6-757-4470‎ New Zealand Energy Corp. Contacts Email: ... Website: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding: the Agreement, the business of the Company, including future plans and objectives, and the CM 1 & 2 wells. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects NZEC's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to NZEC and on assumptions NZEC believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: NZEC's current and initial understanding and analysis of its projects and the development required for such projects; the costs of NZEC's projects; NZEC's general and administrative costs remaining constant; and the market acceptance of NZEC's business strategy. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of NZEC to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; industry condition; volatility of commodity prices; imprecision of reserve estimates; environmental risks; operational risks in exploration and development; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, ‎affecting NZEC; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in NZEC's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at Although NZEC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of NZEC as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, NZEC expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: New Zealand Energy Corp. MENAFN23122024004218003983ID1109025336 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Another View: Trump’s big oil cronies poised to prop up fossil fuels

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Sabuwar kwamishiniyar mata a Kano ta fara tattara bayanan marasa karfi a jiharOTTAWA — Defenceman Cole Hutson had five assists as United States opened its defence of its gold medal with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday as the 2025 world junior hockey championship got underway. James Hagens had two goals and two assists while Gabe Perreault and Brodie Ziemer also scored twice for the Americans, who are considered among the favourites in Ottawa. Trevor Connelly, Brandon Svoboda, Carey Terrance and Cole Eiserman also scored for the Americans. Julius Sumpf, David Lewandowski, Lenny Boos and Timo Ruckdaschel scored for Germany. Trey Augustine made 18 saves for the U.S., while a busy Nico Pertuch stopped 46 shots. Germany next plays Finland on Friday, while the U.S. has a day off before facing Latvia on Saturday. Earlier, defenceman Axel Sandin Pellikka scored a natural hat trick as Sweden kicked off the tournament with a 5-2 rout of Slovakia. Sandin Pellikka, a Detroit Red Wings prospect playing in hist third world juniors, added an assist for Sweden, which is looking for its first title since 2012. Rasmus Bergqvist and Linus Eriksson had the other goals for Sweden. Dalibor Dvorsky had a goal just under 12 minutes into the game to open the scoring for Slovakia, which was then held without a goal until Daniel Jencko scored on a power play with 85 seconds left in regulation. Sweden plays Kazakhstan and Slovakia meets Switzerland on Friday. In other games Thursday, Czechia played Switzerland and host Canada took on Finland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. The Canadian PressPhoto: Newsline The changes come after a special council meeting on Monday to consider the Housing and Business Choice Plan Change (Plan Change 14), which enables more development to happen at different heights in and around the central city and suburban commercial centres, with the highest development allowed in and around the central city. The council decided on 58 recommendations made by the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) for the plan change, meaning almost 40 commercial centres will see zoning changes under the District Plan, including Riccarton, Belfast and Linwood. Mayor Phil Mauger said the decisions will help pave the way for future growth and prosperity. “Yesterday’s decisions are a major milestone for Christchurch and will provide for the growth of the city’s housing and commercial centres in the best locations, to help tackle issues such as climate change and housing choice. Christchurch developers buy up land Council asks for pause on housing intensification plan Plea for councillors to defy housing intensification rules “That means more houses close to our growing commercial centres – where there’s good access to services, public transport and infrastructure. Living within easy reach of work, school and shops makes getting around easier and helps to reduce transport emissions. “We’ve also made sure development is restricted in areas where there’s good reason to do so and limited where we need to protect and maintain areas of value such as heritage. “I’m grateful to everyone in our community who’s played a part in helping the Council reach its decisions to date on Plan Change 14. This process has been a huge undertaking for our city, and a tremendous amount of hard work has gone into making sure we get the best results out of it,” said Mauger. Councillors were yesterday only required to make decisions related to policies 3 and 4 of the Government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD), which require greater building development within and around the central city, suburban commercial centres and planned high-frequency and high-capacity public transport routes. Decisions beyond those two policies do not need to be made until the end of next year, meaning the council has more time to consider what wider housing intensification will look like for the city under the national Medium-Density Residential Standards (MDRS), which allow up to three dwellings of up to three storeys on a property - without resource consent - if all other rules have been met. The Government has previously signalled it intends to make the MDRS optional for councils next year. The council also referred 20 decisions to the Minister for RMA Reform, who now has to decide between the alternative recommendations put forward by the council and the IHP’s original recommendations. The minister’s decisions, which are expected early next year, will include consideration of the council’s alternative recommendation to apply a special city-wide restriction, called a qualifying matter, to allow greater sunlight access for new residential developments under the MDRS. Other alternative recommendations are aimed at amending the degree of intensification around Riccarton, Hornby, Peer St and Linwood, while also seeking to apply the Riccarton Bush Interface Area. A number of heritage and character listings were also rejected through the council’s alternative recommendations to the minister, including Antonio Hall, Daresbury House, and the Piko Heritage and Character Area. The Plan Change 14 decisions that accepted an IHP recommendation will effectively replace existing District Plan standards once they are formally notified, which is expected by December 12, with all the alternative recommendations having legal effect from this date. This means consents against the new provisions can be granted from this date. The council will publish an interactive map on its Plan Change 14 webpage , which will reflect the decisions made today, so people can see how the changes apply. Photo: Newsline Key decisions on Plan Change 14 Key commercial centre zones decided on: 32m (about 10 storeys) for Riccarton and Papanui 22m or 20m (about 6 storeys) for *Hornby, *Linwood, Shirley, Belfast, North Halswell, Merivale, Sydenham, Church Corner, and Merivale (those with an asterisk are subject to a Councillor alternative recommendation) 14m (about 3 to 4 storeys) enabled for all other urban commercial centres, except Lyttelton, which is 12m. High-Density Residential Zone to apply surrounding Riccarton, Papanui, Hornby*, Linwood*, Shirely, Belfast, Merivale, Sydenham, Church Corner and the City Centre (those with an asterisk have an alternative recommendation to limit building height to 12m and a reduced walking catchment): Enables building heights of 14m, with heights of 22m within the Four Avenues or 39m within the Central City Residential Precinct Exemption for recession planes for taller buildings or comprehensively developed sites More lenient controls for site coverage and landscaping Any development of 4 or more units requires resource consent with urban design input Development of all school, visitor accommodation, hospital or tertiary education sites contained within, or adjacent to, the zone are enabled to a level consistent with the surrounding residential zone. Medium-Density Residential Zone to apply within a 200m walking catchment of about 30 other Local Centres (for example, Barrington, St Martins, Parklands, Wigram, etc): Enables buildings of 11m, plus 1m for roof elevation Up to 50 per cent site coverage Street-facing glazing requirements Any development of 4 or more units requires resource consent with urban design input The Local Centre Intensification Precinct (subject to Councillor alternative recommendation) provides for more lenient recession plane controls for comprehensively designed developments (known as Perimeter Blocks) Development of school, visitor accommodation, hospital or tertiary education sites contained within, or adjacent to, the zone are enabled to a level consistent with the surrounding residential zone. To remove the Residential Heritage Areas for Inner City West, Chester Street East, Heaton, Lyttelton, and Piko/Shand – however, these are still in effect due to Plan Change 13, which is subject to a future decision Remove Residential Character areas for Beverley, Ranfurly and Clifton Remove the Central City Heritage Interface, Cathedral Square Interface and Victoria Street Height Apply the Radiocommunications Pathways from the central city Justice Precinct Apply the Industrial Interface within the High- and Medium-density residential areas decided on Remove the financial contributions on tree canopy cover, but investigate a separate plan change to proceed with this Apply the Riccarton Bush Interface Area qualifying matter (subject to Councillor alternative recommendation) Apply the Sunlight Access Qualifying Matter (subject to Councillor alternative recommendation) Apply the City Spine Qualifying Matter, retaining all operative road setbacks along the key public transport corridor of Belfast-Papanui-City Centre-Riccarton-Hornby (subject to Councillor alternative recommendation) 25 Deans Avene (former Stock Yards site) rezoned to Mixed Use Zone, with a specific height limit of 36m (subject to Councillor alternative recommendation). Remove the requirement for notifying Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) for developments within the 50 dB noise contour (including Remodelled), giving the Council discretion to notify CIAL on a case-by-case basis, and retain the requirement for resource consent for three or more residential units. The Council decided on the following key qualifying matters and other matters:

Patterson says journalist’s murder a wake-up call for Jamaica

Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time. "NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix" begins with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Netflix's 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries will be able to stream the games, marking the first time one outlet has distributed an NFL game globally. Netflix will have the games available in five languages — English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. The games will also air on CBS affiliates in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston. NFL policy dictates that games on cable or being exclusively streamed must also be on an over-the-air station in the competing teams' markets. It will also be available on mobile devices in the U.S. for those who have NFL+. The biggest reason is money. The league is getting $150 million from Netflix for the two games this season. It also continues the NFL's moves into streaming — Thursday night games are in their third season on Amazon Prime Video and the "Sunday Ticket" package moved to YouTube TV last year. But Christmas is on a Wednesday when games usually aren't played. That's true, but the league wasn't about to give up Christmas after seeing the ratings. Last year's three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million. The Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens and Texans played on Saturday, giving them the same turnaround they would have if they played on Sunday and then Thursday. All four have clinched playoff spots in the AFC, but seeding remains up for grabs. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed — which would mean a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs — with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied atop the AFC North at 10-5, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. Houston (9-6) has wrapped up the AFC South and holds the fourth seed. Netflix hopes so. Brandon Riegg, Netflix's vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said the system was stress tested, and then some, during the Nov. 14 bout, along with internet service providers reporting they were also overwhelmed by the surge that occurred before and during the fight. The bout peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to the website Down Detector, nearly 85,000 viewers logged problems with outages or streaming leading up to and during the fight. Possible? Yes. Likely? No. The largest audience for a streamed-exclusive NFL game was 23 million on Peacock for last season's AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs. Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected late afternoon on Thursday. It will probably be at kickoff for both games, but especially around 5:45 p.m. EST. That would be near halftime of the Ravens-Texans game, and when Beyoncé will be performing. Mariah Carey will kick off the day with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You." There is no word if Taylor Swift will make the trip to Pittsburgh to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift has been spending time in Kansas City since she wrapped up her Eras Tour two weeks ago. How many Christmas games will Netflix carry in the next two seasons? The NFL will have at least two games on Dec. 25 in 2025 and '26, with Netflix slated to have at least one each year. Amazon Prime Video will have a night game with Christmas on a Thursday next year. Netflix's worldwide partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment will begin on Jan. 6 when "Monday Night Raw" moves to the streaming service. On Friday, Netflix secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Netflix getting set to air NFL on Christmas Day

Davido's dad buys gifts for grandchildren on Christmas Day (video)Wokeness is in retreat, but its stench will be hard to eliminate. Consider the curious case of the bone-headed “Nasdaq diversity rules” — edicts by the stock market giant to force every company that “lists” there to choose a board of directors that stresses intersectionality — racial, sexual and gender diversity — as opposed to competence. Sure, diversity is a worthy goal, but demanding outcomes in hiring through practices such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion is the most counterproductive way to run a business that woke mankind ever thought of. Forcing it on corporate boards as Nasdaq has been doing since 2020 is particularly scary. And now it’s illegal. Boards perform a vital function of oversight of public companies, and the C-suite. Making sure the CEO isn’t robbing the place blind is what the law — established through the Depression-era Securities and Exchange Act — ­demands from directors. Nasdaq turned decades of corporate law on its head at the height of the so-called social justice movement. It came at a particular hysterical time in American history, when the left tried to convince the country it was inherently racist because of the police killing of an ex-con named George Floyd as he was resisting ­arrest. That was then. These days, sanity is returning and woke is in retreat. Courts are ruling that DEI is illegal. The Fifth Circuit federal court did just that, telling Nasdaq it will have to end the insanity. Yes, the ruling is a sign wokeness is dying. But it’s not quite dead. The rules will likely find an afterlife because of a quirk in the disclosure system, and the way the securities regulators might interpret the court finding, The Post has learned. Reminder: Nasdaq, like its main competitor, the New York Stock Exchange, is a stock market; it wasn’t created to serve as a lefty NGO. One of its functions is to make sure people can buy and sell shares, in an ­orderly fashion, of the companies that “list” to trade there. Another is to ensure that listed companies ­follow basic corporate-governance rules that protect investors, including hiring competent directors. Under CEO Adena Friedman, Nasdaq joined the social justice movement that was all the rage in 2020. She demanded that listed companies stock their board with directors who were not the target of progressive ire during that eerie time, aka straight white men. “Each Company, except as described below in, must have or explain why it does not have, at least two members of its board of directors who are Diverse, including at least one Diverse director who self-identifies as Female; and at least one Diverse director who self-identifies as an Underrepresented Minority or LGBTQ+,” the Friedman-led Nasdaq said in its edict. As I point out in my book on progressivism run amok, “Go Woke Go Broke; The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America,” the idiocy of this rule isn’t confined to the very real fact that it’s illegal by any fair reading of the securities laws or various civil rights acts. There are also very real studies with control groups, margins of error, etc., that show that there’s no link between performance and ­diversity. Plus, this rule doesn’t apply to all those Chinese companies that Nasdaq lusts for to pay its listing fees. Companies hailing from one of the world’s most oppressive regimes — that are literally controlled by the repressive Chinese Communist Party — get a free pass. No members of the persecuted Uyghur minority need apply, according to Friedman & Co. Chinese listings can get away with placing a couple of women from the CCP to be directors. Nasdaq has argued to me the rules weren’t totally mandatory — though it always reserves the right to reject a listing. It also stressed that the rules were about disclosure, which sounds quaint until you realize that companies are supposed to disclose stuff investors care about like earnings, not their social justice preening. On top of that, the disclosure part had an interesting compulsory element. A company board’s diversity data, listed in its public disclosure filings, could be easily downloaded on the SEC’s website known as ­EDGAR. This enabled powerful social activist groups with ties to the lefties who run the Biden White House — the Human Rights Campaign, the Center for American Progress — to jump into the debate and pressure companies to up their diversity game as a de facto woke enforcement staff of the Nasdaq. Then something brilliant happened. Someone sued. Not Nasdaq, but its regulator, the equally woke Securities and Exchange Commission, which approved the measure. The lawsuit argued that stock markets weren’t created as political tools of the left. A federal court agreed. Case closed, right? Not quite. The mandates could live on in a perverse way because of the disclosure system that each public company must comply with. The way the people at the Nasdaq explained it to me, the rules were legal until the courts ruled they weren’t. That means the EDGAR system likely continues to keep a record of thousands of companies that compiled the useless and illegal data the Nasdaq asked for, they tell me, even after the Nasdaq is supposed to vacate the mandates in early February. They could be around well into perpetuity for the likes of the Human Rights Campaign to enforce their brand of social justice, securities lawyers I speak to say. As one corporate lawyer told me: “Just think how dumb it was to have a stock exchange telling companies what slots you have to fill while giving the Chinese a pass. Then they will just sit there, which is even dumber.”

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former Minnesota Senate leader Kari Dziedzic passed away Friday after a long battle with caner. Her family released a statement on Saturday saying Dziedzic "entered eternal life surrounded by her family" and "Kari will be remembered by her family and those she served for her enthusiastic and humble leadership, which inspired all who knew her. She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved." Dziedzic stepped down as the Minnesota Senate Majority leader in Feb. of this year, after learning her cancer had returned. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in early 2023. Dziedzic's personal health struggles prompted a policy proposal: Health insurance should cover wigs for cancer patients. Her bill requires insurance coverage with a doctor's prescription for wigs up to $1,000 per year. The bill is set to go into effect on Jan. 1. Dziedzic was tapped to take over the DFL leadership role after they secured a one-seat majority in the senate in 2022. During the 2023 session, under her leadership, legislators swiftly passed laws codifying abortion rights, securing school meals for Minnesota students and expanding voting rights for prior felons. Dziedzic is survived by her mother, five siblings and their spouses and her nieces and nephews. Her family is requesting privacy at this time. Note: The above video originally aired in March 2024. Caroline Cummings is an Emmy-winning reporter with a passion for covering politics, public policy and government. She is thrilled to join the WCCO team.

Nearfield Instruments is bridging the semiconductor industry’s metrology and inspection challenges with in-line, non-destructive process control nanometrology solutions for advanced 3D memory and logic devices. (Image from Nearfield Instruments webpage) ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Dec. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — Nearfield Instruments, a pioneer in advanced process control metrology solutions, is proud to announce that it has received repeat purchase orders for its flagship QUADRA High-Throughput Process Control Metrology System . This follow-up order highlights Nearfield Instruments’ increasing market traction and its success in penetrating high-volume manufacturing operations. The QUADRA system offers cutting-edge capabilities for in-line process control by Nearfield’s high-throughput AFM metrology technologies that deliver highly accurate, non-destructive 3D measurements of critical semiconductor parameters. By providing real-time feedback on critical device structures, the system provides good correlation to device yield and enables manufacturers to maintain high yields and optimal performance in their production lines. QUADRA’s exceptional throughput allows manufacturers to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of devices without compromising measurement precision, ensuring both efficiency and quality in the production process. This follow-on order from a leading semiconductor manufacturer reflects the confidence that global manufacturers are placing in the QUADRA platform as they scale to meet the demands of next-generation technologies. “This repeat order is a clear validation of the QUADRA system’s performance, both in terms of capability and expected reliability and customer support and responsiveness and its critical role in enabling high-volume manufacturing for cutting-edge semiconductor processes,” said Hamed Sadeghian, CEO of Nearfield Instruments . “It demonstrates not only the system’s technical excellence but also the trust our customers place in us to support their production goals. With this new repeat orders, our order book for 2025 is fully filled and underlines Nearfield Instruments’ dedication to providing innovative solutions that help manufacturers achieve new heights of efficiency and yield.” The continued adoption of QUADRA systems by leading manufacturers further strengthens Nearfield Instruments’ position as a driving force in advanced process control metrology for mass production. About Nearfield Instruments Nearfield Instruments is bridging the semiconductor industry’s metrology and inspection challenges with in-line, non-destructive process control nanometrology solutions for advanced 3D memory and logic devices. Their groundbreaking technology combines high-resolution with high-throughput, essential for the production of advanced semiconductor nodes. Nearfield is headquartered in Rotterdam with offices in Eindhoven, The Netherlands and Pyeongtaek, South Korea. For more information, visit www.nearfieldinstruments.com Media Contact Roland van Vliet Chief Partnership Officer Nearfield Instruments B.V. e-mail: roland.vanvliet@nearfieldinstruments.com Telephone: +31620369741 Source: Nearfield Instruments B.V. via GLOBE NEWSWIRE

New Jersey fines firms $40K for sports betting violations

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent sitting in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Two of the men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” ___ Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writer Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.