32 Fantasy Stats for Week 14: Bryce Young keeps impressing

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President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, and an extra 10% on all Chinese goods on top of existing tariffs, has all the hallmarks of a classic Trump policy proclamation. He , while in reality it’s a terrible idea that he may not even enact. And what he does plan to do may be even worse. This is an economic story with serious real-world consequences, few of them good. But it’s also a performance, full of bluff and bluster — and a preview of the corruption that will be a hallmark of his second term in office. During the campaign, Trump said he wanted to impose tariffs of 10%-20% on all imported goods, and up to 60% on goods coming in from China; this proposal is just the start. Were these tariffs actually put in place — and again, the jury is still out on whether Trump will actually follow through — they would be devastating to the American economy. In 2023, we just under $900 billion worth of goods from Mexico and Canada, everything from avocados to lumber to auto parts. Putting a 25% tariff on all of it would amount to a sales tax of $225 billion — or increased costs of about $1,800 per American . Trump’s proposal would also trash the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the free-trade accord Trump himself signed in 2020, and inevitably produce retaliation from the affected countries; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that if Trump imposes these tariffs, Mexico will respond in kind. We saw that in the first Trump administration as well: When he imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China responded by cutting off imports of American agricultural commodities. American farmers who rely on exports had their livelihoods threatened, so the Trump administration paid them off. In the end, 92% of the revenues brought in by the tariffs — which were essentially paid by American taxpayers — of farmers, to the tune of over $60 billion. If the affected population had been people Trump didn’t want to help — let’s say, minority populations living in cities — he may have let them suffer (recall that he initially refused to until aides explained how many residents voted for him). But he was happy to have Americans subsidize a bailout for farmers, because rural voters are essential to his base. You can call this approach “transactional,” or you can call it corrupt. “To me, the world’s most beautiful word in the dictionary is tariffs. It’s my favorite word,” , and now he is promising tariffs much more comprehensive than those implemented during his first term. That experience gives us a guide to how his future tariffs will be deployed. As soon as tariffs were enacted in his first term, his administration was by lobbyists, who filed thousands of requests for special exemptions and carve-outs to allow their clients to import goods and parts without paying the tariffs. And who found favor with the Trump administration? According to , companies that had donated to Republican candidates were more likely to get their exemption requests approved; one of the researchers “a very effective spoils system.” While small businesses lacked the resources to file for exclusions, bigger corporations and their chief executives could expend the time and money necessary to claim carve-outs. Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook, offer an illustrative case study. Throughout Trump’s first term, Cook buttered Trump up with personal attention, something other CEOs who found Trump personally repugnant were more reluctant to do. As , Cook tailored a strategy to massage Trump’s ego over a series of meals and meetings in which he would explain how Apple’s interests dovetailed with Trump’s. “That’s why he’s a great executive, because he calls me and others don’t,” Trump would later say. The strategy paid off with tax breaks and changes to Trump’s tariff plan that kept the iPhone safe from price increases that would go into government coffers rather than Apple’s. In a second term, Trump won’t just be doling out favors; he’ll also deliver punishments. During the campaign he about how John Deere was planning to move jobs to Mexico, but likely changed its plans after he threatened the company with tariffs so high it wouldn’t be able to sell the equipment it made there in the U.S. The story may have been false, but the message was clear: Trump will not hesitate to single out specific companies with penalties (and ensuing abuse from his army of online trolls) if he doesn’t like what they’re doing. We’ve seen before how personal Trump’s view of the economy is: There are good companies and bad companies, within good industries and bad industries, and the determining factor is whether they treat him like the king he imagines himself to be. Firms looking at this history might reasonably decide that making good products isn’t enough to succeed; they also must win the goodwill of a petty and mercurial president, just as companies do in dictatorships around the world. And since everyone knows that Trump is not above a personal payoff, they might feel it wise to put money directly in his pocket. There are multiple ways to do so: They could book rooms at his resorts (as in his first term), or boost in the Trump Media & Technology Group with a large purchase of shares, or invest in his , or perhaps buy a few thousand or or . This president makes it easy to grease his palm. Trump believes that tariffs can do almost anything — force other countries to their knees, bring prosperity to the nation, even restore your sense of manly virility. Best of all, they can provide an avenue for him to reward those who please him, hurt those who fail to bend the knee, and maybe even use his office to make a few more bucks. As corrupt as Trump’s first term was, it could pale in comparison to the second.ADNOC L&S takes delivery of first new-build LNG carrier from Jiangnan Shipyard

CM assures impartial inquiry

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNone

London, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pixalate, the market-leading ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform, today released the Q3 2024 United Kingdom Seller Trust Index for Web, Mobile, and Connected TV (CTV) to rank programmatic ad sellers across desktop and mobile web , mobile apps , and CTV . The first-of-its-kind rankings, using SupplyChain Object (SCO) data, offer a comprehensive view of programmatic ad sellers based on quality across the advertising supply chain, as measured by Pixalate. Pixalate’s Seller Trust Indexes feature country-level seller ratings in 140+ countries for 580+ sellers. The rankings are based on an analysis of over 50 billion monthly programmatic advertising impressions from Q3 2024. Top Programmatic Web Ad Sellers in the United Kingdom (Q3 2024) See more in the Web Seller Trust Index . Top Programmatic Mobile Ad Sellers in the United Kingdom (Q3 2024) See more in the Mobile Seller Trust Index . Top Programmatic CTV Ad Sellers in the United Kingdom (Q3 2024) Amazon Fire TV Samsung Smart TV See more in the CTV Seller Trust Index . Pixalate’s Seller Trust Indexes provide a full view of the ad supply chain ecosystem. In doing so, the Indexes aim to foster economic fairness, encourage competition, and highlight the full range of sellers available to buyers, including each sellers’ relative strengths and weaknesses in each country. Explore all of Pixalate’s Seller Trust Indexes: Web Seller Trust Index Mobile Seller Trust Index CTV Seller Trust Index About Pixalate Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). pixalate.com Disclaimer The content of this press release, and the Seller Trust Indexes (collectively, the "Indexes"), reflect Pixalate's opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes may be useful to the digital media industry. As cited in the Indexes, the ratings and rankings in the Indexes are based on a number of metrics and Pixalate's opinions regarding the relative performance of each seller with respect to the metrics. The data is derived from buy-side, predominantly open auction, programmatic advertising transactions, as measured by Pixalate. The Indexes examine global advertising activity. Any insights shared are grounded in Pixalate's proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources in the Indexes and herein should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees; and neither this press release nor the Indexes are intended to impugn the standing or reputation of any person, entity or app. Per the MRC , “'Fraud' is not intended to represent fraud as defined in various laws, statutes and ordinances or as conventionally used in U.S. Court or other legal proceedings, but rather a custom definition strictly for advertising measurement purposes. Also per the MRC , “‘Invalid Traffic’ is defined generally as traffic that does not meet certain ad serving quality or completeness criteria, or otherwise does not represent legitimate ad traffic that should be included in measurement counts. Among the reasons why ad traffic may be deemed invalid is it is a result of non-human traffic (spiders, bots, etc.), or activity designed to produce fraudulent traffic.”

OTTAWA—A Liberal promise to dole out $250 cheques to millions of people is now in limbo thanks to two opposition parties who are demanding the money flow to more cash-strapped Canadians. The NDP’s Jagmeet Singh signalled Monday that he wants to see eligibility for the cheques extended beyond working Canadians to include seniors, people with disabilities, those receiving unemployment benefits and anyone — particularly students — who joined the workforce for the first time last year. He wasn’t the only leader to push for more to secure the swift passage of the measure: the Bloc Québécois’ Yves-François Blanchet told reporters in French that those “who have actually worked all their lives” must be included, describing the cash handouts as a crude move to win votes. The demands come as Justin Trudeau’s rivals seek to leverage last week’s unveiling of a multibillion-dollar affordability package for their own political gain. The GST cut would be applied to children’s clothes, toys, diapers and car seats. The Liberals have pledged to introduce a two-month GST cut on a number of grocery and holiday essentials, among other items. They would also send $250 to Canadians who worked in 2023, filed their tax return for that year by the end of 2024, and earned up to $150,000. All told, the measures would cost $6.3 billion. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Monday justified the measures, in part, as a way to combat what she called a “vibecession,” or the “disconnect” between Canadians’ feelings about the economy and broader, positive economic signals. “Canadians aren’t feeling it, and that is shaping their economic behaviour in ways that are not great for the Canadian economy,” she told reporters. But the Liberals need opposition support to pass the package of pledges — and to pause a that has brought most parliamentary business to a standstill. Singh said Monday he was prepared to back the Trudeau government’s planned GST holiday, after he proposed a more comprehensive version of the tax cut one week earlier. “We want to see the GST holiday happen right away. We know that people are feeling squeezed. They need a break this winter. So let’s pass the GST holiday. And the Liberals need to fix the cheques,” he said. Singh stopped short of stating whether he would block the passage of rebates if the government introduces that portion of the legislation unchanged. But a senior NDP source who spoke to the Star on the condition they not be named said the Liberals won’t be able to force the NDP to back the measure until it meets the party’s expectations. The New Democrats have said they would introduce a so-called “programming” motion to temporarily suspend a Conservative-led effort to stall House of Commons proceedings. Begun in late September, it is a bid to compel the Liberals to release more documents related to a scandal-riddled — and now-defunct — green technology funding agency. The pause would theoretically allow the Liberals’ legislation to be debated and passed in a single day. The NDP source said the party may not even move forward with such a motion until their demands are met, saying “there’s no possibility, really, of this going to a vote until they get that part repaired.” Two senior Liberal sources with knowledge of discussions between the government and the NDP said talks are ongoing and that the GST pause and the $250 payments could be contained in one piece of legislation or two. It could also be separate from other legislation that may come out of the fall economic statement. One insider, on the condition of anonymity, said “it depends on how any agreement comes together, including on who all is included” in the measures. The Conservatives’ filibuster has prevented the Liberals from scheduling the presentation of its economic update, and allowing MPs to vote on the government’s supplementary estimates, which requires parliament’s approval for more than $21 billion in spending on a range of measures. Freeland said Monday that the government is having “energetic conversations” with other parties, but did not say when the legislation to enact the affordability package will be tabled. Trudeau, in a TVA interview in Montreal on Monday, defended the decision to offer GST cuts that he insisted will benefit everyone, and to send $250 cheques to certain Canadians. Trudeau said his government has already done a lot for seniors, listing enhanced old-age payments for those over 75, and the extension of publicly-paid dental care to all seniors. He also said child-care supports have helped families, and noted the government has not extended free dental care to “40-year-old workers” who also didn’t have access to other government supports but will now receive a bit of relief to “help them with ... the cost of living.” The prime minister said Ottawa can afford the measures because Canada’s economic indicators are “hyper-positive” vis-à-vis G7 partners, with Canada having the lowest deficit, and receiving higher direct foreign investment than its peers. But, he added, many Canadians are still feeling squeezed. Both Freeland and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Monday the one-time, temporary measures will not create any new “structural” deficit, meaning it won’t add year-over-year spending to the annual budget which is already in the red. In a statement to the Star, Freeland’s office said the $250 payments will be “clearly labelled” as the affordability measure they are intended to be, whether delivered via direct deposit or by cheque. It may also go to those whose income comes from working or from investment income, the statement said. “The $250 rebate is for all Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 in net income. That means revenue from all sources, minus your allowable deductions,” said Freeland spokesperson Katherine Cuplinskas.Drama for DOGE bros: Ramaswamy caught on tape trashing Musk

Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with HezbollahShare Tweet Share Share Email Is local SEO dead? This question has been buzzing in digital marketing circles lately. As search engines evolve and new technologies emerge, businesses wonder if their local SEO efforts still matter. Local SEO is very much alive and remains crucial for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. You’ll discover why local search continues to thrive and how you can make it work for your business. We’ll explore the impact of mobile searches, voice assistants, and online reviews on local SEO. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of local SEO’s importance in today’s digital landscape. Is Local SEO Dead? Local SEO remains a vital strategy for businesses for 2025. It continues to evolve with changing search habits and new technologies. Let’s look at how local SEO is adapting to stay relevant. Changing Search Engine Algorithms Search engines keep improving their ability to show local results. They now use factors like your location, search history, and device type. This means local businesses have more chances to appear in search results. Google updates its algorithms often. These changes focus on giving users the most relevant local info. For example, the “Vicinity Update” in 2021 made distance a bigger factor in local rankings. To keep up, you need to: Optimize your website for local keywords Keep your business info accurate online Create content that’s useful for local customers The Impact of Mobile Search and Voice Assistants More people use phones to find local businesses. This has made mobile-friendly websites crucial for local SEO. Voice search is also growing, changing how people look for info. When you use voice assistants, you often ask questions in a natural way. This affects the keywords that matter for local SEO. “Near me” searches have grown a lot in recent years. To adapt, make sure your website: Loads fast on mobile devices Has a design that works well on small screens Uses conversational keywords that match voice queries Local SEO in the Age of Google My Business A Google Business Profile (GBP) is now a key part of local SEO. It’s a free tool that lets you manage how your business shows up on Google Search and Maps. Your GBP listing affects your local search rankings. It shows important info like your hours, location, and customer reviews. Google uses this data to decide which businesses to show for local searches. To get the most from GBP: Fill out all parts of your profile Add photos and posts regularly Respond to customer reviews Keep your info up to date Local SEO is far from dead. It’s changing to fit how people search today. Need help for that? SEO Professionals like Samy Thuillier can help you optimize your GBP or your website for your local queries. You can also find more agencies and SEO freelancers on websites like Clutch.co for instance. Key Elements of Effective Local SEO Local SEO relies on several crucial components to boost your business’s online visibility. These elements help you connect with nearby customers and stand out in local search results. Optimizing for Location-Based Queries Focus on keywords that include your city or region. Use terms like “near me” or “in [city name]” on your website and in your content. Make sure your business address and service areas are clearly listed on your site. Add location pages for each area you serve. Include relevant local info and landmarks to show you know the area well. Use schema markup to tell search engines about your business location and services. This helps your site show up in local search features like maps and business panels. Importance of Consistent NAP Information NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Keep this info the same across all online platforms. This includes your website, social media, and business directories. Check that your NAP is correct on Google My Business. This is a key source for local search results. If you move or change phone numbers, update all listings right away. Conflicting info can hurt your search rankings and confuse customers. Generating Local Citations and Backlinks Get your business listed in online directories. Focus on local directories and industry-specific sites. Each listing is a citation that boosts your local SEO. Ask local partners or customers to link to your site. These local backlinks show search engines that you’re connected to your community. Create content about local events or news. This can attract links from other local sites. It also shows you’re active in your area. Join local business groups online. Participate in discussions and share your expertise. This can lead to natural backlinks and more visibility. Advanced Local SEO Techniques: Going the Extra Mile Local SEO is always changing. New ways to stand out keep popping up. Let’s look at some advanced tricks to boost your local search rankings. Technical Local SEO Mastery Use local schema markup on your website. This helps search engines understand your business info better. Add schema for your address, phone number, and business hours. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out. Add photos, posts, and use all available attributes. This gives potential customers more info about your business. Set up location pages for each of your business locations. Include unique content, maps, and contact details for each spot. This helps you rank for searches in different areas. Advanced Content and Authority Building Create content that targets specific neighborhoods or areas. Write about local events, landmarks, or issues that matter to your community. This shows you’re a local expert. Build relationships with other local businesses and organizations. Get backlinks from local directories, chambers of commerce, and industry associations. These local links boost your authority. Use geo-targeted content on your site. Make landing pages for each service area you cover. Include location-specific keywords and information to attract nearby customers. Advanced Local Presence Optimization Get creative with your review strategy. Ask happy customers to mention specific services or products in their reviews. Respond to all reviews, good and bad, in a helpful way. Use local competitive analysis tools to see what your rivals are doing. Look for gaps in their strategies that you can fill. Find new opportunities to stand out in your area. Try proximity-based content optimization. Tailor your website content to match the user’s location. This can improve your chances of showing up in “near me” searches. Beyond Local SEO: Enhancing Local Visibility & Relevance Local SEO is just the start. You can boost your local presence even more. Let’s look at some key ways to stand out and connect with your community. Why Customer Reviews and Social Media Are Efficient Reviews and social media help you build trust. Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp. Respond to all reviews, good and bad. This shows you care about feedback. Social media lets you share local news and events. Post about your community involvement. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your business. This makes you more relatable. Use social platforms to answer questions quickly. This good service can lead to more positive reviews. More reviews and social activity can improve your search rankings too. How to Create Valuable Content for a Local Audience Make content that speaks to local needs. Write blog posts about local events or issues. Create guides to local attractions near your business. This shows you know your area well. Use local terms and landmarks in your writing. This helps you sound authentic to locals. It can also help you show up in more local searches. Add photos or videos of your area to your site. This makes your content more eye-catching. It also proves you’re truly local. How to Optimize Your Business in Local Listings and Directories Claim your business on Google My Business. Fill out all info fully and correctly. Add photos and keep your hours up to date. This helps you show up in local search results. List your business in online directories. Make sure your name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere. This consistency helps search engines trust your info. Join your local chamber of commerce. Their online directory can give you a boost. Look for other local business groups too. Getting listed on their sites can help your visibility. Local SEO Pitfalls: What You Should Avoid Local SEO has many traps that can hurt your rankings. By knowing what to avoid, you can boost your local search visibility and get more customers. Profile and Citation Management Blunders Check your Google Business Profile often. Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct. Use the same info on all sites. Pick the right business categories. Don’t stuff keywords in your business name. Don’t ignore other business listings. Look for old or wrong listings and fix them. Remove duplicate listings. Keep your hours up to date everywhere. Use a tool to find and fix citation errors. This saves time and helps you stay consistent. Don’t forget to add your website and social media links to listings. Content and Optimization Oversights Create content for local customers. Write about local events, news, and topics. Use natural-sounding local keywords in your content, titles, and meta descriptions. Add local schema markup to your website. This helps search engines understand your business better. Don’t forget location pages if you have multiple locations. Optimize for mobile users. Many local searches happen on phones. Make sure your site loads fast and is easy to use on small screens. Review and Engagement Failures Ask happy customers for reviews. Don’t ignore bad reviews. Respond to all reviews politely and quickly. This shows you care about customer feedback. Don’t buy fake reviews. Google can spot these and may penalize you. Instead, make it easy for real customers to leave reviews. Engage with your local community online and offline. Join local business groups. Sponsor local events. Share local news and updates on social media. Don’t forget to track your local SEO efforts. Use tools to monitor your rankings and traffic. This helps you see what’s working and what needs to improve. Future Trends of Local SEO Local SEO is evolving rapidly. New technologies and changing user habits are reshaping how businesses connect with nearby customers online. Let’s look at key shifts that will impact local search in the coming years. Emerging Technologies in Local Search AI is changing local SEO fast. Smart algorithms now power business listings and search results. This means more accurate info for users. Voice search is growing too. People ask their phones and smart speakers for local business details. To keep up, you need to optimize for natural language queries. AR tech will soon change how we find local spots. Picture pointing your phone at a street to see reviews floating above each store. Or getting turn-by-turn directions with AR arrows on the road. These tools will make finding and choosing local businesses more fun and easy. Visual search is another big trend. Soon you’ll snap a photo of a product and find local stores that sell it. This means optimizing your images is crucial for local SEO success. Evolution of User Search Behavior “Near me” searches keep growing. People want instant results for nearby businesses. You must make sure your site and listings show up for these queries. Mobile use for local search is also rising. Most local searches now happen on phones. Your site needs to work well on small screens. Users now expect rich, detailed info in search results. They want to see menus, prices, and photos without clicking through. You should give search engines lots of info about your business. This helps you show up in “zero-click” results where users get answers right on the results page. Local intent is getting smarter too. Search engines can guess if you’re looking for a nearby business even if you don’t say “near me”. You need to optimize for all kinds of local queries, not just obvious ones. New Local Business Visibility Paradigms Local search is moving beyond just Google. New platforms like local apps and smart maps are growing. You should list your business on these to stay visible. Digital assistants like Siri and Alexa are also key. They often pull local info from lesser-known sources. Make sure your business info is correct across the web. Local SEO automation is on the rise. New tools can update your listings, respond to reviews, and track rankings automatically. This frees up time for strategy. But you still need to oversee these tools to ensure quality. Lastly, local search is getting more visual. Video content, virtual tours, and 360-degree photos are becoming must-haves. These help your listings stand out and give users a better feel for your business before they visit. Conclusion Local SEO is alive and well in 2024. It keeps changing, but it’s still key for businesses to connect with nearby customers. You need to stay up-to-date with new trends to succeed. Voice search and AI are reshaping local SEO, so adapting your tactics is crucial. As mobile use grows, local searches are more important than ever. Make sure your business shows up when people look for products or services in your area. Local SEO takes time and effort. Be patient and keep working on it. The results will come if you stick with it and do it right. Related Items: digital marketing , Local SEO Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Practices for Leveraging Digital Marketing in Boston How Backspace Marketing Helps Boost Local Business Visibility with Google Business Profiles Backspace Marketing Elevates Local SEO with Strategic Review Management Comments

Michigan aims to cap lost season by beating Ohio State

GATORS PODCAST: Gators keep good times rolling with upset of Ole Miss (Ep. 259)Robert Wickens moving up to IMSA GTD series in 2025 thanks to new Bosch hand controlsAI Powers the Fight Against ALS LAS VEGAS , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --A partnership between Compass UOL, an AI transformation services company, and non-profit EverythingALS is using artificial intelligence to address Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), one of the most intractable puzzles in medicine. EverythingALS and Compass UOL will officially launch their partnership on December 4 at 4:00 PM PT at the annual AWS re:Invent conference in this city, at the AWS for Healthcare and Life Sciences booth within the AWS for Industries Pavilion. The initiative aims to accelerate breakthroughs in ALS care and research by training and supporting 2,000 computational biologists and AI engineers dedicated to understanding and combating ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases as part of Vision 2030 program of EverythingALS. EverythingALS, a patient-focused non-profit set up by The Peter Cohen Foundation, is driving innovation in ALS research by combining biotechnology with data science, working closely with Harvard Medical School , Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT , and pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, and MT Pharma, among others. "The time is now," said Indu Navar , whose foundation honors the memory of Peter Cohen , her late husband and an Amazon.com veteran and senior founding team member of AWS. Cohen held multiple leadership roles during his tenure at Amazon before losing his life to ALS in 2019. "AI and computational power are unlocking mysteries of the brain that were once inaccessible," Navar said. Navar, a tech entrepreneur herself and Peter Cohen's wife, founded EverythingALS to fulfill her husband's vision of applying technological innovation to cure ALS. Navar has made it her mission to save millions of lives from brain diseases. "This partnership allows us to honor Peter's legacy by harnessing data and technology to better understand ALS and ultimately save lives," she said. Compass UOL contributes its AI transformation experience and the work of a team of over 6,000 experts in AI, data and digital platforms at the AI Revolution Company, its parent organization. "We are racing to train the next generation of experts in computational biology to tackle diseases such as ALS and related brain diseases," said Dao Jensen , President of Compass UOL's AWS Business Unit in the U.S. Last year, Compass UOL announced a training initiative with AWS support to help 15,000 computer science students in universities worldwide learn to program cloud platforms using generative AI tools. ALS is a nervous system disease that affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe. There is still no cure for this fatal disease, made more widely known by baseball legend Lou Gehrig . "I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for," said Gehrig in closing his speech. He might have well said it for the Compass UOL and EverythingALS alliance, which 85 years and a several technological and scientific breakthroughs later, is racing for a cure in the same unbreakable spirit. About Compass UOL Compass UOL is a global company that is part of the AI Revolution Company, which drives the transformation of organizations through Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and Digital Technologies. We design and build digital native platforms using cutting-edge technologies to help companies innovate, transform businesses, and drive success in their markets. With a focus on attracting and developing the best talent, we create opportunities that improve lives and highlight the positive impact of disruptive technologies on society. About EverythingALS Since 2020, EverythingALS has been dedicated to advancing research, fostering innovation, and offering support for individuals and families affected by ALS. EverythingALS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that operates under the Peter Cohen Foundation. EverythingALS has established a well-connected ALS community network comprising 7,000 subscribers, 1,400 research participants, and over 300,000 visitors to its YouTube channel from 50 countries. Furthermore, EverythingALS collaborates with a consortium of pharmaceutical companies, sharing research findings and insights through its unique citizen-driven research with an open innovation model. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and data-driven approaches, EverythingALS is committed to accelerating the development of curative therapies for ALS, aiming for a world free from the burdens of ALS. http://www.everythingals.org and http://v2030.org SOURCE Compass UOL

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed confidence Wednesday that Elon Musk would not use his proximity to Donald Trump to harm business rivals, calling such actions "profoundly un-American." Speaking at the New York Times DealBook conference, Altman addressed concerns about Musk's announced role heading a new Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Donald Trump administration, and whether he might use it to favor his own companies. "I may turn out to be wrong, but I believe pretty strongly that Elon will do the right thing," Altman said. "It would be profoundly un-American to use political power to hurt your competitors and advantage your own businesses." Even if there are "lots of things not to like about him... it would go so deeply against the values I believe he holds very dear to himself that I'm not that worried about it." Musk, an OpenAI co-founder who later departed the company, is currently suing Altman's firm and Microsoft, claiming they shifted from the project's original nonprofit mission. He has since launched xAI, reportedly valued at $50 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable startups. Altman said that the court battle was "tremendously sad" and that he once saw Musk as "a mega hero." Musk became a close ally of Trump during his campaign, spending over $100 million to boost his presidential bid and joining him at rallies. Since the election victory, he has been a frequent presence in the Trump transition and was reportedly on the line when Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the president-elect to congratulate him on winning the election. The tycoon's businesses have deep connections with governments -- both in the United States and elsewhere -- and his new position has raised concerns about conflict of interest. During the interview, Altman also lowered expectations for the importance of OpenAI's models achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), a benchmark of human-level intelligence the company has long set as the goal for its technology. "My guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think, and it will matter much less," he said. "A lot of the safety concerns that we and others expressed actually don't come at the AGI moment... AGI can get built. The world goes on mostly the same way," he said. arp/aha

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here . Week 13 features only three games between two teams with winning records. All three matchups are on Sunday. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry face off when the streaking Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) take on the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) in a potential Super Bowl preview. Barkley leads the NFL with 1,392 yards rushing and Henry is next at 1,325. The Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) visit the Atlanta Falcons (6-5) in a matchup between first-year coaches who’ve turned their teams around. Two surprise teams meet when the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5). It’s a full schedule with no byes, beginning with three games on Thanksgiving and another on Black Friday. Five road teams are favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Pro Picks aims for another winning week. Line: Cowboys minus 3 1/2 The Giants are a total mess. General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll are barely hanging onto their jobs. Drew Lock could become the third starting QB in three games. Standout rookie receiver Malik Nabers called his team “soft” after they played like a group that’s quit last week. The Cowboys aren’t much better, though they fought hard in an upset win at Washington. Cooper Rush had his best game filling in for Dak Prescott. A soft schedule has Dallas thinking the playoffs aren’t out of reach. The Cowboys can’t overlook New York. They’re 0-6 in their past six home games but have won seven straight matchups vs. the Giants. BEST BET: COWBOYS: 26-17 Line: Rams minus 2 1/2 The Saints are 2-0 under interim coach Darren Rizzi and are coming off a bye with a chance to keep their playoff hopes alive. An offense that was unstoppable in the first two games this season is getting back on track thanks to an improved run game and back-to-back sharp outings from Derek Carr. Alvin Kamara should be excited to get the ball against the Rams, who just gave up 255 yards rushing to Saquon Barkley. Los Angeles needs to protect Matthew Stafford better and give him time to get the ball to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. UPSET SPECIAL: SAINTS: 24-23 Line: Lions minus 9 1/2 The Lions have lost seven straight games on Thanksgiving, including three times to the Bears. It would be a major upset if that happens again. Detroit has won nine straight games since losing to Tampa Bay in Week 2. The Lions are not only winning but dominating opponents with six victories by a double-digit margin during their streak. Jared Goff leads a prolific offense while the defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown the past two games. The Bears are trying to snap a five-game losing streak. Caleb Williams hasn’t thrown a pick in 193 passes. Detroit is 15-3 against the spread in its past 18 division games and 8-1 ATS in the past nine games overall this season. LIONS: 31-19 Line: Packers minus 3 1/2 Tua Tagovailoa suffered a season-ending concussion the previous time the Dolphins faced Green Bay on Christmas Day in 2022. He has 11 TDs and only one interception in the five games since returning from his latest concussion and has led Miami to three straight wins. The Packers face a tough test in the middle of a stretch where they play three games in a 12-day span with a showdown against the Lions looming next Thursday. Jordan Love has bounced back from two rough games to play two solid ones. He’ll face a strong challenge against Miami’s top-10 defense. PACKERS: 23-21 Line: Chiefs minus 13 The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs keep finding ways to win barely. They’ve won 12 straight games decided by seven points or fewer, the longest streak in NFL history, and have won five games decided on the final play this season. Patrick Mahomes is the difference-maker in many of the close ones. Kansas City could use a rout. The struggling Raiders provide an opportunity for a lopsided victory. Las Vegas has lost seven straight and lost quarterback Gardner Minshew last week. The team will turn to Aidan O’Connell back off injured reserve to start on Black Friday. The Chiefs are due for an easy one, but they’re 0-5 ATS in the past five games. CHIEFS: 27-16 Line: Chargers minus 2 The Chargers hit the road on a short week after losing the “Harbowl” at home to the Ravens. Their offense could be without running back J.K. Dobbins and the defense has allowed 57 points in the past two games after giving up just 13.6 per game the previous five. Meanwhile, the rested Falcons are coming off a bye and eager to snap a two-game losing streak to maintain their hold on first place in the NFC South. FALCONS: 23-22 Line: Bengals minus 3 The AFC North-leading Steelers are road underdogs following a road loss at Cleveland. Russell Wilson has been hitting his deep throws but needs better protection. A usually stingy defense that couldn’t make stops against Jameis Winston in the snow now has to contain Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The underachieving Bengals need to stack wins to have any shot at climbing back into the playoff race. Cincinnati is 1-3 ATS as a home favorite this season. BENGALS: 24-23 Line: Vikings minus 3 1/2 Stout defense and solid play by QB Sam Darnold has helped Minnesota become the surprise team in the NFL this season. Only the Lions and Chiefs have a better record. The Cardinals are in a four-way battle in the NFC West. A disappointing offensive performance led to their four-game winning streak being snapped. It won’t be easy for Kyler Murray and Co. to score against the Vikings. VIKINGS: 23-17 Line: Colts minus 2 1/2 It’s no longer Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning in this rivalry. Anthony Richardson and Drake Maye go head-to-head in a matchup between young QBs taken in the top five of the draft over the past two seasons. The Colts can’t get their offense and defense to play well in the same game. That could turn around against the lowly Patriots. COLTS: 20-16 Line: Seahawks minus 2 Geno Smith faces the team that drafted him after turning his career around on his fourth stop and going to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons. The Seahawks are fighting for the playoffs while the Jets have fallen apart. Their coach and GM already have been fired. Aaron Rodgers’ future is uncertain. Yet, the team still has plenty of talent. SEAHAWKS: 20-17 Line: Commanders minus 6 Jayden Daniels and the Commanders have hit a detour on their road to the playoffs, losing three straight games. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense has stalled during Washington’s recent skid. The Titans are coming off a big upset in Houston and Will Levis has asserted himself since returning from an injury a month ago. Tennessee has the No. 2 defense in the league so it’ll be tough for Daniels and the Commanders to get back on track in this one. COMMANDERS: 24-17 Line: Texans minus 4 1/2 C.J. Stroud and the Texans are having some issues this season. Not even close to Jacksonville’s troubles, though. The Jaguars could have Trevor Lawrence back after he missed two games. That won’t be enough. Houston has won 11 of the past 13 games vs. Jacksonville. The Texans are 2-6 ATS in their past eight games vs. AFC opponents. The Jaguars are 4-1 ATS in their past five games. TEXANS: 24-20 Line: Buccaneers minus 6 Panthers coach Dave Canales has the team playing better and Bryce Young is showing some of the potential that made him a No. 1 overall pick. Canales’ familiarity with Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense should help Carolina’s defense. The Buccaneers can’t afford a letdown as they try to make a push to get back in the playoff race. They’re getting key players healthy, their three-headed rushing attack has added balance to the offense and the defense needs to build off a solid performance last week. BUCCANEERS: 24-20 Line: Ravens minus 3 Both teams are coming off impressive wins in the same stadium in Los Angeles one night apart. The Ravens had shorter rest following the Monday night win. Barkley has been a sensational addition for the Eagles. Henry has made a major impact in Baltimore. Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson go head-to-head for the first time. The Ravens have won two in a row in the series. Philadelphia has the better defense and that could be the difference. EAGLES: 26-23 Line: Bills minus 7 The inconsistent 49ers need Brock Purdy, Trent Williams and Nick Bosa back from injuries. The defending NFC champions have lost two in a row, but they’re only one game back in their division. The rested Bills have won six in a row and are coming off a bye. Josh Allen in the MVP favorite and Buffalo can clinch another division title this weekend. BILLS: 26-23 Line: Broncos minus 5 1/2 Maybe Jameis Winston gets to play in the snow again. Winston has reinvigorated the Browns, though too late for it to matter this season. Rookie QB Bo Nix has helped turn the Broncos into a playoff contender with plenty of help from receiver Courtland Sutton and a strong defense. BRONCOS: 23-19 Last week: Straight up: 9-4. Against spread: 8-5. Overall: Straight up: 121-68. Against spread: 97-80-2. Prime-time: Straight up: 28-12. Against spread: 21-18-1. Best Bet: Straight up: 8-4. Against spread: 7-5. Upset Special: Straight up: 7-5. Against spread: 7-5. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl