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One day before Texas and Georgia face off in the Southeastern Conference championship game, the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the national letters of intent that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
AP News in Brief at 6:04 p.m. EST
NoneNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96One day before Texas and Georgia face off in the the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and
Roborock makes history with out-of-this-world video campaign( ) just hit a new 12-month high. Investors who missed the bounce are wondering if BMO stock is still and good to buy for a self-directed Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) portfolio focused on and total returns. Bank of Montreal share price Bank of Montreal trades near $146 per share at the time of writing. The stock has been on a wild ride in the past two trading sessions. BMO released its fiscal fourth-quarter (Q4) 2024 results on December 5. Markets initially reacted negatively to the report, sending the stock from $134 to $127. As analysts combed through the results, however, sentiment shifted, and BMO reversed course. Savvy investors who bought the initial dip are up as much as 15%. This kind of volatility is not historically common with the big Canadian banks that are broadly viewed as best-in-class global financial institutions. In the case of Bank of Montreal, the sharp jump in provisions for credit losses (PCL) scared investors who have been concerned that high interest rates are still putting pressure on businesses and households with too much debt. That scenario is likely to persist, even as interest rates continue to decline, but BMO said it expects PCL to moderate through 2025. Bank of Montreal’s high provisions are largely connected to its U.S. operations. The bank has some commercial loans that are in trouble and has decided to set cash aside for potential losses. Bank of Montreal purchased California-based Bank of the West for US$16.3 billion in early 2023, enlarging its existing BMO Harris Bank operations. BMO negotiated the deal in late 2021, near the peak of the first post-pandemic rally in bank stocks. Since then, aggressive rate hikes by the central banks have put pressure on borrowers and have led to a surge in PCL at Bank of Montreal and its peers. Opportunity The market appears to be of the opinion that the worst is over for Bank of Montreal in the American business. Looking ahead, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to continue to cut interest rates, although the pace might slow down if planned tariffs drive up inflation. Bank of Montreal’s large U.S. footprint positions the bank to benefit from growth in the U.S. economy, which is in better shape than the economy in Canada and will likely outperform the domestic market in the next couple of years. Dividends and share buybacks Investors might also be encouraged by the 3% dividend increase and BMO’s plans to repurchase 20 million shares. This suggests the board is comfortable with the earnings outlook for fiscal 2025 and beyond. Risks Unemployment in Canada for November inched up 0.3% to 6.8%. If job losses continue to increase as the economy softens, there could be a surge in loan defaults, even as interest rates are expected to decline. In Canada, roughly a million fixed-rate mortgages are coming due in 2025. Most people will see renewal rates that are much higher than their current rate. Banks have broadly said that households are doing a good job of being able to adjust to the rate increases, but a sharp jump in unemployment could change the narrative. Another risk is Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on all goods entering the United States. Americans could see a surge in inflation as businesses pass on the costs to consumers. Canada’s economy could take a hit due to the amount of trade the country does with the United States. Both these situations would be negative for Bank of Montreal and its peers. Is BMO stock a buy today? Investors with a buy-and-hold strategy should be comfortable owning Bank of Montreal for its dividend. Given the size of the recent rally, however, it might be worthwhile to wait for a pullback or at least take a small position and look to add on a new weakness.
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CANTON, Mass., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Destination XL Group, Inc, (NASDAQ: DXLG), the leading integrated - commerce specialty retailer of Big + Tall men’s clothing and shoes, today confirmed that it has received a non-binding proposal from Fund 1 Investments, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company. The Board of Directors regularly reviews opportunities to create and enhance shareholder value and will carefully review and evaluate this proposal and other strategic alternatives together with its financial and legal advisors. Guggenheim Securities, LLC is acting as financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig, LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company. About Destination XL Group, Inc. Destination XL Group, Inc. is the leading retailer of Men’s Big + Tall apparel that provides the Big + Tall man the freedom to choose his own style. Subsidiaries of Destination XL Group, Inc. operate DXL Big + Tall retail and outlet stores and Casual Male XL retail and outlet stores throughout the United States, and an e-commerce website, DXL.COM, and mobile app, which offer a multi-channel solution similar to the DXL store experience with the most extensive selection of online products available anywhere for Big + Tall men. The Company is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "DXLG." For more information, please visit the Company's investor relations website: https://investor.dxl.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by words that convey projected future events or outcomes such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “view,” “opportunity,” “potential,” or words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of the Company or its management about future events, and include statements regarding the Company’s evaluation of the non-binding proposal. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions as of the time they are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company will not differ materially from any projected future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company encourages readers of forward-looking information concerning the Company to refer to its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that set forth certain risks and uncertainties that may have an impact on future results and the direction of the Company Investor Relations Contact: investor.relations@dxlg.com (603) 933-0541 Public Relations Contact: Mike Reilly / Matt Sherman Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher DXLGmedia-jf@joelefrank.com (212) 355-4449
Steelers WR George Pickens returns to practice, hopeful to play against Chiefs PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Canadian Press Dec 23, 2024 2:01 PM Dec 23, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens walks on the field as teammates work out prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Bills offense is 'Cooking,' with running game adding a powerful new dimension Dec 23, 2024 1:43 PM Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progress Dec 23, 2024 1:31 PM Heavy ground game gives Anthony Richardson a chance to shine in Colts' latest victory Dec 23, 2024 1:29 PMNone
Hehe culture's message of ecological harmony: living in symbiosis with nature: Global Times article 12-26-2024 08:08 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: SHENZHEN HMEDIUM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD The Global Times is proud to present the second installment in its series exploring the global significance of "Hehe" culture. This timeless Chinese concept, deeply rooted in harmony, peace, and unity, provides profound insights into addressing contemporary global challenges. A Rich Cultural Legacy The concept of "Hehe" draws from thousands of years of Chinese philosophy and cultural tradition. The term, with the first "He" embodying harmony, peace, and balance, and the second "He" representing convergence, unity, and cooperation, serves as a guiding principle for personal and collective well-being. The Global Times series investigates how this ancient ideal has sustained China's unity over centuries and its potential relevance for the modern world. This latest feature highlights the intellectual and philosophical origins of "Hehe" culture, tracing its synthesis of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It examines how these principles promote harmony within societies, between nations, and with the natural world. The article delves into the lives of legendary figures like Hanshan and Shide, the "Two Immortals of Harmony" from the Tang dynasty (618-907), who embodied "Hehe" values through their poetry, acts of kindness, and coexistence with nature. Relevance to Modern Challenges The feature also explores how "Hehe" culture offers timeless guidance for addressing today's challenges, including climate change, international conflicts, and ecological degradation. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, the philosophy advocates for sustainable living and global cooperation. China's modern initiatives, such as its ecological civilization campaigns, are framed as reflections of this enduring wisdom. The article further draws parallels between "Hehe" culture and other global philosophies. For instance, it compares the ecological harmony of "Hehe" with Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess's concept of "deep ecology," which calls for humanity to transcend narrow anthropocentrism. Similarly, the article connects the harmony emphasized in "Hehe" with principles of Ubuntu from Southern Africa and the Indian ideals of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), highlighting the universal aspiration for peace and coexistence. A Framework for Unity and Collaboration In today's fractured global landscape, the message of "Hehe" culture is more pertinent than ever. The article emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation across cultures and ideologies. Drawing on examples such as recent diplomatic breakthroughs between China and India, the feature illustrates how "Hehe" values can inspire solutions to conflicts and promote a more peaceful, rules-based multilateral system. Readers are invited to access the full article on the Global Times website to delve deeper into these transformative ideas and their implications for modern governance, international relations, and environmental stewardship. The author is former under-secretary-general of the United Nations and former executive director of the UN Environment Programme. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn Read the full Article here: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325381.shtml Media Contact Company Name: Global Times Contact Person: Wang Wenwen Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=hehe-cultures-message-of-ecological-harmony-living-in-symbiosis-with-nature-global-times-article ] Phone: 13810630137 Country: China Website: https://globaltimes.cn This release was published on openPR.AP News in Brief at 6:04 p.m. EST
