kijiji burlington Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home." He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. 'Baby Driver' actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek has died after he fell out of a moving vehicle in Alabama. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Meek was hurt on Dec. 19 while on a street in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham. He died two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department has not issued any public statements. Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014’s “The Santa Con,” and had roles in various TV series, including “MacGyver.” He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film “Baby Driver,” in which he played a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s titular character. Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny announced he will release a new album in early January. He announced Thursday that “Debí Tirar Más Fotos" arrives Jan. 5. It is his sixth studio album and follows in his tradition of releasing new music on unexpected dates. This time, it's a Sunday instead of the typical Friday album drop date. Bad Bunny announced the news on Instagram in a short video featuring Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales. He also released a new single, “PIToRRO DE COCO.” His last release was 2023’s “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.” Hwang Dong-hyuk on killing off his 'Squid Game' characters and wanting to work with Jake Gyllenhaal As season two of Netflix's hit series “Squid Game” returns Thursday, viewers can expect more untimely deaths for many of its characters. Its creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk says whittling down the cast made him happy because less people were easier to manage on set. The show follows a deadly competition in South Korea that targets contestants who are heavily in debt and desperate for money. Hwang told the Associated Press in a Q&A that a third and final season has already filmed and it's better than season two. He also says his next project will be even darker in tone than “Squid Game.” Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — Severe thunderstorms are firing up in parts of Texas and could trigger high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. More than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more were canceled Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk stretched from just east of Dallas, and between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes, wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour and large hail. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston area. NYC taxi driver was having a medical episode when he jumped the curb and hit people, police say NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police say a taxi driver who hit six pedestrians when he jumped a curb in Manhattan on Christmas Day was having a medical episode at the time. An NYPD spokesperson would not elaborate on the type of type of medical episode but said Thursday no criminality is suspected at this time. The 58-year-old was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation. Also hospitalized after the yellow taxi drove onto the sidewalk across the street from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square were a 9-year-old boy with a laceration to his right thigh, a 49-year-old woman with a leg injury and a 41-year-old woman. All were in stable condition. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A pizza deliverer in Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says that Brianna Alvelo has been charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday. The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and Alvelo told her they didn’t make change. The woman got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2. Friday's Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion, one of the game's top jackpots Americans still dreaming of a really big Christmas present can keep that dream alive during Friday’s Mega Millions drawing for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.15 billion. Friday’s jackpot will potentially be the fifth largest in the game’s history. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. But the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials. Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shooting wounds 2 at Phoenix airport, 1 other stabbed, police say PHOENIX (AP) — Police are investigating a shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left two people wounded by gunfire and another person stabbed. Phoenix police say the shooting Wednesday evening was related to a family dispute that erupted at a restaurant outside security checkpoints. A woman and two adult males were shot, leaving the female with injuries police described as life-threatening. Police say the people involved knew each other and that a physical fight led one of them to fire a weapon. Authorities say the woman remains in critical condition, while the others were treated at a hospital and released.Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) ruled out vs. Rams

‘Direction of India-China relationship encouraging’Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals, Palestinians say DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital on Friday and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s army didn’t respond to questions about the hospital director. It denied it had entered or set fire to the complex but acknowledged it had ordered people outside. It said it was conducting operations against Hamas in the area. The military repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan Hospital, which officials there have denied. Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official says UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The top U.N. humanitarian official in Yemen says Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s main airport as a civilian Airbus 320 with hundreds of passengers on board was landing this week. He says a U.N. delegation led by the head of the World Health Organization was waiting to leave on Thursday as two Israeli airstrikes hit the airport in the capital of Sanaa. Julien Harneis told U.N. reporters on Friday that the most frightening thing about the airstrikes wasn’t the effect on him and about 15 others in the VIP lounge at the international airport. Rather, it was the destruction of the airport control tower as a Yemenia Airways plane was taxiing in after touching down. Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more then 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the United States is expected to announce it will send another $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. It's part of a push by the Biden administration to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. Officials say the large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds. The officials say they expect the announcement will be made on Monday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. Canadian Cabinet ministers meet with Trump's nominee for commerce secretary in bid to avoid tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Two top Canadian Cabinet ministers have met with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. The meeting was a follow up to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks.

LAS VEGAS — Senior Skyar Vann scored 15 points and her sister, freshman Zya Vann, added 14 to lead No. 9 Oklahoma to an 88-58 win over UNLV on Friday night. Raegan Beers scored 10 points for the Sooners, who improved to 5-0. Skyar Vann shot 3 for 6 from 3-point range and Oklahoma hit 41.4% (12 of 29) behind the arc. Kiera Jackson scored 20 points for UNLV (4-2) and Mikinna Brackens added 12. Takeaways Oklahoma: The Sooners limited the Rebels to two field goals in the third quarter and extended a one-point halftime lead to 67-42. In the third quarter, the Rebels shot 2 of 16 with four turnovers. UNLV: The Rebels kept the game close in the first half behind 43.8% 3-point shooting, including two each from Jackson and Brackens. Jackson and Brackens each had 10 points in the first half. Key moment The Sooners scored the first 16 points coming out of the halftime break after leading 39-38 at the intermission. Beers, who leads the team with 21.3 points per game, scored the first two baskets after making only one shot in the first half. The Rebels ended the drought on Jackson's layup with 3:58 remaining in the third quarter. Key stat Oklahoma has beaten all four of its opponents by more than 30 points, but needed to outscore the Rebels by 29 in the second half to keep the streak alive. UNLV missed a free throw and a 3-pointer in the final minute. Up next The Sooners will stay in the Las Vegas Valley to play DePaul on Monday in the Ball Dawgs Classic. UNLV will host UCF on Wednesday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballPig manure fertilizer could boost corn yield

Remembering Manmohan Singh: Architect of Modern India's EconomyDisney’s “The Lion King” prequel rebounded on Christmas Day to overtake “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and win the holiday box-office with a $14.7 million haul on Wednesday – easily pushing the blue blur aside at $10.3 million. In fact, the SEGA game inspired film had to settle for third with the arrival of “Nosferatu” taking a big bite at the box-office – drawing $11.55 million from the necks of moviegoers on Wednesday. As such, it’s looking like “Mufasa” could hit closer to $80 million for the five-day Wednesday-Sunday holiday stretch. “Sonic” will likely come in second with just over $50 million and “Nosferatu” is headed for third with a $42 million take over that period – a good haul for a film with a $50 million budget. Fourth went to “A Complete Unknown,” the Bob Dylan biopic took in $7.2 million on Christmas Day (including Christmas Eve previews), while “Wicked” scored $5.4 million and “Moana 2” took $4.2 million. The films are looking to take $22 million, $26 million and $20 million respectively for their five-day hauls. A24’s Nicole Kidman erotic thriller “Babygirl” did $1.5 million on Christmas Day to take seventh while “The Fire Inside” did $1.25 million for eighth. Christmas Day ended up being a big draw day for crowds with $62 million spent at the domestic box-office – a 148% surge over Christmas Eve. Further details, including international numbers, will be reported over the weekend.

Travelzoo ( NASDAQ:TZOO – Get Free Report ) major shareholder Azzurro Capital Inc sold 20,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.60, for a total value of $392,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 4,442,696 shares in the company, valued at approximately $87,076,841.60. The trade was a 0.45 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a company’s shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Azzurro Capital Inc also recently made the following trade(s): Travelzoo Trading Down 10.8 % NASDAQ:TZOO opened at $19.72 on Friday. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $18.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $232.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.71. Travelzoo has a 1-year low of $7.12 and a 1-year high of $22.44. Travelzoo declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Wednesday, October 23rd that authorizes the company to repurchase 1,000,000 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the information services provider to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the company’s management believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently issued reports on TZOO. Litchfield Hills Research began coverage on Travelzoo in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $35.00 target price on the stock. Barrington Research boosted their price objective on Travelzoo from $12.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. StockNews.com cut shares of Travelzoo from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Ascendiant Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Travelzoo from $18.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. Get Our Latest Analysis on Travelzoo Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ritholtz Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Travelzoo during the 2nd quarter valued at about $82,000. ClariVest Asset Management LLC raised its position in Travelzoo by 2.9% during the second quarter. ClariVest Asset Management LLC now owns 97,730 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $742,000 after acquiring an additional 2,732 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in Travelzoo in the second quarter valued at approximately $82,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Travelzoo by 169.5% in the third quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 127,186 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $1,533,000 after acquiring an additional 79,990 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Travelzoo during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. 27.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Travelzoo ( Get Free Report ) Travelzoo, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an Internet media company that provides travel, entertainment, and local experiences worldwide. It operates in four segments: Travelzoo North America, Travelzoo Europe, Jack's Flight Club, and New Initiatives. The company offers Travelzoo website, Travelzoo Top 20 email newsletters, Standalone email newsletters, Travelzoo Network, Travelzoo mobile applications, Jack's Flight Club website, Jack's Flight Club mobile applications, and Jack's Flight Club newsletters. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Travelzoo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelzoo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .( MENAFN - AzerNews) By Qaiser Nawab COP 29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was not just another chapterin the climate discourse; it was a game-changer for global climatepolicy. This year, the spotlight was on two intertwined issues thatare crucial for a sustainable future: the global shift to renewableenergy and the urgent need to address the escalating loss anddamage caused by climate change. These discussions weren't justabout policies-they were about justice, equity, and securing afuture that doesn't leave the most vulnerable communities in thedust. One of the key takeaways from COP 29 was the establishment of aglobal climate fund for loss and damage, marking a historic stepforward. For decades, developing nations-many of which contributethe least to global emissions-have been bearing the brunt ofclimate disasters, from extreme floods to prolonged droughts. Atthe same time, they have often lacked the resources to cope andrecover. The new fund is a lifeline, providing financial support tothese nations, enabling them to rebuild and adapt in the face ofmounting challenges. While this step was monumental, it's importantto remember that this fund is only one part of the equation.Stronger commitments from developed nations to curb emissions andinvest in renewable energy are equally essential to prevent furtherdamage. Here's where the renewable energy revolution comes in. As theclimate crisis accelerates, the need for clean, resilient energyinfrastructure has never been more urgent. Renewable energy sourceslike solar, wind, and hydropower are not only the key to reducingglobal carbon emissions, but they also offer a robust solution tothe energy crises exacerbated by climate change. According to theInternational Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), transitioning torenewable energy could cut global carbon emissions by 70% by2050-an ambitious but achievable goal. However, for this transitionto succeed, we need more than just technological innovations-weneed policies that foster global cooperation, break down tradebarriers, and facilitate access to affordable clean energyworldwide. At COP 29, significant strides were made in these areas. A keyfocus was the reduction of tariffs on renewable energy technologieslike solar panels and wind turbines. Such tariffs, often imposed byhigh-emission countries, hinder the global spread of clean energytechnologies, particularly in developing nations. The InternationalTrade Centre estimates that reducing these tariffs could open up a$1 trillion market for clean energy over the next decade. Thisshift is critical because as renewable energy costs plummet-solarphotovoltaic prices have dropped by over 80% in the lastdecade-trade barriers remain a significant bottleneck. Reducingthese barriers would allow technologies to flow freely acrossborders, bringing down costs and accelerating the global transitionto clean energy. But renewable energy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Manydeveloping countries are still grappling with the infrastructureneeded to harness these resources. COP 29 discussions emphasizedthe importance of integrating renewable energy with broader climateresilience efforts, ensuring that the most vulnerable nations cantap into these technologies. Investment in local infrastructure,financial incentives, and knowledge transfer programs will becrucial in making this a reality. Only by building local capacityand reducing energy poverty can we ensure that no nation is leftbehind in the renewable energy revolution. Another exciting development at COP 29 was the vision for aglobal clean energy grid. Imagine a world where energy generated bysolar and wind farms in sun-drenched deserts and windy coastalregions can be transmitted across borders to power cities andindustries far beyond. This idea isn't just a pipe dream-it's afeasible solution that could transform the global energy landscape.According to the World Bank, renewable energy could account for 40%of global energy needs by 2030 if governments commit to reducingtrade barriers and increasing investment in clean energyinfrastructure. This interconnected grid would help ensure energysecurity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide clean,affordable power to all. But the clean energy transition isn't just about poweringhomes-it's about decarbonizing sectors that have long been heavyemitters, such as transportation, industry, and agriculture. Apivotal discussion at COP 29 was the need to decarbonizehigh-emission sectors, starting with transportation. TheInternational Transport Forum estimates that transportationaccounts for 14% of global emissions. By electrifyingtransportation systems and coupling them with renewable energysources, we can dramatically reduce this figure. Meanwhile, greenhydrogen-the clean fuel that could revolutionize sectors like steeland cement-has been gaining traction, with investment in thissector expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Ultimately, the conversation at COP 29 boiled down to oneessential message: the energy transition cannot happen inisolation. It must be paired with a recognition that those who havecontributed the least to the climate crisis are often the onessuffering the most. The loss and damage fund is a step in the rightdirection, but it's only part of the solution. While renewableenergy plays a vital role in mitigating future climate impacts, wemust also ensure that financial flows, technological innovation,and international cooperation are aligned to create a trulysustainable future. The road ahead is clear. By breaking down trade barriers,investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and supportingvulnerable communities through the loss and damage fund, we can setthe stage for a cleaner, more equitable world. But it's not justabout energy; it's about global cooperation, shared responsibility,and climate justice. COP 29 has shown that we have the tools tobuild a sustainable future, but now it's up to us to act. The worldis watching, and the time to act is now. MENAFN22122024000195011045ID1109021816 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.

Imagine having $300 million. What would you do? A better house? A car with better muffler and tires, accessories all working? Generous gifts to family and good co-workers? People actually having $300 million think of one thing: getting more. Review some basic rules of physics: a dollar can only be in one place at a time. When a wealthy person gets one dollar more, somewhere someone else has a dollar less. Wealth is finite; there's only so much to divide among us. And only work useful to someone creates wealth. If these weren't true natural laws of the universe, we could just print lots of money and all become millionaires. ADVERTISEMENT Some of us just elected Donald Trump as president. Because Republicans in our Congress, and some justices and judges, are frightened to death to stand against what's about to happen, what's about to happen will happen. It won't be pretty. MAGAs who've been blinded so far, many will remain blinded, not clear why they're still suffering as they were before, blaming all the wrong things, namely everything but their own politics and false moralities. Using false and incorrect information and data to solve a problem gives the wrong answer. Every time. With closed eyes and mind, you'll never uncover the error. Some were warning we'll see a "revenge tour.” It's already started, suing ABC-TV for $15 million. Does a real billionaire, a real man, need $15 million more? He's threatened to sue pollster J. Ann Selzer of Iowa because he didn't like the poll numbers she came up with. She's not a billionaire; and he's a bully. The U.S. could not have elected a meaner, smaller person. But these days, being Republican-MAGA means you'll be focused on penalties, punishment, and persecutions. A. Martin Merrifield Want to submit a letter to the editor? Read our guidelines .Amanda Long Sells 200,000 Shares of BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) StockMary Trump Reveals the Worst Christmas Gift She Ever Received from Uncle Donald TrumpShares of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:HTZ – Get Free Report ) gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $3.50, but opened at $3.41. Hertz Global shares last traded at $3.45, with a volume of 291,925 shares trading hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com raised Hertz Global to a “sell” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 28th. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on HTZ Hertz Global Stock Down 2.9 % About Hertz Global ( Get Free Report ) Hertz Global Holdings, Inc operates as a vehicle rental company. The company operates through two segments, Americas Rental Car and International Rental Car. It offers vehicle rental services under the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty brands from company-operated, licensee, and franchisee locations in the United States, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and New Zealand. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hertz Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hertz Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Sparks open 2025 season on May 16 against ValkyriesDonald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trollingIn the world of gaming, Roblox has revolutionized how gamers not only play but also earn. As the platform grows, a new economy emerges, challenging traditional career paths and hinting at broader economic possibilities for the future. Traditionally, gaming was seen as a pastime with limited financial prospects. However, Roblox, with its user-generated content model, is turning this notion on its head. Unique to the platform, users can create and monetize their own games and experiences, leveraging Roblox’s Robux currency, which can be converted into real money. This innovation has transformed teenagers into entrepreneurs, some earning thousands of dollars monthly. The introduction of the metaverse concept has further amplified Roblox’s earnings potential. As a blend of social networking and gaming, the platform has become a digital playground for brands, artists, and developers, creating diverse revenue streams. From virtual concerts to branded in-game content, the options for monetization are expanding rapidly, offering endless possibilities for creators. This new landscape poses questions about the future of work and education. Skills typically honed in business or computer science programs are now being cultivated in a virtual context, suggesting that future professions may rely heavily on creativity and digital literacy. Moreover, Roblox’s success illustrates how new technologies can disrupt traditional business models, paving the way for alternative economic structures. The rise of Roblox earnings is more than a gaming trend; it’s a glimpse into how digital economies could redefine success in the modern age. Unveiling the Dynamic Future of Digital Economies with Roblox The technological landscape is rapidly evolving, and Roblox is at the forefront, shaping the digital economy in unprecedented ways. As more creators flock to the platform, intriguing new trends and insights emerge, revealing a potential business model transformation across industries. Trends and Insights With its user-generated content model, Roblox has not only transformed gaming but is actively impacting the economic environment. A noteworthy trend is the increasing number of younger users gaining entrepreneurial experience by developing games on the platform. This shift indicates a rising interest in entrepreneurial ventures among digital natives, driven by creative freedom and real financial incentives. The burgeoning metaverse concept creates vast opportunities within Roblox, encouraging large and small developers to explore different niches in virtual commerce. The innovative approach to virtual events, such as concerts and branded partnerships, is redefining marketing strategies, offering a unique space to engage with younger audiences more dynamically. Innovations Roblox’s robust ecosystem encourages continuous innovation by providing tools that enable users to create more immersive and engaging content. The introduction of features like layered clothing and advanced avatar enhancements signals a push towards more customizable and personalized user experiences. This adaptability promotes sustained user engagement, crucial for maintaining the platform’s relevance in a fast-paced digital world. Limitations and Challenges Despite its successes, Roblox faces challenges in terms of user safety and content quality. Ensuring a safe gaming environment remains a priority, as the platform caters to a diverse age demographic. Developers and the broader community must collaborate to uphold high standards and responsible content creation to maintain the platform’s integrity and inclusivity. Predictions Looking ahead, Roblox is expected to further integrate advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to expand its capabilities and offerings. This integration could lead to more sophisticated game design, richer user interactions, and a seamless blend between the physical and digital realms, paving the way for a truly immersive metaverse experience. Conclusion As a leader in digital innovation, Roblox is setting the stage for an economy where digital interactions hold substantial value. This platform exemplifies the potential for new revenue streams and entrepreneurial pathways in a digital-first world. With ongoing advancements and a growing community, Roblox continues to illuminate the prospects of a redefined global economy empowered by creativity and technology.SAN DIEGO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis ® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing clinically differentiated small molecule therapeutics targeting fundamental biological pathways of cancers, today announced that on December 2, 2024, the Compensation Committee of Zentalis’ Board of Directors granted the following equity awards: non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 3,028,800 shares of the Company’s common stock to Julie Eastland, who joined the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President, non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 712,650 shares of the Company’s common stock to Dr. Ingmar Bruns, who joined the Company as Chief Medical Officer, and non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 753,660 shares of the Company’s common stock to five newly hired employees. The stock options were granted under the Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2022 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan (2022 Inducement Plan) as an inducement material to each such individual’s entering into employment with Zentalis in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The 2022 Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of Zentalis, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to each such individual’s entering into employment with Zentalis, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options have an exercise price of $3.66 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Zentalis’ common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant. The stock options granted to Ms. Eastland have a 10-year term and will vest over four years in equal monthly installments until the stock options are fully vested. The stock options granted to the other newly hired employees have a 10-year term and will vest over four years, with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining 75% of the options vesting in equal monthly installments over the three years thereafter. Vesting of the stock options is subject to the employee’s continued service to Zentalis on each vesting date. About Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Zentalis ® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing clinically differentiated small molecule therapeutics targeting fundamental biological pathways of cancers. The Company’s lead product candidate, azenosertib (ZN-c3), is a potentially first-in-class and best-in-class WEE1 inhibitor for advanced solid tumors. Azenosertib is being evaluated as a monotherapy and in combination across multiple clinical trials and has broad franchise potential. In clinical trials, azenosertib has been well tolerated and has demonstrated anti-tumor activity as a single agent across multiple tumor types and in combination with several chemotherapy backbones. As part of its azenosertib clinical development program, the Company is exploring enrichment strategies targeting tumors of high genomic instability, such as Cyclin E1 positive tumors, homologous recombination deficient tumors and tumors with oncogenic driver mutations. The Company is also leveraging its extensive experience and capabilities across cancer biology and medicinal chemistry to advance its research on protein degraders. Zentalis has operations in San Diego. For more information, please visit www.zentalis.com . Follow Zentalis on Twitter at @ZentalisP and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zentalis-pharmaceuticals . ZENTALIS ® and its associated logo are trademarks of Zentalis and/or its affiliates. All website addresses and other links in this press release are for information only and are not intended to be an active link or to incorporate any website or other information into this press release. Contacts: Elizabeth Hickin Vice President, Investor Relations ehickin@zentalis.com

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and ROB GILLIES NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. They were also prime trolling opportunities for Trump. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television Throughout his first term in the White House and during his campaign to return, Trump has spun out countless provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. There were his belittling nicknames for political opponents, his impressions of other political figures and the plentiful memes he shared on social media. Now that’s he’s preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. On Sunday, Trump turned a photo of himself seated near a smiling first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony into a social media promo for his new perfume and cologne line, with the tag line, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The first lady’s office declined to comment. When Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect’s threat to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S., the Republican tossed out the idea that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on his social media network referring to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.” After decades as an entertainer and tabloid fixture, Trump has a flair for the provocative that is aimed at attracting attention and, in his most recent incarnation as a politician, mobilizing fans. He has long relished poking at his opponents, both to demean and minimize them and to delight supporters who share his irreverent comments and posts widely online and cheer for them in person. Trump, to the joy of his fans, first publicly needled Canada on his social media network a week ago when he posted an AI-generated image that showed him standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!” After his latest post, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday: “It sounds like we’re living in a episode of South Park.” Trudeau said earlier this week that when it comes to Trump, “his approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well established hallways of democracies and institutions and one of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic.” Even Thanksgiving dinner isn’t a trolling-free zone for Trump’s adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump posted a movie clip from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with President Joe Biden and other Democrats’ faces superimposed on the characters in a spoof of the turkey-carving scene. The video shows Trump appearing to explode out of the turkey in a swirl of purple sparks, with the former president stiffly dancing to one of his favorite songs, Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump mocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, refusing to call his GOP primary opponent by his real name and instead dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” He added, for good measure, in a post on his Truth Social network: “I will never call Ron DeSanctimonious ‘Meatball’ Ron, as the Fake News is insisting I will.” As he campaigned against Biden, Trump taunted him in online posts and with comments and impressions at his rallies, deriding the president over his intellect, his walk, his golf game and even his beach body. After Vice President Kamala Harris took over Biden’s spot as the Democratic nominee, Trump repeatedly suggested she never worked at McDonalds while in college. Trump, true to form, turned his mocking into a spectacle by appearing at a Pennsylvania McDonalds in October, when he manned the fries station and held an impromptu news conference from the restaurant drive-thru. Trump’s team thinks people should get a sense of humor. “President Trump is a master at messaging and he’s always relatable to the average person, whereas many media members take themselves too seriously and have no concept of anything else other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “President Trump will Make America Great Again and we are getting back to a sense of optimism after a tumultuous four years.” Though both the Biden and Harris campaigns created and shared memes and launched other stunts to respond to Trump’s taunts, so far America’s neighbors to the north are not taking the bait. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy,” Miller said. Gerald Butts, a former top adviser to Trudeau and a close friend, said Trump brought up the 51st state line to Trudeau repeatedly during Trump’s first term in office. “Oh God,” Butts said Tuesday, “At least a half dozen times.” “This is who he is and what he does. He’s trying to destabilize everybody and make people anxious,” Butts said. “He’s trying to get people on the defensive and anxious and therefore willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise entertain if they had their wits about them. I don’t know why anybody is surprised by it.” Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.CELH Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Celsius Holdings, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Korean Won Further Dips To Lowest Level In Nearly 16 Years

( MENAFN - The Conversation) We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men's cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as is the Sheffield Shield. It is a packed summer schedule, with the Australian women's cricket team competing in an Ashes series against England that will culminate in a historic Test at the MCG on January 30: the first women's Test played at the venue since 1948–49. That match will also be the 90th anniversary of the first ever women's Ashes series, when England toured Australia in the summer of 1934–35. It's an exciting schedule for fans and one Cricket Australia will be looking to capitalise on. But is all this cricket driving participation? Like most sports, cricket faces a challenge to retain junior players in an oversaturated sports market. It is also competing with other entertainment offerings, increased screen time, financial pressures, and parent and guardian unavailability. Read more: No cash, no play? Have cost-of-living pressures impacted sports participation in Australia? Ahead of the 2024–25 summer, Cricket Australia released its annual report , which included 2023–24 participation numbers. On the whole, things are looking somewhat positive, with growth in junior cricket (ages 5-12) increasing 5%. For women and girls, the numbers are even more encouraging, with Cricket Australia reporting 18% growth for the 2023–24 season, attributed to a 44% rise in school competitions, 6% growth in social competitions and a record-breaking year of youth girls' participation (ages 5–12). But Cricket Australia highlighted challenges in that next phase – the teenage years, with the governing body reporting an overall 5% drop in teenage participation . There has been reflection recently about the decline of junior participation in some demographics and a changing cricketing landscape . A query that often arises in these conversations is whether the sport's traditional breeding ground, backyard cricket, is under threat. What is interesting is the nostalgia many cricket fans hold for the days of the iconic pastime and how it is central to a person's, and maybe even our national, identity. Backyard cricket has long been a staple for many Australian families (and those in cricketing countries). It has attracted a certain rose-coloured nostalgia that fills the memories of generations – the sounds of a ball bouncing off a wheelie bin, the shouts of“car!” in quiet suburban streets and maybe sometimes, of smashed glass and the cries of angry parents to not play near the windows. Cricket fans can connect to stories of backyard cricket, reflecting on simpler times, mates made in the streets and maybe even how they perfected their action in narrow driveways, to avoid trees or to not lose the ball over the neighbour's fence. Cricket lovers can not only recall their childhood and growing cricket fandom, but also imagine how their cricketing heroes were likely doing the exact same thing. In 2009, Steve Cannane wrote the book First Tests – Great Australian Cricketers and The Backyards That Made Them . The book is a testament to the romance of backyard cricket and how we can relate as fans to the icons of the game, who also experienced modest beginnings in similar streets. They were just like us. But recreation looks different to today's teens, with the rise of technology and other entertainment options, as well as changing social patterns where organic interactions are less likely or not encouraged . This can make it hard to find fielders for those long cover drives down the driveway. I recently discussed this on ABC Radio's The Conversation Hour . We discussed how children might be less likely to approach other children to play today , which might be a result of COVID restrictions or general concerns about children's safety. Australia's changing housing market is also affecting backyard cricket. Apartment living and smaller homes in urban areas with limited outdoor space make the activity not only very difficult but not visible to invite others in. Modern city planning appears focused on making cities more compact and experts note the loss of outdoor space could increase the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents. It appears for many, the days of walking down a street, seeing kids playing a game and joining in until your parents called out“dinner” (or“tea” in the rural neighbourhood I grew up in) are long gone. Kerry Packer's 1977 World Series Cricket is what inspired CEO of Softball Australia Sarah Loh to pick up a cricket bat when her family migrated to Australia when she was six years old. She told ABC Radio Melbourne : While traditional cricket fans often bemoan new formats, flashy tournaments and increased commercialisation of cricket, for many, these innovations also offer entry points, drive interest and allow their fandom to grow. Cricket Australia's chief of cricket James Allsopp has spoken of the need for more social forms of cricket to keep kids interested in the game and prevent the drop-off in teen years. A balance must be achieved in our rapidly changing society – the challenge for cricket's administrators will now be to connect with kids, women, and diverse communities in ways that respond to their needs and bring them to the sport on their terms. They must also do this in a way that protects the history that has already brought so many people together every summer in front of televisions, in stadiums and in backyards across the country. MENAFN22122024000199003603ID1109021829 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.

US auto giant General Motors announced Tuesday it will abandon its robotaxi development efforts after a highly publicized incident last year stymied its progress in the autonomous vehicle field. The Detroit-based manufacturer plans to merge the Cruise robotaxi vehicle unit with GM's technical teams to concentrate on developing advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles, a statement said. The company said it abandoned the Cruise project "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market." It marks a major turnaround for GM, which bought the Cruise startup in 2016 and has since spent billions of dollars to make the operation viable. "A robotaxi business is not General Motors’ core business," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a call with analysts. But Barra said GM's commitment to autonomous technology "is unwavering." The halt of operations comes a year after Cruise was forced to suspend all operations in San Francisco after one of its self-driving cars dragged a woman who had first been hit by a hit-and-run driver in the city. Cruise lost its operating permits from regulators, paused expansions into other states and laid off 900 employees -- a quarter of its workforce. Shortly before the incident, California authorities had allowed for expanded driverless taxi services in San Francisco, giving the go-ahead for Alphabet-owned Waymo and Cruise. Cruise's exit confirms Waymo as the dominant player in the business, which was valued at $45 billion after a fundraising round in October, according to Bloomberg. The company has been expanding its reach and currently runs robotaxi fleets in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. And in a team-up with Uber, the company is planning to offer Waymo robotaxi rides in Atlanta and Austin. Amazon's Zoox meanwhile is conducting robotaxi testing in California and Las Vegas, while Elon Musk recently unveiled what he said was a robotaxi capable of self-driving, predicting it would be available by 2027. GM's strategic pivot comes as embattled automakers worldwide face mounting pressure to balance investments in emerging technologies with near-term profitability. The auto giant said that the restructuring is expected to generate annual savings exceeding $1 billion once completed in the first half of 2025. GM's share price was up by more than three percent in after hours trading on Wall Street. arp/dwBy JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth