10jili com NRL 2024: Every club’s Christmas wish for 2025 season, analysis, what teams need to improve, Michael Maguire, Brisbane Broncos, Kalyn Ponga, Newcastle Knights, Addin Fonua-Blake, Sharks

Letters to The Editor — December 24, 2024Stratview Research, a global market research firm has launched a report on the global cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) market which provides a comprehensive outlook of the global and regional industry forecast, current & emerging trends, segment analysis, competitive landscape, & more. Click here to get a free sample of the report: #form Report Highlights Segment Insights on the Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Market: The global cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) market is segmented based on pipe diameter type, resin type, fabric type, weaving type, curing type, coating type, and region. Based on pipe diameter type - We have segmented the CIPP market based on pipe diameter as 5.0 Feet.

Harwood International Celebrates Exceptional Year with Nearly 350,000 Square Feet Leased in the Harwood DistrictJason Mackey: After strong start to season, Mike Tomlin deserves blame for Steelers' frustrating loss to BrownsHer comments at the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit come as Trump has vowed broad tariffs of at least 10 percent on all imports, and higher rates on goods from China, Canada and Mexico. Imposing broad-based tariffs could "raise prices significantly for American consumers and create cost pressures on firms" which rely on imported goods, Yellen said when asked about Trump's plans. She cautioned that this could weigh on the competitiveness of certain sectors and increase costs to households. "This is a strategy I worry could derail the progress that we've made on inflation, and have adverse consequences on growth," she said. But she defended efforts by President Joe Biden's administration to impose targeted tariffs on Chinese goods to counter unfair trade practices by Beijing. She has previously raised concern over China's industrial overcapacity -- which risks a flood of underpriced goods into global markets and could undermine the development of key US industries. On Tuesday, Yellen also expressed regret that the United States has not made more progress on the country's deficit, saying she believes it "needs to be brought down, especially now that we're in an environment of higher interest rates." She stressed the importance of an independent Federal Reserve too, saying that countries perform better economically when central banks are allowed to exercise their best judgment without political influence. Trump has said that he would like "at least" a say over setting the Fed's interest rate. "I think it's a mistake to become involved in commenting on the Fed and certainly taking steps to compromise its independence," said Yellen. "I believe it tends to undermine the confidence of financial markets and, ultimately, of Americans in an important institution," she added. Yellen noted that she has spoken with Trump's Treasury chief nominee, billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, congratulating him on his nomination. bys/bjt

The Dallas Cowboys may need a short-term quarterback, which is why plenty were quick to suggest that they could be in the market for Daniel Jones. The team, however, is pushing back against that narrative. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday that the team has no plans to pursue Jones, and that the Cowboys are in “good shape” at the position despite a potential season-ending injury to Dak Prescott . “No, I think we’re in good shape at our quarterback spot,” Jones said on 94.1 San Antonio’s Sports Star. “We think Cooper (Rush) gives us the best chance to win right now. And certainly we still want to see some. We’ll kind of see how the season goes here. We still really want to see (Trey) Lance and like what he brings to the table. And then, of course, long term, we all know we made our commitment to Dak for the long term.” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on @SASportsStar that they have no interest in adding former Giants QB Daniel Jones. “No, I think we’re in good shape at our quarterback spot. We think Cooper (Rush) gives us the best chance to win right now. And certainly we still want to see... — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 22, 2024 The Cowboys are winless since Prescott suffered his hamstring injury, and Rush has not looked great in his place. That was enough to spark the Jones chatter, and a bizarre situation on the team’s official website only exacerbated things. For now, however, it is not happening. Jones was released by the New York Giants on Friday and will have to clear waivers before he can sign with any team. This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

The only significant news item about Accenture ( ACN 1.28% ) Friday was a positive one -- a top investment bank upgraded its recommendation on the stock and cranked its price target higher. The shares experienced a modest rally as a result, ultimately closing the day a little over 1% higher. That was high enough to beat the 0.3% rise of the S&P 500 index. It's gold, says Goldman The finance sector mainstay in question was Goldman Sachs . Well before market open, its analyst, James Schneider, flipped his recommendation on Accenture stock to buy from his preceding neutral. His new price target on the shares is $420 apiece, where formerly it was $370. According to reports, Schneider pointed out that the company is the top provider in the world for its specialty, IT services. Its time is coming, the pundit believes, as cyclical headwinds from client industries like finance and healthcare are starting to fade. In fact, Accenture is one of the businesses best positioned to benefit from this development. The analyst also touched on the company's embrace of artificial intelligence (AI), writing that it has excellent generative AI capabilities. As such, it's sure to be a partner of choice for businesses wanting to expand their involvement with this white-hot technology. Open those coffers Accenture has a very wide and broad client base, so it might be a bit over-optimistic to believe that higher budgets in a few will juice Accenture's fundamentals. Yet a rise in spending on IT services by various types of businesses is entirely realistic to expect, especially in regards to AI. Accenture doesn't feel like a screaming buy to me, but it's certainly a stock worth keeping an eye on.Washington : He’s sold everything from steaks and sneakers, to Make America Pray Again bibles. Now, Donald Trump is seeking to profit off the assassination attempt on his life with a new fragrance called Fight, Fight, Fight. First Lady Jill Biden talks to President-elect Donald Trump at reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Credit: AP In the latest example of ethics being tested in politics, the new perfume range for men and women hit the market this week, giving fans the chance to smell the scent of victory for the cool price of $US199 ($312). Trump announced his latest business venture in a Truth Social post on Sunday, sharing a picture of himself having a pleasant exchange with First Lady Jill Biden at the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with the humorous caption: “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist.” “Here are my new Trump Perfumes & Colognes! I call them Fight, Fight, Fight, because they represent us WINNING,” he wrote. “Great Christmas gifts for the family... Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!” The iconic image of Donald Trump urging supporters to “fight, fight, fight” after surviving an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. Credit: AP According to the perfume website, the new fragrances have been “curated to capture the essence of success and determination” and are essentially a “rallying cry in a bottle”. Their name, of course, has been taken from the now historic words Trump shouted as he pumped his fist in the air after his near-death experience in July when 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks tried to kill the former president as he stood on stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Since then, that iconic image has appeared on everything from T-shirts to mugs and posters that Trump – as well as third parties selling merchandise at his rallies – have used to make a quick buck. “Crafted for those who stand tall, this bold scent delivers rich, robust notes that leave a lasting impression,” says the website where fans can now buy his latest perfume range. “It’s not just a cologne – it’s a symbol of resilience. Inspired by Trump’s relentless drive, wear it with pride and confidence.” While Trump is no stranger to trading off his famous name, his transition team has declined to say whether he will continue to do so after he is sworn in as America’s 47th president on January 20, which would potentially raise further ethical questions for the billionaire businessman turned politician and convicted felon. The company listed as the contact for the fragrance is 45Footwear LLC, the same group affiliated with Trump’s sneaker brand. Records suggest it is based in Wyoming but its ownership has not been disclosed, making its financial dealings hard to trace. Gary Nordlinger, a public policy expert at George Washington University said Trump’s latest fragrance venture was “tacky, ethically dubious and demeaning of the office of the president” - but hardly surprisingly. Citing the membership fees at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort as an example – whereby individuals seeking access or influence now pay $1 million to be part of Trump’s private club in Florida – Nordlinger added: “Trump has always been able to get other people to pay for his lifestyle, but it apparently doesn’t seem to bother millions who voted for him. So the challenge for people like me, and for the Democrats, is not just to criticise the man, but to understand what makes him so special to so many.” The perfumes are the latest in a long time of items the 78-year-old Republican has hawked. Last year, for example, he sold a new collection of digital trading cards (NFTs) featuring various portraits of the then Republican candidate, which generated almost $5 million within days of release. “These cards show me dancing and even me holding some bitcoin!” Trump said in a promotional video posted in August. Donald Trump holds gold Trump sneakers at Sneaker Con Philadelphia, an event popular with sneaker lovers. Credit: AP In March, he also lent his name to a new $US60 “God Bless The USA” bible inspired by the Lee Greenwood song of the same name, which is played every time Trump takes the stage at a rally or event. The ad for Trump’s new fragrance. Credit: TruthSocial “Happy Holy Week! Let’s Make America Pray Again!” Trump wrote as he encouraged supporters to buy the book in time for Easter. And in February, he also made a somewhat unusual campaign stop at Sneaker-Con in Philadelphia, one of the largest sneaker gatherings in the world, where he spruiked a pair of shiny gold high tops with a retail value of $US399. The move came immediately after a judge in New York ordered Trump to pay $454 million after he was found liable of fraudulently inflating the value of his properties for financial gain. Trump sought to have that claim dismissed after his election victory against Vice President Kamala Harris last month, but New York attorney general Letitia James’ office refused, telling Trump’s lawyers on Tuesday that there was “no basis” to do so. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here .

Trump's tariff plans may 'derail' US inflation progress: YellenThe Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), has signed an agreement with the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals to avert the scarcity of petrol during the yuletide and beyond. This was contained in a statement by National Public Relations Officer, PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele, yesterday in Abuja. According to the statement, the sealing of a transactional deal with Dangote Refinery was the aftermath of a successfully buyer-seller negotiation and agreement secured by PETROAN at a strategic meeting as PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Gillis Hary, on Monday, December 2, led the negotiation team of PETROAN to a fruitful strategic business meeting with the management of Dangote Refinery at the complex in Lagos. It stated that PETROAN is impressed with the outcome of the strategic business meeting which, it said, was evidenced with the establishment of Seller/Buyer relationship, reservation of monthly volume for PETROAN, payment modalities and a favourable rate. It added that the association sealed a purchase deal with the refinery. The statement read: “PETROAN National President commended the Vice President of Dangote group & Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Mr Devakumar V. G. Edwin, for his cooperation and strategies deployed so far to make petroleum products available to all Nigerians throughout the end of year festivities and beyond. “We reserved the right not to make public the business terms and conditions, even as we express optimism that the greatest beneficiaries in all shall be the general public as it concerns product availability and affordability. “The National Headquarters of Petroleum Products Retail outlets owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) Abuja, has expressed confidence that the measures put in place by the association following the commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery and fruitful deliberations with the management of Dangote Refinery will definitely avert fuel supply shortages during and after the festive season.” It added: “This was due to the efforts of the PETROAN distribution technical committee in charge of planning and execution of the zero-fuel scarcity strategy. “We are happy that Nigerians are going to travel effortlessly during this period of the year. “PETROAN dismisses any form of fuel scarcity concerns, cautioning against panic buying as it is unsafe and dangerous to stock Petroleum products at home. “It also called on stakeholders in the downstream sector to support the Management of NNPC Retail Ltd and Dangote Refinery to sustain petroleum products supply. “We hereby reassure Nigerians of PETROAN’s preparedness to ensure zero-scarcity of petroleum products during the upcoming festive season and beyond as all our retail outlets operators in all the states in Nigeria have been placed on green alert for service.”

Stonehenge's purpose may have been to unify ancient Britain after scientists make discovery about stones' originsLongtime Kansas foster care professional Brandy Tofel, who has devoted her career to improving foster care in the Plains, was recently named as Chief Quality Officer at The Family Initiative (TFI). Tofel has spent years helping to refine the system through her various positions. She’s seen foster care change for the better. “There's been a lot of changes, obviously our base is in Kansas, and we've grown into multiple states. Texas is kind of our newer implementation program the last few years, but probably one of the biggest pieces is really the level of community involvement,“ she said. Tofel said Texas refers to Kansan foster care methodology as community-based care, where the state is kind of taken out of the equation. “The responsibility shifts from the state doing the work to hiring contractors like TFI Family Services to do the work,” she explained. “I love that it's called community-based care because it isn't just a company. It is different providers.” The Kansas community approach comprises providers who address mental health and drugs and alcohol or offer parenting classes. “It really is a community-driven effort to help give resources to families and youth,” Tofel said. I think it's really been a growth in community, embracing foster care in a way that I don't recall. I didn't feel like it was anywhere nearly as strong 20 years ago.” With that said, there are some challenges in Kansas foster care. Most notably, internal staffing. Employee attrition has placed some hurdles in the system’s path. “So one of the pieces that we're really experiencing, especially in Kansas, is turnover,” Tofel revealed. “This is not a field that a lot of folks have an interest in. It's a challenging field. A lot of folks have struggled kind of coming into foster care and staying. There are other social work positions, like in hospitals or schools, that are maybe less intense or don't have as much on-call responsibility and things along those lines.” TFI has met with universities and engaged in dialogue with the state to identify new initiatives and increase the availability of benefits to expand a limited workforce. They’re also utilizing artificial intelligence to compile data, illuminating which staff members might be more likely to leave the organization. “Maybe they're tenured staff, maybe they're staff who work a lot of overtime,” Tofel said. “We're improving our staff satisfaction survey. We're improving our exit surveys. We're doing something called pulse surveys. They're like a survey interview. So we’re asking folks who currently work for us, ‘What can we do differently or better?’” A criminology major at Kansas State, Tofel knew she wanted to serve the community but hadn’t devised a set plan of action. She explored law enforcement and searched for something where she could give back. “And based on the skills and the knowledge that I had, I knew I wanted something community involved,” she said. Tofel soon found herself in a foster care organization in 2000 and landed a job with TFI in 2003 as a quality improvement specialist. After an 11-year stint at TFL, she moved on to an education nonprofit before returning to TFI as vice president of policy and research. “It's come full circle, starting at the agency in quality, and now, being the chief of quality.” The former Wildcat is still fully committed to advancing the mission, a mission that has no completion date. “I read somewhere that quality is kind of a race that never has an ending part because you're always working to improve,” she said. “And even if you meet one threshold or one goal, you're still continuing to improve and grow.” Tofel said in today’s world of highly developed technology, it’s about maximizing resources and outsourcing mundane tasks to AI to enhance quality. “I think with artificial intelligence and machine learning, we're trying to see where can we create efficiencies within our systems to help improve the quality of services for youth and families,” she said. “It really allows our staff to spend more one-on-one time with our families and with our youth and providing those direct services.” Tofel said they’re also partnering with organizations that use proven models as a means to augment productivity. “There's a parent-partnership program where we're employing biological parents who have had youth in the system before, so they can connect with some of our biological parents now because they have lived those experiences and situations...maybe our social workers don't fully connect in the same way,” she said. Ensuring continual quality in the process of helping families and kids is Tofel’s overarching mission. “I’m blessed to be part of an organization that does as much as it does, not just in Kansas, but in Texas. And I'm just grateful that I get an opportunity to implement that quality and work in an organization that values it the way that I do.”

Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emergesStock market today: Wall Street stabilizes after Wednesday's sell-offENGLAND rugby World Cup hero Steve Thompson has bravely revealed that he often cannot remember the names of his children. Thompson , 46, packed away all the medals, trophies and memorabilia after his shock early-onset dementia diagnosis left him feeling suicidal. At the age of 42, the former front row was diagnosed with both dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 2020. Thompson is set to bravely tell all in a TNT documentary that showcases the damage the sport has done to his mind. The loving dad-of-four young kids sat down with ex-team-mate Phil Vickery to share a heartbreaking update in his house in Cheshire . The pair first pointed to pictures of Thompson's young children as he tried to recall their names: Seren, Slone, Saskia and Saxon. Vickery began: "What do you remember of 2003?" A defeated Thompson responded: "It's weird. There's nothing there. I can't even remember being in Australia. "The whole lot is gone. And there's nothing there. My life, everything around then, is just not there." Vickery quizzed: "What about anything from when we got back, from the open top bus or the palace?" Thompson said: "No, nothing. It's just not there. My life has turned upside down. Getting lost, memory issues and anger issues. "I went through a massive guilt stage for the kids and Steph. Then I've been close to suicide. You feel like you're the most selfless person if you went. "When I see myself or see the other lads I feel like a phoney in a way. Like it weren't me that was there. Like I didn't do it." But this flanker-turned-hooker will go down in history a rugby legend, starring in all but one of England 's games en route to World Cup glory . And Thompson had only made his Red Rose debut a year prior against Scotland . His upbringing on one of Northampton’s most impoverished estates and a spell as a doorman meant he was fearless. Perhaps the saddest moment of his sit down with Vickery came when Thompson admitted that he regrets the career he once loved. He heartbreaking said: "The thing with rugby is, if I had my time again, I wouldn't do it. "I'd much rather just go and work on a building site, have a normal life. The way I look at is, that was our job, we got asked to do that. "And you do it to the best of your ability. You don't question anything around it. And that's why we probably did as well as we did." He can’t remember his first concussion, nor the last, just that across one of the great rugby careers he saw ‘the white dots’ most weeks. THE word 'dementia' is the name for a set of symptoms that includes memory loss, difficulty thinking, problem solving and struggling with language. A person with dementia will often experience changes in their mood and behaviour. Dementia is often triggered by diseases that damage the brain, including Alzheimer's disease as well as strokes. The disease is thought to be triggered by a build-up of proteins that form abnormal structures, known as 'plaques', in the brain. It's a progressive disease, which means that gradually over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens more symptoms emerge and get worse. Dementia is considered to be 'early onset' when someone is diagnosed before the age of 65. A study last year found that football and rugby players are six times more likely to have a degenerative brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is linked to repetitive brain trauma. The Hemel Hempstead-born star, who grew up in Northampton, started the 2003 final Down Under at hooker. He played for Northampton Saints for nine years, making 195 appearances. After Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal won England their one and only World Cup, Thompson and co. were awarded Order of the British Empire medals by Queen Elizabeth II upon their return. But Thompson cannot recall any of it. While other players retired after 2003, he went on to play in the 2011 World Cup too despite having broken his neck in 2007. Steve’s professional career spanned 13 years until another neck break brought it to a close in 2011. "We treat them like bits of meat that just have to train and do what we tell them to do, and when they're no good we get rid of them - and that's what happens. In 2020, Thompson was one of a group of players who launched a legal case to sue rugby's governing bodies for negligence. The former Saints stalwart, as well as Michael Lipman and former Wales No8 Alix Popham, were all named as test cases in action being brought against the RFU, World Rugby and Welsh Rugby Union. The case is still ongoing four years later, with four more British & Irish Lions joining the list of players. Lee Byrne, Gareth Cooper, Harry Ellis and Phil Greening, who toured with the Lions between 2001 and 2009, are among a group of 43 who can now be identified. According to the Mail , British law firm Rylands Legal are in contact with over 100 other former players as part of the historic lawsuit. The claimants allege rugby union's governing bodies failed to put in place reasonable measures to protect their health and safety. A trial date for the lawsuit will not be set until 2025 at the earliest. Thompson told The Guardian in 2020: "I don't want the game to stop, but it's just everyone at the top looking down, saying the main asset of this lovely game is the players. "We've got to make sure we treat them like that. "We treat them like bits of meat that just have to train and do what we tell them to do, and when they're no good we get rid of them - and that's what happens. "They're all human beings, and we've got to make sure they have a proper life after the sport as well." Last year, Thompson became the first sportsperson to pledge their brain for research into the consequences of brain trauma, such as CTE, a disorder that is caused by repeated brain injuries. “When it comes to the CTE aspect and the repetitive head injuries, it’s coming from the training as well,” Thompson said on GMB in April. “World Rugby says it’s our number one priority looking after the players, they’re just about to put in another world tournament for clubs." The film documents all of this - from Thompson and his family trying to come to terms with his diagnosis, to him lending his voice to the fight to make rugby safer Thompson, who won 73 England caps, also says he suffers panic attack and forgets his wife Steph’s name sometimes. He previously told the BBC in April that the memory of his children's birth is now starting to fade. The former hooker, who helped the British Lions secure a 20-17 victory over Australia in 2013, is now the manager of one of his three daughter's U12 football sides.

Roborock makes history with out-of-this-world video campaignINGLEWOOD — Clippers reserve guard Jordan Miller took his place at the key for shooting drills before Tuesday’s practice. During the drill, players pass the ball back and forth to each other. Just a routine drill or so he thought. Miller was about to toss the ball to the next player when he looked up and saw Kawhi Leonard ready to catch his pass. “I’m passing it to Kawhi. Oh, snap,” Miller said of his initial reaction to seeing the six-time All-Star on the court. Leonard took part in limited practice on Tuesday, his first appearance in team drills since last season when his right knee flared up during the playoffs. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has missed the first 25 games this season as he works his way back into playing shape after having an offseason knee procedure that left him dealing with inflammation . “He just kind of snuck his way onto the court, you know, very Kawhi-like,” Miller said. “It’s great to have another leader on the court. He’s been leading off the court, obviously, but for him to be in the drill, participating with us, it’s just a different feeling.” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard looked “good” in practice, taking part in offensive and defensive work, but without contact. Lue added that while Leonard has gotten better, he will not play against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Asked what boxes the 33-year-old forward still needs to check before he can suit up for a game, Lue said he needs to “do a lot more things to really get back on the floor. We just want to make sure he’s 100%; we don’t want to get him out there at 70%, 75%. “So, let’s just take our time, make sure we get it right. Like I said, our medical staff – with Maggie Bryant, Todd Wright, Jasen Powell – those guys have done a great job just making sure that he’s checking every box, not speeding through it, not skipping steps. We’re not going to let him skip steps.” Leonard’s surprise appearance, even in a limited capacity, was a morale boost for the rest of the team. “It gave us energy and like at this point, where we are, we can take all the energy we can get,” Miller said. “So, it’s good to have him back on the court. “At the end of the day, we all want the best for him. Whenever that is, whenever he can play with us, that’s great. But, at the end of the day, we just want what’s best for him.” Leonard, who sat out the entire 2021-22 season because of a torn ACL in his right knee and has missed 204 of a possible 460 games since joining the Clippers in 2019, did not speak to reporters. Like the rest of the team, Lue could sense a change at the Clippers’ training facility. Related Articles “It raised our energy just for our guys to see him on the floor,” Lue said. “It brought a juice to our team, so we needed that jolt, especially going through the schedule we’ve been through, so it was really good to see him out there.” The Clippers have been able to stay competitive in the stacked Western Conference without their star player. Although they have dropped their past two games, including a 28-point blowout to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Clippers (14-11) are sixth in the conference and limiting opponents to a fifth-best 107.4 points per game. That will enable Leonard to take a slower approach to getting back into the flow. He will not have to carry the team right away and return to averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists like he did last season before suffering knee problems. “But at some point, you need him to be Kawhi Leonard,” Lue said. “I think he can do that. And just seeing the year he had last year – playing 68 games – and how he played at a really high level. So, we just got to get him back to that. It’s going to take some time, and he can’t get frustrated with the process.” The Clippers got more good news as All-Star point guard James Harden (groin), guard Amir Coffey (shoulder), guard Kris Dunn (illness) and backup center Mo Bamba (injury management) all took part in Tuesday’s practice. Harden, Coffey and Bamba all sat out Sunday night’s loss to the Houston Rockets. Dunn played 22 minutes but came down with an unspecified illness. Forward Derrick Jones Jr. was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.None

Transplant Diagnostics Industry worth $6.8 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.4%