MY THERAPIST SAYS I need to be more assertive. I’m a ‘people pleaser’, apparently. I’m not sure if I agree with her, but I nodded and smiled anyway. I probably got it from my mother, who wasn’t a single parent but did the lion’s share of the parenting. Cart-wheeling through the house, deliriously performing multiple tasks at once, a domestic Tasmanian devil. She put the needs of everyone else ahead of her own and we took it entirely for granted. There’s a cultural dimension too. Something written deep with the Irish genetic code abhors a fuss. We start small and then pack our needs even tighter, giving up physical and emotional space for whoever might need it. Negative emotions are bottled up, only to explode later at something unrelated. When the European Central Bank imposed austerity on the bold children of the Mediterranean after the 2008 banking collapse, the Greeks demonstrated in the street. In Ireland, we grumbled, accepted the terms without a quibble, then years later staged mass demonstrations when the government tried to upgrade our national water infrastructure. Politically, it was like having a bad day at the office, not standing up to your boss, and then shouting at your kids when you get home from work. The woman I’m dating finds it frustrating when I’m not direct. She’s from Spain, so she has no difficulty expressing how she feels. In her culture, people are not self-conscious about telling you what they’re thinking, as they’re thinking it. The whole body becomes an instrument of communication – words alone are insufficient. They come from a once great empire that collapsed under the weight of its own silver, only to be strangled by years of repressive fascist rule. Flailing limbs and agonised facial expressions are not just about conveying a message, but a means to etch out your place in the public sphere. ‘Here I am!’ the Spanish appear to be telling the world. ‘Observe me as I complain about the weather, the food, whatever. I exist, I have needs, and I want you to see me’. Being honest with myself and the people around me is something I’m trying to work on. But when is being too truthful with someone also a little unkind? I went on a first date years ago with a French woman, who texted me afterwards to say she wouldn’t like to see me again. After years of getting ghosted, I was taken aback by the blunt feedback. Open communication is one thing, but no one needs a withering Google review after a bad date. It’s a matter of personal opinion as to whether it’s more polite to text someone to say you’d rather not see them again, or just disappear. My view is that the former is more mature, but there’s nothing wrong with a little white lie. Something like ‘Lovely to meet you tonight. But I’ve been framed for a murder I didn’t commit, so I’m escaping to Paraguay via cargo ship in the morning.’ You’re getting your message across while protecting the other person’s ego. Being honest with ourselves and the people around us is good spiritual hygiene. It’s good for your professional life too. In the workplace, it’s usually the most assertive person who goes farthest. You know the type, the person who sings loudly about their achievements, whether they’re responsible for the labour or not. In my past life working in an office, I nicknamed myself ‘the human toilet’. Other people’s crap inevitably ended up swirling around my desk. I never pushed back. I lacked the confidence to say no, but more than that – I wasn’t really sure what it was I should be doing. I let others decide what it was I should be focusing on, and – surprise surprise – what they felt I should be working on was usually the dull tasks that they didn’t want to do themselves. Knowing what you want, then, is the hard part. You don’t need a five-year plan, but saying ‘no’ to friends, colleagues or your partner when your plate is full is a good start. If you feel someone is you down, let them know in a measured way. In other words, don’t push the feeling down into your stomach, bathe it in a layer of red wine, leave it to stew over time, and then throw it up everywhere at the office Christmas party. Not that I ever did that.I Research Disappearing Small-Town Jewish Communities. I’m Finding the Best of America.JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. “We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said. “Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks. The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched scores of missiles and drones at Israel throughout the war, including a missile that landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday and wounded at least 16 people. Israel has carried out three sets of airstrikes in Yemen during the war and vowed to step up the pressure on the rebel group until the missile attacks stop. Here’s the latest: WASHINGTON — The Pentagon acknowledged Monday that there are more than 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, the total routinely touted publicly. It also said the number of forces in Syria has grown over the past “several years” due to increasing threats, but was not openly disclosed. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that there are “at least 2,500” U.S. military personnel in Iraq “plus some additional, temporary enablers” that are on rotational deployments. He said that due to diplomatic considerations, the department will not provide more specifics. The U.S. concluded sensitive negotiations with the government of Iraq in September that called for troops to begin leaving after the November election. The presence of U.S. troops there has long been a political liability for Iraqi leaders who are under increased pressure and influence from Iran. U.S. officials have not provided details about the withdrawal agreement, but it calls for the mission against the Islamic State group to end by September 2025, and that some U.S. troops will remain through 2026 to support the anti-IS mission in Syria. Some troops may stay in the Kurdistan region after that because the regional government would like them to stay. Ryder announced last week that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria – more than double the 900 that the U.S. had acknowledged publicly until now. On Monday he said the extra 1,100 deploy for shorter times to do force protection, transportation, maintenance and other missions. He said the number has fluctuated for the past several years and increased “over time.” JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. BEIRUT — The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon on Monday said it has observed recent “concerning actions” by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of residential areas and road blockages. A spokesperson for the peacekeeping mission, Kandice Ardiel, told The Associated Press that peacekeepers also observed on Monday an Israeli flag flying in Lebanese territory near Naqoura. The town hosts the headquarters of the peacekeeping mission, known as UNIFIL. Under the terms of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli army is required to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon within 60 days of the agreement’s signing on Nov. 27. Since the ceasefire went into effect, the Israeli army has conducted near-daily military operations in southern villages, including firing gunshots, house demolitions, excavations, tank shelling and strikes. These actions have killed at least 27 people, wounded more than 30, destroyed residential buildings and, in one case, a mosque. “Peacekeepers continue to monitor the situation on the ground and report violations of Resolution 1701,” Ardiel said. “We reiterate our call for all actors to cease and refrain from violations of Resolution 1701 and any actions that may upset the current delicate balance.” On Monday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Khiam as part of a tour of front-line areas alongside army chief Joseph Aoun and UNIFIL Head of Mission Aroldo Lazaro. Mikati and Lazaro urged the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory to allow the army to fully assume its duties. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says three soldiers were killed Monday in combat in northern Gaza. The military did not provide details of the circumstances. According to a statement released Sunday, the brigade in which the three were serving completed its operational activities in the northern town of Beit Lahiya on Sunday. It then began operating in the nearby town of Beit Hanoun following intelligence suggesting the presence of militants there. Since the start of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday there is “some progress” in efforts to reach a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza, although he added he could not give a time frame for a possible agreement. Of the roughly 250 people who were taken hostage in the Hamas-led raid on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war, around 100 are still inside the Gaza Strip, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu said “we are taking significant actions through all channels to return our loved ones. I would like to tell you cautiously that there is some progress.” Netanyahu said he could not reveal details of what was being done to secure the return of hostages. He said the main reasons for the progress were the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israel’s military actions against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants who had been firing rockets into Israel from neighboring Lebanon in support of Hamas. “Hamas hoped that Iran and Hezbollah would come to its aid but they are busy licking the wounds from the blows we inflicted on them,” he said, adding that Israel was also putting “relentless military pressure” on Hamas in Gaza. “There is progress. I don’t know how long it will take,” Netanyahu said. JERUSALEM — Israel's military said Monday it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli territory, days after a long-range rocket attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people from shattered glass. The military said no air raid warning sirens were sounded Monday. Israel says the Iran-backed Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — attacks they say won’t stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The attacks on shipping and Israel are taking place despite U.S. and European warships patrolling the area. On Saturday night and early Sunday, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Yemen. Last week, Israel launched its own airstrikes on Yemen, killing at least nine people, and a Houthi missile damaged a school in Israel. DAMASCUS, Syria — A Qatari delegation visited the Syrian capital on Monday for the first time in more than a decade and met with the country's top insurgent commander, who said strategic cooperation between Damascus and Doha will begin soon. Qatar, along with Turkey, has long backed the rebels who now control Damascus, and the two countries are looking to protect their interests in Syria now that former President Bashar Assad has been overthrown. The Qatari delegation was headed by the minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, who met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the insurgent group that overthrew Assad on Dec. 8. Al-Sharaa was quoted as saying by Syrian media that they have invited the emir of Qatar to visit Damascus adding that relations will return to normal soon. Al-Sharaa said Qatar will back Syria during the transitional period and the two countries will soon start “wide strategic cooperation.” Al-Sharaa also met Monday with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as well as a Saudi official. Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan had relations with Assad’s government until he was removed from power. JENIN, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority says a second member of its security forces has been killed in the West Bank town of Jenin during clashes with Palestinian militants . Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, the spokesman for PA security forces, said 1st Sgt. Mehran Qadoos was killed on Monday by “outlaws” in the volatile northern town, where the security forces launched a rare crackdown earlier this month. A member of security forces also was killed on Sunday. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard heavy gunfire and explosions, apparently from a battle between the security forces and Palestinian militants. There was no sign of Israeli forces in the area. Militant groups had earlier called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. JENIN, West Bank — Palestinians in the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin are observing a general strike called by militant groups to protest a rare crackdown by Palestinian security forces. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard gunfire and explosions, apparently from clashes between militants and Palestinian security forces. It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded. There was no sign of Israeli troops in the area. Shops were closed in the city on Monday, the day after militants killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others. Militant groups called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority blamed Sunday’s attack on “outlaws.” It says it is committed to maintaining law and order but will not police the occupation. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has begun a tour of military positions in the country’s south, almost a month after a ceasefire deal that ended the war between Israel and the Hezbollah group that battered the country. Najib Mikati on Monday was on his first visit to the southern frontlines, where Lebanese soldiers under the U.S.-brokered deal are expected to gradually deploy, with Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops both expected to withdraw by the end of next month. Mikati’s tour comes after the Lebanese government expressed its frustration over ongoing Israeli strikes and overflights in the country. “We have many tasks ahead of us, the most important being the enemy's (Israel's) withdrawal from all the lands it encroached on during its recent aggression,” he said after meeting with army chief Joseph Aoun in a Lebanese military barracks in the southeastern town of Marjayoun. “Then the army can carry out its tasks in full.” The Lebanese military for years has relied on financial aid to stay functional, primarily from the United States and other Western countries. Lebanon’s cash-strapped government is hoping that the war’s end and ceasefire deal will bring about more funding to increase the military’s capacity to deploy in the south, where Hezbollah’s armed units were notably present. Though they were not active combatants, the Lebanese military said that dozens of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes on their premises or patrolling convoys in the south. The Israeli army acknowledged some of these attacks.
Shrinking Season 2: Date, time and what to expect from the finaleChardan Capital reissued their buy rating on shares of Metagenomi ( NASDAQ:MGX – Free Report ) in a report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $15.00 target price on the stock. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Metagenomi from $22.00 to $17.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 15th. HC Wainwright reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $7.00 price target on shares of Metagenomi in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $15.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Metagenomi Metagenomi Trading Up 3.8 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Metagenomi Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of MGX. Rhumbline Advisers purchased a new position in shares of Metagenomi during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its position in shares of Metagenomi by 130.9% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 12,799 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 7,256 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Metagenomi during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Metagenomi during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $66,000. Finally, Resolute Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Metagenomi by 165.0% during the 2nd quarter. Resolute Advisors LLC now owns 26,500 shares of the company’s stock valued at $108,000 after buying an additional 16,500 shares in the last quarter. Metagenomi Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Metagenomi, Inc, a genetic medicines company, develops therapeutics for patients using metagenomics-derived genome editing toolbox in the United States. The company's genome editing toolbox includes programmable nucleases, base editors, and RNA and DNA-mediated integration systems, such as prime editing systems and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated transposases. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Metagenomi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Metagenomi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC Makes New Investment in Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS)Article content First place in the Atlantic Division. Consistently winning hockey games as captain Auston Matthews recovers from an upper-body injury. True, it’s just the quarter-mark of the 2024-25 National Hockey League regular season and the majority of hockey has yet to be played, but there can’t be much debating the kind of impact that new coach Craig Berube has had on the Leafs through the club’s first 20 games. Back in May when the Leafs fired coach Sheldon Keefe, part of the reasoning on the part of general manager Brad Treliving was that the team brass “determined that a new voice” was needed behind the bench. Keefe did some great things during his Leafs tenure, guiding the club annually to 100-point seasons, but Berube was hired to push the team through in the playoffs. With a defence-first approach and attention to physical detail, the Leafs are going about being successful in a new manner, proof that what Berube wants out of his players has been translating on the ice. “As players, we feel it, and I think you can tell by watching that it’s a different kind of game than what we’ve played in the past,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “It has been a bit of an adjustment, but it has been good. I think we’re doing all right.” The Leafs record of 12-6-2, which has them one point ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division, underlines that. The Leafs have been solid without Matthews, winning six of the past seven games he has missed, but there’s a little more to it than bearing down with the captain on the sideline. Defensively, the Leafs have pulled up their hockey socks. Not only have they cut down on goals against at five-on-five (allowing 28, tied for third-fewest in the NHL heading into Friday’s games), they’re not giving up many Grade-A chances. At five-on-five, the Leafs were tied for allowing the third-fewest high-danger scoring chances. Berube stresses with his players the importance of defending the “guts” of the ice in the D zone and the systemic differences have, well, made a difference. The low forward has become more of a partner with the defence pair and can switch out more easily. On the whole, five-man units are more connected. “There’s a learning curve,” Rielly said. “The chances we’re giving up are less. It’s a commitment to the structure and understanding the importance of it.” Offensively, bushels of goals haven’t been required for the Leafs to win games, as they have scored more than four in just three games. No one in the organization is losing sleep over that. “We’re working towards something, but on the way, the product is good,” Rielly said. “It’s not perfect, we’ve had guys out, we haven’t executed perfect every night, but we’re putting ourselves in a position where that’s OK. “You’re in that position where you’re within striking range, and you will keep yourself there, if you’re close to the structure.” Berube has said a few times that it was crucial that the players bought in from the first day of training camp in September. Hiccups along the way can be expected, as Rielly mentioned, especially when the team continues to put up points more often than not. And no one in the Leafs dressing room needs to be reminded that true judgement won’t come until the Stanley Cup playoffs. Still, the pieces being put in place now bring optimism. “There’s nothing to rest on or feel great about,” centre John Tavares said. “We’re happy with the results we’re getting and with a lot of things that we’re doing, but it’s continuously trying to get better, everyone being on the same page, buying in and knowing every night’s a new challenge, and it’s a long year, so we have to keep grinding it out. “You would hope you’re 20-0. That’s the goal, to go out and win every game. You work and push forward. Over 82 games, you want to put yourself in the best spot possible, earn a playoff spot and the highest positioning you can.” Berube wouldn’t have it any other way. tkoshan@postmedia.com X: @koshtorontosun
West Michigan native to finish college football career in Big TenSeadrill Announces Sale of Jack-Up West Prospero
An on-duty Red Lake Tribal police officer was one of two drivers who died in a traffic collision Wednesday, officials said. The crash occurred on Hwy. 1 east of the Red Lake community, according to the Red Lake Police Department. Police identified the officer as Jesse Branch, 35, and the other person who died as Alan Lussier Jr. Officials did not give an age for Lussier or cities of residence for either man. The circumstances of the crash have yet to be disclosed. Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell G Seki Sr. has ordered flags flown at half-staff at tribal buildings and other locations in Branch’s honor. Several who knew Branch took to social media to mourn him. “He was so so proud to move from detention to police officer,” wrote Alice Benaise, who said she saw and chatted with him for a few minutes Saturday. ”He told me he had just come back from a training. He just loved Red Lake & our people.” Ashlyn Lyons posted online that Branch had been her coworker for many years and knew him since he was 18 years old. “He was ready to enter into public safety at a young age,” Charnoski wrote. “He dedicated his life to Red Lake Nation. The same police department lost another officer in July 2021, when Ryan Bialke was shot to death by David Brian Donnell Jr. Donnell, now 31, was sentenced two years later to a 37-year term. Bialke was one of five officers to respond to a welfare check at Donnell’s home on the Red Lake Indian Reservation on July 27, 2021. Donnell, who was reportedly using drugs and suicidal, went inside the house when officers arrived. Bialke, who knew there was a tribal warrant out for Donnell, kicked down the front door. He was met with gunfire and died immediately.AP News Summary at 4:42 p.m. EST
– WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley spent a special Christmas video to the granddaughter of LA Park, which was shared on social media . You can see the video Ripley sent to LA Park’s granddaughter, along with her reaction, below: Muchas gracias a mi compañera RHEA RIPLEY que hizo muy feliz a mi nieta ZOE Gracias muchas gracias me hizo llorar la verdad también yo llore pic.twitter.com/Ei3bb0oRGs — adolfo tapia ibarra (@laparktapia) December 25, 2024 – WWE Vault released a new video looking back at the historic win by The Iron Sheik over Bob Backlund to win the WWE Heavyweight Championship. The match took place 41 years ago on December 26, 1983. Hulk Hogan later beat Sheik to win the WWE Championship the following month, giving birth to Hulkamania. You can look at that video below: ON THIS DAY IN 1983 WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik made WWE history at @TheGarden ! pic.twitter.com/AML293YWLf — WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2024 – WWE Playlist looked back at the most emotional moments of 2024:ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The prosecuting attorney here said Thursday he was again seeking the removal of a St. Louis County councilman and also pointed to what he described as a government cover-up that included possible grand jury leaks and illegal document tampering. Councilman Dennis Hancock, from Fenton, not only violated nepotism laws by hiring his stepdaughter, Hollie Galati, but he also worked with other government employees to retroactively save his own job, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said. Bell, at a press conference Thursday morning, released evidence his office has collected that he said supports the county’s effort to oust Hancock, including birth and marriage certificates, a property deed, emails, social media posts, county payroll records and other government documents. The prosecutor also provided a recording made in August of a phone call between Hancock and County Counselor Dana Redwing, the attorney for county government. In the conversation, Redwing tells Hancock that he had forfeited his office by hiring his stepdaughter, a violation of the Missouri Constitution’s prohibition against nepotism. Hancock, a former mayor, said “no one made (him) aware” of the rule. He then asked Redwing if he could rectify the matter by having Galati resign. Redwing told him no, that wasn’t option. “Councilman Hancock can step down and do the honorable thing,” Bell said Thursday. “If not, we are filing our quo warranto and according to the law, he should be removed immediately during this process.” His office filed the action later Thursday. Hancock’s lawyer, Kimberley Mathis, said on Thursday afternoon that she had not received information regarding any legal steps being taken against Hancock or a lawsuit against him. "I have heard from many reporters that there have been press releases and press conferences, but nothing actually filed in court," she said. The filing represents the second time Bell has attempted to oust Hancock over the nepotism violation. In August, he went to court to bar Hancock from participating in any official activity or exercising any authority until the nepotism case could be heard by a judge. After pressure on the judge for a swift ruling, though, Bell’s office dropped the filing in mid-November. Bell, who was elected last month to Congress, is expected to resign as prosecutor on Jan. 2. A dispute about Bell’s successor is currently in the courts. County Executive Sam Page, a Bell ally, asserts he has the authority to name an interim prosecutor; the state contends the governor names Bell’s replacement. A judge last week ruled for the state , but Page has said he plans to appeal. "Until I step down, I am the elected county prosecutor," Bell said Thursday. "There are one of two people who are going to be taking my role, both of which I have a lot of confidence in." Galati’s employment began on Aug. 19, with a salary of $51,888 per year and additional benefits, documents released Thursday show. After Hancock realized her hiring was in violation of nepotism laws, Bell says Hancock worked with St. Louis County Clerk Diann Valenti to alter the already-filed employment documents to show that she did not accept the job. Bell said Valenti changed the status in the system from “new hire” to “rejected” in the county’s ticketing and personal system, and asked another government employee to change fields in the personnel electronic ticketing employee action data page and messaging system. Valenti was also accused of requesting a screenshot of the data system reflecting that Galati was never employed at St Louis County. Bell said Valenti gave those screenshots to Hancock. He then forwarded the screenshots to a lobbyist who publicly distributed them. “I want to say this to not only our St. Louis County public, but also members of the media: you were lied to,” Bell said during Thursday’s press conference. “You were given false information. You were given a false narrative that that the Miss Galati was not hired. I saw the interviews, I saw the statements made by certain public officials that this did not happen, that the paperwork was never processed, when, in fact, it was.” Jane Dueker, a police union lobbyist, swiftly took to social media and identified herself as the lobbyist. “This record was not falsified,” she wrote. “Ms. Valenti is included in the workflow as the person who signs off employment. Ms. Galati told St. Louis County and Ms. Valenti she didn’t want to be employed or be paid. Upon that and upon being told employment could potentially violate the law, Ms. Valenti properly did her job and rejected the employment.” Valenti was indicted by a grand jury last week on forgery and other charges. Her attorney, Joe Hogan, told the Post-Dispatch he expected Bell’s successor to dismiss the case. Bell argued that Hancock’s removal was necessary “to prevent further misconduct and retaliation.” He told reporters he anticipates more charges to be filed in connection to the cover-up. “We started seeing evidence of information that was being leaked prior to us even announcing it,” Bell said. “For example, prior to a true bill even being approved by the grand jury. This information was being leaked, and that means that there’s a potential that someone in our office or in county government was doing that.”
Singapore, Singapore–(Newsfile Corp. – December 23, 2024) – FingerMotion, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNGR) (the “ Company ” or “ FingerMotion “), a mobile services and data company, today announced the closing of its previously announced registered direct offering of 3,333,336 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,004 shares of its common stock. Each share was offered and sold together with one and one-half warrants at a combined public offering price of $1.50. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, are exercisable immediately, and will remain exercisable for a term of five years from the date of issuance. Roth Capital Partners acted as the exclusive placement agent of the offering. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $4.44 million from the offering, after deducting the offering expenses payable by the Company, including placement agent’s fees and expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate and working capital purposes. The securities described above were offered by the Company pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-274456) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on September 29, 2023. The offering was made solely by means of a prospectus relating to the offering, including a prospectus supplement, that forms part of the effective registration statement and has been filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting Roth Capital Partners at 888 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660, by phone at (800) 678-9147. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About FingerMotion, Inc. FingerMotion is an evolving technology company with a core competency in mobile payment and recharge platform solutions in China. As the user base of its primary business continues to grow, the Company is developing additional value-added technologies to market to its users. The vision of the Company is to rapidly grow the user base through organic means and have this growth develop into an ecosystem of users with high engagement rates utilizing its innovative applications. Developing a highly engaged ecosystem of users would strategically position the Company to onboard larger customer bases. FingerMotion eventually hopes to serve over 1 billion users in the China market and eventually expand the model to other regional markets. For more information on FingerMotion, visit: https://fingermotion.com/ Forward Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes “forward-looking statements” as such term is used in applicable United States securities laws. These statements relate to analysis and other information that are based on forecasts or future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as “forward-looking statements”. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events or performance, including the intended use of proceeds from the public offering. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual future results may differ materially from those discussed or implied in our forward-looking statements for various reasons. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: international, national and local general economic and market conditions; demographic changes; the ability of the Company to sustain, manage or forecast its growth; the ability of the Company to manage its VIE contracts; the ability of the Company to maintain its relationships and licenses in China; adverse publicity; competition and changes in the Chinese telecommunications market; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; business disruptions, such as technological failures and/or cybersecurity breaches; and the other factors discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Report Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy our securities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234985 #distro
Chandigarh MC providing govt vehicles to ineligible officials: AuditMarianne Williamson announces bid for DNC chair
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 21 points as Portland State beat Wofford 79-74 at the Cream City Challenge in Milwaukee on Sunday. Johnson had nine rebounds for the Vikings (3-3). Jaylin Henderson scored 18 points, shooting 6 for 12, including 4 for 10 from beyond the arc. Qiant Myers finished 5 of 8 from the field to finish with 10 points, while adding six rebounds and six assists. The Terriers (2-5) were led by Dillon Bailey, who posted 20 points. Corey Tripp added 17 points, five assists and two steals for Wofford. Kyler Filewich also had 10 points and six rebounds. NEXT UP Portland State plays Saturday against Utah Tech at home, and Wofford hosts North Alabama on Sunday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressHow To Watch Ipswich Town vs Manchester United Premier League 2024–25 Free Live Streaming Online in India? Get EPL Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in ISTStock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 10 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 3:20 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was up 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.5%, Micron Technology was up 1.3% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.5%, Amazon was down 0.4%, and Netflix gave up 0.7%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.4%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.4% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3.9% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3.1%, Ross Stores added 1.8%, Best Buy was up 2.5% and Dollar Tree gained 3.6%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2024-- Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or “The Company”) (NYSE American: VENU), a leading premium hospitality and live entertainment company built by music fans for music fans, announced today its third quarter 2024 results for the period ended September 30, 2024, the first earnings report since its successful initial public offering (“IPO”) which closed on November 29, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, VENU brought luxury entertainment to life. VENU executed its business plan with the historic launch of its fan founded and fan owned mission with the opening of its first live, ultra-lux entertainment complex in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ford Amphitheater. Colorado Ford Dealerships purchased the naming rights for ten years for $13 million, one of the largest amphitheater sponsorships in history. This $70 million state-of-the-art facility hosted its Grand Opening weekend in August 2024 with an energetic, sold-out crowd featuring GRAMMY award winner, Ryan Tedder and his globally recognized band, OneRepublic. Designed to host over 8,000 music fans per show, Ford Amphitheater features 92 custom build luxury fire-pits suites, a unique feature to all VENU owned and planned amphitheaters. Nominated by Pollstar Magazine for 2024 Best New Concert Venue of the Year, Ford Amphitheater welcomed over 96,000 music fans from over 5,500 different zip codes from all 50 states in its limited first season. While only hosting 17 shows in August and September (compared to a typical touring season of up to 60 shows running April to November), the Ford Amphitheater featured internationally renowned performers such as Dierks Bentley, Robert Plant, Lauren Daigle and more. Now entering its first full season in 2025, the Ford Amphitheater is off to a rocking start. With an initial set of shows announced and on sale for the 2025 season, and many more in the pipeline, the Ford Amphitheater is actively booking an exciting lineup through its partnership with AEG Presents Rocky Mountains. VENU is also on schedule to unveil its highly anticipated $35 million dining and entertainment collection in 2025, strategically developed to sit along the east perimeter of Ford Amphitheater. Designed for year-round service, the innovative development will cater to guests during shows and beyond, featuring upscale restaurants and bars, Owners Clubs, and vibrant social and private event spaces. “ With two completed and operating campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Gainesville, Georgia; four in the construction phase, and five others in the design and development phase, we have set the stage for continued growth,” said J.W. Roth, the Company’s Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “ Together, once operational, these anticipated markets are projected to add over $2 billion in real assets to our balance sheet and will bring our seat inventory to an anticipated 150,000 seats.” J.W. Roth continued: “ When fully developed, our initial 11 live entertainment complexes will be able to hold up to 60 shows per year, which calculates gross sellable seating at approximately 10 million seats per year. With an expected average gross sales price of $150 per seat, VENU’s annual gross receipts could be in excess of $1.5 billion. ” Performance Highlights: Key Updates: Q3 2024, Year-to-Date Highlights, and Notable Business Developments CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS Monday, December 23, 2024, 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time USA/Canada Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (800) 715-9871 International Toll Dial-In Number: +1 (646) 307-1963 Conference ID: 9521412 Webcast Link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/565245234 Webcast Replay - available through December 23, 2025, at https://investors.venu.live About Venu Holding Corporation Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") (NYSE American: VENU), founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, is a premier hospitality and live music venue developer dedicated to crafting luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU’s campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, each feature Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and unique to Colorado Springs, Notes Eatery and the 8,000-seat Ford Amphitheater. Expanding with new Sunset Amphitheaters in Oklahoma and Texas, VENU’s upcoming large-scale venues will host between 12,500 and 20,000 guests, continuing VENU’s vision of redefining the live entertainment experience. VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal , The New York Times , Denver Post , Billboard , VenuesNow , and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents and NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Lager, Troy Aikman, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit venu.live Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 2024 2023 $ 35,796,857 $ 20,201,104 226,871 185,746 1,171,226 209,215 1,370,710 - 38,565,664 20,596,065 125,756,511 57,737,763 227,956 277,995 1,446,793 3,685,980 550,000 550,000 50,878 375,904 128,032,138 62,627,642 $ 166,597,802 $ 83,223,707 5,822,922 2,565,460 13,137,911 698,369 316,927 331,457 2,209,107 764,081 8,583,275 - 371,111 230,952 208,510 325,245 30,649,763 4,915,564 1,109,006 3,646,385 6,800,000 1,500,000 14,001,634 11,182,073 $ 52,560,403 $ 21,244,022 383 1,960 - 30,306 35,915 - - - 121,914,521 47,743,085 (41,073,711 ) (17,021,453 ) 80,877,108 30,753,898 (1,500,076 ) (76 ) 79,377,032 30,753,822 34,660,367 31,225,863 $ 114,037,399 $ 61,979,685 $ 166,597,802 $ 83,223,707 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ 2,740,411 $ 2,892,082 $ 8,144,605 $ 6,706,719 2,002,572 961,222 4,663,228 1,838,736 708,992 58,075 759,123 140,120 $ 5,451,975 $ 3,911,379 $ 13,566,956 $ 8,685,575 653,178 712,026 1,901,590 1,530,107 435,841 407,889 1,727,311 634,368 1,152,909 1,188,574 3,358,871 2,572,382 333,192 363,032 975,756 863,850 5,449,396 3,428,774 24,279,184 9,944,662 1,103,720 565,355 2,319,513 1,279,510 9,128,236 6,665,650 34,562,225 16,824,879 $ (3,676,261 ) $ (2,754,271 ) $ (20,995,269 ) $ (8,139,304 ) (1,162,663 ) (92,252 ) (2,717,849 ) (222,812 ) - - (2,500,000 ) - - - - (11,947 ) 276,452 - 502,962 20,153 35,000 38,610 97,500 109,179 (851,211 ) (53,642 ) (4,617,387 ) (105,427 ) $ (4,527,472 ) $ (2,807,913 ) $ (25,612,656 ) $ (8,244,731 ) (595,251 ) (33,707 ) (1,560,398 ) (538,133 ) $ (3,932,221 ) $ (2,774,206 ) $ (24,052,258 ) $ (7,706,598 ) - - - 182,234 $ - $ - $ - $ (0.31 ) 383,656 11,695,841 839,116 17,514,426 $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.58 ) $ (0.31 ) 20,997 20,504,392 9,027,155 7,549,308 $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.58 ) $ (0.31 ) 25,879,401 - 21,805,264 - $ (0.13 ) $ - $ (0.58 ) $ - 3,282,150 - 9,775,099 - $ (0.13 ) $ - $ (0.58 ) $ - 2024 2023 $ (25,612,656 ) $ (8,244,731 ) 448,150 - 3,927,325 273,380 7,000,000 1,742,974 579,981 - 1,985,568 1,434 268,635 363,149 - (11,678 ) 2,319,513 1,279,510 2,500,000 - (41,125 ) (93,060 ) (962,011 ) 205,157 325,026 (215,904 ) 3,233,914 (1,670,904 ) 12,439,542 54,576 (1,370,710 ) - (14,530 ) (113,865 ) 1,445,026 248,542 (235,641 ) (336,794 ) 5,100,000 - 13,336,007 (6,518,214 ) (61,615,767 ) (19,190,024 ) 74,085 - (61,541,682 ) (19,190,024 ) 29,900,282 10,950,000 (893,082 ) (548,830 ) (232,327 ) (144,431 ) 30,426,503 14,512,268 52 82,600 (100,000 ) - (1,500,000 ) (76 ) 6,200,000 - 63,801,428 24,851,531 15,595,753 (856,707 ) 20,201,104 23,470,734 $ 35,796,857 $ 22,614,027 $ 296,593 $ 234,197 $ - $ 4,402,392 $ 10,000,000 $ - $ 3,000,140 $ - $ 100,000 $ - $ 200,000 $ - $ 3,267,000 $ - $ 471,476 $ - View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223353851/en/ For media requests, connect with Chloe Hoeft atchoeft@venu.liveor 719-895-5470 KEYWORD: COLORADO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC EVENTS/CONCERTS SOURCE: Venu Holding Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/23/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/23/2024 04:10 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223353851/enCHESTERLAND, Ohio — Matt Rosati is cleared to return as football coach at West Geauga for the offseason and into next season after the school cleared him of any wrongdoing, according to reports by the News-Herald and Geauga County Maple Leaf . The school placed him on administration leave last month, pending an investigation into complaints that Rosati’s attorney called “nothing more than the cliché of a few disgruntled parents and players.” Attorney Vincent J. Calo followed up last week with a statement that Rosati received a letter from the school district, reinstating him as a teacher and football coach after finding “insufficient evidence to warrant a pre-disciplinary hearing.” The Geauga County Maple Leaf followed up Thursday by citing that letter to West Geauga superintendent Richard Markwardt. Calo added that Rosati “is thankful to WGSD for reaching the correct conclusion in this matter. Mr. Rosati has prided himself on helping instill integrity, accountability, and work ethic in his students and athletes during his stellar 35-year career. Allegations of any misconduct directed at him were vehemently denied at the onset of this matter.” RECOMMENDED • cleveland .com Geauga commissioners say they need time to mull over Grendell’s request for $300,000 for legal fees Nov. 19, 2024, 1:58 p.m. Grendell requests $300,000 from Geauga commissioners to fight disciplinary charges Nov. 18, 2024, 2:35 p.m. While West Geauga finished this season 2-8, Rosati missed the final two games while on administrative leave. It marked his third season at the school and second stint with the program, where he won 69 games from 1996 to 2007, before leading Perry to 111 victories and a Division IV state semifinal run in 2016 with three more regional final appearances. Calo added, “During this extremely stressful process, Coach Rosati has been overwhelmed and truly thankful for the outpouring of support he received from the community; alumni from 22 states; fellow coaches and teachers; administrators and athletic directors he has worked with for the past 35 years; friends and family. He looks forward to resuming his career as a teacher and coach and helping lead young men and women.” Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on X ( @mgoul ), Threads ( @mgoul ) or email ( mgoul@cleveland.com ).
Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ mentality
JERUSALEM — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program “false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial. The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu, through Bleiweiss, encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband’s critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu’s Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Bleiweiss also was instructed to organize demonstrations outside the homes of the lead prosecutor in the corruption case, Liat Ben-Ari, and then Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who had issued the indictments, and protests and social media campaigns smearing political opponents. According to the report, Bleiweiss was a loyal aid to Netanyahu for decades. But while she was ill, it said Sara Netanyahu mistreated her, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said the attorney general, Baharav-Miara should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav-Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement. AP correspondents Eleanor H. Reich in New York and Isaac Scharf in Jerusalem contributed reporting.
How high-fives helped West Perry field hockey keep perspective in PIAA title runPanthers kick their way to Vegas Final Four
"Everything is just...", Danielle Peazer's Touching Tribute To Liam Payne After His Funeral | WATCHBrendan Rodgers praises Celtic and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ mentalityJapanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world’s third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors has also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Automakers in Japan have lagged their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time as newcomers like China’s BYD and EV market leader Tesla devour market share. Nissan has been fighting to survive. Credit: Bloomberg Honda’s president, Toshihiro Mibe, said Honda and Nissan will attempt to unify their operations under a joint holding company. Honda will lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. They aim to have a formal merger agreement by June and to complete the deal and list the holding company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026, he said. No dollar value was given, and the formal talks are just starting, Mibe said. There are “points that need to be studied and discussed,” he said. “Frankly speaking, the possibility of this not being implemented is not zero.” A merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $US50 billion ($80 billion) based on the market capitalisation of all three automakers. Together, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor and with Germany’s Volkswagen AG. Toyota has technology partnerships with Japan’s Mazda Motor and Subaru. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports saying Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn was seeking to tie up with Nissan by buying shares from the Japan’s company’s other alliance partner, Renault SA of France. Nissan’s CEO Makoto Uchida said Foxconn had not directly approached his company. He also acknowledged that Nissan’s situation was “severe.” We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base Even after a merger Toyota, which rolled out 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would remain the leading Japanese automaker. If they join, the three smaller companies would make about 8 million vehicles. In 2023, Honda made 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. “We have come to the realisation that in order for both parties to be leaders in this mobility transformation, it is necessary to make a more bold change than a collaboration in specific areas,” Mibe said. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi earlier agreed to share components for electric vehicles like batteries and to jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to electrification. Nissan has struggled following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Speaking Monday to reporters in Tokyo via a video link, Ghosn derided the planned merger as a “desperate move.” From Nissan, Honda could get truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn’t have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, told The Associated Press . Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybrid powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. Honda chief Makoto Uchida (left) and Nissan chief Toshihiro Mibe at a joint press conference. Credit: Bloomberg But the company said in November that it was slashing 9000 jobs, or about 6 per cent of its global workforce, and reducing its global production capacity by 20 per cent after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). It recently reshuffled its management and Uchida, its chief executive, took a 50 per cent pay cut while acknowledging responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. “We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base,” Uchida said. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan’s credit outlook to “negative,” citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($15 billion). Nissan’s share price also had fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. On Monday, its Tokyo-traded shares gained 1.6 per cent. They jumped more than 20 per cent after news of the possible merger broke last week. Honda’s shares surged 3.8 per cent. Honda’s net profit slipped nearly 20 per cent in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as its sales suffered in China. The merger reflects an industry-wide trend toward consolidation. At a routine briefing Monday, cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said he would not comment on details of the automakers’ plans, but said Japanese companies need to stay competitive in the fast changing market. “As the business environment surrounding the automobile industry largely changes, with competitiveness in storage batteries and software is increasingly important, we expect measures needed to survive international competition will be taken,” Hayashi said. Kurtenbach reported from Bangkok. AP
