Artificial intelligence (AI) has propelled stocks to monster gains over the last two years, starting with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT. By now, investors are well aware of breakout stories like Nvidia and Palantir Technologies that have been early to capitalize on the boom, but there are likely to be plenty of other winners from the new technology. Some CEOs think AI could be as big as the internet, and big tech companies are already spending billions on this evolving technology in order to take leadership of what is expected to be the next major computing platform. However, there are still other opportunities to capitalize on the growth in AI. Let's take a look at two of them. 1. TSMC Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( TSM -0.70% ) hasn't gotten as much attention as chip stocks like Nvidia, but TSMC, as the company is also known, could be the most important company in the AI revolution. TSMC is the company that Nvidia and other fabless chipmakers like Advanced Micro Devices , Broadcom , and Qualcomm as well as big tech companies like Apple , Amazon , and Alphabet turn to for their chip production needs. In other words, it's a linchpin in the supply chain for both the semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence as so many companies depend on it to manufacture their products. TSMC has already begun to capitalize on the AI-driven demand as revenue in its most recently reported quarter jumped 39% year over year to $23.5 billion, and TSMC also generates impressive margins with an operating margin of 47.6% in the third quarter, showing its wide economic moat in the industry. The company looks poised to capitalize on continuing demand for AI chips since it handles roughly 90% of third-party manufacturing of advanced chips and works closely with companies like Nvidia on production. TSMC itself touts its "leading-edge logic, memory, and packaging technologies," and its chips go into a wide range of devices, including servers in the data center and edge devices like smartphones and appliances. While there's still some uncertainty in the AI boom, demand is likely to grow over the next several years. TSMC seems better positioned to capitalize on it than other AI stocks on the market. The stock has nearly doubled in 2024 but has more room to run as it trades at a reasonable price-to-earnings ratio of just 33. 2. Upstart Upstart ( UPST -5.62% ) is still well below its peak during the pandemic, meaning the stock has largely been forgotten even as it's started to rally again this year. Upstart uses proprietary AI technology to determine creditworthiness to originate consumer loans, and it claims that its technology is significantly better than traditional FICO scores. The company has also seen a recovery in its business, which it attributes to improvements in its model. Management noted that Model 18, its latest update, drove large conversion improvements in the third quarter, meaning more applicants ended up receiving loans. Upstart's business model is also a reminder that there are opportunities in AI beyond just generative AI. Beyond its own competitive advantage in loan originations, Upstart has significant upside potential because interest rates should eventually come down, encouraging more borrowing, potentially lifting the business to its earlier peak as demand for loans surged during the pandemic. While the company is sensitive to the macroeconomic environment, AI remains the key to unlocking the potential of the business as disrupting the broader loan ecosystem and serving as the de facto creditworthiness measurement would generate huge returns for Upstart, which is valued at just $6.5 billion. The business has returned to growth with revenue up 20% to $162 million in the third quarter, though Upstart is not currently profitable. However, there's a lot of potential for margins to scale up as the business grows.kg9999 。

Mohave County Historical Society | Plans in motion to preserve Mohave County’s historic jailNone

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany's far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper's opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country's stagnant economy. Musk's guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. "The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country," Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party "can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality." The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country's condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. The technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party's public image. "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk's commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper's own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk's social media platform, X. "I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print," Eva Marie Kogel wrote. A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musk's opinion piece. "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong," Burgard wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk's piece was "very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression." "This will continue to determine the compass of the "world" in the future. We will develop "Die Welt" even more decisively as a forum for such debates," they wrote to dpa. Musk waded heavily into the 2024 U.S. presidential election, putting millions into electing President-elect Donald Trump. Trump rewarded him after the election by naming Musk to head the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk and Ramaswamy were embroiled over the weekend on X, the social media platform Musk owns, over H-1B visas, which are applied to highly skilled workers. Musk, who came to the U.S. on a H-1B visa, defended the use of the policy amid backlash from Laura Loomer and other Trump supporters who endorse hardline immigration policies. In an interview with the New York Post , Trump said he "always liked the visas," although he tried to change the program during his first time. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," Trump told the newspaper. Elon Musk Germany

Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’In a surprising turn of events, the La Liga standings have taken a dramatic shift as Barcelona's once significant lead has dwindled down to just a mere 5 points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. With two more games played than their competitors, Barcelona's advantage seems to have all but evaporated as the competition heats up in the race for the La Liga title.None

Google has faced multiple antitrust investigations and fines from the EU in the past, most notably over its search engine practices and Android operating system. The latest probe into its advertising activities with Meta further underscores the regulatory challenges that tech companies face in Europe and beyond.

In response to the escalating situation, Lüde Group immediately launched an internal investigation to determine the origin of the photos and assess the validity of the claims. The company's spokesperson released a statement emphasizing that the allegations were baseless and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Chairman and the organization.NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”

Bipartisan effort needed to resolve Muan disaster

no$gba emulator download In conclusion, while the fire incident at Alibaba's data center was a challenging ordeal, the company's swift and comprehensive response exhibited its unwavering dedication to data security, customer satisfaction, and operational resilience. By learning from the incident and implementing proactive measures, Alibaba reaffirmed its position as a leader in the cloud computing industry and a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.The case of Wu Yingjie serves as a cautionary tale for all public officials that the consequences of corruption are severe and far-reaching. Not only does corruption undermine the legitimacy of the Party and erode public trust, but it also has a direct impact on the well-being of the people by diverting resources away from essential services and infrastructure development.

The couple's decision to sell their beloved home has attracted significant attention from both the media and the public, sparking speculation about their motivations. Known for his legendary acting career spanning several decades, Chow Yun-fat has always maintained a low-key and private lifestyle, away from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. Despite his immense fame and fortune, he has chosen to live a modest and humble life, often regarded as one of the most charitable and down-to-earth celebrities in Hong Kong.

As the debate surrounding Manchester City's ban continues to unfold, it is important for the footballing community to reflect on the values and principles that underpin the sport. While the prospect of a big team facing repercussions may be unsettling for some, it is a necessary step towards maintaining the integrity and credibility of football as a whole.Outraged by the unjust treatment of Mr. Li and the disruption of their dining options, students at Jinan University took action by reporting the incident to the Market Supervision Bureau. The complaints highlighted concerns about unfair business practices, intimidation tactics, and the negative impact on the campus dining experience. As news of the escalating conflict spread across social media platforms, it drew widespread attention and sparked a public debate on ethical conduct in the food service industry.Fresh pain for woman who was held captive and tortured by monster Ariel Castro By ISHITA SRIVASTAVA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:11 GMT, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 22:11 GMT, 22 November 2024 e-mail View comments A woman who was miraculously rescued from her rapist captor over a decade ago is facing fresh pain after having her animal shelter raided. Michelle Knight, now known as Lily Rose Lee, got the idea to start an animal rescue during the 10 years she spent in captivity at the hands of Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio . Lee, who founded Unleashed Animal Rescue in Elyria, Ohio, after she was freed in 2013, was left heartbroken after authorities raided the shelter Wednesday and took away nearly two dozen of the animals. 'I got a huge hole in my heart,' told Cleveland 19 News. 'They took all of my exotic birds, all my exotic bunnies, they took my support animal and they took my little dog.' The search warrant from Lorain County stated that the animals were facing cruelty, though Lee claims she never received any warnings before the raid. Lee explained that she received a notice from Friendship Animal Protective League saying that her animals were living in unsanitary conditions, had dirty water and that she had an emaciated dog. 'You hurt innocent animals and you hurt innocent people and I don't understand. If there was something so wrong with the living conditions and the way my animals were kept, they didn't take all of them,' she added. Michelle Knight, now known as Lily Rose Lee, got the idea to start an animal rescue during the 10 years she spent in captivity at the hands of Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio 'I have lived a life of tremendous torture, problems and a lot of different things, but what made me start this rescue was Lobo,' Lee recalled. 'When I was held captive, he gave me a dog and when I tried to escape he broke that dog's neck right in front of me it destroyed my heart. 'I told myself if I ever got out of the house that I would continue God's work and I would open up a rescue.' Lee was one of three women held captive in Castro's Ohio home, where she suffered five forced miscarriages and lived in chains for over a decade. She was 21 when she was kidnapped and imprisoned in 2002. Castro lured her into his car by informing her that he knew the directions to a social services meeting that she needed to attend. He then persuaded her to go into his house by claiming his dog had just given birth, convincing Lee that she should take one of the puppies back for her toddler son. Once inside the property, Castro locked her in an upstairs bedroom, chained her up with extension cords and masturbated over her. He then strapped a sock to her mouth with duct tape and left. Lee, who founded Unleashed Animal Rescue in Elyria, Ohio, after she was freed in 2013, was left heartbroken after authorities raided the shelter Wednesday and took away nearly two dozen of the animals 'I got a huge hole in my heart. They took all of my exotic birds, all my exotic bunnies, they took my support animal and they took my little dog,' Lee said A search warrant stated that the animals were facing cruelty, though Lee she claims she had never received warnings before the raid Lee, was one of three women held captive in the home of Ariel Castro (pictured), where she suffered five forced miscarriages and lived in chains for over a decade The other two captives were Gina DeJesus, who was abducted on April 2, 2004, at the age 14, and Amanda Berry, who went missing a day before her 17th birthday on April 21, 2003. Berry was kidnapped while she was walking home from work. Castro, who worked as an elementary school bus driver, approached her in his vehicle and asked if she needed a ride home. Berry, who knew Castro as the father of her classmate and friend from middle school, agreed. He ended up inviting her inside his home to hang out with his daughter, Arlene. Once she went in, she wouldn't leave for years. 'He took me to the next bedroom, and it was just really dark in there, and he didn't turn on the lights, and there was a little, like, a little room off of the bigger bedroom, kind of a big closet,' Berry remembered. 'And he took me in there, and he told me to pull down my pants. And from there I knew, like, this was not going to be good.' Castro chained her to a pole and left her in a dark room with a television on. The other two captives were Gina DeJesus, who was abducted on April 2, 2004, at the age 14, and Amanda Berry, who went missing a day before her 17th birthday on April 21, 2003 A week after Berry went missing, Castro called her family using her cell phone to taunt them 'I just started screaming and crying... "Somebody please help me," you know. And nobody, nobody came. I was so scared that I was going to die. I didn't think that I was going to ever make it home,' Berry explained. A week after Berry went missing, Castro called her family with her cell phone to taunt them. 'He called and said, "I have Mandy," which, nobody called her Mandy but [people] who knew her, her sister Beth Serrano said. "'She wants to be with me.'" The FBI was able to narrow down the phone's location to a 30- to 40-block area, but despite exhaustive search measures, they were unable to find Berry. Castro approached Gina DeJesus in a similar fashion as she was walking home. She was good friends with Castro's daughter. Once she entered his home, she became unnerved by Castro's behavior. 'He was, like, fixing his eyebrows and, like, trimming his mustache and, like, cutting his nose hairs,' DeJesus said. 'He's like, starts like, to, like, touch me and stuff, and then I'm like, "What are you doing? You could go to jail.'" 'He just switches up like, "Well, OK, we're going to, you're going to go home now. But you can't go through the same door you came in."' The women were forced to live in squalid, filthy conditions where they were chained in their rooms, their bedrooms locked, were barely fed and given buckets to use as toilets DeJesus tried to fight him off and screamed for help when he brought her to the basement and chained her up. Her cries were drowned out by radios playing in his basement and living room. 'He, would take my hair and like, put it in his mouth. ... I don't know why he did it but it was gross,' she said. DeJesus said the first time Castro raped her was on May 7, 2004. Berry tried to record how many times he raped her in her diary by using a code. 'I would always write these numbers at the top of the pages, because I felt like, you know, one day maybe authorities will get to read it. And he'll be punished for what he did,' Berry said. The women were forced to live in squalid, filthy conditions where they were chained in their rooms, their bedrooms locked, were barely fed and given buckets to use as a toilets. 'He was always there watching every move, it was like he knew everything, every move that we did,' DeJesus said in a sit-down interview with ABC's 2020 in January 2020. 'The mattress was old and nasty, and it was just disgusting. And we had the bucket to use the bathroom, and that smelled horrible,' Berry added. 'The mattress was old and nasty, and it was just disgusting. And we had the bucket to use the bathroom, and that smelled horrible,' Berry said Berry became pregnant by Castro when she was 20 and gave birth to her daughter, Jocelyn, on Christmas in 2006 The women were fed once a day but were given only chips or crackers or other snacks as meals. They were only allowed to shower once a week While imprisoned in an upstairs bedroom and, later, the basement at Castro's home, Lee was repeatedly beaten up and raped by her attacker , resulting in her becoming pregnant five times. Each time, Castro would punch and starve her until she miscarried. Berry became pregnant by Castro when she was 20 and gave birth to a daughter, Jocelyn, on Christmas in 2006. Read More Prince William wrote to three victims of Ariel Castro's House of Horrors after revealing they watched his fairytale wedding to Kate Middleton while in captivity 'I was terrified. How? I mean, I barely eat and I'm chained to a wall, and I have a bucket for a bathroom,' Berry said. She said life in captivity changed for her with the birth of her daughter. She noted Castro even became kinder and took off her chains after her daughter started to notice them. She told Jocelyn the chains were bracelets, per Castro's orders. 'This is his kid, you know. How do I feel about that? And she resembled him a lot, and I would look at her, and I just felt, like, she's mine. She's mine,' Berry said. 'It was fun because I can get away from the situation. When I was playing with Jocelyn, Jocelyn made me forget everything.' The women were fed once a day but were given only chips or crackers or other snacks as meals. They were only allowed to shower once a week. While imprisoned in an upstairs bedroom and, later, the basement at Castro's home, Lee was repeatedly beaten up and raped by her attacker , resulting in her becoming pregnant five times Pictured: The basement pole the girls were all chained to throughout their time in captivity 'I mean, he tried to act nice, but he's like, "Well, maybe you need to go take a shower," and I had to take a shower with him,' Berry recalled. After years of abuse, they were finally able to escape on May 6, 2013. They were left alone for the first time in 11 years with a bedroom door unlocked and Amanda managed to leave the home with Jocelyn and call 911 from a neighbor, Charles Ramsey's, phone. Ramsey said at the time that he saw Berry, who he didn't recognize, at a door that would open only enough to fit a hand through, screaming, ' Help me get out! I've been in here a long time.' 'We had to kick open the bottom,' he said. 'Lucky on that door it was aluminum. It was cheap. She climbed out with her daughter.' As Amanda fled the home and ran across the street to call police, the two other women followed her out when law enforcement arrived. 'Help me! I'm Amanda Berry... I've been kidnapped and I've been missing for ten years and I'm here. I'm free now,' Berry is heard saying in the call to police. 'I need them now before he gets back!' she said in the frantic phone call to 911, going on to identify her captor as Castro. Pictured: The house on Seymour Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 2013, where Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were found alive Ariel Castro was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years, in prison on August 1, 2013 after he pleaded guilty to 937 counts of kidnapping and rape Recalling her escape from Castro's home, Lee said: 'The first moment of freedom was very difficult for me as I was going through a lot of different things. 'I saw that police badge and I just ran into their arms and said "never let me go, never let me go."' 'When I was telling [first responders] my name, they looked like they'd seen a ghost or something. Like their face completely dropped,' DeJesus said of the moment police realized they finally found the three women. Castro was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years, in prison on August 1, 2013 after he pleaded guilty to 937 counts of kidnapping and rape. On September 3, 2013, one month into his sentence, he was found dead in his prison cell after committing suicide. Ohio Share or comment on this article: Fresh pain for woman who was held captive and tortured by monster Ariel Castro e-mail Add commentI'm a Celeb enthusiasts are alluding to "Wagatha Christie" as they observed Coleen Rooney's sharp instincts in unveiling deceits once again. The spouse of the renowned footballer Wayne Rooney voiced her doubts over Love Island's Maura and Reverend Richard. The episode on 22 November opened with teasers of what was to unfold later that evening. Maura informed GK Barry that she and the Reverend had been "sleeping on the floor" as she returned to the main camp to relay that it was a "junk yard". Disclosing the supposed adversities faced by Maura and Richard, Grace mentioned: "I don't know if Maura is going to last there." Subsequently, the preview shifted to a scene showing Maura with a wide smile, apparently thoroughly enjoying herself. In a successive shot, Richard proclaimed: "It's not exactly tea and sandwiches, is it? " perpetuating the facade. He continued: "We've got no food, we've got no comfort" whilst other scenes depicted them both snuggled up in rather opulent beds with plenty of fruit stocked in the fridge, reports the Express . However, Coleen's sharp perception seemed spot-on as she confided to her campmates: "I got this look and it was like they're not telling us the truth. I think there's something not right." Coleen's remarks sparked a buzz across social media channels. A tweet from one fan read: "Course it's Wagatha Christie Coleen that's able to rumble them #ImACeleb Get this woman in the police force, she can solve anything." Another remarked: "Coleen really is Wagatha Christie isn't she #ImACeleb," while another viewer commented: "Ooh, Wagatha Christie is on the case! You can't get anything past Colleen. #ImACeleb." A different fan joked: "Hahah looks like Wagatha Christie does it again and susses out what's going on in the other camp [laughing face emojis] #imaceleb." Coleen, aged 38, earned the nickname "Wagatha Christie" following her allegations against fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy for leaking private stories to the press. Their legal battle became a national sensation and was closely followed by the public in 2022. Vardy took Rooney to court over defamation claims, but on July 29, the judge ruled in favour of Rooney, finding that her accusations were substantially true. I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! returns tomorrow at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX

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Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise an irreparable loss: Apni Party SRINAGAR: Paying glowing tributes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Apni Party on Friday said that his demise is an irreparable loss for the entire nation. The party said Dr Singh was one of the greatest leaders, economists, and academics the country has ever produced. A statement issued by Apni Party reads: “The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh has created a void that will be impossible to fill, as he was one of the greatest political leaders, a visionary economist, and a distinguished academic who played a key role in shaping the nation’s economy and steering it toward development and prosperity. He served as a bureaucrat, as finance minister, and as prime minister, and throughout his career, his contributions were unmatched.” “Apni Party pays tributes to the legendary leader. May the Almighty bless the noble soul in eternal peace,” the statement adds.

Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc Announces Closing of Private Placement of Unsecured Convertible Debentures MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (TSXV: NXH, OTC: NXHSF) (“ ” or the “ ”), announced today that it has completed a closing of its previously announced offering (the “ ”), on a private placement basis, of 10% unsecured convertible debentures of the Company (the “ “). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company has issued and sold 2,725 Debentures for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$2,725,000. , President & CEO, said : “This offering coupled with (1) $4.8M in approved government grants and $1.7M in advanced discussions and (2) up to $5M working capital debt financing Letter of Interest from EDC provides us with good visibility to meet our capital requirements for 2025. In addition, we are in advanced strategic discussions which include technology licensing opportunities in attractive geographies which have the potential to capitalize us for 2026 and beyond.” The Debentures shall mature on the earlier of the following to occur: (i) 24 months from the date of issuance; (ii) on (x) a sale, merger, arrangement, amalgamation, business combination, or other transaction or series of transactions which results in a person other than the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction holding more than 50% of the votes attributable to the shares of the surviving issuer or acquiring corporation; or (y) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license, or other disposition of all of substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless such sale, lease, transfer, license or disposition is to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (iii) on any demand for payment as a result of an event of default under the terms of the Debenture. The Debentures shall bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum from the date of issue, calculated and paid in cash on a semi-annual basis. The holders of the Debentures may elect to convert the principal and all accrued, but unpaid interest under the Debenture into that amount of common shares of the Company (“ ”), computed on the basis of the outstanding principal and all accrued, but unpaid interest under the Debenture divided by the conversion price, which shall mean: (i) in respect of the principal amount of the Debenture outstanding, $1.00 per Common Share; and (ii) in respect of any interest accrued but unpaid thereon, $1.00 per Common Share or the last closing price of the Common Shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “ ”) before the date of conversion, whichever is greater. Any conversion of interest accrued but unpaid thereon into Common Shares will be subject to the prior approval of the TSXV. Mr. MacKenzie, a control person and director of the Company, has subscribed for $500,000 principal amount of Debentures in the Offering. Mr. Guglielmin, a director and an insider of the Company, has subscribed for $50,000 principal amount of Debentures in the Offering. The Company has relied on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – (“ ”) contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation. The proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and for general corporate purposes. The Company has not paid any finder’s fees in connection with the Offering. The completion of the Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory four month hold period from their date of issuance. None of the securities issued in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ ”), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc Announces Closing of Private Placement of Unsecured Convertible Debentures, Everfuel and Karlstads Energi gets funding notification for potential project in Sweden Herning, Denmark, 13 December 2024 – Everfuel A/S’ is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Everfuel Production Karlstad AB... Charbone Hydrogen secures warrant proceeds, extends expiry dates, and grants stock options Charbone Hydrogen Corporation (TSX-V:CH, OTCQB:CHHYF) announced $371,150 from warrant exercises expiring in late 2024 and early... AI platform accelerating approval procedures for hydrogen projects Hydrogen centre Hamburg developing a digital infrastructure for planning and approval The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is working on an AI...In response to the investigation, both Google and Meta have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that their collaboration was aimed at improving user experience and delivering more relevant advertising content. However, the EU regulatory authority remains unconvinced, citing evidence of anti-competitive behavior and collusion that cannot be ignored.

Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as PM

SANTA CLARA – Practicing behind a patchwork line is not how Brock Purdy dreamed of spending his 25th birthday Friday, never mind that he just gifted 49ers linemen a caravan of trucks and sports-utility vehicles on two-year leases. The 49ers are poised to field their most inexperienced offensive line in at least coach Kyle Shanahan’s eight seasons. Monday night’s chore for whoever blocks: protect Purdy and clear lanes for ball carriers Isaac Guerendo and Deebo Samuel against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Injuries have so thoroughly depleted the Niners (6-9) that 3-of-5 spots could feature linemen making their 49ers’ starting debuts. The only healthy starters are center Jake Brendel and right guard Dominick Puni, who offensive line coach Chris Foerster plans on keeping that duo in their regular roles while “plugging in three guys around them.” When Foerster entered his press conference after Friday’s practice, he quipped to reporters: “If there’s five of you, we can have a tryout right now. ... It’s a challenge for me but a great opportunity for guys entering the lienup to show what they can do.” Left tackle Trent Williams and his backup, Jaylon More, both went this week on injured reserve, which is where left guard Aaron Banks (knee) is expected to land before Monday night’s 5:15 p.m. kickoff. Right tackle Colton McKivitz did not practice Thursday, after being limited by a knee issue, and versatile backup Spencer Burford has been out with a calf injury he sustained as the sub at left tackle in Sunday’s loss at Miami. Offensive linemen Ben Bartch and Jon Feliciano also are on injured reserve. Nick Zakelj is expected to make the first start of his career, most likely at left guard. “I know it’s just an amazing opportunity to have,” Zakelj said. “I can’t wait to go grasp it and go out there, fly off the ball and let it loose.” Charlie Heck, poached Wednesday off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, made 21 career starts for the Houston Texans from 2020-23, and Thursday acquisition Matt Hennessy made 22 starts as the Atlanta Falcons’ 2020-22 center. No other linemen have starting experience, including Zakelj, Austen Pleasants, Sebastian Gutierrez, Isaac Alarcon and undrafted rookie center Drake Nugent. Purdy and all other offensive players must do their part to compensate for the line’s shuffling. “It’s a team goal always and this week it’s imperative for everybody to be on point to pick up the slack,” Foerster added. Noting he felt before the season the 49ers had nine starting-caliber linemen, Foerster said: “That was good depth to have. That depth now has been blown out of the water.” LYNCH’S STATE OF FRANCHISE General manager John Lynch, speaking for the first time since Sunday’s official elimination from the playoffs, is in the investigation process of examining the 49ers’ 2024 woes and potential cures. “I can’t believe we’re here, but we are. We have to accept that. We have to learn from that,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “We can’t just chalk it up to, ‘There were a lot of injuries.’ The team we’re playing, Detroit, they had a lot of injuries but they found a way. We have to look at the root, and we have been looking at the root causes. We’ll fix it.” One obvious issue is the 49ers’ inability to close out games, something that’s carried over from past playoff defeats to this season’s four NFC West defeats. Lynch noted that the absences of All-Pros Williams and Christian McCaffrey factors into that. “But we can’t chalk it up to just that. We have to go deeper,” Lynch said. “There are ways we could have gotten it done. When you have division opponents (down) multiple scores, you have to put people away, and that’s what we didn’t do this year. We have to own that. We have to get to the bottom of why exactly that happened, with every decision we make.” HEALTH CENTER Fullback Kyle Juszczyk did not practice because of illness. Juszczyk has played every game this season after taking a pay cut in the spring. He is aiming for his ninth straight Pro Bowl invitation. Running back Isaac Guerendo participated in a second straight practice and looks on track to make his third career start; he did not play in Sunday’s loss at Miami because of hamstring and foot injuries. Running back David Montgomery (knee) was the only player on the Lions’ active roster not to practice. Cornerback Terrion Arnold (illness) was limited after missing Thursday’s session. Full participants were guard Graham Glasgow (knee), wide receiver Kalif Raymond (foot) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck). GAMEDAY GUIDE Levi’s Stadium parking lots are to open at 1:45 p.m. Stadium gates open 30 minutes later for club- and suite-ticket holders, with entry for all others starting at 3:15 p.m. Halftime entertainment will feature MIMS and Freedom Williams (from the C+C Music Factory). Tony Lindsay will perform the national anthem.While the layoffs are a difficult but necessary step for Boeing as it adjusts to the new market realities, the company remains committed to its long-term vision and strategic priorities. Boeing continues to focus on innovation, safety, and quality as it works to deliver value to its customers and stakeholders worldwide.As Chelsea look to maintain their momentum and challenge for the league title, there is no doubt that Marcosa will continue to play a pivotal role in their success. His strategic acumen, tactical astuteness, and motivational skills have already set him apart as one of the brightest managerial talents in the game.

As the footballing world braces itself for this titanic clash, the stakes could not be higher. Real Madrid, with their illustrious history and star-studded squad, must rise to the occasion and prove that they are still a dominant force in European football. Inter Milan, fueled by their recent success and hunger for glory, will be determined to continue their upward trajectory and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

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Manchester United is facing a crucial decision regarding the future of one of their most promising talents, Marcus Rashford. Recent reports suggest that the club is preparing to offload the talented forward next summer at the latest and is already open to receiving offers for him in the upcoming winter transfer window.In addition to the public statement, Alibaba organized a series of town hall meetings and webinars to address the concerns of impacted customers and partners. The company's senior leadership, including the CEO and the Head of Technology, personally engaged with stakeholders to convey their apologies for the disruption and their determination to learn from the incident to improve future resilience.

A3: The "Go Global" strategy has both positive and negative implications for China's economy. On the one hand, overseas investments can boost China's economic growth, promote innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of Chinese firms. On the other hand, excessive overseas acquisitions and investments may lead to financial risks and capital outflows, impacting the stability of China's financial system.Praising in prison: The discipline of praise | ColumnTom Brady, known for his clutch performances and unmatched success in American football, emphasized the importance of teamwork, preparation, and perseverance in achieving greatness. He discussed the challenges he had faced throughout his career and the lessons he had learned from each experience. Brady's ability to excel under pressure and lead his team to victory on multiple occasions solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

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Jonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Catch the latest in OpinionCayuga County manager retiring at end of year

Cowboys win wild one vs. Commanders to halt five-game slideCooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. --Field Level Media

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Pune: The next chief minister of Maharashtra will be from the BJP and there will be two deputy chief ministers from other Mahayuti constituents, NCP chief Ajit Pawar said here on Saturday. The Mahayuti, which comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) headed by Ajit Pawar, registered a resounding victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. By winning 132 seats, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, while Shiv Sena and NCP won 57 and 41 seats respectively. However, government formation has been delayed and suspense over the next CM continues. Ajit Pawar was in the city to meet 95-year-old social activist Dr Baba Adhav, who held a protest against the alleged misuse of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the recent Maharashtra assembly polls. When asked who will be the chief minister of the state, Pawar said, “The state will have one chief minister from BJP and two deputies from other two parties of Mahayuti. Tentatively, the oath taking ceremony will take place on December 5. We have decided to move ahead with a strong vision.” State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday evening announced that the new Mahayuti government will be sworn in at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on the evening of December 5 in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence. While there was no announcement yet on who would be the chief minister, BJP sources said Devendra Fadnavis, who has been chief minister twice and was deputy CM in the last Eknath Shinde-led government, was the frontrunner for the top post. Ajit Pawar was another deputy CM in the Shinde-led government.

By Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Related Articles The Five Minute Read The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights up in New York City The Five Minute Read Lowell General Basket Raffle raises $40K for Sun Santa New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball will miss at least 2 weeks with a left calf straina-777 。

Please enable JavaScript to read this content. Just a day after the National Treasury released Sh5 billion for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), a proposal to save the kitty, which has since been declared unconstitutional by the courts, has been tabled at the National Assembly. Legislators Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) and Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), in a renewed bid to circumvent the court ruling, have introduced a proposal to amend the Constitution of Kenya 2010 to entrench the NG-CDF kitty and further introduce a Senate Oversight Fund. It also seeks to embed the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) into law. The legislative proposal, to be known as the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024, was tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday, and seeks to alter the name of the kitty from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund to the National Government Constituencies Decentralized Fund in a move meant to ring-fence it and shield it from legal disruptions. “The entrenchment of the National Government Constituencies Decentralised Fund in the Constitution will ensure that the critical role the Fund currently plays in promoting the participation of the people in the identification and implementation of priority national government programmes is safeguarded, as well as ensuring reasonable access to such services in all parts of the Republic of Kenya, as envisaged in Article 6(3) of the Constitution,” reads the proposal in part. Oversight fund The proposal also advocates for the setting up of a kitty for senators, the Senate Oversight Fund, to be anchored in the supreme law of the land and which Chepkonga and Amolo argue will ensure that the Senate is adequately empowered and resourced to perform its oversight functions as stipulated in Article 96 of the Constitution. “The Senate Oversight Fund shall be a national government fund consisting of monies appropriated from the national government’s share of revenue as divided by the annual Division of Revenue Act enacted pursuant to Article 218 of the Constitution,” further reads the proposal. “The establishment of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund seeks to ensure that affirmative action groups including women, youth, persons with disabilities, vulnerable children and elderly persons have access to minimum financial facilities required for the promotion of enterprise development and provision of social development services at the constituency and county levels,” the Bill further states. Notably, the proposal comes against the backdrop of a court ruling declaring NG-CDF unconstitutional. A three-judge bench in September sounded the death knell for the kitty, noting that it had violated the separation of powers. Justices Kanyi Kimondo, Mugure Thande and Roselyne Aburili also cited failure by the National Assembly to consult the Senate as grounds for the kitty’s un-constitutionalism. They said the fund and all its projects, programmes and activities shall cease to operate on June 30, 2026. They, however, noted that it was not in the interest of the nation or justice to bring it to an abrupt closure. And during his communication to the House on Thursday, Speaker Moses Wetangula acknowledged having received the proposal by the legislators and committed it to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC). “I wish to bring to the attention of the House that I have received a legislative proposal intending to amend the Constitution to entrench NG-CDF, the Senate Oversight Fund and NGAAF in the Constitution. The proposal is co-sponsored by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo,” the speaker said. Acknowledging a similar proposal which had been introduced before the House by Matungulu MP Stephen Mule and his Gichugu counterpart Githinji Gichimu in November 2022, Wetangula explained that a joint parliamentary ad hoc committee considering the proposal had been unable to conclude its work and table a report despite a 90-day extension and that the numerous court cases on NG-CDF had prompted the introduction of the new proposal. The earlier proposal by Mule and Gichimu had sought to increase the NG-CDF kitty to at least five per cent of the total national revenue. The law currently sets aside 2.5 per cent of the total revenue raised nationally to be shared among the 290 constituencies. Each constituency receives at least Sh137 million which legislators have been using for community development projects. It had also called for the channelling of 0.001 per cent of all the national government share of revenue as divided in the Division of Revenue Act to the Senate Oversight Fund. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter “This proposal and the earlier proposal introduced by Mule and Gichimu shall thereafter stand committed to the Justice and Legal Affairs committee for consideration. The committee shall expeditiously invite and consider submissions from the Attorney-General, the commissions and independent offices under Chapter 15 of the Constitution and any other body with a law reform mandate,” submitted the speaker. The JLAC committee is now expected to submit its recommendations on the proposals by February 11, 2025, when the House resumes from the two-month-long recess it is on now. Meanwhile, during the debate proceedings on Thursday, members of Parliament gave their input on the new proposal. MP Chepkonga spoke on the protracted battle between the courts and Parliament over the constitutionality of the NG-CDF kitty. “When we appeared before the three-judge bench on the NG-CDF case, it was unknown to me that the young lawyers present were beneficiaries of NG-CDF. Mr Speaker, you can see what people are seeking to do. To disenfranchise members of our communities. We must not accept this. We must entrench these funds in the Constitution to secure the future of our children,” he argued, adding: “The courts have constantly pronounced themselves in a manner we have never agreed with. Now that we are being told that NGCDF is unconstitutional, we are going to make it constitutional and nobody will ever again say it is unconstitutional.” He also credited the kitty for being behind any meaningful development at the constituencies, and, in the process, chided county governors, accusing them of being behind the “adverse” court rulings on NG-CDF. ALSO READ: Parliament moves to increase NG-CDF by Sh10b; Here's why “When you go to our constituencies, the only visible development you will be able to see is that from NG-CDF. The governors, who we actually think have had a hand in these court decisions, have not done much with all the billions they get.” Chairperson of the NG-CDF Committee, Musa Cherutich, also went out to push for the kitty. “The CDF has been very instrumental in terms of construction of schools, school fees for our children and, Mr Speaker, all those who are against it are people who are retired and do not have children in school. They should continue taking care of their grandchildren so that they can appreciate the use of NG-CDF,” Cherutich said. “Without any fear of contradiction, I can say that the only projects which make sense to Kenyans are those done at the constituency level, especially on the education and security sectors. As MPs, we are not part of the management of the CDF funds in this country. We are only patrons and play our role on oversight,” Mule held.K'taka BJP leaders condole demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

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JOHN Swinney yesterday promised the SNP would give “serious consideration” to creating a new specific criminal offence for non-fatal strangulation - as he blasted the behaviour of Scotland’s men and boys. The First Minister was urged by Nats backbencher Michelle Thomson to do so after Fiona Drouet, whose daughter Emily took her life while at university after suffering abuse , launched a petition calling for such a change. 3 The First Minister will consider the new law Credit: Getty 3 Emily Drouet took her life while at university after suffering abuse Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government would “explore the appropriateness” of such a change. But he added that the crime was already covered by common assault laws which can earn offenders life in prison . He added: “If there was to be a stand-alone offence put in place, we would need to be confident there is a gap in the law . “The Government will give serious consideration to this matter. READ MORE SCOTTISH POLITICS CON THE BUS SNP ministers 'quietly ditch' bus pledge as funding cut by 98 per cent FOOTY COACHED SNP's Neil Gray told not to get carried away during Aberdeen final freebie "The Government will explore the appropriateness of a stand-alone offence.” After being challenged to go further, Mr Swinney turned his attention to the behaviour of Scottish men and boys. He said: “There is one other thing that needs to be changed. "That is the behaviour of boys and men. Most read in The Scottish Sun FAIR CARNAGE Horror as Birmingham fairground ride 'collapses' with several people injured STAYING POSITIVE Max George to undergo major heart surgery after terrifying health scare ALL CHANGE Another Rangers executive quits club just a week after key role at club's AGM NEWBORN JOY Huge Scots DJ becomes dad as he reveals baby boy in emotional social media post “I take deadly seriously my responsibility as a male First Minister of Scotland to make it absolutely clear that the behaviour of boys and men is integral, it is central to the experiences of women in our society. “So we can look at all the measures we need to take in terms of criminal offences, but I will lead from the front a campaign to say to boys and men in Scotland that their behaviour has got to improve.” Nigel Farage will cosy up to Donald Trump and make Comrade Keir look weak - he’s the REAL opposition 3 Mr Swinney turned his attention to the behaviour of Scottish men and boys Credit: GettyBy Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Related Articles Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Green is poised to help scale Mechanized AI's revolutionary technology and drive operational excellence as the company enters a phase of rapid growth. ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mechanized AI , a pioneer in the enterprise AI and application modernization space, proudly announces the designation of Amy Green as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of industry experience, Green brings a wealth of expertise in operations, professional services and technology product marketing to the trailblazing enterprise AI and application transformation startup. Her appointment underscores Mechanized AI's commitment to combining groundbreaking technology with top-tier leadership to maintain its competitive edge in the marketplace. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Himanta launches Assam State Commission For Right to Public Services

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The league has been reviewing the case for months , trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He's been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired. Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons due to the suspension and injuries. He was acquired by the Browns, who were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans. While he's in the clear with the league, Watson's future with Cleveland isn't so certain. His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him. The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson's backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over and he's put some life into Cleveland's offense, which didn't score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. His 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery. Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US ban A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January - is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City NEW YORK (AP) — Police officials believe the gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of Wednesday's shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, the chief of detectives told CNN on Friday. The police commissioner said investigators believe he left New York City. The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras. The reason for the killing remains unknown. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.

Gov. Pillen recruits retired NE National Guard boss to take over embattled state historical society

Heat president Pat Riley said Thursday that his team has no plans to trade Jimmy Butler , despite swirling rumors. "We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches," Riley said in a statement posted on the team's official social media. "Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler." The forceful statement comes a day after ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time Eastern Conference champion, would prefer to be traded by the Miami Heat ahead of the February trade deadline. Butler has reportedly not made a formal trade request to the Heat, but is ready to move on from Miami, and Charania reported earlier in December that the Heat are open to making a deal. Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 season that he has informed teams he intends to decline, according to Charania, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He could have negotiated a long-term extension with the Heat before these rumors gained any steam, but Miami was hesitant, according to Pat Riley at his end-of-season press conference last spring, due to Butler's limited availability. Butler has never played more than 58 games in a regular season for the Heat. The only team with significant cap space this offseason, as of this writing, is the Brooklyn Nets . The Nets are in the middle of a rebuild and are not expected to pursue an older, big-name free agent in the near future. That means for Butler to get the long-term contract he's seeking, he'd have to get traded now, so that a team that wants to keep him has his Bird Rights in the offseason. He reportedly prefers a win-now contender, with teams such as the Houston Rockets , Dallas Mavericks , Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns reportedly on his wishlist. Both the Heat and Butler's camp have denied that a trade request has been made, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel . While this does not directly contradict Charania's reporting, which also states that a formal request has not been made, it should be noted that Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has pushed back heavily on Charania's prior reporting on Butler trade rumors. In a series of tweets , he called Charania's reporting "complete and utter made up bulls---" and that "all this is fabricated." The Miami Herald added that "according to a source, Butler was also disappointed that the Heat did not publicly deny a Dec. 10 ESPN report that Miami was open to trading him." The team has now done just that. The Heat are 14-13 thus far this season. They have been a Play-In Tournament team in each of the past two seasons, including when they made their run to the 2023 NBA Finals. According to Charania, they are ready to lean into the rising, younger core of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo , and given their history of retooling quickly, they could potentially use the return on a Butler deal to kickstart whatever the next era of Heat basketball turns out to be.Tetairoa McMillan, one of the best wide receivers in Arizona history, will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on social media on Thursday. Projected as a top-10 draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan finished his illustrious career at Arizona with 3,423 receiving yards, breaking the mark set by Bobby Wade (3,351). In three seasons, the Hawaii native also posted the fourth-most catches (213) and third-most touchdowns (26) in school history. "Wildcat Nation, this journey has been everything I dreamed of and more," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "From the moment I committed to the University of Arizona, to every second spent wearing that Arizona jersey ... it's been an absolute honor. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams. ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the best fans in the country, I appreciate you for all of the love and support you have given me these last 3 years. I will always be a Wildcat." In 2024, McMillan totaled 84 grabs (ninth in Division I) for 1,319 yards (third in Division I) and eight touchdowns for the 4-8 Wildcats. He also ranked third in Division I with 109.9 receiving yards per game. McMillan is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. --Field Level Media

j 777 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level MediaFox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The Minnesota Vikings won a thriller at Soldier Field, a game they were this close to choking away. The Vikings led by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter but needed an overtime field goal to beat the Chicago Bears , 30-27. With 22 seconds left and trailing by 11, Caleb Williams hit Keenan Allen for a one-yard score, and the two-point conversion was successful when Williams found DJ Moore. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a first-down catch during the fourth quarter against the Bears at Soldier Field on November 24, 2024, in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images) The Bears then recovered the onside kick, just the third onside recovery on the season in the NFL. They quickly got in field goal range after a long catch by Moore and drilled the field goal to send the game into overtime. They outscored the Vikings 17-3 in the fourth quarter. The Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession, and that turned out to be the last time they would touch the ball on the day. Justin Jefferson had just one catch in regulation, but his second of the game put Minnesota at midfield. A few plays later, Sam Darnold found T.J. Hockenson for a gain of 29 to get them inside the 10-yard line. After Darnold took a knee in the middle of the hashmarks, John Parker Romo drilled the chip shot to give Minnesota the win. The Bears recover an onside kick during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 24, 2024. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images) CHIEFS SQUANDER LATE DOUBLE-DIGIT LEAD, BUT SURVIVE IN WALK-OFF FASHION AGAINST PANTHERS It was the best day the Bears' offense has had in a while after they'd failed to score 20 points in each of their previous four games and lost each of them. But apparently, 27 isn't enough. Darnold went 22-for-34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Addison went off for eight catches and 162 yards and one of the scores. Aaron Jones also added 106 yards on the ground and another touchdown. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards in the losing effort, while Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. Allen added nine catches for 86 yards and the fourth quarter score. Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 24, 2024. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Minnesota improved to 9-2 on the season. They've now won four in a row after two consecutive losses that came immediately after their 5-0 start. The Bears have lost five straight and are 4-7. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .In a moving tribute, RSS joint general secretary Alok Kumar praised India's historical heroines, highlighting the extraordinary life of the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Speaking at celebrations of her tricentenary, Kumar lauded her military acumen, opposition to Sati, and role as a social pioneer. Kumar credited Ahilyabai with innovations like establishing the saree industry in Maheshwar and creating employment for widows. Her reforms included starting a pension scheme for war veterans and fostering communal harmony, often dining without caste distinctions. Programs to honor Ahilyabai's legacy, organized by the Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Trishatabdi Samaroh Samiti, aim to keep her story alive throughout the Avadh region, illustrating her profound impact on societal improvement and national cohesion. (With inputs from agencies.)

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Jackson appeared to injure his neck while trying to tackle Missouri running back Jamal Roberts. Medical personnel tended to Jackson for approximately 10 minutes before he was placed on a backboard and driven to a waiting ambulance. Jackson gave a thumbs-up sign as he was carted off the snow-covered field. Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said Jackson had movement in his arms and legs but was experiencing pain in his neck. He said Jackson was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Jackson leads the Razorbacks with 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks, and is considered a potential first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballEagles vs. Ravens: Odds, picks, predictions, and betting preview

Kashmir’s rich tradition of handicrafts, from the luxurious Pashmina shawls to intricate woodwork and papier-mâché, has long embodied the cultural and economic heritage of the region. These crafts, cherished for their beauty and craftsmanship, are not just items of utility but cultural symbols passed down through generations. However, the industry has faced numerous challenges over the years. Limited market access, diminishing interest from younger generations, and the dominance of middlemen have threatened the survival of this heritage. In recent years, digital platforms have emerged as a beacon of hope for Kashmiri artisans. Online tools and marketplaces have enabled artisans to directly reach global customers, thereby eliminating intermediaries and retaining a greater share of their earnings. This article explores how digital platforms can help revitalise Kashmiri handicrafts, providing artisans with the visibility and economic opportunities they desperately need. Digital Platforms: The Gateway to Global Markets In the age of technology, digital platforms and e-commerce offer a powerful solution to the problems faced by Kashmiri artisans. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and dedicated craft marketplaces have emerged as transformative forces, allowing artisans to bypass intermediaries and connect directly with international buyers. This digital revolution opens doors for artisans to showcase their craftsmanship to a worldwide audience and earn fair compensation for their efforts. The global handicrafts market was valued at approximately USD 718 billion in 2022, and digital sales have significantly contributed to this growth. Platforms like Etsy have seen a surge in the sale of handmade products, with over 90 million buyers purchasing from 7.5 million sellers globally in 2022. Kashmiri artisans, too, have begun to benefit from this growing trend, with many now selling directly to consumers across the globe. Amazon India’s ‘Karigar’ program has helped over 5,000 artisans from various parts of India, including Kashmir, to access a larger market. These examples highlight the immense potential that digital channels hold for revitalising traditional crafts and providing artisans with sustainable livelihoods. Empowering Artisans and Expanding Reach Social media has also played a key role in expanding the reach of Kashmiri handicrafts. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest have become vital tools for building global brand identities. Artisans are learning to capture and share visually compelling content that tells the story behind each product—the history, the craftsmanship, and the unique cultural significance. Through targeted campaigns, artisans have managed to gain international visibility. For example, as highlighted by Amazon’s Global Selling program, Kashmiri Pashmina brands have reached international markets, allowing artisans to significantly expand their customer base. The ‘Kashmiri Pashmina’ brand, featured on Amazon, has not only gained a global audience but also experienced considerable growth in demand, showcasing the effectiveness of digital platforms in revitalizing traditional crafts. Such engagement helps build emotional connections with buyers, making Kashmiri crafts stand out in a crowded global market. In addition, digital storytelling has emerged as an essential tool. By sharing the personal stories of artisans—their challenges, inspirations, and the intricate processes behind each piece—buyers develop a deeper appreciation for the crafts. This emotional connection not only helps in sales but also fosters a sense of cultural exchange, bridging gaps between different parts of the world. Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Transformation While the potential of digital platforms is immense, there are significant challenges to overcome. Connectivity issues in rural areas of Kashmir continue to hinder artisans’ access to these platforms. Reliable internet is still a luxury in many of the more remote parts of the valley, making it difficult for artisans to fully participate in the digital economy. There is also a generational gap—many older artisans are not familiar with using smartphones or computers, which creates barriers to adopting these digital tools. To address this, community digital centers have been established, providing access to technology and offering ongoing training to artisans of all ages. These initiatives help artisans feel comfortable experimenting with new tools, ensuring that the digital revolution is inclusive. The role of government initiatives has also been crucial. Programs like ‘Digital India’ have significantly impacted Kashmiri artisans by improving digital infrastructure and providing training in digital literacy. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has trained millions across India, including artisans in remote regions, enabling them to access online marketplaces. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has been actively promoting local crafts through initiatives like the ‘Karkhandar Scheme,’ which aims to impart modern skills to traditional craftsmen and connect them to larger markets. Programs like ‘Digital India’ and local efforts in Jammu and Kashmir are working towards improving connectivity and providing digital education, which are vital for integrating artisans into the broader digital economy. However, more targeted interventions are needed to ensure that artisans, particularly in remote regions, are not left behind. A Vision for the Future: Digital Empowerment and Global Connections The future of Kashmiri handicrafts lies in the fusion of tradition and technology. By transforming Kashmir into a digital hub for traditional crafts, artisans can connect directly with global markets, tourists, and designers. For instance, establishing a dedicated e-commerce platform for Kashmiri crafts, supported by training centers for artisans, would not only facilitate global market access but also provide a structured approach to marketing and logistics, ensuring artisans receive fair value for their work. Engaging the youth is central to this vision—by involving young people in the preservation and innovation of these crafts, we can ensure that traditional skills evolve to meet contemporary market demands. Collaborations with international designers and partnerships with global e-commerce giants will further bolster Kashmir’s handicrafts industry, making it globally competitive. Partnerships with organizations that promote fair trade and sustainable practices will add value to Kashmiri handicrafts, enhancing their appeal in the global marketplace. This approach not only helps the artisans financially but also ensures that the heritage of Kashmiri crafts is celebrated and preserved. A New Dawn for Kashmiri Handicrafts Digital platforms present an unprecedented opportunity to transform the traditional craft industry in Kashmir. By embracing innovation and leveraging digital tools, artisans can break free from the constraints of local markets and access a global audience. The journey towards revitalising Kashmiri handicrafts is about more than economic upliftment; it is about preserving a rich cultural legacy and giving artisans the recognition they deserve. By supporting these initiatives, we can ensure that the artisans who keep these traditions alive are able to lead lives of dignity and prosperity while sharing their heritage with the world. Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development.SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Gunmen opened fire early Sunday at a bar in southeast Mexico, killing six people and injuring at least five others, according to local media reports. The shooting took place in the coastal province of Tabasco, which is struggling with a recent increase in violence. Public Safety Secretary Omar García Harfuch said on X that the shooting happened in Villahermosa and that federal authorities are working with local officials to help solve the crime. No arrests were reported, and it wasn’t immediately clear what prompted the shooting. Videos posted on social media show people fleeing the bar while some survivors stayed with the victims as police arrived. Sunday’s attack was the latest violent incident to occur as a new president inherits a whirlwind of violence . Earlier this month, gunmen opened fire in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 people and injuring 13. The attack took place in the historic city center of Querétaro in a region that until recently had long been spared the violence seen in neighboring states like Guerrero.

Lifestyle Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. The trend has taken the internet by storm , as social media users discuss the savvy trick . "Check-in chicken" involves flyers waiting until check-in is almost closed until reserving a seat, in the hope of nabbing one with extra legroom or by an emergency exit. The hack was highlighted by travel influencer and cheap holiday expert Chelsea Dickenson on her TikTok channel (below). She claims airlines, which charge to pre-book seats, separate parties travelling together by putting them "in the bad seats" leaving the coveted spots up for grabs. In a video she said: "Essentially, what they do is they palm off the middle seats or the back of the plane in the hope that you will then pay to change your seat. "And if you sit tight and wait, you will see that the only ones left are extra legroom seats and the ones at the front of the plane.” @cheapholidayexpert Was this too last minute?! 😰 🛫 Send this to someone who loves to leave checking in a little too late... 🙈 🐔 WHAT IS CHECK IN CHICKEN? 🐔 Check in Chicken is when you leave your online check in for Wizz Air and Ryanair late in the hope that you get allocated a better seat. 💺 WHY DO YOU GET A BETTER SEAT IF YOU L EAVE CHECK IN LATE? 💺 Wizz Air and Ryanair both do three things: 1. They charge for seats 2. They actively split up people travelling together 3. They often place people in ‘bad seats’ - i.e. middle seats and those away from the exits All of this means that as time ticks on, often the seats that are left available are the ‘good seats’ - i.e. upfront and extra legroom 🤔 DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK? 🤔 Yep! I actually can’t remember the last time I didn’t get an extra legroom seat because of doing this!! ⚠️ BUT WHAT’S THE RISK? ⚠️ The small risk - as you have seen in this video - is that you leave check in too late and there’s no seats left. This is because airlines can overbook planes due to the chance that a small percentage of passengers won’t show up for the flight. Now, technically the airline shouldn’t automatically boot off those that were last to check in - they’re supposed to ask if anyone is willing to give up their seat first (they get another flight plus compensation so some may well go for it) but often they just stick it on those who have left check in chicken a little too late... 😭 HOW BIG IS THE RISK?! 😭 Wizz Air and Ryanair both have a fairly high average load factor - around 94% - and so planes are often close to full. However, it is true that some passengers don’t show up and there are still plenty of flights that aren’t completely full. Overall, they wouldn’t overbook if they were losing money on the situation - which they would be if it happened often since they’d need to rebook your flight, put you up in accommodation if needed and give you compensation. 💁‍♀️ MY TOP TIP 💁‍♀️ Don’t leave Check in Chicken until the last moment - you need to be checking the seating plan throughout the day and check in when only good seats are left! 📣 LET ME KNOW... Would you do this?! And has anyone ever been on an overbooked plane?! #wizzair #checkin #overbookedflight ♬ original sound - Cheap Holiday Expert But the "chicken" tactic could leave you without a seat if the flight is overbooked, Chelsea warned. It's therefore best not to leave it until the very last minute and keep a close eye on the seats throughout the day, she added. Play your cards right and you might score an exit row, for free. Picture: iStock Leaving check-in until the last minute will also "add stress to your day," travel expert Adam Duckworth told Fox News. It's also difficult to nail the technique and to do it properly requires "regularly monitoring seat maps", which can be very time consuming. Adam said: "For many of us, the time is better spent packing and getting everything in order around the house before our travels, "This trend will suck up a lot of your time, and you should ask yourself, ‘What is my time worth?’ And be very careful, because if you do this wrong and wait too long, you could lose your seat all together." The hack we love at Escape that's a little like check-in chicken? It may seem counter intuitive, but book these seats for you and your travel companion. Myself and some fellow colleagues are fans of the strategy where you book an aisle and window seat for yourself and your travel companion in a row of three seats. The thinking is that nobody will want to select that dreaded middle seat, and you might end up with an entire row to yourself. If somebody does end up booking that middle seat, you can just politely ask them if they would prefer the window or aisle seat if you want to sit next to your partner. This has worked for me three out of the past four times I've tried it, and we've ended up with the row all to ourselves. Give it a whirl. It's not just 'check-in chicken'. This year was also the year 'gate licing' cropped up as a travel term ... Group of people standing in queue at boarding gate. Focus on female hand holding suitcase handle. This follows the rise of "gate licing" another travel hack which grew in popularity at the end of last year. The term is one used by air travel workers to describe passengers who crowd around boarding gates before their designated boarding time. The objective is to be among the first to board the plane and secure bag space in the overhead lockers. It's believed the phenomenon became more popular after the pandemic when passengers had heightened travel anxiety. Similarly, when people see others lining up, they tend to follow suit. Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University of Buffalo, told told The Washington Post : “People will do any weird thing if they think that’s the way to behave. “When you see people lining up, getting ready, it makes you feel there’s a benefit for that”. And let's not be forgetting, raw-dogging ... Raw dogging was the most viral travel trend of 2024. Pictures via TikTok The term 'raw-dogging' has long been slang for unprotected sex, popular with young men. But in 2024, unpredictably, it made its way into the travel space. @manlikeadem new pb unlocked #rawdogging #travel #flight #viral #xyzbca #fyp ♬ original sound - strongsack Around June/July 2024, people on TikTok started joking around, saying they were "raw dogging" flights by sitting in their seat without any kind of aid to get them through their flight, embracing the "raw" experience of the flight without watching any movies, listening to any music or looking at their phone. You had to stay awake too. In more extreme versions, you were not allowed to take bathroom breaks or eat food either, or wear a sleep mask. The basic idea was to watch the flight map and endure the flight in all its spectacular boredom with no protection in the form of audio or visual stimulation, as part of a mental toughness challenge. Nope. We don't get it either. With The Sun UK and Fox News More Coverage 100% success: My airport check-in hack Rebecca Andrews Flight upgrade hack that could save you $1k Dilvin Yasa Originally published as 'Check-in chicken' is the bold new method people are using to nab the best plane seats More related stories Lifestyle The internet’s favourite trad wife Nara Smith opens up about her extreme eczema *Insert ‘from scratch’ joke* Read more Lifestyle What is ‘sensehacking’? The wellness world’s newest obsession Change your environment to change your life Read more

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has nullified the National Lottery Act, effectively granting state governments exclusive authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within their jurisdictions. The ruling came in response to a case filed by the Lagos State Government against the Federal Government (Suit No. SC/1/2008). The verdict represents a significant victory for state autonomy in Nigeria’s federal system, particularly impacting the regulatory framework of the gaming industry. Under the new ruling, state governments now hold exclusive rights to oversee and regulate all lottery and gaming operations within their territories. “This judgment reinforces the principles of true federalism,” said Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. “It empowers states to chart their own path for effective regulation of gaming activities.” The case, initiated during the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, followed a legal strategy originally conceived by current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as Lagos State Governor. The successful outcome aligns with Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for greater state autonomy within Nigeria’s federal structure. Read Also: Lagos State targets N1.97trn IGR to finance 2025 budget Following the ruling, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has been confirmed as the sole regulatory body for gaming activities in Lagos State. The agency has announced plans to strengthen its sector oversight, warning unauthorized operators to regularize their status or face prosecution. “The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring that the gaming sector contributes to the State’s economic growth while protecting residents from unregulated activities,” Omotoso added. The state government has called on all unlicensed operators to approach the LSLGA for proper registration immediately. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for lottery and gaming operations across Nigeria’s 36 states, potentially leading to significant restructuring of the industry’s regulatory framework at both state and federal levels. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has pledged to create a business-friendly environment for licensed operators while maintaining strict oversight to ensure transparency and responsible gaming practices in alignment with international standards.Parliament's Winter Session Set For Stormy Start On Monday With Oppn Attacks Over Adani Row, Manipur Violence

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trollingz2777 flight 。

(TNS) — Texas State Technical College, which launched three programs last fall in New Braunfels, plans to build a permanent campus in Seguin, continuing its rapid expansion of course offerings in the region. The school, which has 11 campuses around the state, said Wednesday it's working to build at a site on Texas 46, which runs from Seguin to New Braunfels. The campus could eventually have several thousand students, and the college plans to continue using its current New Braunfels location as well, Provost Mike Anderson said. "It's just a perfect spot," he said of Seguin, which is about 15 miles south of Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Austin. It's a good fit because growth in Central Texas is creating demand for skilled employees, Anderson said. Seguin Economic Development Corp. plans to purchase the land then donate it to TSTC, said corporation Executive Director Joshua Schneuker. That proposal will go before the corporation's board and the Seguin City Council for approval. The site decision comes after months of negotiations between the public college system and the two cities, both of which were searching for locations to host the new campus. Nearly 100 students are enrolled in three programs at TSTC's New Braunfels campus, which is operating in leased space at the Central Texas Technology Center, which is near the New Braunfels National Airport on the city's east side. The campus enrolled its first students in 2023 after the state Legislature authorized the technical to operate in Comal and Guadalupe counties. Under state law, TSTC can only operate in certain locations allowed by state statute or in situations where the existing community college district has declined to run a program. Local leaders in the two counties lobbied legislators to add Comal and Guadalupe to the approved locations, saying employers in the area needed technical training for their workforces. Lawmakers passed the bill making that change in May 2023 and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law that June, clearing the way for the school to begin operating in the region. The school began with a two-year advanced manufacturing technology program with the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education's Lone Star chapter, which operates in an eight-county region in Central Texas. Through the program, students receive an associate's degree and work at a participating business while taking classes. The first cohort of those students will graduate in May and a second cohort started this fall. TSTC this year also began offering certifications in welding technology and industrial systems. Demand for those classes far outpaced space; 45 students were accepted to the welding program while 49 were put on a wait list, according to program team leader William Beck. Students in that program will be prepared for entry-level welding jobs. John McGee, the college's director of alignment, said he expects many of them will ultimately go into structural welding jobs, building bridges and other infrastructure in the fast-growing region. The college's finances rely on its students finding jobs. TSTC's state funding is allocated using a "returned-value formula," with the amount of money the school receives tied to graduates' employment. In certain programs including welding and industrial systems, the college also offers a money-back guarantee, refunding tuition to qualifying students who don't find a job within six months of graduation. "We've been ecstatic with not just the programs they've added, but the speed they've added them," said Jonathan Packer, president and CEO of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. The only problem, he said, has been that they need space to add more. Since receiving legislative approval last year, the college has been working with economic development corporations in New Braunfels and Seguin on the search for a permanent campus. Officials knew the technology center facility "couldn't support the long-term needs that our region has when it comes to workforce development and technical training," Schneuker said, and both cities worked to find potential campus locations. "We needed at least 100 buildable acres," Anderson said, and location was key because of the nature of the classes, which require hands-on training on industrial equipment. "When we put a campus down, it looks like industry," he said, so the area needed to be suitable for industrial development. He praised both cities "for coming to the table and working together," he said. The college ultimately selected a location on the west side of Seguin, about nine miles east of downtown New Braunfels. The property is at Texas 46 and Cordova Road, Schneuker said. He said the EDC intends to buy the land, then donate it to TSTC, but declined to discuss the cost or structure of the deal while the purchase is still being finalized. According to Guadalupe Appraisal District records, a 138-acre parcel at that intersection has a market value of about $5.3 million. New Braunfels had taken steps to secure a 100-acre parcel near Interstate 35 and FM 1101, voting in June to authorize its economic development corporation to spend $20 million to buy the property. Packer said at the time that the land could be used for TSTC's campus or for a business park. The City Council was scheduled to discuss "TSTC campus" during four executive sessions since September, according to their agendas, while the same item was listed on the executive sessions for three EDC board meetings. But the land, which is part of a 240-acre tract, has not yet changed hands, according to appraisal district records, and Packer said the city didn't close on the purchase. "I look forward to seeing what it will be," he said of the property. In response to a request for comment on the expansion, the city referred to a written statement from Mayor Neal Linnartz in the school's news release. "TSTC has rapidly expanded its offerings, and their plans to grow further are exciting," Linnartz said in the statement. "This expansion highlights the need for regional advocacy. The city and business community are committed to advocating for the region at next year's state legislative session." Packer said the push for a new campus was a collaboration between the two cities and counties from the start, including the discussions about real estate. "We certainly had to work independently to get all options on the table and refine the options, but it was always a group effort," he said. "At the end of the day, TSTC had to make the decision that they felt was best for the future in our communities." The college will continue operating in New Braunfels, as construction of a new campus is still several years away, Anderson said. And TSTC expects to still offer some programs in that location once the Seguin campus opens, he said. That could include "upskilling" courses, dual-credit classes or housing certain programs in New Braunfels. The school's next step is to seek funding for construction in the upcoming legislative session, Anderson said. In its appropriations request, the college is asking for $19.4 million for "start-up funding for the recently opened campus in Comal/Guadalupe counties," as well as $450 million in capital funding for construction at three different campuses. That money would build a total of 900,000 square feet of training space in Denton County, Ellis County and Comal and Guadalupe counties, according to the school's administrative statement to the legislature. The startup funding is "to bring programs to the market as quickly as possible," Packer said, and officials from both counties are prepared to lobby the legislature to make that happen. "Once we're able to get through the legislative session, then the next steps will be to plan out what it's going to look like, the mix of programs," Anderson said. The Seguin location could ultimately have several thousand students, he said. "We're not going to be small," he said. "I definitely see a space where one day, we are a pretty massive player in this region when it comes to workforce education." At the New Braunfels campus last week, students in all three programs were finishing up preparations for their upcoming exams. Orion Pagiotas, 23, was working in the welding technology lab, practicing a process called Tungsten Inert Gas welding, or "TIG." Before enrolling at TSTC, he was "kind of aimless," he said, working for food delivery services after dropping out of college. "I was looking for something to really just get my life going," he said. At TSTC, he sees placards on the walls from companies that want to work with the college, and sees plenty of paths to get into the industry after graduation. In the industrial systems classroom, student Denise Fagan, 44, was working through practice questions under the watchful eye of instructor Jeremy Fannin. "This is where math gets fun, right?" he asked her, before tasking her with calculating wattages for different appliances. Fagan is part of a maintenance apprenticeship at Continental, where she previously worked in the company's warehouse. Continental manufactures Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, for assisted and automated driving, at a plant in New Braunfels, and created an apprenticeship program that includes participation in TSTC's FAME program. "I wanted to try something different, something more challenging, something completely out of the ordinary for me," Fagan said. In the warehouse, she was working as an operator on the assembly line, she said; after finishing the program, she'll become a maintenance technician. She's currently working about 32 hours a week while taking classes at the college, where she likes the hands-on aspects of the training and the industry experience of her teachers. Fannin started teaching at TSTC after working for 30 years as an electrician. When he was starting out, he said, he wasn't given any formal training. "My first journeyman handed me his books and said, 'go read,'" he recalled. "I can give them what I didn't get coming into the trade," he said. "It gives them a head start. How much further can they go with the background that I didn't get, with the background that I'm giving them?"

Residents have responded with mixed reactions after a city council announced for almost five kilometres along a busy nature strip that's become . , which encompasses much of and southern suburbs, announced overnight that "after receiving numerous complaints" it will install no parking signs along a 4.5km stretch of Anzac Parade between Matraville and La Perouse. From today it will start warning owners to remove their vehicles from the grassed nature strip, with plans to "create formalised parking bays to support residents" in the works — however they won't be for boats or caravans. "Parked vehicles make it more dangerous for pedestrians in these green spaces and create safety risks by blocking the view of oncoming traffic," council said in a statement. The portion of Anzac Parade in question is frequently used by boat owners for storage, angering those who say the area is already lacking adequate parking. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Randwick City spokesperson confirmed the new signage will be installed in the next five to 10 days. "Two variable message signs have been installed on site informing people of the change," he told Yahoo. "Vehicles can continue to park legally along Anzac Parade." He said storage of "all sorts of larger vehicles" — including boats, trailers, caravans and vans — "presents a problem". "Warning notices will be placed on vehicles currently left in the area and letters will be sent to car owners where possible," council said. There will be a grace period to allow vehicles to move and adjust to the change before $129 fines will be issued. Responding to the announcement on social media, dozens of passionate locals weighed in with their opinions. Some called for "formalised paid long-term parking" for the vehicles which they said "clog up residential streets" — something that has become . Meanwhile others questioned the idea from council, calling it "nonsense" and saying it will merely push the problem elsewhere. "I appreciate this move however it’s also going to push these vehicles and boats into neighbouring streets where parking is at a premium," one person argued. "I applaud council [for] considering ... street parking but they need to look at the bigger picture," said another. "The issue of vehicles including trailers parking on the grass of Anzac Parade ... provides a temporary solution in the absence of fenced off parking areas." "People are trying to park their recreation vehicles OFF the roads to reduce congestion. The council is certainly not there for its rate payers. One person complains and yet again no community engagement or alternatives put in place," a third commented on the council's post. "Them being on the grass is a lot safer than on the street what nonsense is this council trying to pull," one local said. Council stated online that once the vehicles have been removed, it would add more native and indigenous plants "to enhance the area" and help with "screening, shade and reducing noise".GameStop Discloses Third Quarter 2024 ResultsAirbus cuts nearly 500 UK jobs to reduce costsIndore: Communication Gap Leaves 1,500 DAVV Students Unable To Appear For Exams; Systemic Failures Highlighted

Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson appeared on Bloomberg TV Thursday morning to discuss how the struggling electric vehicle (EV) maker is in discussions with " multiple automakers about potential partnerships ." Lucid would welcome an opportunity to share costs and intellectual property with a traditional car company , Chief Executive Officer Peter Rawlinson told Bloomberg TV, noting that there are ongoing conversations with "a couple" of manufacturers . "It would be lovely if we could supply technology to a traditional car company to help them on their way to sustainability, and perhaps we can leverage economies of scale with their parts bin and other aspects of the business," Rawlinson said in an interview. Interesting interview !! Worth to watch 👀 $LCID 🚀 #LucidMotors Reveals 450 Miles Range EV https://t.co/tue4sRoiGU pic.twitter.com/wRQdoZ7sqw California-based Lucid is struggling in the era of Tesla winning the EV price war and risks that President-elect Donald Trump will cut the $7,500 tax credit next year . Lucid's third-quarter revenue of $137.8 million was nearly 30% below the same period one year ago, while vehicle production for the year was between 8,000 and 8,500 vehicles, down from a target of 10,000. In a separate report, we noted that Luicid lost a little more than a quarter million dollars per car sold . This is alarming and only made possible after a decade of negative real rates and unlimited QE. Lucid is not alone in its financial struggles within the EV sector. Rivian, another upscale EV maker, faced a loss of $33,000 per vehicle sold in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Ford, a traditional automaker, anticipates over $4 billion in losses from its EV division this year. Meanwhile, Tesla's Elon Musk has encouraged Trump to eliminate the $7,500 consumer tax credit, which would ultimately be a play in nuking his competition , such as Lucid, Rivian, and legacy automakers. In premarket, the CEO's comments on Bloomberg barely budged the stock. Shares are down 42% on the year. Short interest is about 23% of the float with 4.4 days to cover. Lucid is supported by the Saudi Arabian public investment fund and recently entered into a partnership with Volkswagen. At the beginning of the year, Morgan Stanley's Adam Jonas outlined various pathways for struggling EV companies to navigate the downturn. The note was titled " Can EV Slowdown Trigger Auto M&A Wave?"GRAPEVINE, Texas, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) (“GameStop” or the “Company”) today released financial results for the third quarter ended November 2, 2024. The Company’s condensed and consolidated financial statements, including GAAP and non-GAAP results, are below. The Company’s Form 10-Q and supplemental information can be found at https://investor.gamestop.com. THIRD QUARTER OVERVIEW Net sales were $0.860 billion for the period, compared to $1.078 billion in the prior year's third quarter. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $282.0 million for the period, compared to $296.5 million in the prior year's third quarter. Net income was $17.4 million for the period, compared to a net loss of $3.1 million for the prior year’s third quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $4.616 billion at the close of the quarter. During the quarter, the Company completed its previously disclosed "at-the-market" equity offering program pursuant to the prospectus supplement filed with the SEC on September 6, 2024 by selling 20.0 million shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $400.0 million (before commissions and offering expenses). The Company does not anticipate any further at-the-market offerings involving the offer and sale of its common stock during the current fiscal year. The Company will not be holding a conference call today. Additional information can be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q. NON-GAAP MEASURES AND OTHER METRICS As a supplement to the Company’s financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), GameStop may use certain non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted SG&A expenses, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted earnings (loss) per share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in evaluating the Company’s core operating performance. Adjusted SG&A expenses, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted earnings (loss) per share and adjusted EBITDA exclude the effect of items such as certain transformation costs, asset impairments, severance, as well as divestiture costs. Free cash flow excludes capital expenditures otherwise included in net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities. The Company’s definition and calculation of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from that of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain of the items that may be excluded or included in non-GAAP financial measures may be significant items that could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and should therefore be considered in assessing the Company’s actual and future financial condition and performance. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS - SAFE HARBOR This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon management’s current beliefs, views, estimates and expectations, including as to the Company’s industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning its market position, strategic and transformation initiatives, future operations, margins, profitability, sales growth, capital expenditures, liquidity, capital resources, expansion of technology expertise, and other financial and operating information, including expectations as to future operating profit improvement. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and actual developments, business decisions, outcomes and results may differ materially from those reflected or described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual developments, business decisions, outcomes and results to differ materially from those reflected or described in the forward-looking statements: economic, social, and political conditions in the markets in which we operate; the competitive nature of the Company’s industry; the cyclicality of the video game industry; the Company’s dependence on the timely delivery of new and innovative products from its vendors; the impact of technological advances in the video game industry and related changes in consumer behavior on the Company’s sales; interruptions to the Company’s supply chain or the supply chain of our suppliers; the Company’s dependence on sales during the holiday selling season; the Company’s ability to obtain favorable terms from its current and future suppliers and service providers; the Company’s ability to anticipate, identify and react to trends in pop culture with regard to its sales of collectibles; the Company’s ability to maintain strong retail and ecommerce experiences for its customers; the Company’s ability to keep pace with changing industry technology and consumer preferences; the Company’s ability to manage its profitability and cost reduction initiatives; turnover in senior management or the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; potential damage to the Company’s reputation or customers' perception of the Company; the Company’s ability to maintain the security or privacy of its customer, associate or Company information; occurrence of weather events, natural disasters, public health crises and other unexpected events; risks associated with inventory shrinkage; potential failure or inadequacy of the Company's computerized systems; the ability of the Company’s third party delivery services to deliver products to the Company’s retail locations, fulfillment centers and consumers and changes in the terms the Company has with such service providers; the ability and willingness of the Company’s vendors to provide marketing and merchandising support at historical or anticipated levels; restrictions on the Company’s ability to purchase and sell pre-owned products; the Company’s ability to renew or enter into new leases on favorable terms; unfavorable changes in the Company’s global tax rate; legislative actions; the Company’s ability to comply with federal, state, local and international laws and regulations and statutes; potential future litigation and other legal proceedings; the value of the Company’s securities holdings; concentration of the Company’s investment portfolio into one or few holdings; the recognition of losses in a particular security even if the Company has not sold the security; volatility in the Company’s stock price, including volatility due to potential short squeezes; continued high degrees of media coverage by third parties; the availability and future sales of substantial amounts of the Company’s Class A common stock; fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations from quarter to quarter; the Company’s ability to incur additional debt; risks associated with the Company’s investment in marketable, nonmarketable and interest-bearing securities, including the impact of such investments on the Company’s financial results; and the Company’s ability to maintain effective control over financial reporting. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those reflected or described in the forward-looking statements can be found in GameStop's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov or on the Company’s investor relations website (https://investor.gamestop.com). Forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. GameStop Corp. Schedule II (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Non-GAAP results The following tables reconcile the Company's selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expense”), operating loss, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share as presented in its unaudited consolidated statements of operations and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to its adjusted SG&A expense, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income (loss) per share. The diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate adjusted earnings per share may differ from GAAP weighted-average shares outstanding. Under GAAP, basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding are the same in periods where there is a net loss. The reconciliations below are from continuing operations only. GameStop Corp. Schedule III (in millions) (unaudited) Non-GAAP results The following table reconciles the Company's cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities as presented in its unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and prepared in accordance with GAAP to its free cash flow. Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes, however, that free cash flow, which measures our ability to generate additional cash from our business operations, is an important financial measure for use by investors in evaluating the company’s financial performance. Non-GAAP Measures and Other Metrics Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted SG&A expense, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share are supplemental financial measures of the Company’s performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before income taxes, plus interest income, net and depreciation and amortization, excluding stock-based compensation, certain transformation costs, business divestitures, asset impairments, severance and other non-cash charges. Net income (loss) is the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA. Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Furthermore, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool because they exclude some but not all items that affect the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Some of these limitations include: certain items excluded from adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure; adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and our computations of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We compensate for the limitations of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted SG&A expense, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP financial measure, understanding the differences between the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures and incorporating these data points into our decision-making process. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted SG&A expense, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share are provided in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because adjusted EBITDA, adjusted SG&A expense, adjusted operating loss, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share may be defined and determined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. Contact GameStop Investor Relations 817-424-2001 ir@gamestop.comJaguars place QB Trevor Lawrence (concussion) on IR

Proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges The proposed $24.6 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons floundered on Tuesday after judges overseeing two separate cases both halted the merger. A federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the proposed merger until an in-house administrative judge at the Federal Trade Commission considers it. Shortly afterward, a judge in Washington state issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in that state, saying it lessens competition. Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. But the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Washington sued earlier this year. Biden says he was 'stupid' not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, like Donald Trump had done in 2020. He noted Tuesday in a speech at the Brookings Institution that Trump likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he defended his economic record and challenged Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Trump’s decision to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Former chairman of state-owned bank China Everbright Group jailed for 12 years for corruption BEIJING (AP) — Chinese official broadcaster CCTV says a former chairman of the state-owned bank China Everbright Group has been jailed 12 years for embezzlement and bribery. Tang Shuangning, who had also held senior posts at the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission, was arrested in January, part of a wider wave of prosecutions of senior officials accused of financial crimes. A court in the city of Tangshan, about 100 miles east of Beijing, found him guilty of taking advantage of his position at the state-owned bank in “seeking convenience for others” in jobs and loans, in exchange for illegal payments. The court said he had accepted illegal property with a total value of more than $1.5 million. GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit DETROIT (AP) — General Motors says it will retreat from the robotaxi business and stop funding its money-losing Cruise autonomous vehicle unit. Instead the Detroit automaker will focus on development of partially automated driver-assist systems like its Super Cruise, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. In a statement Tuesday, GM said it would get out of robotaxis due to what it described as the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market. What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends show NEW YORK (AP) — Remember what you searched for in 2024? Google does. Google has released its annual “Year in Search," rounding up 2024's top trending searches. It shows terms that saw the highest spike in traffic compared to last year. Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated overall search trends, led by queries for Copa América, the UEFA European Championship and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the U.S. election led news-specific searches worldwide. Queries about excessive heat and this year’s Olympic Games followed. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump topped searches in Google’s people category this year — followed by Catherine, Princess of Wales, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. US defense secretary in Japan to support alliance as Osprey aircraft safety causes concern TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with officials in Japan to reaffirm the importance of their alliance and Washington's commitment to regional security as threats rise from China and North Korea. Austin’s visit on Tuesday also came amid growing concerns over the safety of Ospreys. The military aircraft have been grounded in the United States following a near crash at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico last month. The incident was caused by weakened metal components. It was similar to a fatal crash off southwestern Japan last year. The U.S. measure prompted the suspension of Ospreys operated by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. Trustee over Infowars auction asks court to approve The Onion's winning bid A trustee who oversaw the bankruptcy auction of Alex Jones’ Infowars is asking a judge to approve The Onion’s winning bid for the conspiracy-filled platform. Trustee Christopher Murray took the stand Tuesday in the second day of testimony at a hearing where a judge is scrutinizing the satirical news outlet’s winning offer. He told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston that he was there asking a court to approve the sale of Infowars’ parent company to The Onion’s parent company. It is not clear how quickly Lopez will rule. The Onion wants to turn Infowars’ website and social media accounts into parodies. Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. One key strategy is for owners to promote deals to customers wherever they can, from social media to physical ads. The National Retail Federation predicts that retail sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Online shopping is expected to grow too. Adobe Digital Insights predicts an 8.4% increase online for the full season. 10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, Americans still found time to read. Sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market. Many chose the release of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up the tie-in book to Taylor Swift’s blockbuster tour, which had the best opening week of 2024. Others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Boeing is building new 737 Max planes for the first time since workers went on strike Boeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max. It's the first time that Max jets have moved down the assembly line since September, when about 33,000 workers went on strike for higher pay. Boeing said Tuesday that work on the Max has resumed at its factory in Renton, Washington, near Seattle. Both the Max and another Boeing plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been plagued by manufacturing problems in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration is limiting Boeing’s production of Max jets until the agency is convinced that Boeing has corrected quality and safety issues during manufacturing.Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiasts

M3 Group Joins MEDIROM Mother Labs’ Series A Financing Round at JPY9 Billion (as of December ...gba 777 vip login register 。

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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Tariq Francis had 23 points in NJIT's 69-64 win over Navy on Saturday. Francis shot 9 for 26 (1 for 8 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Highlanders (2-9). Sebastian Robinson added 19 points while shooting 9 of 16 from the field while they also had five rebounds. Tim Moore Jr. went 4 of 6 from the field (1 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points. The Midshipmen (3-7) were led in scoring by Donovan Draper, who finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Austin Benigni added 18 points and five assists for Navy. Aidan Kehoe also put up 10 points and seven rebounds. NJIT went into the half tied with Navy 33-33. Moore scored 10 points in the half. Francis' 17-point second half helped NJIT close out the five-point victory. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Mangaluru: A man lost Rs 46 lakh after transferring money to fraudsters' accounts in a fake stock market trading scam. In a complaint filed through the cyber crime reporting portal, the complainant stated that he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender introduced himself as Shraddha Belani, claiming to be a representative of ARES Management Corporation. He informed the complainant about earning a 500% profit through stock market trading. Trusting the scamster, the complainant completed the registration using an online link that was shared with him. After the registration, the complainant was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘H 777 ARES Stock Exchange Group'. Initially, on Oct 24, the complainant transferred Rs 2 lakh via RTGS to a bank account that the fraudsters shared to purchase stocks. The complainant sold the stocks the next day and earned a profit of Rs 50,000. Following this, the complainant decided to invest more money and accordingly transferred a total of Rs 46 lakh in a phased manner. On Nov 29, the complainant attempted to withdraw Rs 20 lakh for his financial needs, but could not. Following this, the complainant contacted Shraddha Belani and Abhishek Ram, another accused, to assist him withdraw the money. However, they demanded an additional payment of Rs 8.7 lakh to ‘unlock' the account for withdrawal. Following this, the complainant became suspicious and lodged a complaint through the cyber crime reporting portal. A case was registered at the Mangaluru Cybercrime, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) station. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Developer Deck Nine Announces Its Second Round of Layoffs in 2024AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:12 p.m. ESTWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.TriNet Announces Quarterly Dividend

NoneWhat is the state of the global mortgage market and to what extent can we rely on the headline data? The company BestBrokers has issued report on the housing affordability and real mortgage interest rates. This report reveals that Russia tops that list, with a rate of 12.30 percent. What does this headline rate reveal? Perhaps not as much as economists hope since the nominal mortgage interest rate does not always depict a realistic picture of the real estate market. BestBrokers have calculated the ‘real’ mortgage interest rates across 62 countries around the world by subtracting the inflation rate from the nominal mortgage rate. Based on data for the third quarter of 2024, it was found out that Russia holds the highest real mortgage interest rate with 12.30 percent. The Dominican Republic ranks second with an average real rate of 9.55 percent, followed by Mexico in the third place with a real mortgage rate of 7.48 percent. To fight inflation, the Bank of Russia increased its key interest rate five times in 2023, and by July of this year, it had reached 16 percent. In late October, the central bank hiked the interest rate to record-high 21 percent. How affordable is this? By considering the average net salary in Russia (which is $848.55) and an 8 percent inflation rate (which was current for the third quarter of year) then the “real” salary drops to $780.67 per month. This means Russia actually ranks 30th in terms of home price-to-income. In 2020 the Russian government introduced a preferential mortgage programme with rates of up to 8 percent. The approach was intended to support the real estate market during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy also became popular among homebuyers and was extended until 2024. That was 2019. In 2024, is this mortgage goal within reach of the average citizen under Putin? The cost of a 100-square-metre property in Russia is about 222 real monthly wages ($173,481.50 according to Numbeo). This equals the average net earnings for 18 years and 6 months in the country. Mortgages vary considerably from one country to another. Beyond Russia, Sweden has the lowest real interest rate in Europe with minus 1.21 percent, followed by Belgium with minus 0.52 percent and Malta with minus 0.44 percent. Another interesting country is India, now ranking 10th with 6.63 percent, while South Africa appears on the list in11th position with 6.55 percent. Indonesia is 13th on the list with a rate of 5.73 percent, followed by Brazil with 5.55 percent and Poland where the real mortgage interest is 5.1 percent. As a comparator, the U.S. ranks 17th with 3.98 percent. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Families Fighting Flu Marks 20th Anniversary During National Influenza Awareness Week

Four members of Congress unveiled a bipartisan bill Friday that would spark changes at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, placing a time limit on resolving cases that can sometimes take years and improving communication between the center and abuse survivors. The Safer Sports for Athletes Act looks to address some of the bigger concerns that have opened the center to criticism since it was established in 2017 to handle sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports and their grassroots cousins. Recommended Videos The bill would quadruple an existing grant to the center to $10 million a year. But that wouldn't solve all the problems. As before, that grant can only be used for training and education , not investigations and enforcement, which are the focus of complaints about the center. The center operates on a budget of around $21 million a year, most of which comes from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and its sports affiliates, known as national governing bodies, or NGBs. CEO Ju'Riese Colon said the center currently receives about 155 reports a week, which comes to more than 8,000 a year. “We’re hoping the combination of appropriations for other activities will free up money for investigations, as well as the streamlining,” said Rep. Deborah Ross, D-North Carolina. The other bill sponsors were Reps. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio; Don Bacon, R-Nebraska; and Kathy Castor, D-Florida. The center's critics are skeptical about giving more resources to an agency they feel is missing the mark. Colon said even if the center receives the additional money in the form of the grant, tamping down problems addressed in the legislation won't be as simple as shifting funds around. “We have a lot of questions,” she said. “Because some it, we just don't know how it works, practically.” The law would mandate that investigations be concluded within 180 days after a report is made, with possibilities to extend them. Some of the most egregious complaints about the center have come from people who say it has taken years for their cases to be resolved. “Too many other survivors have also been left waiting for years for SafeSport to investigate or have their cases closed without action,” said soccer player Mana Shim, who helped lawmakers draft the bill. Shim's own case, involving sexual harassment and coercion by her coach, took more than two years for the center to resolve and led to investigations and reforms across American soccer. Other reforms include a requirement for the center to provide victim advocates at no cost for those needing them — a move already underway as part of a menu of changes the center announced earlier this year — and to assign case managers who can give timely updates to victims and the accused. “I have questions around, if the center were to hire and staff the advocates, there might be some conflict of interest with us doing this internally," Colon said. The lawmakers positioned the bill as one that will help the Denver-based center, while making clear they are not satisfied with the results so far. “We're going to make sure the center has the resources it needs to effectively respond to thousands of reports it handles annually,” Castor said. “It has unfortunately fallen short." Ross conceded this bill will probably get pushed to the next Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, “but we needed to set the stage as soon as possible.” ___ AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-gamesCandidate complains Illinois county officials violated campaign finance law

The year is almost up. Therefore we are at the time when people begin to reflect on the previous year – what went right, what went wrong, etc. We’re almost at the midpoint of the decade, too. And this has me thinking about my time in this business, which has been over four decades now. Looking back, I’ve been blessed to have more than my fair share of winners. And that’s thanks in large part to Stock Grader ( subscription required ). It led me to Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN), the original supplier of McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) for its Chicken McNuggets. Tyson was left with a lot of leftover “chicken parts” as the demand for McNuggets soared. So, the company decided to make its own “Chicken Chunks,” creating a monopoly out of a new way to eat chicken. Its operating margins expanded and created windfall earnings, and I made over 900% in the stock . Then, there’s Conair Corporation, a personal care company that specializes in hair products. Conair created a handheld hair-drying product in the early 1980s when “big hair” was the biggest fashion trend. As demand rose and people wanted bigger hair, the watts of hairdryers rose from 800 to 1,200, then to 1,800 and up. This fueled Conair’s explosion of earnings. Once competition came in a few years later, I decided to sell Conair and made over 1,000% in profits ! Now, I can confidently tell you that most people are lucky to have one 1,000% gainer in their life. For a really good analyst? Maybe once a decade. So, how have I been able to pick out these huge winners before they really pop? Well, it’s quite simple really... some of the biggest winners of my career all had one thing in common... They all had monopolistic characteristics. In other words, they were so dominant, there were virtually no competitors. This is what led to their amazing returns. Given this, I think I know what the “Stock of the Decade” will be when the 2020s are over. I’m talking about NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA). In today’s Market 360 , I’ll explain why. We’ll take a closer look at NVIDIA’s business and how I found the stock before the AI Boom started. I’ll also share why I expect the AI Boom to continue... and where to learn how you can profit from it. NVIDIA and the Dawn of the AI Boom NVIDIA is a leading computer graphics company that makes graphics processing units (GPUs). Originally, graphics were only prized by video game enthusiasts. But it turns out that the GPU has a wide range of powerful applications. They can be used to aid computers in applications like financial modeling, oil and gas exploration, virtual reality and even in self-driving cars. So, in the late 2010s, NVIDIA began receiving some unusual orders. Not only were crypto enthusiasts buying up high-end GPUs to mine cryptocurrency... but machine-learning researchers were also using the cards to train their models. It turns out that GPUs are really good for something called “parallelization.” This is where you break down a large computational task into smaller ones that can be calculated independently and simultaneously. That makes GPUs extremely powerful – far more than even the best central processing units (CPUs) in these types of computations. Data storage provider Pure Storage estimates that GPUs are roughly three times faster than an equivalent CPU for machine-learning algorithms. That is an enormous advantage in a world where large models can require months to train and cost millions of dollars. That put NVIDIA on the fast track to success. Thanks to its portfolio of valuable patents and internal research, NVIDIA got an enormous head start on the AI Boom . No company came close. Why I Recommended NVIDIA What originally got me excited about NVIDIA was what it was doing with the development of autonomous vehicles. My son was an engineering student at Stanford when they debuted an autonomous race car named “Shelley” that used NVIDIA chips. But in 2019, when I learned what it was planning to do with AI, I pulled the trigger and added it to my Growth Investor Buy List. Since then, the stock has been on a tear, and it’s now sitting on a whopping 3,300% gain! The reason behind NVIDIA’s stunning growth? Its AI chips. Back in March 2022, NVIDIA unveiled the Hopper chip. It was a significant advancement in GPU technology, specifically designed to meet the growing demands of AI computing. So, it’s no surprise that roughly $19.4 billion of NVIDIA’s $26 billion in revenue from its most recent quarter can be attributed to Hopper. Then, before we knew it, ChatGPT launched in November of that same year, and the AI Boom took off. The rest, as they say, is history. To stay ahead of the competition, NVIDIA introduced Blackwell in March 2024. This is a brand-new GPU that is set to succeed Hopper. It is reportedly 2.5 times faster and 25 times more energy efficient. In other words, it’s a completely new game-changer. What sets the Blackwell GPU apart is that it is for generative AI, which is “machine learning.” The other AI chip competitors, like Intel Corporation (INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), are not experts in machine learning. They are primarily developing chips for AI devices that optimize correlating data sets to learn preferences and habits rather than machine learning to solve problems and provide solutions. So, NVIDIA effectively has a monopoly. And as NVIDIA develops even more powerful GPU successors to Blackwell, I do not expect any competitor to “crack” NVIDIA’s dominance. I should also add that demand for Blackwell has been insatiable, with Big Tech names like Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) lining up to get all they can get their hands on. It’s reported that Blackwell is sold out for the next 12 months. So, once these new chips are in full production – and in peak demand – the company’s business is set to explode even further. This leads me right into why it is the stock of the decade... Why NVIDIA Is the Stock of the Decade Through the end of this decade, the transistors in each of NVIDIA’s chips will be approaching the “atomic” level, so sheer physics may prohibit it from making its chips any faster. So, looking beyond this decade, NVIDIA plans to utilize quantum computing. This is a form of computing that essentially utilizes ones AND zeroes to perform calculations instead of a 1 or 0, like traditional computing. Now, quantum computers have traditionally been cost-prohibitive except for government agencies and some universities. But I predict NVIDIA will help lead the charge to a breakthrough in this field in order to help speed up generative AI after its GPUs hit their physical limits. In fact, NVIDIA has a quantum cloud simulator up and running right now. The point is that NVIDIA is miles ahead of the competition. Now, I must disclose that NVIDIA is grossly overweighted in my portfolios. But I have no intention of selling this stock anytime in the next few years. Eventually, companies do lose their “edge.” Another more innovative company comes along with a better product and eats their lunch. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon with NVIDIA. To put it bluntly: I have never found a stock as monopolistic and as powerful as NVIDIA. Since the company is expected to dominate generative AI GPUs with virtually no competition in sight, I think it’s worth holding the stock through the end of the decade. And even after that, I expect NVIDIA to shift gears and then dominate quantum computing to further speed up generative AI. A New Wave of the AI Boom That being said, I predict that we’re going to see the AI Boom broaden out as we enter the second half of this decade. That’s because, within Donald Trump’s first days in office, he will issue a set of executive orders that will unleash a flurry of activity to help support the AI Boom . This second wave will be the new driving force of AI. And in a special presentation, I lay out a number of ways you can profit. Click here to learn how you can profit from the second wave of the AI Boom . Sincerely, Louis Navellier Editor, Market360 P.S. If there’s anything we can learn from my experience with NVIDIA, it’s that finding the right stock at the right time can make all the difference. Names with superior fundamentals and strong momentum can go on to rise 100%... 300%... even 1,000% in relatively short order... while making their shareholders enormous amounts of money. Stocks like these allow you to turn modest amounts of money into large amounts of money. They’re the “bullet trains” of the stock market. They move the fastest. So... why should you own anything else? Luke Lango, Senior Analyst for InvestorPlace, has devised a strategy that turns this mindset into an actionable plan . It requires just about 10 minutes of work a month, and exposure to only 10 equities at a time. Even so, a thorough backtest showed it would’ve done 18.6X better than the stock market from April 2019 to April 2024. And it has beaten the market every single month since Luke started live testing it in July. To learn more about why Luke’s “Auspex” system is one of the smartest trading strategies ever created, click here . The Editor hereby discloses that as of the date of this email, the Editor, directly or indirectly, owns the following securities that are the subject of the commentary, analysis, opinions, advice, or recommendations in, or which are otherwise mentioned in, the essay set forth below: NVIDIA Corporation ( NVDA )His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy." At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is "no chance" BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen "should wave goodbye to America.”CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Two New Hampshire fathers who were barred from school district events for wearing pink wristbands marked “XX” to represent female chromosomes insisted at a federal court hearing Thursday that they didn't set out to harass or otherwise target a transgender soccer player at the game they attended. But a judge hearing the case suggested the message the parents sent may matter more than their intentions. Kyle Fellers and Anthony Foote sued the Bow school district after being banned from school grounds for wearing the wristbands at their daughters' soccer game in September. The no-trespass orders have since expired, but a judge is deciding whether the plaintiffs should be allowed to wear the wristbands and carry signs at upcoming school events, including basketball games, swim meets and a music concert, while the case proceeds. Testifying at Thursday's hearing, both men said that they did not view the wristbands as a protest against Parker Tirrell, a transgender girl on the opposing team, but rather as a show of support for their daughters and their teammates. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe questioned whether there is a meaningful distinction and whether their intentions matter. “Sometimes the message you think you’re sending might not be the message that is being sent,” he said. McAuliffe asked Foote whether it occurred to him that a transgender person might interpret the pink XX wristbands as an attempt to invalidate their existence. “If he’s a trans female, pink might be a color he likes,” Foote said. McAuliffe also noted that while both plaintiffs said they had no problem with transgender people outside the issue of sports, they repeatedly referred to the athlete in question as a boy. “You seem to go out of your way to suggest there’s no such thing as a trans girl,” McAuliffe said. Foote disagreed, saying it was “like learning a new language” to refer to transgender people. In a separate courtroom earlier Thursday, another judge held a hearing on a lawsuit brought by Parker Tirrell and another student challenging the state law that bans transgender athletes in grades 5 to 12 from teams that align with their gender identity. It requires schools to designate all teams as either girls, boys or coed, with eligibility determined based on students’ birth certificates “or other evidence.” U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty ruled earlier this year that the teens can try out for and play on girls school sports teams. The order only applies to those two individuals for now as they seek to overturn the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act on behalf of all transgender girl students in New Hampshire. Lawyers for the teens said in court Thursday they hoped the matter could go to trial and be resolved before the start of the next school year in September. They said the teens’ school districts and others in the state have asked for guidance regarding the statute. Lawyers for the state said they needed more time to prepare. Judge Talesha Saint-Marc suggested the timing of the trial was ambitious and asked that both sides talk further about scheduling. Gov. Chris Sununu, who signed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act into law in July, has said it “ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.” About half of states have adopted similar measures. In the Bow case, school district officials have said they acted appropriately in sanctioning the parents for conduct they knew violated school policy at athletic events. They'll explain their evidence on Friday. On Thursday, the plaintiff's lawyer, Endel Kolde, accused the district of “breathtaking” overreach by asserting that the wristbands target transgender students in general, regardless of whether such students were present at the events. “This is viewpoint discrimination, and it’s very clear they’re proud of it,” Kolde said. Kolde initially conceded that a school district can limit speech “to some degree” to protect children from harassment, but he stopped short of agreeing with the judge’s claim that yelling “transgender students out” at a particular player would be subject to such regulation. “It might be,” he said. “I’m trying to get you to concede the obvious,” McAuliffe said. “It’s less than obvious to me,” Kolde said. Feller, the first witness in the case involving the wristbands, said he purchased them thinking his daughter and her teammates would wear them, but ended up wearing one himself after they declined. After being told to leave the game, he stood in the parking lot with a sign that said “Protect women’s sports for female athletes.” “I wanted to support women’s sports and I believed what was going on was a travesty,” he said.

gba paid apk By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. Related Articles Business | 7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes now Business | Why car insurance prices are rising so much even though inflation is cooling Business | Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide Business | Travel scams that can hurt your credit or finances Business | For some FSA dollars, it’s use it or lose it at year’s end “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .Every Black Friday, there’s a number of viral products that everyone has on their Christmas wish list, and we don’t expect this year to be any different. However, not all of these popular items are going to stay in stock, and we have some insight on the ones that won’t. Black Friday is big business, and last year shoppers spent $222.1 billion during the entire holiday shopping season, according to Queue-it. Sales on Black Friday reached $16.4 billion (online and in stores), and this was a 9% increase from the year before. While it comes as no surprise that electronics are the most sought-after products of the holiday season, Queue-it said this accounts for the majority of holiday sales, jumping to $50.8 billion in 2023. Apparel, furniture, groceries and toys are the other hot sellers of Black Friday. Together, these five categories accounted for 65% of sales during the holidays last year and is only expected to grow in 2024. People are also reading... 3 injured in car-chase crash on Old Mountain Road in Alexander County Western Foothills 3A unveils all-conference for fall sports West Iredell's Wallace signs to continue baseball career in college See balloons light up Statesville Park and Soccer Complex on Saturday 160-home development rejected by Statesville City Council 2 troopers, 1 Statesville man injured in in head-on crash after Alexander County chase Woman charged with stabbing car dealership employee on test drive in Mooresville Initial realignment draft puts 5 Iredell schools in same 6A/7A conference Statesville wrestler reaches milestone; Carolina Panthers honor Mooresville standout North Iredell dominates second basketball meeting with South Iredell New school chairman rules 2 fellow board members out of order in Iredell 110 pounds of meth seized in McDowell County. It’s the largest bust in county history Lake Norman overwhelms Statesville in varsity girls, boys basketball action 'We're outdoors people': Old Mountain Outfitters open in West Iredell community 2 Statesville men face murder charges in 2011 shooting death of Joey Brewer While many items that sell out over Black Friday are driven by a good deal, we also know that a hot product is just that — a gift that most people want to open on Christmas Day. So, here are our picks for the top 10 hot-ticket items that could sell out over Black Friday. The holidays are ripe for TV deals, and we expect shoppers to buy a ton of them in 2024, especially at Walmart. Consumers are trending toward bigger TVs and the super low-price deals over Black Friday force many models to sell out. This is especially true of popular models from Samsung, Hisense, LG and more favorites. Apple's smartwatches are a top pick among Apple fans. We’ve seen prices on the Apple Watch continue to trend downward, which was only spurred by the release of the new Apple Watch 10 in September. This pushed down prices on earlier models, with the best deals coming on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 9. For Black Friday, we think the prices will drop even lower and sell out due to high demand. Wireless headphones are one of the most popular products of 2024, and Beats are one of the top brands. We’re already seeing big markdowns on Beats Wireless Headphones, and we expect these price drops to continue into Black Friday. The Beats Solo3 is likely to be on sale for even cheaper than we’ve already seen, and we think they will sell out for Black Friday, with the possibility of other popular Beats headphones joining them. If you haven’t picked up a pair of Apple AirPods yet, this could be your year to do it. With Apple launching a fourth generation of AirPods earlier this year, the price on prevvious models are creeping lower. We think over Black Friday they’ll be at their cheapest price ever, with the AirPods (3rd Gen) likely to sell out. Bluetooth speakers are a must-have for many this year, and with the big sound that comes from JBL’s speakers, it’s easy to see why they might sell out for Black Friday. These popular speakers come in a variety of portable sizes and waterproof designs. We expect big deals on JBL’s top-rated Clip 5 and Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker models. One of Apple’s most sought-after products of the year was the iPad, and we saw the 9th Gen and 10th Gen models drop to their lowest prices ever. We think this year will bring some iPad bliss with even better discounts, but these deals will disappear just as fast as they arrive. We think that mega discounts on the iPad (9th Gen) and iPad (10th Gen) could cause sell outs, especially on Amazon. The Dyson Airwrap just might be the top product of Black Friday, as this is one of the rare times there’s a discount on the beloved hair styling tool. At $600, the Airwrap carries a hefty price tag, so any discount presented is a welcome surprise. But as we’ve seen in the past, any Black Friday deal on the Dyson Airwrap causes a crush of interest that’s followed by a sell out. If you’ve tried to scoop up the UGG Tasman Slippers in previous years, you already know they never stay in stock for long. As the “it” slipper of the holiday season, UGG’s Tasman sells out multiple times over the holidays, even without a discount offered. We think that this year will be similar, with popular sizes and colors of the Tasman Slipper snatched up fast over Black Friday. The Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner is a popular home product that just can’t seem to stay in stock. With prices falling under $90, this mighty machine can be a blessing for pet owners and parents, as its compact size makes it easy to store and use when needed. We’ve seen the Little Green Machine sell out before, and we’d be surprised if it didn’t do it again over Black Friday. We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a top toy that we think will be hard to find and gift this year. Our pick is the Furby Galaxy Edition. This glow-in-the-dark Furby is based on the original Furby from the late ’90s with even more features, interactive modes and more fun. Making a comeback in 2023, we saw the revival of this popular toy sell out last year, and we expect the new Furby Galaxy Edition to do the same. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Trane Technologies Honored by TIME as a Global Leader in Sustainable Growth

NetEase Games, in partnership with Marvel Entertainment, has launched Marvel Rivals, a collectible card game (CCG) that has quickly climbed the mobile gaming charts. This free-to-play title, available on both Android and iOS, offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, blending strategic card battles with captivating visuals and an engaging storyline. The game’s success marks a significant win for both NetEase, seeking to expand its global footprint, and Disney, looking to further leverage the Marvel universe in the interactive entertainment space. Marvel Rivals throws players into the heart of the Marvel Universe , where they assemble powerful decks featuring iconic heroes and villains. From Spider-Man and Captain Marvel to Thanos and Loki, fan favorites are brought to life with stunning card art and unique abilities. Players engage in strategic battles, utilizing card synergies and tactical prowess to outmaneuver opponents in PvP arenas and challenging single-player campaigns. The game’s innovative combat system, coupled with its deep roster of characters and rich lore, has resonated with both CCG enthusiasts and Marvel fans alike. A New Contender in the CCG Arena While the mobile gaming market is saturated with CCGs, Marvel Rivals distinguishes itself through several key features: NetEase’s Global Ambitions For NetEase, Marvel Rivals represents a strategic move to expand its presence in the global gaming market . While the company has established dominance in China, it has been actively seeking to penetrate Western markets. Partnering with a globally recognized brand like Marvel provides NetEase with significant leverage and exposure. The game’s early success indicates that NetEase’s strategy is paying off, attracting a diverse player base across different regions. Disney’s Expanding Marvel Empire From blockbuster films to animated series and theme park attractions, Disney has successfully expanded the Marvel universe across various entertainment platforms. Mobile gaming represents a lucrative avenue for further monetization and fan engagement. Marvel Rivals aligns with Disney’s strategy of leveraging its intellectual property to create immersive experiences across different mediums. The game’s popularity reinforces the enduring appeal of the Marvel brand and its ability to resonate with a wide audience. My Experience with Marvel Rivals As an avid gamer and Marvel fan, I was eager to dive into Marvel Rivals. I’ve been playing the game for a few weeks now, and I’m thoroughly impressed. The gameplay is engaging and strategic, requiring careful deck construction and tactical decision-making. I particularly enjoy the single-player campaign, which offers a compelling narrative and challenging battles. The game’s free-to-play model feels fair, allowing me to progress without feeling pressured to spend money. One aspect that truly stands out is the community. The in-game chat is lively, and players are eager to share strategies and deck builds. I’ve joined a guild, which has added a social element to the game and provided me with a sense of camaraderie. The Future of Marvel Rivals With its strong launch and positive reception, Marvel Rivals appears poised for continued success. NetEase has already announced plans for regular content updates, including new characters, cards, and storylines. The developers are also actively engaging with the community, gathering feedback and addressing player concerns. This commitment to ongoing support and content creation bodes well for the game’s longevity. Here’s what I believe the future holds for Marvel Rivals: A Winning Combination Marvel Rivals demonstrates the power of collaboration between a leading game developer and a globally recognized entertainment brand. NetEase’s expertise in game development, combined with the appeal of the Marvel universe, has resulted in a compelling and successful mobile game. As the game continues to evolve and expand, it has the potential to become a dominant force in the CCG genre and a flagship title for both NetEase and Disney.

Donald Trump has yet to move back into the White House and already fissures are opening in his coalition, amid squabbling between Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley "tech bros" and his hardcore Republican backers. At the heart of the internecine sniping is Trump's central election issue -- immigration -- and the H1-B visas that allow companies to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the United States. The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley, and Musk -- who himself came to the United States from South Africa on an H1-B -- is a fervent advocate. The world's richest man, who bankrolled Trump's election campaign and has become a close advisor, posted on X Thursday that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump as Musk's co-chair on a new advisory board on government efficiency, suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an "American culture," which he said venerates mediocrity. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, "we'll have our asses handed to us by China." Skepticism over the benefits of immigration is a hallmark of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and the billionaires' remarks angered immigration hawks who accused them of ignoring US achievements in technological innovation. Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller posted a 2020 speech in which Trump marveled at the American "culture" that had "harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet." The post appeared calculated to remind critics that Trump won November's election on a platform of getting tough on immigration and boosting American manufacturing. But it was Michael Faraday, an English scientist, who discovered that an electric current could be produced by passing a magnet through a copper wire and Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander, who first split the atom. And Alexander Graham Bell may have died a US citizen but he was a British subject in Canada when he invented the telephone. Trump voiced opposition to H1-B visas during his successful first run for the White House in 2016, calling them "unfair for our workers" while acknowledging that he used foreign labor in his own businesses. The Republican placed restrictions on the system when he took office, but the curbs were lifted by President Joe Biden. Trump is known for enjoying the gladiatorial spectacle when conflict breaks out in his inner circle. He has been conspicuously silent during the hostilities that Politico characterized as "Musk vs MAGA." Many MAGA figures have been agitating for a complete closure of America's borders while the problem of illegal entries is tackled, and hoping for a steer from Trump that would reassure them that he remains firm in his "America First" stance. For some long-time loyalists, Silicon Valley has already inserted itself too deeply into MAGA politics. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender -- and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline," said Matt Gaetz, the scandal-hit congressman forced to withdraw after being nominated by Trump to run the Justice Department. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." When Musk almost single-handedly blew up a deal painstakingly hammered out between Democrats and Republicans to set the 2025 federal budget, Democrats used "President Musk" to mock Trump, who is famously sensitive about being upstaged. It remains to be seen whether these cracks can be smoothed out or if they are a portent of further strife, but critics point to the chaos in Trump's first term as a potential indicator. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a MAGA figure with so much influence that she had a seat on Trump's plane during the campaign. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." Loomer has subsequently complained of censorship after she was stripped of her paying subscribers on X, which is owned by Musk. "Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" rle/ft/sms

No. 7 Tennessee extends its season-opening winning streak to 7 games in 78-35 win over UT Martin