mcw casino mexico SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- Mitel, a global leader in business communications, enters 2025 ideally positioned to capitalize on growing market demand for flexible and secure hybrid cloud deployment models, especially in enterprise business communications. With a global customer base of more than 70 million users following its acquisition of Unify, the company has celebrated several significant milestones over the past year. This includes the rollout of a combined portfolio strategy and the launch of Mitel’s Common Communications Framework, which together provide a blueprint for organizations who need to maintain a consistent communications experience regardless of the deployment model while taking advantage of vertically integrated and multimodal unified communications (UC) solutions. The framework aligns with new research that shows 91% of enterprises prioritize a hybrid approach to meet their evolving business objectives and positions Mitel as a top contender to dominate the largest segment of the business communications market for years ahead.* This year, Mitel also announced a series of strategic partnerships that bolstered its AI Ecosystem. In September, the company announced it would work with Zoom to deliver an AI-first hybrid communications and collaboration solution. Plans were also announced to fully integrate new AI-powered capabilities into Mitel’s contact center solutions, including Mitel CX, a new AI-powered customer experience platform to be released in early 2025. These powerful, purpose-built innovations enhance situational awareness through advanced analytics and productivity built around leading GenAI tools, ultimately improving customer experience. “Together with our partners and employees, Mitel has accomplished an incredible amount this year,” said Mitel president and CEO Tarun Loomba. “As we prepare for 2025, I am excited by the significant opportunities before us, particularly the surge in demand for hybrid communications solutions. We are playing from a position of strength with a portfolio designed to provide the flexibility and choice required to support workers on the frontline and into the office, meeting the demands of enterprise organizations globally. Our partnership with Zoom and the launch of Mitel CX also demonstrates our capability to deliver innovative solutions that drive value for our customers and partners while further propelling us toward our goal to be the global leader in UC.” "As outlined in the 2025 Aragon Research GlobeTM for Intelligent Unified Communications & Collaboration and the Aragon Research GlobeTM for the Intelligent Contact Center, Mitel has shown it can deliver reliable voice, communications, collaboration, and contact center platforms particularly in high consequence industries,” said Jim Lundy, Aragon Research, CEO & Lead Analyst. “Through its ongoing commitment to innovation and the integration of flexible, hybrid solutions, Mitel aims to empower organizations to improve both internal collaboration and customer engagement.” “Hybrid UC serves as Mitel’s strategic differentiation and is the backbone of its global go-to-market strategy,” said Dave Michels, Founder and Principal Analyst at TalkingPointz. “By combining a deep understanding of modern businesses' diverse needs with a commitment to flexible solutions, Mitel positions itself as a provider of comprehensive, tailored offerings that meet the evolving demands of today’s dynamic business landscape. Mitel 2024 Business Highlights Mitel 2024 Awards & Recognition * According to a June 2024 global survey of 1,954 organizations conducted by Mitel and Techaisle About Mitel A global market leader in business communications powering more than two billion business connections, Mitel helps businesses and service providers connect, collaborate, and provide innovative services to their customers. Our innovation and communications experts serve business users in more than 100 countries. For more information, go to www.mitel.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X @Mitel . Mitel is the registered trademark of Mitel Networks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220520521/en/ CONTACT: Mitel Public Relations Email:pr@mitel.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MARKETING ADVERTISING DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Mitel Networks Inc Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 03:25 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 03:25 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220520521/enNone

Redcentric plc ( LON:RCN – Get Free Report ) shares crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 117.86 ($1.48) and traded as high as GBX 123 ($1.55). Redcentric shares last traded at GBX 123 ($1.55), with a volume of 13,534 shares changing hands. Redcentric Price Performance The business’s fifty day moving average is GBX 117.86 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 128.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 138.57, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The firm has a market cap of £195.14 million, a PE ratio of -6,150.00 and a beta of 0.13. Redcentric Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 13th will be given a GBX 1.20 ($0.02) dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 13th. Redcentric’s payout ratio is -20,000.00%. Redcentric Company Profile Redcentric plc provides IT managed services for public and private sector in the United Kingdom. It offers connectivity, software-defined wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), managed WAN and LAN, secure remote access, network connectivity options, secure remote and internet access, HSCN and public cloud connectivity, cellular MPLS primary and failover, WAN insight, and managed wireless networking services; and colocation, infrastructure as a service, hybrid cloud, platform as a service, digital transformation consultancy, modern workplace, managed public cloud, backup as a service, disaster recovery as a service, virtual desktops, full stack managed service, OS level managed service, e-commerce and SAP hybris, application modernisation and services experts, database administration, AI and machine learning, and cloud migration and consultancy services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Redcentric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Redcentric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .PlayersTV Acquires Cloud Media Center, Integrates Sports-AI Ad Technology to Surpass 1B Monthly Impressions

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by Rajan Philips A word first used in 17th century England is gaining new currency in 21st century America. Kakistocracy, a Greek derivative per usual, means government administered by the worst group of citizens – in qualification, competence, experience and scruples. Kakistocracy is in full display in the US with the election of Donald Trump as president for a second term. America is returning to chaos not heeding Kamala Harris’s warning against going back. In Sri Lanka, Rajapaksas epitomized Kakistocracy for nearly two decades before it imploded under Gotabaya Rajapaksa. After them came Ranil Wickremesinghe to clean up the economic mess left behind by the Rajapaksas. To his credit, Mr. Wickremesinghe did clean up the economic mess. But he also created a political mess, characteristically and superciliously The mess that Ranil made, heaped atop the mess that has been piling up for all the years of this century finally became insurmountable for the entire political establishment comprising the UNP, the SLFP, and their offshoots, the SJB and the SLPP. They have been sent packing by the people, unsung, unwept and unhonoured. There is an SJB rump but without a winning leader. Sri Lankans have turned the page and opened a new chapter. There is a new president, a new parliament and a new cabinet. There is both the return to old normalcy, as well as the beginning of a new normal. The end cannot be taken for granted, but there could not have been a better start for the making of a new nation. Politics is nothing but constant work in progress. No government can deliver on everything that is possible. The best any government can do is to maximize the good that is possible and minimize the bad that is avoidable. And achieve within its term durable benefits for the people. There is enough reason to be optimistic about the new government while being alert to the risks – that are also aplenty – of its straying off course. There is already an indication of straying in the elephantine omission of any reference to the future of the executive presidency or the enactment of a new constitution in an otherwise well crafted and comprehensive inaugural Policy Statement by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the opening sitting of the new parliament on Thursday. I read the English version of the speech issued by the President’s Media Division, and even ran the ‘word find’, looking for words like – constitution, executive, president, referendum – and found none of them, let alone abolition! There is one reference to ‘provincial councils’ but that is also in connection with the role they could play in ‘cleaning Sri Lanka’. There is also no mention if and when local government and provincial council elections will be held. I don’t think these omissions are a result of translation from Sinhala to English. And they will be viewed as grave omissions by NPP critics considering the pillorying that was given to Ranil Wickremesinghe over elections and their postponements. Already there have been criticisms over the government’s walking back on the promise to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. At least the government issued a statement indicating its position on the PTA matter. But omitting any reference to a new constitution or the executive presidency in the Policy Statement flies in the face of the government’s insistence on being transparent and accountable. NPP’s many critics will justifiably view this omission as a sign that the new government is not going be any different from its predecessors in making and breaking promises to abolish the executive presidency. Unless the government has other plans, and we are not privy to it. Otherwise, this will be a part of the old normal. The omission is also unfortunate in that it diminishes the government’s impressive achievements in setting up its first cabinet and in outlining its policy framework in the President’s well thought out statement to parliament. The new president, parliament, the new cabinet and the President’s Policy Statement are also indicative of the sociology of the JVP’s metamorphosis into NPP and the roots of their political success. A New Beginning It could easily be said that the NPP cabinet is the most compact and competent cabinet of ministers to be assembled in Sri Lanka in the 21st century. Unlike other presidents this century, President AKD has restricted his portfolios to three: Defence, Finance and Planning & Digital Economy. This is more in line with President JRJ’s portfolios that closely resembled the Prime Minister’s portfolios during the parliamentary system of government. This is moving away from the practice of presidents assigning themselves too many portfolios that began with President Kumaratunga. However, in keeping Finance under his wings, the President is continuing the practice that was also started by President Kumaratunga in 1994. Finance deserves to be a single portfolio of a single cabinet minister without any other occupational distractions. That is why Professor Mick Moore, who called Sri Lanka’s economic crisis under Gotabaya Rajapaksa, “a man-made problem”, subsequently advocated that Sri Lanka should get back to the old-style finance minister carrying only the finance portfolio. The identification of portfolios and the selection of individual ministers would appear to be based on considerations of ability, political and/or professional experience, and electoral results. Nine of the cabinet ministers led the vote tallies in their respective electoral districts, and include mostly old JVPers and new NPPers. Seven of the ministers are those who came second or third in their electoral districts. The elected MPs in the cabinet reflect the JVP/NPP’s geographical sweep and its sociopolitical roots in the electoral districts in seven of the island’s nine provinces. Six of the cabinet ministers are drawn from the NPP’s 18 National List MPs, which is a high proportion that indicates the need for balancing electoral representation with cabinet competence. Two of the National List cabinet ministers, Bimal Ratnayake and Ramalingam Chandrasekar have been credited for their political work in the Jaffna District that led to the NPP’s electoral success in the district. Mr. Ratnayake is a seasoned JVP parliamentarian, while Mr. Chandrasekar is a new MP and also the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic & Oceanic Resources. Chandrasekar with Saroja Paulraj, who was elected from Matara and is the new Minister of Women’s and Children’s Affairs, are both from the Malayaha Tamil community. The two ministers seem to be part of a new turn in cabinet making that privileges not ethnic representation but political participation. That would be consistent with the vision of an equal, inclusive and ‘non-racial’ Sri Lankan society that President Dissanayake eloquently articulated in his Policy Statement. But until that Eldorado is reached the government has to deal with misgivings about missing Muslim and Sri Lankan Tamil representation in the cabinet.

Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise

Tech giant OnePlus is reportedly gearing up to launch the OnePlus Open 2, a successor to its 2023 foldable, early next year. Fresh leaks suggest exciting upgrades in design and specifications for the forthcoming device, which is expected to debut globally following its introduction in China as the Oppo Find N5. According to renders shared by Smartprix in collaboration with tipsters Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) and Yawn (@chunvn8888), the OnePlus Open 2 showcases a refined design with a larger circular camera module. This housing features a rearranged triple-camera setup in the top semicircle, accompanied by Hasselblad branding and an LED flash on the rear panel. The foldable is depicted in a sleek black finish with curved rear edges, measuring less than 10mm in thickness, potentially making it one of the slimmest foldable smartphones available. One of the standout improvements could be its IPX8 water resistance rating, a notable upgrade from the IPX4 rating of its predecessor, added the report. The OnePlus Open 2 is also expected to pack considerable hardware power, with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset at its core, supported by up to 16GB of RAM and a maximum storage capacity of 1TB. Display specifications hint at an 8-inch LTPO main screen offering 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by a 6.4-inch AMOLED cover screen. Camera enthusiasts might appreciate the rumoured triple 50MP rear sensor array, comprising a primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens. Additionally, dual selfie cameras – a 32MP and a 20MP – are also expected. The foldable could feature a 5,900mAh battery with 80W wired fast charging support, ensuring prolonged use with minimal downtime. As OnePlus gears up for the global and Indian launch of its next-generation flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13 , on 7 January 2025, the OnePlus 12 is drawing attention due to a substantial price drop on Amazon. This makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a premium smartphone experience. Initially launched in January 2024, the OnePlus 12 is now available at a discounted price of ₹ 59,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, reduced from its original launch price of ₹ 64,999.

Getting whipped by a downtrodden Oklahoma squad came back to haunt Alabama. So did a historic loss to Vanderbilt. That's because the Crimson Tide (9-3) were passed over for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff when the selections were announced on Sunday. Alabama appeared in good shape to make the playoffs until visiting the Sooners and losing 24-3 on Nov. 23. Oklahoma finished the regular season with a 6-6 mark. SMU (11-2) earned the final at-large spot despite losing to Clemson 34-31 in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturday night. "I think it's the right decision," Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee told CBS Sports said. "... We didn't ever have a bad loss." Selection committee chairman Warde Manuel said it was a tough choice to take the Mustangs over the Crimson Tide. "We looked at the number of wins Alabama had against ranked opponents," Manuel, the Michigan athletic director, told ESPN. "We looked at SMU's schedule and they were undefeated in conference. Their losses were to ranked teams. "We also looked at Alabama's losses to unranked teams. It was quite a debate. We value strength of schedule and that's why Alabama as a three-loss team is ranked ahead of teams that have two losses." SMU's loss to then-No. 17 Clemson came on a last-second field goal in Saturday night's Atlantic Coast Conference title game. The Mustangs also lost 18-15 at BYU on Sept. 6. SMU beat then-No. 22 Louisville on the road and then-No. 18 Pitt in Dallas. "Losing on a last-second field goal ... we felt SMU still had the nod over Alabama," Manuel said of the Mustangs' loss to Clemson. "... It's just looking at the entire body of work over both teams." Alabama's other two losses included the shocking 40-35 stumble at Vanderbilt on Oct. 5 that marked the Commodores' first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team. The Crimson Tide also lost 24-17 to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Oct. 19. The Crimson Tide posted three ranked victories, beating then-No. 2 Georgia, then-No. 21 Missouri and then-No. 15 LSU. Alabama will face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 31. It is a rematch from last season when the Wolverines defeated the Crimson Tide 27-20 in the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Rose Bowl. The second team out was No. 13 Miami (10-2), which saw its chances plummet by losing two of its last three regular-season games. The Hurricanes, who started 9-0, lost 28-23 to host Georgia Tech on Nov. 9 and completed the regular season with a 42-38 road loss against Syracuse. Miami didn't play a Top 25 team this season. Instead of navigating the playoff field, Miami will face No. 18 Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 28. "Everyone that doesn't get in feels disappointment," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of being passed over. "We will have the onus of just doing better. Go forward and have the opportunity to get better. ... "We have a ton to play for and we'll thankful for the opportunity." SMU plays No. 6 Penn State in its first-round playoff game on Nov. 21. "We're excited about the challenge and the opportunity to prove that the committee made the right decision," Lashlee said. --Field Level Media

Once again, Newsom gets Trumped by the calendar.Adobe Stock image A Fresno area nonprofit organization whose goal is to reduce the number of feral and community cats suffering in the area reached a milestone this year, spaying and neutering nearly 12,000 cats over the course of 2024. Through the support of community members and Dogwood Animal Rescue Project, Fresno TNR’s mission — “to reduce the feral cat population through education and targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs” — aims to prevent thousands of unwanted kittens from walking the streets, but also improves the health and well-being of the existing feline population. “A single unspayed female cat can theoretically produce up to 12,000 kittens in her lifetime when accounting for survival rates,” explains a Fresno TNR spokesperson in a news release Thursday. “Our work directly impacts our community by preventing this exponential growth and reducing the strain on local shelters and neighborhoods.” Partnered with the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA), Valley Animal Center, Valley Veterinary Services and Fresno Animal Control, Fresno TNR provides spay and neuter services, relying solely on volunteers to reach their goal. The organization does not have a physical facility, but continues to make an impact, motivated by the passion and dedication of its volunteers. Recently, a $10,000 donation from the Lewis-Harlow Foundation will allow the organization to expand its services. Fresno TNR also hopes to one day operate a brick-and-mortar facility, enhancing its service to the region. More information about Fresno TNR can be found on their website. A Fresno area nonprofit organization whose goal is to reduce Fresno County is closing in on its $400,000 goal to (AP) — Several environmental groups are suing California air regulators Marjaree Mason Center officials announced Thursday that a $1 million donationREDMOND, Ore., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, announced today the resignation of Greg Aydelott, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective December 31, 2024, due to family health concerns. Mr. Aydelott intends to remain available to the Company on an ongoing basis as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Schaffner, as interim Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, effective December 31, 2024, and is conducting a search process to identify a new CFO. Mr. Schaffner previously served as the CFO of Expion360 from March 2021 through January 2023. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, leadership team and employees, I would like to thank Greg for his outstanding service and commitment over the past three years," said Mr. Schaffner. "He has made significant contributions to Expion360’s success, including managing our growth, strengthening our balance sheet, enhancing our planning and budgeting process, and overseeing investments in new technologies and batteries.” “This has been an incredible journey with talented people, and it has been a privilege to help lead this passionate team,” said Mr. Aydelott. “I look forward to following the success of Expion360 for years to come.” About Expion360 Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles and marine applications, with residential and industrial applications under development. On December 19, 2023, the Company announced its entrance into the home energy storage market with the introduction of two premium LiFePO4 battery storage systems that enable residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer. The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com . Forward-Looking Statements and Safe Harbor Notice This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" and should be evaluated as such. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking words such as "projected," "expect," "possibility,” “believe,” “aim,” “goal,” “plan,” and "anticipate," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and impact of the executive transition, including Mr. Aydelott’s continuing role as a consultant to the Company, and the Company’s ability to build on its momentum and achieve its financial and strategic objectives. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements predicted, assumed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Company Contact: Brian Schaffner, CEO 541-797-6714 Email Contact External Investor Relations: Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President MZ Group - MZ North America 949-491-8235 XPON@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us

NoneRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina lawmakers on Wednesday enacted a law over the governor’s veto that would diminish the powers afforded to his successor and other other Democratic statewide winners in the Nov. 5 elections. In a 72-46 vote, the Republican-dominated House overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto voted to do the same. Like during the Senate vote, opponents to the power-shifting bill sat in the gallery and disrupted the chambers’ floor proceedings. More than 150 people gathered on the third floor — more than the House gallery could seat. They chanted “shame” as the override vote completed and continued to yell as they were escorted out. After warning disruptors they would face arrest if they didn’t quiet down and leave the building, General Assembly police arrested one woman who refused to leave, said police Chief Martin Brock, adding that she would face charges of trespassing, resisting arrest and violating building rules. Many provisions within the 132-page law seek to diminish powers afforded to Gov.-elect Josh Stein, incoming attorney general Jeff Jackson, the next Democratic lieutenant governor and the schools superintendent. They all take office early next month. One of the most significant changes shifts the power to appoint State Board of Elections members from the governor to the state auditor, who will be a Republican next year. For decades, the governor has selected its five members, with the governor’s party usually taking three seats. The enacted law transfers that power to the state auditor starting in spring. This, in turn, means Republicans will likely hold majorities on the state board and the county election boards. The legislation also weakens the governor’s authority to fill vacancies on the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court and prevents the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to the General Assembly in litigation challenging a law’s validity. Several post-election deadlines will move up under the law after Republican complaints that counties took too long to count provisional and absentee ballots, especially in light of . The veto override took place in the final days of a lame-duck General Assembly session where Republicans hold exactly the number of seats necessary to override vetoes without help from Democrats. That won’t be the case much longer — barring a successful election protest that would flip a race’s result — after Democrats picked up one more House seat in the general elections. Despite ultimately succeeding in their override, House Republicans had some difficulty staying unified. Some GOP lawmakers from western North Carolina — where Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding — initially voted against the measure last month. But all three — Reps. Mike Clampitt, Karl Gillespie and Mark Pless — ended up voting to override the veto. Part of the criticism levied against the bill centered on the $252 million of Helene recovery funds attached to it, most of which can’t be spent until the General Assembly acts again. , Cooper called the bill a sham in which Republicans used Helene and “disaster relief” in its title to mask unconstitutional political power grabs — a message repeated by House Democrats and Stein. “It is despicable for the Republicans in the General Assembly to use folks’ incredible need for aid to cloak their political pettiness,” Stein said in a statement after Wednesday’s vote. Other opponents to the bill said at a Wednesday news conference that GOP lawmakers weren’t serving western North Carolinians and instead were undermining democracy. “Western North Carolina is not a toy to be played with. It is not an opportunity to exploit. It is not a place to be so violently disrespected,” said Sam Stites, a Transylvania County staff member from advocacy group Just Economics of Western North Carolina. Republicans point out they had already allocated more than $900 million to Helene relief since October, with plans for more funding next session. Caldwell County Republican Rep. Destin Hall, who is expected to be the House speaker next year, further defended the bill’s executive power shifts as the legislature’s constitutional right. “This body is entirely committed to helping folks in this state with storm relief,” Hall said. “So, in my opinion, what’s happened is political football has been made out of this bill.” It’s likely the new law will soon be mired in litigation — just like eight years ago, after Republicans passed laws weakening Cooper’s powers just before he took office. “Of course it’s going to go to court,” outgoing House Speaker Tim Moore, a congressman-elect, told reporters after the vote. “That’s just the way it is.” The House also secured for the November 2026 statewide ballot a proposed constitutional amendment to require all North Carolina voters show photo identification before voting. The constitution currently only specifies that it’s required for in-person voting. ID exceptions are afforded now and would continue with the amendment, and laws separate from the state constitution already direct voters to provide a photo ID copy when voting by mail.

But the City boss has vowed to stay on and lift the club back to the top even if they are sent all the way down to the National League. Guardiola ended speculation over his immediate future this week by extending his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of the season, through to the summer of 2027. That has given the club some stability at a time of great uncertainty as they fight 115 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. City have denied all wrongdoing but their punishment if found guilty could be severe, with demotion even a possibility. Guardiola has strongly defended the club in the past and is happy to continue doing so. The Spaniard said: “I don’t enjoy it, I prefer not to be in that position, but once it’s there I love it because, when you believe in your club, and the people there – I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. “I cannot say yet because we’re awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don’t know when – but at the same time, I like it. “I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. “I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here. “Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.” The immediate priority for Guardiola, who said his contract negotiations were completed in “just two hours”, is to arrest a run of four successive defeats in all competitions. Yet, ahead of their return to action against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the champions continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list. Mateo Kovacic is their latest casualty after sustaining a knock on international duty that could keep him out for up to a month. On the positive side, defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji could feature and Jack Grealish is also closing in on a return after a month out. Much to Guardiola’s frustration, Grealish was called up by England for their recent Nations League games, although he later withdrew. Guardiola said: “I want the best for Jack and I want the best for Jack with the national team but the doctor said to me that he was not ready to play. “I know (England) want him but they have 200 players to select from and Jack was not fit. He had to recover from many things.” Kyle Walker played for England against both Greece and the Republic of Ireland despite limited game time since suffering injury in the October international break. Guardiola said: “If he is fit I like him to play in the national team. It is not a problem, don’t misunderstand me. “Kyle has a dream to make 100 caps for the national team. Do I want to cancel this dream? Absolutely not. “But if you are not fit, if you cannot play here, you cannot play for the national team. It is quite obvious.”