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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently announced the distribution of the first batch of refunds under the settlement agreement with Epic, the creator of popular games such as Fortnite. This agreement was reached in response to allegations of deceptive advertising practices targeting young consumers. Each affected player is set to receive an average refund of $114.

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah judge on Wednesday dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit that Gabby Petito's parents filed against the city of Moab alleging police did not do enough during a traffic stop to protect their daughter from the man who killed her weeks later. Plaintiffs' attorney Judson Burton argued that a state law barring lawsuits against government agencies is unconstitutional and said they plan to appeal. Seventh District Court Judge Don Torgerson said he could not consider the law's constitutionality but the Court of Appeals can, KSL-TV reported. Petito's family said the dismissal was expected. "We never anticipated that this would be an easy process and look forward to the Utah Supreme Court upholding the Utah Constitution's original intent to preserve the right to recover for wrongful death claims under these circumstances," her family said in a statement. Petito, 22, was traveling the country in a converted camper van with her fiance, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie, and posting about it on social media when they were stopped by police in Moab on Aug. 12, 2021. Someone had called to report a man was slapping a woman. Police determined that Petito was the aggressor, and officers had them spend the night apart. Her parents last heard from her in late August and reported her missing on Sept. 11, 2021, after Laundrie returned to Florida alone. The search for Petito drew worldwide attention, spurring amateur sleuths to scour social media for clues. It also brought scrutiny from authorities and the media, both of which have been criticized for focusing more attention on missing white women than women of color. Laundrie was named a person of interest in the case and disappeared two days before Petito's body was found on Sept. 19, 2021, just outside Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Authorities determined that she had been strangled. Laundrie's remains were found a month later in a wildlife reserve near his parents' house in Florida. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after writing in a notebook that he killed Petito. An independent investigation found that Moab police made " several unintentional mistakes " when they encountered the couple. In their report investigators said Petito very likely "was a long-term victim of domestic violence, whether that be physically, mentally, and/or emotionally." Her parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, sued Moab Police in November 2022, seeking $50 million in damages. Burton, their lawyer, said Wednesday that Gabby Petito called them during the interaction with police and they wanted her to come home, but she assured them police would take care of things. The attorney said the parents relied on the police to handle the situation but a "grossly negligent" investigation increased the chances of their daughter being harmed. Burton said officers placed Gabby Petitio in a police car and sympathized with Laundrie, laughing with him, which could have emboldened him. He said one of the responding officers explained the risk of domestic violence, showing he understood the situation but did not respond properly. Mitchell Stephens, the attorney representing the Moab Police Department, argued for dismissal on the grounds of governmental immunity, while adding that allegations about Moab's involvement in her death are completely speculative. He said the couple left Moab together and continued traveling. He cited multiple instances where courts have not found police at fault when domestic violence escalated to murder. "Moab is not liable for criminal conduct that occurred a month later in a different state. Brian Laundrie is the cause of Gabby Petito's death," Stephens said.Analysts say that UniCredit could sweeten its spurned all-stock proposal to acquire Italian domestic peer Banco BPM by tacking on a cash component. UniCredit is "more exposed to changes in interest rates due to its relatively limited presence in asset management and bancassurance," Scope Ratings' Alessandro Boratti said. Takeover targets Commerzbank and Banco BPM could both hedge this exposure. Orcel may need to decide between going big abroad or staying home, with analysts pointing to high integration costs and an extensive toll on management time if UniCredit attempts to absorb both of the banks it courts. Divided between two takeover courtships, UniCredit 's Andrea Orcel still has room to sweeten his bid for Italy's Banco BPM , analysts say, while political turmoil stalls a deal with Germany's Commerzbank . > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Once a key architect in the controversial 2007 takeover and later break-up of Dutch bank ABN Amro, Orcel revisited his ambitions for cross-border consolidation with the September announcement of a surprise stake build in Commerzbank. Until recently, the latter had been the subject of speculation as a potential merger partner for Germany's largest lender, Deutsche Bank. Amid resistance from the German government — and turbulence in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ruling coalition — UniCredit also last month turned its eye to Banco BPM, with a 10 billion-euro ($10.5 billion) offer that the Italian peer said was delivered on "unusual terms" and does not reflect its profitability and growth potential. Along the way, Orcel drew frowns from the Italian administration, with Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti warning that "the safest way to lose a war is engaging on two fronts," according to Italian newswire Ansa . Analysts say that the spurned UniCredit — whose CET1 ratio, reflecting the bank's financial strength and resilience, stood above 16% in the first three quarters of this year — can still improve its domestic bid. "There is scope for increasing the [Banco BPM] offer," Johann Scholtz, senior equity analyst and Morningstar, told CNBC. Money Report India's central bank revises down economic growth forecast for 2025, keeps interest rate steady SpaceX faces opposition to Starlink expansion from Ukrainian group concerned about Musk ties to Russia However, he warned of "limited" room to do so. "Think more than 10% [increase], you are probably going to dilute shareholder earnings." UniCredit's starting proposal was for an all-stock deal that would merge two of Italy's largest lenders, but offered just 6.657 euros for each share. Both Scholtz and Filippo Alloatti, senior credit analyst at Federated Hermes, said that UniCredit could sweeten the proposition by tacking on a cash component. "Remember, that's the second attempt from Orcel to buy [Banco] BPM ... I don't think there'll be a third attempt. I think that either they close [the deal] now, or probably he walks. So I believe a cash component could be on the table," Alloatti told CNBC. Orcel last month labeled Banco BPM as a "historical target" — stoking the flames of media reports that UniCredit had previously sought a domestic union back in 2022. The Italian stage was primed for M&A activity early last month, after Banco BPM acquired a 5% holding in Monte dei Paschi — the world's oldest lender and another former takeover target of UniCredit, until talks collapsed in 2021 — when Rome sought to reduce its stake in the bailed-out bank. Critically, Scholtz noted, UniCredit's offer "puts [Banco] BPM into a difficult position," triggering a passivity rule that impedes it from any action that might hinder the bid without shareholder approval — and could stifle Banco BPM's own early-November ambitions to acquire control of fund manager Anima Holding, which also owns a 4% stake in Monte dei Paschi . A consolidation offensive could be UniCredit's best defense in an environment of easing interest rates. "Multi-year long restructuring, balance sheet de-risking and materially improved loss absorption capacity" propelled UniCredit to a BBB+ long-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings in October, above that of Italy's own sovereign bonds . But the lender must now contend with an environment of loosening monetary policy, where it is "more exposed to changes in interest rates due to its relatively limited presence in asset management and bancassurance," Alessandro Boratti, analyst at Scope Ratings, wrote last month . Both takeover prospects hedge some of that exposure. A Commerzbank union in Germany, where UniCredit operates through its HypoVereinsbank division, could create synergies in capital markets, advisors, payments and trade finance activity, JPMorgan analysts signaled in a November note. They added that such a union would produce a "limited" advantage in funding, as the two banks' spreads already trade closely. Closer to home, Scholtz notes, Banco BPM offers complementary strength in asset management. Alloatti said that absorbing a domestic peer is also one of the Italian lender's only remaining options to take a leading role on the home stage. "There really isn't much they can buy in Italy to bridge the gap with [Italy's largest bank] Intesa . Probably Banco BPM ... that's why they looked at it in the past," Alloatti said. "Banco BPM is the only bank they could potentially buy to get somewhat closer to Intesa." Intesa Sanpaolo is currently Italy's largest bank by total assets. Approaching Banco BPM, KBW Analyst Hugo Cruz told CNBC in emailed comments, also has the "added value" of signaling to German shareholders that UniCredit has other M&A options available to it. He nevertheless stressed that the domestic acquisition bid is likely "mainly a reaction to the acceleration of the consolidation process in the Italian banking system," triggered by Banco BPM's acquisition of its Monte dei Paschi interest. Orcel may need to decide between going big abroad or staying home, with analysts pointing to high integration costs and an extensive toll on management time if UniCredit attempts to absorb both of its takeover targets. Ultimately, KBW's Cruz said, the Italian lender — which notched its 15 th consecutive quarter of growth this fall and has seen a roughly 61% hike in its share price in the year to date — can choose to stand alone. "I don't think Mr. Orcel has to do a bank acquisition. He already stated that any acquisition will need to add value compared to [UniCredit]'s standalone strategy, and if no acquisition the bank will continue with the same strategy which already included a high level of capital distribution for shareholders and which targeted the usage of excess capital by end of 2027," he said, noting that the Italian lender abstained from bids previously "because it was still under restructuring and did not have the acquisition currency." "We would hope that they would have the discipline to walk away from both deals" if they do not generate return to shareholders, Morningstar's Scholtz added. Also on CNBC American Airlines chooses Citi as sole credit card partner, drops Barclays Banks blame high credit card rates on regulation that's unlikely to arrive 'Not all paths lead to a stronger dollar,' strategist says

Advisors Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ( NYSE:IIPR – Free Report ) by 178.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,248 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 799 shares during the period. Advisors Asset Management Inc.’s holdings in Innovative Industrial Properties were worth $168,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. USA Financial Formulas purchased a new position in Innovative Industrial Properties during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in shares of Innovative Industrial Properties by 2,085.7% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 459 shares of the company’s stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 438 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Innovative Industrial Properties by 42.3% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 505 shares of the company’s stock worth $55,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in shares of Innovative Industrial Properties by 138.1% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 538 shares of the company’s stock worth $59,000 after acquiring an additional 312 shares during the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in Innovative Industrial Properties by 75.3% in the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 440 shares of the company’s stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.58% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In IIPR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Innovative Industrial Properties from $120.00 to $118.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Compass Point upgraded Innovative Industrial Properties from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $125.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, November 8th. Wolfe Research upgraded Innovative Industrial Properties to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, September 23rd. Finally, Roth Capital upgraded Innovative Industrial Properties to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, November 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Innovative Industrial Properties presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $127.67. Innovative Industrial Properties Stock Performance Shares of IIPR stock opened at $109.17 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 11.53, a current ratio of 11.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $80.24 and a fifty-two week high of $138.35. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $123.47 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $118.63. The stock has a market cap of $3.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.43 and a beta of 1.37. Innovative Industrial Properties ( NYSE:IIPR – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.13 by ($0.76). Innovative Industrial Properties had a net margin of 52.51% and a return on equity of 8.44%. The business had revenue of $76.53 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $77.30 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.29 EPS. The business’s revenue was down 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. will post 8.36 EPS for the current year. Innovative Industrial Properties Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th were given a $1.90 dividend. This represents a $7.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.96%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 30th. Innovative Industrial Properties’s payout ratio is 135.23%. Innovative Industrial Properties Profile ( Free Report ) Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc is a self-advised Maryland corporation focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated cannabis facilities. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, commencing with the year ended December 31, 2017. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IIPR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. ( NYSE:IIPR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Innovative Industrial Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innovative Industrial Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Purchases 92,217 Shares of Range Resources Co. (NYSE:RRC)

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Japan Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) above forecasts (0.2%) in 3Q: Actual (0.3%)In conclusion, the expulsion of Wu Yingjie from the Communist Party of China exemplifies the party's commitment to combating corruption and upholding party discipline. This case serves as a reminder to all party members that corruption will not be tolerated and that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable. By promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within the party, the CPC is working towards creating a cleaner and more efficient government that is dedicated to serving the best interests of the people.

The original cast of "28 Days Later," including Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Brendan Gleeson, are set to reprise their roles in the sequel, bringing their unparalleled talent and depth to the characters fans have come to love. Joining them are new additions to the cast, adding fresh dynamics and perspectives to the narrative.RB Salzburg midfielder has set their sights on their upcoming match against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, fully aware of the powerhouse that they will be facing. Despite the steep challenge ahead, the players are determined to give their all and strive to create an upset against the formidable opponents.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, recently made a bold statement declaring that the Golan Heights is an "integral part of Israel." This proclamation has sparked controversy and debate across the international community, with many world leaders expressing concerns and objections to Israel's sovereignty over the strategic region.Going green | Love Field making further investment into aircraft-generated energy

RB Salzburg Midfielder: Paris Has Strong Power, We Will Make Every Effort to Create an UpsetUpon investigation, it was determined that the drone's navigation system experienced interference from nearby signals, disrupting its ability to maintain stable flight. This interference likely originated from other electronic devices or radio frequencies in the area, causing a momentary lapse in communication between the drone and its operator.

As mere inches and seconds separated Manhattan High football from its second perfect season in three seasons, the Indians have no reason to hang their heads. “They’re champions in my heart,” head coach Joe Schartz said after the game.Murdered CEO was facing DOJ probe for insider trading when he was killed

Commentary: Congress needs to pass the bipartisan PRESS Act now

In light of these circumstances, the National Railway Administration has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers during this busy travel period. The special campaign aims to identify and address potential safety risks along the railway network, with a focus on improving safety standards, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, and carrying out thorough inspections and maintenance of railway infrastructure.WASHINGTON: The United States on Saturday announced a new $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump’s November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American aid for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Trump met in Paris earlier Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said any resolution of the war with Russia should be a “just” settlement that includes “strong security guarantees for Ukraine.” The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield. It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armor weapons. The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over. Trump’s comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support. “Our job has been to try and put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday. In the closing weeks of Biden’s term, the goal is “a massive surge of assistance and to up the economic pressure on Russia,” he said. America ‘weaker’ alone US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday warned that failure to continue opposing Russia’s actions would have dire consequences. “We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin. Or we can let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin have his way - and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict,” said Austin, who like Sullivan was speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. “This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice.” The defense chief also emphasized the importance of US allies and partners in his remarks -- a contrast to Trump’s go-it-alone “America first” world view. “Here is the stark military fact: our allies and partners are huge force multipliers,” Austin said. “Ultimately, America is weaker when it stands alone. And America is smaller when it stands apart,” he said. “There is no such thing as a safe retreat from today’s interwoven world.” Ukraine Ready for ‘deal’ Meanwhile, US president-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is keen on a “deal” to end the war with Russia, after the pair met in Paris to discuss the future of the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace on Saturday, as fears grow in Kyiv about the position of the incoming US administration. Trump has openly scoffed at the billions of dollars in military assistance being sent to Ukraine and once boasted he could end the conflict in 24 hours. “Zelenskyy (sic) and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse.” Hours after the trio’s meeting, the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden announced a new $988-million military assistance package for Ukraine. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said. In Ukraine there is concern that Trump may urge domestically unpopular concessions to bring about peace. Zelensky insisted any settlement with Russia had to be equitable. “We all want peace. But it is very important for us... that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning,” Zelensky said according to the presidential website. “And this is the most important thing - a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine,” he added. But Zelensky also thanked Trump for his “unwavering resolve” describing the talks as “good and productive”. Zelensky’s meeting with Trump, just before both attended the re-opening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral, was his first face-to-face encounter with the tycoon-turned-politician since his US election victory. It also offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will look when he takes office in January. The trip to Paris is Trump’s first international visit since his November 5 election win. ‘Going a little crazy’ Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace. Trump was given a full guard of honor despite not yet being in office. “It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that,” Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for the talks with Macron. Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the centrist French leader, saying: “We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot.” Macron told Trump it was “a great honor for French people to welcome you” for the re-opening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump’s first term. “You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction,” Macron added, speaking in English. In his own reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: “Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security.” — AFPAs Xiaohua's bold declaration continued to circulate online, it sparked a discussion on the nature of idolatry and the lengths to which one might go to emulate their idol. While some viewed Xiaohua's statement as light-hearted and playful, others saw it as a profound display of devotion and admiration.