AP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:08 p.m. ESTCowpea seeds were picked over seeds of other plants to fly aboard the upcoming PSLV-C60/SpaDeX, POEM-4 Mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after ground-based trials found them better-suited for a short-term plant growth experiment in orbit, scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) said. The Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), a payload developed by the VSSC — ISRO’s lead facility for launch vehicles here at Thumba — has eight cowpea seeds in a closed-box environment. Their growth in a microgravity environment will be studied over five to seven days. ISRO’s first The experiment, ISRO’s first in this area, is designed to demonstrate seed germination and plant sustenance up to the two-leaf stage, a senior VSSC official said. The ability to grow vegetables while in space is regarded as vital in the context of India’s plans for its own space station, the Bharatiya Anthariksh Station, and future deep space explorations. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C60 (PSLV-C60) mission, carrying a pair of SpaDeX (short for Space Docking Experiment) satellites as main payloads, is scheduled to lift off from Sriharikota on Monday. CROPS is one of 24 smaller payloads arranged aboard the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM). The POEM platform is the spent fourth stage of the PSLV which will remain in orbit for several weeks after the main mission for microgravity experiments. Why cowpea VSSC’s Control Actuation Systems Group, responsible for CROPS, selected cowpea over other plants given its relatively fast growth rate and robust root and stem structure. “It can grow to a height of, say, 100 mm or more reaching the two-leaf stage in five to seven days. We carried out ground trials with different seeds before picking cowpea,” a VSSC official said. Planted inside a small, closed steel chamber, the eight seeds will have all the ingredients, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, for growth. The chamber also has LED lamps at the right wavelength for photosynthesis. ISRO describes CROPS as a ‘Multi-phase automated platform for acquiring the capability to achieve seed germination.’ “Passive measurements, including camera imaging, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, relative humidity, temperature, and soil moisture monitoring, are available (inside the chamber) for plant growth and monitoring,” according to the space agency. Future missions will see more advanced experiments in this area. The primary aim of the SpaDeX mission, meanwhile, is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed “for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft” in a low-earth circular orbit. Published - December 28, 2024 09:36 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditMAA Announces Regular Quarterly Preferred Dividend( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Proceeds to be used primarily to acquire bitcoin and repurchase existing convertible notes due 2026 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the“Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today announced the pricing of its offering of $850 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031 (the“notes”). The notes will be sold in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the“Securities Act”). MARA also granted to the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the notes are first issued, up to an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of the notes. The offering is expected to close on December 4, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The notes will be unsecured, senior obligations of MARA. The notes will not bear regular interest, and the principal amount of the notes will not accrete. MARA may pay special interest, if any, at its election as the sole remedy for failure to comply with its reporting obligations and under certain other circumstances, each pursuant to the indenture. Special interest, if any, on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2025 (if and to the extent that special interest is then payable on the notes). The notes will mature on June 1, 2031, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. Subject to certain conditions, on or after June 5, 2029, MARA may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the last reported sale price of MARA common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for a specified period of time ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date MARA provides the notice of redemption. If MARA redeems fewer than all the outstanding notes, at least $75 million aggregate principal amount of notes must be outstanding and not subject to redemption as of the relevant redemption notice date. Holders of notes may require MARA to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 4, 2027 and on June 4, 2029 or upon the occurrence of certain events that constitute a fundamental change under the indenture governing the notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. In connection with certain corporate events or if MARA calls any note for redemption, it will, under certain circumstances, be required to increase the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert their notes in connection with such corporate event or notice of redemption. The notes will be convertible into cash, shares of MARA's common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of MARA's common stock, at MARA's election. Prior to March 1, 2031, the notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate for the notes will initially be 28.9159 shares of MARA common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $34.5831 per share. The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 40.0% over the U.S. composite volume weighted average price of MARA's common stock from 2:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, December 2, 2024, which was $24.7022. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. MARA estimates that the net proceeds from the sale of the notes will be approximately $835.1 million (or approximately $982.5 million if the initial purchasers exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes), after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and commissions but before estimated offering expenses payable by MARA. MARA expects to use approximately $48 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase approximately $51 million in aggregate principal amount of its existing convertible notes due 2026 (the“existing 2026 convertible notes”) in privately negotiated transactions with the remainder of the net proceeds to be used to acquire additional bitcoin and for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, strategic acquisitions, expansion of existing assets, and repayment of additional debt and other outstanding obligations. In connection with any repurchase of the existing 2026 convertible notes, MARA expects that holders of the existing 2026 convertible notes who agree to have their notes repurchased and who have hedged their equity price risk with respect to such notes (the“hedged holders”) will unwind all or part of their hedge positions by buying MARA's common stock and/or entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to MARA's common stock. The amount of MARA's common stock to be purchased by the hedged holders or in connection with such derivative transactions may be substantial in relation to the historic average daily trading volume of MARA's common stock. This activity by the hedged holders could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of MARA's common stock, including concurrently with the pricing of the notes, resulting in a higher effective conversion price of the notes. MARA cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the notes or MARA's common stock. The notes are being offered and sold to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offer and sale of the notes and the shares of MARA's common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the notes and any such shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The offering of the notes is being made only by means of a private offering memorandum. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the notes, nor shall there be any sale of the notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Nothing in this press release shall be deemed an offer to purchase MARA's existing 2026 convertible notes. About MARA MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world's preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the estimated net proceeds of the offering, the anticipated use of such net proceeds, and the anticipated closing of the offering. The words“anticipate,”“believe,”“continue,”“could,”“estimate,”“expect,”“intend,”“may,”“plan,”“potential,”“predict,”“project,”“should,”“target,”“will,”“would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the offering, uncertainties related to the satisfaction of closing conditions for the sale of the notes, the other factors discussed in the“Risk Factors” section of MARA's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the“SEC”) on February 28, 2024, as amended on May 24, 2024, the“Risk Factors” section of MARA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, the“Risk Factors” section of MARA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024 and the risks described in other filings that MARA may make from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and MARA specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. MARA Company Contact: Telephone: 800-804-1690 Email: ... MENAFN02122024004107003653ID1108948867 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

MISSOULA, Mont. – The University of Montana's spirited student group, the Zoo Crew, is gearing up for a big weekend in Bozeman. Known for their energy and enthusiasm, these Griz superfans are heading south to support their team in the much-anticipated Brawl of the Wild rivalry game. Throughout the school year, the 370 Zoo Crew members earn points on the Montana Grizzlies app by attending various sporting events. Silvia Ciacci, the UM Zoo Crew Captain, explained, "It's location based, and so if they're at the location of that event, they can check in, get their points." This weekend, the six students with the most points will be rewarded with a trip to the Brawl. Ciacci shared, "They're getting sent to Bozeman to go watch Griz / Cat volleyball and Griz / Cat football, it's sponsored by Griz Athletics." She added, "Some of them are freshmen, so you know, it's their first rivalry game is definitely very exciting." Hundreds of Griz students will join the Zoo Crew, making their roar heard at Bobcat Stadium, where about 4,000 Bobcat students will sitting behind the endzone – ready to pounce!

Search for UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer yields evidence, but few answersNew food production methods needed

Stock market today: S&P 500 clinches another record as tech continues to shineThe AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . SAN DIEGO (AP) — Sports San Diego announced Thursday that DirecTV has extended its agreement as title sponsor of the Holiday Bowl. Neither side would say how long the agreement is for. DirecTV began sponsoring the Holiday Bowl last year. After two editions at Petco Park, the downtown home of the San Diego Padres, the Holiday Bowl is moving to Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley. It will be played Dec. 27 and match a top team from the Atlantic Coast Conference against current and former teams from the Pac-12. ___ This story removes an incorrect reference to DirecTV sponsoring the last two Holiday Bowls. It began sponsoring the game last year.

Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injuryNoneI read a lot of good graphic novels this year, the publication of a couple of which also happened to be major events in the comic world – how thrilling to see the return of celebrated American creator Charles Burns on such uncompromisingly fierce form, while the young Dutch illustrator Aimée de Jongh achieved something close to miraculous with her extraordinary adaptation of . But the book that meant most to me personally in 2024 was by Miriam Gold for its portrait of Sheffield, my home town, and of the Peak District nearby. I find it hard to imagine the person who wouldn’t be pleased to be given this little volume for Christmas; it’s a feast for the eyes and a boxing glove (in a good way) for the heart. (New River) Funny and plangent, Dorrance’s snowbound memoir about her elderly mother’s dementia really couldn’t be any better if it tried; its drawings and dialogue alike bring to mind the genius of Alison Bechdel or Posy Simmonds. So light on its feet, it practically skis to its conclusion – and yet it’s full of sagacity as well. (Faber) William Golding’s 1954 novel needs no introduction, but in De Jongh’s hands it’s forcefully remade for the age of climate change, her emphasis as much on its ecological message as the morality of our schoolboy savages. A page-turner of a book that my small, not-that-keen-on-reading nephew Freddie liked just as much as I did. (Jonathan Cape) Burns, best known for his 2005 masterpiece , returns with the story of a group of young people who make an alien movie together. Suffused with apprehension, this is a powerfully allegorical comic in which nothing’s ever straightforward, be it extraterrestrials or teen romance. (translated by Jenna Allen) (Fantagraphics) Petar returns from his two-year conscription in the Yugoslav army feeling like a ghost. But then he meets a dancer called Liza, and his world changes. The great Chris Ware ( ) has said he was “stunned” by this “exquisite” portrait of a generation, and it’s not hard to see why. Just beautiful. (Jonathan Cape) Gold’s first book, a scrapbook-style memoir of her Jewish grandmother, Dr Elena Zadik, is a triumph, crossing Europe and the generations with equal alacrity. Zadik was a refugee twice over, but Gold doesn’t labour the parallels with today, choosing instead to let this wonderful but irascible woman speak for herself on the page. I loved (Faber) by Luke Healy, who was a judge of this year’s , but I’m ashamed to say he’s a fairly recent discovery for me. So I’d like a couple of titles from his backlist in my stocking: , which combines the true story of two ill-fated Arctic exhibitions with a fictional tale of a university lecturer in crisis; and , in which Healy recounts his 147-day journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Both are published by the excellent Nobrow. • To browse all of the and s best graphic novels of 2024 go to . Delivery charges may apply

Queens CB 3 approves zoning changes for $8 billion Metropolitan Park development amid heated debate

Overall crime declined, but cybercrime rose exponentially in 2024: Andhra DGP

STATE PARKS CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE: 2024 marks the centennial of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. To celebrate, we invite you to take on the Centennial Challenge! We’ve come up with a list of 100 activities to give you a chance to get outdoors and discover our state parks, to learn more about our New York State history at our historic sites, and to give back to preserve all our properties for the next generation. Not sure you can complete all 100 activities in a year? That’s okay! The goal is to complete 24, after which you’ll earn a commemorative Centennial prize, as well as an entry into a random drawing for one of 24 three-year Empire Passes and a Centennial swag bag! Earn more than 24 points? You’ll receive one (1) extra entry into our promotional giveaway for every extra ten (10) points you earn! Keep track of your Centennial Challenge with either the Goosechase app, available on your iPhone or Android app store, or our handy checklist that you can download or pick up at any local state park or historic site. Challenge submissions will be accepted from January 1, 2024 to January 10, 2025. Winners of the promotional giveaway will be announced the week of January 13, 2025. For more information visit our website at https://www.parks.ny.gov/100/challenge/ ART EXHIBIT: “Enchanting Threads: The Art of Salley Mavor” is on view at the Albany Institute of History & Art through February 23, 2025. Award-winning fiber artist Salley Mavor will give a free artist talk on December 8 at 2pm. The talk is free with gallery admission, and AIHA members get first access to registration. ART EXHIBIT AND AUCTION: Bennington Museum is pleased to open the annual winter exhibition and Closed-Bid Auction, “Uncanny Valley: Magic Realism in Vermont,” which will foreshadow “Green Mountain Magic,” the major summer/fall 2025 exhibition. 25 regional contemporary artists will respond to this theme with new works that will be on display at the Museum through the end of the year. All works are for sale, and proceeds will be split equally between the Museum and the artists. The Closed-Bid Auction of exhibited artwork is currently open, and will close at 4pm on December 18. You may bid online, or by writing in paper bids when you visit the Museum. In Closed-Bid auctions you do not see what others have bid, but instead bid the maximum amount that you would like to pay for that piece. After the bidding closes (and prior to the holidays), the person with the highest bid for each work of art will be declared the winner and be contacted for payment and to arrange a pick-up time. In the event of a tie the bid placed first will be the winner. To avoid a tie, we urge people to bid an odd amount such as $501.50 rather than $500.00. Winning bids placed on items in this auction benefit both the Museum and the artists. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Troy City Council meetings are held at 7 pm on the first Thursday of every month in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 433 River St. in Troy. At the monthly Regular meetings, Troy residents can discuss any issue related to the City of Troy. Past meetings can be viewed on the City Council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/troycitycouncil. More information is available online at troyny.gov. INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is held inside the Troy Atrium every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm from November through April and features over 100 vendors. Free parking is available in the City’s 5th Street Parking Garage, Riverfront Park, the Green Island Bridge lots, RPI’s Blitman Hall, and on city streets – do NOT park on the site of the former Uncle Sam Garage. For updates follow the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on social media or visit www.troymarket.org. AMERICAN ITALIAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER: The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227 Central Avenue in Albany. Since 1979 the museum has fulfilled its mission – to record and preserve Italian heritage for present and future generations – with the help of its dedicated, all volunteer staff. Ours is the largest American Italian museum in the eastern U.S. maintaining 10 exhibit rooms, a Hall of History and a library including research materials. Our gift shop offers many one-of-a-kind and “Made in Italy” items. There is a small admission fee. Please call ahead to confirm we are open. (518) 435-1979. USS SLATER HISTORICAL MUSEUM: The SLATER is open for her 27th season in Albany. Come down and visit us Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM until December 1. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. You may buy tickets at the door as you arrive or book them by going to https://ussslater.org/. We have a free parking lot right next to the ship, which is locked for the night as soon as the last tour group is off the ship. NEW YORK STATE MILITARY MUSEUM: The Military Museum has reopened to the public after lengthy upgrades. The Museum is now open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Housed in a historic armory constructed in 1889, the Military Museum is a nationally recognized source of New York State military history highlighted by the display of numerous historical treasures that are educationally and beautifully presented in a series of permanent and interpretive exhibitions.. The museum is a treat for the whole family and serves as a reminder of the dedicated veterans that defended our country in its times of need and peril. For more information, call 518-581-5100 or visit the website at https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/. WORLD AWARENESS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: The World Awareness Children’s Museum is the first and only children’s museum in the country with multicultural education as its core mission. We are located at 89 Warren St, Glens Falls. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and houses more than 10,000 pieces of children’s art and donated objects from around the world in its collection. School year (September-June) hours are Thursday to Monday 10am to 3pm. Summer hours are 10 am to 5 pm Friday and Monday, 10 am to 3 pm Saturday, and noon to 5 pm Sunday. Educational programs or birthday parties may be scheduled at other times by request. We now have online programming! Parents can visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/online-programming to view the entire library of content. Special programming and tours are available for school groups. Call (518) 793-2773 ext. 303 or visit https://worldchildrensmuseum.org/ for more information and to plan your visit. SYCAWAY SENIORS: Need a diversion in your life? Food, fun and friends await you. Bring a friend or neighbor to the Sycaway Seniors group. Members live all over Rensselaer County, not just Sycaway. We meet the first and third Mondays each month at 18 Keyes Lane, at the Brunswick Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your own lunch. We supply dessert and drinks. Nancy McCloskey of Brunswick is our President. She can be reached at 518 279-0847. Dues are $10 yearly. Stop in for a visit, all are welcome. Bingo and 50/50 are held at each meeting. Cards are only three for $2. Hope to see you there. SINGERS WANTED: Capital Community Voices, a non-auditioning mixed chorus, is seeking new members in all voice parts. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm at Green Meadow Elementary School, Castleton-on-Hudson, beginning Tuesday, September 10th. Singers will be preparing for a December 15th concert with the Festival Celebration Choir. For more information call 518-370-5434. COMMUNITY MEAL: YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., located at 21 First St. in Troy, serves a weekly community meal from 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday. It is a free-of-charge, to-go dinner provided for YWCA residents as well as anyone in the community. All are welcome to join us each week for a free, nutritious cooked meal. Meals are prepared by a variety of volunteers including but not limited to YWCA-GCR staff, residents, community members and students. Residents are encouraged to participate in preparation of the meals and will be assisted by staff in menu planning, shopping and time management. We serve an average of 75 people per week. The YWCA-GCR also partners with community organizations to set up booths at weekly Community Meal to advertise, promote and engage guests in services. Residents and community members can call the YWCA-GCR at (518) 274-7100 to find out Tuesday’s menu. More information about this program is available online at www.ywca-gcr.org. SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP: The “Further Along Survivors of Suicide” Monthly Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month. The group is structured to meet the needs of people who have lost a loved one to suicide and who are approximately 18-24 months past the date of their loss. It is not designed for someone who is recently bereaved. Facilitators are peers who have attended AFSP’s (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – AFSP.org) “Facilitating a Suicide Bereavement Support Group” training. There is no charge, but we encourage people to bring a treat to share or a book that would help someone else on their healing journey that we can include in our lending library. For more information, please email David Grapka at Furtheralongsos@gmail.com. For more information on AFSP, please visit AFSP.org or contact Sandra Goldmeer Sandra Goldmeer, Area Director, Capital Region New York at sgoldmeer@afsp.org or 518.791.1544. POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors typically hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Sullivan Jones VFW Post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The hall is handicap accessible, with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clamsteams and fish fries at the hall and also at various restaurants. Best of all they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest. ICC BINGO: The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation hosts Bingo night on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy. Food and beverages will be sold. GRAFTON MERRYMAKERS: Grafton Merrymakers will keep you updated when our next meeting will take place. If you have any questions please call Betty Jean at 518-272-8624. The Grafton Merrymakers typically meet on the second Wednesday of each month from March through November at the Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road in Grafton. If you are interested in joining the Merrymakers please come to a meeting, or call the senior center Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 518-279-3413. MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP: Meeting Format: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; all are welcome –meditation instruction available. Schedule: Wednesday evenings — 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Location: RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House–4 Sherry Rd. in Troy– a white 2-story residential building about 30 yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Cost: Free. Contact: (518) 271-6949 or (518) 273-1851 for more information. MEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: NY Capital Region Men to Men Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Cancer Society Hope Club, 1 Penny Lane, Latham. Come-share experiences and receive understanding and encouragement from men and their loved ones in dealing with cancer. For more information, please contact the ACS Hope Club at 518-220-6960. PITTSTOWN SENIORS: The town of Pittstown Seniors hold their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month starting with a covered dish luncheon at noon. T.O.P.S meetings are held at the Raymertown Fire House on Mason Lane. All seniors 55 or over are invited to attend. CAPITAL VIEW TOASTMASTERS CLUB: It is more than just public speaking, Learn a variety of communication and leadership skills. Capital View Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the East Greenbush Library. Contact capitalview.toastmastersclubs.org. YOUTH ROBOTICS CLUB: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H is starting a 4-H Robotics Club with 4-H Volunteer and Arduino Robotics guru Ray Martin. The Robotics Club will meet generally the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 61 State Street, Troy. 2nd Floor. Youth ages 12 and older with a strong interest in coding are encouraged to sign up! The club will be primarily working with Arduino boards, but also using 4-H Adafruit products connecting plant and soil sciences with technology. Space is limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Kandis Freer at 518-272-4210 ext. 106. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their abilities. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration. TROY CENTER: Everyone is welcome to sing along with entertainer Bob Marcello as he performs the greatest songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s at Troy Center. All families and friends are welcome to this free monthly engagement. Bob will perform the first Thursday of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49 Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-273-6646 or by email at bsass@troycenter.net for more information. FREE COMMUNITY DINNERS: The second Thursday of every month a free community dinner is served in the city of Rensselaer from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. In an ecumenical partnership, Hope Lutheran Church of North Greenbush, and Rensselaer Presbyterian Church, 34 Broadway have combined and created Hopes Kitchen. SIDEWALK WARRIORS: Each Thursday evening at 35 State St. in Troy, dozens of volunteers set up a large number of tables for Sidewalk Warriors’ weekly distribution. At these tables, visitors can find hot foods, sandwiches, produce, pantry items and essentials. The group often provides special distributions such as towels, linens, pillows, winter boots, underwear, socks or laundry detergent. The folks who attend the distribution may be experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, or they may simply be running short on resources at the end of the month. Set up for the weekly Sidewalk Warriors distribution events begins at 5 p.m. each Thursday, and volunteers begin serving at 6 p.m., no matter what the weather. More information about Sidewalk Warriors Troy is available online at www.sidewalkwarriorstroy.com and www.facebook.com/sidewalkwarriorstroy. BINGO: Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073, located at 683 Columbia Turnpike, hosts Bingo every Thursday evening and the general public is welcome to attend. Doors open at 5 PM for players age 18+. Play starts at 7pm. $1,300 in prizes. Food and refreshments sold. STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Thursdays at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Troy Public Library, located at 100 Second St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary. TROY NIGHT OUT: Last Friday of every month, 5 to 9 pm in downtown Troy. Troy Night Out is an extended evening highlighting shops, restaurants, arts and culture that takes place on the last Friday of every month in downtown Troy. Attendees are able to support virtually or stroll throughout the streets and businesses, enjoying art openings, music performances, fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. Call in for to-go orders or shop items for curbside pick-up, watch live performances through Facebook, gather friends and family virtually the Last Friday of each month to connect, support and relax! Business Listings are updated monthly online at downtowntroy.org. KNIT & CROCHET GROUP: Join the Troy Public Library for a bi-weekly stitching group from 10 to 11 a.m. every first and third Friday of the month. Whether you have experience knitting or crocheting or you want to start learning a new skill, this group is for you! Participants will work together to stitch blankets and other needed items to donate to local homeless shelters and outreach groups. Participants are also welcome to work on their own personal projects. Bring your own knitting needles and crochet hooks or use what we have available. This in-person event is free and open to the public. No registration required. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy. STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Fridays at 9 a.m. at the Lansingburgh Branch of the Troy Public Library, located at 27 114th St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary. Please note: this program occurs before the library opens for the day. Please enter through the side door on 4th Avenue. FREE YOGA: Join for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information email presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com. GRETA THE READING DOG: Practice your reading skills on Greta, our special story-loving dog! Every Saturday at 11:00 am at Troy Public Library’s main branch, located at 100 Second St. in Troy. Free and all ages. More information is available online at www.thetroylibrary.org or by calling 518-274-7071. MAKERS MARKET: A celebration of crafters, makers, artists & taste makers from around the Capital Region The Troy Makers Market is held in conjunction with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which takes place Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm (Monument Square May-October and Uncle Sam Atrium November-April). STEPHENTOWN HERITAGE CENTER: The Stephentown Historical Society welcomes visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday hours are in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1 to 4 p.m. These Saturday open hours will offer more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the Society offers in genealogy research and local history. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible. Hope to see you soon! BREAKFAST BUFFET: Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station, 8:00am – 11:00am Every 1 st Sunday of the Month at the Waterford Knights of Columbus, 76 Grace Street, Waterford. Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes, French toast, sausage, Bacon, home fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. $10 adult – $5 children (Children under 4 free). Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast. For more information visit waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP: Albany Med’s Division of General Pediatrics will host a weekly Postpartum Depression Support Group for mothers and fathers struggling emotionally following the birth of a child. The group is open to mothers who have given birth within the past year and fathers with a child less than one year old who have no additional support. A virtual session via Zoom will be held Mondays from noon to 12:45 p.m. In-person sessions will be held each Tuesday from 4:15 to 5 p.m. at 391 Myrtle Ave., third floor, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics conference room, Albany. Babies are welcome. No pre-registration is required. For more information or to receive information about a Zoom invite, please contact Selina Grant at (518) 262-6221 or grants3@amc.edu. WATERVLIET SENIOR CENTER GROUP LUNCHES: Enjoy a nutritious, social, and fun lunch with the Watervliet Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. The $3 suggested donation is anonymous and everyone is welcome. Call for the daily menu and sign up by 2 p.m. for the following day. The Senior Center is located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. Call 518-273-4422 for more information. FOOD PANTRY: Faith’s Pantry at Grace Church, 34 Third St. is open by appointment. The emergency food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon each Friday. The pantry is also open 7 to 8 pm on the third Thursday of each month and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. To make an appointment, call 518-237-7370. HOMEWORK HELP: Through the Stillwater Public Library, 662 Hudson Ave Stillwater. Tuesday-Thursday, 3-5pm, in person at the library or on Discord Michele #6346. For middle and high school students. YEAR-ROUND RECYCLING: Zion’s United Church of Christ of Taborton receives the following items for recycling in the Blue Box next to the front door of the Church Hall: clothing, belts, blankets, drapery, hats, hand bags, paired shoes, sheets, sneakers, towels and stuffed animals. In the Greenfiber green recycling container, in the church parking lot, the church receives newspapers, phone books, office paper, cardboard, cereal boxes, magazines, brown paper bags and construction paper. Donate all used items to Doors of Hope in West Sand Lake. Donate used furniture to the furniture program of Troy Area United Ministries. Call TAUM at 274-5920, ext. 204, Tiara Burnett, to arrange for a pick up. TUTORS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County helps more than 160 adults each year to gain the skills they need to be employed, participate in community life, and become U.S. citizens. LVORC needs volunteer tutors to do this work, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. Would you like to help someone to read and write, or to speak English as a new language? We can train you. Contact mhellerlvorc@aol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc.org. READING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County is in need of volunteers. Become an adult reading mentor and read to a child once a week during their lunch. Programs are held in elementary schools in Rensselaer, Troy, and Cohoes. Join us today to encourage children to develop a love of reading! We are also in search of a School Coordinator for a Troy school. This volunteer is responsible for coordinating the program which includes monitoring weekly reading sessions, selecting books, and communicating with school personnel and LVORC staff. Call or email today for more info 518-244-4650 // litvoldirector@aol.com. FREE ENGLISH CLASSES: Do you want to improve your English? Are you new to the United States? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has free English Literacy Civics classes where you can improve your English language skills while learning about life in the United States. Each class meets two times per week. Classes for beginning learners meet in Albany. Classes for intermediate learners meet in Troy. For more information, contact Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County at 518-244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org. LVORC ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS: Since 1968, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has helped adults to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English.New learners can join Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County by calling (518) 244-4650 or sending an email to LitVolDirector@aol.com. Call (518) 244-4650 to register. Visit www.lvorc.org for more information. THE CIRCLE OF MOTHERS: Do you have a teen who is struggling? Come find peace and support with other mothers. What is said in the circle stays in the circle. Email us for details: TheCircleOfMothers@gmail.com. HOME DELIVERED MEALS: Are you a Rensselaer County homebound senior over 60 and unable to shop and cook for yourself? Rensselaer County Department of the Aging may be able to help you with a nutritious hot meal delivered to your home Monday through Friday. For more information call 270-2730 or your local Senior Center. ANCESTRY.COM TUTORIALS: North Greenbush Community Library Trustee and Town Historian Jim Greenfield offers free personal tutorials on the use of ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition, available at the library, provides access to 7,000 databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283-0303 and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue, Wynantskill. YARN DONATIONS NEEDED: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Grafton, is happy to accept any donation of yarn. Many of our center members enjoy knitting and crocheting. They make afghans and lap covers for other seniors, as well as some homebound senior residents and to use as raffle items to help support the activities of the center. We also have members that make hats and mittens to be given at the schools when a child is in need. If you would like to make a donation of yarn, please drop it off at the senior center M-F from 9:00 to 3:00, or call to make arrangements for pickup. Any donation, large or small is appreciated. COHOES DOWNTOWN MARKETPLACE: Vintage items, collectibles, crafts, furniture and more. 103 Remsen St., Cohoes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every other Saturday and Sunday. Check the Cohoes Downtown Marketplace Facebook page for current information. VIRTUAL ART SHOW: In times of turmoil, art offers a chance for peace. Join Choose Cohoes for Art (CCfA) in their first virtual CAS (Cohoes Artist Showcase). Over 16 artists from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties share their art in this special show. You can view a sampling of their work, learn about the artists in their own words and reach out to them with comments and encouragement. One of the best things about it is you can check it out on your own schedule. Check out CCfA’s website www.ChooseCohoesForArt.org to learn more about this organization and select the link on the left of the page to go to the virtual show. BLOOD DRIVES: Your blood donation is essential to maintaining our community’s health. For a full list of upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in the area visit www.redcrossblood.org, where participants can register online. SEEKING DONATIONS FOR TROOPS: Capital Region NY 2 Blue Star Mothers of America regularly sends Freedom Boxes to our deployed troops. The group is always seeking donations, which can be dropped off at the Halfmoon Town Hall, located at 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza in Halfmoon. Items needed include snacks, coffee, toiletries and more. For additional information please visit www.capitalregion2bsm.org. SQUASH HUNGER: Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger program is a food donation initiative that collects and distributes more than 40 tons of fresh produce to our region’s food pantries and shelters each year. We rely on generous gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh produce to our collection bins and on volunteers to deliver it to food pantries and shelters, some of which feed more than 100 people three meals a day, every day. Our Squash Hunger donation bins are located at markets and grocery stores throughout the region, so it’s convenient for you to make a food donation while you shop. We rely on a broad network of volunteers to collect and deliver donations to pantries and shelters in their communities. If you are a volunteer, shelter, pantry or store manager who would like to participate, please contact us at 518-274-8685 or squashhunger@capitalroots.org. More information about the Squash Hunger program, including a full list of donation locations, is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/squash-hunger/. URBAN GREENING: Urban greening refers to public landscaping and urban forestry projects that create mutually beneficial relationships between city dwellers and their environments. Vibrant green spaces improve aesthetic appeal,increase property value and decrease energy consumption. Our Urban Greening projects are grant funded. This makes it possible for Capital Roots to provide property owners with trees at no cost. If you are a property owner interested in having a tree planted on your land contact 518-274-8685 or Tara at gardens1@capitalroots.org. STEPHENTOWN FOOD PANTRY: The Stephentown Food Pantry continues to serve the community with food assistance during this time. Extra health precautions and accommodations have been put in place so clients can be served as safely as possible. If someone needing food is sick and/or wishes to avoid contact with others, they should phone the Food Pantry at (518) 487-8606 and leave a message with their phone number. Arrangements can be made for them to pick up a prepacked food bundle. Or they can designate a friend to collect their food for them. The Stephentown Food Pantry offers assistance to residents of Stephentown, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. The pantry is open every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road (County Route 26). Appointments are not needed. As always, requests for help are confidential. The pantry is an equal opportunity provider. For information, call 518-487-8606. Donations Welcome! Even before the current health crisis Stephentown Food Pantry use was increasing. The pantry relies entirely on community donations of money and food items to keep operating. If you would like to help out, please send your check made out to the Stephentown Food Pantry to the Stephentown Food Pantry treasurer at P. O. Box 387, Stephentown, NY 12168. Donations can also be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York, 965 Albany Shaker Road, Latham. Mark it for use by Stephentown Food Pantry and your contribution will be available for us to purchase low cost food from the Food Bank. ROCHMON RECORD CLUB: Join us at an upcoming Rochmon event for an evening of music and community. Each show our host Rochmon Chuck Vosganian takes the room on a high fidelity journey through classic albums spanning many genres and decades. More information about this series, including a schedule of upcoming events, is available online at www.rochmon.com. REALITY CHECK: Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. More information about Reality check and how to join the movement can be found online at www.realitycheckofny.com or www.facebook.com/realitycheckofny. DROP IN TECH HELP: One-on-one assistance with technology is available through the Troy Public Library’s “Drop-In Tech Help” program. An ongoing program, TPL librarians will be on-hand to help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other common devices brought in by patrons. Librarians will also explain and help navigate common apps, such as Gmail and Instagram, and library resources like OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla. Assistance will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. This program is provided weekly on Thursdays from 10AM to 11AM, in the first-floor Troy Room of the Main Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information, call the library at 274-7071. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy. RAISE PLANT GROW: Each year the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District plants approximately 10 trees in downtown Troy. With the assistance of Constable Tree Service, the organization removes old tree stumps, prep the ground for planting, plant, water and maintain these trees. Did you know that each new tree costs about $500? That’s where you come in! As we grow our urban tree canopy, you can help us plant even more! For more information, or to make a donation to the Raise Plant Grow initiative, visit www.downtowntroy.org/trees. THERAPY DOGS READY FOR DUTY: Alliance of Therapy Dogs teams are ready for duty in the Capital Region. The certified therapy dogs are available to serve at schools, colleges, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, airports and special events. The ATD teams can also help first responders, police officers, military personnel and veterans deal with trauma. All ATD canines meet health and vaccination standards. For information on making arrangements for visit, contact Chris Bourgeois of Ballston Lake, at (518) 331-5781 or chrisbee4154@gmail.com. Bourgeois also is a coordinator for the Red Cross’ Paws for a Cause, which specializes in providing therapy dogs for military deployments and redeployments, therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder combat veterans, military family support groups, military events and disasters. THRIFT SHOP: The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop is open from 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. Look for our sign at the corner of rte. 111 and rte. 67. We have a great selection of adult and children’s seasonal clothing, vintage, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, shoes, purses, linens, toys, puzzles, games, cds and dvds, household and decorative items. Over 1,000 books in our well-organized book room.LINCOLN — It was easier to take a charge back then, and Steven Ashworth tried as often as he could. Every day was a competition in practice for Utah State’s freshman point guards, Ashworth and Rollie Worster. They came from different backgrounds. Ashworth was a knockdown shooter. Worster, once a high school quarterback, was bigger and burlier. But the skinny Ashworth had timing and willingness to take a hit from Worster’s 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. It was a common sight and emblematic of their contrasting approaches challenging one another, forcing development. Worster and Ashworth were only teammates for one season, which ended in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Four years, three trips into the transfer portal and 188 games later, their paths again converge in Omaha on Friday, likely for the last time in their college careers as Worster’s Nebraska plays Ashworth’s Creighton at 7 p.m. inside CHI Health Center. “You always hear it’s a small world," Worster said, 'but especially in athletics it’s really small." Said Ashworth: “Obviously, we’ve followed each other’s careers, and we started off together in the same spot then went our separate ways. But a lot of respect for him and his game, and (I’m) excited to see him on Friday.” Worster came to Utah State as the two-time Montana Gatorade Player of the Year. Ashworth, originally from Lone Peak, Utah, had just finished a two-year mission in Indianapolis for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He progressed rapidly over the course of his freshman season, settling back in the daily grind of basketball. Rarely did they share the floor during games. Of Utah State’s 10 most used lineups that season, two of them included both, according to KenPom. The combinations added up to 6% of the Aggies’ total minutes. With Ashworth on the court, the Aggies often pushed the pace. Worster was slower, more methodical. But Worster got an up-close look at Ashworth from playing on opposite teams in practice and watching when Ashworth ran the offense. Worster tried to learn from his teammate’s shooting ability. He watched the way Ashworth moved when he had the ball, the high basketball IQ of someone who was small even by Mountain West point guard standards. “Some nights were my night, some nights were his, and I think just being able to grow from each other,” Worster said. “We both had freshman mistakes and a little bit different playing styles, but I think just to see how you watch everyone play and pick up on things or see things that maybe you do or don’t do that you can get better at.” The Aggies made the NCAA tournament as an 11 seed, falling to Texas Tech in Bloomington, Indiana, an hour from where Ashworth had completed his mission. Then they scattered. USU coach Craig Smith, a former Nebraska assistant, took a new job at the University of Utah. Worster joined Smith while Ashworth played at Utah State for another two years, leaving for Creighton after the 2022-23 season. Life, in Utah and Nebraska, has gone on for both. Worster transferred to Nebraska in April to finish his college career at his third school. Ashworth is now married and has a son. They’ve stayed in occasional contact in the four years since, sometimes running into each other in Utah airports. Friday will serve a full-circle moment, one more connection to their previous lives. “We’ve talked a little bit,” Worster said. “We’re rivals now so it’s a little different, but I just wish him the best success going forward.”

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.”Embellished long-sleeved ‘classy’ dress from Roman is perfect for New Year’s Eve

SOLON, Ohio , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarkett, a global leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, recently led the renovation of the Niles Township Respite Center near Chicago, Illinois . The initiative was part of the company's charitable giving program, Tarkett Cares , which encourages employees to share their time, talents and corporate flooring donations with local communities where the company operates. While planning Design Days 2024, an annual, three-day interior design show in Chicago , the Tarkett team wanted to find a way to contribute to their host city in a new way. "Instead of focusing on one-off customer giveaways, we wanted to invest in something that could create lasting value for the community that hosts our industry each year," said Roxane Spears , vice president of sustainability for Tarkett. Spears contacted Lisa Kaplan , a Chicago -area resident and former commercial flooring professional, who directed her to the Niles Township Respite Center as a place in need. Located in Skokie, Illinois , the Niles Township Respite Center provides relief to residents facing housing and food insecurities. The space offers access to showers, laundry facilities, a clothing closet, food pantry and more. "The Respite Center's efforts to serve community members struggling with housing and food insecurity align perfectly with Tarkett's commitment to social equity and the Tarkett Cares program," Spears said. "While the center operates on a tight budget, it does so much to help so many. If we can support the center's work by providing cleaner, safer spaces for people as they work through challenging circumstances—that's the impact we want to make." With a deep knowledge of how thoughtfully designed interiors and healthy materials can contribute to better indoor air quality and an overall sense of well-being, the team updated the center's flooring with third-party certified products featuring soothing patterns and colors that would help everyone at the center feel more at home and at peace. Tarkett donated new floors (including the costs of labor for installation) for a quiet room, multi-purpose room, entryway and stairs. The team's enthusiasm for the project spread to other local contractors; FloorsMD provided installation services and their president, Michelle DeLuco , served as an onsite coordinator throughout the project. Tarkett's ethos® carpet tile was installed in the quiet room. ethos is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and has a non-PVC backing that can be recycled back into itself. Contour LVT, which can be recycled into auto mats when taken back through Tarkett's ReStart® take-back and recycling program, was installed in the entryway and multi-purpose room. Coordinating Johnsonite® stair treads were also added to enhance safety and durability. After seeing the newly installed floors, DeLuco felt energized and determined to find a way to go a little further. The project scope grew to include a room expansion, ceiling height adjustment, fresh coat of paint and additional carpet tile for four offices that had suffered flood damage. The additional flooring materials and labor were covered by Tarkett and FloorsMD. ECI and its Executive Construction Foundation, Maxxon and Aspen Commercial Painting also contributed to the expanded project scope. The Respite Center was not charged for any portion of the renovation. "The center had such good bones and was already doing tremendous work for the community. It was very heart-pleasing to see what impact we could make with just a little bit of elbow grease and a group of people who cared," DeLuco said. Ruth Orme-Johnson , a social worker for the Respite Center, said the renovations drastically improved the energy of the space. "It was just wonderful to know that we're giving our clients the kind of calm, positive and inviting environment that we really have always wanted to. You can just feel everyone relax a little bit," Orme-Johnson said. "Our new floor, our new space has been such a gift in terms of being welcoming to everybody. It's also helped me feel proud of the work I do. The space allows the people we help believe they're capable and have the agency to take those steps that will have a positive impact on their lives long term." Mike Isaacs , public relations outreach coordinator for Niles Township Government, said the impact of the renovation exceeded everyone's expectations. "It's been really inspiring," he said. "Our gratitude is forevermore, that's for sure." In addition to corporate giving, the global Tarkett Cares program empowers employees to donate two days of volunteer activity each year. Globally, Tarkett employees have volunteered 3,800 days and contributed to over 900 community initiatives between 2017 and 2023. Take a virtual tour of the renovated Niles Township Respite Center. About Tarkett With a 140-year history, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and durable flooring and sports surface solutions, generating net sales of 3.4 billion euros in 2023. The Group has around 12,000 employees, 23 R&D centres, 8 recycling centres, and 34 production sites. Tarkett designs and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, shops, and sports fields, serving customers in more than 100 countries. To build "The Way to Better Floors", the Group is committed to the circular economy and sustainable development, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design ® approach. Tarkett is listed on the Euronext-regulated market (compartment B, ISIN: FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com Every Step Matters For years, Tarkett has raised the sustainability standards of the flooring industry. The company designs floors with transparency you can trust as it creates healthy impacts on indoor spaces and protects our air, water, soil, and every living thing. Tarkett's ReStart ® take-back and recycling program will either repurpose or recycle every type of flooring from any manufacturer. Its near-term science-based carbon emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement objective to limit global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius. For more information, visit commercial.tarkett.com/sustainability . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tarkett-leads-effort-to-renovate-chicago-area-respite-center-as-part-of-tarkett-cares-program-302315799.html SOURCE Tarkett USA , Inc.

Vaikom Satyagraha centenary valedictory: Stalin, Ministers to visit Kerala this weekZions Bancorporation, National Association ( NASDAQ:ZIONP – Get Free Report ) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,600 shares, a decrease of 76.6% from the November 30th total of 11,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 5,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Zions Bancorporation, National Association Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:ZIONP opened at $24.04 on Friday. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $23.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.41. Zions Bancorporation, National Association has a 12-month low of $19.01 and a 12-month high of $24.51. Zions Bancorporation, National Association Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, December 15th. Investors of record on Sunday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.362 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 29th. This represents a $1.45 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.02%. Zions Bancorporation, National Association Company Profile Zions Bancorporation, National Association provides various banking products and related services primarily in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It operates through Zions Bank, California Bank & Trust, Amegy Bank, National Bank of Arizona, Nevada State Bank, Vectra Bank Colorado, and The Commerce Bank of Washington segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Zions Bancorporation National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zions Bancorporation National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

TGNAB launches drug-free awareness initiative for Telangana students

CHICAGO — Former state Rep. Edward Acevedo’s name has been thrown around five separate federal criminal trials in recent years involving the sweeping corruption probe of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan. But Acevedo, 61, a Chicago Democrat and onetime member of Madigan’s leadership team, has never been called to testify — until now. Prosecutors late Thursday filed a motion in U.S. District Court saying they intend to call Acevedo as a witness in Madigan’s ongoing corruption trial, and are seeking permission of the chief judge to compel his testimony if he invokes his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination as expected. Attached to the motion was a letter dated June 1, 2022, from the U.S. Attorney General’s office signing off on an immunity request for Acevedo, which had been sought by then-U.S. Attorney John Lausch. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey granted the request Friday, writing in a two-page order that Acevedo “shall not be excused from testifying or producing evidence...on the ground that the testimony or evidence may tend to incriminate him.” As part of the deal, prosecutors cannot use anything Acevedo says on the witness stand to bring criminal charges against him — as long as he tells the truth. If the U.S. attorney’s office believes he lied under oath, however, Acevedo can be charged with perjury. The move injects some late-hour drama into Madigan’s trial, which began Oct. 8 and is now in the final stages of the prosecution’s evidence. Prosecutors have said they could rest their case in chief by the end of next week. Acevedo is central to two of the schemes alleged in the indictment accusing utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois of funneling money through do-nothing consulting contracts to a group of Madigan associates in exchange for the speaker’s support for the companies’ legislative agendas in Springfield. Prosecutors alleged Acevedo received about $120,000 from ComEd over a two-year period after he left the General Assembly in 2017. The indictment also alleges he was paid another $22,500 in 2017 by AT&T, which hid the payments in a subcontract with Tom Cullen, a lobbyist and former Madigan political guru. Acevedo is not charged in the Madigan case, but pleaded guilty to related tax fraud counts in 2022 and was sentenced to six months in prison . His sons, Alex and Michael Acevedo, also were convicted of tax charges related to the money Acevedo took in through his consulting firm. Meanwhile, Acevedo was a feature of testimony in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial last year, as well as the trials of former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes and ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza. Jurors in Madigan’s trial have also heard much about Acevedo, including a number of unflattering comments in emails and wiretaps accusing him of boorish behavior and excessive drinking. But he has not appeared in any of the audio or video recordings in the case, and the only image of him seen so far in court has been his driver’s license photo. Prosecutors first revealed their intent to call Acevedo before testimony began Thursday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told the judge that in addition to invoking the Fifth, Acevedo’s attorney had signaled that she would try to keep him off the stand on grounds that he is not competent to testify. It’s a tactic the U.S. attorney’s office has employed liberally in the Madigan probe, with w itnesses such as Will Cousineau, a former top political aide to the speaker, and legendary 13th Ward precinct captain Ed Moody , and several others all being compelled to testify under immunity agreements. Mapes, meanwhile, was granted immunity but later charged with perjury after prosecutors alleged he lied to the federal grand jury investigating Madigan’s operation. Mapes was convicted last year at trial and is serving a 2 1/2 year prison sentence. Acevedo’s attorney, Gabrielle Sansonetti, declined to comment Friday. But in a sentencing filing two year ago, Sansonetti filed a memo from Acevedo’s doctor on the public docket saying he had myriad health issues, including mild cognitive impairment, gout, hypertension, high cholesterol and depression and anxiety. “Currently, Mr. Acevedo reports misplacing items, forgetting grandchildren’s names, conversations and passwords, and difficulty paying his bills,” the physician wrote in the assessment. “His family and friends have also noticed waxing and waning forgetfulness.” A former Chicago police officer from the South Side, Acevedo served as Madigan’s assistant majority leader in the House before retiring in 2017. He went on to work as a consultant paid by former state Rep. John Bradley, a Democrat from Downstate Marion and a onetime contract lobbyist for ComEd. He also worked as a consultant for Shaw Decremer, a former Democratic House staffer and campaign operative ousted from Madigan’s political organization following complaints that he was abusive. The jury in Madigan’s trial has seen emails and heard wiretapped recordings detailing the push to get Acevedo some money as he transitioned out of politics, an assignment that was largely handled by Madigan’s longtime confidant and now-codefendant, Michael McClain. One of the conspiracy counts against Madigan and McClain alleges that La Schiazza agreed to pay $22,500 to Acevedo for a do-nothing consulting job in exchange for Madigan’s help passing a bill to end mandated landline service. As usual, the request came from McClain, who emailed AT&T governmental affairs officer Bob Barry in his not-so-subtle style. “Bob, I hope this note finds you well,” McClain wrote in the Feb. 14, 2017, email. “BOB, is there even a small contract for Eddie Acevedo? My best, Mike McClain.” The payments were approved even though La Schiazza and others at AT&T were aware that Acevedo’s overly partisan style rubbed many of his colleagues across the aisle the wrong way, according to testimony in La Schiazza’s trial in September. “Eddie tended to go out in the evenings in Springfield after session and on occasion would have too much to drink,” testified Stephen Selcke, who worked for years as one of AT&T’s top internal lobbyists. “And when he drank too much, he could get belligerent and, to a degree, a little loose-lipped.” Selcke was also granted immunity before his testimony. Acevedo also allegedly was hired by ComEd as a favor to Madigan, one of many people whom prosecutors say were given jobs as part of a bribery scheme. Jurors last month saw a memorable email in which then-ComEd executive Fidel Marquez seemingly lost his cool after Acevedo asked for a job for a friend. “Geez...he has a son and a nephew at ComEd. He’s got a contract at ComEd. Has he no limit?” Marquez emailed McClain. McClain responded using his frequent euphemism for Madigan, saying that Marquez’s rant “sounded like our Friend.” Jurors also heard a November 2018 wiretapped call where John Bradley, one of the former Madigan staffers who allegedly took on ComEd subcontractors, told McClain he hadn’t “heard any complaints from anybody.” “Unless Eddie Acevedo doesn’t get his check within 12 hours of when he thinks he’s supposed to get it,” Bradley said. McClain burst into laughter. “Yeah. He’s something isn’t he?’ ©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Saturday, December 28, 2024 Elon Musk’s Space X is gearing up for a significant leap in its space exploration plans, with a proposal to increase Starship test launches to 25 in 2025. This ambitious target is a fivefold increase from the five demonstration launches scheduled for 2024 and highlights Musk’s determination to accelerate advancements in lunar and Mars missions. However, the path forward is fraught with regulatory hurdles, environmental concerns, and the technical complexities of developing the world’s most powerful rocket. The SpaceX Starship, comprising the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy rocket, represents a next-generation leap in space transportation. Standing at an impressive 400 feet, the fully reusable system is designed to carry humans and cargo to Earth’s orbit, the moon, and eventually Mars. NASA has already identified Starship as a critical component of its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface in the coming years. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Under NASA’s Artemis III mission, astronauts aboard the Orion capsule will transfer to Starship in orbit for their descent to the moon’s surface. However, delays in the Artemis program have pushed the timeline for these missions further, with the first lunar landing now expected no earlier than 2026. Meanwhile, Musk’s vision extends beyond the moon. SpaceX aims to send its first uncrewed Starships to Mars in late 2026, leveraging a favorable planetary alignment. Crewed missions could follow as early as 2028, marking a new era in interplanetary exploration. To achieve its ambitious goals, SpaceX must secure approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its proposed increase in Starship launches. The FAA, which oversees commercial rocket launches in the U.S., issued a launch license for Starship’s next test flight on December 17, 2024. However, the agency has emphasized the need for SpaceX to meet all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements before approving additional operations. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . As part of the licensing process, the FAA is soliciting public input and hosting a series of public meetings in January 2025. These meetings, including four in Texas and one livestreamed session, will provide a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns about the potential impacts of increased launch activity. The FAA aims to balance the progress of space exploration with the safety of local communities and the environment. SpaceX’s relationship with the FAA has been strained in recent months. The agency proposed $633,009 in civil penalties against SpaceX in September 2024, citing failures to adhere to license requirements during two previous launches. Musk has publicly criticized the FAA, describing its regulatory processes as overly bureaucratic and hinting at plans to challenge the agency in court. The environmental implications of frequent Starship launches have become a growing concern for local communities and environmental watchdogs. SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, has faced scrutiny for its potential impact on wildlife habitats and coastal ecosystems. Environmentalists worry that Musk’s influence on U.S. policy, particularly with the incoming administration, could lead to reduced oversight of the spaceflight sector. Critics argue that the push for rapid development and increased launch activity must be balanced with robust environmental protections. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . Starship’s development has been marked by both groundbreaking achievements and setbacks. The sixth Starship test flight, conducted in November 2024, demonstrated significant progress in engine performance and flight stability. However, the system remains in the testing phase, with each launch serving as a learning opportunity for SpaceX engineers. SpaceX is currently preparing for its seventh Starship test flight at the Starbase facility. Recent engine tests have focused on ensuring the vehicle’s flight readiness. While a target date for the next launch has not been announced, the FAA’s recent approval clears the way for further testing. The massive Starship launches have captivated public imagination, drawing spectators from across the globe to witness the historic flights. Visitors to the Boca Chica launch site have described the experience as awe-inspiring, highlighting the powerful visual and auditory impact of the launches. SpaceX’s advancements have significant implications for the commercial space industry. The company’s progress is setting new benchmarks for reusable rocket technology and inspiring other players to innovate. With a record 148 FAA-licensed commercial space operations conducted in 2024, the industry is on a trajectory of rapid growth. For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter . As SpaceX moves forward with its ambitious plans, the company’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and address environmental concerns will be critical. Musk’s vision of making humanity a multi-planetary species hinges on the success of the Starship program, which promises to redefine the boundaries of space exploration. 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for SpaceX and the broader space industry. From the ramp-up in Starship launches to the advancement of lunar and Mars missions, the year promises to deliver significant milestones that will shape the future of space travel. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.