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Once cold and lonely, ‘snow management’ at Tahoe resorts goes high-tech with lasersVANCOUVER — British Columbia business owner Joe Chaput will spend $5,500 a month on security guards during the holiday season and plans on upgrading his store’s video camera system for around $5,000 more. He’s not selling luxury brands or expensive jewels. Chaput sells cheese, and at Christmas, cheese is a hot commodity. He is the co-owner of specialty cheese store les amis du Fromage, with two locations in Vancouver. While cheeselifting is rare in their Kitsilano store, the outlet in East Vancouver is hit in waves, with nothing happening for a month, then three of four people trying to steal their inventory within a week. “Sometimes, you miss it. Sometimes, you catch it. The way shoplifters behave ... they tend to gravitate toward expensive things,” said Chaput. Expensive cheese is on shoplifters’ Christmas list, he said. “They tend to do the classic examples of staying away from customer service and trying to go to a different part of the store so they can be left alone to steal.” Chaput isn’t alone. Police say food-related crimes on are the rise in Canada and as prices climb for items such as cheese and butter, they become lucrative on the black market for organized crime groups, not to mention theft for local resale. Sylvain Charlebois, the director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-food Analytics Lab, said a black market tends to emerge as soon as food prices surge. “Organized crime will steal anything (if) they know they can sell it and so, they probably would have known who their clients are before even stealing anything at all, and that’s how a black market is organized,” said Charlebois. He said he believes there are two categories of people shoplifting — those who do so out of desperation because they can’t afford the food, or organized criminals, profiting from sales on the black market. Mounties in North Vancouver made cheesy headlines when they ran into a man with a cart of stolen cheese in the middle of the night in September. The cheese, valued at $12,800, was from a nearby Whole Foods Store. While the cheese was recovered, it had to be disposed of because it hadn’t been refrigerated. Const. Mansoor Sahak, with the North Vancouver RCMP, said officers believe cheese is targeted because it’s “profitable to resell.” “If they are drug addicts, they will commit further crimes with that or feed their drug habits. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Sahak. Sahak said meat is also a top target for grocery thieves, with store losses sometimes in the thousands. “So, we’re not surprised that this happened,” said Sahak. Police in Ontario have been chasing down slippery shoplifters going after butter. Scott Tracey, a spokesman with Guelph Police Service, said there have been eight or nine butter thefts over the last year, including one theft last December worth $1,000. In October, two men walked into a local grocer and filled their carts with cases of butter valued at $936, and four days later a Guelph grocer lost four cases valued at $958. Tracey said he has looked at online marketplaces and found listings by people selling 20 or 30 pounds of butter at a time. “Clearly, somebody didn’t accidentally buy 30 extra pounds of butter. So, they must have come from somewhere,” said Tracey, “I think at this point it appears to be the black market is where it’s headed.” He said the thefts seem to be organized, with two or three people working together in each case. Police in Brantford, Ont., are also investigating the theft of about $1,200 worth of butter from a store on Nov. 4. Charlebois said retailers could invest in prevention technologies like electronic tags, but putting them on butter or cheese is rare. He said up until recently grocery store theft has been a “taboo subject for many years.” Stores didn’t wanted to talk about thefts because they didn’t want to alarm people but now they feel they need to build awareness about what is “becoming a huge problem,” said Charlebois. Chaput, the cheese store owner, said he had been running the East Vancouver store for 15 years while managing the store in Kitsilano for 30 years, and he loves his customers. “It’s really one of the best parts of our businesses, seeing familiar faces and making new customers. It’s why we come to work, really. Partly it’s the cheese, and partly it’s the people,” said Chaput. He said his strategy to combat would-be thieves is to give them extra customer service to make it harder for them to steal. He admits, however, that the shoplifting causes him stress. “It’s challenging. You’re busy trying to run your business day to day and take care of customers and take care of employees. Having to deal with criminals, just kind of scratches away. It can be a bit exhausting,” said Chaput. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2024. Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

NoneQuick Links Company overview and brief history A company born from mergers Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems Impressive financial performance in recent years While the vast majority of the world's largest defense contractors are located in the United States and service the world's highest-spending military and the majority of its allies, there are a few defense contractors across Europe that still play a major role in global defense production. On the continent, Airbus Defense plays a major role in the arms manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to helicopters . Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! The Italian defense contractor Leonardo also plays an important role , even providing some services to the United States Armed Forces. In the United Kingdom, the defense industry was extensively fractured following WWII, with many different manufacturers having thrived during the wartime production period. However, once the conflict was over, there was a major void in the market, with an oversupply of manufacturers and much weaker demand for military aircraft and other weapons systems with the conflict coming to an end. As a result, the British defense industry underwent an extensive period of corporate consolidation, in which several mergers and acquisitions slowly lowered the number of defense contractors in the United Kingdom. Electronic warfare drones will be a huge asset on the modern battlefield. Today, BAE Systems is Britain's largest and most important defense contractor While some contractors attempted to either enter the commercial manufacturing space or market their products abroad, the majority failed to achieve the level of financial stability needed to continue independent operations. As a result, further consolidation continued until the twenty-first century, where only one true dominant player remains in the United Kingdom's defense manufacturing industry. Formed from the merger of multiple different manufacturers over the years, today's BAE Systems is one of the largest arms manufacturers worldwide. Let's take a deeper look at this massive company, the products it sells on the market today and examine its continued financial success. Company overview and brief history According to an analysis from Defense News , BAE Systems is the seventh-largest defense contractor in the world today, and its importance in the European market is only continuing to grow. The following table demonstrates the ten largest defense contractors worldwide, according to their revenues from 2023. Defense contractor: Country of origin: 2023 revenue (billion, USD): Lockheed Martin United States $64.6 Aviation Industry Corporation of China China $44.9 RTX Corporation United States $40.6 Northrop Grumman United States $35.1 General Dynamics United States $33.6 Boeing United States $32.6 BAE Systems United Kingdom $27.5 China State Shipbuilding Corporation China $21.1 China North Industries Group China $16.6 L3Harris Technologies United States $15.5 As we can immediately tell from this graphic, BAE Systems is the largest defense contractor in Europe and is one of the only ones globally that stands toe to toe in scale with the major contractors from the United States and China. The company currently employs over 90,000 people across the globe. A company born from mergers BAE Systems today is a massive multinational aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity-oriented conglomerate that remains headquartered in London. The company's primary markets for product sales unsurprisingly include the United Kingdom and multiple other European nations, but its US subsidiary, BAE Systems Inc., is a major defense contractor for the United States Armed Forces. Other major customers have historically included Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, India, and Japan. The company as it stands today was founded in 1999 when it entered the market following the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems. The company also emerged as the successor to de Havilland, Hawker Siddeley, and Supermarine, all British aircraft manufacturers with storied heritages. The Irish flag carrier had humble beginnings. The company has expanded through acquisitions over the years, including that of US-based United Defense and Armor Holdings, and has also diverted its shares in multiple major joint ventures, including Airbus. The company later became a key partner in multiple major aircraft programs, including the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as multiple different submarine and ship classes for the Royal Navy. Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems BAE Systems today specializes in the production of multiple types of next-generation military weapons systems and other equipment. Its most important product in the aerospace sector is the Eurofighter Typhoon , which it produces through a joint venture with Airbus and Leonardo, where it maintains a 33% stake. The aircraft is a major partner in the F-35 Lightning II program as well, which remains a major piece of air superiority strategy for global air forces. The organization also produces several trainer aircraft, including the popular Hawk , and it is currently developing the Tempest, a sixth-generation trainer aircraft set to enter service by 2035. The company also plays an important role in land-based weapons systems manufacturing , including Challenger 2 tanks and M777 Howitzer artillery. The company also produces widely distributed weapons like the SA80 assault rifle, according to Defense Procurement International . The company plays an important role in naval manufacturing, including the production of Astute-class submarines, Type 26 frigates, and Dreadnought-class submarines. Impressive financial performance in recent years Despite a relatively lukewarm financial performance this year, BAE Systems, a publicly traded company, has achieved fairly impressive returns in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2020, nearly five years ago, the company has seen stock prices rise by over 100%, with sales booming amid a period of extended global conflict.

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Martinez parades goalkeeper awards and justifies them with wonder save for Villa in Champions LeaguePALISADES TAHOE SKI RESORT — At midnight, a slender moon hangs above the snowy Sierra Nevada, casting only a faint glow on a sheer cliff and the dark canyon below. But snowcat operator “Bandit” Ferrante has laser-guided vision, measuring snow depth 150 feet ahead and to each side to sculpt the slopes with precision. By dawn, crowds will start arriving to ski and ride the weekend’s fresh powder. “These advancements are changing the way we do things,” said Ferrante, 37, who drives a new $400,000 German-made PistenBully rig with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to prepare the trails. “I see exactly where we’re going, and what’s going on.” After two winters of heavy snow, the snowfall so far this winter has been sporadic. While Mother Nature is always fickle, climate change could create less reliable snow, spelling hardship for the businesses and mountain communities that depend on storms for their economic survival. So resorts seek to make and protect each precious flake. Big corporations running Palisades, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Mammoth Mountain have made major investments, worth many millions of dollars, in what’s dubbed “snow management.” With some daily lift tickets exceeding $250, the resorts seek to deliver a dependable high-end experience. Initially just farm tractors on tracks, snowcats have evolved into machines of design, detailed craftsmanship and computer-driven tools. Inside the warmth of his cab, with a chatty podcast for company, monitors a computer screen with color-coded snow depths, guiding him on where to push and pull snow for the best coverage. Its SNOWsat LiDAR remote sensing technology uses laser pulses to measure snow depth. With accuracy to within an inch, it can construct perfect snowboard half-pipes or World Cup ski race terrain. The joystick that directs the 12-ton machine is smooth, responsive and comfortable to grasp. The blade shifts in 17 different directions, with wings to shovel the snow. With a sensor that detects incline, the powerful tiller automatically rises and falls when routes get steep. It’s turned a once lonely and tedious task into a skill-driven profession. “You keep learning new things,” said Ferrante, a South Lake Tahoe native with nearly 20 years of resort experience. A tidy tattoo — a snowcat control stick — adorns his neck. At competitive “Groomer Games” every spring, representatives of all California ski resorts gather to test their expertise by pushing a golf ball through a maze. Innovations in snow-making tools — such as the $40,000 Super PoleCat — perform alchemy, mixing massive drafts of water, air and electricity to cover miles of runs. Some have built-in automated weather stations. Snowcats maximize the efficiency of snowmaking. Some are simple utility vehicles, hauling things around the mountain. Others are “trooper carriers,” moving ski patrollers. “Dig rigs” have backhoes to excavate buried equipment. A few have forks, for installing fences and seats on race days. The smallest cats are adroit at digging out chairlifts and clearing sidewalks. “You use the right tool for the right job,” said Brendan Gibbons, director of snow surface at Palisades Tahoe. The most prized snowcats at Palisades are the new LiDAR-equipped machines. They are leading the fleets that are racing across the resort this weekend to groom freshly fallen powder, sending information by cell signal to the less well-equipped machines. Until recently, snowcats relied on GPS to measure snow depth; the technology knows how high the machine is sitting above the ground. But this tool offers a limited view of what’s directly under the rig and front blade, not what lies ahead. “It was a great start to this technology, but it only allowed us to see how deep the snow is where we’ve been, and where we are,” said Gibbons. “LIDAR shows us what the snow is before we get to it.” Palisades snowmaking manager Evan Nielsen and his dog June check on the man-made snow machines at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s Mountain Run in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) The intricate joystick of a modern snowcat is used by operators managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight on the mountains of Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) A screen inside Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat relays information for the operator as he works at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante’s LiDAR-equipped snowcat works under moonlight managing the snow depth at Palisades Tahoe’s Mountain Run in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) A LiDAR sensor is mounted on a Kässbohrer All Terrain Vehicle at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Bandit Ferrante climbs into his LiDAR-equipped snowcat at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Gondolas at Palisades Tahoe pass above a skier in Olympic Village, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Palisades snowmaking manager Evan Nielsen and his dog June check on the man-made snow machines at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Village Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) LiDAR also measures the volume of piles of manmade snow, helping guide its use. The tool is already in use in research and government agencies to study snow from the air. It helps water districts measure future water reserves. It can identify avalanche danger. Related Articles It works by sending out laser pulses per second. Then it measures the time of flight — how long it takes the laser to hit the snow and bounce back to the instrument. It calculates distance by using the known speed of light and the time it takes the laser to travel. In the summer, LiDAR builds a digital model of the bare terrain. In the winter, Bandit and other “night crawlers” creep along the mountain’s cold contours, taking snow measurements. Managers study the freshly updated maps on their phones, then strategize a nighttime plan based on weather, wind, melting and skier traffic. After a long day of wear and tear, LiDAR helps “clean up the holes, remove the moguls and return the slope back to a nice, perfect skiing surface,” said Brian Demarsest, SNOWSat manager for Kassbohrer All Terrain Vehicles in Reno, which sells (“trail worker” in German). Snowcats no longer lurch and rock. An eight-hour shift “is like driving to L.A.,” said Gibbons. Grooming is still dangerous, with peril on slippery and avalanche-prone slopes. One recent winter, when winds hit 192 mph gusts, machines skidded on ice. Ferrante arrives at Palisades in mid-afternoon from his home in Garnerville, Nevada, to get his assignment for the night’s “swing shift.” When he’s done, he’ll hand it off to a colleague on the graveyard shift that grooms until the lifts open. By 5 a.m., he’s in bed. “I don’t get lonely,” said Ferrante, who drinks a thermos of black tea lemon to stay alert. Food can be heated by the exhaust pipe. Throughout the long night hours, operators coordinate with each other, traveling together when there’s avalanche danger. A winch can help secure a machine, allowing it to work on steep slopes. Ferrante sees coyotes, deer, porcupines, and occasional bear. One crew saw migrating ducks fall from the sky, lost in a storm. His crew started the season with “track packing” to compress November’s snow. Now, with the arrival of a new storm, he’ll push snow into rigid “wind rows,” like fences, to catch blowing drifts; later teams will smooth them out. Post-storm priorities are roads, then ramps, then runs. His discipline, largely unrecognized by resort visitors, is building the foundation for a whole season of sport. “There is a ‘skill ceiling’ that’s infinite,” said Ferrante. “You’re never going to be the very best. You’re never going to figure it all out.”

Daylight Saving Time To End Soon? Trump Calls It 'Inconvenient And Costly For Nation'DALLAS — Tad Carper had no idea the technology to detect more than 50 cancers with one test existed. He does now, and the Dallas Cowboys senior vice president of communication wants to help spread the word. Carper recently underwent surgery for Stage 2 throat cancer. He exhibited no symptoms. The Galleri blood test, developed by GRAIL, allowed him to attack the cancer sooner than he would have been able to otherwise. The story of Carper and others helps put a face on its impact and increases awareness of this relatively new technology. “There is nothing that is more motivating and inspiring than hearing these stories,” said Dr. Josh Ofman, president of GRAIL, a California-based biotech company that specializes in early cancer detection. Single-cancer screenings are the norm. The focus is usually on three specific cancers in women (breast, colon and cervical) and two in men (prostate and colon). Lung is a focus for heavy smokers. Screening for these cancers helps save lives. But it creates what Ofman calls a classic spotlight problem, shining the light over there while other, more aggressive cancers go unscreened. More than 70% of cancer deaths in the United States occur from those less common cancers, Ofman said. The Galleri test doesn’t target a specific area. It looks for the fingerprint, the biological signal in DNA that has been shed from cancer. It’s a very specific marker and detects where that cancer is in the body. It creates a more effective and efficient screening program. “This really is a game-changer,” Ofman said. “In the past, people always thought of a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, so they didn’t want to know. With the new technology that GRAIL has pioneered, we can now find many of the aggressive, early cancers. “That can change the way we think about cancer.” Blood is drawn and shipped to the company’s lab in North Carolina to test for more than 50 cancers. The results are available in seven to 10 days. Patients receive one of two messages: — No cancer signal detected. Please continue doing recommended single-cancer screening. — Cancer signal detected. The patient is given the predicted location and told to set up an appointment with their primary physician to have a CT scan. There are more than 8 million false positive results yearly with the single-screening cancers mentioned above, Ofman said. That’s a 10% false positive rate. The false positive rate of the Galleri test is 0.5%, he said. Galleri has been on the market for almost three years, Ofman said, and there have been 250,000 tests administered and another 380,000 people are in individual studies. The technology has received a breakthrough designation from the FDA. The cost is $949. The last module of information for the company to submit in seeking final FDA approval comes in the first half of 2026. A bill regarding Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) screening is currently before congress. It was passed unanimously (38-0) out of the House Committee on Ways and Means. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is hopeful it will be passed in the coming weeks. The bill enjoys broad bipartisan support with 318 sponsors in the House and 63 sponsors in the Senate. While the current bill doesn’t mandate Medicare coverage, it would allow the Medicare program to determine coverage if clinical benefit is shown. Carper wrote a letter to congressional leaders last week supporting the bill. “Tad’s willingness to help bring awareness is so important,” Dr. Ofman said. “It will hopefully reach countless people who can then benefit from screening.” --------- ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

As of market close on Dec. 12, the S&P 500 ( ^GSPC -0.00% ) and Nasdaq Composite ( ^IXIC 0.12% ) indexes have gained 27% and 32% in 2024, respectively. Returns like that make it hard for investors to lose money. One of the best-performing sectors in 2024 is consumer cyclical, which has gained 32% -- putting it right on par with the returns of the Nasdaq. Within the consumer cyclical market, however, one sub-industry has been particularly weak. As of this writing, the footwear and accessories market has dropped by 10% this year. This is not an anomaly -- the footwear and accessories industry has dropped by nearly 18% over the last 12 months, and by 36% over the last three years. Given such dismal returns, it's easy to point to inflation and high interest rates as primary culprits impacting the footwear and apparel markets. And while that isn't wrong per se, there's more to the picture when it comes to analyzing individual companies. Below, I'm going to explore what has caused Nike ( NKE -0.91% ) stock to drop by 28% this year -- making it the second-worst-performing stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI -0.20% ) . Furthermore, I'll break down how Nike is changing things up and looking to right the ship. What's been going on at Nike? For the last several years, Nike has instituted a number of changes in the business that ultimately did not work out. Let's explore some of the moves the company made, and assess why they backfired. Metaverse: You may remember that back during the peak days of COVID, a concept known as the metaverse started gaining some traction. The metaverse represents a digital world where people can interact and engage with others through virtual reality, gaming, and more. One of the pillars supporting the metaverse were digital assets , in particular non-fungible tokens ( NFT s). NFTs became incredibly popular for a period of time due to their scarcity and perceived exclusivity. Nike attempted to capitalize on this movement through the acquisition of virtual sneaker company RTFKT . Direct-to-consumer: In recent years, Nike has also made meaningful changes to its distribution strategy. Namely, the company parted ways with a number of brick-and-mortar retailers in an effort to double down on its own branded storefronts and online marketplace. If Nike's five-year stock performance is any indication, things have been pretty rough for the company for a while now. NKE data by YCharts How is Nike trying to right the ship? Earlier this month, Nike announced that it is moving on from the metaverse and shutting down the RTFKT operation. I think this is a necessary move and makes complete sense. Ultimately, becoming involved with NFTs and digital goods was a distraction that further alienated Nike's core customers who prefer higher-quality shoes and clothing. Another big change that Nike made (and one that I predicted) is that it replaced its CEO John Donahoe . Again, this decision makes a lot of sense. Donahoe has spent his entire career in the technology field; simply put, he was likely not the best fit for Nike to begin with. The decision to change its distribution network in favor of a more e-commerce-centric strategy ultimately backfired and paved the way for competing shoe brands to eat into Nike's market share. In addition to cleaning up from an operational and managerial perspective, Nike now also has the luxury of working alongside Bill Ackman . Ackman is the CEO of hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management and is known to be an activist investor . And while activists may not always have the most positive reputations, I'd encourage you to take a look at Ackman's track record when it comes to turnaround opportunities. Two of Ackman's more notable success stories in the consumer industry stem from Chipotle Mexican Grill and Wendy's . During Ackman's time as an investor in Wendy's, the company completed a successful spin-off of subsidiary Tim Hortons, while Chipotle (in which Pershing Square still owns a position) replaced its CEO and subsequently entered a new phase of transformative growth. Is Nike stock a buy? Considering Nike's price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 22 is hovering near a 10-year low, I'd say investors have largely soured on the stock and moved on. While this lack of investor enthusiasm may be warranted, I think the company isn't getting enough credit for the changes it's making in order to right the ship going into 2025. NKE PE Ratio data by YCharts While there is some degree of speculation with an investment in Nike, I remain optimistic over its prospects. I think the stock is a bargain at its current valuation, and I think scooping up shares heading into 2025 and holding through the turnaround phase could prove to be a lucrative decision in the long run.Aybak: About 35 miners were trapped under the rubble of a coal mine in Afghanistan’s Samangan province, local officials said on Sunday, December 15. The provincial health director, Sayed Usman Hamidi, counted 35 miners under the debris, saying rescue teams and health personnel have been dispatched to the area to rescue the trapped miners, Xinhua news agency reported. “Preliminary reports indicate that several miners were busy in a coal mine in the Dara-i-Sufi Payin district of Samangan province yesterday, but part of the mine caved in, and resultantly several miners were trapped under rubble,” a statement from the provincial police office released on Sunday said. The statement further said that police personnel, local officials, and villagers have rushed to the site to rescue trapped miners from under the debris. The operations are being continued to rescue workers trapped under the debris but none have been freed yet, according to local Taliban officials. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the Bakhtar News Agency. Earlier this week, two workers died from gas exposure at a coal mine in Bamiyan province’s Khwaja Ganj village. In February 2002, at least 10 miners lost their lives after being trapped underground when a coal mine collapsed in Afghanistan. In 2019, at least 30 people were killed in the collapse of a gold mine in Afghanistan, officials said. The collapse occurred in the Kohistan district of Badakhshan province. Afghanistan houses vast resources of minerals, but many of the mines are old and poorly maintained. Afghanistan’s mining sector has seen frequent fatal accidents, often attributed to inadequate safety measures and a lack of proper equipment.

Quantum Unveiled: Revolutionizing Finance with Advanced Quantum-Safe Security and AI Compliance on CoinstoreNEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota pitchers Justin Topa and Brock Stewart agreed to one-year contracts ahead of Friday's tender deadline along with fellow right-hander Triston McKenzie of Cleveland and Cole Sulser of Tampa Bay. Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week. Teams and players are to exchange proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 9, 2025, and those who don’t reach agreements will be scheduled for hearings from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Topa was guaranteed $1,225,000 as part of a deal that included a $1 million salary for 2025 and a $2 million team option for 2026 with a $225,000 buyout. Stewart agreed to an $870,000 salary and can earn $30,000 in bonuses for days on the active roster: $10,000 for 112 and $20,000 for 142. McKenzie agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract and Sulser to a one-year deal that pays $900,000 in the major leagues and $450,000 while in the minors. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Culture Management Group Reveals Lineup and Programming for Culture Beach Jam 2024 in AccraTrump Taps Retired General For Key Ukraine Conflict RoleNew York, NY, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I (Nasdaq: BACQU) (the “ Company ”) announced today that, commencing December 2, 2024, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and rights included in the units. The Class A ordinary shares and rights that are separated will trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “BACQ” and “BACQR,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “BACQU.” This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business or industry. The Company’s primary focus, however, will be on businesses in the technology, media and telecommunications (“TMT”) sector as well as sectors that are being transformed via technology adoption. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Company contact: Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. I 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 47th Floor New York, NY 10105 Attn: Robert Folino (o) 212.984.3835 robert.folino@bspac1.comFRISCO, Texas -- Doom and gloom swirled around the Dallas Cowboys as they entered Week 12 on a five-game losing streak and with a 3-7 record, their worst since 2020. Injuries to their franchise quarterback, No. 2 receiver, top inside linebacker, as many as four edge rushers, both starting outside corners, left tackle and starting guards have made 2024 a challenging year. "As a staff, this is very challenging," head coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday. "As we've talked as a staff, we'll be better coaches because of this experience. I believe that. I've experienced it in the past. That's what this league's about. It's not about players getting injured. It's really when and who, the timing of it, getting the young guys ready to play as fast as possible. You have different levels of that each and every year. If you're going to coach in this league, you have to be able to coach through these times. I know all of us will be better for this experience." They now feel like they can see a light out of their tunnel of darkness following their upset win at the Washington Commanders on Sunday that ran Dallas' record to 4-7 with their schedule starting to soften up. Plus, longtime backup Cooper Rush's is starting to find his rhythm after three consecutive starts in place of injured Dak Prescott. He completed 24 of his 32 passes at Washington in Week 12 for 247 yards passing and two touchdowns, which gave him career-highs in both completion percentage (75%) and passer rating (117.6). "It feels like that because we know what we're doing," Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis said Tuesday when asked if he sees a light at the end of the tunnel in regards to Dallas' schedule. "We know what we're doing, and guys are playing hard. We're executing the right way from all 11 of us on the field. So it feels good. ... We've been pretty good historically in the past. So we definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games. So, can the Cowboys win out? "That's the plan. As a football player, as a competitor, we want to win games," Lewis said. "We saw we were playing good ball the last few weeks. Everything as a team, it wasn't coming together. It came together in a better way last week, and I feel like that gave us the belief to say, 'We all can play good ball and win out.'" Let's take a closer look at that possibility, as wild as it may sound. Their remaining six opponents have a combined .448 win percentage, which means the Cowboys are tied for the eighth-easiest remaining schedule in the NFL, per Tankathon. The SportsLine simulation model gives the Cowboys just a 1.4% chance to make the postseason and an even more narrow 0.6% chance to win all six of their remaining regular season games. They should be able to take care of business on Thanksgiving against a New York Giants squad whose locker room seems about done with its coaching staff . The Cincinnati Bengals have invented new and creative ways to lose despite quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase producing at historic levels through 11 games. The Carolina Panthers are still in the early stages of their rebuild. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has declined in a major way this season after being a pillar of consistency since 2020. Having to travel to the Philadelphia Eagles , a team that pummeled the Cowboys in Week 10 despite running back Saquon Barkley only registering 66 rushing yards, will definitely be a problem. Other than that, a case can be made that a 9-8 finish for Dallas is within the realm of possibility given the schedule. A 10-7 conclusion to the regular season, which would include a win at Philadelphia, would involve divine intervention. 13 vs. Giants 2-9 64% 14 vs. Bengals 4-7 39% 15 at Panthers 3-8 59% 16 vs. Buccaneers 5-6 49% 17 at Eagles 9-2 27% 18 vs. Commanders 7-5 39% Since the NFL postseason bracket expanded to 12 teams in 1990 -- six each for the AFC and six for the NFC -- seven teams have reached the playoffs after beginning a season 4-7. The 2023 Buccaneers reached the playoffs last season after such a start by finishing 9-8 and winning the NFC South. The good news for the Cowboys is reinforcements are on the way: they activated No. 2 wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) off of injured reserve on Wednesday and have hope four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) can eventually return like 2023 first-team All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland (foot stress fracture) did at Washington on Sunday. Again, a 1.4% chance to make the playoffs means its nearly impossible, but Dallas' 2024 season does still has a heartbeat.

Commercial Vehicle Axles Market Industry Dynamics and Contributions by Korea Flange, CNHTC, MAN, PRESS KOGYO, Dongfeng DANA, AxleTech International, AAM, RABA 12-15-2024 02:51 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: STATS N DATA Commercial Vehicle Axles Market Market Overview and Recent Developments The Commercial Vehicle Axles Market is an essential segment of the automotive industry, catering to the needs of various commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks. As the backbone of transportation infrastructure, the market plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe and efficient mobility of goods and passengers. The scope of this market extends beyond basic functionality; it encompasses advanced applications driven by technology and sustainability. Recent developments in the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market have been significant. Innovations in axle design and manufacturing processes have enhanced vehicle performance, durability, and safety. Key factors driving growth include the increasing demand for commercial vehicles, which is fueled by the expansion of e-commerce and logistics industries. Additionally, strategic collaborations among leading manufacturers are leading to the development of next-generation axles that integrate smarter technologies for improved efficiency. The market is also witnessing a shift toward sustainability, with manufacturers focusing on producing lightweight and fuel-efficient axles. This trend is further supported by government regulations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Overall, the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market is evolving rapidly, responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and changing consumer demands. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=25461 Key Growth Drivers and Trends Several critical factors are influencing the demand within the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market today. Sustainability has emerged as a major driver, with customers increasingly favoring eco-friendly products. As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprints, manufacturers are innovating to offer products that meet these environmental standards. The digitization of the automotive sector is another trend reshaping the market. The integration of AI and IoT technologies is enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, enhancing the overall performance of vehicles. Consumer awareness regarding the benefits of advanced axles, such as fuel efficiency and improved load-carrying capacity, is also rising. This awareness is prompting fleet operators to invest in high-quality axle systems that promise better returns on investment. Moreover, trends such as product customization are gaining traction, allowing customers to tailor axles according to specific operational requirements. The market is also experiencing advancements in manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and advanced metallurgy, which are enabling the production of lighter and stronger axle components. These innovations not only enhance vehicle performance but also contribute to longer service intervals and reduced maintenance costs, driving further demand for commercial vehicle axles. Market Segmentation The Commercial Vehicle Axles Market can be segmented into various categories to provide a clearer picture of its dynamics: • Segment by Type - Front Axles: These axles are critical for steering and load distribution in vehicles. Recent innovations focus on enhancing durability and performance. - Rear Beam Axles: Known for their robust construction, rear beam axles are essential for handling heavy loads, particularly in trucks. • Segment by Application - Bus: Axles designed for buses prioritize passenger safety and comfort, featuring advanced suspension systems. - Heavy and Mid Duty Truck: This segment demands axles capable of withstanding high stress and load capacities. - Light Duty Truck: Lightweight axles are used to improve fuel efficiency in lighter commercial vehicles. - Others: This includes various specialized vehicles that require unique axle configurations. Understanding the segmentation of the market allows manufacturers and stakeholders to tailor their strategies to meet specific needs and seize emerging opportunities effectively. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=25461 Competitive Landscape The Commercial Vehicle Axles Market is characterized by a diverse competitive landscape. Leading companies play a crucial role in shaping trends and driving innovation: • Korea Flange: Known for its high-quality forged axles, Korea Flange focuses on product innovation to cater to the evolving needs of the market. • CNHTC: This manufacturer is expanding its presence in the global market through strategic partnerships and technological advancements in axle design. • MAN: A key player in the commercial vehicle sector, MAN is committed to sustainability, producing axles that enhance fuel efficiency. • PRESS KOGYO: Specializing in light and heavy-duty axles, PRESS KOGYO is recognized for its reliability and performance. • Dongfeng DANA: A joint venture that leverages the strengths of both companies to offer cutting-edge axle solutions. • AxleTech International: Known for its advanced engineering solutions, AxleTech is focused on developing high-performance axle systems. • AAM: AAM is at the forefront of axle innovation, integrating technologies that improve overall vehicle dynamics. • RABA: This company offers a wide range of axle solutions tailored for various commercial vehicles. • SAF-HOLLAND: A global leader in axle and suspension solutions, SAF-HOLLAND is known for its commitment to quality and engineering excellence. • Guangxi Fangsheng: This manufacturer specializes in producing heavy-duty axles for trucks and buses, focusing on durability and performance. • DANA: A well-established name in the industry, DANA is known for its innovative axle technologies that enhance vehicle efficiency. • FAW Heavy: FAW Heavy is expanding its product range to include advanced axle systems for heavy-duty applications. • IJT Technology Holdings: This company is investing in research and development to create innovative axle solutions for the commercial vehicle sector. • Meritor: Meritor focuses on delivering value through high-quality axle products and customer service. • Zoomlion: Engaged in producing axles for a variety of vehicles, Zoomlion emphasizes technological advancements in its offerings. • Qingte Group: This manufacturer is expanding its portfolio to include smart axle solutions that meet modern transportation demands. • Shaanxi HanDe: Known for its strong presence in the heavy-duty segment, Shaanxi HanDe is investing in R&D to enhance its product line. • SG Automotive Group: SG Automotive is committed to producing environmentally friendly axle solutions. • BPW Group: BPW focuses on innovative axle technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. • ZF: A global leader in driveline and chassis technology, ZF is known for its advanced axle systems that enhance vehicle performance. These companies are continuously investing in product innovations, market expansions, and partnerships to maintain their competitive edge in the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market. Opportunities and Challenges As the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market evolves, numerous opportunities and challenges arise. Untapped regions present significant growth potential, particularly in developing markets where the demand for commercial vehicles is on the rise. Additionally, changing consumer preferences toward more sustainable and efficient transportation options are prompting manufacturers to innovate and expand their product offerings. However, the market also faces challenges. Regulatory constraints related to emissions and safety standards can pose hurdles for manufacturers. Operational inefficiencies, often stemming from outdated practices, can hinder growth and profitability. Furthermore, talent shortages in the engineering and manufacturing sectors can impact innovation and production capabilities. To navigate these challenges, companies must adopt agile strategies that focus on compliance, operational excellence, and workforce development. Investing in employee training and embracing digital transformation can enhance productivity and foster innovation, allowing companies to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Technological Advancements Technological advancements are significantly impacting the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market. The integration of AI and machine learning is revolutionizing the way axles are designed and manufactured. These technologies enable predictive analytics, helping manufacturers anticipate failures and optimize maintenance schedules. IoT-driven systems allow for real-time monitoring of axle performance, enhancing safety and reliability. Virtual tools are streamlining the design process, enabling more efficient and customized solutions for consumers. Moreover, advancements in materials science are leading to the development of lighter yet stronger axle components, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing, are also reshaping the industry. These methods allow for greater design flexibility and reduced production times, enabling companies to respond swiftly to market demands. Research Methodology and Insights At STATS N DATA, a comprehensive research methodology is employed to deliver accurate insights into the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market. This approach includes both top-down and bottom-up methodologies, ensuring a holistic view of market dynamics. Primary research involves direct engagement with industry experts, key stakeholders, and market participants to gather firsthand information. Secondary research encompasses a thorough analysis of existing data, reports, and publications to validate findings. Triangulation of data points is employed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of insights, providing stakeholders with actionable information to make informed decisions. By leveraging this robust research framework, STATS N DATA positions itself as a trusted authority in the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market, equipping businesses with the knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. In conclusion, the Commercial Vehicle Axles Market is poised for substantial growth, driven by technological advancements, sustainability trends, and evolving consumer preferences. As manufacturers navigate opportunities and challenges, staying ahead of market dynamics will be crucial for success. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=25461 Access the full report analysis here: https://www.statsndata.org/report/commercial-vehicle-axles-market-25461 Related Reports: Device Management for Massive IoT Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/device-management-for-massive-iot-market-75244 Contract Effervescent Tablets Manufacturing Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/contract-effervescent-tablets-manufacturing-market-45192 Management of Municipal Solid Waste Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/management-of-municipal-solid-waste-market-52404 Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Solution Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/advanced-planning-and-scheduling-aps-solution-market-51791 Medical Equipment Long-term Rental Service Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/medical-equipment-long-term-rental-service-market-39212 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.Emi Martinez began the night by walking onto the field with his children and parading a pair of trophies for being the world’s best goalkeeper for the last two years. He finished it by producing an astonishing save that vindicated those awards. The Argentina international illuminated a 0-0 draw between his Aston Villa team and Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday by plucking the ball from behind him and scooping it off the goal line to deny Francisco Conceição what could have been the winner. Replays showed the ball was almost entirely over the line before Martinez hooked it clear, and the goalkeeper was quickly congratulated by his teammates. No save by Martinez will ever beat the one he pulled off for Argentina in the last seconds of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final , denying France striker Randal Kolo Muani and keeping teammate Lionel Messi’s dream alive of finally winning soccer’s biggest prize. He might just have run it close. It was fitting he produced his wonder save against Juve on the night he showed off the two Yashin Trophies he claimed at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in each of the past two years. The most recent one came last month. RELATED COVERAGE Late goals by US stars are a Champions League thanksgiving for PSV Eindhoven Mbappe needs ‘support’ Real Madrid coach Ancelotti says after 2-0 loss to Liverpool Eduardo Camavinga injured in Real Madrid’s match against Liverpool As for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, he finished the game relieved that what appeared to be a mistake in the final seconds of stoppage time didn’t cost his team. Di Gregorio spilled a cross under pressure from Villa defender Diego Carlos and Morgan Rogers was there to poke the ball into the net. A goal was awarded by the on-field referee but after a two-minute check, it was ruled out for a foul on Di Gregorio by Carlos. “I think it was soft,” Villa striker Ollie Watkins said. “Maybe in the Premier League it’s a goal. But in Europe the goalkeepers are protected a lot.” ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerAfter rough start under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ defense has become a strengthThe aim is to win Olympic gold to keep the family legacy going and get married, says Hardik Singh

Trump’s tariff threat could shake North American trade relations and upend agri-food tradeDALLAS — Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, knows he’s up against the clock, and there are only a limited number of hours and days before the end of the year. So, he says he’s working very hard to get legislation passed out of the U.S. House that would protect victims against intimate deepfake nude images posted without permission. The bill has already been passed by the U.S. Senate. Senator Cruz tells us he’s made a number of requests to House leadership to get it taken care of over the next week. “If they put it up for a vote, it will pass. It will pass overwhelmingly. And the reason it will is because this is good policy and it’s addressing a very real problem,” Sen. Cruz argued on Inside Texas Politics . Known as the “TAKE IT DOWN Act,” and inspired by a teenage victim from Aledo , the bipartisan legislation would protect victims of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), both real and deepfake. The legislation would not only make it a felony to post such imagery, but it would also force tech companies to remove the content. “It gives you a legal right to get that garbage taken down,” the Republican told us. If he doesn’t get it across the finish line this year, Sen. Cruz says you can bet they’ll get it passed next year. And now that Republicans control the U.S. Senate 53 – 47, Cruz is in line to become the next chair of the powerful Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, where he says he’ll continue to focus on creating jobs. On the subject of jobs, the Senator says he’ll continue to support the production of the F-35, built by Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. That plant is one of the largest employers in North Texas. Tech Titan Elon Musk, who will lead the new “Department of Government Efficiency” during the Trump Administration, has recently suggested federal funding should be cut off for the F-35, with those dollars supporting next-gen technology such as drones instead. While Senator Cruz says he thinks Musk is onto to something in terms of investing in next-gen tech, the F-35 remains an American advantage. “There is a lot of advanced weaponry that we need to be investing in. But I think the F-35 gives us an advantage over every one of our enemies across the globe,” said the Republican. Senator Cruz also doesn’t think NASA, or even part of it, will be privatized anytime soon for many of the same reasons, jobs and national security. The Republican argues that it is wrong to view NASA and commercial space as competing with one another. Cruz says he’s a huge advocate of commercial space, as it’s the only way to get the billions of dollars needed to get back to the Moon and Mars. However, he says that doesn’t change the essential role NASA plays in space exploration. “I think NASA is critically important to our national security. It’s critically important to the country. Johnson Space Center in Houston is massively important, a hugely important employer in Texas,” he said.

VANCOUVER — British Columbia business owner Joe Chaput will spend $5,500 a month on security guards during the holiday season and plans on upgrading his store's video camera system for around $5,000 more. He's not selling luxury brands or expensive jewels. Chaput sells cheese, and at Christmas, cheese is a hot commodity. He is the co-owner of specialty cheese store les amis du Fromage, with two locations in Vancouver. While cheeselifting is rare in their Kitsilano store, the outlet in East Vancouver is hit in waves, with nothing happening for a month, then three of four people trying to steal their inventory within a week. "Sometimes, you miss it. Sometimes, you catch it. The way shoplifters behave ... they tend to gravitate toward expensive things," said Chaput. Expensive cheese is on shoplifters' Christmas list, he said. "They tend to do the classic examples of staying away from customer service and trying to go to a different part of the store so they can be left alone to steal." Chaput isn't alone. Police say food-related crimes on are the rise in Canada and as prices climb for items such as cheese and butter, they become lucrative on the black market for organized crime groups, not to mention theft for local resale. Sylvain Charlebois, the director of Dalhousie University's Agri-food Analytics Lab, said a black market tends to emerge as soon as food prices surge. "Organized crime will steal anything (if) they know they can sell it and so, they probably would have known who their clients are before even stealing anything at all, and that's how a black market is organized," said Charlebois. He said he believes there are two categories of people shoplifting — those who do so out of desperation because they can't afford the food, or organized criminals, profiting from sales on the black market. Mounties in North Vancouver made cheesy headlines when they ran into a man with a cart of stolen cheese in the middle of the night in September. The cheese, valued at $12,800, was from a nearby Whole Foods Store. While the cheese was recovered, it had to be disposed of because it hadn't been refrigerated. Const. Mansoor Sahak, with the North Vancouver RCMP, said officers believe cheese is targeted because it's "profitable to resell." "If they are drug addicts, they will commit further crimes with that or feed their drug habits. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Sahak. Sahak said meat is also a top target for grocery thieves, with store losses sometimes in the thousands. "So, we're not surprised that this happened,” said Sahak. Police in Ontario have been chasing down slippery shoplifters going after butter. Scott Tracey, a spokesman with Guelph Police Service, said there have been eight or nine butter thefts over the last year, including one theft last December worth $1,000. In October, two men walked into a local grocer and filled their carts with cases of butter valued at $936, and four days later a Guelph grocer lost four cases valued at $958. Tracey said he has looked at online marketplaces and found listings by people selling 20 or 30 pounds of butter at a time. “Clearly, somebody didn't accidentally buy 30 extra pounds of butter. So, they must have come from somewhere,” said Tracey, “I think at this point it appears to be the black market is where it's headed.” He said the thefts seem to be organized, with two or three people working together in each case. Police in Brantford, Ont., are also investigating the theft of about $1,200 worth of butter from a store on Nov. 4. Charlebois said retailers could invest in prevention technologies like electronic tags, but putting them on butter or cheese is rare. He said up until recently grocery store theft has been a "taboo subject for many years." Stores didn't wanted to talk about thefts because they didn't want to alarm people but now they feel they need to build awareness about what is "becoming a huge problem," said Charlebois. Chaput, the cheese store owner, said he had been running the East Vancouver store for 15 years while managing the store in Kitsilano for 30 years, and he loves his customers. "It's really one of the best parts of our businesses, seeing familiar faces and making new customers. It's why we come to work, really. Partly it's the cheese, and partly it's the people," said Chaput. He said his strategy to combat would-be thieves is to give them extra customer service to make it harder for them to steal. He admits, however, that the shoplifting causes him stress. "It's challenging. You're busy trying to run your business day to day and take care of customers and take care of employees. Having to deal with criminals, just kind of scratches away. It can be a bit exhausting," said Chaput. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2024. Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

Legendary singer-songwriter Elton John has said he had to delay the release of his upcoming album due to an eye infection that has significantly impaired his vision. Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America on Monday, the 77-year-old said he has not been able to see out of his right eye for four months, impacting his ability to work. Elton John lost sight in his right eye following a severe eye infection. Credit: AP “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France ... And my left eye’s not the greatest,” he said. “I’m kind of stuck at the moment because I can do something like this [interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know because I can’t see a lyric for a start.” During a speech at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame ceremony last year, John revealed he had a new album on the way with lyricist Bernie Taupin. It would mark his first studio album including all original material since Wonderful Crazy Night in 2016. However, his eye infection has delayed its release. “It’s never fortunate for anything like this to happen, and it kind of floored me. I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” John said. The pop star is undergoing unspecified treatment and remains optimistic he will recover. “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK. At the moment, that’s really what we’re concentrating on.” The interview comes almost three months after he told fans on social media that he had contracted a severe eye infection that left him with limited sight in the impacted eye. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process,” he wrote on Instagram in September. Despite his impaired vision, John has made multiple appearances over the past few months, including joining pop star Dua Lipa on stage at her Royal Albert Hall concert in October, where they performed their popular duet Cold Heart . The EGOT winner, who retired from touring last year, also attended the premiere of his new Disney+ documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late , in both London and Toronto. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, the documentary tracks John’s 50-year career, as he prepared for his final concert at the Dodger Stadium in the US. “I’m so proud of the documentary. I’m proud of my sons. I’m proud of my attitude toward myself and what’s going on,” he said. “I’m just very lucky and I’m very grateful.” John became an EGOT winner at the 2023 Emmy Awards in January after winning the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category. However, he was unable to attend as he was recovering from knee replacement surgery, which he underwent at the beginning of the year. He had a second knee replacement on his other knee in March. “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” he joked while at a screening of his documentary at the New York Film Festival in October. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday .Emi Martinez began the night by walking onto the field with his children and parading a pair of trophies for being the world’s best goalkeeper for the last two years. He finished it by producing an astonishing save that vindicated those awards. The Argentina international illuminated a 0-0 draw between his Aston Villa team and Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday by plucking the ball from behind him and scooping it off the goal line to deny Francisco Conceição what could have been the winner. Replays showed the ball was almost entirely over the line before Martinez hooked it clear, and the goalkeeper was quickly congratulated by his teammates. No save by Martinez will ever beat the one he pulled off for Argentina in the last seconds of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final , denying France striker Randal Kolo Muani and keeping teammate Lionel Messi’s dream alive of finally winning soccer’s biggest prize. He might just have run it close. It was fitting he produced his wonder save against Juve on the night he showed off the two Yashin Trophies he claimed at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in each of the past two years. The most recent one came last month. As for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, he finished the game relieved that what appeared to be a mistake in the final seconds of stoppage time didn't cost his team. Di Gregorio spilled a cross under pressure from Villa defender Diego Carlos and Morgan Rogers was there to poke the ball into the net. A goal was awarded by the on-field referee but after a two-minute check, it was ruled out for a foul on Di Gregorio by Carlos. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Steve Douglas, The Associated Press