casino fish shooting game The East Texas Council of Governments will disburse $1.75 million in grants to help improve emergency radio infrastructure, including to the City of Kilgore, Rains and Van Zandt counties, and others. Funded through Texas State House Bill 442 and administered by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, ETCOG said the State Emergency Radio Infrastructure program will support four key projects to improve current capabilities and address significant communication gaps. The City of Kilgore received $220,000 for TxWARN integration. The City of Kilgore recently joined the TxWARN system alongside Gregg County and the City of Longview. The grant will help them upgrade their consoles to fully integrate their services into TxWARN. Harrison County received $750,000 to help expand its TxWARN system to address a communication dead spot between Harrison and Gregg counties. A new Motorola tower will be established to enhance coverage for both counties and make it accessible for TxDOT use, ETCOG said. Rains County will upgrade its VHF System with a total of $600,000. ETCOG said Rains County's current VHF system is experiencing severe operability issues, hindering communication between officers and dispatch. Two new Motorola tower locations with improved height and coverage, along with new repeater equipment, are planned. Van Zandt County will use $180,000 to enhance its interoperability. Van Zandt County currently operates a radio system with L3Harris. This project will upgrade all five repeaters across its towers to improve interoperability with its volunteer fire departments and other agencies. In Harrison County, officials see the grant as a crucial step in achieving a long-term goal of modernizing communication systems. Harrison County Judge Chad Sims reflected on the progress made over the past two years in a press release. "A little over two years ago, leadership in Harrison County and the City of Marshall embarked on a multi-million-dollar journey to modernize and revitalize aging communications systems that were severely lacking," said Sims. "With the goal of ‘interoperable communications’ for all Harrison County first responders in mind, we partnered with other governmental agencies and private enterprises to develop a comprehensive plan.” Judge Sims explained how the SERI grant aligned perfectly with their vision. “In the early Spring of 2024, a SERI grant became available to support the construction and equipping of a communications tower. With assistance and guidance from the ETCOG staff, we applied and were recently awarded $750,000. This grant enables us to plug a big hole in our coverage map, accomplishing this critical improvement years ahead of schedule. The new tower and equipment will provide a much greater blanket of coverage for our first responders, translating to confidence and security for everyone.” Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook emphasized the importance of these upgrades in a press release. “Rains County, like other small counties, has witnessed technology surpass our current communication infrastructure capabilities,” said Cook. “We have had numerous dangerous incidents where our first responders were unable to communicate. Fortunately, no one has been hurt or worse. “Our Sheriff, Michael Hopkins, brought this issue to our attention, and with the assistance of Donetta Miller and the incredible ETCOG staff, we were fortunate enough to secure the SERI grant,” Cook added. “Donetta has gone above and beyond, connecting us with key partners like TxDOT, who will assist with the design, construction, and maintenance of the tower and communication system. This grant will create a safer and more successful environment for all first responders in Rains County while enhancing communications with state and local departments — truly a win-win.”

Prospera Financial Services Inc boosted its holdings in shares of The Allstate Co. ( NYSE:ALL – Free Report ) by 8.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,389 shares of the insurance provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 194 shares during the quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in Allstate were worth $453,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in ALL. SPC Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Allstate by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. SPC Financial Inc. now owns 1,564 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $297,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC increased its position in Allstate by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC now owns 3,129 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $596,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the period. Abacus Planning Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Allstate by 2.4% during the third quarter. Abacus Planning Group Inc. now owns 2,416 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $458,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC raised its position in shares of Allstate by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 4,630 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $893,000 after buying an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. lifted its position in Allstate by 15.0% in the third quarter. Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. now owns 460 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $87,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 76.47% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In other Allstate news, insider John E. Dugenske sold 36,367 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $191.38, for a total value of $6,959,916.46. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 27,364 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,236,922.32. The trade was a 57.06 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . 1.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Allstate Trading Up 0.2 % Allstate ( NYSE:ALL – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The insurance provider reported $3.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.20 by $1.71. Allstate had a net margin of 6.77% and a return on equity of 26.67%. The business had revenue of $16.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $14.57 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.81 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The Allstate Co. will post 16.07 EPS for the current year. Allstate Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.92 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 29th. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.81%. Allstate’s dividend payout ratio is 23.83%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ALL has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Allstate from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Friday, October 4th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on Allstate from $191.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an “in-line” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Allstate from $216.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Allstate from $209.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 15th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Allstate from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, October 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Allstate presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $214.19. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Allstate About Allstate ( Free Report ) The Allstate Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. It operates in five segments: Allstate Protection; Protection Services; Allstate Health and Benefits; Run-off Property-Liability; and Corporate and Other segments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Co. ( NYSE:ALL – Free Report ). 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A Kenosha teen accused to trying to enter a local elementary school while armed has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to a charge of making a terroristic threat. On Friday the teen was found to be competent to stand trial. The case will continue to be heard in juvenile court where proceedings are confidential. The 13-year-old will undergo a mental evaluation, and will next appear before Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi Meier on Dec. 20. His attorney, Terry Rose, said that hearing may be continued if the evaluation report in December. The teen attends Mahone Middle School in Kenosha and was a former Roosevelt Elementary student, police said, and have not released his name. The charge was filed in connection with an incident which started at 9:02 a.m. Nov. 7, when Kenosha police said someone had attempted to enter Roosevelt Elementary, 3322 Roosevelt Road, through a secure area. The individual was reportedly carrying a backpack and a duffel bag when stopped and questioned by school staff in the building’s secured entryway, then fled the building into the neighborhood. Kenosha Unified schools were placed on lockdown for the rest of the day as police searched for the boy. They arrested him at his home that afternoon. Kenosha police indicated its detectives executed a search warrant at the teen’s home where they found several air soft replica handguns and a replica rifle. No real firearms were located during the search. In response to the incident, KUSD initiated a review of its safety procedures to identify areas for improvement and enhance school security. Immediate changes were later announced by the district. Updated doorbell camera monitors offering improved visibility and an added monitor with additional outdoor camera views will be installed in offices across district buildings. All front office staff will receive refresher training on visitor protocols, including essential safety screening practices and using the Raptor visitor management system which looks up ID information when someone comes to the school. KUSD announced it will also employ new part-time school entrance monitors at the seven schools currently without controlled entrances. The individuals will be stationed at main entrances to escort visitors screened by office staff to their destinations. With great convenience comes great responsibility. QR codes have opened up a whole new world of ease for consumers and businesses. But as with any new tech, scammers are exploiting the growing market to take advantage of consumers. Uniqode analyzed resources from the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission to compile a list of tips on staying safe when using QR codes in public. QR codes are the now-ubiquitous, black-and-white-patterned squares that can be scanned to access a hyperlink on your phone's web browser. Now almost annually, the FBI has issued consumer warnings that criminals are leveraging QR codes to steal sensitive information. The rise of QR codes for contactless exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic made the technology all the more appealing for criminals, according to cybersecurity firm Trellix . More than a third of smartphone users scanned a QR code in 2022, a share expected to rise to 42.6% by 2025, according to data forecaster eMarketer. The public adoption of QR codes and their cost-saving potential for businesses has helped keep them around long after pandemic safety measures faded away. But a little vigilance can go a long way for consumers using these web portals. One QR code scheme commonly reported is a version of package delivery scams often carried out via text message. In this case, a potential victim receives a message that appears to come from FedEx or another reputable company directing them to scan a QR code to check on the status of their package delivery. Instead of taking the user to an authentic company website, they'll get a fake one that looks legitimate. Any username and password info submitted to the fake page goes straight to the bad actors who can use it to access sensitive information. QR codes are also easy and cheap for anyone with a phone or computer to generate. The FBI reported about $150 million in losses attributable to QR code scams in the last year, sometimes referred to as "quishing." The practice, in spirit, is the same as "phishing," where a criminal attempts to dupe their victim into revealing personal information that can be used to illicitly access sensitive platforms like banking and email accounts. In a quishing scheme, the criminal intercepts your device not with a shady email or text message but with a hyperlink to a website on your phone populated by the QR code when you scan it. Numerous scams have been reported in which hackers place fake, malicious QR codes on parking meters, restaurant menus, advertisements, and other common locations for digital payments. In some cases, these methods can also steal credit card information stored on the phone used to scan the code. Whenever you scan a QR code with your phone camera, a preview of the link will usually show up on your screen. Make sure the link looks like an official, secure website a legitimate business would host. For example, the standard protocol for secure websites requires that they begin with the string "https://" with the "s" standing for "secure." Another form of attack commonly seen by cybersecurity firms has been dubbed QRLJacking . In this scheme, the victim receives a message containing a QR code, urging them to log in to a platform the victim already uses. When the victim logs in, they're entering their credentials into a fake version of a seemingly legitimate site, giving the attacker access to their actual account. As a technology, QR codes allow users to move very quickly to the point of purchase. Remember to slow down and assess the situation. If you receive an unexpected notification with an accompanying QR code via text message or email, be wary of any instructions urging you to act quickly. Cybercriminals commonly employ urgency tactics because they encourage uncertainty and rushed decisions—the psychological conditions to make it easier for the victim to make a mistake such as entering personal information into a webpage without thinking twice. While QR codes are convenient for businesses to use for mass transactions, the benefits don't outweigh the risks in a direct payment situation when buying things secondhand, for example. Cybersecurity firm KeepNet reported a scam in which the victim was sent a malicious QR code during a Facebook Marketplace transaction. Be wary of these, as navigating directly to a trusted payment platform like Zelle or PayPal may make the most sense. If you're working in an industry particularly vulnerable to these scams, like finance or the energy sector, extra caution may be necessary. The FBI recommends against downloading applications or making payments directly on sites linked to QR codes since they could potentially be malicious. Instead, navigate to the URL manually so that a payment can be made confidently on a trusted, known website, the agency recommends. Other scams include phony QR code scanning applications that are actually malicious software, which can allow malware to be downloaded on your phone. Note that the camera app on most leading smartphones has a QR code scanning capability built in, so there's generally no need to download an additional app. Smartphones may be even more vulnerable to malicious phishing attempts because of the sheer amount of personal information stored on them. Hackers are constantly seeking out vulnerabilities in software to exploit and steal personal information. By keeping your software up to date, you'll ensure that you have the latest version of your phone's operating system, which is the least vulnerable to scams. Another safeguard is multifactor authentication, which provides an additional layer of security that can thwart all types of unauthorized users, including QR scammers. This feature is available for all leading email platforms, social networks, and reputable banks. It requires the user to confirm their identity by logging in with a code or prompt on a separate device after entering the password. A criminal trying to steal personal information through a QR code may get login information, but they won't be able to get past the multifactor authentication unless they also have access to the authenticating device. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Uniqode and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.NoneHomeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker says A New Jersey lawmaker from part of the state where several mysterious drones have been spotted in recent week says the devices appear to avoid detection by traditional methods. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was among state officials who met Wednesday with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. She says lawmakers were told the drones have dodged detection by helicopters and radio. Fantasia says DHS described the devices as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights off. The Morris County Republican made the comments in a post on X shortly after she and several other state and local lawmakers met with state police and Homeland Security officials. Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected Lawyers in the Alex Jones bankruptcy case are now in discussions on what could happen next after a federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday as the judge ordered the trustee who oversaw the auction to come up with a new plan. Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston rejected the bid late Tuesday, saying there was too much confusion about The Onion’s bid. The bankruptcy case was in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered Jones to pay for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a hoax. Sandy Hook families had backed The Onion’s bid. NFL and Nike extend their partnership with a 10-year deal, will focus on growing the sport globally IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s desire to become a global powerhouse is no secret. Nike is committed to helping the league continue expanding its worldwide reach. The league and the apparel giant announced Wednesday a 10-year partnership extension. The NFL and Nike will focus on working together to grow the game’s global reach, increase participation, develop new talent, and expand the football fan base. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has been the NFL’s exclusive provider of uniforms and sideline, practice and base layer apparel for all 32 NFL teams for 12 years. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., otherwise known to TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin’s friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, says he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, appearing with everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted a show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's Luncheon LOS ANGELES (AP) — While surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage at the Academy Women’s Luncheon to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Gomez was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.

Robert Griffin III Names the No. 1 College Football 'Team on the Rise'

I Loved Playing For Man Utd - But Fergusons Treatment Made Me Join Arch-RivalsMILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (NYSE: EPAC) announced today that it will release its first quarter fiscal 2025 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, December 19, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. CT. A real-time webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website here . For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call for 90 days. About Enerpac Tool Group Enerpac Tool Group Corp. is a premier industrial tools, services, technology and solutions provider serving a broad and diverse set of customers in more than 100 countries. The Company makes complex, often hazardous jobs possible safely and efficiently. Enerpac Tool Group’s businesses are global leaders in high pressure hydraulic tools, controlled force products, and solutions for precise positioning of heavy loads that help customers safely and reliably tackle some of the most challenging jobs around the world. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Enerpac Tool Group common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol EPAC. For further information on Enerpac Tool Group and its businesses, visit the Company's website at www.enerpactoolgroup.com . Contact: Travis Williams Senior Director, Investor Relations 262.293.1913‘I let it go’: Teresa Weatherspoon — blindsided by Sky firing — embraces future with new 3-on-3 leagueAmie Just: Could the Big 12 be left out of CFP? And, is Ohio State better than Oregon?

'Squid Game' Season 2 Includes New Games, Contestant With A Crypto Background, Revenge Factor, Political Overtones

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. General manager Patrik Allvin issued a statement Tuesday saying Hronek underwent a successful procedure for the undisclosed ailment and is expected to miss about eight weeks. He says the 27-year-old Czech blueliner will not require surgery for an upper-body injury. Hronek hasn’t played since going into the endboards hard late in Vancouver’s 5-4 loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh last Wednesday. He’s been paired with captain Quinn Hughes for much of the season and registered eight points (one goal, eight assists) in 21 games. The Canucks (13-7-3) have dealt with a litany of notable absences this season, including all-star goalie Thatcher Demko, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and star centre J.T. Miller, who’s on an indefinite leave for personal reasons. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024.

The battle for positioning in the College Football Playoff race is nearing its homestretch as the Oregon Ducks maintain a firm grip on the No. 1 spot in the CFP rankings heading into Week 13. In advance of Saturday's games, college football analyst and former Heisman-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III unveiled his list of the top five "teams on the rise" in the country. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

Share Tweet Share Share Email The fast digitalization of commerce has revolutionized how people and businesses handle transactions. At the heart of this transformation are payment APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These invisible yet powerful tools enable seamless, secure, and efficient payment experiences. Whether you are shopping online, paying bills, or transferring funds, chances are a payment API is working behind the scenes. By understanding and leveraging the power of payment APIs, businesses can thrive in today’s competitive digital space. These tools are not just technological assets—they are essential for building trust, boosting efficiency, and driving growth . What Are Payment APIs? A payment API is a software interface that allows different applications to communicate and interact with payment gateways. Essentially, it acts as a bridge between a business’s platform and the payment processing infrastructure. By integrating payment APIs, businesses can provide their customers with secure and user-friendly ways to complete transactions. For example, e-commerce platforms use payment APIs to enable customers to pay through various methods like credit cards, mobile wallets, or bank transfers. These APIs are designed to ensure smooth communication while maintaining high-security standards. Why Are Payment APIs Important? The significance of payment APIs lies in their ability to simplify complex payment processes. Without them, businesses would need to develop their payment systems from scratch—a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Payment APIs eliminate these challenges by offering ready-to-use solutions. Moreover, they are crucial for providing a seamless user experience. When transactions are quick and hassle-free, customers are more likely to complete their purchases. In turn, this boosts conversion rates and enhances customer satisfaction. Security is another critical factor. Payment APIs incorporate advanced encryption and fraud detection features, ensuring sensitive customer data remains protected. With growing concerns about data breaches, this level of security is non-negotiable for businesses. Key Features of Payment APIs Not all payment APIs are created equal. High-quality APIs come with features that enhance functionality, security, and adaptability. Below are some of the essential features: Multi-Currency Support As businesses expand globally, accepting payments in different currencies becomes necessary. Payment APIs simplify this by offering multi-currency support. Customers can pay in their preferred currency, and the system handles currency conversions. Multiple Payment Methods Payment preferences vary widely among users. Some prefer credit cards, while others use mobile wallets or direct bank transfers. Payment APIs support a range of methods, making transactions more inclusive. Fraud Detection Security breaches can tarnish a company’s reputation. Many payment APIs include built-in fraud detection mechanisms that identify and flag suspicious activities . This feature minimizes risks and builds trust among customers. Ease of Integration One of the biggest advantages of payment APIs is their ease of integration. Developers can seamlessly embed them into websites or apps using clear documentation and software development kits (SDKs). Customizable Features Businesses often need tailored solutions to meet specific needs. High-quality APIs allow for customization, enabling businesses to adjust payment workflows or add branding elements. Real-World Applications of Payment APIs Payment APIs are more than just technical tools; they power real-world applications that consumers interact with daily. Below are some examples of how they function in various industries. E-Commerce Platforms Online shopping is perhaps the most common use case. Payment APIs enable online stores to accept payments securely and swiftly. Customers can choose their preferred payment method, whether it’s a credit card or a digital wallet like PayPal. Subscription Services Platforms like Netflix or Spotify rely on recurring payments. Payment APIs make this possible by automating subscription billing. This ensures customers are charged accurately and on time without manual intervention. Mobile Applications From ride-hailing apps to food delivery services, mobile apps depend heavily on payment APIs. These APIs facilitate in-app payments, ensuring a seamless user experience. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems In physical stores, modern POS systems use APIs to process card payments. This integration ensures speed and reliability during checkout. How Payment APIs Enhance User Experience One of the key reasons for the widespread adoption of payment APIs is their ability to enhance user experience. Customers value convenience, and payment APIs deliver just that. Let’s break down how they improve the customer journey. Faster Checkout Processes With payment APIs, transactions are processed in real-time. Customers can complete their purchases quickly, reducing cart abandonment rates. Personalized Payment Options Some APIs allow businesses to offer payment options based on user preferences. For example, returning customers might see their favorite payment method pre-selected. Cross-Platform Compatibility Whether a user is shopping on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, payment APIs ensure a consistent experience. This flexibility caters to modern consumers who switch between devices. The Future of Payment APIs As technology evolves, so do payment APIs. Emerging trends and innovations promise to make these tools even more powerful and efficient. Here’s what the future holds: AI-Powered Transactions Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize payment APIs. AI algorithms can analyze transaction data to predict customer preferences and detect fraud more accurately. Blockchain Integration Blockchain technology offers unparalleled security and transparency. Integrating blockchain into payment APIs could eliminate intermediaries, reducing costs and enhancing trust. Voice-Activated Payments With the rise of voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, voice-activated payments are becoming a reality. Payment APIs will play a crucial role in enabling this functionality. Global Standardization As cross-border commerce grows, there will be a push toward standardizing payment APIs. This will simplify global transactions and reduce integration challenges. Challenges in Implementing Payment APIs While payment APIs offer numerous benefits, implementing them is not without challenges. Businesses must navigate these hurdles to unlock their full potential. Regulatory Compliance Different regions have varying regulations regarding online payments. APIs must comply with these rules to avoid legal issues. Integration Costs Although APIs are cost-effective in the long run, the initial integration can be expensive. Small businesses may find this challenging. Technical Dependencies APIs rely on robust technical infrastructure. Downtime or server issues can disrupt payment processes, affecting user trust. Conclusion Payment APIs are the backbone of modern digital transactions. They enable businesses to provide secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment solutions. From e-commerce platforms to mobile apps, their applications are vast and transformative. As technology advances , payment APIs will continue to evolve. Innovations like AI, blockchain, and voice activation will shape the future of payments. For businesses, staying ahead of these trends is crucial for delivering exceptional customer experiences. 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KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated his criticism against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal. Justifying his statement, Pinarayi said his criticism against Thangal was political and had no other shades. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Kozhikode South CPM Area Committee office. Pinarayi Vijayan: “Congress party abetted in the demolition of Babri Masjid. At that time the League was with the Congress in the Kerala Cabinet. Despite Congress aiding the demolition, League didn’t utter a word and showed no resistance. They were afraid of losing power in the Kerala cabinet. And now, they have transformed into such a pity stage of doing any unscrupulous act to hang on to power. The league is now providing shelter to SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. UDF propagated the by-polls to be the verdict of the government's performance. So then let us discuss Chelakkara. LDF won big while UDF’s Ramya even failed to amass the vote she got during the LS polls. The by-polls did nothing to hurt LDF. BJP meanwhile got battered by the Palakkad result. Their vote share plummeted by a large. The by-poll results serve as an encouragement for LDF as we worked well and even increased the vote percentage in all constituencies.”Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved 's total income has risen by 23.15 per cent to Rs 9,335.32 crore in 2023-24, helped by other income which includes OFS of Patanjali Foods (earlier known as Ruchi Soya ) and income from other group entities, according to RoC filing by the company. In FY24 Patanjali Ayurved's other income was at Rs 2,875.29 crore against Rs 46.18 crore in the year-ago period, according to financial data accessed through business intelligence platform Tofler. Its revenue from operations, which is mainly income from net sales, was down 14.25 per cent to Rs 6,460.03 crore for the financial year ended on March 31, 2024. Revenue was impacted as Patanjali Ayurved transferred its food business to Patanjali Foods on July 1, 2022, which includes biscuits, ghee, cereals, and nutraceuticals. It reported a five-fold jump in its total profit to Rs 2,901.10 crore in FY24. Patanjali Ayurved reported a total profit of Rs 578.44 crore on a revenue of Rs 7,533.88 crore for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2023. The total income of Patanjali's Ayurved, a non-listed entity, which includes other income as well was at Rs 7,580.06 crore in FY23. 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Earlier this year in July, the Haridwar-based organisation Group announced the transfer of its entire home and personal care business from Patanjali Ayrurved to another entity Patanjali Food for a consideration of Rs 1,100 crore. In July 2023 promoters of Patanjali Foods had launched a two-day OFS (offer for sakes) to pare its total stake in the company by around 7 per cent to meet the minimum public shareholding requirement. This was oversubscribed more than two times. Patanjali Foods, a leading edible oil maker was acquired by Patanjali Group through an insolvency resolution process and Patanjali Ayurved is one of the promoters of it. It posted a total revenue of Rs 31,961.62 crore in FY'24 as against Rs 31,821.45 crore in the preceding year. Patanjali Ayurved mainly operates in the ayurvedic product & FMCG business comprising primarily hair care, skin care, dental care, home care, personal care, dairy products & bulk trading of food products etc. The group has manufacturing facilities across the country and has other contract manufacturing facilities at Dehradun & Manesar. Its sales are primarily in India through independent distributors, marketing federations exclusive stores etc. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is November 30, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Banque Cantonale Vaudoise grew its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM ) by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 89,119 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,592 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for about 0.8% of Banque Cantonale Vaudoise’s holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise’s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $18,792,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the third quarter worth approximately $1,888,088,000. Swedbank AB purchased a new stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $800,130,000. Capital Research Global Investors increased its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 23.3% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 17,200,124 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $3,445,185,000 after purchasing an additional 3,252,451 shares during the last quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 19,920.7% in the 2nd quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 2,801,503 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $566,632,000 after purchasing an additional 2,787,510 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6,239.1% during the 2nd quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,418,572 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $277,456,000 after purchasing an additional 1,396,194 shares during the last quarter. 71.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Up 1.5 % JPM opened at $248.55 on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52 week low of $152.71 and a 52 week high of $249.15. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $223.14 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $211.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27. The company has a market cap of $699.75 billion, a PE ratio of 13.83, a P/E/G ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 1.10. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 4th were issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 4th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.01%. This is an increase from JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.15. JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s payout ratio is currently 27.82%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Robert W. Baird lowered JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating and set a $200.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Citigroup increased their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $215.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $211.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $217.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Monday, October 14th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a “hold” rating and set a $235.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $229.31. Read Our Latest Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile ( Free Report ) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services to consumers and small businesses through bank branches, ATMs, and digital and telephone banking. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

NoneBanque Cantonale Vaudoise Raises Stock Position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)