Utah has now fallen in their seventh straight game, this time to the nationally ranked Iowa State Cyclones in a close, drama-filled affair that has conference championship implications as both conference title game favorites Colorado and BYU lost. The Utes kicked off the scoring with a field goal in the first, but the Cyclones answered back with a touchdown to give them a 3-7 lead heading into the second quarter. Utah answered back with an early second-quarter touchdown off Lander Barton's 87-yard which extended the program's streak to be the longest in FBS recorded history. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Batch Control Meter Market Driven by Demand for Immersive Technologies Across Industries
Can Trump persuade the Supreme Court to stand aside so he can solve the TikTok problem?Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100The Tennessee Titans pulled off an upset victory over the divisional rival Houston Texans on Sunday, winning by a final score of 32-27. The game had a little bit of everything. Numerous explosive touchdowns, costly interceptions , a missed chip shot field goal, and a game-sealing safety. By the time it was all said and done, the Titans actually had some lucky breaks go their way. One week after defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons said the Titans were "cursed by officiating," it was a few key penalties against the Texans that helped Tennessee prevail. Not a bad time for a reverse jinx. With less than five minutes remaining in the game, the Texans were driving down the field trailing by three points. C.J. Stroud connected with a wide open Nico Collins for a 33-yard touchdowns to give Houston the lead...but there were flags on the field. An illegal shift penalty against the Texans took the TD off the board. CJ Stroud could not believe Joe Mixon had an illegal formation on a Nico Collins TD. pic.twitter.com/P8DMugZJX5 A few minutes later, Houston had to settle for a chip shot field goal attempt. Ka'imi Fairbairn, one of the NFL's most reliable kickers, hooked it wide left and preserved Tennessee's 30-27 lead with 1:56 remaining. It was a series of unfortunate events for Houston. But it's exactly the type of thing that has gone against the Titans in any other game this season. That illegal shift penalty negating the Collins touchdown felt all to familiar to the illegal formation penalty which brought back a pivotal 53-yard Calvin Ridley touchdown in the Titans-Vikings game last week. Not this time. Earlier in the fourth quarter, there was also a sequence where the Texans were called for back-to-back false start penalties. That temporarily killed a possession and gave life to Tennessee (which the Titans gave right back on a muffed punt). For a team that has talked all season about how "the ball hasn't bounced their way," it feels like it finally did in Houston. Although the Titans are now sitting at 3-8 and still out of contention, getting a rivalry win against the AFC South leader on the road is a huge confidence boost. It's validation for Brian Callahan, Ran Carthon, Will Levis, and the whole organization that things are building in the right direction. Maybe Jeffery Simmons should talk about curses more often. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Arunachal: Shi Yomi district near China border gets first woman BJP president
Shares of Plus500 Ltd. ( LON:PLUS – Get Free Report ) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 2,670 ($33.60) and last traded at GBX 2,670 ($33.60), with a volume of 46259 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,652 ($33.37). Plus500 Stock Up 0.7 % The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 2,499.45 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,430.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.38, a current ratio of 2.70 and a quick ratio of 3.89. The company has a market cap of £1.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,030.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 0.20. Plus500 Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Plus500 Ltd., a fintech company, operates technology-based trading platforms in Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and internationally. The company develops and operates an online trading platform, including over the counter (OTC) products comprising the contracts for difference (CFDs) sector enabling its international customer base of individual customers to trade CFDs on underlying financial instruments comprising shares, indices, commodities, options, ETFs, foreign exchange, and cryptocurrencies internationally. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Plus500 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Plus500 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
DeVito, Giants Lifeless in Week 12 Loss
Fort Worth grain silos that have stood for a century may come down in 2025Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - Experts have explained that the national Economy has shown "remarkable" adaptability and resilience despite regional geopolitical challenges in the region, attributing the reason to cross-government economic vision, and collaborative efforts from both public and private sectors. Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Saturday, experts noted that the national economy has achieved positive growth rates and performed "impressively in 2024, thanks to the Central Bank's prudent monetary policies and economic reforms." These measures contributed to building robust foreign currency reserves, boosting national exports, and reducing the trade deficit, Petra reported. Experts anticipate gradual improvement in the national economy in 2025, with expectations of positive growth rates, supported by improving regional conditions, ongoing economic and financial reforms, and strengthening productive sectors. They stressed the importance of advancing the implementation of the Economic Modernisation Vision, fostering collaboration with the private sector, accelerating major projects, capitalizing on emerging opportunities from regional developments, and enhancing the competitiveness of national exports to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Economic Performance in 2024 Economic growth for 2024 is expected to reach 2.3 per cent, while inflation rates have remained low, below 2 per cent, despite the widespread inflationary pressures faced by many countries in the region. This stability is attributed to the Central Bank's proactive adjustments to global and regional interest rate trends. Economic expert and former minister of finance Mohammad Abu Hamour explained that the Central Bank's prudent policies have stabilised prices, maintained the fixed exchange rate of the Jordanian dinar, and built foreign currency reserves exceeding $20 billion-enough to cover more than eight months of imports. Additionally, the banking system remained strong, and deposits in Jordanian dinars retained their appeal. The trade deficit decreased by 5.1 per cent in the first ten months of 2024, while remittances from Jordanians abroad rose by a similar percentage, he said. Projections for 2025 and Beyond Former minister of investment, Khuloud Saqqaf, also hailed the economy's remarkable resilience in 2024 despite regional political challenges. She pointed out that growth is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent in 2024 due to the impact of regional conflicts on tourism, trade, transportation, and construction sectors. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts an acceleration of economic growth to 2.9 per cent in 2025, contingent on regional stability and continued structural reforms to strengthen the national economy's resilience. She added that ongoing reforms are expected to drive growth to approximately 3 per cent in 2025, though achieving these targets depends on regional improvements and the government's continued implementation of effective economic policies. Noah Shiyab anticipates gradual improvement in Jordan's economy over the coming years, with GDP growth expected to reach 3 per cent by 2025. "This growth will be supported by government efforts to boost investment, expand the private sector's role, and implement the EMV." He also emphasized the need for Jordan to achieve sustained economic growth rates exceeding 5 per cent over consecutive years to positively impact citizens. He urged the government to capitalize on opportunities arising from stability and reconstruction efforts in Syria, conduct detailed sectoral studies, and identify opportunities for private sector participation. He also stressed the importance of addressing food and water security challenges exacerbated by climate change. "These factors make continued economic reforms and long-term developmental policies essential for achieving sustainable growth." MENAFN28122024000028011005ID1109038264 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
NoneProceeds to be used primarily to acquire bitcoin and repurchase existing convertible notes due 2026 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) ("MARA” or the "Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today announced the closing on December 4, 2024 of its offering of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031 (the "notes”). The aggregate principal amount of the notes sold in the offering was $850 million. MARA also granted the initial purchasers an option to purchase an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of the notes within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the notes were first issued. The notes were sold in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act”). The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were approximately $835.1 million, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and commissions but before estimated offering expenses payable by MARA. MARA expects to use approximately $48 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase approximately $51 million in aggregate principal amount of its existing convertible notes due 2026 (the "existing 2026 convertible notes”) in privately negotiated transactions with the remainder of the net proceeds to be used to acquire additional bitcoin and for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, strategic acquisitions, expansion of existing assets, and repayment of additional debt and other outstanding obligations. The notes are unsecured, senior obligations of MARA. The notes will not bear regular interest and the principal amount of the notes will not accrete. MARA may pay special interest, if any, at its election as the sole remedy for failure to comply with its reporting obligations and under certain other circumstances, each pursuant to the indenture. Special interest, if any, on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2025 (if and to the extent that special interest is then payable on the notes). The notes will mature on June 1, 2031, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. Subject to certain conditions, on or after June 5, 2029, MARA may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the last reported sale price of MARA's common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for a specified period of time ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date MARA provides the notice of redemption. If MARA redeems fewer than all the outstanding notes, at least $75 million aggregate principal amount of notes must be outstanding and not subject to redemption as of the relevant redemption notice date. Holders of notes may require MARA to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes on June 4, 2027 and on June 4, 2029 or upon the occurrence of certain events that constitute a fundamental change under the indenture governing the notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. In connection with certain corporate events or if MARA calls any note for redemption, it will, under certain circumstances, be required to increase the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert their notes in connection with such corporate event or notice of redemption. The notes are convertible into cash, shares of MARA's common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of MARA's common stock, at MARA's election. Prior to March 1, 2031, the notes are convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate for the notes is initially 28.9159 shares of MARA's common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $34.5830 per share. The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 40.0% over the U.S. composite volume weighted average price of MARA's common stock from 2:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, December 2, 2024, which was $24.7022. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. In connection with any repurchase of the existing 2026 convertible notes, MARA expects that holders of the existing 2026 convertible notes who agree to have their notes repurchased and who have hedged their equity price risk with respect to such notes (the "hedged holders”) will unwind all or part of their hedge positions by buying MARA's common stock and/or entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to MARA's common stock. The amount of MARA's common stock to be purchased by the hedged holders or in connection with such derivative transactions may be substantial in relation to the historic average daily trading volume of MARA's common stock. This activity by the hedged holders could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of MARA's common stock, including concurrently with the pricing of the notes, resulting in a higher effective conversion price of the notes. MARA cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the notes or MARA's common stock. The notes were sold to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offer and sale of the notes and the shares of MARA's common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, if any, have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the notes and any such shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The offering of the notes was made only by means of a private offering memorandum. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the notes, nor shall there be any sale of the notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Nothing in this press release shall be deemed an offer to purchase MARA's existing 2026 convertible notes. About MARA MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world's preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to MARA's use of the net proceeds of the offering. The words "anticipate,” "believe,” "continue,” "could,” "estimate,” "expect,” "intend,” "may,” "plan,” "potential,” "predict,” "project,” "should,” "target,” "will,” "would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors” section of MARA's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC”) on February 28, 2024, as amended on May 24, 2024, the "Risk Factors” section of MARA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, the "Risk Factors” section of MARA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024 and the risks described in other filings that MARA may make from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and MARA specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. MARA Company Contact: Telephone: 800-804-1690 Email: [email protected]NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”
Thomas Sorber, Georgetown roll past Coppin StateNEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”
Church Fr. Romans Antony, senior priest of the Kollam Archdiocese, stated in Karunagappally, Kollam district, that if the Munambam victims are evicted, people from the entire coastal belt would mobilize to support them. He was speaking at a Jan Jagaran Conclave conducted by the Hindu Aikyavedi organisation. Fr. Antony criticized the state for accusing the protestors of communalizing the issue. He remarked that depriving a section of people of their rights for vote-bank politics is not a sign of a healthy democracy. He also criticized Congress MP Hibi Eden, who is representing Ernakulam, for hiding the truth for the sake of political gain, stating that Eden would never enter the area because he cannot face the people. Fr. Antony further condemned the Kerala Communist government, calling it a “government with no spine” and accusing it of lacking the audacity to address critical issues. He highlighted that six months have passed since the killer landslides in Wayanad, yet the losses have neither been audited nor fully assessed. Church Fr. Antony said that a government without willpower cannot ensure justice for its people. He welcomed the Waqf Amendment Bill and praised the support extended by Hindu Aikyavedi and other like-minded organizations, emphasizing that the movement transcends caste and religious boundaries. Meanwhile, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that the Munambam Waqf issue is a constitutional matter. He said he has been supporting the people of Munambam since the very first day of their agitation and will continue to stand by them until a solution is found. He was addressing the Waqf victims at the Velankanni Church on December 22, where they are carrying out a relay hunger strike. He added that Munambam is facing an organized encroachment and criticized both political fronts—the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)—for their double standards on the matter. The former minister emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be implemented in its entirety. He pointed out that leaders of both fronts had issued pro-victim statements during the by-elections in Wayanad, Palakkad, and Chelakkara but have since gone back on their words after the elections concluded. The Munambam victims submitted a memorandum to the former Union Minister. The Munambam Waqf case centers around a land dispute in the coastal area of Munambam, Ernakulam district, where nearly 600 families face the threat of displacement. Over 400 of these families are Christian, with the remainder being Hindu. The residents have been on a relay hunger strike for over four weeks. Prominent bishops and BJP MP Suresh Gopi also visited the protest site, expressing solidarity and pledging to fight for justice on behalf of the affected community. The visits and public speeches by various Christian dioceses, cardinals, bishops, religious leaders, and church-linked social, political, and cultural organizations underscore the importance the Church places on the issue.Hyderabad: 3 Arrested for Kidnapping Month-Old Baby From Government-Run Niluofer Hospital in Telangana
The one question every legislator should be asking this sessionNEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”In the first Bundesliga game of matchweek 13, Stuttgart will hope to claim all three points against visitors Union Berlin on Friday at MHPArena and push towards the European qualification spots. The home team are ninth with 17 points and drew 2-2 with Werder Bremen on November 30, while their opponents are 11th with 16 points and were beaten 2-1 by champions Bayer Leverkusen on the same date. Die Roten trailed 1-0 after just six minutes and required an 85th-minute equaliser from Ermedin Demirovic to take a point against Werder Bremen. Their stalemate was the fourth time in the last six matches that they have conceded at least two goals, and boss Sebastian Hoeness will be concerned that his side have conceded 21 times in 12 league outings, just 18 fewer than they did in 34 Bundesliga games last term. In the aftermath of the draw, Hoeness was upbeat, saying: "The fact is we fell behind twice away from home and were able to fight back each time – and that at the end of a tough week. I'm pleased with my team's commitment." The Reds beat Jahn Regensburg 3-0 on Tuesday and progressed to the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal, though that was just their second victory in their past seven fixtures, losing three and drawing two in that period. Stuttgart's tally of 23 goals scored in the top flight makes them the division's joint fifth best offensive club, with the team netting on six occasions in their three most recent Bundesliga games. The hosts have lost two of their last three home matches, but they still boast a phenomenal record at MHPArena given they have won 15, drawn six and lost just two of their past 23 outings. Opponents Union Berlin will be disappointed by their defeat against Leverkusen, as while losing to the champions is by no means an unexpected result, Schlosserjungs produced eight shots from inside the box and created two big chances, the same as Xabi Alonso 's side. Manager Bo Svensson believed that his team could have taken something from their clash, saying: "Leverkusen are simply a top team, so it's obviously difficult to create chances. In the end, the way we played was good, but we still lost." Svensson's side have scored 10 times and conceded on 11 occasions, and these are the top flight's joint worst offensive and second best defensive records. Union Berlin are in poor form, with the team winless in their six most recent games, succumbing to defeat four times. The visitors have achieved victory just twice in their eight away fixtures this season, losing their last three and failing to score in that time. The hosts will be without several players, including defenders Ameen Al Dakhil and Dan-Axel Zagadou , though the former should recover from an illness is the next few days. Stuttgart could field a backline consisting of Leonidas Stergiou , Anthony Rouault , Julian Chabot and Maximilian Mittelstadt . Forwards Deniz Undav , El Bilal Toure , Jamie Leweling and Luca Raimund will also miss out, so perhaps Hoeness will select an attack featuring Josha Vagnoman , Enzo Millot , Chris Fuhrich and Ermedin Demirovic. Meanwhile, Union Berlin will not be able to call upon striker Andrej Ilic until the middle of this month, and Woo-Yeong Jeong , Benedict Hollerbach and Yorbe Vertessen could be selected to lead the forward line in his absence. Centre-back Diogo Leite and goalkeeper Yannic Stein are out due to injuries and are not likely to feature again until late December and the middle of January 2025 respectively. Danilho Doekhi , Kevin Vogt and Leopold Querfeld are probable candidates to appear in a back three, and they are almost certain to be stationed in front of goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow . Stuttgart possible starting lineup: Nubel; Stergiou, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Vagnoman, Millot, Fuhrich; Demirovic Union Berlin possible starting lineup: Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Querfeld; Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Rothe; Jeong, Hollerbach, Vertessen Union Berlin are not likely to score more than once on Friday considering their poor offensive record, so Stuttgart should be confident of at least preventing the visitors from creating many chances. However, the hosts have been poor defensively in recent weeks, and it would be surprising if they managed to keep a clean sheet. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .
Becoming a resident of South Dakota is easy. Some say too easy
DeVito, Giants Lifeless in Week 12 LossOvercrowding, an extra block in high school schedules, a new cell phone ban, big provincial promises, new leadership? Lots has happened in the Burnaby school district in 2024, and the Burnaby NOW is taking a look back. Overcapacity on opening The year began with students moving into the new $116.6-million Burnaby North Secondary School . Before 2024 was up, however, the district was already asking the province for a $29.4-million addition because the school was overcapacity the day it opened . Enrollment growth and overcrowding, driven by development and an influx of newcomer families, was a major theme running through school stories this year. The NDP government – no doubt with an eye on the provincial election in October – responded with a flurry of capital funding announcements, including fast-tracked prefabricated additions at Kitchener Elementary , Alpha Secondary and Nelson Elementary . The province also approved $67.8 million for a brand new, bigger Cameron Elementary after originally approving only an expansion. But it takes time to build multi-million dollar capital projects, and the district announced it would add an extra block and stagger schedules at four local high schools to address overcrowding in the short term – a move that has raised concerns at the district parent advisory council. Ch-ch-ch-changes School district headquarters saw a change in leadership this year, with the retirement of superintendent Gina Niccoli-Moen at the end of March The district’s new CEO, ex-New Westminster school district superintendent Karim Hachlaf , officially took up Burnaby’s top job on April 1. Burnaby’s board of education also saw a changing of the guard at the end of 2024, when trustee Bill Brassington, who had served as the board’s chair for two years, passed on the reins of leadership to trustee Kristin Schnider. A student leader told the school board in May that her peers would “not be very happy” with a province-wide cellphone ban mandated by the provincial government, but the district’s policy generated little public pushback after it was put into effect in July. Making a splash Now, school stories don’t usually get as much attention online as they should, but this year burnabynow.com ’s fourth most clicked story was about local grads earning a record-breaking $10.8 million dollars in scholarships . With inflation making it hard to make ends meet in 2024, it was a good news story. Another story that garnered attention online was less positive. At the beginning of June, as the war in Palestine raged, the school district got a complaint from a parent about a Grade 6 social studies test in which students were asked to weigh in on Israel’s right to exist . Some of our favourite school stories, though, are often ones that don’t cause much of a stir online but touch our hearts. This year, our favourite is a story about a gingerbread fairy forest created by a team of local high school cooking students and dedicated to a beloved great uncle determined to protect his nephew’s sense of wonder.BRUSSELS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an upcoming EU Reporter interview , M. Shigeo Katsu , Founding President of Nazarbayev University (NU) and a key architect of Kazakhstan's education reforms, will address the escalating scandal surrounding financial mismanagement at the country's flagship higher education institution. The crisis gained public attention following the announcement of the state audit results of Nazarbayev University. The revelations have sparked widespread concerns about transparency and oversight at one of Central Asia's most prestigious universities. Adding to the controversy are allegations of financial mismanagement involving the New Generation Foundation, the Jusan Group — entities originally established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of NU and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). Questions have also been raised about the state of affairs at NU's Social Development Fund. Reports suggest that funds may have been misappropriated, triggering outrage from students, educators, and civil society. In response, a student initiative group from Nazarbayev University issued an open letter demanding the release of both the state audit and NU's internal audit of the Social Development Fund. The letter also calls for greater accountability, enhanced transparency, and the protection of students' rights. This appeal reflects mounting frustration with the university's leadership and a growing demand for immediate corrective action. Shigeo Katsu's interview will shed light on these unfolding developments. As a former leader of NU, Katsu is uniquely positioned to analyze the root causes of the crisis, critique the university's response, and discuss the broader implications for Kazakhstan's education sector. The full interview can be found here: https://www.eureporter.co/kazakhstan-2/2024/12/23/the-battle-for-nazarbayev-universitys-future-shigeo-katsu-on-financial-mismanagement-and-accountability/ The Battle for Nazarbayev University's Future: Shigeo Katsu on Financial Mismanagement and Accountability In light of recent controversies surrounding the financial governance of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), an open letter from concerned students has surfaced, addressing the troubling mismanagement of funds and alleged conflicts of interest. The letter highlights a series of financial decisions that led to the unraveling of key institutions meant to ensure the long-term stability of NU and NIS. The students are particularly concerned about the fate of the Jusan Group and the Nazarbayev Fund (NGF), which were once positioned to secure the financial future of these two leading educational institutions. Instead, they allege that significant funds were misappropriated and whole organizations lost, leading to the collapse of what was once a promising financial structure. In response, Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, has also written an open letter , received by EU Reporter, addressing the ongoing crisis and providing his perspective on the unfolding situation. In his letter, Katsu outlines the rationale of engagement in the financial sector and the erosion of the initial vision for NU, highlighting the role of key financial institutions like Jusan Bank and the NGF in securing a stable future for the university and NIS. He draws attention to the series of decisions that led to the loss of the former and calls for urgent remedial actions to prevent further damage to the institutions' credibility and financial stability . In this exclusive interview with EU Reporter , Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, sheds light on these pressing issues. He discusses the audit findings, the role of Jusan Bank , and what must be done to restore trust and secure the future of NU and NIS. Bio: Mr. Shigeo Katsu is the Founding President of Nazarbayev University. He held the position of President from December 2010 until June 2023 . He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of an affiliated secondary school system, the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and of the University's hospital system. Prior to the assignments in Kazakhstan , over the course of a 30-year career at the World Bank, Mr. Shigeo Katsu held various positions including leading financial sector reform support for China , Director for Cote d'Ivoire , and Vice President for Europe and Central Asia . After his retirement from the World Bank, he served for a few years on the US board of a youth-oriented international development NGO. Between 2011 and 2015 he was an Advisory Panel member of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Questions: - We have exclusively published your open letter and anticipate that it will generate a significant response. What drove you to write it, particularly in light of the misuse of funds intended to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS)? The decision to write the open letter was not made lightly. It was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to the students, faculty, and broader community of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). These institutions were established with a vision to create world-class educational hubs in Kazakhstan and establish a center of excellence for academic research. Ensuring their financial independence and long-term stability is a core requirement to achieve the two institutions' mission. However, recent developments revealed through state and internal audits have exposed serious breaches of trust. The misuse of funds from entities like the University's Social Development Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group directly threatens the sustainability of NU and NIS. These funds were meant to build up and guarantee the financial security of the institutions. Instead, we now see signs of embezzlement, mismanagement, and a concerning lack of accountability. The role played by key figures like the directors and executives of NGF, of Aslan Sarinzhipov (Executive Vice President of NU, a former Minister of Education) and Kadisha Dairova (Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, Nazarbayev University) only adds to the gravity of the situation. By writing the letter, my goal was to bring transparency to the issue and to mobilize public attention and international scrutiny. NU and NIS were founded on principles of meritocracy, transparency, and academic freedom. If we allow these values to be compromised, we risk undoing more than a decade of progress. The letter serves as a call for accountability, reform, and most importantly, protection of the future of Kazakhstan's youth. - Many students and alumni of NU have expressed their concern over the lowering of admission standards and the shift away from international standards. How do you assess these changes, and do you see them as diverging from the original vision for NU? NU was conceived as a model of excellence , designed to meet international standards in research, teaching, and governance. One of its founding principles was merit-based admission , which ensured that students were selected solely based on their ability and potential. This meritocratic foundation was not only an academic principle but a reflection of NU's mission to transform Kazakhstan's education system. Students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked hard to build NU's name. Now students, alumni and parents are rightly concerned that the lowering of admission standards undermines this mission and risks eroding the university's reputation both domestically and internationally. Such changes create the perception that NU is moving away from its original vision of being a world-class institution. To restore confidence, NU must reaffirm its commitment to international standards, transparency, and academic rigor. Reverting to merit-based admissions and prioritizing excellence will send a clear message that the institution remains steadfast in its mission. In the Open Letter, I stated that in theory, a policy of opening the entry door wider, but then be resolutely strict in terms of progression and graduation based on academic integrity and merit could work. There are some cases globally. However, it can only work if there is a full commitment to integrity and merit, openness and transparency, and NU's original values are upheld. But unfortunately, what I have observed and heard about recent developments at NU does not make me optimistic. While administration is supposedly in a belt-tightening mode, new senior positions were created and filled with scant regard for a proper hiring process and qualification. Conflict of interest and restrictions on hiring family members have been discarded. These are just a few of the institutional changes that will inevitably bleed over into the academic fabric as well. Is this the example that senior management wants to present to our students? - Do you believe the current situation, where the financial foundations like the Social Development Fund and New Generation Foundation were mismanaged, reflects a broader crisis within Kazakhstan's governance and democracy? Absolutely, but to be fair, this corporate governance crisis is not just limited to Kazakhstan . The findings of the internal audit conducted by NU on the Social Development Fund (SDF) reveal a systemic absence of check and balances and accountability that extends beyond these institutions. Mismanagement and theft, such as those involving Aslan Sarinzhipov , have not only undermined NU and NIS but also shaken public trust in Kazakhstan's leadership. The financial institutions linked to NU and NIS—Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group — were designed to guarantee long-term financial stability for education in Kazakhstan , securing the futures of NU and NIS for decades. However, NGF and Jusan Group's systematic depletion and dismantling highlight the country's struggle with accountability and the need for deep structural reform. This mismanagement reflects broader governance failings—particularly a lack of oversight, transparency, and mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. I cannot pronounce myself on the current status of the NF, but I would not be surprised if one discovers similar shortcomings there as well. I had called for an audit for some time until my departure but was not successful. The impact extends beyond education, affecting the economic and social fabric of Kazakhstan . Addressing these issues requires not just reforms within these organizations but also a renewed commitment to governance, accountability, and emphasis on establishing the rule of law. - With the financial stability once promised by entities like the NGF now in jeopardy, how do you envision NU's future without those foundational guarantees? The original intent of the Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group was to provide NU and NIS with long-term financial stability. These entities were carefully designed to ensure that Kazakhstan's leading educational institutions could eventually operate in a manner less affected by state budget fluctuations. However, as the audits reveal, these institutions have been systematically mismanaged and looted, jeopardizing the financial future of NU and NIS. NU's survival and success now depend on a bold and transparent strategy. The first step is to rebuild trust with the public, students, and alumni by publishing the findings of both the state audit of NU and the internal audit of SDF. Then, those responsible are held accountable. Financially, NU must re-establish a diversified funding model. This includes rebuilding its endowments and enhancing additional revenue streams, such as a logical and sound tuition policy, executive education and collaboration with industry and business in the form of contract research. Transparency and governance reform will be key to attract donors and investors who believe in NU's mission and potential. - The Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan , in its state audit, reported the mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge at Nazarbayev University , as well as allegations of half a billion tenge being used illegally. What is your opinion on this, and how should the university address governance and corruption issues? I have not had the opportunity to access the state audit report, thus it is difficult to comment. If the cited amount in mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge over six years is true, it is scandalous. However, we do not know what the auditors' definition and criteria of mismanagement is. So, let's first find out what the report actually says. What is clear, however, is the outcome of a 2023 internal audit of NU's Social Development Fund (SDF) , and it is sobering. This SDF audit reveals a blatant disregard of corporate governance principles, where individuals entrusted with university resources prioritized personal gain over the mission of NU. The audit revealed that SDF management led by current NU Executive Vice President Aslan Sarinzhipov constructed an intricate web of subsidiary entities, including abroad, to systematically evade the oversight and control of the University. Funds ( over 14 billion tenge ) meant to assist students and faculty were used for personal gains of Aslan Sarinzhipov and questionable deals. Unfortunately, NU senior officials such as Vice President Kadisha Dairova participated in such schemes. When I voiced my concern earlier over the developments at NU, it is largely because of the track record of senior officials there. For NU to move forward, it must adopt zero-tolerance policies for corruption, demand accountability from those responsible, and reform its governance structures to ensure transparency. - Why do some claim there is a lack of funds for NU and NIS, despite the promises of financial stability from their endowment funds? The claim of a lack of funds is a direct consequence of the systematic looting of resources from the New Generation Foundation and Jusan Group. These entities were explicitly designed to contribute to NU and NIS' long-term financial sustainability against the backdrop of reduced state funding. However, as I described in my Open Letter, these innovative financial structures have been undermined by mismanagement, and outright theft. For instance: Rebuilding financial stability will require recovering stolen assets, reforming governance structures, and restoring public trust through full transparency and accountability. - Given the scale of financial mismanagement, what steps are necessary to ensure accountability for those involved, including senior officials? Accountability must begin with transparency. First, all findings from the audits should be made public, and independent investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, should be above scrutiny. Second, legal consequences must follow where wrongdoing is found. Kazakhstan's legal system must demonstrate its independence and commitment to justice by prosecuting those who exploited these funds. Finally, governance reforms are essential. NU and its associated entities must implement stricter checks and balances, including external audits, whistleblower protections, and oversight committees with independent members. These steps are not just about rectifying past mistakes—they're about ensuring a future where such mismanagement cannot happen again. - The audit findings were just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues. Is there more information you can share about how these financial foundations were exploited and what this means for the future of NU and NIS? The patterns that have emerged—opaque transactions, conflicts of interest, and questionable settlements—are deeply troubling. For instance, the transfer of assets to private hands under unclear terms raises red flags about the intentions behind such decisions. This exploitation puts the futures of NU and NIS at risk. These institutions were designed to be financially independent, insulated from political and economic volatility. The weakening of their financial foundations erodes their ability to deliver on their missions and betrays the trust of the Kazakhstani people, who have invested in these institutions through their taxes. The way forward requires not just recovering lost assets but rebuilding the governance systems that allowed this exploitation to occur. - Nazarbayev University was founded with a mission to serve as a model for higher education in Kazakhstan , supported by funds like those from the Nazarbayev Fund and New Generation Foundation. What was your original vision for the university, and how did these funds play a critical role in realizing that vision? The vision for NU was bold: to create an institution that could compete with the best universities in the world while serving as a model for higher education reform in Kazakhstan . From day one, we envisioned NU as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development—a place where the brightest minds could come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow. However, one should not forget that universities, in particular research universities, are a long-term endeavor. They are meant to educate and develop generations upon generations of leaders and professionals in a broad range of sectors, and thus contribute to the scientific, economic, and societal wealth of countries. Building a strong institution that can meet the test of time requires long-term and unwavering commitments to foundational values such as integrity, meritocracy, excellence, openness and transparency. But of course, strong financial support from government and other stakeholders is needed, especially in the first decades. Thus, it was understood that NU would be dependent on state funding (through education grants and capital investments) for the initial decades of its existence, while in the meantime it would develop other sources of financing such as through endowment funds, tuition, and contract research. The Nazarbayev Fund, NGF and the Jusan Group were integral parts of this vision. This overall construct allowed us to recruit world-class faculty, develop state-of-the-art facilities, and provide scholarships to talented students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. These resources weren't just financial—they were a vote of confidence in NU's mission and a recognition of the transformative power of education. The loss of these resources is a significant setback, but I do hope that NU can recover. The university must focus on rebuilding trust with its stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and the public. This starts with transparency in financial management and governance. Diversifying funding sources will be crucial. This includes rebuilding its endowments, engaging with the philanthropic community, and developing innovative revenue streams. But most importantly, NU must stay true to its mission and values. Financial stability is important, but it must never come at the cost of compromising the university's integrity or academic excellence. Restoring NU's credibility begins with transparency. For instance, the university must share the audit report with stakeholders, and openly address any major shortcomings highlighted in the audit, including financial mismanagement and governance failures. An independent investigation, followed by public disclosure of findings, will demonstrate a commitment to accountability. Next, an affirmation of NU's commitment to its foundational values and principles is needed. Next, institutional reforms are essential. This includes introducing stronger oversight mechanisms for financial and administrative processes, ensuring that governance boards are staffed with individuals of the highest integrity and independence, and that management, faculty and staff are recruited on the basis of transparency and merit. Fourth, NU must recommit itself to its founding mission of academic excellence. This means maintaining rigorous admission standards, prioritizing high-quality faculty recruitment, and fostering research that addresses national and global challenges. And finally, engaging the NU community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents—in shaping the university's path forward is critical. A transparent, inclusive process will rebuild trust and reaffirm NU's position as a leader in higher education. Educational reform is not just critical—it is foundational to Kazakhstan's economic recovery and long-term stability. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in education systems worldwide, but it also underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience. For Kazakhstan , investing in education means investing in the future. A well-educated population is essential for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation. Institutions like NU and NIS must lead the way by setting benchmarks for quality and demonstrating the value of education in driving economic progress. Moreover, reform must focus on equity. Expanding access to high-quality education for students from socially vulnerable backgrounds will ensure that economic recovery benefits all segments of society, not just the privileged few. - How do you see the role of institutions like NU and NIS in not only providing quality education but also contributing to economic growth in Kazakhstan , especially when financial stability is threatened? NU and NIS are more than educational institutions—they are catalysts for economic growth and social development. By equipping students with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and a global perspective, they prepare the workforce needed to diversify Kazakhstan's economy. Their impact extends beyond classrooms. NU's research contributes to solving national challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, NIS fosters innovation and leadership at the secondary education level, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits universities and industries alike. To sustain this role, NU and NIS must secure their financial stability. This includes strengthening governance, diversifying funding sources, and forging partnerships with the private sector and international organizations. These institutions are vital to Kazakhstan's future, and their success is intertwined with the country's broader economic ambitions. - Could the model used by NU and supported by the Nazarbayev Fund be applied in other countries, or does it require a uniquely Kazakh approach to work effectively? The NU model is innovative, but its core principles—integrity, meritocracy, autonomy, and a focus on global best practices—are universally applicable. Many countries could benefit from establishing institutions that prioritize excellence and align with international standards. That said, successful implementation depends on adapting the model to local contexts. Kazakhstan's approach benefited from strong initial financial and political backing, and a vision that emphasized independence from political and state bureaucratic interference. Replicating this requires careful consideration of governance structures, funding mechanisms, autonomy and other values, and cultural factors. In countries where philanthropic traditions or financial resources are limited, the model may need to rely more on public-private partnerships or international collaborations. Ultimately, the NU experience demonstrates that ambitious goals in education are achievable with the right vision, leadership, and long-term commitment support. - What lessons do you hope others will learn from the experience of the NGF, Jusan Bank , and the financial turmoil at NU? The story of NU and its financial affiliates offers a critical lesson: no institution, no matter how noble its mission, is immune to mismanagement and corruption without strong governance. NU and NIS' financial pillars, namely the Nazarbayev Fund, NGF, Jusan Group, but also the SDF and NIS' Corporate Development Fund were designed to guarantee long-term financial sustainability, yet their exploitation demonstrates how quickly trust can be eroded when transparency and accountability are neglected. For any endowment fund or financial institution, the following lessons are clear: NU's experience is a cautionary tale but also an opportunity. By addressing these failures head-on, NU can emerge as a model for how institutions can learn from adversity and rebuild stronger than before. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nazarbayev-university-crisis-shigeo-katsu-demands-audit-transparency-302338886.html SOURCE EU Reporter
Linus Okorie writes about the power of small steps We have all been there—facing down the decision to start something new, a step toward a goal, or a commitment to change. You feel the pressure of its importance, but somehow, instead of starting, you linger in place. Why does taking the first step feel so intimidating? The struggle to start is not always laziness or lack of desire; it is anticipatory anxiety. A phenomenon that shows that our brains are wired to protect us from the unknown, magnifying fears, doubts, and insecurities the moment we consider leaving our comfort zones. This resistance to change is normal, but if left unchecked, it becomes a barrier to progress and fulfilment. However, the good news is that anyone can overcome the inertia of that first step by understanding the mental blocks at play and using simple strategies to break them. Several mental barriers often keep us from taking the first step, and one of the most common is fear of failure. The fear of falling short can paralyze us before we even try. Whether starting a business, applying for a dream job, or writing a book, we are often haunted by “what if” questions that focus on negative outcomes. Perfectionism is another key barrier, and perfectionists are especially susceptible to paralysis by analysis. They hesitate to start until they feel everything is perfectly planned or the conditions are ideal, making them wait endlessly. Additionally, the enormity of a goal can be overwhelming. Sometimes, reaching the top of a mountain looks insurmountable, and that perception alone can be enough to keep us from climbing. Finally, fear of the unknown adds another layer of difficulty. As humans, we gravitate toward familiarity, and venturing into uncharted territory can activate our primal “fight or flight” instincts. This is why even positive change can cause apprehension. When you realize that these psychological hurdles are normal, they become less personal and easier to manage. Recognizing that the reluctance you feel is a natural part of the process can be the first step in disarming it. Knowing the psychological roadblocks is only half the battle. To overcome them, you need actionable strategies. A powerful approach is to break down the goal into small, achievable tasks. The prospect of starting an enormous task can be paralyzing, so break it into smaller steps. Consider an aspiring author: instead of setting out to “write a best-selling book,” the task can be simplified to “write 300 words per day.” This shift reframes the goal, making it manageable and easier to begin. Psychologists recommend the “two-minute rule”—if you are putting off something, commit to doing just two minutes of it. For instance, if you want to start a fitness routine, begin with two minutes of stretching. More often than not, you will want to keep going after those initial minutes. Shifting focus from results to the process also helps. When we focus exclusively on results, it amplifies anxiety. Instead, focus on engaging in the process itself. A Harvard study found that people who emphasize learning over achievement experience less stress and are more likely to start projects. This focus on the process makes each step its own reward, reducing the pressure tied to achieving a particular outcome. Visualizing success while also preparing for setbacks is another effective strategy. Visualization is powerful, but so is preparing for obstacles. When you imagine yourself succeeding, it primes your mind for positive action. However, studies show that balanced visualization—where you also anticipate challenges and plan how to respond—leads to greater persistence and resilience. One exercise that may help is called “mental contrasting.” Visualize your success, then think of potential obstacles, and plan how you will overcome them. This technique reduces your fear of failure by reframing obstacles as part of the journey. Lastly, embrace imperfection. Perfectionism is often the enemy of progress. Embrace the idea that your first attempt does not have to be flawless; it just has to be a start. It is better to start messy and refine as you go than to wait indefinitely for the perfect moment. The truth is that taking small initial actions has a cumulative effect that can lead to enormous achievements. This phenomenon, known as the “snowball effect,” leverages the power of momentum. Once you begin, each completed action builds confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment, which propels you forward. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, illustrates how small, consistent actions compound over time. Clear advocates for a 1% improvement each day, which can result in remarkable progress. If you improve just 1% daily, you will be 37 times better after a year. This approach, which emphasizes small, manageable actions, has helped millions build successful habits and reach goals that once seemed impossible. History is filled with stories of individuals whose first steps led to monumental success in their careers. Oprah Winfrey was a small-town news anchor who struggled with self-doubt and rejection in her early career. Her first step was to take a low-paying job in television news that ultimately gave her a name in media. Another example is J.K. Rowling, who before becoming one of the best-selling authors of all time, was a struggling single mother, rejected by 12 publishers. The first step of writing Harry Potter in a small café, despite her circumstances, was her pivotal moment. Each small task involved completing chapters, submitting manuscripts, and revising them eventually led to her success. Every thriving business today was once a startup driven by founders who dared to take the first step and relentlessly pursue their vision. The story of Steve Jobs and the inception of Apple are business case studies of compound effect. In 1976, Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak started Apple from a garage, building a prototype that did not have all the answers but served as a crucial first step. From there, each small step involved repairing the prototype, finding an investor, improving the product that grew Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies. He even launched other successful companies by leveraging Apple’s earlier success. Elon Musk also exemplifies the power of small steps. Musk’s vision for SpaceX seemed unrealistic at first. After multiple failed rocket launches, many wrote off the company. Yet, Musk’s incremental steps, from securing funding to engineering solutions for each failure, ultimately led to SpaceX’s success in launching and reusing rockets, a breakthrough in space technology. The journey to achievement and fulfilment is often starts with a single, sometimes scary step. Recognizing that it is normal to feel intimidated by beginnings is crucial. You need to understand the psychological barriers that hold you back, employ practical strategies to start with confidence, and embrace small steps. The first step is the hardest—but also the most important. As Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Embrace that truth, and you will find that even the smallest actions can lead to profound accomplishments. Remember, greatness often begins with a hesitant first step. The only way to unlock your potential is to take it. Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership CentreNovotel, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City Heartists celebrate year-end triumphs
Article content Looking back over 2024, there’s good and bad news on the crime scene, statistically, for Edmonton. Year-end numbers show domestic violence was up in 2024, but homicides were down in Edmonton. Overall, the crime rate was down, but mid-year numbers showed violent crimes were up — at least in part due to repeat offenders. As of Dec. 29, homicides were down to the lowest rate in five years in the Alberta capital. There were 41 confirmed homicides in 2023 and 40 this time last year (Dec. 15, 2023). That number rises to 45 if you factor in officer-involved shooting deaths. For 2024, there are 30 confirmed homicides as of Dec. 15, 2024, a number that rises to 34 if you factor in officer-involved shooting deaths. Of these, 21 homicides are cleared, and nine remain under investigation, said Cheryl Voordenhout of the Edmonton Police Service’s public information office. Over the past four years, homicides have averaged 40 per year, according to EPS numbers. In 2018 and 2019, numbers were lower — with 29 homicides and 27 homicides, respectively. Officer-involved shooting fatalities were the same in 2023 and 2024 so far, with four deaths each year. However, the total number of officer-involved shootings was up from seven in 2023 to nine in 2024. There were fewer shooting homicides, EPS Chief Dale McFee told Postmedia in a year-end interview . McFee noted that rates go up or down depending on incidents throughout the year, but random attack numbers are stable. “What I’m looking for is a lot of that ‘stranger’ stuff. You know, those random attacks. And you know what? It doesn’t seem like there’s a real increase in relation to that,” he said. Domestic and interpersonal violence has replaced catalytic converter theft as the highest call for service, McFee said. “It could be anything from an argument to a bad beating to homicide,” he said. “So that area, going forward, in 2025 is going to need a little bit of a change in relation to how we approach that, and we’ve asked for that plan to come forward,” McFee said. On the positive side, resolving homicide cases has been going well, he said. “Our homicides, you know, got a significant clearance this year,” he said. Crime rate decreases: Statistics Canada Statistics trail calendar dates, and final numbers on the year’s crime indicators are expected in early-to-mid 2025. But according to mid-year results released in 2024 from Statistics Canada’s National Crime Data, Edmonton’s crime rate decreased by 11 per cent in 2023 from 2022, while nationally, the overall police-reported crime rate increased by three per cent from the previous year. “This marks one of the largest decrease(s in) crime rates among Canadian metropolitan cities in 2023,” said an EPS release, which attributed the improvement to targeted initiatives. “Safer public spaces, targeting social disorder and victimization, had an impact in Edmonton’s Downtown core and surrounding communities,” said Ron Anderson, chief innovation and technology officer for EPS, attributing improvements in the first two quarters of 2024 to the provincial government’s new navigation centre and dedicated LRT deployments. However, data from the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics showed Edmonton’s violent crime severity index (CSI) increased by four per cent in 2023, “a trend in which repeat offenders continue to play a significant role,” the July 2024 release said. The City of Edmonton’s overall CSI remained stable (0.6 per cent increase) between 2022 and 2023, and it decreased by 13 per cent between 2018 and 2023. “Make no mistake, violent crime continues to be a major concern in our city,” Anderson said. “While we still need to keep our foot on the crime-fighting pedal, we’re beginning to see some tangible traction with some of our targeted initiatives. EPS will continue to rely on evidence and data to deploy resources effectively while working collaboratively with our partners.” Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) had the 11th highest police-reported total crime rate, a drop from its place as the 10th highest in 2022, among the nation’s 41 CMAs in 2023. The City of Edmonton’s total crime rate decreased by 11 per cent between 2022 and 2023, the report found. The Edmonton CMA violent crime rate was 18th highest among CMAs, up slightly from 19th in 2022. The City of Edmonton’s violent crime rate increased by two per cent between 2022 and 2023 and is higher than the national average but below the provincial average. The Edmonton CMA property crime rate was 11th highest among CMAs, a drop from holding ninth place in 2022. The City of Edmonton’s property crime rate decreased by 15 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Fraud and extortion were both up in 2023. Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
