jili fortune gems 。

Tech Triumph! Here’s Why HPE is SurgingYOU can tell what kind of 12 months it’s been when the dictionary people choose their words of the year. The Australian English Macquarie Dictionary went with ‘enshittification’, a term coined by Canadian journalist and author Cory Doctorow which it explained as the “the gradual deterioration of a service or product brought about by a reduction in the quality of service provided, especially of an online platform, and as a consequence of profit-seeking.” The Oxford English Dictionary, meanwhile, chose ‘brain-rot’, which they defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.” Yep, that kind of year. The two words seem closely related and go beyond the tech world to a more general malaise. Brain-rot is clearly a symptom of enshittification, with, say, this year’s US presidential election being a grand gala display of the process. On a personal level, fears about brain-rot are rife among those of us with children who consume oodles of enshittified online material. How we wish for them the intellectually stimulating fare of our own childhoods, like Bananaman, Inspector Gadget and Pat Sharp’s Fun House. Nor did sport did escape enshittification in 2024. It was there directly in the way that athletes continued to be targeted for online hatred, the great shit funnel of social media turning itself on the best and brightest. That one of the emblematic Irish sportspeople of 2024, Rhasidat Adeleke, would have to endure racist abuse following the European Athletics Championships, was, to put it bluntly, pretty shit. Enshittification went beyond the online effluent that accounts for a large chunk of sporting discourse. It was there in a broader sense in the every word, act and deed of Fifa, whose busy year of making things worse included selling off great swathes of the world’s game to the state of Saudi Arabia – from hosting rights for the men’s World Cup, to sponsorship of the women’s World Cup, to the funding of their idiot stepchild Club World Cup idea – in order to bankroll the personal ambitions of its president, Gianni Infantino. It was there when rugby fans watched the Champions Cup and lamented the bastardisation of a once great tournament. It was there in the Ineos takeover of Manchester United’s football department, which involved cutting 250 staff and appointing roughly the same number of sporting directors, and slashing the staff’s £100 Christmas bonus while paying £21million to sack and replace Erik Ten Hag as manager four months after giving him a new contract. It was still there in professional golf, long enshittified by the LIV wars and continuing in the delusion that people will watch competitions where the best players don’t play against each other and get paid grotesque amounts of money for the privilege. There is more where that came from, with the forthcoming Rory McIlroy- and Tiger Woods-backed TGL team-based indoor league sounding like something that came from an AI generator for terrible golf formats. Gaelic football reached such a state of enshittification that it had to be rescued from itself by the Football Review Committee (FRC), a crack team of grizzled veterans, kind of like a GAA version of The Expendables. The FRC were helped in their arguments for rule-changes by an All-Ireland Football Championship which seems to have been blown from the memory already, like the tumbleweed meme that summed up most of its fixtures. There are too many hurling matches behind paywalls, too many people going for pints in the Aviva during rugby matches and too many soccer matches full stop. Cheltenham is too long and the Brits are rubbish at training horses so it’s no fun anymore. What happened to the Irish lineout? Why can’t Evan Ferguson get a game at Brighton? Why is Brian Fenton retiring? How did we not qualify for the women’s Euros? Why was Rhasidat Adeleke denied an Olympic medal by a Bahraini athlete who had served a two-year ban for the serious doping violation of missing three tests? Why is the taxman going after the Cúl Camps? Why was Gladiator II so crap? (Ok, not sport that last one, but still). And yet, for all that, for all the greed and corruption and mismanagement and the continued existence of VAR, the amazing thing is that the words that define 2024 in sport are not those chosen by the dictionary people, but words like surprise and delight and pure, unadulterated joy. When the mind conjures 2024 in sport it goes not to the grim “consequences of profit-seeking” that seem everywhere but to the wonderfully batty opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics and the glorious fortnight that followed it. Those images of fencing at the Grand Palais and dressage at Versailles and beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, of Leon Marchand and Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles and Antoine Dupont. The skateboarding! The surfing! The breakdancing! That summer dream of a fortnight when we seemed to be up for medals every day and every one of them had a story that lit up the finest corners of the human condition. The courage and resilience of Rhys McClenaghan and Kellie Harrington, Mona McSharry’s journey within herself to find the split second to win an Olympic medal, the touched-by-gods majesty of Daniel Wiffen, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy. The feats of Adeleke individually and her relay teammates, who took no medals but all of our hearts. But it’s more than golden memories that saved us from the sludge. It was the surprising twists, like the collapse of Manchester City or the juddering halt to the Limerick hurling machine or the emergence of Luke Littler as the kebab-toting hero for a generation or, I’ll be damned, the Irish men winning a couple of international soccer matches. It’s in the joy of the Georgian football fans at Euro 2024, their own Italia ’90 while political unrest reigned up home. It’s in the parable about change and renewal that is the Irish out-half succession, with 38-year-old Johnny Sexton handing over to 24-year-old Jack Crowley, who is challenged by 21-year-old Sam Prendergast, who all the rugby experts reckon should be looking over his shoulder at 19-year-old Leinster academy starlet Caspar Gabriel. It’s in the electric fluctuations of fortune that made Clare’s All-Ireland hurling final win over Cork the fitting finale for hurling’s short, spectacular summer. It’s Shels winning the maddest League of Ireland ever and that not even being the biggest story in domestic football thanks to Rovers' exploits in Europe. It’s watching Rory miss those putts at the US Open and wondering how any benevolent deity could allow it. The sheer indefatigability of Katie Taylor and Katie George Dunlevy. And it’s in Ciara Mageean’s European 1500 metre gold, the sheer guts of it, not least because she was running with the pain that would end in the heartbreak of missing the Olympics. All these things are what make sport remarkably resistant to the forces of enshittification. We look forward to enjoying more of them in 2025, if the brain-rot allows.

Big Spring's Hall, Camp Hill's Bransttetter, Mechanicsburg's Reider score 2024 Mini Max AwardsThat is until the busy operations were brought to a sudden halt by the sight of an unknown liquid splashing out of the top of a large silver tanker truck that had been ordered out of the line at the scales for a closer inspection. As the smell of the unknown substance became apparent in the air and leakage threatened to contaminate the drainage system in the large parking area, the team of motor carrier inspectors called on hazardous materials officials for help. It was discovered the cap was missing from the top of the large tanker truck, which resulted in the vehicle being placed "out of service" and thus unable to drive away until the problem was corrected on site, Mysiewicz said. The discovery is just the type of problem the team is out to catch and keep off the state's roadways and away from other drivers. It was the second truck to be curbed that morning by the small team, which faces the seemingly insurmountable task of assuring the huge number of commercial vehicles passing along the busy stretch of the interstate before them are in compliance with weight limits and various other safety regulations. The team relies heavily on computer technology and license plate cameras to carry out this task, but regularly jumps in for hands-on inspections and the occasional vehicle chase for those making the mistake of trying to dodge the scales. "We get a lot of trucks through Porter and Lake counties," Mysiewicz said. The westbound station processed about 42,000 commercial vehicles last month alone and the eastbound site likely had about the same number, he said. The busiest flow of truck traffic in the Region is found further west along I-94 near the Illinois state line, he said. The eastbound weigh station and the one opposite it monitoring the westbound flow of traffic along I-94 are among ten statewide, said Mysiewicz, who serves as district coordinator and oversees a staff of eight inspectors. The only other station in the Region is located along southbound Interstate 65 at Ind. 2. Mysiewicz and team operate out of a small, glass front building separated from the heavy flow of fast-moving interstate traffic by just a few feet and two side lanes where trucks are diverted sometime randomly and other times intentionally to be weighed and potentially waived aside for a closer look. The team is assisted in this huge task by technology, including two computer programs paid for by the drivers and/or their companies that help determine which vehicles are to be weighed and/ or inspected, he said. Any drivers not using the technology are automatically ordered to pull off the highway to be weighed. According to Mysiewicz, the weighing process actually begins before the trucks reach the weigh station with censors under the highway leading up to the scales. One truck pulling up outside the building without a trailer last week weighed in at just under 18,000 pounds, followed by another that Mysiewicz guessed must have been empty at 52,000 pounds. Trucks are allowed to weigh up to 80,000 pounds without a special permit, he said. The aim of the weigh stations and inspections are safety and reduced damage to the state highways, Mysiewicz said. The crews look for problems such as blown tires, loads that are not properly secured, faulty brakes and fuel leaks. Inspections of passing trucks are done randomly or in response to obvious problems, he said. The more intensive inspections are carried out in a large garage behind the scale building and involving team members dropping into a pit to take a look at the underside of the trucks. Mysiewicz estimated that about every fifth inspection results in a truck being placed "out of service" and kept on site until repairs are made. He is well aware that some drivers dodge the scales by rerouting through the area along nearly U.S. 20 or U.S. 12, or even dropping as far south as U.S. 30. But he and others on the team are prepared to take their jobs on the road if necessary using portable scales. Most of the trucks passing through the weigh station during the morning last week were quickly cleared and sent back on their way. Not so, however, for the driver of the leaking tanker truck. With the hazardous materials team not yet on site, he took it upon himself to slowly make his way to the top of the large tank in the rain, place a simple plastic bag over the exposed opening and then climb back into the cab to wait out the unexpected delay in his work day.

Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say

ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company" or "Cousins") (NYSE:CUZ) announced today that its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP (the "Operating Partnership"), has priced an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2032 at 99.463% of the principal amount. The offering is expected to close on December 17, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Cousins intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price of 601 West 2nd Street, also known as Sail Tower, an 804,000 square foot trophy lifestyle office property in Austin (the "Sail Tower Acquisition"), and the remainder to repay borrowings under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In the event the Sail Tower Acquisition is not completed, Cousins will use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition and development of office properties, other opportunistic investments and the repayment of debt. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company. J.P. Morgan, Truist Securities, US Bancorp, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley, PNC Capital Markets LLC, TD Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers. A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of these documents may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York , 10179, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 3rd Floor, telephone collect at 1-212-834-4533; Truist Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, telephone: 800-685-4786, or e-mail: TruistSecurities.prospectus@Truist.com ; or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., Attention: High Grade Syndicate, 214 North Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202, or by telephone at: (877) 558-2607. Electronic copies of these documents are also available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Cousins Properties Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA and acting through the Operating Partnership, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 . These forward-looking statements include information about the Company's possible or assumed future results of the business and the Company's financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as: guidance and underlying assumptions; business and financial strategy; future debt financings; future acquisitions and dispositions of operating assets or joint venture interests; future acquisitions and dispositions of land, including ground leases; future acquisitions of investments in real estate debt; future development and redevelopment opportunities; future issuances and repurchases of common stock, limited partnership units, or preferred stock; future distributions; projected capital expenditures; market and industry trends; future occupancy or volume and velocity of leasing activity; entry into new markets, changes in existing market concentrations, or exits from existing markets; future changes in interest rates and liquidity of capital markets; and all statements that address operating performance, events, investments, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to creating value for stockholders. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following: the availability and terms of capital and our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on terms favorable to us or at all; the ability to refinance or repay indebtedness as it matures; any changes to our credit rating; the failure of purchase, sale, or other contracts to ultimately close; the failure to achieve anticipated benefits from acquisitions, developments, investments, or dispositions; the effect of common stock or operating partnership unit issuances, including those undertaken on a forward basis, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; the availability of buyers and pricing with respect to the disposition of assets; changes in national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry, and the commercial real estate markets in which we operate (including supply and demand changes), particularly in Atlanta , Austin , Tampa , Charlotte , Phoenix , Dallas , and Nashville , including the impact of high unemployment, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, and international economic and other conditions; threatened terrorist attacks or sociopolitical unrest such as political instability, civil unrest, armed hostilities, or political activism, which may result in a disruption of day-to-day building operations; changes to our strategy in regard to our real estate assets may require impairment to be recognized; leasing risks, including the ability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants, the ability to lease newly-developed and/or recently acquired space, the failure of a tenant to commence or complete tenant improvements on schedule or to occupy leased space, and the risk of declining leasing rates; changes in the preferences of our tenants brought about by the desire for co-working arrangements, trends toward utilizing less office space per employee, and the effect of employees working remotely; any adverse change in the financial condition or liquidity of one or more of our tenants or borrowers under our real estate debt investments; volatility in interest rates (including the impact upon the effectiveness of forward interest rate contract arrangements) and insurance rates; inflation; competition from other developers or investors; the risks associated with real estate developments (such as zoning approval, receipt of required permits, construction delays, cost overruns, and leasing risk); supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased construction costs; risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology networks and related systems, which support our operations and our buildings; changes in senior management, changes in the Company's board of directors, and the loss of key personnel; the potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation, or environmental issues; the potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws or the impact of any investigation regarding the same; the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners; any failure to comply with debt covenants under debt instruments and credit agreements; any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust or meet regulatory requirements; potential changes to state, local, or federal regulations applicable to our business; material changes in dividend rates on common shares or other securities or the ability to pay those dividends; potential changes to the tax laws impacting real estate investment trusts and real estate in general; risks associated with climate change and severe weather events, as well as the regulatory efforts intended to reduce the effects of climate changes and investor and public perception of our efforts to respond to the same; the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on our accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results; risks associated with possible federal, state, local, or property tax audits; and those additional risks and environmental or other factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and the Company does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts Roni Imbeaux Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations 404-407-1104 rimbeaux@cousins.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cousins-properties-announces-pricing-of-senior-notes-offering-302330787.html SOURCE Cousins Properties‘It was an awesome night' — Laughton scores all 4 goals in Flyers' winNFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC

No injuries or damage reported as quake sparks California tsunami warning

emicide, or the killing of a woman or girl by a man, typically because of her gender, and other incidents of gender-based violence regularly make national and local headlines in the country. The problem seems to have worsened rapidly in recent years. Certainly news coverage of the issue has become more prevalent, thanks in part to wider access to the internet and social media in the country. The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded 95 cases of femicide in the country in 2020. In the following two years, the figure rose to 237 then 307. Although the number of recorded femicides dropped last year to 159, many women’s rights groups believe that what they describe as “the most extreme form of gender-based violence” will never end if law enforcement remains apathetic about such cases, paving the way for recurring offenses. Often, when victims of gender-based violence seek help from the police, they are faced with resistance, convoluted procedures or, even worse, accusations that they brought the crimes upon themselves because of the way they dressed or behaved. Furthermore, a number of victims have reportedly experienced additional sexual offenses from police officers themselves when filing their reports. Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. In May, a member of the Tanjung Pandan Police in Bangka Belitung Islands, identified as Brig. AK, reportedly molested a junior high school student reporting an alleged rape by the caretaker of the orphanage where she had lived for two years. This is not the only case of sexual harassment by law enforcement officers, as each year, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) receives similar reports. This dire situation has stopped an unknowable number of victims from speaking up, leaving them open to repeated violence, often in their own homes and perpetrated by people within their close circles. Last year, Komnas Perempuan recorded approximately 290,000 instances of violence against women across the country, around 98 percent of which took place “in the domestic sphere”. The home, which should be a safe space for women, was main scene of such violence, the report noted. The United Nations’ gender equality and women’s empowerment body, known as UN Women, reported recently that 140 women and girls died every day at the hands of close relatives or partners, underlining the global crisis of gender-based violence and the urgent need for quick action. The UN Women report was published on Nov. 25 to coincide with the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler. Fortunately, there is hope in Indonesia. Prevailing Indonesian regulations, such as the 2022 Sexual Violence Eradication Law and the 2004 Domestic Violence Eradication Law, have laid the foundations for the government and law enforcement to handle cases of violence against women, including by offering protection and assistance as soon as the victims file their reports. The 2022 law even calls for the establishment of regional technical management units for the protection of women and children, as well as integrated education and training for law enforcement on the handling of sexual violence cases. Problems, however, persist in the implementation of the laws and in the lack of commitment from authorities to give the victims proper consideration. Justice for victims of gender-based violence can only be achieved if all of their rights are fulfilled and the perpetrators are reliably held accountable and handed just punishments. We call for zero tolerance of gender-based violence, as well as for femicide to be distinguished from other forms murder in the country’s legal system to provide a greater deterrent effect.

slot fortune gems jili games The tension in the air was palpable as the standoff continued, with neither party willing to concede. Sarah's determination to defend her dignity and privacy clashed with the man's stubborn refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing. It was a clash of principles and values, a battle between the right to autonomy and the invasion of personal space.None

Too early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focused

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while WHO chief says he was meters away

In conclusion, the proposed exemption of the land value tax on the sale of ordinary residential properties in Henan Province has the potential to benefit homeowners, stimulate the real estate market, and improve housing affordability. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential impacts and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. Public participation in the decision-making process will be crucial in ensuring that the policy change is in the best interest of all stakeholders involved.At the lower end of the spectrum, some clinics and dental practices offer basic toothache treatments for as little as $300. These treatments often include a simple examination, pain relief medication, and possibly a temporary filling to address the immediate discomfort. While these solutions can provide temporary relief, they may not address the underlying cause of the toothache, leading to recurring pain and potential complications in the future.

Konstas' 'self-talk' trick while facing BumrahLawyers, loyalists and Wall Street executives: a look at who's on Trump's tariff team

The decision to evacuate Chinese nationals from Syria was prompted by the deteriorating security situation in the country. With continued fighting between government forces and various opposition groups, the risk to the safety of foreign civilians has reached a critical level. In response, the Chinese government launched a large-scale operation to bring its citizens out of harm's way and back to safety.At the core of Trump's argument is the principle of burden-sharing among NATO members. He believes that all member countries should contribute proportionally to their economic capacity to ensure the alliance's effectiveness and sustainability. By pressing for fair payment, Trump aims to address what he perceives as an imbalance in the distribution of responsibilities within NATO.

Afternoon:ISSAQUAH, Wash., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: COST) today announced its operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 (twelve weeks), ended November 24, 2024. Net sales for the first quarter increased 7.5 percent, to $60.99 billion from $56.72 billion last year. Comparable sales for the first quarter fiscal 2025 were as follows: *Excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange. Net income for the quarter was $1,798 million, $4.04 per diluted share, compared to $1,589 million, $3.58 per diluted share, last year. This year’s results included a tax benefit of $100 million, $0.22 per diluted share, related to stock-based compensation. Last year’s results included a tax benefit of $44 million, $0.10 per diluted share, also related to stock-based compensation. Costco currently operates 897 warehouses, including 617 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 109 in Canada, 41 in Mexico, 36 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (PT) today, December 12, 2024, and is available via a webcast on investor.costco.com (click “Events & Presentations”). Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, inflation or deflation, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, capital spending, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (generally including health-care costs and wages), workforce interruptions, energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions (including tariffs), the ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, regulatory and other impacts related to environmental and social matters, public-health related factors, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s public statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law. Comparable sales and comparable sales excluding impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange are intended as supplemental information and are not a substitute for net sales presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. COST-Earn

The belief that functioning on minimal sleep is normal has become pervasive in society, with phrases like "I'll sleep when I'm dead" or "I can function on just a few hours of sleep" being thrown around casually. But the truth is, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Furthermore, the meeting outcomes have been seen as a reaffirmation of China's commitment to opening up and reform, with a continued focus on creating a more favorable business environment for both domestic and foreign enterprises. Institutions have lauded the measures aimed at improving market access, protecting intellectual property rights, and enhancing the rule of law, which are expected to further attract investment and promote economic growth.

Xiaomi Launches its First SUV Named YU7, Expected to Hit the Market Next Summer

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot continued to play down the significance of their place at the top of the Premier League despite it being strengthened by their 3-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea’s surprise defeat by Fulham meant victory over the Foxes stretched their lead to seven points, with a match in hand, with the halfway point of the campaign fast approaching. But Slot is maintaining his level-headed approach despite the clamour growing around their chances of adding another title to the one won in 2020. Tonight's goalscorers 💪 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) “If you are in this game for a long time like the players and I am then 20 games before the end you don’t look at it as there are so many challenges ahead of you,” he said after Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah scored to turn around an early deficit following Jordan Ayew’s strike. “Injuries and and a bit of bad luck can happen to any team, it is far too early to be already celebrating – but it is nice for us to be where we are. “I don’t think there was any easy win for us in any of these games; it could have been an easy win against Tottenham but we conceded two and it was then 5-2 – that tells you how difficult it is to win even when you have all your players available. “That is why we have to take it one game at a time. The league table is something of course we are aware of but we always understand how many games there are to go.” Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy felt his side held their own until Salah scored in the 82nd minute. “I think we were in the contest for a result for a long time,” he said. “Three-one was the turning point in the sense the game was done there to get a result. “I think the 60th minute I remember a chanced for Daka to score the equaliser so we were in the game to get a surprising result. “We did well, we did what we could: a good start with the goal but if you speak of a turning point, 3-1 with Salah, the game was done.” Van Nistelrooy left goalkeeper Danny Ward out of the squad after he struggled in the defeat to Wolves and was jeered by his own fans. “The change in goal was one to make and the conversation with Wardy was impressive, the way he was thinking of the team and the club,” added the Dutchman. “I insisted on a conversation and of course it is a private conversation but what I want to share is the person and the professional he is. “I was impressed with that and his willingness for the team and the club to do well. “Really tough what happened for him. We are professionals but human beings as well, when frustration is being directed towards one person that is difficult.”

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels on indeterminate leave: SCOMcGrath Declares Quarterly DividendFormer Spanish Foreign Minister on EU-China Relations: Cooperation and Challenges Coexist

fortune gems gcash NoneFewer US grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data

Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details

Cryptocurrency markets are trading lower on Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange . Cryptocurrency Price Gains +/- Bitcoin BTC/USD $99,666.97 -1.7% Ethereum ETH/USD $3,882.77 +1.8% Solana SOL/USD $228.16 -0.9% XRP XRP/USD $2.36 -3.2% Dogecoin DOGE/USD $0.404 -3.2% Shiba Inu SHIB/USD $0.00002804 -4% Notable Statistics: IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 5.3% and daily active addresses falling by 11.9%. Transactions greater than $100,000 remained relatively flat while exchanges netflows are up by 308.9%. Coinglass data reports 100,126 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $290.48 million. Notable Developments: BlackRock Advocates For 2% Bitcoin Allocation In Multi-Asset Portfolios EXCLUSIVE: Experts Share Their Top Crypto Predictions For 2025 Waterfall Network Raises $11.6 Million To Enhance Blockchain Scalability And Decentralization Japan’s Coincheck Crypto Exchange Enters Wall Street With Nasdaq Listing Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Slam SEC: ‘Just Another Weaponized Institution’ Top Gainers: Cryptocurrency Price Gains +/- Aave AAVE/USD $359.71 +23.9% Lido DAO LDO/USD $2.27 +20% Chainlink LINK/USD $26.98 +12.9% Trader Notes: With Bitcoin prices breaking the $100,000 mark, crypto trader Jelle sees a potential drop back to $97,000 from here. He added that this could be for scaring traders and then a "real breakout." Jelle is expecting a "true breakout before Christmas — 2025 is going to be a crazy ride." Would be classic #Bitcoin to drop back to $97,000 from here – make everyone scared as shit & then pump back for the real breakout 'muh dead cat bounce! 🥲' pic.twitter.com/V22GRQqWbX Crypto trader Javon Marks sees Bitcoin trading well above the $67,559 level, indicating a bullish setup. The next target is $116,652, representing a potential 15% move higher. A breakout above this level could pave the way for further gains, with more than $165,000 as the subsequent target. Crypto trader Nic predicts an "explosive BTC price action" as the 20-day Bollinger band bandwidth is at its lowest level in months. He advises, "Keep an eye out for an upside breakout above the upper band." Read Next: How Bitcoin ETFs Are Changing The Way Institutions Manage Risk According To Experts Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

North Korean nationals indicted in scheme using IT workers to funnel money for weapons programsIncome Tax Department advises, Now the taxpayer will have to review this thing before filing ITR

Nantes loses 2-0 at home to Le Havre in a match interrupted by angry fans. Lille beats Rennes PARIS (AP) — Riot police played their part as Le Havre won 2-0 at Nantes on Sunday in a French league match interrupted and then restarted during second-half stoppage time after disgruntled home fans tried to get on the field. Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press Nov 24, 2024 2:23 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Lille's Edon Zhegrova celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the French League One soccer match between Lille and Rennes at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, outside Lille, northern France, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthieu Mirville) PARIS (AP) — Riot police played their part as Le Havre won 2-0 at Nantes on Sunday in a French league match interrupted and then restarted during second-half stoppage time after disgruntled home fans tried to get on the field. The police formed a line in front of one of the stands, which houses the main ultras group, called Brigade Loire. Referee Jérôme Brisard then led the players off, with only about three minutes remaining in stoppage time. After the Brigade Loire had left the Stade de La Beaujoire, the match was deemed safe to resume 35 minutes later, and the final three minutes were played in a somber atmosphere. The defeat dropped eight-time French champion Nantes into 16th place in the 18-team league. “Honestly we weren't expecting that. It's rare to experience this kind of thing, but you can understand things from a fan's point of view," Nantes striker Ignatius Ganago told match broadcaster DAZN. "We are not getting results. But it's also difficult for us, the players.” After Josué Casimir had scored in the third minute for Le Havre, the match was halted for a few minutes when tennis balls and toilet paper were thrown onto the pitch by some home fans, with Nantes players helping to clear the debris on the field. Forward Steve Ngoura doubled the lead in the 74th for Le Havre, which climbed above Rennes into 14th. In Sunday's late game, Nice rallied to beat midtable Strasbourg 2-1 and move up to fifth place. Striker Dilane Bakwa put the Alsace-based side ahead in the 20th, before defender Melvin Bard equalized in the 54th from midfielder Sofiane Diop's pass behind the defense. Diop's pass forced an own-goal from Abakar Sylla in the 62nd when trying to pass back to goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Nice is two points behind fourth-place Lille after 12 rounds. Zhegrova shines for Lille Edon Zhegrova continued his fine form with the only goal as Lille beat Rennes 1-0 to stay one point behind Marseille in third. The Kosovo winger started and finished the move in the 45th minute with one of his trademark darting runs from the right flank. Zhegrova combined with Rémy Cabella and striker Jonathan David before firing past veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda with his left foot. It was his fourth league goal of the season and he is well set to beat his mark of six from the last campaign. The 25-year-old Zhegrova made similar attacking runs when Lille drew 1-1 with Juventus in the Champions League three weeks ago, providing a superb assist for David's goal. He thought he had set David up for a goal against Rennes in the 57th, after again breaking free down the right, but the effort was ruled out for a narrow offside. Zhegrova clutched his left groin near the end and was given an ovation by the home fans when he went off. Rennes is in 15th place. That really socks Struggling Rennes recently appointed Jorge Sampaoli as coach after firing Julien Stéphan. Sampaoli has become famed within soccer for his short temper. The 64-year-old Argentine was irate when Rennes defener Mikayil Faye had to change his socks before coming on as a replacement for the injured Alidu Seidu early in the first half. Faye did not have the correct socks on and, with Sampaoli shouting at him, had to sit down on the side of the pitch and slip the right ones on. Also Sunday, midfielder Hamed Traorè scored three minutes into stoppage time as seventh-place Auxerre won 1-0 against lowly Angers. PSG beat Toulouse 3-0 on Friday and Marseille won 3-1 at Lens on Saturday. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Lukaku scores against his former club and Napoli beats Roma 1-0 to reclaim Serie A lead Nov 24, 2024 1:53 PM Mbappé scores as Madrid moves closer to Barcelona in Spanish league ahead of tough test at Liverpool Nov 24, 2024 12:40 PM Salah double sends Liverpool 8 points clear in Premier League as United draws first game with Amorim Nov 24, 2024 11:30 AMThe grit and tenacity of Golden Valley senior Kenyen Andrews was on full display Friday night on the road at Castaic. The only starting senior for the Grizzlies on Friday, Andrews was all over the floor with 10 rebounds, six of them on the offensive end, and five steals to go along with a game-high 21 points to give him a double-double in the Grizzlies’ first Foothill League game of the year. Golden Valley had 20 steals as a team, forcing the issue all night as the Grizzlies took down the Coyotes, 77-41. “We just had to be aggressive the whole time,” Andrews said. “As we saw the film, we just had to be very aggressive.” After a somewhat slow start, the Grizzlies (5-3, 1-0) used their full-court press to run out to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter. The lead swelled to 19 at the half and then 27 after three quarters. Shots weren’t always falling for the Grizzlies, but head coach Chris Printz said he liked how his players were constantly crashing the offensive glass or immediately pressing the Coyotes (5-4, 0-2) to create easy scoring chances. “We struggle sometimes to score, and so we need our defense to create offense,” Printz said. “That was part of the plan going in. We were a little more aggressive defensively tonight than maybe normal, but that’s what we thought we needed to do to, you know, create those easy baskets.” Junior Alex Villejo helped out with 17 points for Golden Valley, hitting four shots from beyond the arc. Junior Zach Christoffersen added nine points, while sophomore Donovan Webb contributed six assists to go along with four points as he took a backseat on the scoring end to provide for his teammates. It was the first game in nine days for the Grizzlies, who had the league bye on Tuesday. Their previous game was an 80-37 loss at Crespi to snap a four-game winning streak in non-league play. “This felt really good, especially when we went all the way down to Crespi and we lost really badly,” Andrews said. “But that was a motivation right there as we took a good amount of break, and we got to work right on Monday.” It was the opposite for Castaic, which played its fourth game in five days on Friday. Head coach Lou Fernando said that may have helped to play a part in some of the sluggishness for the Coyotes, who were in foul trouble for most of the game. Senior Jack Shand picked up three early fouls in the first quarter and sat for much of the game, though he was still able to put up nine points and three assists. “It’s super hard to change your game plan when (he’s out), and he was doing really well,” Fernando. “But I’m gonna take responsibility of that, and me and my staff will take responsibility for that, because I don’t know how we weren’t aware that he had three fouls.” Senior Wesley Tucker led the Coyotes with 12 points, including a couple of 3-pointers. Senior Braelen Spencer had 10 points and senior Alvin Clark had nine points. Making his return to the court for Golden Valley was senior Jamison Torres, who starred for the football team in the fall, one that tied the program record with nine wins, before taking a small break. He recorded six points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench. Printz is still waiting for another gridiron standout in senior Anthony Seragusa to return to help lengthen the Golden Valley bench. “We got a kind of a kick out of earlier in the second half where Castaic threw one deep, and it was like watching (Torres) play safety,” Printz said. “He just went and got that thing. So it’s just really neat to have him back. He’s a tremendous football player, and we were, you know, really happy to see him and the success they had.” Golden Valley will have its first home league game on Tuesday against Hart. Castaic is set to travel to Valencia on Tuesday. Here’s how the other basketball teams in the Santa Clarita Valley did on Friday and throughout the weekend. Girls’ basketball Castaic 46, Golden Valley 43 : It was celebration time for the Castaic Coyotes after they got their first Foothill League victory in program history Friday night at home, 46-43 in overtime over Golden Valley. Castaic trailed by double-digits before making it a three-point game at the half and coming back to force the extra period. “These girls have been working since I’ve been with them for three, four months,” said first-year head coach Jared Lacy. “I can’t explain their effort and the energy and the culture shift, and they’re just spearheading the change in this culture for the program. And I’m proud of them. Super proud of them.” Alana Clark and Harmony Winslow each had 14 points to lead Castaic. Golden Valley was led in scoring by Janice Orantes with 15, followed by Morgan Mendenhall with nine. Castaic will seek to keep the party going on Tuesday when it travels to Valencia. Golden Valley will look to stop a red-hot Hart team on Tuesday at home. Canyon 71, West Ranch 21 : After needing overtime to win its first league game, Canyon dominated in Friday’s 71-21 win over West Ranch on the road. Freshman Darby Dunn led Canyon with 24 points as four Cowboys reached double-figures. Junior Shannen Wilson had 14 and senior Jasmine Williams 10. Junior Precious Moore added 10 points. Canyon has its league bye on Tuesday, but has three scheduled games this week before hosting Golden Valley on Friday. West Ranch travels to Saugus on Tuesday. Valencia 55, Saugus 43 : Valencia got back to winning ways Friday with a 55-43 road win at Saugus on the back of two 20-point scorers. Freshman Kamilla Basyrova has been lighting things up early on and added to that with 22 points, six rebounds and two steals. Junior Cara McKell helped out with 20 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Elexis Epie had eight. Trinity 54, Royal 25 : In the fifth-place game Saturday at Trinity’s inaugural “Reason for the Season” tournament, Trinity took down Royal, 54-25. Freshman Noa Peña had 21 points and 13 rebounds to go along with nine steals as she earned all-tournament team honors. Lucy Smith added 11 points. In the championship game on Saturday, Viewpoint beat Maranatha, 30-26. Viewpoint’s Bella Hansen was named the MVP of the tournament, while teammate Ella Ward and Maranatha’s Charlotte Yee were named to the all-tournament team. Agoura’s Kayla Hasenstab and Simi Valley’s Francis Ellis also earned all-tournament honors. Trinity has its first Heritage League game Monday when it hosts Lancaster Baptist. Boys’ basketball Valencia 58, Saugus 55 : Cole Harmon had 19 points, six assists and five steals, and Max Guardado recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but the Saugus Centurions (2-4, 0-2) fell to the Valencia Vikings (3-6, 2-0) at home on Friday, 58-55. Valencia hosts Castaic on Tuesday while Saugus hosts West Ranch. Canyon 65, West Ranch 62: The Canyon Cowboys continue to impress in the early going, taking down the West Ranch Wildcats on the road on Friday, 65, 62. Isaac Yuhico had 20 points to lead Canyon (7-1, 2-0), while Erick Kubel had 19 and Chigozie Osuji had 13. Canyon has its league bye on Tuesday before hosting Golden Valley on Friday. Trinity 69, Villanova Prep 39 : Two Trinity Classical Academy’s Cy Mitchell fell just two rebounds shy of a triple-double as the Knights beat Villanova Prep on the road Friday, 69-39. Cash Mitchell led the way with 29 points to go along with seven rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Noah Phillips had 22 points with six rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Cy Mitchell had 13 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Trinity opens up Heritage League play Monday at home against Lancaster Baptist.

Syrian Military Officials Charged With War Crimes as Government FallsPoor await blankets as temp dips in PalamuBlackRock says investors interested in bitcoin should allocate 1%-2% of their portfolio to the token. That amount would generate risk comparable to holding assets like the Magnificent Seven stock. The firm says that while volatile, bitcoin offers a diverse source of risk for portfolios. Bitcoin deserves a spot in traditional multi-asset portfolios for interested investors, but only to a "reasonable" extent, BlackRock said on Thursday. The world's largest asset manager said that investors interested in bitcoin should allocate 1%-2% of their portfolio toward the cryptocurrency. Such weighting would result in a similar level of risk to holding the Magnificent Seven mega-cap stocks in a traditional portfolio. "In a traditional portfolio with a mix of 60% stocks and 40% bonds, those seven stocks each account for, on average, about the same share of overall portfolio risk as a 1-2% allocation to bitcoin," analysts in a recent research note from Blackrock Investment Institute. "We think that's a reasonable range for a bitcoin exposure," they added. A share over 2%, though, would make the risk associated with the crypto much higher, it added. "Going beyond that would sharply increase bitcoin's share of the overall portfolio risk," the analysts said. The firm said that the framework is helpful for considering the potential risks of including bitcoin in a portfolio given its reputation for volatility. The cryptocurrency has soared in recent weeks, up 48% since Donald Trump won the US presidential election last month/ Trump has since picked several crypto supporters for posts in his administration, including Paul Atkins as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. That announcement last week helped push bitcoin above the key $100,000 threshold for the first time ever. The cryptocurrency has gained about 136% this yea. "On top of having higher average volatility over time, bitcoin has also suffered sharp selloffs. In an extreme case, should there no longer be any prospect of broad bitcoin adoption, the loss could be the entire 1-2% allocation," they said. However, the analysts said allocating up to 2% to bitcoin would provide a diverse source of risk compared to pouring into mega-cap tech stocks while still managing risk exposure. "Even though bitcoin's correlation to other assets is relatively low, it's more volatile, making its effect on total risk contribution similar overall. A bitcoin allocation would have the advantage of providing a diverse source of risk, while an overweight to the magnificent 7 would add to existing risk and to portfolio concentration," the analysts said. They added that wider adoption and trading of the cryptocurrency could reduce its volatility, bringing down its share of portfolio risk and potentially allowing investors to increase their allocation. On the flip side, broader adoption could also mean it loses the structural catalyst for big price gains , they said. "The case for a permanent holding may then be less clear-cut and investors may prefer to use it tactically to hedge against specific risks, similar to gold," they said. Broader adoption and trading appear likely, given easier avenues for gaining exposure to bitcoin, like the dozen spot bitcoin ETFs from firms including BlackRock. Since they were launched in January, the ETFs have garnered over $113 billion in assets.Giants players sound off after embarrassing loss: 'It's not the quarterback'

NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ: SYM) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Symbotic, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/symbotic-inc . Investors have until February 3, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Symbotic securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and is captioned Decker v. Symbotic Inc., et al. , No. 24-cv-12976. What is the Symbotic Class Action Lawsuit About? Symbotic Inc. develops and operates robotics systems to automate and optimize warehouse and supply chain operations for major retailers and distributors. During the relevant period, the company represented that its financial statements were accurate and that its internal controls over financial reporting were effective. In contrast with these representations, on November 27, 2024, Symbotic announced a delay in filing its Form 10-K for its fiscal year 2024 due to identified errors in revenue recognition and announced material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting. Symbotic revealed that it discovered issues related to premature expense recognition and unbillable cost overruns, which affected system revenue recognition in multiple quarters of its fiscal year 2024. The company estimated a $30–$40 million reduction in system revenue, gross profit, and adjusted EBITDA for its fiscal year 2024 and reduced its revenue outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 to $480–$500 million, from $495–$515 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $12–16 million, from $27–$31 million. This news caused the price of the company’s stock to decline over 35% during the course of trading on November 27, 2024. Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/symbotic-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Symbotic you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/symbotic-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/symbotic-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Newmark Arranges $525 Million Refinancing for Flexible Living Apartment Portfolio Operated by Sentral

December Pixel Drop Has Expressive Captions, More New Accessibility Features6,000 gallons of wastewater spill at Burke County pump station after heavy rainChairman of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, has stated that the State Budget for the 2025 fiscal year underscores the effectiveness of sound economic policies and strategies adopted by Qatar, particularly in achieving economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that the budget reflects the wise leadership's commitment to further strengthening the national economy and fostering sustainable development. In a press statement, Sheikh Khalifa noted that the 2025 budget aligns with the Third National Development Strategy, focusing on economic diversification and building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. He highlighted that the budget prioritises several key strategic sectors, including trade, industry, research, innovation, tourism, digital transformation, education, health, and information technology; all aimed at diversifying the economy and advancing sustainable development. He stressed the vital role these sectors play in shaping a knowledge-driven, innovative economy. Sheikh Khalifa pointed out that the budget projects non-oil revenues for 2025 to reach QR43bn, reflecting the country's focus on non-oil sectors as part of its economic diversification policies and efforts to establish alternative income sources alongside gas and oil. He also noted that the allocation of QR41.4bn, equivalent to 20% of the total budget, for the health and education sectors reaffirms the leadership's unwavering dedication to developing human capital and enhancing public services in both health and education. Related Story QNL to lead transformation as IFLA Mena Regional Office QND celebrations begin at Katara

Maryland football’s final home game a rough ending for seniors | TAKEAWAYSLAS VEGAS, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Formula One drivers said the Las Vegas Grand Prix is finding its footing after its first year struggles and said they look forward to returning to Sin City for the flashy night race along the Las Vegas Strip. The inaugural edition of the race was hampered by locals upset about the months of disruptive construction leading up to it, while drivers complained that the sport was being treated more as a sideshow than the main event. The construction pain was more limited this time around and the stands on Saturday night were packed with enthusiastic fans on hand to witness Max Verstappen claim his fourth consecutive championship with a fifth place finish. "Vegas is just a crazy, crazy place," champagne-soaked race winner George Russell said with a smile as the Bellagio Fountains danced and fireworks lit up the Nevada sky. "When you're driving, you see all of this in the background. I can't even describe this place. "So to get a victory here, pole position, dominant weekend, one-two with (Mercedes teammate) Lewis (Hamilton) as well, we couldn't have chosen a better place to make this happen." Third-place finisher Carlos Sainz of Ferrari said the action on the track is entertaining enough and the event did not need all the added hoopla that organizers pumped into it the first time around. "It's been a step forward compared to last year," he told reporters. "I feel like last year, F1, if anything, was trying a bit too hard to put on too much of a show. "It got a bit too much away from Formula One and too much into Vegas style. And I feel like this year we've just been just more normal doing our own thing. And it's been a success. It just shows the Formula One product works and you don't need to try too hard." The drivers acknowledged that the Qatar Grand Prix coming the following weekend made for a difficult travel schedule, and that the late start times for practices, qualifying and the race itself to accommodate the European viewing audience were also tough. "For sure the back-to-back is not the easiest," said Hamilton. "It's massively challenging for everyone here, and particularly for the people that work in the garages that are on their feet taking the car to pieces now, packing it up and shipping it over, and they won't get a lot of rest." But the seven-time world champion, who conceded to being awestruck by the spectacle before the race, said it was all worth it. "The race is absolutely fantastic," he told reporters. "It's such a great event. They've really, really done a mega job this year. So I can't wait to come back next year." Sign up here. Reporting by Rory Carroll in Las VegasEditing by Christian Radnedge Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Los Angeles-based sports reporter who interviews the most impactful athletes and executives in the world. Covers breaking news ranging from the highs of championship victories to the lows of abuse scandals. My work highlights the ways in which sports and the issues of race, gender, culture, finance, and technology intersect.

Expanded CFP field draws more bets and on more teamsMcBride deems Capitol transgender bathroom ban a distraction

SAN FRANCISO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FemPulseTM announced today Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin its EVANESCE II pivotal clinical trial in female patients suffering from overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is the first application of FemPulse's patented female health platform. Peter Fredericks, Chairman, said, "We want to thank everyone at FDA for their thorough review and clear dedication to patient safety. This is an important milestone towards serving the 1 in 6 women worldwide suffering with OAB." Alexandra Haessler, MD, founder and Chief Medical Officer, commented, "I created the vaginally-inserted and removable FemPulse RingTM as an ‘internal wearable' to provide continuous OAB neuromodulation therapy without requiring surgery. The wearable ring is discreet and patient-managed with a ‘set it and forget it' approach. Medications can have limited efficacy and intolerable side-effects, so patients discontinue them up to 80% of the time. The trial is randomized against medication to confirm the FemPulse Ring as a first-line alternative to medications. Implanted sacral neuromodulation therapy is effective but invasive, and access to surgical implantation is limited, especially outside the U.S. In 25 years as the ‘gold standard' treatment, less than 1% of OAB sufferers have been treated with this approach. We look forward to increasing access to neuromodulation therapy for the millions of women suffering from OAB." Suzette Sutherland, MD, who served as the Principal Investigator (PI) on two previous successful clinical trials of the FemPulse Ring while Director of Female Urology at the University of Washington, commented, "My hands-on experience using the FemPulse Ring with patients and the clinical trial results confirmed my strong belief in FemPulse's wearable therapy. I am thrilled to support FemPulse in this multi-center IDE trial and look forward to once again sharing the results at international conferences." The FemPulse SystemTM has advanced to the final stage of the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) process for commercial clearance in the European Union (EU), with the Technical File submitted. Dr. Haessler said, "It is exciting that our FemPulse Ring may be commercially available in the EU in 2025. We certainly hope to serve as many OAB patients in the EU as in the U.S." About FemPulse FemPulse Corporation is a bioelectronic medicine company developing a novel wearable bioelectronic platform for the personalized treatment of medical conditions in women. FemPulse's vaginally-inserted, wearable neuromodulation device is intended to provide mild electrical nerve stimulation as a first-line alternative to pharmaceutical medications. The initial application is to treat the one in six women worldwide suffering from overactive bladder (OAB). For more information, visit www.fempulse.com . Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to the effectiveness of the Company's technology, future clinical studies, future regulatory submissions, and potential regulatory approvals. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. FemPulse undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future. Investor Contact: Peter Fredericks Chairman, FemPulse 415-577-5441 pfredericks@fempulse.com FemPulse, The Elegant Solution, FemPulse System, and FemPulse Ring are trademarks of FemPulse. ©2024 FemPulse. All Rights Reserved. CAUTION: The FemPulse System is for investigational use only. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston named an expanded 21-member cabinet Thursday during a ceremony in downtown Halifax that excluded reporters in a departure from a long-standing tradition of open coverage. In an address that was livestreamed, Houston said his newly re-elected government would continue to deal with issues that matter to Nova Scotians, including health care, housing and affordability. “This term will also be very focused on growing our economy and continuing to lower taxes,” the premier said. “We have to grow our economy to be better able to support the services that Nova Scotians have a right to expect.” Before the election, in which the Tories won 43 of the legislature’s 55 seats, Houston led a 17-member cabinet. The government allowed only one television outlet to have a pool camera at the ceremony held at the Halifax Convention Centre, citing “limited capacity” inside the building that occupies a full city block. Journalists who tried to enter Thursday were turned away by building security. Houston was asked by reporters as he arrived why the media were not being given access to the new cabinet members. “It’s all live streamed ... It’s a really exciting day, you guys have lots of access, and you guys know that,” he said. Reporters were allowed to attend the swearing-in ceremony held at the same venue after the Tories were first elected in 2021, although it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and they were placed in a separate room to monitor the event before interviewing ministers. In the new cabinet, Houston will be joined by veterans John Lohr, who becomes finance minister, Becky Druhan, who moves from education to justice, and Michelle Thompson, who continues as minister of health. There are five new members, including political newcomer Leah Martin as minister of Communications Nova Scotia and L’ nu affairs and Fred Tilley, a former Liberal who crossed the floor just before the Nov. 26 election and becomes minister of public works. The other new ministers are Dave Ritcey in the tourism portfolio, Nolan Young, who is minister of labour, and Scott Armstrong as minister of opportunities and social development — formerly the Department of Community Services. In another departmental change, veteran minister Colton LeBlanc will head the new Department of Growth and Development, which was formerly known as economic development and will now also oversee housing. Composed of 14 men and seven women, the cabinet will see Barbara Adams return as minister of seniors and long-term care and serve as deputy premier. Tim Halman retains the environment portfolio and Tory Rushton stays on in natural resources, while Kim Masland moves from public works to the Department of Emergency Management. The former community services minister, Brendan Maguire, takes over education and also assumes the duties of advanced education from Brian Wong, who was dropped from cabinet along with Susan Corkum-Greek, the former minister of economic development. Alex Marland, a political scientist at Acadia University, said the government could have found room for reporters had it wanted to. “This isn’t a new government, so there are some experienced hands who at a minimum could have been made available,” Marland said. He added that in general, there are governments that feel the need to control their message, and that also tend to be cautious with newer ministers who lack media training. “If this is a pattern and it persists, that’s going to be a problem for the Houston government,” he said. “But if this is a one off and by January things are a little different because people have gone through media training, then a lot of it will be forgotten.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. — With files from Lyndsay ArmstrongWelcome to Fox News' Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements. IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER: - Get ready to build your own Lego masterpieces with this new tech - OpenAI releases text-to-video AI model Sora to certain ChatGPT users - The AI-powered grandma taking on scammers BUILD LEGO CREATIONS : This innovative app is here to make custom Lego creation fun and accessible for everyone, whether you're a seasoned builder or just getting started. By using advanced artificial intelligence and mobile scanning technology, Brick My World opens up a... Fox News Staff

The cost of silence: How Malawi’s restrictive abortion laws are endangering livesLAS VEGAS — If Texas coach Steve Sarkisian holds aloft the College Football Playoff trophy next month, that will be bad news for BetMGM Sportsbook. It would be similarly disappointing if any of the coaches at Boise State, Indiana or Arizona State end up celebrating a title with confetti falling all around them inside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Wait, what? Texas has attracted a lot of money all season to go all the way, but those other schools provide the hope of a big payoff. The fifth-seeded Longhorns are the co-favorite at BetMGM with No. 1 and unbeaten Oregon at 7-2 odds; the other three are least 40-1, while Georgia is right behind Oregon and Texas as the next favorite. "These teams get hot and people just want to have a flyer on them," BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said. "They don't want to be standing there and not have a ticket on some of these long-shot teams." Expanding the playoff field from four to 12 teams this year meant more betting in general on college football and more varieties of wagering on the postseason. There were meaningful games played in the final month by not only Arizona State, Boise State and Indiana, but also SMU, Army and UNLV — a number of teams not always in the national title conversation. "It's one of the highest handles we've ever had on our national-championship market," Magee said. "We're in more states, for one, but the activity and the betting patterns we're seeing, it definitely feels a lot more than it has in years past." Magee said BetMGM has received action on both sides of the first-round game between 11th-seeded SMU and sixth-seeded Penn State, but the Mustangs have drawn notable action at DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook. Money on SMU dropped Penn State from a 9-point favorite at DraftKings to 8 1/2. "Any time they've played a real good team, they've had trouble," Johnny Avello, DraftKings race and sports operations director, said of the Nittany Lions. "SMU shows that they're pretty good on both sides of the football and pretty resilient as a team. Always in the game. Always finds ways to fight back." Joey Feazel, who oversees football trading for Caesars, said much of the early betting in general was on underdogs. "Usually, you see the dog money for these teams come late, especially on the sharps' (professional bettors) side," Feazel said. Boise State, which as the third seed has a first-round bye, will be the underdog in its quarterfinal matchup with Penn State or SMU. The Broncos got into the field as the highest-ranked Group of Five champion, but Avello said that doesn't mean they are one of the nation's top 12 teams (they are ranked No. 8 by AP and No. 9 by CFP). Avello said BYU, Colorado and Miami — none of which made the playoff — all would be favored over them. "There are a lot of teams that aren't in the playoffs that would be favored," Avello said. "That's just not the way these playoffs work." Feazel said Boise State not being able to play at home on its blue carpet will be a notable disadvantage. Boise State's quarterfinal game will be at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. "It will be all neutral," Feazel said. "It's a big step up in class for Boise." Instead of all the games being played in climate-controlled domes or warm-weather locales — as has been in the case in past postseasons — three of the four first-round matchups will take place in the Northeast and Midwest. While that might not make a difference when Notre Dame hosts in-state foe Indiana, Ohio State will be at home against Tennessee and SMU visits Penn State. BetMGM favors all four home teams by more than a touchdown. "You have to take the weather into account for some of these games," Magee said. "It's going to be really cool to see a team like Tennessee that will have to go up to Columbus, where it can get really cold. SMU has to go from Dallas to Happy Valley. That's definitely going to be one of the coldest games a lot of those kids have played in their lives." SMU was the last team in the field, getting the benefit of the doubt over Alabama. The Mustangs had one fewer defeat than the three-loss Crimson Tide, who did not appear in the SEC title game. SMU lost on a 56-yard field goal to Clemson in the ACC championship. The sportsbook operators said the Tide would be favored by 5-10 points if they met SMU on a neutral field. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

fortune gems jili No. 3 Nebraska wrestling finishes with 4 champions and team title at Navy ClassicAP Trending SummaryBrief at 7:10 a.m. EST

Cheers and beers for Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester reign starts with winNo. 3 Nebraska wrestling finishes with 4 champions and team title at Navy Classic

The Argentine government will allow universities and hospitals nationwide to charge non-resident foreigners, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni said in his usual press conference. However, critics told the Herald that university students are already required to be residents to sign up for undergraduate degrees and that the number of international students in public universities is minimal. “The goal of the measures is to move forward, as in all the measures we take, toward an orderly country and, in this case, a country that takes care of its borders and protects Argentine citizens,” Adorni said during the conference. He added that charging fees to non-resident foreigners will “represent a source of financing” for universities. State universities have not charged students for undergraduate degrees since 1949 . “Just to give an example: one out of every three medical students is a foreigner,” Adorni said. However, a spokesperson for the National University of Córdoba (UNC) told the Herald that foreign students already need Argentine ID cards (“DNI” for their Spanish initials) to sign up for careers in national universities. Those ID cards are only issued to residents in Argentina, and foreigners usually get temporary residence permits (called precarias ) before getting a definitive one. That means that there are no “non-resident foreigners” studying in Argentina. There are two exceptions: exchange students who come “usually for a semester,” but the fees they pay are low enough to be considered “symbolic.” Another one could be the CBC, Buenos Aires University’s entry course, which international students can sign up for with their country’s ID card or their passports. However, once they are accepted into their degree of choice, they must present an Argentine DNI. The UNC spokesperson added that university authorities are not planning to charge international students, and that, even if the government’s announcement were applicable, universities would be allowed, and not forced to, charge them. “Universities are autonomous,” the spokesperson added. “The government is diverting the discussion. The issue that worries the universities is what budget they will have next year.” A series of austerity measures implemented by the Milei administration have hit public universities hard , sparking nationwide protests and months of tensions. Adorni added that the government aims to ” end free medical care for foreigners,” including “national, provincial or municipal agencies.” He added that the province of Salta, which borders Bolivia, is charging foreign patients, and “the number of foreigners treated was reduced by 95% and a savings of AR$60 million was generated.” Yamila Pereyra, a social worker from the Bonaparte Hospital , said that the health center’s authorities have not released an official communiqué on the topic. “There has never been any refusal to treat foreigners; we have always treated every person without restrictions regardless of their immigration status in the country,” she added. Rodolfo Arrechea, the Health Secretary for the state workers’ union ATE, told the Herald that they always supported “universal health care,” and that a patient’s nationality is not a factor. “In Buenos Aires, there is a percentage, albeit minimal, of foreigners [that use public hospitals,] but they are a vulnerable population,” Arrechea said. The union leader said the government is trying to make excuses, as it is defunding hospitals and looking for “the state not to be present.” “[Foreigners going to public hospitals] do not move the needle, but that person is going to stop going to the hospital, and you can buy yourself a bigger health issue — for example, cases of tuberculosis or HIV.” Adorni said both changes will be made by modifying the immigration law. He added that the reform will also “incorporate more crimes as causes to prevent entry or as justification to expel an immigrant from the country.” “Therefore, if a criminal is caught in flagrante delicto , that is, if he is caught committing the crime or if he is arrested for violating the democratic system, attacking the institutions, for example, he will be expelled and will be prohibited from re-entering the country,” he said. Three weeks ago, Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas requested the arrest of 61 Brazilians living in Argentina who were convicted in Brazil for participating in the January 2023 storming of government buildings. Four have been detained so far.

A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.

Avior Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Globant S.A. ( NYSE:GLOB – Free Report ) by 29.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,571 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock after selling 664 shares during the quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in Globant were worth $311,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Investidor Profissional Gestao de Recursos Ltda. boosted its holdings in shares of Globant by 109.8% in the 3rd quarter. Investidor Profissional Gestao de Recursos Ltda. now owns 39,595 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $7,845,000 after buying an additional 20,725 shares in the last quarter. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Globant during the third quarter valued at approximately $208,000. Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Globant by 30.4% in the third quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 13,468 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock valued at $2,669,000 after acquiring an additional 3,142 shares in the last quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc grew its holdings in Globant by 26.1% in the third quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 8,269 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $1,638,000 after purchasing an additional 1,711 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its position in shares of Globant by 18.0% during the third quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 6,334 shares of the information technology services provider’s stock worth $1,255,000 after purchasing an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. 91.60% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Globant Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GLOB opened at $229.28 on Friday. Globant S.A. has a 1 year low of $151.68 and a 1 year high of $251.50. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $210.11 and its 200 day moving average price is $191.90. The company has a market capitalization of $9.88 billion, a PE ratio of 58.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 1.39. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Globant About Globant ( Free Report ) Globant SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides technology services worldwide. It provides digital solutions comprising blockchain, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence, digital experience and performance, code, Internet of Things, metaverse, and engineering and testing; and enterprise technology solutions and services, such as Agile organization, Cultural Hacking, process optimization services, as well as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Oracle, SalesForce, SAP, and ServiceNow technology solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Globant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Avadel Pharmaceuticals: Despite My Sympathies For The Company, Stock Looks Risky

With $2,055,000 now in their possession, the winner faces a multitude of possibilities and decisions ahead. From investing wisely to fulfilling lifelong dreams, the newfound wealth opens up a world of opportunities that were once unimaginable.fortune gems withdrawal 。

Albany scores 24 4th-quarter points to overtake Hampton 41-34In a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Gordon Brown, another former prime minister, said it was a “privilege” to have known Mr Carter, who “will be mourned, not just in America, but in every continent where human rights are valued”. Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and, finally, the White House, where he took office as 39th president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service

Ukraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer saysHans-Dieter Flick, who recently took over as head coach of Barcelona, had been instrumental in guiding the team to an impressive run of six consecutive victories. The prospect of facing Atletico Madrid at their home ground presented a stern challenge for Flick and his squad, but they were ready to take on the formidable task ahead.

Throughout his career, Rafael was admired for his work ethic, passion for the game, and unwavering commitment to his team. His attacking runs down the flank and his defensive solidity made him a formidable presence on the pitch. Fans and teammates alike recognized his leadership qualities and his dedication to the sport.Mason Maggio Expected to Sign 2025 NASCAR Season Contract 'Soon'

With Donald Trump’s inauguration fast approaching, President Joe Biden’s White House has rushed to ensure his flagship policies aren't immediately undone in the new administration. A memo circulated by a senior White House official urged Trump against repealing laws that Republicans have vowed to target when the incoming president takes office. And it warns of the public outcry that would follow if key achievements like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act are axed. “Repealing President Biden’s signature laws would be an historic redistribution of wealth from working Americans to Big Pharma and China,” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates wrote in the subject line of a memo, NBC News reported. The memo notably pointed out the economic and political consequences that undoing key Biden-era laws would cause, “most notably the clean energy and health care provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act.” “Depriving the American people of these benefits would be a gut-punch to our economic growth,” according to the memo first obtained by NBC News, and “would provoke a tidal wave of opposition from the American people.” ALSO READ: Agenda 47: Alarm sounded about Trump’s dystopian plans for his second term Republicans secured a 53-seat Senate majority and won a narrow majority in the House with 220-215 in last month’s election , the report noted. The memo also listed the benefits included under the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy funding that Republican House districts took advantage of, and helped spark “America’s long-sought-manufacturing resurgence.” “That includes the creation of over 330,000 clean energy jobs — disproportionately in House districts represented by Republicans. Because of the Inflation Reduction Act , we’ve already saved more than 3.4 million Americans $8.4 million on clean energy upgrades to their homes, and more than 300,000 Americans have saved over $2 billion upfront on [electric vehicle] purchases,” Bates wrote in the memo. “We have also capped the price of insulin at $35, Medicare has already negotiated lower costs for 10 major drugs, and more Americans have health insurance than ever before.” Bates’ memo added that “landmark achievements” like the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act “are so popular with the American people that Republican members of Congress who voted to prevent them are now being caught trying to take credit for their benefits, and even writing formal letters advocating against their repeal.”As the courtroom buzzed with murmurs and whispers, Yang Niuhua's gaze remained fixed on the judge, her expression resolute and composed. It was as if she had made her peace with the outcome long before it was even pronounced. Her unwavering faith in the face of adversity was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty.Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch

In South Korea, the imposition of martial law came as a shock to the US administration, as the country has been a steadfast ally in the region for decades. The sudden escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula has raised concerns about the potential for conflict and the impact on regional stability. The US has long relied on South Korea as a strategic partner in its efforts to contain North Korea's nuclear ambitions and maintain peace in the region. The unexpected shift in South Korea's political landscape has not only strained relations with the US but has also heightened uncertainty about the future of the alliance.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SUMMARY Cyberattack Reported: Krispy Kreme faced a cyberattack on November 29, 2024, disrupting online orders in the U.S. Operations Impact: In-store sales and deliveries remained unaffected despite the breach. Quick Response: The company collaborated with cybersecurity experts to investigate and contain the issue. Broader Context: The attack follows recent cyber incidents affecting supply chains, like Blue Yonder’s breach impacting Starbucks. Expert Warning: Cybersecurity threats highlight risks to operations, finances, and customer trust, urging stronger digital protections. Popular doughnut chain Krispy Kreme has become the latest victim of a cyber attack. The incident, which was reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 29, 2024, has disrupted certain operations, including online ordering in the United States. The attack comes in the wake of the November 21st cyberattack on Blue Yonder, a leading supply chain management software provider, which disrupted Starbucks operations as the coffee giant relies on its services. What Happened? According to the SEC filing , unauthorized activity was detected on a “ portion “ of Krispy Kreme’s information technology systems. The company acted quickly, working with leading cybersecurity experts to investigate, contain, and mitigate the incident. While Krispy Kreme shops around the world remain open, and customers can still place orders in person, the cyber attack has caused disruptions to online ordering in parts of the US. The company’s daily fresh deliveries to retail and restaurant partners, however, remain uninterrupted. Krispy Kreme, working alongside its cybersecurity team, is actively working to resolve the situation and restore full online ordering capabilities. Federal law enforcement has also been informed about the attack. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Expert Opinion “This seems like a targeted attack, happening during a time when Krispy Kreme is likely very busy,” said William Wright , CEO of Closed Door Security. “With online sales affected, customers might go somewhere else for their treats.” Wright pointed out that while the incident mainly affected online sales, it could have been much worse. “If the attackers had gotten into Krispy Kreme’s production systems, they could have stopped doughnut production entirely,” he added. Alberto Farronato , VP of Marketing at Oasis Security, a New York City-based provider of Non-Human Identity Management (NIM) solutions, has shared his insights on the Krispy Kreme breach. Farronato notes that the incident highlights how cybersecurity threats can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just a company’s operations but also its customers. “The ripple effect of a breach can be significant, leading to operational disruptions, financial losses, and a loss of customer trust,” he said. “This is a wake-up call for businesses to reexamine their approach to identity security, recognizing that the threat is not limited to human users, but also to the digital identities that power their systems.” Farronato emphasizes that once a system is breached, it can become a doorway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical systems and data. As organizations become increasingly reliant on interconnected technology, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to identity security. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RELATED TOPICS Aussie Food Giant Patties Foods Leaks Trove of Data Chowbus food delivery service suffers breach; data stolen FBI warns of ransomware attacks on Food, Agriculture sectors Dunkin Donuts Perks loyalty data breach: Change your password Hacker Claims Cisco Breach, Selling Stolen Data from Major FirmsIn her quest for healing, Sarah embarked on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. She indulged in activities that brought her joy, rediscovered forgotten passions, and allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of others. Through this process, she learned to prioritize her own needs, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate a sense of self-worth that was independent of external validation.

THE stars of I'm A Celebrity went wild as they received a surprise boozy trip out of camp. In a long running tradition, the ITV show's famous faces visit pub "The Jungle Arms". After dinner, Maura Higgins delivered the news that they had a chance to visit the Jungle Arms. Excited, the group were left wondering what they would have to do to gain entry. Former Love Island star Maura said: "I'm telling you now, I will go to lengths to get my glass of wine , you watch." Echoing a similar sentiment, social media star GK Barry declared: "Let's get a glass of prosecco! I've never walked so fast in my life." Read more on I'm A Celeb Afterwards, the nine campmates arrived at the Kangaroo Court challenge area. They found a seating area, a DJ booth and three dance booths. To win their place in the Jungle Arms, they had to take part in a game of Jungle Musical Statues. Hosted by Kiosk Kev, the campmates split up into groups of three. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 Kev played tracks from "Jungle on the Dance Floor" as the celebrities entered the dance booths. In a twist on musical statues, they needed to strike the correct dance pose and hold for ten seconds. Both Maura and GK were respectively put off by critters - putting their treat in jeopardy. While things generally didn't to go plan at first after failed attempts. But by the end, all nine campmates successfully won a place in The Jungle Arms. The thrilled group received a buffet of pizza and chips, accompanied with a drink of their choice. Music was also provided, thanks to a guitar, keyboard and a microphone for singing. In a fun twist, GK Barry sung McFly 's Obviously - in front of campmate Danny Jones . The line-up also had a group singalong of The Communards' Don't Leave Me This Way. Of course, campmate Reverend Richard Coles was a member of the 1980s band. Maura took on Celine Dion's power ballad It's All Coming Back To Me Now. MAURA Higgins is a late entry to I'm A Celeb 2024. Yet who is joining her? 2019 Love Island star Maura, 33, will be a late entry to the jungle line-up. She will head into the I'm A Celeb camp , along with the Reverend Richard Coles , 62. The duo will join the likes of Coleen Rooney , Barry McGuigan and Danny Jones in Ant and Dec’s jungle camp a week into this year’s star-spangled series. Yet initially the duo will have their own private base - and a secret mission - before heading into the main compound Down Under. Maura has already described the jungle as "hell." Meanwhile Richard, who has starred on Strictly, has confessed his biggest "fear." Laughing, the reality star quipped: "Celine is going to be obsessed with me!" Danny tackled Livin On A Prayer, while Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse sang I Have Nothing. READ MORE SUN STORIES Melvin Odoom treated his co-stars to a rendition of classic tune Hey Ya, with the group dancing along. I'm A Celebrity continues on ITV1 and ITVX .By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Packers with a sore throwing shoulder.QU launches 4th World Congress on Engineering and TechnologyFrank Knox Joins AutoAcquire AI as Strategic Advisor

Israel has launched approximately 250 airstrikes against Syria within 48 hours, targeting military facilities and causing significant damage. The dramatic escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries has sparked concerns about further destabilization in the region.

Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login New York | Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7” , which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. AP Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Equity markets Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In MarketsFIFA confirms 2034 World Cup coming to Saudi Arabia

CLEVELAND (AP) — Only the Cleveland Browns. Only a team beset by perpetual problems at quarterback for the better part of two decades can get a record-setting 497-yard, four-touchdown, jaw-dropping, where-did-that-come-from performance on Monday night from Jameis Winston — and still lose. History wrapped in misery. Only the Browns. Winston spoiled a high-level performance in Denver's thin air by throwing a pair of pick-sixes — the second with 1:48 remaining — as the Broncos rode big plays to a 41-32 win over the Browns (3-9), who have to wonder what their disappointing season might look like if Deshaun Watson had been benched before getting hurt. The loss ended any illusions the Browns had of making a late playoff push like they did a year ago. It also clinched the team's 22nd losing season since its expansion rebirth in 1999. In his fifth start this season, Winston provided further evidence that the Browns made a major mistake by not switching QBs long before Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against Cincinnati. Cleveland's offense has come alive behind Winston, who has thrown for over 300 yards three times, something Watson didn't do in 19 starts over his three suspension-shortened, injury-riddled seasons with the Browns. While there were some positives, Winston's turnovers were too costly. "You’re not going to play perfect at the quarterback position. He knows that," coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “I know that ultimately he wants to do anything in his power to help this team win and that’s going to be taking care of the ball. But he also had moments there where he was moving that offense and did a nice job.” Winston may not be the long-term answer for the Browns, but he's showing he can at least give them a viable option for 2025 while the club sorts through the tangled Watson situation, which continues to have a stranglehold on the franchise. In all likelihood, and assuming he's fully recovered, Watson will be back next season in some capacity with the Browns, who are still on the hook to pay him $92 million — of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — over the next two seasons. Releasing Watson would have damaging salary-cap implications, and while that would be a bitter financial pill for owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to swallow, it could the Browns' safest and easiest exit strategy. And if they needed any proof that such a strategy can work, the Browns only had to look across the field at the Broncos, who got out from under QB Russell Wilson's monster contract by cutting him, taking the financial hit and drafting Bo Nix. After some common early growing pains, Nix has settled in and the rookie has the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth. It wasn't long ago that the Browns thought their quarterback concerns were behind them. Instead, they lie ahead. Stefanski's decision to hand over the play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey has been a positive. While the move hasn't led directly to many wins, the Browns have moved the ball much more effectively and scored at least 20 points in three of five games since the switch after not scoring 20 in their first eight. An issue all season, Cleveland's defense was again gashed for long plays and TDs, including a 93-yard scoring pass in the third quarter. The Browns have allowed 48 plays of 20-plus yards and 12 of at least 40 yards. WR Jerry Jeudy. His return to Denver was a personal and professional triumph — except on the scoreboard. Vowing revenge on the Broncos, who traded him to the Browns in March, Jeudy had the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a TD. Since Winston took over as Cleveland's starter, Jeudy leads the league with 614 yards receiving. Jeudy just might be the No. 1 receiver the Browns have needed following Amari Cooper's trade. Jordan Hicks gets an honorable mention after recording 12 tackles. K Dustin Hopkins. He missed a 47-yard field goal to end Cleveland's first drive, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. After making 33 of 36 field goal tries in his first season with the Browns, Hopkins is just 16 of 23, with his inaccuracy raising questions why the team signed him to a three-year, $15.9 million contract in July. Stefanski had no updates from the game. ... LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains sidelined with a neck injury suffered on Nov. 2. Stefanski ruled him out again for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. 552 — Yards of total offense for the Browns, just 10 shy of the single-game franchise record set in 1989. A short turnaround before visiting the Steelers (9-3), who will be looking to avenge their 24-19 loss in Cleveland on Nov. 21. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

fortune gems 2 jili Americans spent a record-breaking amount this holiday season, and now credit card debt is hiting an all-time high. Consumers are “clearly on track” to smash record-breaking spending levels after doling out as much as $989 billion over the last two months, a National Retail Federation report said. “Job and wage gains, modest inflation and a healthy balance sheet have led to solid holiday spending,” National Retail Federation’s chief economist, Jack Kleinhenz, said in a statement. “This growth comes even though the late timing of Thanksgiving delayed the beginning of the busiest shopping portion of the holiday season and pushed Thanksgiving Sunday and Cyber Monday sales into December.” Data show that the uptick in spending kicked off in November — with Mastercard determining that shoppers couldn’t stay away from Black Friday and other seasonal promotions. A shocking 10% of the shopping for the season was done in the five days before Christmas Eve, the financial services company said. Overall, sales between Nov. 1 through Dec. 24 jumped 3.8% compared to the same time period last year. The surges were seen across all shopping sectors, with restaurant spending growth rising by 6.3%, apparel by 3.6%, jewelry by 4% and electronics by 3.7%. Holiday shopping was overwhelmingly done online this year — providing the perfect opportunity for consumers to fork over their already heavy laden credit cards and dive further into debt. Roughly 36% of consumers took on debt to fill the stockings of family and friends, according to a recent report by LendingTree. The amount of debt each consumer racked up also rose from last year, with the average coming in at $1,181, compared with $1,028 in 2023. Americans were already heavily saddled with debt before heading into the holiday season. Credit card debt in the US jumped $24 billion to a record $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of 2024 – 8.1% higher than a year ago, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York . Gen Yers – or those born between 1981 and 1996, also known as millennials – are leaning on credit cards at record rates as they struggle to splurge on gifts amid a cost-of-living crisis.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will work with the Lebanese army to deter potential violations of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, but there will not be U.S. combat troops in the area, a senior U.S. official told reporters on Tuesday. The official called the ceasefire deal "a game-changer" that would show Hamas militants in Gaza that the conflict there and in Lebanon were delinked. The ceasefire will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France, U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier on Tuesday. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Eric Beech, Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Chris Reese)By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer The FBI and Department of Homeland Security responded to reports about drone sightings over the New Jersey area in the past several weeks, a phenomena that has raised alarm among local elected officials. In a statement issued Thursday evening, the FBI and DHS said the agencies “have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings,” the statement reads. Their statement did not go into more detail about the sightings in recent days. Several state and U.S. lawmakers in both New Jersey and New York have called on the federal government to release more information or take action regarding the drone sightings. In several interviews this week, Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-New Jersey, warned that the drones may be Iranian in origin, which was denied by a Pentagon spokeswoman. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that the drones do not pose a national security risk to the United States. On Thursday, Van Drew disputed the Pentagon’s statement about Iran being unconnected to the drone sightings, doubling down on his previous claim. He said “high-level” anonymous U.S. officials provided him with that information, which is why he is going public with it. That same day, Sens. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, sent a joint letter to DHS, the FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration to brief them on drone activity over New Jersey and New York. “The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year,” they warned. Separately, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, told reporters that the drones should be “shot down, if necessary” and that the United States “should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases.” “The lack of information is absolutely unacceptable,” the senator said Thursday. In their statement Thursday, FBI and DHS also cautioned that there have been “cases of mistaken identity” and that the drones might be “manned aircraft or facilities.” In the meantime, DHS and the FBI are supporting New Jersey state and local law enforcement with detection capabilities “but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection.” “To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully,” they said. “There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.” The FBI and DHS asserted that the two agencies “take seriously” any threats that could be posed by drones but stressed that officials “have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage” so far. “While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey,” the agencies said, “the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities.” Reports of drone sightings over the Garden State began in November, Van Drew and other New Jersey officials have said. In early 2023, a high-altitude balloon that originated from China flew hundreds of miles across North America, passing near sensitive military sites, U.S. officials said at the time. The U.S. Air Force ultimately shot down the balloon off the coast of South Carolina in early February of that year. Multiple other balloon sightings were reported since then, with the U.S. military shooting down a balloon over Lake Huron near Michigan in February 2023. The Associated Press contributed to this report.Revealed: How bikies are using Pacific islands to smuggle cocaine into Sydney

The offering resulted in gross proceeds of USD232,925 ,000 NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An affiliate of the funds known as EQT Infrastructure III and EQT Infrastructure IV (" EQT ") is pleased to announce the completion of an underwritten public offering (the "Offering") of 5,500,000 shares of common stock of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (NYSE: KGS ) (the "Company") for gross proceeds of USD232,925,000 . Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan acted as the underwriters for the Offering, which was completed on December 13, 2024 . The Company did not sell any shares of its common stock in the Offering and did not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of its common stock sold by EQT. Contact EQT Press Office, [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-completes-public-offering-of-common-stock-of-kodiak-gas-services,c4082355 The following files are available for download: SOURCE EQT

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule . Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire and waved the revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. The swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," President Joe Biden said , crediting action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He called the fall of Assad a “fundamental act of justice” but also a “moment of risk and uncertainty,” and said rebel groups are “saying the right things now” but the U.S. would assess their actions. Russia requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council to discuss Syria, according to Dmitry Polyansky, its deputy ambassador to the U.N., in a post on Telegram. The arrival of Assad and his family in Moscow was reported by Russian agencies Tass and RIA, citing an unidentified source at the Kremlin. A spokesman there didn't immediately respond to questions. RIA also said Syrian insurgents had guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. Earlier, Russia said Assad left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. The leader of Syria's biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani , is poised to chart the country’s future. The former al-Qaida commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque and described Assad's fall as “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he said Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They urged people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state,” and announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. An online video purported to show rebels freeing dozens of women at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV and sought to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Soldiers and police fled their posts and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Families wandered the presidential palace, walking by damaged portraits of Assad. Other parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” Rebels stood guard at the Justice Ministry, where Judge Khitam Haddad said he and colleagues were protecting documents. Outside, residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s historically pro-government newspaper al-Watan called it “a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements ordered from above. A statement from the Alawite sect that formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. The road to Damascus from the Lebanese border was littered with military uniforms and charred armored vehicles. Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, which provided crucial support to Assad, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its proxies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Hossein Akbari, Iran’s ambassador to Syria, said it was “effectively impossible” to help the Syrian government after it admitted the insurgents' military superiority. Speaking on Iranian state media from an undisclosed location, he said Syria's government decided Saturday night to hand over power peacefully. “When the army and the people could not resist, it was a good decision to let go to prevent bloodshed and destruction,” Akbari said, adding that some of his colleagues left Syria before sunrise. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state TV, said there were concerns about the “possibility of civil war, disintegration of Syria, total collapse and turning Syria into a shelter for terrorists.” Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali has said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office to a hotel. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel’s military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the U.S., views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall to occupy more territory. Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed.

Paddy's Pointers: Four observations after Norwich's Plymouth romp

Dhaka needs to strike a balance in its perusal of relations with India, China, and the US, because Bangladesh has interests to protect and is not a major player in the global arena, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said yesterday. Despite tensions India maintains trade relations with China and the US, he said in his address to a national dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute Bangladesh in the capital. This is why Bangladesh needs to maintain good relations with all three countries, he said. In the past, the interests of a particular group, especially the interests of the group's leader, have been given priority over the interests of the state, he said. "For political parties, staying in or attaining power becomes paramount. As a result, they often deviate from the fundamental principles. It then becomes the responsibility of the general public to ensure that such deviations do not occur. "When the interests of the people are prioritised in a democratic society, safeguarding the interests of the state becomes easier." While discussing the Rohingya crisis, he referred to a recent meeting in Bangkok, saying, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Bangladesh can return to their homes with security and rights." Former ambassador M Humayun Kabir said, "The foreign policy of this country has become regime-centric. Whenever a party takes charge, they formulate the policy in the interest of staying in power. This is why we have not been able to establish a consistent foreign policy." BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "We need to develop a national security architecture to address our security concerns. "In addition, it is essential to define the role of our intelligence agencies. We must move away from practices like keeping citizens under constant surveillance or labelling individuals as fundamentalists and victimising them without justification. "We need to rethink our approach to Myanmar and review our policies. Our army should be equipped and prepared for the 21st-century battlefield." Obaidul Haque, associate professor of international relations at Dhaka University, said a National Security Council was necessary. Ganosamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki said that Bangladesh's foreign policy over the past 15 years has been a policy focused on protecting the regime. National security was not a priority. "What is needed is a policy that focuses on safeguarding security. Without building internal political unity, we will not be able to protect national interests and security." Arif Sohel, member secretary of the Student Against Discrimination, said that staying under the shelter of great powers was Awami League's habit. "Our stance is clear: we will remain independent for as long as we live. We must curb religious extremism and protect our borders. These will become crucial in the days ahead." Akhter Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said that Bangladesh's interests used to be overlooked in favour of India's. "We demand that the agreements made with India in the past be disclosed. We want to see whether these agreements have protected Bangladesh's interests." Former State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, Lt. Col. (retd) Didarul Alam, and Tahsin Riaz, of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, also spoke at the programme moderated by Shafqat Munir. Dhaka needs to strike a balance in its perusal of relations with India, China, and the US, because Bangladesh has interests to protect and is not a major player in the global arena, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said yesterday. Despite tensions India maintains trade relations with China and the US, he said in his address to a national dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute Bangladesh in the capital. This is why Bangladesh needs to maintain good relations with all three countries, he said. In the past, the interests of a particular group, especially the interests of the group's leader, have been given priority over the interests of the state, he said. "For political parties, staying in or attaining power becomes paramount. As a result, they often deviate from the fundamental principles. It then becomes the responsibility of the general public to ensure that such deviations do not occur. "When the interests of the people are prioritised in a democratic society, safeguarding the interests of the state becomes easier." While discussing the Rohingya crisis, he referred to a recent meeting in Bangkok, saying, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Bangladesh can return to their homes with security and rights." Former ambassador M Humayun Kabir said, "The foreign policy of this country has become regime-centric. Whenever a party takes charge, they formulate the policy in the interest of staying in power. This is why we have not been able to establish a consistent foreign policy." BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "We need to develop a national security architecture to address our security concerns. "In addition, it is essential to define the role of our intelligence agencies. We must move away from practices like keeping citizens under constant surveillance or labelling individuals as fundamentalists and victimising them without justification. "We need to rethink our approach to Myanmar and review our policies. Our army should be equipped and prepared for the 21st-century battlefield." Obaidul Haque, associate professor of international relations at Dhaka University, said a National Security Council was necessary. Ganosamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki said that Bangladesh's foreign policy over the past 15 years has been a policy focused on protecting the regime. National security was not a priority. "What is needed is a policy that focuses on safeguarding security. Without building internal political unity, we will not be able to protect national interests and security." Arif Sohel, member secretary of the Student Against Discrimination, said that staying under the shelter of great powers was Awami League's habit. "Our stance is clear: we will remain independent for as long as we live. We must curb religious extremism and protect our borders. These will become crucial in the days ahead." Akhter Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said that Bangladesh's interests used to be overlooked in favour of India's. "We demand that the agreements made with India in the past be disclosed. We want to see whether these agreements have protected Bangladesh's interests." Former State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, Lt. Col. (retd) Didarul Alam, and Tahsin Riaz, of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, also spoke at the programme moderated by Shafqat Munir.Vail Resorts Reports Fiscal 2025 First Quarter and Season Pass Sales Results, and Announces 2025 Capital Plan

Sporting 1 Arsenal 5: Gunners run riot in Champions League and become first team this term to beat giants in 90 minutesFARGO, N.D. (AP) — Jacksen Moni's 25 points helped North Dakota State defeat Wisconsin-Stout 91-62 on Friday for its sixth straight win. Moni shot 9 for 13 (4 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Bison (9-4). Treyson Anderson scored eight points and added seven rebounds. Darik Dissette shot 3 of 3 from the field to finish with eight points. Carson Hoffman led the Blue Devils in scoring, finishing with 11 points. Justin Nelson added nine points and Dominic Croci recorded eight points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia helped pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Monday, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia was the market’s heaviest weight after China said it’s probing the chip giant for potential antitrust violations. Stocks in Hong Kong jumped after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy. Prices for oil and gold rose following the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar Assad. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday is helping to pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell by 0.3% in afternoon trading, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 57 points, or 0.1%, as of 1:53 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.3% from its own record. Nvidia's drop of 2.1% was by far the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after China said it's investigating the company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Nvidia has skyrocketed to become one of Wall Street’s most valuable companies because its chips are driving much of the world’s move into artificial-intelligence technology. That gives its stock’s movements more sway on the S&P 500 than nearly every other. Nvidia's fall overshadowed gains in Hong Kong and for Chinese stocks trading in the United States on hopes that China will deliver more stimulus for the world's second-largest economy. Roughly half the stocks in the S&P 500 also rose. The week’s highlight for Wall Street will arrive midweek when the latest updates on inflation arrive. Economists expect Wednesday’s report to show the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling remained stuck at roughly the same level last month. A separate report on Thursday, meanwhile, could show an acceleration in inflation at the wholesale level. They’re the last big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week on interest rates. The widespread expectation is still that the central bank will cut its main interest rate for the third time this year. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to offer more help for the slowing job market, after bringing inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower interest rates can ease the brakes off the economy, but they can also offer more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts from the Fed have been a major reason the S&P 500 has set so many all-time highs this year. On Wall Street, Interpublic Group rose 5.8% after rival Omnicom said it would buy the marketing and communications firm in an all-stock deal. The pair had a combined revenue of $25.6 billion last year. Omnicom, meanwhile, sank 9.3%. Macy’s climbed 1.5% after an activist investor, Barington Capital Group, called on the retailer to buy back at least $2 billion of its own stock over the next three years and make other moves to help boost its stock price. Super Micro Computer rose 4.6% after saying it got an extension that will keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq through Feb. 25, as it works to file its delayed annual report and other required financial statements. Earlier this month, the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board following the resignation of its public auditor . In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rallied 2% to $68.56 following the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, who sought asylum in Moscow after rebels. Brent crude, the international standard, was mostly unchanged at $71.05. The price of gold also rose 1% amid the uncertainty created by the end of the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. In stock markets abroad, the Hang Seng jumped 2.8% in Hong Kong after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy for the world’s second-largest economy. That’s a shift away from a more cautious, “prudent” stance for the first time in 10 years. A major planning meeting later this week could also bring more stimulus for the Chinese economy. U.S.-listed stocks of several Chinese companies climbed, such as a 13.1% jump for electric-vehicle company Nio and a 9.1% rise for Alibaba Group. Stocks in Shanghai, though, were roughly flat. In Seoul, South Korea’s Kospi slumped 2.8% as the fallout continues from President Yoon Suk Yeol 's brief declaration of martial law last week in the midst of a budget dispute. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.19% from 4.15% late Friday. ___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Stan Choe, The Associated Press

Devon Conway Skips Third Test for Family's Joy: Mark Chapman Makes Debut(Bloomberg) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada “will respond” if US President-elect Donald Trump imposes new tariffs on Canadian imports, and argued that retaliatory tariffs were successful when Trump put tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018. The comments are Trudeau’s strongest language yet in signaling his government is preparing retaliation if Trump follows through on his threat. On Nov. 25, Trump said he would impose across-the-board 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports on the first day of his presidency unless both countries crack down on the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the US. “Let’s not kid ourselves in any way, shape or form: 25% tariffs on everything going to the United States would be devastating for the Canadian economy,” said Trudeau, speaking to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. But he said the tariffs would also raise costs on a wide range of goods the US gets from Canada. Canada will “respond to unfair tariffs in a number of ways, and we’re still looking at the right ways to respond, but our responses to the unfair steel and aluminum tariffs were what ended up lifting those tariffs last time,” he said. Shortly after Trump announced the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in the spring of 2018, Canada rolled out retaliatory tariffs on targeted, politically sensitive items such as “bourbon and Harley Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup,” Trudeau said. The tariffs were “politically impactful to the president’s party and colleagues,” and that was how “we were able to punch back in a way that was actually felt by Americans,” Trudeau said. Canadian officials have stressed that Canada is also a huge market for American businesses. “We are the biggest customer by far of US exporters,” said Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the US, in a Bloomberg TV interview last week. She said 36 US states count Canada as their biggest export market. The Canadian prime minister cautioned that Trump should be taken seriously when he threatens to impose tariffs, but said history has shown Trump can have other motivations as well. “His approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well-established hallways of democracies and institutions,” Trudeau said. “One of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic,” Trudeau said, arguing Canada will need a thoughtful and united approach to reach an agreement with Trump and avoid harming both economies. However, he said managing the trade file is likely to be more difficult in Trump’s second term, despite the fact Canada, Mexico and the US renegotiated the entire North American free trade pact in 2018. “This time’s going to be different, it’s going to be a little more challenging,” Trudeau said. Trump and his inner circle are coming in with a much “clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than they had last time,” he said. But he said he believes Canada can again find a “win-win” solution that works for citizens and businesses on both sides of the border. (Adds more quotes, details starting in second paragraph.)

NEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia's next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Stephon Gilmore still not practicing for VikingsBest Black Friday Roomba deals 2024 | BestReviewsNone

slot fortune gems jili games downloadable content PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lowered its stake in The Cooper Companies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:COO – Free Report ) by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 84,964 shares of the medical device company’s stock after selling 3,079 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s holdings in Cooper Companies were worth $9,375,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in COO. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. lifted its position in Cooper Companies by 43.1% during the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 35,233 shares of the medical device company’s stock valued at $3,076,000 after purchasing an additional 10,616 shares during the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Cooper Companies by 298.4% in the 1st quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,211 shares of the medical device company’s stock valued at $833,000 after acquiring an additional 6,150 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado increased its stake in Cooper Companies by 298.9% during the first quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 245,793 shares of the medical device company’s stock worth $24,938,000 after acquiring an additional 184,171 shares during the last quarter. Diversify Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Cooper Companies during the second quarter valued at approximately $501,000. Finally, BDF Gestion bought a new stake in shares of Cooper Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,919,000. Institutional investors own 24.39% of the company’s stock. Cooper Companies Price Performance Shares of COO stock opened at $100.80 on Friday. The Cooper Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $82.21 and a twelve month high of $112.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $105.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $98.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $20.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.99. Insider Activity at Cooper Companies In other Cooper Companies news, COO Daniel G. Mcbride sold 114,992 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.48, for a total value of $12,129,356.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 44,696 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,714,534.08. The trade was a 72.01 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CAO Agostino Ricupati sold 1,601 shares of Cooper Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.03, for a total transaction of $172,956.03. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $520,488.54. The trade was a 24.94 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 256,373 shares of company stock valued at $27,637,427 over the last ninety days. 2.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on COO shares. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Cooper Companies from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Needham & Company LLC restated a “hold” rating on shares of Cooper Companies in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $115.00 price target (up from $110.00) on shares of Cooper Companies in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Cooper Companies from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Cooper Companies from $118.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $117.00. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on COO Cooper Companies Company Profile ( Free Report ) The Cooper Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets contact lens wearers. The company operates in two segments, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. The CooperVision segment provides spherical lense, including lenses that correct near and farsightedness; and toric and multifocal lenses comprising lenses correcting vision challenges, such as astigmatism, presbyopia, and myopia in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Cooper Companies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:COO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Cooper Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cooper Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

A top Fed official leans toward December rate cut but says it depends on economic data WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Federal Reserve official says he is leaning toward supporting an interest rate cut when the Fed meets in two weeks but that evidence of persistent inflation before then could cause him to change that view. Speaking at George Washington University, Christopher Waller, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, said he was confident that inflation is headed lower and that the central bank will likely keep reducing its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans. But he noted that there’s a risk that inflation “may be getting stuck above” the Fed’s 2% target, which would support an argument for keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged this month. Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record on the year's biggest day for online shopping Consumers in the U.S. are scouring the internet for online deals as they look to make the most of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon on Cyber Monday. The National Retail Federation coined the term for the Monday after Black Friday in 2005. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people’s regular routine, Cyber Monday continues to be the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to steady discounts and a fair amount of hype. Several major retails actually started their Cyber Monday promotions over the weekend. Consumer spending for the online shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday provides an indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Supreme Court justices question block on flavored vapes, but don't appear convinced FDA was unfair WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of Supreme Court justices didn’t seem convinced Monday that federal regulators misled companies as they refused to allow them to sell sweet flavored vaping products following a surge in teen e-cigarette use. The court did raise questions about an FDA crackdown that included denials on sales of more than a million nicotine products formulated to taste like fruit, desert or candy. The case comes a month before the start of the second Trump administration, which could change the FDA's approach after he vowed to “save” vaping. Can AI chatbots make your holiday shopping easier? Tired of thinking about what gifts to get everyone this year? Artificial intelligence chatbots might help, but don’t expect them to always give you the right answers. Scouring the internet for Cyber Monday deals may yield an encounter with more chattier iterations of the chatbots that some retailers built to provide customer service. Some companies have integrated models that allow shoppers to ask questions like “What’s the best wireless speaker?” Retailers hope consumers use these shopping assistants as virtual companions that help them discover or compare products. The technology is still in its infancy, though, and chatbots are prone to hallucinations, so most of the new tools sometimes get things wrong. Intel CEO Gelsinger retires; Zinsner and Johnston Holthaus named interim co-CEOs Struggling chipmaker Intel says in a surprise announcement that CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired. Two company executives, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, will act as interim co-CEOs while the company searches for a replacement for Gelsinger, who also stepped down from the company’s board. The departure of Gelsinger, whose career spanned more than 40 years, underscores turmoil at Intel. The company was once a dominant force in the semiconductor industry but has ben eclipsed by rival Nvidia, which has cornered the market for chips that run artificial intelligence systems. Nvidia’s ascendance was cemented earlier this month when it replaced Intel on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another record NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid mixed trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Monday after closing November at an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared after saying an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or the company’s board. Retailers were mixed coming off Black Friday and heading into what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Better drugs through AI? Insitro CEO on what machine learning can teach Big Pharma WASHINGTON (AP) — Artificial intelligence is changing the way industries do business. But executives in the pharmaceutical industry are still waiting to see whether AI can tackle their biggest challenge: finding faster, cheaper ways to develop new drugs. Despite billions poured into research and development, new medicines still typically take a decade or more to develop. Insitro is part of a growing field of AI companies promising to accelerate drug discovery by using machine learning to analyze huge datasets that could lead to new medicines. FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, starting off a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration must take up or abandon. The FTC is investigating Microsoft’s cloud computing business and related product lines such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, according to a person who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It’s the latest action of more than three years of aggressive antitrust enforcement shepherded by FTC Chair Lina Chan, who was elevated to lead the agency by President Joe Biden after he came into office pledging tougher scrutiny of monopolistic behavior by Big Tech companies. More than 3 million travelers screened at US airports in a single day. That's a record Travelers heading home after the Thanksgiving holiday are setting a record. The Transportation Security Administration says that it screened nearly 3.1 million travelers on Sunday, breaking the previous record by about 74,000. That mark was set on July 7, also a Sunday after a holiday, July Fourth. Hundreds of thousands of travelers were delayed or had their flights canceled. FlightAware says more 6,800 flights were delayed on Sunday, with the highest numbers at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. General Motors to sell its stake in Lansing, Michigan, battery factory to LG Energy Solution DETROIT (AP) — General Motors has reached an agreement to sell its stake in a nearly completed electric vehicle battery plant in Lansing, Michigan. The company said Monday that it has a nonbinding agreement for the sale to joint venture partner LG Energy Solution of South Korea. The companies expect to close the sale by the end of March. Financial details were not released Monday, but GM said it expects to recoup its investment. The company has spent about $1 billion on the Lansing factory. GM says it will rely on joint venture factories in Warren, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee, to supply factories that make seven electric vehicles now on sale in the U.S.

Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says (copy)Taoiseach praises Nikita Hand after win in civil case against Conor McGregor

The nightcap of the NFL’s annual Thanksgiving Day tripleheader is expected to feature classic football weather on the legendary frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. The forecast for the Dolphins-Packers game calls for temperatures in the 20s with a wind chill of 19 degrees and a chance of snow. That’s good news for football fans, but historically bad news for Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is 0-6 when it’s 46 degrees or colder. Iconic sportscaster Brent Musburger is banking on the Packers to extend that trend. Musburger, 4-1 against the spread last week in the Review-Journal NFL Challenge , made the Packers (-3) and the Bills (-7) over 49ers on “Sunday Night Football” his best bets this week. “This holiday, I’m giving thanks for cold weather in Green Bay and Buffalo,” he said. “No team hates the cold like the Dolphins. According to CBS, they’ve lost their last 12 games when the temperature is below 42 degrees. And Sunday night, Buffalo will welcome the 49ers with snow and below-freezing temperatures. So even if Brock Purdy is able to play, his injured right shoulder won’t be completely comfortable in that weather. “The Packers and the Bills are my holiday weather treats as I sip an egg nog in front of a TV above a roaring fire.” Westgate oddsmaker Jeff Sherman reported sharp action on Thursday’s games on the Bears +101⁄2 over the Lions and on both sides of Cowboys-Giants (Giants +4 and +31⁄2, Cowboys -3). Here are six other weekend best bets (and two conflicting picks), which went 7-0 ATS last week and are 40-23-2 over the past 10 weeks (home team in CAPS): Seahawks (-11⁄2) over JETS “Seattle is playing well, and the Jets are a team that has a lot of dissension in the locker room. Aaron Rodgers is causing a lot of disruptions. I don’t think he has the team,” said pro sports bettor Jeff Whitelaw, who went 4-0 ATS last week. “Seattle is in desperation to win the division. The Jets are almost mathematically eliminated. I just don’t think Rodgers has got it anymore.” Cardinals-VIKINGS over 45 “Both of these teams have allowed plenty of points against better-than-average offenses this year,” RJ Challenge leader Scott Kellen (37-22-1 ATS) said. “Minnesota has allowed 27 points per game against the four above-average offenses it has faced, and Arizona has allowed 30 ppg against the six better-than-average offenses it has faced. Vikings lead the league in explosive passing plays. ... Perfect conditions inside with two teams that can throw the ball, and we have a fairly low total to get over the number.” FALCONS (+11⁄2) over Chargers “The Chargers face a short week on the road after the physicality and high emotion of this year’s Har’bowl loss in Los Angeles Monday night,” said Lou Finocchiaro, riding an 11-4 cover streak in the RJ Challenge. “This is a most challenging spot for the Chargers, for this trip to (Atlanta) precedes a visit to division leader Kansas City next week. “The Falcons, fighting for the NFC South lead, have lost their last two, but this team scores points at home and is off the bye, putting them in an advantageous spot.” SAINTS-Rams Whitelaw and fellow pro bettor Cris Zeniuk are on opposite sides of this one. Zeniuk, 9-2 ATS on his RJ best bets, is siding with the Saints as 21⁄2-point home underdogs, while Whitelaw is backing the Rams. “The Rams have been great, to bet against,” said Zeniuk (@lasvegascris). “They have the flashy stars, but they have problems on defense. ... The Saints have rebounded nicely since the coaching change and will be rested versus the traveling Rams. The Saints are healthier and are using (Taysom) Hill productively again. I’m betting the home team with confidence.” Whitelaw likes Los Angeles to bounce back from Sunday night’s loss to the Eagles. “They’re a totally different team since they’ve gotten healthy,” he said. “The Saints have had so many injuries.” CLEMSON (-21⁄2) over South Carolina “Clemson still has an outside shot to get into the ACC championship and possibly even the playoff,” said RJ College Challenge leader Alex White (43-21-1 ATS). “South Carolina has won five in a row, but the offense is just average. ... (Tigers coach) Dabo Sweeney’s experience in these big games will be the factor.” BOSTON COLLEGE (-5) over Pitt “Pitt’s season has unraveled like it has for the NHL Penguins, with four straight losses as the Panthers head to a minor bowl in reverse,” said Bruce Marshall, on an 11-4 ATS run in the RJ Challenge (40-23-2). “Would rather trust a BC side that continues to play hard for (coach) Bill O’Brien and off three of its better efforts of the season.” TEXAS A&M (+51⁄2) over Texas Texas-based handicapper Paul Stone likes the Aggies to not only cover the spread as home underdogs, but beat the Longhorns in the rivals’ first meeting in 13 years. “Texas has looked far from invincible in recent weeks ... and I believe the Longhorns will also struggle to run the ball against one of the nation’s premier defensive fronts,” said Stone, on an 8-2 spread streak in the RJ Challenge. “It’s going to be a loud and raucous environment Saturday night at Kyle Field to put it mildly, and I believe the Aggies will emerge victorious.” Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on X. RJ Challenge picks Here are the Thursday and Friday plays in the Review-Journal NFL Challenge: Bears +10: Brent Musburger Cowboys -31⁄2: Musburger Packers -3: Todd Dewey, Musburger, Kelly Stewart Dolphins +3: Scott Kellen Raiders +12: Doug Fitz, Musburger, StewartWall Street's Mixed Signals: Nasdaq's Milestone & Economic Uncertainties

AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:38 p.m. EST

“Beyond The Secret: The Awakening,” a documentary exploring the philosophical concept of the law of attraction, can now be watched on GJW+, the streaming platform of Ganjing World. The 55-minute documentary follows up on the 2006 film “The Secret,” which popularized the idea that thoughts can influence life experiences. Made in 2020, “Beyond The Secret: The Awakening” features interviews with thought leaders who discuss the evolution of the law of attraction, address misconceptions, and offer fresh perspectives. With a focus on family-oriented content, GJW+ is Gan Jing World’s recent addition to the streaming market. The platform offers a variety of entertainment options for all ages, including original and licensed programming. The service’s content library emphasizes educational and inspirational material without graphic violence or explicit content. GJW+ aims to differentiate itself from mainstream streaming services by curating content with traditional values in mind, targeting viewers of all ages and appealing to families. “Beyond The Secret” and other GJW+ content can be accessed through the Gan Jing World website . Gan Jing, which means “clean” in Chinese, reflects the platform’s commitment to providing content “free from gratuitous violence, sex, crime, and objectively harmful behavior,” according to its website. The platform’s mission extends beyond content curation, aiming to reconnect users with morals and traditions. According to the company’s about us page, Gan Jing World seeks to revitalize traditional connections through technology, fostering a culture of care, kindness, mutual respect, and trust among individuals, within families, and throughout society. One of Gan Jing World’s key features is its non-addictive algorithm, designed to free users from endless scrolling and addiction. Instead, the platform prioritizes valuable information and inspiring content to help users embrace meaningful engagement. Unlike other digital platforms, Gan Jing World emphasizes that users are not the product. The company pledges not to track or sell user data, including likes, purchases, relationships, and location information, as stated on its website. The platform also boasts a private data center to ensure technical autonomy and protect user data from external threats. To build community, Gan Jing World offers features such as content creation tools, hashtag events, livestreams, polls, and topic discussions. The platform empowers creators like vloggers, filmmakers, writers, artists, and storytellers to showcase their talents and connect with followers in new ways. As a global, multilingual platform, Gan Jing World aims to enable participation around the globe. The platform offers multi-language accessibility and rewards content creators worldwide, further expanding its reach and appeal to diverse audiences.( ) stock tumbled Monday after the cybersecurity firm reported fiscal first-quarter earnings, revenue and billings that beat estimates. But Zscaler's in-line revenue guidance underwhelmed investors. Reported after the market close, Zscaler earnings rose 36% to 77 cents a share from a year earlier on an adjusted basis. Revenue climbed 26% to $628 million, the San Jose, Calif.-based firm said. Zscaler stock analysts expected earnings of 63 cents per share on sales of $606 million. Also, fiscal Q1 billings rose 13% to $516.7 million. Zscaler Stock: Guidance Disappoints For the current quarter, Zscaler said it expects revenue of $634 million at the midpoint of guidance, versus estimates of $633 million. On the , Zscaler stock fell more than 6% to 195.39 in extended trading. Zscaler has brought in a new chief revenue officer, chief marketing officer and other top sales staff as its go-to-market strategy undergoes big changes. Analysts have lowered consensus estimates amid the sales organization overhaul. Heading into the Zscaler earnings release, the cybersecurity stock had retreated 6% in 2024. Also, ZS stock had a Relative Strength Rating of 50 out of a best-possible 99, according to . Zscaler Stock Technical Ratings Zscaler provides cloud-based cybersecurity services via 150 data centers worldwide. Zscaler's web security gateways inspect customers' data traffic for malware. Further, the Zscaler Private Access cloud service replaces virtual private networks to support remote work. Zscaler competes with ( ) and ( ) as well as well-funded startup Wiz. Meanwhile, Zscaler stock belongs to the IBD Computer-Software Security group, which ranks No. 77 out of 197 groups tracked.Central 1 reports 2024 third quarter financial resultsPSV 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk: Tillman turns tables in late comeback

NoneWall Street dips as investors digest data after strong rally

Citigroup Inc. Purchases 23,310 Shares of Federal Signal Co. (NYSE:FSS)Authored by Jeffrey Sachs via CommonDreams.org, When a nation is very sick, we need multiple and overlapping remedies... America is a country of undoubted vast strengths—technological, economic, and cultural—yet its government is profoundly failing its own citizens and the world. Trump’s victory is very easy to understand. It was a vote against the status quo. Whether Trump will fix—or even attempt to fix—what really ails America remains to be seen. The rejection of the status quo by the American electorate is overwhelming. According to Gallup in October 2024, 52% of Americans said they and their families were worse off than four years ago, while only 39% said they were better off and 9% said they were about the same. An NBC national news poll in September 2024 found that 65% of Americans said the country is on the wrong track, while only 25% said that it is on the right track. In March 2024, according to Gallup , only 33% of Americans approved of Joe Biden’s handling of foreign affairs. At the core of the American crisis is a political system that fails to represent the true interests of the average American voter. The political system was hacked by big money decades ago, especially when the U.S. Supreme Court opened the floodgates to unlimited campaign contributions. Since then, American politics has become a plaything of super-rich donors and narrow-interest lobbies, who fund election campaigns in return for policies that favor vested interests rather than the common good. Two groups own the Congress and White House: super-rich individuals and single-issue lobbies. The world watched agape as Elon Musk, the world’s richest person (and yes, a brilliant entrepreneur and inventor), played a unique role in backing Trump’s election victory, both through his vast media influence and funding. Countless other billionaires chipped into Trump’s victory. Many (though not all) of the super-rich donors seeks special favors from the political system for their companies or investments, and most of those desired favors will be duly delivered by the Congress, the White House, and the regulatory agencies staffed by the new administration. Many of these donors also push one overall deliverable: further tax cuts on corporate income and capital gains. Many business donors, I would quickly add, are forthrightly on the side of peace and cooperation with China, as very sensible for business as well as for humanity. Business leaders generally want peace and incomes, while crazed ideologues want hegemony through war. There would have been precious little difference in all of this with a Harris victory. The Democrats have their own long list of the super-rich who financed the party’s presidential and Congressional campaigns. Many of those donors too would have demanded and received special favors. Tax breaks on capital income have been duly delivered by Congress for decades no matter their impact on the ballooning federal deficit, which now stands at nearly 7 percent of GDP, and no matter that the U.S. pre-tax national income in recent decades has shifted powerfully towards capital income and away from labor income. As measured by one basic indicator, the share of labor income in GDP has declined by around 7 percentage points since the end of World War II. As income has shifted from labor to capital, the stock market (and super-wealth) has soared, with the overall stock market valuation rising from 55% of GDP in 1985 to 200% of GDP today! The second group with its hold on Washingtons is single-issue lobbies. These powerful lobbies include the military-industrial complex, Wall Street, Big Oil, the gun industry, big pharma, big Ag, and the Israel Lobby. American politics is well organized to cater to these special interests. Each lobby buys the support of specific committees in Congress and selected national leaders to win control over public policy. The economic returns to special-interest lobbying are often huge: a hundred million dollars of campaign funding by a lobby group can win a hundred billion of federal outlays and/or tax breaks. This is the lesson, for example, of the Israel lobby, which spends a few hundred million dollars on campaign contributions, and harvests tens of billions of dollars in military and economic support for Israel. These special-interest lobbies do not depend on, nor care much about, public opinion. Opinion surveys show regularly that the public wants gun control, lower drug prices, an end of Wall Street bailouts, renewable energy, and peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Instead, the lobbyists ensure that Congress and the White House deliver continued easy access to handguns and assault weapons, sky-high drug prices, coddling of Wall Street, more oil and gas drilling, weapons for Ukraine, and wars on behalf of Israel. These powerful lobbies are money-fueled conspiracies against the common good. Remember Adam Smith’s famous dictum in the Wealth of Nations (1776): "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices." The two most dangerous lobbies are the military-industrial complex (as Eisenhower famously warned us in 1961) and the Israel lobby (as detailed in a scintillating new book by historian Ilan Pappé). Their special danger is that they continue to lead us to war and closer to nuclear Armageddon . Biden’s reckless recent decision to allow U.S. missile strikes deep inside Russia, long advocated by the military-industrial complex, is case in point. The military-industrial complex aims for U.S. “full-spectrum dominance.” It’s purported solutions to world problems are wars and more wars, together with covert regime-change operations, U.S. economic sanctions, U.S. info-wars, color revolutions (led by the National Endowment for Democracy), and foreign policy bullying. These of course have been no solutions at all. These actions, in flagrant violation of international law, have dramatically increased U.S. insecurity. The military-industrial complex (MIC) dragged Ukraine into a hopeless war with Russia by promising Ukraine membership in NATO in the face of Russia’s fervent opposition, and by conspiring to overthrow Ukraine’s government in February 2014 because it sought neutrality rather than NATO membership. The military-industrial complex is currently—unbelievably—promoting a coming war with China. This will of course involve a huge and lucrative arms buildup, the aim of the MIC. Yet it will also threaten World War III or a cataclysmic U.S. defeat in another Asian war. While the Military-Industrial Complex has stoked NATO enlargement and conflicts with Russia and China, the Israel Lobby has stoked America’s serial wars in the Middle East. Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, more than any U.S. president, has been the lead promoter of America’s backing of disastrous wars in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. Netanyahu’s aim is to keep the land that Israel conquered in the 1967 war, creating what is called Greater Israel, and to prevent a Palestinian State. This expansionist policy, in contravention of international law, has given rise to militant pro-Palestinian groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Netanyahu’s long-standing policy is for the U.S. to topple or help to topple the governments that support these resistance groups. Incredibly, the Washington neocons and the Israel Lobby actually joined forces to carry out Netanyahu’s disastrous plan for wars across the Middle East. Netanyahu was a lead backer of the War in Iraq. Former Marine Commander Dennis Fritz has recently described in detail the Israel Lobby’s large role in that war. Ilan Pappé has done the same. In fact, the Israel Lobby has supported U.S.-led or U.S.-backed wars across the Middle East, leaving the targeted countries in ruins and the U.S. budget deep in debt. In the meantime, the wars and tax cuts for the rich, have offered no solutions for the hardships working-class Americans. As in other high-income countries , employment in U.S. manufacturing fell sharply from the 1980s onward as assembly-line workers were increasingly replaced by robots and “smart systems.” The decline in the labor share of value in the U.S. has been significant, and once again has been a phenomenon shared with other high-countries. Yet American workers have been hit especially hard. In addition to the underlying global technological trends hitting jobs and wages, American workers have been battered by decades of anti-union policies, soaring tuition and healthcare costs, and other anti-worker measures. In high-income countries of northern Europe, “social consumption” (publicly funded healthcare, tuition, housing, and other publicly provided services) and high levels of unionization have sustained decent living standards for workers. Not so in the United States. Yet this was not the end of it. Soaring costs of health care, driven by the private health insurers, and the absence of sufficient public financing for higher education and low-cost online options, created a pincer movement, squeezing the working class between falling or stagnant wages on the one side and rising education and healthcare costs on the other side. Neither the Democrats nor Republicans did much of anything to help the workers. Trump’s voter base is the working class, but his donor base is the super-rich and the lobbies. So, what will happen next? More of the same—wars and tax cuts—or something new and real for the voters? Trump’s purported answer is a trade war with China and the deportation of illegal foreign workers, combined with more tax cuts for the rich. In other words, rather than face the structural challenges of ensuring decent living standards for all, and face forthrightly the staggering budget deficit, Trump’s answers on the campaign trail and in his first term were to blame China and migrants for low working-class wages and wasteful spending for the deficits. This has played well electorally in 2016 and 2024, but will not deliver the promised results for workers in the long run. Manufacturing jobs will not return in large numbers from China since they never went in large numbers to China. Nor will deportations do much to raise living standards of average Americans. This is not to say that real solutions are lacking. They are hiding in plain view—if Trump chooses to take them, over the special interest groups and class interests of Trump’s backers. If Trump chooses real solutions, he would achieve a strikingly positive political legacy for decades to come. The first is to face down the military-industrial complex. Trump can end the war in Ukraine by telling President Putin and the world that NATO will never expand to Ukraine. He can end the risk of war with China by making crystal clear that the U.S. abides by the One China Policy, and as such, will not interfere in China’s internal affairs by sending armaments to Taiwan over Beijing’s objections, and would not support any attempt by Taiwan to secede. The second is to face down the Israel lobby by telling Netanyahu that the U.S. will no longer fight Israel’s wars and that Israel must accept a State of Palestine living in peace next to Israel, as called for by the entire world community. This indeed is the only possible path to peace for Israel and Palestine, and indeed for the Middle East. The third is to close the budget deficit, partly by cutting wasteful spending —notably on wars, hundreds of useless overseas military bases, and sky-high prices the government pays for drugs and healthcare—and partly by raising government revenues. Simply enforcing taxes on the books by cracking down on illegal tax evasion would have raised $625 billion in 2021, around 2.6% of GDP. More should be raised by taxation of soaring capital incomes. The fourth is an innovation policy (aka industrial policy) that serves the common good . Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley friends have succeeded in innovation beyond the wildest expectations. All kudos to Silicon Valley for bringing us the digital age. America’s innovation capacity is vast and robust and an envy of the world. The challenge now is innovation for what? Musk has his eye on Mars and beyond. Captivating, yet there are billions of people on Earth that can and should be helped by the digital revolution in the here and now. A core goal of Trump’s industrial policy should be to ensure that innovation serves the common good, including the poor, the working class, and the natural environment. Our nation’s goals need to go beyond wealth and weapons systems. As Musk and his colleagues know better than anybody, the new AI and digital technologies can usher in an era of low-cost, zero-carbon energy; low-cost healthcare; low-cost higher education; low-cost electricity-powered mobility; and other AI-enabled efficiencies that can raise real living standards of all workers. In the process, innovation should foster high-quality, unionized jobs—not the gig employment that has sent living standards plummeting and worker insecurity soaring. Trump and the Republicans have resisted these technologies in the past. In his first term, Trump let China take the lead in these technologies pretty much across the board. Our goal is not to stop China’s innovations, but to spur our own. Indeed, as Silicon Valley understands while Washington does not, China has long been and should remain America’s partner in the innovation ecosystem. China’s highly efficient and low-cost manufacturing facilities, such as Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai, put Silicon Valley’s innovations into worldwide use ... when America tries. All four of these steps are within Trump’s reach, and would justify his electoral triumph and secure his legacy for decades to come. I’m not holding my breath for Washington to adopt these straightforward steps. American politics has been rotten for too long for real optimism in that regard, yet these four steps are all achievable, and would greatly benefit not only the tech and finance leaders who backed Trump’s campaign but the generation of disaffected workers and households whose votes put Trump back into the White House.In line with the NRM manifesto and President Yoweri Museveni’s ongoing nationwide campaign of wealth creation through the four-acre model, Presidency Minister Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda has encouraged residents of Buyende district to adopt new farming methods. While addressing parents, teachers, and pupils at Nduudu Church of Uganda Primary School in Kidera sub-county, Hon Babalanda emphasized that the fight against poverty at the household and community level requires collective effort. “...I am here to encourage you to do everything using the peace and facilities put in place by the NRM government to join the money economy by embracing wealth creation strategies...” she urged every citizen to come on board, rather than leaving it to leaders alone. The minister also stressed the importance of integrated efforts in health, family sanitation, agriculture, and education as cornerstones to the growth and development of the area. She challenged faith organizations to use their platforms to support poverty alleviation initiatives. In a show of commitment, Hon Babalanda promised to construct a pit latrine for the school, addressing the sanitation challenges faced by pupils and staff. She also donated 1 million Uganda shillings to support the making of desks for over 1,300 pupils and 500,000/= towards the church project. The headteacher, James Kauta, commended Minister Babalanda for her practical gesture, which motivated the residents. Mr Kauta confessed that Babalanda was the first leader to visit and freely interact with locals. This move is particularly pivotal, as it addresses the sanitation challenges that affect studies, especially for girls who often prefer to stay home due to inadequate facilities. The enthusiastic residents of Buyende district are warmly welcoming the hardworking Minister, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, and pledging their support for her and President Yoweri Museveni. The residents, represented by the Kidera LC3 chairperson Wagumaale Kiiza praised President Museveni for bringing sustainable peace to Uganda over the last four decades, allowing them to move freely and conduct business without fear of roadblocks or segregation. “...the four-acre model is a proven strategy for wealth creation, and it is already transforming lives in many parts of Uganda, so I urge you, the people of Buyende, to seize this opportunity and join the ranks of those who are already benefiting from this initiative...”, Babalanda appealed. The minister’s passionate call to the residents to come on board is part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development at the grassroots level. Experts believe that by adopting the four-acre model, residents of Buyende can improve their agricultural productivity, increase their incomes, and contribute to the country’s overall economic prosperity. Hon. Babalanda also took the opportunity to encourage parents to send their children to school, emphasizing the importance of education in unlocking individual and societal potential. President Yoweri Museveni recently resumed his wealth creation campaign in the Bukedi and Teso sub-regions, and next week, he’s expected to take his campaign to the Karamoja region. This region, once plagued by violence, has seen a significant return of peace and security thanks to the joint efforts of security agencies led by the UPDF. President Museveni’s wealth creation campaign aims to empower local communities to improve their livelihoods through various initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM has already shown promising results in most areas, with individuals in Kibuku, Pallisa, Tororo, Bukeda, Soroti, Kumi, and other districts benefiting from the multi billion shillings program. The Parish Development Model (PDM) was officially launched on February 26, 2022, by President Yoweri Museveni in Kibuku district. This launch marked the beginning of the nationwide implementation of the PDM, which aims to increase household incomes and facilitate sustainable socio-economic transformation. The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a flagship anti-poverty program initiated by the NRM government, aimed at transforming the livelihoods of Ugandans and promoting sustainable development. The President’s campaign in Karamoja is expected to focus on promoting wealth creation and poverty alleviation through sustainable agricultural practices, entrepreneurship, and other initiatives. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as Minister Babalanda delivered warm greetings from President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni. The First Lady, known for her philanthropic work, particularly in education and HIV/AIDS awareness, has been a prominent figure in Ugandan politics. Her greetings, conveyed through Minister Babalanda, were met with ululations, a clear indication of the crowd’s admiration and respect for Mama Janet as she is fondly referred to. Commentators are praising Minister Babalanda’s grassroots engagement approach, saying that if all ministers and leaders followed her example, the government’s mind-change efforts would be much more effective. This is especially important in Uganda, where critics, particularly the opposition politicians, often spread negative messages through local radio stations and social media platforms. By engaging directly with the community, Minister Babalanda is able to promote the government’s initiatives and address concerns in a more personal and effective way. This approach can help to build trust and credibility with the public, making it easier to achieve the government’s goals. In fact, Minister Babalanda’s efforts have already been recognized as a success story in many parts of the country. Her approach is a great example of how grassroots engagement can be a powerful tool for achieving positive change.

AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:50 p.m. ESTMy hair is so long & thick people ask me if I have extensions – my weekly hack makes all the difference

NoneSure, but does Paris or Tokyo have a Bulk Barn? Get ready to feel better (or worse) about living in Toronto as a new list of the for 2025 has been released this week by Resonance Consultancy, a Vancouver-based economic development, real estate and tourism marketing firm. Of the 100 major global cities, Toronto ranked 15th, just ahead of Seoul and right behind Los Angeles. London, U.K., took the top spot for the 10th year in a row (the rankings also debuted a decade ago). In second place is New York, followed by Paris, Tokyo and Singapore. In essence, the best cities are the tourism juggernauts with Michelin guides and are depicted in ready-to-hang artwork at your local HomeSense. choosing major cities with populations greater than a million and then looking at factors such as attracting young populations, tourism dollars generated, economic opportunities, social media engagement as well as education, cultural institutions, green space, health care and city infrastructure. The firm also partnered with global market research firm Ipsos to survey more than 22,000 people in 30 countries on where they’d like to live, travel and work. For Toronto, Resonance noted the sheer number of construction cranes as a sign of prosperity and gave a shout out to the , the , the upcoming in Downsview (where Oasis is scheduled to play two nights next year), as well as the billion-dollar . It also scored points for having a high number of university-educated residents as well as good tree cover. In other rankings this year, Toronto also ranked as the based on the number of residents who are millionaires. It is also the (out of 226) for international workers. Most recently, the Ontario Living Wage Network reported that the compared to the . The other Canadian cities that made the list are Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton coming in at 22, 35, 52, 54 and 65, respectively.Lawyers, loyalists and Wall Street executives: a look at who's on Trump's tariff team

ST. LOUIS — Metro Transit next week will expand service or make other improvements on 25 bus routes across the metro area, as the agency continues to hire new drivers to fill vacancies. Beginning Monday, some routes will be extended to serve additional areas. Examples are the #21 Watson, which will start serving the Fenton area, and the #35 Rock Road, which will go further west along St. Charles Rock Road past Interstate 270. Some new streamlined routes with fewer transfers also will begin operating, such as the #40 Broadway-Halls Ferry, the #79 Ferguson-Clayton and the #23 Belleville-College. Other routes will have increased runs, such as the #64 Lucas Hunt. The frequency of weekday buses on that route will increase to once every 40 minutes. Now they come by once an hour. As of last month, Metro had 642 bus drivers, up from 628 last spring and 556 in November 2023. The 642 was near the 650 slots currently budgeted but still far below the 851 drivers on the staff in mid-2020. Metro for the past year has gradually increased bus service after three years of cutbacks due to driver shortages that accelerated in 2020. Officials say pay hikes approved last year have helped attract more applicants.artisteer/iStock via Getty Images Investment Thesis I rate Ciena Corporation ( NYSE: CIEN ) a hold due to its decelerating growth, especially over the last three quarters both in the top and bottom lines. Despite the stock gaining 56.84% over the last year to outperform Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Still looking for the perfect gift this Christmas, we've just found a mega deal that any avid beauty fan will thank you for if you decide to treat them. Dyson is best known for its innovative hair styling tools like the Airwrap, Corrale or Airstrait, and their supersonic hairdryer, however as any hair devotee will know their products come with a luxury price tag. That's why we think shoppers on a tighter budget this year will appreciate our latest money-saving deal. Wowcher are offering a Dyson-Inspired Supersonic Dryer, with 5 attachments , for over half the price. That's right! The affordable alternative from Electrics R Us is now £94, instead of £189.99. That's an impressive saving of £95.99 whilst the offer lasts. The dryer boasts a diffuser for enhancing natural curls, a styling concentrator for precision drying and a wide-tooth comb for detangling and volumizing. READ MORE: Zara Tindall wears unexpected fashion trend to hit royal circles for Christmas carol concert READ MORE: Boux Avenue's unmissable offer sees up to 30% off slippers, pyjamas and luxe loungewear Like Dyson the design is also equipped with smart heart control technology so the dryer continuously measures and regulates temperature to protect your hair from excessive heat exposure. Plus the powerful airflow also promises to drastically reduce drying time. The product is already proving popular with some customers already snapping it up today. So if you want the Dyson design without forking over £400, this supersonic hairdryer £94 here could be for you. Otherwise, shoppers searching for a recommending styling tool should try the best-selling BondiBoost Infrared Bounce Brush - it has earned viral status and has previously sold out in the UK, US and Australia. Our writer Pheobe Barton tried it out and you can read what she thought here.Northwestern Lehigh football’s Zimmerman has record night to send team back to state finalfortune gems download 。

NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto appears on a timetable to decide on where to sign either before or during baseball's winter meetings in Dallas, which run from Dec. 8-12. Soto met with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, a person familiar with the negotiations said last week, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details were not announced. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

Ryan Day defends Ohio State players after brawl; Sherrone Moore admits, 'We got to handle it better'Ex-FG Cllr was booted from party for sending pornographic material to female staffer causing ‘serious upset & distress’

Social media abuzz about former Knights head football coach Scott Frost’s potential return to UCF after Gus Malzahn resigns, takes FSU offensive coordinator job | Sporting NewsSanta Clara councilmember who implicated Anthony Becker in 49ers leak says he was ‘confused’

Michigan Takes Final Shot at Ohio State Following Rivalry GameFBC Glance