u jies Minnesota will try to bounce back from two straight losses when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers (5-3) are coming off a 57-51 loss against Wake Forest on Friday, which followed a 68-66 overtime loss against Wichita State on Thursday. Both games took place at the ESPN Events Invitational in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Minnesota coach Ben Johnson cited inconsistency on offense as the main reason for his team's recent skid. "We're painfully figuring that out," Johnson said. "I thought our defense, though, (Thursday and Friday) has proven this is a top-40 or top-30 defense. We've got to be able to show up with offense and free throws." Golden Gophers starter Lu'Cye Patterson said he and his teammates remain confident in their potential as the Big Ten conference season approaches. "We just have to keep doing what we're supposed to do and keep our level of defensive play up," Patterson said. "It's going to win us a lot of games. The offense is going to come." Bethune-Cookman (2-5) will try to play spoiler on the road. The Wildcats have split their past two games as they beat North Dakota 79-67 on Tuesday and lost to Gardner-Webb 79-64 on Wednesday, both games played in the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. Four players for Bethune-Cookman scored in double digits in their most recent game. Reggie Ward Jr. and Daniel Rouzan led the way with 14 points apiece, Trey Thomas scored 13 and Brayon Freeman chipped in 10. Bethune-Cookman is coached by Reggie Theus, who enjoyed a long NBA career and coached the Sacramento Kings for parts of two seasons. Theus said the Wildcats were in better position to compete this season compared with a season ago. "We've got a lot of depth, and we have age and experience," Theus said. "One of the biggest differences in our team is that we have great size now, where last year we were pretty small." Dawson Garcia leads Minnesota with 18.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Patterson is next with 10.1 points per contest. Bethune-Cookman is led by Freeman, who is averaging 15.9 points per game. Thomas (11.7 points per game) and Ward Jr. (11.0) also are scoring in double digits. --Field Level MediaKYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Vasko's 4 TDs power Coastal Carolina past Georgia State 48-27 to become bowl eligible

ATLANTA (AP) — Ethan Vasko threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth as Coastal Carolina became bowl eligible by beating Georgia State 48-27 for its sixth win of the season in the regular season finale on Saturday. The Chanticleers evened their season record at 6-6 with the win and finished 3-5 in the Sun Belt East. The loss leaves Georgia State (3-9) with just one win in eight conference games. Vasko threw 10 yards to Senika McKie for the game's first score midway through the first quarter, but the Panthers got a Liam Rickman 28-yard field goal and a 19-yard touchdown run by Freddie Brock to take a 10-7 second-quarter lead. Vasko threw his second TD pass, this one a five-yard strike to Zach Courtney to take the lead and Kade Hensley booted a 43-yard field goal as time expired to put Coastal Carolina up 17-10 at halftime. Christian Washington ran 18-yards for a touchdown to open up a 24-10 lead four minutes into the third quarter. Vasko hit McKie for their second touchdown, this one from 31-yards out and Vasko ran 10 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown to make it 38-10 with under 10 minutes to play. Vasko was 13 of 17 passing for 200 yards and carried 13 times for another 68. Washington carried 20 times for 124 yards. McKie caught five passes for 81 yards Georgia State amassed 428 yards of offense, but the Panthers turned the ball over six times. Christian Veilleux completed 15 of 26 passes for 205 yards but was picked off four times and fumbled. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 12 analysts have published ratings on PagerDuty PD in the last three months. The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 3 2 7 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 0 0 1 0 0 3M Ago 3 1 6 0 0 The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $21.25, a high estimate of $26.00, and a low estimate of $18.00. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 13.27% lower than the prior average price target of $24.50. Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look The standing of PagerDuty among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Matthew Hedberg RBC Capital Raises Outperform $24.00 $22.00 Pinjalim Bora JP Morgan Lowers Neutral $20.00 $21.00 Pinjalim Bora JP Morgan Lowers Neutral $21.00 $24.00 Kingsley Crane Canaccord Genuity Lowers Buy $24.00 $26.00 J. Derrick Wood TD Cowen Lowers Hold $19.00 $23.00 Kash Rangan Goldman Sachs Lowers Neutral $21.00 $24.00 Matthew Hedberg RBC Capital Lowers Outperform $22.00 $27.00 Nick Altmann Scotiabank Lowers Sector Perform $18.00 $23.00 Chad Bennett Craig-Hallum Lowers Buy $26.00 $30.00 Sanjit Singh Morgan Stanley Lowers Equal-Weight $19.00 $24.00 Koji Ikeda B of A Securities Lowers Buy $23.00 $28.00 Robert Oliver Baird Lowers Neutral $18.00 $22.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to PagerDuty. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of PagerDuty compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of PagerDuty's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time. Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into PagerDuty's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on PagerDuty analyst ratings. Discovering PagerDuty: A Closer Look PagerDuty Inc is a digital operations management platform that manages urgent and mission-critical work for a modern, digital business. Its platform harnesses digital signals from virtually any software-enabled system or device and combines it with human response data to take the right actions in real-time. The product offerings of the company include PagerDuty Incident Management, DevOps, AIOPs, Process Automation, and Customer Service Operations. Key Indicators: PagerDuty's Financial Health Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity. Revenue Growth: PagerDuty's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 July, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 7.73% . This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector. Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of -11.42%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control. Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of -7.82%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns for shareholders. Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of -1.44%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets. Debt Management: PagerDuty's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.8 . This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage. What Are Analyst Ratings? Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions. Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability. Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. Click here for urgent details . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Google has become almost synonymous with the internet for as long as anyone can remember. It’s now a one-stop online destination where most people go to learn something and find out anything they care to know. But with the rise of AI models such as OpenAI, it seems not that weird to ask: Will Open AI dominance ever outperform Google? Google created an entire empire with its search engine and other related services. This raises the interesting question of what this rivalry might mean. Google's Power: Beyond Just a Search Engine With more than 91.5% of the worldwide search engine market, Google will remain dominant by 2024. But that is only part of its reach. This giant's reach covers everything, from email to YouTube and Android to Google Cloud, an inseparable portion of billions' daily lives. Google makes significant investments in AI . Its machine learning models, such as the algorithms behind Google Search or Google Translate, are world-class. Bard, the company's generative AI dominance model, competes squarely with Open AI's ChatGPT. This very bulk of the ecosystem may also be a disadvantage for Google. Some critics argue that it is so vast as to be fairly sluggish in adapting. Open AI: The Rising Challenger in AI Highlands OpenAI is a company purely focused on artificial intelligence. A major product of this company, ChatGPT , attained a user-speak milestone of 100 million within just two months of its emergence at the end of 2022, and this unsurpassed record has never been attained by any platform in the entire history so swiftly. Open AI competition has also been reputed to have a broad range of purposes. With very powerful AI models, the user can assist in writing and coding. It does not feature a huge inventory of other non-AI products against which to compete, so it is associated with a much faster technological drive. Moreover, the open-access model from Open AI has attracted a community of developers and enterprises that seek to build on it by extending their solutions. Some of the most riveting spots of warzones Differentiating themselves from Bard, open AI competition challenges Google's monopoly through conversational responses rather than static links. While Google enjoys an impressive 8.5 billion searches per day and steers a very high user trust measurement, Google vs. Open AI is gaining much more ground owing to transparency-related or innovation-related issues. A future of coexistence? Instead of one company overtaking the other, some experts predict that in the future of AI companies, Google and OpenAI will coexist, each excelling in different areas; while Google remains the leader in traditional search and cloud services, OpenAI may dominate applications and specialized tools. Conclusion The competition between Google and OpenAI has turned from a tussle between two companies to a race for pioneering technology in the future of AI companies. How far OpenAI can go beyond Google would depend on its ability to innovate equally fast and win the users' trust. However, as these giants continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the true beneficiaries will be consumers who gain access to smarter and more advanced technology.

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Food manufacturers Magro Brothers took home two out of five awards at the 2024 edition of the Malta International Business Awards on Friday night, including the title of best overall company. The Xewkija-based food production firm also won an award for best large exporter. Best known for their Three Hills brand of tomato-based products, the company also operates several other food brands. It exports roughly 45 per cent of the foodstuffs it produces, with customers in 20 different countries and sales offices in the UK and Ireland. Held at the Radisson BLU Golden Sands, the award night also saw IoT Solutions named the best SME exporter, EBO awarded as the best high potential exporter of the year and Salvo Grima named the best emerging markets exporter. Now in its third edition, the TradeMalta-organised MIBA awards saw 13 finalists compete across the four categories. Entries spanned a range of economic sectors, from manufacturing to research and development, training, software and AI technology, maritime, 3D printing, and web design. TradeMalta CEO Anton Buttigieg said the awards “reflect the remarkable spirit and determination of Malta based businesses.” The awards are organised by TradeMalta and endorsed by the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry and The Malta Chamber. They are supported by HSBC Malta, Grant Thornton and Emirates as supporting partners together with Times of Malta as the exclusive Media Partner. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.McDonald’s ( MCD ) is switching gears during a time when an alarming consumer trend is hurting its pockets. An increasing number of consumers, convinced inflation at fast-food restaurants is out of control, are opting instead to cook cheaper meals at home. 💰💸 Don’t miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter 💰💸 According to a recent survey from LendingTree, roughly 78% of consumers view fast-food as a luxury. Another 62% of Americans said they eat less fast food due to high prices, and 56% said they choose to make food at home when they want an easy and cheap meal. Related: McDonald’s makes a desperate move to win back fleeing customers To be sure, the cost of eating out has jumped. It was up 7.5% in 2022, and it was still up 4.8% year-over-year, according to the October Consumer Price Index report. And that's even as inflation overall has fallen below 3%. Consumer resistance has contributed to McDonald’s facing declines in its sales and revenue all year, and it has been on a shaky road to recovery. During the third quarter of 2024, McDonald’s revealed that its U.S. comparable sales increased by a measly 0.3% year-over-year, while its net income only shrunk by 3%. To make matters worse, the company faced an E.coli outbreak last month, which sickened more than 100 people, hospitalized 34, and even killed one person. As a result, McDonald’s sales and visits took an extra tumble. McDonald's makes a major menu adjustment Now, McDonald’s is making a bold move designed to attract consumers back into its restaurants, and it appears to be a response to recent complaints about high prices. picture alliance/Getty Images The company just unveiled its new “McValue” menu, which is set to go into effect on Jan. 7, 2025. It contains the fast-food chain’s current $5 Meal Deal, which offers a meal that consists of a McChicken sandwich, four-piece chicken nuggets or a McDouble, along with fries and a drink for $5. The meal deal was expected to expire sometime during the late summer, but it was recently extended after analysts claimed that the deal was struggling to significantly boost traffic in restaurants shortly after it debuted. The new McValue menu also includes a brand-new deal called “Buy One, Add One for $1,” where customers can buy a “full-priced” menu item from the McValue menu and add one more item of their choice for $1, according to a new press release. More Food + Dining: The McValue menu contains breakfast, lunch and dinner items such as hash browns, 6-pc. Chicken McNuggets, Sausage McMuffin, a double cheeseburger, etc. "When it comes to value, we know there's no one-size-fits-all. We've worked closely with our franchisees to create a new platform that will let our customers define value on their own terms," said McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger in the press release. McDonald's responds to complaints about price increases The move from McDonald’s comes after Erlinger said in an open letter in May that the average price of a McDonald’s menu item has increased by roughly 40% since 2019, hitting back at consumers who alleged that prices have been hiked up by over 100% during that time period. “Recently, we have seen viral social posts and poorly sourced reports that McDonald’s has raised prices significantly beyond inflationary rates,” said Erlinger in the letter. “This is inaccurate.” Related: McDonald’s pulls beloved menu items due to major issue According to a recent report from the Roosevelt Institute, the fast-food industry is notorious for charging prices that are higher than their marginal costs (an additional cost incurred to produce a good/service). The institute found that in 2023, McDonald’s raised its prices 85% above its marginal costs. Amid the recent criticism, it appears that McDonald’s is letting consumers know it hears them loud and clear. During an earnings call last month, McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said that the company will be heavily focusing on “value and affordability” going forward. “I think certainly lower-income consumers and families are consumers that are under more acute kind of pressures,” said Borden. “I think on disposable income, obviously, two really important parts of our consumer base. I think for all of those reasons, that's why obviously we have such a heightened focus on value and affordability and making sure we get that right for the context we're in each and every one of our markets.” Related: Veteran fund manager sees world of pain coming for stocksHensley 6-9 0-0 14, Massey 1-2 1-2 3, Davis 6-13 2-2 15, Dibba 5-9 1-1 11, Mayo 2-5 0-0 6, Steffe 1-6 0-0 3, Sykes 4-7 2-3 10, Sharp 5-6 2-2 12, Moreno 3-4 1-1 7. Totals 33-61 9-11 81. 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Edifier continues to establish its reputation as a premier audio brand by winning multiple awards at the esteemed Visual Grand Prix ( VGP ) 2025 in Japan , showcasing its dedication to innovation and excellence in audio technology . RICHMOND, BC , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Japanese VGP Awards, often dubbed the "Oscar in the Audio Industry," are the largest and most credible audio-visual honors in Asia , organized annually by Ongen Publishing Co. Ltd. since 1987. These awards aggregate evaluations from numerous countries, providing consumers with trustworthy guidance for their audio and visual purchases. Edifier's accolades at the VGP Awards underscore its significant contributions and innovation in the audio sector, solidifying its reputation as a leading brand in the industry. Stanley Wen , Edifier's CTO, expressed his pleasure upon receiving awards at the VGP 2025. "These awards provide the recognition that underscores Edifier's commitment to product development and its mission to provide high-quality, exceptional audio products to consumers. Edifier is humbled to be acknowledged yet again at the prestigious VGP awards. This is a reflection of our dedication to excellence in audio innovation." The Edifier M60 was a Special Prize Winner and Gold Award Winner. The M60 is a compact 2.0 desktop speaker optimized for high-resolution audio reproduction, making it an ideal enhancement for any desktop setup. Boasting a total output power of 66W (RMS), it delivers impressive sound quality through its 1" silk dome tweeter and 3" long-throw aluminium diaphragm mid-low drivers, all wrapped in a sleek design that complements modern aesthetics. The Comfo C (EDF200161) open-ear clip-on design earbuds were a Gold Award Winner. Each earbud features a three-axis sensor, allowing flexible use in either ear for added convenience. Weighing just 5.8 grams each, the design accommodates various ear shapes and sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for all users. Additionally, the 12mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated composite diaphragm delivers dynamic, detailed, and powerful sound, enhancing the overall listening experience. Another Gold Award Winner was the W800BT Pro . The Edifier W800BT Pro headphones offer a premium listening experience with hybrid active noise cancelling technology and Hi-Res audio support. They feature AI call noise cancellation, and with an impressive 45 hours of playtime on a single charge and fast charging capabilities, these foldable over-ear headphones provide both convenience and comfort. Also recognized was the Edifier MR3 2.0 monitor speaker system which boasts Hi-Res audio certification and a flat frequency response ranging from 52Hz to 40kHz, delivering a robust 18W x 2 (RMS) total power output. With their advanced acoustic design, precise tuning, and high-quality craftsmanship, the MR3 speakers are an ideal choice for home studios, video editing, and everyday listening. The final Award Winner was the NeoDots True Wireless earbuds. The NeoDots integrate Hybrid driver units (BA and 10mm dynamic drivers), digital signal processing, and active crossover. This combination provides superior, balanced sound with high resolution and low distortion, achieving an impressive noise cancellation depth of up to -48dB. With Bluetooth V5.4 for enhanced connectivity, the NeoDots support multipoint connection, allowing seamless switching between music, videos, and calls across two devices simultaneously, making them a versatile choice for any user. The VGP awards celebrate outstanding products that significantly impact the industry with innovative technology and design, highlighting Edifier's ongoing development and expansion of its product offerings. With registered international trademarks in over 70 countries and a globally diverse workforce supported by distribution partners and resellers, Edifier continues to strengthen its presence in the audio market worldwide. About Edifier: Edifier specializes in premium sound systems that showcase technological innovation and design elegance, delivering outstanding audio experiences through a wide range of headphones, speakers, and music systems, for personal entertainment and professional excellence. Established in May 1996 in Beijing , Edifier is the brainchild of a small group of enterprising music lovers. Over the past 25 years, Edifier has been guided by the "passion for sound" principle, which helped the brand emerge as a world-class designer and manufacturer of award-winning sound systems. Today, Edifier serves audio lovers worldwide through its distributors in over 70 countries, with operations in North America , South America , Europe , the Middle East , and Asia Pacific . More information about Edifier is available online at www.edifier.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edifier-scoops-5-honours-at-prestigious-visual-grand-prix-2025-302317109.html SOURCE Edifier

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

Thrills, Frills As UK Off-Plan Property Investment Seminar Ends In LagosIf you’re looking for a family-friendly activity to plan for the upcoming holiday breaks — and if you’re a fan of the popular Netflix series “Squid Game” — consider “Squid Game: The Experience NYC,” a unique chance to dive into a live-action rendition of the show’s thrilling challenges. Held at Manhattan Mall, the event is suitable for all ages, though parents are encouraged to assess whether the physical and strategic nature of the games is appropriate for their children. Tickets start at $29, with VIP packages offering perks like priority entry, access to the VIP lounge, and unique collectibles. Click here to buy tickets to “Squid Game: The Experience NYC.” The event tests players’ survival instincts and strategic thinking in a 60-minute competition. Participants face off in groups to complete challenges inspired by the show, such as “Red Light, Green Light” and the Glass Bridge, with real-time scoring displayed on a leaderboard. “Squid Game” explores themes of class struggle, debt and survival, resonating with viewers around the world. The experience doesn’t stop with the games — players can explore recreated sets, snap photos and enjoy the Korean-inspired Night Market, complete with food, drinks and exclusive merchandise. ‘Squid Game: The Experience NYC’ offers real-life, immersive version of popular Netflix show. (Courtesy Netflix) Courtesy Netflix MORE ABOUT THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE The venue is open from Thursday to Monday, with additional holiday hours. After the main event, guests are invited to linger at the Night Market, making for a fun and memorable outing. Accessible for all, the experience is located at 100 W. 33rd St. in Manhattan with an entrance at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 33rd Street. Guests will enjoy 60 minutes of intense gameplay at “Squid Game: The Experience NYC” inspired by the iconic Netflix series, as well as exclusive new games created specifically for New York. After the competition, there is a Night Market, where you can enjoy Korean food, themed cocktails and photo opportunities with iconic show settings. Exclusive merchandise and collectibles are also available to complete the experience. ‘Squid Game: The Experience NYC’ offers real-life, immersive version of popular Netflix show. (Courtesy Netflix) Courtesy Netflix ABOUT SQUID GAME “Squid Game” is a South Korean survival drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show centers around a deadly competition where 456 financially desperate participants compete in children’s games for a large cash prize. However, the games take a brutal twist, as those who fail are eliminated in fatal ways. The show’s tension arises from its critique of social inequality, greed and human nature as players face moral dilemmas in their pursuit of the prize. The series became a global phenomenon due to its gripping plot, high-stakes drama and striking social commentary. Popular games featured on the show include “Red Light, Green Light,” “Tug of War” and the “Glass Bridge,” all of which are simple childhood games with life-or-death consequences for the participants.

IRVINE, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OrthAlign, Inc. today announced a significant milestone with the successful first clinical use of its Lantern Hip handheld technology. The procedure was performed by Edwin Su, MD, a renowned orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, NY . "The first clinical case of Lantern Hip is a monumental achievement for our team and the surgeons involved with this project," said Eric Timko , CEO of OrthAlign. "This expansion of our flagship platform to include hips not only enhances our product portfolio, but also positions us for significant growth in both the hospital and the ambulatory surgery center (ASC). We're excited to kick off the new year with Lantern Hip and showcase its impact at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting," says Eric Timko . Lantern Hip is the latest evolution in hip technology, built upon the success of over 375,000 OrthAlign procedures worldwide. Next-generation sensors, powered by accelerometers and gyroscopes, are designed to provide an accurate and simple solution to navigate cup placement and measure changes in leg length and offset. The system enables the surgeon to choose their preferred implant, and is accessible to any site of service. "Lantern Hip allows me to personalize cup position for each patient," said Dr. Su. "I can compare the functional pelvic plane (FPP), the anterior pelvic plane (APP), and the coronal plane during live cup navigation, so I can place the implant in the best position for function and stability. With its triple-sensor technology, Lantern Hip also allows me to feel confident in my leg length and offset restoration. The system was simple for me and my team to integrate into our workflow during our first case, and I expect this will make a positive impact on other surgeons' experience too." OrthAlign will continue to offer surgeons the opportunity to experience Lantern Hip firsthand through webinars and demonstrations at industry events throughout 2025. For inquiries about upcoming events or to schedule a product demonstration, contact your local OrthAlign representative. Visit www.orthalign.com/lanternhip to view the Lantern Hip introductory video. Lantern Hip is indicated for use in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty procedures with the patient in the supine position. About OrthAlign, Inc. OrthAlign is a medical device company with a focus on delivering practical, cutting-edge technologies for orthopedic surgery. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, OrthAlign provides surgeons with user-friendly, cost-effective solutions to help improve patient care in joint replacement. In 2023, the company celebrated a record-breaking year with over $50 million in global revenue, reflecting its dedication to growth and leadership in the industry. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves exceptional healthcare, OrthAlign is committed to making empowering technologies accessible to all. LANTERN ® and ORTHALIGN ® are registered trademarks of OrthAlign, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orthalign-inc-announces-first-cases-using-lantern-hip-the-next-evolution-in-total-hip-replacement-technology-302336610.html SOURCE OrthAlign

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week, though it remains near 7% after mostly rising in recent weeks. The rate slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s still down from a year ago, when the rate averaged 7.22%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, rose this week. The average rate climbed to 6.1% from 6.02% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.56%, Freddie Mac said. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds, which lenders use as a guide to price home loans. The yield, which mostly hovered around 4.4% last week and was below 3.70% in September, has eased this week. It was at 4.23% at midday Wednesday. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have kept homeownership out of reach of many would-be homebuyers. U.S. home sales are on track for their worst year since 1995. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage moved down this week, but not by much,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Potential homebuyers are also waiting on the sidelines, causing demand to be lackluster. Despite the low sales activity, inventory has only modestly improved and remains dramatically undersupplied.” Mortgage rates slid to just above 6% in September following the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut its main interest rate for the first time in more than four years. While the central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, its actions and the trajectory of inflation influence the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield. The central bank’s policy pivot is expected to eventually clear a path for mortgage rates to generally go lower. But that could change if the next administration’s policies send inflation into overdrive again. September’s pullback in mortgage rates helped drive a pickup in sales of previously occupied U.S. homes last month, and likely helped give a boost to demand early last month. The National Association of Realtor’s pending home sales index rose 2% in October from the previous month, its third straight monthly increase, the trade group said Wednesday. Pending transactions were up 5.4% compared to October last year. A lag of a month or two usually exists between when a contract is signed and when the home sale is finalized, which makes pending home sales a bellwether for future completed home sales. Still, because mortgage rates have mostly kept rising in recent weeks, that could dampen sales this month and next in what's already typically a slow season for the housing market. “Though mortgage rates are likely to decline in the coming weeks, the dip will be too little and too late to boost home sales in December,” said Ralph McLaughlin, senior economist at Realtor.com . Forecasting the trajectory of mortgage rates is difficult, given that rates are influenced by many factors, from government spending and the economy, to geopolitical tensions and stock and bond market gyrations. Economists predict that mortgage rates will remain volatile this year, but generally forecast them to hover around 6% in 2025.