Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victory
Consumers in the United States scoured the internet for online deals as they looked to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people's regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it. Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expected consumers to spend $13.2 billion Monday — a record, and 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the biggest shopping day for e-commerce for the season — and the year. Online spending was expected to peak between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night, per Adobe — reaching an estimated $15.7 million spent every minute. People are also reading... ‘I don’t care who’s played': Nebraska’s Dana Holgorsen on personnel changes at tight end Search warrants lead to arrest of man in narcotics investigation Blue Springs family to host 2025 Cattleman's Ball They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 La Segoviana finds new home in Court Street Plaza Hospice foundation helps with extra support At the courthouse, Nov. 23, 2024 Board of Supervisors denies permit for Filley telecom tower Fall Farmers Market and Brunch planned for Saturday 'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe Dale G. Lunsford Shatel: Emotions are still simmering, but Nebraska delivered the bottom line for 2024 — a bowl game Sound waves: What others are saying about Nebraska's loss to Iowa Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. An Amazon Prime delivery person lifts packages while making a stop Nov. 28, 2023, in Denver. Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target's two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock after the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless remain strong, and the economy kept growing at a healthy pace. At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies are rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use "buy now, pay later" plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items. Many economists also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles. A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck Nov. 17, 2022, in Denver. The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023. A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won't emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, but some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward "exceeded expectations" and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record $40 billion mark combined. U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in about $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. Meanwhile, software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 3.4% from a year ago. A United Parcel Service driver sorts deliveries July 15, 2023, on New York's Upper West Side. E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company. Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. "Hot products" included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care. Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes. RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, said its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest. Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023. Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday. "Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected," Gustafson said. The 7 small business trends that paid off in 2024 The 7 small business trends that paid off in 2024 In 2024, staying small on purpose seems to be paying off big for small businesses. They're keeping operations small and targeting niche, highly specialized customers. And some business owners find this strategy results in more time, energy, and money to intentionally capitalize on unique, small cap opportunities. The data tells the story of growth in small businesses for the year. According to NEXT , the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports awarding 38,000 SBA 7(a) loans under $150,000: double the amount they awarded in 2020. Here are the related small-business trends paying off in 2024. 1. Small and cozy office spaces in industrial and flex condos Commercial real estate agent Ryan Beckenhauer of Market Real Estate in Boulder, Colorado, has noticed that small businesses are growing smaller, and that their office and warehouse spaces are starting to reflect that as they shop for business space. In commercial real estate, many small business owners gravitate toward industrial condos and other flexible spaces. These are small-scale industrial spaces with a 90:10 or 80:20 split of warehouse to office. "More individuals are leveraging skills acquired at larger organizations to venture out on their own," explains Beckenhauer. And he goes on to say that they don't need a large commercial space as they make that leap to start a business. His clients include engineers, consultants, builders and other tradespeople. Beckenhauer's clients like the flexibility of being out of an office and being close to their inventory and workshop space. "The clients want to see and touch the finishes," he says. Small business owners both rent or buy these spaces. But he's seeing his clients opt to own industrial condos to stabilize costs due to rent increases in Boulder. And because these spaces are smaller, it can be easier for new buyers to qualify for financing. 2. More outsourcing of financial services Mariana Alvarez, owner of Controller Works , an online bookkeeping and advisory firm, has noticed that small business owners outsource financial support services because they don't want to increase headcount. "Outsourcing gives them the possibility of having access to the knowledge and the skills of a CFO without having to pay for the salary," she says. "They don't have to manage or deal with the workload, employment taxes , and all that comes with it," says Alvarez. Additionally, many small business owners in fields like construction are family-owned, and this makes it easier for business owners to hand off delicate financial work to a trusted person with financial experience. 3. Automating bookkeeping tasks with AI Every small business has recurring tasks that can benefit from some level of artificial intelligence automation . And Alvarez sees a lot of value in using AI for small business bookkeeping. She explains that you can automate the data entry on Quickbooks. "When you create rules, as long as you create the rules correctly, it pretty much does itself," says Alvarez. From there, you can lean on financial experts to help you analyze the data and make more informed decisions. She uses AI as a background resource when guiding her accounting clients. "I believe that we still need the human-to-human interaction that comes with more perspective for financial analysis," she explains. 4. AI-driven customer service According to the SBA , 77% of consumers feel that human interaction is still required for a positive customer experience. People turn to small businesses every day for a human experience. According to Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar , small business workers can show up for their customers but still use AI for routine tasks like customer queries. "This balance allows companies to scale their operations without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. It's important to remember that AI isn't there to replace the human element—it's there to enhance it," he says. 5. Personalized customer experiences "By really focusing on one very small weakness that Amazon has, I've been able to carve out a successful business by offering something different," says Lou Harvey owner of Tank Retailer , a retailer of commercial water and fuel tanks. "When you read our customer reviews, many of them actually mention me by name because of how much we focus on customer service and go the extra mile." One of Harvey's most successful business strategies this year has been to lean into his small, niche market and offer the kind of customer experience that large retailers like Amazon don't. "Any small weaknesses that Amazon has (however small those weaknesses may be) needs to become a strength of a smaller business focusing on a niche market," says Harvey. Harvey has his company's customer service phone number front and center on the website to help earn customer trust. "I prominently feature our phone number, and a real person always answers the phone (usually it's me)," says Harvey. 6. Businesses promoting social impact Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of Church Hill Classics , an online, woman-owned diploma framing company that uses sustainable materials, has noticed an uptick in customers seeking services from a business on a mission. "This year, we've seen a growing inclination for consumers to actively seek out and support small businesses owned by women and minorities," says Voves. When consumers shop small, they choose to make their dollars count. "Customers are fueled by a desire to promote social impact through purchasing power," says Voves. 7. Increased social commerce sales Long gone are the days of online retailers "building it and they will come." In 2024 we've seen more small businesses than ever turn to social commerce to sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram Shopping , Facebook Marketplace , and TikTok . Small business owners are turning toward influencers, social media ads, and organic content to target their customers. Mike Vannelli of Envy Creative creates online ads for businesses, and he has seen his clients succeed on TikTok of late. "I've seen businesses, especially in retail, use TikTok's short-form video format to make their products go viral. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids," says Vannelli. He uses the platform's algorithm to push a company's content to the right audiences, and it works because TikTok loves storytelling. "I know small brands that use behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even playful challenges that tap into trends to humanize their products and build trust," explains Vannelli. To stand out on TikTok, he says, smaller brands need to embrace authenticity and emotional connection. Show your team, share your journey, and involve your community in content creation. This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Cam Skattebo strikes a pose and makes a statement: He belongs on the sport's biggest stageToronto, Canada, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dione Protocol , a pioneering leader at the intersection of blockchain technology and renewable energy, announces the launch of DIONE SPARK , an ambitious Grants & Accelerator Program aimed at accelerating the development of eco-conscious projects in the Web3 ecosystem. This initiative reflects Dione’s steadfast commitment to sustainable technology and innovative solutions in decentralized energy and blockchain applications. About Dione Protocol Dione Protocol is setting new standards for sustainable energy solutions in the blockchain space. With a mission to redefine energy production and consumption, Dione offers an ecosystem of products that harness renewable energy to support a greener future. This includes Orion, a decentralized infrastructure powered by AI that validates green energy sources; Odyssey, a renewable-energy-driven Layer 1 blockchain; and Nebra, a peer-to-peer energy marketplace, often called the "Uber for energy," enabling users to share and trade renewable resources. As part of its mission, Dione Protocol’s latest program, DIONE SPARK , empowers developers and entrepreneurs to leverage blockchain and decentralized technology for environmental impact. About the DIONE SPARK Program DIONE SPARK is designed to fuel the creation of forward-thinking green projects on the Dione Protocol blockchain. With grants, mentorship, and resources, the program is structured to support projects through three distinct categories: Spark Green: Geared towards existing projects that seek to utilize Dione’s co-marketing support and bridge liquidity. Spark Seed: Tailored for both new and established projects that are in early-stage fundraising and looking to leverage Dione’s network for strategic growth. Spark Build: Designed for new projects needing comprehensive fundraising assistance and strategic acceleration. Each category of the SPARK program provides targeted funding of up to $100,000, alongside direct collaboration with the Dione team, ensuring projects have access to technical guidance, strategic resources, and co-marketing benefits. Dione’s Vision and Selection Criteria Dione Protocol prioritizes projects that align with its core mission to drive blockchain innovation for a sustainable future. In selecting participants for DIONE SPARK, the team looks for projects demonstrating: Innovative Use of Renewable Energy: Applications that creatively integrate sustainable energy solutions within the Web3 framework. Scalability: Projects that have the potential for growth within the Dione ecosystem and demonstrate long-term sustainability. Real-World Impact: Solutions that tackle global environmental challenges through decentralized technology. Team Expertise: Teams with proven technical abilities and a clear vision for successful execution. Eco-Friendly DeFi Solutions: Decentralized finance projects that emphasize environmental consciousness. Community Engagement: Initiatives with a strong focus on building and engaging a vibrant, decentralized community. DIONE SPARK’s First Cohort Dione Protocol’s first cohort of projects selected for DIONE SPARK represents a groundbreaking mix of Web3 solutions designed to address pressing environmental and infrastructure needs: Spectre AI : Dione will utilize Spectre’s all-in-one research platform, leveraging advanced AI to enhance insights and operational efficiency across the ecosystem. OpenVPP : The world’s first open-source registry for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), facilitating decentralized virtual power plants. Cosmic Network : A leading decentralized VPN, exploring integration with Dione’s Orion validator for enhanced privacy, all powered by renewable energy. Mock Capital : Providing trading and transaction management tools, including Discord bots and a web dashboard, for multi-chain ecosystems. HelloMoon : Building user-adoption tools on the Odyssey Mainnet, integrated with Telegram to facilitate user onboarding. Zebec Network : Launching a MasterCard linked to the Odyssey blockchain, allowing users to spend directly from the blockchain. AmaraeXchange : The world’s first clean energy decentralized exchange (DEX) where users can trade carbon credits and offset their carbon footprint. Hash AI : Innovating AI-powered energy optimizations for crypto mining with Dione’s renewable expertise to enhance energy efficiency. Arkreen Network : A DePIN Energy project tokenizing renewable energy credits (RECs), aligning with Dione’s clean-energy-powered Layer 1 blockchain. Polytrade : Partnering to tokenize project finance for renewable generators, innovating in funding for global green energy. PAW Chain : Building a scalable, secure Web3 tech stack with a vision for decentralized energy advancements. Router Protocol : Enhancing interoperability by connecting Dione’s Layer 1 blockchain to over 30 EVM and non-EVM chains for seamless cross-chain transactions. Industry Impact and Leadership Message Dione Protocol’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement is evident in its partnerships and its overarching mission to support developers in building a cleaner future through blockchain. Parth Kedia, Head of Energy at Dione Protocol, emphasized the program's strategic importance: " Our mission at SPARK is to fuel the brightest minds building at the intersection of Web3 and clean energy. We focus on two critical success pathways: enabling decentralized product innovation for the power and utilities sector, and fostering volume-generating technologies such as AI, DePIN, DeFi, Web3 gaming, and others that will shape our meta-first, clean energy future. Each project selected will join our global community of millions of DIONISTS, tap into our strong KOL network, and ultimately contribute to the value and revenue of our open ecosystem. " DIONE SPARK aims to ignite a new era in sustainable blockchain technology by bridging the gap between cutting-edge Web3 development and eco-friendly solutions. By empowering developers to build applications that prioritize sustainability, Dione Protocol is not only advancing blockchain innovation but also making significant strides towards a more sustainable global infrastructure. For more information on DIONE SPARK and application details, please visit Dione Protocol’s official website or DIONE SPARK website. About Dione Protocol: Dione Protocol merges blockchain with renewable energy solutions, pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology through products like Orion, Odyssey, and Nebra. With a clear focus on green innovation, Dione Protocol envisions a decentralized, eco-friendly future where energy and blockchain technology harmonize to address global environmental challenges.SIGA Technologies Vs Emergent BioSolutions: Product Portfolio And Future Outlook
Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSG
Fresh wave of internet-themed tokens is capturing attention. Once considered mere novelties, these coins might hold serious potential for remarkable growth. Exploring current trends and market dynamics, this piece highlights five emerging opportunities that could see significant surges by 2025, offering intriguing prospects for those interested in innovative investments. Score Big This Holiday Season with XYZ: The Next Meme Coin Champion! The game is on, and XYZ is here to light up the holidays with unstoppable momentum! This sensational all-sports meme token is sleighing the competition, leaving weak cryptos and scams buried like snowdrifts. As it charges ahead, XYZ is set to deliver jaw-dropping gains, leaving the likes of BOME and WIF far behind. With eyes on a staggering 7,400% growth , XYZ is ready to claim the meme coin crown in the 2025 crypto bull marathon! 💸 Rule the game, cash in as the bets roll in 💸 XYZ is the star player in XYZVerse – an award-winning meme coin project that blends the sports thrill and meme culture. This community-centered ecosystem is the perfect playground for crypto degens and sports fans alike. Think back to Polymarket's $1 billion trading volume during the US elections betting frenzy, and now, picture that on steroids with XYZVerse. With millions of sport bettors getting ready to jump in the action, opportunities for early investors in XYZ are really huge! XYZ is currently undervalued , and with major listings on the way, presale participants stand to secure life-changing gains. >>>2025 Could Be Your Best Year Yet! Make All Your Wishes Come True with the XYZ winning team!
As President Joe Biden's term comes to an end, social media users are falsely claiming that his administration spent billions of dollars on the construction of just a handful of electric vehicle charging stations. Multiple high-profile figures, including sitting members of Congress, have promoted the claims. The claims misrepresent funding set aside by the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act , also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for a national network of publicly available electric vehicle chargers . Biden has set a goal of creating 500,000 such chargers by 2030. 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.After almost 14 months of clashes, Israel and Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire proposed by the United States.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:08 p.m. EST
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In an era of increasing environmental awareness, zero-waste startups are emerging as key players in the fight against climate change and resource depletion. These startups are tackling waste management, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. Here, we delve into the top 10 best zero-waste startups in India for 2025 that are making a significant impact. 1. Bare Necessities Overview : Bare Necessities is a Bangalore-based startup offering sustainable alternatives to everyday products. Their range includes zero-waste personal care and home essentials, all made with natural ingredients and plastic-free packaging. Why It Stands Out : Wide range of eco-friendly products Workshops on zero-waste living Focus on local sourcing and fair trade 2. GreenJams Overview : GreenJams specializes in turning agricultural waste into eco-friendly construction materials like carbon-negative bricks. This startup combines innovation with sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Key Features : Patented Agrocrete® technology Circular economy model Reduces agricultural waste and air pollution 3. Ecowrap Overview : Ecowrap focuses on tackling single-use plastic waste by producing biodegradable and compostable alternatives. Their products are widely used in the food and hospitality industries. Standout Features : Compostable packaging solutions Affordable alternatives to plastic Strong focus on B2B partnerships 4. Refillable Overview : Refillable aims to eliminate single-use packaging by offering refill stations for everyday products like detergents, soaps, and shampoos. Customers can bring their own containers and refill as needed. Why It’s Unique : Reduces packaging waste at the source Convenient refill stations in urban areas Promotes a zero-waste lifestyle 5. Trashcon Overview : Trashcon is revolutionizing waste management with its proprietary technology that segregates mixed waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. The startup works with municipalities and large organizations. Salient Features : Automated waste segregation systems Converts biodegradable waste into compost Offers scalable solutions for urban waste management 6. Loopify Overview : Loopify creates eco-friendly packaging solutions for businesses, emphasizing the use of recyclable and reusable materials. Their innovative designs cater to a variety of industries, from e-commerce to food delivery. Key Offerings : Customizable sustainable packaging Strong emphasis on aesthetic appeal Supports businesses in achieving sustainability goals 7. Boondh Overview : Boondh focuses on menstrual health and sustainability, offering reusable menstrual products like cloth pads and menstrual cups. They also conduct educational programs to promote awareness. Why It Matters : Reduces menstrual waste significantly Affordable and eco-friendly solutions Empowers communities through education and access 8. Brown Living Overview : Brown Living is an online marketplace dedicated to zero-waste and sustainable products. From clothing to home decor, they offer a curated collection of eco-friendly alternatives. Noteworthy Features : Strict vetting process for ethical brands Carbon-neutral shipping Wide range of sustainable products 9. Swaaha Resource Management Overview : Swaaha specializes in waste-to-energy solutions, converting organic waste into renewable energy sources like biogas. They partner with local governments and private entities. Innovative Features : Waste-to-energy plants Training programs for waste workers Helps reduce landfill dependency 10. PadCare Labs Overview : PadCare Labs is addressing the issue of menstrual waste disposal with its unique sanitary waste management solutions. Their technology ensures safe disposal and recycling of used sanitary products. Key Contributions : Reduces health hazards related to menstrual waste Converts waste into reusable materials Strong focus on urban waste management The Impact of Zero-Waste Startups The efforts of these zero-waste startups are paving the way for a greener future. By reducing waste at the source, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and offering innovative solutions, these companies are making it easier for individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Why Zero-Waste Startups Are Thriving How You Can Support Zero-Waste Startups Shop Consciously : Choose products from brands that prioritize sustainability. Spread Awareness : Encourage friends and family to adopt eco-friendly habits. Participate in Initiatives : Support zero-waste programs and workshops in your community. Follow and Learn More : Visit Bare Necessities to explore sustainable products and zero-waste living tips. Conclusion The top 10 zero-waste startups in India for 2025 exemplify the innovative spirit required to combat environmental challenges. From reducing single-use plastics to revolutionizing waste management, these zero-waste startups are reshaping industries and fostering a culture of sustainability. As consumers, supporting these ventures can create a collective impact, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for all.
A judge ruled on Monday that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is still not entitled to receive a $56bn compensation package even though shareholders of the electric vehicle company had voted to reinstate it six months ago. The ruling by the Delaware judge, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the court of chancery, follows her January decision that called the pay package excessive and rescinded it, surprising investors. The decision cast uncertainty over Musk’s future at the world’s most valuable carmaker. Tesla’s board argued the enormous payment scheme was necessary to keep Musk involved in the company, an argument that the billionaire, already the world’s richest man, echoed. McCormick also ordered Tesla to pay the attorneys who brought the case $345m, well short of the billions they initially requested. Tesla has said in court filings that the judge should recognize a subsequent June vote by its shareholders in favor of the pay package for Musk, the company’s driving force who is responsible for many of its advances, and reinstate his compensation. Tesla and its shareholders argued that Musk had reached the milestones originally stipulated when the pay package was drawn up. Sign up to TechScape A weekly dive in to how technology is shaping our lives after newsletter promotion Tesla originally devised Musk’s payment package in 2017, setting conditions for Musk to receive 12 different tranches of stock options depending on whether the company hit certain revenue and market targets. Shareholders approved that package by a wide margin in 2018, but one investor filed a suit claiming that the board had been misleading and the package was unfair. Some prominent shareholders such as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and the California state teachers’ retirement system voted against the pay package to no avail. When the pay package was approved in June, Musk said in response on stage at a Tesla event: “I just want to start off by saying, hot damn, I love you guys!” He did not immediately respond to McCormick’s most recent decision, but he has lambasted her in the past and urged other business owners to stay away from Delaware, where most US companies file their incorporation paperwork due to friendly tax policies. Musk moved Tesla’s physical headquarters from California to Texas, though the pay package case continued before the Delaware judge. McCormick previously ruled that Tesla’s board conducted a “deeply flawed” process to determine Musk’s payment. McCormick found that the board was rife with personal conflicts and stacked with Musk’s close allies, such as his former divorce attorney.
Pinzon shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 4 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Bulldogs (4-3). Connor Withers scored 17 points while going 6 of 14 from the floor, including 4 for 9 from 3-point range, and 1 for 4 from the line. Keyshawn Mitchell finished 7 of 10 from the field to finish with 16 points, while adding 13 rebounds. Brandon Weston led the way for the Tigers (3-5) with 24 points and six steals. Antoine Lorick III added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Tennessee State. Carlous Williams had 16 points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .South Korea Consumer Price Index Growth (MoM) below forecasts (-0.1%) in November: Actual (-0.3%)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chaz Lanier scored 18 and No. 7 Tennessee extended its season-opening winning streak to seven games with a 78-35 victory over UT Martin on Wednesday. Felix Okpara had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Volunteers (7-0). Zakai Zeigler added 11 points and nine assists, and Igor Milicic had 13 rebounds and nine points. The Skyhawks (2-5) were led by Josu Grullon’s 15 points. Lanier scored 11 points in the first half as Tennessee built a 35-20 lead at the half. Grullon had 10 for UT Martin. Takeaways UT Martin: Dropped its fifth straight after two opening wins under first-year coach Jeremy Shulman. After 21 wins last year, the Skyhawks brought in 16 newcomers this season. They are picked to finish 10th in the Ohio Valley Conference. Tennessee: After receiving the news that 6-foot-9 sophomore J.P. Estrella will miss the entire season with a foot injury, the Vols have had to go back to the drawing board to determine their rotation on the front court. Estrella had been coming off the bench with Cade Phillips to spell Igor Milicic and Felix Okpara. What that big man rotation looks like will be interesting. Key moment From late in the first half to early in the second half, Tennessee scored 14 straight points and turned a 10-point lead into a 44-20 advantage. Zakai Zeigler had five of those points. Key stat UT Martin committed 18 turnovers. Five of those were shot-clock violations. Tennessee scored 24 points off the turnovers. Up next UT Martin will be at Charleston Southern next Tuesday. Tennessee will host Syracuse next Tuesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: and
Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSGThe Pentagon announced Saturday a new $988 million aid package for Ukraine, including new arms and equipment for use in its ongoing war with Russia. The Pentagon said the money from the package will be put toward buying ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) , which are made by Lockheed Martin. Other items in the package include drones, equipment and spare artillery parts used for maintenance. The aid package almost halves the more than $2 billion available through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which aims to further buy weapons for Ukraine rather than taking from American weapon stocks, as Reuters reported. The announcement comes as President Joe Biden's administration enters its final days and as President-elect Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Saturday, with Zelenskyy calling the talk "good and productive" in a tweet posted Saturday afternoon. "President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him," Zelenskyy said in the post. "We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way ... We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible." The news came as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke Saturday in front of defense industry leaders and policymakers at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. Since the start of the war in 2022, the United States has given more than $62 billion to Ukraine in security assistance, according to Reuters . Contributing: Reuters Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.